67% of Philippine Companies Offer LGBTQIA+ Benefits, Signalling Strong Diversity Progress

Here are some of the key findings from the survey

– 62% of employees are aware of employee resource groups focused on diversity and inclusion
– 50% of respondents state that their organisations have diversity training programs
– 51% of respondents state that their organisations support work-life balance with flexible work hours and remote work options
– 67% of workplaces offer special benefits for LGBTQIA+ employees
– 58% of respondents say their organisation is responsive or highly responsive to feedback on diversity issues

Manila, Philippines, July 22, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – In today’s globalised economy, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) play a crucial role in driving innovation and competitiveness in the workplace. A recent survey by foundit, a leading talent platform, highlights significant progress and exciting opportunities in D&I practices across Philippine organisations.

The survey unveils a promising landscape in the Philippines’ corporate environment, with a majority of respondents reporting that their organisations offer special benefits for LGBTQIA+ employees and have employee resource groups focused on diversity and inclusion. These findings point to the substantial strides Philippine workplaces have made in harnessing the proven benefits of diverse teams, such as enhanced innovation, improved decision-making, and stronger financial performance.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become critical focus areas for organisations worldwide. DEI initiatives aim to create workplaces that reflect the broader society, ensure fair treatment and access to opportunities for all employees, and foster an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

As businesses increasingly recognise the benefits of diverse teams, understanding the current state of DEI practices is crucial.

The survey, conducted as part of foundit’s ongoing commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive work environments, highlights the alignment between organisational intentions and implemented actions regarding diversity initiatives in the Philippines.

While 50% of employees report that their organisations have diversity training programs in place, there’s still room for growth, as 35% of respondents are not at all familiar with the concept of diversity hiring. Encouragingly, 58% feel their organisation is responsive or highly responsive to feedback on diversity issues.

These findings suggest a strong commitment to diversity in principle and significant progress in implementation, with exciting opportunities to further enhance diversity initiatives.

Sekhar Garisa, CEO of foundit, commented on the findings: “The Philippines is demonstrating remarkable progress in creating inclusive workplaces. It is particularly encouraging to see that 67% of companies offer special benefits for LGBTQIA+ employees, showcasing a deep commitment to inclusivity. This positions the Philippines as a leader in the region for LGBTQIA+ workplace support.

The high awareness of employee resource groups and the prevalence of diversity training programs indicate that Philippine businesses are taking concrete steps towards fostering inclusive environments. As we move forward, there’s a fantastic opportunity to build on this foundation, particularly in areas such as diversity hiring awareness and expanding training programs. Organisations that continue to invest in these areas will not only create more inclusive workplaces but also unlock new levels of innovation and competitiveness in the global market.”

Key findings from the survey include:

LGBTQIA+ Support: 67% of respondents report that their workplace supports LGBTQIA+ employees with special benefits, including healthcare coverage, family and relationship benefits, mental health support, and training and education benefits.
Diversity Awareness and Definition: While 35% of respondents are not at all familiar with the concept of diversity hiring, among those familiar with the concept, 62% define workplace diversity comprehensively, including actively seeking diverse individuals, creating an inclusive environment, embracing a diversity mindset, and complying with anti-discrimination laws.
Organisational Commitment: 50% of respondents believe their workplace is highly or extremely committed to hiring a diverse team, while 24% perceive a moderate commitment, and 9% report no commitment at all.
Training Needs and Effectiveness: 50% of respondents state that their organisations have diversity training programs, with 46% having mandatory programs. In terms of effectiveness, 30% reported becoming fully aware from training, while 27% saw no increase in awareness.
Recruitment Practices: Respondents report that organisations are adopting various initiatives to ensure equal opportunities. These include conducting interviews in diversity-friendly spaces (18%), inviting applications from diverse communities (15%), consistent commitment to diversity hiring goals (14%), and regular reviews to update hiring processes to mitigate bias (14%).
Provisions for Applicants with Disabilities: Respondents state that organisations offer specific accommodations, such as accessible online application processes (17%), accessible interview venues (16%), and additional time allowances for assessments if needed (16%).
Work-Life Balance: 51% of respondents state that their organisations have policies in place to support work-life balance with flexible work hours and remote work options, particularly for women with caregiving responsibilities.
Employee Resource Groups: 62% of respondents are aware of employee resource groups focused on diversity and inclusion within their organisations, with 49% finding these groups highly or extremely valuable.
Peer Support and Networking: 42% of respondents state that their organisations frequently or always facilitate peer support and networking opportunities for diverse groups, 25% say they sometimes do so, and 14% report that their organisations rarely or never provide these opportunities.
Responsiveness to Feedback: 58% of respondents perceive that their organisations are responsive or highly responsive to feedback on diversity issues, highlighting a positive trend in organisational communication and action on diversity-related concerns.

“These findings showcase the Philippines as an emerging leader in corporate diversity and inclusion,” Garisa added. ” As we look ahead, there’s an exciting opportunity for Philippine businesses to leverage this strong foundation in workplace equality and lead the way for inclusive workplaces across the region.”

The survey was conducted as part of TRIUMPH, Asia’s leading virtual career fair for diversity, demonstrating foundit’s commitment to promoting inclusive workplaces.

As organisations navigate the evolving landscape of workplace diversity, this survey serves as a crucial benchmark, offering insights into current practices and highlighting areas for future focus and improvement. By leveraging their strengths and addressing opportunities for growth, companies can create even more inclusive and successful workplaces.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME) is a leading talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. In addition to a powerful AI-powered job search, foundit offers e-learning, assessments, and services related to resume creation, interview preparation, and professional networking. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 90 million job seekers across 18 countries in upskilling and connecting them with the right job opportunities. foundit is now also the Official Talent Partner of the Badminton World Federation across 20 key world tour events.

Over the last two decades, the company has been a leader in the world of recruitment solutions and has recently launched a cutting-edge solution to give recruiters access to passive candidates in addition to active ones. With the use of advanced technology, foundit is seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies.

Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches and offer precision hiring.

Contact:
For media inquiries or further information, please contact
Namrata Sharma – Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
Contact number – +65 81383034

GA-ASI Flies MQ-9B With Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6 E-Series Engine

SAN DIEGO, CA, July 19, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) flew a company-owned MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft on July 15, 2024, with a PT6 E-Series model turboprop engine supplied by Pratt & Whitney Canada. Representatives from GA-ASI and Pratt & Whitney witnessed the first flight of the PT6 engine on MQ-9B, which lasted 44 minutes and demonstrated exemplary handling and acceleration.

“We’re excited to see the PT6 engine on our MQ-9B aircraft,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We’ve worked with Pratt & Whitney for years, specifically on our jet-powered Avenger®, and we’ve enjoyed a very productive partnership. The first flight marks an important milestone for MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian® customers and missions that require additional power. In addition, customers who choose the Pratt & Whitney engine will benefit from low sustainment costs from best-in-class Time Between Overhauls, as well as 50+ maintenance and overhaul facilities around the globe.”

The PT6 E-Series is a reliable and versatile turboprop engine family that delivers key performance enhancements applicable to future MQ-9B missions. PT6 delivers a 33 percent increase in power over MQ-9B’s current engine, with a highly mature dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Controller.

MQ-9B is GA-ASI’s next-generation RPA, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range, with auto takeoff and landing under SATCOM-only control, and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system.

Deliveries of MQ-9B have begun for the United Kingdom, with contracts in place with Belgium, Canada, Taiwan, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating MQ-9B for maritime operations, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) selected MQ-9B for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Trial Operation Project. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable RPA systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than eight million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent situational awareness. The company also produces a variety of sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas.

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

Avenger, Lynx, Predator, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

Contact Information
GA-ASI Media Relations
asi-mediarelations@ga-asi.com

SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

Countdown to the first ever Thai innovation and startup network expo ‘SITE 2024’ at SCI Power For Future Thailand

BANGKOK, July 19, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) by the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) or NIA is hosting “STARTUP THAILAND x INNOVATION THAILAND EXPO 2024” or SITE 2024 under the concept of “Innovation for Growth and Sustainability” to accelerate the creation of sustainability for Thai businesses and start-ups in all dimensions. There will be an exhibition of exciting innovations, a knowledge transfer session, business opportunity expansions, and cutting-edge innovative products to spark new ideas. The goal is to foster strength and sustainable growth for Thai startups and innovative entrepreneurs. This year’s event will be organized in conjunction with SCI Power For Future Thailand – an event promoting the utilization of scientific research for sustainable economic development from 22 – 28 July 2024 at Zone C, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) or NIA states that “NIA is forging ahead in its role as the “Focal Conductor” of innovation, bridging collaborations with both domestic and international partners. This effort aims to promote and support innovative entrepreneurs and startups in every dimension, leading to sustainable economic and social impacts for the country. Additionally, NIA plays a crucial role in policy formulation and facilitating the innovation ecosystem to enhance business potential and value creation. This includes fostering continuous innovation development among entrepreneurs, startups, and the public sector. The annual STARTUP THAILAND x INNOVATION THAILAND EXPO (SITE) is a key tool in this endeavour, elevating Thai innovative entrepreneurs and startups by providing them with opportunities for sustainable growth.

This year “STARTUP THAILAND x INNOVATION THAILAND EXPO 2024” or SITE 2024 will be held under the concept of “Innovation for Growth and Sustainability” with 3 main objectives: 1) Raising awareness of innovation; 2) Driving business growth and sustainability; and 3) Creating opportunities for startups and innovation-based entrepreneurs, consisting of 5 highlighted activities:

– Forum: A stage that brings together leading start-ups and innovators in Thailand and expert lecturers from abroad who will join to update the world’s innovation trends. They are ready to exchange knowledge and inspire innovation development, including Road to Unicorn by the NIA’s executive team, Scale-up Thailand Fueling by Coach, Cash, and Connect by Assoc. Prof. Dr Natcha Thawesaengskulthai, PhD, Startup and Innovation Ecosystem in Montgomery County, Maryland, USA by Judy Costello, Global Startup Scaling for Thai Startups by Linda Nguyen Schindler and a seminar and brainstorming session on developing financial and investment capabilities for innovation projects in the area of solving environmental and climate problems in Thailand by NIA and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

– Marketplace: A comprehensive innovation marketplace featuring over 300 startups and innovative entrepreneurs who will introduce cutting-edge products and services that respond to innovation trends for business sustainability in the future world. There were also innovative products on display at the booth from international agencies, including Japan, Korea and China.

– Business Matching: A forum for meeting business cooperation, which is an important opportunity for startups and entrepreneurs to expand their ideas into innovative businesses, find partners and receive advice to grow their businesses strongly. Investors, venture capital firms and large companies joined the stage, including AIS the Startup, ALLY Global Management, Bangchak, Beacon Venture, InnoSpace (Thailand), MAX Venture, True Incube and Y&Archer.

Prime Minister Award: An award ceremony honoring and recognizing contributors who have participated in promoting and supporting the development of the country’s startup ecosystem and strengthening the business potential of Thai startups to enter the international market.

– Startup Thailand League 2024: The National Pitching of Thailand Championship round consists of the final 14 teams of the startup business idea competition activity at the higher education level. This year, it was organized under the concept “Turn your dreams to build your business with a different idea.”

“This year, SITE 2024 is especially significant as it is held in conjunction with the “SCI Power” Fair, a major event promoting the utilization of higher education, science, research, and innovation for sustainable economic development. This fair serves as a crucial platform to showcase the potential of economic development through higher education, science, research, and innovation. It aims to inspire learning in these fields to improve quality of life, aligning with lifestyles at all stages of life. We believe that SITE 2024 will spark new knowledge and ideas for creating technology and innovation, enhance commercial opportunities, and expand business prospects for promising startups. The government and relevant agencies are ready to support these efforts to increase global competitiveness, enhance the country’s reputation, and further develop the national economy.”, Dr Krithpaka concluded.

For those interested, can get more details and register at https://www.mhesifair.com and Facebook: NIA: National Innovation Agency, Thailand.

RD Technologies Joins the HKMA Stablecoin Issuer Sandbox

HONG KONG, July 18, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – RD Technologies announced today that its subsidiary, RD InnoTech Limited, has been admitted to the stablecoin issuer sandbox of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). Among the first batch of entities to join the sandbox, RD Technologies will conduct testing for various use cases of its proprietary Hong Kong Dollar stablecoin, “HKDR”, such as digital asset trading and cross-border trade payments.

Today’s announcement represents a major milestone for RD Technologies mission to help develop the financial infrastructure for the Web3 ecosystem in Hong Kong through the issuance of reliable and trustworthy stablecoins compliant with high regulatory standards.

“We are honoured to be amongst the first batch of entities to participate in the HKMA sandbox,” said Norman Chan, Chairman of RD Technologies. “RD Technologies remains committed to the mission of offering innovative solutions to help enrich the financial infrastructure that is essential in building Hong Kong as the Web3 hub of the world.”

“We are excited to be participating in the HKMA’s sandbox arrangement. My team at RD Technologies is fully ready to communicate with the HKMA closely and demonstrate our superior technical capability, robust risk management and user friendly stablecoin solutions that are in compliance with high regulatory standards. RD Technologies will continue to contribute to the development of the Web3 ecosystem in Hong Kong.” said Rita Liu, CEO of RD Technologies.

About RD Technologies:

RD Technologies Group (“RD Technologies”) deploys innovative Fintech solutions to connect the business world by trust. RD Technologies is a unique financial platform that connects the Web2 and Web3 world and market participants through the provision of an HKMA licensed B2B digital wallet for fiat money, which was launched in November 2023, and Hong Kong Dollar stablecoins to be tested shortly under the HKMA sandbox. Based in Hong Kong and facing the world, RD Technologies’ mission is to facilitate cross-border trade and financial transactions through the provision of efficient, safe, and innovative payment solutions for businesses, thereby contributing to the development of Hong Kong as a trade and financial hub in Asia.

The world of Web3 holds great promise for the future, and stablecoins play a crucial role in this evolving landscape. RD Technologies plans to engage regulated exchanges globally as well as payment partners to enable more cost and time-efficient cross-border payments and settlements. By leveraging our strong partnerships with licensed financial institutions, RD Technologies aims to drive the mainstream adoption of HKDR. Additionally, RD will develop innovative use cases that showcase the benefits of compliance, ensuring the safety and security of HKDR to all its users.

For details: https://rd.group

About HKD Stablecoin (HKDR):

HKDR is the Hong Kong dollar stablecoin that RD Technologies is exploring to launch. HKDR’s value will be 1:1 in Hong Kong dollars, and its backing reserves will be made up of high-quality, highly liquid assets safe-kept in a segregated custody account with licensed financial institutions. Details of the reserves will be available to the public through independent third-party attestation reports published on a regular basis.

For details: https://rd.group/hkdr

Media Enquiries:

RD Technologies
Arian WANG
Mobile: (852) 6221 7008
Email: pr@rd.group
Direct email: arian.wang@rd.group

OWIS Students Win Big at 10th SASMO Competition

SINGAPORE, July 18, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Students of One World International School Digital Campus won a number of medals at the recently held Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad (SASMO), while competing against more than 55,000 students from more than 7,000 other schools.

One World International School, Singapore

Three of these winners are ranked in the Top 100 in Singapore and will have a choice to represent the country at the upcoming edition of Singapore International Math Olympiad Challenge (SIMOC) – a shot in the arm for OWIS Digital Campus which is part of Global Schools Group.

OWIS students won one gold, five silver and four bronze medals, alongside two honourable mentions at the Olympiad where students from more than 35 countries participated.

SASMO is one of the top Maths Competitions in Singapore which gives students a platform to showcase their acumen in the subject. The 19th edition of the Olympiad was held in June.

OWIS Grade 4 student Zhang Yimin was the Gold winner, while Yuan Iijma (Grade 7), Pranav Singh (Grade 4), Shubhang Silakari (Grade 5), Mihit Gajjar (Grade 5) and Chen Ziling (Grade 8) won Silver in their categories.

Pia Nahar (Grade 3), Samaira Mishra (Grade 4), Madhav Garg (Grade 6) and Harrish Mohan (Grade 3) were bronze medal winners. Song JaeJun and Shaan Malusare got honourable mentions.

All medal winners have qualified to participate in the prestigious 10th Singapore International Math Olympiad Challenge (SIMOC) to be held between July 20 to 23.

“This remarkable achievement reflects not just the talent of our students but also the academic excellence that OWIS has to help them achieve their levels of success,” said Ms. Angela Henderson, Primary head of school of OWIS Digital Campus. “The students’ success at SASMO 2024 not only brings honour to our school but also brings to light the dedication to holistic education, where academic rigour is seamlessly integrated with social, emotional and physical development.”

One World International School, one of the fastest-growing international schools in Asia, offers high-quality international education in a nurturing multicultural environment. OWIS Punggol Digital Campus aims to develop independent, inquiring, lifelong learners, while fostering internationally-minded individuals.

The campus is environmentally friendly, with facilities that include digital classrooms, indoor and outdoor sports arenas, a fully-equipped gym, a 200-metre running track, a stadium grandstand, outdoor basketball courts, adventure parks, and a multi-purpose hall for six badminton courts, 2 indoor basketball courts – all fitted with TV screens, videos and projectors.

ABOUT GLOBAL SCHOOLS GROUP

Global Schools Group (GSG), headquartered in Singapore, is an award-winning interconnected network of leading international schools across the world. Founded in 2022 to serve global communities with high quality education, GSG schools are truly global at heart transcending boundaries to provide a world-class learning experience through the scale, diversity and experience of its widespread network.

GSG mission is to nurture young minds into future global leaders.

Contact Information
Rupali Karekar
Divisional Manager
rupali.karekar@globalschools.com
+6598734320

SOURCE: Global Schools Group

Champion REIT holds first ‘ESG Week’

HONG KONG, July 18, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Champion Real Estate Investment Trust (“Champion REIT” or the “Trust”) (Stock Code: 2778), owner of Three Garden Road and Langham Place, hosted “Champion REIT ESG Week” following the inaugural ESG Forum last year, aiming to foster connection among business leaders, tenants and social organisations to create a value-added ecosystem with synergies and shared values, as well as joining force to promote sustainable development and social benefits. With novel initiatives instilled with creativity and fresh ideas, the event received overwhelming response with more than 300 attendees, twice the figures from last year.

Collaborating with over 20 partners and organisations to create shared values

Strategic partners of the event included organisations from various sectors, such as Business Environment Council, Fullness Social Enterprises Society, International WELL Building Institute (“IWBI”), RethinkHK, and The Women’s Foundation. The event brought together professionals from respective industries, and tenants such as Citi, perFACE and social organisations for knowledge exchange and sharing, collectively driving sustainable development and creating shared values for mutually beneficial outcomes.

Gathering professionals to explore green issues and recognising outstanding tenants

The event kicked off with a Climate Panel. Experienced ESG practitioners from Business Environment Council, resources recycling company ALBA, environmental social enterprise V Cycle, and beauty brand L’Occitane were invited to dive into the approaches for encouraging corporate and social behavioural changes to accelerate the circular economy development. An award presentation ceremony was also held to recognise office tenants who have achieved outstanding energy saving and energy reduction during the “Green Champion Challenge”. Amongst which Bloomberg L.P. obtained the Grand Champion – the highest honour of the competition (please refer to Appendix 1 for the detailed winners list). The Trust also co-organised a WELL Summit with IWBI, inviting several professionals from the architecture and building sectors to share their insights circling on the theme “From Commitment to Action: Fostering a Thriving Health-centric Ecosystem”, bringing into focus the inseparable relationship between green buildings development and human well-being enhancement.

Pioneering Social Impact Pitch to promote culture of diversity and inclusion

In addition to championing climate resilience, the Trust stays committed to manifest the importance of striking a balance between social and environmental wellbeing. Thus, the event also featured Crisel Consunji, the winner of Best New Performer at the Hong Kong Film Awards for her role in “Still Human” and early childhood educator, to join Fiona Nott, CEO of Women’s Foundation, on a thought-provoking conversation to uphold values that embrace diversity and inclusion, and shed light on strengthening awareness building among the next generation.

The Trust also organised the inaugural innovative Social Impact Pitch in collaboration with the Fullness Social Enterprises Society, inviting 10 local social enterprises across sectors, including newly emerged sports, smart ageing service, diverse community culture, eco-friendly clothing, and mental health, to showcase innovative business models and ideas to cater to different needs of society while promoting a culture that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. The winning organisations will be invited to a “Lunch with Executives” session to broaden their horizons on conducting business and explore new ideas on sustainable development.

The event will be concluded by Musica del Cuore concert at Three Garden Road, a piano and cello duo recital featuring renowned instrumentalist, conductor, and guest principal cellist of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Dr. Artem Konstantinov, and young award-winning scholar of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, Peter Leung, captivating the audience with an unforgettable audiovisual performance.

Ms Christina Hau, Chief Executive Officer of Champion REIT, said, “We have long acknowledged the importance of social responsibility. As a ‘super connector’, the Trust has been working together with like-minded partners to co-create shared values, and actively driving projects that yield both social and commercial benefits. In acknowledgement of the interrelation of economic and social progress, we cultivate mutually beneficial relationships across sectors. By embracing an open attitude towards cooperation, advocating for the “Business for Good” concept, along with integrating the concept of shared values into our corporate strategies and daily operations, we aim to create value for our stakeholders while championing all-round resilience of our ecosystem, ultimately contributing to a better Net Zero future.”

Ms Daisy Ng, Chief Catalyst Officer of Fullness Social Enterprises Society, said, “Over the years, we have been upholding our 1+1>2 cross-sector multi-win business model, employing innovative and effective ways to promote urban transformation. The collaboration project with the Trust is another showcase of forward-thinking business through utilising the values of social entrepreneurship to support those in social needs. The Social Impact Pitch initiative with diversity, equality and inclusion as core themes sparks new thinking among participants to come up with new solutions for another facet of corporate management culture. In taking the lead for corporate social collaboration, the Trust has laid a foundation to enable connections between different sectors and resources, and to help foster upward social mobility of the disadvantaged.”

Mr Richard Chang, Vice President of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) China, said: “WELL is a leading tool for enhancing health and well-being in companies and organisations. The Trust is at a leading role in implementing WELL and sustainability practices. As an industry pioneer, it has set an industry benchmark for innovative and sustainable management strategies.”

Appendix 1: Climate Panellists of “Green transitions: Influencing Organisational and Social Behavioural Change towards a Circular Economy”

Roles	Names
Moderator	Mr Simon Ng, Chief Executive Officer, Business Environment Council
Panellist	Mr Eric Swinton, Founder & CEO, V Cycle
Panellist	Ir Kenny Wong, Director, Business Development and Projects – Hong Kong of ALBA Group Asia Ltd.
Panellist	Ms Venisa Chu, Regional Sustainability Director – APAC, L’Occitane Group

Appendix 2: Awardees List of Green Champion Challenge

Award Categories	Awardees
Grand Champion	Bloomberg L.P.
Star Achiever of Three Garden Road	Bloomberg L.P.
Star Achiever of Langham Place Office Tower	perFACE
Green Enlighteners	1.BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited 2.Bloomberg L.P. 3.Citi
Green Movers	1.Ariose Capital Management Limited 2.EC Healthcare 3.Perfect Medical Health Management Limited

*in alphabetical order

Appendix 3: Speakers of “From Commitment to Action: Fostering a Thriving Health-centric Ecosystem”

	Names
1.	Mr Richard Zhang, Vice President, IWBI China
2.	Mr Andy Ling Leng, Senior Project Manager, Hong Kong, BEE Incorporations
3.	Mr Benny Cheng, Vice President, Strategic Account Management and Meeting Place, Console Connect, PCCW Global
4.	Ms Jade Liu, Asia Marketing Strategy and Operation Manager, Milliken Floor Covering
5.	Ms Jenny Yeung, Head of Hong Kong & Macau, Real Estate Services, Citi
6.	Mr Man Kit Leung, Director of Sustainable Design, Ronald Lu & Partners
7.	Mr Remus Lam, Marketing Director, Delos Welltek
8.	Mr Stefano Tronci, Associate Principal, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP

*in alphabetical order

Appendix 4: List of winning social enterprises for Social Impact Pitch

Award Category	Winning Social Enterprises
The Outstanding ESG Social Integration Award	Nature Bathing
The Outstanding Business Model Award	Retrovert
The Outstanding Brand Marketing Award	Project Futurus
The Outstanding Social Impact Brand	1.Diamond Cab 2.The Peak Hunter

*in alphabetical order

Photo captions:

Champion REIT ESG Week provided a platform of collective exchange

Ms Christina Hau (left) received the WELL Platinum plaque from Mr Richard
Chang, Vice President of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)
China (right), symbolising Three Garden Road’s re-certification success

A group of seasoned ESG practitioners engaged in the Climate Panel

Guests jointly attended the launch ceremony of Champion REIT’s
“EcoChampion Pledge” initiative

The Fireside Chat between Crisel Consunji and Fiona Nott took a positive
and future-focused approach on fostering equitable and inclusive
development among the younger generations

The social enterprise “Inherited Sports” led the audience in stretching
exercise after a day of inspiration

About Champion REIT (2778)

Champion Real Estate Investment Trust is a trust formed to own and invest in income- producing office and retail properties. The Trust focuses on Grade-A commercial properties in prime locations. It currently offers investors direct exposure to nearly 3 million sq. ft. of prime office and retail area. These include two Hong Kong landmark properties, Three Garden Road and Langham Place, as well as a joint venture stake in 66 Shoe Lane in Central London. The Trust was awarded the top five-star rating by the Global Real Estate Sustainability Standard (GRESB) in 2023.

Website: www.championreit.com

TAU Intelligence collaborates with Jardine Matheson and Intel to pioneer resource-efficient AI solutions

SINGAPORE, July 18, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – TAU Intelligence is pleased to announce a promising collaboration with Jardine Matheson and Intel. The strategic collaboration aims to enhance the application of Generative AI by launching two pioneering proofs-of-concept (PoCs) for Jardines, focusing on legal contract review and customer service.

TAU Intelligence uses a moderate-sized Large Language Model (LLM), which is then customized with on-premises fine-tuning by the Jardines team. This approach sets this collaboration apart from the prevailing approach favoured in many other projects exploring similar use cases for AI. Importantly, this method ensures that data is not used for training or retained by the provider of the underlying LLM.

Preliminary results reveal that this approach not only maintains high levels of accuracy and output quality in terms of reviewing and analyzing legal contract provisions and common user queries, but also offers significant resource efficiency in terms of energy usage and computing power.

Since 2022, TAU’s extensive research and development efforts have underscored the challenges posed by large LLMs, particularly their high costs, data security concerns, and environmental impact. Other studies indicate that popular LLMs consume 15 times more energy than a typical web search, raising environmental concerns. TAU’s strategy of using smaller and domain-specific LLMs that operate locally within a company’s own environment, addresses these issues, ensuring resource-efficient AI and data sovereignty.

The solutions developed within this collaboration will be tested on Intel’s next-generation Xeon® processors for data centres, cloud, and edge workloads. The collaboration will leverage the Intel Xeon® processors to deliver significant advancements in performance with industry-leading Intel accelerator engines and improved performance per watt across key workloads like AI, data analytics, high-performance computing (HPC), and others.

Professor Lam Kwok Yan, Co-founder of TAU Intelligence and a renowned AI Safety researcher based in Singapore, commented, “The approach on these PoCs is distinct from the current trend where LLMs are rapidly expanding in size and consumption of energy and computing power. By focusing on domain-specific knowledge, we can fine-tune AI models in order to deploy smaller LLMs in a safe manner, mitigating the problem of hallucination and ensuring the responsible use of AI. The collaboration with Jardines signifies a focus on the development of responsible and resource-efficient AI solutions by companies, setting a benchmark for innovation and sustainability in the AI industry.”

Anne O’Riordan, Group Digital Director at Jardine Matheson, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “This collaboration highlights Jardines’ ongoing efforts to develop, test, and deploy AI to position our businesses for the future. These PoCs tackle real business challenges, enhancing operations by combining high-quality output with resource efficiency – while ensuring the security of our proprietary data. We’re excited to see the results of this engagement and by the potential for future collaboration.”

“TAU Intelligence has a proven track record in deploying impactful AI solutions for key institutions within the region. Its experience in AI safety and dedication to fostering responsible AI strongly align with Jardines’ core pillars of innovation and sustainability,” said John Koshy, Head of Group Legal Affairs at Jardine Matheson who is leading Jardines’ legal contract review PoC.

TAU Intelligence

TAU Intelligence (TIL) is a pioneering Generative AI start-up, founded by a team of experienced researchers with extensive experience in the design, development, and deployment of AI systems tailored to solve real-world challenges. TIL’s mission is to empower businesses in the Legal, Digital Human, and Healthcare space with advanced Large Language Model (LLM) solutions that boost efficiency, drive innovation, and transform the application of Generative AI.

A hallmark of TIL’s offerings is our dedication to data sovereignty and resource-efficiency. These principles ensure that businesses not only gain from cutting-edge AI solutions but also maintain control over their data and optimize resource utilization. Within the Legal sector, TIL has introduced solutions that streamline transactional law processes, including contract drafting, review, general document or case retrieval. In the Digital Human field, TIL has developed an innovative chatbot solution that facilitates easy access to internal documents for employees and enhances client-facing interactions, functioning as a digital concierge.

For media inquiries, please contact Robert Tan at media@tauintelligence.ai.

Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association Calls for Action Against Illegal Pesticides

SELANGOR, Malaysia, July 18, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association (MCPA), a national association representing the plant science and public health industries of Malaysia, calls for action against illegal pesticides after the tragic poisoning incidents of two young boys and the hospitalization of a teenager upon consumption of rat poison-laced snacks, as reported in the media. These heartbreaking events underscore the urgent need for stringent measures against the use and sale of illegal pesticides.

“The use of illegal and unregistered pesticides poses significant risks not just to public health but also to the environment and economies. We strongly condemn the use of such products,” said Ms. Marie Goh Chooi Fong, Associate Director, Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association (MCPA).

“Furthermore, the proliferation of unregistered and illegal pesticides through online platforms is a growing concern. We urge the authorities to intensify efforts to govern the online sale of pesticides. Ensuring that all pesticides sold online are properly registered and comply with safety standards is crucial to prevent further tragedies,” she added.

Pesticides are some of the most tested and regulated products in the world. Likewise, in Malaysia, the pesticide industry is rigorously regulated by the Pesticides Board (PB) of the Department of Agriculture (DOA). Only pesticides that comply with stringent safety, toxicology, bio-efficacy, and other standards are approved by PB for sale. MCPA members, as registrants, strictly adhere to the Act, rules, and guidelines provided by PB to ensure safety while supporting national needs, including food security. Additionally, MCPA members adhere to the International Code of Conduct on Pesticides Management (ICOC) by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN).

MCPA and its members have been actively promoting Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) and stewardship programs for decades. These stewardship programs include educating users and promoting practices that encourage the responsible, safe and efficient use of pesticides. This is undertaken within the context of promoting an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy and forms an important part of the industry’s life-cycle approach to product stewardship. MCPA also partners with the food value chain and government agencies to ensure food safety.

MCPA remains committed to supporting farmers and advancing the use of innovative agricultural technologies for a safe, affordable and secure food supply.

About Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association (MCPA)

MCPA is a non-profit trade association, the voice of the plant science and public health industry in Malaysia. We advocate a safe, secure food supply, and our vision is food security enabled by innovative agriculture. MCPA is one of the 15 national associations under CropLife Asia, based in Singapore. For more information, visit us at www.mcpa.org.my.

For more information please contact:
Marie Goh Chooi Fong
Associate Director
Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association (MCPA)
marie@mcpa.org.my

Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks open today

HKTDC’s Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks have attracted 760 exhibitors to participate in the seven-day events
The Book Fair’s theme this year is Film and Television Literature. Renowned writers such as Jin Yucheng, author of Blossoms, and Yuyi, author of City of Darkness, will share their creative journey
The World of Art & Culture showcases works from 31 countries and regions, including AI-powered interactive installations
The Sports and Leisure Expo offers a check-in spot for cheering on Hong Kong’s Olympic athletes while the World of Snacks gathers more than 1,200 snacks from across the globe
Entry before noon costs HK$10 with an Octopus card, and full price ticket holders who enter on the first two days can enjoy free re-entry at certain time slots. Children aged 0-3 and adults aged 65 or above will be admitted free of charge

HONG KONG, July 18, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – 17 July 2024 – The 34th HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair, 7th HKTDC Sports and Leisure Expo and 4th HKTDC World of Snacks all commence today, running for seven days (17 to 23 July) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the three summer cultural and leisure events offer a diverse range of activities that cater for the whole family. The opening ceremony for the fairs took place this morning, officiated by Raistlin Lau, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, and accompanied by Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms Fong said: “The HKTDC is committed to promoting Hong Kong’s business development and injecting vitality into the Hong Kong economy through organising mega events such as these, solidifying the city’s reputation as the events capital of Asia. This year’s Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks have attracted 760 exhibitors, providing an important promotional and business platform for different industries while allowing visitors to enjoy diverse activities spanning reading, sports, leisure, and snack shopping. This year’s Book Fair, an annual summer cultural event in Hong Kong, will stage more than 600 cultural activities on-site and off-site, inviting over 250 prominent Chinese and foreign-language writers and celebrities to host seminars, promoting literary exchange and connecting book lovers through literature.”

The Book Fair continues to receive funding from the HKSAR Government’s Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency to support featured activities, including the World of Art & Culture, the International Publishing Forum and the debut of the IP Roundtable.

Theme of the year seminar series delves into film and TV literature

This year’s Book Fair, with the theme Film and Television Literature and the tagline “Reading the World: Storytelling from Page to Screen”, focuses on featured writers such as Erica Li, Raymond To, Joyce Chan, Norris Wong, Chiang Hiu Mei and Law Kar. The Art Gallery features two other exhibition zones, namely Featured Directors and Classic Literary Adaptations, introducing selected works by renowned filmmakers such as Wong Kar-wai, Ho Cheuk-tin, Nick Cheuk, Tsui Hark, Ann Hui and Stanley Kwan, as well as paying tribute to literary masters like Yi Shu, Lilian Lee, Jin Yong, Ni Kuang and Eileen Chang.

Featured writers of the year and featured directors are invited to explore the intersection of film, television and literature through the Theme of the Year Seminar Series. Earlier today, Raymond To kicked off the series with his talk on “Transforming Texts into Lines and Dialogues”, while renowned director Stanley Kwan will share his unique perspectives on women, film and literary adaptations on 20 July.

World of Art & Culture promotes cultural exchange

The World of Art & Culture provides booklovers with a multifaceted understanding of literature in film and television from 31 countries and regions. In addition to works from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, it also presents pieces from Argentina, Colombia, the Czech Republic, France, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Spain, Switzerland, Vietnam and more. This year, the World of Art & Culture features two interactive installations. Trailing the Scenes showcases Hong Kong film shooting locations and related literary works on an interactive map, allowing visitors to download relevant images, while the Shifting the Scripts by AI installation enables visitors to input keywords to re-compose classic film scenes using AI, allowing them to experience the creative process.

Furthermore, the World of Art & Culture features a miniature of the Kowloon Walled City. Yuyi, author of the novel City of Darkness that was adapted into the hit film Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, will join the Book Fair in person and host a seminar titled “City of Darkness – From Novel to Film” to share his creative journey.

This year, the Mainland China Publishers Zone at the Book Fair is highlighting Beijing as the thematic city, with the theme Beijing and Hong Kong Weave Dreams Together – Painting a Vibrant Chapter through Literary Splendour. The zone will showcase books and creative products which embody historical and cultural characteristics of Beijing, demonstrating the charm of the nation’s capital through the achievements of its modern development.

Cultivating a reading culture through acclaimed writers

The Book Fair continues to feature the Eight Seminar Series, with authors invited to share and exchange ideas on topics including Renowned Writers, English and International Reading, World of Knowledge, Children and Youth Reading, Hong Kong Cultural and Historical, Lifestyle and Personal Development and Spiritual Growth, in addition to the Theme of the Year series. The Renowned Writers Seminar Series, co-organised with Ming Pao and Yazhou Zhoukan, has invited renowned Chinese-language authors from the mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong to share their creative insights. On 20 July, Jin Yucheng, author of the novel that was adapted into the TV drama Blossoms, will delve into the charismatic Shanghai depicted in his creation. Pioneer of Chinese avant-garde fiction Su Tong will share his creative journey on the same day in a talk titled “The Intersecting Paths of Literature”. Other featured authors include Mao Jian, Zhu Tianyi, Shum Sai-shing, Ng See-yuen, Perry Lam, Ban Yu, Xu Zidong, Chen Chongzheng, Jiao Tong, Shan Weijian, Qiao Ye, Huang Deng, Ge Liang, Lei Chien, Cai Chongda and Ian Huen.

The English and International Reading Seminar Series continues to welcome leading English-language authors from around the world. Today (17 July), British scholar Christopher Cowell, who examines the relationship between architecture and urban cultural history, will discuss urban development in Hong Kong from 1841 to 1849. Tomorrow (18 July), renowned Czech illustrator and animator Galina Miklínová will take the audience into the world of animation and introduce the Oddsockeaters. The Story Sharing by Celebrities session has invited CUHK Medical School Associate Dean Dr Teoh Yuen-chun, renowned pianist Lee Ka-ling and Ngong Ping 360 Managing Director Tung Pui-chuen to offer meaningful parent-child activities. For more details on the seminars and the line-up of speakers, please visit: https://hkbookfair.hktdc.com/en/Events/Event-Schedule.html

Sports and Leisure Expo celebrates Olympic spirit

The quadrennial Olympic Games will kick off in Paris next week, and the public can get a head start on the electric atmosphere at the Sports and Leisure Expo. The event has invited star athletes to join sharing sessions, including Hong Kong Men’s Rugby Sevens representative Yiu Kam-shing, former Hong Kong Karatedo and Athletics representative Tong Cheuk-pan, and local ice hockey player Cheung Tsz-ching (who appeared in the TV drama Sparks), to share their ups and downs. The Hong Kong Sports Institute (Booth 5C-C02) has set up an instant photo booth encouraging the public to take pictures with props, which will be used to create a mosaic photo wall to show their support for Hong Kong athletes competing in the Olympics.

The Hong Kong Playground Association (Booth 5C-D02) has introduced a new parent-child zipline experience in the Sports Hub zone this year. Under the guidance of instructors, participants can navigate through various obstacles and glide along a 15-metre-long zipline to enjoy an exhilarating ride.

Maintaining health becomes much easier with technology. Hanlun GeronTech Limited’s (Booth 5C-B25) Tai Chi Robot was designed to cater for the elderly. It simulates the moves of an experienced tai chi master, helping seniors to train their muscles and prevent falls. Additionally, former Hong Kong triathlete Szeto Shiu-yan will share how she uses sports data to analyse her performance and plan her daily training.

The perennially popular Japan Pavilion has expanded once again to reach its biggest scale since the pandemic. The World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai (Booth 5B-E11) is participating this year, introducing the expo theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, to visitors. The Japan National Tourism Organization (Booth 5B-D02) is teaming up with 18 Japanese prefectures to showcase the rich traditional culture of Japan, with Hokkaido Prefecture (Booth 5B-E02) introducing its latest travel information via virtual reality experiences and photo spots. The Ainu Indigenous Culture Experience zone highlights the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park.

The Sports and Leisure Expo is hosting nearly 60 exciting events and performances, including a local illustrator sharing session, an introduction to emerging musical instruments, a Speed Stacks Tournament and a Rhythmic Gymnastics Dance Performance, blending thrills, education and entertainment for the benefits of visitors.

World of Snacks offers comprehensive insights into global treats

This year’s World of Snacks has brought together more than 1,200 different snacks, divided into six zones – Travel Delights, Chocolate and Sweet Factory, Oldie Snacks, Yummy & Healthy, Party Time and Snack Bar – to present visitors with a variety of classic flavours, healthy options and taste sensations from across the globe.

Making its debut at the event, Nestlé (Booth 5B-B02) has launched new ice cream flavours and is offering special promotions, including a buy-one-get-one-free offer on ice cream cups or scoops, redeemable with any purchase receipt from the Book Fair or Sports and Leisure Expo. Additionally, a series of snack-related activities are being organised for visitors, such as the Natural Honey and Sesame Cake Making workshop and Mindfulness Coffee workshop.

Tickets for the Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks can be purchased through e-payment sponsor BoC Pay, other ticketing partners including Alipay HK, Alipay, 01 Space and Octopus, or at convenience stores around Hong Kong. A single ticket grants access to all three events. The adult ticket price remains at HK$30. Children aged 0-3 and adults aged 65 or above are admitted free of charge. Visitors who enter before 12 noon and pay with their Octopus card enjoy a discounted entry fee of HK$10. The HKTDC also offers a re-entry promotion to those who purchase full-price tickets for the first two days. Physical ticket sales are not available on-site at the Book Fair – visitors can pay with AlipayHK, Alipay or Octopus at the entrance.

Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks

Date	17-23 July 2024 (Wednesday to Tuesday)
Opening hours	Hong Kong Book Fair 17-22 July – 10am to 10pm 23 July – 9am to 5pm Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks 17-18 July – 10am to 9pm 19-20 July – 10am to 10pm 21-22 July – 10am to 9pm 23 July – 9am to 5pm
Venue	Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Admission	Adult: HK$30 Child: HK$10 (for primary school students/children under 1.2m tall) *Children aged 3 and under and adults aged 65 and over will be admitted free of charge.
Tickets	E-tickets are available for sale via the e-payment sponsor, the BoC Pay; and other ticketing partners, Alipay HK, Alipay, 01 Space and Octopus. Tickets are also available for sale at all 7-Eleven and Circle K stores and most of the ticketing platforms.
Concessionary tickets	Morning admission tickets (entry before noon, same price for adults and children): HK$10 (pay directly by Octopus for admission at the hall entrances only) Special re-entry promotion: Visitors who purchase a regular adult ticket (HK$30) or child ticket (HK$10) dated 17 or 18 July can enjoy free admission once in each of the following time slots by presenting the whole stub attached to the admission ticket or re-entry coupon distributed onsite: 1) 19-21 July (Friday to Sunday) after 7pm 2) 22 July (Monday) after 7pm Note: this offer is not applicable to other types of admission tickets (including morning admission tickets, concessionary tickets, VIP tickets and complimentary tickets) Super Pass: HK$88 Passholders have unlimited entry to the Book Fair and can use the special access channel to minimise queuing time.
Hong Kong Book Fair website and mobile app	www.hkbookfair.com hkbookfair.hktdc.com/HKBookfairApp.html (Check out the details of the book fair and register for the seminar)
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo website	https://www.hktdc.com/event/hksportsleisureexpo/en
World of Snacks website	https://www.hktdc.com/event/worldofsnacks/en

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3y4lgPh

HKTDC’s Hong Kong Book Fair opens today. Together with the Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, the three summer events attracted 760 exhibitors.

Raistlin Lau, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, was guest of honour at the Book Fair’s opening ceremony.

Raistlin Lau (front, second right), Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, Margaret Fong (front, second left), Executive Director of the HKTDC, and guests, including Cao Zhenya (front, far right), Deputy Director-General of The Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the CPC, and Zhai Degang (front, far left), Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC, hosted the Book Fair opening ceremony.

In her remarks at this morning’s opening ceremony, Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, said that the Book Fair, an annual cultural event in Hong Kong in the summer, offers more than 600 cultural activities on-site and off-site, to promote literary exchange and connections and instil a joy of reading.

Book lovers eagerly await the opening of the Book Fair to get their hands on the latest literary works.

The World of Art & Culture presents literature in film and television from 31 countries and regions, with an interactive AI installation.

The Art Gallery showcases selected works from this year’s featured writers, attracting booklovers to appreciate their creativity.

The Sports Hub zone has introduced a new parent-child zipline experience, with participants invited to navigate through various obstacles before enjoying an exhilarating ride on a 15-metre-long zipline.

The Hong Kong Sports Institute has set up an instant photo booth, allowing the public to take pictures with props. These will be used to create a mosaic photo wall to show their support for Hong Kong athletes competing in the Olympics.

The perennially popular Japan Pavilion has expanded once again to reach its biggest scale since the pandemic. The Japan National Tourism Organization is teaming up with 18 Japanese prefectures to showcase the rich traditional culture of Japan

The World of Snacks has brought together more than 1,200 different snacks, to present visitors with a variety of classic flavours, healthy options and taste sensations from across the globe.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Anson Wong Tel: (852) 3428 3413 Email: awong@yuantung.com.hk
Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Tiffany Leung Tel: (852) 3428 2361 Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Hong Kong Book Fair
Snowy Chan Tel: (852) 2584 4525 Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng Tel: (852) 2584 4357 Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo, World of Snacks
Jane Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4137 Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org

HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 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 trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

Dubai AI & Web3 Festival & Trescon Launch FutureTech World Cup to Support Global Start-ups

DUBAI, UAE, July 17, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – The first Qualifier round of FutureTech World Cup, one of the new initiatives launched by Dubai AI & Web3 Festival & Trescon to recognise and support the most promising emerging tech start-ups from around the world, was hosted successfully by the Dubai AI Campus on July 10, 2024. Ten pre-qualified global startups pitched their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of five esteemed jury members with three startups – Momint, Nettle and Orbii – advancing to the grand finale set to be held during the Dubai AI & Web3 Festival on September 11 & 12, 2024.

Momint: Recognised for its innovative approach and impactful solutions for accelerating clean energy.
Nettle, s.r.o.: Praised for its goal of redefining customer engagement with AI-Powered Digital Humans for the omnichannel age
Orbii AI: Honoured for its model of harnessing better data and intelligent AI models to help lenders make faster and more accurate credit decisions.

“The competition provides a platform for innovators to showcase ideas, gain exposure, connect with stakeholders, collaborate with peers, and access capital, while also driving advancements in AI, Web3, and global digital economies.”, said Naveen Bharadwaj, Group CEO, Trescon.

The distinguished panel of jury for the first qualifier included:

Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, CEO, Al Fardan Exchange
Ian Arden, General Partner, Mempool Ventures
Dr. Jonathan Doerr, Partner MENAP, Antler
Ahmed Refaie, CEO & Global CIO, G.P.J. Global Partners Investments
Sarah Abuagela, Partner & Head of Investment, Ceras Ventures

Serial Angel Investor & Chairman of Trescon, Mohammed Saleem said, “The FutureTech World Cup is designed to celebrate and elevate those who dare to believe they can transform the world of AI and Web3. Our goal is to support competent startups and founders from around the world with access to connections and investments that will help scale their businesses while ensuring they are solving real-world challenges”.

All start-ups qualifying to the grand finale are offered fully sponsored Start-up Pods at the Dubai AI & Web3 Festival and the penultimate winner receives fully sponsored one-year Dubai AI Campus License, Trescon credits worth USD 10,000 to be used for future events, access to mentorship by the Jury members, and networking opportunities with the industry’s finest, in addition to the coveted title of ‘FutureTech World Cup Champion’, which will help elevate their start-up’s overall journey.

The second qualifier round is expected to take place in August and the pre-qualification has already begun. Interested startups can apply for free on https://dubaiaiweb3festival.com/future-tech-world-cup/

About FutureTech World Cup

The FutureTech World Cup marks a pioneering endeavour to reshape the world of AI & Web3. This event kicks off with a qualifier round, spotlighting start-ups from around the globe. Held in partnership with leading organisations, these competitions provide a launching pad for revolutionary AI and Web3 concepts. Standout startups advance to the grand finale hosted at the Dubai AI & Web3 Festival. Here, global investors, venture capitalists, angel investors, and the finest minds in AI and Web3 gather to witness start-ups pitch groundbreaking ideas and compete for multiple investment funds. More than just a competition, the FutureTech World Cup cultivates connections, propels innovation, and fuels the future of AI and Web3. Join us at the Dubai AI & Web3 Festival to inspire, challenge, and connect with the future of technology.

Website: FutureTech World Cup

Shadi Dawi
Director of PR, Media Partnerships, & Communications
Global & MEA
shadi@tresconglobal.com
+971 55 498 4989