METAHOMES GRANTS CUSTOMERS FREE PROPERTY LISTINGS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- MetaHomes, an online global real estate platform, announced it will not impose fees or contractual obligations on its customers, granting them the freedom to post properties on its platform for free, underscoring its commitment to democratise access to the real estate market, levelling the playing field for individuals and businesses alike.

This groundbreaking limited time initiative eliminates upfront costs, providing property owners with an equal opportunity to showcase their properties to a vast and diverse audience.

The platform opens its doors to property owners of all backgrounds, offering a chance to display a wide range of accommodations, including homestays, hotels, vacation homes, and apartment rentals, without incurring any listing expenses or contractual bindings.

Responding to that, its Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Wu in a statement, expressed optimism about the company's role in shaping the future of real estate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and beyond.

In the last couple of decades, the UAE has emerged as a beacon of innovation, prosperity, and opportunity, drawing millions of people globally.

Renowned for its world-class attractions, vibrant lifestyle, robust economic benefits, and progressive governmental initiatives, the country stands as a shining example of modernity and growth in the Middle East and beyond.

One of the key indicators of the UAE's thriving tourism sector is the staggering number of visitors it welcomes each year. The nation played host to over 3.67 million visitors from Jan to Feb alone, according to the Dubai Government Tourism Department, a testament to its enduring appeal as a global travel hub.

Focusing on innovation, collaboration, and customer satisfaction, MetaHomes endeavours to create a seamless and rewarding real estate experience for all stakeholders.

With a vision that transcends borders and boundaries, it aspires to be the catalyst for positive change in the real estate industry, ushering in a new era of technological accessibility, and opportunity for all.

Against this backdrop of prosperity and promise, MetaHomes leverages cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, to redefine industry standards and offer a seamless real estate experience.

-- BERNAMA

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI DEBUTS BRIDAL COLLECTION IN BARCELONA

KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- The Maison Giambattista Valli debuted its bridal runway during Bridal Night, the gala evening of the event organised by Fira de Barcelona with the support of the Catalan Ministry of Business and Labor, in the historic building of the Llotja de Mar.

Held during Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, Valli showcased 30 creations from his collection, a culmination of silhouettes, representing a comprehensive exhibition of his concept of contemporary bridal dressing, according to a statement.

“I chose Barcelona and Bridal Fashion Week for the debut of my Love Collection 3 because it is an event that attracts a diverse audience of fashion enthusiasts, designers, buyers and media from all over the world, and provides me with maximum global visibility and opportunities for success.

“In addition, Barcelona's romantic and cosmopolitan atmosphere matches perfectly with the theme of my collection, which celebrates love and romance,” Valli said.

The fashion show featured 10 dresses from Valli’s third “Love Collection”, 10 iconic silhouettes from the first and second “Love Collections” and 10 Haute Couture creations, inspiring the magnificence and the savoir-faire of the Ateliers, stepping away from classic wedding rituals and focusing on the significance of the emotions of the “moment” and the joys of celebrations.

Infused with the Maison’s idyllic aesthetic and excellence, Valli's dresses stood out with a contemporary edge, whether through clean lines, unforgettable volumes or unexpected details inspired by the personalities of an imaginary new group which is his friends.

This blend of classic and modern appeals to many brides worldwide looking for a unique wedding gown, in pure Valli style and tied to their own personal storytelling.

The Barcelona Bridal Night boasted a grandiose of audience which include it-girl, model and international fashion icon Olivia Palermo; model and countess Lara Cosima Henckel von Donnersmarck; stylist and designer Pelayo Diaz; actress Hiba Abouk; actress and model Blanca Romero; model Marco Llorente; and TV hostess and actress Marta Torné, among other personalities.

-- BERNAMA

EMGA Secures US$50 Mln Financing For Kazakhstan’s MFO KMF

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- Emerging Markets Global Advisory LLP (EMGA) has secured a US$50 million facility senior debt facility from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for Kazakhstan’s MFO KMF. (US$1=RM4.78)

EMGA Head of Investment Banking and Managing Director, Sajeev Chakkalakal in a statement said: “We are delighted to have arranged this new landmark debt facility for our long-standing client KMF.

“It has been a real pleasure to work with them again, as they continue to solidify their position as the largest MFI in the country, and further strengthen their financial position in spite of turbulent times.”

Concurrently, EMGA Managing Director, Jeremy Dobson added this new financing will help KMF deliver on its stated mission; to continue to help entrepreneurs throughout Kazakhstan, and to develop its business with a greater focus on female owned businesses and in rural areas.

Meanwhile, KMF Chairman of the Board, Shalkar Zhusupov said this is the first time KMF has entered into a partnership with JICA, whose goals and mission are close to its own.

“The funds from JICA will be used to implement projects to support micro and small enterprises, including rural entrepreneurs, which will create new opportunities and contribute to their economic growth," said Zhusupov.

MFO KMF is one of the leaders in the Central Asian microfinance sector, and the company disburses clients individual and group loans for activities, including business, trade, crop farming and cattle-breeding.

On the other hand, JICA is a governmental agency that delivers the bulk of Official Development Assistance for the government of Japan. It is chartered with assisting economic and social growth in developing countries, and the promotion of international cooperation.

With offices in London and New York, EMGA helps financial institutions and corporations seeking new debt or equity capital, completing transactions on behalf of its clients within the world’s emerging markets and frontier economies, including Kazakhstan which remains a key market.

-- BERNAMA

GRADIANT LAUNCHES CURE CHEMICALS FOR THE WORLD'S ESSENTIAL INDUSTRIES

Comprehensive portfolio of over 300 proprietary chemical formulations with on-site expertise and world-class service enhances efficiency and sustainability while maximizing cost savings


BOSTON, April 17 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Gradiant, a global solutions provider for advanced water and wastewater treatment, announced today the launch of CURE Chemicals. Continuing Gradiant’s track record of innovation and commercialization, CURE Chemicals will set new benchmarks in environmental sustainability and operational efficiency for the world’s essential industries.

The CURE Chemicals product line includes over 300 proprietary formulations for corrosion and scale inhibitors, process chemicals, biocides, antiscalants & cleaners, and coagulants & flocculants. These products are engineered to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of water treatment processes while minimizing their environmental footprint.

"The launch of CURE Chemicals represents a major milestone for Gradiant as we expand our portfolio to include specialty chemicals that complement our end-to-end water solutions capabilities," said Prakash Govindan, COO of Gradiant. "We are now the water industry’s only complete, site-wide portfolio providing bespoke design, proprietary equipment, O&M services, and specialty chemicals uniquely positioned to deliver whole-system expertise complemented by SmartOps AI for accurate, intelligent operation.”

CURE is developed via cutting-edge research combined with operational feedback tailored to meet the demanding requirements of industries ranging from semiconductors to renewables, mining to energy, and food & beverage to pharmaceuticals. "We are excited to bring these chemical solutions to the global market, which not only perform better than incumbents but also adhere to the highest standards of safety and sustainability, all at compelling value to our clients," said Vipan Kalia, Head of Chemicals at Gradiant.

For more information on how CURE Chemicals can benefit your operations, please visit gradiant.com/solutions/cure-chemicals.

About Gradiant
Gradiant is a global solutions provider for advanced water and wastewater treatment. With a full suite of differentiated and proprietary end-to-end solutions, powered by the top minds in water, the company serves its clients' mission-critical operations in the world's essential industries, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, lithium and critical minerals, and renewable energy. Gradiant’s innovative solutions reduce water used and wastewater discharged, reclaim valuable resources, and renew wastewater into freshwater. The Boston-headquartered company was founded at MIT and has over 1,000 employees worldwide. Learn more at gradiant.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240416877381/en/

Contact

Corporate Contact
Felix Wang
Gradiant
Global Head of Marketing
fwang@gradiant.com

Source : Gradiant

SINGLESTORE TO REVOLUTIONISE REAL-TIME, AI SOLUTIONS IN KOREA VIA AGILE PLATFORM PARTNERSHIP

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- SingleStore has announced an exclusive partnership with Agile Platform to bring real-time, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions to the Korean market.

SingleStore's real-time data platform is designed for growing businesses dealing with modern applications, analytics, as well as AI — and its next-generation technology has been gaining significant traction in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

“With our strategic alliance with Agile Platform, it is an unparalleled opportunity to empower digital-native and cloud-forward Korean companies to accelerate genAI adoption, build AI-fronted applications, and enhance analytical capabilities,” said SingleStore General Manager of APJ, Sanjay Aurora in a statement.

Meanwhile, Agile Platform Chief Executive Officer, JeongHee Han said: “With our deep understanding of the Korean market and extensive adjacent network, we believe we are the perfect partner to support SingleStore's expansion in APAC and bring its technology to even more Korean businesses.

“This collaboration will enhance the data platform’s market presence but also offer Korean businesses access to a powerful, scalable solution that can effectively handle their growing data requirements,” he added.

Agile Platform is a data-specialised firm that offers various consulting services including those related to SingleStore to enable real-time processing, analysis, and visualisation based on data, both on-premises and in cloud environments.

Actively dedicated to exploring and expanding its presence in the Korean market, leveraging SingleStore, over the past five years, Agile Platform has been recognised for its expertise and technical proficiency via collaborations with various clients.

Having cemented a strong presence in Korea, SingleStore is proud to have leading companies including Kakao, POSCO, LG Innotek, K Bank, Kiwoon Securities, and SK Telecom as customers which have adopted the company's comprehensive data platform for a variety of use cases.

-- BERNAMA

Nike Debuts New Products Line-up Signalling Multi-year Innovation Cycle

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- NIKE Inc has extended its position as the undisputed leader of footwear and apparel innovation by debuting a new line-up of products that signalled a multi-year innovation cycle. 

According to a statement, the company is delivering better, faster, more efficient solutions for athletes this summer and opening a world of creative possibilities including Nike's first sculpted, visible Air Zoom unit in the new Pegasus Premium running shoe.

“For more than 50 years we have listened to and over-delivered for our athletes with the best of Nike innovation. We always push the boundaries of what is possible and take risks to help create the future of sport together.

“This summer, the difference maker is the massive energy return that Nike Air delivers to athletes. Taking what we learned from our super-shoe technology, we are introducing new Nike Air Zoom shapes and sensations across all sports,” said Nike Chief Innovation Officer, John Hoke.

The proprietary, sculpted Air unit connects the heel and forefoot and uniquely contours to the natural profile of the foot, delivering an entirely new springy, smooth sensation. Combined with ZoomX and ReactX foam, the new cushioning system creates more energy return for everyday runners.

In addition, Air, Nike’s most revolutionary, ubiquitous and versatile cushioning platform, powers the products Nike athletes will wear on the track, court and pitch this summer.

Nike has optimised Air by leveraging computational design and incomparable athlete data from the Nike Sport Research Lab to create footwear that helps all athletes break barriers.

The best of Nike’s Air innovation for this summer will debut in the Nike Blueprint Pack, spanning footwear for track and road racing, basketball, football, skate, breakdancing and lifestyle.

The company has also revealed A.I.R. — Athlete Imagined Revolution, whereby in this co-creation project between elite athletes and Nike designers, Nike used innovative design tools to create the future of Air.

-- BERNAMA

18th Guizhou Tourism Industry Development Conference Opens New Avenues

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- The 18th Guizhou Tourism Industry Development Conference kicked off in Xingyi city, Southwest China's Guizhou province, on the basis of "simplicity, delicacy, thoughtfulness and safety", on April 11.

Hosted by the People's Government of Guizhou Province, the Guizhou Tourism Industry Development Conference has been held annually since 2006, aimed to accelerate the development of Guizhou's tourism industry and cultivate it into a pillar industry.

Themed "Promoting Deep Integration of Culture and Tourism and Building a World-class Tourist Destination", the conference has been successfully held for 17 sessions, in rotation by all cities and prefectures in Guizhou.

The tourism resources in this region are mainly composed of mountain landscapes, ethnic cultures and historical relics, according to the People's Government of Guizhou Province in a statement.

In recent years, Qianxinan Prefecture has promoted Health Tourism by combining the original mountain tourism resources. Numerous health tourism projects and top quality tourism routes have been launched to attract healthy lifestyle-seeking tourists.

Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture is located in the southwest of Guizhou Province, China, with excellent transportation infrastructure and is famous for its well-preserved and unique natural scenery and rich ethnic cultures.

With typical karst landform, famous scenic spots include Maling River Canyon and Wanfeng Forest in Xingyi, Wanfeng Lake, and Guizhou Longhua Stone Group in addition to "Eight-Note Seated Singing" which is a type of Bouyei ethnic group's talking and singing folk art.

-- BERNAMA