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Japanese Workforce Lags APAC in Flexibility, ESG Priorities, and Ambition, But Change Is Underway, Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight Study Finds

TOKYO, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Japan’s workforce is undergoing slow but significant transformation, even as it ranks the lowest across Asia-Pacific in ambition, mobility, and values-driven employment decisions. A newly released white paper by recruitment firm Reeracoen and research agency Rakuten Insight Global highlights how cultural norms around stability and tradition are giving way to quiet shifts in upskilling and flexibility.

The Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight APAC Workforce Whitepaper 2025, which surveyed over 12,000 professionals across 12 Asia-Pacific markets, reveals that Japan trails the region in several key workforce indicators. Only 24% of Japanese respondents strongly aspire to leadership roles, only 48% say ESG factors influence their employment decisions, and hybrid work adoption remains low at 33%.

“This report highlights a pivotal truth: the future of work in Japan depends on how well businesses can balance tradition with change,” said Kenji Naito, Group CEO of Reeracoen. “While the data shows Japan ranks lowest in ambition, mobility, and ESG alignment, it also reveals an opportunity. Organisations that respond to these shifts through flexibility, purpose, and skills development will lead the next chapter of Japan’s growth.”

Mr. Kenji Naito, Group Chief Executive Officer, Reeracoen Group
Mr. Kenji Naito, Group Chief Executive Officer, Reeracoen Group

Key Findings from Japan:

  • Conservative Career Ambitions: Only 24% of Japanese workers strongly aspire to leadership roles, well below the APAC average of 37%.
  • Limited ESG Influence: Only 48% of respondents evaluate CSR or ESG commitments when choosing an employer. This is the lowest score in the region.
  • Slow Progress on Flexibility: While 65% of respondents say flexibility is important, only 33% currently have access to a hybrid work arrangement.
  • Reluctance to Relocate: Japan has the lowest rates of openness to relocation, with only 9% of respondents open to moving overseas for work.
  • Upskilling Gathers Momentum: There are encouraging signs that Japanese workers are taking more ownership over their career development. One in three workers (33%) are now pursuing skills development independently, primarily through certifications and online platforms.
  • Conservative Salary Expectations: Only 13% expect a pay rise of more than 10% this year, compared to 21% regionally.

As Japan’s demographic challenges intensify and global competition for skilled talent increases, the need to adapt is becoming more urgent. Lifetime employment and seniority remain strong anchors; however, the data suggests that quiet and meaningful changes in areas such as hybrid work and digital learning are already underway. Employers that enhance their policies around flexibility, ESG, and upskilling will be better positioned to attract younger, more globally minded professionals.

Japan’s labour market is quietly but steadily evolving,” said Kosuke Soejima, Managing Director of Reeracoen Japan. “As global trends accelerate, our clients are recognising that attracting and retaining talent requires more than stability. It demands purpose, trust, and flexible, human-centric work models.”

Mr. Kosuke Soejima, Managing Director, Reeracoen Japan
Mr. Kosuke Soejima, Managing Director, Reeracoen Japan

About the Study

 The whitepaper synthesises insights from over 12,000 respondents across the APAC region, including Japan. It provides both regional analysis and market-specific breakdowns to support workforce benchmarking and strategic planning.

About Reeracoen

Reeracoen is an award-winning leader in Asia’s recruitment landscape, connecting top-tier talent with forward-thinking organisations across the region. With nine offices across six major Asian countries, we combine deep local networks with cross-border hiring expertise to help businesses grow faster and stronger.

Our excellence has been recognised with recent awards such as:

  • Best Recruitment & Talent Acquisition Agency 2025
  • Best International Recruitment & Talent Acquisition Agency 2024
  • Best Executive Recruitment Agency 2024

We uphold the highest standards of professionalism and service quality, providing innovative and trusted recruitment solutions to help businesses and candidates succeed in an evolving digital economy. For more information, visit https://www.reeracoen.sg and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates and insights.

About Rakuten Insight Global, Inc.

Rakuten Insight Global, Inc. (“Rakuten Insight”) is a wholly-owned online market research subsidiary of Rakuten Group, Inc., a global leader in internet services, headquartered in Tokyo. Rakuten Insight was established in 1997 as AIP Corporation and became part of the Rakuten Group in 2014. Rakuten Insight possesses a research panel focusing on 12 major Asian markets & the US and a panel network covering 60 countries and regions. With offices in 11 countries and regions, Rakuten Insight provides market research for over 500 leading companies around the world. Rakuten Insight Singapore serves as an off-shore market research hub to drive business development and provide multi-lingual and multi-functional operational support for clients based across Southeast Asia. For more information, visit https://insight.rakuten.com/  and follow us on social media.

 

 

Medtronic to announce financial results for its first quarter of fiscal year 2026

GALWAY, Ireland, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced that it will report financial results on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, for its first quarter of fiscal year 2026, which ended on Friday, July 25, 2025,

Looking ahead, Medtronic plans to report its fiscal year 2026 second, third, and fourth quarter results on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, February 17, 2026, and Wednesday, May 20, 2026, respectively. Confirmation and additional details will be provided closer to the specific event.

About Medtronic
Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic’s periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

Contacts:
Erika Winkels
Public Relations
+1-763-526-8478

Ryan Weispfenning
Investor Relations
+1-763-505-4626

 

New revolutionary brain tech platform ‘ScreenIT’ puts smarter concussion care in reach

SYDNEY, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A revolutionary new brain health assessment platform, ScreenIT, has officially launched, marking a major step forward in how brain function is monitored, assessed, and optimised across sport, healthcare, and research sectors. Developed through a close partnership between Your Brain Health (YBH) and digital innovation studio Miroma Project Factory, ScreenIT unifies over 50 brain health assessment tools into a single, intelligent platform designed to support faster, more informed decision-making around concussion, performance, and long-term brain care.

ScreenIT provides real-time brain health insights giving athletes, clinicians, and researchers the tools to manage concussion and performance with confidence.
ScreenIT provides real-time brain health insights giving athletes, clinicians, and researchers the tools to manage concussion and performance with confidence.

Miroma Project Factory, specialists in creating high-impact digital solutions for health, consumer, broadcast and government sectors, collaborated with YBH’s visionary team, led by CEO Gregory Rosenbauer who states:

 “ScreenIT is more than an assessment tool – it’s an intelligent ecosystem that empowers clinicians, athletes, researchers, and communities to make better decisions, faster (about your brain health). From concept to launch, this has been a true collaboration driven by innovation, care, and a shared mission to foster healthier brains “

ScreenIT addresses a major gap in the market. Historically, brain health assessments have been fragmented and inconsistent. ScreenIT changes that by offering an integrated, real-time picture of brain function, pulling from a library of validated technologies and assessments. From elite athletes in the top-tier UK football competitions and Formula 1 to community clinics and research labs, ScreenIT delivers actionable insights when and where they’re needed most.

“Because every brain deserves better decisions, faster care and a healthier future. With Miroma Project Factory’s expertise, we’ve been able to realise a vision for a platform that not only improves concussion management but opens new pathways in talent identification, performance optimisation, and neurological research. Together, we’re building the foundation for a global brain health ecosystem to transform a bold idea into a globally scalable platform set to redefine brain health management.” said Gregory Rosenbauer, CEO and Co-Founder of Your Brain Health.

Backed by leaders in global sports medicine, including Professor Jon Patricios, founder of Sports Concussion South Africa and consultant to World Rugby, and Professor Mike Loosemore, former Chief Medical Officer of the UK Olympic Team, ScreenIT is positioned to become the gold standard in brain health technology.

Prof. Mike Loosemore MBE said, “Brain health is one of the most important yet overlooked frontiers in medicine. ScreenIT represents an opportunity to change that. By making brain function measurable, trackable and actionable, clinicians, athletes, and researchers are able to make better decisions that lead to healthier brains and better lives.”

ScreenIT is now available for selected partners and is being rapidly adopted across major sporting organisations and research institutions, with future plans including:

  • Building a globally significant brain health data lake
  • Integrating AI-driven predictive and personalised brain insights
  • Achieving regulatory approval as the first-ever diagnostic tool for concussion and brain health management

Availability and Use

ScreenIT is now available for clinics within Australia and the UK market. Learn more about Your Brain Health and the ScreenIT platform here:

Your Brain Health: Fostering A World Of Healthier Brains

About Miroma Project Factory

Miroma Project Factory is a multi-award-winning digital production and development house specializing in creating innovative, interactive digital products across web, mobile, social media, and games platforms. With a deep expertise in health tech, sports tech, and gamification for behavior change, Miroma Project Factory partners with visionaries to bring impactful ideas to life. Visit https://www.theprojectfactory.com/ for more information.

To learn more about the creation of ScreenIT, explore our interview with Gregory Rosenbauer, CEO and Co‑Founder of Your Brain Health, in the Tech Founder Interview Series. For further details about the platform, visit the MPF ScreenIT case study https://www.theprojectfactory.com/projects/ybh 

About Your Brain Health (YBH)

Your Brain Health is a medical health and biotech company dedicated to improving brain health outcomes through innovative technology, education, and data-driven solutions. Led by a team of experts across sports medicine, neuroscience, and digital health, YBH’s mission is to foster a world of healthier brains through smarter care and faster decisions. 

For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, please contact:

Miroma Project Factory
info@theprojectfactory.com

Gregory Rosenbauer
Chief Executive Officer
Your Brain Health
+61 4 1788 9263
greg.rosenbauer@yourbrainhealth.io

 

Maropost Names Gordana Redzovski Managing Director and VP Revenue, APAC

MELBOURNE, Australia, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ –Maropost, the only AI-powered platform unifying ecommerce, retail, customer marketing, merchandising, and support, has appointed Gordana Redzovski as Managing Director and Vice President of Revenue, APAC. 

With two decades of leadership across tech, ecommerce, and retail, Redzovski brings a powerhouse resume to Maropost. She’s led teams of 100+, launched fintech products across five countries, and driven double-digit growth for global brands like Lightspeed Commerce, Rithum, and Deliveroo. 

“Gordana is a commercial force,” said Ross Andrew Paquette, Maropost Founder & CEO. “Her track record in omnichannel retail and fintech speaks for itself—and she’s exactly who we need to scale in APAC.” 

At Rithum, she scaled marketplace and retail media revenue across APAC. At Lightspeed, she launched Lightspeed Payments in Australia, integrated Vend post-acquisition, and developed new revenue streams during the pandemic. 

“Maropost is solving real problems for ecommerce merchants and retailers,” said Redzovski. “I’m excited to bring that value to more businesses across APAC.” 

Redzovski’s appointment signals Maropost’s bold commitment to APAC as a key growth engine, reinforcing its customer-first approach and expanding leadership presence in the region. 

About Maropost 
Maropost is the AI-powered unified commerce platform trusted by over 5,000 brands—including Original Mattress Factory, Kidstuff, ESR, and Outback Equipment—to streamline operations and elevate customer experiences across ecommerce, retail, marketing, merchandising, and support. Recognized on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 and G2’s leaderboard, Maropost helps fast-moving brands grow smarter. Learn more at maropost.com

For media inquiries, please contact press@maropost.com 

GACB Sathorn Experience Center & GAC Thailand Battery Service Center Officially Open

BANGKOK, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On June 25, 2025, the grand opening ceremony of GACB Sathorn Experience Center & GAC Thailand Battery Service Center was held in the Sathorn district of Bangkok. As GAC’s first flagship store in Southeast Asia, the opening of GACB Sathorn Experience Center elevates the consumer service experience in Thailand and marks the successful implementation of GAC’s “Sales + Energy Services” dual-track strategy in the region. Representatives from the Thai government and major Thai media outlets attended and witnessed this historic moment.

 

GAC Thailand Flagship Showroom Opens, Boosting Southeast Asia Strategy

The day before the opening ceremony, GAC launched the upgraded global premium compact model, the AION UT, in Thailand as a gesture of appreciation to local consumers. Regarded as one of the most prominent models in Thailand’s electric vehicle segment, the AION UT secured over 4,500 orders during this year’s Bangkok International Motor Show. With its stylish design, cutting-edge technology, and high-standard quality, it offers a refined and forward-looking electric mobility experience tailored for young drivers and urban commuters across Thailand.

The establishment of the GACB Sathorn is also a practical implementation of the “One GAC 2.0” strategy. Wei Haigang stated: “The official launch of GACB Sathorn and GAC Thailand Battery Service Center provides a replicable and scalable overseas expansion model of ‘One GAC 2.0’—the ‘Thailand Model’ that integrates products, intelligent manufacturing, channels, services, energy ecosystems, and mobility systems.” This model demonstrates GAC’s comprehensive capability in full-industry-chain ecosystem globalization and will serve as a key reference and benchmark for expanding across Southeast Asia and global markets.

The launch of GACB Sathorn and GAC Thailand Battery Service Center demonstrates GAC Business’ successful move beyond traditional automakers’ “single-product export model.” Through the full-chain R&D, manufacturing, and energy services, GAC is actively building a “In Local, For local” sustainable ecosystem. Moving Forward, GAC will develop the Thailand business store 1 into a model store for Thailand and Southeast Asia. Leveraging this important foothold, GAC will further expand its market layout in Southeast Asia, establishing a benchmark market with significant demonstration value.

Groq and HUMAIN Launch OpenAI’s New Open Models Day Zero

Available worldwide with real-time performance, low cost, and local support in Saudi Arabia

PALO ALTO, Calif. and RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Groq, the pioneer in fast inference, and HUMAIN, a PIF company and Saudi Arabia’s leading AI services provider, today announced the immediate availability of OpenAI’s two open models on GroqCloud. The launch delivers gpt-oss-120B and gpt-oss-20B with full 128K context, real-time responses, and integrated server-side tools live on Groq’s optimized inference platform from day zero.

Groq is the AI inference platform designed so customers can build fast, with the unmatched capacity and low cost to scale.
Groq is the AI inference platform designed so customers can build fast, with the unmatched capacity and low cost to scale.

Groq has long supported OpenAI’s open-source efforts, including large-scale deployment of Whisper. This launch builds on that foundation, bringing their newest models to production with global access and local support through HUMAIN.

“OpenAI is setting a new high performance standard in open source models,” said Jonathan Ross, CEO of Groq. “Groq was built to run models like this, fast and affordably, so developers everywhere can use them from day zero. Working with HUMAIN strengthens local access and support in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, empowering developers in the region to build smarter and faster.”

“Groq delivers the unmatched inference speed, scalability, and cost-efficiency we need to bring cutting-edge AI to the Kingdom,” said Tareq Amin, CEO at HUMAIN. “Together, we’re enabling a new wave of Saudi innovation—powered by the best open-source models and the infrastructure to scale them globally. We’re proud to support OpenAI’s leadership in open-source AI.”

Built for full model capabilities

To make the most of OpenAI’s new models, Groq delivers extended context and built-in tools like code execution and web search. Web search helps provide real-time relevant information, while code execution enables reasoning and complex workflows. Groq’s platform delivers these capabilities from day zero with a full 128k token context length.

Unmatched price-performance

Groq’s purpose-built stack delivers the lowest cost per token for OpenAI’s new models while maintaining speed and accuracy.

gpt-oss-120B is currently running at 500+ t/s and gpt-oss-20B is currently running at 1000+ t/s on GroqCloud.

Groq is offering OpenAI’s latest open models at the following pricing:

  • gpt-oss-120B: $0.15 / M input tokens and $0.75 / M output tokens
  • gpt-oss-20B: $0.10 / M input tokens and $0.50 / M output tokens

Note: For a limited time, tool calls used with OpenAI’s open models will not be charged. Learn more at groq.com/pricing.

Global from day zero

Groq’s global data center footprint across North America, Europe, and the Middle East ensures reliable, high-performance AI inference wherever developers operate. Through GroqCloud, OpenAI’s open models are now available worldwide with minimal latency.

About Groq

Groq is the AI inference platform redefining price performance. Its custom-built LPU and cloud have been specifically designed to run powerful models instantly, reliably, and at the lowest cost per token—without compromise. Over 1.9 million developers trust Groq to build fast and scale smarter.

Contact: pr-media@groq.com

About HUMAIN

HUMAIN, a PIF company, is a global artificial intelligence company delivering full-stack AI capabilities across four core areas – next-generation data centers, hyper-performance infrastructure & cloud platforms, advanced AI Models, including the world’s most advanced Arabic multimodal LLMs, and transformative AI Solutions that combine deep sector insight with real-world execution.

HUMAIN’s end-to-end model serves both public and private sector organisations, unlocking exponential value across all industries, driving transformation and strengthening capabilities through human-AI synergies. With a growing portfolio of sector-specific AI products and a core mission to drive IP leadership and talent supremacy world-wide, HUMAIN is engineered for global competitiveness and national distinction.

www.humain.ai

 

DeerRun Debuts 2 New Life-Changing Treadmills Designed to Transform Everyday Wellness

HOUSTON, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DeerRun has recently introduced two new treadmill models to its growing portfolio of fitness equipment: the Z20 Suitcase Treadmill, a Muse Design Gold Award winner, and the X20, a high-performance treadmill featuring a 15% auto incline and DeerRun’s first full-length running deck.

DeerRun Debuts 2 New Life-Changing Treadmills Designed to Transform Everyday Wellness
DeerRun Debuts 2 New Life-Changing Treadmills Designed to Transform Everyday Wellness

To premiere these products, DeerRun recently partnered with digital agency, Outlandish, to hold a special event where content creators and dedicated fitness individuals alike could get together and test out these game-changing products themselves.

During the new product launch, NBC, one of the three major broadcasting and television networks in the United States, also came to the scene and interviewed visitors. The interviewer said that the Z20 foldable treadmill released by DeerRun makes fitness more accessible, and the incline adjustment function of the X20 product allows users to have more usage experience.

DeerRun is a fitness brand focused on helping people transform and redefine their relationship with fitness. According to Kenan Heppe, the brand’s official spokesperson, “Our founder, Kevin, started the company after overcoming anxiety through running. That experience inspired our mission to help others meet a better version of themselves.”

And people can do so using the PitPat App. PitPat is like a fitness gaming platform where it connects to the treadmills and lets users compete in live races, challenge their friends, and track their progress in real time.

In an exclusive interview with one of DeerRun’s and PitPat’s most loyal users, Mrs. Kiki, she shares, “Being invested with DeerRun is easy because the products are accessible. It makes it so that I can go from one activity to another. I love being able to set it up quickly, use it for as long as I want to use it, and put it away. It makes things consistent. It makes things fun.”

Not to mention, DeerRun truly is for everyone. This fitness brand is proudly reshaping what it means to move together. In a space where wellness often feels like a solo pursuit while balancing between Zoom meetings, school pickups, and after-hours exhaustion, this fitness brand offers a rare alternative where movement makes room for everyone.

Mrs. Kiki also added, “I got a treadmill for my husband so we could run together. My entire garage is a gym now. It’s like a DeerRun studio in my house. My kids get involved and we all go run and workout together… We’re all listening to music together, hanging out as a family, and doing wellness stuff. It’s so much better than sitting around watching TV.”

It’s built for the real rhythms of modern life. For the working professional who needs efficient, high-impact workouts without sacrificing recovery. For the working mother balancing deadlines and dinner, whose health has too long lived at the bottom of her to-do list. For families seeking more than screen time and craving connection, shared energy, and healthy rituals that bring them closer rather than pull them apart.

DeerRun is definitely a brand that is making fitness not only accessible and enjoyable, but meaningful for everyone. So now is the time to choose your health and experience the future of fitness. Your future self will thank you. Users can purchase the new Z20 suitcase and X20 Advance Treadmill on presale right now!

Vedanta’s Q1 Adjusted Profit Surges 10% to $584 million

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — India based, Vedanta Limited (BSE: 500295 & NSE: VEDL), the country’s leading critical minerals, transition metals, energy & technology conglomerate announced its results for the first quarter ended 30th June 2025 on 31st July 2025. Vedanta delivered robust financials with adjusted PAT* jumping 10% year-on-year (YoY) to $ 584 million. The company clocked the highest ever first quarter EBITDA of $1.3 billion, up 2% YoY. Vedanta’s EBITDA margin** improved by 81 bps to 35% YoY, highest in the last 13 quarters. The company’s consolidated revenue for Q1 stood at $4.4 billion, up 4% YoY.

Vedanta’s Q1 Profit Surges
Vedanta’s Q1 Profit Surges

Vedanta’s liquidity improved 29% YoY with cash and cash equivalent of $2.6 billion. The company’s Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) improved by 87 bps YoY to 25%. Credit ratings for Vedanta were reaffirmed at AA by both CRISIL and ICRA. Prominent brokerages such as Citi, Investec, JP Morgan, Bank of America (BofA) have maintained their ratings and forecast strong earnings growth during FY26 and FY27 highlighting market confidence in Vedanta’s growth story. 

Anil Agarwal – Chairman Vedanta, said, “Our Q1FY26 performance has set a strong foundation for the year ahead. Even amidst global market volatility, we delivered strong broad-based performance and long-term value creation.”

The company clocked record quarterly alumina production at 587 KT, up 9% YoY with lowest hot metal cost (ex-alumina) at 888 $/t in the last 16 quarters and overall aluminum cost of production lower by 12% QoQ. Vedanta’s zinc operations in India achieved highest ever Q1 mined metal production and lowest Q1 cost of production at US$1,010/t. The company’s international zinc operations witnessed a 50% YoY jump in mined metal production with overall cost of production at $1269/t. The company also recently commissioned 950 MW of merchant power capacity in its two thermal power plants in the eastern state of Chhattisgarh and southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

About Vedanta:

Vedanta is a global leader in critical minerals, transition metals, energy, and technology, with operations spanning India, South Africa, Namibia, Liberia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.

Visit – www.vedantalimited.com

USD-INR exchange rate of 85.57

*PAT Adjusted for key one-offs: Cairn OALP Exploration cost written off (net of tax) in 1QFY26 and 4QFY25 and DTA of unutilized tax losses at ASI in 1QFY25

**EBITDA margin (ex-copper)