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UAE President witnesses launch of world’s first 24/7 Solar PV, Battery Storage gigascale project to be built in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) today announced the launch of the world’s first large-scale ’round the clock’ gigascale project, combining solar power and battery storage in Abu Dhabi.

World’s first 24/7 Solar PV, Battery Storage gigascale project to be built in Abu Dhabi

The launch was announced by His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, and His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment and Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ.

The launch marks a pivotal moment in the clean energy transformation, allowing renewable energy to be dispatched 24 hours a day, seven days a week, reaffirming the UAE’s position as a global pioneer in renewable energy deployment.

Delivering up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of baseload power every day generated from renewable energy, it will be the largest combined solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) in the world.

Located in Abu Dhabi, the project will feature a 5.2GW (DC) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, coupled with a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) BESS, setting a global benchmark in clean energy innovation.

His Excellency Dr, Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, said, “For decades, the biggest barrier facing renewable energy has been intermittency—to be able to source uninterrupted clean power day and night. This has been the moonshot challenge of our time, and now, thanks to the resolute support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with this groundbreaking project we have found the solution. In collaboration with EWEC and our partners, we will develop a renewable energy facility capable of providing clean energy round the clock. For the first time ever, this will transform renewable energy into a world-leading 1GW of reliable baseload energy every day on an unprecedented scale – a first step that could become a giant leap for the world.”

This initiative demonstrates the remarkable scale and ambition of the UAE’s energy transformation, delivering clean energy to power advancements in emerging technologies. The world-leading project reflects the vision and commitment of the UAE leadership in driving socioeconomic and environmental progress.

His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment and Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, said, “The accelerated integration of solar power and advanced battery energy storage sets a new benchmark in clean energy, driving sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. By advancing energy infrastructure, we are leading the way in developing cost-effective, scalable renewable energy, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a key player in shaping the future of global energy. Guided by the UAE leadership, this united effort within the energy sector powers the nation’s technological advancement, ushering in a new era of intelligence, resilience, flexibility, and commercial opportunity while ensuring sustainable and uninterrupted energy for exponential growth.”

Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, said, “By launching the world’s largest solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System, Abu Dhabi is setting a new global standard for sustainable energy development and innovation. This landmark project embodies EWEC’s unwavering commitment to decarbonising the energy sector while driving the UAE’s socioeconomic growth. As the backbone of the nation’s clean energy transition, this facility supports critical industries such as AI and advanced technologies, ensuring their power needs are met sustainably and reliably.

“This project not only underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a leader in utility-scale renewable energy innovation but also cements EWEC’s role in ensuring energy security for future generations. Collaborating with partners like Masdar and TAQA Transmission to facilitate the development of network infrastructure enables the achievement of our transformational milestones that accelerate the UAE’s journey to achieving its Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.”

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said, “Developed in the UAE by Masdar, this record-breaking project will create over 10,000 new jobs, driving innovation and economic growth. As Masdar’s largest and most ambitious project to date, combining an incredible 5.2GW of solar PV with 19GW hours of battery storage – the largest ever for a power utility project – this is truly clean energy on an unprecedented scale. Masdar, EWEC, and its valued project partners are setting a new global benchmark in technological innovation to address the challenge of renewable energy intermittency to generate 1GW of clean, uninterrupted power 24 hours a day, round the clock.”

The solar PV and BESS facility will provide unparalleled stability and efficiency by overcoming the intermittency challenges of renewable energy. The 19GWh battery storage facility will enable seamless integration of solar power into the grid.

By integrating state-of-the-art renewable technologies with energy storage solutions, this landmark project exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to scaling innovative clean energy solutions to meet evolving energy demands. This initiative also supports the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, and the facility will play a transformative role in energy systems, ensuring the UAE continues to lead by example in delivering towards the historic UAE Consensus agreed at COP28.

About Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) is a global platform supported by the UAE and its clean energy leader, Masdar, to address the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges through crucial conversations accelerating responsible development and fostering inclusive economic, social and environmental progress.

For more than 15 years, ADSW has convened decision-makers from governments, the private sector and civil society to advance the global sustainability agenda through dialogue, cross-sector collaboration and impactful solutions. Throughout the year, ADSW conversations and initiatives facilitate knowledge sharing and collective action that will ensure a sustainable world for future generations.

About Masdar

Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is one of the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy companies. As a global clean energy pioneer, Masdar is advancing the development and deployment of solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage and green hydrogen technologies to accelerate energy systems transformation and help the world meet its net-zero ambitions. Established in 2006, Masdar developed and invested in projects in over 40 countries with a combined capacity of over 31.5 gigawatts (GW), providing affordable clean energy access to those who need it most and helping to power a more sustainable future.

Masdar is jointly owned by TAQA, ADNOC, and Mubadala, and is targeting a renewable energy portfolio capacity of 100GW by 2030 while aiming to be a leading producer of green hydrogen by the same year.

For more information, please visit:
World’s first 24/7 Solar PV, Battery Storage gigascale project to be built in Abu Dhabi

Hong Kong Pharma Digital Technology Holdings Limited Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering

NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hong Kong Pharma Digital Technology Holdings Limited (“Hong Kong Pharma” or the “Company”), a leading provider of OTC pharmaceutical cross-border e-commerce supply chain services in Hong Kong, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering (the “Offering”) of an aggregate of 1,403,685 ordinary shares of par value $0.001 per share (the “Ordinary Shares”), at a public offering price of US$4.00 per share, of which 1,000,000 Ordinary Shares are offered by Hong Kong Pharma and 403,685 Ordinary Shares are offered by the selling shareholders of the Company. The Company expects to receive aggregate gross proceeds of US$4 million from the Offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sale of Ordinary Shares by the selling shareholders. In addition, the Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option (the “Over-Allotment Option”) to purchase up to 150,000 Ordinary Shares to cover over-allotments at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts. The Company’s Ordinary Shares are expected to begin trading on January 15, 2025, U.S. Eastern time, on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “HKPD”. The Offering is expected to close on January 16, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

The Company expects to receive net proceeds from the Offering of approximately US$2.9 million, or approximately US$3.5 million if the Over-Allotment Option is exercised in full, after deducting underwriting discounts and the estimated offering expenses payable by us. The Company intends to use the net proceeds for the development and upgrade of its supply chain enterprise resource planning systems; to fund the procurement of warehouse equipment to improve efficiency; to fund the expansion of its sales and marketing team to accelerate the growth of its business; and to fund general working capital and for other general corporate purposes.

The Offering is being conducted on a firm commitment basis. Bancroft Capital, LLC is acting as the lead underwriter, with Eddid Securities USA Inc. acting as a co-underwriter for the Offering. Bevilacqua PLLC is acting as U.S. securities counsel to the Company, and Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP is acting as U.S. securities counsel to the lead underwriter in connection with the Offering.

A registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-282876) relating to the Offering, as amended, has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and was declared effective by the SEC on December 20, 2024. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, copies of which may be obtained, when available, from: Bancroft Capital, LLC, by standard mail to 501 Office Center Drive, Suite 130, Fort Washington, PA 19034, by email at InvestmentBanking@bancroft4vets.com, or by telephone at (+1) 484-546-8000; or Eddid Securities USA Inc., by standard mail to 40 Wall Street, Suite 1606, New York, NY 10005, by email at ecm@eddidusa.com, or by telephone at (+1) 212-363-6888. Copies of the registration statement can be accessed via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Hong Kong Pharma Digital Technology Holdings Limited

Hong Kong Pharma Digital Technology Holdings Limited offers two main categories of services: (i) OTC pharmaceutical cross-border e-commerce supply chain services through its Hong Kong subsidiary, Joint Cross Border Logistics Company Limited (“Joint Cross Border”), and (ii) OTC pharmaceutical cross-border procurement and distribution through its Hong Kong subsidiary, V-Alliance Technology Supplies Limited.

Through its engagement with OTC pharmaceutical suppliers, logistics companies, and merchants on Chinese e-commerce platforms, Joint Cross Border provides a convenient one-stop solution for Mainland Chinese customers seeking access to OTC pharmaceutical products outside Mainland China.

Joint Cross Border’s comprehensive service offerings include pre-consultation, product information review, procuring overseas OTC pharmaceutical products, enlisting products with the Hong Kong Department of Health, obtaining import and export permits, storing products, packaging, and arranging logistics and end-to-end delivery services for customers. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: www.9zt.hk.

Forward-Looking Statements

All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, in this release are based only on information currently available to us and speak only as of the date on which they are made. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions in this release. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we disclaim any duty to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks, including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions, and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the registration statement for the Offering filed with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov.

For more information, please contact:

Hong Kong Pharma Digital Technology Holdings Limited

Media Contact: pr@9zt.hk, hevintam@anpa.com.hk 

Investor Relations: ir@9zt.hk

Standard mailRoom B1, 5/F., Well Town Industrial Building, 13 Ko Fai Road, Yau Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Telephone: +852 2618-9289

South Korea’s WIRobotics Takes the Spotlight at CES 2025, Plans Global Expansion

YONGIN, South Korea, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — WIRobotics, the company behind the revolutionary wearable mobility solution WIM(We Innovate Mobility), has achieved a major milestone at CES 2025, one of the world’s premier technology trade shows. Featuring more than 4,500 companies from 166 countries showcasing cutting-edge innovations, the event set a new record this year, with WIRobotics emerging as one of its standout success stories.

Visitors are flocking in large numbers, eagerly awaiting the chance to experience WIM by WIRobotics

At CES, held January 7–10 in Las Vegas, WIM, the company’s flagship wearable mobility device, earned the prestigious CES Innovation Award in Robotics for the second consecutive year. This recognition highlights the product’s global appeal and reinforces the company’s leadership in the rapidly growing field of wearable mobility.

We are thrilled by the overwhelmingly warm reception at CES,” said Yeon Baek Lee, Co-CEO of WIRobotics. “We’ve already had discussions with industry leaders like Best Buy, OttoBock, and several major hospitals and rehabilitation centres about global distribution and potential partnerships.”

WIM is a game-changer in the wearable technology sector. Weighing just 1.6 kilograms, the device can be worn by anyone in under 30 seconds. The wearable mobility solution integrates with a dedicated mobile app to analyze walking data, delivering a personalized, AI-driven walking experience. With multiple modes—assistance, exercise, and mountaineering—WIM offers versatile functionality that can cater to a wide range of user needs.

After its launch in Korea in April 2024, WIM quickly gained traction in the local market, selling around 500 units in just eight months. The success in Korea, where consumers are known for their high expectations and discerning tastes, has given WIRobotics the confidence to push forward with its global expansion plans.

The excitement surrounding WIM at CES was undeniable. Even before the official exhibition hours, hundreds of visitors lined up at the WIRobotics booth to experience the wearable mobility device firsthand. Extensive coverage by both domestic and international media outlets further amplified the company’s presence on the global stage.

Lee expressed optimism about the future, noting, “Despite some initial challenges in launching the product, we swiftly implemented improvements based on early customer feedback. That rapid response has driven our success in Korea, and we’re now looking to build on that momentum as we enter the U.S., European, and Japanese markets in 2025.”

As WIRobotics moves forward with its global expansion, the company plans to form strategic partnerships with global distributors and healthcare providers to broaden its reach. The goal is not only to grow the company’s international footprint but to improve the quality of life for individuals through innovative wearable mobility solutions.

With its impressive presence at CES 2025, WIRobotics has cemented its position as a key player in the wearable mobility industry, preparing itself for remarkable growth in the coming years.

About WIRobotic

WIRobotics, short for We Innovate Robotics, is dedicated to improving quality of life through wearable robotics. Following the success of WIBS (We Innovate Back Support), an unpowered back support wearable robot, the company launched WIM in 2024, earning CES Innovation Awards in both the Robotics and Accessibility & Aging Tech categories. WIRobotics continues to lead the charge toward a “one person, one robot” era by combining cutting-edge technology with hands-on consumer engagement.

For more information, visit www.wirobotics.com.

TraceLink Wins 2024 Merit Award for Technology in HealthTech Category for Second Consecutive Year

BOSTON, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TraceLink, the largest end-to-end digital network platform for intelligent orchestration of the supply chain, is proud to announce its recognition as a winner of the 2024 Merit Awards for Technology in the HealthTech category. This marks the second consecutive year that TraceLink has been honored for its innovation and excellence in leveraging technology to transform healthcare.

TraceLink was founded with a mission to revolutionize the healthcare supply chain by leveraging the power of a digital network platform that now links over 291,000 healthcare and life sciences entities worldwide. This year, we took a significant leap forward with OPUS, the Orchestration Platform for Universal Solutions, delivering groundbreaking innovations that redefine how the Life Sciences and Healthcare industry collaborates and adapts to challenges. By enabling seamless data exchange, predictive insights, and intelligent orchestration across the supply chain, OPUS has empowered organizations to mitigate risks, optimize operations, and ensure critical medical products reach patients faster and more reliably. This honor highlights our relentless pursuit of transforming the future of healthcare through innovation and collaboration.

“This recognition underscores the impact of our platform and solutions in addressing critical challenges in healthcare, from supply chain disruptions to patient safety,” said Shabbir Dahod, President and CEO of TraceLink. “Our team remains committed to pioneering innovations that drive resilience, efficiency, and better outcomes across the global healthcare supply chain.”

The Merit Awards, an independent program recognizing excellence across global industries, celebrates the best in current and next-generation innovations and technologies. This year’s winners were lauded for their visionary contributions and commitment to setting new standards of technological excellence.

“Healthcare is a critical part of our lives, whether business or personal,” said Marie Zander, executive director, Merit Awards. “We were thrilled to receive the submissions that spoke to the services, products, innovations, and technologies that are shaping the healthcare marketplace. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners.”

The 2024 Merit Award adds to a growing list of accolades for TraceLink’s role in shaping the future of healthcare technology. For the full list of 2024 Merit Awards for Technology winners, visit Merit Awards Winners.

To learn more about TraceLink’s OPUS platform and suite of end-to-end orchestration capabilities for External Manufacturing, Procurement, Logistics, Commerce, Quality, Clinical, and more, leverage TraceLink’s AI-powered assistant, Amadeus, at https://www.tracelink.com/resources/tracelink-university.

About TraceLink
TraceLink Inc. is the largest end-to-end intelligent supply chain platform for life sciences and healthcare, enabling end-to-end orchestration by connecting more than 291,000 healthcare and life sciences entities through its B2N Integrate-Once™ network. Leading businesses trust TraceLink to deliver complete global connectivity, visibility, and traceability of healthcare products, ensuring that every patient gets the medicines they need when needed, safely and securely.

BRI Distributes Rp20.33 Trillion Interim Dividend, Driving Value for Shareholders and State

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (IDX: BBRI) is pleased to announce it will distribute Rp135 per share of interim dividends, totaling Rp20.33 trillion. The distribution takes place on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, and demonstrates BRI’s commitment to generating shareholder value.

BRI President Director Sunarso announces a Rp20.33 trillion interim dividend distribution, creating value for both the Government of Indonesia and the many shareholders from among the general public.

BRI President Director Sunarso explained that this decision to distribute dividends shows the company’s dedication to providing sustainable profits for shareholders, and it reflects BRI’s confidence in a strong business foundation and promising growth prospects. He commented: “This is proof that BRI is committed to creating value and providing real benefits to shareholders, especially for the Government of Indonesia as the majority shareholder.”

Under BRI’s share ownership structure, the state holds 53.19% of the shares (80.61 billion shares) and the public owns 46.81% (70.95 billion). In line with this split, the Government of Indonesia received Rp10.88 trillion of interim dividends out of the Rp20.33 trillion total, while public shareholders received Rp9.45 trillion.

This distribution not only provides direct benefits for the state, but also for the many retail shareholders from the general public. With a total of 653,251 shareholders (as of December 2024), the number of BBRI shareholders is the highest out of all stocks traded on the Indonesia Stock Exchange and is growing, effectively broadening the benefits that BRI brings to the Indonesian people and the state.

In addition to serving as a positive signal for the Indonesian capital market, the distribution also shows BRI’s consistent dedication to carrying out its business transformation. Beyond maintaining performance, BRI’s transformation strives to create long-term value—for shareholders as well as all stakeholders across Indonesia’s economy. With a robust business foundation, BRI is optimistic that it can continue to make significant contributions to national economic development.

For more information, please visit: www.bri.co.id

Empowering Businesses with Agentforce: Nespon Solutions’ Real-World Use Cases

GRAPEVINE and DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nespon Solutions, a Salesforce Summit Partner, is proud to introduce its latest advancements in implementing Agentforce, Salesforce’s advanced AI solution. By developing real-world use cases, Nespon Solutions empowers businesses to maximize Agentforce’s potential, streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and achieve exceptional engagement.

If you’re ready to explore how Agentforce can transform your business operations, you can book a meeting with us to discuss tailored solutions.

“Agentforce represents a new era in operational efficiency and customer engagement. At Nespon Solutions, we see it as the bridge between innovation and business success, helping companies achieve their goals effectively and faster than ever before,” said Shama Hashmi, President of Nespon Solutions.

“With Agentforce, we are shaping a future where businesses can achieve greater efficiency and deliver meaningful customer experiences,” added Umer Fazal, CEO of Nespon Solutions.

Join Us to Explore Agentforce in Action

To share these insights and strategies, Nespon Solutions is hosting an exclusive Agentforce webinar in collaboration with Salesforce on February 12, 2025, at 9:00 AM CST.

Speakers:

  • Tim Kippley, Vice President of Sales, Nespon Solutions
  • Brad Pruner, Sr. Director – Product Strategy, Salesforce

Webinar Highlights:

  • Understand the development and impact of Agentforce in the industry.
  • Gain a clear understanding of Agentforce’s capabilities.
  • Discover how Salesforce’s Agentforce empowers businesses to deliver exceptional customer service.

Details:

About Nespon Solutions Nespon Solutions, headquartered in Texas, USA, operates from nine centers of excellence and is a recognized leader in Salesforce integration and Data & AI innovations. As a Salesforce Summit Partner, Nespon brings over a decade of expertise, assisting businesses in leveraging the power of Salesforce to drive transformational growth.

With our proven expertise in implementing Salesforce solutions like Agentforce, Nespon Solutions has developed real-world use cases that help businesses streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and achieve operational excellence.

We understand the unique challenges of each business, offering specialized guidance that drives sustainable growth. With advanced CRM analytics, Data Cloud capabilities, and more, Nespon positions itself as your expert partner, delivering insights to support informed decision-making.

To learn more about Nespon Solutions, visit https://nespon.com/.

For media enquiries, please contact: ali.sangi@nespon.com.

USPS Unveils Latest Lunar New Year Stamp

2025 is the Year of the Snake

BOSTON, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled the Lunar New Year: Year of the Snake stamp in the historic Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston. The Postal Service printed 21 million stamps that are now on sale at Post Offices and usps.com.

Share the news on social media using the hashtags #LunarNewYearSnake and #LunarNewYearStamp.

“Our Lunar New Year stamp series is extremely popular and we are very proud of how it highlights and celebrates America’s great diversity, said Luke Grossmann, chief financial officer and executive vice president, U.S. Postal Service, who dedicated the stamp. “As you use these vibrant stamps to mail your letters and packages, it is our wish that the “Year of the Snake” brings each of you good health, great joy and much prosperity.”

Other participants at the ceremony were Tiffany Chu, chief of staff, Office of Boston Mayor Wu; Terri Mock, Board of Directors, BCNC; Isabel Kim, chief financial officer, the Asian American Foundation (TAAF); singer Juliet Brownell-Lee; and the Wah Lum Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy Performance Troupe.

Lunar New Year Stamp Background

The Lunar New Year holiday is a celebration of new beginnings that falls on the second new moon of the Chinese lunar calendar following the winter solstice. On Jan. 29, millions around the world will hold parades and host parties, decorate with red and gold lanterns, set off firecrackers to ward off evil spirits, and invite family and friends to share traditional foods to welcome the new year. This date also marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake, the sixth animal on the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Snake ends Feb. 16, 2026.

The holiday — and the weeks of celebration that surround it — mark the beginning of the traditional planting season in Southeast Asia, but modern Lunar New Year festivities take place all over the world for people of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Mongolian, Malaysian and Singaporean heritage, among others. Known as Tet in Vietnam, Seollal in Korea, and the Spring Festival in China and elsewhere, Lunar New Year historically marks the arrival of spring. Representing hope and promise, the colors red and gold appear everywhere during this auspicious time of year.

Each year in the Chinese lunar calendar is associated with one of 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac, each with its own characteristic traits. Those born in the Year of the Snake are said to be quiet, wise and deep-thinking, making them proficient musicians, philosophers, writers and teachers.

The Stamp Design

Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, worked on the Lunar New Year series of stamps with artist Camille Chew to create imagery that is fresh, fun and celebratory. Calling to mind the elaborately decorated masks used in the dragon or lion dances often performed during Lunar New Year parades, Chew’s three-dimensional pieces are a contemporary take on the long tradition of paper-cut folk-art crafts created during this auspicious time of year.

Using greens and blues as the predominant colors, the snake mask incorporates elements of symbolic meaning. Blue accents represent the wood element in Chinese culture, a choice befitting the Year of the Snake. Paper flowers for spring are adorned with gold leaves and orange blooms. Decorative purple baubles on blue strings hang from the mask.

Chew constructed the three-dimensional snake mask out of hand-printed paper, then cut, scored and folded it into shape. She then embellished the mask with acrylic paint and other paper elements, such as flowers and tassels, and covered the back of the mask in a layer of papier-mâché. Sally Andersen-Bruce then photographed the mask on a white background for this series.

Illustrations of the 12 zodiac animals, done in the artist’s unique style and finished in gold and orange foil, form vertical lines on the left and right sides of the pane of 20 stamps. In capital letters along the top, “LUNAR NEW YEAR” is printed in blue, followed by “YEAR OF THE SNAKE” in orange.

The Lunar New Year stamps are issued in panes of 20. As Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1‑ounce price.

Postal Products

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, dedication ceremonies and stamp-inspired products can be found at StampsForever.com.

Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads; and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

National contact: David P. Coleman
david.p.coleman@usps.gov
202-425-1476
usps.com/news

Local contact: Steve Doherty
stephen.n.doherty@usps.gov
617-529-8751
usps.com/news 

APPOINTMENT OF ARVIND BHANDARI AS CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GOODYEAR INDIA

SHANGHAI, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Goodyear is pleased to announce the appointment of Arvind Bhandari as Chairman and Managing Director of Goodyear India, effective January 2, 2025. Based in Delhi, Mr. Bhandari will oversee the company’s India business operations, driving strategic initiatives to strengthen Goodyear’s market position and deliver sustainable growth.

Mr. Bhandari is a seasoned business leader with extensive experience spanning sales, marketing, and general management roles across India, Africa, and Switzerland. He has worked with leading Indian and global multinationals such as ITC, Pepsi, and Nestlé. During his tenure at Nestlé, Mr. Bhandari successfully led business transformations, accelerated growth, and implemented sustainability-driven initiatives while restructuring operations for overall P&L delivery. Most recently, he led Nestlé’s Eastern Africa business, achieving sustainable and profitable growth through strategic restructuring.

Arvind Bhandari, Chairman and Managing Director, Goodyear India

Mr. Bhandari commented, “India represents one of the fastest-growing automotive markets in Asia Pacific, with tremendous opportunities for innovation and customer-focused solutions. As Chairman and Managing Director of Goodyear India, my goal is to enhance our partnerships with OEMs and dealers to make Goodyear the preferred choice for our customers and consumers in India.”

About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 71,000 people and manufactures its products in 54 facilities in 21 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

About Goodyear India

Goodyear’s presence in India is 100 years old, with two plants, one each in Ballabgarh and Aurangabad. In the passenger car segment, Goodyear supplies tyres to major OEMs in India. In the farm category, Goodyear India is a leading player in Original Equipment segment and supplies to all major tractor companies. For more information about Goodyear India and its products, visit www.goodyear.co.in.