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Bounteous Elevates Ketan Somani to President of Strategic Industries & Regional CEO, EMEA & APAC to Drive Growth and AI-Powered Co-Innovation

LONDON, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bounteous, a leading global digital transformation consultancy, today announced the appointment of Ketan Somani as President of Strategic Industries & Regional CEO, EMEA & APAC.

Ketan Somani, President of Strategic Industries & Regional CEO, EMEA & APAC
Ketan Somani, President of Strategic Industries & Regional CEO, EMEA & APAC

In this expanded role, Ketan will lead global strategy and growth across Financial Services, Media & Telecommunications, and Diversified industries, while continuing to scale the company’s business in the EMEA and APAC regions. Ketan will also serve as executive sponsor for the company’s AI initiatives, driving the development and adoption of AI-powered solutions that enable clients to innovate faster, operate smarter, and scale with confidence.

A seasoned executive and an entrepreneurial leader, Ketan has a strong track record of driving business expansion and building client-centric cultures anchored in digital capability, operational agility, and delivery excellence. Since joining in 2017, he has played a pivotal role in driving growth, doubling revenues, launching and growing the EMEA region, and securing a majority investment from leading private equity firm New Mountain Capital. He also significantly expanded the APAC business, converting over a dozen Tier 1 Global Capability Center (GCC) clients into long-term strategic partnerships.

“Ketan’s ability to drive differentiated growth, build high-performing teams, and foster deep client partnerships has been instrumental to our success,” said Sudarshan Mandayam, CEO of Bounteous. “His leadership across EMEA and APAC has strengthened our market position and established Bounteous as a trusted partner in digital innovation. I’m excited to see Ketan continue to amplify our impact in these strategic markets.”

Prior to Bounteous, Ketan spent over a decade building the European media and telecommunications business for a global digital consultancy. With deep expertise in sales, P&L management, client growth, and global delivery, Ketan brings a collaborative approach to leadership, working closely with teams, partners, and clients to drive lasting outcomes.

“I’m honored to step into this expanded role at such a pivotal time for Bounteous,” said Ketan. “Our commitment to Co-Innovation and AI-powered transformation continues to differentiate us in the market. I look forward to working with our global teams to deepen client impact, unlock new growth, and push the boundaries of innovation.”

This announcement follows the recent appointment of Sudarshan Mandayam as CEO and reinforces the company’s commitment to building a global leadership team focused on delivering transformative digital experiences and driving innovation at scale.

“Ketan has been instrumental in shaping our growth across EMEA and APAC, expanding existing client relationships and building new, high-value partnerships,” said Prasad Chintamaneni, Executive Chairman of the Board at Bounteous. “His leadership continues to drive meaningful outcomes for our clients and positions Bounteous for sustained success across key markets.”

About Bounteous
Bounteous is a premier end-to-end digital transformation consultancy dedicated to partnering with ambitious brands to create digital solutions for today’s complex challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. With uncompromising standards for technical and domain expertise, we deliver innovative and strategic solutions in Strategy, Analytics, Digital Engineering, Cloud, Data & AI, Experience Design, and Marketing. Our Co-Innovation methodology is a unique engagement model designed to align interests and accelerate value creation. Our clients worldwide benefit from the skills and expertise of over 4,000+ expert team members across the Americas, APAC, and EMEA. By partnering with leading technology providers, we craft transformative digital experiences that enhance customer engagement and drive business success. Discover more about our impactful work and expertise by visiting www.bounteous.com and following us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

 

FPT Announces Strategic Partnership and Investment with Sumitomo and SBI Holdings

HANOI, Vietnam, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FPT Corporation announced a strategic partnership with Sumitomo Corporation and SBI Holdings – Japan’s leading conglomerates in the finance and industrial sectors to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) adoption through the FPT AI Factory ecosystem, contributing to the advancement of sovereign AI in Japan.

Under this partnership, Sumitomo and SBI Holdings will each invest 20% and 20% in FPT Smart Cloud Japan, a subsidiary of FPT Corporation. This partnership lays a critical foundation for delivering cutting-edge AI solutions to organizations and enterprises in Japan, expediting AI integration across all aspects of society and supporting the nation’s ambition to become a global AI leader.

Combining FPT’s technological capabilities with the extensive networks and expertise of Sumitomo and SBI Holdings across various industries, the three parties are committed to scaling AI and Cloud business in Japan. Together, they aim to build a diversified product and service ecosystem that meets the unique and increasingly complex demands of the Japanese market.

FPT’s Chairman Mr. Truong Gia Binh, SBI Holdings Representative Director, Chairman, President & CEO Mr. Yoshitaka Kitao, and Sumitomo Corporation Director, Vice Chairman Mr. Toshikazu NAMBU signed an investment joint venture in Japan.
FPT’s Chairman Mr. Truong Gia Binh, SBI Holdings Representative Director, Chairman, President & CEO Mr. Yoshitaka Kitao, and Sumitomo Corporation Director, Vice Chairman Mr. Toshikazu NAMBU signed an investment joint venture in Japan.

Mr. Truong Gia Binh, Founder and Chairman of FPT Corporation, emphasized: “Sharing a common vision for the transformative potential of AI, we are working closely with our strategic partners to expand the global application of AI technologies. This partnership also contributes to fostering innovation, strengthening organizational competitiveness, and maintaining technology autonomy, supporting Japan’s goal of becoming an AI nation.”

With the core philosophy of “Build Your Own AI,” FPT AI Factory aims to make AI more accessible and easily deployable for every business, organization, and individual. Leveraging FPT’s robust AI infrastructure—powered by thousands of the latest-generation GPUs, pre-packaged models, and deployment frameworks, alongside a comprehensive service ecosystem as well as proven experience in the Japanese market of FPT and its investors, FPT AI Factory enables organizations to harness their proprietary data, knowledge, and identity. This empowers them to rapidly develop tailored AI applications, unlock breakthrough performance, and create sustainable competitive advantages.

About SBI Group

Established in 1999, SBI Group is one of Japan’s pioneers in online financial services. The Group operates a wide range of financial businesses, offering user-friendly products and services via the Internet, primarily in the areas of securities, banking, and insurance. In addition to its core operations, SBI is also active in asset management and various global investment ventures.

About Sumitomo Corporation

Sumitomo Corporation is an integrated trading and business investment company with a strong global network comprising 125 offices in 64 countries and regions. The Sumitomo Corporation Group consists of approximately 900 companies and 80,000 employees on a consolidated basis. The Group’s business activities are spread across the following nine groups: Steel, Automotive, Transportation & Construction Systems, Diverse Urban Development, Media & Digital, Lifestyle Business, Mineral Resources, Chemicals Solutions and Energy Transformation Business. Sumitomo Corporation is committed to creating greater value for society under the corporate message of “Enriching lives and the world,” based on Sumitomo’s business philosophy passed down for over 400 years.

About FPT Corporation

FPT Corporation (FPT) is a global leading technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam. FPT operates in three core sectors: Technology, Telecommunications, and Education. As AI is indeed a key focus, FPT has been integrating AI across its products and solutions to drive innovation and enhance user experiences within its Made by FPT ecosystem. FPT is actively working on expanding its capabilities in AI through investments in human resources, R&D, and partnerships with leading organizations like NVIDIA, Mila, AITOMATIC, and Landing AI. These efforts are aligned with FPT’s ambitious goal to reach 5 billion USD in IT services revenue from global markets by 2030 and solidify its status among the world’s top billion-dollar IT companies.

After nearly two decades in Japan, FPT has become one of the largest foreign-invested technology firms in the country by human resource capacity. The company delivers services and solutions to over 450 clients globally, with over 4,000 employees across 17 local offices and innovation hubs in Japan, and nearly 15,000 professionals supporting this market worldwide. 

With Japan as a strategic focus for the company’s global growth, FPT has been actively expanding its business and engaging in M&A deals, such as the joint venture with Konica Minolta, strategic investment in LTS Inc, and most recently, the acquisition of NAC—its first M&A deal in the market. As digital transformation, particularly legacy system modernization, is viewed as a key growth driver in the Japanese market, the company is committed to providing end-to-end solutions and seamless services, utilizing advanced AI technologies as a primary accelerator. For more information, please visit https://fpt.com/en.

MIMARU Unveils Japan’s First Free Trilingual Accessible Travel Guide — Milestone toward Truly Inclusive Tourism

TOKYO, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd., the operator of the apartment-hotel brand MIMARU, has teamed with Arukikata Co., Ltd., the company behind Japan’s iconic travel guide series, Chikyu no Arukikata (Globe-Trotter Travel Guidebook), which covers over 160 countries, and the Good Luck Trip platform for international visitors to Japan. As approximately 16% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability (WHO, 2023), together, they have started Japan’s first free trilingual accessible travel guide (English, Traditional Chinese, Japanese).

The guide is available in print at all MIMARU locations and online via the official website starting April 21, 2025, helping ensure that even just one more traveler feels confident and inspired to explore Japan.

MIMARU official website: https://mimaruhotels.com/
Good Luck Trip: https://www.gltjp.com/en/

The guide features accessible facilities and travel routes in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, offering a visually engaging and informative experience. Unlike typical overseas travel guides, it adopts a uniquely Japanese style — filled with personal travel columns and vibrant photos — that invites readers to discover Japan in a more inclusive and thoughtful way.

Images1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107482/202504177529/_prw_PI9fl_jNNLJIGa.png

Download the digital guide (English & Traditional Chinese): https://mimaruhotels.com/manual/accessible-tourism-guide

Note: A digital version is also available and may be freely used, shared, or distributed to help more travelers discover accessible ways to enjoy Japan.

Supporting a More Inclusive Future
This collaboration is part of MIMARU’s broader efforts to make travel more inclusive. Built on three key initiatives — Diversity of people and work styles, Connections with guests and local communities, and Environmental consideration — MIMARU fosters a welcoming hospitality environment for all. These initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, promoting inclusive, safe, and sustainable cities.

Every MIMARU room includes a kitchen and spacious living area — ideal for families, groups, and travelers with diverse needs. Staff are trained in universal manners, and the brand works with accessibility experts to continually improve services.

While urban areas have made progress, accessible travel information remains scarce. This guide helps bridge that gap by offering practical, easy-to-follow information on barrier-free facilities, transit routes, and accessible travel across Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. It was created to empower more travelers to say, “I deserve this journey. Now, it’s my turn to explore.”

Learn more about MIMARU’s accessibility initiatives: 
https://mimaruhotels.com/news/accessible-tourism/

Explore the Highlights — 16-Page Guide with QR Codes for Updates

  1. Enjoy Japan’s seasonal beauty all year round
  2. Must-explore destinations along Japan’s iconic travel route
  3. Area guides with barrier-free access info (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka)
  4. Practical tips for accessible travel in Japan, covering barrier-free transportation, key organizations, and helpful resources
  5. Introduction to MIMARU’s unique apartment-style locations and its activities related to accessible tourism

Images2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107482/202504177529/_prw_PI10fl_ubh763YO.png

For each picture, please visit the link below: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/202504177529?p=images

Onward Therapeutics Announces IMPD Approval for Its Subsidiary Emercell to Start Clinical Investigation of Allogeneic NK Cell Therapy OT-C001 in Combination with Rituximab

EPALINGES, Switzerland and PARIS, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Onward Therapeutics SA, a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing innovative cancer immunotherapies, announced that its subsidiary, Emercell SAS, has received Investigational Medicinal Product Dossier (IMPD) approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial of OT-C001, an allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell therapy, in combination with an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, Rituximab.

The upcoming phase 1 study (C00101 study) will enroll patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), who have relapsed after, or are refractory to CAR-T cell therapy, or ineligible for CAR-T cell infusion. OT-C001 will be evaluated with Rituximab across various dose levels. The trial will also examine cellular kinetics and biomarkers to characterize the specific mechanism associated with therapeutic responses.

“We are delighted to have reached an important milestone of entering clinical development of OT-C001 following our strategic investments in Emercell since 2021,” said Dr. C. Grace Yeh, Chairman and CEO of Onward Therapeutics,”This Phase 1 trial may validate Emercell’s patented platform technology for meaningful clinical outcomes. Along with the continued optimization of industrial manufacturing, these efforts will strengthen our ability to form strategic partnerships and advance this promising therapy.”

“OT-C001 sets itself apart by utilizing a pool of multiple umbilical cord blood (UCB) samples, offering both diversity in the product and consistency across GMP batches,” said Dr. Patrick Henno, Founder and ex-President of Emercell, “unlike the complex manufacturing processes of many engineered cell therapy products, OT-C001 provides a safe and scalable solution to unmet medical needs in targeted indications.”

“We are excited to initiate this multicenter phase 1 trial in one of the most common and aggressive forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma,” said Dr. Alain Herrera, President of Emercell and CMO of Onward Therapeutics, “despite challenges in the cell therapy market, this achievement advances our mission to provide novel treatments for DLBCL patients in need of new therapeutic options. OT-C001 has the versatility to act as a universal platform through combinations with various monoclonal antibodies or targeted therapies; it may benefit patients across multiple indications beyond DLBCL.”

About OT-C001

OT-C001 is an allogeneic cell therapy of highly activated and expanded NK cells from UCB, manufactured using a patented expansion and activation process. It targets tumor cells through direct and indirect cytotoxicity, when combined with a monoclonal antibody targeting tumor specific antigens. OT-C001 is being evaluated as a potential new treatment for advanced hematologic malignancies with monoclonal antibodies. In non-clinical in vitro, in vivo models, and toxicology studies, it was well tolerated and displayed promising anti-tumor activities.

About Onward Therapeutics

Onward Therapeutics (www.onward-therapeutics.com) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies. Led by a seasoned team in translational science and drug development, the company advances promising candidates through a fast-track development model. Its portfolio includes a bispecific antibody (OT-A201) licensed from Biomunex, alongside an equity investment; and an allogeneic NK cell therapy (OT-C001) developed via its majority-owned subsidiary, Emercell. Additional programs in immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and onco-metabolism are in early development. Headquartered in Switzerland, Onward Therapeutics also operates in Paris and Taipei.

About Emercell

Emercell (www.emercell.com) develops off-the-shelf allogeneic NK cell therapies. Based at the IRMB at Saint-Éloi University Hospital Center in Montpellier, France, its lead candidate OT-C001 targets lymphoma patients resistant to standard treatments. The patented platform pre-activates and expands NK cells. In 2023, Emercell received support from Bpifrance under the France 2030 “Biotherapies and bioproduction of innovative therapies” acceleration strategy and the Occitanie Region.

Inner Mongolia acts as green power bank

BEIJING, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

The Inner Mongolia autonomous region, a vast territory in northern China with immense renewable energy potential, is powering the nation’s green transition and setting an example for the world.

Wang Lixia, chairwoman of Inner Mongolia, said in a recent interview that the region’s “experience has shown that developing renewable energy doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment. Instead, it can drive ecological restoration”.

“Meanwhile, desertification control is not just an environmental imperative; it can also fuel high-quality development,” she added.

According to a report released in March by the International Renewable Energy Agency, the capacity of global renewable power increased substantially last year, with the addition of 585 gigawatts, a record growth of 15.1 percent. China played a significant role in this growth, accounting for nearly 64 percent of the added capacity, the report said.

Wang noted that Inner Mongolia, with its abundant wind and solar resources, plays a crucial role in China’s green transition. The region has an exploitable wind energy capacity of 1.46 billion kilowatts, accounting for 57 percent of the national total, and a solar energy potential of 9.4 billion kW, which is 21 percent of the national total, she said.

“This wealth of wind and solar resources gives us confidence, and opens up endless possibilities for the growth of Inner Mongolia’s renewable energy industry,” she said.

Last year, Inner Mongolia led the nation in six key areas, including new renewable energy installations, green hydrogen production, new energy storage installations and green electricity trading volume. This makes Inner Mongolia a green power bank for northern China, Wang said. “Of every 100,000 kW of newly installed renewable power capacity nationwide, over 10,000 kW is generated in Inner Mongolia,” she said.

“Our total installed renewable power capacity has surpassed 135 million kW, exceeding that of coal-fired power. We are the first provincial-level region in China to surpass 100 million kW of renewable power capacity,” she added.

Last year, Inner Mongolia’s renewable energy output increased 27.6 percent, exceeding 210 billion kilowatt-hours, which is equivalent to twice the annual output of the Three Gorges Dam.

Renewable energy contributes 25 percent of the region’s total electrical power generation. “It is equivalent to saving 66 million metric tons of standard coal, enough to meet Inner Mongolia’s heating needs for three years, while reducing carbon emissions by 180 million tons annually,” Wang said.

As the autonomous region pushes its renewable energy development, it is also exploring ways to utilize its renewable power resources and expand its electrical equipment manufacturing industry.

“We are advancing our green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol industries, converting green electricity into green products,” Wang said. “We have also established the nation’s largest computing power base with nearly 80 percent of the energy sourced from renewables.”

These efforts helped Inner Mongolia reach a renewable energy utilization rate of 94 percent last year, with green electricity accounting for nearly one-third of the total consumption.

The economic impact has also been impressive. In 2024, the total added value of renewable energy and related industries in Inner Mongolia grew 20.1 percent year-on-year, with new energy equipment manufacturing up more than 40 percent, Wang noted.

At the same time, exports of electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and solar panels soared 45.3 percent to 4.18 billion yuan ($573 million), according to customs data.

While the region is ramping up efforts for the manufacturing and export of new energy equipment, its ecological restoration efforts, particularly in the Kubuqi Desert, have gained global recognition.

Once known as the “Sea of Death”, the desert has become a model for integrating ecological restoration with new energy development. In 2014, the United Nations Environment Programme designated the desert as an ecological economy demonstration zone.

The Kubuqi model integrates solar power generation with agriculture and animal husbandry, as photovoltaic panels are used to provide canopies that help enhance plant survival and support the growth of drought-resistant crops, Wang said.

This approach tackles desertification, advances renewable energy development and helps increase local people’s income, achieving multiple benefits simultaneously, she said.

The area, which until 2017 remained largely barren, was covered by an array of solar panels by the end of last year. In December, the NASA Earth Observatory released satellite images showing what has been dubbed as Kubuqi’s “Solar Great Wall”.

“Stretching 400 kilometers, with an average width of 5 km, the project, once completed, will help restore vegetation on about 200,000 hectares of the desert and generate 180 billion kWh of electricity annually, serving as both a ‘blue energy wall’ and a green ecological barrier,” Wang said.

Teads and Mercedes-Benz Drive Brand Lift with Thailand’s First Connected TV Campaign

SINGAPORE, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Teads, the global media platform, has partnered with Mercedes-Benz to launch its first-ever Connected TV (CTV) campaign in Thailand, marking a new milestone in the luxury automotive market. Running from June to July 2024 as part of the Defining Class 2.0 initiative, the campaign targeted high-income audiences with an omnichannel approach, delivering substantial brand lift for Mercedes-Benz and reinforcing its position as a top luxury automotive brand in Thailand.

Teads and Mercedes-Benz Drive Brand Lift with Thailand’s First Connected TV Campaign
Teads and Mercedes-Benz Drive Brand Lift with Thailand’s First Connected TV Campaign

Pioneering a Strategic Omnichannel Execution for Maximum Brand Impact

The campaign marked Teads’ debut in the Thai CTV landscape, blending multiple digital touchpoints to maximize engagement with a premium audience:

  • CTV Native Placement (LG TV Homescreen) — This strategic placement delivered Mercedes-Benz’s first presence on LG Smart TVs in Thailand, reaching affluent consumers directly in their living rooms.
  • CTV Video Placements — By delivering instream video ads within premium in-app environments on both Smart TVs and Mobile/Tablet devices, Teads captured the attention of viewers in a high-quality, distraction-free setting.
  • Outstream Advertising — Targeted to audiences based on income and automotive interest, the outstream ads helped drive strong brand consideration.
Key Campaign Results: Significant Uplift Across Brand Metrics

The campaign’s effectiveness was evaluated using On Device’s methodology, which passively tracked exposure and surveyed their panellists 24-48 hours after ad interactions. Brand Lift Study offered granular insights, underscoring the campaign’s ability to achieve significant results in brand perception and favorability.

The Mercedes-Benz CTV campaign in Thailand exceeded expectations, achieving robust lifts across critical brand metrics:

  • Top-of-mind awareness saw a 5-point increase, outperforming industry benchmarks.
  • Ad recall increased by 7 points, demonstrating high retention rates among viewers.
  • Brand preference surged by 16 points, well above industry standards, suggesting that Mercedes-Benz has a strong positive presence in the Thai market.
  • Purchase intent rose by 10 points, with 83% of respondents considering Mercedes-Benz for their next luxury vehicle.

The campaign also achieved high baseline scores for brand familiarity and favorability, each exceeding 80%, indicating an already strong brand presence for Mercedes-Benz in Thailand.

High-Impact Creative Formats: Engagement Metrics at a Glance

A key contributor to the campaign’s success was the engagement with Teads’ premium creative formats, which effectively captured and retained audience attention:

  • 17 million impressions delivered across multiple devices, with smartphones achieving a click-through rate (CTR) of 0.22%.
  • The Performance Carousel V3 emerged as the top-performing creative unit, with a 0.21% CTR.
  • An impressive Video Completion Rate (VCR) of 95.46% was achieved in In-Stream placements, with 100% viewability across Teads’ scalable inventory, underscoring the quality of the ad experience.
Setting a New Benchmark for Luxury Automotive Advertising in Thailand

Our partnership with Teads for the Defining Class 2.0 campaign has been nothing short of transformative. As a brand that strives to stay ahead of the curve, Mercedes-Benz constantly seeks innovative and impactful ways to connect with our audiences.

Teads’ expertise in omnichannel media planning, combined with their cutting-edge Connected TV solutions, allowed us to deliver a highly immersive and memorable campaign.

The results speak for themselves—remarkable brand lift across awareness, preference, and purchase intent metrics, paired with unparalleled engagement on premium platforms.

The campaign’s strategic execution and high-quality creative formats resonated deeply with our target audience, reinforcing our position as the leading luxury automotive brand in Thailand.

We are thrilled with the success of this collaboration and look forward to further exploring the possibilities of CTV and premium digital advertising with Teads in the future.” Says the spokesperson from Mercedes Benz, Thailand.

This groundbreaking omnichannel campaign not only marks Teads’ entry into Thailand’s CTV space but also sets a new standard for luxury automotive advertising. The campaign highlights how strategic media planning combined with innovative technology can deliver measurable, impactful results in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Through this partnership, Mercedes-Benz and Teads have showcased the potential of an omnichannel CTV approach to enhance brand awareness, engagement, and consideration. The success of this campaign reaffirms Teads’ leadership in delivering premium, scalable advertising solutions and solidifies Mercedes-Benz’s position in Thailand as a leading choice in luxury automotive.

Shahzaib Shah: The Pakistani Ethical Hacker Catching Global Vulnerabilities

Empowering a new generation, Shahzaib Shah of SSSn is not only securing global systems but inspiring Pakistani youth to embrace ethical hacking and digital responsibility.

BALAKOT, Pakistan, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In an era where cybersecurity threats dominate headlines, a young researcher from Balakot, Mansehra is gaining international attention for helping organizations detect and fix critical security vulnerabilities. Syed Shahzaib Shah, a 24-year-old self-taught ethical hacker, has quietly become a global name in responsible vulnerability disclosure — all from the hills of northern Pakistan.

Syed Shahzaib Shah, a cybersecurity researcher from Balakot, Pakistan, known for ethically reporting global digital vulnerabilities and inspiring a new generation of ethical hackers.
Syed Shahzaib Shah, a cybersecurity researcher from Balakot, Pakistan, known for ethically reporting global digital vulnerabilities and inspiring a new generation of ethical hackers.

Shahzaib’s work has been instrumental in uncovering previously unknown vulnerabilities affecting major web platforms, APIs, and enterprise systems. His reports, submitted through bug bounty programs and coordinated disclosure channels, have contributed to enhanced digital security for millions of users worldwide.

“Cybersecurity is about trust, not power. It’s about protecting people’s data, businesses, and national systems before someone with bad intentions gets there first,” says Shahzaib Shah.

Despite limited access to formal education and technology in his hometown, Shahzaib taught himself cybersecurity through online forums, open-source materials, and years of hands-on research. His rise to prominence demonstrates that talent in the tech world is no longer confined to major urban centers or elite universities.

Shahzaib’s ethical hacking work has been featured internationally in publications including AP News, Cybersecurity Dive, Benzinga, News Channel Nebraska, Beamstart, and Street Insider

These features highlight the growing relevance of Pakistan’s ethical hacking community and the emerging role of independent cybersecurity researchers from South Asia in protecting global digital assets.

While confidentiality agreements prevent him from naming all the companies he’s worked with, his public acknowledgments and growing presence on international bug bounty platforms speak to the consistency and impact of his research.

A Voice for Digital Education and Youth Empowerment

In addition to technical contributions, Shahzaib is a strong advocate for cybersecurity education among youth in Pakistan. He frequently speaks about the importance of ethical hacking, responsible digital behavior, and online protection through interviews, forums, and mentorship.

“We need to change the narrative. Hacking doesn’t always mean harm. In the right hands, it’s protection,” he says.

His message is particularly resonant in rural and underserved areas of Pakistan, where access to tech training is scarce. Through his outreach efforts, Shahzaib is encouraging young Pakistanis to explore ethical hacking as a career — one that promotes integrity, knowledge-sharing, and community protection.

Why This Matters

With cyberattacks on the rise globally, stories like Shahzaib Shah’s are not only inspiring but also critical. They highlight how grassroots cybersecurity talent can make a global difference when given the right platform. His rise also speaks to the growing need for governments, educational institutions, and tech companies to support local talent in digital security fields.

Pakistan, which has seen a growing number of cyber incidents in both public and private sectors, stands to benefit greatly from cultivating more researchers like Shahzaib. His success proves that with the right tools and ethical grounding, even the most remote regions can produce global cybersecurity defenders.

About Syed Shahzaib Shah

Syed Shahzaib Shah is an independent cybersecurity researcher and ethical hacker from Balakot, Mansehra, Pakistan. Specializing in web application security, vulnerability assessments, and responsible disclosure, Shahzaib has become one of the country’s most recognized voices in global digital protection. He is also the founder of awareness initiatives aimed at educating young Pakistanis about cybersecurity and digital ethics.

NEC Indonesia Achieves ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification, Demonstrating Commitment to Information Technology Security

JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NEC Indonesia has successfully obtained the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, the international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). This certification was awarded by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), a certification body known for conducting audits and certifications across various sectors, including information security. This achievement reinforces NEC Indonesia’s commitment to providing IT services that meet international standards, ensure high quality, and comply with regulations.

Joji Yamamoto, President Director of NEC Indonesia, receives the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certificate from Achmad Zakky Ridwan, Country Chair of Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Indonesia on behalf of DNV. This certification reinforces NEC Indonesia’s commitment to delivering secure, reliable, and regulation-compliant IT services.
Joji Yamamoto, President Director of NEC Indonesia, receives the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certificate from Achmad Zakky Ridwan, Country Chair of Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Indonesia on behalf of DNV. This certification reinforces NEC Indonesia’s commitment to delivering secure, reliable, and regulation-compliant IT services.

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is a standard set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to assist organisations in establishing and maintaining an effective information security management system. This standard aims to reduce the risk of data breaches, protect sensitive information, and support compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Through this certification, NEC Indonesia further strengthens its position as a provider of technically excellent and ethically responsible technology solutions. Implementing ISO 27001:2022 bolsters the company’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency, maintain the trust of customers and partners, and encourage continuous improvements in information security management.

Joji Yamamoto, President Director of NEC Indonesia, stated, “NEC Indonesia believes that secure information management is not merely a technical obligation but also a moral responsibility. This certification reflects our strong commitment to information security and catalyzes the quality improvement of our services.” He also appreciated the entire team who contributed to the certification process and this achievement reflects the high standards and preparedness of NEC Indonesia’s management system.

“NEC has shown exceptional commitment to building trust in their information security management system internally and externally. I would like to congratulate NEC for achieving certification to ISO/IEC 27001 in Indonesia,” says Mak Heng Chwin, Regional Manager for Business Assurance in DNV.

The certification process comprehensively evaluated information security policies, risk management, technical and administrative controls, and internal audits. It affirms the company’s commitment to maintaining global standards in information security. In the future, NEC Indonesia is committed to continuously maintaining and enhancing its information security system in line with the increasingly complex demands of digitalisation.

NEC’s 125 years of rich history as a transformation partner with a strong commitment to its customers is further amplified by this achievement. NEC Indonesia is even better positioned to deliver technology solutions that are innovative, responsive to customer needs, secure, and aligned with information security regulatory standards.

About PT NEC Indonesia

NEC first established its representative office in Jakarta in 1968. To this day, PT NEC Indonesia continues to play an important role in providing innovative ICT solutions to promote safety, security, and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. As a leading provider of information and communication technology, PT NEC Indonesia provides world-class services and technology including telecommunications networks, biometric identification, intelligent solutions for Banks and other Financial Services, Public Transportation and Logistics, Manufacturing, Smart City, as well as government applications and infrastructure and business enterprises to support the digital transformation journey. For more information, visit us at http://id.nec.com/.