YAMATO HOLDINGS FREIGHT SERVICE BETWEEN SOUTHEAST ASIA, EUROPE TO REDUCE TRANSIT TIME

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) -- Tokyo-headquartered Yamato Holdings Co Ltd has launched an international multimodal transport service by truck and rail connecting Southeast Asia and Europe on May 1.

The service was introduced to build a resilient global supply chain between Southeast Asia and Europe, in which the new transportation option offers seamless connectivity for the customers.

According to a statement, Yamato Holdings has helped customers build their global supply chains across 24 countries and regions.

In addition, its group company, Overland Total Logistic Services (M) Sdn Bhd in Malaysia has been providing cross-border truck transport services utilising container trailers between Southeast Asian countries and China since 2001.

Moving forward, the company will continue to propose solutions that optimise the customers' entire global supply chains, aiming for total logistics cost reduction, production efficiency improvement, and environmental impact reduction.

By utilising Overland Total Logistic Services' truck transport network for the Southeast Asia-China segment and partnering with rail service providers for the China-Europe segment, Yamato Holdings will provide seamless transportation through the delivery destinations.

This solution has shorter transit times than maritime transport via the Cape of Good Hope, and lower cost and less greenhouse gas emissions than air transport.

-- BERNAMA

DACTA, HEIMDAL TEAM UP TO EXPAND APAC'S ADVANCED CYBERSECURITY SOLUTIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- A cybersecurity solutions provider, DACTA and Heimdal have forged a strategic partnership, aimed at bringing Heimdal's advanced cybersecurity solutions to the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

According to a statement, this collaboration represents a key initiative in DACTA's plans to expand its presence and offerings in APAC, while exploring potential business expansion opportunities for both companies.

“Our collaboration with Heimdal marks a strategic step towards enhancing cybersecurity resilience in the APAC region.

“We are excited to bring Heimdal's world-class solutions to our markets and look forward to exploring further avenues for innovation and growth together,” said DACTA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Benjamin Xie.

Meanwhile, Heimdal CEO, Morten Kjaersgaard said this partnership represents an important opportunity for the company to expand its global footprint and is confident that DACTA's expertise in the APAC market will be instrumental in bringing its advanced cybersecurity solutions to a wider audience.

This alliance will leverage DACTA's established network and market insights in the APAC region to introduce Heimdal's state-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions, with the primary goal to address the growing demand for robust digital protection in one of the fastest-growing markets for cybersecurity services.

By bringing Heimdal's solutions to APAC, DACTA aims to offer a new level of security effectiveness and operational efficiency to businesses and government agencies in the region, which aligns with the rising need for advanced cybersecurity measures in the face of evolving digital threats.

The partnership extends beyond the immediate distribution of solutions with both companies committed to exploring further business expansion opportunities, potentially leading to the development of new market strategies and collaborations in cybersecurity innovation.

Furthermore, this strategic alliance is set to make a significant impact in the APAC cybersecurity landscape, demonstrating both DACTA's and Heimdal's commitment to providing top-tier digital protection and exploring new frontiers in cybersecurity.

-- BERNAMA

LESS THAN HALF OF VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS FEEL THEIR PROFESSION IS APPRECIATED

• World Veterinary Day 2024 celebrates the essential work of veterinarians, yet new data show only 49% of veterinary professionals believe their profession is appreciated.
• Veterinary associations and Boehringer Ingelheim unite to help address this issue—starting with showcasing often-unseen aspects of the veterinary profession.

Ingelheim, Germany, April 26 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  The World Veterinary Association’s theme for World Veterinary Day this year (April 27, 2024) highlights that veterinarians are essential health workers. Without veterinarians, food safety cannot be guaranteed, animals suffer needlessly, and humans face a higher risk of exposure to dangerous infectious diseases. Yet access to veterinary care should not be taken for granted as many veterinarians are currently considering leaving their chosen career, most often due to reasons associated with work-life balance and their mental health.¹

Today Boehringer Ingelheim released findings from a survey of 1056 companion animal, livestock, and equine veterinarians in the United States, Japan, United Kingdom, France, Brazil, and Germany, to explore if veterinarians feel valued and understood by animal owners. A main finding of the study is that only 49% of veterinarians feel that the veterinary profession in general is appreciated.

“Understanding the reasons why veterinarians feel their profession is underappreciated, raising awareness of often-unseen and complex aspects of veterinary work, and most importantly, showing veterinary professionals that we recognize their essential work, is an important first step,” remarks Fabio Paganini, Member of the Global Animal Health Executive Committee at Boehringer Ingelheim. “As a veterinarian myself, I know that there is so much to love about this job. Together, we can showcase the relentless dedication, the genuine compassion, and the scientific know-how it takes to work as a veterinarian. It truly is a vocation to aspire to.”

Perceived levels of appreciation for the veterinary profession were relatively consistent across key types of veterinary teams — with only 48% of pet-focused (cats and dogs), 55% of livestock and 42% of equine veterinary professionals reporting that their profession was appreciated. This is despite 75% of survey respondents reporting feeling personally appreciated by their client base.

“We should not stand quietly as our colleagues leave the ring due to stress and burnout,” remarked Dr Ellen Van Nierop, President at World Small Animal Veterinary Association. “Veterinarians are exceptional professionals, who play an essential role in directly maintaining and improving the health and well-being of animals and indirectly, of the whole society. It is imperative that we shine a light on the often-unseen care and effort veterinarians put into forging a healthy and happy society.”

Digging deeper: what underpins appreciation levels?
Veterinary professionals believe their personal clients appreciate their “level of expertise” (reported by 66% of veterinarians surveyed), the “ability to deal with ethical dilemmas (including euthanasia)” (61% of veterinarians) and the fact “they provide a large variety of care” (57% of veterinarians). However, the survey also revealed that clients don’t always have full awareness of how far veterinarians push themselves to provide care. Of all participants, 49% felt they were underappreciated by clients when it came to understanding the “resilience to stress and emotional exhaustion” required from the job, with 48% reporting an underappreciation of the fact they “work despite feeling physically exhausted” and the way they “trade-off their work-life-balance to help animals”.

What needs to be done?
All survey respondents were asked to state a key aspect of their profession that they wish people knew more about. The most common responses from pet-focused participants were “our compassion and dedication to animal welfare i.e. not money” and “our commitment to being a veterinarian and the difficulties of the role”. Similarly, the most common response from both livestock and equine veterinary professionals was the “importance, competence and value of the profession”.

Boehringer Ingelheim, together with the Word Small Animal Vet Association (WSAVA) and the World Association for Buiatrics, plus other leading organizations, are united to help veterinarians — starting with showcasing veterinary professionals’ compassion and dedication to animal welfare, while shedding light on the often-unseen complex and difficult aspects of care.  

“By celebrating the essential behind-the-scenes work veterinarians do, we can help them feel seen and appreciated so that they hopefully retain their passion for animal care for as long as possible,” shared Prof. Arcangelo Gentile, President of the World Association for Buiatrics. “World Veterinary Day 2024 (April 27) serves as the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of what really happens behind the clinic, farm and stable doors.” Countless young people are dreaming of becoming a veterinarian. We want them to understand the beautiful, complex, raw, fascinating, and touching reality behind the dream. And we want them to know how rich a life lived as a veterinarian can be.

Going Beyond 2024 survey (implemented by Kynetec, on behalf of Boehringer Ingelheim)
“We're proud to have partnered with Boehringer Ingelheim on this project. Working together, we were able to provide significant insight that we believe will lead to increased understanding of the care that veterinarians provide and make their essential professional engagement widely recognized in the public,” commented Dr. Jan Bahlmann, Kynetec's Head of Animal Health Customer Insights (Europe).

Top-line survey design
The survey was conducted from mid to end of March 2024 across 1056 veterinarians in Brazil (212), Japan (201), United Kingdom (170), France (162), United States (160) and Germany (151). The survey scope included companion animal (57%), equine (5%), dairy (10%), beef (8%), swine (6%) and poultry (3%) specialist veterinarians as well as mixed practices without a main focus (11%). Computer-assisted web as well as telephone interviews in local language were used to collect the data.

Going Beyond campaign
Going Beyond is a campaign developed by Boehringer Ingelheim with support from industry partners and veterinary associations to raise awareness of, and celebrate, the essential behind-the-scenes care that veterinarians provide for animals and communities worldwide. This care, which often goes unseen by animal owners, can leave veterinarians feeling underappreciated, contributing to poor mental health. Launching around World Veterinary Day 2024, Going Beyond aims to tackle this issue head-on by showcasing the boundless dedication, resilience and passion of veterinarians who care for animals in often challenging circumstances. The ultimate goal is to help veterinarians feel seen, appreciated and motivated to continue doing what they do best – caring for our beloved animals.

Kynetec
Kynetec is a global provider of data, analytics and insights in agriculture, animal health and nutrition. We empower agribusinesses and animal health and nutrition companies to make data-driven decisions, from strategy to execution, through predictive analytics and advanced insights. What sets us apart is our direct access to the markets we serve - farmers, veterinarians, pet owners, and agricultural experts - and our deep understanding of the complex dynamics that shape those markets. We regularly undertake data and analytics projects in all the major agricultural and animal health/nutrition markets, spanning more than 80 countries, to provide the insights that enable our clients to build winning strategies and brands. Kynetec’s responsibilities in this campaign work included empirical research co-design, survey execution and analytics.

Boehringer Ingelheim - Animal Health business
Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health.

Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. More than 53,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com. 

Intended Audiences Notice
This press release is issued from our Corporate Headquarters in Ingelheim, Germany, and is intended to provide information about our global business. Please be aware that information relating to the approval status and labels of approved products may vary from country to country, and a country-specific press release on this topic may have been issued in the countries where we do business.  

¹ Nolen RS., AVMA. Practice Inefficiencies Compound Veterinary Stress. (2021). Available at: https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-12-01/practice-inefficiencies-compound-veterinary-stress Last accessed April 2024.

Attachments

• Poultry image
• Swine image
• Equine veterinarian image
• Livestock veterinarian image
• Pet veterinarian image 

SOURCE : Boehringer Ingelheim

EMGA SECURES US$15 MLN FINANCING FOR BANCO IMPROSA TO SUPPORT SMES IN COSTA RICA

KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- Emerging Markets Global Advisory LLP (EMGA), in partnership with Banco Improsa, announced it has secured a US$15 million line of credit from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). (US$1=RM4.77)

“In spite of a challenging global macroeconomic environment, we are pleased to once again facilitate Banco Improsa’s continued vision to supporting SMEs in Costa Rica and complete this financing solution,” said EMGA Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking, Sajeev Chakkalakal in a statement.

Concurrently, EMGA Managing Director, Jeremy Dobson added that Banco Improsa's strong management and healthy financial position were key factors in helping the EMGA Investment Banking team secure this funding, and this JICA facility will further strengthen Banco Improsa’s ability to grow its core SME lending book.

Meanwhile, Banco Improsa General Manager, Felix Alpizar Lobo said the financing reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening the SME segment in Costa Rica.

“Banco Improsa is proud to share JICA's objective of contributing to the economic and social growth of developing countries,” he added.

Banco Improsa is a commercial bank with more than 37 years of experience, whose relational business model and focus on niche markets specialises in providing financing solutions and services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), among others.

On the other hand, JICA is a governmental agency that provides most of the Official Development Assistance for the Government of Japan. It is chartered with assisting the economic and social growth of developing countries, and the promotion international cooperation.

With offices in London and New York, EMGA assists financial institutions and corporations seeking new debt or equity capital.

-- BERNAMA

OUTSTANDING FIGURES, INSTITUTION RECOGNISED IN 46TH KING FAISAL PRIZE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- The 46th session of King Faisal Prize has acknowledged exceptional accomplishments in the fields of gene therapy for neuromuscular diseases and groundbreaking Ribonucleic acid (RNA) discoveries.

Revolutionary scientist Professor Jerry Mendell was awarded the Medicine Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to the screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, notably spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Meanwhile, Professor Howard Chang received the Science Prize for unveiling the intrinsic role of long non-coding RNAs in gene regulation and function, a previously overlooked area of study, according to a statement.

Through innovative gene therapy approaches, Professor Mendell, a Director of Gene Therapy Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Curran Peters Chair in Pediatric Research, has revolutionised treatment strategies, offering hope to countless patients worldwide.

On the frontier of molecular biology, physician-scientist and Professor of Dermatology and Genetics, and Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Professor of Cancer Research at Stanford University, Professor Chang's elucidation of the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in gene regulation has revolutionised the understanding of cellular processes and disease mechanisms.

Through innovative genome-wide methodologies, Professor Chang has uncovered the intricate interplay between lncRNAs and gene expression, shedding light on fundamental biological processes underlying development, cancer, and ageing.

In addition to honouring advancements in medicine and science, the King Faisal Prize also recognised exemplary contributions in Islamic Studies to Professor Wael Hallaq, while the Japan Muslim Association and Mohammad El Sammak were honoured for their exemplary leadership in serving Islam and humanity.

King Faisal Prize for Arabic Language & Literature for 2024 on the topic of “Non-Arab Institutions and their Endeavors to Promote Arabic” was withheld due to nominated works not elevating to the criteria of the prize.

Launched by the King Faisal Foundation and granted for the first time since 1979, King Faisal Prize in its five different categories has awarded 295 laureates who have made distinguished contributions to different sciences and causes.

Each prize laureate is endowed with US$200,000; a 24-carat gold medal weighing 200 grammes, and a Certificate inscribed with the Laureate’s name and a summary of their work which qualified them for the prize. (US$1=RM4.77)

-- BERNAMA

GRADIANT LAUNCHES CURE CHEMICALS FOR THE WORLD'S ESSENTIAL INDUSTRIES

Comprehensive portfolio of over 300 proprietary chemical formulations with on-site expertise and world-class service enhances efficiency and sustainability while maximizing cost savings


BOSTON, April 17 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Gradiant, a global solutions provider for advanced water and wastewater treatment, announced today the launch of CURE Chemicals. Continuing Gradiant’s track record of innovation and commercialization, CURE Chemicals will set new benchmarks in environmental sustainability and operational efficiency for the world’s essential industries.

The CURE Chemicals product line includes over 300 proprietary formulations for corrosion and scale inhibitors, process chemicals, biocides, antiscalants & cleaners, and coagulants & flocculants. These products are engineered to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of water treatment processes while minimizing their environmental footprint.

"The launch of CURE Chemicals represents a major milestone for Gradiant as we expand our portfolio to include specialty chemicals that complement our end-to-end water solutions capabilities," said Prakash Govindan, COO of Gradiant. "We are now the water industry’s only complete, site-wide portfolio providing bespoke design, proprietary equipment, O&M services, and specialty chemicals uniquely positioned to deliver whole-system expertise complemented by SmartOps AI for accurate, intelligent operation.”

CURE is developed via cutting-edge research combined with operational feedback tailored to meet the demanding requirements of industries ranging from semiconductors to renewables, mining to energy, and food & beverage to pharmaceuticals. "We are excited to bring these chemical solutions to the global market, which not only perform better than incumbents but also adhere to the highest standards of safety and sustainability, all at compelling value to our clients," said Vipan Kalia, Head of Chemicals at Gradiant.

For more information on how CURE Chemicals can benefit your operations, please visit gradiant.com/solutions/cure-chemicals.

About Gradiant
Gradiant is a global solutions provider for advanced water and wastewater treatment. With a full suite of differentiated and proprietary end-to-end solutions, powered by the top minds in water, the company serves its clients' mission-critical operations in the world's essential industries, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, lithium and critical minerals, and renewable energy. Gradiant’s innovative solutions reduce water used and wastewater discharged, reclaim valuable resources, and renew wastewater into freshwater. The Boston-headquartered company was founded at MIT and has over 1,000 employees worldwide. Learn more at gradiant.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240416877381/en/

Contact

Corporate Contact
Felix Wang
Gradiant
Global Head of Marketing
fwang@gradiant.com

Source : Gradiant

SWEET SUCCESS: MANGO INDUSTRY, A "GOLDEN KEY" TO PROSPERITY FOR CHINA’S BAISE CITY

KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 (Bernama) -- Mango industry has led Baise City in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to rural revitalisation, after 40 years of development.

One of the major mango producing areas in China, Baise has rapidly formed a robust industrial chain in recent years, leveraging its advantages in mango cultivation areas, according to Baise Fruit Industry Development Center in a statement.

In 2023, the total mango area in Baise reached 1.37 million mu (roughly 913.33 square kilometres), accounting for approximately 24.19 per cent of the total mango area in China; the output was 1.25 million tonnes, representing about 27.8 per cent of the total national mango production.

The continuous breakthrough of double "million" targets in planting area and output has made Baise the largest mango production base among prefecture-level cities in the country. The rapid development of planting, output, and output value has stimulated the intrinsic power of the research and development system.

Focusing on key issues in the seed industry, Baise has not only built a big data platform for the mango industry but also implemented projects for digitalising this industry and established a smart cloud platform to develop digital agriculture.

In addition, efforts have been intensified to enhance germplasm resources, focusing on research in mango breeding technology and germplasm innovation, new technologies for facility planting, and a total of 107,000 farmers have been trained.

As of 2023, the city has introduced 14 enterprises for deep processing of mangoes, with the city's capacity for deep processing of mangoes has reached 300,000 tonnes, with an output value exceeding 1.5 billion Chinese yuan, significantly increasing the added value of products. (100 Chinese yuan = RM65.90)

Simultaneously, it has established the largest mango deep processing production area in the country. In 2023, Baise mango, with a brand value of 10.556 billion Chinese yuan, ranked 32nd on the national regional brand top 100 list, at the China Mango Industry Development Conference.

By constructing logistics cold chain and sorting bases, introducing logistics companies such as SF Express, Sanke, and CIMC to build large-scale warehousing logistics, adding 152,000 tonnes of room temperature warehousing capacity and 58,000 tonnes of low-temperature warehousing capacity, it has enhanced its capacity of risk control for the mango industry.

Baise, by creating a powerful characteristic mango industry cluster covering production, processing, circulation, research, and service, has developed "small mangoes" into a "big industry".

-- BERNAMA

TEENAGE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPACTS ADULT MENTAL WELLBEING - ASICS STUDY

KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- ASICS Global State of Mind Study uncovers a direct link between teenage physical activity and adult mental wellbeing, reaffirming the connection between movement and the mind.

In a statement, its Managing Executive Officer, Tomoko Koda said: “The results of our second global State of Mind Study show how important it is that young people stay active and the impact this can have on their minds for years to come.”

The study of over 26,000 respondents across 22 countries found that the more people exercise, the higher their State of Mind scores, which is formulated based on the accumulative mean scores across 10 cognitive and emotional traits namely, positive, content, relaxed, focused, composed, resilient, confident, alert, calm, and energised.

Across the globe, respondents who are regularly active with 150 minutes or more of physical activity per week, have an average State of Mind score of 67 out of 100, while inactive people with less than 30 minutes of exercise per week have a much lower State of Mind score of just 54 out of 100.

Participants who engaged in exercise throughout their adolescence report higher activity levels and State of Mind scores as adults, indicating that remaining active as a teenager is key to establishing good exercise habits that last into adulthood and positively impact adult mental wellbeing.

In fact, the study was able to pinpoint each additional year a teenager remains engaged in exercise is associated with improved State of Mind scores in adulthood, with the ages between 15 to 17 identified as the most critical years for staying active and when dropping out of exercise significantly affects the mental state for years to come.

Those who regularly exercise are found to be more likely to remain active later in life and report higher State of Mind scores as adults (64 out of 100 vs 61 out of 100) than those who were not active during these years.

In comparison, respondents who dropped out of exercise before the age of 15 displayed the lowest activity levels and lowest State of Mind scores in adulthood, scoring 15 per cent lower than the global average, while a decline in physical activity at ages 16 to 17 and before the age of 22 reduced their average scores by 13 per cent and six per cent respectively.

Worryingly, the study also uncovered an exercise generation gap, with younger generations being increasingly less active with 57 per cent of the Silent Generation (age over 78) said they were active daily in their childhoods compared to just 19 per cent of Gen Z (ages 18 to 27).

This shows a concerning trend of younger generations disengaging from exercise earlier and in larger numbers, potentially impacting their mental wellbeing now and for years to come. Globally, Gen Z has the lowest State of Mind scores with an average of 62 out 100 compared to the Baby Boomers’ 68 out 100 and the Silent Generation’s 70 out 100.

-- BERNAMA

H2O.AI NAMED LEADER IN COMPUTER VISION TOOLS BY FORRESTER RESEARCH

KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- Artificial intelligence (AI) Cloud leader H2O.ai, has announced its recognition as a Leader in The Forrester Wave: Computer Vision Tools, for the first quarter of 2024.

According to a statement, this evaluation by Forrester Research, one of the most influential research and advisory firms in the world, underscores H2O.ai's commitment to excellence and innovation in the rapidly evolving field of computer vision (CV).

“For us, this acknowledgement is a reflection of our relentless pursuit of empowering organisations with state-of-the-art AI solutions that drive real-world impact.

“H2O.ai's cutting-edge computer vision capabilities are part of a broader suite of AI tools that enable businesses to transform vast amounts of visual data into actionable insights,” said its founder and chief executive officer, Sri Ambati.

In a comprehensive analysis of computer vision tools, Forrester assessed 12 vendors that possess enterprise-class CV platforms and a significant presence in the market.

H2O.ai received the highest scores possible in 12 criteria, including data and model testing, innovation, partner ecosystem, adoption, as well as pricing flexibility and transparency.

The Forrester Wave report and the in-depth Forrester Evaluation Overview details how the company's products were evaluated across various criteria including data management; model development; data and model testing; model inference; architecture; and complementary functionalities.

The report offers a wealth of knowledge for businesses looking to leverage the power of computer vision and AI to stay ahead in their respective industries.

Since its inception in 2012, H2O.ai has consistently been at the forefront of AI and machine learning technology, aiming to bring together the world’s top data scientists with customers to co-create Generative AI (GenAI) applications that are usable and valuable by everyone.

-- BERNAMA

16TH KUALA LUMPUR ECO FILM FEST 2024 (KLEFF 2024) TO CELEBRATE SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH CINEMA

KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) -- The 16th International Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Fest (KLEFF) is thrilled to announce its return this year! KLEFF is back, both as a physical and digital film festival in October 2024.

A Thank You to Our Supporters

The festival committee extends its gratitude to the partners, filmmakers and supporters of the 15th KLEFF 2023. Your unwavering commitment to environmental consciousness and sustainable living has been the driving force behind our success.

Water: Sustainably Yours

This year’s concept revolves around the idea of emphasizing the importance of responsible water stewardship and sustainability. Water serves as one of the elements of sustainable development. We believe that every individual’s actions matter, and collectively, we can create positive change.

Supported by the National Commission of Water Services (SPAN), KLEFF 2024 will be mobilized to be one of the platforms that utilize audiovisual outreach in bringing awareness and action in sustainable water management. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=48298

HYCU® EARNS PREMIER 5-STAR RATING IN 2024 CRN® PARTNER PROGRAM GUIDE

New Support for Leading SaaS Applications and Cloud Services with R-Cloud Highlight 5-Star Status for Fourth Consecutive Year


Boston, Massachusetts, April 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HYCU, Inc., a leader in data protection as a service and one of the fastest growing companies in the industry, has been recognized by CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, with a prestigious 5-Star Award in its 2024 Partner Program Guide. This annual guide provides essential information to solution providers exploring technology vendor partner programs that offer high value and align with their business needs and goals.

The breadth and depth of support and resources technology vendors offer through their partner programs is a critical consideration for solution providers assessing which IT vendors, service providers, and distributors to team with in building world-class technology solutions. Program elements such as financial incentives, sales and marketing assistance, training and certification, technical support and more can set vendors apart and play a key role in boosting their partners’ long-term growth.

The 5-Star rating is awarded to the companies that have built their partner programs to go above and beyond in their commitment to nurturing strong, profitable, and successful channel partnerships.

For the 2024 Partner Program Guide, CRN evaluated vendors based on program requirements and offerings such as partner training and education, pre- and post-sales support, marketing programs and resources, technical support, and communication.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the HYCU Global Partner Program was awarded 5-star status. The HYCU Global Partner Program was enhanced with the introduction of R-Cloud, and R-Graph, a first of its kind tool that provides partners with a new revenue stream to visualize their customers entire data estate across on-prem, cloud, and SaaS applications. Additionally, HYCU delivered specific certification and training to help partners with their go-to-market efforts to meet their customers ongoing data protection and recovery challenges.

“HYCU is 100% focused on delivering innovative solutions to help our partners protect their customer’s data regardless of location or platform,” said Simon Taylor, Founder and CEO, HYCU, Inc. “With the growing adoption of SaaS solutions across organizations and with more than 50% of SaaS application use contributing to the success of ransomware attacks, the need to protect and be able to recover SaaS application data has never been greater. The enhancements we introduced with our Global Partner Program over the past year like R-Graph was extremely well received. Achieving 5-Star status for the fourth consecutive year is a testament to the work and focus everyone at HYCU has with our partner community. Thank you again to the editors and judges who evaluated our partner program, we are proud and excited at yet another illustrious industry accolade.”

“Recognition on this list reflects the value of the spotlighted vendor partner programs and their commitment to evolving with solution providers and supporting IT channel success,” said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content and Executive Editor, CRN, at The Channel Company. “This recognition empowers solution providers to discover vendors that keep pace with the evolving requirements of their business and their clients. With CRN’s 2024 Partner Program Guide, solution providers can access deep insights into the unique strengths of each partner program and vendors who demonstrate dedication to their partner community.”

The 2024 Partner Program Guide will be featured in the April 2024 issue of CRN and online at www.CRN.com/PPG.

“All of us at HYCU work diligently to help our partners tap into net new recurring revenue streams by delivering new capabilities to secure, protect and manage more data sources than any other vendor across all platforms,” said Angela Heindl-Schober, SVP Global Marketing, HYCU. “Our focus in 2024 is around partner enablement, recruiting new strategic partners for cloud, on-prem, and SaaS environments, and continuing to support being the only SaaS Data Protection Service available across all three Public Cloud Marketplaces, AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. We will also advance the successful programs created in 2023 for specific SaaS partners Atlassian and Okta for their partners to create net new revenue opportunities.”

For more information on the HYCU Global Partner Program, visit: Become a HYCU Partner, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

###

About HYCU 

HYCU is the fastest-growing leader in the multi-cloud and SaaS data protection as a service industry. By bringing true SaaS-based data backup and recovery to on-premises, cloud-native and SaaS environments, the company provides unparalleled data protection, migration, disaster recovery, and ransomware protection to thousands of companies worldwide. As an award-winning and recognized visionary in the industry, HYCU solutions eliminate complexity, risk, and the high cost of legacy-based solutions, providing data protection simplicity to make the world safer. With an industry leading NPS score of 91, customers experience frictionless, cost-effective data protection, anywhere, everywhere. HYCU has raised $140M in VC funding to date and is based in Boston, Mass. Learn more at www.hycu.com. 

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by nearly 40 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com

Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

© 2024 The Channel Company, Inc. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

Attachment

• HYCU Earns 5-Star Program Status from CRN

Don Jennings
HYCU, Inc.
617-791-1710
don.jennings@hycu.com

Kristin DaSilva
The Channel Company
kdasilva@thechannelcompany.com 


SOURCE : HYCU, Inc.

SRS Distribution To Be Acquired For US$18.25 Bln By The Home Depot

KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 (Bernama) -- The portfolio company of Leonard Green & Partners and Berkshire Partners, SRS Distribution (SRS), has entered into a definitive agreement with The Home Depot to be acquired for US$18.25 billion. (US$1=RM4.73)

SRS is a leading distributor of residential and commercial building products in the United States, with more than 760 branches across 47 states, while The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement retailer.

“Since our investment in SRS 11 years ago, we have enjoyed a highly collaborative and effective partnership with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dan Tinker and the entire SRS management team and we are thrilled to reach such a successful milestone in this announced sale to The Home Depot,” said Berkshire Partners Managing Director, Josh Lutzker in a statement.

Meanwhile, Senior Partner at Leonard Green & Partners, Jonathan Seiffer said: “We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to invest in and partner with SRS and its more than 11,000 employee stakeholders. We extend a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to the entire team at SRS on their remarkable history of growth.”

SRS Distribution President and CEO, Dan Tinker commented that the company was thrilled to be combining with The Home Depot, which is a direct result of the unwavering commitment and dedication from the entire team at SRS.

Berkshire Partners invested in SRS in 2013 when the company generated approximately US$650 million of revenue with fewer than 100 branches, distributing primarily residential roofing supplies.

In 2018, Leonard Green & Partners became majority owner of SRS, with Berkshire Partners remaining a significant shareholder. Over the duration of the partnership, both private equity firms helped evolve and grow the best-in-class leadership team at SRS.

-- BERNAMA

NETSFERE PLATFORM DEPLOYED BY KPJ PASIR GUDANG SPECIALIST HOSPITAL TO PREVENT DATA BREACH

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (Bernama) -- NetSfere has announced that KPJ Pasir Gudang Specialist Hospital (KPJ PGSH), one of the leading private healthcare providers in Malaysia, deployed the secure enterprise messaging platform to empower healthcare staff with secure and intuitive communications.

Netsfere has been implemented to align with KPJ PGSH’s mission of ensuring safety and professionalism, according to the company in a statement.

As part of tackling cybersecurity threats and keeping patient and hospital data secure and private, KPJ PGSH management equipped its staff with NetSfere.

With its world-class execution, NetSfere allows caregivers to discuss, share and collaborate seamlessly in a completely secure environment governed by the policies set by the hospital’s management.

NetSfere Enterprise allows the information technology team to set up the policies for messaging making sure information can remain private and under the organisation’s control.

“Permitting caregivers to discuss information swiftly and avoid potential data breaches is what healthcare systems need during this technological era so they can improve patient care.

“NetSfere provides healthcare systems with a convenient and frictionless way to share ideas, files and data without compromising productivity, security or compliance,” said NetSfere Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific and Middle East, Chee Leng Loy.

Meanwhile, KPJ PGSH Chief Executive Officer, Khairul Hasanain Abdul Hamid said NetSfere’s end-to-end encrypted platform helps its healthcare staff protect against third-party organisations from accessing patient or hospital data.

KPJ PGSH is the 23rd hospital under the flagship of KPJ Healthcare Berhad group and was established to cater to the medical needs primarily of Pasir Gudang and its neighbourhood regions of Johor.

A global provider of next-generation secure and compliant messaging and mobility solutions, NetSfere provides industry-leading security and message delivery capabilities, including global cloud-based service availability, device-to-device encryption, location-based features, and administrative controls.

-- BERNAMA

DNP ACCELERATES DEVELOPMENT OF PHOTOMASK MANUFACTURING PROCESS FOR 2NM GENERATION EUV LITHOGRAPHY

^{Image of EUV lithography with pellicle, a protective film for the photomask (Photo: Business Wire)}


- Participate in NEDO R&D Project as Rapidus subcontractor -

TOKYO, March 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP, TOKYO: 7912) has begun development of a photomask manufacturing for 2-nanometer (10-9 meter) generation logic semiconductors that support Extreme Ultra-Violet (EUV) lithography, the cutting-edge process for semiconductor manufacturing.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240319148117/en/

 

DNP will also act as a subcontractor and provide the newly developed technology to Tokyo-based Rapidus Corporation (Rapidus). Rapidus is participating in the Research and Development Project of the Enhanced Infrastructures for Post-5G Information and Communication Systems instigated by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

[Background]

We have strengthened our ability to manufacture cutting-edge semiconductors with high productivity and quality. And in 2016, DNP was the world's first merchant photomask manufacturer to introduce the multi-beam mask writing tool (MBMW).
In 2023, we completed the development of a photomask manufacturing process for 3-nm generation EUV lithography, and commenced development of 2-nm generation technology. In response to the need for further miniaturization, we will begin full-scale development of a photomask manufacturing process for 2-nm generation EUV lithography, including the operation of second and third multi-electron beam mask lithography systems in FY 2024.
DNP plans to bring online its second and third MBMW mask lithography systems in FY 2024, accelerating the development of photomasks for 2-nm generation EUV lithography.
DNP will act as a subcontractor on Development of Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (Commissioned) by Rapidus as part of the NEDO’s previously mentioned R&D project.

[Going Forward]
By FY 2025, DNP will complete the development of a manufacturing process for photomasks for 2-nm generation logic semiconductors that support EUV lithography. From FY 2026 onwards, we will push ahead with the establishment of production technology with a view to commencing mass production in FY 2027.
We have also begun development with an eye toward the 2-nm generation and beyond, and have signed an agreement with imec, a cutting-edge international research organization headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, to jointly develop next-generation EUV photomasks. DNP will continue to contribute to the growth of Japan's semiconductor industry by promoting development in collaboration with various partners within the framework of the international semiconductor industry.

More Details

About DNP

DNP was established in 1876, and has become a leading global company that leverages print-based solutions to engineer fresh business opportunities while protecting the environment and creating a more vibrant world for all. We capitalize on core competencies in microfabrication and precision coating technology to provide products for the display, electronic device, and optical film markets. We have also developed new products, such as vapor chamber and reflect array that offer next-generation communication solutions for more people-friendly information society.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240319148117/en/

Contact

Media contact
DNP: Yusuke Kitagawa, +81-3-6735-0101
kitagawa-y3@mail.dnp.co.jp

Source : Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.

THE MOST GLOBAL ALIMENTARIA&HOSTELCO CONFIRMS THE STRENGTH OF THE FOOD INDUSTRY AND ITS INNOVATIVE DYNAMIC

BARCELONA, Spain, March 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alimentaria&Hostelco, the leading trade show platform for the food, beverage, foodservice and hospitality equipment industry, closed yesterday an edition marked by international participation and business that has once again brought together the entire sector and advanced the industry's main lines and trends. More sustainable and healthier products, as well as AI and robotics solutions for the Horeca channel have been presented from 18 to 21 March at the event celebrated in Barcelona (Spain).

Over 3,200 exhibiting companies from 68 countries took part in the event, to encourage business, internationalization and competitiveness in strategic sectors for the Spanish economy. Around 107,900 professionals had visited the show, 25% of them international, from 120 countries. With an estimated economic impact of 180 million euros, the figures for d'Alimentaria&Hostelco reflect the strength of the event, which occupied nearly 100,000 m² of net exhibition space, almost all of Fira de Barcelona's Gran Vía venue.

This edition was attended by more than 900 international firms, led by Italian companies, and with a remarkable return of Asian companies, especially China, South Korea and Thailand.

The trade show reaffirmed its leadership by strengthening the complementarity of its represented sectors and offering a great business platform for its professionals. Attendees included 2,200 important buyers invited from strategic markets for the export of food and hospitality equipment, such as the European Union, the USA and Latin America, who took part in some 13,500 meetings with companies.

Food innovation, gastronomy and the rise of protein, as well as the latest trends in the hospitality sector, were the main features of the program of more than 350 activities at Alimentaria&Hostelco, in which nearly 700 prestigious experts and chefs took part.

The show was a great showcase for hundreds of innovations, including functional and healthier foods. The digital transformation that the sector is undergoing has also been confirmed and it has been possible to discover how new technologies and artificial intelligence are integrated into the industry and services with robots and new solutions that optimize restaurant management and resources, maintenance, customer service and sustainability.

The next edition of the trade fair platform organized by Fira de Barcelona will be held from 23 to 26 March 2026.

Press contacts:
Susana Santamaria – Gloria Dilluvio
ssantamaria@alimentaria.com – gdilluvio@firabarcelona.com

SOURCE : Fira De Barcelona

BEEWORKS GAMES: MOBILE GAME "IDLE MUSHROOM GARDEN DELUXE" RELEASED IN ENGLISH FOR IOS/ANDROID

^{"Idle Mushroom Garden Deluxe" is now available for download on Google Play and the App Store. (Graphic: Business Wire)}


The Popular Mushroom Farming Simulation App Expands Reach Globally

TOKYO, March 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Japanese mobile-game developer Beeworks Games has announced the release of the English version of their app “Idle Mushroom Garden Deluxe” on the Google Play/App Store. The release comes on the heels of the success of their previous title “Mushroom Garden Prime”, which garnered over half a million downloads in just two months.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240307629694/en/

 

“We were overwhelmed by amount of positive support our first app received,” said Kristofer Chan of Beeworks Games. “We look forward to providing our global users even more fun content going forward.”

What is “Idle Mushroom Garden Deluxe”?

“Idle Mushroom Garden Deluxe” is a casual farming simulator, featuring the cute and quirky character “Funghi”. With just one tap, apply food to your log and wait as the Funghi grow. Once the log is full of Funghi, they can be harvested by simply swiping across the screen. It takes just a few seconds to play, perfect for moments of relaxation throughout your busy day.

With 29 different logs to choose from, and over 700 different Funghi to discover, “Idle Mushroom Garden Deluxe” has even more content than its predecessor. Under the right conditions, you might even find yourself a rare special breed of Funghi!

In addition to farming, you can decorate and display your favorite Funghi in the “Cardboard Room”, or complete missions to receive useful items.

App Store URL

• Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.beeworks.nameko.dxkiwami
• Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1494083019

App Details

Title: Idle Mushroom Garden Deluxe
Genre: Casual Farming Simulation
Compatibility: Android 5.0/iOS 12.0 or greater
Availability: Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines
Price: Free (In-App Purchases available)
Developer: Beeworks Games

About the “Mushroom Garden” Series

First released in 2011, the mushroom farming simulator with its loveable Funghi character has accumulated over 60 million downloads worldwide. The series is particularly popular in Japan, with many goods and events being held to this day.

The series has also found success globally, particularly in South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States.

About Beeworks Games

Beeworks Games values originality, providing unique and enjoyable experiences through their games. Their mission is to create games and characters loved by fans of all ages.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240307629694/en/

Contact

Beeworks Co., Ltd.
Kristofer Chan
kchan@beeworks.co.jp
+81-50-3095-6157
https://beeworksgames.com/en/

Source : Beeworks Co., Ltd.

ILLUMINATION, NINTENDO TEAM UP AGAIN ON NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. ANIMATED FILM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 (Bernama) -- Illumination, one of the entertainment industry's leading producers of event-animated films, and Nintendo Co Ltd, have announced they are producing a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros.

This new animated film is scheduled to hit the big screen on April 3, 2026 in the United States and many additional markets globally with select territories releasing throughout the month of April.

The film will be produced by Illumination Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Meledandri, and Nintendo Representative Director, Fellow, Shigeru Miyamoto. Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, alongside writer Matthew Fogel are returning for the new film.

According to Illumination in a statement, the new film will be co-financed by Universal Pictures and Nintendo and distributed theatrically worldwide by Universal Pictures.

By getting deeply involved in the movie production with the aim to put smiles on everyone’s faces through entertainment, Nintendo will continue its efforts to produce unique entertainment and deliver it to as many people as possible.

Meanwhile, Illumination is excited to continue its partnership with Nintendo, bringing its signature mix of joy and discovery to worldwide audiences of all ages, allowing them to connect with the beloved characters and stories from one of the world's most popular franchises.

-- BERNAMA

"JAPAN BULLET TRAIN" SHINKANSEN TICKET SERVICE NOW OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS AND FOREIGN RESIDENTS IN JAPAN

TOKYO, Mar. 12, 2024 /Kyodo JBN/ --

Inbound Platform Corp. (listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange) is pleased to announce the new launch of its Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket service, which includes basic fares, express tickets and the innovative ticket issuance via QR codes, for international travelers and foreign residents in Japan, starting from March 1, 2024.
 
Image1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/
M107869/202402026175/_prw_PI1fl_xUeq2624.png
 
Image2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/
M107869/202402026175/_prw_PI2fl_40292sCg.png
 
Through the "JAPAN BULLET TRAIN" website provided by the company, accessible via the link below, international travelers and foreign residents can effortlessly book and manage Shinkansen tickets in less than 2 minutes, while also eliminating language barriers and ensuring seamless experience.
 
"JAPAN BULLET TRAIN" website: https://www.japan-bullettrain.com/
 
Features of service
-Inbound Platform Corp. known for its diverse range of travel services catering to international travelers and foreign residents, has decided to expand and extend support by facilitating Shinkansen ticket bookings. Recognizing the complexities, time constraints and language barriers involved in purchasing Shinkansen tickets, the company aims to streamline the entire booking process through the new service.
With a commitment to exceptional customer service, the company offers telephone assistance in seven languages for a flawless travel experience.
 
-Currently available in English, Mandarin Chinese (both simplified and traditional), and Korean. The company plans to incorporate Spanish and French in the near future. Furthermore, while currently accepting credit cards and Apple Pay, the company plans to integrate additional payment options such as Google Pay and Wechat Pay.
 
How to Use: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/
M107869/202402026175/_prw_PI3fl_4m5taiud.png
 
Available ticket types:
JR Shinkansen and all conventional JR lines nationwide which also include popular routes such as the Narita Express and limited express trains.
*Note that the Japan Rail Pass is not yet available.
 
In the near future, Inbound Platform Corp. intends to provide the Shinkansen reservation service to travel agencies and web media worldwide, aiming to make Shinkansen bookings in Japan as convenient as possible. For those interested, please inquire at the following link: https://www.japan-bullettrain.com/contact
 
About Inbound Platform Corp.
CEO: Shin O
Executive Director: Toru Otake
Address: 4th Floor, SW Shimbashi Building,6-14-5 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Established: October 2015
Company website: https://www.inbound-platform.com/en/
Services:
Japan Wireless(Wi-Fi rental): https://www.japan-wireless.com/en
Japan Wireless eSIM(embedded SIM card): https://www.japan-wireless.com/esim
AIRPORT TAXI(airport transfer): https://www.airport-taxi.tokyo/en
JW Magazine(web media): https://jw-webmagazine.com/
 
 
Source: Inbound Platform Corp.  

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XSOLLA BRINGS NEW PAYMENT METHODS FOR GAMERS IN AFRICA, ADDING ACCESS FOR 440 MILLION CUSTOMERS AND USERS

 

LOS ANGELES, March 8 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, continues to expand its presence in Africa by integrating MTN and Airtel mobile money services. This strategic move addresses the unique financial landscape of Africa, where a significant portion of the population, particularly in regions like Ghana and Uganda, remains unbanked.
 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240307038287/en/ 

Mobile money services are pivotal, enabling users to manage funds through mobile devices and circumventing the need for traditional banking infrastructure. This initiative opens up a vast new customer base, leveraging MTN's 292 million and Airtel's 147 million users, and simplifies transactions for Xsolla merchants, who can now accept these payment methods effortlessly. It represents a significant leap towards global expansion for game developers, utilizing Pay Station's comprehensive payment options and wide market reach to deliver a smooth and inclusive payment experience.

David Stelzer, President at Xsolla, emphasizes the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our efforts to integrate local payment methods are crucial for expanding our reach in Africa, catering to both banked and unbanked users in these emerging markets. Nearly 40 million potential users will benefit from our simplified integration process for developers, enabling them to concentrate on creating engaging gaming experiences while we handle the intricacies of payments, fraud, taxes, and compliance in Africa.”

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=48187

NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS ACQUIRES JAPAN’S STARTUP INSTALIMB STAKE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Nippon Express Holdings Inc acquired an equity stake in Instalimb Inc (Instalimb), which is expanding its 3D-printed prosthetics business in the Philippines, India and elsewhere overseas, as an NX Global Innovation Fund investment on Feb 29.

According to a statement, the Nippon Express (NX) Group is striving to enhance its corporate value and resolve social issues to realise the group's long-term vision of becoming a logistics company with a strong presence in the global market.

Through this investment, the group will be assisting Instalimb's business expansion from a logistics perspective and supporting the provision of prosthetic limbs in Asian countries such as the Philippines and India and, in future, emerging countries in Africa and other regions as well.

Instalimb is a Japanese startup which develops new digital manufacturing solutions using 3D printing and artificial intelligence technology, employing these to manufacture and sell 3D-printed prosthetic legs overseas at one-tenth the conventional price and with a shorter delivery time.

The NX Group will continue addressing social issues through business collaboration with startups in Japan and overseas to help bring about sustainable societies where all people can lead affluent and fulfilling lives.

As a global logistics company since 1937, the group provides high-quality logistics services in 50 countries/regions utilising aircraft, ships, railways, and trucks as well as warehouse facilities and information technology systems.

-- BERNAMA

MARY KAY’S SPECIAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS COMMITMENT TO CHAMPION WOMEN'S CAUSES GLOBALLY

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Mary Kay Inc, a global leader in women’s empowerment, has released a special report titled "Advancing Women’s Entrepreneurship: from Commitment to Action".

The report details the company’s steadfast commitment to championing women's causes worldwide through the significant strides the company has made in the four years since the founding of the groundbreaking Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator (WEA) multi-stakeholder partnership.

“Through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator, we have created a robust platform that not only supports but celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of women globally.

“Our goal is to empower five million women by 2030, and we are well on our way. We have engaged over 600,000 women in our programmes and activities so far, and 2024 will prove to be another historic year,” said its Chief Operating Officer, Deborah Gibbins in a statement.

The report showcases Mary Kay’s holistic approach to women's empowerment through the WEA multi-stakeholder partnership, spanning access to education, capital, networks and markets, advocacy, and policy.

It includes remarkable achievements such as Women’s Entrepreneurship Regional EXPO and in-country satellite events in Europe and Central Asia reaching over 15,308 participants; and the successful implementation of various training and mentoring programmes conducted by high-level partners worldwide via the online Women’s Entrepreneurship Certificate Programme.

The company's notable efforts in promoting gender-responsive procurement and investment have also made significant contributions to women's economic participation and empowerment.

-- BERNAMA

ETT | IBYOND™ ASIA DIVISION SIGNS $1.2B DEAL WITH KNIGHTSBRIDGE BRINGING DIGITIZATION AND FINTECH TO ASIA AND THE WORLD

PALM BEACH, Fla., March 5 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- ETT | iByond™ and Knightsbridge Group have sealed a monumental deal projected to be worth as much as $1.2 billion, marking a significant stride in advancing digitization and fintech solutions globally. The collaboration signifies a pivotal moment in harnessing cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation and transformation across industries.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240304917175/en/

 

Under the agreement, ETT | iByond™ and Knightsbridge Group will join forces to spearhead digital initiatives and revolutionize financial technology offerings. Leveraging iByond™'s expertise in the burgeoning Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape and Knightsbridge's global network and resources, the partnership aims to deliver unparalleled solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers worldwide. This joint venture will leverage ETT’s state-of-the-art data management and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Economic Transformation Technologies “ETT | iByond™” (ETT) Asia Division has executed a five year software services and licensing agreement with Knightsbridge that is valued at $683 million to ETT and over $500 million to Knightsbridge. This partnership aims to revolutionize the financial services industry through cutting-edge digital transformation solutions.

The joint venture will leverage ETT's state-of-the-art, data management and Artificial intelligence (AI) platform infrastructure and Knightsbridge Group's advanced market technologies to deliver a comprehensive fintech platform that offers unparalleled efficiency, security, and scalability. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, the platform will enable financial institutions to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive sustainable growth in today's dynamic marketplace.​This collaboration represents a significant milestone in Knightsbridge's expansion strategy and underscores its commitment to driving growth in the region.

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology (fintech) in Asia is reshaping the region's economic landscape at an unprecedented pace. With advancements in AI technology and increasing digitalization across industries, Asia has emerged as a hotbed for innovation and investment in AI and fintech solutions. From pioneering AI-driven financial services to revolutionizing traditional banking and investment practices, Asian countries are harnessing the power of AI and fintech to drive economic growth, improve financial inclusion, and enhance efficiency in financial markets. With supportive regulatory frameworks, vibrant startup ecosystems, and a growing pool of tech talent, Asia is poised to continue leading the global AI and fintech revolution, unlocking new opportunities and driving innovation across sectors.​

Christopher Condon, Chairman and CEO of ETT, commented on the partnership, saying, "This partnership with Knightsbridge emphasizes ETT's dedication to being proactive at the forefront of digital innovation and reinforcing its position to global growth and the rapidly evolving Asian market."

David Chlapowski, President of the Americas and Emerging Markets, added, “Information presented in a scalable and consumable manner is the new oil and is the fuel of digital innovation. The Interoperability of disparate platforms combined with the learning capabilities of artificial intelligence will provide efficiencies never before possible - until now. I would be so bold to declare that ETT/Knightsbridge FinTech Platform is the glue bringing this all together. Collectively , we are ushering a new era of Web 4.0 – the era where Software, Infrastructure, and Finance all come together at the intersection of enablement and wealth creation and turbocharged by AI."

Issaree Suwunnavid said, “As the Managing Director of Knightsbridge Group, I am delighted to announce our joint venture with ETT, bringing cutting-edge fintech solutions to Asia. It fills me with immense pride to establish Thailand as the home of this transformative technology, empowering businesses and individuals across the region with innovative financial services."

For more information, visit ettworld.com or knightsbridgelaw.com 

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