Home Blog Page 845

Sahm Capital Empowers Investors at CMF Riyadh 2025 Investor Bootcamp

0

Source: Media Outreach

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – Sahm Capital, a leading financial services provider, empowered investors at the CMF Riyadh 2025 Investor Bootcamp. Hadeel Bedeeri, General Manager of Sahm Capital, led a session on navigating the IPO process, equipping attendees with essential knowledge to thrive in Saudi Arabia’s evolving capital market.

The Investor Bootcamp, held on February 19th, 2025, is part of CMF Riyadh’s efforts to engage the public and university students in discussions about financial literacy, investment strategies, and the growing opportunities within the Saudi capital market. This initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives to foster a more inclusive and educated investor base.

During her presentation, Navigating the IPO Process in Saudi Arabia, Hadeel Bedeeri provided a comprehensive overview of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), explaining their significance in the financial ecosystem and how investors can participate. “As Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its financial sector under Vision 2030, it’s crucial that we equip everyone—from beginners to seasoned investors—with the skills and knowledge they need to seize these opportunities,” said Hadeel. “Today’s session aimed to inspire a diverse community of informed investors ready to shape the future of the Saudi economy.”

Sahm Capital remains committed to advancing financial literacy through initiatives like Sahm Academy, integrated into the Sahm App. The platform offers market analysis, educational videos, courses, and research reports, catering to both novice and experienced investors. Additionally, users can access company profiles, financial statistics, and real-time news to make informed decisions.

Sahm Capital’s efforts are further amplified through its strategic partnership with the Saudi Tadawul Group as the exclusive sponsor of the “Invest Wisely Program”. It is a ground-breaking financial literacy initiative designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful investors. As Saudi Arabia’s capital markets continue to evolve, Sahm Capital remains at the forefront, guiding investors through this dynamic landscape.

https://www.sahmcapital.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sahm-capital/posts/?feedView=all
https://x.com/Sahm_Capital
https://www.facebook.com/sahmcapital1

Hashtag: #SahmCapital #CMA#Tadawul

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

TCMA Chairman elected as President of ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers, joining forces to accelerate the development of the AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap

0

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – Dr. Chana Poomee, Chairman of Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA), has been elected as the President of the ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM). In his two years term 2025–2027, he aims to strengthen collaboration among the eight ASEAN cement-producing member countries drivingASEAN Cement dynamically, accelerate the development of the AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap, and foster partnerships with global organizations to support carbon reduction initiatives.

The eight ASEAN cement-producing member countries, at the AFCM Special Council meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, unanimously the election of Dr. Chana Poomee, Chairman of TCMA to hold AFCM Presidency from 2025-2027.

TCMA’s longstanding commitment and tangible progress in advancing Thailand’s cement industry toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 have been recognized by all sectors as a role model in various aspects. TCMA’s initiatives and actions, including the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap, the successful promotion of low-carbon hydraulic cement, an innovative ecosystem the Public-Private-People Partnership (PPP) model-SARABURI SANDBOX LOW CARBON CITY, the partnership with local cement manufacturers and prestigious international organizations, have set a benchmark for sustainable industry practices.

“I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me by all AFCM member countries, who have unanimously voted for Thailand through TCMA to assume this leadership role for ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM). During my tenure, Mr. Montri Nithikul will serve as AFCM Secretary-General, with TCMA Office acting as the AFCM Secretariat, ensuring close coordination among member countries with the support of TCMA members to push carbon reduction initiatives and advance ASEAN’s cement industry toward a low-carbon future,” said Dr. Chana.

Four Key Strategies for AFCM towards Decarbonization

Dr. Chana outlined the direction of his work as the AFCM President, which requires coordination from all eight member countries by associations in each country, include 1) Brunei represented by Heidelberg Materials Butra Sdn Bhd, 2) Indonesia represented by Indonesia Cement Association, 3) Malaysia represented by the Cement and Concrete Association of Malaysia, 4) the Philippines represented by Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines, 5) Singapore represented by Cement and Concrete Association of Singapore,
6) Vietnam represented by Vietnam National Cement Association, 7) Thailand represented by Thai Cement Manufacturers Association or TCMA, and entering into new membership
8) Cambodia represented by Cambodian Cement Manufacturing Association.

The following four strategic priorities for the next two years have been set to guide AFCM’s efforts in decarbonization, considering each of the eight-member country’s policies, regulatory frameworks, and level of readiness.

  1. Accelerate the Development of the AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap, establishing a structured framework for AFCM member countries to collaborate with their respective governments in reducing carbon emissions within the cement industry.
  2. Regional integration for collective action, leveraging the unique strengths and capabilities of each AFCM member countries to ensure a unified and dynamic approach to sustainable industry practices while keeping abreast with global trends.
  3. Strengthen Cooperation with ASEAN, enhancing cooperation with government is the key mechanisms for progress.
  4. Engaging with world-class organizations, i.e. the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH., and the World Economic Forum, etc. to facilitate technology transfer, innovation, and access to green funding for decarbonization projects in ASEAN.

Dr. Chana reiterated that his tenure as AFCM President presents a pivotal opportunity for Thailand to convince the regional cement industry toward a shared decarbonization goal through the co-created AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap. This mission will require comprehensive policy support, cross-sector collaboration and implementation, and collaborative action from cement manufacturers in each AFCM member country by aligning with world-class best practices, the effort will be able to achieve tangible progress, ensuring long-term competitiveness and sustainability.

Hashtag: #TCMA #ThaiCementManufacturersAssociation

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

XTransfer Expands U.S. Footprint with 5 Additional Payment Licenses

0

Source: Media Outreach

NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – XTransfer, a leading global B2B cross-border trade payment platform, continues solidifying its regulatory presence in the United States by acquiring five new payment licenses in Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, Idaho, and South Carolina. This milestone follows the company’s recent expansion into New Hampshire, the District of Columbia, Utah, Georgia, and Arizona, further enhancing its ability to serve businesses engaged in global trade.

This recent development builds upon XTransfer’s existing success in the United States market, bolstering its capacity to support local SMEs navigating the complexities of international trade—particularly with China, which remains a linchpin of global supply chains.

The move comes as U.S. SMEs increasingly rely on Chinese suppliers and markets despite geopolitical tensions. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, bilateral trade between the U.S. and China reached $758 billion in 2024, with electronics, machinery, and consumer goods dominating exchanges. Yet, SMEs often face hurdles in cross-border payments, including compliance risks, currency conversion inefficiencies, and delayed settlements.

Alice Yao, Chief Risk Officer and Co-Founder of XTransfer, emphasized the strategic timing of the expansion: “The acquisition of these licenses underscores our commitment to bridging financial gaps for SMEs engaged in global trade and it also means our financial solutions are designed to simplify cross-border transactions while ensuring full compliance with U.S. regulations.”

With these new licenses, XTransfer now holds 13 payment licenses across various states in the United States, further solidifying its commitment to meeting the highest standards of compliance and security in the financial industry. It can now onboard local SMEs in 18 states, offering cross-border remittances to global market. This also makes XTransfer a crucial enabler for American SMEs looking to tap into China’s vast manufacturing ecosystem, which accounts for nearly 30% of global output, according to the World Bank.

The expansion also reflects broader trends in U.S.-China commerce. While tariffs and export restrictions have reshaped some trade flows, SMEs still depend on Chinese suppliers for cost competitiveness and scale. A 2024 National Small Business Association survey revealed that 68% of U.S. SMEs importing goods rely on Chinese suppliers, with cross-border payment friction cited as a top operational hurdle.

XTransfer’s infrastructure addresses these pain points through partnerships with institutions like J.P. Morgan, DBS Bank, Barclays and Deutsche Bank, offering multi-currency clearing and AI-driven anti-money laundering systems. Its platform reduces the costs in global trade by up to 10%, and accelerates processing times—a critical advantage for SMEs balancing tight margins.

XTransfer’s global financial infrastructure is designed to meet the unique needs of SMEs, offering secure, fast, and cost-effective cross-border payment solutions. Through partnerships with leading financial institutions such as J.P. Morgan, DBS Bank, Deutsche Bank, and Barclays, XTransfer has built a robust multi-currency clearing network and an advanced anti-money laundering risk control system powered by data and technology.

“For SMEs, trade with China isn’t optional—it’s economic reality,” said Michael Carter, an American customer from XTransfer. “Platforms like XTransfer are becoming essential intermediaries for us, offering the seamless payment experience that traditional banks often lack.”

Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Shanghai and has branches in Hong Kong SAR, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, the UAE, Nigeria, etc. The company remains committed to expanding its global footprint and strengthening partnerships worldwide.

As XTransfer eyes further growth in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, its U.S. expansion signals a broader mission: Making SME financial services simple and accessible.

https://www.xtransfer.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtransfer.cn/
https://x.com/xtransferglobal
https://www.facebook.com/XTransferGlobal/
https://www.instagram.com/xtransfer.global/

Hashtag: #XTransfer #Crossborder #US #Payment #License #SMEs

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Serious crash, Courtenay Place, Wellington

0

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are at the scene of a crash on Courtenay Place, near Cambridge Terrace, in Wellington.

Emergency services were notified of the collision, involving a vehicle and pedestrian, about 8.25pm.

The victim is being transported to hospital in a critical condition and the Serious Crash Unit is attending.

Both sides of Courtenay Place are being closed to traffic, between Tory Street and Cambridge Terrace.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Bupa expands its Connected Care commitment with the new Global Prestige VHIS Plan (Signature) for discerning customers

0

Source: Media Outreach

Bupa is an international healthcare group dedicated to helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world for over 70 years. We serve more than 38 million customers worldwide. With no shareholders, we reinvest our profits into enhancing healthcare for the benefit of current and future customers.

Bupa has been a health insurance specialist in Hong Kong since 1976, offering one-stop solutions across domestic and international health insurance, and healthcare services. Our comprehensive medical insurance schemes are tailored to meet individual needs, and we provide health solutions for companies of all sizes. We also have a team of registered nurses, health management professionals, and doctors who provide various expert healthcare support.

Our healthcare provision arm, Quality HealthCare Medical Services (QHMS), became part of Bupa in October 2013. QHMS offers Western Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Diagnostics & Imaging, Dental, Physiotherapy, Mental Health and Wellness services via a network of over 1,650 provider service points in Hong Kong.

For more information, visit www.bupa.com.hk/en/.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Arlo Technologies Announces Price Repositioning On Security Products

0

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – Arlo Technologies, a leading innovator in smart home security solutions, is thrilled to announce a Recommended Retail Price repositioning across selected products in the Arlo range. Effective immediately, this initiative makes it easier than ever to experience extraordinary value and upgrade home and business security with Arlo’s award-winning surveillance technology.

Customers can take advantage of significant savings while experiencing industry-leading protection and peace of mind, with features like crystal-clear 4K video, two-way audio, night vision, and AI-powered detection.

The Recommended Retail Price repositioning will include the key products as shown in the table below (in HKD).

Product RRP

Was

RRP

Now

Save
Arlo Essential 2 Outdoor – 1 Cam Kit $788 $688 $100 13%
Arlo Essential 2 Outdoor – 2 Cam Kit $1,488 $1,288 $200 13%
Arlo Pro 5S – 1 Cam Kit $1,680 $988 $692 41%
Arlo Pro 5S – 2 Cam Kit $2,980 $1,788 $1,192 40%
Arlo Ultra 2 – 1 Add On $1,958 $1,488 $470 24%
Arlo Ultra 2 – 2 Cam Kit $4,288 $3,188 $1,100 26%
Arlo Essential 2 Indoor $688 $388 $300 44%
Arlo Essential 2 Video Doorbell $1,088 $888 $200 18%
Arlo Base Station Accessory $788 $588 $200 25%

Arlo understands the importance of feeling secure in your own home and believes that no one should compromise safety during times of economic uncertainty. By lowering the R.R.P. of security cameras, Arlo aims to ease the financial pressures on families while providing them with the reliable security solutions they need.

Security cameras are now available for purchase at the Recommended Reduced Retail Prices on the Arlo website and through authorised retailers.

For more information, visit www.arlo.com/asia/.

Hashtag: #Arlo

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Paramount Gardening Launches Franchise Opportunities For Entrepreneurs To Start A Lawn Mowing Business

0

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

Paramount Gardening, New Zealand’s elite property care partner, has announced exciting new franchising opportunities for prospective buyers interested in owning a lawn mowing business.

Franchises are available New Zealand-wide starting from $19,000. Entrepreneurs can join the Paramount Gardening team with full support to run their own businesses and provide premium outdoor services to customers nationwide.

Insights from Statista show that the revenue in the Lawn and Garden market will reach a significant amount of US$3.13bn (NZD$5.46bn) in the year 2025. This market segment is also projected to experience an annual growth rate of 2.01% (CAGR 2025-2029).

Buying a franchise in New Zealand has also proven profitable and yields a positive return on investment. According to the 2024 Franchising New Zealand report, 80% of franchise businesses have been operating for over a decade, reflecting a stable and mature sector for potential franchisees seeking a reliable business model.

Bill Wu, Director/CEO of Paramount Gardening, said, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of Paramount Gardening’s franchise opportunities, available nationwide across New Zealand. As a company that provides top-tier gardening and lawn mowing services, we are excited to empower passionate entrepreneurs to join our growing family. Together, we will help New Zealanders transform their outdoor spaces while creating a path to success for our franchisees. This is an incredible opportunity to build a thriving business with the support of a trusted brand.”

From running your own business to leading a more flexible work-life balance and spending time outdoors, a lawn and garden franchise provides many benefits–and with the right support, your business can flourish.

Paramount Gardening prides itself on offering a consistent franchise support system. The team will guide you through the entire process, from the initial enquiry to signing paperwork and setting up a franchise. All franchisees will undertake intensive training and achieve certification in NZQA Level 2 Horticulture to feel confident on the job with the right knowledge and skill set.

Start your own business with Paramount Gardening today. Learn more about the franchising opportunities and how to buy a lawn mowing business.

Media Release on 25 February 2025

Media Contact
Bill Wu, Paramount Gardening
Email: BWu@paraserve.com
Phone: (09) 3767853
Website: https://paramountgardening.co.nz/

MIL OSI

Lifestyle – New Zealand MPs Set to Get ‘Fit For Office’ in National Exercise Challenge

0
Source: Exercise NZ

Members of Parliament (MPs) from across the political spectrum in Aotearoa are preparing to lace up their sneakers and lead by example as part of the Fit For Office (F4O) Challenge, launching on March 5, 2025, at 8:15 AM on the Parliamentary Steps. Supported by Exercise New Zealand (ExerciseNZ), this three-week initiative aims to promote the importance of regular physical activity while adding a fun, competitive edge among MPs.

With fitness trackers strapped on, participating MPs will engage in daily movement and track their physical activity, showcasing the benefits of exercise not just for the public but for those in leadership positions. The event launch will be officiated by ExerciseNZ, which will kick off the challenge by distributing Myzone heart rate monitors to MPs ready to begin their activity journey.

ExerciseNZ CEO Richard Beddie emphasises the significance of this initiative:

“Fit For Office is about showing that no matter how busy your schedule, there’s always time to prioritise your health. Our MPs are leaders in many ways, and by actively engaging in this challenge, they are setting an example for all New Zealanders to incorporate movement into their daily routines.”

Scientific research continues to highlight the significant mental and physical benefits of regular exercise. Just 15 minutes of movement per day can lead to:

  • 4% improvement in overall fitness
  • 12% increase in energy levels
  • 8% better sleep quality.

Over the longer term, regularly meeting WHO guidelines of 150 minutes of physical activity per week brings even more significant benefits—including adding 10-15 years to life expectancy, lowering all-cause mortality by up to 20%, and reducing the risk of multiple conditions – everything from cancer to dementia.

A global report on the economic and health costs of physical inactivity by Deloitte found the NZ economy loses over 2.3 billion dollars annually due to inactivity, of which 650 million is by way of increased taxpayer funded healthcare costs.

This challenge encourages all forms of physical activity, from simple tasks like walking and gardening to high-intensity workouts, ensuring MPs can participate regardless of their current fitness levels.

Using Myzone wearable technology, MPs will track their movement and engage in friendly competition via a private leaderboard, with the ultimate goal of achieving 1,000 Myzone Effort Points (MEPs) in three weeks, aligning with World Health Organization recommendations for physical activity.

The initiative also focuses on practical ways to increase movement, including:

  • Group Activities – Exercising with colleagues, family, or friends for motivation.
  • Incidental Exercise – Walking, cycling, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Goal Setting – Encouraging MPs to set personal movement goals and track their progress.

The launch event will be open to the media, providing an opportunity to capture MPs embracing healthier lifestyles. MPs will also be encouraged to share their journeys on social media throughout the challenge.

MIL OSI

Generali Hong Kong Champions Inclusion Through LGBTQI+ Video Series Reaching Over 5 Million Views

0

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 February 2025 – Generali Hong Kong continues to lead efforts in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) through its continued commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and promoting understanding and respect across the broader community. Reflecting its mission to be a “Lifetime Partner”, these efforts highlight the company’s dedication to driving positive impact.

Generali Hong Kong champions inclusion with an LGBTQI+ video series that has garnered over 5 million views.

Generali Hong Kong’s DE&I initiatives extend across LGBTQI+ inclusion, women empowerment, neurodiversity, disability support, and the impactful The Human Safety Net program. As part of the LGBTQI+ inclusion initiatives, a series of LGBTQI+ educational and awareness videos, successfully launched to foster a more inclusive society through engaging and heartfelt storytelling, has surpassed 5 million views and received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

LGBTQI+ is an initalism for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning (or Genderqueer/Queer), and Intersex, while the “+” represents other diverse gender identities and orientations.

Launched just six months ago, the LGBTQI+ video series was originated by Generali Hong Kong and produced in collaboration with G Dot TV, a Hong Kong-based media platform dedicated to empowering the LGBTQI+ community. Throughout the production process, the series brought together community members and allies to share their authentic stories, shed light on the challenges they face and raise public awareness.

Globally, Generali supports LGBTQI+ inclusion through a range of initiatives, including its employee resource group (ERG), WE PROUD. This ERG is dedicated to promoting insight-sharing and fostering collaboration across Generali’s global markets. It also stimulates and supports local business units in their participation in Pride events and local initiatives. Its work is part of a broader strategy to create inclusive workplaces and communities, reflecting Generali’s ongoing commitment to DE&I.

Ady Law, Chief Distribution and Marketing Officer of Generali Hong Kong, shared, “At Generali Hong Kong, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture that encourages innovation, celebrates diversity, and empowers talent to thrive. This video series reflects Generali’s value of building an inclusive society where everyone feels valued and supported to express their true selves.”

Cammy Kwok, Director of G Dot TV, added, “We deeply appreciate Generali Hong Kong’s efforts to involve the community in producing this video series to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a community-based media platform, we are committed to amplifying the voices of the LGBTQI+ community, and we are grateful that Generali Hong Kong shares our values. Throughout the production process, their team demonstrated a strong commitment to understanding the community’s needs and authentic stories, enabling us to connect with community members and public in meaningful ways. Their actions truly embody the spirit of diversity and inclusion.”

Generali Hong Kong’s efforts to create an inclusive workplace have been recognized with prestigious industry awards, including the Grand Award winner in the ‘Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility’ category at the Hong Kong Insurance Awards, the Corporate Social Responsibility – Excellence Performance award at the Bloomberg Businessweek (Chinese Edition) Financial Institution Awards and the Top Insurance Employer by Insurance Business Asia.

Hashtag: #GeneraliHongKong

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Consultation on charity tax settings open

0

Source: New Zealand Government

Consultation on an Inland Revenue Issues Paper on the taxation of charity and not-for-profits opens today.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the Government is committed to a strong charity and not-for-profit sector, as well as high levels of fairness and integrity in New Zealand’s tax rules.

“New Zealand not-for-profits make a significant contribution to the community, and the Government provides tax relief for not-for-profit organisations that meet certain requirements.

“It’s important the public has confidence they are getting value for money from these tax concessions.”

Revenue Minister Simon Watts says the Issues Paper canvasses options to “simplify rules, reduce compliance costs and address tax integrity risks”.

“It’s important we make sure the settings are right and fit-for-purpose.”

“No decisions have been made and all feedback will be considered.”

The discussion document discusses and seeks public submissions on charity business income tax exemption, donor controlled charities, and integrity and simplification.

The consultation document can be found here. Consultation closes on March 31 2025.

MIL OSI