Education Cannot Wait Executive Director Yasmine Sherif Statement on World Mental Health Day

NEW YORK, Oct. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Millions of school-aged children, adolescents and their teachers in countries of brutal conflicts, devastating climate disasters and refuge are calling out for our action today. Their mental health cannot wait. They need support now to restore the foundation for learning.

As we unite behind universal human rights this World Mental Health Day, let it not be just another day of commemoration without action.

Today, 224 million children and adolescents – and their teachers – live through experiences that create chronic anxiety, depression and various degrees of trauma affecting their mental health. They see and live through the most excruciating pain imaginable. The soul-shattering pain of executions of family members, sudden loss of parents and siblings, all while their homes and schools are bombed and burnt down. They live with a daily fear of sexual violence, gender-based violence, trafficking, unwanted pregnancies, child marriage and forcible recruitment into armed groups. Their mental health is inevitably affected. Yes, this is a normal reaction to an abnormal challenge. However, it is not a normal life for a young person.

Conflicts, climate disasters and flight severely impact their brain development and their ability to focus, learn and develop their potentials. In the absence of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), their education risks being lost, hence the loss of their very last hope.

Only a very few survive and thrive without professional support. This is why Education Cannot Wait has made MHPSS a top priority. All our investments integrate mental health and psychosocial services across all age-groups – from early childhood development through secondary school. Their teachers are part of the support too.  

As we unite behind universal human rights this World Mental Health Day, let it not be just another day of commemoration without action. Let us instead heed their calls and take action. We can make a difference by funding education in emergencies and protracted crises and joining the Education Cannot Wait community. We can do so with full confidence that MHPSS will be an integral part of a holistic and inclusive quality education.

By ensuring girls and boys can access mental health and psychosocial services, by providing teachers the training they need to work on the frontlines of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, and by providing protection for children that have lived through these life-changing ordeals, we provide a whole-of-child solution for quality education.

It’s not just our way of addressing the world’s mental health crisis, it’s part and parcel of addressing the education crisis.

We all know that students’ ability to learn is affected by their mental health. Equally important, teachers’ ability to teach is impacted by their own mental health.

All ECW Multi-Year Resilience Programmes incorporates MHPSS interventions. Today, we have reached nearly 9 million children and adolescents with such support. In 2022 alone, ECW supported the training of approximately 33,000 teachers to address the mental health needs of learners in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Iraq and Sudan, and dedicated psychosocial focal points, school counsellors, or social workers have been stationed within or close to 3,100 learning spaces since ECW’s inception.

Our strategic partners are leading the way. In August 2022, War Child Sweden convened stakeholders, including Nordic country donors, to increase funding for mental health and psychosocial support services. Following the conference, ECW joined donors, government representatives and key organizations – including the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Society’s Psychosocial Support Centre – in endorsing the 2022 Copenhagen Declaration on MHPSS in Fragile and Humanitarian Settings. The declaration calls for increased investment and intentional focus on quality MHPSS in crisis settings.

ECW remains steadfast in its engagement with the Nordic Network and has committed to support the next conference, planned for March 2024 in Sweden. We must meet the child, the adolescent and the teacher where they are and address all of their needs to ensure a quality education. Their mental health can either break or make them. If mental health is addressed in time, they will become very powerful and resilient learners. Let us lay the foundation for learning, growing and becoming by connecting the dots between mental health and education. Let’s realize that potential and power of overcoming conflicts and disasters for the 224 million crisis-impacted children and adolescents – and their teachers – across the world.

Source : Mental Health is the Foundation for Learning

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

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Oct. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Mazda Indonesia, a dominant player in the Japanese premium automotive market, has recently introduced its latest gem, the All-New Mazda CX-60 in Indonesia. Spearheading this remarkable marketing achievement is none other than Pramita Sari, the esteemed Marketing and Communications General Manager of Eurokars Motor Indonesia. With her leadership, Pramita Sari has orchestrated a resounding success in ensuring the All-New Mazda CX-60’s stellar debut, as well as increasing 30% Mazda brand’s PR (Public Relations) Value in Indonesia’s premium car segment.

Pramita Sari, the mastermind behind Mazda Indonesia’s triumphant marketing strategy rooted in a value-centric approach, setting a fresh benchmark for innovation and premium car design excellence in Indonesia.

For the latest updates, follow Mazda Indonesia’s official Instagram account www.instagram.com/mazdaid/ and visit www.mazda.co.id  

Mazda’s premium brand awareness in the country is the result of a meticulously crafted marketing strategy that Pramita Sari and her adept team have ingeniously engineered. The Mazda CX-5 series achieved an impressive 31% of 1,002 car booking orders (SPK) during the GIIAS 2023 event, reaffirming Mazda’s prowess, and allure.

Pramita Sari embarked on her automotive journey in November 2021 as the Head of PR & Communications, harnessing her prior experience in deftly managing diverse hospitality and lifestyle brands across Indonesia. Her passion for marketing and curiosity led her to Mazda Indonesia, where she focused on elevating the brand’s presence. Her strategic acumen has increased Mazda’s brand awareness as a premium automotive brand in Indonesia by 10%. 

Under her leadership, Eurokars Motor Indonesia has strengthened its premium positioning through the following multifaceted approach:

Product Differentiation: Spotlighting unique and innovative models/designs, Emphasizing Mazda’s Values: Seamlessly and consistently communicate Mazda’s meaning and values to foster lasting relationships with customers. Excellence in Customer Experience: Eurokars Motor Indonesia’s commitment to end-to-end customer satisfaction, highlighted by a meticulous customer experience investment, ensures a steadfast customer base. Leveraging Digital Transformation: By embracing the digital age and proactively reaching out to customers via online platforms, Eurokars Motor Indonesia authentically educates, engages, and broadens its audience. Innovative Marketing: The implementation of imaginative campaigns, synergistic collaborations with influencers and brands eyeing for the same positioning, and captivating event activations have unequivocally piqued public interest. This success culminated in Eurokars Motor Indonesia’s booth being lauded as the Favourite Booth in GIIAS 2022 for the Passenger Category <800-square meters. Agile Adaptation: The understanding of the fast-changing and dynamic nature of Indonesia’s automotive industry underlines the importance of agility, flexibility, and adaptability.

Additionally, Pramita Sari advocates for a value-driven marketing approach that builds stronger relationships with customers. "When we grasp our customers’ needs and values, we start to cultivate customer loyalty that transcends generations. By delivering satisfying experiences, high-quality products, and exceptional service, we can establish a brand reputation that continues to grow," said Sari.

The new Mazda Simprug Headquarters represents a groundbreaking milestone for Mazda. It is the first-ever service hub that epitomizes responsiveness, personalization, and attentive consumer engagement. More than a mere service center, the headquarters immerses consumers in Mazda’s values, fostering emotional connections that transcend transactions. Mazda’s marketing and communication initiatives are a joint effort between Japan and Indonesia, with both teams working collaboratively to create compelling strategies that resonate with customers.

As Mazda Indonesia strides confidently in 2023, the national automotive sector’s promising 10.64% growth fuels a renewed sense of optimism and opportunity for the brand to flourish under Pramita Sari’s astute guidance. With unwavering optimism, she commented, "We perceive these positive industry trends not as challenges, but as avenues for innovation, expansion, and transformation. Armed with 25 official dealers across the nation, Mazda Indonesia is ready to win over Indonesian automotive aficionados by collaborating with others, empowering communities, and participating in events."

Pramita Sari’s focus remains unwavering: to continue shaping Mazda as a brand that resonates strongly with its customers. With over 15 years of experience in the B2B and B2C sectors, her strategic communication prowess has propelled the brands she has worked with to greater heights, leading her to be recognized as one of the Top 100 Corporate Communication Practitioners in Indonesia in 2019 by MIX Marketing & Communication Magazine.  Her expertise in PR and Communications has also made her elected as part of the Board of Council of the Indonesia Hotel Public Relations Association (H31), which she previously served as Chairperson of H31 for the 2019-2021 period.

About PT Eurokars Motor Indonesia

PT Eurokars Motor Indonesia (EMI), part of Eurokars Group founded by Karsono Kwee, is the sole agent and exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in Indonesia under PT EMI’s ownership since 2017, Mazda has recorded significant sales growth in the domestic premium cars market through its models and features. After the acquisition, Karsono Kwee, the founder of Eurokars Group, decided to employ all the employees and integrate them into the Eurokars Group.

Media contact: 

Pramita Sari
Marketing & Communications General Manager
E-mail: [email protected]  

Fachruzi
Mazda & Communications Assistant Manager
E-mail: [email protected] //www.instagram.com/embed.js

Source : Pramita Sari: Driving Mazda Indonesia's Marketing Success in the Premium Automotive Segment

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

Investments planned for the new growth engine in Asia

HONG KONG, Oct. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — According to the latest report from Allianz Trade, the global economy will continue to face challenges, with lackluster growth from the cumulative impact of monetary policy tightening until the end of 2024. Overall, global GDP growth is projected to slow to +2.7% in 2023 and +2.4% in 2024; the US will see a mere +1.1% GDP growth in 2024, the slowest rate since 2009; China is expected to see a slow landing to +4.7% in 2024 and +4.2% in 2025; for Asia Pacific as a whole, Allianz Trade anticipates a growth rate of +4.1% for 2024 and +3.9% for 2025.

Meanwhile, India is on track to outpace regional peers in terms of real GDP growth over the next decade including China, emerging Asia as well as ASEAN countries. Allianz Trade expects the Indian economy to grow by an average of +6.4% between 2023 and 2027. Supported by strong economic growth and to service the needs of its customers, Allianz Trade has identified India as another growth engine in Asia. In response, Allianz Trade has recently appointed a new Country Manager to support growth in India and further investments are planned this year.

In terms of exporting, the US remains by far the largest export partner for India, with export gains for India expected to reach US$6.86 billion in 2024. The UAE and the Netherlands come next as top export partners, where export gains are estimated at US$2.68 billion and US$1.58 billion respectively. China and Singapore round out the top five with export gains reaching US$1.29 billion and US$1.01 billion respectively. Among the key sectors, India is expected to reap the highest export gains from software and IT services of approximately US$19.28 billion in 2024.

As for business insolvencies, Allianz Trade forecasted a rebound in insolvencies in India this year, largely driven by the catch-up effect due to the long suspension of courts during the Covid years. Insolvencies in India are expected to increase by +36% this year and +6% in 2024. Despite the relatively high insolvency numbers, both working capital requirement (WCR) and days sales outstanding (DSO) in India are expected to see a marginal increase of 5 days and 3 days respectively. Overall, Asia and Latin America remain the only two regions with insolvencies not yet returned to 2019 levels by 2024.

"India is poised to become the second largest economy in Asia Pacific by 2030. An important driving force is its large and fast-growing middle class, which is helping to fuel consumer spending. Furthermore, India is going to be one of the most important long-term growth markets for multinationals in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing such as automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, speciality chemicals and in services such as banking, financial services, insurance, health care and IT," says Imran Khan, Country Manager for India at Allianz Trade in Asia Pacific. 

"Meanwhile, the trade credit insurance market in India (excluding ECGC premiums) has grown by more than 16% on average over the past five years[1]. While businesses continue to show robust growth, risk mitigation becomes equally important. Allianz Trade continues to help clients across sectors to do business with confidence and we look forward to working closely with our partners to support the Indian business and be a part of this growth journey, to which we anticipate the trade credit insurance industry should see 20% growth as businesses resuming normal," Mr Khan concludes.

Allianz Trade contact

Jason Wong

+852 3665 8946

[email protected]

Follow us

https://www.linkedin.com/company/allianz-trade-apac/

We predict trade and credit risk today, so companies can have confidence in tomorrow
Allianz Trade is the global leader in trade credit insurance and a recognized specialist in the areas of surety, collections, structured trade credit and political risk. Our proprietary intelligence network analyses daily changes in +80 million corporates solvency. We give companies the confidence to trade by securing their payments. We compensate your company in the event of a bad debt, but more importantly, we help you avoid bad debt in the first place. Whenever we provide trade credit insurance or other finance solutions, our priority is predictive protection. But, when the unexpected arrives, our AA credit rating means we have the resources, backed by Allianz to provide compensation to maintain your business. Headquartered in Paris, Allianz Trade is present in 52 countries with 5,500 employees. In 2022, our consolidated turnover was EUR3.3 billion and insured global business transactions represented EUR1,057 billion in exposure. For more information, please visit allianz-trade.com

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements
The statements contained herein may include prospects, statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Such deviations may arise due to, without limitation, (I) changes of the general economic conditions and competitive situation, particularly in the Allianz Group’s core business and core markets, (II) performance of financial markets (particularly market volatility, liquidity and credit events), (III) frequency and severity of insured loss events, including from natural catastrophes, and the development of loss expenses, (IV) mortality and morbidity levels and trends, (V) persistency levels, (VI) particularly in the banking business, the extent of credit defaults, (VII) interest rate levels, (VIII) currency exchange rates including the euro/US-dollar exchange rate, (IX) changes in laws and regulations, including tax regulations, (X) the impact of acquisitions, including related integration issues, and reorganization measures, and (XI) general competitive factors, in each case on a local, regional, national and/or global basis. Many of these factors may be more likely to occur, or more pronounced, as a result of terrorist activities and their consequences.

[1] https://www.gicouncil.in/statistics/industry-statistics/segment-wise-report-on-homepage/

Source : Allianz Trade in Asia Pacific planning for growth in India

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

Study uncovers the need for a solution to improve cash flow management for SMEs High interest rates and dissatisfactory experience spur SMEs to switch brands

SINGAPORE, Oct. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — In Southeast Asia, about 70% of SMEs (small and medium enterprises) started their business with seed money raised from their personal savings and from family and friends’ financial support – particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. This finding stood out from a report published by Funding Societies, Southeast Asia’s largest unified SME digital finance platform.

The report surveyed SMEs in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – countries Funding Societies operates in.

Funding from traditional banks consists of 23% while the remaining 7% turned to alternative sources such as FinTech companies. SMEs in Malaysia had the weakest access to financing from traditional banks (17%) and alternative lenders (3%). Inversely, those in Vietnam had the strongest access to alternative lenders (25%).

To better understand how these businesses think, Funding Societies surveyed nearly 980 SMEs in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand[1] and Vietnam – all of which are countries the company operates in. The report comprises respondents under the SME category, including micro (74%) and are business owners themselves (63%) – surveying both customers of Funding Societies’ (59%) as well as non-customers (41%).

Southeast Asia’s economy is on the road to recovery, after contracting during the pandemic; and despite recent macroeconomic headwinds, the region is still less impacted in comparison to other parts of the world. These factors have brought about innovative solutions for SMEs by both traditional and digital financial companies. Yet, the abundance of choices does not mean greater ease in accessing finance.

Kelvin Teo, Co-founder & Group Chief Executive Officer, Funding Societies | Modalku said, "The survey confirms and furthers our understanding of SMEs to serve them better, by simplifying financing and moving beyond to cash flow management, which is being accomplished with our proprietary platform solution Elevate[2]."

Payments by SMEs: reliance on banks; transactions made locally

Bank transfer remains the most popular payment method for SMEs with nearly 90% paying their suppliers and 88% receiving payments from customers through the same method. However, cash transactions still play a big role with:

51% of respondents in Indonesia paying suppliers and receiving payments from customers 63% of respondents in Malaysia receiving payments from their customers

Even though the majority of transactions with both customers and suppliers were done locally, 20% of respondents indicated that cross-border transactions were important for them. This sentiment was seen strongest in Singapore and Vietnam with more cross-border transactions than the other countries.

Business Term loans, a top choice with SMEs; while woes over paying their suppliers

Business term loans were cited by respondents as the most used products (49%). There were exceptions in Singapore and Vietnam though, where card payments are more common in both countries (51% and 49%).

Looking at how these products contributed to an SME’s finances, respondents cited business terms loans as their biggest contributor (41%) – Indonesia and Malaysia attributing 66% and 63% respectively. On the flipside, Singapore SMEs leaned towards credit card payments (33%).

Most SMEs surveyed were more concerned about payables, particularly their capacity to pay suppliers. More than a third of the respondents listed access to financing (including loans and credit cards) and fulfilling payments (to suppliers or vendors who may not offer flexible payment options) as their top payable issues. Other concerns included:

Payables monitoring and reporting Getting approval for payments Matching invoices against purchase orders and receipts

Singapore was the only exception, with respondents saying receiving payment from customers is a more critical issue.

Other behaviours of SMEs found from respondents

Across the region, respondents said that their biggest expenses were for daily operations (32%) and inventory and supplies (32%). However, Vietnam deviates slightly from this observation; where the largest expense after daily operations is employees’ salaries.

Low interest rates are a significant factor influencing SMEs to switch brands, especially in Singapore. It was found that more than half (62%) of SMEs in the region are likely to switch brands due to their dissatisfaction with the experience offered – with the most likely in Indonesia and Singapore.

SME Digital Finance and Payments Behaviours: Southeast Asia Report 2023 aimed to look into the behaviours and challenges SMEs are facing and how using digital financing and payments can capture business opportunities and efficiencies.

For full access to the report, click here to download.

About Funding Societies | Modalku

Funding Societies | Modalku is the largest unified SME digital finance platform in Southeast Asia. It is licensed in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, registered in Malaysia, and operates in Vietnam. The FinTech company provides US$1 billion annually of business financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Its recent strategic milestones include its acquisition of regional digital payments platform CardUp and co-investment into Bank Index in Indonesia.

Funding Societies | Modalku is backed by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, SoftBank Ventures Asia, Sequoia Capital India, Alpha JWC Ventures, SMBC Bank, BRI Ventures, VNG Corporation, Rapyd Ventures, Endeavor, EBDI, SGInnovative, Qualgro, and Golden Gate Ventures among others. It has received accolades from Brands for Good (2019, 2023), Global SME Excellence Award, Global SME Finance Awards by IFC (2021-2023) Global Startup Awards (2020), MAS FinTech Award (2016, 2021) and more.

[1] The sample size in Thailand is relatively small, insights derived from this segment should not be taken as representative of SMEs in the country.

[2] Elevate is a cash flow management platform that offers cash flow insights, integrated with a card, business account, payables, receivables and financing.

Source : Nearly seven in 10 SMEs in Southeast Asia rely on startup capital from savings, family and friends: SME Industry Report

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

From October 11 at 02:00 (UTC) to October 17 at 15:59 (UTC), the first 7,000 users who trade 100+ USDT worth of BIGTIME – via the ‘Trade and Earn‘ campaign – will be rewarded 5 USDT worth of BIGTIME tokens.

DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — OKX, a leading global Web3 technology company and crypto exchange, today announced that it will list Web3 RPG platform Big Time‘s token (BIGTIME) on its spot market at 02:00 (UTC) on October 11. OKX will be one of the first exchanges to list BIGTIME.

With this addition, users can trade BIGTIME against USDT via the BIGTIME/USDT spot pair. Deposits for BIGTIME were enabled today at 02:00 (UTC), while withdrawals for the token will be enabled at 10:00 (UTC) on October 12.

To mark the listing of BIGTIME on its spot market, OKX will also launch a ‘Trade and Earn’ campaign. As part of this campaign, which begins on October 11 at 02:00 (UTC) and ends on October 17 at 15:59 (UTC), the first 7,000 users who visit this campaign page, click ‘Join Now’ and trade 100+ USDT worth of BIGTIME tokens on OKX will be rewarded 5 USDT worth of BIGTIME tokens. To learn more about this campaign and its terms and conditions, click here.

Big Time is a multi-player, free-to-play RPG platform. The creators of Big Time, including the former CEO of Decentraland and several former AAA game developers, refer to the game as a "player-owned economy." In this economy, players can craft, trade or loot digital wearables and collectibles in the form of NFTs. These in-game actions are all driven by BIGTIME tokens.

For further information, please contact:
[email protected]

About OKX
OKX is a leading global crypto exchange and innovative Web3 company. Trusted by more than 50 million global users, OKX is known for being the fastest and most reliable crypto trading app for traders everywhere.

As a top partner of English Premier League champions Manchester City FC, McLaren Formula 1, Olympian Scotty James, and F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, OKX aims to supercharge the fan experience with new engagement opportunities. OKX is also the top partner of the Tribeca Festival as part of an initiative to bring more creators into web3.

The OKX Wallet is the platform’s latest offering for people looking to explore the world of NFTs and the metaverse while trading GameFi and DeFi tokens. OKX is committed to transparency and security and publishes its Proof of Reserves on a monthly basis.

To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: okx.com

Disclaimer
This announcement is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide any investment, tax, or legal advice, nor should it be considered an offer to purchase, sell, hold or offer any services relating to digital assets. Digital assets, including stablecoins and NFTs, involve a high degree of risk, can fluctuate greatly, and can even become worthless. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding digital assets is suitable for you in light of your financial condition and risk tolerance. OKX does not provide investment or asset recommendations. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions, and OKX is not responsible for any potential losses. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please consult your legal/tax/investment professional for questions about your specific circumstances.

Source : OKX One of the First Exchanges to List Big Time Token (BIGTIME) on Spot Market, Launches 'Trade and Earn' Campaign

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