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Natascha Thomas is the new PDLN President

  • Annual conference of the international network for the legally compliant marketing of media content in Warsaw

BERLIN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 2 June 2025 – The international PDLN network has elected Natascha Thomas as its new president. She succeeds Javier Diaz da Olarte, from CEDRO, Centro Español de Derechos Reprográficos. Thomas has already been active as Vice President of the network for the past two years. The newly elected Vice President is Carlos Eugénio from Visapress in Portugal.

Natascha Thomas, Deputy Managing Director of german PMG Presse-Monitor, is new elected President of the international PDLN Press Data Licensing Network./ Anke Illing
Natascha Thomas, Deputy Managing Director of german PMG Presse-Monitor, is new elected President of the international PDLN Press Data Licensing Network./ Anke Illing

Following her election as the new PDLN President in Warsaw, Thomas said: “At first I would like to thank Javier for his dedicated work at the head of the PDLN. It´s my firm intention to build on this and further promote our international cooperation. I am sure we can make the most of the opportunities offered by AI by sharing experiences and learning from each other. The same also applies to the risks that the rapid technological development entails. The PDLN network with its established structures makes it possible to further advance our common goal of protecting the interests of content producers and preventing abuse on a global scale.”

Natascha Thomas has been Deputy Managing Director of PMG Presse-Monitor since 2020 and is responsible for sales, marketing and business development. In this position, the graduate communications researcher is passionate about driving forward the digitalisation of processes and products. The most recent result of her commitment is the launch of the newly developed, highly available PMG MediaHub portal. Here, over 900 publishers offer the content of more than 3,000 publications for legally compliant secondary utilisation. PR professionals from over 5,000 companies and organisations use this one-stop shop for their daily media monitoring and legally compliant press review creation.

Portrait of Natascha Thomas
Having graduated in communication studies, Natascha Thomas held positions as a digital consultant and research analyst among others, before joining Axel Springer AG, where she was in charge of digital products. As a member of the executive board of AFP GmbH and its subsidiary SID Sport-Informations-Dienst GmbH, Thomas was responsible in particular for the areas of Marketing and Sales. Since 2020, Natascha Thomas has been the deputy managing director of PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH & Co. KG.

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

About PDLN Press Database and Licensing Network

The Press Database and Licensing Network (PDLN) is the international association of press databases and licensing companies that license and supply newspaper, magazine and website material for media monitoring and for use in press reviews (www.pdln.info). Within PDLN, which was founded in 2008, its 39 members from 25 countries coordinate with the aim of protecting and promoting the interests of publishing houses and content publishers in the media evaluation market

About PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH & Co. KG

PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH & Co. KG is one of the leading providers of digital media monitoring, press review creation and media analysis in the German-speaking world.

With the comprehensive relaunch in spring 2025, PMG is launching the newly developed PMG MediaHub. Over 900 publishers and content producers from all over the world make their content available here daily for legally compliant secondary utilisation. Of around 5,000 print and online media, more than 3,000 are available digitally via the integrated PMG MediaMonitor portal. PMG markets content and rights to PR professionals and communications departments in companies and public authorities as well as to professional media observers.

In 2021, PMG acquires the internationally successful data conversion specialist X-CAGO from the Netherlands. PMG now offers publishers customised solutions for the multiple digital exploitation of their content. The range of services extends from the high-quality preparation of digital data for all distribution channels to targeted marketing in the most comprehensive daily press database in the DACH region.

PMG has been providing the Press Portal for Schools (PfS) since 2023 on the basis of a framework agreement with the federal states. Teachers can use it to centrally access the content of German press coverage in order to organise their lessons.

Founded in 2001, PMG is a joint venture of German newspaper and magazine publishers with the shareholders Axel Springer, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Gruner + Jahr, Handelsblatt Media Group, Hubert Burda Media, Spiegel-Verlag, Süddeutsche Zeitung and the Bundesverband Digitalpublisher und Zeitungsverleger as well as the Medienverband der freien Presse.

RD American School, the #1-Ranked US K–12 Private School Partner, Officially Launches in Singapore

  • Admissions open 1 June 2025 for US-branded international school, in exclusive partnership with Riverdale Country School, currently ranked the #1 K–12 private school in the United States
  • With a formal school launch in January 2026, RD American School introduces a  program grounded in the science of learning, with a student-centered approach to 21st-century education

SINGAPORE, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a milestone development for Singapore’s international education landscape, RD American School(RDAS) today announces its official arrival in Singapore, with admissions opening 1 June 2025. This marks the debut of Singapore’s first US-branded Top 100 K–12 private school, developed in exclusive partnership with Riverdale Country School, New York City, a 100-year-old academic leader currently ranked the #1 K-12 private school in the United States by Niche.

Riverdale is internationally known not only for its academic excellence, but for its legacy, counting President John F. Kennedy among its distinguished alumni. That tradition of excellence continues through this new partnership in Asia.

We at Riverdale Country School are honoured to establish this partnership with RD American School in Singapore. We recognise that Singapore has earned a distinguished global reputation for excellence in both its public and international educational institutions. Since our founding in 1907, Riverdale has built a reputation as a forward-thinking school grounded in academic excellence, thriving community, and character development,” said Kari Ostrem, Head of School, Riverdale Country School.

“We believe that our commitment to supporting RD American School’s educators through shared programs, professional development, and ongoing exchange of expertise will help RDAS quickly establish its own strong and distinctive reputation within Singapore’s vibrant educational community.”

Backed by a founding team of leading American educators, RDAS introduces a curriculum and learning environment designed from the ground up to reflect how students actually learn, anchored in decades of research from the fields of neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and educational design.

Riverdale’s influence extends well beyond heritage, its learning framework is grounded in cognitive science and progressive pedagogy. At the helm of RDAS instructional development is Dr. Kevin Mattingly, Riverdale’s Director of Learning and Adjunct Professor at Columbia University’s Teachers College. He will lead the training of RDAS educators, ensuring daily classroom practices reflect research-backed strategies that foster deep and durable learning.

Our collaboration with RD American School represents a meaningful extension of Riverdale’s commitment to educational innovation,” said Dr. Mattingly. “Bringing Riverdale’s research-informed approach to Singapore is an exciting opportunity. By integrating cognitive science with local educational practices, we aim to create learning environments where students not only acquire knowledge but also develop the skills and dispositions necessary for lifelong success.”

The RD American School campus, located in Changi Business Park, has been purposefully designed by globally renowned architect Trung Lê. Rather than traditional classrooms, the school features open, reconfigurable spaces that promote movement, inquiry, and interaction, conditions proven to support attention, memory, and collaboration.

This architectural innovation is matched by the school’s investment in teacher development. All RDAS educators undergo an intensive training programme led by Dr. Mattingly and his team, focused on the science of learning. The result is a faculty equipped to turn every lesson into a cognitively rich experience.

At the heart of RDAS’s philosophy is the Flourish Framework, a developmental model that goes beyond academic benchmarks to cultivate curiosity, resilience, and ethical leadership. The framework supports students in developing self-awareness, social-emotional competencies, and a sense of purpose—helping them flourish not only in school, but in life.

RDAS also places a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, character development, and global citizenship. These values are embedded into every aspect of school culture, curriculum design, and daily practice.

RD American School’s open-concept learning studios encourage hands-on experimentation and student agency—core to its science-backed educational philosophy.png
RD American School’s open-concept learning studios encourage hands-on experimentation and student agency—core to its science-backed educational philosophy.png

“Riverdale is an extraordinary place, relentlessly committed to helping students achieve the confidence, competence, and commitment to make the world a better place. We carry that same spirit forward at RD American School,” said Nathaniel Conard, Chairman of RD American School. “Join us and imagine what is possible when your child learns in a place that puts flourishing first.”

RDAS’s founding team includes some of the most respected figures in American education, including former heads of top-tier independent schools such as the longtime former head of school at The Pingry School, the long time former head of Choate Rosemary Hall and founding chairman/president of Keystone Academy in Beijing, and many others. Together with Riverdale’s pedagogical support, the team brings deep operational and instructional expertise to Singapore’s education landscape.

As Singapore’s education system continues to evolve towards more personalised, student-centric models, RD American School offers a distinct and timely alternative: a school built on scientific principles, shaped by leading educators, and grounded in a deep commitment to student flourishing. With well-being and character development at the heart of its mission, RDAS goes beyond academics to nurture purposeful, resilient learners prepared to lead lives of meaning and impact in the 21st century.

We’re here to prepare young people not just for the tests they’ll take, but for the lives they’ll lead,” finished Dr. Mattingly.

About RD American School

RD American School is the official brand and educational partner of the prestigious Riverdale Country School in New York City. Opening in Changi Business Park, Singapore, on 1 June 2025, RD American School is an innovative international school committed to delivering a future-focused, holistic education grounded in the science of learning. Our purpose-built campus features dynamic learning spaces that foster experiential, inquiry-driven learning and the development of essential 21st-century skills.

Through a unique partnership with Riverdale Country School—ranked America’s top K–12 private school—RD American School offers access to cutting-edge programs and multidisciplinary teaching, guided by esteemed educators such as Dr. Kevin Mattingly. Our mission is to nurture curious, resilient, and socially and emotionally intelligent learners prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

At the heart of our philosophy is the Flourish Framework, designed to cultivate a growth mindset, well-being, and the skills to learn how to learn. Supported by an expert advisory group, RD American School is now accepting admissions and is dedicated to empowering confident, future-ready learners.

FinPrime Secures Dual Wins at World Business Outlook Awards 2025

PORT LOUIS, Mauritius, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FinPrime, a leading global prime brokerage, has been honoured with two prestigious titles at the World Business Outlook Awards 2025: Best Liquidity Provider of the Year, Australia 2025, and Best Liquidity Provider in Emerging Markets, Europe 2025. These recognitions underscore FinPrime’s commitment to delivering superior liquidity solutions and its growing influence in global financial markets.

Recognising Industry Excellence

The World Business Outlook Awards celebrate organisations that exemplify exceptional leadership, innovation, and global impact across various industries. With a rigorous evaluation process led by a distinguished jury, the awards highlight firms that set new benchmarks in their respective fields. FinPrime’s dual wins reinforce its standing as a trusted liquidity provider, dedicated to serving institutional clients with cutting-edge solutions and seamless execution.

Best Liquidity Provider of the Year, Australia 2025

FinPrime’s recognition as Best Liquidity Provider of the Year in Australia reflects its strategic expansion and the strength of its institutional offerings in the region. Through advanced trading technology, deep liquidity access, and robust risk management tools, FinPrime has established itself as a key player in Australia’s financial ecosystem.

Best Liquidity Provider in Emerging Markets, Europe 2025

FinPrime’s recognition as Best Liquidity Provider in Emerging Markets, Europe highlights its ability to navigate the complexities of evolving financial landscapes while delivering unparalleled service. By leveraging deep market expertise and proprietary technology, FinPrime has successfully positioned itself as a go-to liquidity provider for institutional clients across emerging European markets.

The CEO of FinPrime shared: “We are incredibly honoured to receive these awards from World Business Outlook. They affirm our dedication to providing best-in-class liquidity solutions and reinforce our mission to empower institutional clients with the tools and technology needed to thrive in today’s dynamic financial markets. As we continue our global expansion, we remain committed to delivering innovation, reliability, and excellence.”

Looking Ahead

Winning at the World Business Outlook Awards 2025 marks a significant milestone for FinPrime, solidifying its position as a leading liquidity provider on the global stage. As the firm continues to grow, its core mission remains unchanged—to empower institutional clients with superior liquidity solutions, cutting-edge technology, and world-class service.

For more information about FinPrime’s award-winning services, visit finprimegroup.com.

About FinPrime

FinPrime is a global prime brokerage firm that provides institutional clients with access to deep liquidity, advanced trading platforms, and sophisticated risk management solutions. Regulated by the Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC), FinPrime is dedicated to driving innovation and delivering seamless financial services across global markets.

SI Group Signs Exclusive MOU in Support of Solomon Islands’ First Special Economic Zone

HANOI, Vietnam, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SI Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of the Solomon Islands to serve as a strategic adviser and priority investor in the development and international promotion of the country’s first Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This MOU establishes the foundation for collaboration, with a more detailed investment agreement to be finalized and presented to the Government Caucus for formal approval.

Public–Private Partnership Cooperation Signing Ceremony Special Economic Zone (SEZ) between SI Group, Growmax, and The Government of the Solomon Islands.
Public–Private Partnership Cooperation Signing Ceremony Special Economic Zone (SEZ) between SI Group, Growmax, and The Government of the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands – A Strategic Gateway in the Pacific

Situated at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands holds a unique position on major maritime trade routes. With ongoing economic reforms and a commitment to inclusive development, the country is positioning itself as a new frontier for global investment and sustainable growth.

The Honourable Jaimie Lency VOKIA, Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration and Member of Parliament, stated:

“This MOU marks the beginning of a strategic public-private partnership. SI Group’s global reach and sector expertise will help attract serious international investors to the SEZ, aligning with our national goals for economic diversification and regional integration.”

A Government-Led SEZ for National Development

The Special Economic Zone, officially launched by the Government of the Solomon Islands, is a flagship initiative aimed at stimulating broad-based economic transformation. Its goals include:

  • Establishing a globally competitive, well-regulated business environment
  • Attracting high-impact investment, advanced technology, and international expertise
  • Generating employment and enabling export-led growth across multiple sectors

A Cohesive Structure for Sustainable Growth

The SEZ will comprise a series of interconnected sub-zones, each with distinct strategic functions:

1. Marine Economy – Agriculture – Natural Resources
  • A 100-hectare, high-tech shrimp farm targeting premium export markets (e.g., Japan and EU)
  • Fisheries processing hub aligned with global safety and quality standards
  • Environmentally responsible mining operations (gold and bauxite) using ESG-aligned practices
2. Social Services – Education – Tourism
  • An international hospital serving both local and regional communities
  • Vocational training centers customized to SEZ workforce demands
  • A luxury resort, casino, and golf course targeting high-end eco-tourism

3. Infrastructure – Finance – Logistics

  • Financial services platform including a dedicated SEZ bank and investor support systems
  • A strategic logistics hub with cold storage and streamlined cargo processing
  • Integrated infrastructure to deliver reliable energy, water, and telecoms

All sub-zones will be developed in accordance with a national master plan to ensure operational coherence and long-term sustainability.

Implementation Roadmap: From Vision to Execution

SI Group and the Solomon Islands Government have agreed on a structured implementation roadmap to realize the SEZ through phased development:

Short-Term (0–6 months)
  • Formalization of the SEZ Investment Agreement and submission to the Government Caucus
  • Establishment of SI Group’s office in Honiara
  • Launch of initial pilot projects in healthcare, aquaculture, and logistics
  • Engagement of anchor investors and technical consultants
  • Finalization of the SEZ’s legal and regulatory frameworks
Long-Term (1–3 years)
  • Full-scale development of SEZ sub-zones across targeted provinces
  • Infrastructure deployment and utility integration
  • Public-private partnerships for job creation and capacity building
  • Significant growth in FDI and economic diversification
  • Establishment of the Solomon Islands as a model for sustainable SEZ development in the Pacific

SI Group – Strategic Adviser and Priority Investor

Under the terms of the MOU, SI Group will serve as a strategic adviser and priority investor on major investment opportunities within the zone. SI Group’s role includes:

  • Advising on SEZ development strategy, structure, and international best practices
  • Promoting the SEZ to global investors and multilateral institutions
  • Facilitating capital mobilization and technical partnerships
  • Supporting legal, financial, and regulatory alignment to attract long-term investment

About SI Group

Established in 2001 as ESPECO (H.K) Limited and now headquartered in Vietnam, SI Group is a global advisory and investment firm specializing in:

  • Investor migration and post-settlement solutions
  • Government advisory and international business development
  • Infrastructure, real estate, and hospitality investment
  • Strategic partnerships and trade facilitation

With active operations in over 20 countries and a proven track record of delivering high-impact projects, SI Group is committed to supporting the Solomon Islands in realizing its SEZ ambitions through sustainable and inclusive development.

MEDIA CONTACT

Nguyen Huu Tri (Kannie)

CMO & Director of Global Business Development – SI Group

Email: kannie.nguyen@si.im

Phone: +84 904 605 065

Website: www.sigroup.vn

Jollibee Continues Stellar Growth Across Southeast Asia, Strengthens Leadership in Key Markets


MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 June 2025 – Jollibee, the flagship brand of Jollibee Group, continues its remarkable growth across Southeast Asia, recording strong sales performance and store expansion across key markets in the region. In Q1 2025, the brand achieved an impressive 27.8% systemwide sales growth across its Southeast Asia operations outside the Philippines, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Jollibee’s strong showing in Southeast Asia strongly contributed to the Jollibee Group’s third consecutive year of record performance in 2024.

With strong sales and continued store expansion, Jollibee deepens brand love and local patronage in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei
With strong sales and continued store expansion, Jollibee deepens brand love and local patronage in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei

The brand opened 51 new stores in the region in 2024, including its 200th store in Vietnam, which reflects Jollibee’s commitment to bringing the joy of eating to the region’s most dynamic quick-service restaurant (QSR) markets.

“We are grateful for our consumers’ love for Jollibee, which reflects the strength of our flagship brand and the appeal of our offerings in different markets,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jollibee Group. “Our continued strong growth across our international markets, particularly Southeast Asia, is a testament to the hard work of our team and commitment to our 5-year strategy of tripling attributable net income.”

Winning with Local Love, Taste, and Innovation

The brand’s continuous effort to build relevance and resonance with local customers has resulted in strong local patronage across all Southeast Asian markets. In Vietnam, for example, where Jollibee now operates over 200 stores, nearly all customers are Vietnamese. In Brunei, Jollibee has established a leading position as the market leader in the QSR category, with virtually all customers also being local Bruneians. The brand is also experiencing strong community patronage in Singapore and Malaysia, where the majority of its consumers are locals.

Another key driver of Jollibee’s success in the region is the taste superiority of its products, especially the brand’s world-famous Chickenjoy fried chicken—recognized by global platforms such as USA Today as the “Best Fried Chicken” and lauded by renowned publications including Eater.com, Yahoo!, and South China Morning Post. The brand’s Spicy Chickenjoy is also continuing to make waves, with many local consumers in Singapore and Malaysia praising its uniquely spicy kick compared to the competition.

Beyond its fan-favorite bestsellers, Jollibee’s success has also been fueled by its ability to introduce locally resonant menu innovations, including Chili Chicken in Vietnam and the Spicy Spaghetti in Malaysia, which have been well-received by local consumers.

“Our commitment to delivering superior taste has fueled our growth in Southeast Asia, and we’re grateful to have passionate franchisees and partners who share in this mission,” shared Dennis Flores, President of Jollibee Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Australia. “We are excited to strengthen these relationships, while also seeking new franchisees for new markets as we bring the joy of superior taste to more customers around the world.”

Accelerating Expansion in Southeast Asia

Riding on this momentum, Jollibee will continue its store network expansion across Southeast Asia, contributing to the global food company’s mid-term goal of tripling its business in five years.

This ongoing expansion reinforces Southeast Asia’s critical role in Jollibee Group’s global growth strategy, as the company continues its commitment to spreading joy through superior taste through global expansion, combining strong brand equity, product excellence, and operational agility.

For more information on Jollibee Group, visit Jollibee Group’s official website.

Hashtag: #JollibeeGroup

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

About Jollibee Group

The Jollibee Group (PSE: JFC) is one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. Its portfolio includes 19 brands with over 9,900 stores across 33 countries.

The Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes nine wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and has recently invested in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology.

The Jollibee Group’s global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Jollibee Group has been recognized as the Philippines’ Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia’s Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a three-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME’s World’s Best Companies and Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 List.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit

Padma Run Soars to New Heights with Inaugural Bali Edition

BALI, Indonesia, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following four successful editions in Bandung and two in Semarang, Padma Run marked a new milestone with its inaugural Bali event on May 2025. With more than 740 runners set off through the lush highlands of Payangan Village, Ubud, an area known for its untouched natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

Padma Run Bali 2025 Flag Off at Padma Resort Ubud
Padma Run Bali 2025 Flag Off at Padma Resort Ubud

What began in 2019 as a local initiative, has now grown into a vibrant community of enthusiasts, united by the rallying cry #LaceUpForChange, supporting a chosen cause through the Padma GIVE programme (Grant, Inspire, Volunteer, Empower), each event champions a meaningful cause. In Bali, this year’s run was a collaboration between Padma Resort Ubud and Padma Resort Legian, with more than IDR 100 Million, which will be dedicated to enhancing educational facilities of SDN 2 Puhu, benefiting the 102 elementary school students in process.

The race featured three categories, 5K, 10K, and Kids Dash, and welcomed runners of all levels and ages. Participants came not only from across Bali, but also from more than 70 cities such as Jakarta, Pangkal Pinang, and Jayapura, across 9 international destinations including South Africa and the United States, highlighting the event’s growing global appeal.

“Being the first Padma Run Bali, I never imagined we’d achieve something of this magnitude. Beyond crafting an unforgettable event, we’ve also made a lasting contribution to education; enhancing learning environments and empowering our community. It is the incredible spirit shown by every runner, volunteer, and partner involved that made it all possible. We truly could not have done it without you.” said Inez Teresa, Race Director of Padma Run Bali 2025.

What differentiated Padma Run Bali 2025 was its seamless blend of sport and culture. Participants were treated to fresh mountain air, peaceful village views, and immersive touches of Balinese tradition woven into the race experience. The opening ceremony featured the iconic Tari Barong and Kera dance, energising the crowd at the starting line. Along the scenic course, runners encountered joyful Joged dancers at kilometre one and a mystical appearance by Hanooman at kilometre seven, infusing the journey with the island’s rich mythology and vibrant spirit.

“The event truly honoured Balinese root, both on the intricate decorations and the vibrant dance performances that greeted us throughout the course. The route is challenging yet rewarding, winding through lush landscapes that kept runners motivated. The refreshments were thoughtfully curated and the race village buzzed with endless energy and prizes!! Having experienced countless runs across Bali, I can say this event stands out for its seamless blend of culture, course design, and community spirit. I encourage everyone to join Padma Run Bali next year, or in any other part of Indonesia for that matter!” stated one of the 10K runners after event.

From the picturesque trails of Bandung, the serene hills of Ubud, to the lively streets of Semarang, Padma Run offers more than just a race, it cultivates meaningful moments, fostering community spirit, and supporting worthy causes. Looking ahead, Padma Hotels will continue its 2025 series with Padma Run Semarang on September 2025, promising another day of community engagement and charitable impact in the heart of Central Java.

Be a part of the expansive Padma Run community and stay connected with updates on the upcoming events by following their Instagram account @padma_run.

About Padma Hotels

Previously known as Sekar Alliance Hotel Management, Padma Hotels has two exclusive properties on the island of Bali, a hillside town of Bandung, a prestigious highland of Semarang, and an industrial area in Karawang. All of them are inspired by the rich artistry and cultural heritage of these unique locations. This is reflected through the design aesthetic as well as the gracious hospitality of each property. Padma Hotels is committed to the care and comfort of its guests through dedicated service and up-to-date facilities. Padma Resort Legian and Padma Resort Ubud are the perfect introduction to the carefree ambiance of tropical living, Padma Hotel Bandung uplifts the senses with breathtaking natural scenery, Padma Hotel Semarang brings resort ambiance and contemporary opulence to the city, while Resinda Hotel Karawang, managed by Padma Hotels, is an oasis in the center of the industrial area.

About Padma Resort Legian

Padma Resort Legian is a five-star resort in Bali that comes under the banner of Padma Hotels management. It is encompassed within a 9.6-hectare parcel of tropical landscape overlooking Bali’s legendary sunset beach and is just 15 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The resort is an uplifting environment where guests can experience the fun of an artistic lifestyle. Accommodation is a collection of 437 comfortable rooms and suites, each with its own private balcony or terrace for heightened relaxation.

About Padma Resort Ubud

Ensconced within an untouched river valley overlooking the enchanting bamboo forests of Payangan in Ubud; the 149-room Padma Resort Ubud is an expansive destination resort located north of Bali’s celebrated cultural centre. Featuring the five-star amenities and facilities offered by the renowned Padma hospitality brand, including stunning views from every room or suite, an 89-metre infinity swimming pool and signature world-class dining venues, the expansive resort comprises 11 hectares and offers discerning travellers a rare opportunity to experience contemporary Balinese architecture and artworks in an unparalleled natural setting.

bolttech powers Generative AI-driven hyper-personalized customer services on AWS

The international insurtech company expects streamlined customer services platforms to deliver enhanced and personalized experiences, while reducing costs

SINGAPORE, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Amazon Web Services (AWS) today announced that bolttech, a Singapore-headquartered international insurtech company, is implementing AWS generative AI (Gen AI) solutions across its customer and internal workflows, enhancing its operational efficiency and customer experiences while reducing costs.

bolttech, which serves millions of customers across 37 markets on four continents, built its Gen AI platform, “bolttech Gen AI Factory”, using Amazon Bedrock. The Gen AI solution enhances its existing omnichannel call center platform – already running on Amazon Connect and Amazon Lex – by integrating agentic AI.

First, it integrates advanced speech-to-speech capabilities into bolttech’s chatbots, enabling seamless, natural conversations with customers in multiple languages. This is initially being piloted in Korean. The solution provides real-time, personalized responses to customers’ insurance policy questions, in their native language and across a wide range of simple and complex enquiries, with near-instant response times. By automating routine tasks, such as basic claims processing, human agents can now focus on higher value interactions, while boosting operational efficiency and reinforcing bolttech’s commitment to world-class customer satisfaction across its global operations.

Philip Weiner, CEO, Asia, bolttech, said: “At bolttech, we remain steadfast in our vision to connect people with more ways to protect the things they value. To achieve this at scale, we rely on the right data and AI infrastructure. AWS’s cloud computing and Gen AI services, including Amazon Bedrock, provide the foundation to access diverse model choices, deliver superior price-performance ratios, and robust trust and safety enterprise features that align perfectly with our needs. The ability to select from various AI models, such as Amazon Nova, helps support rapid innovation to improve customer experiences in our industry, including how we can offer real-time policy explanations, instant claims processing, and near-human AI interactions by leveraging advances in agentic AI. With this collaboration, we can enhance our ability to deliver more choice to our partners and their customers, ensuring they have access to the most innovative protection solutions available.”

Besides claims resolution and call center augmentation, bolttech Gen AI Factory also serves as an enterprise-wide innovation engine. It enables internal teams to develop and deploy their own Gen AI applications across the entire insurance value chain, from underwriting and claims processing, to customer service and product development. With AWS’s infrastructure, bolttech will leverage AI to improve prediction, prevention and recovery in its customer product offerings:

  • Prediction: Using AI to enhance risk assessment and provide personalized insurance products, such as real-time adjusted premiums based on driving behaviour for auto insurance;
  • Prevention: Implementing AI-driven early warning systems for cyber threats, natural disasters or adverse events, allowing policyholders to take preventive actions and minimize potential losses;
  • Recovery: Deploying AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to expedite claims processing and provide instant support to policyholders in the aftermath of an incident.

These innovations aim to reduce loss ratios over time and provide rapid, holistic recovery and remediation when unavoidable loss events occur.

“The insurance sector in Southeast Asia is using the latest cloud technology and generative AI to make protecting assets easier, more affordable, and more intuitive,” said Priscilla Chong, Country Manager, AWS Singapore. “bolttech is an example of a company delivering innovation using generative AI to enhance customer experiences, improve operational efficiency, and drive innovation in how insurance services are delivered and consumed globally. We’re thrilled to support bolttech, and we’re pleased that AWS’s choice-based, model-agnostic approach is delivering AI-powered convenience to discerning customers at the forefront of the AI revolution.”

bolttech is already leveraging AWS solutions to streamline its software development lifecycle and accelerate time to market. With trial use cases of Amazon Q Developer, bolttech was able to reduce time spent updating code documentation files by over 50%, freeing up valuable development time. Another noticeable advantage was the reduction in time spent learning new codebases. Amazon Q Developer is able to analyse large sets of files in minutes, and feed back to developers’ high-level purpose and low-level details, hastening learning. Finally, Amazon Q Developer performed well with the programming languages used at bolttech, Javascript and Python, making it a valuable tool for a wide range of staff, from backend and frontend developers to data scientists. As a result, bolttech’s developers can now focus more on coding and multitasking without significant distractions.

 

XSQUARE Technologies and Alkhorayef Commercial Company Sign MoU to Advance Saudi Arabia’s Logistics Landscape

SINGAPORE, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore-based XSQUARE Technologies and Alkhorayef Commercial Company (ACC), a leading integrated commercial and industrial solutions provider in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic framework for collaboration aimed at accelerating the adoption of intelligent warehouse automation and transforming intralogistics operations across Saudi Arabia. The signing took place at the Saudi Warehousing & Logistics Expo 2025.

MoU signing between Alkhorayef Commercial Company and XSQUARE Technologies at the Saudi Warehousing & Logistics Expo 2025.
MoU signing between Alkhorayef Commercial Company and XSQUARE Technologies at the Saudi Warehousing & Logistics Expo 2025.

The MoU seeks to integrate ACC’s growing logistics capabilities and XSQUARE’s next-generation intelligent warehouse automation solutions – comprising a suite of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and a warehouse orchestration software – to deliver a high-performance, safe, and scalable intralogistics solutions for the Saudi market.

Under the agreement, both companies will collaborate on joint market outreach and the deployment of customisable end-to-end automation solutions across key logistics and industrial hubs. The partnership will also include the development of pilot projects and demonstrations to showcase the operational efficiencies and economic benefits of AMR-enabled logistics.

Fahad AlJaddan, CEO of Alkhorayef Commercial Company, commented: This partnership marks a significant step forward in our journey to shape the future of logistics in Saudi Arabia. By working with XSQUARE Technologies, we are bringing cutting-edge automation into our ecosystem and empowering our customers with solutions that are efficient, intelligent, and built for scale. We look forward to advancing Saudi Arabia’s logistics landscape in support of Vision 2030’s agenda.

As part of its commitments, ACC will leverage its strong local presence and logistics expertise to support the deployment of XSQUARE’s automation technologies. This includes promoting AMRs as solutions to key customers and providing commercial insights to guide market adaptation.

XSQUARE Technologies, in turn, will provide technical enablement and integration support, including training, product documentation, and solution roadmaps. The company will also provide access to dedicated experts to support localisation efforts and execute pilot projects.

Jens Bohnwagner, CEO of XSQUARE Technologies, commented:
“Partnering with ACC will allow us to bring our proven automation technologies into a rapidly evolving market with immense potential. As a respected leader in the region’s logistics sector with deep market knowledge and operational excellence, ACC is an ideal partner in our journey. We see this collaboration as a powerful platform to demonstrate both the impact and adaptability of our warehouse automation solutions to the specific demands of Saudi Arabia and the region.”

The MoU is a clear demonstration of both companies’ shared commitment to a long-term partnership dedicated to driving the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector through innovation and adaptability.

About XSQUARE Technologies

XSQUARE Technologies is at the forefront of the logistics revolution, offering cutting-edge warehouse automation solutions across Asia Pacific and beyond. Backed by Goldbell Group’s 40 years of expertise, we offer a suite of Autonomous Forklifts and Intelligent Warehouse Orchestrator software that set new standards in interoperability and efficiency, simplifying warehouse operations without the need for extensive reconfiguration and thus saving time and costs. Spanning a diverse range of industries from pharmaceuticals to manufacturing, we have a rapidly growing clientele that benefits from our innovation-driven, real-world-tested solutions.

Visit www.xsquaretechnologies.com to learn more.

About Alkhorayef Commercial Company (ACC)

Alkhorayef Commercial (ACC), established in 1957, is a provider of integrated industrial solutions across key sectors, including agriculture, logistics, marine, and entertainment in Saudi Arabia. Through partnerships with global brands, ACC supplies high-quality products and comprehensive aftersales services to enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

Visit www.alkhorayefcommercial.com.sa to learn more.