WIKA Wins Two Prestigious ESG Awards for Commitment to Sustainability and Social Responsibility ACN Newswire

WIKA Wins Two Prestigious ESG Awards for Commitment to Sustainability and Social Responsibility

JAKARTA, May 6, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - PT WIJAYA KARYA (Persero) Tbk (WIKA) continues to demonstrate its commitment to being a national construction company with business performance excellence as well as sustainability and social responsibility performance. In April 2025, WIKA received two prestigious awards: InvestorTrust’s “Best Corporate Emission Reduction Transparency Award 2025” and The Iconomics’ “7th Indonesia CSR Brand Equity Awards 2025” for the Construction category.The ”Best Corporate Emission Reduction Transparency Award 2025” was convened at the Sultan Hotel in Jakarta on Tuesday, 29 April 2025. The award was presented to companies that actively contributed towards national and global decarbonization efforts. WIKA was one of 95 selected awardees for its transparency and commitment to reporting and managing carbon emissions. Of the 370 companies nominated, WIKA was selected for having fulfilled the key criteria, including the timely release of the 2023 Sustainability Report, transparent emission declarations, and compliance with environmental governance principles without any serious legal conflicts.On the same day, WIKA received another award in the “7th Indonesia CSR Brand Equity Awards 2025”, which was presented by The Iconomics dan Axia Research held at the Ministry of Transportation building. The event carried the theme “Developing Brand Companies with Government’s CSR Goals.” It served as a platform to recognize companies that have built strong and effective brand identities through CSR initiatives aligned with national development objectives. WIKA was recognized to have consistently incorporated sustainability values into its business strategy. The Company also demonstrated a strong commitment to implementing social responsibility programs that have a genuine impact on the environment and society.“We believe a company’s success is determined not only by its financial performance but also by the good impact that it has on society and the environment. These two awards serve as motivation for everyone at WIKA to continue innovating and making meaningful contributions,” said Agung Budi Waskito (BW), President Director of WIKA.As an important partner in national development, WIKA continues its active role in sustainability through various initiatives, from implementing inclusive and targeted CSR programs to energy efficiency and carbon emission management. WIKA remains committed to developing a responsible business that delivers added value to all stakeholders.PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk. [IDX: WIKA]Contact:Mahendra VijayaSekretaris PerusahaanEmail: mahendra.v@wikamail.id Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Eastern River Pty Ltd Marks Major Milestone with Appointment of Tom Paras as Managing Director – Head of Fund Investments ACN Newswire

Eastern River Pty Ltd Marks Major Milestone with Appointment of Tom Paras as Managing Director – Head of Fund Investments

ADELAIDE, AUS, May 6, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - With more than 30 years of executive experience in the property and investment sectors, Tom brings an extraordinary depth of expertise spanning office, retail, industrial, and residential asset classes. He has held senior leadership roles at several high-profile organizations, including CEO of Panda Global Funds, where he led operations across international markets, and as a senior specialist at Payton Capital, recently acquired by ASX-listed HMC Capital. He has also served as Senior Executive - Investments at Occasio Funds Management.Before joining Eastern River, Tom played a pivotal role in a number of corporate advisory and capital raising mandates across both domestic and international markets, with deep investor networks in the UAE, Asia, and the Americas. His global perspective and strategic insight will be instrumental in driving Eastern River's next phase of expansion.Tom has also served as a Non-Executive Director for several China-based companies seeking ASX listings, further demonstrating his unique capability in cross-border corporate structuring and capital markets. Beyond the boardroom, Tom holds equity positions across multiple businesses and investment entities in property development, construction, and venture capital. He holds an MBA and several professional diplomas in corporate and investment disciplines."Bringing Tom into the business is a landmark moment for Eastern River. His track record and depth of experience align perfectly with our long-term vision of becoming a leading force in the private investment and funds management sector," said Tekauri Ryan Hurst, CEO & Executive Director of Eastern River Pty Ltd.For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:Mrs. Sally PetersPublic Relations OfficerEastern River Pty LtdEmail: media@easternriver.comWebsite: www.easternriver.comSOURCE: Eastern River Pty Ltd Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Northway Biotech Launches Full-Service Viral Clearance Studies, Delivering Results Faster Than Industry Standards ACN Newswire

Northway Biotech Launches Full-Service Viral Clearance Studies, Delivering Results Faster Than Industry Standards

VILNIUS, LT, May 5, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Northway Biotech, a biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), today announced the expansion of its protein-based and gene therapy service offerings with the addition of Viral Clearance Studies (VCS) capabilities. This strategic growth follows the opening of Northway Biotech's new Gene Therapy Center with dedicated cGMP facilities for virus-related projects.With six newly established, identical BSL-2 laboratories now operational, Northway Biotech can conduct VCS programs for up to six clients simultaneously, significantly alleviating current market bottlenecks. Additionally, the company has expanded its capabilities to perform GMP-compliant manufacturing and testing under BSL-3 conditions, further strengthening its service offering across gene therapy and broader biologics development.Viral Clearance Studies are now offered both as part of Northway Biotech's integrated CDMO programs and as a standalone service. This flexibility allows external clients to access VCS expertise independently, without requiring a manufacturing agreement.Accelerated Delivery Timelines - Over One Month Faster Than IndustryLeveraging expanded infrastructure and integrated analytical capabilities, Northway Biotech is positioned to deliver Viral Clearance Studies substantially faster than the current industry standard. Comprehensive studies, assessing viral removal and inactivation, can now be completed with final regulatory-compliant reporting in under 10 weeks from initiation of project design when two model viruses are employed, and within 12 weeks when four model viruses are used."Our expansion into Viral Clearance Studies is a natural extension of our CDMO services, enabling us to manage these critical studies in-house and significantly reduce project timelines for our clients," said Prof. Vladas Algirdas Bumelis, CEO of Northway Biotech. "By investing in state-of-the-art BSL-2 and BSL-3 facilities, expanding technical capabilities, and further strengthening our scientific teams, we are uniquely positioned to deliver high-quality VCS data faster - a key advantage for clients advancing through clinical development and regulatory approval."For more information on Northway Biotech's Viral Clearance Study processes, service offerings, and delivery timelines, please complete the contact form to connect with the Northway Biotech team.About Northway Biotech - https://www.northwaybiotech.comNorthway Biotech is a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) supporting customers worldwide. Its highly experienced and professional team executes projects at every stage, from cell line construction and process development to cGMP manufacturing of biopharmaceutical products. The company's extensive expertise and vertically integrated service offering enables rapid execution of multiple projects from its state-of-the-art GMP facilities while ensuring full process and product compliance at all stages of research, development, and commercial manufacturing. Northway Biotech is a privately owned company founded in 2004 and operates locations in Vilnius, Lithuania; London, United Kingdom; and Waltham, MA, USA.Media & Business Contact:bd@northwaybiotech.comProf. Vladas Algirdas BumelisCEO and Chairman of the BoardNorthway Biotechvladas.bumelis@northwaybiotech.comContact InformationVladas BumelisCEO and Chairman of the Boardvladas.bumelis@northwaybiotech.comSOURCE: Northway Biotech Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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New Database of Materials Accelerates Electronics Innovation ACN Newswire

New Database of Materials Accelerates Electronics Innovation

TSUKUBA, Japan, May 2, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - In a collaboration between Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., and the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), researchers have built a comprehensive new database of dielectric material properties curated from thousands of scientific papers. The study, published in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods, also offers insights that could accelerate the development of next-generation electronic materials and energy storage technologies. Large-scale dielectric materials database built with the open database project "Starrydata" and generation of a materials map using machine learning-based data visualization.AI-driven materials discovery has great potential to accelerate innovation, but it relies on large and diverse datasets. The lack of such data remains a major bottleneck in the field. To address this challenge, researchers used the Starrydata2 web system to collect experimental data on over 20,000 material samples from more than 5,000 publications. The NIMS team has developed a standardized approach to extract data from graphs, including temperature-dependent properties, which are often omitted in other databases. "What makes our work unique is the meticulous process of manually tracing graphs and correcting inconsistencies in original research papers to create a clean, high-quality dataset," the researchers said.The database focuses on a specific class of materials necessary for electronics and is the largest ever reported, significantly surpassing previous collections. With this wealth of information, the team used machine learning (ML) to predict the properties of materials and how they would behave electronically.Although the ML models were effective, they initially worked as "black boxes" — the researchers couldn’t see why the models made their predictions. To understand the context for predictions, the team created visual maps of the data, making complex information easier to interpret. They used clustering algorithms to automatically group similar materials. This analysis helped them spot patterns in how a material's composition affects its properties. The team was also able to categorize the materials into distinct groups, including seven important ferroelectric families, providing a global landscape of the entire compositional space. The team took a closer look at ABO3 Perovskites, a family of materials which are essential components in everyday electronic devices and energy storage technologies, such as smartphones, computers, and solar cells. Their visualizations showed a simple link between the basic structure of the material and its dielectric permittivity, which coincides with previous academic knowledge.This work advances our understanding of dielectric materials and moves research beyond traditional trial-and-error approaches. "By curating the largest dataset as ever and combining various machine-learning methods, we succeeded in visualizing the landscape of the entire compositional space in unprecedented detail," the team explained.The NIMS team plans to make the dataset publicly available next year, allowing scientists worldwide to leverage it for new discoveries. Future work may involve expanding data collection to include manufacturing methods and processing conditions, allowing for more comprehensive predictions that would link production processes to material properties. "We hope that this foundational work will inspire similar data collection initiatives and new approaches to materials discovery, ultimately leading to smarter materials development pathways that benefit society through improved electronic technologies," the researchers concluded. Further informationTomoki MurataMurata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Email: tomoki.murata258@murata.comYukari KatsuraNational Institute for Materials ScienceEmail: KATSURA.Yukari@nims.go.jpPaper: https://doi.org/10.1080/27660400.2025.2485018About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods (STAM-M)STAM Methods is an open access sister journal of Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (STAM), and focuses on emergent methods and tools for improving and/or accelerating materials developments, such as methodology, apparatus, instrumentation, modeling, high-through put data collection, materials/process informatics, databases, and programming. https://www.tandfonline.com/STAM-MDr Kazuya SaitoSTAM Methods Publishing DirectorEmail: SAITO.Kazuya@nims.go.jpPress release distributed by Asia Research News for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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FWD Group reports exceptionally strong first quarter new business update ACN Newswire

FWD Group reports exceptionally strong first quarter new business update

HONG KONG, May 2, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – FWD Group Holdings Limited (“FWD Group” or “FWD”) today announced exceptionally strong first quarter new business highlights for the three months ended 31 March 2025.- New business contractual service margin (“New business CSM”) growth of 55 percent year-on-year, to US$465 million. This adds to the company’s overall CSM balance, which is released over time to its income statement under IFRS 17.- New business sales (“APE”) growth of 46 percent, compared to the same corresponding period last year, to US$679 million.- Extended FWD Group’s partnership with JA Worldwide in April for a further three years to help primary school students in Asia develop financial literacy, through the award-winning programme, JA SparktheDream.Huynh Thanh Phong, Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of FWD Group, said, “FWD Group had a very strong start to the year, with our customer-led strategy driving some incredible new business results. We continued to respond to rapidly evolving customer needs for protection, health, and savings, with 10 new products introduced in the quarter, including FWD Private’s first high-net-worth indexed universal life proposition.”“FWD Group had a terrific quarter and maintained a strong balance sheet, however, we’re keeping a close watch on the volatility in global financial markets and the uncertain global macro-economic outlook. Risk management is always a top priority and FWD Group is taking a prudent approach in preparing for a range of possible scenarios and outcomes,” added Huynh Thanh Phong.The growth in new business indicators was driven by most of the 10 markets FWD operates in.In Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR, the particularly strong trajectory of growth in new business sales and new business CSM continued, reflecting demand from both local and Mainland Chinese visitor customers.In the Thailand & Cambodia reporting segment, new business indicators were impacted by weaker economic conditions as well as lower interest rates.Double digit growth in new business sales in the company’s Emerging Markets segment was broad-based, while Japan posted steady new business indicators. Quarter ended 31 March^ US$ millions, except for percentages 20242025Growth(year on year CER basis) New business growth indicatorsNew business sales (APE)46067946% New business CSM29746555% Value of new business (VNB)21528732% About FWD GroupFWD Group is a pan-Asian life and health insurance business that serves approximately 30 million customers across 10 markets, including BRI Life in Indonesia. FWD’s customer-led and digitally enabled approach aims to deliver innovative propositions, easy-to-understand products and a simpler insurance experience. Established in 2013, the company operates in some of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world with a vision of changing the way people feel about insurance. For more information, please visit www.fwd.comFor media inquiries, please contact: groupcommunications@fwd.comSource: FWD Group Holdings Limited^The unaudited results are for the three months ended 31 March 2025 and are compared to the same period in 2024. Growth rates are represented on a constant exchange rate (CER) basis. New business sales are calculated on an annual premium equivalent (APE) basis, based on 100 percent annual premiums and 10 percent single premiums. New business CSM excludes the impact of one-off reinsurance contracts on in-force business. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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富衛集團首季度新業務表現強勁 ACN Newswire

富衛集團首季度新業務表現強勁

香港, 2025年5月2日 - (亞太商訊 via SeaPRwire.com) - 富衛集團有限公司(「富衛集團」或「富衛」)今天公布截至2025年3月31日止三個月的第一季度業績,新業務表現卓越。- 新業務合約服務邊際按年增長55%至4.65億美元。這增加了集團整體合約服務邊際的總結餘,並根據國際財務報告準則第17號隨著時間釋放至損益表。- 新業務銷售較去年同期增長46%,達6.79億美元。- 富衛集團於4月與 JA Worldwide 的合作關係再延長三年,透過其屢獲殊榮的「JA小財智.大夢想」課程提升亞洲小學生的理財素養。富衛集團行政總裁兼執行董事黃清風表示:「富衛集團在本年度開初即迎來強勁勢頭,憑藉以客為先的策略推動了一些令人矚目的新業務成果。我們繼續迅速應對客戶對保障、健康和儲蓄需求的演變,並於本季度推出了 10 款新產品,其中包括 FWD Private 的首個為高淨值人士而設的指數型萬用壽險產品。」黃清風補充:「集團在本季度表現出色,資產負債表保持強勁,然而,我們正密切關注全球金融市場的波動以及不確定的全球宏觀經濟前景。風險管理至關重要,富衛集團正採取審慎的態度,為各種可能的情況和結果做準備。」新業務指標的增長主要受惠於富衛運營的 10 個市場中的大多數市場的增長所推動。在香港特別行政區和澳門特別行政區,新業務銷售和新業務合約服務邊際增長勢頭延續,反映本地客戶和來自中國內地的訪客的需求。在泰國和柬埔寨地區業務分部,新業務指標受經濟狀況疲弱以及利率下降影響。新興市場分部的新業務銷售普遍錄得雙位數增長,而日本的新業務指標則維持穩定。 截至3月31日止季度^ 百萬美元,百分比除外2024年2025年增長(以固定匯率按年計算) 新業務增長指標 新業務銷售46067946% 新業務合約服務邊際29746555% 新業務價值21528732% 關於富衛集團富衛集團為泛亞洲人壽及健康保險公司,服務約三千萬名客戶,業務遍及亞洲十個市場,包括印尼人民銀行人壽保險(BRI Life) 。富衛秉持以客為先的方針,利用數碼科技,致力為客戶帶來創新定位、簡單易明的產品和簡單的保險體驗。自2013年成立以來,富衛於部分全球發展最迅速的保險市場營運業務,專注為大眾創造保險新體驗。如欲了解更多資訊,請瀏覽 www.fwd.com^本新聞稿列載之截至2025年3月31日止三個月業績未經審計師審核,並與 2024 年同期比較。所有增長率均按固定匯率計算。新業務銷售以年化保費計算,由年度首年保費的100%及整付保費的10%之和組成。新業務合約服務邊際不包括一次性再保險合約對有效業務的影響。此譯本僅供參考,中英文版本倘出現任何歧異,概以英文版本為準。 Copyright 2025 亞太商訊 via SeaPRwire.com.
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Seven HKTDC mega events attract some 100,000 global buyers ACN Newswire

Seven HKTDC mega events attract some 100,000 global buyers

- The seven lifestyle and licensing events organised by the HKTDC concluded successfully today, with buyer numbers increasing across all exhibitions and some 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions attending in total- Non-local buyers came primarily from Mainland China, Taiwan and Malaysia, underscoring Hong Kong’s influence as an international trade platform- On-site surveys conducted at the events indicated that nearly half of respondents (49.2%) expected overall sales to rise in the next one to two yearsHONG KONG, Apr 30, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The seven large-scale trade events organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), covering lifestyle products and licensing opportunities, concluded successfully today, with buyer numbers increasing across all exhibitions and some 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions attending for on-site purchasing and business negotiations. Among the lifestyle fairs, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair recorded some 36,000 buyers, Home InStyle attracted over 20,000 buyers, Fashion InStyle drew over 11,000 buyers, while the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong saw over 11,000 buyers attend the concurrent events. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) attracted over 20,000 buyers, and the Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) featured nearly 20 international licensing industry leaders as speakers. Non-local buyers at the six fairs came primarily from Mainland China, Taiwan and Malaysia, highlighting Hong Kong’s influence as an international trade platform.Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: “The seven major events held by the HKTDC in late April brought together some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. Despite the current challenges in the global economic and trade environment, we actively attracted buyers to our fairs to enhance trade resilience and assist exhibitors in gaining a foothold in new markets such as the Middle East and ASEAN regions. The HKTDC remains committed to promoting cross-sector and international trade cooperation among exhibitors, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international trade hub and showcasing its unique advantage in building connections regionally and globally.”Nearly half of respondents forecast sales growthTo gain deeper insights into current trends in the lifestyle products industry, the HKTDC conducted a survey of 1,583 exhibitors and buyers at the Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, and Fashion InStyle. Key market overview and product trends include:- Nearly half of respondents (49.2%) expected their overall sales would rise in the next one to two years, while 44.5% foresaw that sales will remain stable. The greatest challenges identified were growing protectionist measures (45.7%), fluctuations in the global economy (43.3%) and the impact of inflation (32.0%).- Respondents believed sales prospects are promising or very promising over the next two years in Mainland China (77.3%), India (74.2%), Taiwan (67.6%), Republic of Korea (66.4%) and ASEAN countries (65.8%).- The following are the markets that the respondents are actively exploring: Europe (30.5%), ASEAN countries (17.2%), Japan (13.1%), North America (12.3%) and Republic of Korea (9.5%).- In the gifts and premium market, respondents believed cultural gifts (17.6%), tech gifts (17.0%) and fashion accessories (16.9%) had the most growth potential.- In the furniture and houseware market, smart home technology (21.0%), designer furniture and houseware products (17.0%) and kitchenware and tableware (15.7%) were considered to have the most growth potential.- Respondents identified womenswear (40.3%), urban clothing (39.1%), and fashion accessories (32.0%) as having the most growth potential in the fashion market.Concurrent mega events create synergies and promote new market opportunitiesThe seven concurrent events this year, spanning gifts, houseware, fashion, printing and packaging and IP licensing, helped to foster cross-industry collaboration for exhibitors and buyers. Jimmy Lo, Business Strategy Manager of Homelover Products Limited, a Hong Kong exhibitor at Home InStyle, said: “The number of new buyers visiting our booth has doubled over last year, coming mainly from Asia, the Middle East and South America. The fair attracted fashion buyers and also drew a children’s product exhibitor’s interest in partnering with us to develop eco-friendly tableware. It is expected that this fair will bring us approximately US$100,000 in sales.” A German buyer at the Gifts & Premium Fair, Michael Baumann, a partner in Know How International GmbH & Co KG, said: “I sourced products from India, Vietnam and Bangladesh as souvenirs and giveaways for the European football league. Additionally, I identified a sports bag supplier and a recycled paper box supplier from Mainland China, as well as a metal souvenir supplier from Hong Kong, with a potential total order value of approximately US$2.3 million to US$2.8 million. I am also highly interested in the licensed animated characters from a mainland exhibitor, with a potential order value of up to US$600,000.”In response to global trade challenges, exhibitors are prioritising market diversification and actively pursuing new customer acquisition. Hong Kong exhibitor Moral Team Holdings Ltd has participated in the Gifts & Premium Fair for 17 years, focusing on the development of eco-friendly bag products. The company’s Marketing & Ecommerce Manager, Charlotte Chui, said: “The new US tariff policies have impacted 10% of our export share, prompting us to focus more on the Asian market at this stage. The Gifts & Premium Fair has provided us with a platform to connect with buyers from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. Our mid- to long-term plan is expanding into the Australian and European markets. The concurrent fairs have attracted interest from fashion and houseware buyers. On the first day alone, we secured several orders from the Asian market and anticipate achieving total sales of over US$500,000 at the fair.”Fairs drive the development of high-value cultural and creative industriesCultural and creative products that combine design and functionality are attracting significant attention from buyers. Stanley Kwok, Director of KnitWarm Ltd, a Hong Kong exhibitor at Home InStyle, said “We showcased our patented heat-conductive smart textile technology products in the Cultural and Creative Avenue and Gerontech Living Pavilion. Buyers from Japan, Mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK and the US, as well as social workers in Hong Kong, have expressed interest in our four-in-one warmer blanket cushions and warmer band series. We are confident that the fair will generate at least US$200,000 in sales for our company.” Taiwan buyer William Wu, owner of Royal Best Group Corp, said: “I was impressed by the home trends highlighted in the collaboration between the Cultural and Creative Avenue and Pantone. I connected with exhibitors from the Czech Republic, Taiwan, Hong Kong and more, and plan to make purchases of houseware products totalling US$50,000 to US$100,000 this year. I’m particularly interested in the Czech incense stick holder and look forward to future collaboration opportunities.” Global new materials at Fashion InStyle drive cross-sector interestThis year saw the launch of NEXT@Fashion InStyle at Fashion InStyle a new highlighted zone organised by the HKTDC and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the HKSAR Government. Han Chong, founder and creative director of Self-Portrait, joined as the zone’s ambassador. NEXT@Fashion InStyle was dedicated to establishing a collaborative platform for sustainable and new materials for buyers and exhibitors, as well as designer brands, successfully connecting a buyer from Malaysia, Richard Tsen, founder of CollbStore, with Indonesian exhibitor PT Miko Bahtera Nusantara (MYCL). Mr Tsen said: “I am very interested in the company’s mushroom leather material and was amazed by its solidness and coating after the baking process. This inspired me to apply it to my designer label. I also referred them to the Malaysian Furniture Design Institute to let them explore the creation of mushroom leather furniture. I believe it has the potential to make a significant impact and resonate within the Malaysian and wider Asian market.”Mary Ma, owner-principal of Textile Library, a mainland exhibitor at Fashion InStyle, expressed keen interest in leveraging the exhibition to explore establishing a base in Hong Kong. She said: “Hong Kong is a vibrant crossroads where eastern and western cultures meet. It connects factories across Southeast Asia and attracts European and American buyers.” Chinamind Next Interculture Group, the parent company of renowned fashion industry publication WWD China, also recognised the strategic advantages of Hong Kong as a gateway connecting the mainland with the world, signing a memorandum of understanding with the HKTDC during the fair.Diverse creativity unlocks new licensing opportunitiesChengdu Chenghau Butterflies Huatian Culture Development Co Ltd, one of the exhibitors at the HKILS, signed a cooperation agreement with Sureka.Z Limited worth RMB2 million during the show. The former granted Sureka.Z Limited the performance rights for 10 shows of Panda the Musical in Hong Kong and Macao. At the ALC, meanwhile, leaders from the industry shared their insights on the trends and opportunities in the creative industry. Gabriel Kwong, Panda IP Creator, Ocean Park Hong Kong and Co-Founder of Air World Limited said: “Our edge is being able to see the world from a panda's perspective, and as a park that raises pandas we can immediately gather real-life materials and transform them into IP content. The interplay between reality and virtual elements makes our IP increasingly entertaining."The Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong also created business opportunities for the industry. Zahoor A Qurashi, CEO of Regal Pack, a buyer from the UK, shared: “The fair featured a wide range of sustainable products, including luxury options such as skincare and perfume packaging, as well as ribbons, alongside practical everyday solutions like food and beverage packaging. I placed an order worth US$80,000 with one supplier and am optimistic about future collaborations. Additionally, I made an initial order of US$40,000 with another supplier for heat-expandable cups, which has the potential to grow significantly, possibly reaching US$1 million.” Seamless online-offline integration drives business engagementThe seven events adopted the EXHIBITION+ online-offline integrated model, enabling buyers to continue discussions with exhibitors online during and after the fairs, extending business interactions beyond the physical event. Photo download: https://bit.ly/44bMnphThe seven HKTDC lifestyle and licensing events concluded successfully today, attracting some 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions for on-site procurement.The Joint Networking Reception for the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair and Home InStyle 2025 was held on Sunday, celebrating the 40th edition of the Gifts Fair. Joining the event were Legislative Council President Andrew Leung (front row, third from left), HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong (front row, third from right), HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong (front row, far left), HKTDC Home InStyle and Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair Organising Committee Chairman Jeffrey Lam (front row, second from left), The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association Chairman Eric Sun (front row, second from right), and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited Deputy Managing Director Diane Chen (front row, far right).The Hall of Fine Designs at the Gifts & Premium Fair featured renowned brands, including Hong Kong exhibitor China Pearl (HK) Company Limited which showcased Thomson Pottery’s exquisite porcelain tableware.Home InStyle collaborated with the European Product Design Award to present the “Best of Show Award”, recognising innovative houseware designs, with seven winning entries standing out this year.Funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission, Home InStyle introduced the Gerontech Living Pavilion in 2025, showcasing innovative products and solutions for the elderly from more than 10 local companies.At Fashion InStyle, some exhibitors expressed an interest in establishing a presence in Hong Kong, using the fair as a platform to explore opportunities. They included first-time exhibitor Textile Library from Hangzhou, which successfully attracted buyers from Europe, the United States and Southeast Asia.Fashion InStyle launched the new NEXT@Fashion InStyle highlighted zone this year, holding a fashion parade to showcase garments designed by five Hong Kong designers using advanced fashion materials.WWD China co-organised a seminar titled "Upstream Circularity: Designing and Constructing a Closed-Loop System for the Fashion Industry" with the HKTDC. It brought together experts, scholars, material suppliers and brand representatives to share innovative ideas and practical strategies with industry representatives.DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong showcased a wide range of premium packaging products for jewellery, fine wines, watches and cosmetics.Raistlin Lau (back row, seventh from left), Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, joined HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Patrick Lau (back row, sixth from left) and other guests to visit the “Hong Kong Licensing Force” showcase on the first day of the Hong Kong International Licensing Show.WebsitesHKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enHong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkgiftspremiumfair/enHome InStyle: https://www.hktdc.com/event/homeinstyle/enFashion InStyle: https://www.hktdc.com/event/fashioninstyle/enHong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkprintpackfair/enDeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong: https://www.hktdc.com/event/deluxeprintpackhk/enHong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/enMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Home InStyleFraser LiTel: (852) 2584 4369Email: fraser.li@hktdc.orgFashion InStyleSerena CheungTel: (852) 2584 4272Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.orgHK Gifts & Premium Fair, HK International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong KongWinnie KanTel: (852) 2584 4055Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.orgHK International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing ConferenceKaty WongTel: (852) 2584 4524Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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FWD Group extends partnership with JA Worldwide for its award-winning financial literacy programme ACN Newswire

FWD Group extends partnership with JA Worldwide for its award-winning financial literacy programme

HONG KONG, Apr 30, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – FWD Group Holdings Limited (“FWD Group” or “FWD”) today announced a three-year extension of its partnership with JA (Junior Achievement) Worldwide – a youth-focused charity and Nobel Peace Prize 2025 nominee – to reach 40,000 more students across Asia by the end of 2027 with its award-winning financial literacy programme.The JA SparktheDream programme gives students aged from nine years old to early teens financial education that’s integrated with social and life skills. It does this via a range of engaging learning experiences such as interactive games, digital activities, and classroom sessions supported by FWD volunteers in eight markets across Asia. In the next phase from 2025-2027, the goal is to educate another 40,000 students, engage more parents and teachers, and introduce new programmes to foster mental health resilience skills.Cathy Knezevic, Group Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, FWD Group said, “Children are the most important asset any community has – they’re our inspiration, future leaders and innovators. We know that financial literacy helps people to make better decisions for their future, empowering them to celebrate living. It’s also an important enabler for long-term economic and social development in the community. That’s why we’re delighted to continue our partnership with JA. We want to help more children to gain these skills early in life, to support their well-being later in life.”From 2022-2024, the FWD Group partnership with JA Asia Pacific – the regional operating centre of JA Worldwide – reached more than 37,000 students, exceeding the initial target by 49 per cent. Among participants, 88 per cent gained an understanding of money's role in daily life, while 80 per cent developed a greater awareness of community needs. Over 1,650 students also participated in the JA SparktheDream Social Challenge where they put their new skills and creativity into practice to solve real-world challenges in their communities.Asheesh Advani, Chief Executive Officer, JA Worldwide said, “Our partnership with FWD has provided tens of thousands of students with access to practical and impactful financial education. As we embark on this next phase, we look forward to deepening our impact and enabling even more young people to become financially capable and socially conscious individuals.” FWD Group co-created the JA SparktheDream programme with JA, successfully piloted it in Hong Kong SAR and Singapore in 2022 and expanded it to eight markets – Hong Kong SAR; Indonesia; Japan; Malaysia; the Philippines; Singapore; Thailand; and Vietnam – in its first three years from 2022-2024. The programme included almost 900 classes, supported by over 800 FWD employee volunteers.JA SparktheDream was recognised with a Silver Award in the 2023 Investor and Financial Education Awards from the Investor and Financial Education Council in Hong Kong SAR; a Bronze Stevie® Award at the Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards 2024 for Innovative Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility in the Philippines; and a Special Mention in the 2024 Bisnis Indonesia Corporate Social Responsibility Awards in Indonesia.About FWD GroupFWD Group is a pan-Asian life and health insurance business that serves approximately 30 million customers across 10 markets, including BRI Life in Indonesia. FWD’s customer-led and digitally enabled approach aims to deliver innovative propositions, easy-to-understand products and a simpler insurance experience. Established in 2013, the company operates in some of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world with a vision of changing the way people feel about insurance. For more information, please visit www.fwd.comAbout JA Asia PacificJA Asia Pacific, a regional operating centre of JA Worldwide, empowers young people with the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities—and to actively shape it. As the voice of a region that holds 60% of the world’s youth, JA Asia Pacific delivers real-world learning in work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship—preparing young people not just for the jobs of tomorrow, but to create them. With a network spanning 17 countries and territories, we connect students to the global economy through hands-on experiences that spark innovation, grow resilience, and build purpose-driven leadership. Backed by over a century of global impact, JA is building the future of work, one young person at a time.To learn more, visit jaasiapacific.org or follow on social media @JAAsiaPacificAbout JA WorldwideAs one of the world's largest and most-impactful youth-serving NGOs, JA Worldwide provides hands on, immersive learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial health. By partnering with 700,000+ business volunteers and teachers in 118 countries, JA Worldwide delivers more than 19 million student experiences each year—leveraging our scale, expertise, and passion to build a boundless future for the next generation. Visit jaworldwide.orgSource: FWD Group Holdings Limited Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Sensiba Acquires AssuranceLab to Fuel Innovation in Global Cybersecurity and Risk Assurance ACN Newswire

Sensiba Acquires AssuranceLab to Fuel Innovation in Global Cybersecurity and Risk Assurance

SAN RAMON, CA AND SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, May 1, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sensiba LLP, a Top-75 U.S. accounting and consulting firm, is pleased to announce the acquisition of AssuranceLab Pty. Ltd., a high-growth cybersecurity audit and risk assurance firm headquartered in Australia, with operations across the Americas, APAC, and EMEA.This milestone expands Sensiba's international reach and deepens its security, privacy, and compliance framework capabilities. Together, the combined firm now supports over 2,300 startup and technology-driven enterprise clients worldwide-providing streamlined, high-quality audits across more than 15 compliance standards, including SOC 2, ISO/IEC 27001, HIPAA, CSA STAR, and HITRUST."We're honored to welcome AssuranceLab to Sensiba. Their reputation in the market is well-earned, driven by innovation, credibility, and a commitment to raising the bar for cybersecurity audits. What makes this such a strong fit is the alignment across our values and client service philosophies, as well as our vision for the future," said John Sensiba, managing partner at Sensiba."Both of our firms have built deep relationships with startups and technology companies, businesses that increasingly recognize how cyber threats, ESG risk, and privacy concerns impact investor confidence, market relevance, and talent retention in a global landscape. AssuranceLab's technology-forward approach and entrepreneurial spirit will be central to how we continue supporting clients with the insight, scale, and expertise they need for rapid growth."Both firms are Certified B Corporations, with a shared commitment to responsible business practices, transparency, and fostering healthy communities. This acquisition brings a broader range of services, including cybersecurity consulting and penetration testing, while maintaining a client-centric, tech-enabled audit experience that both teams are known for."We're excited to take this next step in AssuranceLab's journey," said Paul Wenham, cofounder and co-CEO of AssuranceLab and now a Sensiba partner. "Sensiba shares our client-first and technology-led approach to client service, and their people radiate the kind of values we deeply respect. Joining Sensiba gives us a platform to bring our innovative programs, audit models, and tech to a broader audience, and to have more impact as our clients navigate increasingly complex assurance and compliance challenges.""What excites us most about coming together with Sensiba is the opportunity to build on our tech-forward foundation while tapping into new expertise, geographies, and ideas," said Nicholas Lew Ton, cofounder and co-CEO of AssuranceLab and now a Sensiba partner. "The compliance and risk landscape is changing rapidly, and clients value innovation as we lead the next wave of modern, meaningful audits."Clients will continue working with their existing teams, and there will be no reintroductions or disruptions to service. What's new is the expanded scale, broader framework coverage, and global footprint across The Americas, APAC, and EMEA to better support their cross-border compliance needs and demonstrate their commitment to data security and privacy.About AssuranceLabAssuranceLab is a modern cybersecurity audit and advisory firm, serving hundreds of fast-growing digital businesses worldwide. Headquartered in Australia, the firm offers streamlined, tech-enabled compliance services across global frameworks. AssuranceLab is a Certified B Corp, recognized for its people-first culture and commitment to excellence. Learn more at AssuranceLab.cpa.About SensibaSensiba's global accounting, tax, risk assurance, and consulting services help businesses and people solve problems, establish trust, and build a foundation for sustainable growth. Independent and partner-owned, we're a top-75 U.S. firm with a global footprint, maintaining operations across The Americas, Europe, Australia, and beyond. We're passionate about collaborating with clients to increase efficiency, mitigate risk, and embrace emerging opportunities. As a certified B Corp, we foster a culture where people, families, and communities thrive. As a member of Morison Global, we support our clients' international accounting and tax needs. For more information, visit Sensiba.com.Contact:Marc Stevens, Brand & Communications Manager925-271-8700 x7166mstevens@sensiba.comSOURCE: Sensiba LLP Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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富衛集團與JA Worldwide延長合作 繼續推廣其屢獲殊榮的理財素養課程 ACN Newswire

富衛集團與JA Worldwide延長合作 繼續推廣其屢獲殊榮的理財素養課程

香港, 2025年4月30日 - (亞太商訊 via SeaPRwire.com) - 富衛集團有限公司(「富衛集團」或「富衛」)今天宣布與 JA (Junior Achievement) Worldwide延長合作夥伴關係三年。JA Worldwide是一家專注於青少年發展的慈善機構,也是 2025 年諾貝爾和平獎的提名機構。富衛與 JA Worldwide 共同開發且屢獲殊的榮理財素養課程,預期到 2027 年底將惠及亞洲40,000 名學生。「JA小財智.大夢想」課程向9歲至青少年階段的學生提供財務教育,同時融入社會和生活技能。課程通過一系列引人入勝的體驗式學習活動進行,包括互動遊戲、數碼活動及由富衛義工輔助的課堂教學,課程目前已覆蓋亞洲8個市場。2025 年至 2027 年的下一階段目標包括是教育40,000多名學生,吸引更多家長和教師參與,並引入新元素以培養心理健康韌性的技能。富衛集團企業事務部總監 Cathy Knezevic 表示:「兒童是社區最重要的資源,他們是我們的靈感來源,也是未來的領袖與創新者。我們深知,財務知識有助他們在未來作出更好的決策,並令他們盡興人生。同時,這也是推動社區長期經濟及社會發展的重要基石。正因如此,我們非常高興能夠延續與 JA 的合作,共同支持更多兒童在生命早期掌握這些技能,以保障他們日後的福祉。」2022年至2024年間,富衛集團與青年成就亞太區部(JA Worldwide 的區域運營中心)合作,已惠及超過37,000名學生,超出原定目標49%。參與者中,有88%理解了金錢在日常生活中的角色,80%對社區需求有了更深入的認識。此外,超過1,650名學生參加了「JA小財智.大夢想社會挑戰」活動,將所學的技能和創意付諸實行,解決社區中的現實問題。JA Worldwide 行政總裁Asheesh Advani 表示:「與富衛的合作使數以萬計的學生能夠接觸到實用且有深遠影響的財務教育。隨著進入下一階段,我們期待擴大影響力,幫助更多年輕人增強財務能力和加深社會意識。」富衛集團與 JA 共同開發了「JA小財智.大夢想」課程,並於2022年在香港特別行政區及新加坡成功試行,至今擴展至八個市場,包括香港特別行政區、印尼、日本、馬來西亞、菲律賓、新加坡、泰國及越南。該課程共推行了近900堂課堂,並得到超過800名富衛員工義工的熱心支持。「JA小財智.大夢想」課程屢獲殊榮,包括在香港特別行政區2023年「投資者及理財教育獎」獲得銀獎;在菲律賓的2024年「亞太史蒂夫獎」中榮獲企業社會責任創新成就銅獎;以及在印尼2024年「Bisnis Indonesia 社會責任獎」中獲得特別表彰。關於富衛集團富衛集團為泛亞洲人壽及健康保險公司,服務約三千萬名客戶,業務遍及亞洲十個市場,包括印尼人民銀行人壽保險(BRI Life) 。富衛秉持以客為先的方針,利用數碼科技,致力為客戶帶來創新定位、簡單易明的產品和簡單的保險體驗。自2013年成立以來,富衛於部分全球發展最迅速的保險市場營運業務,專注為大眾創造保險新體驗。如欲了解更多資訊,請瀏覽www.fwd.com關於青年成就亞太區部(JA Asia Pacific)青年成就亞太區部是 JA Worldwide 的區域運營中心,致力為年輕人培養技能和思維,幫助他們建立繁榮的社區並積極參與其中。亞太地區的青年數量佔全球60%,青年成就亞太區部在職場準備、財務知識及創業精神等方面提供實踐與體驗式學習,幫助年輕人不僅為未來的工作做好準備,亦為他們創造新的就業機會。青年成就亞太區部網路遍及 17個地區(市場),透過實踐體驗,將學生與全球經濟聯繫起來,激發創新、增強韌性,並建立以目的為導向的領導能力。憑藉百年全球影響力,JA 正在構建工作未來,由每位年輕人開始。如欲了解更多資訊,請瀏覽www.jaasiapacific.org或在社交媒體上關注@JAAsiaPacific關於 JA Worldwide作為全球最大且最具影響力的年輕人服務非政府組織之一,JA Worldwide 提供創業、職業準備及財務健康方面的實踐與沉浸式學習。透過與 118 個國家超過 700,000 名商業義工及教師合作,JA Worldwide每年為超過 1,900 萬名學生提供學習體驗。憑藉其規模、專業知識與熱忱,致力於為下一代打造一個具無限可能的未來。請瀏覽 www.jaworldwide.org此譯本僅供參考,中英文版本倘出現任何歧異,概以英文版本為準。Source: FWD Group Holdings Limited Copyright 2025 亞太商訊 via SeaPRwire.com.
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DataBurning and Vumonic Announce Strategic Partnership for India E-Receipt Data ACN Newswire

DataBurning and Vumonic Announce Strategic Partnership for India E-Receipt Data

BEIJING CHINA, Apr 29, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – DataBurning, a leading alternative data and digital solutions provider for financial institutions and corporates, recently announced a strategic partnership with Vumonic Datalabs, a pioneer in e-receipt technology. Under the agreement, DataBurning will serve as the official go-to-market partner for Vumonic's industry-leading India e-receipt panel.The partnership combines Vumonic's proprietary e-receipt technology and extensive India panel with DataBurning's established distribution network and client relationships. Financial institutions and corporations will now have exclusive access to granular spending data covering over 270 companies across India's rapidly growing digital economy.This landmark partnership brings Vumonic's high-frequency, low-latency e-receipt data to investment professionals for the first time. The dataset, delivered with industry-leading accuracy through Vumonic's proprietary processing technology, is designed to meet the exacting standards of hedge funds, quantitative investors, private equity firms, venture capital groups, and major investment banks seeking visibility into India's dynamic market."This partnership represents a significant advancement in alternative data on the Indian market," said Gabriel Appleton, Co-founder of Vumonic Datalabs. "By combining our comprehensive e-receipt technology and data with DataBurning's market reach, we're providing unprecedented visibility into spending patterns across India's digital economy."This marks the first time Vumonic's powerful e-receipt data is being made available to financial firms, following years of development and validation. The company's extensive panel and proprietary parsing technology have until now been reserved for select enterprise clients and internal research.Vumonic's e-receipt panel offers transaction-level insights for major platforms including Zomato, Swiggy, Flipkart, MakeMyTrip, and hundreds more Indian companies. The data provides valuable signals for investors and brands looking to understand market share, growth trends, and spending behavior."We've been searching for a partner that could deliver reliable, granular e-receipt data on India's digital economy," said Joyce Xiang, Co-President of DataBurning's Finance Business Group. "Vumonic's e-receipt panel offers the scale, accuracy, and coverage institutional investors demand for making data-driven investment and strategic decisions."The partnership delivers several key benefits tailored specifically for institutional investors:· - Institutional-Grade Signal Quality: Transaction data with demonstrated correlation to company performance metrics, ideal for investment modeling- Ultra-Low Latency: Data delivered with minimal lag, critical for time-sensitive investment strategies- Comprehensive Coverage: Transaction-level data for over 270 companies, covering both public equities and private market opportunities- Multi-Frequency Options: Data available in daily, weekly, or monthly cadences to match various investment horizons- Ethical Data Collection: All data collected with explicit user consent and properly anonymized"Vumonic's technology can consistently process millions of complex e-receipts daily with 99.9% accuracy, providing the reliability that institutional investors require," added Appleton. "Our panel's scale and depth offer unprecedented visibility into transaction patterns across India's most dynamic sectors."As part of the collaboration, the companies will jointly host regular webinars showcasing market insights and trends derived from the data. Investors interested in the webinar could register on Databurning website.Founded in 2018, Vumonic has established itself as a leader in e-receipt technology, processing billions of transactions annually while maintaining the highest standards of data privacy and security. The company's proprietary parsing and enrichment technology transforms raw receipt data into structured intelligence.DataBurning, founded in early 2019 and backed by SoftBank Asia, and IDG Capital, has quickly becomes Asia's premier provider of alternative data and digital solutions for financial institutions and corporations. By harnessing AI and other innovative technologies, DataBurning's highly skilled data-science and analyst team turn data into actionable insights, and commentary and fundamental analysis to enhance client’s decision-making.Financial institutions and corporations interested in accessing Vumonic's India e-receipt data should contact DataBurning for more information.Website: https://www.databurning.com/en/Email: market@databurning.com Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Emphasizes: ‘No Hajj Without a Permit’ ACN Newswire

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Emphasizes: ‘No Hajj Without a Permit’

RIYADH, Apr 30, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is the official government entity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia responsible for regulating and overseeing the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Its mandate includes organizing pilgrimage operations, ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims, and enforcing relevant policies. This announcement clarifies the Ministry's position on the mandatory requirement of Hajj permits for domestic pilgrims and Hajj visas for international visitors in order to ensure an orderly and secure pilgrimage experience.The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has affirmed that the performance of Hajj rituals will only be permissible through adherence to the necessary regulations and laws, specifically by obtaining a Hajj permit for domestic pilgrims and a Hajj visa for pilgrims from abroad.The Ministry indicated that this requirement aims to foster a culture of compliance with regulations, which will, in turn, facilitate the Hajj rituals with ease and tranquility. This is being achieved in collaboration with the embassies of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, media offices, and Hajj and Umrah offices in various countries worldwide to ensure comprehensive and effective outreach.Through its continuous efforts, the Ministry seeks to guarantee the smooth, safe, and easy performance of the Hajj pilgrimage by organizing pilgrim numbers, efficiently implementing field plans, and improving the quality of services provided to pilgrims. This contributes to enhancing the Hajj experience and achieving pilgrim satisfaction through strict adherence to the necessary permits.For more information, visit the Ministry's official website: https://www.haj.gov.sa.Contact InformationMinistry of Hajj and UmrahMinistrycare@haj.gov.sa+966920002814SOURCE: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Melbourne’s Deputy Lord Mayor shares city’s path forward at PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) launch ACN Newswire

Melbourne’s Deputy Lord Mayor shares city’s path forward at PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) launch

ROSHENA CAMPBELL’S VISION ALIGNS WITH THE VALUE OF EXCELLENCE CELEBRATED BY PROPERTYGURU’S AWARDS SERIESMELBOURNE, Apr 29, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The 8th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) has officially launched, opening entries for 2025 across expanded categories that showcase the finest of Australia’s thriving real estate markets, from Melbourne and Sydney to Brisbane and beyond.This year’s Awards will shine a spotlight on innovative developments in both established hubs and Australia’s fastest-growing "cities of tomorrow."From Left to right: Karen Kong, Head of Property Lending, Bendigo Bank; Nathanael Kitingan, AMBC Victoria President & Managing Principal, Macpherson Kelley; Ivan Lam, Executive Director, International Business, Charter Keck Cramer; Kathy Johnson, Managing Director, Yarraport Group; Josh Chye, Partner & Head of Tax Consulting, HLB Mann Judd; Deputy Lord Mayor Roshena Campbell, City of Melbourne; Jules Kay, General Manager, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards & Events; and Bill Papastergiadis OAM, Melbourne Managing Partner, Moray & AgnewThe official launch announcement of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) was held on 9 April at the Melbourne Marriott Hotel during the “Asia Connect: Melbourne” event, with the Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Roshena Campbell, representing the City of Melbourne. The event was jointly organised by PropertyGuru Group and the Australia Malaysia Business Council (AMBC) in Victoria, with support from HLB Mann Judd and the Malaysian Developers Council of Australia (MDCA).Deputy Lord Mayor Roshena Campbell, City of MelbourneThe Deputy Lord Mayor’s attendance underscored the role of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards in driving innovation, urban revitalisation, and cross-border investment in Australia’s real estate sector.During her special address at the Asia Connect: Melbourne event, Deputy Lord Mayor Campbell shared the vision for the city’s path forward and strategic focus on long-term development and opportunities for its multicultural communities. She also highlighted the city’s important trade relationship with Asia, as well as the impact of international events such as the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards that promote Melbourne as a great place to invest, study or live, calling it the “destination of choice.”Exceptional liveabilityDeputy Lord Mayor Campbell said: “Melbourne’s exceptional liveability is a drawcard for both domestic and international investors—with world-class sporting, cultural, and dining experiences, lush parks and gardens, and leading education opportunities, it’s no surprise we’re Australia’s fastest-growing city.”She added: "The City of Melbourne is backing quality development like never before—and we welcome bold, visionary minds to help shape the future of our city. Melbourne is built on smart design that reflects our unique identity. But great design is more than good looks. Every building can lift our quality of life, attract investment, and deliver better housing. Our Design Excellence Program and Design Review Panel help make that happen."The City of Melbourne proudly hosted the last two editions of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) ceremonies. In 2024, several leading real estate developers in the Australian market earned prestigious accolades, including OSK Property; BHC Property; FY Property, Kooringa Group, MA Financial, CPDM; Golden Sedayu; and Jean Yip Developments.Asia Connect: Melbourne Panel DiscussionAsia Connect: Brisbane Panel DiscussionOther guests at Asia Connect: Melbourne included Bill Papastergiadis, OAM, Melbourne managing partner, Moray & Agnew; Karen Kong, head of property lending, Bendigo Bank; and Kathy Johnson, managing director, Yarraport Group.From Left to right: Kiong Chan, CEO and Principal Trainer, Australian Leadership Skills Centre; Ivan Lam, Executive Director, International Business, Charter Keck Cramer; James Henderson, Managing Partner, Business Advisory, Tax Consulting, Brisbane, HLB Mann Judd; Shona Leppanen-Gibson, President, Australia Malaysia Business Council Qld; Josh Chye, Partner & Head of Tax Consulting , HLB Mann Judd; Jules Kay, General Manager, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards & Events; Peter Li, General Manager, Plus Agency; and Karl Fu, Partner - Asian Markets, Winning CommercialLandmark expansionIn a landmark expansion, this year’s Awards programme was also launched at the Asia Connect: Brisbane event co-organised with HLB Mann Judd, the official supervisor. Held on 11 April at HLB’s headquarters in the Brisbane CBD, the presentation featured a panel discussion on the strengthening Brisbane property market. The speakers included Ivan Lam, chairperson of the judges, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia), and executive director for international business, Charter Keck Cramer; Josh Chye, partner and head of tax at HLB Mann Judd; James Henderson, managing partner for business advisory and tax consulting in Brisbane at HLB Mann Judd; Kiong Chan, CEO and principal trainer, Australian Leadership Skills Centre; and Shona Leppanen-Gibson, president of Australia Malaysia Business Council – Queensland.Asia Connect: Brisbane speakers highlighted the infrastructure improvements and development happening in Queensland’s capital city as it prepares to host the 2032 Olympic Games. Other notable guests at the event were Tina Field, honorary consul of the Royal Thai Consulate, and Sheryll Gabutero, honorary consul of the Philippines Consulate Brisbane.The annual black-tie gala dinner and presentation ceremony for the 2025 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) in September will take place in Sydney at the Shangri-La Sydney. Expecting participation from Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth, the Awards demonstrate a wider interest from developers across Australia’s key real estate markets.Key dates for this year’s edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) are:18 July 2025 – Entries Close11-20 August 2025 – Site Inspections22 August 2025 – Final Judging19 September 2025 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Sydney, Australia12 December 2025 – Regional Grand Final Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation in Bangkok, ThailandAccording to Property Report by PropertyGuru, the official magazine of the Awards, the underlying demand for Australian residential real estate remains robust, despite supply constraints in new residential listings. With stabilising interest rates, improving supply chains, and increasing suburban demand, experts remain cautiously optimistic about the long-term prospects of the market.Jules Kay, General Manager, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards & EventsJules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “With Australian real estate commanding global interest, we are thrilled to unveil our 2025 awards to showcase world-class projects to discerning property seekers throughout Asia Pacific. Alongside Melbourne and Sydney, Brisbane is a worthy addition to our event schedule this year, as Australia's property market continues to diversify with impressive growth beyond traditional urban hubs. We look forward to celebrating the ingenuity and innovation of developers from all key property destinations at our domestic and international galas later this year.”International stageThe 8th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) are part of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, organised by PropertyGuru Group, Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company. First established in 2005 in Thailand, the series marks its 20th anniversary in 2025. Over the years, the Awards expanded to include Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, the Middle East, and Australia.Winners of the Australia awards may qualify to compete at the 20th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final to be held in Bangkok, Thailand in December 2025. At the Grand Final, the best of the best from more than a dozen dynamic property markets in the Asia-Pacific region will compete on the international stage.Josh Chye, Partner & Head of Tax Consulting, HLB Mann Judd, and Official Supervisor of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia)An esteemed panel of independent judges, comprising experts across various real estate sectors, will inspect and evaluate the entries. The judging process will be supervised by HLB International Real Estate Group, the "2024 Network of the Year," under Josh Chye of HLB Mann Judd.Ivan Lam, Executive Director, International Business, Charter Keck Cramer, and Chairperson of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) Ivan Lam, chairperson of the judges, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia), said: “We proudly launch our awards’ eighth edition amid Australia’s suburban growth, driven by demand for residences beyond city centres—especially from buyers undeterred by market shifts. With new categories this year, we honour developers who have agilely adapted to market shifts, delivering designs and masterplans that meet the needs of diverse property seekers in Australia. With economic stability improving and pressures easing, we are optimistic about long-term investment in Australia’s property market. As more projects rise, we look forward to celebrating innovation and excellence that will define the future of Australian real estate, setting benchmarks for 2025 and beyond.”The 8th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) are supported by official portal partner PropertyGuru; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; supporting associations Australia Malaysia Business Council (AMBC) and Malaysian Developers Council of Australia (MDCA); and official supervisor HLB.For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com.ABOUT PROPERTYGURU ASIA PROPERTY AWARDS:PropertyGuru’s Asia Property Awards, established in 2005, are the region’s most exclusive and prestigious real estate awards programme. The Asia Property Awards are recognised as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the Asian property sector. Boasting an independent panel of industry experts and trusted supervisors, the Awards have an unparalleled reputation for being credible, ethical, fair, and transparent. In 2025, the Awards series is open to key property markets around the region. The exciting gala events welcome senior industry leaders and top media, as well as reach property agents and consumers via live streaming. Recognising excellence within each Asian market with a variety of categories, including green and sustainable development, each local awards programme will culminate in the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which takes place after the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit during PropertyGuru Week in December 2025. For more information, please visit AsiaPropertyAwards.com.ABOUT PROPERTYGURU GROUP:PropertyGuru is Southeast Asia’s leading1 PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 31 million property seekers2 to connect with over 50,000 agents monthly3 to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 2.1 million real estate listings4, in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.PropertyGuru.com.sg was launched in Singapore in 2007 and since then, PropertyGuru Group has made the property journey a transparent one for property seekers in Southeast Asia. In the last 17 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio including leading property marketplaces and award-winning mobile apps across its core markets. For more information, please visit: PropertyGuruGroup.com; PropertyGuru Group on LinkedIn.(1) Based on SimilarWeb data between January 2024 and June 2024.(2) Based on Google Analytics data between January 2024 and June 2024.(3) Based on data between April 2024 and June 2024(4) Based on data between January 2024 and June 2024.PROPERTYGURU CONTACTS:General Enquiries:Richard Allan Aquino, Head of Brand & Marketing ServicesM: +66 92 954 4154E: allan@propertyguru.com Media & Partnerships:Nate Dacua, Senior Manager, Media and Marketing ServicesM: +66 92 701 2510E: nate@propertyguru.comSales & Nominations:Watcharaphon Chaisuk (Jeff), Solutions ManagerM: +66 95 797 0595E: jeff@propertyguru.comSales & Nominations:Monika Singh, Solutions ManagerM: +66 87 677 4812E: monika@propertyguru.com Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Katalon Officially Launches TrueTest(TM) – The First AI-Native Testing System That Thinks Like a Tester and Learns from Users ACN Newswire

Katalon Officially Launches TrueTest(TM) – The First AI-Native Testing System That Thinks Like a Tester and Learns from Users

ATLANTA, GA, Apr 29, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - As software teams increasingly rely on AI-generated code to build applications faster, traditional testing methods are becoming a critical bottleneck. Today, Katalon Inc., the category leader in AI-augmented software testing, announces the general availability of TrueTest™, the world’s first AI-native automated testing system that continuously learns from real users in production to create and maintain test coverage that actually matters.TrueTest eliminates guesswork and redefines the testing process. Traditional testing often relies on assumed user flows based on requirements documents or input from stakeholders. But real users rarely behave as expected. Guesswork leads to blind spots in test coverage, which TrueTest resolves by using actual production behavior as its source of truth.Instead of relying on pre-scripted, guess-based models, TrueTest observes real customer behavior, identifies business-critical user journeys, and auto-generates test cases that reflect how the application is truly used. As applications evolve, TrueTest keeps pace by automatically updating tests without the need for manual maintenance or brittle scripts.TrueTest was built from the ground up for the AI-native era. It does not treat AI as a bolt-on feature. It is an entirely new approach to quality, driven by usage, powered by intelligence, and built for change. Its key capabilities include:Live Usage Intelligence: Observes real user interactions in production and turns them into ready-to-run automated tests.Accelerates the Shift to Automation: Enables teams to quickly transition from legacy test scripts to intelligent automation with auto-generated tests.Self-Maintaining Test Suites: Frees QA teams from repetitive test upkeep by continuously adapting to application changes in real time. Automatically adapts to application changes, removing the manual effort for test upkeep.Prioritized Test Coverage: Highlights the most critical workflows based on actual user behavior, helping teams focus on what matters.Shared Visibility Across Teams: Gives QA, development, product, and even marketing teams a shared view of user journeys and digital experience quality.“Model-based test automation was built on guesswork. TrueTest ends that era. By learning directly from real users in production, it delivers AI-generated, always-relevant automated test coverage, without the need for scripts or guesswork. This isn’t a bolt-on AI feature; it is a ground-up reinvention of testing for the AI-native world. For the first time, QA has something every team wants: real visibility into how customers actually use their applications. Now, developers, product managers, and marketers are the ones asking to see what QA sees. TrueTest isn’t just our vision. It is shaped by our customers, who asked for a better and smarter path to quality.”– Vu Lam, CEO of KatalonMarket Validation: 2025 State of Software Quality ReportAccording to Katalon’s 2025 State of Software Quality Report, released earlier this month, 61% of QA teams are adopting AI tools to reduce repetitive tasks, and nearly half of QA pros surveyed report needing to update up to 30% of their test scripts on a regular basis.These trends reflect a clear need for more intelligent automation. Teams want to spend less time on maintenance and more time delivering quality. TrueTest was created in direct response to this demand. It provides testing that adapts to real usage, maintains itself, and focuses on the experiences that matter most to users.Trusted by Global Technology LeadersStrategic partners across the QA and DevOps landscape are already embracing TrueTest™:“TrueTest aligns perfectly with our mission to help clients release faster without compromising on quality. In modern CI/CD pipelines, test maintenance is often the hidden cost that slows everything down. By generating and updating tests based on real user behavior, TrueTest helps us eliminate that bottleneck entirely. Our teams now focus on enabling smarter quality engineering, while TrueTest ensures continuous coverage of what matters most.”— Amalesh Mishra, Chief Growth Officer, QualityKiosk Technologies“For us, innovation in software quality must be practical, scalable, and aligned with user outcomes. TrueTest checks all those boxes. It allows our teams to reduce test debt, accelerate feedback loops, and deliver continuous value across client applications. By turning real user behavior into self-maintaining tests, TrueTest gives our QA engineers superpowers and frees them to focus on optimizing digital experiences, not just catching bugs.”– Du Nguyen, Managing Director, KMS TechnologyLearn More About TrueTest™- Product Overview- Video: Vu Lam, Katalon CEO, discusses TrueTest in-depth (14 minutes)- On-Demand Webinar: Cut test automation time by 80% with TrueTest™About KatalonKatalon is the category leader in AI-augmented software testing, empowering hybrid testers—those blending manual, automation, and AI skills, to deliver exceptional digital experiences. Trusted by more than 30,000 QA and DevOps teams across 80+ countries, Katalon has been named a G2 Leader in software testing for 11 consecutive quarters. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Atlanta, Katalon helps teams accelerate software delivery and elevate quality through a powerful, integrated test automation platform, empowering them to release with speed and confidence.Media Contact:Arati Mukerjicommarati@gmail.com +91-9958895759(Ms) Nhung (Rosie) Nguyennhung.nguyen@katalon.com +84-039689137 Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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燃數科技與Vumonic達成戰略合作 共同挖掘E-receipt數據投資價值 ACN Newswire

燃數科技與Vumonic達成戰略合作 共同挖掘E-receipt數據投資價值

北京, 2025年4月29日 - (亞太商訊 via SeaPRwire.com) - 近日,另類數據與數字解決方案領先服務商燃數科技(DataBurning)宣佈與電郵收據技術先驅Vumonic Datalabs建立戰略合作,燃數科技將獨家引入Vumonic印度電郵收據數據,賦能金融投資決策。本次合作整合雙方優勢:將Vumonic的核心技術和廣泛數據覆蓋與燃數科技的成熟管道網路和客戶服務體系相結合。雙方將攜手為金融機構及企業客戶提供深入細緻的消費市場洞察,覆蓋印度超過270家重點消費企業,助力客戶把握印度數字經濟發展機遇。這一戰略合作具有里程碑意義,標誌著Vumonic首次將高頻、低延遲的電郵收據數據引入專業投資領域,也是經多年研發與嚴格驗證後首次向金融機構開放。此前,其核心解析技術和廣泛數據覆蓋僅供特定企業客戶及內部研究使用。依託Vumonic的技術優勢,數據品質穩定可靠,深度覆蓋Zomato、Swiggy、Flipkart、MakeMyTrip等數百家印度數字經濟的代表性企業,能夠滿足對沖基金、量化機構、私募股權、風投及投行等機構對印度市場的研究需求,同時通過交易級數據幫助投資者深入瞭解市場份額、增長趨勢和消費者行為,為精准決策提供可靠依據。Vumonic聯合創始人Gabriel Appleton表示:"本次合作是印度另類數據領域的重大突破。將我們的數據和技術優勢,與燃數科技強大的市場觸達能力相結合,我們將為客戶提供更具價值的洞察,助力其深入解析印度數字經濟的消費模式與發展趨勢。"燃數科技金融事業部聯席總裁Joyce Xiang表示:“我們一直在尋找堅實可靠、高顆粒度的印度電郵收據數據,Vumonic無論在數據規模、精准度還是覆蓋面上,均符合機構投資者的高標準,我們相信這將為數據驅動的投資決策和戰略規劃提供堅實支持。”此次戰略合作將為機構投資者構建定制化的數據服務,滿足其在投資決策中的核心數據需求:- 品質標準:嚴格對標投資機構;交易數據與上市公司核心指標顯著相關,為投資模型提供可靠支撐。- 時效保障:最大程度壓縮數據傳輸延遲,滿足時間敏感型投資需求。- 覆蓋廣泛:覆蓋超270家企業交易數據,捕捉公開市場與私募市場投資機會。- 頻率靈活:提供日頻、周頻及月頻數據,滿足不同投資週期需求。- 合規採集:嚴格遵循用戶授權採集並進行匿名化處理,確保數據安全與合規。Appleton補充道:“Vumonic的核心技術每天能夠穩定處理數百萬條複雜的電郵收據,準確率高達99.9%,符合機構投資者對數據可靠性的標準。我們的數據在廣度和深度方面均表現出色,將為投資者提供前所未有的印度新經濟洞察。”作為合作的一部分,雙方公司將定期聯合舉辦網路研討會,展示從數據中得出的市場洞察和趨勢。有興趣參加網路研討會的投資者可以在 Databurning 網站上註冊。Vumonic成立於2018年,憑藉前沿的電郵收據數據處理技術,迅速成為行業標杆,年交易處理量達數十億,始終遵守最高的數據隱私和安全標準。通過自主研發的解析和數據增強技術,將海量原始收據數據有效轉化為結構化情報。燃數科技成立於2019年初,獲得軟銀亞洲和IDG資本等頂尖機構的戰略投資,現已發展成為亞太地區領先的另類數據和數字解決方案提供商。通過利用人工智慧等創新技術,燃數科技的數據技術和行業研究專家團隊致力於賦能客戶的決策效率,為金融機構和企業客戶創造顯著價值。對Vumonic印度電郵收據數據感興趣的金融機構及企業,敬請聯繫燃數科技以獲取更多資訊。官方網站: https://www.databurning.com/en/電子郵件: market@databurning.com Copyright 2025 亞太商訊 via SeaPRwire.com.
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The Apipatana Foundation Donates S$50,000 to Support Lower-Income Students in Singapore ACN Newswire

The Apipatana Foundation Donates S$50,000 to Support Lower-Income Students in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Apr 29, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Apipatana Foundation has donated S$50,000 through the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS)’s donor-advised fund to support children from lower-income families in Singapore.This donation qualifies for a 1-to-1 match under the SG Gives Matching Grant through the Collective for a Stronger Society (CSS) - a CFS-led initiative that consolidates resources to drive impactful social programmes.These funds will fully support a year of operational costs for CATCH THEM YOUNG’s new KidsExcel+ programme, an afterschool initiative dedicated to primary school students from households earning a per capita monthly income of S$750 or less. By ensuring sustained access to quality educational and extracurricular support, this investment directly empowers children with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed for long-term success.“I am honoured to support the KidsExcel+ programme with this inaugural donation,” said Thanit Apipatana, Founder, The Apipatana Foundation. “Many children face hurdles that go beyond the classroom, making it harder to stay on track academically. I look forward to seeing this programme support students in their studies and beyond.”"Real change doesn’t happen on its own – it happens when people come together," said Paul Tan, CEO, Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS). "We’re proud to support The Apipatana Foundation and Catch Them Young in their shared mission to uplift children’s lives. For 17 years, CFS has been a trusted partner, empowering givers like Thanit to fulfil their philanthropic purpose for good. We remain committed to advocating for a generous society and helping to build a more caring and inclusive Singapore for generations to come."The donations will benefit 650 participating lower-income students under the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF) ComLink+ and the Ministry of Education’s Financial Assistance Scheme this year.KidsExcel+ is an expanded version of the original KidsExcel programme, and following a successful pilot in 2024, it will fully replace the latter this year. The new programme has integrated a more holistic range of offerings to improve academic and socio-emotional development outcomes for its student intake.The KidsExcel+ programme will run for 50 weeks every year, with weekly three-hour sessions that provide academic tutoring in English, Mathematics, and Science. Beyond the core curriculum, the programme incorporates team sports to help students develop confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills, with biannual sports camps offering additional opportunities to strengthen leadership and collaboration. Students will also have access to e-resource libraries, adaptive assessments, and Android tablets with mobile connectivity – tools that allow them to learn on their own.“The generosity of our donors surpasses our expectations each year. We applaud their enthusiasm in seeing disadvantaged children succeed. According to the 2023 Household Expenditure Survey, lower-income families in Singapore spend nearly 4 times less on tuition than high-income families,” said Kevyn Sim, CEO, CATCH THEM YOUNG. “Donations like Mr Apipatana’s make it possible for us to help alleviate the burden on lower-income families by helping their children excel in school.”The KidsExcel+ programme aims for 50% of participating children to improve their academic performance in at least one subject by 15%, and for 50% of them to achieve a higher Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) score after completing the 50 week long programme.About The Apipatana FoundationEstablished in November 2024, The Apipatana Foundation is a philanthropic initiative under the Community Foundation of Singapore, dedicated to funding education and community programmes that provide academic support, mentorship, and essential resources for underprivileged groups.Established by Thanit Apipatana, a Bangkok-based entrepreneur, investor, and startup advisor, The Apipatana Foundation focuses on initiatives that create direct, measurable impact. Apipatana has invested in companies such as Singapore’s Mogul.sg and Thailand’s Life Below Labs, with a portfolio spanning venture building, real estate, F&B, and sports. He actively supports projects that improve access to education and strengthen social support systems.About The Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS)The Community Foundation of Singapore empowers individuals and organisations to fulfil their philanthropic giving with purpose and impact. Our vision is to nurture a generous society of caring, inclusive and thriving communities.As specialists in Singapore’s philanthropic ecosystem, our dedicated team provides trusted guidance to help donors structure and optimise their giving based on their values and interests. We support a wide range of causes - from uplifting disadvantaged families and vulnerable children, to championing the arts, culture, and the environment.To ensure every donation makes a meaningful difference, we uphold the highest standards of corporate governance and collaborate with over 400 charity partners to drive effective, measurable impact.As at March 31, 2025, CFS has raised over S$344 million in donations, including legacy gifts, and disbursed over S$200 million to diverse charitable causes.Visit www.cf.org.sg to learn more about what we do.About CATCH THEM YOUNG and KidsExcel+CATCH THEM YOUNG is a charity that supports children from disadvantaged profiles by trying to level the playing field. One of its key programmes is KidsExcel+, which is a sports and academic enrichment programme, comprising weekly sessions held over the year.Partnering primary schools and social agencies, each year we support 500 children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Through regular, consistent engagement, we hope to achieve sustained academic and behavioural progress in our children. KidsExcel+ aims to develop resilient, confident children with positive learning attitudes.For more details about the KidsExcel+ programme, please visit: https://www.cty.sg/kidsexcel Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Global Sports Brand U.S. Polo Assn. Delivers Record $2.5 Billion in Retail Sales for 2024, Targets $3 Billion and 1,500 U.S. Polo Assn. Stores ACN Newswire

Global Sports Brand U.S. Polo Assn. Delivers Record $2.5 Billion in Retail Sales for 2024, Targets $3 Billion and 1,500 U.S. Polo Assn. Stores

West Palm Beach, FL, Apr 29, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - USPA Global, the company that manages U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), announced that the sports brand has delivered a record $2.5 billion in global retail sales in 2024 with a target of $3 billion in sales and 1,500 U.S. Polo Assn. stores in the near future.U.S. Polo Assn.U.S. Polo Assn.'s continued record growth resulted from expanding its existing footprint across all regions around the world. U.S. Polo Assn. delivered steady growth in North America, the brand's largest market, and continued to gain market share in the other established regions of Western Europe, Middle East and Latin America. In addition, U.S. Polo Assn. is significantly growing in emerging markets for the brand such as Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe. Finally, U.S. Polo Assn. is considered the largest and fastest growing menswear brand in India, with the brand targeting a billion dollars of retail sales in the country in the coming years. U.S. Polo Assn. will also be actively launching several new strategic markets in 2025 including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Poland and Thailand.Today, U.S. Polo Assn.'s footprint spans across 190 countries, with some 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, and thousands of other locations including department stores, specialty retail, sporting goods channels, and e-commerce. U.S. Polo Assn. continues to climb the retail ranks as one of the largest global licensed sports brands in the world, ranking in the top five alongside the NFL, MLB, and NBA, according to License Global."The strength of our sport-inspired brand, great quality products and overall global momentum has resulted in yet another record year for U.S. Polo Assn.," explained J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, the company that manages and markets the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand globally. "Our biggest growth engine for U.S. Polo Assn. around the world is our direct-to-consumer sales, whether that's in our sport-inspired stores or through our branded e-commerce sites, which enable consumers to engage with the brand and our authentic connection to the sport.""For U.S. Polo Assn., our significant growth in direct-to-consumer channels can be directly attributed to our strategic initiatives to enhance customer engagement and build brand awareness in ways that improve the overall customer experience," added Prince.U.S. Polo Assn.'s robust growth strategy includes a relentless focus on retail store expansion worldwide. The brand has grown its global fleet to over 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. stores, targeting some 1,500 by 2030. For 2024, new and existing strategic stores around the world continue to be enhanced with a more elevated brand and sports concept, providing consumers with an authentic experience when engaging with the brand. Flagship locations are being enhanced or opening in markets all over the world, offering curated selections of U.S. Polo Assn. clothing and accessories for men, women and kids.In addition, U.S. Polo Assn. continues to build on its successful digital strategies to generate record growth in e-commerce with some 50 brand sites in 20 languages. Retail sales growth can also be attributed to new site launches in India, the U.K., Japan and Romania, all demonstrating tremendous e-commerce momentum. U.S. Polo Assn. has further expanded its digital presence across the top social media platforms, with over 10 million followers worldwide demonstrating additional global momentum."We remain committed to entering new partnerships and opportunities to drive our international market expansion and grow our product category offerings while also elevating our global brand strategy, strengthening our strategic sports relationships and philanthropic mission while deepening our authentic connection to the sport of polo," Prince concludes.The brand's relationship with ESPN now runs through 2026 with a recent extension, bringing the thrilling sport to a large global audience and making polo accessible to millions of households and multiple digital channels. The sport's illustrious U.S. Open Polo Championship®, which is broadcast by ESPN and hosted this year by legendary ESPN commentator Chris Fowler, now sits alongside the elite company of The Masters and the Kentucky Derby as one of the country's most prestigious Spring sporting events. In addition, an iconic deal was signed with Star Sports India to broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn, alongside Wimbledon, Premier League Soccer and India Premier League (IPL) Cricket.The USPA National Polo Center (NPC), the sport's premier destination in North America, brought record crowds and sellout Sundays for the 2024-2025 American High-Goal Polo Season, with the best polo in the world from January through April. The stunning venue, now owned by the USPA, is situated in beautiful Palm Beach County, Florida, spans 160 acres, and encompasses multiple grass polo fields, fine dining, tennis courts, stadium seating, swimming pool, and the newly renovated USPA Shop. This Flagship location is an elevated consumer experience filled with rich polo heritage and fashion, boasting a diverse curated collection of sport-inspired and luxury merchandise. At the centerpiece of the USPA Shop is the "Halo," a 360-degree circular screen that showcases the most exciting polo highlights of the season, immersing polo fans and consumers alike.Further supporting the brand's consumer engagement initiatives, the USPA Global Team has been preparing worldwide for a series of 135th Anniversary global events and brand campaigns to create an unforgettable experience for sports fans and consumers in 2025. The U.S. Polo Assn. Anniversary Campaign, now underway, celebrates the 135th year of the USPA and features activations in major markets, including North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Throughout 2025, consumers can look forward to exclusive in-store events, digital experiences, capsule collections, and collaborations with influencers and athletes, all celebrating the sport's legacy and future."In 2024, the U.S. Polo Assn. Global Team and our worldwide strategic partners delivered unprecedented financial results and reached significant achievements in our product offerings, expansion initiatives, global marketing and broadcast efforts," said Prince. "I look forward to an exciting 2025 with an outstanding 135th Anniversary Campaign featuring global events that are already underway in the United States, India and China, with more to come in Italy, the U.K., Turkey and beyond.""I have never been more confident and optimistic about the U.S. Polo Assn. global business increasing our market presence and growing our leadership position, with the near-term goal of passing $3 billion in worldwide sales and 1,500 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores by 2030," Prince concludes.About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA GlobalU.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the largest association of polo clubs and polo players in the United States, founded in 1890 and based at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida. This year, U.S. Polo Assn. celebrates 135 years of sports inspiration alongside the USPA. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. Historic deals with ESPN in the United States and Star Sports in India now broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., making the thrilling sport accessible to millions of sports fans globally for the very first time.U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors in the world alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized internationally with awards for global and digital growth. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.USPA Global is a subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPA Global also manages Global Polo TV, which provides sports and lifestyle content. For more sports content, visit globalpolo.com.Contact InformationStacey KovalskyVice President, Global PR and Communicationsskovalsky@uspagl.com+001.561.790.8036Kaela DrakePR & Communications Specialistkdrake@uspagl.com+001.561.461.8596SOURCE: U.S. Polo Assn.Related Images Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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全球運動品牌 U.S. Polo Assn. 在2024年實現創紀錄的25億美元零售額,目標是30億美元和1500家U.S. Polo Assn.門市 ACN Newswire

全球運動品牌 U.S. Polo Assn. 在2024年實現創紀錄的25億美元零售額,目標是30億美元和1500家U.S. Polo Assn.門市

佛羅里達州西棕櫚灘, 2025年4月29日 - (亞太商訊 via SeaPRwire.com) - 管理U.S. Polo Assn.(美國馬球協會官方品牌)的USPA Global公司宣布,該體育品牌在2024年全球零售銷售額達到創紀錄的25億美元,併計劃在不久的將來實現30億美元銷售額和1500家U.S. Polo Assn.門市的目標。 U.S. Polo Assn.憑藉著全球各地區持續擴展現有版圖,持續實現創紀錄的成長。在品牌最大市場—北美地區,U.S. Polo Assn.實現了穩定成長,並在西歐、中東和拉丁美洲等其他成熟市場持續擴大市場份額。此外,U.S. Polo Assn.在亞太地區和東歐等新興市場的成長也十分顯著。目前,U.S. Polo Assn.已成為印度最大且成長最快的男裝品牌,並計劃在未來幾年內實現在印度市場10億美元的零售銷售額。 U.S. Polo Assn.也將在2025年積極開拓多個新的策略市場,包括阿根廷、澳洲、巴西、波蘭和泰國。目前,U.S. Polo Assn.的業務版圖已覆蓋全球190個國家,擁有約1100家U.S. Polo Assn.品牌零售店,以及遍布百貨公司、專業零售店、體育用品渠道和電子商務平台的數千個銷售點。根據《License Global》的排名,U.S. Polo Assn.繼續在全球零售市場中攀升,已成為全球最大授權體育品牌之一,與NFL(國家橄欖球聯盟)、MLB(美國職業棒球大聯盟)和NBA(美國職業籃球聯賽)並列全球前五名。USPA Global總裁兼首席執行官J. Michael Prince(USPA Global為管理和推廣U.S. Polo Assn.這一數十億美元品牌的公司)表示:“我們以運動為靈感的品牌力量、優質的產品以及全球整體增長勢頭,使U.S. Polo Assn.迎來了又一個創紀錄的年度。” 他補充道:“目前,U.S. Polo Assn.在全球成長最快的動力就是我們的直面消費者(DTC)銷售,無論是透過我們以運動為主題的門店,還是透過品牌自營的電商平台,這些管道讓消費者能夠更好地體驗品牌及其與馬球運動的真實聯繫。Prince也表示:“對於U.S. Polo Assn.來說,直面消費者管道的顯著增長,直接得益於我們在提升客戶互動和品牌認知方面所採取的一系列戰略舉措,這些舉措有效改善了整體客戶體驗。”U.S. Polo Assn.強勁的成長策略包括在全球範圍內持續專注於零售店擴張。目前,該品牌的全球門市數量已超過1100家,目標在2030年前增加到約1500家。2024年,全球新開設和現有的策略門市正在不斷升級,採用更高端的品牌和運動概念設計,為消費者提供更真實、更沉浸的品牌體驗。各地的旗艦店正在進行升級或新開業,精選展示U.S. Polo Assn.的男女及兒童服裝與配件系列。此外,U.S. Polo Assn.也持續推進其成功的數位化策略,透過約50個以20種語言營運的品牌網站,實現電商領域的創紀錄成長。零售銷售額的成長也得益於印度、英國、日本和羅馬尼亞等市場新網站的上線,這些市場的電商業務展現出強勁的成長動能。同時,U.S. Polo Assn.也在各大主流社群媒體平台上進一步擴大了其數位影響力,目前全球粉絲數已超過1000萬,體現了品牌在全球範圍內的持續成長動力。Prince總結道:“我們將繼續致力於拓展新的合作夥伴關係和市場機會,推動國際市場擴張,豐富產品品類,同時提升全球品牌戰略,鞏固戰略性體育合作關係和慈善使命,進一步加深品牌與馬球運動的真實聯繫。”U.S. Polo Assn.與ESPN的合作關係已延長至2026年,繼續透過該平台將這項令人興奮的運動推向全球觀眾,使馬球運動進入數百萬個家庭,並涵蓋多個數位管道。今年由傳奇評論員Chris Fowler主持的美國馬球公開賽(U.S. Open Polo Championship®),已通過ESPN轉播,並與美國大師賽(The Masters)和肯塔基德比賽馬(Kentucky Derby)齊名,成為美國春季最負盛名的體育賽事之一。此外,U.S. Polo Assn.還與印度Star Sports簽訂了標誌性轉播協議,將與溫布頓網球錦標賽、英超聯賽以及印度超級聯賽(IPL)板球賽一同播出多項由U.S. Polo Assn.贊助的世界頂級馬球賽事。USPA國家馬球中心(NPC)作為北美地區馬球運動的頂級目的地,在2024-2025年美國高水平馬球賽季期間創下了觀眾人數紀錄,多個週日賽事門票售罄。這座佔地160英畝的壯觀場地位於風景如畫的佛羅裡達州棕櫚灘縣,現由美國馬球協會(USPA)擁有,內設多個天然草地馬球場、高檔餐廳、網球場、觀眾看台、游泳池,以及全新升級的USPA品牌商店。作為旗艦場館,這裡為消費者打造了融合豐富馬球歷史與時尚文化的高端體驗,精選展示運動風格與奢華商品系列。其中的亮點是位於USPA商店中央的「Halo」——一個360度環繞大螢幕,滾動播放當季最精彩的馬球賽事片段,為馬球愛好者和消費者帶來沉浸式體驗。為了進一步支持品牌的消費者互動計劃,USPA Global團隊正在全球範圍內積極籌備一系列135週年紀念活動和品牌推廣項目,旨在為2025年的體育迷和消費者帶來難忘的體驗。 U.S. Polo Assn.週年慶活動現已正式啟動,慶祝美國馬球協會(USPA)成立135週年,並將在北美、歐洲、亞洲、中東和拉丁美洲等主要市場推出一系列市場推廣活動。在整個2025年,消費者將可期待專屬的門市活動、數位體驗、限量膠囊系列以及與意見領袖和運動員的合作,共同慶祝馬球運動的輝煌傳承與未來發展。Prince表示:「在2024年,U.S. Polo Assn.全球團隊及我們的全球戰略合作夥伴在產品創新、市場擴展、全球營銷和賽事轉播方面取得了前所未有的財務成果和重大成就。」他補充道:「我非常期待2025年,透過一系列全球性活動慶祝品牌135週年,目前在美國、印度和未來的活動已繼續在義大利、未來。Prince總結道:「我從未像現在這樣對U.S. Polo Assn.的全球業務充滿信心與樂觀,我們將持續擴大市場影響力並鞏固行業領導地位,近期目標是在2030年前實現全球銷售額突破30億美元,並擁有1500家U.S. Polo Assn.品牌門市。」關於 U.S. Polo Assn. 和 USPA GlobalU.S. Polo Assn. 是美國馬球協會(USPA)的官方品牌,該協會創立於1890年,是北美最大的馬球俱樂部與馬球運動員聯盟。U.S. Polo Assn. 擁有數十億美元的全球品牌價值,並通過超過 1,100 間品牌零售店及數千個銷售據點,在全球超過 190 個國家提供男裝、女裝、童裝、配件與鞋類產品。透過與美國 ESPN 及印度 Star Sports 的歷史性協議,U.S. Polo Assn. 贊助的多項世界頂級馬球賽事現已首次轉播至全球數以百萬計的體育迷,讓這項激動人心的運動走向世界舞台。根據《License Global》報導,U.S. Polo Assn. 長期被評為全球頂尖體育授權品牌之一,與 NFL、NBA 和 MLB 並列。此外,該品牌也因其在全球與數位市場的成長,獲得眾多國際獎項肯定。U.S. Polo Assn. 曾登上《富比士》、《財富》、《現代零售》和《GQ》等主流媒體版面,也多次出現在 Yahoo Finance 和 Bloomberg 等財經平台。欲了解更多資訊,請造訪 uspoloassnglobal.com 並追蹤 @uspoloassn。USPA Global 是 USPA 的子公司,負責經營全球價值數十億美元的 U.S. Polo Assn. 品牌。透過其子公司 Global Polo Entertainment(GPE),USPA Global 同時營運提供體育與生活風格內容的 Global Polo TV。欲了解更多賽事內容,請造訪 globalpolo.com。聯絡資訊Stacey KovalskyVice President, Global PR and Communicationsskovalsky@uspagl.com+001.561.790.8036Kaela DrakePR & Communications Specialistkdrake@uspagl.com+001.561.461.8596 Copyright 2025 亞太商訊 via SeaPRwire.com.
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