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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today that the imposition of a transaction fee for DuitNow QR payments and credit card transactions will not burden low-income group in the country.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said he met with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abdul Ghaffour yesterday to seek clarification on the matter.
"I discussed this with the BNM governor yesterday. According to him, the transaction fee will not be imposed on the lower-income group.
"What is important is that it will not burden low-income group," he told reporters.
Yesterday, Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd, or PayNet, confirmed that vendors will be charged a transaction fee for payments received via the DuitNow QR code platform from Nov 1.
An RM0.50 fee also applies to peer-to-peer fund transfers exceeding RM5,000 between personal QR codes, not payments to merchants.
Responding to a demand by MCA president Wee Ka Siong to abolish these transaction fees, Anwar said the matter should be addressed by BNM.


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“I’m lookin at they first week numbers like what are those/I mean you boys not even coming close,” raps Drake on “Weston Road Flows” off his new VIEWS album. The 6 God wasn’t kidding, he reportedly sold 1 millions copies of his new album in just six days, with 250 mill streams to boot.
The aforementioned numbers are strictly off Apple Music—and just in the United States, it’s at 1.2M sold globally. According to Pandora, as of Tuesday, May 3, Drizzy clocked in over 17 millions spins on the Internet radio service, too.
VIEWS, released via Young Money/Cash Money/Republic Records, will be available digitally and in physical form everywhere starting May 6. As for streaming, it will hit the rest of mainstream services (TIDAL, Spotify, etc.) on May 13.
Obviously, VIEWS will debut at no. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Peep what the critics are saying about the new album right here.
Also, Drake will once again be the musical guest, and host, on Saturday Night Live on May 14.

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Time Warner Cable, the second-largest U.S. cable-television operator, will acquire Insight Communications from three private equity owners for $3 billion in cash in order to expand in the Midwest, the companies announced Monday.
Anita Hill, who gained national exposure through her testimony at the confirmation hearings of U.S. Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas, returns to Washington, D.C., to join the plaintiffs firm Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll.
Ecolab, Inc., a sanitation and food safety company, agreed to pay $5.4 billion to acquire Nalco Holding Company, to expand its water treatment services, the companies announced Wednesday.
Bratz dolls maker MGA Entertainment Inc. said it would settle for $108 million in attorney fees and drop its request for the $161 million it claimed was owed by Mattel after it won a drawn out copyright battle against the big toy maker.
Tokyo brewer Kirin Holdings Co. plans to acquire a controlling stake in Brazilian beer and soft drink maker Schincariol Group in a bid to expand its presence in that country's fast-growing economy.
Two Toronto firms advised on TD Bank Group’s $8.7 billion acquisition of Bank of America's Canada-based credit card business, the latest in a string of acquisitions for TD Bank.
Magic Circle firm Clifford Chance plans to open an office in Casablanca by the end of 2011 to serve a growing list of clients doing business in Africa, the firm announced Monday. It is the firm's first office on that continent.
Am Law 100 firms are advising on a pair of billion-dollar shipping deals announced Monday that involve the East Asia maritime market.
Despite Friday’s certification of the repeal of the military's “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, lawyers waging a constitutional challenge against the controversial rule are pledging to keep the lawsuit alive in the face of government efforts to have it dismissed as moot.
Robert Bostrom, the general counsel of Freddie Mac who led the company's legal strategy through the recent financial crisis, will leave the company July 29 to join SNR Denton as partner and cohead of the firm's global financial institutions and funds group.
Texas-based National Oilwell Varco will acquire fiberglass pipe manufacturer Ameron International Corporation for $772 million, in an all-cash deal, both companies announced Tuesday.
The big news on the IPO front this week, of course, was the better-than-expected debut of Dunkin’ Brands, the Canton, Mass.–based operator of the Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins chains.
The legal industry shed 2,600 jobs this month, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics's June employment report, which the agency released Friday. It was the fourth month this year during which the legal sector saw jobs decline.
In a deal announced Thursday, Swedish private equity firm EQT has agreed to sell Securitas Direct, a European alarm and security company, to private equity firms Bain Capital and Hellman & Friedman for 21.9 billion Swedish kronor, or $3.4 billion, in cash.
California authorities have hit two Golden State men with misdemeanor charges for selling an Apple iPhone 4 prototype the pair found in a bar to a popular technology blog in the spring of 2010.


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Dr. Kayla Leung, Global Entrepreneur
The most prevalent topic right now is undoubtedly COVID-19.
Every industry across the globe is facing unprecedented difficulties with the virus. In East Asia, many SMEs (small and medium enterprises), particularly those in tourism, F&B, and retail have gone or are on the verge of going bankrupt. Airlines all over world are having the most difficult times facing all the flight cancellations due to ever-changing travel restrictions. The United Kingdom is expected to announce mass groundings of aircraft and potentially huge redundancies, even layoffs of tens of thousands of jobs in the aviation industry as the virus escalates.
Governments are busy with coming up with aids to ease the economic difficulties while banks get non-stop application for business loans. Where is this all heading?
By the end of February, the demand of surgical masks have been at least “100 times higher than normal, and prices are up to 20 times higher.” The global shortage for masks may get worse as demands from medical professionals could not even be met.
In China, there were a bunch of surgical mask sellers who made a lot of money when the virus first broke out. It was impossible to buy masks in China when all the factories were closed. Here is an example of how they made a lot of money during this crisis. A seller would first contact a mask production factory to ask for the price for an order of one million masks. The factory would come back with the quote of $0.30 per mask. The seller would then list each mask at $0.36 online and, very soon, the masks would all be sold out. The seller also puts out a refund guarantee if supplies do not last. Now he uses the money raised from these buyers to pay for the one million masks he has ordered. When he receives the masks, he now puts another listing on another online marketplace at $ 0.57 per mask that are ready-to-ship. He then proceeds to refund all the buyers from the first round. The seller, without having to put up with any capital, easily makes approximately $270,000 without violating any rules and regulations. This was the practice many mask sellers used in February before mask production picks up within the country. The same thing happened to the sales of other supplies such as alcohol, hand sanitizers and gloves. Unethical? Depends on your perspective. Smart? Yes.
Many conferences and tech events are being cancelled all over the world. The much anticipated Collision, the biggest tech conference in North America, will be going online. Schools are being closed down for a minimum of two weeks. Many companies are asking employees to work from home. The world is experiencing unprecedented demands for online conference tools. Amidst the market crashes these days, prices of video conference stocks such as Zoom and Facebook VR Goggles shot up like meteors. The stock prices of pharmaceutical and medical supplies companies are on the surge too. Prices of gold are also very strong due to the uncertainties and confusion surround the stocks. Afterall, gold is always the gold standard that has been that world’s hard currency for centuries. Oil is not mentioned here due to a huge decrease in the amount of travels people would be doing in the next few months.
Rather than being dragged down by the impact of the virus or any crisis, it is much better to sense the opportunities. Infectious disease researchers at The University of California San Francisco Biohub predicted that, under the assumption no drug is found effective and made available in the near future, up to 1.5 million American citizens can die from the virus in the next 12-18 months. Would there be any shortage in cremation services? With everything from restaurants to entertainment venues closed, people will need to preoccupy themselves with home entertainment. Perhaps there will be more opportunities that in food-delivery services and online gaming?
In times like these, always ask questions and be in question. As questions can lead to clarity and possibilities. Whereas going into conclusion stops all creations.
About the Author: Kayla Leung is a Global Entrepreneur that owns and manages multiple businesses in tech and financial industries. Kayla’s education includes a doctorate in clinical psychology, a bachelor’s in economics and commerce, and a degree in fashion. The many hats Kayla wears include public speaker, Wealth Creators Anonymous Facilitator, therapist, etiquette consultant, editor, jewelry designer, buyer, contributing writer, columnist, fashion stylist, blogger, marketing manager, business consultant and yoga instructor. With all her experience, she has been facilitating classes and workshops around the world to help others. Her empowering talents spreads across many cultures, languages, and countries across the US, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, the UK and Europe. Follow @drkaylaleung.


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Three Golds Landed By Welsh Whisky Company at the Prestigious International Wine & Spirit Awards
Published Date: 15th August 2019
Penderyn, a unique Welsh whisky distillery based in the Brecon Beacons, is celebrating having taken home three prestigious gold awards at this year’s International Wine & Spirit Competition.
The IWSC, which celebrates the finest in new spirits and wine pressing each year, lauded the brand for its Rich Oak and Portwood ranges. Both are widely regarded as some of the finest single malt whiskies currently distilled by the team in Brecon, and now Penderyn can take away the prestige of further international recognition.
Both Rich Oak and Portwood are whiskies available in Penderyn’s celebrated Gold Range, which, fittingly, took away top prizes at this year’s IWSC. Rich Oak, the latest addition to the line, particularly impressed judges. It scored an impressive 95 out of 100 in terms of judge scoring, which makes it one of this year’s ceremony’s best performers. Similarly, two bottlings of Portwood also took away a gold award, making it a triple celebration for the Welsh brand.
The team at Penderyn are thrilled with the result, particularly as it comes following years of hard work at their local distillery. “This is great news for Rich Oak, which has been winning high acclaim the world over,” CEO Stephen Davies states. “Rich Oak was previously released as a Single Cask at 59.8% and a Limited Edition at 50% abv – both winning major international awards.”
“It’s excellent news that having joined our main range, Rich Oak at 46% has been recognised with a gold medal – and a very impressive score of 95 out of 100.”
Davies is keen to profess that the news means Penderyn will continue to produce tantalising, award-winning whisky. “These are very exciting times at the distillery,” he confirms. “Sales are growing, and we have some new premium bottlings to be announced over the next few months.”
Penderyn’s gold award is the latest in a line of accolades for the Brecon based brand. The distillery is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2020, which makes the prizegiving all the more fitting. What’s more, the distillery has also celebrated its first operating profit of £1 million, making it one of the quickest-growing distilleries in the UK. Penderyn aims to continue celebrating a fantastic 2019 by rolling out new bottles and blends very soon.
With almost two decades of distinct distillation under their belts, the team at Penderyn are always keen to reach for that next big award. What’s more, they are always innovating with new blends, flavours and themed bottles.
One themed bottle from the distillery set to emerge soon will be their latest addition to their ‘Icons of Wales’ range. Celebrating local heroes and legends, Penderyn will be set to release a bottle celebrating the legend of Rhiannon – marking the first female icon to be immortalised in the collection.
From a humble distillery based in rural Wales, Penderyn has come a long way in 20 years – and this clutch of gold wins is all the more inspiring for the future.
Are we looking for the unique whisky advent calendar for the run-up to Christmas? With 24 whiskies in each all with different types of whisky, you know you're in for a treat. We have over 50 calendars that can be bought online that contain whisky and other spirits. To see the full section, please go to Whisky Advent Calanders
on Planet Whiskies.
Gordon & MacPhail Reveals Unique Single Malts For Christmas: Malts from Old Pulteney and Glenlivet
Published Date: 14th November 2019
Single malt whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail has unveiled a duo of special bottlings from its iconic Connoisseurs Choice range for Christmas gifting. Read more
Islay whisky collection up for auction in aid of RNLI: A Group of seven malt whiskies from each of Islay’s coastal distilleries Goes Under The Hammer
Published Date: 14th November 2019
The Islay Sea Collection, a group of seven malt whiskies from each of Islay’s coastal distilleries presented in a one of a kind display case is set to go under the hammer in this month’s Just Whisky auction with all proceeds going to the Portrush and Islay volunteer lifeboat crews. Read more


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Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), the world’s biggest maker of luxury cars, is considering building engines in North America for the first time and expanding vehicle production in the region to capitalize on growing demand, three people familiar with the matter said.
BMW may establish a motor factory in Mexico or the US, and the Munich-based company could potentially decide on the project next year, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are confidential.
The carmaker would join German premium-auto rival Mercedes-Benz in producing engines in the region as Asian and US rivals already do. Mercedes will start using motors next year built at a Nissan Motor Co plant in Tennessee.
BMW has largely restricted its engine-making to Europe, only announcing a plan last year to build 4-cylinder units in Shenyang, China, to supply the company’s local car plants in Dadong and Tiexi.
“Engine technology is BMW’s core competence,” Juergen Pieper, a Frankfurt-based analyst at Bankhaus Metzler, said by phone. “Establishing local motor manufacturing abroad is more complex than assembling cars, but it’s a logical step for them to eventually start making engines in markets where they’re expanding vehicle production,” to reduce the cost of logistics and mitigate currency effects.
The German company set up its only North American factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 1994. The site, which produces all of BMW’s X3, X5 and X6 sport-utility vehicles, is one of the US’s main auto exporters.
BMW may expand vehicle-making in the region beyond a new model already announced for next year, the people said.
“As part of our long-term growth strategy, we’re frequently looking at different countries for possible locations of future production facilities,” BMW spokesman Mathias Schmidt said by phone.
Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz division, which ranks third in global luxury-car sales after BMW and Volkswagen AG’s Audi unit, makes SUVs in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.


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The move to offer the Galaxy S III 4G on a contract plan marks the first time Vaya will sell a sell a subsidised mobile handset with its plans.
The Galaxy S III 4G will be available for an additional cost of $34 per month as an add on to Vaya's Power Plan 22, 34 or 45 plans.
Combined with these plans, the total cost of the Galaxy S III 4G will be $56 per month, $68 per month, or $79 per month, respectively.
The Galaxy S III 4G pricing details on the Vaya network.
When quizzed on why the company has not previously offered handsets on contract, Vaya's CEO, Ben Pullen, told PC World Australia that it refuses to offer any deals unless they are "equal to or the best on the market".
Last week, Vaya announced and released 4G mobile plans for the first time. The plans start at $9 per month with a data allowance of just 100MB and range up to $45 per month with a 3GB data allowance.
Vaya's 4G "power plans".
Pullen said the smaller plans with minimal data allowance are all about giving customers choice.
All Vaya plans can be purchased on both month to month and 24 month contracts. New customers will receive 20 per cent off the monthly plan price for a maximum of 24 months on all plans.
Pullen confirmed that while there are no such current deals for existing customers, current users of the Vaya network will be offered the best rates on any new products.
Vaya will sell the Samsung Galaxy S3 4G on its website from Friday 18 April.
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IBM, Daimler, Qubits & Better Batteries
Developing better electric vehicle batteries is something that is occurring at a near-frenzied pace as people are seeking batteries that provide longer range, less mass, reduced cost, and that are less reliant on rare earth elements that are often found in places that are less than conducive vis-à-vis a stable supply chain.
How difficult is it?
Well, Daimler and IBM have announced that through some co-development work they’re doing they’ve achieved something of a breakthrough on lithium-sulfide batteries, which is conceivably the successor to lithium-ion batteries.
And to conduct this research they’re deploying 4-qubits on an IBM Q Valencia 5-qubit quantum computer.
IBM Q System One (Image: IBM)
As we’re not going to pretend that we know what that is, here’s what Jeannette Garcia, Senior Manager for Quantum Applications, Algorithms and Theory, IBM Research (research.ibm.com), says in a blog post related to the work being done with Daimler:
Qubits themselves operate according to the laws of quantum mechanics, just like the molecules researchers are trying to simulate. The hope is that in time quantum computers can greatly speed up the simulation process by precisely predicting the properties of a new molecule that can explain its behavior, such as reactivity. Programming qubits works by using unique properties of superposition and entanglement, allowing the potential for researchers to evaluate expectation parameters – in a much more efficient way than a standard computer ever could.
The point is this: the auto industry has long been powered by mechanics. That is, explosions in cylinders moving levers moving gears and turning shafts and so on. And the auto industry has gotten really, really good at doing things like that.
And the industry has been working for many years with companies like IBM, using supercomputers to model everything from combustion in those cylinders to the airflow around the exterior of the vehicle.
But now there is a technology transition underway in terms of propulsion. This isn’t simply a matter of swapping out a gasoline tank with a battery package and an engine with an electric motor.
Sure, those things can be and are being done. But that is like putting a Band-Aid on a compound fracture: Completely insufficient.
This Daimler-IBM work indicates the degree to which efforts are being—and must be—made in order to make this technology shift.
And we haven’t even talked about the challenges of trying to automate driving. . . .
This is not a piece of modern art: Rather, it is an image from Blackmore Sensors and Analytics of Bozeman, Montana, micro-Doppler signatures of pedestrians (or maybe that’s a pedestrian, singular) walking (see it now?). Blackmore is a company that is developing FMCW lidar.
A young(ish) guy that I’ve known for a number of years, a man who spent the better part of his career writing for auto buff books and who is a car racer on the side, mentioned to me that his wife has a used Lexus ES Hybrid.
The fourth-generation of this compact crossover is improved, enhanced and optimized inside and out.


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EdTech contributes to a Sustainable Environment
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the impact of human activity on the environment. With climate change becoming an increasingly pressing issue, governments and businesses around the world are searching for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable growth. One area where technology is making a significant impact is in education. In this article, we’ll explore how edtech is boosting the green and blue economy and creating new opportunities for learners around the world.
Benefits of EdTech for the Green and Blue Economy: Edtech has a number of benefits that make it an ideal tool for promoting sustainable development. Here are some of the ways that edtech is contributing to the green and blue economy:
- Reducing the need for physical travel: By using online tools and resources, students and professionals can reduce their carbon footprint by attending virtual classes and meetings, rather than travelling to a physical location. This can have a significant impact on emissions levels, particularly in countries with large populations.
- Promoting remote work: Edtech is also making it easier for workers to do their jobs remotely, reducing the need for commuting and cutting down on emissions from transportation. This can have a positive impact on the environment, particularly in countries with high levels of urbanisation.
- Encouraging sustainable practices: Edtech can be used to promote sustainable practices and educate learners about the importance of environmental stewardship. By providing learners with the knowledge and skills they need to adopt sustainable behaviours, edtech can help create a more environmentally conscious workforce.
Edtech is having a major impact on the green and blue economy, with significant growth in the sector in recent years. According to a report by HolonIQ, the global edtech market is expected to reach $252 billion by 2020, with a compound annual growth rate of 17%. In addition, a study by the European EdTech Network found that 87% of European edtech companies are addressing sustainability in some way, demonstrating the sector’s commitment to promoting sustainable development.
A Sustainable Future
Edtech is proving to be a powerful tool for promoting sustainable development and creating new opportunities for learners around the world. By reducing the need for physical travel, promoting remote work, and encouraging sustainable practices, edtech is helping to build a more environmentally conscious workforce and creating a brighter future for us all. With the sector expected to continue growing in the coming years, there has never been a better time to get involved in edtech and help shape the future of education and the environment.


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Author: Paul Ploumis25 May 2015 Last updated at 06:07:05 GMT
ABU DHABI (Scrap Monster): The recently held BIR Convention in Dubai highlighted India as a leading importer of non ferrous scrap. The imports by the country are likely to grow in the forthcoming years.
According to speakers at the Convention, India has become a leading importer of aluminum scrap from the Middle East. Despite high import duties, the country’s aluminum scrap imports have grown significantly during recent years. The aluminum scrap imports have surged nearly 60% over the three year period from 2010 to 2013. The aluminum scrap imports which had amounted to 456,336 in 2010 had touched 724,106 in 2013. The Convention predicts rapid growth in imports on account of expansion of auto industry in the country. The country is expected to continue its dependence on imported scrap, as long as it achieves self-sufficiency in scrap generation.
The meeting also highlighted the emergence of the Middle East region as a key producer of scrap materials. The governments in other Middle East countries including UAE, Qatar, Jordan and Saudi Arabia have started giving big push to make general public aware about the benefits of recycling. However, more focus on export scrap sales demand better implementation of legislation regulating the transboundary movement of materials.
The BIR Convention noted that worldwide non ferrous scrap industry is seen facing numerous challenges such as low scrap generation and lower collection volumes. In addition, intense completion has resulted in lower margins
The meeting was presided by newly elected Nonferrous Division President David Chiao of Uni-All Group Ltd., based in Atlanta.


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Microsoft has taken another baby step into on-demand services, with a bundle of small announcements that amount to a little rebranding here, and a couple of new services there. The new offerings are Office Live Workspace -- a free, personal, Web-based document storage and collaboration space hosted by Microsoft -- and a fresh edition of the company's Dynamics Live CRM product.
Stories by Eric Knorr
For years IBM has doggedly pursued the massive problem of pulling data strewn across the enterprise into an integrated, harmonious whole. At LinuxWorld on Monday, the company introduced IBM Information Server Blade, an appliance-like bundle intended to make the Herculean task of enterprise data integration faster and easier.
The cost and complexity of CRM has long stymied IT. But John Roberts, Clint Oram, and Jacob Taylor believed there was a better way. So in the spring of 2004, all three quit CRM software vendor E.piphany and -- after just three months of coding -- launched the Sugar open source project.
Like the mainframe, ERP (enterprise resource planning) software soldiers on, though companies complain bitterly about its inflexibility. Oracle just took a significant step toward softening that rigidity with its new Application Integration Architecture (AIA), announced by Oracle president Chuck Phillips at the company's Collaborate '07 User Group Conference.
Two metrics determine how much money Web sites make from advertising: page views and unique visitors. The number and character of "uniques" -- that is, how many separate and distinct individuals visit a Web site and how much they are likely to spend on products being advertised -- determines the cost of ads on a Web site. It's the page view, however, that governs how much money Web sites take in for ads sold at a given rate.
Tough business conditions often give rise to ingenious solutions. That was the case at Merrill Lynch several years ago when the economic boom went bust: An urgent desire to reduce IT overhead spurred a Web services initiative that has saved the company an estimated US$44 million in three years.
Hummer Winblad Venture Partners was established in 1989 as the first venture capital fund to invest exclusively in software companies. These days, 12 of the 30 companies in Hummer Winblad's portfolio are SAAS ventures. We spoke with Ann Winblad, co-founding partner, to better understand the extraordinary momentum of SAAS and her company's relationship with IBM.
Applications are evolving into a Web ecosystem. Will enterprises one day get their key apps through the Web?
In a now legendary 1995 memo, bill Gates raised the alarm that Microsoft was woefully unprepared for what he termed the "Internet Tidal Wave." Fast forward 10 years to last October, and Gates blasts out another high-priority e-mail, this time warning of a coming "services wave" of applications available instantly over the Internet. "The next sea change is upon us," he writes
No company is more bullish on SOA than BEA. The problem is that BEA's WebLogic application server -- long the company's flagship product -- is really a Java platform, whereas an SOA is supposed to maintain platform neutrality. Hence BEA's platform-agnostic AquaLogic middleware, which shipped in early August, and BEA's surprise acquisition last week of Plumtree Software.
Go beyond a few basic protocols, and confusion still reigns in the wild world of Web services and SOA. Not just the towering, complex stack of Web services specs, but also fundamental questions about how those specs should work together and how Web services should be deployed and managed.
SOA presents a paradox: Turning applications into platform-agnostic services is a great way to reduce redundancy and accelerate integration, but where can you turn for architectural guidance that avoids the vendor lock-in SOA is supposed to prevent in the first place?
No one believes Patrick Grady at first. Why should they? He comes out of nowhere, radiating confidence, claiming his company, Rearden Commerce, has pulled off the IT coup of the new century. His triumph: a working b-to-b marketplace, fronted by an ultracustomizable application and based on SOA (service-oriented architecture). Delivered through the browser, Rearden's EBS (Employee Business Services) is capable of automating the purchase of many everyday services, including shipping, conferencing, meals, entertainment, and even travel.
Predictions in the 90s that we'd soon see the last of the mainframes were quite clearly way off and, far from their demise, today's estimates indicate that - 40 years on - mainframes host most business transactions and enterprise data, writes Eric Knorr.
Recently I wrote about the forthcoming Longhorn version of Windows and Microsoft’s plans to eliminate the distinction between client and server by making Web services protocols part of every Windows application. It’s a fabulous idea — when and if the whole world runs Longhorn, which will arrive in 2005 if Redmond is lucky.


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Visit Sushine Coast (VSC) has developed strategies and activities for its market re-entry to New Zealand which commenced this week in anticipation of the first services to Australia.
VSC CEO Matt Stoeckel says the activity includes a “For real” multi-channel campaign which follows the successful first phase of the campaign that was rolled out earlier in the year in anticipation of the borders opening during 2021.
Tourism Australia is kicking off its first international campaign in more than a year today to remind New Zealanders of the experiences that await them across the Tasman.
Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison says she hopes New Zealanders will make the most of the two way bubble that starts on 19 April and enjoy being the first international travellers back to Australia. That theme is evident in the campaign theme - 'Be the First'.
Clients can save up to $600 per couple on AAT Kings’ 13-day Perfect Tasmania guided holiday. The tour has a foodie emphasis – meeting local producers and winemakers throughout the journey. Highlights include meeting a fitfh generation farmer who shows guests around his property before they taste his ethically raised meat and garden produce at lunch.
There is free time exploring Hobart and Launceston with insider knowledge and help from a travel director.
Rottnest Island Authority has released a new trade guide. It contains useful information about Rottnest Island including new products, how to get around, maps, accommodation, dining, refreshments, tours, activities and attractions.
Located less than 20km from Fremantle, Rottnest Island is a nature reserve with 63 beaches and bays, coral reefs, a
casual atmosphere and the world’s ‘happiest’ animals – the quokka.
Globus family of brands (GFOB) has added a new date for Globus’ Contrasts of the Kimberley itinerary. Priced from $5561, the 10-day trip in the Top End, beginning in Darwin and ending in Broome, is close to selling out on all dates in 2021, so a new departure date of 19 September has been added.
The itinerary is part of GFOB’s new collection of New Zealand and Australia tours launched in October 2020 and created specifically with local travellers
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park (Tjapukai) will not be reopening.
The Cairns attraction has experienced significant financial challenges for many years, made worse through the Covid-19 pandemic when it was forced to go into caretaker mode.
The venture is largely reliant on international visitors and is not financially able to continue operating with the continued restrictions and uncertain future for international inbound travellers and increased
A new campaign just launched by Tourism Australia aims to lure young New Zealanders across the ditch by showcasing the adventures and experiences they can have while working and travelling in Australia. The young Kiwis are being urged to take a working holiday and gain employment in sectors such as agriculture, tourism and hospitality.
Australia's Tourism Minister, Simon Birningham, says with travel from across the Tasman back in play this is an opportunity to entice New Zealanders to take a longer stay in Australia and
APT has released details of its Private Jet Air Tours 2021 itineraries in Australia using privately chartered aircraft. The tours fly across vast distances in a fraction of the time it would take for traditional touring, allowing more time on the ground to explore each destination. Agents can order copies of new APT’s Private Jet Air Tours Australia 2021 brochure by clicking here.
Queensland has a line up of major tourism developments next year.
In Tropical North Queensland, Silky Oaks Lodge is undergoing a facelift to reopen on 1 October 2021 under the Baillie Lodges brand. Influenced by its Daintree Rainforest surroundings, the
New website data has revealed that in a post-pandemic world, city dwellers are looking for outdoor escapes with an off-the-grid sense of remoteness.
SATV, the digital platform curated by the South Australian Tourism Commission is giving Kiwis a taste of those remote experiences ‘virtually’.
The first thing Australia needs to do for its tourism recovery is reopen the country’s state borders where it is safe, says John Hart, executive chair of the Australia Chamber of Tourism.
‘There seems to be the attitude that keeping people safe is about locking them down, rather than allowing safe travel. While that happens there won’t be a recovery.’
Saltwater Eco Tours, operating from Mooloolaba, is using a century-old timber sailing vessel, Spray of the Coral Coast, to showcase the Sunshine Coast’s Indigenous heritage and marine beauty.
Each tour has an Indigenous story-teller on board to share the stories, traditions and culture of the Sunshine Coast’s original inhabitants and first eco custodians, the Kabi Kabi people (originally known as the ‘Saltwater People’).
A key operator in Western Australia says the state is ready and waiting for the New Zealand market when a 'bubble' between the two destinations opens.
Agents can join John Daw to learn about Australian Wildlife Journeys on Thursday 13 August from 5-6pm. As part of the Signature Experiences of Australia program, Australian Wildlife Journeys is a group of Australia’s top wildlife travel operators that have come together to showcase their commitment to conservation, passion for nature and interpretation of wildlife in natural habitats. The operators of these wildlife experiences see themselves as guardians of the native fauna as well as expert guides.
Go to www.aussiespecialist.com/en-nz and register via the training section of the site.
Tourism Australia is promoting a number of ways agents can encourage their clients to experience different sides of Australia while travel is restricted.
‘Storytelling is embedded in Australian culture. Thanks to our creative industry, there are many different means of soaking up our rich culture – even from the comfort of your couch,’ says Phillipa Harrison, managing director of Tourism Australia.
The Surf House in Byron Bay opened yesterday. It includes Byron Bay’s only rooftop bar, The Rooftop, and is the third Byron Bay property from Millett Group which owns boutique hotel Lord Byron and the hostel Wake Up!
Sports Travel and Hospitality (STH) Group has signed a long-term agreement to be the official partner of Rugby Australia.
The move signals the establishment of Sports Travel and Hospitality Australia, trading as Wallabies Travel. On this side of the Tasman, Sports Travel and Hospitality New Zealand has a high profile trading as All Blacks Tours and New Zealand Cricket Tours.
The departure of Tourism Australia’s New Zealand country manager Jenny Aitken will not in itself significantly change the relationship the organisation has had with the general travel trade here for the last five years.
Since 2015, Aitken’s official brief has been almost entirely business events focused (with some exceptions such as working with wholesalers on the Australian Tourism Exchange).
The South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) and Adelaide Airport have thrown their weight behind the trans Tasman travel bubble with plans to welcome Kiwis who are ready to travel once it is safe to do so.
For the year ending December 2019, record numbers of Kiwis travelled to South Australia to enjoy the state’s food, wine and destinations such as the Murray River and Kangaroo Island, spending more than $45 million in their travels.
Destination NSW has launched the next phase of its tourism recovery campaign, Now’s The Time To Love NSW.
This is spearheaded by TV, social and digital creative which utilises New South Wales’ diverse landscapes and experiences to inspire travellers.
The commercial debuted in New Zealand over the weekend.
ANZCRO Connect has already generated considerable interest amongst the trade in New Zealand but this is set to increase with the current focus on domestic and, as a next step, trans Tasman travel, says the company’s managing director Nick Guthrey.
The specially designed agents’ portal allows travel agents to search, quote and book all of ANZCRO’s product from one platform. It can also be used to create an entire New Zealand itinerary.
The travel and tourism industries of both Australia and New Zealand should be working together to create a ‘runway’ towards reopening trans-Tasman travel, an industry webinar heard this week.
Speaking at the Tourism Temperature digital event, organised by the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ), various speakers felt the trans Tasman travel bubble could fly if the countries’ governments and health authorities also worked together to create safe and highly monitored gateways.
The Aussie Specialist Team has moved the monthly Talkabout webinar series to a weekly schedule through to early June.
The new series kicked off with Annabelle Sweetman from Tourism Tasmania last week, informing agents on the sights of Tassie. Those travelling the island can taste produce straight from the farm and ocean, and meet the makers at cellar doors, farm gates and local markets.
Australian Wildlife Journeys gives agents a range of close to home experiences to sell to clients who may typically be attracted to destinations such as Africa and the Galapagos, says executive officer John Daw.
Held exclusively for Aussie Specialists from Europe, North America and for the first time, New Zealand, Corroboree West 2019 has released a highlights video from the event staged in Perth in October.
A Great Walk of Australia that combines food, wine and nature (plus history and culture) is gaining traction in the New Zealand market and rising interest from the trade here.
Australia’s cruise industry is celebrating its return to the bushfire-affected communities of Kangaroo Island after this week’s arrival of Sun Princess at the island port of Penneshaw.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia reports all major cruise lines in the region are currently operating as scheduled and most Australian cruise destinations are unaffected by the fires.
Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) president Brent Thomas says the thoughts of the New Zealand travel industry go out to all those who have been impacted by the destructive fires in Australia. 'The bush fires are of a magnitude that we have not seen before and it is hard to comprehend just how ferocious the fire, smoke and heat have been.'
A demand for premium product has led Kiwi ex-pats Lillian and Ian Mann to launch Travel Norfolk, a service for travellers wanting flexibility, custom made experiences, and the reassurance of having someone ‘on the ground’ to ensure that special excursions are pre-booked and confirmed before they leave home.
When Benny Ford opened The Black Anchor Bar in Norfolk Island last November, he filled a gap in the market. He opened a casual bar where people could relax after work, with a cocktail, craft beer or wine. Open Thursday to Saturday from 5pm till midnight, The Black Anchor serves ‘pop up’ bar food from offsite caterers – dumplings on Thursdays, tacos on Fridays and American barbecue food on Saturdays.
The Black Anchor is a fitting name for someone who has worked for 20 years as a sea captain, and grew up on boats. Doubling as port manager by day, Ford has lived on the island for three years. ‘Norfolk Island is the place that everyone in Byron Bay


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Kazkommertsbank's Barclays Russia deal may fail
Britain's Barclays Bank is likely to fail to sell its Russian retail unit to Kazkommertsbank, Kazakhstan's no. 1 lender by assets, Reuters reported on Wednesday referring to Russian business daily Kommersant.
Barclays said in February it would sell its Russian retail unit and focus on investment banking, because it was unable to compete in local retail business, and Kommersant wrote that the Kazakh lender was in final talks about the deal.
But the newspaper on Wednesday quoted sources as saying that Kazkommertsbank had changed its mind, probably because of the recent downturn on global markets and the Kazakh central bank's cautious approach to the risks arising from local lenders' international expansion.
According to the daily, the most likely candidate to buy Barclays' retail operations in Russia is now mid-sized Renaissance Credit Bank, part of Renaissance Group.
"Now the parties are discussing the deal price, talking not about the premium but about discount," Kommersant quoted a source as saying.
The daily said in June that the price for the deal with Kazkommertsbank was unlikely to exceed 1.2-1.3 times the capital of the unit.
Renaissance Credit declined to comment. A Barclays spokeswoman in Russia said that the lender is in talks with three bidders but declined to name them.


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People in the area enjoy capturing the moment when the banana tree bears fruit, an image that is hard to see in a temperate country like Korea – Photo: YONHAP
Yonhap news agency on July 29 quoted a notice from the Korea Meteorological Administration warning of the highest heat wave of up to 35 degrees Celsius and the heat wave expected to last for two days could cause some damage. nationwide.
Since mid-June, Korea has continuously recorded temperature records nationwide, signaling a hot summer with the highest temperature of 31-35 degrees Celsius.
Perhaps so, in Wonju city, Gangwon province (Korea), an ornamental banana tree planted on the roadside suddenly bore fruit due to the record-breaking hot weather in recent weeks.
In fact, bananas are a typical fruit tree in the tropics and it is very difficult to reproduce, grow and bear fruit in a country located in a temperate climate like Korea.
In this temperate country, bananas are mainly grown as ornamental plants in parks for people to visit and for research and study purposes.
To be able to grow bananas, Korean farmers have to put in a lot of effort and being able to see a bunch of bananas on a tree like this is a rare phenomenon.
With advanced technology and improved farming techniques, some areas in central and northern Korea have begun to be able to grow bananas in greenhouses.
In greenhouses, banana plants must be meticulously cared for regularly to successfully flower and bear fruit.
In the 1970s, bananas were “only for the rich” fruit because tropical fruits and agricultural products were not easily found in Korea. Even at the present time, tropical fruits such as bananas, mangoes, dragon fruit… must be imported from countries such as Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Vietnam… and sold for sale. price is not cheap.
Currently, in Korean supermarkets, a box of bananas weighing 2.5kg is sold for an average price of about 10,000 won (nearly 180,000 VND).


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As part of its efforts to personalize operations for customers, Staples announced today that it completed the acquisition of Runa, a software company that helps online retailers increase sales by tailoring the shopping experience. The parties did not disclose terms and conditions of the acquisition.
Staples noted that it continues investing in e-commerce capabilities, creating a highly personalized shopping experience and advancing its online position. Runa’s PerfectOffer software provides automated, data-driven and personalized offers in real-time while its PerfectShipping software provides real-time personalized delivery estimates and free-shipping offers.
“Runa has a unique platform and outstanding talent with experience in e-commerce and online marketplaces,” said Ronald Sargent, CEO and chairman, Staples. “With Runa, we’re adding technology to better serve our customers with personalized items, offers, and delivery estimates, all in real-time. Runa will allow us to tap into the wealth of engineering and e-commerce expertise in the Silicon Valley area.”


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Gas prices could fall in FebruaryPublished 12:11pm Thursday, January 31, 2013
Citizens should see a little relief at the gas pump in the coming weeks.
American Automobile Association, which monitors flucutations in fuel prices with its service the Daily Fuel Gauage Report, says that prices should start dipping in February.
“We usually see a little bit of a price drop during late Janary and most of February,” said Clay Ingram, AAA spokesperson. “Typically these are our lowest demand months. The weather is bad; people aren’t really getting out and about.”
Currently, the national average price per gallon is $3.39, up four cents from one week ago. The increase is part of an 11-day climb in prices. However, the national average is still seven cents cheaper than it was a year ago.
“Last year, things were sort of backwards ¬– prices were going up in February and down in April,” Ingram said. “This year, we are back on track to the normal trend. There are no guarantees, but we are expecting prices to drop between now and March.”
Crude prices are currently at $97 a barrel, Ingram said, which is higher than it should be.
“The whole last year, crude was artificially inflated in large part due to investment,” Ingram said. “It should have been around $70 a barrel for the whole year.”
Ingram said prices this year are still artificially inflated because of speculative investors.
“It’s the end of January – we should be at $60 to $70 a barrel,” Ingram said. “Demand is low and supply is strong.”
Ingram said prices should drop before peaking again on Memorial Day.
“Price goes up with demand,” Ingram said. “Memorial Day starts the summer travel period, which usually makes it the normal peak price point.”
While investors, supply and demand all play a role in the price of fuel, Ingram said there is a consumer element that many are not aware of.
“As motorists, we aren’t doing a good job at price shopping,” Ingram said. “We are all creatures of habit. We pull into a gas station because there’s where we always buy it, and it may be convenient. We need to make a concerted effort to buy the cheapest priced fuel in our normal driving area.”
Ingram said shopping around may only save a few cents in the short-term, but it is the potential for long-term change that makes this behavior pay off.
“If we all participate in this behavior, prices can come down over the long term,” Ingram said. “We have to motivate gas companies to lower prices.”
For more information on fuel pricing trends, visit http://fuelgaugereport.aaa.com.


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2021 marks an inflection point for GM’s hands-free driving tech
GM Canada confirms truck production in Oshawa has been moved ahead to Q4 2021
A sensible choice
The Next Elantra Sport
Spring tire changing season is upon us.
BlueCruise will launch on F-150 and Mustang Mach-E later this year
Key considerations go far beyond style and appearance.
More than 10 electrified models to arrive by 2025


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When most people think new construction, they think of all the luxuries that come with having a brand new home—and the hefty price tag to match. But as it turns out that hefty price tag? It might not be as set in stone as you’d imagine. According to a recent article on Zillow, the housing market […]
The post Think You Need To Pay Top Dollar For A Newly-Constructed Home? appeared first on Alexandra Larsen.
Spring has sprung, which means it’s the perfect time to get the outside of your home in top shape before the summer months. A little sprucing can go a long way with enhancing your home’s curb appeal. In fact, a property’s outdoor appeal can dictate people’s home buying decision. And while it’s not always necessary […]
The post Use This Spring Clean Up Guide To Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal appeared first on Alexandra Larsen.


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According to Online Gaming 2011 from market research company The NPD Group, digital game downloads for mobile devices represent close to half (47 percent) of all video full-game downloads (this excludes micro-transactions and add-on content to be used with previously purchased or acquired full-games). Even among those using a console for online gaming, the biggest share of full game digital downloads purchased was for mobile devices, followed by personal computers, consoles, portables and other systems comprising the remainder of the device destinations for full-game downloads.
Mobile gaming represents one of the fastest growing segments of the digital games market, and potential for future growth remains strong as more consumers are using smartphones for games of all types including the increasingly popular mobile game apps. It is important to keep in perspective that the full-game price points on mobile devices are generally lower than those for console and portables systems, so mobile's full-game download unit share does not translate to a comparable level of consumer spending.
Among those who purchased a mobile game in the past three months, 60 percent indicated that they are still spending the same or more on console and portable games since they started purchasing for their mobile devices, while 40 percent reported spending less. While there is clearly some substitution for spending on traditional forms of gaming among 40 percent of consumers, the majority of mobile consumers indicate that this spending is incremental to their spend on console or portable games, which makes sense since the games and devices provide for different types of gaming occasions and experiences.
When asked to choose between a physical and digital game (assuming price and time of release were the same), 75 percent said they would buy physical and not digital with the main reason provided being that they simply like owning a "real" copy. The 25 percent who would choose digital cited as their top reason the convenience of downloading at home and not having to go to the store.


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Developing Iloilo as an international gateway for the Visayas region will get a kickstart with international port developer International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s (ICTSI) plan to upgrade the Iloilo Port Complex and the Port of Dumangas at a cost of P5 billion.
Under the firm’s proposal, submitted to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Dumangas Port will be converted into an international container terminal that can accommodate huge vessels.
Over the life of the proposed concession with the PPA, ICTSI has estimated an investment of over P5 billion to fully develop the Iloilo Port Complex.
Currently, there are 10 roll-on/roll-off ships operating in the port to service the Negros Island and Cebu City routes.
ICTSI submitted a letter of intent to modernize infrastructure at the two ports and to eventually manage and operate these.
The company said its proposal will help upgrade the port network and facilitate inter-island and international cargo movement.
High Visayas potential
“We truly believe in the growth potential of the Visayas in general and of Iloilo in particular. That growth is anchored on the building of infrastructure and the delivery of basic utilities and services,” said ICTSI chairman and president Enrique K. Razon Jr.
He said with the development of a port superstructure and the cost-efficient delivery of electric services, ICTSI hopes to help Iloilo in attaining its full potential.
“ICTSI believes that the ports’ development will not only improve efficiency but will, more importantly, evolve the ports into becoming the Philippines’ Visayas hub that will improve connectivity for cargo movement within the country. Our vision is to ultimately turn these two ports into international gateways,” ICTSI global corporate head Christian R. Gonzalez added.
ICTSI said, in a statement, it hopes to arrive at an agreement with the PPA that will be compliant with the agency’s rules and the country’s laws.
The company also intends to bring to the Iloilo ports its know-how in managing ports honed from its 30 years of experience across the 30 ports that it operates worldwide.
Equipment costs P1.35B
ICTSI said an integral part of the investment will include the dredging and deepening of the port itself and the channel to allow the direct entry of new generation international vessels.
New port equipment to be brought in during the first phase alone has been estimated to cost P1.35 billion and will include modern quayside crane handling equipment.
ICTSI is also offering substantial investments to develop the Port of Dumangas to seamlessly handle the spillover from the city port.
As with other ports that it operates worldwide, ICTSI will introduce new systems in operations, engineering and administration.
The introduction of automation will further promote efficiency and security. With its excellent relationship with major shipping lines, the ICTSI commercial team will promote the services of the Iloilo ports. And as with its other ports, it hopes to employ local talent that will operate the ports and to roll out engagement programs for port users to ease business transactions.


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Amy Williams is founder and CEO of Good-Loop, a purpose-driven advertising platform. She founded Good-Loop in 2016 after working three years for Ogilvy & Mather.
How realistic is it that your business has the authority, scope and expertise to have a meaningful impact on an issue?
The 17 sustainable development goals can connect brand purpose with global change.
The free internet is precious, and the ad industry has an important role to play in protecting it.
If advertising is an amp, how can we urgently give Ukrainian people the mic?
The lessons that should be considered around brand's environmental claims.
The conglomerate is playing the long game for everyone rather than focusing on short-term profit making
Treading the fine line between collaboration and coercion when it comes to cause-driven marketing.
The ad industry can have an important role in battling climate change
Kraft Heinz is jumping on the so-called ‘purpose bandwagon’, with its newly introduced 'Beanz Meanz More' brand platform, but it's a smart move.
A reaction to the advertiser boycott of Britain's newest broadcaster.


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Hundreds gathered for what promises to be the premier bicycle center in the US. Dignitaries including Mayor RT Rybak, and council members Gary Schiff (ward 9) and Robert Lilligren (ward 6), shared their incredible enthusiasm for the project. Don Pflaum, city of Minneapolis bike coordinator, expressed his thanks to all those who have put in countless hours into the bike center, which has been more than 10 years in the making.
Bike Center Manager Dan Breva helps a customer
Freewheel owner, Kevin Ishaug, noted that the center is set up to accomodate up to about 250 bikes initially with room for significant expansion in the future. Visitors can store their bikes on a temporary basis for $2 a day . Allina and other local employees who bike year round can purchase an annual membership for $110. Member ship includes additional benefits, like access to shower facilities and discounts on bike rentals and service. All those who stop by during business hours can refuel with local Peace Coffee and offerings from the adjacent Midtown Global Market.
Not to be overlooked in the beautiful new space, is the Midtown Greenway Coalition’s (MGC)headquarters. This marks a milestone in MGC history. It will be the first time the group who envisioned the 2,500/ day path can work from its side.
Dero donated additional, temporary bike racks for the opening weekend, which were jam-packed and greatly appreciated by the crowds.
Find out more: www.freewheelbike.com


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NEW YORK Matt Ross, one of the lead executives on the global IBM business at WPP Group's Ogilvy & Mather, has joined Interpublic Group's McCann WorldGroup on its Microsoft account, the agency confirmed.
In the newly created position of president, McCann WorldGroup San Francisco and global chief executive on Microsoft brands, Ross would oversee all aspects of the client's marketing, leading efforts from WorldGroup agencies McCann Erickson, Futurebrand and MRM, as well as from other IPG companies that serve the business, such as Octagon and Jack Morton.
Both Microsoft and IBM spend close to $1 billion each on annual global marketing services.
At Ogilvy in New York, Ross was COO of IBM brand services worldwide.
Ross, 44, will report to McCann WorldGroup CEO John Dooner, who said in a statement: "We are delighted that Matt will bring his global brand expertise, as well as his experience with managing large integrated marketing services relationships, to help take our work for Microsoft to the next level and pioneer new ground in integrated marketing communications. His knowledge of this dynamic, complex category is unsurpassed, as is his passion for it."
This is a second tour on Microsoft for Ross who worked on the brand at Ogilvy in Los Angeles in 1990. The shop resigned Microsoft in 1994 when it landed IBM. McCann won Microsoft's corporate and Microsoft Windows account in 1999 from Wieden + Kennedy in Portland, Ore. It now also handles MSN and last year landed half the global direct marketing business (MRM). WPP's Wunderman handles the other half of Microsoft's direct account.
The hiring of Ross marks the second time in four months that McCann has raided Ogilvy in New York for top talent. Last November, John McNeil joined McCann San Francisco as evp, co-chief creative officer on Microsoft. He succeeded Kevin Moehlenkamp who went to sibling Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos in Boston. At Ogilvy, McNeil was senior partner and creative director for the IBM, Kodak, DuPont and Lycos accounts, among others.


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Zoomcar has enabled driving convenience for travellers around the country and is fast expanding its reach in multiple cities across India.
ZEE5 wanted to promote the show via a video trailer and hence leveraged Truecaller’s innovative Click to Play format.
There has been much anticipation around the launch of Spotify in India. On the day Spotify went live, Truecaller ensured exclusive mind space for the music streaming company among its massive audience of smartphone users.
Truecaller designed a unique solution to build OLX cashmycar brand amongst the right target audience along with convenience of booking and appointments.
Kalyan Jewellers leveraged Truecaller as a platform which is designed to offer a rich experience for brands by powering them with an exclusive and clutter-free real estate on the app’s After Call screen.
VIVO capitalised on Truecaller’s holistic brand solutions to maximise brand visibility and top of mind recall for their latest phone launch - VIVO V15 Pro.
The Indian fashion ecommerce marketplace company, Myntra used Truecaller to connect with smartphone users prior to its Blockbuster Sale period, clocking a whooping 2 Lakh+ clicks along with 80 Million Impressions in a single day.
The Indian automaker did a pre-launch Buzz for its new car on Truecaller. This not only drove digital leads in a cost-effective way but also did impressive things for brand awareness and favourability.
The Indian-grown FMCG Company scored high on ad awareness and created a strong association with its brand on Independence Day. Patanjali used Truecaller's Branded Call solution to achieve a record breaking 200 Million Impressions on a single day.
The chinese smartphone manufacturer achieved stellar reach and awareness figures for the launch of its latest smartphone in India when it ran multiple Brand roadblocks on Truecaller Platform.
The smartphone company used Truecaller to effectively exhibit the key features of its newly launched Vivo V5s smartphone, achieving massive 130+ Mn Impressions at 0.22% CTR. The Campaign was scheduled during the Final Match of Indian Premier League between Mumbai Indians & Rising Pune Supergiant, where Vivo was the title sponsor.
The Indian fashion ecommerce company, Jabong used Truecaller to connect with affluent smartphone users during sales period, clocking a whooping 133 Mn Impressions in 1 day.
The Expense Management App, Walnut ran a 2 day ad campaign on Truecaller targeting customers effectively during Demonitisation, achieving 100 Mn Impressions & 55,000+ app Installs in just 2 days.
The Iconic jewellery brand used Truecaller to shift its brand positioning to digital mobile platform, in order to reach out to people in a first of its kind ad campaign. Kalyan Jewellers wished their customers Akshaya Tritiya in the most innovative way, giving the brand a big boost in awareness.
The Smartphone Manufacturing Company achieved stellar reach and awareness figures for the launch of its latest smartphones in India through a series of ad campaign on Truecaller in a span of 5 Months.
To promote its cars, the auto manufacturer optimised its marketing campaign for mobile, piquing interest and winning an impressive number of test drive signups.


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Gran Turismo 7, the new game in the popular racing game Gran Turismo series, will debut for PlayStation 4 as well as PlayStation 5. You can find the details in our news.
Good news for PlayStation 4 owners for the new game of Gran Turismo, the most popular racing game series of the PlayStation brand, which was broadcast by Sony Interactive Entertainment and developed by Polyphony Digital.
Recently, PlayStation Studios president Hermen Hulst published an interview on the PlayStation blog. A lot of new information has emerged in this interview. One of them came from Gran Turismo 7, the brand’s beloved racing game series. According to Hermen Hulst, Gran Turismo 7 will debut not only for the PlayStation 5 but also for the PlayStation 4.
Unfortunately, Hermen Hulst has not commented further on Gran Turismo 7. It is known that the game will be released in 2022. Initially, he was also to be released in 2021 but was postponed.
Almost all of PlayStation 5’s most curious games have or will also debut or will be available for PlayStation 4. Especially the fact that Horizon Forbidden West and God of War 2 will also debut for PlayStation 4 is very good news for PlayStation 4 players.


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lenders raising financial strategies for that country to gain wealthy people out of domestic rivals older lenders assured Reuters.
Increased performance in Republic of india and its foundation in of electronic cost deposit solutions may possibly also present a cure for various other large market with possible far greater in comparison to revenue up to now delivered including Asia.
purchase deposit supposed very strong and store consumer banking getting schedule a large number of foreign finance companies around the globe are increasingly being being focused on Asia and registering better abilities India monetary services practise brain.
may cause some issues as creditors prefer to develop a lot more into the communities but overall overseas banking companies in Asia continues to expand because there are no imminent challenges this individual explained directed to development as a key element enabler.
Tempted by a big economic climate and soaring money more than three dozens of overseas loan providers in Indian have already been competing for a much bigger show belonging to the market for years so far the two account for only regarding the banking properties.
Aiding the modern improvement spurt are regulatory easing meant for scientific economic companies for example the main bank in May granted loan providers under a regulatory sandbox framework to produce products and services such as electronic customers background records searches and money transfer.
Additionally facilities including electronic amount happen rapidly expanding brought by a national push to carry more money loving merchants and owners into conventional industry.
Getting benefits of these styles overseas annualized generate on fairness in Indian increased to when you look at the half a year to from yearly earlier main financial institution info indicated that conquer the of home-based individual creditors for the second straight cycle the first time in the global financial disaster.
In addition local personal and banking institutions include increasingly constrained by souring personal loans lower levels of budget and governance problem on largest players all in a slowing down market.
the following five years mysterious banking companies having exclusive creditors should have a possibility to increase as loan providers tends to be losing business because funds restrictions and switch in emphasis to integration mentioned a completely independent economic services advisor.
The quick ownership of development for operating funds acquiring subscribers and selling goods will be the true motorist of mysterious profits brokers and analysts said.
come to be a bit more of an even participating niche and up to your own electronic techniques plus your electronic qualities said Asia list finance and riches administration mind Truthfully speaking no reason why we build nearly anyone also.”
pretax cash in on the India shopping and plethora management unit about doubled to an archive just the past year While tiny in contrast to the it built in their real estate market of Hong-Kong the body compared dramatically with reduction in China.
The lender which promises to boost spending on tech and sales for the arriving three-years is designed to boost profits once again within the further three to five many years stated.
All this work even with they slice their few limbs to concentrate on the digital presence along with the face of a brand new control offering international financial institutions better convenience to enhance part systems should they switch them into hometown subsidiaries.
Previously the crucial financial institution constrained the quantity of branches mysterious lenders could opened which american brokers claimed am a major origin of aggravation.
equal founded a large amount procedures in which enables business to open financial investment account quickly and without the need to browse a division this past year they observed growth in affluent customers its market.
getting limited existence can actually come to be a benefit simply because you get started considering different ways for customers acquiring wedding and tool and you are therefore certainly not distracted by division profitability explained Asia mind of consumer enterprises.


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Families all over the country are feeling the impacts of grocery shortages in supermarkets, as COVID-19 triggers wide-spread supply chain issues and staffing problems.
One parent noted it had become increasingly difficult to food shop for their eight kids, as supermarket aisles are left increasingly bare.
Fadmate Sanqoh said she had never seen grocery stores so empty, calling for the nation's leaders to address the issue.
"I'm just asking where the Prime Minister is. Because I've been in Australia for ages and I've never seen anything like this. Look at this, two chickens for $40," she said.
Smaller grocery stores are coping better than larger chains, who rely on a greater number of staff.
Woolworths has introduced buying limits on painkillers and toilet paper nationwide due to supply chain issues.
Customers will only be able to buy two packs of painkillers and toilet paper both in-store and online.
"This is a precautionary move following recent food and grocery supply chain constraints and pockets of increased demand across select categories," the supermarket giant said in a statement.
"The limits will ensure more customers have fair access to toilet paper and analgesics."
In Western Australian Woolworths stores only, a limit of two packs per customer across mince, sausages and chicken products will be introduced due to "signs of excessive buying."
The purchase limits come due to stock shortages as a result of supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 as well as staff shortages due to isolation restrictions.
Woolworths already introduced purchase limits on rapid antigen kits.
In line with federal government guidelines, customers can only buy one pack however the packs can contain between one and seven testing kits.
Woolworths Director of Stores Jeanette Fenske said it is an "anxious time" for customers.
"We will continue to closely monitor product availability across our stores, with stock continuing to be sent to stores daily," she said.
"Customers will notice some gaps on shelves but we're doing all that we can to meet demand."
READ MORE: The $1b tower slowly sinking into the ground
Meanwhile, other supermarket giants have also introduced buying limits on certain products.
At Coles, customers are now only allowed to purchase one packet of toilet paper, while packets of paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin will have a limit of two per buyer.
Buying limits are also in place at Coles for meat in all states except Western Australia.
How Australia faced the emergence of the Omicron variant
Shoppers will be limited to two packs of chicken breast or chicken thighs from the meat department or six fillets from the deli.


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The 2nd Amendment Is Under Attack: California
“2,800 people in California were killed last year by gunfire,” Skinner said. “It is easier to buy bullets than cough medicine or alcohol. It should not be that easy. We need to have much more scrutiny when it comes to the purchase of guns.”
Monday she unveiled Assembly Bill 48. It would require bullet buyers to show identification. It would also require ammunition dealers to be licensed and report all sales to the department of justice.
She’s counting those who commit suicide, of course.
That people believe one wouldn’t, oh, jump off a bridge (gee, there aren’t any convenient ones in California, are there?) rather than blow their brains out is kinda stupid. What is the old joke about IQs and shoe sizes again?
So let’s confine this to the 11,000 or so homicides. And I’ll leave in the gang-bangers, which are fully 75% of those homicides, which we created through the “war on some drugs.”
So ok, 11,000 dead people. That’s bad.


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We answer some questions on whether NBA 2K23 on PC will be Next-Gen or not, and possible factors to why that is.
Will NBA 2K23 on PC be Next-Gen / New-Gen?
Unfortunately, the answer has been confirmed as a “no” for NBA 2K23. NBA 2K23 Next-Gen will only be for Xbox Series X/S and PS5, so it looks like PC will have another year of a last-gen experience and graphics.
Traditionally, sports games have been more popular on console, while keyboard and mouse First Person Shooter games have thrived on PC. This is no different for NBA 2K on console, which has always been its bread and butter.
Another factor as to why, is that NBA 2K on PC has always been plagued by cheaters (some mods are hilarious, like in the video below).
But for any players searching for pure, unadulterated competition with a level playing field, the environment that unregulated cheaters create on PC doesn’t bode well for good ‘ol fashioned fair competition. 2K has to know this, but it’s likely that 2K just simply has other priorities and doesn’t see the PC version as a high enough priority on the to-do list, or a high enough return on their investment. Last-gen port it is.
What Does 2K Say About It?
Under NBA 2K23’s FAQ page, 2K has this to say: “This is something the team is passionate about and will continue to investigate what is possible for the franchise in the future. For now, the focus was on assuring NBA 2K23 was optimized for the new consoles (PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S), while also making sure the experience remains fresh and innovative for players on other platforms.” So you’re telling me there’s a chance…
What’s Next for PC NBA 2K Players
Ultimately, it will be up to the PC players on NBA 2K on what platform to go with. Depending on what’s important to them, PC could be the appealing option because of the excellent 2K modding community, saving money on not having to buy a new machine for gaming, and other reasons. But with multiple years now of PC being a last-gen port, will PC players finally take the plunge and get the game on a new-gen console? Or is Cross Play (down the road) the solution that will finally bring the entire 2K Community together? We’ll just have to wait and see.


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ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hooters is spreading the love this Valentine’s Day by offering a special deal on its world-famous chicken wings. On Friday, Feb. 14, Hooters invites those flying solo as well as lovebirds across the nation to flock to their favorite Hooters location and enjoy two 10-piece chicken wing orders for just $14.
“Whether you’re treating that special someone or simply meeting up with friends and family this Valentine’s Day, you’ll always find a smiling face at Hooters,” said Andrew Pudduck, vice president of marketing, Hooters of America. “We simply love our guests and know that between our legendary wings, relaxed atmosphere and Hooters Girl hospitality, Hooters is the perfect place to enjoy a satisfying Valentine’s Day meal at a great value. Now, we just have one question, will you choose Hooters as your valentine?”
Leading up to the love-filled holiday, Hooters Girls will distribute personal Valentine’s Day card invitations to encourage all guests to join them on Feb. 14. Everyone is invited to share photos of their Valentine’s Day visit to Hooters via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with the #StepIntoAwesome hashtag. The best “match made in heaven” moments will be featured on Hooters’ Step Into Awesome website, StepIntoAwesome.com.
The Valentine’s Day deal allows guests to choose their preference of Hooters world-famous traditional bone-in or boneless chicken wings with buffalo sauce favorites, ranging in heat from mild to 911, as well as new signature sauces and rubs on select Hooters menus, such as teriyaki-style samurai, lemon pepper and chipotle honey. With Hooters expanded menu, valentines can also choose from a variety of entrees, including more salads, sandwiches, seafood dishes and other delicious options.
The Hooters Valentine’s Day deal is available at any of the more than 400 Hooters locations across the United States. There is no coupon required to activate the sweetheart of a deal, Hooters fans just need to dine in at their favorite Hooters location. The two 10-piece wing deal, a $14 value, can be redeemed during business hours on Valentine’s Day, Friday, Feb. 14.
For a complete list of Hooters locations and additional information regarding the Valentine’s Day promotion, visit www.hooters.com.
About Hooters of America, LLC
Hooters of America, LLC is the franchisor and operator of more than 412 Hooters restaurants in 44 states and 28 foreign countries. The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida. Everyone is liberated from the ordinary at Hooters while enjoying great food, fun and uniquely-Hooters service from the iconic Hooters Girls. For more information about Hooters visit www.Hooters.com or follow us at www.Twitter.com/Hooters, www.Facebook.com/Hooters or www.Instagram.com/Hooters.


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Verdy, the mononymous 32-year-old Japanese graphic designer who rose to the top of the streetwear scene in a little under three years, shows no signs of slowing down his takeover. Last month, he turned Harajuku into a two-day collab festival dedicated to him, his friends, and a staggering number of collaborations periodically released throughout the weekend.
Part-music festival, part-shopping marathon, and part-history lesson, the event dubbed “Verdy Harajuku Day” began as an idea last year, when Verdy and his stateside consigliere Paulo Calle (also co-founder of LA-based streetwear brand Rare Panther) found themselves releasing several collaborations in one weekend. Not even a typhoon could completely shut down the celebration (although Tokyo did shut down for a day due to heavy rainfall), which still managed to bring out eager hordes of kids to Japan’s storied shopping neighborhood and the birthplace of modern drop culture.
In the United States, Thursday mornings have become the Pavlov’s dog bell for fuccbois, eagerly anticipating new products from brands like Supreme. But in Japan, that’s just another Saturday. It’s a novel retail concept that’s kept the country’s retail scene booming – drawing crowds of new shoppers to shopping malls like Laforet (home to UNDERCOVER’s MADSTORE, STORE by NIGO, and GR8, a Tokyo boutique synonymous with buzzed-about young designers) to venerable Japanese retailers like BEAMS and United Arrows, which tend to cater more to the perfected “prep” style that typifies conservative Japanese-Americana menswear.
“Verdy just wanted to bring people together,” says Calle, who cites how events like Paris Fashion Week and ComplexCon have become cultural hubs as much as bastions to consumerism. “He wanted to bring everybody to Japan because he feels like Harajuku is what started streetwear.”
Despite the language barrier, Calle says he and Verdy communicate mostly off of “energy,” although sometimes a mutual, bilingual friend (usually Vick Okada from Tokyo-based music collective tokyovitamin) serves as a translator when they need to have a more substantial conversation. Calle and Verdy are so comfortable around each other that Verdy usually crashes at his place whenever he’s in LA.
Over the past two years, they have been building a small empire through ephemeral pop-ups at events like ComplexCon, Hypefest, and Bobby Hundreds’ Family Style Food Festival, where Verdy collaborated with Fairfax Avenue pizza joint Jon & Vinny’s. But here in Harajuku, there’s a bit of a homecoming happening. It was here that NOWHERE once set up shop, the seminal boutique run by NIGO and Jun Takahashi (aka the store where UNDERCOVER and A Bathing Ape were born). Other brands followed suit, like NEIGHBORHOOD, WTAPS, and BOUNTY HUNTER. But for the longest time, the OGs who established the movement were still its best-known names.
“It’s kind of crazy,” says Chris Gibbs, current owner of Union Los Angeles and (as of last year) Union Tokyo, which joined the shoppable streets of Harajuku. “I was waiting for the next young blood of the Tokyo scene, and for whatever reason, it never happened.” Gibbs is no stranger to finding the next big thing in Japan before blogs and Instagram. He’s developed a reputation for giving niche labels like visvim, Wacko Maria, and Kapital premium shelf space before they blow up to a wider audience.
“I feel like what Verdy's brought is a youthful energy and a new kind of shine to [the scene],” says Gibbs. “But I think he's still playing by the rules; he's not creating new rules.”
Born in Osaka, Verdy went to Osaka Design School and got his start in the music scene, designing artist flyers, venue calendars, and music festival posters. In 2008, he co-founded VK Design Works with fellow artist K.I.T., although he is now its sole member. Four years later, he took his talents to Tokyo and launched his first collaborative project with Hikaru Iwanaga’s BOUNTY HUNTER, an early Harajuku streetwear brand with close ties to NIGO and Jun Takahashi. Verdy’s BOUNTY HUNTER collaboration features an anarchy symbol turned into a smiley face with the number “3” for eyes. It’s a work called “ANARCHY & PEACE,” and it accurately reflects the duality of Verdy’s graphic language.
His love of rock, punk, and emo inform his approach to brands. Both Wasted Youth and Girls Don’t Cry are pretty much promising indies with a highly-engaged fanbase that make no music, yet move a ton of merch. Wasted Youth, founded in 2016 along with a skate team, has a logo largely inspired by vintage Budweiser. A year later, he established Girls Don't Cry as a wearable love letter to his wife Tomu during their first joint trip to Los Angeles. She wore the tee to a pop-up hosted by Anwar Carrots, and when people asked about it, Verdy decided to turn it into a brand.
Verdy's penchant for striking typefaces and his ability to turn slogans into subversive logos feels rebellious in an era dominated by brutalist, sans serif fashion houses and streetwear brands alike. There's a nostalgic touch to the Girls Don't Cry logo, versus the blatant, in-your-face attitude suggested by Supreme's box logo. It sort of feels like something you've discovered, versus an object that demands your attention.
One part of Verdy’s secret stuff is his love affair with Los Angeles, that allowed him to build a network in the city’s bustling creative scene. In addition to his early relationships with Calle, he met Kyle Ng of Brain Dead early on, and made it a habit to support artists and designers he was a fan of, like Eric Elms of POWERS. Through Calle, Verdy also met artist Reginald Sylvester II. “Verdy's always been super talented, a fucking great artist, and super genuine,” says Sylvester. “He's just getting the shine that he deserves.”
As someone who’s made the jump from streetwear to fine art, Sylvester sees a certain kinship with Verdy beyond mutual appreciation. He’s also amazed at Verdy’s ability to not just create instantly hot brands, but universes full of characters like Vick, a fluffy, cartoonish dog that’s appeared on everything from vinyl toys, Verdy’s recent “Rise Again” collaboration with Uniqlo, and two recent exhibitions with Takashi Murakami shown at Verdy Day and ComplexCon.
“It speaks to true Harajuku roots,” continues Sylvester. “For a lot of us in the States paying attention to NIGO, Hiroshi Fujiwara, or any of these Japanese streetwear guys that we like, he's the generation after that.”
Indeed, co-signs from some of streetwear’s OGs boosted Verdy’s clout. In 2018, he linked up with UNDERCOVER’s Jun Takahashi on a Wasted Youth collab and a takeover of the UNDERCOVER MADSTORE. Earlier this year, Verdy and NIGO began dropping a series of HUMAN MADE x Girls Don’t Cry collabs at pop-ups around the globe, with the latest version released at NIGO’s “Store By NIGO,” rebranded as “Store By VERDY” in celebration of Verdy Day.
“You gotta understand the history so you can move forward,” adds Calle. “But without any of those guys, none of us would be here.”
For Calle, it was especially edifying to work with Angelo Baque of Awake, since they’re both of Hispanic descent. He introduced himself and Verdy to Baque just last year at UNION Tokyo, when Girls Don’t Cry dropped a collab. Baque immediately liked their energy, and also respected what they were bringing to the table. So he was more than excited to partner with Verdy for an exclusive capsule for Verdy Day.
“The interesting [thing] about Verdy and Paulo is that they didn't do it the traditional way,” says Baque. “There's kind of a weird caste system that still exists in Japan, and it hasn't really allowed for young talent.”
It’s a stark contrast to the vibe Baque senses stateside, where he feels the doors are wide open for young talent to come up. While he’s admittedly protective of his brand and the partners he works with, he respects what Verdy has built enough to allow him to take more of the creative reins.
“Everything that he does — from a graphic design point of view — is clean and simple. It feels like it has legs,” adds Baque.
Chris Gibbs also feels like Verdy is more than just a flash in the pan. His ability to work with the likes of NIGO, Baque, and Takashi Murakami alongside younger labels like Babylon, POWERS, and Cherry Los Angeles speaks to how plugged in he is with multiple generations of street culture.
“Hopefully he can usher in a whole crop of young blood doing new, different, and interesting shit,” says Gibbs. “Something like today, where he basically took over all of Tokyo.”


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Kukula Fund 1 has announced that it has acquired 10 per cent shareholding in More Beef Limited, one of Zambia's fastest-growing agribusinesses
The company would be investing close to US$1mn as a combination of debt and equity in More Beef Limited. According to company managing director Tue Nyboe, the firm is confident of making More Beef one of the leading players in the Zambian food industry.
More Beef Limited chief executive officer Ross Michelson said the investment of Kukula Fund 1 was the initial step in a multi-million dollar expansion programme for the next 12 months, which includes investments in feedlots, abattoirs and a state-of-the-art meat processing plant. The investment would enable More Beef to meet the growing demand for quality meat products in the country. Kukula Fund 1, a local company quoted on the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LuSE), is managed by Kukula Capital, a private equity and venture finance company.


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Nvidia forecast higher than expected sales for its current quarter as the semiconductor designer said it expected strong growth in most regions to outweigh a “significant” drop in sales to China because of recently tightened AI chip rules.
The US group reported record revenues of $18.1bn for the three months to the end of October, up 206 per cent year on year as it continued to ride demand for its high-performance artificial intelligence chips.
In a note to investors, chief financial officer Colette Kress addressed concerns about the effect of new US sanctions on high-performance chip exports to China. The company expected sales to the Asian country to “decline significantly” in the current quarter, she said, but this should be “more than offset by strong growth in other regions”.
Nvidia has disclosed that as much as a quarter of its data centre revenue comes from its sales to China, leaving it exposed to geopolitical rivalries as Washington seeks to contain Beijing’s AI development.
The US commerce department last month announced fresh export restrictions on cutting-edge AI chips to China, affecting Nvidia’s A800 and H800 processors. This prompted it to design new AI chips that comply with export controls — although it is yet to formally announce them.
Nvidia expects revenues of about $20bn in the fourth quarter.
Nvidia’s data centre revenue was $14.5bn in the third quarter, up 279 per cent from a year ago, as its biggest customers including the likes of Google, Amazon and Microsoft race to build their AI capabilities.
Nvidia’s stock closed at a record high on Monday before slipping back 1 per cent to $499.44 on Tuesday. Its share price has more than tripled over the course of the past year, making it one of the best-performing stocks on Wall Street and lifting its market capitalisation above $1.2tn.
Nvidia shares were 1.7 per cent lower in after-hours trading following the earnings release.
Diluted earnings per share were $4.02 in the third quarter, compared with $2.70 in the second quarter and 58 cents for the same quarter of last year. Net income was $10bn, up 49 per cent on the prior quarter and 588 per cent year on year.
Nvidia’s chips are used in generative AI training models, and it wields a virtual monopoly on them — with the likes of Microsoft, AMD and Intel racing to catch up.
Last week Nvidia unveiled its H200 processor, an upgrade to its H100 chips, which it said offered “game-changing” performance and memory capabilities.
On a call following the earnings report, analysts repeatedly asked Kress for more detail on the impact of US export restrictions on the company’s revenues.
Kress said Nvidia did not have good visibility into their impact on its sales to China even over the longer term, and that while new regulation-compliant chips may become available in the coming months, “we don’t expect their contribution to be material or meaningful”.
Guidance for the current quarter could have been “a little higher” without the new restrictions, she conceded.
“It’s a significant process to both design and develop these new products,” Kress said. “That’s just going to take some time for us to go through, discussing with our customers their needs and desires for these new products that we have.”
Nvidia was “going to make sure that we are in full discussions with the US government” about the new products, she added.
Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang emphasised that the explosion of AI products was still in its early stages. Software companies were realising that they were “sitting on a gold mine” of information that they could develop into their own custom AI products, he said, and a wide range of businesses were moving to build their own custom AIs.
“I think we are at the beginning of a — basically across the board — industrial transition to generative AI, to accelerated computing,” Huang said, with the “waves” of generative AI reaching beyond the start-up world to suffuse the global economy, bringing new customers to Nvidia.


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- Apple extends deadline for developers to update apps by up to 90 days.
- Apple previously sent out notices to developers to update within 30 days, warning outdated apps will be pulled out of app store.
- If removed, users who have downloaded apps will be able to keep them and developers can keep earning through them.
Tech giant Apple announced in a blog post that it will be giving developers time to update their applications, explaining why some old applications are in danger of being taken down.
Since 2016, Apple has had policies to pull out applications that are outdated or abandoned.
Engadget reported that some indie developers complained that it is tough to keep up with the company’s changes. They emphasised how much time it takes to launch even a minor update. This was in response to Apple’s letters to them warning them that their apps would be taken down from the app store after 30 days.
In the recent announcement, Apple said that notices will now only be sent to those who have not updated apps in three years and to those whose apps have rarely been downloaded during the past year.
Since a 30-day period is insufficient, especially for smaller developers, Apple extended the grace period to 90 days to update applications. After this, the apps will be pulled from the app store.
Users who have downloaded these apps will be able to keep and use them, and the developers can keep earning through them via microtransactions.


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Dubai’s upcoming multi-themed, integrated family entertainment destination Dubai Parks and Resorts has launched its ‘Helmi’ programme, an innovative educational initiative that will offer Emiratis the opportunity to gain deep expertise in the operat ions and management of theme parks in Orlando, USA as part of its exciting new plan to hire over 1,000 UAE Nationals.
As part of Helmi, which means ‘my dream’ in Arabic, complementing the Dubai Plan 2021 and the seven-year national agenda to promote Emiratisation and empower National talent, Dubai Parks and Resorts will provide a scholarship programme for 10 UAE nationals to undertake a six-month intensive study at the University of Central Florida in Orlando in theme park management. A further 40 Emiratis will undertake the same course with a visiting faculty in Dubai.
Dubai Parks and Resorts, which last month launched a major Emiratisation programme to recruit over 1,000 UAE nationals in the next 12 months, has signed an agreement with the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida, recognised as experts in theme park related education, to offer an exclusive certified programme for Emiratis.
“Dubai Parks and Resorts’ partnership with the Rosen College of Hospitality is an exciting platform within our extensive Emiratisation programme, which will not only provide graduates with on the ground training but also practical knowledge to help develop a new generation of Emirati theme park leaders,” says Dubai Parks and Resorts CEO Raed Al Nuaimi.
Dubai Parks and Resorts plans to expand the number of scholarships provided to Emiratis for the Helmi programme. These well-trained professionals will play a central role in driving the operations of the company’s three theme parks in Dubai that are set to open next year.
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Majid Al Futtaim has made significant strides toward environmental, social, and corporateJuly 5, 2022 | By RetailME Bureau
British grocer Waitrose has opened its newest store in Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa
UAE-based Al Maya Supermarkets has kicked off its ‘Netherlands Food Week’ that
British grocery retail chain Tesco has announced a price lock on over
Dubai-based grocery retailer Union Coop has successfully obtained the ISO 22301, an
Spanish omnichannel supermarket chain Mercadona has announced salary increase amid inflation that
Grocery retail chain Choithrams will open eight convenience stores across Rove Hotels’
Part of regional retail conglomerate GMG, Géant plans to open more than
Online share in FMCG sales has been growing all over the world,
Majid Al Futtaim Retail, operator of the Carrefour franchise in the Middle
UAE-based diversified conglomerate GMG and Silal have signed a memorandum of understanding
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Ten years ago, the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the organiser
Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) Etisalat MOTB is
Majid Al Futtaim and Immersive Gamebox have launched seven ‘Gameboxes’ in two
Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of destinations and experiences Miral and the Department
UAE’s multicultural shopping and entertainment destination Global Village has partnered with Bloom
The Sultanate of Oman is getting ready to open the doors of
AYA, a 40,000 sqft futuristic entertainment park has opened in Dubai’s WAFI
Latin American movie major Cinépolis Cinemas has signed a management agreement with
Museum of Illusions Dubai located at the waterfront Al Seef development on
Roxy Cinemas has announced the opening of its new rooftop screen Roxy
Saudi Arabia’s Al Hokair Group for Tourism and Development has partnered with
VOX Cinemas, the cinema arm of Majid Al Futtaim, commits to nurture


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Epic Games president Mike Capps says that $1 game applications are a real threat to full priced games, going so far as to say that they are "killing" companies like his. While Epic Games has jumped into the space with games such as its popular Infinity Blade on iPhone and iPad, Capps expressed concerns when it came to his company’s full priced games:
"We have not been this uncertain about what’s coming next in the games industry since Epic’s been around for 20 years," he told Industry Gamers. "We’re at such an inflection point. Will there be physical distribution in 10 years or even five? Will anyone care about the next console generation? What’s going on in PC? Can you make money on PC if it’s not a connected game? What’s going on in mobile? Tons of really scary things."
"It used to be, ‘Well, of course PlayStation 3 will be successful because PS2 was amazingly successful,’" he continued. "But can you say for sure that you know everyone’s going to jump to the next generation? I sure hope so. "I’m going to try to make some great tech that will make everyone want to. But it’s scary."
"If there’s anything that’s killing us [in the traditional games business] it’s dollar apps," he continued. "How do you sell someone a $60 game that’s really worth it? They’re used to 99 cents. As I said, it’s an uncertain time in the industry. But it’s an exciting time for whoever picks the right path and wins."


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AT&T cuts prices on international calls
Beginning on Feb. 28, customers on AT&T’s Mobile Share plans can send unlimited text messages from the U.S. to almost all countries at no extra charge, the company announced. AT&T has also cut the price of calls to mobile phones in Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean to 1-cent-a-minute in a plan that costs $5 a month.
T-Mobile, the fourth-largest carrier, recently introduced free international text messaging and offered $450 credits to get customers to switch service.
Bellevue, Wash.-based T-Mobile has gained 2.1 million monthly customers in the past three quarters as AT&T’s user growth has slowed.
Dallas-based AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a global communications holding company.
Mike W. Thomas covers technology/telecom, military, finance, regulatory issues as well as nonprofits/education.
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