28.2 C
Vientiane
Monday, August 18, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 1237

NX Hong Kong Receives Environmental Management, Occupational Health/Safety Management System Certifications

– Integrated Quality, Environmental and Safety Management Systems Now in Place –

TOKYO, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nippon Express (H.K.) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “NX Hong Kong”), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., obtained two certifications in November 2024: ISO 14001:2015 (for environmental management systems) and ISO 45001:2018 (for occupational health and safety management systems).

NX Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202501293507-O3-5Ryh6vrU

ISO 14001:2015 certificate: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202501293507/_prw_PI1fl_2bXgrNfr.gif

ISO 45001:2018 certificate: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202501293507/_prw_PI2fl_E97Q98m0.gif

The NX Group is committed to maintaining and improving quality in its various operations as a useful means of ensuring corporate sustainability and boosting performance to enhance customer satisfaction, and accordingly it is pursuing ISO certification on a global basis.

Having previously obtained ISO 9001:2015 certification (for quality management systems), NX Hong Kong has recently acquired the following two certifications and now has in place integrated management systems for the three areas of quality, environment and safety.

ISO 14001:2015 (for environmental management systems)
This certification is designed to help organizations establish and maintain environmental management systems to improve environmental performance, reduce environmental risks, and comply with laws and regulations.

In keeping with the NX Group Environmental Charter, the Group is working to reduce the variety of environmental risks surrounding its organizations, including those arising in their natural and labor environments, and to ensure it fulfills its collective responsibility for the global environment. The Group will continue actively engaging in environmental conservation efforts to help bring about sustainable societies.

ISO 45001:2018 (for occupational health and safety management systems)
This certification is designed to help companies establish and implement effective occupational health and safety management systems to ensure the health and safety of their employees and improve their safety management and comprehensive control levels.

In line with the NX Group Safety Philosophy that “safety takes precedence over everything else,” the Group will place the highest priority on ensuring safety and health in work environments to cut the risk of occupational accidents.

In preparing for certification, NX Hong Kong enhanced workplace safety and environmental protection by reviewing existing business processes and establishing new procedures. It also fostered a corporate culture of maintaining high safety standards by conducting all-hands training programs and encouraging the exchange of ideas. Going forward, NX Hong Kong will continue its efforts to improve operational efficiency and sustainability in order to provide safe and high-quality products and services to more customers.

The NX Group remains committed to working toward the realization of sustainable societies through its business operations, while striving to augment its trustworthiness and corporate value and provide valuable logistics services to its customers on a global scale.

Details of ISO certifications: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202501293507-O1-7157qqOq.pdf

About the NX Group: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202501293507-O2-tUkgwlH0.pdf

NX Group official website: https://www.nipponexpress.com/

NX Group’s official LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/

Line Inspectors: Treading the Mountain, Crossing the Snow To Guarantee the Power Supply

SHIHEZI, China, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On February 4th, the seventh day of the first lunar month, the General Mountain in Shihezi City was enveloped in boundless whiteness. Early in the morning, Zhang Lin and Lü Yimeng, employees of the Transmission Operation and Maintenance Center of State Grid Kuitun Power Supply Company, set off with binoculars and drones to conduct special inspections on the 220 – kV Fengshixi I and II lines after the snowfall.

The 220 – kV Fengshixi I and II lines were put into operation in 2012. They are important power connection lines in the Eighth Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and Shihezi City, undertaking the power supply to Shihezi urban area and surrounding enterprises. There are 20 tower pylons of this line located in the mountains where few people set foot, and for many tower positions, vehicles cannot reach. Zhang Lin and Lü Yimeng can only rely on hiking and drones to complete the inspection tasks.

Recently, affected by the cold air, the Shihezi area has once again welcomed heavy snowfall, with the lowest temperature dropping to minus 25 degrees Celsius, and the electricity load has been continuously rising. To ensure the reliable power supply of the grid, State Grid Kuitun Power Supply Company has formulated a detailed special inspection plan, clarifying the inspection scope, personnel division of labor, and emergency measures. It has organized staff to conduct special inspections on 35 transmission lines above 35 kV, focusing on the inspection of tower poles and their foundations, guy wires, and wire – attached equipment. They promptly clean the snow, ice, and debris on tower poles, wires, etc., to ensure the safe and stable operation of the grid in extreme weather.

Entering the mountains, everything around was white, and on the quiet mountain road, only the sound of feet stepping on the snow, “creak, creak”, could be heard. “Be sure to step on my footprints. Don’t just look at the lines and ignore the road. Be careful not to sprain your ankle,” Zhang Lin said, walking forward and reminding Lü Yimeng behind him. Zhang Lin, who is nearly fifty years old, has been working for 30 years. This is the 25th year he has been on duty for line inspection during the Spring Festival. It is also the fourth year that Lü Yimeng has partnered with him to be on duty for line inspection during the Spring Festival.

“The road is much easier to walk on now. Most places can be reached by vehicles. When I first started inspecting the lines, there were almost no roads in the mountains. All the paths were stepped out by us line inspectors one footprint after another,” Zhang Lin said to Lü Yimeng behind him as he walked. Zhang Lin was like a tour guide. Every time he reached the bottom of a tower pole, he would tell Lü Yimeng its past and present. The tower poles that seemed identical to others were full of stories in Zhang Lin’s eyes. He was familiar with every tower base, every insulator, every screw, and every angle steel.

After arriving at the inspection point, Zhang Lin carefully checked the monitors on the tower, observed the sag changes of the conductors and ground wires with binoculars, carefully inspected whether the fittings, insulators, and wire clamps were in good condition, and checked the snow and ice conditions on the surface of the lines. Lü Yimeng recorded the icing conditions of the equipment in detail. As time passed, Zhang Lin and Lü Yimeng’s hats and eyelashes were already covered with “frost flowers”, and with each breath, puffs of “white smoke” came out of their mouths.

Since the beginning of winter, according to the characteristics of the jurisdiction, combined with the load operation curves of previous years and the load increase calculation of electric heating, State Grid Kuitun Power Supply Company has formulated a power supply guarantee plan for peak – winter periods. It has strengthened the monitoring of transformer areas, adopted methods such as load transfer and orderly power consumption to solve the problems of over – load and heavy – load. For construction sites, winter farmland irrigation areas, etc., it has carried out anti – external damage publicity through the “transformer area manager + grid – based service” to effectively reduce the risk of external damage, and has taken multiple measures to wage an “active battle” for power supply guarantee.

State Grid Kuitun Power Supply Company also pays close attention to the operation of the grid in extremely bad weather, timely analyzes the problems and weak links of the grid and equipment, increases the detection efforts of grid voltage quality and the carrying capacity of public transformers, and strengthens the special inspections of important places and lines for people’s livelihood guarantee such as heating, gas supply, and water supply.

In the vast white mountains, rows of winding footprints were left on the white snow. During this Spring Festival holiday, there are many power grid employees like Zhang Lin and Lü Yimeng who stick to their posts. They fulfill their duties, make silent contributions, and add a special “Spring Festival flavor” to the New Year with their dedicated attitude and hard work.

First Hong Kong Trader Wins the US Investing Championship! From Teacher to Trading Pro–J Law Achieves Over 353% Annual Return, Breaking Global Records

HONG KONG, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Law Wai-Sum (A.K.A. J Law) has made history as the first Hong Kong participant to win the prestigious US Investing Championship. Competing in the $1 million Money Manager Verified Ratings category, he delivered an astonishing 353.9% annual return, breaking the world record set in 2021 by legendary trader Mark Minervini. This milestone is a proud moment for Hong Kong’s financial community and an inspiration to aspiring traders.

A 40-Year Legacy of Legends: US Investing Championship Welcomes Its First Hong Kong Winner

The US Investing Championship (USIC), established in 1983 by Stanford University’s Dr. Norman Zadeh, is one of the world’s most prestigious investment competitions. Known for its rigorous standards, it requires participants to trade with real-money accounts and regularly submit statements for auditing.

Over the past 40 years, the competition has celebrated icons such as hedge fund titans Paul Tudor Jones, Louis Bacon, and David Ryan. With J Law’s unprecedented victory, Hong Kong has etched its name into the annals of this prestigious competition, proudly showcasing its first-ever champion.

From Teacher to Champion: J Law’s Journey as Hong Kong’s First Champion

J Law’s journey to becoming Hong Kong’s first US Investing Championship winner is a testament to passion and perseverance. Once a secondary school teacher, he discovered a deep interest in the stock market and boldly transitioned into the world of trading. With no formal training, J Law taught himself the strategies of renowned investment masters, applying their insights to real-world practice and refining his approach over years of hard work.

His unique trading strategy ultimately propelled him to the top of the leaderboard in 2024, making him the first Hong Kong trader to claim the title. J Law’s exceptional performance even earned congratulations from Mark Minervini, who praised him publicly for his historic achievement.

Hong Kong: A Launchpad for Its First Champion’s Success

J Law attributes his success to the unique advantages offered by Hong Kong as a global financial hub. The city’s world-class trading infrastructure, diverse investment options, and dynamic financial ecosystem provided the perfect foundation for his trading career. “Hong Kong is a land of endless opportunities,” J Law stated. “With dedication and the right strategy, anyone can achieve extraordinary results.”

J Law’s Message: “Hong Kong’s Financial Vibrancy Fuels Success—And I Hope to Inspire Future Champions”

As Hong Kong’s first champion of the US Investing Championship, J Law sees his victory as a beacon of hope for aspiring traders in the city. Despite the solitary and challenging nature of trading, he believes Hong Kong offers the ideal environment for success, with its robust financial systems, low tax regime, and diverse investment tools.

“Never underestimate the potential of this small yet powerful city,” J Law emphasized. “As the first Hong Kong trader to win this prestigious title, I hope my success inspires others to aim high and make their mark on the global stage.”

About Law Wai-Sum (A.K.A. J Law)

J Law, also the owner of J. Law Stock Limited, is a full-time investor from Hong Kong with over 15 years of trading experience. He became the first Hong Kong winner of the 2024 US Investing Championship in the $1 million Real-Money Account category, achieving an incredible 353.9% annual return and setting a new world record. In 2019, he founded a free Cantonese-language investment education platform on YouTube, which has grown to over 240,000 subscribers. Through his platform, J Law shares his expertise and encourages others to pursue their trading dreams.

NUS scientists develop realistic ‘micro-gut’ model to study the relationship between gut microbes and human diseases

The 3D scalable ‘gut-on-a-chip’ model enables real-time visualisation of the interactions of gut microbes and the human intestine

SINGAPORE, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a breakthrough for the advanced study of gut health, scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a 3D microscopic version of the human intestines condensed into a small chip about half the size of a five-cent coin. This new cell culturing platform, known as the Gut-Microbiome on a chip (GMoC), provides a realistic in vitro microgut model that allows researchers to examine the interactions of gut microbes and their collective impact on gut health. The chip offers a scalable, reproducible, and efficient method to dissect the roles of gut microbes and their community, which is of key interest for the preventive healthcare and pharmaceuticals industry.

“The GMoC system represents a significant advancement in our ability to investigate the effect of the gut microbial community on gut health and diseases,” said Professor Lim Chwee Teck, Director of the NUS Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech). Prof Lim is also from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the College of Design and Engineering, NUS. “By establishing a physiologically-relevant gut model capable of culturing communities of gut microbes, we can gain deeper insights into the role and complex mechanisms of these micro-organisms in maintaining gut health and preventing disease.”

Understanding the complex interplay of gut microbes and health

Our intestines contain trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses which play a crucial role in our overall well-being. These communities of microorganisms – also known collectively as the gut flora or gastrointestinal microbiome – can either help or harm us.

However, the exact mechanisms by which these gut microbes prevent or cause gastrointestinal illnesses remain unclear. While researchers have identified individual differences in the gut microbiomes of healthy people and those with diseases, the complexity of the interactions amongst the trillions of microorganisms residing in our intestines makes it difficult to isolate the exact modes of action by which these microbes protect us or induce disease.

The innovative 3D ‘microgut’ platform developed by NUS researchers provides a more realistic presentation of the gut microbial community compared to existing models. It simulates biological conditions (like food movement and oxygen levels) as in the human gut, mimics key structural and physiological features of the gut lining, allows for diverse communities of microbes to be cultivated, and is designed for easy and real-time investigation.

Mimicking the human gut

The GMoC system provides a realistic in vitro (outside the body) model of the human gut, featuring a 3D version of the gut epithelium that mimics key architectural and functional aspects of the intestinal tract, such as the intestinal villi (tiny finger-like projections for absorption of nutrients), co-inhabitation of microbes and intestinal cells, and the dynamic conditions simulating movement of food.

Replicating the structure of the intestinal villi is important because the specific location of different microbial species within a 3D substrate influences how they organise and function, and it also has a distinctive impact on the gut’s response to various stimuli.

In addition to structural features, the team’s ‘microgut’ platform also demonstrated key attributes of a functioning and physiologically-relevant intestinal epithelium. The ‘microgut’ can also produce mucin, which serves as a line of defence against microbial invasion and contributes to the establishment of the gut-bacteria interface.

The GMoC system is therefore a more complete in vitro model because it replicates, architecturally, the cells lining the human intestine, and offers a more physiologically-relevant model compared to existing static in vitro systems.

Real-time visualisation of inter-microbial interactions

Poised to be a versatile research tool, the innovative GMoC system enables scientists to study the inter-microbial interactions and gut-microbial community interactions in greater resolution and in real-time.

By studying how different bacterial species compete for limited resources such as nutrients and physical space for growth in the gut, and examining how this competition helps prevent harmful bacteria from overgrowing and disrupting the balanced gut microbiota in the gut, scientists can facilitate the development of targeted microbiome-based interventions and strategies for modulating gut microbiota.

The unique design of GMoC ensures scalability while enabling multiple tests to be performed on a single chip.

Future plans

The research team is focused on further developing the device, aiming to enhance its complexity to better replicate the human intestines. This includes incorporating complex mechanical cues, enhancing cellular complexity, and creating oxygen gradients within the GMoC system.

On the biological front, the team also aims to use the device to further investigate the assembly, interactions, and behaviour of diverse microbial communities under various stimuli including nutrients and antibiotics. This will contribute to our overall understanding of how these interactions impact gut health. In terms of commercialisation, the team is looking to bring the device to market by reducing the manufacturing costs and standardising the production process.

The GMoC chip offers a crucial advancement to the field by providing a realistic, in vitro platform for the investigation of the multifaceted roles of gut microorganisms in a highly scalable way. This will help scientists to better understand the mechanisms of microbe-induced disease pathogenesis, identify novel therapeutic targets, and develop treatments capable of modulating gut microbiome to improve health and clinical outcomes.

Read more at: https://news.nus.edu.sg/nus-scientists-develop-realistic-micro-gut-model/

DFI Retail Group Appoints New Chief Executive Officer for 7-Eleven for South China, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2025 – DFI Retail Group (‘the Group’) today announced the appointment of Yoep Man (Yoep) as Chief Executive Officer for 7-Eleven for South China, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore, effective immediately. In his new role, Yoep will lead the strategic direction and operations of the convenience retail business across these markets, driving innovation and growth to meet evolving customer needs. As part of his appointment, Yoep will also join the Group’s Management Committee, contributing to the broader leadership of the organisation.

DFI Retail Group appoints Yoep Man as the new Chief Executive Officer for 7-Eleven for South China, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore
DFI Retail Group appoints Yoep Man as the new Chief Executive Officer for 7-Eleven for South China, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore

Yoep brings over 20 years of retail industry leadership in food and FMCG across the Asia Pacific. Most recently, he served as Managing Director of Food, Singapore, for DFI Retail Group, where he led the Giant, Cold Storage, CS Fresh and Jason’s Deli brands. Under his leadership, these businesses achieved financial improvements, enhanced operational efficiencies and stronger market positioning despite a challenging retail environment.

“We are pleased to appoint Yoep as CEO of 7-Eleven for South China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore,” said Scott Price, Chief Executive Officer of DFI Retail Group. “His appointment aligns perfectly with our customer-first approach, given his proven ability to enhance customer experiences and drive innovation. Yoep’s success in leading our Food business in Singapore, coupled with his deep understanding of the Asian retail landscape, positions him well to accelerate 7-Eleven’s growth. His expertise in digital transformation and operational excellence will be crucial in evolving our convenience retail offerings to meet and exceed customer expectations across these key markets.”

This appointment comes at an exciting time for 7-Eleven, with the business recording robust growth as it gains momentum in the growing ready-to-eat market and continues to elevate customer experiences through digital acceleration.

“I am excited to have the privilege to support 7-Eleven’s growth and ambitions in the markets we serve,” said Yoep Man, 7-Eleven CEO, DFI Retail Group. “I look forward to working with our teams and partners to deliver greater convenience, value and innovative experiences for our customers.”

Throughout his career, Yoep has played key roles in advancing business growth and operational success. This includes supporting the growth of Sam’s Club business at Walmart China and the expansion of Dutch-based retailer SPAR into China, Indonesia, Thailand and Mongolia.

Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #DFI #7Eleven


The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

DFI Retail Group

DFI Retail Group (the ‘Group’) is a leading Asian retailer. As at 30 Jun 2024, the Group, its associates and joint ventures operated some 11,000 outlets and employed over 200,000 people. The Group had total annual revenue in 2023 exceeding US$26 billion.

DFI Retail Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and exceptional service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains.

The Group (including associates and joint ventures) operates a portfolio of well-known brands across six key divisions: food, convenience, health and beauty, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailing.

At the heart of its business, DFI Retail Group is driven by its purpose to “Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments.”

The Group’s parent company, DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited, is incorporated in Bermuda and has a primary listing in the equity shares (transition) category of the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore. The Group’s businesses are managed from Hong Kong. DFI Retail Group is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

Special Minds Introduces Singapore’s First 1:1 Special Needs Matching Platform


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2025 – Special Minds is proud to introduce a new platform in Singapore that offers a much-needed solution for families with children and youths who have special or learning needs. As the country’s first platform dedicated to 1:1 special needs matching, Special Minds provides home-based services tailored to each child’s unique requirements. For parents and caregivers, this means that children can access the specialised support and special needs service they need from qualified professionals in the comfort of their own homes.

Special Minds was created in response to two key challenges faced by families in Singapore. One of these challenges is accessibility. For many families, travelling long distances to specialised centres for speech therapy for children, tutoring, or other services can be a major hurdle. Special Minds offers a convenient alternative by matching families with qualified professionals who provide services at home, helping to overcome logistical difficulties.

As Ms. Azanea Quek, Founder of Special Minds, shared, “I envision a platform where parents can easily access a pool of special needs professionals who can come to their homes at their preferred times. It would be ideal if parents could also set their preferred budget. For example, we recently matched a client with a certified Occupational Therapist at a rate of $150 per session, significantly lower than the current market rate. The OT happened to live nearby and was able to accommodate the request. This is a win-win solution for both parties.”

The second challenge is the financial burden that special needs services can impose. Many families struggle with the high costs of care, and Special Minds aims to provide an affordable solution. The platform provides an estimated price range based on market rates, and parents can indicate their preferred budget in case of financial constraints. This flexible approach allows parents to find the right support at a price that works for them.

Special Minds offers a wide range of services to cater to the diverse needs of children with various conditions. The platform’s offerings cover five key areas –special needs education, early intervention services, counselling for behavioural management and anxiety disorders, and enrichment activities. With close to 500 dedicated special needs service professionals, Special Minds is well-equipped to support children with conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dyslexia, sensory impairments, and mobility challenges. It also provides services to children who may not have a formal diagnosis but still require personalised attention to help them reach their full potential.

As Special Minds continues to expand, its core mission remains focused on empowering children to reach their full potential. The platform is committed to providing personalised support that promotes the growth and well-being of every child, regardless of their challenges. With the support of a growing network of skilled professionals, Special Minds aims to make a lasting impact on Singapore’s special needs community.

To meet the increasing demand for services, Special Minds is actively seeking skilled freelancers to join its network. Whether in education, therapy, early intervention, or enrichment activities like phonics, yoga, and swimming for special needs children, professionals have the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive society while enjoying the flexibility of a freelance career. By joining Special Minds, freelancers can help make a real difference in the lives of children with special needs, supporting their development and helping them achieve their full potential.

Ms. Tan Min Li, a special needs educator with over 30 years of experience, said: “I hope to bring out the potential in every child, as I believe that every child has special abilities too. I am grateful for the Special Minds platform, which serves as a bridge connecting professionals like myself with parents, allowing us to share our expertise and make a meaningful contribution to the special needs community.”

For more information, please visit https://specialminds.com.sg/.
Hashtag: #SpecialMinds

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Go-to Print Celebrates 40 Years of Heritage and Post-COVID Revival


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2025 – Go-to Print Singapore, formerly known as Mandarin Art Printing, a trusted name in Singapore’s printing industry, proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary. As it marks this milestone, the company reflects on its journey from a traditional offset printer to a modern, customer-focused printing solutions provider. Over the years, Go-to Print has continuously adapted to market trends and customer needs, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the industry.

As part of its revival post-COVID, the company has streamlined its services to focus on delivering exceptional quality across its core product range, including sticker printing, booklet printing, and cheap flyer printing in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in its legacy of excellence. The company’s refined approach centres on providing high-quality solutions for its customers, including express name card printing and envelope printing. By narrowing its scope to focus on the products featured on its website, Go-to Print ensures top-tier results while offering an end-to-end service experience. This includes professional design support for customers without in-house designers. Additionally, investments in modern equipment have allowed the company to increase efficiency, handle larger batch runs, and reduce costs, ensuring its services remain affordable without compromising on quality.

Founded with a focus on traditional offset printing, Go-to Print has continuously adapted to market trends and customer needs. Over the years, the demand for shorter print runs and faster turnaround times prompted the company to invest heavily in digital printing technology. Today, Go-to Print combines its offset expertise with advanced digital capabilities to cater to a wide range of printing requirements. This shift allows the company to offer high-quality solutions for smaller projects while maintaining cost efficiency and flexibility for its customers.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Go-to Print encourages the use of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified materials for its printing projects. By sourcing paper and materials from responsibly managed forests whenever possible, the company aims to align its operations with eco-friendly practices. This initiative not only reduces environmental impact but also provides customers with the option to choose sustainable solutions without compromising quality. Go-to Print is dedicated to doing its part for the planet, making green printing accessible to businesses and individuals alike.

In line with its mission to contribute to the community, Go-to Print also offers a 10% discount to all registered social enterprises in Singapore. This initiative aims to support organisations that work toward meaningful causes by reducing their operational costs for printed materials. Whether it’s event flyers, fundraising brochures, or branded stationery, Go-to Print supports these enterprises by providing cost-effective printing solutions for their needs.

As it celebrates its 40-year milestone, Go-to Print continues to build on its rich history and reputation. Serving a diverse client portfolio across industries such as retail, education, and corporate sectors, the company remains committed to quality and innovation. With a focus on service excellence and customer satisfaction, Go-to Print is poised to remain a leader in the printing industry for years to come.

Hashtag: #GotoPrint

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Go-to Print

Go-to Print is a leading provider of high-quality printing and design services in Singapore, with 40 years of experience. Specialising in sticker printing, booklet printing, flyer printing, express name card printing, and envelope printing in Singapore, the company is known for its attention to detail, customer-centric approach, and innovative solutions for various printing needs.

For further information or inquiries, please visit .

Cisco Study: CEOs Embrace AI, But Knowledge Gaps Threaten Strategic Decisions and Growth

97% of CEOs plan AI integration, but only 1.7% feel fully prepared. New research highlights what’s getting in the way of progress – and how CEOs plan to shift ambition into action.

News summary:

  • While 4 out of 5 CEOs recognize AI’s potential, many worry gaps in their understanding will impact strategic decisions, risking missed opportunities and falling behind competitors.
  • Over 70% fear losing ground due to gaps in IT knowledge or network infrastructure, with more than half already seeing competitive losses from underinvestment in technology.
  • CEOs plan to stay ahead by investing in their people, modernizing infrastructure, and strengthening cybersecurity, with 96% relying on trusted partners to future-proof their network for AI.

AMSTERDAM, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CISCO LIVE — A new study from Cisco, the worldwide leader in networking and security, reveals a paradox among CEOs While 4 in 5 recognize AI’s potential benefits and almost all plan to integrate AI into their operations, many fear gaps in their knowledge will hinder decisions in the boardroom (74%) and stifle growth (58%) – risking missed opportunities and falling behind competitors. Yet, CEOs are not standing still. With support from their IT leaders and trusted partners, they plan to empower their people, modernize infrastructure, and strengthen cybersecurity to sharpen their competitive edge in an AI-driven future.

CEO Barriers
CEO Barriers

Cisco’s Chief Product Officer, Jeetu Patel, underscores the urgency to act: “In a dynamic landscape where competition is fierce, speed decides the winners. Leaders who act decisively today to build resilient, future-proofed networks will be the AI-forward leaders driving real value for their business. Eventually there will be only two kinds of companies: those that are AI companies, and those that are irrelevant.”

CEOs fear the mounting costs of inaction
Cisco’s research shows more than 70% of CEOs are concerned about losing ground to competitors and missing out on opportunities because of IT and infrastructure gaps – fears that are already translating into real losses. Over half of CEOs (53%) worry that a lack of investment in technology is costing them competitive advantage, while two-thirds are concerned about the opportunity costs of not investing more in technology. The costs of inaction aren’t hypothetical scenarios. If they don’t invest in technology now, CEOs expect higher operating costs, lower profits, reduced productivity, and declining market share.

The bold act while others fall behind
For the leaders who confront their fears, the rewards will transcend simply “keeping up.” CEOs are turning to AI for its transformative potential: driving efficiency (69%), spurring innovation (68%), and outpacing competitors (54%). But fulfilling that ambition requires CEOs to break down the barriers holding them back from realizing AI’s potential: skills shortages, infrastructure gaps, and security risks (Figure 1).

While CEOs focus on the bigger picture, their CIOs and CTOs are often grappling with operational hurdles including the lack of compelling business use cases – a challenge CEOs rank lower (Figure 1). This tension perhaps reflects AI’s exploratory phase, where the 82% of CEOs who recognize AI’s potential benefits must support bold experimentation in the short term to uncover value in the long term.

Oliver Tuszik, President of Cisco EMEA, highlights the opportunity: “Whole businesses will be revolutionized if they can unlock AI’s potential to innovate faster, simplify their operations, and withstand digital disruptions. But no one can do it alone. That’s why 96% of CEOs are leaning on trusted partners to make the leap.”

The CEO’s Blueprint: People, infrastructure, and cybersecurity
Cisco’s research reveals CEOs’ plan to turn fear into progress – investing in knowledge and skills, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing security to prepare for the demands of AI (Figure 2).

Delivering on this blueprint will require decisive technology leadership both within the organisation and through trusted partnerships. CEOs are increasingly looking to their CTOs and CIOs, with nearly 80% recognising their vital role in guiding business and investment decisions. More and more, technology leaders are business leaders who see modern networks and technology not just as tools, but as enablers of growth, resilience, and innovation.

CEOs know they can’t deliver on their blueprint without expert support: 96% are turning to trusted partnerships to future-proof their network for AI. With bold technology leadership inside and beyond their organizations, the CEOs have the expertise to navigate uncertainties and translate AI’s potential into tangible outcomes.

Cisco continues to help organizations overcome complexity and create opportunity in the AI era
Skills shortages, implementation challenges, AI-ready infrastructure, and cybersecurity are top concerns for IT teams and leaders across industries. Cisco’s upcoming announcements aim to address these challenges: closing gaps between security and networking for AI data centres, empowering Service Providers with new revenue-generating tools, and equipping the next generation of AI-forward professionals with enhanced certifications.

Download highlights from Cisco’s CEO research here
The CEO study, conducted by Opinion Matters (24 Dec 2024–2 Jan 2025), surveyed 2,503 CEOs from companies with 250+ employees worldwide. A companion study with 8,065 senior networking leaders will follow in the coming months, exploring the strategic and operational needs of AI-era networking and security.

Additional resources:

About Cisco  
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience.  With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom.

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco’s trademarks can be found at http://www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word ‘partner’ does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.

CEO Blueprint
CEO Blueprint