Akın Garzanlı, who previously served as CMO of Beko has been appointed as the CEO of Beko Europe

ISTANBUL, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Beko, a global leader in home appliances, today announced a new senior level appointment. Akın Garzanlı, who has been serving as Chief Marketing Officer of Beko since 2022 has been appointed as Beko Europe’s CEO and Beko’s Chief Commercial Officer in the Europe Region. He is taking over this role from Ragıp Balcıoğlu, who has been appointed as Beko’s Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer.

Akın Garzanlı, Beko Europe CEO

Akın Garzanlı has joined Beko for over 20 years ago. In his last role, leading 22 global and local brands in more than 55 countries with a marketing team spread across a large geography and developing marketing strategies that make a difference, he had been in charge of global brand management and marketing communications, industrial design, product management, small domestic appliances, content excellence, marketing insight and analytics, and marketing growth and transformation. In addition to the marketing function, he also oversaw the Middle East, Africa, and CIS regions as of 2023.

Garzanlı started his career in 2002, when he became responsible for Beko’s global markets. He has held key positions in the company’s global functions, including sales, product management, marketing and customer service. In 2018, he was appointed as Global Customer Care Director, and as of 2020, he assumed the role of Global Brand Director in addition to this position.

Garzanlı graduated from St. George’s Austrian High School in Istanbul and holds a bachelor’s degree from Istanbul University in the field of Management. He earned his MBA from the Koç University. Garzanlı also completed several programs at Harvard Business School and Kellogg School of Management.

Akın Garzanlı has brought energy and clarity to Beko’s global marketing capability, and he knows how to turn consumer insight into performance. Beko Europe has a wide brand portfolio, and Garzanlı’s experience managing and growing multiple brands across markets, combined with his agile approach, will help Beko get closer to its customers and turn brand strength into further results.

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Collaboration signals new era of real-time, affordable global money movement for consumers in the Kingdom

SINGAPORE and RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, today announced that it has signed an MOU at SIBOS 2025 to form a strategic alliance with Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF), one of Saudi Arabia’s leading financial institutions. This collaboration will enable BSF consumers and businesses to send fast, affordable and secure international money transfers with real-time speed and an enhanced customer experience.

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The alliance will allow BSF account holders to reach accounts and wallets worldwide. It represents a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s financial evolution, as banks embrace innovative solutions that move beyond traditional transfer methods.

Majed Alsadhan, Chief Wholesale Banking Officer, Banque Saudi Fransi, said: “BSF is committed to providing our customers with world-class financial services that combine innovation and trust. By leveraging Thunes’ trusted Direct Global Network, we are now able to offer faster, more reliable, and more accessible remittance services. This alliance underscores our mission to serve both individuals and businesses, while supporting the Kingdom’s transformation into a leading digital economy.”

Simon Nelson, Chief Commercial Officer at Thunes, commented: “Banque Saudi Fransi is a key player in Saudi Arabia’s banking sector. Together, we are reshaping how money moves out of the Kingdom, making transfers simpler, instant and more cost effective. This collaboration reinforces our deep commitment to Saudi Arabia, where we continue to build strong relationships with banks, fintechs and wallets, and the trust we have earned to support the country’s remarkable digital journey.”

The alliance highlights both organisations’ commitment to innovation, inclusion and excellence, while strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for digital finance under Vision 2030.

About Thunes:

Thunes is the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world. Thunes’ proprietary Direct Global Network allows Members to make payments in real-time in over 130 countries and more than 80 currencies. Thunes’ Network connects directly to over 7 billion mobile wallets and bank accounts worldwide, as well as 15 billion cards via more than 320 different payment methods, such as GCash, M-Pesa, Airtel, MTN, Orange, JazzCash, Easypaisa, AliPay, WeChat Pay and many more. Thunes’ Direct Global Network differentiates itself through its worldwide reach, in-house SmartX Treasury System and Fortress Compliance Platform, ensuring Members of the Network receive unrivaled speed, control, visibility, protection, and cost efficiencies when making real-time payments, globally. Members of Thunes’ Direct Global Network include gig economy giants like Uber and Deliveroo, super-apps like Grab and WeChat, MTOs, fintechs, PSPs and banks. Headquartered in Singapore, Thunes has offices in 14 locations, including Atlanta, Barcelona, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, London, Manila, Nairobi, Paris, Riyadh, San Francisco and Shanghai. For more information, visit: https://www.thunes.com/

About BSF

Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF), a Joint Stock Company established by Royal Decree No. M/23 dated June 1977, is one of the leading banks in Saudi Arabia. It has its head office in Riyadh and regional offices in Jeddah, Al-Riyadh and Al-Khobar. Through its 85 branches/self-service centers, 520 ATMs and over 28,000 points of sale, BSF is committed to providing innovative and excellent services to its clients. BSF offers a wide range of financial services in Corporate Banking and Retail Banking. The Bank also provides investment banking, asset management and investment funds services, in addition to brokerage services through BSF Capital. BSF’s main focus is to provide a new standard in customer experience that stands out for its simplicity and transparency further empowering its customers while offering them personalized advice. BSF’s business model is customer-oriented, with the goal of being a leader in customer satisfaction on a national and regional level.

Empowering millions of fans worldwide through secure voting and immersive AI companions

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Miss Universe Organization (“MUO”) today announced its partnership with Zetrix, the Layer-1 public blockchain developed by Zetrix AI Berhad (“Zetrix AI”), formerly known as MY E.G. Services Berhad. Together, they are introducing the official Miss Universe Global Blockchain Voting App, marking a historic milestone in the pageant’s 73-year legacy.

For the first time, fans around the world will be able to cast their votes with complete trust, thanks to blockchain’s secure and verifiable technology. The app also introduces artificial intelligence (AI) companions inspired by Miss Universe contestants, offering fans a uniquely immersive way to connect with the women, their causes and their cultures.

This partnership underscores Miss Universe’s commitment to innovation, transparency and deeper fan engagement, ensuring that every voice is heard and every vote counts.

The unveiling took place at W Kuala Lumpur and was attended by Raúl Rocha Cantú, President of MUO and Dato’ Fadzli Shah, Co-Founder of Zetrix, where the two parties exchanged the partnership agreement. At the event, guests were further introduced to the app’s features that celebrate every vote and every story at the upcoming 74th Miss Universe Competition and beyond.

Features of the Miss Universe Global Blockchain Voting App

The app will be available soon on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Fans can look forward to a more interactive and immersive way to connect with the pageant than ever before.

Key features of the app include:

• Credible voting process that empowers fans to support their favourite finalists across main competitions as well as special segments and categories, such as Beyond the Crown — a platform where contestants share stories about their countries and champion the causes they advocate.
• AI-powered companions modelled after Miss Universe contestants, each reflecting her personality, values and knowledge. Through these companions, fans can go beyond the stage to learn more about contestants’ passions and causes through meaningful conversations.
• Exclusive access to updates, staying connected with the pageant through news, behind-the-scenes stories and contestant highlights all in one place.

“With over 130 countries participating in Miss Universe, our goal has always been to unite cultures, amplify voices and celebrate diversity on a global scale. By launching this blockchain-powered voting app with Zetrix, we are empowering our fans across continents with the most advanced, secure and inclusive technology available today. This is not just a digital tool — it is a platform that brings fans closer to the contestants, their causes and their cultures like never before. Whether you are in Mexico City, Manila, Lagos or Jakarta, your voice matters, and now your vote does too — with absolute transparency and trust. We are proud to be leading the future of global fan engagement, setting a new standard for how technology and pageantry come together to inspire the world,” said Raúl Rocha Cantú.

“We are thrilled to bring our blockchain and AI expertise to the Miss Universe international stage. This partnership ensures that fans around the world can enjoy trusted and interactive voting for the first time in Miss Universe history. Before introducing this voting app to our global audience, we worked closely with Miss Universe’s counterparts in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Hong Kong SAR, who pioneered its use in their respective pageant voting processes. This collaboration played a key role in refining the app and shaping it into the robust, transparent platform it is today,” said Dato’ Fadzli Shah.

As the 74th Miss Universe competition approaches this November, fans everywhere will soon discover a new way of voting: one that is secure, engaging and powered by technology designed for the future.

About Miss Universe Organization

The Miss Universe Organization (“MUO”) is the organiser of the annual Miss Universe beauty pageant, one of the world’s most celebrated international events since 1952. More than a competition, Miss Universe is a global platform empowering women through pageantry, leadership, and philanthropy. Participants gain life-changing opportunities, exposure, and professional growth while advocating for social causes that inspire millions. MUO celebrates diversity, equality, and inclusion, bringing together women from all backgrounds and fostering cultural exchange, personal development, and compassionate leadership.

For more information, visit https://www.missuniverse.com/

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About Zetrix

Zetrix is a Layer-1 public blockchain that facilitates smart contracts and delivers privacy, security and scalability. Zetrix’s cryptographic infrastructure can be introduced to multiple industries to connect governments, businesses and their citizens to a global blockchain-based economy. Developed by Zetrix AI Berhad (“Zetrix AI”), formerly known as MY E.G. Services Bhd (“MYEG”), the cross-border and cross-chain integration with China enables Zetrix to serve as a blockchain gateway that facilitates global trade by deploying critical building blocks for Web3 services such as Blockchain-based Identifiers (BID) and Verifiable Credentials (VC).

For more information, visit https://www.zetrix.com/

The S.E. Asia U.S. Agricultural Cooperators Conference highlighted sustainable growth, trusted supply, and shared goals for regional food security

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — More than 400 agricultural leaders and stakeholders from over 20 countries gathered in Jakarta, September 15–17, 2025 for the S.E. Asia U.S. Agricultural Cooperators Conference. Co-organized by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and held under the theme “Enabling Trade Today, Unlocking Tomorrow,” the event underscored shared goals in strengthening global trade, building resilient supply chains, and ensuring long-term food security.

The three-day event featured business-to-business networking, keynote addresses, panel discussions, and expert sessions on key topics including logistics, market access, regulatory trends, and sustainability across the agricultural value chain. Delegates explored opportunities to enhance trade in U.S. soybeans, corn, and co-products to support Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving food and feed sectors.

Southeast Asia and Indonesia: Strategic Partners for U.S. Soy

Southeast Asia remains a vital and fast-growing destination for U.S. agricultural exports. In Marketing Year 2023/24, the region imported approximately 9.08 million metric tons (MMT) of whole soybeans and 20.89 MMT of soybean meal^[1], reflecting strong demand from both the food and feed sectors.

“Southeast Asia continues to be a key region of growth for U.S. Soy, driven by rising demand, a growing middle class, and expanding protein consumption,” said Timothy Loh, USSEC Regional Director, Southeast Asia & Oceania. “Through long-standing partnerships and a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, we’re delivering value to the region and helping build a more secure, resilient future together.”

Within the region, Indonesia stands out as Southeast Asia’s largest importer of U.S. soybeans for food use, underscoring its strategic importance to U.S. producers. Strong consumer demand and a cultural preference for traditional soy-based foods like tempe and tofu continue to drive soybean imports, while the country’s rising protein needs are unlocking new opportunities for U.S. soybean meal in the feed sector.

Advancing Shared Priorities

The conference spotlighted how long-term collaboration between U.S. Soy producers and Southeast Asian partners helps ensure supply reliability, strengthens market access, and unlocks mutual value. Throughout the conference, speakers emphasized the importance of transparency, trust, and innovation in navigating an increasingly complex global trade environment.

In a leadership dialogue, USSEC CEO Jim Sutter and USSEC Chair Janna Fritz discussed how data, technology, and farmer-led innovation are shaping the future of agriculture. They emphasized the unique strengths of U.S. Soy: its lowest carbon footprint^[2], superior sustainability and the dedication of multi-generational U.S. farmers to quality^[3] and long-term supply. Both leaders highlighted the value of close engagement with customers to better understand evolving market needs.

Across multiple sessions, speakers also underscored the region’s rising demand for high-quality protein and the growing importance of secure, sustainable supply chains to meet that demand. Food safety, traceability, and consistent product quality were noted as top priorities for Southeast Asian buyers and consumers.

Strengthening Partnerships for the Future
The conference reaffirmed the value of strong, collaborative partnerships across the agricultural supply chain. By bringing together U.S. producers, exporters, buyers, feed millers, processors, and government leaders, the event provided a timely platform to shape a more resilient, sustainable future for global agriculture.

About the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC):
The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) focuses on differentiating, elevating preference, and attaining market access for the use of U.S. Soy for human consumption, aquaculture, and livestock feed in 93 countries internationally. USSEC members represent the soy supply chain including U.S. Soy farmers, processors, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied agribusinesses, and agricultural organizations. USSEC is funded by the soy checkoff, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service matching funds, and industry. Visit ussec.org for the latest information and news about USSEC and U.S. Soy internationally. 

HYDERABAD, India, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Gene Solutions, a leading genetic testing innovator in Asia, has partnered with AMPATH (American Institute of Pathology and Laboratory Sciences), a trusted provider of high-quality diagnostic services in India, to open a new advanced genomics laboratory in Hyderabad. This collaboration aims to bring high-value, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies closer to patients and healthcare providers across the country.

By combining AMPATH’s extensive diagnostic network with Gene Solutions’ expertise in genomics, the partnership will enable more timely, accessible, and informative testing in key areas such as reproductive health, cancer screening, and personalized medicine.

Bringing Advanced Genomics into Everyday Practice

AMPATH’s nationwide infrastructure—comprising over 20 satellite laboratories and more than 2,000 collection points—provides a strong foundation to introduce genomics into routine diagnostics. Leveraging this reach, the newly established NGS laboratory in Hyderabad will offer:

• triSure NIPT – A comprehensive non-invasive prenatal screening solution that provides insights into chromosomal conditions, microdeletions, and select single-gene disorders, supporting expectant parents with safe, early options for fetal health assessment and maternal well-being.
• SPOT-MAS – An innovative, clinically validated early cancer screening solution, designed to detect signals from 75 cancer types and subtypes using a single blood sample—providing physicians with additional tools to support early intervention.
• K-TRACK, K-4CARE – World-class cancer monitoring & genomic profiling solutions powered by multi-omics, enabling physicians to personalize treatment and monitor recurrence with greater confidence.

Supporting Better Patient Care Through Advanced Testing

The collaboration between Gene Solutions and Ampath introduces advanced diagnostic tools that support more informed clinical decisions. By offering access to innovative genomic solutions, the partnership contributes to:

• Safer, more informative prenatal screening, empowering expectant parents with early, accurate insights into fetal health and maternal conditions.
• Earlier cancer detection, enabling physicians to identify signals from major cancers, including breast, lung, colorectal, and head & neck cancers, through a simple blood test.
• Personalized cancer care, helping oncologists tailor treatment and monitor recurrence through non-invasive genomic tools.

A Shared Vision for Accessible Precision Medicine

“This partnership reflects a shared vision—making high-quality, science-driven genetic testing more widely available,” said Dr. Nguyen Hoai Nghia, Co-founder and CEO of Gene Solutions. “We believe that technology should be inclusive. Working with AMPATH allows us to deliver advanced solutions through a familiar and trusted healthcare network.”

Dr. Maneesh Bagai, COO of AMPATH shared: “We are thrilled to expand into next-generation sequencing through this strategic alliance. Together, we are redefining what’s possible in diagnostics—whether it’s in maternal health, early cancer detection, or personalized oncology with patient centric approach.”

About AMPATH 

AMPATH (American Institute of Pathology and Laboratory Sciences) is a trusted leader in pathology services in India, known for its adherence to international standards and excellence in clinical diagnostics. Headquartered in Hyderabad, AMPATH operates a Central Reference Laboratory and a growing network of 20+ satellite labs across India, supported by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories) accreditation.

AMPATH is part of CTSI South Asia, which also operates the American Oncology Institute (AOI) and a network of specialty hospitals, reinforcing its commitment to outcome-focused, patient-centric healthcare. Through this integrated ecosystem, AMPATH plays a pivotal role in supporting precision medicine, early disease detection, and personalized treatment strategies across oncology and other specialties.

About Gene Solutions

Gene Solutions is a multinational biotechnology company at the forefront of genetic testing and research innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. Leveraging Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Artificial Intelligence, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio that includes non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), cancer screening via circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), genomic profiling, and treatment monitoring.

In addition to delivering over two million genetic tests, Gene Solutions is recognized for its proprietary research, CAP-accredited laboratories, and contributions to advancing precision medicine through clinical studies, technology development, and regional collaborations.

Explore more information at: https://genesolutions.com/

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 92nd China International Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF 2025) Autumn Exhibition, organized by Reed Sinopharm Exhibitions, was held from September 26–29 at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou. Covering nearly 160,000 square meters, the event gathered 3,000+ exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, presenting 10,000+ new products to 120,000 professional visitors from over 160 countries. CMEF reaffirmed its role as a globally influential hub for healthcare innovation and high-quality development.

Over four decades, CMEF has evolved into a premier platform integrating product launches, technology exchange, procurement, academic collaboration, and brand building. The 2025 edition featured 28 themed zones, spanning medical imaging, in vitro diagnostics, surgical robots, and smart healthcare, covering the full chain from R&D to application.

Exhibition Highlights

Medical Imaging Zone: The “Imaging Pulse • Smart Link” solution, including domestically produced digital cardiac-specific SPECT and large flat-panel mobile C-arm, attracted strong attention.

Medical Robotics Zone: Advanced orthopedic surgical robots—”Smart Brain,” “Smart Eye,” and “Smart Hand”—and a navigation system for total knee arthroplasty became focal points.

Rehabilitation & Personal Health Zone: Exoskeletons, brain-machine interface rehabilitation devices, and sleep monitoring systems provided hands-on experiences.

Academician Zheng Hairong, Director of the National High-Performance Medical Device Innovation Center, noted: “AI and other cutting-edge technologies are reshaping medical devices—from mechanical execution to autonomous cognition, from experience-driven to data-driven, and from general treatment to personalized precision medicine. China is becoming a key hub for global medical device innovation.”

Expanding Scope: Healthy Lifestyle & Cross-Industry Integration

CMEF 2025 debuted the International Healthy Lifestyle Fair (IHL), featuring five interactive zones covering health screening, sports wellness, nutrition, immersive experiences, and future health technologies. Additional sub-exhibitions showcased medical device design, smart health solutions, emergency rescue, and pet health, promoting cross-industry collaboration and ecosystem integration.

Global Collaboration and Thought Leadership

The International Zone hosted nearly 20 national pavilions, including Germany, the U.S., South Korea, Japan, the UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, India, and others. These highlighted innovative products and cross-regional solutions, underscoring the fair’s global connectivity role.

Under the theme “Health, Innovation, Collaboration,” CMEF presented 60+ forums and conferences, such as the First Health Promotion Conference, Cross-border Access Strategy Conference, and Global Medical Device Regulations Forum. Discussions covered AI in healthcare, digital transformation, and hospital quality enhancement, offering diverse insights and forward-looking strategies.

Matchmaking & Global Exchange

To strengthen cross-border cooperation, CMEF enhanced its “WeMatch” system for one-on-one exhibitor–buyer meetings, alongside the “WeTalk Global Stage” featuring policy briefings, industry trend analyses, and showcases of cutting-edge technologies.

Organizers emphasized: “Exhibitors aim to leverage CMEF to expand into Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. CMEF is a high-quality platform for showcasing innovations and driving global dialogue. Our ‘medical + consumer’ hybrid model is evolving into a global proving ground for health tech and public wellness.”

For more information, please visit www.cmef.com.cn