Message: 28 January 2025 – Wellington, New Zealand. Australasian business solutions company Fusion5 has announced the appointment of Kristy Brown as Chief Executive Officer for its New Zealand operations.
The appointment will see Fusion5 Australia and New Zealand led respectively by Sven Martin and Kristy Brown. Martin took on the initial Australia/New Zealand CEO role in 2023 and will now be entirely focused on the market expansion and growth opportunities in Australia.
“Appointing dual CEOs in New Zealand and Australia is essential for realising the growth potential in both countries,” says Rebecca Tohill, Fusion5 Executive Chair. “It will allow us to harness local energy and drive without distraction as Fusion5 evolves from a business solutions provider to a transformation partner specialising in systems integration and delivering high-value, holistic solutions.”
“Kristy has an impressive track record at Fusion5, particularly in advancing our Microsoft capabilities and business,” says Sven Martin, Fusion5 CEO – Australia. “We’ve collaborated successfully over the years, and I’m genuinely excited for her. With her as my counterpart in New Zealand, I can provide dedicated focus on the Australian market, ensuring both regions thrive.”
An experienced business leader, Brown joined Fusion5 in 2016 and built a highly successful Microsoft practice within New Zealand. Brown was appointed Fusion5’s Chief Microsoft Officer – Australia/New Zealand in 2024. Today, Fusion5’s multi-award-winning Microsoft practice constitutes over 60% of its revenue.
Brown is also known for her commitment to mentoring and nurturing the next generation of talent within the business.
“I’m truly excited to be leading Fusion5 New Zealand,” says Brown, “and I appreciate the trust the business continues to show in me and the support from those around me. Being appointed to this role is a privilege and an opportunity for Fusion5 to bring significant performance improvements for our local customers. As we grow, we never want to lose sight of what’s important to our customers and our people. With dual CEOs in place, we can do this – and more – effectively and at scale.”
“Kristy has outstanding market engagement skills; her passion, drive, and ability to connect with customers, partners, and our people make her the ideal leader to propel our growth in New Zealand,’ says Tohill. “Between Sven and Kristy, Fusion5 is in the best possible hands.”
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a restricted fire season for the Porirua and Kāpiti Coast areas from 8am today, until further notice.
A restricted fire season means anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire must go tocheckitsalright.nzand apply for a fire permit authorised by Fire and Emergency.
District Manager Brett Lockyer says Porirua and the Kāpiti Coast have become extremely dry since the beginning of the year.
“Although there has been a bit of rain in the last couple of days, we still have a lot of very dry vegetation on the west side of the district, which could easily catch fire,” he says.
“With that in mind, we’re restricting how and when people can light fires in those areas.
“We will keep monitoring the conditions, but for now we suggest that people hold off on any planned burn activities, and check on their recent fire sites to make sure these are fully out.”
Brett Lockyer says if people aren’t sure what the restrictions are in their area, they should go towww.checkitsalright.nzand enter their address.
“You will need a permit to light a fire, and you will need to comply with any conditions set out,” he says.
“This is a very risky time of year for wildfires, so we’re asking everyone to help us keep Wellington District’s people, property and environment safe from fires this summer.”
Each year, over 20,000 fires threaten precious homes, businesses, our natural environment and lives across New Zealand. We have seen several large vegetation fires this summer already and they all require one thing – lots of water and brave people to put it there!
Firefighting relies on timing, technical expertise, and teamwork to save lives and property; the branch on the hose, the hose to the pump, the standpipe to the hydrant, and each person playing their part.
Since 1885, the United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) Waterway Challenge has helped firefighters test their hose-running and pump-operating skills in a fun, safe, and competitive environment. The track has 19 different setups covering rural and urban approaches to firefighting.
On Saturday 1 February, over 50 volunteer firefighters from around the South Island will show off their teamwork and firefighting skills that they use to protect property and lives, as they compete in teams against each other in the annual UFBA South Island Waterway Challenge.
Teams of firefighters will be coming from Lincoln, Lyttleton, Rangiora, Westport, Greymouth, Brunner, Methven, Cromwell, Mataura, Balclutha, Wyndham, Mossburn, Sefton, Rolleston, Luggate, and Ross Volunteer Fire Brigades.
Competitors have trained all year, some are highly experienced and we have some fresh faces ready to take on the challenge. This firefighting event helps teams prepare for the biennial UFBA National Waterway Challenge a few weeks after the South Island event.
Bring the kids along to watch this competitive display of firefighting techniques.
Location: Darfield Domain
Date/Time: Saturday 1 February 2025 from 0930hrs till 1600hrs (approx.)
About the UFBA– for over 145 years the United Fire Brigades’ Association has been the leading association representing firefighters in New Zealand. Today our services support around 14,000 firefighters throughout the fire and emergency services sector by providing advocacy, skills-based challenges, workshops and service honours.
Insecurity in work, housing, and health among working people has emerged as the key finding from the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi’s 2025 annual Mood of the Workforce survey.
NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff says the survey, which polled more than 1900 people, shows immense concern that the Government is taking Aotearoa New Zealand in the wrong direction.
“We’ve been running this survey since 2019, and I have never seen such a negative response. People are in fear for their jobs and their businesses, their ability to keep their homes, and for their health,” said Wagstaff.
“They also don’t trust this Government to make it better because they are feeling firsthand the damage that’s been done with austerity policies that are only benefiting an already privileged few.
“The message that the Government has no interest in helping working people, who are the majority of New Zealanders, is coming through strongly in people’s comments on the tax system, the health system, and their work.
“People are sharing stories of losing their jobs or struggling to cover the work of colleagues who have already lost their jobs. These are heartbreaking to hear. But so are the stories of families being broken up as people’s kids leave the country to find better job prospects, or of parents having to act as a safety net for their adult children. These children have been hit hardest by the recent downturns, and an unfair and unforgiving housing market.
“A consistent theme is an overwhelming sense that something is very wrong, both in our society and with the economy.
“We’ve seen that at a statistical level in things like the recent Curia polling which showed people feel we are on the wrong track as a nation, but the results from our workforce survey give a close up and troubling picture of what that means in people’s lives.
“My great concern is that rather than admit that their policy direction is hurting people and damaging our economy, the Government is doubling down on it in their recent announcements.
“Whether that’s because of the Government’s arrogance or because they live in a bubble of privilege and don’t understand the damage they are doing is immaterial. People want a change of direction and to see things done a different and better way.
“Any politician or political party that ignores working people and their communities does so at their peril,” said Wagstaff.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 January 2025 – Dou Yee Enterprises, a prominent global player in high-tech manufacturing and precision engineering, has entered into a strategic partnership with BIOVIA a leader in scientific software solutions. Through this collaboration, Dou Yee will serve as a reseller of BIOVIA Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN) software solutions across Southeast Asia. This propelled Dou Yee’s expansion into the rapidly growing life sciences, healthcare, and research sectors in the region, leveraging BIOVIA’s powerful software solutions to meet the evolving needs of laboratories and research institutions.
Partnership BIOVIA with DOUYEE
Why Southeast Asia is the Right Market for LIMS and ELN Solutions Southeast Asia, with its burgeoning life sciences and pharmaceutical industries, is increasingly becoming a hotspot for scientific innovation. As countries in the region ramp up their investments in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotech research, there is a clear and growing demand for sophisticated laboratory management systems that can manage complex data, ensure compliance, and support cutting-edge research. Here are a few reasons why Southeast Asia presents an ideal market for the introduction of BIOVIA’s LIMS and ELN solutions:
1. Rapid Growth in Life Sciences and Biotech Southeast Asia is experiencing significant growth in the life sciences and biotech sectors. Countries like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia are becoming global hubs for pharmaceutical development, biotechnology, and medical research. With this growth comes an increasing need for software solutions that can help laboratories efficiently manage data, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance productivity.
2. Digital Transformation in Laboratories As laboratories across Southeast Asia modernize their operations, there is a shift from traditional paper-based record-keeping to digital systems that enhance efficiency and accuracy. The adoption of LIMS and ELN systems helps help laboratories digitize workflows, improving collaboration, data integrity, and traceability, which are crucial for innovation in scientific research.
3. Regulatory Compliance and Data Integrity Regulatory requirements across Southeast Asia are becoming more stringent, particularly in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and research sectors. Software solutions that offer robust data security, audit trails, and compliance features—like BIOVIA LIMS and ELN—are essential for meeting local and international regulatory standards such as GxP (Good Laboratory Practice), FDA 21 CFR Part 11, and ISO 17025.
4. Collaboration in Scientific Research Many Southeast Asian countries are investing in regional research and development collaborations, particularly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, genetics, and healthcare. ELN systems facilitate real-time collaboration among researchers, enabling teams across different locations to work together seamlessly, share data, and maintain accurate records.
The Power of BIOVIA’s LIMS and ELN Software Solutions BIOVIA’s LIMS and ELN software solutions are designed to help laboratories streamline their operations, improve data management, and enhance regulatory compliance. As Dou Yee begins reselling these solutions in Southeast Asia, customers in the region can look forward to the following benefits:
1. Enhanced Efficiency and Automation BIOVIA’s LIMS allows laboratories to automate routine tasks such as sample tracking, test management, and result analysis. This not only reduces the risk of human error but also increases throughput, enabling labs to manage higher volumes of data with greater efficiency.
2. Improved Data Integrity and Compliance LIMS and ELN solutions from BIOVIA ensure that all data is recorded, stored, and shared in a secure and compliant manner. This is particularly important in regulated industries where maintaining an audit trail and adhering to data integrity standards is critical. BIOVIA’s solutions comply with global regulations such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 17025, and GMP, ensuring that laboratories in Southeast Asia can meet both local and international compliance requirements.
3. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing ELNs promote collaboration among research teams by providing a centralized, digital repository for experimental data, notes, and findings. This digital platform ensures that data is easily accessible to all authorized users, making it easier for researchers in Southeast Asia to work together on multi-disciplinary and cross-border projects. 4. Scalability and Flexibility BIOVIA’s LIMS and ELN software solutions are scalable and can be customized to fit the needs of a wide range of laboratories, from small research labs to large-scale pharmaceutical companies. This flexibility ensures that organizations of all sizes can benefit from the software’s powerful capabilities. 5. Real-Time Analytics and Reporting With built-in data analytics and reporting tools, BIOVIA’s solutions help laboratories gain deeper insights into their operations. Real-time dashboards, customizable reports, and data visualization tools enable laboratory managers and researchers to make data-driven decisions that improve outcomes and streamline workflows.
Dou Yee’s Role as a Reseller As part of its new role as a reseller for BIOVIA solution in Southeast Asia, Dou Yee Enterprises will focus on several key initiatives to drive adoption and support customers in the region:
1. Marketing and Awareness Campaigns Dou Yee will collaborate with BIOVIA to launch marketing campaigns and conduct outreach activities such as webinars, seminars, and workshops aimed at educating potential customers about the benefits of LIMS and ELN systems. These efforts will focus on the growing need for digital solutions in laboratories across Southeast Asia. 2. Regional Partnerships and Collaborations Dou Yee will actively engage with regional laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and universities to introduce BIOVIA’s software solutions. The company will also explore strategic collaborations with other technology providers to offer integrated solutions that meet the diverse needs of the market. 3. Customer Feedback and Customization Dou Yee’s customer-focused approach will ensure that feedback from local clients is integrated into product development and support offerings. This will help ensure that BIOVIA’s LIMS and ELN solutions remain adaptable to the unique requirements of Southeast Asian laboratories.
Conclusion Dou Yee Enterprises’ partnership with BIOVIA to resell LIMS and ELN software solutions in Southeast Asia is a significant step in both companies’ efforts to drive innovation and digital transformation in the region’s laboratory and research sectors. With Dou Yee’s established presence in the region and BIOVIA’s world-class software, this partnership is well-positioned to help laboratories in Southeast Asia enhance operational efficiency, improve data integrity, and ensure compliance with regulatory
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 January 2025 – The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines kicked off 2025 with its annual Pasasalamat event on January 27th at the historic Centro de Turismo Intramuros. Celebrating the vital role of media professionals and content creators, the evening reflected on TPB’s key achievements and milestones in tourism promotion.
2024 milestones of TPB Philippines include generating PHP 11.3 billion in tourism sales leads, securing PHP 918 million in leads through global travel fairs like ITB Berlin and World Travel Market (WTM) London, and achieving PHP 1.44 billion in media values through strategic media partnerships.
TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles shared impressive stats: in 2024, the agency generated over PHP 11.3 billion in sales leads, a 44.8% increase from the year before. Global travel fairs like ITB Berlin and the World Travel Market in London contributed PHP 918 million in leads, while strategic partnerships with media outlets like GMA7, ABS-CBN, CNN, Bloomberg, and Euronews added PHP 1.44 billion in media values.
“Pasasalamat is our way of recognizing the invaluable contributions of our communication partners and stakeholders in helping us share the wonders of the Philippines,” said Nograles. “Through your dedication, we’ve reached new heights and inspired travelers to explore our country.”
Stars such as Timothy Granaderos from 13 Reasons Why, Nico Santos from Crazy Rich Asians, Broadway’s Aladdin star Josh de la Cruz, and Korean actor Kim Ji Soo were lauded for their significant contributions to elevating the Philippines’ global presence. Renowned music icons like LANY were also celebrated for fostering the vibe of a transformative and vibrant cultural hotspot.
Likewise, the TPB’s Community-Based Tourism Marketing Enhancement Program has effectively empowered local communities to highlight their unique cultural and natural assets. Through workshops and training sessions in Bicol and CALABARZON in late 2024, grassroots stakeholders developed strategies to attract travelers while safeguarding their heritage. This initiative has not only boosted visitor engagement in these destinations but also fostered sustainable economic opportunities, ensuring that tourism directly benefits the local communities.
At the tail end of her presentation, Nograles also shared that the TPB is in the final stretches of its preparations for World Expo Osaka, which opens on April 13. This global platform presents a unique opportunity to showcase the Philippines’ rich tourism offerings, attract sustainable investments, and drive economic growth.
As the country steps confidently into 2025, the TPB’s unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable tourism continues to lay the foundation for a thriving industry, poised to inspire the world, invite travelers and investors alike to experience the many reasons to love the Philippines.
