DCI Database for Commerce and Industry AG Resolves Capital Increase MUNICH, GERMANY – EQS Newswire – 1 July 2024 – The Executive Board of DCI Database for Commerce and Industry AG resolved on July 1, 2024, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, to increase the company’s share capital from EUR 1,330,149 by EUR 133,014 to EUR 1,463,163. This capital increase will be carried out through cash contributions and with the exclusion of shareholders’ subscription rights. The new shares were issued at a price closely aligned with the current stock market price and were fully placed. The proceeds from the capital increase will be used primarily for the further development of plugilo.
New Investor: Michael Urban
As part of the capital increase, DCI AG has secured Michael Urban as a key investor and new shareholder. Urban brings extensive experience and global contacts to DCI AG. He will not only act as an investor, but will also actively promote the further development of plugilo to ensure its global success. He will play a significant role in establishing plugilo Inc. in the USA. The plan is to expand the functions of plugilo for both B2C (Business to Consumer) and B2B (Business to Business) markets and to scale globally. Further investment rounds in plugilo Inc. are planned.
Michael Urban was the CEO of Actebis, today ALSO, and over the years, he elevated both Tech Data and SYNNEX to the next level and led the merger of both companies. Urban played a key role in the merger of SYNNEX and Tech Data, creating one of the world’s largest IT distributor with annual revenues of $57 billion and 23,000 employees in 2023(1). Urban was responsible for global activities and successfully managed the merger of TD SYNNEX in the Americas, overseeing 12,000 employees over the past three years. Michael Urban has been a significant footprint in the global IT market for over 30 years. He brings his global C-level contacts to DCI and will be actively involved in sales and marketing as well as in establishing plugilo Inc. in the USA and globally, driving plugilo to global success.
Commitment of CEO and Major Shareholder Michael Mohr
The founder, major shareholder, and CEO of DCI AG for the past 25 years, Michael Mohr, is participating in the capital increase alongside Michael Urban, underscoring his strong commitment to the expansion of plugilo.
The share is listed on the m:access of the Munich Stock Exchange.
This announcement contains forward-looking statements based on the current expectations and assumptions of the Executive Board. Known and unknown risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.
Hashtag: #DCIAG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
BCG subsidiary INVERTO Opens New Offices in Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta
Fahad Anwar to Lead Both Offices as Managing Director
With the launch in Southeast Asia, INVERTO aims to provide its clients regional support
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Newsaktuell – 1 July 2024 – INVERTO, a subsidiary of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) specializing in procurement and supply chain management, is expanding into Southeast Asia with new offices in Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. INVERTO has appointed Fahad Anwar to lead these new offices as the Managing Director for Southeast Asia.
INVERTO’s new offices will serve clients throughout the ASEAN region, extending the consultancy’s presence from Europe and the US to a global one. “The ASEAN region has experienced tremendous growth over the past two decades. This expansion enables us to support our local clients in maximizing the impact of their procurement and supply chain strategies. I am thrilled to welcome Fahad to the INVERTO team. His deep expertise across a broad range of industries will significantly enhance our ability to deliver exceptional value and growth in Southeast Asia.” said Daniel Weise, CEO of INVERTO and Global Leader of BCG’s Procurement business.
“The expansion into Southeast Asia is a major milestone for INVERTO. Our cutting-edge offering, and track record of global success enable us to offer innovative and effective solutions tailored to this region’s unique challenges. We’re excited to strengthen our presence here and drive substantial impact for our clients,” said Alex Dolya, Managing Director and Partner at BCG and Leader of BCG’s Operations practice in Asia Pacific.
INVERTO’s newly appointed Managing Director, Fahad Anwar, brings over 20 years of experience in procurement and supply chain management across continents. His expertise spans procurement strategy and transformation projects across multiple sectors including utilities, consumer goods, telecommunications, and the public sector. “INVERTO’s singular focus on procurement and supply chain management, along with expert-led teams, has achieved remarkable success in recent years. I am thrilled to shape INVERTO’s presence in this dynamic and thriving region and drive concrete value for our ASEAN clients,” said Fahad Anwar.
Hashtag: #INVERTO
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About INVERTO
INVERTO is one of the leading international specialists for strategic procurement and supply chain management. The management consultancy supports companies from the development to the implementation of effective strategies and assists them in the transformation of their operating models. As a subsidiary of the Boston Consulting Group, INVERTO identifies and realizes value potentials including cost reductions, resilience, and sustainability.
INVERTO has over 500 employees at 16 locations in 13 countries. With proven methodologies, in-depth expertise and a hands-on approach, INVERTO guarantees measurable results for companies from all industries, as well as the world’s leading private equity firms.
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Newsaktuell – 1 July 2024 – On the 28th of June 2024, the International Spiritual Council for Transforming Humanity (ISCTH) hosted the first Global Peace and Transformation Summit in Geneva, Siwtzerland. More than 100 action-driven leaders and influential speakers from around the globe gathered to open an honest dialogue on how to foster permanent world peace.
History shows that when faced with chaos, people often resort to conflict, but this hasn’t solved our problems. Instead, we propose a different way: the path of peace. Ask yourself, “What are you seeking?” If you are unhappy, disturbed, you have some self-reflecting to do. The chaos we see around us is a mirror of our own inner state. Through ISCTH and the growing community, we can pave the way for the great transformation. According to the powerful keynote message from Maitreya Dadashreeji, for a collective approach, as a community, there are three steps which we can build upon and implement together.
Right Values: Integrate compassion, empathy, and love into daily life, education, and community for peaceful relationships.
Right Leadership: Prioritize compassionate, community-focused leaders for a harmonious world.
Right Purpose: Focus on creating happy, supportive communities and guiding individuals towards positive spiritual growth.
If you feel disturbed, the antidote is peace. When you acknowledge “I am disturbed,” it tends to intensify. Instead, embrace the thought “I am peace,” and everything begins to settle internally. Make “I am peace” a daily affirmation, as your true nature is peace. Spend 10 minutes each day connecting with this truth. By doing so, you align your emotions and thoughts with peace. This movement, both individually and collectively, will help lay the foundation of a more harmonious world. From inner peace to world peace. #IamPeace
Hashtag: #ISCTH #IamPeace
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2024– VinFast expands its Indonesian lineup with the VF 5, an electric SUV designed for the A-segment. Following the debut of the VF e34 in March, this marks VinFast’s second offering in Indonesia.
VinFast officially launches sales of the VF 5 in Indonesia on July 1st, 2024
VinFast officially launches sales of the VF 5 in Indonesia on July 1st. Prices are listed at IDR 310,000,000.
In addition, VinFast also offers an attractive battery subscription program that is optimized for the diverse mobility needs of each customer. Under the battery subscription program, the VF 5 has a list price of IDR 242,000,000.
The battery subscription plan for the VF 5 offers tiered monthly fees based on driving distance. Customers will pay only IDR 990,000/month for distances under 1,500 km, IDR 1,415,000/month for distances under 3,000 km, and IDR 2,360,000/month for over 3,000 km.
The VF 5 comes with the best warranty in the market, covering the vehicle for up to 7 years or 160,000 km (whichever comes first), and the battery for 8 years with unlimited kilometers.
Mr. Temmy Wiradjaja, CEO of VinFast Indonesia, said: “VinFast is thrilled to unveil our second model in Indonesia. This launch underscores our dedication to advancing electric mobility with cutting-edge, intelligent, and safe vehicles. It represents a significant step in VinFast’s mission to dominate the electric vehicle market throughout Indonesia, showcasing our unwavering commitment to developing innovative and high-quality products that cater to the diverse needs of our customers.”
The VF 5 packs a punch with a 70 kW electric motor (equivalent to 94 HP) and 135 Nm of torque. It is equipped with a 29.6 kWh Lithium battery. Customers can top up the battery from 10% to 70% in just 34 minutes for convenient on-the-go charging.
VinFast prioritizes customers’ safety with the VF 5, equipping it with a comprehensive suite of segment-leading features. These include anti-lock braking systems (ABS), emergency brake display (EBD), emergency brake assist (BA), and electronic stability control (ESC), ensuring customers have complete peace of mind on the road.
The VF 5 also turns heads with its sleek design. Eye-catching LED turn signals, reverse lights, and taillights positioned low create a distinctive rear signature. The spoiler and shark fin antenna also add a touch of sophistication and complete the car’s dynamic look.
The compact size of the VF 5 makes it perfect for navigating busy city streets. Its maneuverability and comfortable driving experience are sure to generate excitement in the Indonesian A-segment car market.
So far, VinFast has already launched the VF e34, opened its first dealer store in Jakarta, and announced plans to build an electric car manufacturing plant in Indonesia, demonstrating the company’s commitment and well-structured business strategy in the archipelago nation. Hashtag: #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About VinFast
VinFast – a member of Vingroup – envisioned to drive the movement of the global smart electric vehicle revolution. Established in 2017, VinFast owns a state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing complex with scalability that boasts up to 90 percent automation in Hai Phong, Vietnam.
Strongly committed to the mission for a sustainable future for everyone, VinFast constantly innovates to bring high-quality products, advanced smart services, seamless customer experiences, and pricing strategy for all to inspire global customers to jointly create a future of smart mobility and a sustainable planet. Learn more at: https://vinfastauto.id/en
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2024 – Reinforcing Allianz Asia Pacific’s steadfast commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and diversity, the official launch of #SHEsecures took place on Tuesday, 25 June 2024.
#Shesecures – Group Photo
This initiative aims to create an inclusive and collaborative work environment, addressing the unique challenges faced by women in the highly competitive and complex field of insurance distribution. Allianz will provide specially designed training and educational support, enhanced networking opportunities, tailored product offerings, productivity enhancement tools, and much more as a part of this endeavour.
This comprehensive suite of resources aims to empower women in the insurance industry, enabling them to excel in their roles and drive positive change within the sector.
To celebrate the launch of #SHEsecures, 60 inspirational women representatives from Allianz’s tied agency distribution in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand gathered at The Singapore EDITION hotel to commemorate the special launch.
During the event, Allianz highlighted the extraordinary contributions of women in insurance distribution.
Against the backdrop of fast-growing markets in Asia,
* 59% of Allianz’s agency leaders and agents are women, contributing 65% to the total yearly annualised premium.
* 70% of Allianz’s Million Dollar Roundtable (MDRT) qualifiers were women, underscoring their significant dedication to professionalism.
These remarkable individuals play a crucial role in protecting millions of families and providing financial freedom to policyholders and customers.
Anusha Thavarajah, Regional Chief Executive Officer of Allianz Asia Pacific, stated:
“#SHEsecures is a pioneering initiative in the financial advisory industry. We are excited to offer this platform, which will enable our agents agency leaders and employees to thrive both professionally and personally. By fostering an environment of shared learning and experiences, #SHEsecures will help them achieve their highest potential and build a more resilient and diverse society.”
Mohit Bahoria, Regional Chief Agency, Strategy, Marketing & Digital Officer of Allianz Asia Pacific, commented:
“At Allianz, our dedication to empowering our agents and agency leaders with the #SHEsecures initiative demonstrates our commitment to developing and nurturing talent in the organisation. We are committed to providing them with a variety of resources and actively engaging our participants through specialised workshops, advanced training and leadership development programs, dedicated mentorship, and coaching to equip our team with the necessary tools and support to achieve career excellence. Our aim is to nurture an inclusive workplace where every voice is heard and valued equally. Allianz Asia Pacific will continue to invest in our agency distribution representatives, offering the support needed to develop best-in-class financial advisory skills and deliver exceptional service to our customers.” Hashtag: #SHEsecures #Allianz
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2024 – In a notable demonstration of effective collaboration, the Cambodian public and private sectors have set a gold standard for working together on mine clearance. At the recent Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention in Geneva, Switzerland, Prince Holding Group, represented by its philanthropic arm Prince Foundation, highlighted its significant role in this partnership. Gabriel Tan, Chief Communications Officer of Prince Holding Group and Head of Prince Foundation, addressed international leaders and policymakers, emphasizing the crucial role of private sector engagement in eradicating landmines and fostering sustainable development.
H.E. Dr. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister, First Vice President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), and President of the 2024 Ottawa Convention (center), chaired the “Private Sector Partnership Towards a Mine-Free World” dialogue during the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention held in Geneva, Switzerland. (Right to left) Mr. Gabriel Tan, Chief Communications Officer, Prince Holding Group and Head of Prince Foundation; Mr. Robert Hwang, TAFTAC Deputy Chairman; Mr. Albert Tan, TAFTAC Deputy Chairman; and Mr. Andrew Tey, CGTI Center Director were part of the Cambodian delegation.
The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, also known as the Ottawa Treaty, is an international legal instrument that prohibits the development, production, stockpiling, transfer, and use of anti-personnel mines. A United Nations-facilitated forum, 164 countries have currently committed to the treaty.
The convention brought together international leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the ongoing challenges and advancements in mine action. For the first time, representatives from private companies that have contributed to humanitarian demining participated in this platform, making a significant impact. Mr. Tan’s participation underscored Prince Foundation’s dedication to supporting demining efforts, particularly in Cambodia, where landmines continue to impact communities and hinder development.
Mr. Gabriel Tan, Chief Communications Officer of Prince Holding Group and Head of Prince Foundation (far right), spoke at the “Engagement of Private Sector in Mine Action towards a Mine-Free World,” one of the key side events during the Geneva Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. He highlighted the crucial role of private sector engagement and the initiatives of Prince Foundation to support demining.
In his remarks, H.E. Ly Thuch, Senior Minister, First Vice-President of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), and President of the 2024 Ottawa Convention, said, “The contribution of the private sector to humanitarian mine action will greatly assist in resolving the global mine crisis and accelerate the journey to a mine-free world. Landmines continue to threaten lives, disrupt livelihoods, and impede socio-economic development, which is a major obstacle to sustainable peace around the world.”
“Despite the remarkable progress made through international treaties and demining initiatives, challenges remain and require joint efforts in all areas,” Senior Minister Ly Thuch added.
Prince Foundation has been actively involved in several demining and victim assistance projects. From participating in the High-Level Dialogue on Mine Action in Siem Reap to sponsoring the Malaysian Business Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) Charity Gala Dinner, which supported demining in Kampong Speu province, the Foundation has continually demonstrated its commitment. Notably, Prince Foundation collaborated with UNDP Cambodia to produce a video featuring a message from former James Bond actor Daniel Craig, commemorating the 30th anniversary of demining efforts in Cambodia.
The MBCC has also played a pivotal role in raising funds and awareness to help Cambodia achieve its goal of becoming a mine-free nation. Together with other partners, MBCC launched the campaign “One Person – 4000 Riel,” the amount needed to clear a five-square-meter patch of contaminated land. Through its donations, it helped clear landmines and other UXOs in Sdok commune and three villages in Srang commune in Kampong Speu province.
Similarly, the Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), with support from the Cambodia Garment Training Institute (CGTI), has been instrumental in providing training and skill development to improve the lives of victims and their families. This initiative enhances their ability to integrate into the workforce and contribute to the country’s development. In 2023, with support from TAFTAC members, a donation of $240,000 was raised to support demining efforts in eight minefields at Koh Sdach commune in Koh Kong province’s Kirisakor district. As a result, the area was declared mine-free that same year.
“TAFTAC is honored to partner with the government’s efforts, through the CMAA, to achieve a landmine-free Cambodia. This initiative highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in reaching such critical goals. We are dedicated to the socio-economic development of Cambodia, working towards a brighter future for all,” said Mr. Albert Tan, Deputy Chairman of TAFTAC.
Prince Foundation’s support extends beyond demining. From September 2022 to September 2023, the Foundation supported the Cambodian Wheelchair Basketball Federation. This initiative highlighted the positive impact of assistance to victims of hazardous explosives and physical disabilities. The Cambodian women’s wheelchair basketball team’s historic achievements at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games, where they secured a gold and a silver medal, underscored the importance of adaptive sports and platforms for athletes with disabilities.
During the convention, Mr. Tan spotlighted the Cambodian model of public and private sector collaboration in mine action as a prime example of effective partnerships. He stressed the critical need for robust alliances with humanitarian organizations to seamlessly integrate demining efforts with broader peacebuilding and development goals. “Building stronger ties between the private sector and humanitarian organizations ensures the holistic integration of demining with a broader peacebuilding and development agenda,” Mr. Tan stated.
“The collaboration between CMAA and private entities like Prince Foundation, the MBCC, and TAFTAC demonstrates the potential of combined efforts. Our joint initiatives not only work towards a mine-free Cambodia but also drive innovation and provide sustainable support for social welfare,” Mr. Tan added.
Collaboration between the private sector and humanitarian organizations can be strengthened through comprehensive strategies that include joint planning and goal setting, shared resources and expertise, and integrated programs combining demining with other humanitarian and development initiatives. Regular communication and coordination are essential to align efforts, and conducting joint impact evaluations and reporting can measure success and identify areas for improvement.
As the global community continues to strive for a mine-free world, contributions from the private sector play an indispensable role in accelerating this journey. Prince Foundation remains committed to driving innovation and creating sustainable support for demining and social welfare initiatives, reinforcing the collective endeavor to achieve a mine-free world.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Prince Foundation
Prince Foundation, founded in 2015, is one of Cambodia’s leading philanthropic foundations. A member of Prince Holding Group, which is one of the largest business groups in Cambodia, the Foundation aims to work with local communities to build thriving living and working environments that elevate people’s well-being and livelihoods, following the vision: “Together, Building a Better Future for Cambodia.”
Focusing on education and youth development, healthcare, and community engagement and sports, and healthcare initiatives, Prince Foundation works with partners to deliver sustainable programs that enhance opportunities for Cambodia’s youths, build resilience in communities, and contribute to sustainable infrastructure.
The Foundation’s flagship projects are the Chen Zhi Scholarship, offering full scholarships, stipends, internships, and work opportunities to 400 Cambodian university students over a period of seven years, and Prince Horology, where aspiring Cambodian watchmakers learn the art of Swiss-style watchmaking in a state-of-the-art facility. Prince Foundation has launched more than 250 philanthropic initiatives, benefiting over 1.3 million people, with donations exceeding US$16 million.
A Lao woman works in a factory (Photo: OpenDevelopment Laos)
Minister of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare Baikham Khattiya announced a series of measures to tackle the labor shortage during the seventh National Assembly meeting held on 13 June.
Two-year integration process creates a single, powerful brand entity
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2024 – Crayon, a global leader in IT services and innovation, today announced the complete integration of rhipe into its brand. Effective from today, the rhipe brand will be discontinued. With the integration, Crayon becomes the sole brand, unifying the two organisations strengths into a powerful entity that offers partners enhanced and unlimited opportunities.
Over the past two years, Crayon and rhipe have worked to combine teams and capabilities to both disrupt and improve the value offered by traditional distribution models. By expanding services, solutions, and programs, the organisation is helping partners grow revenue and scale their businesses.
“Our commitment to unlocking unlimited opportunities for our partners and their customers is stronger than ever,” said Rhonda Robati, EVP Asia Pacific at Crayon. “The successful completion of this integration underscores our dedication to achieving greater efficiency and value for our partner community. Our shared obsession with helping partners grow and a people-first culture has already delivered significant achievements in the channel business. We look forward to attaining even more as the cloud and AI frontiers continue to grow for partners in Asia Pacific.”
Crayon’s global presence now includes over 4,000 employees, with more than 800 located in the Asia-Pacific region, supporting over 3,500 regional partners. As the third-largest Microsoft SPLA aggregator and indirect cloud solution provider (CSP), Crayon’s reach extends to 46 countries, distributing over 40 vendor products across APAC. This ensures consistent delivery of top-tier value and support.
“Through the integration of our organisations, we are investing in partner success with specific enhancements,” said Robati. “Crayon is now better positioned to provide further value for partners, ensuring consistent, sustainable, and long-term business gains.”
New Services
Partners can now benefit from the combined solutions portfolio and enhanced services across eight operational domains: Cloud productivity, security, business continuity, business applications, IT cost management, cloud services, data, and AI solutions.
The company also offers expertise in backup, cloud migration, ERP implementation, cybersecurity, cloud cost optimisation, and cloud management. Partners can leverage two new cybersecurity assessment offerings for cloud security, Azure Risk Mitigation and Essential Eight maturity.
They will also be able to white-label a more comprehensive suite of products and services to offer their customers, helping them become a one-stop shop for their end customers.
Partner Success Support
As part of the new value Crayon offers to its partners, enablement will be key. The relaunched apac.crayonchannel.com website has a dedicated section for partner enablement, providing resources and tools to support partner growth and development.
Beyond bolstering enablement, the business offers access to its Technology Advisory Group (TAG), an APAC-based specialist unit providing strategic and technical guidance on a value-add basis.
Through expert support in business development, vendor relations, and technical consultancy, TAG equips partners with competitive differentiation and high-performance operating models.
New Platforms Announced
PRISM has also been rebranded to Crayon and the system will still co-exist with Cloud-iQ in APAC. Crayon has already announced the creation of a new cloud billing platform to integrate Cloud-iQ and the revamped PRISM, which will be the most powerful Cloud Billing Platform in the market.
“Our goal is to empower our partners with the best tools and support,” said Warren Nolan, Crayon’s SVP of Channel. “With the creation of a new and integrated Cloud Billing Platform, partners will be able to streamline subscription management, gain real-time insights into their spending, and access comprehensive reporting tools. This not only simplifies operations but also helps optimise cloud investments, allowing partners to focus more on growing their business and less on administrative tasks.”
Crayon has announced the launch of new partner programs for the APAC channel community to add strategic long-term value to its partners. The programs are expected to be launched throughout the second half of this year.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Crayon
Crayon is a customer-centric innovation and IT services company with over 4,000 team members across 46 countries. We optimize businesses’ IT estate to help them innovate with expertise they can trust. Our services create value for companies to thrive today, and scale for tomorrow. For more information, visit www.crayon.com.