Malaysia arrests 5 people connected to job scam syndicate targeting Singaporeans; linked to at least 40 reports, over $820k in losses

 SINGAPORE — Five individuals, believed to be part of a syndicate targeting Singaporeans with job scams, were arrested in a joint operation between the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) in Kuala Lumpur last week.

The syndicate is believed to be linked to at least 40 Singapore police reports, involving losses totalling more than $820,000, the Singapore police said in a media release on Wednesday (27 March).

The police "carried out extensive investigative probes and shared information with the RMP in order to detect and dismantle job scam crime syndicates targeting Singaporeans".

"The efforts paid off when the Malaysian criminal syndicate that was operating in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was located," the Singapore police added.

Officers from the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) of the RMP conducted a raid at an apartment complex in Kuala Lumpur on 20 March.

Three men and two women aged between 23 and 28 were arrested for suspected involvement in laundering proceeds from scams, including job scams, aimed at Singaporeans.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate started their scam operations early this year," said the Singapore police, adding that the RMP had remanded the five Malaysians for further investigation.

Between 1 October 2023 and 31 January this year, over 3,000 individuals fell victim to job scams, resulting in losses totalling at least $45.7 million.

Rising threat of job scams

David Chew, director of SPF's Commercial Affairs Department (CAD), highlighted that job scams ranked as the top scam type of the cases reported in 2023 and the second in terms of losses to victims.

He also said the number of cases involving such scams has continued to rise in 2024 and is "a crime of serious concern".

"To counter this transnational scam threat, the SPF works closely with the RMP to detect and deter these transnational syndicates who target our citizens," Chew added, thanking Malaysia's CCID team for their support in tackling the syndicate.

"We will continue to take tough action to afford these criminals no safe haven. Working with our foreign counterparts, we will detect, disable and bring to justice criminal syndicates wherever they choose to operate," he added.

The Singapore police said that public vigilance is the best defence against the persistent threat of job scams.

It reminded members of the public to be wary of proposals on dating apps or social media platforms. These proposals may offer easy commissions for tasks such as boosting products on e-commerce platforms, completing surveys or generating traction on social media.

"You should never pay money into unknown bank accounts to earn a commission for your work," the Singapore police said, at the same time reminding the public never to relinquish Singpass credentials as part of a job application.

sgnews.tips @yahooinc.com.

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This Ramadan, realme has Partnered with Foodpanda to Deliver Free Meals

This Ramadan, realme has Partnered with Foodpanda to Deliver Free Meals

Lahore: As the holy month of Ramadan continues, realme, one of Pakistan’s leading smartphone manufacturer, has joined hands with Foodpanda, Pakistan's premier delivery platform, to launch a heartwarming initiative aimed at spreading joy and fostering community spirit during this auspicious time. In collaboration with Foodpanda, realme has rolled out a food truck initiative to distribute free Iftari packages to people out on the streets, enhancing their Ramadan experience and promoting a sense of togetherness.

The initiative, aptly named "Make it real," embodies realme's commitment to giving back to the community and celebrating the spirit of Ramadan. Through this campaign, realme aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people by providing them with delicious Iftari meals, delivered directly to them by home chefs empowered through Foodpanda's platform.

"Ramadan is a time for reflection, compassion, and unity," said Ethan Yin, CEO of realme Pakistan. "Through our partnership with Foodpanda, we are honored to contribute to the Ramadan celebrations of those in need. Our goal is to spread joy and positivity, bringing people together through the universal language of food."

The initiative also highlights realme's dedication to corporate social responsibility, with a special focus on women empowerment. Home chefs, predominantly women, will be preparing and delivering the Iftari packages, providing them with a platform to showcase their culinary skills and contribute to their families' income.

"We are excited to collaborate with realme on this noble initiative," said Muhammad Abu Bakar Siddiqui, Head of Enterprise at Foodpanda. "By combining our resources and expertise, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people during Ramadan. Together, we can create moments of joy and unity that will be cherished by all."

The campaign will feature a food truck adorned with realme and Foodpanda branding, traveling to various locations across the city to distribute Iftari packages to those in need. The food truck will serve as a symbol of hope and generosity, bringing the community together in the spirit of Ramadan.

As part of the "Make it real" campaign, realme will also be encouraging its fans to participate in social media challenges and activities, with the chance to win exciting prizes and rewards. By engaging with the campaign, participants can spread awareness about the initiative and inspire others to join in the spirit of giving.

For more information about the "Make it real" campaign and to stay updated on the latest developments, please visit realme's official Facebook page.

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Visa’s Growing Services Business Infused with New AI-Powered Products

• Three new AI-powered solutions are added to Visa Protect suite to help block fraud
• Among the newest services: a cutting-edge immediate payment fraud solution and expanded capabilities to mitigate fraud, agnostic to payment network
• Growing usage across global services portfolio – Visa’s largest 265 clients now use an average of 22 of Visa’s value-added services products 

Karachi: Visa (NYSE:V), a leader in digital payments, announced continued expansion of its global value-added services business with the addition of three new AI-powered risk and fraud prevention solutions. The new products, part of the end-to-end Visa Protect suite, are designed to reduce fraud across immediate account-to-account and card not present (CNP) payments, as well as transactions both on and off Visa’s network. 

Visa Protect is part of a broad suite of Visa value-added services that have grown to nearly 200 products, spanning five high-demand categories: Acceptance, Advisory, Issuing, Open Banking and Protect. To help clients navigate a growing number of complexities, Visa has combined decades of expertise and significant investments in both AI and fraud prevention, with $10 billion over the last five years alone in technology and innovation, to help reduce fraud and increase network security.

“Digital payments go far beyond completing a sale – we are entering an era of modern commerce where winners move fast, AI is essential, experiences are flexible and security is native,” said Antony Cahill, Global Head of Value-Added Services, Visa. “Businesses are looking for partners that can enable their ambitions to compete and win and we’re proud to be the trusted partner helping a growing number of clients do exactly that in today’s highly competitive environment.”

Security and fraud prevention are fundamental to Visa. Last year, Visa helped block $40 billion in fraudulent activity, nearly double from the year prior . Today’s announcement focuses on three Visa Protect solutions that are intended to address client needs and utilize the company’s deep expertise in AI:

• Expansion of Visa Advanced Authorization (VAA) and Visa Risk Manager (VRM) for non-Visa card payments: Visa’s extensive, AI-powered fraud risk management solutions are now network scheme agnostic, allowing issuers to simplify their fraud operations into a single fraud detection solution that help strengthen fraud protections while reducing costs. 

• Visa Provisioning Intelligence (VPI): While tokenization is one of the most secure ways to transact, fraudsters use social engineering and other scams to illegitimately provision tokens and commit fraudulent transactions. VPI, an AI-based product, is designed to address this challenge and combat token fraud at its source by using machine learning to rate the likelihood of fraud for token provisioning requests. VPI, accessible through Visa Risk Manager, helps financial institutions prevent fraud in a targeted way and enable more seamless and secure transactions across device, ecommerce and card-on-file tokens.

• Real-Time, Account-to-Account Payment Protection: Visa’s first fraud prevention solution built specifically for immediate payments, including P2P digital wallets, account to account transactions, and central banks’ instant payment systems. Powered by deep learning AI detection models, this new service provides a risk score in real time that helps financial institutions prevent fraud by automatically blocking bad transactions before they happen. 

Each product will be accessible to clients in 2024, with different release dates depending on the product and market.

“In today's digital-first society, Visa remains focused on enabling an advanced suite of risk and fraud solutions to ensure consumer data is protected wherever transactions take place," said Walter Lironi, SVP, Head of Advisory and Value-Added Services, CEMEA, Visa. “These three new AI-powered solutions are built on Visa’s unmatched technology, innovation, and 30-year heritage in AI, as well as our expert risk advisory and managed services practice. We look forward to supporting and accelerating our clients’ and partners’ growth across Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa."

To learn more about end-to-end security solutions from Visa, visit our Intelligent Security page and Visa.com for more information on Visa’s value-added services for businesses.

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Onic & Careem sign MoU to forge strategic alliance

Islamabad: Onic, the new digital telco brand in Pakistan and Careem, the leading ride-hailing platform in Pakistan, are thrilled to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster a strategic partnership to build a digital ecosystem for respective consumers in the country.

The MoU was signed by Omer Bin Tariq, Country Head, Onic Pakistan, and Imran Saleem, General Manager Ride Hailing, Careem Pakistan, in the presence of Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone 4G. The ceremony marks the beginning of a collaborative journey between Onic and Careem      that aims to combine expertise of both the brands to deliver innovatively enhanced customer experiences.

Speaking at the occasion, Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO of PTCL & Ufone 4G, emphasized Onic's commitment to prioritizing the needs of the Pakistani people. He stated, "Onic is dedicated to a larger vision for our customers, positioning itself as the forefront digital telco brand with a challenger mindset. We aspire to redefine the current landscape in Pakistan." Highlighting the significance of the collaboration with Careem, Hatem added, "Our partnership with Careem marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards leveraging technology for positive change. Together, we will enhance the digital sphere in Pakistan, offering customers an all-encompassing platform for their lifestyle requirements. Not only this, Onic is evolving into a holistic solution provider through its innovative app that will create convenience and ease for its customers."

Commenting on the partnership, Imran Saleem, General Manager Ride Hailing, Careem Pakistan, said, “We are extremely excited to join forces with Onic to drive innovation and shape the future of digital lifestyle within the country. This strategic partnership is in alignment with our purpose of simplifying and improving the lives of people as well as our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to our customers.”

This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Onic as the company is expanding its footprint in the digital telecommunications landscape. Together, we are committed to driving forward technological advancements that empower communities and transform the way people connect and commute in Pakistan. 

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Aeon & Trisl signifies back-to-back successes by securing the No. 1 Award at the Emaar & Top Award at Aldar

 In a remarkable continuation of its string of successes, Aeon & Trisl Real Estate, a multinational real estate firm headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, with additional offices in the United Kingdom and Pakistan, proudly adds another shining moment to its illustrious journey by securing the prestigious number 1 Position award from Emaar Properties at the Annual Broker Awards 2023 held at Armani Hotel, Dubai. In a stunning display of recognition, Aeon & Trisl’s outstanding accomplishments are showcased on the world-renowned icon Burj Khalifa.

After its triumph as the No. 1 ranked agency at the Emaar Annual Broker Awards 2023, the UK operations of Aeon & Trisl, operating under the name Aeon & Trisl Investments UK, achieved yet another milestone for the group at the Aldar Honours Awards ceremony held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Aldar Properties offers UAE residents and investors a range of premium properties and real estate services. Aldar develops and manages major projects within the Abu Dhabi Emirate such as Al Raha Beach, Al Raha Gardens, and Yas Island. Following the strategic direction of Group CEO, Mr. Saleem Karsaz, Head of Sales of London operations Mr. Hasnain Bayar took the reins at Aeon & Trisl Investments as a partner in early 2023, leading the company to an outstanding achievement securing the top position, surpassing all expectations. The expertise of Mr. Hasnain and the UK team has played a pivotal role in this success for the organization. 

Celebrating this historic milestone, Mr. Shakir Chohan, representative of the K&S Team from Aeon & Trisl Dubai office, closed one of the highest valued luxury mansions at Lanai Islands – Tilal Al Ghaf on Hessa Street. Mr. Saleem Karsaz and his dedicated team persistently strive to elevate industry benchmarks and provide unmatched value to their clients. Furthermore, Aeon & Trisl benefits from the expertise and leadership of its Chief Operating Officer in Dubai,

Mr. Baber Shah, with a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to excellence. He plays a pivotal role in driving the company's operational efficiency and strategic vision forward.

As they commemorate these historic milestones, Aeon & Trisl is thrilled to unveil the newly renovated headquarters in Dubai, a testament to their dedication to providing exceptional service. Thanks to the innovative designs by YOCA Interiors and the flawless execution by Pro-Active Star Technical Services, their office now boasts a fresh, modern look that reflects their commitment to excellence.

Anchored by unwavering principles of integrity, professionalism, and dedication to customer satisfaction, the company stands as a beacon of excellence in the real estate arena. These remarkable milestones underscore the combined dedication and support of our partners and global sales team.

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Mobilink Bank Launches “Center of Excellence for Women” at Arid University

 Islamabad: Mobilink Bank, Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank, has reaffirmed its commitment to women's financial inclusion with the launch of the country’s first “Center of Excellence for Women” in partnership with Arid Agriculture University, a leading agricultural institution in Pakistan, to advance financial education. In this joint endeavor, Mobilink Bank will serve as the exclusive financial partner for Arid University's outreach program, which extends its services to approximately 200 rural villages in the Potohar region. Alongside offering customized financial services, the Bank will actively contribute to advancing agricultural education by supporting financial literacy training, skills development, and capacity building for women. 

 

Mobilink Bank is part of the VEON group, a global digital operator that provides converged connectivity and digital services to nearly 160 million customers in six dynamic markets that are home to 7% of the world's population.

 

Pakistan’s agricultural sector is a powerhouse, contributing a substantial 24% to the GDP and engaging nearly half of the country's workforce. Women constitute 45% of this agricultural labour force, predominantly employed on small farms. Despite their critical role, women farmers encounter multiple challenges, particularly in accessing financial services and technology. Recognizing these challenges, Mobilink Bank has taken proactive measures by launching the “Center of Excellence for Women” under its flagship initiative, the Women Inspirational Network (WIN) program, to empower women, promote financial inclusion, bridge existing gender gaps, and propel their economic growth.

 

Speaking about the initiative, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, Chief Operating Officer Mobilink Bank, said, “We are deeply committed to fostering growth within Pakistan’s agricultural sector, recognizing its vital role in the nation's rural landscape. Currently, 40% of our borrowers are engaged in agriculture, highlighting our dedication to supporting those who form the backbone of rural communities. Understanding their challenges, we strive to empower them with innovative financial solutions. One such initiative is our WIN program, which has already made strides by imparting valuable skills and knowledge to thousands of women nationwide. We are poised to take another leap forward by partnering with Arid University. With the launch of this center, we are expanding our reach and equipping more women, particularly women farmers, with the essential digital and financial tools they need to thrive in today's challenging landscape.”

 

Dr. Gulshan Irshad, Associate Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, PMAS AAUR, said, “As an institution dedicated to agricultural advancement, we are proud to partner with Mobilink Bank. Our outreach programs offer joint awareness sessions, educating farmers, especially women, on both agricultural best practices and financial literacy. This empowers our communities and creates a valuable connection for Mobilink Bank with potential customers. We are committed to expanding this initiative – facilitating access to Mobilink Bank for all agricultural universities across Pakistan.”

 

As Mobilink Bank continues to expand its outreach and impact, it remains dedicated to fostering partnerships that promote the digital and financial inclusion of women.

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Zain KSA and Huawei Sign New Strategic Collaboration on 5.5G

At MWC Barcelona 2024, Zain KSA, the leading telecommunications and digital services provider in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Huawei, to promote 5.5G technology applications. The MoU's ultimate goal is to create a full-fledged suite of smart solutions for individuals and businesses under a "All in 5.5G" strategy by leveraging Huawei's vast experience and innovative technological solutions, including 5.5G Radio, 5.5G Core, and 5.5G Transmission.

This collaboration underscores both parties' commitment to roll out pioneering technology solutions within the telecom industry by providing enhanced connectivity solutions with improved downlink, uplink speed, and latency. Zain KSA and Huawei will focus on propelling technological advancements and expanding their market presence through the development and deployment of 5.5G technology in major cities. This aligns with Industry 4.0 requirements, and contributes to the Kingdom's nationwide digital transformation under Saudi Vision 2030.

Zain KSA’s Chief Technology Officer Abdulrahman Al-Mufadda said, "Zain KSA's investment and development strategy prioritizes customer-centricity and continually strives to position Zain KSA as a first mover that brings the latest innovations in connectivity to individuals and businesses, driving inclusive, tech-driven progress that will contribute to the Kingdom's comprehensive digital transformation, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. Our enhanced partnership with Huawei supports our overarching goal to design and deliver best-in-class solutions that will underpin our full-fledged suite of services and offerings to individuals and businesses in Saudi Arabia."

Santiago Liang, GM of Huawei's Zain KSA team, said, "Zain KSA is an important strategic partner for Huawei. We will maintain this strategic partnership through continuous innovation. Last year, we signed the 5.5G City MoU, which has already yielded good results. This year, we will expand this 5.5G and build an all-scenario 5.5G City, in order to provide Zain KSA a competitive edge in terms of network quality, user experience, brand development, and sustained business success."

This partnership underscores a commitment to eco-conscious innovation by introducing green connectivity solutions. Through their joint innovative projects, Zain KSA and Huawei are delivering unparalleled, sustainable experiences to customers and paving the way for a future-ready telecom ecosystem that will support the burgeoning business sector and underpin a digital economy and knowledge-based society in the Kingdom.

Huawei currently works with Zain KSA on network, cloud, and intelligence innovation. They are committed to driving 5G business success and fostering a thriving industry ecosystem to create a new era for intelligent digital transformation.

MWC Barcelona 2024 runs from February 26 to February 29 in Barcelona, Spain. Huawei's exhibition area is located at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1. With the 2024 commercial launch of 5.5G, Huawei is collaborating with operators and partners around the world to pursue exciting new innovation in networks, cloud, and intelligence. Together, we will drive 5G business and foster a thriving industry ecosystem, creating a new era for intelligent digital transformation. For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2024.

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The Chairman of Siddiqsons Group Receives 4th Highest Taxpayer Award from the Prime Minister of Pakistan

The Chairman of Siddiqsons Group Receives 4th Highest Taxpayer Award from the Prime Minister of Pakistan

 

Islamabad: Today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presented awards to 65 leading exporters and compliant taxpayers in a ceremony held at the PM Office. Among the recipients, Mr. Tariq Rafi, the Chairman of Siddiqsons Group, was recognized as the 4th highest taxpayer by the Prime Minister.

 

Established in 1959, Siddiqsons Group has excelled in various sectors including Textile & Denim Manufacturing, Real Estate & Construction, Tinplate Manufacturing & Tin-Can Packaging, and Dairy Industries, expanding its presence globally.

 

The ceremony saw the distribution of approximately 40 awards to top exporters in sectors like textiles, sports, surgical goods, pharmaceuticals, foods, and steel. Moreover, awards were presented to taxpayers who contributed significantly through their income tax payments in various categories such as companies, AOPs, and individual taxpayers.

 

The government also acknowledged Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and first-time filers who made substantial contributions to the national treasury, offering special incentives to those who made significant tax payments.

 

Noteworthy features of the Prime Minister's awards for compliant taxpayers and exporters included recognizing (i) top IT exporters, (ii) large exporters in sectors other than textiles, (iii) first-time exporters with export values exceeding $10 million, (iv) exporters of non-traditional products, (v) women exporters, and (vi) those with the highest growth compared to the previous year.

 

Compliant taxpayers were acknowledged based on criteria such as (i) highest individual income taxpayers, (ii) AOPs and companies with the highest tax contributions, (iii) overall highest taxpayers, (iv) new taxpayers with substantial tax payments, (v) business income taxpayers with significant growth, (vi) entrepreneur taxpayers, (vii) SMEs, (viii) taxpayers with substantial foreign direct investment (FDI), and (ix) entrepreneurs from underdeveloped regions.

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Secure Logistics Group Ltd’s Book Building Starts from 27th March

 Secure Logistics Group Ltd’s Book Building Starts from 27th March

 

Karachi:    Secure Logistics Group Ltd IPO’s book building phase will be held on 27th and 28th March where high net worth individuals and institutional investors will subscribe to 100% per cent of the issue size (50 million shares). 

 

The book building will start at the floor price of Rs 12 per share. Based on the interest from investors during the book building process, the strike price can rise by 40 per cent to up to Rs 16.80 a share, thus helping the company to potentially raise Rs 840 million.

 

After the book building process, successful bidders will be provisionally allotted 75 per cent of the issue size (50 million shares). The remaining 25 per cent shares will then be offered to retail investors at the strike price. SLG aims to raise a minimum of Rs 600 million by offering a 18 percent stake in the company to institutional and general investors.

 

SLG has also already secured pre-IPO equity of Rs585 million from existing strategic investors like Saudi Bugshan Group ( a large Saudi conglomerate) and Karandaaz Pakistan, a FDCO backed development finance institution.

 

The primary purpose of the equity capital raising is to “deleverage the balance sheet in an unprecedented high interest rate environment, enhance company’s technology infrastructure base to complete the on-going Tech-Pivot and initiate expansion into the regional markets”.

 

The company has a solid track record of capital market transactions to boost business growth.  It successfully closed Rs600 million convertible Term Finance Issue in 1Q CY19 and raised another PKR 1.2 billion through equity issue to Saudi Bugshan Group and Karandaaz Pakistan in 1Q CY20.  SLG’s  IPO has been priced at an attractive trailing P/E of 5.39x at the floor price of Rs12.

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Spotify paid $9 billion in royalties in 2023. Here's what fueled the growth

Spotify paid $9 billion in royalties in 2023. Here's what fueled the growth

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Spotify paid out $9 billion in streaming royalties last year, the streaming giant said Tuesday in its latest “Loud and Clear” report.

Spotify's fourth annual report, which originally launched in 2021 following criticism over its lack of transparency, noted record accomplishments, including the highest annual payment from any retailer to the music industry.

“This is everything we know about how much is being paid out, how many artists are achieving different levels of success,” says Charlie Hellman, the vice president and global head of music product at Spotify. “So, everyone can have access to the information and be sort of up to date with the state of the industry.”

According to the data, 1,250 artists generated over $1 million each in recording and publishing royalties in 2023; 11,600 generated over $100,000 and 66,000 generated over $10,000 — numbers that have almost tripled since 2017.

More than half of those 66,000 artists came from countries where English is not the primary language, the report says, reflecting an increasingly global music landscape.

And “indie” artists — the self-distributed, do-it-yourself acts and those on independent record labels, according to Hellman — accounted for $4.5 billion, half of all royalties paid out by Spotify.

“There are millions of people who’ve uploaded a song at least once but that doesn’t really speak to whether they’re an artist, or if they’re doing this more as a hobby,” Hellman says.

Spotify zooms in on artists that have “at least put up an album’s worth of music once they seem to have some indication that they’re trying to build a fan base.” He estimates there are “about 225,000 professionally aspiring artists” on the platform.

“They have a little bit of a following. They might, you know, have gigs listed on Spotify or things like that,” he says.

In December, Spotify announced it was axing 17% of its global workforce, the music streaming service’s third round of layoffs in 2023 as it moved to slash costs while focusing on becoming profitable.

The previous month, Spotify announced it would eliminate payments for songs with less than 1,000 annual streams, starting in 2024.

“Songs that generate less than a thousand streams in a year would be generating pennies, a few cents in royalties,” Hellman explains. “So what we’re seeing was that there was an increasing amount of uploaders that had $0.03, $0.08, $0.36 sitting there.”

For those DIY artists, there's a minimum threshold to withdraw money from a distributor — $5.35 at DistroKid and $1 at TuneCore, two such distributors — and Hellman argues the withdrawal fees would eclipse the royalties.

Spotify — and most other streaming services — pay royalties to the rights holders of the music on its platform, a number which is determined by “streamshare." That's calculated by adding up how many times music owned or controlled by a particular rights holder was streamed and dividing by the total number of streams in that market.

In short: Larger rights holders have a larger percentage of the market share. And a listener streaming an artist 25% of the time does not mean the act receives 25% of the listener's subscription fee.

“All those pennies sitting in bank accounts all over the place was siphoning money away from artists that were really doing this, as an aspiring professional," says Hellman of the decision. "And so, those royalties are now being put in the pot so that they can be redirected to artists that are getting more than a thousand streams a year.”

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IBM Global AI Adoption Index 2023 Highlights Accelerated AI Integration Across Business Sectors

IBM Studies Highlights: 42% of UAE Businesses Embrace AI

IBM Global AI Adoption Index 2023 - Survey of 8500 IT Professionals Reveals

DUBAI: Among growing AI adoption in personal and business liveas in the region, IBM has released the regional findings of two significant studies: the 2023 Global AI Adoption Index by Morning Consult with insights from businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the biennial consumer study focused on the Middle East and Africa (MEA) by the IBM Institute for Business Value. These studies provide a comprehensive look into consumer behaviors and AI adoption trends by enterprises, highlighting the transformative impact of AI in retail and business operations.

Bill Farrell, Managing Partner – IBM Consulting, MEAsaid, “For UAE businesses, findings show that the integration of AI is not just a competitive edge but a necessity in today’s digital landscape. Similarly, consumer expectations are evolving, underscoring the urgent need for retailers in MEA to embrace AI technologies. IBM’s commitment to innovation and its expertise in AI and hybrid cloud solutions positions it as a key player in supporting these transformations. The company’s focus on trust, transparency, and ethical AI practices aligns with the growing demand for responsible AI deployment.”

UAE Leads in AI Adoption in Business Operations: The IBM Global AI Adoption Index 2023, which surveyed over 8500 IT professionals, including those from the UAE, underscores the rapid adoption and integration of AI in various business sectors. The study reveals that 65% of IT professionals in the UAE have reported a significant acceleration in AI rollout over the past 24 months, reshaping the way businesses operate, driving efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness in the UAE market. Highlighting the UAE’s stride towards technological advancement, the country has emerged as a frontrunner in the adoption of AI with a remarkable 42% of companies having already actively deployed it in their business operations. This figure is particularly noteworthy as it reflects the proactive approach of UAE businesses in integrating AI into their core processes, setting a benchmark for AI implementation in the region.

Investments in AI are also seeing a strategic focus, with research and development, along with workforce upskilling, being identified as the top investment priorities. This emphasis on R&D and skill enhancement is crucial for sustaining AI growth and innovation, ensuring that the workforce is equipped to handle the evolving demands of AI technologies.

The study further highlights that 34% of UAE companies have a comprehensive AI strategy in place, while an additional 30% are in the process of developing one. The main drivers propelling AI adoption in the UAE include advances in AI technology, the increasing integration of AI in standard business applications, and the pressing need to reduce costs and automate key processes, collectively contributing to the growing reliance on AI as a critical tool for business efficiency and innovation.

Revolutionize retail with AI everywhere: Customers won’t wait Meanwhile, IBM’s study “Revolutionize retail with AI everywhere: Customers won’t wait,” surveyed nearly 20,000 global consumers, including from the MEA.

The study highlighted a widening gap between shopper demands and the current retail offering. Only 3% of MEA consumers are satisfied with the in-store experience, despite the majority of consumers globally (73%) having a preference for physical stores. At 10 points higher than the global figure, 75% of MEA consumers are supplementing their in-store experience by using mobile applications while shopping demonstrating a trend towards a digitally integrated in-store experience. In terms of AI, 9 out of 10 MEA consumers who haven’t used AI for shopping are interested in its potential to enhance their shopping journey. Meanwhile, 75% of MEA respondents are eager for AI applications, and 67% for AI enhancements like virtual assistants.

Consumer expectations are rapidly changing, underscoring the urgent need for retailers to innovate and integrate advanced technologies, such as AI, to elevate the shopping experience. The study also serves as a resource for retailers, outlining actionable strategies to help these businesses meet changing consumer demands.

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Spotify celebrates a decade of bringing K-Pop to the world

The campaign features ENHYPEN dropping the Spotify K-Pop ON! Single in an ode to BTS, delivering their rendition of “I NEED U” - with a twist.

 

Karachi: Spotify celebrated the anniversary of its global K-Pop flagship playlist,  K-Pop ON! , dedicated to giving listeners a platform to discover and tune in to the best from the genre. To commemorate this milestone, the world’s most popular audio streaming platform launched a special series of Spotify Singles as part of “My first K-POP Crush campaign”, headlined by ENHYPEN, SHOWNU X HYUNGWON (of MONSTA X), and STAYC

 

ENHYPEN, the burgeoning powerhouse of K-pop, kickstarted the series with their rendition of BTS's "I NEED U". Their unique take on the beloved track, produced exclusively for Spotify, was the first of three Spotify-exclusive covers by this stellar line-up of K-Pop artists, each paying homage to the sunbaes (senior artists) who ignited their passion for the genre.

 

“This Spotify K-Pop ON! Single means so much to us. In addition to bringing ENGENEs (our fans) a new track, this was our chance to tell the stories of our beginnings with K-Pop through a song loved by the members,” said ENHYPEN. “We’ve always appreciated Spotify’s support for our music, so it’s an honor to be a part of its K-Pop ON! Anniversary celebrations. We hope listeners enjoy our rendition of “I NEED U”, and we can’t wait to hear their First K-Pop Crush stories too!”

 

Following suit, SHOWNU X HYUNGWON of MONSTA X delivered a heartfelt tribute to the legendary 2PM with their cover of "I Hate You". Infusing UK garage rhythms and R&B-inspired arrangements, the duo's rendition reflected their admiration for the iconic track and its profound influence on their musical journey.

 

Rounding off the series, STAYC, the trailblazing pioneers of K-pop, paid homage to TWICE with their rendition of "FANCY". Adding an R&B twist to the 2019 electro-pop hit, STAYC's cover captures the essence of the original while showcasing their signature style and innovation.

These Spotify K-Pop ON! Singles are not just a nod to every fan’s journey into the genre, which began with that first K-Pop artist who made their heart flutter with their artistry and flair, but also a call to K-Pop fans around the world to join in the celebration of a shared passion for the genre, and the artists who started it all.

As part of its efforts to drive discovery and bring K-Pop to its global audience, Spotify launched its flagship playlist for the genre in 2014. Since then, K-Pop ON!  has been “saved” by over 5.3 million Spotify users worldwide and racked up billions of streams for Korean artists.

 

The power of the Spotify platform, along with its intentional mindset of driving music discovery, has fueled the massive acceleration of K-Pop streams. Since 2018, K-Pop streams on Spotify have increased by 182% in the United States, 423% in Southeast Asia, and 362% globally.

 

Listen to "I NEED U - Spotify Singles" by ENHYPEN, "I Hate You (2024) - Spotify Singles" by SHOWNU X HYUNGWON, and "Fancy - Spotify Singles" by STAYC on Spotify's K-pop ON! (온) playlist today.

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Spotify celebrates a decade of bringing K-Pop to the world

The campaign features ENHYPEN dropping the Spotify K-Pop ON! Single in an ode to BTS, delivering their rendition of “I NEED U” - with a twist.

 

Karachi: Spotify celebrated the anniversary of its global K-Pop flagship playlist,  K-Pop ON! , dedicated to giving listeners a platform to discover and tune in to the best from the genre. To commemorate this milestone, the world’s most popular audio streaming platform launched a special series of Spotify Singles as part of “My first K-POP Crush campaign”, headlined by ENHYPEN, SHOWNU X HYUNGWON (of MONSTA X), and STAYC

 

ENHYPEN, the burgeoning powerhouse of K-pop, kickstarted the series with their rendition of BTS's "I NEED U". Their unique take on the beloved track, produced exclusively for Spotify, was the first of three Spotify-exclusive covers by this stellar line-up of K-Pop artists, each paying homage to the sunbaes (senior artists) who ignited their passion for the genre.

 

“This Spotify K-Pop ON! Single means so much to us. In addition to bringing ENGENEs (our fans) a new track, this was our chance to tell the stories of our beginnings with K-Pop through a song loved by the members,” said ENHYPEN. “We’ve always appreciated Spotify’s support for our music, so it’s an honor to be a part of its K-Pop ON! Anniversary celebrations. We hope listeners enjoy our rendition of “I NEED U”, and we can’t wait to hear their First K-Pop Crush stories too!”

 

Following suit, SHOWNU X HYUNGWON of MONSTA X delivered a heartfelt tribute to the legendary 2PM with their cover of "I Hate You". Infusing UK garage rhythms and R&B-inspired arrangements, the duo's rendition reflected their admiration for the iconic track and its profound influence on their musical journey.

 

Rounding off the series, STAYC, the trailblazing pioneers of K-pop, paid homage to TWICE with their rendition of "FANCY". Adding an R&B twist to the 2019 electro-pop hit, STAYC's cover captures the essence of the original while showcasing their signature style and innovation.

These Spotify K-Pop ON! Singles are not just a nod to every fan’s journey into the genre, which began with that first K-Pop artist who made their heart flutter with their artistry and flair, but also a call to K-Pop fans around the world to join in the celebration of a shared passion for the genre, and the artists who started it all.

As part of its efforts to drive discovery and bring K-Pop to its global audience, Spotify launched its flagship playlist for the genre in 2014. Since then, K-Pop ON!  has been “saved” by over 5.3 million Spotify users worldwide and racked up billions of streams for Korean artists.

 

The power of the Spotify platform, along with its intentional mindset of driving music discovery, has fueled the massive acceleration of K-Pop streams. Since 2018, K-Pop streams on Spotify have increased by 182% in the United States, 423% in Southeast Asia, and 362% globally.

 

Listen to "I NEED U - Spotify Singles" by ENHYPEN, "I Hate You (2024) - Spotify Singles" by SHOWNU X HYUNGWON, and "Fancy - Spotify Singles" by STAYC on Spotify's K-pop ON! (온) playlist today.

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Explore The Fairy Tale Magic of The Nimbus Islands in PUBG Mobile’s Version 3.1 Update

PUBG MOBILE celebrates its six year anniversary with the new Version 3.1 Update, featuring:

• The Nimbus Islands: Explore Day Island and Night Island, find the Auspicious Vault Key, ride a Flying Carpet, summon a magical Genie, and more
• Cycle 6 Season 17 arrives, bringing an array of exciting updates and enhancements
• Additions and improvements to World of Wonder, with new Fairy Tale parts, dynamic rain and snow weather effects, and new ways for players to design their dream homes 
• Metro Royale updates, including Treasure Ship areas and new Chapter 19 collectibles
• New partnerships, including Spy x Family, a new luxury car partner, and more yet to be announced

LONDON:  PUBG MOBILE, one of the world’s most popular mobile games, has unveiled  new hidden treasures with the release of its Version 3.1 Update. Until May 12th, players can now experience the new themed mode Skyhigh Spectacle and battle across the Nimbus Islands, a pair of islands offering players unique ways to engage in intense battles and strategic gameplay. Metro Royale Chapter 19 also receives updates and fixes, whilst World of Wonder sees new improvements, including an all-new feature allowing players to design their own dream homes inside PUBG MOBILE.

The Version 3.1 Update, which releases in line with PUBG MOBILE’s sixth anniversary, sees the Nimbus Islands invite PUBG MOBILE players to vary their gameplay. The Nimbus Islands offer different combat experiences, while Sky Isle (Day) is illuminated and ideal for intense firefights, Sky Isle (Night) provides a darker, stealthier setting. 

As players jump into the fray on the Erangel, Livik, and Miramar maps, they will encounter two portals in the sky along the flight path, transporting them to the Nimbus Island of their choice. Upon reaching the Nimbus Islands, a countdown timer starts; if eliminated on the islands, players will parachute directly back to the main match.  After the countdown, the islands disappear, becoming unavailable for the rest of the match. With ample supplies scattered across the islands, PUBG MOBILE players can gear up for intense battles on the Nimbus Islands or opt for a tactical retreat through the portal and back to the main match.

You can also summon a Genie on the Nimbus Islands. Alongside summoning a Genie to receive bountiful rewards and Respawn Card, players can also experience the whimsical Flying Carpet vehicle. With its groundbreaking Ground/Air Flight Switch feature, players can seamlessly transition between ground and air travel. While on the ground, the carpet glides smoothly, allowing the backseat passenger to participate in combat; however, once airborne, shooting is disabled, compelling players to hold on tightly as the carpet performs exhilarating aerial manoeuvres. Players can also recall the Flying Carpet once they reach a certain distance, or release it if desired, providing new tactical opportunities on the battleground. When a Flying Carpet is unoccupied, players can use emotes near the carpet, causing it to dance with them, with further Flying Carpet interactions for PUBG MOBILE players to explore and discover.    

The Nimbus Islands also introduces the flying Sky Treasure Ship, capable of journeying on a set route to different locations. Operating on a predetermined path, the Sky Treasure Ship pauses at each boarding point along its route for players to hop aboard, and sporadically releases numerous rewards at these boarding points, enticing players with valuable loot.

The Version 3.1 Update also brings a variety of new weapons and tactical items in themed game mode, including the Grooving grenade, a new throwable that will summon a Genie and create a temporary dancing zone, and the Portal Staff, which can create two portals for quick mid-range transportation and teammate rescues. Each player is also equipped with a Treasure Map, enabling them to locate both common and rare crates containing various supplies during the match, with the added possibility of discovering the elusive Treasure Vault Key, which will grant access to rare supplies when used to unlock the Auspicious Treasure Vault.

Miramar also receives a significant update in Version 3.1, including new areas, gas station updates, and new ziplines, alongside the introduction of potential sandstorms. The Truck Stop and Partona areas are now integrated into Miramar, and gas stations across the map now offer vehicle refuelling services, allowing players to replenish fuel using tokens. A new Trade Shop has also emerged, and will purchase five specific types of items from players each match, with a small amount of items also available for players to purchase. 

The P90 firearm also returns to being the first SMG available in air drop crates. This updated version of the P90 will exclusively spawn in air drop crates, and utilises a distinctive 5.7mm ammo, with a high rate of fire and minimal recoil offering exceptional performance.  Cycle 6 Season 17 also arrives in the Version 3.1 Update, bringing forth an array of exciting updates and enhancements, including the introduction of new legendary items, promising players an elevated experience with exclusive rewards. 

The Version 3.1 Update also sees new additions to the World of Wonder creative mode as it celebrates its one year anniversary, with new Fairy Tale elements including pirate ships, cannons, telescopes, and more, alongside new rainy and snowy weather, and an all-new Home system. 

Unlike World of Wonder’s limited access, Home is open to all players, allowing them to construct their dream home, fostering creativity and community engagement on a grand scale. The Home tab, which can be found on the World of Wonders page, offers players the unique chance to design and build their own dream homes within PUBG MOBILE! Decorate your home with a variety of interactable items including chairs, sofas, beds, lamps, two-seater swings, speakers, guitars, pianos, violins, and more. Each home also features its own butler. Players are also able to browse and visit their friends’ homes, join forces to edit homes with up to four people online, explore featured homes, and check home rankings. 

Furthermore, a Home Shop has been added to the Cheer Park, enabling players to purchase home items. Players can also use a special Home token to participate in Lucky Spins and win exclusive furniture and items for their homes. Complete home missions to win fabulous rewards, and utilise camera modes to save images of your home to your mobile phones and in-game home photo albums.

Additionally, the new Metro Royale Chapter will be available from March 14th to May 12th. Players can enjoy Treasure Ship areas and Balloon Crates added to Misty Port and Arctic Base maps, alongside new Chapter 19 collectibles. 

Players can also look forward to an exciting upcoming collaboration with the highly acclaimed anime and manga series Spy x Family, as well as another partnership with a yet to be announced new luxury car manufacturer coming soon. Stay tuned for more details!

Complete information about what’s included in PUBG MOBILE’s Version 3.1 Update can be found in the official patch notes available here. 

PUBG MOBILE’s Version 3.1 Update will be available on March 12th! Download the game and play for free on the App Store and Google Play Store.

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