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JA Worldwide Launches Institute to Drive Research and Innovation

BOSTON, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — JA Worldwide, one of the world’s largest and most impactful youth-serving NGOs, today announced the launch of The JA Institute. As the new research, insights, and thought leadership arm of JA, The JA Institute will drive global conversations on youth education and empowerment, while producing innovative research and scalable solutions that advance economic opportunity for millions of young people.

JA Worldwide launches The JA Institute
JA Worldwide launches The JA Institute

For more than a century, JA Worldwide has been at the forefront of youth education, operating in over 100 countries and delivering more than 19 million learning experiences annually. Through immersive programs in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial health, JA equips students with the skillset and mindset to create businesses, secure meaningful employment, and build thriving communities. The organization has also been recognized with Nobel Peace Prize nominations since 2022 for its role in fostering social stability, economic empowerment, and peace.

JA Worldwide CEO, Asheesh Advani, sees great promise in the institute. “The JA Institute marks a bold new era for JA,” he said. “In this era of accelerated transformation, we’re at our most impactful when we’re investing in research; supporting innovation labs at our local, regional, and global JA locations; and creating opportunities for young people to lead and participate in global conversations.”

“JA’s extensive global operations already generate invaluable insights, but a more systematic investment in capturing and sharing these lessons will greatly benefit the sector,” added Dr. Rebecca Winthrop, Senior Fellow at Brookings Institution, co-author of The Disengaged Teen, JA Worldwide Board Member, and the inaugural member of the Research Advisory Council for The JA Institute. 

Look for the institute’s first publication, the JA Global Impact and Insights Report 2025, in Q1 of 2025. After its release, The JA Institute will publish research on GenAI’s impact on entrepreneurship education among underserved communities in ten countries, pilot JA’s own large language model for young entrepreneurs and their teachers and mentors, and expand our thought leadership around youth issues.

The JA Institute is committed to incubating bold ideas and scaling effective solutions. By leveraging data-informed insights, developing in-house technologies, and fostering partnerships, the institute aims to expand JA’s reach and deepen its impact. Through its initiatives, The JA Institute will ensure that young people worldwide are prepared to thrive in an ever-evolving global economy.

About JA Worldwide
Delivering more than 19 million student learning experiences each year in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial health through 700,000+ teachers and business volunteers, JA Worldwide is one of few organizations with the scale, experience, and passion to build a brighter future for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

Contact
Tere Stouffer
Chief Marketing Officer
JA Worldwide
+1-212-641-0747
 tere.stouffer@jaworldwide.org

Agoda Unveils the Most Romantic Valentine’s Day Destinations for Couples in South Korea

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed the top five most romantic domestic destinations for South Korean couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Seoul has been named the most popular city, followed by Jeju, Busan, Incheon, and Gangneung. This ranking showcases preferences for a variety of romantic getaways, from city staycations to beach resorts.

With Valentine’s Day falling on a Friday, couples in South Korea have the perfect opportunity to celebrate with romantic staycations and local trips. According to Agoda data, there has been a 54% increase in accommodation searches for domestic destinations.

Agoda recommends these five destinations where couples can celebrate their love:

Seoul

A city where modern charm meets traditional beauty, Seoul offers couples the perfect rendezvous with romantic walks along the Han River and night views from Namsan Tower. The city is filled with vibrant spots for intimate get-togethers. Couples can enjoy a bike date along the Han River or visit various eateries and cafes together.

Jeju

Boasting pristine nature with blue seas and majestic mountains, Jeju is the perfect romantic retreat for couples. The beautiful scenery of Hallasan and sunsets on the beach make tender moments even more special. Walking along the beach or climbing an oreum together will create unforgettable memories.

Busan

Haeundae Beach and the night view of Gwangandaegyo Bridge make Busan a romantic travel destination. A relaxing walk with the sea as a backdrop or a romantic dinner offers couples magical moments.

Incheon

Incheon’s Chinatown and Songdo Central Park are places to enjoy a unique romance. Various activities await where tender moments can be shared amidst the city’s unique charm. A leisurely walk in Songdo Central Park and a beach drive in Wolmido provide the perfect date activities for couples.

Gangneung

The beautiful beaches of Gangneung and the attractions of Coffee Street offer couples a perfect romantic trip. Couples can enjoy the sunrise on the beach or savor the charm of Gangneung with a cup of coffee in this place where nature and culture blend.

Lee Joonhwan, Country Director, South Korea at Agoda said, “Agoda offers the perfect mix of accommodations and activities in various romantic destinations, from the city of love, Seoul, to the natural beauty of Jeju, to make this Valentine’s Day even more special for couples.”

Agoda provides over 5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, offering the convenience of booking everything at once to help couples create even more special moments for Valentine’s Day. More information can be found on Agoda.com, and the best deals are available on Agoda’s mobile app.

 

X0PA AI Launches Revolutionary Agentic AI Suite for Talent Acquisition


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – X0PA AI, a leading innovator in AI-powered talent acquisition, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking Agentic AI Suite, featuring advanced AI-driven agents designed to transform the hiring landscape. The initial release introduces two powerful AI agents, Alex and Kate, marking a significant milestone in recruitment automation and intelligence.

Meet the Agents:

Alex – An AI-powered screening expert agent, revolutionizing candidate evaluation with unprecedented precision. Alex automates and streamlines the screening process by analysing multiple data points to evaluate skills, experience, and cultural fit, ensuring only the best-matched candidates move forward in the hiring pipeline.

Kate – A recruitment analytics specialist agent, delivering real-time, data-driven insights for strategic hiring decisions. Kate transforms complex recruitment data into actionable intelligence, enabling HR teams to optimize their recruitment strategies and enhance hiring outcomes through predictive analytics and trend analysis.

“As hiring the best suited talent for the company becomes increasingly critical, AI-driven bias free and precision hiring is the key to staying ahead,” said Nina Alag Suri, Founder and CEO, X0PA AI. “Our Agentic AI Suite revolutionizes the recruitment journey, empowering businesses to find, engage, and secure top talent effortlessly while ensuring data-backed decision-making.”

X0PA AI’s position as an industry leader is firmly established through:

  • Multiple patents and trademarks in AI technology
  • Achievement of AI VERIFY certification, the gold standard for ethical, responsible, and explainable AI
  • Proven track record of successful implementations across enterprise, academia, and government organizations
  • Consistent innovation in AI-driven recruitment solutions

The Agentic AI Suite is built on responsible, explainable AI principles, ensuring fairness and transparency throughout the hiring process. This commitment to ethical AI practices is validated by X0PA AI’s AI VERIFY certification, demonstrating the company’s dedication to responsible innovation.

“We at X0PA are always in the lookout for any technology that can augment recruiters in talent acquisition process and the launch of our Agentic AI Suite delivers that balance perfectly.,” explained Sri Harsha Allamraju, CTO of X0PA AI. “Over the next coming weeks, we plan to put in front of our customers a system of AI experts that can work alongside recruiters from job requisition, screening, sourcing to hiring and onboarding. This marks the transition of our AI Recruiter platform to a system-of-experts platform ideology. Additionally, this framework allows us to move towards minimalistic user experience thereby contributing to reduced cognitive load for our end users. We are excited for this launch and can’t await to see the potential upside it provides to our customers across Enterprise and other segments. ”

Future Expansion: This launch marks just the beginning of X0PA AI’s vision for intelligent recruitment. The company is developing additional specialized agents focused on:

  • Candidate engagement optimization
  • Talent pipeline management
  • Interview intelligence
  • Strategic workforce planning

Each new agent will be designed to enhance specific aspects of talent acquisition, making hiring faster, smarter, and more strategic than ever before.
Hashtag: #x0paai

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

About X0PA AI

X0PA AI is a Singapore-headquartered AI company dedicated to transforming talent acquisition through ethical, responsible, and explainable AI. Serving enterprise, academia, and government organizations globally, X0PA AI optimizes recruitment with advanced automation, reducing costs and time-to-hire while minimizing bias in decision-making.

For more information about X0PA AI’s Agentic AI Suite, visit

Rees Ward Transitions into Key Leadership Role at Bridgewest Group as Operating Partner and General Manager, New Zealand

MIAMI and AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global private investment firm, Bridgewest Group, recognized for developing innovative companies in life sciences, software, and deep tech, is pleased to announce the promotion of seasoned executive Rees Ward to Operating Partner and General Manager, New Zealand. With a deep understanding of Bridgewest Group’s operations and a strong background in investment management, governance, and business development, Ward’s new role amplifies the firm’s expansion in New Zealand.

“Rees has been instrumental in shaping our New Zealand presence,” said Dr. Masood Tayebi, Founding Partner and CEO of Bridgewest Group. “His strategic insight, leadership, and ability to navigate complex business landscapes make him the ideal person for this role. We are excited for the continued impact he will have in advancing our portfolio.”

Since joining Bridgewest Group in 2017, Ward has played a pivotal role in expanding the firm’s investments and operations across New Zealand. He serves on the boards of Provoke Solutions and SuiteFiles, where he applies his expertise in law, business, and finance to help companies innovate and scale effectively.

Most recently, Ward held the position of Executive Vice President and COO for Bridgewest Group’s New Zealand holdings, overseeing portfolio growth, real estate investments, and corporate governance. Additionally, as CEO of Bridgewest Finance New Zealand, he provided financial leadership to support the company’s evolving investment strategies.

“I’m excited to step into this new role and continue contributing to Bridgewest Group’s success,” said Rees Ward. “We have a strong foundation in New Zealand, and I look forward to driving new opportunities, fostering innovation, and supporting our portfolio companies in achieving their full potential.”

Before joining Bridgewest Group, Ward was the founding Director of the Wellington ICT Graduate School and served as New Zealand’s Deputy Consul General to Western USA in Los Angeles. He also worked as a legal advisor to New Zealand’s Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment.

Ward holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration (B.C.A.) in Management, Marketing, and Japanese from Victoria University of Wellington.

With this appointment, Bridgewest Group reinforces its commitment to strategic leadership and long-term growth in New Zealand.

About Bridgewest Group

Bridgewest Group is an innovative and privately held global investment firm with over $3B in private capital. Founded in 1999, the global firm has earned a long-standing reputation for creating and scaling transformational businesses to achieve outsized success. Bridgewest Group leverages its expertise and global eco-community in key sectors where it can have the greatest impact including Life Sciences, Software, Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence/Deep Tech. Customized financial investment services and diverse real estate holdings augment equity assets and support portfolio companies as they grow. Bridgewest Group is based in the US, with investments primarily in the US, Europe, China, Australasia and India.

Media Contact:
Jenny Bourbiel, jbourbiel@bridgewestgroup.com

Bridgewest Group promotes Rees Ward to Operating Partner and General Manager, New Zealand.
Bridgewest Group promotes Rees Ward to Operating Partner and General Manager, New Zealand.

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bridgewest_group_logo-1.jpg

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/rees_ward-1.jpg

HEARTS ON FIRE DEBUTS AT BERGDORF GOODMAN

An exclusive launch of statement pieces from the Barre and Inside Out collections

BOSTON, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HEARTS ON FIRE, the international jewelry brand known for the unparalleled sparkle of its diamonds, announces its debut at New York City’s iconic Bergdorf Goodman.

From today through February 25, 2025, this historic fashion landmark will host an exclusive preview of Hearts On Fire’s newest collection, Inside Out, for a limited time ahead of its nationwide release in April 2025.  New statement pieces from Hearts On Fire’s Barre collection, including a Barre Diamond Collar necklace and coordinating Barre Diamond Pavé Bracelet, will also be pre-launched exclusively at the store.

“We are excited to debut Hearts On Fire at the historic Bergdorf Goodman landmark store in New York. Following our global rebrand last year, we continue to evolve our luxury retail network and reach new audiences with the brilliance, sparkle and sheer beauty of our diamonds,” says Rita Maltez, Global President of Hearts On Fire.

Since 1901, Bergdorf Goodman has represented the pinnacle of style, service and modern luxury. A curated assortment from both Hearts On Fire’s collections will be showcased in the Jewelry Salon on the 1st floor.

About HEARTS ON FIRE

HEARTS ON FIRE® is a modern diamond jewelry brand renowned for the beauty of its signature cut diamonds.

Since 1996, HEARTS ON FIRE® has set the highest standards of quality and cut to transform nature’s gifts into diamonds of incomparable brilliance. With an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, combined with innovation and creativity, HEARTS ON FIRE® jewelry is designed to bring joy to every moment.

HEARTS ON FIRE® is part of the Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, which acquired the company in 2014 and is sold through HEARTS ON FIRE® boutiques, official website and in 680 jeweler locations worldwide. For more information, visit www.heartsonfire.com.

IG:          https://www.instagram.com/heartsonfire
FB:         https://www.facebook.com/HeartsOnFire/
LinkedIn:                https://hk.linkedin.com/company/hearts-on-fire

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Michelle Peranteau: michelle@katiebrockmanco.com
Heather Zachary: heather@katiebrockmanco.com

Hearts On Fire Barre Necklace
Hearts On Fire Barre Necklace

 

Bergdorf Goodman, New York City.
Bergdorf Goodman, New York City.

 

Hearts On Fire jewelry display at Bergdorf Goodman, first floor Jewelry Salon
Hearts On Fire jewelry display at Bergdorf Goodman, first floor Jewelry Salon

 

Barre Collection
Barre Collection

 

The British Virgin Islands secures BBB/A-2 sovereign credit rating by S&P

Agency action and stable outlook underscore territory’s stability, position as global financial services hub

ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The British Virgin Islands’ investment in its institutional framework and economic development has designated the territory’s sovereign credit rating as investment grade BBB/A-2 by S&P. The rating was accompanied by a “stable” outlook, indicating that the BVI is on sound footing as a hub for global financial services and warrants increased investor confidence. The internally self-governing territory was noted for a prudent approach to managing public finances and working to mitigate risks in its environment.

This credit rating is expected to lower borrowing costs for government projects, benefitting residents and businesses through enhancements to infrastructure and public services as well as economic growth opportunities. The S&P rating provides an opportunity for businesses operating in the BVI to have increased access to financing, as well, which could improve trade relationships and overall market stability. The territory is fully committed to ensuring the long-term stability and opportunity that this rating is and will continue to be based on.

“The British Virgin Islands has made a strong, long-term commitment to accountability, transparency and responsibility in fiscal matters, and our efforts have not gone unnoticed. We are pleased to share our sovereign credit rating by S&P — a result that has involved considerable time and effort and that will secure economic opportunity for our territory and for those who choose to do business here,” said the Honorable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, Premier and Minister of Finance for the BVI. “This rating signifies that our global financial services industry rests on a solid foundation; moreover, it is poised to meet the complex and diverse needs of today’s savvy investors.”

The credit agency’s review noted a demonstration of the territory’s institutional stability — including its fiscal discipline and prudence and its consistent, sustainable economic policies — as well as potential for near-term economic growth. Moreover, with the U.S. dollar as its official currency, the BVI has “a stable institutional and economic anchor” that supports stability, and its banking system is considered generally well capitalized.

“Beyond providing our international business clientele with the reassurance they seek in establishing commitments in and conducting timely and sensitive transactions through the BVI, this credit rating is a boon to our local economy,” continued Wheatley.

The BVI’s creditworthiness and stable outlook speak to resilience and stability, placing the territory on par with other globally recognized financial centers. The rating supports assurance to institutional investors, global financial institutions, development partners and others who conduct business within the territory, which is proving an attractive destination for foreign direct investment and private sector opportunities. Further, the BVI’s clear commitment to maintaining a long-term economic strategy, regulatory framework and transparency contributed to its trusted reputation among global businesses, asset managers and financial services firms.

About the Ministry of Finance of the Government of the Virgin Islands
The Ministry of Finance is committed to managing the financial affairs of the Government of the Virgin Islands. Its primary duties include formulating and implementing fiscal policies, overseeing public sector budgets, managing government revenues and expenditures, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and standards. More information is available at bvi.gov.vg/ministry/ministry-of-finance.

Media Contact
Kristen Sharkey
FINN Partners
+1 203 644 4899
kristen.sharkey@finnpartners.com

 

QATAR TO CREATE A PERMANENT NATIONAL PAVILION IN THE GIARDINI OF VENICE, HISTORIC VENUE OF LA BIENNALE DI VENEZIA

The Qatar Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia to Feature Two-Part Exhibition Organised by Qatar’s Future Art Mill Museum, with an Installation on the Site of the Qatar Pavilion and a Presentation at ACP-Palazzo Franchetti

DOHA, Qatar and VENICE, Italy, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Qatar will build a national pavilion in the historic venue of Giardini della Biennale, which first opened to the public in 1895. Qatar will join 30 other nations with permanent pavilions in the Giardini. Only two others have opened there in the last 50 years (Australia and Republic of Korea).

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums and commissioner of the Qatar Pavilion, said, “La Biennale di Venezia is the world’s pre-eminent gathering in art and architecture, and the Giardini is the historic landscape where extraordinary pavilions stand as ambassadors for their nations. Qatar is proud to take its place in this international assembly, advancing our role as a global leader in cultural diplomacy and providing an unparalleled platform for giving voice to the creative talent of our nation and the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia region.”

Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, President of La Biennale di Venezia, said, “Venice is the only European city to have had, since the year 1000 CE, a name in Arabic, Bunduqiyyah, a fact that testifies to the teeming mixture of languages and ethnicities that have long sheltered here. In the spirit of curiosity, exploration, and sincere human exchange that characterises Venice and its Biennale, I welcome Qatar to the Giardini, as a powerful global source of creativity and cross-cultural understanding.”

The new Qatar Pavilion will be located in the Giardini, adjacent to the iconic Book Pavilion.

Qatar will begin to activate its site in May 2025 during the 19th International Architecture Exhibition by presenting a major installation, Community Centre, by Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari.

The installation will be part of the exhibition Beyti Beytak. My home is your home. La mia casa è la tua casa., presented at both the Giardini and ACP-Palazzo Franchetti. In keeping with the theme of the Biennale Architettura 2025, Beyti Beytak. My home is your home. La mia casa è la tua casa. will explore how hospitality and traditions of welcome are embodied in the contemporary architecture and landscapes throughout the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA). Paying tribute to pioneering architects and thinkers, the exhibition will feature works by more than 20 modern and contemporary architects from the MENASA region, including several whose work has not previously been shown in Venice.

The exhibition is commissioned by H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa and Qatar Museums and organised by the future Art Mill Museum. It is curated by Aurélien Lemonier, Art Mill Museum Curator of Architecture, and Sean Anderson, Associate Professor at Cornell University, with the collaboration of Virgile Alexandre.

Quantinuum’s “Reimei” Quantum Computer Now Fully Operational at RIKEN, Ushering in a New Era of Hybrid Quantum High-Performance Computing

Quantinuum’s “Reimei” quantum computer installed at RIKEN‘s world-class facility will accelerate scientific progress of quantum computing across physics, chemistry, and other applications

TOKYO, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Quantinuum, the world’s largest integrated quantum computing company, and RIKEN, Japan’s largest comprehensive research institution, today announced the successful on-premise installation of Quantinuum’s “Reimei” quantum computer at RIKEN’s Wako campus in Saitama, Japan. RIKEN has designed, prepared, and delivered a world-class facility for the trapped-ion quantum computer, which will enable generations of high-performance quantum systems.

Quantinuum's System Model H1 Trapped-Ion Quantum Computer
Quantinuum’s System Model H1 Trapped-Ion Quantum Computer

This state-of-the-art machine is now fully operational, ushering in a new era of discovery and innovation. With its installation at RIKEN’s world-class facility, Japanese researchers now have direct, on-site access to Quantinuum’s cutting-edge quantum computing technology, renowned for being the highest performing systems in the world. Quantinuum’s hardware stands out as the only available system using a unique architecture that physically moves qubits, unlocking new tools and possibilities unavailable on other platforms. The exceptional performance and consistency of the system are supported by the stability of the facility’s world-class environment, which is designed, built, and maintained to maximize the capabilities of Quantinuum’s quantum computers.

Named “Reimei,” which translates into “dawn” in Japanese, this powerful quantum computer symbolizes the incredible potential of quantum technology and integrated hybrid computational platforms. The trapped-ion quantum computer by Quantinuum will work in harmony with RIKEN’s famed Japanese flagship supercomputer Fugaku, creating a cutting-edge quantum-HPC hybrid platform designed to tackle computations that surpasses the capabilities of traditional supercomputers—an exciting leap forward for scientific research.

This groundbreaking installation is part of an ambitious project commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), a national research and development entity under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Dr. Mitsuhisa Sato, Division Director of the Quantum-HPC Hybrid Platform Division, RIKEN Center for Computational Science, said: “Reimei’s high-fidelity qubits and all-to-all connectivity will significantly enhance the research possibilities of our quantum-HPC hybrid platform. We are thrilled to explore new frontiers in scientific research on quantum-HPC hybrid applications by using the Quantinuum system with our Fugaku.”

Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum, emphasized the significance of this milestone: “This installation represents a pivotal moment for our global strategy, marking the first on-site deployment of our quantum technology outside the U.S. We are eager to collaborate with RIKEN’s exceptional researchers, whose expertise will be instrumental in driving unprecedented scientific breakthroughs.”

About RIKEN

RIKEN, a National Research and Development Agency, is Japan’s largest comprehensive research institution renowned for high-quality research in a diverse range of scientific disciplines. Founded in 1917, initially as a private research foundation, RIKEN has grown rapidly in size and scope, today encompassing a network of world-class research centers and institutes across Japan.

About Quantinuum   

Quantinuum, the world’s largest and leading integrated quantum company, pioneers powerful quantum computers and advanced software solutions. Quantinuum’s technology drives breakthroughs in materials discovery, cybersecurity, and next-gen quantum AI. With over 500 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, Quantinuum leads the quantum computing revolution across continents.  

For more information, please visit the website at www.quantinuum.com