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2025 Ningbo Spring Festival Gala: Where International Flair Meets Cutting-Edge Technology

NINGBO, China, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 Ningbo Spring Festival Gala, a spectacular event blending tradition and innovation, captivated audiences on the evening of January 23 at Studio One of the Ningbo Radio and Television Group.

The fashion show Oriental Splendor
The fashion show Oriental Splendor

Featuring a diverse array of original programs that celebrated Ningbo’s unique character, local traditions, and impressive development, the gala offered a cultural feast for Ningbo natives both at home and abroad. Highlights included the symphonic recitation “Seeing You Through Words,” the dazzling fashion show “Oriental Splendor,” and the specially designed performance “At the Heart of the Sea.”

Iconic Ningbo cultural elements, such as the historic Tianyi Pavilion, the ancient Hemudu Culture, the exquisite Yue Celadon, and the renowned Hongbang (red band) tailors, were featured. This year’s gala presented a reimagined version of the celadon music performance “Rhythm of Water,” while the male group dance “Moonlight Shines Over the Siming Mountain” drew inspiration from revered historical figures like Wang Anshi (1021-1086), Wang Yangming (1472-1529), and Huang Zongxi (1610-1695). The dancers, portraying “scholars” in flowing, wide-sleeved robes, moved with grace and precision, embodying both youthful vigor and a deep-seated patriotic commitment to serving the nation.

The 2025 gala also seamlessly integrated cutting-edge digital stage technology with live performance. The female group dance “Like a Lotus” employed a combination of immersive surround-screen digital displays, a dynamic mechanical stage, wirework, and virtual technology to create captivating effects, showing delicate “lotus flowers” emerging from the water with roots, stems, and tendrils. The innovative human-machine performance “AI on the Spring Festival Gala” showcased multiple robots and robotic dogs, which, after sophisticated programming, took to the stage, performing fluid dance moves and successfully interacting with the audience through heart gestures.

Reflecting Ningbo’s status as a vibrant international coastal city, numerous foreign residents and international students who live and work there participated in the gala. Some of them donned traditional opera costumes, joining over 20 young local performers dressed as Mu Guiying, a legendary ancient Chinese heroine, in a captivating Chinese opera showcase. Notably, Sime Nkemeni Darrin from Cameroon portrayed the upright official Baogong in Henan Opera; Haines Phoebe Georgina from the UK embodied the iconic imperial concubine Yang Yuhuan, singing a section from the Peking Opera’s “Ode to Pear Blossom”; and Nweke Chioma Precious from Nigeria delivered a performance from the Huangmei Opera “Emperor’s Female Son-in-Law.” These performances highlighted the allure of traditional Chinese culture.

Further enriching the event’s global tapestry, musicians from Austria presented a unique performance, skillfully blending Western string instruments with the exquisite poetry of China. Composed by local artist Robert, the piece drew its inspiration from “Zi Jin,” a poem from the Book of Songs, creating a harmonious fusion of cultures.

Adding a human dimension, the gala’s special program, “At the Heart of the Sea,” brought frontline workers involved in the construction of the Hangzhou Bay Railway Bridge to the stage. This remarkable feat of engineering, a key component of the Nantong-Suzhou-Jiaxing-Ningbo High-speed Railway and set to be the world’s longest cross-sea railway bridge upon completion, exemplifies the pioneering and innovative spirit of Ningbo people.

This year marked the third consecutive year that Ningbo has hosted its own Spring Festival Gala. Over the past three years, this pre-Chinese New Year tradition has proven invaluable in showcasing Ningbo’s rich cultural heritage, summarizing the year’s key cultural highlights, bringing people together from all walks of life, and inspiring a shared sense of enthusiasm and energy throughout the community.

Friends from Cameroon and Nigeria perform traditional Chinese opera
Friends from Cameroon and Nigeria perform traditional Chinese opera

 

 

LightInTheBox Receives Non-compliance Letter from NYSE Regarding Market Capitalization

SINGAPORE, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE: LITB) (“LightInTheBox” or the “Company”), a global online retailer focusing on proprietary apparel brands and design-driven collections tailored to evolving consumer preferences, today announced that it has received a letter from the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) dated December 26, 2024 (the “Notice”), notifying that the Company is “below criteria” due to its average total market capitalization being less than $50 million over a 30 trading-day period and its stockholders’ equity being less than $50 million pursuant to Section 802.01B of the NYSE Listed Company Manual.

The Company intends to take steps to remedy the deficiency in a timely manner. The Company notified the NYSE on January 3, 2025 of its intention to cure such deficiency. In accordance with NYSE listing requirements, the Company has 90 calendar days from the receipt of the Notice to respond with a business plan that demonstrates compliance with this continued listing standard within 18 months of receipt of the Notice. The NYSE will review the Company’s business plan and make a determination as to whether the Company has made a reasonable demonstration of its ability to come into conformity with Section 802.01B within 18 months. If the NYSE accepts the business plan, the Company’s ADSs will continue to be listed and traded on the NYSE during the 18-month period, subject semi-annual review by the NYSE of the Company’s compliance with such business plan. If the Company’s business plan is not accepted, the NYSE will initiate delisting proceedings. The Company is currently evaluating its available options and developing a plan to regain compliance with Section 802.01B.

The Notice has no immediate impact on the listing of the Company’s ADSs, which will continue to be listed and traded on the NYSE, subject to compliance with other continued listing requirements of the NYSE. The Company is currently in compliance with all other NYSE continued listing standards. The NYSE notification does not affect the Company’s business operations or its SEC reporting requirements.

About LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.

LightInTheBox is a global online retail company, providing a diverse range of affordable lifestyle products directly to consumers worldwide since 2007. In 2024, the Company shifted its focus to apparel design and launched its first proprietary brand, Ador.com, to meet the growing global demand for accessible higher-end fashion. Ador.com specializes in designer-quality clothing for women aged 35-55 at competitive prices and operates design studios and sample shops in both the U.S. and China, including a boutique and design studio in Campbell, California. Additionally, LightInTheBox offers a comprehensive suite of services to e-commerce companies, including advertising, supply chain management, payment processing, order fulfillment, and shipping and delivery solutions.

For more information, please visit https://ir.ador.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “targets” and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about LightInTheBox’s beliefs and expectations, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as LightInTheBox’s strategic and operational plans, are or contain forward-looking statements.

LightInTheBox may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: LightInTheBox’s goals and strategies; LightInTheBox’s future business development, results of operations and financial condition; the expected growth of the global online retail market; LightInTheBox’s ability to attract customers and further enhance customer experience and product offerings; LightInTheBox’s ability to strengthen its supply chain efficiency and optimize its logistics network; LightInTheBox’s expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products; competition; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in LightInTheBox’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and LightInTheBox does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact

Investor Relations
LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd.
Email: ir@ador.com

Jenny Cai
Piacente Financial Communications
Email: ador@tpg-ir.com

Brandi Piacente
Piacente Financial Communications
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
Email: ador@tpg-ir.com

NaaS Technology Inc. Announces Cancellation of Annual General Meeting Convened for January 25, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NaaS Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: NAAS) (the “Company”), one of the largest and fastest-growing electric vehicle charging service providers in China, today announced the cancellation of its previously scheduled Annual General Meeting (AGM) originally set for January 25, 2025, at Meeting Room 208, Grand Skylight Yue Hotel, Building 1, 12 Jinxing Road, National New Media Industry Base, Daxing District, Beijing, 102600, People’s Republic of China. After careful consideration, the Board of Directors of the Company has deemed it advisable to cancel the AGM. The decision was made following a thorough review of the current circumstances and in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders.

Further details regarding the rescheduling or alternative actions will be communicated in due course.

About NaaS Technology Inc.

NaaS Technology Inc. is the first U.S. listed EV charging service company in China. The Company is a subsidiary of Newlinks Technology Limited, a leading energy digitalization group in China. The Company provides one-stop solutions to energy asset owners comprising charging services, energy solutions and new initiatives, supporting every stage of energy assets’ lifecycle and facilitating energy transition.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates” and similar statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company and the industry. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: NaaS’ goals and strategies; its co; its future business development, financial conditions and results of operations; its ability to continuously develop new technology, services and products and keep up with changes in the industries in which it operates; growth of China’s EV charging industry and EV charging service industry and NaaS’ future business development; demand for and market acceptance of NaaS’ products and services; NaaS’ ability to protect and enforce its intellectual property rights; NaaS’ ability to attract and retain qualified executives and personnel; the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of government and other measures that have been or will be taken in connection therewith; U.S.-China trade war and its effect on NaaS’ operation, fluctuations of the RMB exchange rate, and NaaS’ ability to obtain adequate financing for its planned capital expenditure requirements; NaaS’ relationships with end-users, customers, suppliers and other business partners; competition in the industry; relevant government policies and regulations related to the industry; and fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and globally. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in NaaS’ filings with the SEC.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations
NaaS Technology Inc.
E-mail: ir@enaas.com

Media inquiries:
E-mail: pr@enaas.com

AMCOR AND BERRY GLOBAL ANNOUNCE IMPORTANT MILESTONE TOWARDS TRANSACTION CLOSING

Joint Proxy Statement Filed with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Amcor and Berry Global Shareholder Meetings to take place on 25 February 2025

ZURICH and EVANSVILLE, Ind. , Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Amcor plc (“Amcor”) (NYSE: AMCR, ASX: AMC) and Berry Global Group, Inc. (“Berry”) (NYSE: BERY) today announce that an important milestone towards the completion of their previously announced all-stock transaction has been reached, with filing of the definitive joint proxy statement (“the Joint Proxy Statement’) with the U.S. SEC. The Joint Proxy Statement includes notices of Amcor and Berry shareholder meetings that will both take place on Tuesday 25 February, 2025.

Amcor and Berry Global announced that an important milestone towards the completion of their previously announced all-stock transaction has been reached, with filing of the definitive joint proxy statement with the U.S. SEC.
Amcor and Berry Global announced that an important milestone towards the completion of their previously announced all-stock transaction has been reached, with filing of the definitive joint proxy statement with the U.S. SEC.

This transaction brings together two highly complementary businesses to create a global leader in consumer and healthcare packaging solutions, uniquely positioned to accelerate growth across a broader and scaled flexible film, containers, closures and dispensing packaging portfolio. The combined company will have significant opportunities to further refine the portfolio and leverage differentiated material science and innovation capabilities to revolutionize product development, and solve customers’ and consumers’ sustainability needs.

In addition, substantial value is expected to be created for both sets of shareholders through the delivery of $650 million in identified cost, growth and financial synergies1 and a stronger financial profile going forward, underpinned by accelerated volume and revenue growth, combined annual cash flow2 of over $3 billion and a commitment to an investment grade balance sheet. The combination is expected to deliver over 35% adjusted cash earnings per share accretion3 and enhance long-term shareholder valuation creation from 10-15% to 13-18% per annum through sustained higher earnings growth and continued annual dividend growth.

The transaction is unanimously recommended by the Boards of Directors of both companies.

The Joint Proxy Statement includes important information relevant to the transaction, including information about the shareholder meetings, how to vote and governance matters related to the combined company following completion of the transaction.

Summarized key dates are provided below:

Event

Date4

Record date for both Berry and Amcor shareholders

Friday, 17 January 2025

Definitive Joint Proxy Statement filed with the SEC

Thursday, 23 January 2025

Amcor Extraordinary General Meeting

Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Berry Special  Meeting

Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Expected transaction completion date

Middle of calendar year 2025

Notes:

1.     Estimated synergies of approximately $650 million of identified cost, growth and financial synergies by the end of the third year after consummation of the transaction, which includes approximately $530 million of annual run-rate pre-tax cost synergies, approximately $60 million of annual run-rate financial savings and approximately $60 million of annual run-rate pre-tax earnings benefit from growth synergies. Additionally, approximately $280 million of one-time cash benefits from working capital efficiencies are expected to be offset by approximately $280 million of expected pre-tax costs to achieve synergies

2.     Defined as combined operating cash flow including run-rate synergies, after interest and tax, before capital expenditures.

3.     Inclusive of run-rate impact of synergies by the end of the third year after consummation of the transaction and is relative to Amcor’s LTM 30 September, 2024 standalone EPS.

4.     Dates remain subject to change and reasonable notice of any such variation will be provided. No assurance can be given that completion will occur within this timeframe or at all.

About Amcor

Amcor plc is a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions across a variety of materials for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home and personal-care, and other products. Amcor works with leading companies around the world to protect products, differentiate brands, and improve supply chains. The Company offers a range of innovative, differentiating flexible and rigid packaging, specialty cartons, closures and services. The company is focused on making packaging that is increasingly recyclable, reusable, lighter weight and made using an increasing amount of recycled content. In fiscal year 2024, 41,000 Amcor people generated $13.6 billion in annual sales from operations that span 212 locations in 40 countries. NYSE: AMCR; ASX: AMC

About Berry

Berry is a global leader in innovative packaging solutions that we believe make life better for people and the planet. We do this every day by leveraging our unmatched global capabilities, sustainability leadership, and deep innovation expertise to serve customers of all sizes around the world. Harnessing the strength in our diversity and industry-leading talent of over 34,000 global employees across more than 200 locations, we partner with customers to develop, design, and manufacture innovative products with an eye toward the circular economy. The challenges we solve and the innovations we pioneer benefit our customers at every stage of their journey.

Important Information for Investors and Shareholders

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction.  It does not constitute a prospectus or prospectus equivalent document.  No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

In connection with the proposed transaction between Amcor plc (“Amcor”) and Berry Global Group (“Berry”), on January 13, 2025, Amcor filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form S-4, as amended on January 21, 2025, containing a joint proxy statement of Amcor and Berry that also constitutes a prospectus of Amcor.  The registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on January 23, 2025 and Amcor and Berry commenced mailing the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus to their respective shareholders on or about January 23, 2025.  INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF AMCOR AND BERRY ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED OR THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION.  Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the registration statement and the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC by Amcor or Berry through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.  Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Amcor are available free of charge on Amcor’s website at amcor.com under the tab “Investors” and under the heading “Financial Information” and subheading “SEC Filings.”  Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Berry are available free of charge on Berry’s website at berryglobal.com under the tab “Investors” and under the heading “Financials” and subheading “SEC Filings.”

Certain Information Regarding Participants

Amcor, Berry, and their respective directors and executive officers may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Amcor and Berry in connection with the proposed transaction.  Information about the directors and executive officers of Amcor is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on August 16, 2024, its proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting, which was filed with the SEC on September 24, 2024, and its Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on January 6, 2025.  Information about the directors and executive officers of Berry is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on November 26, 2024, and its proxy statement for its 2025 annual meeting, which was filed with the SEC on January 7, 2025.  Information about the directors and executive officers of Amcor and Berry and other information regarding the potential participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, are contained in the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus filed with the SEC and other relevant materials filed with or to be filed with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction when they become available.  To the extent holdings of Amcor’s or Berry’s securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus, such changes have been or will be reflected on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 3 or Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC.  You may obtain these documents (when they become available) free of charge through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov and from Amcor’s or Berry’s website as described above.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains certain statements that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by words like “anticipate,” “approximately,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “possible,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” or “would,” the negative of these words, other terms of similar meaning or the use of future dates. Such statements, including projections as to the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, the impact of the proposed transaction on Amcor’s and Berry’s business and future financial and operating results and prospects, the amount and timing of synergies from the proposed transaction, the terms and scope of the expected financing in connection with the proposed transaction, the aggregate amount of indebtedness of the combined company following the closing of the proposed transaction and the closing date for the proposed transaction, are based on the current estimates, assumptions and projections of the management of Amcor and Berry, and are qualified by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Amcor’s and Berry’s control. None of Amcor, Berry or any of their respective directors, executive officers, or advisors, provide any representation, assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements will actually occur, or if any of them do occur, what impact they will have on the business, results of operations or financial condition of Amcor or Berry. Should any risks and uncertainties develop into actual events, these developments could have a material adverse effect on Amcor’s and Berry’s businesses, the proposed transaction and the ability to successfully complete the proposed transaction and realize its expected benefits. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ from expectations include, but are not limited to, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; the risk that the conditions to the completion of the proposed transaction (including shareholder and regulatory approvals) are not satisfied in a timely manner or at all; the risks arising from the integration of the Amcor and Berry businesses; the risk that the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction may not be realized when expected or at all; the risk of unexpected costs or expenses resulting from the proposed transaction; the risk of litigation related to the proposed transaction; the risks related to disruption of management’s time from ongoing business operations as a result of the proposed transaction; the risk that the proposed transaction may have an adverse effect on the ability of Amcor and Berry to retain key personnel and customers; and those risks discussed in Amcor’s and Berry’s respective filings with the SEC. Forward looking statements included herein are made only as of the date hereof and neither Amcor nor Berry undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, or any other information in this communication, as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, or to correct any inaccuracies or omissions in them which become apparent. All forward-looking statements in this communication are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Included in this communication are measures of financial performance that are not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These measures include annual cash flow, adjusted cash earnings per share and certain cost, growth and financial synergies of the combined company post consummation of the transaction.

In arriving at these non-GAAP measures, Amcor excludes items that either have a non-recurring impact on the income statement or which, in the judgment of our management, are items that, either as a result of their nature or size, could, were they not singled out, potentially cause investors to extrapolate future performance from an improper base. These non-GAAP measures are presented for illustrative purposes only, contain a variety of adjustments, assumptions and preliminary estimates and are not necessarily indicative of what the combined company’s actual results of operations or financial condition would be upon completion of the merger.

In the view of Amcor’s management, the estimated synergies included in this communication were prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting the best available estimates and judgments of Amcor’s management at the time of preparation and presented as of the time of preparation, to the best of Amcor’s management’s knowledge and belief, the expected course of action and the expected performance of the combined company. While presented with numerical specificity, the estimated synergies presented herein are subject to estimates and assumptions in many respects, inherently uncertain and, as a result, subject to interpretation. The estimates and assumptions used to prepare these estimated synergies may prove not to be appropriate for any number of reasons, including general economic conditions, trends in the packaging industry, including trends in capital spending, inventory and unit production, competition and the risks discussed under the sections entitled “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the Joint Proxy Statement. Such estimated synergies do not take into account any circumstances or events occurring after the date such information was prepared and also reflect assumptions as to certain business decisions that are subject to change.

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, results determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, are not reported by all of Amcor’s or Berry’s competitors and may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of Amcor’s competitors given potential differences in the exact method of calculation.

Vadara Quartz Announces International Expansion into the United Kingdom

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vadara Quartz Surfaces, a leading manufacturer of artisan handcrafted quartz surfaces, has begun an international expansion into the United Kingdom. 

Vadara
Vadara

After years of establishing a track record in the United States, Vadara has set sights on expanding into key international markets by capitalizing on its innovative designs, streamlined operations, and keen insight into local customer preferences.   

“In North America, Vadara has built a reputation for quality and innovation, and now is the ideal time to bring tailored solutions to diverse global markets,” stated Erik Butler, the Chief Operating Officer at US Surfaces, Vadara’s parent company. “With a focus on meeting unique tastes, budgets, and lifestyles of our customers worldwide, Vadara is ready to expand its footprint and continue its growth internationally.”  

Vadara’s global expansion is to bring premium handcrafted quartz products, curated color palettes, and a diverse range of pricing options to the UK and other countries.

“Vadara operates two state-of-the-art plants with 34 production lines to meet the growing global demand for our products effectively,” Andrew Evans, VP of Global Sales & Marketing at LE Surfaces, Vadara’s manufacturing counterpart, added. “By producing our raw materials and maintaining the highest quality control standards, we ensure that we consistently deliver on the needs and expectations of our clients worldwide,” Evans concluded.   

After studying the competitive landscape in the UK, Vadara is confident in its ability to provide a highly differentiated product to the market with its handcrafted designs that are virtually indistinguishable from natural stone, allowing consumers to afford the look of marble and quartzite at a lower price point with the added benefit of durability and ease of maintenance.

Global expansion will remain a priority for Vadara, as they have chosen Australia for their subsequent international market activation. Vadara is also exploring further growth opportunities across Europe, Southeast Asia, South America, and other high-potential regions.

View Vadara UK’s product offerings at https://www.vadaraquartz.uk/.   

About Vadara Quartz Surfaces
Vadara represents the finest quartz surfaces, combining beauty, function, innovation, and value. Our striking collection of veined products are meticulously handcrafted and manufactured to the highest global standard – offering a superior, versatile color range with some of the most unique and natural-looking surfaces available. Learn more at www.vadaraquartz.com.

Media Contact:
Shannon Benton
sbenton@kleberandassociates.com

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/vadara_scandiblue.jpg

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/vq_logo.jpg

Boolvideo 2.0: Transform Static Image into Dynamic Video

NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Boolv Tech, a leader in AI-powered video creation, has announced the launch of Boolvideo 2.0, a revolutionary upgrade designed to redefine how businesses create promotional content for e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy.

With its latest features, Boolvideo 2.0 empowers users to transform static product images into dynamic, high-quality videos that captivate audiences and boost sales.

“At Boolv Tech, we strive to simplify video creation and empower businesses to showcase their products in compelling ways,” said Ken Wang, CEO of Boolv Tech. “Boolvideo 2.0 introduces groundbreaking tools like AI Image Dynamization, making professional video production faster, easier, and more engaging.”

What’s New in Boolvideo 2.0?

AI-Powered Image Animation

Harness the power of AI to animate static images into lifelike visuals. Customize animations to match your branding, adding an extra layer of creativity and engagement to your content.

Key Features

  • Product to Video
    Transform product URLs into engaging, platform-specific videos optimized for TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and more. Seamlessly boost sales and engagement with content tailored to each platform’s algorithm.
  • Visuals to Video
    Upload photos or video clips, and let Boolvideo craft them into share-worthy videos. Whether for e-commerce or personal projects, breathe new life into your visuals effortlessly.
  • Idea to Video
    Start with a simple idea or phrase, and watch Boolvideo’s AI transform it into a polished, stunning video. Perfect for businesses looking to turn creative sparks into compelling content.
  • Templates to Video
    Choose from a library of premium templates, upload your content, and generate professional-grade videos instantly. Ideal for brands, influencers, and content creators.

Revolutionizing E-Commerce Video Creation

Boolvideo 2.0 offers a cutting-edge solution for e-commerce seller seeking to create high-quality promotional videos that highlight their products’ best features. With AI Image Dynamization, static images come to life, providing a dynamic and visually appealing display that resonates with potential buyers.

This innovation reduces shooting costs and simplifies workflows, allowing businesses to achieve higher returns on investment.

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/YOi9_KI0Mxs?si=OlZ0W0tiIkGwnYEF

Boolvideo 2.0 is purpose-built for e-commerce businesses, helping them connect with their target audience and drive measurable sales growth. By streamlining video production and enhancing content quality, Boolv Tech empowers brands to stay competitive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

About Boolv Tech

To learn more, visit Boolv Tech or contact us below.

Boolv Tech is a trailblazer in AI-driven video creation, offering innovative tools such as Boolvideo and Similarvideo that empower businesses to produce captivating content effortlessly. With features like AI Image Dynamization, multilingual support, and a rich material library, Boolv Tech continues to set new standards in professional-quality video production.

Media Contact

Ken Wang
CEO, Boolv Tech
support@boolvector.com

e& Collaborates with IBM to Launch Pioneering End-to-End AI Governance Platform

DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — e&, a global technology group, has collaborated with IBM (NYSE: IBM) to deploy a pioneering, end-to-end, multi-model Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI governance solution. Announced today at the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, this collaboration intends to enhance e&’s AI governance framework to promote compliance, oversight, and ethical practices across its growing AI ecosystem, reinforcing e&’s commitment to establishing robust governance, risk management, and regulatory oversight across its AI usage.

IBM & e& executives at World Economic Forum
IBM & e& executives at World Economic Forum

The solution will leverage IBM’s watsonx.governance enterprise AI and data governance platform, combined with IBM Consulting’s expertise in AI implementation, build on e&’s commitment to scale AI responsibly and track ROI while addressing compliance requirements, transparency, and ethical oversight of AI models.

This collaboration will bring IBM’s globally recognized toolkit for AI governance to bear on key challenges like maintaining consistent oversight of e&’s AI systems, navigating risks such as non-compliance, ethical concerns, and the monitoring of AI performance at scale. As it continues to expand its ambitious AI strategy and capabilities, e& is proactively enhancing its AI ecosystem by establishing a robust framework for accountability, mitigating potential biases, and safeguarding data. Leveraging IBM’s technology and consulting expertise, e& is taking a significant step forward in building scalable and transparent AI operations.

The new AI governance solution introduces advanced features like automated risk management, compliance monitoring, and real-time performance analysis. This will enable e& to mitigate risks, detect biases, and address regulatory standards throughout the entire AI model lifecycle—from development to decommissioning.

“As AI continues to transform industries, responsible governance is paramount. At e&, we are committed to leading by example and setting the global benchmark when it comes to establishing robust AI governance practices,” said Dena Almansoori, Group Chief AI and Data Officer at e&. “By adopting IBM watsonx.governance, we’re taking a decisive step forward in our AI journey. This collaboration ensures transparency, explainability and efficiency across our AI operations, raising the bar for AI governance in the industry.”

The governance solution is set to empower e& to monitor current AI use cases in real-time, proactively manage any potential AI risks in production, and deliver measurable value to stakeholders.

By establishing a centralized inventory of AI models, the solution supports full traceability and oversight. IBM watsonx.governance facilitates dynamic monitoring, offering real-time insights into model performance, risk scoring, and compliance metrics. This helps enable e& to detect issues like bias and drift early, allowing for corrective action and ethical AI practices.

IBM Consulting will be working closely with e& to design and implement a comprehensive AI governance framework tailored to e&’s unique requirements. This includes defining workflows and key performance indicators and onboarding existing AI models onto the platform to deliver real-time insights into AI’s value, impact, and potential risks.

The deployment will also utilize IBM Consulting Advantage, an AI-powered delivery platform, to accelerate the development of the AI governance framework through persona and journey mapping, market research, architecture patterns for AI integration, and knowledge transfer materials.

“IBM watsonx empowers organizations like e& to navigate the complexities of AI governance. By integrating automation, real-time monitoring, and centralized oversight, we are addressing key governance challenges and reducing risks associated with AI,” said Shukri Eid, General Manager, Gulf, Levant & Pakistan at IBM. “Strengthening our long-standing partnership with e&, this milestone serves as a catalyst for responsible AI innovation.”

This collaboration builds on the successful relationship between IBM and e&, including the  recently joint report titled MENA’s AI advantage: Opportunity to leap ahead and lead (Middle East and North Africa perspective) featuring perspectives from top Middle East businesses and data from IBM’s existing CEO study. The report identified five critical themes that uncover regional nuances for CEOs to keep in mind as they navigate and prepare their organizations to seize the AI opportunity, including the importance of advocacy for trustworthy AI.

This collaboration marks a significant step in e&’s AI governance journey, setting a new standard for responsible and scalable AI operations for the group and industry at large.

About e&
e& is a global technology group committed to advancing the digital future across markets in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. With the group’s financial performance in 2023 showing a consolidated net revenue of AED 53.8 billion and a net profit of AED 10.3 billion, e& continues to maintain its position as a financial powerhouse, reflected by its strong credit rating and solid balance sheet.

Founded in Abu Dhabi over 48 years ago, e& has evolved from a telecom pioneer into a technology group. Its footprint now spans 38 countries, offering a comprehensive portfolio of innovative digital services ranging from advanced connectivity, entertainment, streaming and financial services to AI-powered solutions, cloud computing, ICT, cybersecurity and IoT platforms.

The Group is structured around five core business pillars: e& UAE, e& international, e& life, e& enterprise and e& capital, each catering to distinct customer and market needs. These pillars empower e& to lead in various sectors, from telecom and digital lifestyle to enterprise services and venture investments. The ongoing strategic investments in AI, IoT, 5G and cloud services reinforce its leadership in the global technology landscape, driving the future of smart connectivity and innovation.

Driven by innovation, sustainability and a commitment to digital empowerment, e& is set on creating a smarter, more connected future for individuals, businesses and communities.

To learn more about e&, visit eand.com.

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.

Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Contact:

Shahd Rami Ahmad Barghouti
IBM
shahd.barghouti@ibm.com 

Algorand rolls out crypto’s most inclusive staking rewards program

Avoids punitive slashing and token lockups, maintains web3’s lowest costs for node runners with real-time reward payments

SINGAPORE, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Staking rewards have arrived on the Algorand blockchain. The Algorand Foundation announced today that, after this week’s consensus mechanism upgrade, ‘block rewards’ are now being paid, in real-time, to validators successfully proposing blocks to the Layer-1 blockchain. The rewards begin at 10 ALGO per block and will decay by 1% every millionth block. Validators also receive 50% of the transaction fees of the blocks they successfully propose. More information about this upgrade and “Algorand 4.0” can be found here.

Algorand’s staking program is unique in the industry. Rewards are paid out in real-time and, unlike the staking setups on Solana, Ethereum, and other chains, participants are not threatened by slashing nor subject to restrictive token lockups. Node runners continue to have full access to their funds at all times. Also, compared to other popular currencies like ETH and SOL, Algorand’s staking rewards are not inflationary and don’t impact the total supply of ALGO.

“While staking on Algorand is highly inclusive, it’s highly secure as well,” said John Woods, CTO of the Algorand Foundation. “Algorand uses advanced cryptography that makes it unnecessary to put user funds at risk of penalty or loss – their ALGO does not need to be delegated to other parties or locked up to be used to secure the network.”

“Any time we interact with a blockchain – whether through a dApp or an enterprise platform – that action is made possible because of the network running it,” said Staci Warden, CEO of the Algorand Foundation. “The nodes on the Algorand blockchain secure corporate supply chains, online credentials, and digital identities. They make it possible to send aid payments around the world, and to tokenize and exchange real-world assets, all in a decentralized system. The Algorand blockchain does not fail. The Algorand blockchain will never fork. And, now, Algorand will also offer inclusive, robust, and future-proofed staking.”

There are multiple ways people can participate in securing the network and earn staking rewards. For DeFi users, liquid staking is available from Folks Finance, Tinyman, Messina, and CompX; there is a consensus staking pool on Pact, with other staking pools available on Réti; and delegated staking is available from Valar. ALGO staking will be available on other centralized exchanges later this year. Users can also run their own Algorand node

The rollout of staking rewards marks the end of a banner year for the sustainable Algorand blockchain, including:

About Algorand Foundation 
Algorand’s mission is to power a world where information has integrity and innovative ideas can scale. The Algorand Foundation supports Algorand’s rapidly growing ecosystem by providing a best-in-class developer environment, supporting key infrastructure and setting technical standards, offering comprehensive support to builders and entrepreneurs, and providing the framework for decentralized governance.

Launched in 2019, the Algorand (ALGO) blockchain has grown into a vibrant ecosystem of developers, entrepreneurs, and enterprise partners that benefit from institutional-grade certainty and resilience. Its low fees, instant finality, and minimal carbon footprint appeal to the protocol’s millions of retail users, and developers of all kinds appreciate the ability to use common programming languages like Python. Builders on Algorand are creating protocols and companies that solve important problems at a global scale: instant payments in war and disaster zones, self-sovereign identity for the disenfranchised, supply-chain traceability for global commerce, permissionless protocols addressing financial inclusion, and the creation of entirely new markets through tokenization, to name a few. To learn more and start your journey on Algorand, visit algorand.co 

About Algorand (ALGO)
Algorand (ALGO, ALGO-USD) is a cryptocurrency launched in 2019 as part of the Algorand blockchain. The Algorand blockchain is an energy-efficient, quantum-secure, single-layer blockchain with instant finality, consistently high throughput, and low fees. Algorand (ALGO) is currently trading on more than 400 active markets under the tickers ALGO, ALGO-USD, ALGO/USD, ALGO-EUR, and ALGO/EUR, among other currency pairs. It has a limited, deflationary supply of 10,000,000,000 ALGO which will be in full circulation by 2030. More information can be found at algorand.co.