AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – Media OutReach – 30 November 2023 – Infor®, the industry cloud company, today announced that Waikato Regional Council has completed its implementation of Infor CloudSuite Public Sector, delivering on its vision for a single, integrated smart platform that will have positive outcomes for all stakeholders and, in the long term, the community.

*Building exterior of Waikato Regional Council*

The New Zealand local government entity selected Infor for ‘Project Reboot’ to replace 28 disparate on-premises software systems with a cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution – Infor CloudSuite Public Sector. The multi-year, multi-phase transformation program included new modules for financial management and budgeting, planning, human resources, property and rates, among others.

Learn more about Infor CloudSuite Public Sector

*Janine Becker, Director of Finance and Business Services at Waikato Regional Council*

“Project Reboot was launched in May 2019 to replace 28 different software systems that didn’t speak to each other, were ageing and costly to maintain, and required more than a band-aid fix,” said Janine Becker, Director of Finance and Business Services at Waikato Regional Council.

“While a change of the scale delivered will take some time to bed into the organisation, it has allowed us to address some key business risks and will provide a technology platform and business processes that our council will continue to use and optimise over time. We are seeing some early wins from the project phases that have been progressively implemented since September 2020.

“With a project of the duration of Project Reboot, we have had the opportunity to bed in a partnership with Infor that has been effective and beneficial for both parties. We’ve seen the evolution of Infor’s own practices over this time, which continue to work towards understanding and delivering to customer needs.

“Infor has also brought us ‘into the tent’ where we’ve been involved in their product development cycle. The ability and opportunity to be able to influence future solutions is a big bonus for our innovation program now and in the years to come,” Becker said.

Infor has a solid track record as the cloud provider of choice for utilities and government agencies around the world. Apart from Waikato Regional Council, Infor is the “system of record” for the nation’s water reform program and a close partner to its largest water authority, Watercare. In Australia, six water corporations are customers while leading U.S. water authority Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District is also a client.

“Project Reboot was an ambitious program to amalgamate multiple legacy systems that didn’t speak to each other. It was no mean feat but we’re proud Infor has successfully delivered an industry-specific, cloud-based solution that will have a tangible, positive impact on Waikato Regional Council for generations to come and one that will future-proof its investments,” said Terry Smagh, senior vice president and general manager of Asia Pacific and Japan at Infor. “With Infor CloudSuite Public Sector, Waikato Regional Council can achieve continuous improvements across the organisation and enhance internal and external processes to meet business outcomes with operational excellence as a central theme.”

Media Contact:
Phyllis Tan
Infor Asia Pacific
[email protected]
+65 9799 9133
Hashtag: #Infor

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

About Infor

Infor is a global leader in business cloud software specialised by industry. Providing mission-critical enterprise applications to 67,000 customers in more than 175 countries, Infor software is designed to deliver more value and less risk, with more sustainable operational advantages. We empower our 17,000 employees to leverage their deep industry expertise and use data-driven insights to create, learn and adapt quickly to solve emerging business and industry challenges. Infor is committed to providing our customers with modern tools to transform their business and accelerate their own path to innovation. To learn more, please visit www.infor.com.

About Waikato Regional Council

Waikato Regional Council is a local government entity in the upper North Island of New Zealand with a population exceeding half a million people. Its responsible for functions that are best delivered at a regional scale, such as: managing the use of natural resources (water, soil, air, geothermal areas and coasts); regional transport planning and passenger transport services; protecting and restoring natural biodiversity; controlling harmful plant and animal pests; providing flood protection and drainage schemes; keeping water users safe; responding to pollution incidents; preparing communities for civil defence emergencies and coordinating the response when a disaster strikes. To learn more, please visit www.waikatoregion.govt.nz.

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This content was prepared by Media OutReach. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Siam News Network.

Term Structure Secured an Initial Funding of USD 4.25 Million in a Series Seed Fundraising Round, With Cumberland DRW Leading the Investment

CISION PR Newswire

Nov 30, 2023

TAIPEI, Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Term Structure, a non-custodial fixed-income protocol that provides peer-to-peer, fixed-rate, and fixed-term borrowing and lending in decentralized finance (DeFi), has secured an initial funding of USD 4.25 million in a series seed fundraising round.

Cumberland DRW led this round, with participation from Decima Fund, HashKey Capital, Longling Capital, and MZ Web3 Fund. The seed fundraising increases Term Structure’s total funding to over $8 million to date. In speaking about why it led the funding round, Cumberland DRW said, "Fixed income products are a foundational element of traditional financial market structure, and demand for these products in DeFi markets is an important signal of the increasing maturity in this market sector. Term Structure, which is led by industry veterans, is an exciting investment for us and reflects our commitment to investing in innovative solutions that solve real market needs."

In TradFi, fixed-income products enable institutions and individuals to predict future cash flows and evaluate the relative value of different investment opportunities. However, such products are currently absent in DeFi. With the Term Structure Protocol, users can use fixed-income products to earn periodic interest to ensure a reliable income stream or secure fixed rates to control funding costs. Moreover, once fundamental fixed-income products are established, they accelerate the full development of sophisticated financial products, including forwards, futures, and options. These tools can be used for hedging, valuation, and pricing financial instruments.

The Term Structure Protocol testnet is live at https://app.testnet.ts.finance/ on Ethereum Goerli. This protocol currently has two core markets on its platform. In the primary markets, users can place orders to borrow or lend tokens with fixed interest rates and fixed maturity dates. Once orders are matched, borrowers will receive borrowed tokens and must repay their debts before the maturity date to reclaim their collaterals. Lenders will receive fixed-income tokens, redeemable for principal plus interest upon maturity. In the secondary markets, users can buy and sell fixed-income tokens through the orderbook trading system.

To secure users’ assets, the zkTrue-up scaling solution, a customized ZK Rollup, is in place to achieve data availability and enable users to place and cancel orders without gas fees. Users can also initiate Forced Withdrawal on the zkTrue-up contract to directly withdraw funds in case of censorship or any issues. If the withdrawal request is not fulfilled, users can activate the Evacuation Mode and perform the evacuation on the L1 contract to protect their assets.

A workshop will go live on December 4th, 2023 on YouTube to introduce the protocol, and the AMA will be held on December 5th, 2023. Furthermore, a trading competition will be organized after the testnet launch. Prizes, including 10,000 USDC, will be awarded to winners. Programmatic trading APIs and SDKs will also soon become available for professional traders. Please visit Term Structure’s official website, https://ts.finance/, to stay updated.

Media Contact: Weiting Chen, weiting.chen@tkspring.com

Source : Term Structure Secured an Initial Funding of USD 4.25 Million in a Series Seed Fundraising Round, With Cumberland DRW Leading the Investment

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

PRISM Awards 2023: Singtel wins PR Campaign of the Year; New award categories introduced include ‘Best Use of Storytelling in a Campaign’

Corporate News Media OutReach

Nov 30, 2023

PRISM Awards 2023: Singtel wins PR Campaign of the Year; New award categories introduced include ‘Best Use of Storytelling in a Campaign’

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 30 November 2023 – The Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS) held its biennial PRISM Awards on 29 November at the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore with over 170 guests in attendance. Celebrating the very best in public relations and communications, the gala luncheon was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information.

Singtel was named PR Campaign of the Year, for their ‘Purpose Campaign – Empower Every Generation’. They also received a Distinction Award for Outstanding Employee Engagement Programme. Grayling emerged as the winner of the hotly contested Outstanding 360-degree Integrated Campaign – Consumer category.

This year’s edition shines the light on People in PR and the IPRS conferred the Lifetime PR Achievement Award to well-known industry veteran Jennifer Lewis. Singlife’s Pearlyn Phau bested several others to be named Outstanding PR Champion. Some of the other People awards given out were Outstanding PR Leader, Outstanding Young PR Professional and Outstanding PR Student, amongst others.

In the popular Outstanding Sustainability Communications Campaign category, Redhill and The Hoffman Agency emerged as the winners. Other highlights include TOUCH Community Services which won Outstanding Campaign by a NGO or NPO, and The Hoffman Agency’s campaign “Hearing Partners encourages Singaporeans to #ListenAgain which took the Distinction award for Best Use of Storytelling.

Chair of the PRISM Awards 2023, Vanessa Wan, said: “I am deeply heartened by the strong support from the industry — from the generous support from the esteemed judges and sponsors to the incredible number of submissions received. The IPRS felt that it was important to focus on the ‘People in PR’ for this year’s awards. It is the PR practitioners who are at the heart of our industry, doing brilliant work every day and making an impact in their organisations, in the community, and on the profession. We all deserve to be recognised, celebrated and encouraged. Ultimately, it is through the best practices shared by the award winners that everyone will benefit, learn and grow.”

Kelvin Koh, Managing Director of Truescope Singapore, Platinum Sponsor for the event, said: “Our enduring partnership with IPRS has played a pivotal role in propelling us as a leading integrated monitoring provider, not only within Singapore but also across the region. Engaging in various IPRS initiatives, we have cultivated significant relationships and valuable alliances. The PRISM Awards represents our dedicated effort to give back to this remarkable community and recognise the best and brightest in the industry. This also reflects our belief and confidence in the work of IPRS and its members, which espouses the mantra of Public Relations In Service of Mankind. The record-breaking 121 award submissions spanning 26 categories from 47 distinguished organisations is a compelling testament to this belief.”

The PRISM Awards is organised by the Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS). A total of 121 submissions were received. This year’s edition shines the light on People in PR – professionals, teams and champions who have made an impact through their mastery of PR strategy and execution skills.

The distinguished panel of 41 judges comprised senior PR & Communication practitioners, leading PR and Communication academics, senior media representatives, professionals, business leaders and IPRS Council Members.

The IPRS PRISM Awards 2023 is supported by: Platinum Sponsor, Truescope Singapore; Gold Sponsor, IN.FOM; and Silver Sponsors Pinpoint PR and Telum Media.

For more information, visit: https://www.iprs.org.sg/news/iprs-prism-awards-2023

Hashtag: #PRISMAward2023 #IPRS

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

About The IPRS

IPRS, established in 1970 as a non-profit organisation, is the only accrediting body for Public Relations (PR) practitioners in Singapore. The Institute promotes excellence in the industry through knowledge exchange platforms and training programmes that are aligned with the many changes and developments in the practice of PR and Communications today.

IPRS has a growing membership consisting of professionals from diverse backgrounds in public relations, journalism, advertising, marketing, education and management – a factor that has contributed to the Institute’s strength and dynamism. There are 10 Student Chapters with various tertiary institutions to create opportunities for communications students and IPRS members to share expertise and experiences.

Established in 1987, the IPRS PRISM Awards programme is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the industry. PRISM which stands for ‘Public Relations in the Service of Mankind’ recognises leading organisations and practitioners for their excellence in communications practice across all sectors – corporate, government and not-for-profit.

About PRISM Awards 2023

The awards this year shine the light on our People in PR – professionals, teams and champions who have made an impact through their mastery of PR strategies and execution skills. There are three main award categories.

The People Awards celebrate the contributions of PR practitioners in the work entrusted to them by their organisations and clients that they serve. Included in this category are the Student Awards that recognises the work of our next generation of aspiring PR practitioners from the start of their formative years.

The Campaign Awards showcases the best PR-led events and programmes of high-quality delivery. The IPRS will also nominate winners in the IPRS Awards (not-for-entry) category: Outstanding PR Campaign of The Year; IPRS Partner of The Year; and Lifetime PR Achievement Award 2023.

All winning works bear the hallmarks of excellence in concept, execution and impact on markets, society and the industry at large. Entries are from privatecorporate and not-for-profit organisations, government agencies, tertiary institutions, associations, and individuals based in Singapore, or where the work was primarily planned and conceived in Singapore and delivered across regions.

The qualifying period for the work submitted for consideration for all award categories is from 1 July 2021 and 30 August 2023.

The Awards garnered a record 121 submissions across 30 categories from 47 organisations.

A total of 53 submissions won awards: 17 Distinctions; 23 Merits; and 13 Individual Awards.

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This content was prepared by Media OutReach. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Siam News Network.

Thais face challenges with rising costs, financial confidence and debt repayment

CISION PR Newswire

Nov 30, 2023

BANGKOK, Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Inflation has changed the way consumers spend their money. It has also changed the way they live. The latest research from Mintel reveals that 48% of Thais delay or cancel plans for major purchases because of the rising prices of goods and services, while 43% spend less on clothes and accessories and 41% on dining out.

Mintel research shows that Thais prioritise saving money and fulfilling their needs: half (50%) of consumers define financial success as being able to afford the lifestyles they want, and 55% allocate funds towards self-indulgence.

Wilasinee Siriboonpipattana (Kaimook), Senior Lifestyle Analyst, Mintel Reports Thailand, said: "Concerns about rising prices and their potential impact on the cost of living and overall economic stability persist for 75% of Thais, according to the Mintel APAC Economic Tracker. Brands can address this worry by implementing various initiatives that offer consumers the opportunity to indulge without breaking their budget, like introducing smaller-sized products at affordable prices or offering financing methods to make their purchases more manageable."

Low financial confidence among Thais, many struggle with financial learning

According to Mintel research, 42% of Thais find financial jargon hard to understand, and only 36% feel confident about their financial knowledge. Consumers aged 18-24 and those above age 45 exhibit lower levels of financial confidence (22% and 18%, respectively) compared to those aged 25-44, with 14% of this group saying they are ‘unconfident’.

"This points to the need for further financial education and awareness to empower consumers to make more informed financial decisions," Kaimook said.

The research also shows that 46% of Thais get financial-related information from social media. This suggests a trend where financial knowledge has become more accessible, with consumers increasingly seeking convenient channels to learn about their finances. "Brands can share financial-related information via online channels by making it engaging and communicating messages in an easy-to-understand tone," Kaimook added.

Thais find it challenging to pay off debt

Finally, The Bank for International Settlements said Thailand has one of the highest household debt-to-GDP ratios in Asia, trailing behind South Korea and Hong Kong. Industry reports also indicate that not only are young individuals accumulating significant credit card debt with difficulties in repayment, but senior citizens are also retiring, burdened with substantial debts and no savings.

This debt scenario aligns with Mintel research that reveals a quarter (23%) of Thais identify credit card debt payments as a significant financial challenge. This is particularly prominent among consumers aged 25 and above (25%).

Similarly, addressing education-related debt proves challenging among consumers aged 18-24, a demographic primarily composed of students actively engaged in educational pursuits (24% vs 20% of the total sample).

"The state of one’s financial wellness plays a crucial role in overall well-being, with over two-thirds (69%) of Thais acknowledging its impact on mental and physical health, according to our research. Factors such as the burden of debt, uncertainty about meeting financial obligations and the inability to fulfil basic needs can contribute to feelings of distress and unhappiness. Brands can position themselves as valuable allies in consumers’ efforts to manage and overcome debt by prioritising financial literacy, providing tailored solutions to individual needs or offering affordable loans," Kaimook concluded.

Source : Thais face challenges with rising costs, financial confidence and debt repayment

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT BANGKOK SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT OPENS AT THAILAND'S INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY

CISION PR Newswire

Nov 30, 2023

The 40-meter resort-style swimming pool and swim-up bar at Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Perfectly positioned less than 10 minutes from Bangkok’s main international airport, this 468-key hotel becomes the largest Courtyard in Thailand and features a design inspired by Bangkok’s canal-side communities

BANGKOK, Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport has celebrated its opening, introducing an exciting new era of contemporary, locally-inspired hospitality to Thailand’s main international gateway. Perfectly positioned less than 10 minutes from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which was recently expanded to an annual capacity of 60 million passengers, this modern hotel is the ideal choice for business and leisure guests seeking a stylish and convenient place to stay or meet during their travels in the "Land of Smiles."

The 40-meter resort-style swimming pool and swim-up bar at Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

"As the world’s pioneering select service brand, Courtyard by Marriott can adapt to the evolving needs of business and leisure travelers. With its extensive facilities, natural design influences and an exceptional location, just minutes from one of Asia’s major international airports, Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport will allow international guests and groups to feel connected with their destination, while also offering complete comfort and convenience," said Mr. Jakob Helgen, Area Vice President – Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Myanmar, Marriott International.

With 468 rooms and suites, Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport becomes the largest Courtyard by Marriott property in Thailand. Despite its size, the hotel retains a sense of traditional Thai charm and elegance, with a unique design inspired by the homes that line the banks of Khlong Prawet Burirom, the canal that flows past the property. This concept is brought to life by a wood-paneled façade and original interior furnishings that showcase traditional crafts. With its resort-style ambiance and outstanding amenities, this new hotel is an excellent option for international travelers, out-of-town events and local residents seeking a relaxing staycation.

Each room and suite is bright, modern and adorned with floral motifs that depict water hyacinths or lotus flowers, which bloom throughout Bangkok’s waterways. Guests will be able to recharge with plush bedding, flexible workspaces, fast Wi-Fi, a 55" UHD TV and sofa bed, while the spacious bathrooms feature refreshing power showers and Nirvae eco-friendly amenities. Many of the rooms frame views of the canal, city or pool.

Diverse culinary options include Chon Som Dining, a vibrant all-day restaurant with open kitchens, natural daylight and pool views where guests can savor Thai and international flavors, including a family weekend brunch, Big Bite Burger, Bar & Grill, a retro-style American diner featuring specialty burgers and other comfort food, such as steaks, salads and sundaes, The Lobby Deli, a great place to sit back, plug in and chill out, and the Pool Bar, which offers daytime refreshments including home-baked pizzas and a Japanese charcoal barbecue.

Throughout their stay, guests can cool off in the 40-meter outdoor resort style swimming pool, work out at any time of day or night at the 24-hour gym with state-of-the-art Matrix Fitness equipment, and unwind at the Let’s Relax Spa. Visitors who want to explore the local area can embark on a canal tour or bicycle trail, and the hotel’s retail gallery will enable travelers to stock up on Thai and international brands before their flight.

For meeting planners, Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport’s flexible 800-square meter Grand Ballroom can host life’s most important occasions, such as weddings, gala dinners and corporate conferences, while seven smaller meeting rooms (including options with natural daylight) can cater for more intimate events, including training sessions, product launches, strategy meetings and more. Meanwhile, an elegant outdoor lawn and a lounge with canal views will infuse natural charm into any business or social gathering.

Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is part of Marriott Bonvoy, the global guest loyalty program which lets its growing community of worldwide members unlock exclusive experiences and rewards.

To learn more and to reserve an urban escape at the newly-opened Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, please visit www.courtyardbangkoksuvarnabhumiairport.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with over 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Courtyard by Marriott®
Courtyard by Marriott is the hotel brand of choice for trailblazing guests who are inspired by a passion to do great things. With over 1,285 locations in 60 countries and territories, Courtyard is passionate about empowering its guests and serving the needs of travelers everywhere, no matter the purpose of their trip. Its thoughtfully designed guestrooms provide an elevated experience to relax and recharge, complete with plush bedding and flexible workspaces. Guests are able to work, eat well, connect, and be at their best to keep moving forward to succeed. Courtyard is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. For more information or reservations, visit courtyard.marriott.com and stay connected on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Source : COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT BANGKOK SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT OPENS AT THAILAND'S INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

The Mermaid Wins Esteemed International Business Federation (IBF) Award for Groundbreaking Innovation in Culinary Experience

CISION PR Newswire

Nov 30, 2023

SINGAPORE, Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Mermaid, a popular underwater-themed restaurant and bar in Singapore, has been honoured with the prestigious International Business Federation (IBF) Award for its groundbreaking innovation in culinary experiences. Situated at 27 West Coast Highway, #01-14, Singapore 117867, The Mermaid stands out for its unique blend of delectable dining and immersive entertainment.

At the heart of The Mermaid’s charm is a grand tank that hosts enchanting performances by mermaids and mermen every evening. These mesmerizing 15 to 20-minute shows feature graceful mermaids and mermen who captivate guests while they indulge in a specially curated menu designed to evoke the wonders of the ocean. Patrons will also have the opportunity to enjoy live performances by well-known bands playing regularly in the evenings.

The menu boasts a range of seafood delicacies including the Seafood Platter, Grilled Octopus, Seafood Stew, and Tiger Prawn Tagliatelle, alongside a selection of tantalizing meat dishes. To complement these offerings, there is an assortment of ocean-themed cocktails, mocktails, wines, champagnes, beers, and spirits available.

Beyond its culinary delights, The Mermaid also serves as a unique venue for organizing immersive events. Equipped with a top-notch sound system, a DJ console and a visually stunning setting, The Mermaid is an ideal space for hosting themed private parties that promise to captivate and enchant attendees.

Danny Ong, co-founder of The Mermaid said, "The Mermaid’s recognition at the IBF Awards underscores our dedication to reshaping the culinary landscape by seamlessly integrating gastronomy with entertainment. Whether you seek an extraordinary dining escapade or a distinctive venue for hosting events, The Mermaid is the ultimate destination."

To make reservations or inquire about events, contact The Mermaid at 9038 9038 or visit their Instagram @sg.themermaid.

Source : The Mermaid Wins Esteemed International Business Federation (IBF) Award for Groundbreaking Innovation in Culinary Experience

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

Futu and Hong Kong Citizens Achieve a Trailblazing Victory in the Financial Category of the Oxfam Trailwalker, Championing Corporate Resilience and Tenacity Training

CISION PR Newswire

Nov 30, 2023

HONG KONG, Nov. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Futu Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited ("Futu") announces the successful completion of the participation in the "Oxfam Trailwalker 2023" event by 13 teams of Futu’s Trailwalkers, formed in collaboration with Futu’s founder, Mr. Li Hua, and Hong Kong citizens. The Futu’s Trailwalkers, representing Futu’s spirit, officially completed their challenging journey on Friday, starting from Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung, and conquering a total of 23 peaks. As the last participant from Futu crossed the finish line at the Tuen Mun Crossroads Foundation, the moment marked the culmination of their trek, creating a new record of 16 hours and 56 minutes. This outstanding achievement not only refreshed Futu’s trail-walking history but also secured the Futu’s Trailwalkers the top position in the financial category, ranking 17th overall out of the 714 participating teams in this year’s Trailwalker. The total number of participants in this edition of Trailwalker was 714 teams.

Celebrating 11 Years in Hong Kong: Investing and Collaborating to Encourage Hong Kong Citizens to Achieve a Breakthrough

Adhering to the philosophy of "Taking from Society, Giving Back to Society,"Futu has been actively participating in the Trailwalker event since 2014. This year marks Futu’s return to the Trailwalker competition after the pandemic hiatus. Additionally, as it coincided with Futu’s 11th anniversary in Hong Kong, Futu spared no effort in openly recruiting and sponsoring all participating teams’ expenses, contributing a significant amount to Oxfam to support their poverty alleviation and emergency relief projects in Africa and Asia (including Hong Kong and Mainland China). Ultimately, Futu successfully invited 6 teams of Futu employees and 7 teams of friends, colleagues and associates to represent a total of 13 teams in the competition. All participating teams are well-trained in their daily routines, achieving excellent results in the competition. Over half of the Futu representative teams secured positions in the top 20 of the financial category, with one team even claiming the first position in the financial category, earning an overall ranking of 17th place.

Mr. Li Hua, founder of Futu Securities, said, "Since 2014, I have been participating in the Trailwalker event. It started with a group of enthusiastic employees competing together, and now we are delighted to see the Futu Trailwalker team expanding to include 13 teams composed of Futu employees and Hong Kong citizens. Participants not only find like-minded partners but also convey the unwavering spirit of the company to society. The path of corporate growth is akin to a trail walk, requiring continuous perseverance, effort, and long-term training, which aligns perfectly with the spirit of Trailwalker. We aim to spread this spirit, encouraging Hong Kong people to strengthen their willpower and infuse new vitality into Hong Kong’s charitable causes. In the future, Futu will continue to actively support various charitable activities, contributing to the progress and development of society together."

About Futu Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited

Futu Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited is a licensed company recognized by the Securities and Futures Commission. Futu has sustained high growth momentum since its establishment in 2012, securing its market leadership in Hong Kong by the number of clients, with its trading volume from retail business ranked Top 3 in the market. Based in Hong Kong, Futu Securities is a next-generation online brokerage. By combining technology and an on-the-go trading platform, Futu enhances the overall trading experience and is committed to becoming an influential financial services platform globally. For more information on Futu Securities, please visit our official website at https://futuhk.com.

Source : Futu and Hong Kong Citizens Achieve a Trailblazing Victory in the Financial Category of the Oxfam Trailwalker, Championing Corporate Resilience and Tenacity Training

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

UNFCCC partners with Microsoft to use AI and advanced data technology to track global carbon emissions and assess progress under the Paris Agreement

CISION PR Newswire

Nov 30, 2023

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Leaders from the United Nations and Microsoft Corp. on Thursday announced a partnership that will enable the UNFCCC to create a new AI-powered platform and global climate data hub to measure and analyze global progress in reducing emissions. This will dramatically simplify the process to validate and analyze climate data submitted by the 196 Parties to the Paris Agreement.

The partnership comes at a critical time, as the world’s governments come together at COP28, organized by the UNFCCC and the COP28 UAE Presidency, to take stock of the slow progress in meeting the climate goals set by the Paris Agreement.

"The world must move faster to reduce carbon emissions. Simply put, you can’t fix what you can’t measure, and these new AI and data tools will allow nations to measure emissions far better than they can today," said Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft.

"The Paris Agreement provides the framework for all the world’s nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees," said Simon Stiell, UNFCCC executive secretary. "Climate change is a global emergency that goes beyond borders. It will require technology for adaptation and mitigation. Progress also requires collaboration from trusted partners to develop the tools that the framework requires to be delivered. We are happy to work with Microsoft in this effort."

Aggregating and analyzing carbon data today is time consuming and often done through manual methods. Under the agreement, Microsoft will build a new platform to provide digital support to the UNFCCC’s Enhanced Transparency Framework. This platform will enable advanced analysis of global climate data through the creation of a new global climate data hub and an AI-powered data analytics platform. This will equip UNFCCC and member states with the tools they need to efficiently report and validate progress toward carbon reduction targets. This includes tracking transportation, agriculture, industrial processes, and other sources of carbon emissions. It will also provide UNFCCC and member states with tools to plan carbon reduction strategies using simulations, benchmarks, and data visualizations to help inform targeted actions, saving time and money.

This work will also include the creation of Global Climate Dashboards for publication on UNFCCC website, increasing transparency, accountability, and ultimately informing meaningful climate action.  

Microsoft has committed $3 million over two years to help enable the implementation of the Enhanced Transparency Framework and the Global Stocktake mechanisms established by the Paris Agreement.

Enacted in 2015, the Paris Agreement commits countries to reducing emissions to slow the impact of climate change, and to strengthen these commitments over time. Implementation of the Paris Agreement is critical to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Microsoft and the UNFCCC will also partner to host a series of events intended to accelerate climate action in the UNFCCC Pavilion (Blue Zone) at COP28.

About UNFCCC

The UNFCCC secretariat (UN Climate Change) is the United Nations entity tasked with supporting the global response to the threat of climate change. UNFCCC stands for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT" @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

Source : UNFCCC partners with Microsoft to use AI and advanced data technology to track global carbon emissions and assess progress under the Paris Agreement

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network