Category Archives: Business

Edmond Wong takes helm as the President of Orange Business Asia-Pacific from retiring predecessor Nick Lambert

“I wish to sincerely thank Nick for his guidance, support, and valuable advice to me from his time as the President of APAC until this transition period before his retirement. We share a special bond, and I hope to continue his work legacy and build on from his outstanding achievements,” said Edmond.

Driving the Future of Cleaning: Kärcher India Takes Center Stage at KPHA 2026

New Delhi, Apr 2: Kärcher India was a Sapphire Sponsor at the Kerala Professional Housekeepers Association (KPHA) convention held on 25th March. Kärcher further strengthened its foothold in the professional cleaning space by setting up a dedicated stall at the convention centre, showcasing its wide range of technologically advanced cleaning solutions such as scrubber dryers, vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners, sweepers, and high-pressure washers.

As part of the event, Varun Handa, Strategic Head of Kärcher India, was a featured speaker at the convention, where he addressed attendees on the topic of “Hospitality Solutions at Kärcher.” The session highlighted Kärcher’s approach to enabling efficient, scalable, and sustainable cleaning solutions tailored for the hospitality industry.

The discussion also covered Kärcher’s broader sustainability vision, including green energy adoption, reduction of CO₂ emissions, circular economy practices, and the development of sustainable products.

“As Kärcher, we believe the future of cleaning lies at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and responsibility. Whether it is adopting green energy sources, reducing CO₂ emissions, or embracing the circular economy, our aim is to create a long-term impact. Through platforms like KPHA, we are able to demonstrate the value of structured cleaning methodologies like PDIR in enhancing hygiene standards and operational efficiency, especially within the hospitality segment,” said Varun Handa, Strategic Head, Kärcher India.

The session also emphasized the importance of hygiene and structured cleaning methodologies such as PDIR (Preventive, Daily, Intensive, Restorative), along with best practices for efficiency and maintenance.

WorldFish Launches Venture Platform to Mobilize Capital to Scale Aquatic Food Innovation

WorldFish today announced the launch of WorldFish Ventures (WFV), a wholly owned commercial subsidiary established to accelerate the scaling of innovations in aquatic food systems through market-based approaches and strategic partnerships.

Approved by the WorldFish Board of Trustees, WorldFish Ventures represents a significant milestone in the organization’s evolution—strengthening the pathway from scientific innovation to large-scale adoption by harnessing the power of markets to deliver impact.

WorldFish has long been at the forefront of developing innovations in aquatic food systems, including genetically improved fish strains, fisheries management, digital platforms, and capacity development solutions. WorldFish Ventures is designed to translate these innovations into scalable, investable solutions that can reach underserved markets more effectively and sustainably.

“WorldFish Ventures reflects a deliberate step forward in how we deliver impact,” said Alyssa Jade McDonald-Baertl, Chair of the WorldFish Board of Trustees. “The Board has placed strong emphasis on ensuring that WorldFish’s scientific excellence is matched by mechanisms that enable scale. This structure provides the right balance between maintaining mission integrity and engaging effectively with market actors to expand reach and sustainability.”

WorldFish Ventures will operate as a dedicated platform to mobilize private sector engagement, crowd in investment, and accelerate the deployment of innovations across priority markets in Africa, Asia, and beyond.

Its initial portfolio will focus on:

• Improved fish genetics, including globally recognized tilapia and carp breeding programs
• Digital platforms and analytics, including next-generation data solutions for aquatic food systems
• Training and capacity development, through scalable models such as the WorldFish Academy

In addition to scaling WorldFish innovations, WFV will actively onboard and commercialize innovations from partners, including startups, research institutions, and private sector actors, creating a broader ecosystem for innovation deployment.

“Scientific breakthroughs only achieve their full value when they reach scale,” said Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General of WorldFish. “WorldFish Ventures is designed to harness market forces to accelerate that process—enabling us to deliver solutions at the pace and scale required, particularly in underserved markets where the opportunity for impact is greatest.”

The venture will begin with a pilot phase, working with partners across the value chain to validate scalable business models, strengthen delivery systems, and build the foundations for long-term financial sustainability.

WorldFish Ventures will operate within a governance framework that ensures continued stewardship of WorldFish’s intellectual assets, strong mission alignment, and clear oversight, while providing the flexibility required to engage effectively with private sector partners and investors.

With the establishment of WorldFish Ventures, WorldFish is advancing a model that integrates science, markets, and partnerships to accelerate the transformation of aquatic food systems and expand access to nutritious, sustainable aquatic foods.

Kaufman Rossin and Synack Partner to Scale AI-Powered, Continuous Penetration Testing for Regulated Companies

New partnership addresses growing gap between security priorities and real-world attack surface coverage

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Kaufman Rossin, a Top 50 public accounting, advisory, and tax firm, and Synack, the leader in penetration testing as a service (PTaaS), today announced a strategic partnership to deliver scalable, AI-powered penetration testing and continuous security validation for regulated enterprises.

At a time when organizations are rapidly expanding their digital footprint while facing increasingly sophisticated, AI-driven threats, many security teams struggle to keep pace. Recent industry research shows that penetration testing remains a top priority, but organizations are testing only a fraction of their total attack surface—creating a critical gap between perceived and actual security posture.

This partnership directly addresses that gap by combining Kaufman Rossin’s deep cybersecurity advisory expertise with Synack’s AI-powered PTaaS platform and the Synack Red Team (SRT)—a global community of elite, vetted security researchers. Together, the firms enable organizations to move beyond static, point-in-time testing toward a continuous, scalable model that keeps pace with modern attack surfaces.

Kaufman Rossin clients will gain access to Synack’s full platform capabilities, including web application, host, cloud, API, and AI/LLM penetration testing, as well as attack surface management. Unlike traditional pen testing approaches that rely on periodic, manual assessments, Synack’s platform enables continuous testing aligned to infrastructure changes, compliance cycles, and evolving threat landscapes—without requiring organizations to switch vendors or restart engagements.

“Our clients operate in highly regulated environments where security, speed, and consistency are non-negotiable,” said Kory Patrick, leader of Kaufman Rossin’s cybersecurity practice. “They need a model that not only meets compliance requirements but also keeps pace with constant change. Synack enables us to deliver scalable, repeatable testing with the depth and rigor our clients expect—while significantly accelerating time to value.”

For Synack, the partnership expands its reach into organizations that require both advanced technical capabilities and trusted advisory relationships. Kaufman Rossin’s team of more than 100 certified risk professionals—including CISSP, CISM, OSCP, and CRISC—supports clients across the financial services, fintech, healthcare, legal, and technology sectors.

“Kaufman Rossin represents the kind of trusted advisor organizations rely on to navigate increasingly complex security and compliance challenges,” said Jay Kaplan, CEO of Synack. “By combining their advisory strength with our AI-powered platform and global researcher community, we’re helping customers fundamentally rethink how penetration testing is delivered—moving from reactive assessments to continuous, intelligence-driven security validation.”

Synack’s platform has demonstrated measurable impact for security teams, reducing the total cost per pen test by up to 32%, saving an average of 22 days per engagement, and accelerating remediation timelines for high and critical vulnerabilities by 47% or more. These gains translate directly into reduced risk exposure, faster compliance readiness, and improved operational efficiency for organizations under increasing regulatory and business pressure.

The partnership also establishes a foundation for joint go-to-market initiatives, enabling Kaufman Rossin and Synack to deliver integrated security offerings that combine advisory services with continuous testing and risk validation.

AAVantgarde appoints Philip Lao as Senior Vice President of Business Development

April 02, 2026 — AAVantgarde Bio (AAVantgarde), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering therapies for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) focused on large gene delivery via its two proprietary Adeno-Associated Viral (AAV) vector platforms, today announced the appointment of Philip Lao as Senior Vice President of Business Development.

Mr. Lao joins the Company’s leadership team and will report to Dr. Natalia Misciattelli, Chief Executive Officer. “Philip brings extensive genetic medicine and ophthalmology experience, and his track record of creating value through strategic partnerships will significantly strengthen our business development capabilities at this crucial time for AAVantgarde,” said Dr. Natalia Misciattelli, Chief Executive Officer of AAVantgarde. “Philip’s proven track record will help drive the company’s future strategic growth. We are pleased to welcome him to AAVantgarde.”

“I am excited to join AAVantgarde and help accelerate the company’s progress by expanding strategic partnership and commercial opportunities for our novel pipeline of retinal
therapeutics and beyond. I am confident that our proprietary platforms will deliver transformative therapies for underserved patients who currently lack effective treatment
options,” said Mr. Philip Lao, Senior Vice President of Business Development of AAVantgarde.

Prior to joining AAVantgarde, Mr. Lao served as Head of Business Development at Adverum Biotechnologies, a retinal gene therapy company, where he led the successful sale of the company to Eli Lilly in December 2025. His career includes extensive experience in M&A an strategic licensing roles at Novartis, Pfizer, and Takeda, where he led cross-functional teams in the evaluation and execution of complex global transactions. Philip began his career in the Healthcare Investment Banking team at Deutsche Bank and holds a BA in Economics and an MBA, both from the University of Chicago.

PPDS and AVARA Bring Home Comforts to Sternenbrücke Children’s Hospice with Philips MediaSuite TVs

Amsterdam, April 26: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, is proud to share that 30x Philips MediaSuite TVs have been selected to bring personalised home comforts to patients and their families staying at the Sternenbrücke children’s and youth hospice in Hamburg. 

Carrying the motto ‘We can’t give life more days, but we can give more life to the days’ – the Sternenbrücke hospice opened its doors in 2003, with a focus on providing specialist care and a safe environment for children, adolescents, and young adults suffering from life-shortening illnesses. 

With an outdated TV system with minimal capabilities and often experiencing obstructed channels, the Sternenbrücke team turned to AV integration specialists, AVARA, and PPDS, to deliver a modern solution. Key requirements included bringing the familiarity and ‘barrier free’ accessibility of a range of entertainment services similar to those enjoyed at home. In addition, the hospice required the ability to create and share important information directly to patients, collectively in communal areas, via the TV screen, rather than paper. 

Home from home entertainment

30x Philips MediaSuite TVs (32”-55”), as well as a Philips Business TV, were installed inside a range of environments around the hospice, including private and communal areas, each tailored around the needs of the patients within those spaces. 

AVARA’s system delivered simple and clear operation and menu navigation with a diverse range of age appropriate entertainment, including the option for subtitles, and a simple remote control. 

AVARA connected the Philips Professional Displays using PPDS’ CMND server, implementing a network that significantly reduces workload by enabling the control and updating of all TVs centrally, eliminating the need for individual management in each room. 

Shared moments

Each room is now equipped with access to a wide range of apps and streaming services, allowing families to tune in to their favourite films and series, browse media libraries, listen to the radio, or enjoy gaming on the connected PlayStations. 

In addition, AVARA integrated a dedicated information portal for parents, providing access to general details about Sternenbrücke, as well as up to the minute news and information. 

By modernising the TV system, AVARA has helped create a home-from-home environment where patients and families can come together without concern. The modern, intuitive technology enables families to share valuable moments focused entirely on comfort, ease of use, and joy. 

Peer Gent from the management team at Stiftung Kinder-Hospiz Sternenbrücke commented: “Our new Philips MediaSuite TVs give our guests joy, distraction from the often stressful everyday life, and precious moments together.” 

“Thanks to the committed cooperation of all those involved, we were able to implement a barrier free and easy-to-use TV system that goes beyond technical improvements. We are thrilled and would like to thank AVARA and PPDS for their generous support in realising this project.”

Justo Realfintech Launches Chestertons India Entering Institutional Real Estate Advisory Through a 220-Year-Old Global Brand

Chestertons India Private Limited (Chestertons India) incorporated as wholly owned subsidiary; brand usage arrangement executed with Chestertons Global Network; commercial operations expected in Q1 FY27

Mumbai, Apr 02: Justo Realfintech Limited is pleased to announce the incorporation of Chestertons India Private Limited as its wholly owned subsidiary, and the execution of a brand usage and business rights arrangement that brings the Chestertons name, one of the world’s oldest and most respected real estate advisory brands, into the Indian market. This marks a significant strategic milestone in the beginning of Justo’s evolution from a project marketing and residential advisory platform into a full-spectrum, institutionally capable real estate services group

Founded in London in 1805, Chestertons operates across more than twenty countries, offering advisory services across residential and commercial property, capital markets, leasing, valuation, and cross-border transactions. Chestertons is a founding member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), reflecting its adherence to the highest global standards of professional practice, ethics, and governance in real estate advisory.

In India, the brand will be operated exclusively through Chestertons India Private Limited, a company wholly owned by Justo Realfintech Limited. The launch of Chestertons India represents a deliberate and calibrated dual brand expansion strategy to address two different market segments. Justo’s core business shall focus on the mid segment product in range of Rs. 50 lacs to Rs 3.5 crore. Chesterton India will be positioned to operate in premium and super premium category with the support of Justo’s extensive developer network and channel partner network across key markets and will serve as the primary operating leverage for Chestertons India’s business development.

Further, the Company intends to diversify its revenue into various allied verticals which may include sale of high-end premium residential and plotting schemes and villas, commercial leasing, cross border outreach for investments in India using Chestortons’s international network, capital market services and hospitality services. The Company shall make formal announcement on the initiation of such planned services as it moves forward in this journey.

Chestertons’ global presence across the Middle East, Europe, the UK, and Southeast Asia creates a structured pathway for bilateral investment advisory between global capital and Indian real estate origination, besides providing access to established international client base and NRI investors that is difficult to reach through domestic positioning.

As part of the agreement with Chestertons Global Network, the Company intends to undertake Project and Development management services in association with Arbour Investments Private Limited, a leading company in the real estate investment management space in India. Details of this arrangement shall be made available upon finalisation of terms and subject to applicable laws and regulations.

“The India entry of Chestertons through our wholly owned subsidiary is a calibrated strategic step in the evolution of Justo’s advisory business. It allows us to participate more meaningfully in larger, institutionally aligned and higher-value segments of the real estate lifecycle while remaining anchored in our execution-led approach. We believe this initiative strengthens our service architecture, broadens our market relevance and enhances our ability to create long-term value through a wider advisory canvas.”

Pushpamitra Das, Chairman and Managing Director, Justo Realfintech Limited

“India represents one of the most compelling real estate growth stories globally. In Justo, we see a partner with on-ground execution credibility, local market understanding and a disciplined advisory orientation. That combination makes Justo the right fit for Chesterton’s India entry and for building a business that can serve developers, investors and property owners with both global standards and local delivery.”

Mohamed Mussa, Managing Director, Chestertons Global

“The launch of Chestertons India is a transformational moment for Justo and for the advisory ecosystem it is building. This initiative brings together global institutional credibility and deep local market expertise in a way that is genuinely differentiated. We are excited to be associated with Chestertons India Private Limited under the Project Management Consultancy and Development Management service verticals and are confident in creating value through our experience and expertise.”

Chirag Mehta, Director, Arbour Investments

Dr Bhargav Mallappa Appointed as Director of SIIA Data Analysis Research Council (SIIADARC)

The appointment aims to strengthen legal oversight and institutional governance within the Council

New Delhi, Apr 1: The SIIA and Data Analysis Research Council (SIIADARC) has announced the appointment of Dr Bhargav Mallappa as Director of, following an official selection process and approval by the competent authority. The appointment has been made by Dr. Lijo Kuriyadath, Director, SIIADARC.

Dr Mallappa, will serve in this nominated position for a fixed tenure of five years. The role is honorary in nature and aligned with the Council’s broader objective of strengthening institutional governance and legal oversight within its framework.

Speaking on the appointment, Dr. Lijo Kuriyadath, Director, SIIADARC, said, “Dr Bhargav Mallappa’s appointment comes at a crucial time as the Council continues to strengthen its institutional framework. His experience and commitment to professional integrity will play an important role in advancing the Council’s objectives.”

Accepting the role, Dr Bhargav Mallappa stated, “I am honoured to take on the responsibility Director at SIIADARC. I look forward to contributing to the Council’s mission while upholding its values, bylaws and the principles of the Constitution of India.”

The Council reiterated that the position carries a strong emphasis on ethical conduct, accountability and compliance. Any deviation from its bylaws or legal standards may invite disciplinary action, including termination of the appointment.

SIIADARC continues to focus on strengthening its institutional processes through such appointments, ensuring a robust and accountable framework for its operations.

The Offshore Crypto Problem Regulators Can No Longer Ignore

New Delhi, Apr 01 : Globally, the virtual digital asset (VDA) space is emerging as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative sectors. Yet, it continues to face persistent challenges, including a lack of regulatory clarity, legal uncertainty, skepticism, and high taxation. A recent report by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) highlights another growing concern for the industry: virtual asset platforms that operate across borders while remaining largely out of reach of regulators.

These platforms, known as offshore Virtual Asset Service Providers (oVASPs), are exchanges or platforms that are registered in one country but serve customers in another, often without proper registration, consumer protections, or safeguards against illicit activity. The FATF cautions that such operations expose a structural gap in the global financial system, increasing vulnerability to risks like money laundering and terrorist financing.

The core issue here is regulatory evasion. While countries that follow FATF standards require VASPs to register with financial regulators, verify user identities, and report suspicious transactions, oVASPs often sidestep these requirements entirely. Their operations are typically fragmented, with senior management, servers, and compliance functions spread across jurisdictions, far from where their services are actually used. This makes it difficult for enforcement authorities to establish contact, obtain information, and ensure compliance—especially when such platforms are based in countries with weak virtual asset laws.

There are two types of oVASPs, those that may not fully understand the rules that apply to them and those that deliberately design their operations to avoid oversight. The latter pose a far greater risk. The FATF report notes that such entities are often non-responsive to enforcement authorities, deny their legal obligations, or appoint “dummy” compliance representatives who lack the authority or information to engage meaningfully.

To evade scrutiny, these platforms use a range of tactics, including onboarding users through local affiliates, encouraging VPN usage, and falsifying information. They may also rely on complex corporate structures to obscure accountability, making it difficult to identify a responsible entity and causing delays for authorities. This becomes even more concerning when oVASPs are suspected of enabling on-chain illicit activities such as large-scale money laundering and terrorist financing.

India’s experience illustrates how oVASPs can undermine regulations for commercial advantage. Despite requirements for platforms serving Indian users to maintain a physical presence in the country, offshore operators continue to onboard users with diluted KYC norms, gaining a pricing edge over compliant platforms. A significant share of users has shifted to these exchanges, which continue to accept UPI deposits and enable withdrawals into Indian bank accounts through intermediaries—while remaining outside India’s regulatory reach.

The report also acknowledges progress in some jurisdictions. India, for instance, has improved detection capabilities, reinforced physical presence requirements, and established better domestic coordination mechanisms. However, challenges remain. The FATF recommends that countries actively identify oVASP activity, adopt risk-based supervision, and strengthen cooperation with both domestic and international authorities. Home jurisdictions must supervise the global operations of locally registered VASPs and respond promptly to information requests, while host jurisdictions should require oVASPs to obtain local licenses and share intelligence with home regulators.

For the private sector, the responsibility is equally important. Banks, payment platforms, and VASPs must assess and limit their exposure to unlicensed offshore entities and report any suspicious activity to regulators.

oVASPs thrive in the gaps between jurisdictions, agencies, and regulations. Closing these gaps will require stronger cross-border supervision, more accountable platforms, and a coordinated global approach that treats virtual asset risks as a shared responsibility.

Rajagopal G Appointed as Chairman of the Association of Senior Living India

Mumbai, April 1, 2026: The Association of Senior Living India (ASLI), the premier national organisation representing the senior living and care industry, has appointed Rajagopal G as its Chairman for the 2026–2028 term. He succeeds Rajit Mehta, following a period of notable advocacy for the sector.

 A veteran with over three decades of experience, Rajagopal is the Co-founder, Director, and Group CEO of Lifebridge Group. Under his leadership, the group has pioneered a uniquely integrated model across the continuum of aging: Serene Communities (Senior Living), KITES Senior Care (Out-of-hospital Geriatric Care), and Seniorshield (Preventive Health Technology). Together, these platforms support thousands of seniors across India, reflecting his core belief that aging must be addressed as a holistic system delivering high quality solutions

Speaking on his appointment, Rajagopal said: “I am honoured to lead ASLI as India stands on the cusp of a ‘silver wave.’ Our priority will be to collaborate with the government and industry stakeholders to standardise care, advocate for inclusive insurance models, and ensure that every senior in India has access to a life of dignity, innovation, and compassion.”

His appointment comes at a defining moment for India’s “Silver Economy,” as the sector shifts toward specialised geriatric services and elder-centric policy frameworks to meet the needs of a rapidly growing senior population.