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Gastops Receives Investment from RTX for Next Generation Monitoring Technologies

Investment made possible by Canadian Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy (ITB)

OTTAWA, ON, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Gastops Ltd. is announcing a joint agreement under Canada’s Industrial and Technology Benefits (ITB) policy for a multi-million-dollar investment from RTX. The funding will support a research and development program to advance the next generation of oil debris monitoring (ODM) system technology and future technologies for oil and fuel monitoring for Pratt & Whitney military engines. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX business.

“We are extremely pleased to work with RTX on the development of next generation monitoring technologies,” said Shaun Horning, President and CEO of Gastops. “The ITB investment from RTX’s Raytheon and engineering collaboration with Pratt & Whitney are critical components to the success of this cutting-edge technology. This investment will facilitate Gastops to continue its goal of Canadian innovation and to expand our technology capabilities.”

Gastops has been enabling Pratt & Whitney’s advanced diagnostics and engine monitoring solutions with MetalSCAN ODM sensors since their introduction to the F119 engine, which powers the F-22 Raptor, in the early 1990’s. Since then, MetalSCAN technology has been included in other major Pratt & Whitney engine developments, and discussions are ongoing about expanding the collaboration to integrate Gastops’ next generation technologies into additional military engine programs.

“It’s now more important than ever to build Canada’s defence industry,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.  “This multi-million-dollar investment by RTX to Canada’s Gastops Ltd. will advance innovation within Canada’s defence sector while supporting economic growth and creating high value jobs for Canadians.”

About Gastops

Gastops is the world’s leading provider of intelligent condition monitoring solutions used in Aerospace, Defence, Energy, and Industrial applications to optimize the availability, performance, and safety of critical assets. We offer peace of mind to our customers with innovative online monitoring sensors, at-line analysis, complex modeling and simulation, world class laboratory testing, engineering, design, and MRO services that predict performance to enable proactive operating decisions. Gastops has been providing powerful insights into the condition of critical equipment since 1979.

www.Gastops.com

 

Chinese Canadian Museum Celebrates Canada’s Role in Three Golden Decades of Cantopop and Mandopop’s Global Musical Revolution

“Dream Factory: Cantopop Mandopop 1980s-2000”

Dream Factory Video Trailer  

VANCOUVER, BC, Canada, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Approaching the second anniversary of its official opening, the Chinese Canadian Museum is proud to present Dream Factory: Cantopop Mandopop 1980s-2000, an electrifying new exhibition that pays tribute to the golden age of Cantopop and Mandopop – when popular music from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China was a global phenomenon – through the lens of Chinese Canadian identity, migration, and memory.

Chinese Canadian Museum’s “Dream Factory: Cantopop Mandopop 1980s-2000” exhibition fashion gallery. Credit Chinese Canadian Museum.
Chinese Canadian Museum’s “Dream Factory: Cantopop Mandopop 1980s-2000” exhibition fashion gallery. Credit Chinese Canadian Museum.

Launching Wednesday, May 28, 2025, and running through to May 31, 2026, from dazzling music videos and glamorous fashion to the unforgettable voices of Cantopop superstars like Anita Mui, Leslie Cheung and Faye Wong, Dream Factory explores the three-decade rise of popular music sung in Cantonese and Mandarin, and the role Canadians played in the cultural era. Originating in Hong Kong and inspired by Western genres, Cantopop and Mandopop resonated far beyond its geographic origins, shaped the Asian entertainment industry and ignited a global music revolution.

More than just music, Cantopop and Mandopop were the nostalgic soundtracks of growing up Chinese in Canada. Dream Factory reclaims these histories by exploring how Chinese Canadian youth connected with pop idols like Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, Sally Yeh — icons who bridged continents and hearts — as well as the many Chinese Canadians who were actively involved in the industry whether in front of the camera, on the stage, or behind the scenes.

“Cantopop and Mandopop weren’t just music — they were lifelines,” says Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee, CEO of the Chinese Canadian Museum. “At a time when waves of immigrants from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China were arriving in Vancouver — from the late 1960s through the 2000s — these songs carried the pulse of home. They helped newcomers navigate a new world while staying rooted in who they were. The voices of Anita Mui, Leslie Cheung, and Faye Wong didn’t just echo through radios — they echoed across generations, linking parents to children, and memories to futures. This music connected the Chinese diaspora in ways no passport ever could.”

For the full press release about Dream Factory, please visit www.ChineseCanadianMuseum.ca.

Instagram: @ccmuseumbc Facebook: @ChineseCanadianMuseum Linkedin: @ChineseCanadianMuseum

Blackbaud Institute 2025 Status of ANZ Fundraising Benchmark Report Shows Growing Recognition of AI and its Impact on Fundraising Success

Tech-Savvy Organisations See Substantial Benefits with AI Use

SYDNEY, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Blackbaud Institute, a research lab at Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the leading provider of software for powering social impact, today released a new report, the Status of ANZ Fundraising: A Benchmarking Report for the AI Era, that provides insights from nearly 200 industry professionals across Australia and New Zealand. Through a collaboration between the Institute and the Blackbaud Pacific team, this annual report provides essential year-over-year data on current fundraising trends in Australia and New Zealand, helping social impact professionals understand the sector and benchmark their performance. With a research focus on emerging innovations and digital maturity, the report also helps nonprofit organisations inform their digital fundraising strategies to maximise their impact.  

“As we navigate an era of rapid technological advancements, this research offers useful perspectives on how technology and innovation are being embraced by various organisations within the philanthropic sector,” said Kevin Sher, President and General Manager, Blackbaud Pacific. “One of the remarkable trends highlighted in this year’s research is the growing recognition of AI as a tool to enhance fundraising impact and organisational efficiency. Our findings reveal a significant increase in social impact organisations exploring AI use, and those with high digital maturity are recognising the substantial benefits of AI in fundraising, embracing it as a complementary tool that enhances, rather than replaces, the indispensable human touch that defines the sector.” 

Key Findings  

Nonprofit performance is trending positively.  

  • 48% of participants reported their income increased in the last full financial year, with 25% saying their income remained static.
  • 56% said they either met or exceeded their fundraising targets.

All sectors identified the current economic landscape as the fundraising challenge that concerned them most.

  • For the third consecutive year, fundraisers pointed to broader economic conditions as the fundraising challenge that concerned them most.
  • Despite the prevalence of this concern, the majority of organizations saw their voluntary income from fundraising increase or remain consistent.

Diversifying income streams supports growth, with major giving taking precedence. 

  • 60% of participants whose income increased during the last financial year attributed their growth to exceptional gifts.
  • Income streams from legacies, major donors, and individual giving have seen the biggest growth over the last three years with approximately half of respondents sharing they’ve seen increases in these areas.

The sector is seeing significant growth in AI usage year on year, but adoption outpaces policy development.  

  • AI use has risen from 67% in 2024 to 82% in 2025, with most organisations employing AI tools at a higher rate than the previous year.
  • Organisations are increasingly prioritising and dedicating resources to AI adoption.
  • While AI policy development is more prevalent this year—16% now having a policy in place compared to 8% in 2024—policy development remains critical given the rapid adoption.

More research results can be found in the full report, The Status of ANZ Fundraising: A Benchmarking Report for the AI Era. All Blackbaud Institute resources are offered for free, as part of Blackbaud’s commitment to accelerating social impact through data-driven insight. 

Supporting the Sector 
To help charities sustain and grow their missions, and deliver more impact for their causes, Blackbaud earlier this year released new donation forms to help Australia and New Zealand raise more, streamline the donor experience, simplify administrative tasks, and reduce processing costs. These forms make online giving simple and are proven to help increase gift size, eliminate transaction fees and expand the donor base. Learn more about Blackbaud’s latest innovation, resources and news here.  

About the Blackbaud Institute
The Blackbaud Institute develops leading-edge research and convenes expert voices to equip the social impact community with knowledge, insight, and confidence. The Blackbaud Institute draws from Blackbaud’s data set, the most comprehensive in the social impact community. In addition, the Institute facilitates public research studies to drive original qualitative and quantitative insight. Our research agenda is grounded in a commitment to topics that social impact organizations can apply immediately to better understand, benchmark, and improve their essential business operations. We are guided by our commitment to the social impact sector to provide timely, transparent, and well-rounded research that is free to access. From how organizations run to how donors give, we’re 100% focused on research and resources for this sector. 

About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the leading software provider exclusively dedicated to powering social impact. Serving the nonprofit and education sectors, companies committed to social responsibility and individual change makers, Blackbaud’s essential software is built to accelerate impact in fundraising, nonprofit financial management, digital giving, grantmaking, corporate social responsibility and education management. With millions of users and over $100 billion raised, granted or managed through Blackbaud platforms every year, Blackbaud’s solutions are unleashing the potential of the people and organizations who change the world. Blackbaud has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies, Quartz’s list of Best Companies for Remote Workers, and Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers. A remote-first company, Blackbaud has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, India and the United Kingdom, supporting users in 100+ countries. Learn more at www.blackbaud.com.au or follow us on X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Inquiries
media@blackbaud.com 

Forward-looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding expected benefits of products and product features. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud’s investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.

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Poultry from Europe. Quality that makes it to Asian tables. New European Union campaign in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — European poultry meat – a wide range of products, palatability, nutritional value, as well as versatile culinary use. The poultry, which meets strict EU requirements, is presented to Filipino consumers as part of the “European Poultry – From Our Farms to Your Table” information and promotional campaign co-financed by the European Union.

European Poultry - From Our Farms to Your Table
European Poultry – From Our Farms to Your Table

The three-year campaign in the Philippines aims to raise awareness of the quality, safety, and sustainability of European poultry production. The European Union promotes farming that meets stringent animal welfare, environmental protection and full traceability requirements – from the field to the finished product that arrives on the table as a tasty and balanced meal.

The campaign’s activities are aimed both at importers, distributors and representatives of the food industry, as well as at informed consumers looking for certified and responsibly produced food.

The campaign includes a range of activities: presence at industry trade shows, B2B meetings, cooperation with local media and opinion leaders, branding activities on the Internet and in the press, as well as study visits to Europe for selected partners from the region.

Between 6 and 9th of August 2025, the campaign will be present at WOFEX (World Food Expo), the largest food industry event in the Philippines. A campaign press event in Manila is also planned at the same time, featuring media representatives, experts, and invited guests.

More information about the campaign: eupoultry.eu

The project is being implemented by an industry organization from Poland: The National Poultry Council – Chamber of Commerce acting on behalf of the European poultry sector.

Premia launches first Saudi Arabia government Sukuk ETF in Asia for allocators looking for efficient tool to access investment grade sukuk or EM fixed income securities

HONG KONG, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In partnership with  BOCHK Asset Management Limited (BOCHKAM), Premia Partners, the leading homegrown ETF provider from Hong Kong, announces listing of Premia BOCHK Saudi Arabia Government Sukuk ETF (the ETF) on 29 May 2025 on HKEx.

As Asia’s first investment grade government sukuk ETF, the physical replicated ETF is designed to provide investors with direct access to government sukuk denominated in Saudi Riyal or US Dollar issued by the Saudi Arabia government or government agencies, with total expense ratio (TER) of 0.35% p.a. only.

  • Premia BOCHK Saudi Arabia Government Sukuk ETF (Tickers: 3478.HK (HKD distribution class)/ 9478.HK (USD distribution class)) tracks the iBoxx Tadawul Government & Agencies Sukuk Index.
  • Covering only Sukuk instruments issued by Saudi Arabian government or its agencies, with a stable A-rated sovereign issuer rating by major international agencies, the strategy reflects the robust oil reserves, low government debt level and vibrant economic development of Saudi Arabia under the Vision 2030 Strategic Plans.
  • The ETF offers stable income and attractive yield, as well as diversification benefits given its low correlations with other bonds and major asset classes.

“The launch of this ETF is a significant milestone and cumulation of a year-long preparation in our efforts to build an efficient tool for international allocators looking for diversification from investment grade emerging markets and shariah-compliant fixed income solutions,” said Rebecca Chua, Managing Partner of Premia Partners. “It is a particularly timely strategy in the current market environment, as allocators increasingly look to values from more diversified allocation and uncorrelated returns.’

Li Tong, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK and Chairman of BOCHKAM, said: “BOCHKAM is pleased to collaborate with Premia Partners to launch the Asia’s first Saudi Arabic Government Sukuk ETF. This fund combines the flexibility and transparency of an ETF with the features of Islamic finance, providing investors with convenient access to Saudi Arabia’s capital market. BOCHKAM will continue to foster collaboration with the Middle East and other markets by developing more globally-diversified asset allocation solutions, contributing our efforts to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a global asset management centre.”

Leveraging its capabilities in both Asia and Middle East, HSBC will provide a range of trustee, global custody and fund administration services for Premia BOCHK Saudi Arabia Government Sukuk ETF in both Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. Commenting on the launch, Faris AlGhannam, Chief Executive Officer and Board member, HSBC Saudi Arabia, said: “ETFs have become a key tool for asset managers tapping into the emerging Middle East-Asia investment corridor. This landmark transaction reflects the sustained demand among foreign investors for access to Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation and the Kingdom’s debt capital markets. As the leading international bank with the deepest asset servicing capabilities in both Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, we are proud to have enabled Premia to launch the Premia BOCHK Saudi Arabia Government Sukuk ETF.”

Mr. Mohammed Al-Rumaih, CEO of the Saudi Exchange, said: “The issuance of this ETF on HKEX marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to provide global investors with access to the Saudi market and enhance portfolio diversification worldwide. This ETF, tracking the iBoxx Tadawul Government & Agencies Sukuk Index (SAR Unhedged) TRI, offers global investors a unique opportunity to access high-quality government-issued sukuk.”

“S&P Dow Jones Indices is delighted to license the iBoxx Tadawul Government & Agencies Sukuk Index to Premia Partners for this new ETF launch. The index provides market participants with a benchmark that focuses on shariah-compliant funding obtained by the Saudi Arabia government and its key organizations through sukuk issuances. As Saudi Arabia diversifies its economic base and fosters growth within the domestic debt market, the index is designed to encompass shariah-compliant sukuk issuances to support the kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiatives,” said Kangwei Yang, Director of Fixed Income Product Management at S&P Dow Jones Indices.

About Premia Partners

Founded in 2016, Premia Partners is a leading ETF manager from Hong Kong, dedicated to building low-cost, efficient, best practice ETFs for Asia. As of May 29th 2025, Premia Partners manages 12 equity and fixed income ETFs designed as low-cost, efficient allocation tools for Asia. For more information on Premia or Premia ETFs covering China, Emerging ASEAN, Asia Metaverse/ Innovative Technology, Vietnam, Taiwan, China high yield bonds, China government bond, Asia USD investment grade bonds, US Treasury and Saudi Arabia Government Sukuk, please visit www.premia-partners.com

European poultry – a safe choice for informed consumers. New European Union campaign in South Korea

SEOUL , South  Korea, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — European poultry meat – a wide range of products, palatability, nutritional value, as well as versatile culinary use. The poultry, which meets strict EU requirements, is presented to South Korean consumers as part of the “European Poultry – From Our Farms to Your Table” information and promotional campaign co-financed by the European Union.

European Poultry - From Our Farms to Your Table
European Poultry – From Our Farms to Your Table

The goal of the three-year campaign in Korea is to show what sets European poultry apart from global production. The advantages are key: high quality, safety, and a sustainable production process – in line with strict European Union standards. These factors definitely affect the quality and taste of poultry dishes.

The message places great emphasis on animal welfare, environmental protection, and the importance of balanced and safe foods in the daily diet.

The campaign activities are aimed at importers, distributors, and retailers, as well as demanding consumers looking for safe, high-quality food.

The campaign includes an extensive presence at trade fairs and industry conferences, the organization of B2B meetings, cooperation with the media and influencers, branding activities in the press and online, as well as study visits to Europe for selected business partners from the region.

  • On June 9, 2025, an official campaign press event will be held in Seoul, with the participation of invited journalists, influencers, and experts.
  • On June 10-13, the campaign will be present at Seoul Food & Hotel, one of the most important industry events in South Korea.

More information about the campaign: eupoultry.eu

The project is being implemented by an industry organization from Poland: The National Poultry Council – Chamber of Commerce acting on behalf of the European poultry sector.

 

Mexico’s mobile industry joins forces to simplify the development of applications and digital services through GSMA Open Gateway

Altán Redes, América Móvil, AT&T Mexico, and Telefónica Mexico announced the local rollout of the initiative and its potential for new business and cross-industry partnerships.

MEXICO CITY, Mexico, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At GSMA M360 LATAM today, Altán Redes, América Móvil, AT&T Mexico, and Telefónica Mexico announced the launch of GSMA Open Gateway in the country. This global initiative led by the GSMA enables mobile operators to open their networks to drive innovation and collaboration across the digital ecosystem.

GSMA Open Gateway is a standard through which mobile operators provide developers access to a range of network functions used to create applications and services. By bringing together operators from around the world, the initiative facilitates the design of digital products that can function seamlessly across all devices, regardless of country or operator. This is achieved through unique access points, known as Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), which serve as gateways to information about network capabilities.

These APIs available through the CAMARA repository, an open-source project by GSMA and the Linux Foundation, which developers can access to integrate them directly into their applications. GSMA Open Gateway simplifies and accelerates developer innovation while helping create a smoother and more secure experience.

The first phase of GSMA Open Gateway has focused on APIs aimed at digital security. In line with this trend, the three APIs presented in Mexico are:

  • SIM SWAP, allows the verification of SIM card replacements on a mobile line;
  • Device Location, provides information about the location of a device;
  • Number Verification, checks if a phone number is associated with a specific device.

By providing key real-time information, these APIs help detect and prevent fraud in payments and financial transactions. For example, they can identify suspicious changes to a customer’s mobile line just before a significant money transfer, offering greater security for the user.

Since its launch at MWC Barcelona 2023, over 73 mobile operator groups, representing 284 mobile networks and almost 80% of mobile connections globally, have joined the initiative, alongside 43 channel partners. In Latin America, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru have already introduced their first portfolio of APIs, with new markets set to join in 2025.

Read the full press release here 

 

ARKANCE is now the largest global reseller of Eagle Point’s Learning Management Systems in the AEC and manufacturing sectors

ARKANCE and Eagle Point Software extend partnership to EMEA

DUBUQUE, Iowa and PARIS, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ARKANCE, a global leader in digital transformation solutions for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) and manufacturing industries, and Eagle Point Software are extending their partnership to the EMEA region. Building on years of collaboration across the United States and Asia-Pacific, the strengthened global alliance now also delivers next-generation e-learning and digital training solutions to customers across Europe.

Eagle Point Software
Eagle Point Software

As AEC firms work to close skills gaps and keep pace with digital transformation, attracting and enabling the next generation of talent is essential. Studies show that 65% of Gen Z say they prefer online learning over in-person classrooms, making on-demand, cloud-based learning more attractive to new professionals. This makes on-demand, cloud-based learning not just attractive, but urgent.1

With the extension of the partnership to EMEA, ARKANCE will become the largest global reselling partner for Pinnacle Series, Eagle Point’s premier Learning Management System (LMS) and Pinnacle Lite, the solution provider’s eLearning software. Eagle Point will also enhance its global footprint and deliver the industry-standard for learning tools in AEC and manufacturing across the world.

With personalized learning journeys, skills assessments, and comprehensive training libraries professionals can master leading tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, and more. It supports both individual learning and organization-wide knowledge sharing.

Greg Arranz, CEO at ARKANCE says: “Our goal is to help our customers build smarter with digital solutions. To meet the continuous learning needs of a new generation of engineers and designers, Pinnacle is the perfect partner. Together, we can help teams level up capabilities on the latest innovations from world-class technology providers. They can then advance to deeper learning with ARKANCE specific content and consulting from our experts. Pinnacle Series also provides capabilities for customization and development of a comprehensive learning plan for customers who need to offer training on their own processes or tools.”

In the EMEA region, ARKANCE will build on its historic strength in instructor-led, local language training to provide a hybrid model that combines the flexibility of on-demand learning with the depth of personalized consultation and face-to-face instruction.

“This partnership represents a significant milestone for Eagle Point Software’s global expansion, allowing us to help hundreds of thousands more people,” said Steve Biver, Chief Operating Officer at Eagle Point Software. “Pinnacle Series is more than software training – it’s about rethinking how organizations onboard, upskill, and support teams. ARKANCE’s deep expertise in the AEC and Manufacturing industries makes them a great partner to scale the value of Pinnacle Series worldwide.”

About Eagle Point Software

Since 1983, Eagle Point Software has focused on increasing productivity for AEC and manufacturing professionals. The company’s flagship solution, Pinnacle Series, offers a powerful eLearning platform that drives user adoption of software like Autodesk, Microsoft, and Bluebeam. With over 500,000 users worldwide, Pinnacle Series supports firms in achieving higher performance through continuous learning.

About ARKANCE

ARKANCE, a subsidiary of the French B2B services leader Monnoyeur Group, is a global partner in the digital transformation of the construction and manufacturing sectors. Founded in 2018, ARKANCE operates in over 20 countries, delivering expert professional services, innovative solutions, and advanced training. Our teams combine proprietary Be.Smart software with technologies from a network of world-class partners to help customers bridge the gap between design and operations. With 1,300+ professionals, we empower businesses to build resilience, increase profitability, and improve project outcomes.

For more information on ARKANCE visit our website.

1 https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/what-do-higher-education-students-want-from-online-learning

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