Mariupol Reborn One Year On: Major Progress in Developing Fast Recovery Plan and Long-Term Regeneration

KYIV, UKRAINE, Dec 8, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Mariupol Reborn has been running for a year, planning the regeneration of Ukraine’s famous seaside city. With support from across Ukraine and Europe, including from the SCM Group, it has developed a fast recovery plan and a long-term vision. And, importantly, it is providing vital support for the people of Mariupol.

Tens of thousands of Mariupol residents were killed in the six weeks after the full-scale invasion in February 2022 as a direct consequence of Russian aggression. Hundreds of thousands of Mariupol residents have been displaced.

Vadym Boychenko, the mayor of Mariupol, said: “People are our greatest assets. Lost lives are our greatest pain. Mariupol’s struggle will go down in history as an example of extraordinary heroism. They deserve the best home to return to and our goal is to create that. We know the government of Ukraine and our military will return Mariupol to Ukrainians. And when that happens, we will be ready to start work on Day One.”

The Fast Recovery Plan will get the city running, prioritizing housing and utilities. The Russians have destroyed 90% of the city’s infrastructure, half the apartment buildings, 15 hospitals, 63 schools and 40,000 houses have been damaged.

Mariupol Reborn has also started developing the city’s long-term regeneration plan, working with Europe’s leading architects, urban planners and experts in desovietization. The four visions are here.

Olexander Vyshniakov, director of Mariupol Reborn and Head of community development at Metinvest Holding, said, “Socially responsible businesses have a clear duty to support the communities they work in. That’s why Rinat Akhmetov’s SCM Group is Mariupol’s main partner. The Group’s businesses are also doing everything they can across Ukraine, providing employment and paying taxes, to maintain stability now and provide the platform for post-war development. Mariupol Reborn is a key part of our contribution to Ukraine’s reconstruction.”

Mariupol Reborn has widespread support, including USAID’s Economic Support for Ukraine project. The SCM Group has allocated $1.5 million to fund nine programmes. These include the development of the visions, and offices in Lviv, Dnipro and Warsaw, where the project is gathering expertise and securing international partnerships.

Cities across Europe have already offered support, including Utrecht, Vilnius and Gdansk. This is important because Mariupol has a lot to learn, particularly from those that suffered destruction in previous wars.

Mariupol Reborn is also providing housing for displaced Mariupol people now. With financial support from the French government, the project has developed dormitories in Dnipro.

Ukrainian businessman Rinat Akhmetov said, “The Russian invasion has destroyed the lives of hundreds of thousands of peaceful Mariupol residents. And it has ended the lives of far too many: one was too many. Therefore, it is crucially important we do not leave people alone with their misfortune. That’s why we must provide the people of Mariupol with homes, however temporary.”

Contact Information:
Hanna Korotych
The SCM Group
hanna.korotych@scm.com.ua
+380 (97) 347 70 39

Charlie Pryor
Leidar
charlie.pryor@leidar.com
+44 7958975667

Curio and Deep Isolation Sign MOU to Advance Nuclear Waste Disposal Technologies.

Washington, D.C., Dec 8, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Curio, a trailblazer in nuclear technology solutions, and Deep Isolation, an innovator in nuclear waste disposal, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collectively drive forward the development of advanced technologies for efficient and secure disposal of high-level nuclear waste (HLW).

Under this MOU, both Curio and Deep Isolation will mutually collaborate and exchange critical information for the use of Deep Isolation’s Universal Canister System (UCS) and patented directional drilling solution for deep borehole disposal for the isolation and management of HLW from UNF recycling.

Deep Isolation is the owner and developer of a suite of technologies for deep borehole storage and disposal of used nuclear fuel and other nuclear waste. As part of an R&D program funded by ARPA-E, Deep Isolation has developed a UCS for borehole disposal that can accommodate a variety of fuel types and waste forms.

Curio is the owner and developer of the NuCycle® technology, which intends to produce, on a global scale, recycled nuclear fuel and a wide range of isotopes with existing and prospective market demands in a manner that dramatically reduces the amount of HLW by as much as 96% or more while ensuring robust safeguards and security by design.

This collaborative initiative is geared towards exploring synergies between Curio and Deep Isolation with respect to their respective UNF recycling and disposal technologies and establishing a framework for cooperation in development of methods related to loading, storage, handling, and transportation of HLW-bearing canisters after the NuCycle process.

Ed McGinnis, CEO of Curio, remarked, “This collaboration signifies a pivotal moment in nuclear technology history where both advanced recycling and advanced geologic sequestration technology are progressing toward commercialization. By joining forces with Deep Isolation, we’re not just addressing a critical need for effective nuclear waste management; we’re spearheading an era of innovation and responsibility in the nuclear industry.”

This strategic partnership combines Curio’s expertise in advanced nuclear recycling technology with Deep Isolation’s pioneering solutions for nuclear waste disposal. By leveraging their respective strengths and knowledge, both entities aim to revolutionize the landscape of nuclear waste management, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and environmental responsibility.

The joint efforts outlined in this MOU are poised to set new standards for efficient, secure, and environmentally conscious disposal solutions for high-level nuclear waste.

Elizabeth Muller, CEO of Deep Isolation, remarked, “We’re excited to work with the Curio team to address waste disposal requirements from nuclear fuel recycling. This MOU lays the groundwork to better understand and address those needs.”

About Curio Legacy Ventures

Curio Legacy Ventures is at the forefront of nuclear technology innovation, pioneering solutions for sustainable nuclear power generation and waste management. With a commitment to driving advancements in nuclear recycling and waste disposal, Curio remains dedicated to fostering partnerships and innovations that redefine the future of nuclear technology.

About Deep Isolation

Deep Isolation is a leading global innovator in nuclear waste storage and disposal solutions. Driven by a passion for environmental stewardship and scientific ingenuity, the company’s patented solution of advanced nuclear technologies enables global delivery through its partnerships with industry leaders as well as flexible IP licensing options.This press release contains forward-looking statements and is subject to the terms outlined in the disclaimer at the end.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Lguzi@curiolegacy.com
Leeaht Guzi
Director of External Affairs
1425 K St. NW, Suite 210
Washington, D.C., 20009
Curio.energy

media@deepisolation.com
Deep Isolation, Inc.
2001 Addison St., Suite 300
Berkeley, CA 94704
www.deepisolation.com

Advocates Deliver Over 540,000 Signatures Demanding Increased Regulation to Combat Child Sexual Abuse Online

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, Dec 7, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Since 2022, proposed legislation to combat online child abuse — the Regulation to Prevent and Combat Child Sexual Abuse — has gone through a number of iterations, the latest of which child protection advocates view as a compromise too far. This echoes happenings globally, as legislation in countries like the United States and United Kingdom face roadblocks. However, with over 540,000 signatures, a petition submitted to the European Union demonstrates mass support to enact comprehensive legislation protecting children online.

Justice Initiative Petition Handover - Survivors and advocates deliver 540,000 signatures at event with European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson and Members of the European Parliament Hilde Vautman and Catharina Rinzema — Justice Initiative Petition Handover – Survivors and advocates deliver 540,000 signatures at event with European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson and Members of the European Parliament Hilde Vautman and Catharina Rinzema

The Justice Initiative led the petition’s delivery in the European Parliament on December 6th attended by NGOs, survivors, and politicians including European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, Members of the European Parliament, former United States Ambassador-at-Large John Cotton Richmond, and a Spanish Council Presidency representative.

Advocates urged lawmakers to champion the rights of children. As survivor Mie Kohyiama said, “The compromise in the European Parliament is a clear step back in the protection of children online.”

In 2022, there were 32 million reports globally of suspected online child sexual exploitation. Powerful interest groups have done everything they can to weaken the proposal, but survivors say, “Enough is enough.” This stance is in line with results of recent EU-wide surveys such as the Eurobarometer and one conducted by ECPAT-NSPCC, whose results show an overwhelming majority of citizens support legislation to prevent, detect, and report child sexual abuse online.

As global debates continue, the European Union has a crucial role to play. With a user base higher than the United States, as Guido Fluri of the Justice Initiative said, “What the EU decides to do about the sexual abuse images on the internet will have repercussions around the world. This is an opportunity for global child protection.”

With significant events set to occur internationally including landmark testimony on the issue of online child sexual abuse and exploitation to the United States Senate Judiciary Committee from five of the largest tech CEOs slated for January 31st, the legislation faces another round of revisions. At the event, calling on governments to act, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons Richmond said, “We’re not going to stop this problem if we don’t hold the perpetrators, whether it be individuals or companies, accountable.”

Ylva Johansson, European Commissioner for Home Affairs urged, “This is a decisive moment. The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union are deciding on the final text of the proposal. I urge you to listen to the silent majority, to listen to the survivors and support my proposal, to protect children from the worst crime imaginable.”

Access photos from the event here.

Contact Information:
Matthew Hartman
Principal
matt@socialgoodcommunications.com
+13107676789

What is the Citi Cash Back+ Card, and How does it Work?

SINGAPORE, Dec 7, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Are you on the lookout for a fuss-free credit card that offers limitless cash rebates in Singapore? The Citi Cash Back+ is probably one of the most appealing options on the market. Offering a flat cash back rate on all purchases with no minimum spending and cashback cap, the Citi Cash Back+ Card is ideal if you’re looking for a straightforward card with unlimited cash rebates.

That said, it’s worth understanding how the Citi Cash Back+ Card works and if it suits your lifestyle needs before deciding if it’s the card for you. Let’s have a closer look.

How does the Citi Cash Back+ Card work?

At a glance, here are the key features and benefits of the Citi Cash Back+ Card:

• 1.6% cash back on all eligible purchases (exclusions apply)

• No minimum spending requirement and cash back cap

• Cash back earned never expires

• Cash back can be redeemed anywhere, anytime via a simple SMS

One of the most significant advantages of the Citi Cash Back+ Card is that it’s relatively fuss-free – the flat cash back rate applies to all eligible expenses, regardless of category and the amount you spend. So, if you’d like to enjoy cash back perks without having to keep track of your expenses and worry about reaching the minimum spending requirement, this card is perfect for you.

Do remember that typical exclusions apply for the Citi Cash Back+ Card, and certain types of spending will not qualify for cash back, including bill payments, insurance premium payments and fund top-ups.

How to apply for the Citi Cash Back+ Card: Eligibility criteria & fees

If you’re planning to apply for the Citi Cash Back+ Card, check your eligibility here:

• Age: 21 years old and above

• Income: Minimum S$30,000 per annum (Singaporeans and PRs); minimum S$42,000 per annum (Foreigners)

• Documentation required:

• Salaried Employees (Singaporean/PR): A copy of your NRIC/passport, latest original computerised pay slip or Tax Notice of Assessment or last 12 months’ CPF statement.

• Self Employed (Singaporean/PR): A copy of your NRIC/passport, last two years’ Income Tax Notice of Assessment and last three months’ bank statements.

• Foreigners: A copy of your passport and work permit, a copy of utility or telephone bill or bank statement with the applicant’s name and address, Income Tax Notice of Assessment and the latest original computerised pay slip.

Annual fees:

• Main Card: S$192.60 (inclusive of GST)

• Supplementary Card: S$96.30 (inclusive of GST)

• The first-year annual fee is waived for Main and all Supplementary Cards

The Citi Cash Back+ Card may be suitable for you if you don’t wish to be limited by minimum spending requirements and categories. If you already have a cash back card, you can still consider getting the Citi Cash Back+ Card as a backup card. This way, you can continue earning cash rebates even after you reach your monthly cash back cap on your other card.

Citi Singapore

Citi Singapore is a full-service bank, offering consumers, corporations, governments and institutions in Singapore a broad range of financial products and services. It is one of the largest foreign banking employers in Singapore and a significant hub for Citi globally.

The content reflects the author’s view and does not necessarily reflect the views of Citi or its employees. Please read the products and offers on the Citi Singapore website for accuracy or completeness of the information presented in the article.

How to Apply for a Citi Personal Loan in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, Dec 7, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Whether you wish to fund a vacation, manage wedding expenses, or pay for unforeseen medical bills, Citi personal loans can help you out. With minimal documentation required and quick approval processes, applying for a Citi personal loan is a convenient and hassle-free way to manage your finances.

Steps to Apply for a Citi Personal Loan

If you have decided to go for a personal loan with Citibank, you need to follow a simple loan application process. You can either apply for a loan offline or visit theâ€¯Citibank website directly. To apply for a loan online, you can follow the below-mentioned steps.

Step 1: Choose Your Loan Product

The first step that you can take before applying for a loan is to select a loan product that suits your financial needs.

Step 2: Loan Application and Assessment

Once you have made your choice, you can proceed to fill out the application form. You will need to attach the required documents along with the application form. Upon receiving your application form, the Citibank team will evaluate your details and eligibility and assess your repayment ability accordingly.

Step 3: Loan Approval Result

After the verification process is completed, a loan specialist from Citibank will contact you within 1 to 2 working days regarding the loan application process. If your loan gets approved, you will be invited to visit your nearest Citibank branch to initiate the loan disbursement process.

Step 4: Loan Disbursement

Before the loan is disbursed to you, you will have to complete minor formalities, such as signing the drawdown letter. After completing all the formalities, Citibank will arrange direct payments to consolidate all eligible debts from other financial institutions and/or disburse the approved loan amount by cash or cheque. The loan amount can also be directly credited into your designated bank account.

Step 5: Loan Repayment

Finally, Citibank will help you set up a Direct Debit Authorization so that you can repay the loan conveniently and avoid penalties for late repayment. Your monthly loan repayments will be deducted automatically from your designated bank account.

Citi personal loans help cater to your financial needs at competitive interest rates. You may choose to apply for a personal loan online to ensure a hassle-free and convenient process. If you need any other assistance, you can contact a Citibank representative.

Citibank Hong Kong

Citibank Hong Kong offers consumers and institutions a range of financial products and services, including consumer and investment banking, credit cards, and personal loans. Citibank Hong Kong aims to deliver holistic and innovative solutions to clients and meet the increasingly complex strategies of its regional client base in the APAC in an ever-changing financial landscape.

The content reflects the view of the article’s author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Citi or its employees. Please read the products and offers on Citibank Hong Kong’s website for accuracy or completeness of the information presented in the article.

U.S. Polo Assn. Supports Star-Studded ‘Boo-Yah’ Night for The V Foundation for Cancer Research

West Palm Beach, FL, Dec 7, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), proudly sponsored the V Foundation for Cancer Research®’s 30th Anniversary through the “Boo-Yah, A Celebration of Stuart Scott” cancer research event, which was attended by professional athletes, celebrities and other influencers. The V Foundation is named for legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano and was created with one goal in mind – Victory Over Cancer®.

As a Silver Sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn. provided financial support for the the V Foundation’s signature event as well as one of only a few high-profile live auction items, to help fund game-changing research and all-star scientists to accelerate Victory Over Cancer® and save lives. U.S. Polo Assn.’s strategic partner, ESPN, the sports media entertainment brand, is a founding member of the V Foundation, which has a long-standing commitment to resolving cancer health inequities by investing in extraordinary people and cutting-edge research.

U.S. Polo Assn.’s luxury auction item included an all-inclusive trip to the prestigious U.S. Open Polo Championship® in April 2024 with two first-class, round-trip tickets to Palm Beach County, home of the winter equestrian capital of the world, a two-night hotel stay at the iconic Ben Hotel, and two VIP tickets to the Champagne Brunch and VIP Championship After Party at the USPA National Polo Center. In addition, the auction lot included a one-of-a-kind private chef’s dining experience at the Vérité Estate in Sonoma County, California, for six people, which features a multi-course pairing of Vérité wines and delicious seasonal dishes prepared by the esteemed in-house chef at The Estate. The auction lot also included 18 bottles of 2007 Vérité wines, with each wine rated a perfect 100 Points by Rober Parker Wine Advocate.

“Boo-Yah, A Celebration of Stuart Scott” raised nearly $2.4 million, bringing the three-year total to over $5 million for game-changing cancer research. Several of the top live auction items were the U.S. Open Championship weekend in Palm Beach County presented by U.S. Polo Assn., a VIP Weekend for the Superbowl in Las Vegas, and an F1 Experience in Miami.

“The Boo-Yah event and the V Foundation for Cancer Research are perfectly aligned with U.S. Polo Assn.’s core values as well as our authentic connection to sport and inspiration,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, the company that manages and oversees the multi- billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “I’ve admired Jimmy Valvano as a coach, known for one of the biggest upsets in college basketball history when he was with North Carolina State. Not to mention, we are extremely proud to support cancer research with the V Foundation and to have access to this incredible sponsorship opportunity through our strategic partnership with ESPN.”

The “Boo-Yah!, A Celebration of Stuart Scott” cancer research event was held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City on December 4, 2023. Hosted by Sage Steele, the event honored the legacy of Stuart Scott, former ESPN SportsCenter anchor who passed away of cancer in 2015.

“I would like to offer my tremendous thanks to J. Michael Prince and U.S. Polo Assn. for putting together such a special auction item,” said CEO, Shane Jacobson, V Foundation. “It’s very generous contributions like these that help us invest in the best and brightest scientists who are working on cancer treatments of the future and saving lives.”

To learn more about The Boo-Yah! and the V Foundation, please visit: v.org

About U.S. Polo Assn. & USPA Global

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the non-profit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through over 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores, sporting goods channels, independent retailers, and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in more than 190 countries worldwide. U.S. Polo Assn. was named as one of the top global sports licensors alongside the NBA, NFL, and MLB, according to License Global. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

USPA Global is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPA Global also manages Global Polo TV, which provides sports and lifestyle content. A historic, multi-year, global arrangement between USPA Global and ESPN, now showcases many of the top championship polo games in the U.S., enabling millions of sports fans and consumers to enjoy the sport across ESPN’s broadcast and streaming platforms. For more sport content, visit globalpolo.com.

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded over $353 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations are awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.

Contact Information
Stacey Kovalsky
VP Global PR and Communications
skovalsky@uspagl.com
+001.561.790.8036

Shannon Stilson
VP, Sports Marketing & Media
sstilson@uspagl.com
+001.561.227.6994

Phoenix Group and Whatsminer Seal $380M Deal for Sustainable Hydro-Powered Mining Innovation

ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec 7, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – In conjunction with its successful listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), Phoenix Group PLC, a leader in the realms of cryptocurrency mining and blockchain technology, announces a groundbreaking contract with Whatsminer, a major player in cryptocurrency mining hardware. The contract, exceeding $380 million, marks the largest order for Whatsminer in the last two years, underlining Phoenix Group’s dominant position in the Middle East’s tech and blockchain sector.

The agreement entails an immediate delivery of mining equipment valued at $136 million, with an additional option worth $246 million. This strategic move demonstrates Phoenix Group’s commitment to maintaining its market leadership and being at the cutting edge of Bitcoin mining, at a time when the industry is witnessing considerable excitement and growth.

Phoenix Group, already partnered with and the exclusive distributor of WhatsMiner, is taking a significant leap forward by integrating hydro cooling miners in collaboration with WhatsMiner. This initiative, already underway, marks a pivotal step towards establishing world-class High-Performance Computing (HPC) data centers. Far from being just a vision, this move reflects our deep commitment to eco-friendly crypto mining, positioning Phoenix Group at the forefront of efficient and responsible mining solutions. Our established partnership with WhatsMiner, now further enhanced by this deal, showcases our dedication to pioneering sustainable mining technologies, leading the industry towards a greener future.

Bijan Alizadehfard, Co-Founder & Group CEO of Phoenix Group PLC, shares, “This collaboration with Whatsminer is a milestone for Phoenix Group, reflecting our strategic foresight and commitment to pioneering in the tech industry. Our successful listing on the ADX has further empowered us to pursue such significant partnerships, enhancing our capabilities in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sector.”

Munaf Ali, Co-Founder & Group MD, adds, “Our partnership with Whatsminer and the development of hydro cooling technologies are key components of our vision for sustainable and innovative mining operations. These advancements are not only a leap in our technological capabilities but also align with our commitment to environmental responsibility.”

The ADX listing of Phoenix Group and the collaboration with Whatsminer mark a new era of growth and innovation for the company. Phoenix Group is poised to leverage these developments to solidify its position as a leader in the global tech landscape, contributing significantly to the digital economy and the sustainable advancement of cryptocurrency mining.

About Phoenix Group PLC

Phoenix Group PLC, established in 2017, is a renowned leader in cryptocurrency mining, tech, and blockchain. The company has been instrumental in developing proprietary blockchain technologies and advancing crypto mining operations globally. With an emphasis on innovation and sustainability, Phoenix Group continues to shape the future of digital finance.

For more information, visit https://phoenixgroupuae.com.

Social Links

X (Former Twitter): https://twitter.com/phoenixgroupuae

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenixgroupuae/

Media Contact

Brand: Phoenix Group PLC

Contact: Media team

Email: info@phoenixgroupuae.com

Website: https://phoenixgroupuae.com/press/

BIP Asia Forum and Entrepreneur Day open today

HONG KONG, Dec 7, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The 13th Business of IP Asia Forum (BIP Asia Forum), jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), along with the 15th Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) hosted by HKTDC, open today.

This is the first time both events are being held concurrently for two consecutive days at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, offering a mix of forums, exhibitions, competitions, workshops, and business matching sessions.

The two events bring together more than 140 industry leaders specialising in intellectual property (IP), innovation and technology (I&T) and sustainability, along with international IP experts. They will exchange insights on start-up trends, IP applications and brand strategy as well as explore business opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and international markets. The events will showcase an array of products and technologies from over 350 start-ups and innovative projects.

Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC; Michael Wong, Deputy Financial Secretary of the HKSAR; Dr Lu Pengqi, Deputy Commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Organization; and Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), delivered remarks at the opening session this morning.

Ms Fong said: “A robust IP infrastructure needs to serve as the backbone for innovations, giving enterprises the confidence and capital to create. Hong Kong is a centre for innovation. It has world-class R&D and IP infrastructure, coupled with top-notch academic research and strong government support. The development of the GBA strengthens interconnectivity and cooperation among its cities across industries, including IP and innovation. This offers arising opportunities for businesses and fosters economic growth in the region and beyond.”

IP & Innovation steering new economic growth

The BIP Asia Forum, themed IP & Innovation: Steering New Economic Growth, gathers over 90 industry leaders to share their valuable insights.

At the Policy Dialogue – Powering Economic Growth through a Future-Ready IP Policy, Mr Tang said: “With COVID behind us, the world now needs to look forward and build new engines of growth for the future. This is why WIPO is focusing on IP’s role as a powerful catalyst for creating jobs, supporting business growth, giving hope to entrepreneurs, catalysing the creative economy and driving economic growth and development everywhere. Hong Kong, and the Greater Bay Area as a whole, is extremely well positioned to be a key global leader in this conversation. It is a centre of IP trade and innovation as well as a global platform for sharing ideas and perspectives for growth, not just in the region but also across the world.”

One of the first day’s highlights is the plenary session Underpinning Brand Success: IP Strategies in the Digital Era. It features Mayeul Dastugue, Legal Director of Global IP Enforcement of Christian Louboutin; Laurence Morel-Chevillet, IP and Brand Protection Director of Bulgari; and Mayank Vaid, Intellectual Property Director of Asia Pacific & China (Civil) of Louis Vuitton Pacific Limited. They will share their brands’ IP strategies for the digital economy and how they are utilising technology to reinvent their brands.

There are more in-depth sessions in the afternoon, including “IPHatch Asia – Empowering Innovation and Entrepreneurship with IP”, “Constructing a Renowned Greater Bay Area with IP”, “IP Collaboration and Competition in the Biomedical Industry in the Greater Bay Area”, and “Leading the Global Exchange of Digital Content and Intellectual Property Protection Development”. Speakers will delve into and exchange ideas on the latest trends and future development of intellectual property in various fields.

Global Tech Summit gathers renowned tech firms

At the Global Tech Summit on the Forum’s second day, Olivier Klein, Chief Technologist of Amazon Web Services Asia Pacific; Shing Lee, Cloud Solution Strategist (Data & AI) of Microsoft Hong Kong; and Dr Ginny Wong, Data Scientist of NVIDIA AI Technology Center Hong Kong, discuss the generative artificial intelligence (AI) trend and its impact on IP rights.

At another panel discussion tomorrow, legal experts share their insights on legal issues related to AI-generated content and third-party IP rights, and provide practical advice on how to manage such IP issues.

The Forum’s Innovation & IP Market brings together some 50 exhibitors and showcases more than 30 innovative projects from tertiary institutions, R&D centres and start-ups.

Furthermore, the ASEAN Secretariat and the HKSAR Government’s Intellectual Property Department have co-organised an ASEAN Session in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization, which features experts from the ASEAN and Hong Kong IP industries.

Several authorised agents and international brand holders are also featured, including fashion brand MCM Group; S2O Factory, the organiser of the S2O Songkran Music Festival; B.Duck Semk Holdings International Limited and others. They discuss how to apply effective strategies to maximise the value of trademarks in today’s rapidly changing global business environment.

Entrepreneur Day: Innovation trends and opportunities in focus

Themed Building Resilience, Boosting Collaboration, E-Day showcases over 300 start-ups, invention projects and support services from 11 countries and regions.

The exhibition also provides opportunities for networking and business matching, while also offering I&T insights that enable start-ups and SMEs to seize new opportunities. It features cutting-edge projects, such as Hong Kong company IG INNO Limited’s painting robot, which applies 3D point or line laser technology to ensure painting precision. In addition, Zhejiang Flectothink Technology from Mainland China showcases its wearable EEG sleep monitoring device, with precision levels comparable to sleep monitor devices used in the medical field.

Separately, Investment NSW takes part in the event for the first time and brings along nine start-ups from Australia to demonstrate health tech, green tech and smart city tech.

This year’s E-Day sees participation from incubators from the GBA, who share all that start-ups need to know about establishing businesses in the area.

50 local start-ups under the Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the GBA, supported by the HKSAR Government’s Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, also join the event.

The first seminar of E-Day was T-Chat – Cooling the Cloud: Igniting Sustainable Innovation for a Resilient Future featuring Serge Conesa, Founder and CEO of Swiss start-up Immersion4. He received the Most Innovative Use of ICT Award from the UN International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in 2019.

He said: “Innovation means nothing without effective implementation. Even the smallest steps could make a difference in creating a sustainable data centre management system. Save energy as much as we can. It’s important that we at least try.”

The HKTDC is co-organising the Global Dialogue on Women Entrepreneurship session with The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, which brings together three outstanding female entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and the United States, including Tonya McNeal-Weary, Founder and Managing Director of IBS Global Consulting, Inc.; Jenny Shen, Co-founder and CEO of Foodplus; and Chan Ming Wai, Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Audiologist of Tandle Limited.

Mrs McNeal-Weary said: “Women entrepreneurs face the same challenges no matter how physically far apart we are. E-Day is a great platform that allows us to connect with the world. To all the men, if you have a company, hire women. Don’t be afraid to let women aboard. We can bring a lot of different creations and more insights to the table, as we are different.”

10 global start-ups selected for Start-up Express International

Following the success of last year’s event, the second edition of Start-up Express International is being held again during this year’s E-Day. Eight out of the ten award-winning global start-ups have gathered at the Start-up Express International – Meet the Global Winners event to share their industry perspectives and entrepreneurial experiences.

InnoClub holds inaugural InnoClub Award Presentation Ceremony

InnoClub, co-developed by the HKTDC and Hang Seng Bank, features the inaugural InnoClub Award Presentation Ceremony at E-Day to recognise outstanding achievements of the awardees in I&T.

Websites
Business of IP Asia Forum website: https://bipasia.hktdc.com/en/
HKTDC Entrepreneur Day: https://portal.hktdc.com/eday/en
Start-up Express International: https://portal.hktdc.com/startupexpress/en/s/start-up-express-international
Photo Download: https://bit.ly/3Raa0pV

The 13th BIP Asia Forum, jointly organised by the HKTDC and the HKSAR Government, opens today

(From left to right) Mr David Wong, Director of Intellectual Property, HKSAR; Ms Margaret Fong, Executive Director of HKTDC; Mr Michael Wong, Deputy Financial Secretary, HKSAR; and Mr Simon Cheung, Managing Director of Nestle Hong Kong Co., Ltd took picture at the Nestle Eagle Brand photo booth. Since becoming the first registered trademark in Hong Kong in 1874, the Nestle Eagle Brand has secured the company’s growth for over 140 years.

Michael Wong, Deputy Financial Secretary, HKSAR

Dr Lu Pengqi, Deputy Commissioner, China National Intellectual Property Organization

Daren Tang, Director General, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

The first seminar of E-Day was T-Chat – Cooling the Cloud: Igniting Sustainable Innovation for a Resilient Future featuring Serge Conesa, Founder and CEO of Swiss start-up Immersion4. He is also the recipient of the Most Innovative Use of ICT Award from the UN International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in 2019.

The Global Dialogue on Women Entrepreneurship brings together three outstanding female entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and the United States, including (far left) Tonya McNeal-Weary, Founder and Managing Director of IBS Global Consulting, Inc.; (second left) Jenny Shen, Co-founder and CEO of Foodplus; and (second right) Chan Ming Wai, Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Audiologist of Tandle Limited

Following last year’s success, the second edition of Start-up Express International is being held again during this year’s E-Day

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 research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquires
Please contact Hill & Knowlton:
Rachel Zhu, Tel: (852) 6816 5846, Email: rachel.zhu@hillandknowlton.com
Grace Chiu, Tel: (852) 6432 3549, Email: grace.chiu@hillandknowlton.com

HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:
Jane Cheung, Tel: (852) 2584 4137, Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.org
Janet Chan, Tel: (852) 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org

CleverTap Unveils Signed Call(TM) for Trusted and Contextual Customer Engagement

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and MUMBAI, India, Dec 7, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – CleverTap, the all-in-one engagement platform, today announced the launch of Signed Call™, an industry-first, VoIP-enabled, in-app voice capability for trusted and contextual customer engagement. Signed Call™ equips CleverTap customers with an effective way to engage with end-users, leveraging VoIP-enabled in-app calling for real-time, secure, and contextual customer experiences.

In the current landscape, when a brand attempts to reach its users through voice-calls (via unknown phone numbers), there is a risk of being marked as spam or worse used for scam; potentially lowering the brand’s credibility and hampering the relationship with the end-user. Even in an optimal scenario, where the call is not flagged as spam or scam, the interaction lacks context, resulting in low conversions.

With Signed Call™, brands have the ability to personalize the in-app call screen by adding the brand name, logo, as well as providing context for the call. This provides the end-user with the requisite context, enhancing the call pick-up rates. Moreover, brands are not required to disclose end-user PII data (Personally Identifiable Information) to unauthorized individuals or agents while using Signed Call™, thus mitigating privacy concerns. This no-code solution also comes with pre-built use cases and call screens for easy implementation.

“Users often choose not to pick up calls if the caller isn’t a known contact. This can lead to dropped calls and missed opportunities for a business. When extrapolated to the scale of a user-base, it can lead to a significant loss in revenue, and erosion of trust. However, with Signed Call™, CleverTap customers can offer a personalized and secure experience, maximizing the chances of conversions and ultimately increasing revenue.

Signed Call™ has already seen success with a select group of our customers who were part of the Early Access Program wherein significant improvements were observed in call answer rates and engagement levels”, said Anand Jain, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer, CleverTap.

The introduction of Signed Call™ is poised to revolutionize how brands connect with users through voice as a channel; especially within the Ride Hailing, BFSI, and Food Delivery app-categories, as well as in other industries looking to create more personalized customer experiences. It aims to transform customer engagement and elevate trust to a whole new level.

The Head of Product of a leading job search portal using Signed Call™ said, “Our customers are recruiting firms who previously would call candidates on their mobiles, with answer rates around 10-15%. Candidates were slow to act as they weren’t sure if the call was actually from the company they applied for. But since integrating Signed Call™, answer-rates even during periods of low-hiring have been at 33% while peak season has seen this figure climb to as high as 52%; 3 to 4 times higher than before.”

About CleverTap

CleverTap is the all-in-one engagement platform that helps brands unlock limitless customer lifetime value by helping them create personalized experiences to retain their most valuable customers. The platform empowers businesses to orchestrate experiences for individuals across their lifecycles and design personalized journeys that span a lifetime. It offers analytics that encompasses every aspect of the lifecycle, enabling businesses to measure and optimize each experience in real time. Its unique AI capability is insightful, empathetic, and prescriptive, facilitating smarter and faster decisions. The all-in-one platform unifies experiences from every touchpoint, paving the way for a new era of customer engagement.

The platform is powered by TesseractDB™ – the world’s first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering both speed and economies of scale.

CleverTap is trusted by 2000 customers, including Electronic Arts, TiltingPoint, Gamebasics, Big Fish, MobilityWare, TED, English Premier League, TD Bank, Carousell, AirAsia, Papa John’s, and Tesco.

Backed by leading investors such as Peak XV Partners, Tiger Global, Accel, CDPQ, and 360 One, the company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with presence in San Francisco, New York, São Paulo, Bogota, London, Amsterdam, Sofia, Dubai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Singapore, and Jakarta.

For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow us on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clevertap/
X: https://twitter.com/CleverTap

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this press release may represent CleverTap’s belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. CleverTap cautions that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release.

Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, impact of pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements. CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction.

For more information:
SONY SHETTY
Director, Public Relations, CleverTap
+91 9820900036
sony@clevertap.com

IPSHITA BALU
Consultant
Archetype
+91 95901 11798
ipshita.balu@archetype.co

ASEAN Ceramics 2023 Wraps Up with Resounding Success: Record-Breaking Visitor Turnout and Expanded Exhibition Space

Messe München proudly announces the successful conclusion of ASEAN Ceramics 2023, the premier international trade fair for Machinery, Technology, and Materials for the Ceramics industry. Co-organized in partnership with the Vietnam Building Ceramic Association (VIBCA) and Vietnam Exhibition and Event Services Co.,ltd (VNEES), the tradeshow drew in a global audience of around 3,000 industry professionals and hosted over 200 international companies and brands right at the International Centre for Exhibition (I.C.E.) in Hanoi, Vietnam, into a vibrant hub of innovation.

The event showcased unprecedented success, featuring the largest-ever edition of ASEAN Ceramics with 150% increase in exhibition space compared to the 2022 edition in Bangkok, Thailand. The inclusion of country pavilions from Italy, China, Korea, and Vietnam added to the international diversity, solidifying ASEAN Ceramics as the ultimate platform for unveiling industry advancements and fostering collaborations among key players.

The three-day event was buzzed with activities such as the pre-event factory tours, buyer-seller programs, gala dinner, beer networking function and hosted buyer program. These segments included the leading companies and brands showcasing the latest technologies in the industry. There was also a world-class conference program which featured over 30 conference sessions and panel discussions focusing on solutions to counteract the latest challenges faced by the industry as well as innovative strategies that were presented by industry leaders and experts.

The event’s highlights this year were truly remarkable, beginning with the grand opening ceremony graced by Deputy Minister Mr. Nguyen Van Sinh from the Ministry of Construction in Vietnam and Mr. Edy Suyanto, Chairman of Asaki – Ceramics Industry Club of ASEAN (CICA), Mr. Michael Wilton, CEO and Managing Director of MMI Asia Pte Ltd, and Mr. Dinh Quang Huy, Chairman of Vietnam Building Ceramic Association (VIBCA), setting an inspiring tone for the entire event. Notably, a total of 200 business meetings took place, fostering invaluable connections between exhibitors and potential buyers. The impactful seminar organized by the Vietnam Building Ceramic Association showcased industry leaders from local ceramic and building associations, offering insights into country projects. Additionally, a pre-event factory tour to Vietnam’s leading ceramic manufacturing factories attracted the participation of more than 40 exhibitors, providing a firsthand experience of the industry’s advancements and innovations.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Kiln Workshop Manager of Long Hau Porcelain, a hosted buyer at ASEAN Ceramics, shared, “Having attended ASEAN Ceramics for the second time since 2018, I am continually impressed by how the exhibition serves as a gateway to innovations and new technologies. While Vietnam’s ceramic industry has demonstrated growth, it has yet to fully realize its immense potential. Exhibitions like ASEAN Ceramics play a pivotal role in advancing our country’s ceramic sector, providing a platform for enterprises to invest in cutting-edge technologies and shaping a more promising future for the industry.”

The 2023 trade fair exhibitors include national and international industry giants from 19 countries – SACMI, SYSTEM CERAMICS, Aokerola Group (USA) LLC, Behn Meyer, Rock Team, VITIS JSC, TQT, 3DCERAM SINTO, Neptune Industries Limited, PCL Ceramics, JD-TECH Adroit Group, Kemei and Sedlecký Kaolin, A.S. The exhibition featured international exhibitors from – USA, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Peru, Turkey, Australia, India, Japan, Korea, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and China. Turkey, Australia, India, Japan, Korea, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and China. The ACIMAC, CCPIT, KFCA also supported the exhibition with Italian, China and Korea Pavilions. This offered buyers, specifiers, and influencers from Southeast Asia the opportunity to source products, gain design inspiration, and expand their businesses with the latest innovations in equipment, tools, and technology.

Luca Ferraris, President of SACMI Vietnam, expressed great satisfaction with ASEAN Ceramics exhibition. “We’re pleased, especially with the turnout on the first day, welcoming friends and customers, including directors, shareholders, and CEOs,” he shared. Highlighting the Vietnamese market’s importance within SACMI’s broader ceramic business in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific, Mr. Ferraris reaffirmed SACMI’s commitment to reinforcing its presence in Vietnam. He also expressed delight in the ASEAN Ceramics Conference, where SACMI presented new products during their session titled ‘SACMI Now and Tomorrow for Ceramics.’ “The feedback was well-received, affirming the positive reception of SACMI’s innovations,” he added.

Michael Wilton, CEO and Managing Director of MMI Asia, shared his enthusiasm for the positive feedback received on the quality of visitors at this year’s event. Significantly, the introduction of the Hosted Buyer Program by ASEAN Ceramics marked a successful debut, attracting over 450 buyers from Thailand, Korea, India, and Vietnam. Their active engagement demonstrated the success of the organizer’s efforts to provide a platform for exploring and seizing new opportunities.

Plans are already in progress for the next edition, scheduled to be held on December 11-13, 2024, at Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The remarkable gathering at ASEAN Ceramics 2023 underscores the increasing demand for ceramic machinery, technologies, and materials in the region. The event has set the stage for further advancements in the industry, playing a pivotal role in driving innovation, promoting investment, and facilitating knowledge exchange in the ceramic manufacturing sector.

About Messe Muenchen GmbH

Messe Muenchen GmbH is one of the world’s leading trade fair organizers with more than 50 trade fairs for capital goods, consumer goods, and new technologies. Every year, Messe Muenchen organizes more than 200 events in Munich, Germany, and abroad, attracting over 30,000 exhibitors and 2 million visitors. The company’s mission is to create innovative, sustainable, and profitable platforms for its customers to do business and connect with their target markets.

About MMI Asia Pte Ltd

MMI Asia is a full subsidiary of Messe München GMBH (MMG) established in 1992 and one of the world largest and leading exhibition organizers. MMI Asia was set up as the regional headquarter and a wholly-owned subsidiary of MMG to promote global trade expansion by facilitating participation of Asian exhibitors in Messe München fairs worldwide. MMI Asia also provides consultancy in professional trade fair and conference management to government bodies, international trade and promotion organizations, and trade associations.

About Vietnam Building Ceramic Association (VIBCA)

Vietnam Building Ceramic Association is a professional organization, non-governmental, voluntary, established under Decision No. 41/1999 / QD – BTCCBCP dated 04-10-1999 of the Minister, Head of the Organizing Committee Government personnel. Currently VIBCA includes around 100 members are enterprises of different economic sectors, operating mainly in the field of building ceramics, including the associate members are research institutions, investment consulting, manufacturing and mechanical engineering. VIBCA is a member of the Association of Asean Ceramics Industry CICA and intimate relationship with the Association Ceramics of countries in ASEAN and in the world.

Contact:

MMI Asia Pte. Ltd.
Joey Ng – 65 9734 7946
Marketing Executive
joey@mmiasia.com.sg

Vietnam Building Ceramic Association
Ms Vu Thi Kim Dung – 84 915114000
Chief of Foreign Affairs
vibcaoffice@gmail.com