THE WORLD'S MOST ATTRACTIVE INVESTMENT MIGRATION PROGRAMS IN 2024

LONDON, Feb 27 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- European residence and citizenship by investment programs continue to dominate the top spots of global wealth advisory firm Henley & Partners’ annual rankings of the most sought-after investment migration programs in the world. Malta holds onto 1^st place in the 2024 Global Citizenship Program Index as it has done for nine consecutive years, while the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program retains top spot on the Global Residence Program Index.

The two indexes — featured in the 2024 edition of the Investment Migration Programs report — offer a systematic analysis and comprehensive benchmarking of the world’s most attractive residence and citizenship by investment programs, providing the gold standard in the sector. This year’s edition includes a total of 39 programs, representing the most relevant of over 100 programs worldwide. These have been appraised by a panel of independent experts, including leading academic researchers, country risk specialists, economists, independent expert immigration and citizenship lawyers, and other specialists, who consider a broad range of pertinent factors. Interactive digital comparisons of the programs are also available, enabling global investors and wealthy families to select what matters most to them when weighing up their options.

Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, international immigration and citizenship law expert and Chairman of Henley & Partners, says, “The publication is important for private clients and wealth management professionals as well as for government policy makers looking to manage investment migration programs to achieve greater fiscal autonomy and economic growth. In this era of heightened global volatility, nation states are using investment migration as an innovative financing tool to fund national or regional social and infrastructure projects as well as development initiatives that mitigate sustainability risks, to the benefit of their citizens and residents.”

Citizenship programs: Malta reigns supreme

The Global Citizenship Program Index ranks 13 programs, with the strategically-located European nation of Malta scoring 77 out of 100 and taking top honors once again. Malta’s Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulations allow for the granting of citizenship by a certificate of naturalization to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the country’s economic development. This is possible following a 36-month residence period (or 12 months by exception). Malta’s original citizenship program was designed by Henley & Partners in 2013–2014 and went on to become one of the most successful such programs in the world.

Retaining 2^nd place with a score of 74 is Austria’s premium citizenship by investment offering, which requires applicants to make a substantial contribution to the Austrian economy. Three Caribbean island nations tie in 3^rd position, each scoring 70: the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program, and the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program all offer attractive real estate-linked investment routes and fund options.

Residence programs: Portugal in prime position

Europe also prevails in the 2024 Global Residence Program Index, with programs on the continent occupying the Top 5 positions. The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program ranks 1^st overall out of 26 programs, with a score of 75 out of 100. Each scoring 73, the Austria Private Residence Program shares 2^nd place with the Mediterranean’s rising star — the Greece Golden Visa Program, followed closely by the Swiss Residence Program on 72 — an investment option developed by Henley & Partners, which combines private residence with the Swiss forfait tax provisions.

Italy’s Residence by Investment Program is joint 4^th with the UK’s Innovator Founder Visa, each scoring 71. The only Top 5 program not in Europe is the Canada Start-Up Visa Program, which scores 69 and shares the 5^th spot with another European favorite that is attracting a great deal of attention, the Spain Residence by Investment Program.

Domicile diversification a top priority

Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, says, “Acquiring alternative residence and/or citizenship programs enables greater flexibility and participation in the world’s leading economies, as well as optionality, which is now an indispensable part of any family’s insurance policy for the 21^st century. The more jurisdictions a family can access, the more diversified its assets, the lower its exposure to country-specific, regional, and global volatility, and the more sustainable it will be over the long term.”

Last year, US-Americans were the top nationality applying for alternative residence and citizenship options through Henley & Partners, and this trend has continued into the first quarter of 2024. This year is also projected to be a record-breaker in terms of millionaire migration, according to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report, with 128,000 high-net-worth individuals forecast to move to a new country, compared to the 120,000 who did so last year, surpassing the pre-pandemic high of 110,000.

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Sarah Nicklin
Group Head of PR
sarah.nicklin@henleyglobal.com
Mobile: +27 72 464 8965 

SOURCE : HENLEY & PARTNERS GROUP HOLDINGS LTD

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE 21ST ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AWARDS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- Entries for The 21st Annual International Business Awards, the world's premier business awards competition are now being accepted, attracting nominations from organisations in over 70 nations and territories each year, according to The Stevie Awards.

All individuals and organisations worldwide, public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small, may submit nominations to The International Business Awards, according to a statement.

The early-bird entry deadline, with reduced entry fees, is on April 10, while the final entry deadline is on May 8 but late entries will be accepted through June 12, with payment of a late fee.

The International Business Awards recognise achievement in every facet of the workplace with categories include Management Awards; Sustainability Awards; Entrepreneur of the Year Awards; Company of the Year Awards; Customer Service Awards; and Human Resources Awards.

This year, there are many new and revised features such as a variety of new Technology Solution Categories for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Solutions, split into subcategories for Financial, Generative (audio, graphics, text, video), Healthcare, and other solutions.

In addition, there are many new Event Categories for Cause & Green Events including CSR Experience, Employee Giving & Volunteerism, Inclusive Events, and other Brand Experiences/Events by type including Gamified Experience, Pop-Up Experience, and Immersive Experience.

Juries featuring over 150 executives worldwide will determine the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners, in which the winners will be announced on Aug 14 and celebrated at a gala banquet in Europe this October.

Last year winners were Ayala Land Inc (Philippines), Anexa BPO (Mexico), Empire Eagle Food (Taiwan), IBM Corporation (Worldwide), LLYC (Spain), Ooredoo Group (Qatar), Saudi Aramco (Saudi Arabia), TalkLife (United Kingdom) and Turkish Aerospace (Turkey), among others.

Entry details are available at www.StevieAwards.com/IBA.

-- BERNAMA

POLYPLASTICS CHOSEN TO PROMOTE SELEX MOTORS' ELECTRIC TWO-WHEELER BATTERY COVERS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- Polyplastics Co Ltd announced its DURANEX(R) PBT has been selected for battery packs produced by Selex Smart Electric Vehicles Joint Stock Company (Selex Motors), a Vietnamese electric motorcycle start-up.

In a statement, Polyplastics said its DURANEX(R) PBT, specifically formulated and produced for this application was chosen by Selex Motors, to help the company improve the overall quality of its batteries.

The advanced grade of DURANEX(R) PBT features flame retardancy, low warpage, and heat and moisture resistance.

By integrating DURANEX(R) PBT into its battery covers, Selex Motors is setting a higher standard for performance and reliability, ultimately contributing to a greener, more efficient and safer electric vehicle (EV) future.

Polyplastics and Selex Motors adhere to the highest industry standards, ensuring that battery covers meet strict quality benchmarks. DURANEX(R) PBT has been certified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc (UL) with a V-0 rating, indicating its high flame retardancy.

Furthermore, battery covers made with DURANEX(R) PBT have exceeded the demanding requirements of the Vietnam National Standard System, and stringent international standards.

Battery covers play a crucial role in EV by providing safety and maintaining the integrity of the battery pack, and are also important for the overall functionality and attractiveness of electric two-wheelers, which ultimately contribute to the success of the EV market.

A global leader in the development and production of engineering thermoplastics, Polyplastics is backed by a strong global network of research and development, production, and sales resources capable of creating advanced solutions for an ever-changing global marketplace.

-- BERNAMA

SKILLED DRIVERS AND SAFER ROADS : TOWARDS A PRODUCTIVE ENVIRONMENT

^{Shaping the Road Ahead: CPN and MPC's Commitment to Excellence and Safety in Heavy Vehicle Operation.​}


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's unwavering commitment to public safety not only safeguards lives and the environment but also fuels sustainable economic growth built on trust and responsibility. The thorough handling of dangerous goods, encompassing complex regulations, comprehensive training, and public awareness, cultivates a secure and productive environment that attracts investment and fosters long-term confidence in the nation's infrastructure.
 
The Chemicals and Chemical Products Productivity Nexus (CPN) under the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) is actively shaping a safer and more efficient future through innovative initiatives. One key programme, the Professional Heavy Vehicle Drivers Training Programme, focuses on enhancing driver competency and reducing accidents. In collaboration with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), MPC has successfully upskilled 21 drivers, aligning them with rigorous safety standards.
 
MPC’s forward-thinking approach streamlines certification processes by collaborating with NIOSH on an e-card system. This not only elevates service quality but also results in significant cost savings, reducing the program's cost per driver by a remarkable 24% on average. Additionally, this strategic move facilitates the local acquisition of certificates for commercial vehicle drivers, simplifying the process and reducing costs.
 
This is one example of how MPC has proactively collaborated with various stakeholders, including industry players, business associations, and government agencies to reshape the chemical industry's supply chain. Targeted programmes addressing critical concerns, such as driver competency and logistics optimisation, contribute to a secure business environment and improved public safety. This programme alone has generated an estimated value creation of RM3.2 million, primarily from reduced accident costs. 
 
This achievement demonstrates MPC's commitment to positioning Malaysia as an attractive destination, fostering a thriving business ecosystem founded on trust, responsibility, and boosting productivity. 
 
Zahid Ismail 
Director-General 
Malaysia Productivity Corporation  


SOURCE : Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) 

Saudi Sports For All Federation Unveils 3rd Riyadh Marathon Venue

 

_{Saudi Sports for All Federation announces new Kingdom Arena location for third Riyadh Marathon (Photo: AETOSWire)} 

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) has announced the start and finish location for the third Riyadh Marathon, taking place on Feb 10, will be the newly-constructed Kingdom Arena.

Supported by the Ministry of Sport, the Riyadh Marathon has emerged as one of the country's most anticipated sporting events, making the Kingdom Arena the perfect location to begin and end this exciting road race.

"We are pleased to welcome back the Riyadh Marathon, and to be incorporating the city's newest sporting venue, the Kingdom Arena. We expect this year's event to be the biggest and best yet, helping us to fulfill our mandate to get more of the Kingdom's population engaged in physical activity," said SFA Managing Director, Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini.

Last year, the marathon attracted 15,000 runners from 128 nationalities, with the percentage of Saudi citizens reaching 61.6 per cent and measurements were also taken to certify the marathon as a World Athletics Label Road Race.

According to SFA in a statement, a 'Marathon Village' area will also be set up at Kingdom Arena Square on Feb 9 and 10, to offer food and beverage stands, entertainment options, as well as a wide range of fitness and well-being activities.

A 21.1 kilometres (km) route has been marked through streets of Riyadh, ready for participants of the half marathon and marathon, taking in key city landmarks, such as Diriyah and Wadi Hanifa, while those running 42.2km will circle this twice.

Meanwhile, the 10km route will be in the north of the city, passing Wonder Garden and Boulevard World, with the four km run filling the gap between this and the larger 21.1km course.

The Riyadh Marathon is intended to bring large numbers of people together with a shared interest, making new friends and memories as part of their physical journey. 

Registration is available via the Riyadh Marathon website and the SFA's website and app.

-- BERNAMA

AUTOMOBILI PININFARINA GARNERS THREE INTERNATIONAL ACCOLADES

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- Automobili Pininfarina has kicked off 2024, winning three awards, as it continues to build on the success of a record-breaking previous year.

In a statement, the German-based company said LUXlife Magazine has named Automobili Pininfarina ‘Luxury Electric Performance Car Manufacturer of the Year 2024’, within the ‘Leaders in Luxury’ category, at its annual awards.

Celebrating the unparalleled achievements and exceptional creativity in the realm of luxury, LUXlife awards honour the leaders and pioneers who redefine excellence within the industry, setting higher standards of sophistication and elegance.

This was followed by another win for the PURA Vision design concept, which was awarded Silver in Conceptual Products / Automotive & Transport Product Design at the 2024 International Design Awards.

PURA Vision represents the beginning of what promises to be a groundbreaking era for electric luxury vehicles  (e-LUVs), and was penned by its Chief Design Officer, Dave Amantea, in which it was unveiled at 2023 Monterey Car Week.

The principles of the PURA philosophy, established by Automobili Pininfarina, transform the DNA of iconic models from Pininfarina SpA's past to define the future, balancing inspiration from iconic classic cars with futuristic elements.

Inspired by classic proportions and exquisite detailing, PURA Vision presents an elegant silhouette with bold cab-rear proportions that combine timeless beauty with exquisite detailing to create a dynamic identity with unmistakable presence, with show-stopping features including its narrow glasshouse and tri-opening pillarless doors.

Most recently, the Automobili Pininfarina Battista Edizione Nino Farina was named Best Electric Hypercar at Robb Report Monaco & Côte d’Azur Car of the Year 2024. Introduced at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, it is a tribute to racing legend Nino Farina – nephew of company founder Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina and the first Formula One World Champion.

Finished in a bespoke Rosso Nino paint complemented by a special livery on the lower body, as well as in Bianco Sestriere and Iconica Blu, the exterior design is completed by the Satin Gold 10-spoke forged aluminium Glorioso alloy wheels.

-- BERNAMA

EXCAVATION OF COLOSSAL CAVERNS FOR FERMILAB'S DUNE EXPERIMENT COMPLETED

The excavation of the caverns that will house the gigantic particle detectors of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment in Lead, South Dakota is complete. Final outfitting of the colossal caverns will begin soon and make way for the start of the installation of the DUNE detectors later this year.

Lead, South Dakota, Feb 2 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Excavation workers have finished carving out the future home of the gigantic particle detectors for the international Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment. Located a mile below the surface, the three colossal caverns are at the core of a new research facility that spans an underground area about the size of eight soccer fields.

Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, DUNE scientists will study the behavior of mysterious particles known as neutrinos to solve some of the biggest questions about our universe. Why is our universe composed of matter? How does an exploding star create a black hole? Are neutrinos connected to dark matter or other undiscovered particles?

The caverns provide space for four large neutrino detectors—each one about the size of a seven-story building (see 2-minute animation). The detectors will be filled with liquid argon and record the rare interaction of neutrinos with the transparent liquid.

Trillions of neutrinos travel through our bodies each second without us even knowing it. With DUNE, scientists will look for neutrinos and examine the behavior of a neutrino beam produced at Fermilab, located near Chicago, about 800 miles east of the caverns. This will be the world’s most intense neutrino beam and will travel straight through earth from Fermilab to the detectors in South Dakota. No tunnel is necessary for the neutrinos’ path.

“The completion of the excavation of these enormous caverns is a significant achievement for this project,” said U.S. Project Director Chris Mossey. “Completing this step prepares the project for installation of the detectors later this year and brings us a step closer towards fulfilling the vision of making this a world-class underground facility.”

 Engineering, construction and excavation teams have been working 4,850 feet below the surface since 2021 at the Sanford Underground Research Facility, home of the South Dakota-portion of DUNE. Construction crews dismantled heavy mining equipment and, piece by piece, transported it underground using an existing shaft. Workers then reassembled the equipment, and workers spent almost two years blasting and removing close to 800,000 tons of rock.  

Workers will soon begin to outfit the caverns with the systems needed for the installation of the DUNE detectors and the daily operations of the research facility. Later this year, the project team plans to begin the installation of the insulated steel structure that will hold the first neutrino detector. The goal is to have the first detector operational before the end of 2028.

“The completion of the three large caverns and all of the interconnecting drifts marks the end of a really big dig. With no lost-time accidents in over three years, we reached a major achievement,” said Fermilab’s Michael Gemelli, who managed the excavation of the caverns by Thyssen Mining. 

The DUNE collaboration, which includes more than 1,400 scientists and engineers from over 200 institutions in 35 countries, is eager to start the installation of the particle detectors. They have successfully tested the technology and assembly process for the first detector and preparations for the technology of the second detector is underway at the European research laboratory CERN.

Fermilab is America’s premier national laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research. A U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science laboratory, Fermilab is located near Chicago, Illinois, and operated under contract by the Fermi Research Alliance LLC. Visit Fermilab’s website at www.fnal.gov and follow us on Twitter at @Fermilab.

The DOE Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit science.energy.gov. 

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Three US, UK Scientists Declared 2024 Japan Prize Laureates

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Three scientists from the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) have been announced the 2024 Japan Prize winners by the Japan Prize Foundation on Jan 23.

According to the Japan Prize Foundation in a statement, the award ceremony will take place in Tokyo on April 16.

Prof Sir Brian J. Hoskins (UK) and Prof John Michael Wallace (US), co-winners of the Japan Prize in the fields of Resources, Energy, the Environment, and Social Infrastructure, are being recognised for their distinguished contributions to Establishment of a scientific foundation for understanding and predicting extreme weather events.

Meanwhile, Prof Ronald M. Evans (US) has been awarded the Japan Prize in the fields of Medical Science and Pharmaceutical Science, for his Discovery of the nuclear hormone receptor family and its application to drug development.

For the 2024 Japan Prize, the foundation asked approximately 15,500 prominent scientists and engineers from around the world to nominate researchers working in this year’s fields.

It has received 130 nominations for the fields of Resources, Energy, Environment, and Social Infrastructure, and 198 nominations for the fields of Medical Science and Pharmaceutical Science, in which winners were selected from that total of 328 candidates.

The Japan Prize is awarded to global scientists and engineers who have made creative and dramatic achievements that help progress their fields and contribute significantly to realising peace and prosperity for all humanity.

-- BERNAMA