Hydrofoil ferry enters Swedish service

STOCKHOLM: The world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry has begun operations, carrying passengers from the Stockholm suburb of Tappström to the city centre of Sweden’s capital.

Nova is the first of Candela’s new P-12 models to enter service. Its computer-controlled hydrofoil wings lift the hull above water, reducing energy consumption by 80 per cent compared to conventional vessels by cutting water friction.

Candela Chief Executive, Gustav Hasselskog said conventional ships haven’t evolved much in 100 years and are among the least energy-efficient transport modes.

“The challenge with conventional fast vessels is that they consume enormous amounts of energy at high speeds ploughing through the water. This makes electrification difficult, as their range is limited even with large batteries,” Mr Hasselskog said.

“Candela P-12’s hydrofoil technology is the key to address these challenges.”

He said Nova flies above the water rather than pushing through it like conventional vessels, so it creates minimal wake. As a result, the ferry is allowed to travel at high speeds within the city limits.

“Thanks to its hydrofoil technology, Nova is not only the fastest electric ferry in operation in the world but also the fastest in Stockholm’s public transport fleet, cruising at 25 knots — outpacing the diesel-powered V-class ferries that previously held the speed record,” Mr Hasselskog said.

“Nova also requires no costly dock infrastructure, charging instead at a regular car fast charger at the City Hall terminus”.

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Metakosmos upgrades its Kosmosuit

SYDNEY: Space technology company, Metakosmos has announced the Kernel360 — spacesuit telemetry software which is integrated into its Kosmosuit platform.

The development provides real-time data analytics, supporting critical missions in extreme environments.

Metakosmos has designed the Kernel360 to provide real-time performance diagnostics, enabling astronauts and operators to collect, analyse and act on crucial data during training sessions and live missions.

Chief Executive, Kiriti Rambhatla said the software went beyond traditional telemetry systems by incorporating predictive analytics.

“It helps anticipate suit-maintenance needs and optimises mission logistics. It adapts to various mission environments as a modular system, making it essential for space travel and operations in terrestrial, underwater, and atmospheric conditions,” Mr Rambhatla said.

“With the Kernel360, we are making space more accessible and cost-effective, while delivering advanced solutions to enhance safety and mission success."

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SPEE3D makes ground-breaking US sale

MELBOURNE: Metal additive manufacturing company, SPEE3D has announced the purchase of its WarpSPEE3D printer by Austal USA Advanced Technologies.

This purchase is especially significant as ship manufacturer, Austal USA is a leader in cutting-edge technology for defence and maritime applications and is spearheading the effort to revolutionise the United States Navy's supply chain through additive manufacturing.

Director of Advanced Technologies at Austal USA, Scott Kasen said utilising the SPEE3D system would provide additional capability for manufacturing traditionally cast parts.

Chief Executive of SPEE3D, Byron Kennedy said his company had worked successfully with the US Navy in the past and understood the unique challenges it faces with the need for manufacturing capabilities that were fast, reliable, and easily deployable.

“Our partnership with Austal USA furthers this commitment to meet the ever-changing manufacturing needs of maritime forces," Mr Kennedy said.

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Christie’s expands Australian presence

PERTH: Christie’s International Real Estate has partnered with a multinational agent team led by Shelley Scorer to launch its presence in Western Australia and South Australia.

The launches come amidst a surge of international homebuyers and investors seeking the two regions’ affordable luxury, natural beauty and quality of lifestyle.   

As an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, the new brokerage will offer its clients access to world-class marketing and a global network spanning nearly 50 countries and territories.

Regional Managing Director of Christie’s International Real Estate, Helena Moyas de Forton said the dual launch gave the company a presence on both coasts, joining existing affiliates in Sydney and Victoria.

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XPENG on the move into two listings

SHANGHAI: Chinese high technology car company, XPENG has secured places on both the Fortune Tech 50 and Fortune China 500 lists.

Fortune Tech 50 is an inaugural list by Fortune China that spotlights Chinese tech companies making a global impact.

XPENG was one of only two automotive companies to make the list, thanks to its pioneering AI-defined mobility technology, autonomous driving breakthroughs, and industry-leading AI model applications.

Fortune China praised XPENG for its edge in smart driving technology.

"XPENG is a formidable competitor in the sector as the race for dominance in autonomous driving intensifies,” it said.

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Qsic names head for Asia-Pacific sales

MELBOURNE: AI-powered in-store audio retail media platform, Qsic has appointed Brad Montgomery as its sales lead for their Asia-Pacific region.

Qsic powers in-store audio retail media networks for thousands of retailers and brands across the globe and is seeing increased demand as retailers look to expand retail media into the in-store experience.

Earlier this year, Qsic reported 220 per cent year-over-year growth, putting the company on track for its strongest result to date.

Mr Montgomery adds more than 15 years of industry experience in audio and out-of-home advertising to bolster Qsic’s sales team in the region.

An occasional round-up of international business stories

 

Commodity markets ‘dangerously volatile’

TAIPEI: EBC Financial Group, in partnership with DiNapoli Experts, has hosted an event aimed at exploring key strategies for navigating volatile markets.

Harnessing the Power of DiNapoli Indicators to Conquer Black Swan Events* brought together financial experts, traders, investors, and economic strategists as part of EBC’s broader commitment to thought leadership in finance.

It offered critical insights not only for traders, but for those seeking a deeper understanding of global financial trends, including the impacts of geopolitical tensions, inflation, and the evolving role of technology in market prediction.

Chief Executive of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd., David Barrett issued a stark warning about the growing economic fragility facing global markets.

He said the United States Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts had unsettled bond markets, exposing deep vulnerabilities in the international financial system.

“While the US equity market has enjoyed a brief rally, Germany’s economic downturn threatens to spiral into a wider Eurozone crisis,” Mr Barrett (pictured) said.

“Geopolitical conflicts — from the ongoing war in Ukraine to instability in the Middle East — are now global flashpoints, disrupting energy supplies and pushing commodity markets toward dangerous levels of volatility.”

He said this combination of factors could drag the global economy into deeper, more unpredictable volatility, leaving even experienced investors facing unprecedented uncertainty.

As the US presidential election approaches, Mr Barrett warned that this divisive political battle could be another major destabilising factor for markets, as investors braced for shifting economic policies and potential political upheaval.

“We are not just seeing market volatility; we are looking at a perfect storm where geopolitical tensions, inflation, and monetary policies are converging like never before,” he said.

“Investors and traders need to take urgent action, adapting to this new reality with precision, foresight, and advanced tools like DiNapoli Indicators to help navigate through the uncertainty.”

He said otherwise market participants risked being left behind in a financial environment that demanded data-driven decision-making and the ability to manage complex risks.

General Manager of Fibonacci Investment Consulting, LLC, Jason Zeng stressed the critical role that DiNapoli Indicators played in helping investors identify key market retracement points and in timing trades effectively.

Mr Zeng, a long-standing expert in DiNapoli-Levels trading, explained how these indicators were not just tools for predicting price movements, but crucial systems for managing risk and profitability in highly volatile markets.

“Traders who rely on these indicators can enhance their risk management and improve trade execution,” Mr Zeng said

*Black Swan event: An event that comes as a surprise, has a major effect, and is often inappropriately rationalised after the fact with the benefit of hindsight.

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Ekati Diamond Mine continues to glitter

CALGARY: Burgundy Diamond Mines Ltd. has announced its Ekati Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories has reached the milestone of 100 million carats produced in 26 years of production.

Ekati was Canada’s first diamond mine and continues to rank in the top 10 producers world-wide, renowned for its high-quality, ethically-sourced diamonds.

Chief Executive, Kim Truter said running a 24/7-365 days a year operation in a remote sub-Artic location, took ingenuity, grit, and resilience — “a testament to the strength of our people”.

“As we reflect on this historic achievement, Ekati continues the legacy as one of the premier diamond assets in the world in a tier-one location producing highly sought after sustainably and ethically produced diamonds for the global market,” Mr Truter said.

“Ekati still has 140 million carats remaining in Indicated Mineral Resources, one of the largest unmined diamond endowments in the world.”

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Crunchtime serves up AI dish for restaurants

BOSTON: Provider of operations management solutions for the restaurant industry, Crunchtime has announced the general release of new artificial intelligence capabilities that enable restaurants to forecast their sales with even greater accuracy.

Chief Executive, John Raguin said by incorporating a custom-built machine learning algorithm into Crunchtime’s already powerful forecasting engine, the AI forecast provided restaurant teams with a new tool to more accurately predict customer demand.

“Even for a seasoned general manager, forecasting sales is difficult. This wreaks havoc on a restaurant’s profitability and creates a variety of costly operational issues related to inventory, waste, and staff scheduling,” Mr Raguin said.

“Over the past 12 months, Crunchtime has worked closely with customers to test, refine and improve its existing industry-leading forecast engine with the addition of AI forecasting capabilities.”

He said early results had been promising with restaurants seeing an increase in forecast accuracy by up to 27 per cent at different locations during testing.

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STACK’s Tokyo campus in operation

SINGAPORE: data centre developer and operator, STACK Infrastructure has completed the first facility on its new 36MW flagship Tokyo campus.

Located in Greater Tokyo’s Inzai District, the development addresses growing demand for scalable critical capacity in the Asia Pacific region.

Chief Executive, Preet Gona said the 2.3-hectare campus featured two purpose-built 18MW buildings, each designed with advanced security and artificial intelligence-ready capabilities to meet the evolving demands of global technology leaders.

“This facility not only reinforces our Asia-Pacific portfolio, it also exemplifies our strategic vision and leadership in pioneering next-generation digital infrastructure solutions that are both scalable and sustainable,” Mr Gona said.

The facility was welcomed by the Mayor of Inzai, Kengo Fujishiro, who said he hoped it would become a new symbol of Inzai, rooted in the local community.

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Nearfield earns a spot in the Asian sun

ROTTERDAM: Metrology technology specialist Nearfield Instruments has announced the sale of its QUADRA High-Throughput Process Control Metrology product to a semiconductor manufacturer in East Asia.

The sale further strengthens Nearfield Instruments’ presence in this technologically advanced region.

Chief Executive, Hamed Sadeghian said the QUADRA system was selected following a competitive evaluation process, where it out-performed alternative metrology solutions in several key areas critical to advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

“It underscores the confidence our customers have in the QUADRA system’s ability to meet the demands of next-generation semiconductor fabrication, as well as the strength of our customer service and support,” Mr Sadeghian said.

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Game on with Treasure’s new partnership

NEW YORK: E-commerce platform operator, Treasure Global Inc. has announced a partnership agreement with Octagram Investment Ltd., a software development firm specialising in scalable solutions across various sectors.

This strategic collaboration aims to enhance user engagement and drive growth through the integration of innovative mini-game modules into Treasure Global’s ZCity platform.

As part of the agreement, Octagram will design and develop modules tailored to ZCity’s growing user base, enhancing the platform’s offerings by delivering engaging, interactive experiences.

Treasure Global Chief Executive, Carlson Thow said the partnership was a pivotal step in his company’s strategy to broaden its digital engagement tools, integrating interactive entertainment and enhancing the customer experience as it diversified its service offerings.

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VCI Global names new Executive Director

KUALA LUMPUR:  Technology consultant, VCI Global Ltd. has appointed Victor Lee as its new Executive Director in succession to Marco Baccanello.

Mr Lee is a private equity professional with 28 years of experience across various asset classes, including private equity, growth capital, leveraged buyouts, distressed assets, venture capital, private credit and crypto-currency.

He has spent the past 19 years at Franklin Templeton, a global asset management firm, where he held several senior roles in private equity and alternative strategies.

VCI Global Chief Executive, Victor Hoo said Mr Lee’s extensive experience and strategic insights would be invaluable as the company navigated the dynamic market landscape.

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 No tricks: BTCC promises Halloween treats

VILNIUS: BTCC Exchange has launched its Halloween Futures Trading Campaign, inviting users to enter a thrilling crypto-haunted dungeon where they can unlock treats worth up to $US1,8 million ($A2.7 million)

This campaign, which runs until November 1, promises a hauntingly good time for both seasoned traders and newcomers alike.

This year, BTCC is offering three treats for participants. The first allows users to trade futures and share in a $US1 million ($A1.5 million) prize pool.

New traders will find their own special treat with a $US3,000 ($A4,500) prize pool specifically designed for those who haven’t yet ventured into futures trading on BTCC.

Finally, BTCC is offering free position vouchers of up to $US700,000 ($A1.05 million) for users who complete consecutive daily trades. The first 1,000 users to meet the requirements will unlock these rewards.

An occasional round-up of international business stories

 

 

 

 

‘Winston’ brings AI power to recruitment

SAN FRANCISCO: SmartRecruiters, which specialises in artificial-intelligence driven recruiting methods, has released Winston, an AI-powered recruiting companion that it claims will change the way recruitment technology operates.

Chief Executive, Rebecca Carr said Winston did not just reduce administrative tasks in recruiting — it eliminated them.

“From screening candidates and scheduling interviews to sending follow-up notes, Winston frees hiring teams to focus on the most human part of the process — the interview,” Ms Carr (pictured) said.

She said traditional methods were not meeting the expectations of hiring managers and recruiters, especially in high-volume, high-turnover industries, such as retail and manufacturing.

“We needed something more adaptive, more human, and that’s Winston. He’s not just a feature; he's the future of recruitment technology, designed to remove the manual, administrative burden from hiring teams, giving them back the time to focus on the heart of hiring: Connecting with great talent,” Ms Carr said.

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Ardena strengthens US connection

GHENT: Belgium-based Pharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing company, Ardena has signed an agreement to acquire Catalent’s facility in Somerset, New Jersey.

The Somerset facility employs approximately 200 scientists and technicians and is a Centre of Excellence for advanced delivery of oral dosage forms, significantly enhancing Ardena’s capabilities in downstream late-stage and small-scale commercial manufacturing of oral drug products.

Chief Executive of Ardena, Jeremie Trochu said the acquisition positioned Ardena to expand its bioanalytical services in the United States, serving a growing client base driven by an ever-increasing demand for advanced drug development services.

“The Somerset facility's specialised technologies and analytical capabilities bolster Ardena’s integrated offering, providing comprehensive solutions for pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers on both sides of the Atlantic,” Mr Trochu said.

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Cogstate appoints Alzheimer drug expert

MELBOURNE: Neuroscience technology company, Cogstate has appointed Kaycee Sink as its Chief Medical Officer. In this role, Dr Sink will lead Cogstate’s support of clinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Chief Executive, Brad O’Connor said Dr Sink would use her extensive experience in Alzheimer’s disease drug development to advise biopharmaceutical leaders through strategic trial design decisions, endpoint selection, and data quality considerations.

“She will also play a critical role in Cogstate’s efforts to commercialise cognitive assessment technologies within the community to support timely and more accurate diagnoses in healthcare,” Mr O’Connor said.

“The medical, research, and pharmaceutical development expertise she brings will strengthen the value we offer our customers who seek to accelerate the development of new Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics, making brain health awareness and action a normal part of aging.”

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Hinen to exhibit renewables expertise

MELBOURNE: electronics company, Hinen Group has announced it will be part of the  All Energy Australia 2024 exhibition at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on October 23 and 24.

Australia's largest and only dedicated renewable energy exhibition will bring together experts and representatives from the energy industry to discuss the future of renewable energy.

In a statement, the company said its products aimed to support Australia's energy transition.

“We look forward to connecting with industry professionals, witnessing cutting-edge technology, and exploring a smarter, more efficient and sustainable energy future together," the statement said.

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Liberia rail move boost for HPX

MONROVIA: Liberian President, Joseph N. Boakai has released an Executive Order establishing a National Railway Authority, setting the stage for the development of infrastructure owned by the Government, but independently managed.

The move has been welcomed by HPX, an American exploration and development company which operates projects in the country.

President and Chief Executive of HPX, Bronwyn Barnes was among senior management that visited Monrovia to finalise a rail access agreement for the existing Yekepa-to-Buchanan line.

“Key provisions in this agreement facilitate the advancement of HPX’s Liberty Corridor project, enabling it to proceed to the detailed feasibility study phase,” Ms Barnes said.

An occasional round-up of international business stories

Tourism ‘worth billions’ to Oceania

PERTH: A new report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) says Oceania’s travel and tourism sector could inject an additional $US112 billion ($A166 billion) into the region’s economy by 2034.

According to the report, released at the WTTC’s Global Summit, this boost could also support an extra 1.1 million jobs, raising the total employment in the region supported by travel and tourism to 3.5 million over the next decade.

The report, Unlocking Opportunities for Travel and Tourism Growth in Oceania, outlined the transformative potential of the region’s sector if strategic investments are made.

It said Oceania could become a global leader in sustainable travel, while significantly boosting its economy. However, this would require targeted action in a number of key areas.

The WTTC called for greater investment in sustainable infrastructure to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change; the enhancement of air travel connectivity; a streamlining of visa processes, and the promotion of eco-friendly tourism practices that protected Indigenous communities.

WTTC President, Julia Simpson said Oceania had an unparalleled opportunity to grow its travel and tourism sector in a way that not only drove economic growth but set the standard for sustainability.

“By investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and supporting Indigenous communities, the region could become a global leader in eco-conscious, inclusive tourism,” Ms Simpson (pictured) said.

“By the end of this year, travel and tourism in Oceania is forecast to grow by 16.5 per cent above pre-pandemic levels to reach $US224 billion ($A332 billion), and employment supported by the sector is expected to exceed pre-pandemic figures by 4.8 per cent, employing 2.3 million people.”

However, she noted that international visitor spending was projected to remain four per cent below 2019 levels, with a full recovery not expected until 2025.

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Cloudera expansion boosts business AI

NEW YORK: Cloudera, a hybrid platform for data, analytics, and artificial intelligence, has expanded its enterprise AI ecosystem with EVOLVE24 New York.

The initiative brings together a diverse group of industry-leading AI providers to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end AI solutions for customers, helping to maximise the value of AI.

Chief Strategy Officer at Cloudera, Abhas Ricky said the new partners included Anthropic, Google Cloud, and Snowflake.

“This ecosystem of technology providers makes it easier, more economical, and safer for enterprises to maximise the value of AI initiatives,” Mr Ricky said.

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Vantage platform now available to all

TORONTO: Vantage has announced that its retail media platform, previously available in limited release, will now be available to all retailers looking to enhance their businesses in this sector.

The Vantage platform allows retail partners to unlock high-margin revenue opportunities and drive growth in today’s fast-evolving media landscape.

Chief Executive, Aran Hamilton said retail media was not just the latest fad in the industry; rather it was an opportunity to transform the relationship between retailers and their vendor partners.

“Vantage helps retailers launch and scale retail media networks to their full potential. This isn’t just a technology play. Vantage’s orchestration layer integrates the teams and the technologies that are often disjointed and fragmented,” Mr Hamilton said.

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V-Gallant increases range of AI solutions

KUALA LUMPUR: VCI Global Limited, through its subsidiary, V-Gallant, is now offering end-to-end AI computing solutions to enterprises by integrating next-generation AI servers with updated software and automated machine-learning platforms.

Group Executive Chair of VCI Global, Victor Hoo said V-Gallant was collaborating with leading server manufacturers and solution providers to empower organisations to fully leverage the latest advancements in generative AI.

“Ultimately, these collaborations enable enterprises to enhance their capabilities, transforming innovative ideas into fully-functional systems that allow businesses to tackle even the most demanding AI workloads across various use cases,” Mr Hoo said.

“Recent data suggests a significant surge in AI adoption among enterprises, and now is the opportune moment for V-Gallant to capitalise on this AI boom.”

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ATFX sparks fintech move into Asia

LONDON: Fintech broker ATFX has made a strategic investment in Spark Systems, a next generation, institutional-grade e-FX trading platform based in Singapore and serving clients in Asia and globally.

Group Chair of ATFX, Joe Li said the investment built on the Group’s commitment to enhance its trading infrastructure.

“This and other initiatives have positioned ATFX as a leading player in the industry, providing clients with cutting-edge trading solutions and improved market access,” Mr Li said.

“Investing in Spark Systems aligns with our strategic vision to enhance our institutional offerings and drive innovation in the e-FX space.”

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Philippines solar project moves ahead

MANILA: Nexif Ratch Energy, a leading independent power producer focused on renewable energy solutions, has secured finance for its 145MWp Bacolod Solar Power Project, its second in the Philippines.

The Bacolod Solar Power Project, developed by Negros PH Solar Inc., will serve Bacolod City and Bago City in the Negros Occidental Province.

It will be a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic facility that can potentially power to up to 52,600 households.

Construction will begin this month with the goal of achieving commercial operations by the fourth quarter of 2025.

An occasional round-up of international business stories

 

 

 

Lebanon — a paradise lost

Lebanon is a country ruined beyond repair. Its capital, Beirut, was once known as the Paris of the Middle East, and locals boasted it was the only place in the world where it was possible to snow-ski in the morning and water-ski in the afternoon.

That was in what is now nostalgically called Lebanon’s Golden Age (pictured), in the years following World War II after the end of French colonialism until 1975 and the beginning of a devastating civil war.

It was a time rich culture, food, fashion and art, graceful hotels, lively clubs and glamorous beachfronts.

Tourists came to goggle at the numerous celebrities, some just soaking up the atmosphere, others there to appear in a series of James Bond-style movies that used the cosmopolitan setting as a backdrop, where traditional markets lived side-by-side with fashionable boutiques.

All that ended in 1975 when the influx of Palestine refugees following the following the wars of 1968 and 1972 upset the ethnic balance and the Maronite Christian majority began to feel overwhelmed.

The civil war between Christian militias and various Muslim factions dragged on for 15 years and in the decades since little has been done to try and repair the deep-seated hatreds which have built up on both sides.

Today Lebanon is a sovereign nation in name only, at the mercy of the Hezbollah political group and its powerful armed militia, backed by Iran and dedicated to the destruction of Israel.

What is left of the Government in Beirut is powerless to restrain Hezbollah; civilians throughout the country can only watch and pray as Israeli missiles and armed drones rain down upon them.

This is not a war most Lebanese wanted, yet they have no way to stop it. Soon they will be joining the ever-increasing flood of refugees, peoples on the move, pushing at the borders of Europe.

That will no doubt delight the new Russian Czar in the Kremlin who has stirred the Middle East pot several times in recent years to his obvious advantage.         

 

 

Honcho’s AI boost for small business

SYDNEY: Business service provider, Honcho has developed new artificial intelligence (AI) tools aimed at simplifying the creation and launch of business websites.

This new suite of enhanced tools will make website building more accessible to start-up and small business owners who lack technical, creative, or marketing skills.

Chief Executive, Matt Abrahams said Honcho’s goal was to remove the barriers many small business owners faced when trying to establish an online presence, namely a lack of creative and technical skills.

“With Honcho, users can easily create and launch a professional website in minutes without any prior experience,” Mr Abrahams (pictured) said.

“AI streamlines the website-creation process. Users can input minimal information, often just a business name and industry, and the AI will automatically generate a customised website complete with text, images, and optimised design elements.”

He said most small business owners just wanted a fully-functioning website up and running quickly.

“Using our platform, business owners can begin marketing their business, and in turn, start adding to their bottom line, much faster,” Mr Abrahams said.

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Dark Horse rides to new levels

BOSTON: Dark Horse Consulting (DHC), which specialises in the field of cell and gene therapy (CGT), has acquired BioTechLogic Inc., a forerunner in technical operations, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory consulting.

DHC Chief Executive, Anthony Davies said the strategic acquisition marked a significant milestone in DHC’s growth, combining the complementary strengths of both teams.

“DHC, with operations in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific, is recognised for its depth of CGT expertise worldwide, while BioTechLogic has earned its stellar reputation by offering specialised consulting in process development and manufacturing, technical operations and quality systems,” Mr Davies said.

“This acquisition allows us to extend our client base into the domains of traditional biologics and vaccine development, while further optimising efficiencies of cost, timeline, and resources for our CGT customers.”

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BTCC calls for crypto ambassadors

VILNIUS: Crypto-currency trader, BTCC Exchange has launched its Ambassador Program, an initiative that invites crypto enthusiasts and influencers worldwide to become advocates for BTCC, helping to drive its mission and expand its reach.

In a statement, the Lithuanian-based company said the Ambassador Program consisted of four categories:

BTCC Citizens would simply promote BTCC’s online presence through likes and comments.

BTCC Creators would promote the company with original comment such as guides, reviews, and tutorials across social media.

BTCC Champions would showcase trading strategies and highlight BTCC Exchange’s key features on social media.

Finally, BTCC Connectors would organise local offline events and represent BTCC within regions.

Interested individuals can apply to multiple categories that fit their skills and experience. Ambassadors will enjoy tailored incentives, including branded merchandise, tickets to global crypto events and, in some cases, financial rewards.

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International scientist joins EnGeneIC board

NEW YORK: Biopharmaceutical company, EnGeneIC has appointed Daniel Von Hoff to its Scientific-Clinical Advisory Board to advise on EnGeneIC’s trial in metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Professor Von Hoff is an internationally recognised physician and scientist, currently Distinguished Professor at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGEN) in Phoenix, Arizona.

EnGeneIC Chief Executive, Jennifer MacDiarmid said Professor Von Hoff’s extensive knowledge and experience in pancreatic cancer, along with his clinical trial experience, would be valuable in advising on the development of the company’s oncology clinical programs.

“A pioneer and world leader in translational medicine, Professor Von Hoff’s major interest is in the development of new anticancer agents. He has been involved in more than 300 clinical studies,” Dr MacDiarmid said.

“His research at TGEN has focused on the development of therapies for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.”

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Institutional investment expert joins Intech

WEST PALM BEACH: Quantitative Equity Manager, Intech has appointed Rosalind (Roz) M. Hewsenian to its Board of Directors.

Chair of Intech’s Board of Directors, Churchill Franklin said Ms Hewsenian, who recently retired as Chief Investment Officer of the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, brought more than 40 years of institutional investment experience to Intech during a pivotal moment in the firm’s next phase of growth.

“Roz brings a unique combination of institutional experience and strategic insight to the board,” Mr Franklin said.

“As we transition into our next phase of growth, her hands-on experience in both investing and governance will be instrumental in shaping Intech’s future.”

An occasional round-up of international business stories

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asendia sends a message with China link

HONG KONG: International e-commerce and parcel delivery service provider, Asendia has been appointed as the exclusive sales agency for Chinese technology company, Hubbed.

Asendia’s Chief Executive for Hong Kong and North Asia, Joshua McLarin said the strategic partnership would offer Chinese e-tailers and marketplaces alternative delivery options.

“Asendia Hong Kong is well regarded for its expertise in international logistics and a deep understanding of the Chinese market, making it a trusted partner for top-tier Chinese e-commerce companies,” Mr McLarin (pictured) said.

“Collaborating with Hubbed aims to provide a more comprehensive, customer-centric service for Chinese businesses expanding into the Australian market.

“Together, we are creating a powerful synergy that will enable us to deliver end-to-end services unmatched in the industry.”

He said Asendia Hong Kong’s role as an exclusive sales agent ensured that Hubbed’s offerings would be promoted effectively to the right stakeholders in the Chinese market, further driving the growth and adoption of these solutions.

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GoZero drives BusTech acquisition

SYDNEY: Bus manufacturer, GoZero Group’s acquisition of BusTech has been approved following a meeting of creditors.

Managing Director, Stephen Cartwright said the acquisition substantially bolstered GoZero Group’s Australian bus manufacturing capability, with BusTech’s factories in South Australia and Queensland complementing GoZero’s established Nexport bus factory in Western Sydney.

“This is an important acquisition for the GoZero Group. Not only will it increase our opportunity to service the growing national market for low and zero emission buses, but it will protect local manufacturing jobs in both Queensland and South Australia,” Mr Cartwright said.

“We are rapidly scaling up to be able to meet increasing demand from State Governments, Councils and the private sector, increasing our investment in factories and people, ensuring we have the scale and capacity to deliver Australian-made world-class buses.”

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Leil puts energy wastage on ICE

TALLINN: Specialist storage company, Leil Storage has launched its Infinite Cold Engine (ICE) system, aimed at addressing significant energy inefficiencies in traditional storage systems.

In a statement, the Estonian-based company said current technology aimed to reduce energy usage by powering down inactive drives. However, it struggled due to the lack of a distributed file system, which made it difficult to keep drives off when data needed frequent access for redundancy.

“ICE leverages SaunaFS, a robust distributed file system, allowing it to concentrate data access on a small group of drives at any time. This approach enables the majority of drives to remain powered off for extended periods, significantly cutting energy use while maintaining high performance,” the statement said.

Leil Storage targets enterprises and service providers needing long-term, high-capacity storage solutions that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, including industries such as healthcare and finance, as well as media companies, archives, research laboratories, and data centre providers where large volumes of data must be stored securely and accessed efficiently.

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Robex settles future of Mali mine

QUEBEC CITY: Robex Resources Incorporated has negotiated an agreement with the Government of Mali that resolves all tax and customs claims for the period prior to December 31, 2023.

Robex operates the Nampala Gold Mine in southern Mali, which has so far produced 230,000 ounces of gold. The company has announced plans to divest this project as it focuses on developing the Kiniero Gold Project in Guinea.

Robex Chief Executive, Matthew Wilcox said the agreement followed extensive discussions with the Commission established by Mali for the operation at Nampala.

“Nampala is effectively starting with a clean slate which gives the company greater certainty and stability in Mali,” Mr Wilcox said.

“Robex will provide the Government of Mali with an operating plan for the Nampala Mine to maintain jobs, make necessary investment to extend the life of the mine and maintain the requirement of the Local Content Act.”

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Top US speaker for Perth tourism summit

LONDON: The World Travel and Tourism Council has announced the line-up for its 24^th Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia next month.

Among those who have confirmed their attendance are former US Secretary of State, John Kerry and conservationist, Robert Irwin.

Under the theme Ancient Land: New Perspectives, the Global Summit will highlight Australia's rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, emphasising its innovation and sustainable growth.

Industry trailblazers from across the globe will come together to continue efforts for a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future in travel and tourism.

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EnviroGold names new operating officer

TORONTO: Mining technology provider, EnviroGold Global Limited has appointed Grant Freeman as Chief Operating Officer.

Mr Freeman previously served as Chief Executive of Los Calatos Holding Limited, a copper project in Peru, owned by private equity, and as Managing Director of Mining Investment Banking Groups.

EnviroGold Chief Executive, David Cam said Mr Freeman’s leadership would play a key role in advancing the company's mission to drive sustainable mining practices.

“The appointment strengthens the EnviroGold management team as we move towards our first commercial-scale customer tailings testing at our new demonstration plant,” Mr Cam said.

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New President for Resolution Life

HAMILTON: Bermudan-based Resolution Life insurance group has appointed Moses Ojeisekhoba as President

Mr Ojeisekhoba is expected to succeed company founder, Sir Clive Cowdery as Chief Executive during 2026 with Sir Clive remaining as Executive Chair.

Mr Ojeisekhoba joins Resolution Life from Swiss Re where he spent more than 12 years in multiple senior executive positions, most recently as Chief Executive of Global Clients and Solutions, where he was responsible for managing relationships with some of Swiss Re's key clients.

At Resolution Life he will be responsible for the leadership of the commercial, market-facing division and will drive the strategy, growth, profitability and value-creation of the business.

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