Huawei Unveils Two New All-Flash Storage Products to Promote All Flash for All Scenarios

At HUAWEI CONNECT 2023 in Paris, Yang Chaobin, Director of the Board and President of ICT Products & Solutions at Huawei, unveiled two new all-flash storage products, the OceanStor Pacific 9920 and OceanStor Dorado 2100, to promote the industry vision of All Flash for All Scenarios. The products have been designed to help customers build more efficient and reliable data centers.

"Ubiquitous data services require more performant, reliable, and energy efficient data storage solutions. The bandwidth of flash storage products is 28 times that of hard disk drives (HDDs), but flash storage products consume 33% less power than similar capacity HDDs. Flash storage products have garnered widespread acclaim from enterprises for their higher performance and reliability, and lower power consumption," according to Yang said.

To realize All Flash for All Scenarios and build high-performance, high-reliability, and environmentally-friendly data centers, Huawei has launched an all-flash scale-out storage portfolio for the core production phases of data centers to manage the increasing amounts of mass unstructured data so that customers can improve production and decision-making efficiency. In addition, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face challenges such as a high proportion of unstructured data, slow read/write, and difficult multi-tenant sharing/isolation. Professional all-flash Network-Attached Storage (NAS) that has been customized for SMBs is becoming a new way to unleash data value.

Michael Qiu, President of Global Data Center Marketing & Solution Sales Dept at Huawei Enterprise BG, provided details about the two new products unveiled at the event:

The OceanStor Pacific 9920, an SSD-based scale-out storage system, leads the all-flash scale-out architecture with high performance, high-capacity SSDs, and efficient data reduction algorithms. It features the highest capacity density in the industry, and delivers a single-disk capacity of 30.72 TB and a 2 U-space capacity of up to 768 TB. The product supports a single-node bandwidth of up to 20 GB/s and an IOPS of 800,000. The efficient data reduction algorithms reduce the power consumption to 1.04 W per TB, which helps to build green data centers.

The OceanStor Dorado 2100 all-flash storage system offers the industry's first active-active (A-A) NAS architecture for SMBs, featuring ease to use, solid reliability, and comprehensive efficiency. It can be deployed by scanning a code and supports remote mobile O&M. It offers up to 90% faster delivery than traditional solutions at a TCO that is up to 30% lower than our peer vendors'. The industry's only A-A NAS architecture delivers four-layer 99.9999% reliability and comes with 24/7 business continuity. The end-to-end all-flash design and innovative data layout algorithms improve performance by a factor of 20 compared with the hybrid flash products that are currently on the market.

The new Huawei OceanStor all-flash storage products are designed to build green, energy-saving, efficient, and reliable all-flash data centers for different enterprise service scenarios and more customers in Europe. They represent an important milestone on our journey towards realizing the vision of All Flash for All Scenarios.

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Huawei Launches Intelligent UDG, a New 5.5G User Plane Product

 Istanbul: At the 2023 5G Core Summit hosted by Informa, Jeffrey Wu, President of Huawei Packet Core Network Domain, announced the release of the 5.5G-oriented new product — Intelligent UDG. Wu indicated that next-generation mobile Internet has been undergoing significant service content shifts from 2D to 3D, content production model shifts from manual to smart, and transmission protocol shifts from TCP to QUIC. To adapt to these shifts, Huawei's Intelligent UDG offers ubiquitous 10 Gbit/s transmission rates and complies with multiple protocols including Media over QUIC (MoQ), achieving an ultimate experience in high bandwidth, high concurrency scenarios and helping operators embrace the 5.5G era with explosive traffic.

With the rapid development of the 5G industry and the fast approaching 5.5G era, information consumption demands are posing higher requirements on mobile Internet and elevating the industry to new heights as well. In response, Huawei's Intelligent UDG integrates a network acceleration unit and introduces a series of key capabilities, including native intelligence based on hardware and software collaboration, intelligent flow forwarding, flexible resource scheduling, intelligent traffic shaping, as well as differentiated frame-level scheduling. All the aforementioned highlights help achieve ubiquitous 10 Gbit/s transmission rates.

Intelligent flow forwarding improves forwarding plane performance. The Intelligent UDG introduces a new hardware element, that is, the network acceleration unit. This unit works with the scheduling algorithms capable of intelligent flow identification, dynamic flow aggregation, and efficient flow forwarding. It helps drastically improve the performance of the forwarding plane.

Flexible resource scheduling maximizes resource utilization. The Intelligent UDG, powered by the network acceleration unit in conjunction with a global scheduling algorithm, flexibly schedules user-plane compute resources while processing heavy-traffic services. This maximizes resource utilization and also accelerates associated forwarding.

In addition to the enhancements in core network capabilities, special concern is given to end-to-end capabilities over the entire network. The Intelligent UDG leverages its native intelligence to identify traffic characteristics of different protocols and perform traffic shaping and frame scheduling to adapt to end-to-end network capabilities, achieving supreme network-wide efficiency.

Intelligent traffic shaping improves transmission efficiency. The Intelligent UDG performs intelligent traffic shaping on instantaneous flow bursts based on real-time awareness of microbursts. This prevents the user experience from degrading due to differentiated flow processing upon microbursts.

Differentiated frame-level scheduling offers a superlative user experience. The Intelligent UDG is able to identify frames of different protocols including MoQ in a smart way, classifies different data flows, and then uses an intelligent differentiated scheduling algorithm to provide better immersive experiences for multiple users in even high concurrency scenarios.

Looking into the future, Huawei's Intelligent UDG will incorporate more intelligent technologies, such as content storage on the core network based on integrated forwarding and storage capabilities, as well as compute and network integration. Powered by these technologies, the Intelligent UDG will provide more intelligent capabilities for operators' networks and comprehensively improve network efficiency.

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PSW integrates with global E-Phyto hub for faster agricultural trade

 ISLAMABAD (APP - November 24, 2023): Pakistan Single Window (PSW) in collaboration with the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) of Pakistan has commenced sharing of electronic phytosanitary (e-Phyto) certificates exchanged between countries through e-Phyto Hub of International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

 

The PSW has successfully integrated the IPPC e-Phyto Hub for the electronic exchange of phytosanitary certificates, according to a press release issued here Friday.

 

The integration of the PSW into the IPPC e-Phyto Hub is part of PSW’s vision and commitment to modernizing trade processes and embracing digital solutions for a more efficient and interconnected global trade environment.

 

Pakistan is now one of 88 countries exchanging e-Phytos on the Hub (https://www.ephytoexchange.org/landing/index.html).

 

This is a pivotal tool that provides a paperless, global, digital exchange for electronic phytosanitary certificates governed by the IPPC, a multilateral treaty supervised by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization.

 

In the first 4 days of operations, PSW transmitted more than 600 certificates to 36 countries around the world. The electronic issuance of phytosanitary certificates through the PSW system is now operational across all major entry points, including seaports, airports, dry ports, and land border stations throughout Pakistan reducing processing times and costs associated with traditional paper-based procedures and facilitating traders in improving their trade competitiveness.

 

By connecting with the IPPC’s e-Phyto Hub, Pakistan can now electronically exchange phytosanitary certificates with 127 countries worldwide. Since the integration, PSW has successfully exchanged e-phyto certificates with approximately 100 countries, including major trading partners such as Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Oman, the United States, Indonesia, Madagascar, Singapore, and Germany.

 

The CEO of PSW Syed Aftab Haider commented on the achievement and said the integration marks a significant step forward for PSW as it not only facilitates the exports of agricultural products, it demonstrates our ability to integrate with international platforms for data exchange.

 

By joining the Hub, PSW has taken the first step towards elimination of paper certificates across the international supply chain-a natural spillover to the digitization of trade processes and documents within Pakistan, he added.

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Cotton ginning reaches 7.3 million bales across Pakistan till Nov 15

MULTAN, Nov 18 (APP): Over 7.3 million bales of seed cotton have reached ginning factories across Pakistan as of November 15, 2023, according to a fortnightly report from the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) released on Saturday.

Of the total cotton arrivals, over 7.0 million bales have undergone the ginning process, converting them into marketable cotton bales. Cotton arrivals in Punjab were recorded at over 3.4 million bales, or 34,28,915 bales, while Sindh generated over 3.9 million bales, or 39,41,709 bales.

The textile sector purchased 63,22,047 bales, exporters acquired 2,79,826 bales, and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) did not make any purchases during the cotton season 2023-24.

Sanghar district of Sindh topped the cotton arrival figures with 16,53,830 bales, followed by Bahawalnagar district of Punjab with 8,18,032 bales.

A total of 455 ginning factories were operational in the country, and there was an unsold stock of exactly 7,68,751 cotton bales available in ginning factories.

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State Life, Mediq Smart Healthcare join forces to enhance healthcare services

State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLIC), the nation’s largest and leading life and health insurance provider is excited to announce a strategic partnership with MEDIQ Smart Healthcare.

The collaborative objective is to create customer-centric solutions that boost customer retention, enhance the overall customer experience, and expedite the penetration of health insurance in the country.

Through the amalgamation of expertise and resources, SLIC and MedIQ Smart Healthcare aspire to provide the nation with a robust financial safety net against health challenges.

Speaking about the partnership, Executive Director, Shahid Baloch said, “Our commitment is to offer Pakistanis optimal health protection and financial empowerment, and this collaboration marks a significant stride in that direction. Teaming up with MedIQ Smart Healthcare ensures that our customers can access necessary treatments without the added concern of financial burdens.” Dr. Saira on this collaboration “MedIQSmart Healthcare is honored to unite with State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan in this transformative partnership.

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Digitalization, automation, and globalization are changing labor markets radically - Interim Education Minister

Karachi: The Institute of Business Management (IoBM) recently bought a diverse range of thought leaders together for the Second International Conference on Education (ICE) 2023. Addressing the theme of "The Changing Education Landscape.", this edition of the annual conference focused on the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG-4) established by the UN which aims to shed light on the subject of Quality Education globally. The esteemed Chief Guest at the occasion was Ms. Rana Hussain, Interim Education Minister of Sindh, who is also a visionary in the field of education. The President of IoBM was the Conference Patron, Mr. Talib S. Karim for the event. 

The multifaceted insights from the diverse range of speakers at various sessions held at the conference set the tone for a dialogue that transcends boundaries and envisions a future where education is not just a system but a catalyst for holistic societal development in Pakistan. The keynote speakers at the event included Professor Stefan Krummaker from the Queen Mary University of London, a Professor of Leadership Practice; Deputy Vice-Principal (Education) and Member of the Department of People and Organisations along with Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sarwar, Dean, Faculty of Education, International Islamic University, Islamabad. This unique assembly of thought leaders signified a departure from the conventional conference structure. "The Changing Education Landscape" with respect to SDG-4 of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals was not just another theme as it encapsulated a call to arms for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to collectively navigate the dynamic challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 

Addressing the conference, Ms. Rana Hussain, Interim Minister for Education, Sindh stated: "Effective collaboration with educational institutions is key to achieving our objectives in ensuring inclusive quality education. Emphasizing the essential elements of People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships for sustainable development, we acknowledge that addressing governance and accountability gaps is crucial for the successful implementation of the Right to Education and SDG-4 targets in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh. The changing labor market, influenced by digitalization, automation, and globalization, underscores the need for retraining and up-skilling to meet the increasing demand for highly skilled individuals. Communication skills are highlighted as pivotal, and the importance of strong, autonomous universities as strategic partners in advancing common goals, particularly in promoting the SDGs, cannot be overstated."

"The chosen theme resonates aptly, recognizing the relativity of the term 'quality' in education. The paramount aspect in education lies in the acceptance of its graduates. This Second International Conference on Education serves as a crucial platform, uniting representatives from both public and private sector institutes in various insightful sessions, fostering collaborative participation," noted Dr. Tariq Soomro, Acting Rector of IoBM. 

By bringing together a diverse array of perspectives, the event aspired to pave the way for collaborative solutions and innovative approaches. It was not just a conference; but a collective exploration of possibilities and an incubator for groundbreaking ideas that have the potential to reshape the educational landscape in the country.

ICE 2023 was organized by IoBM's Department of Education. Dr. Sarwat Nauman, the Head of Department, along with her team played an instrumental role in organizing the Conference

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Finland shuts more Russia border points, says asylum inflow must stop

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Russia must stop sending asylum seekers across its frontier into Finland in what amounts to a "hybrid attack", Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on Friday, after the Nordic nation temporarily shut all border passenger crossings bar one.

More than 800 migrants from nations including Afghanistan, Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen have entered Finland via Russia in recent weeks, an increase from less than one per day previously, according to the Finnish Border Guard.

Helsinki says Moscow is funnelling them to the border in retaliation for its decision to increase defence cooperation with the United States, a charge the Kremlin denies. Finland infuriated Russia earlier this year when it joined NATO, ending decades of military non-alignment, due to the war in Ukraine.

"We want to send a clear message to Russia: this must stop," Orpo told a press conference.

"It is not at this moment a question of asylum seekers, it is a question of hybrid attack and national security," he said.

Having shut four border stations last week, Finland closed three more overnight for a month, leaving open only its northernmost one, Raja-Jooseppi, located in the Arctic region.

Raja-Jooseppi opened its gates for traffic at 0800 GMT on Friday and stayed open for four hours, the Border Guard said.

But Helsinki signalled that this too could be shut.

Having shut four border stations last week, Finland closed three more overnight for a month, leaving open only its northernmost one, Raja-Jooseppi, located in the Arctic region.

The government also decided at an extraordinary session on Friday that people arriving from Russia without the required travel documents must stay in supervised centres until their identities have been established.

ASYLUM RIGHTS

Finland's ombudsman for non-discrimination said the remote location of Raja-Jooseppi prompted concerns that Helsinki was jeopardising the right to seek asylum.

"If there is no genuine and effective access to the asylum procedure, there is an obvious danger of violating the absolute ban on return and the ban on mass deportation," the ombudsman's office said in a post on social media platform X.

The Finnish Border Guard expects dozens of officers from the European Union's Frontex border agency to help patrol the 1,340 km (833 mile) border with Russia from next week.

"Their task will primarily be to patrol the land border under the supervision of the Finnish Border Guards and to support them," Border Security Expert Arttu Maaranen told Reuters.

He said the border guards were preparing for all scenarios, including one in which migrants attempted to cross into Finland through forests spanning the frontier.

"We have requested equipment needed for monitoring and surveillance, including a thermal camera vehicle," he said.

Frontex already has nine border guard officers working in Finland. It said on Thursday it would deploy another 50 border guard officers and other staff to Finland along with equipment such as patrol cars to improve security.

Norway has experienced "no irregularities" so far on its border with Russia, which runs to the north of Finland's, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on Friday during a visit to the Estonian capital Tallinn.

He said Norway was ready to take the necessary measures to have order at the border if the situation changed.

Estonia and Latvia, like Finland, have accused Moscow of sending migrants to their borders with Russia in what all three nations have described as "hybrid attack" operations.

(Reporting by Anne Kauranen in Helsinki, additional reporting by Victoria Klesty and Terje Solsvik in Oslo, editing by Anna Ringstrom and Gareth Jones)

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Beaconhouse Jubilee Campus holds event showcasing sustainable fashion talent of its students

The Beanconhouse School System, Jubilee Campus in its pursuit to conserve the environment and promote a sustainable lifestyle held an event to showcase the creative fashion accomplishments of its students fully based on recyclable material.

The event held at the Jubilee Campus of the Beaconhouse School System marked the launching of “The Green Raiment” the first-ever sustainable fashion brand launched by any school in Pakistan.

The event displayed 61 elegant dresses and over 100 chic accessories made of 100 percent 

The event displayed 61 elegant dresses and over 100 chic accessories made of 100 percent recyclable material. The recyclable products showcased the hard work of the Beaconhouse students that continued for almost a year. All the products on display at the exhibition including souvenirs are made of recyclable material. 

“Our effort is aimed at making our students adopt a socially responsible and sustainable lifestyle as by producing all these products they have learnt that their fashion practices should be caring for the environment,” said the Beaconhouse Jubilee Campus Principal, Tabinda Raza on the occasion.

“This activity would go a long way in helping our students learn about the importance of recycling and reuse of material for producing elegant fashion and lifestyle products for everyday use,” she said.

 

The event brought light to the harsh ramifications of fast fashion and helped perpetuate means to counter these hazardous consequences. The prominent guests of the event included Uzma Munaf the CEO of Sana Safinaz, Huma Adnan the CEO of CraftStory FNKAsia, Amneh Sheikh the CEO and founder of Polly and Other Stories, Asiah Seemab the Head of the School of Fashion and Design at the Indus Valley of Arts and Architecture.

They appreciated the keen interest shown by the Beaconhouse students in promoting sustainable fashion trends in the country. They said that students of other schools in the country should follow in the footsteps of Beaconhouse pupils who had practically demonstrated their creative and tailoring genius based on sustainable fashion.  

The event officially commenced with an apt and well-narrated presentation which accentuated the harms of fast fashion and the crucial need for sustainable fashion’s growth and development. The whole event circled around the paramount magnitude of acquainting Pakistan with sustainable fashion. 

The students who took part in the activity said that they had learnt from the event that sustainable fashion reduces environmental impact, improves social conditions, encourages mindful consumption, and supports local communities.

“Beaconhouse Jubilee Campus believes that a change altruistic in nature, whether it is big or small is needed. It is needed to ameliorate the world. Sustainable Fashion is not a trend, it is a responsibility,” said the Principal.

The sustainable fashion products on display stood for conserving our environment, lives, and future, she added.

This event was greatly successful in bringing attention towards sustainable fashion and in showing the world that sustainable clothes are equally stylish and sophisticated.

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TECNO Partners with Jazz 5G Innovation Lab and NUST for 5G Innovation Hackathon in Pakistan

TECNO, Pakistan’s premier technology brand, is joining forces with the Jazz 5G Innovation Lab and the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) to host the highly anticipated 5G Innovation Hackathon, scheduled to take place from December 8 to 10, 2023.

In this strategic partnership, TECNO will serve as a sponsor, bringing its innovative expertise to the forefront of this breakthrough event.

Pakistan’s first 5G Innovation Hackathon will see different teams presenting solutions addressing critical challenges in Pakistan’s key sectors, including health, education, financial services, disaster management, climate change, agri-tech, and Industry 4.0. powered by the 5G technology.

Under the partnership, TECNO will be providing participants with mobile phones for research and development purposes at the event. The winners of the competition will also be presented with the TECNO’s 5G devices.

TECNO’s Head of Marketing, Mr. Ali Raza said: “TECNO is proud to sponsor the Jazz-NUST 5G Hackathon. Our dedication to technological development in Pakistan aligns with the objectives of this initiative. By providing a platform for innovation and education, we hope to contribute to the identification of impactful solutions and further enhance Pakistan’s position in the global digital landscape.”

Happening for the first time, the Jazz 5G Hackathon is set to bring together researchers, students, and professionals from diverse backgrounds. This dynamic gathering will act as a breeding ground for innovative ideas and solutions, potentially shaping the future of telecommunications in Pakistan.

Beyond empowering local talent, the event has been organized to elevate Pakistan’s position in the digital revolution, paving the way for a more connected and advanced future.

TECNO has consistently played a crucial role in technological development in Pakistan and has been dedicated to promoting education by making such contributions.

Through this initiative in collaboration with Jazz and NUST, TECNO aims to create a platform where innovation thrives, and solutions to pressing challenges in Pakistan can be identified.

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FedEx Report Cites US$80 Billion in Direct Impact to Global Economy in FY2023

FedEx Corp. released its annual economic impact report, analyzing the company’s worldwide network and role in fueling innovation during its 2023 fiscal year (FY 2023).

Produced in consultation with Dun & Bradstreet (NYSE: DNB), a leading provider of business decision-making data and analytics, the study demonstrates the positive impact FedEx has on individuals and communities around the globe — otherwise known as the ‘FedEx Effect.’

“FedEx has helped shape global supply chains and the e-commerce revolution over five decades by transforming the way businesses exchange goods, services, and ideas — all while continuously exceeding the evolving needs of our customers,” said Raj Subramaniam, President and CEO, FedEx Corporation.

The report reveals that FedEx contributed more than $80 billion in direct impact to the global economy in FY 2023, despite recent economic pressures.

FedEx Enhances Shipping Experience for e-Tailers Across MENA

This activity reflects the scale of the network FedEx has developed and the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance its innovative services that help businesses of all sizes connect with customers and strengthen their operations.

AMEA impact

FedEx Express serves more than 100 markets across AMEA, including 66 markets in the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, and Africa (MEISA) region.

The study found that with its extensive network, FedEx Express contributed 0.3% of net economic output in the Transportation, Storage, and Communications sector in AMEA during FY 2023.

Across all sectors of the AMEA economy, FedEx Express contributed 0.02% of total net economic output, which grew approximately 6% in FY 2023 to $44 trillion.

The company’s impact also included $2.7 billion in indirect contributions to the regional economy in FY 2023. Among specific industries in AMEA, FedEx Express indirectly contributed an estimated $1 billion to the critical $9 trillion Manufacturing sector.

The company’s indirect contribution to the Transportation, Storage, and Communications sector was estimated as $772 million.

FedEx Express selected Dubai as the home of its gateway facility for Middle East operations in 1989 and its regional hub for air operations in 1998 — an ideal location as the UAE has evolved into a modern center for logistics and transportation.

Today, this hub serves the MEISA region, which accounts for approximately 45% of the world’s population, through 56 weekly FedEx Express flights. These flights are a crucial part of the FedEx global air network that connects more than 220 countries and territories.

Kami Viswanathan, President of FedEx Express Middle East, Indian subcontinent, and Africa, said: “The growing prominence of the MEISA region in the global economy is reflected in our vast network.

"In alignment with our long-term vision, we are bolstering our commercial presence, to provide businesses with faster and more convenient access to international markets.

"We remain committed to providing innovative solutions to our customers and are actively working to foster a more connected and sustainable future. This approach will enhance the FedEx Effect for our team members, customers, suppliers, and communities.”

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UPaisa offers exciting weekly cash-back prizes for 100 lucky Super Card users

Pakistan’s leading digital financial platform, UPaisa has announced an exciting Lucky Draw Campaign set to award full cash back on Ufone 4G Super Cards to 100 UPaisa users every week from Nov. 20th to Dec 16th, 2023. Building on the success of recent cash-back and value-added offers, the Campaign aims to elevate the UPaisa customer experience by introducing exciting rewards and further enhancing the overall value proposition.

During the campaign period, each week will be considered a separate draw period, where UPaisa users purchasing any monthly variant of the Ufone 4G Super Card will be automatically eligible for the lucky draw. Each transaction during the weekly draw period will be counted as one entry into the lucky draw, which significantly increases the chances of winning for more active users.

UPaisa will conduct a random draw to select 100 lucky winners each week. In line with UPaisa’s business ethics, the selection process will be thoroughly fair and transparent to provide all participants with an equal chance to win. 

Winners may receive notifications through their registered UPaisa contact details and may be announced on social media platforms. The full prize, equivalent to the Ufone 4G Super Card amount, will then be credited to their UPaisa accounts.

The lucky draw campaign is an extension of UPaisa’s constant endeavour to enhance the user experience of its loyal customers by providing additional facilitation and greater value on its products and services. It solidifies UPaisa’s standing as a customer-centric services provider, which, apart from providing the highest quality digital and financial services nationwide, is keen to effectively meet its customers' evolving needs and expectations. 

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Mastercard collaborates with Dubai Islamic Bank to introduce cross-border payment services

Dubai: Mastercard has initiated a strategic partnership with Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) to launch cross-border payment services for peer-to-peer (P2P) and business-to-business (B2B) fund transfers. The collaboration leverages Mastercard Cross-Border Services to enable the bank to provide real-time remittances through its digital channels across more than 40 countries worldwide. The Mastercard-powered remittance solution allows people and organizations to send and receive money around the world almost instantly.

Mastercard Cross-Border Services facilitate the movement of funds to any endpoint across over 140 countries through one secure connection and through rich features such as guaranteed exchange rates, full value transfers without deductions and transaction status tracking, reaching 95% of bank accounts worldwide. The highly localized solution offers multiple payout options, including bank account, mobile wallet and card. To address the needs of the unbanked and underbanked, cash payout is also an option through a continuously expanding global network of cash pickup locations, whose number currently stands at approximately 350,000.

“At DIB, we are committed to making an active contribution to building a seamless payment infrastructure through bringing unique, state-of-art solutions to the market in line with the highest international standards. This partnership further enriches DIB cross-border payment services through an integration between customer facing mobile apps and online platforms with Mastercard, ensuring secure and efficient transfers to a vast network of geographies that the latter operates in. With its advanced technology, global expertise and ever-growing remittance footprint, Mastercard will significantly enhance our customer offering and allow us to achieve further global reach,” said Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Group CEO of DIB.

“For many people, remittances are a way to stay connected to their communities. At Mastercard, we are dedicated to providing them with fast, convenient, secure and affordable ways to transfer funds internationally. We are delighted to launch our first innovation-driven business venture with DIB, and hope this will be the start of a long and productive partnership,” said Dimitrios Dosis, President, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard.

Recognizing the need for speed in today's fast-paced world, Mastercard Cross-Border Services have been optimized for quick and efficient fund transfers. This ensures that customers can complete their desired transactions promptly, which is particularly advantageous for urgent financial needs. To promote transparency, the solution is equipped with a real-time tracking feature, so users can stay informed about the progress of their transactions.

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Saudi Awwal Bank partners with Mastercard to offer greater access to secure digital transaction

Riyadh: Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) has partnered with Mastercard to offer consumers across the country greater access to secure digital transactions.

Through this partnership, SAB will leverage Mastercard Gateway’s advanced Transaction Risk Management technology (TRM) to deliver safe and seamless digital transactions, customer protection from cyber-crime and payment fraud prevention. Driven by cutting-edge data science, the Mastercard Gateway AI-powered technology helps to reduce financial risk by proactively assessing transactions for vulnerabilities.

Yasser Al-Barrak, Chief Corporate and Institutional Banking Officer at SAB, commented: “As we evolve our digital proposition, we have chosen Mastercard, our long-standing trusted partner, to support our efforts in the cybersecurity space. The company is ideally positioned to help us boost our capabilities to mitigate financial risks and increase peace of mind.”

He added: “This partnership reflects our commitment at SAB to provide a reliable and secure digital financial environment for all our customers. We continuously strive to equip them with advanced tools and solutions that instill confidence in conducting online banking transactions. This partnership reflects our commitment to provide a reliable and secure digital financial environment for all our customers.”

“At a time when cyber threats are growing globally and cybercriminals are getting smarter, Mastercard’s innovative cybersecurity solutions are foiling cyber-attacks worth billions of dollars every year. We are delighted to strengthen our strategic partnership with Saudi Awwal Bank to provide enhanced protection for its digital transactions. Our collaboration aligns with our commitment to driving the digitization of the payment ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and with the objectives of the Kingdom’s national cybersecurity strategy,” said Adam Jones, Country General Manager, MENA Central, Mastercard.

In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its goal of building a thriving digital economy and a 70% cashless society by 2030, according to the latest Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), Saudi Arabia ranks first in cybersecurity readiness in the Middle East and North Africa.

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#Carrefour Kenya and #Mastercard Offer Added Value for Customers with Festive Season Campaign

Rachid Nouri, Carrefour East Africa Regional Director for Finance, Majid Al Futtaim (centre) and Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, Mastercard (right) launch their festive season campaign offering a 20% discount for Mastercard users at Carrefour.

Customers to enjoy exclusive holiday shopping mark-downs every weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from 10 November 2023 to 31 December 2023.

KES 1,000 discount for goods worth KES 5,000 and above when customers shop with locally issued Mastercard cards at any Carrefour Kenya store or online via the MAF Carrefour App.

 

Nairobi: Majid Al Futtaim, which owns the exclusive rights to operate Carrefour in Kenya, in collaboration with Mastercard, is offering a 20% shopping discount on purchases made at Carrefour stores via locally-issued Mastercard cards. The collaboration aims to enhance the shopping experience for debit, credit, and prepaid Mastercard cardholders, both online and in stores, across Kenya.

The campaign will run every weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from 10 November 2023 to 31 December 2023 and offers customers a maximum discount of KES 1,000 in the form of Carrefour’s MyCLUB loyalty points for purchases worth KES 5,000 or more in a single transaction.

Christophe Orcet, Carrefour Regional Director — East Africa, Majid Al Futtaim Retail commented: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Mastercard to bring this exclusive discount to our customers. As we celebrate the festive season, we want to make shopping more rewarding and convenient with greater savings. As a retailer, we remain committed to identifying and providing our customers with flexible payment solutions.”

To activate the discount, customers can use the promo code “MA20” with an eligible Mastercard card at any Carrefour store checkout counter in the country or via the MAF Carrefour App for online purchases. MyCLUB members will also earn 10% additional loyalty bonus points for in-store purchases.

Through its collaboration with Carrefour, Mastercard is set on delivering an unparalleled shopping experience for its customers, both in-store and online.

Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands at Mastercard, said: "We are delighted to collaborate with Carrefour as we bring cardholders even more value during the festive season. This collaboration offers shoppers a rewarding experience that not only eases the holiday expenses but also encourages safe, secure, and convenient digital transactions. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to providing Mastercard cardholders with a payment solution that offers valuable benefits across a range of card types.”

This collaboration builds on the strategic partnership between Carrefour Kenya and Mastercard and reflects both companies’ commitment to providing unique value to their loyal customers through innovation.

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Meezan Bank Collaborates with SAFCO Microfinance Company Private Limited (SMCL) for the Launch of Islamic Microfinance Services

Meezan Bank Collaborates with SAFCO Microfinance Company Private Limited (SMCL) for the Launch of Islamic Microfinance Services

 

Karachi: In a significant development for Islamic finance, Meezan Bank, Pakistan's leading Islamic bank has joined hands with SAFCO Microfinance Company Private Limited (SMCL) to establish its inaugural Islamic microfinance branch, operating under the brand name 'Yaqeen' in Hyderabad, Pakistan. This milestone reflects the collaborative effort between the two entities, with Meezan Bank playing a pivotal role in extending PKR 100 Million financing, technical support for product development, capacity building, and training.

 

The inauguration of SMCL's first Islamic microfinance branch serves as a testament to Meezan Bank's substantial contribution to the advancement of the Islamic finance sector. Through 'Yaqeen,' SMCL aims to extend Shariah-compliant microfinance services to under-privileged and low-income individuals, underlining its commitment to offering a diverse range of microfinance services in strict compliance with Shariah principles.

 

At the inauguration event, Mr. Suleman G. Abro – Founder, President & CEO of SMCL and Syed Sajjad Ali Shah, Managing Director & VP of SMCL, highlighted the company's vision for Islamic finance, emphasizing the pivotal role played by Meezan Bank's expertise and support in enabling this transformative journey.

 

Mr. Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, Group Head Shariah Compliance at Meezan Bank expressed his profound satisfaction with the launch of SMCL's Islamic microfinance services and said, “We are fully committed to providing our support to SMCL's mission of evolving into a comprehensive Islamic Microfinance Institution (MFI). As the country’s Premier Islamic bank, we are keen on extending our expertise in developing a strategic business conversion plan and expansion of Islamic finance network for SMCL, an endeavour that aligns with our shared vision for fostering financial inclusivity, ethical banking practices and promotion of Shariah-compliant financing in Pakistan. Insha’Allah this will make a lasting impact on the Islamic financial landscape, contributing to the economic well-being of the communities we serve.”

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LG to Supply Its Automotive Content Platform to Hyundai Motor Group’s Luxury Genesis Brand

LG Electronics (LG) has announced that it will apply its in-vehicle infotainment system – featuring webOS for Automotive, the company’s automotive content platform – to Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai Motor Company, Kia corporation, Genesis)’s new Genesis models. On October 31, LG hosted Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai) and YouTube at a ceremony in Los Angeles, U.S., to celebrate the introduction of webOS for Automotive to Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis, and to discuss collaborations to enhance the in-vehicle entertainment experience.

Hyundai’s new Genesis models are equipped with an infotainment system that takes full advantage of webOS for Automotive. Passengers in the front and back seats can now comfortably watch the high-definition content they typically enjoy on their smartphone or TV in compliance with driving and safety regulations. Infotainment displays can stream content with the immersive sound quality Genesis has engineered.

This collaboration is noteworthy as it marks LG’s first unveiling of its automotive content platform. LG introduced webOS for Automotive to extend its unique customer experiences and services to the road. Leveraging the proven popularity and convenience of webOS, which has reached cumulative sales of 200 million in the Smart TV market, the company has developed a new version for vehicles so that drivers and passengers can enjoy a wide array of over-the-top (OTT) services, including YouTube, in an optimized cabin setting.

LG, Hyundai and YouTube worked in close collaboration to bring YouTube’s native TV app to WebOS for Automotive, providing an optimized in-vehicle viewing experience. In addition, the YouTube app uses the newly developed native touch solutions on WebOS for Automotive.

Always at the forefront of innovation in the infotainment market, LG is constantly enhancing driving and chauffeur experiences by drawing on the extensive technology and insight it has accumulated over decades in the TV and home appliance spaces.

With webOS for Automotive, customers can comfortably enjoy the variety of content available on TVs at home within their vehicle. It provides differentiated mobility experiences that bring more value to life on the road by extending their living space to their vehicles.

“Thanks to technological development based on SDV, people can comfortably enjoy various video content in their vehicles,” said Kwon Hae-young, vice president of the Infotainment Development Center at Hyundai Motor Group. “We will continue to expand our collaboration with major global content companies to provide more diverse and valuable in-vehicle experiences to our customers.”

“YouTube provides breadth and depth of audio and video content that is optimized for in-vehicle entertainment. We are proud to be part of this collaboration that’s taking in-vehicle entertainment to the next level,” said Tony Archibong, managing director of Global Product Partnerships at YouTube.

“LG remains committed to introducing the most advanced vehicle solutions, including webOS for Automotive, as we strive to elevate the customer experience for drivers and passengers while also accommodating the diverse demands of car manufacturers,” said Eun Seok-hyun, president of LG Vehicle component Solutions Company.

Based on a rich understanding of customer and their living spaces, LG held a press conference at IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, Germany in September, where LG CEO William Cho shared the company’s perspective and presented its vision for the future mobility industry under the theme of “Taking Life’s Good on the Road.”

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Powered Carbon Secures PepsiCo Grant of $100,000 to Amplify Circular Economy Innovations

SINGAPORE: Following an intensely competitive initiative, PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) is thrilled to announce Powered Carbon as the winner of the inaugural Greenhouse Accelerator Program – APAC Sustainability Edition.

Earlier this year, PepsiCo unveiled its commitment to championing sustainability and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region by launching the Greenhouse Accelerator program. The drive was to uncover groundbreaking solutions for sustainable packaging and impactful climate actions, crucial pillars for our pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) vision. As part of this journey, we sought solutions aligning with PepsiCo’s ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040.

Powered Carbon was selected from a formidable group of ten finalists, each representing various countries across the APAC landscape, including China, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore. Their remarkable solution, which champions the principles of the circular economy and the imperatives of climate action, demonstrated an innovative approach to sustainability, in line with our pep+ vision of fostering a resilient and environmentally-conscious future.

Wern Yuen Tan, CEO of PepsiCo, APAC, remarked, “Congratulations to Powered Carbon. Our collaboration with Powered Carbon and our engagement with all finalists of the Greenhouse Accelerator Program signifies a vital step in PepsiCo’s commitment to net zero and responsible growth. We hope to catalyze the ecosystem, supporting entrepreneurs in addressing our shared sustainability challenges and inspiring the next generation of business leaders to drive meaningful change.”

The final judging process was both rigorous and comprehensive. Each startup underwent meticulous scrutiny by a panel of esteemed Judges – Rob Kaplan, Founder and CEO of Circulate Capital; Siow Ying Tan, Founder Vista Innovate; Terence Lee, Editor-in-Chief, Tech in Asia; Tam Thanh Nguyen, Senior Advisor (Innovation, Market and Data), AEPW, Jay Buckley, Senior Vice President and Chief Counsel, APAC, PepsiCo, Alan Choi, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, APAC, PepsiCo. They evaluated the potential of each solution based on its innovation, feasibility, go to market readiness and alignment with PepsiCo’s sustainability objectives.

All finalists were privy to an unparalleled mentorship experience, gaining insights and expertise from PepsiCo’s vast reservoir of industry experts. This four-month mentorship, coupled with a grant of USD $ 20,000, was instrumental in refining their business models, fortifying their market strategies, and enhancing their potential impact.

As the winning startup, Powered Carbon will utilise the additional grant of USD$100,000 to further develop and implement a sustainable food system while maintaining excellent produce quality. With a groundbreaking technology that utilises CO2 to cultivate bacteria for eco-friendly fertilisers, their innovative approach can reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly as compared to traditional fertilisers. The eco-friendly fertiliser component has since been tested on potatoes in PepsiCo’s China Shandong Farm and pilot results are expected in Q4 of this year.

“We are beyond thrilled to have been selected as the winner of the inaugural APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program by PepsiCo and are very grateful for this recognition. PepsiCo’s financial support and invaluable mentorship over the past few months has helped build our confidence to grow the business at a scale we couldn’t have envisioned before the program. We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate with PepsiCo where we can tap on our technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions” said Dr. Xia Lin, Founder and Chief Scientist of Powered Carbon.

PepsiCo is committed to advancing sustainability, nurturing innovation, and promoting responsible growth in the APAC region and beyond. The Greenhouse Accelerator Program is one of the key steps on this journey, and we eagerly anticipate the waves of change these collaborations will usher in.

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LG Encourages Youth With Disabilities to Pursue Their Dreams at 2023 Global IT Challenge

Held in Abu Dhabi, the First Onsite GITC Finals Since 2019

LG Electronics (LG) hosted the finals of the 2023 Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities (GITC) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from October 24-28. The successful event, held offline for the first time in four years, saw 461 youth with disabilities from 18 different countries compete in a total of six, diverse IT challenges.

The challenges included the two-part eTool challenge, a test of participants’ skill creating presentation slides and utilizing spreadsheets; the eLifeMap challenge, an assessment of one’s ability to conduct text and image searches online; the eContent challenge, an evaluation of video production and editing capabilities; and the eCreative challenge, which tasked entrants with coding a self-driving car program and developing an idea for a technology that improves quality of life for persons with disabilities.

Established in 2011 to help young people with disabilities become more proficient in information and communication technologies (ICT) and support them to develop the confidence and practical tools needed to fully engage in society, the 2023 GITC was hosted by LG Corporation, South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare as well as the Government of Abu Dhabi, and organized by LG, Zayed Higher Organization, UAE and the GITC Organizing Committee.

To date, more than 5,000 youth with disabilities from 40 countries have taken part in GITC. The competition continues to serve as a springboard for youth with disabilities, with many former participants going on to careers in IT-related fields and other areas of business.

Historically, most GITC participants have come from countries within Asia, including South Korea, China, Vietnam and Thailand. This year, however, GITC grew in diversity, playing host to youth from countries in the Middle East and North Africa, such as Egypt and Kenya, for the first time.

At the conclusion of the rigorous five-day event, Muhammad Naazir Danesh from Malaysia was named the overall winner of the 2023 GITC. He scored high marks in all categories of this year’s GITC.

Despite having a severe physical disability, Muhammad Naazir Danesh has always been passionate about the IT field since childhood. In spite of his challenges, he aims to become an IT specialist in the future. Motivated by the recognition from this GITC, he is determined to work hard to accomplish his dream.

“My journey to becoming a global IT leader was paved by the invaluable contributions of those I’ve met,” said Muhammad Naazir Danesh. “This recognition is both an honor and a motivation to chase my greater dreams in the future.”

During the event, LG introduced the contestants to its Universal UP Kit in a dedicated exhibition space next to the competition venue. The kit, unveiled for the first time at IFA 2023, is a collection of innovative home appliance accessories and add-ons designed to make usage easier for everyone, regardless of gender, age or disability. Those GITC competitors who experienced the Universal UP Kit in person were full of praise for LG’s inclusive, new solutions.

In addition, the company set up a photo zone that includes the Life’s Good brand promise and even distributed branded goods that encompass LG’s brand philosophy and core values. GITC was the prime event to show the meaning of Life’s Good, with all the participants working hard to complete their challenges, even when faced with difficult tasks. The company is hopeful that all GITC participants will continue to take on bold challenges and use optimism to overcome any challenges they come across in the future.

A responsible global corporate citizen, LG will continue to empower youth with disabilities around the world through supporting initiatives such as GITC. “GITC is the perfect platform for young people with disabilities seeking to communicate with the world through IT, transcending barriers in terms of ability, religion and nationality,” said Yoon Dae-sik, senior vice president of External Relations at LG Electronics. “We will continue to support youth with disabilities through GITC and encourage them to keep on pursuing their dreams.”

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Visa Announces Pilot Launch of Visa AR Manager to Simplify Commercial Virtual Card Acceptance

 Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in payments, today announced the forthcoming pilot launch of Visa AR Manager, a new home-grown innovation that will reduce the friction commercial merchants experience with virtual card acceptance. This solution, which will be available for limited pilot in November, reinforces Visa’s commitment to delivering a seamless digital payment experience for issuers and suppliers alike – and it further expands offerings designed to support the commercial B2B community.

Businesses have rapidly turned to virtual cards as the preferred method for processing accounts payable – and the value is clear: a recent study from the Institute of Commercial Payments found that 84% of commercial merchants cited getting paid more quickly as a key reason for utilizing virtual cards as a preferred acceptance mechanism1. Today, however, virtual card acceptance can be an incredibly manual, time-consuming and costly process – potentially occurring dozens of times each day and often with different protocols for each bank a merchant is receiving payments from.

Visa AR Manager will address this merchant pain-point directly, automating the virtual card transaction process by retrieving card account details, initiating the authorization and clearing steps on the supplier’s behalf, and then providing meaningful and timely reconciliation data to close out invoices in the supplier’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

“This innovation is a direct result of deep, meaningful conversations with our valued partners and customers, who have highlighted the friction they experience today with virtual card transaction processing,” said Abhishek, Global Head of B2B Acceptance at Visa Commercial Solutions. “Visa AR Manager will enable us to create an optimal transaction experience for our commercial customers, automating an antiquated process and transforming the way they work.”

Visa AR Manager will be available for pilot customer onboarding beginning in November, with availability expanding more broadly into the new year. It supplements the deep, strategic partnerships that Visa has in place today to continue innovating around merchant friction with commercial payment acceptance.

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Shell signs agreement to sell majority shareholding in Shell Pakistan Limited

Shell signs agreement to sell majority shareholding in Shell Pakistan Limited

Pakistan: Shell Petroleum Company Limited, a subsidiary of Shell plc (Shell), has agreed to sell its 77.42% majority interest in Shell Pakistan Limited (SPL) to Wafi Energy LLC.

The sale is part of Shell’s strategy to high-grade its mobility network and was first announced on Capital Markets Day in June 2023.

The sale is expected to complete by Q4 2024, subject to regulatory approvals. Upon completion, the Shell brand will remain in Pakistan through brand licensing agreements and customers will continue to have access to Shell’s premium fuel and lubricant portfolio.

SPL remains committed to delivering safe, reliable operations.

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Paid ad-free Facebook, Instagram for EU users

 

BRUSSELS: Facebook and Instagram users in Europe will be able to buy subscriptions to use the social networks without being tracked for targeted advertising from next month, Meta announced on Monday, to comply with tougher EU rules.

Tech titans now face a growing European Union legal arsenal, which was designed to curb how they do business online and demands better privacy protection for users.

Europe has hit Meta with huge fines over privacy and how it uses European users’ data.

From November, European users can subscribe for a fee of 9.99 euros ($10.50) a month on the web or 12.99 euros on mobile phones using iOS and Android systems, Meta said.

Subscriptions would apply to an individual’s linked Facebook and Instagram accounts. From March 1, 2024, there will be an additional fee of six euros a month for access on the web and eight on smartphones for each additional account listed.

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Cheezious & JazzCash partner to offer 20% Cashback

Cheezious & JazzCash partner to offer 20% Cashback 

Islamabad: Cheezious, a renowned and customer-centric food brand in Pakistan, is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with JazzCash, Pakistan’s leading fintech provider. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the world of food and finance, offering Cheezious customers exciting rewards and incentives.

As a token of appreciation to its valued customers, Cheezious introduces an exclusive limited-time promotion in association with JazzCash. JazzCash users can avail a generous 20% cashback on orders at all Cheezious outlets, whether they choose to dine-in, order for takeaway, or enjoy a delightful home delivery till November 5th, 2023.

"We believe in offering our customers the best, both in terms of delicious food and fantastic rewards. Our partnership with JazzCash is a testament to this commitment. This collaboration represents the beginning of something great, and we're excited to explore the possibilities of the future together," said Zohaib Hassan Head of Marketing at Cheezious.

"At JazzCash, we are committed to enabling a cashless future for Pakistan. Our partnership with Cheezious is a step in that direction. We believe that convenient and secure digital payments are the way forward, and this collaboration brings us closer to that goal,” said Ammara Batool, Head of Business Development North at JazzCash.  

To enjoy this exclusive offer, simply make your payment using Jazz Cash at any Cheezious outlet and savor the delectable cheezy treats while receiving a 20% cashback. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to indulge in a Cheezious feast with an enticing discount.

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Visa Announces Pilot Launch of Visa AR Manager to Simplify Commercial Virtual Card Acceptance

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in payments, today announced the forthcoming pilot launch of Visa AR Manager, a new home-grown innovation that will reduce the friction commercial merchants experience with virtual card acceptance. This solution, which will be available for limited pilot in November, reinforces Visa’s commitment to delivering a seamless digital payment experience for issuers and suppliers alike – and it further expands offerings designed to support the commercial B2B community.

Businesses have rapidly turned to virtual cards as the preferred method for processing accounts payable – and the value is clear: a recent study from the Institute of Commercial Payments found that 84% of commercial merchants cited getting paid more quickly as a key reason for utilizing virtual cards as a preferred acceptance mechanism1. Today, however, virtual card acceptance can be an incredibly manual, time-consuming and costly process – potentially occurring dozens of times each day and often with different protocols for each bank a merchant is receiving payments from.

Visa AR Manager will address this merchant pain-point directly, automating the virtual card transaction process by retrieving card account details, initiating the authorization and clearing steps on the supplier’s behalf, and then providing meaningful and timely reconciliation data to close out invoices in the supplier’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

“This innovation is a direct result of deep, meaningful conversations with our valued partners and customers, who have highlighted the friction they experience today with virtual card transaction processing,” said Abhishek, Global Head of B2B Acceptance at Visa Commercial Solutions. “Visa AR Manager will enable us to create an optimal transaction experience for our commercial customers, automating an antiquated process and transforming the way they work.”

Visa AR Manager will be available for pilot customer onboarding beginning in November, with availability expanding more broadly into the new year. It supplements the deep, strategic partnerships that Visa has in place today to continue innovating around merchant friction with commercial payment acceptance.

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Fly Jinnah Marks One Year of Exceptional Air Travel Service

 Fly Jinnah Marks One Year of Exceptional Air Travel Service

KARACHI — Fly Jinnah, Pakistan’s low-cost carrier, celebrates its first anniversary, honoring a year of extraordinary service and remarkable accomplishments. Over the course of the past 12 months, Fly Jinnah has firmly established itself as a preferred airline for travelers, operating a network of domestic flights and connecting major cities across Pakistan, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta.

Since its inaugural flight took off to the skies on October 31, 2022, Fly Jinnah has consistently prioritized operational excellence and customer service. In its inaugural year, the airline operated more than 4,370 domestic flights while ensuring hassle-free travel experiences for its customers. The carrier managed to introduce its value-driven product offering to the domestic market across the country in its first year by consistently providing passengers with comfort, reliability, and affordable air travel services.

Commenting on the occasion, a Fly Jinnah spokesperson stated: "Since our inception, our promise has been to provide affordable, reliable, and comfortable air travel options for the people of Pakistan. As we celebrate our one-year anniversary, we are truly grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from our passengers, partners, and the aviation industry. We remain steadfast in our mission and are excited to expand our operations domestically and internationally, connecting our passengers to more destinations, while also contributing to the growth of the tourism and aviation sectors."

Fly Jinnah low-cost business model focuses on providing customers with added value at each step of their journey. With a modern fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft, Fly Jinnah offers the most spacious legroom of all economy cabins, guaranteeing its passengers unparalleled comfort throughout their journeys. The state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system “Sky Time” enables passengers to stream a wide range of entertainment options, including Urdu and Hollywood movies, TV shows, games, audio, music, and documentaries. Furthermore, Fly Jinnah enhances the travel experience with its delightful "Sky Café" onboard menu, offering a diverse selection of delectable hot meals, sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. Additionally, Fly Jinnah understands the significance of convenience and has developed a user-friendly mobile app, allowing passengers to effortlessly book flights, track their journeys, and access other essential services.

Additionally, the carrier’s commitment to operational excellence garnered commendation from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) for its exceptional flight punctuality and consistency, earning the top spot in these categories.

As Fly Jinnah embarks on its second year of operations, the airline remains focused on setting new industry standards, enhancing the overall travel experience, and expanding its reach to benefit an even larger number of passengers.

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Zong 4G’s first E-Sports platform, “Zong Engage,” provides all gamers with the ultimate digital entertainment

Zong 4G’s first E-Sports platform, “Zong Engage,” provides all gamers with the ultimate digital entertainment

Islamabad: Zong 4G, Pakistan’s leading digital network, staying true to its brand promise of “Let’s Get Digital,” launches its first-ever E-sports platform, “Zong Engage” to elevate the gaming experience of the country’s youth. With the launch of Zong Engage, all gaming enthusiasts can subscribe to the service, participate in exciting online gaming tournaments, and win prizes.

Zong 4G recognizes the exponentially increasing popularity of mobile gaming amongst the youth, which is why Zong Engage caters to all customers’ gaming needs. Subscribers will gain access to epic gaming competitions for popular games such as PUBG, FreeFire, FIFA Mobile, Need for Speed No Limits, and Asphalt at an unbeatable cost of just Rs. 6 + tax daily! Alternatively, they can subscribe to the weekly offer at Rs. 40+Tax or the monthly offer at Rs. 150 + Tax. Users can subscribe to the platform’s deals using the My Zong App or by visiting the Zong website. (http://games.zongengage.com.pk/)

Once subscribed, Zong Engage will be ready to offer hundreds of games ranging from leisure games for free users to premium games for paid subscribers. Moreover, the eSports tournaments offer prizes for PUBG and Free Fire where only subscribed users can compete.

The Official Spokesperson for Zong 4G, while expressing their excitement for the launch said: "We are thrilled to announce Zong Engage. Pakistan has an undiscovered pool of extraordinary talent in e-gaming. Therefore, Zong 4G in an effort to increase recognition for the ‘sport,’ has introduced ‘Engage’. It will serve as an electrifying platform for the youth of the country and testifies to Zong's position as the foremost 4G provider for Gen Z and leading digital enabler of Pakistan.”

Zong Engage steers the gamers of Pakistan into a new era of connectivity and embodies Zong's commitment to pioneering innovation. 

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