Category Archives: Business

Edibles.com Names Thomas Winstanley President to Drive Next Phase of Growth

Atlanta June 12: Edibles.com™, a first-of-its-kind, wellness-driven online e-commerce marketplace platform delivering the nation’s leading THC and wellness brands to consumers, announced that Thomas Winstanley has been promoted from Executive Vice President and General Manager to President of Edibles.com™, reporting directly to Edible Brands® Chief Executive Officer Somia Farid Silber.

Winstanley brings deep experience across regulated consumer industries, with expertise spanning cannabis, consumer packaged goods, pharmaceuticals, and alcohol. Prior to joining Edibles.com, he served as Chief Marketing Officer at Theory Wellness, where he helped grow one of the largest independent, vertically integrated cannabis companies on the East Coast. Since joining Edibles.com, Thomas has transformed the business into a nationwide leader in the emerging hemp category.

“Thomas has been an incredible partner in building Edibles.com into what it is today, and this promotion reflects the confidence we have in continuing to grow the enterprise,” said CEO Somia Farid Silber. “He brings deep category expertise and the kind of entrepreneurial mindset we value across this organization. We are at a point where consumer interest in hemp-derived THC and functional wellness is growing quickly, and we want to make sure we have the right leader in place to meet that moment. Thomas is that person.”

Since joining Edibles.com as Executive Vice President and General Manager, Winstanley has led the launch, strategy, and infrastructure development of the business, helping establish Edibles.com as a trusted nationwide marketplace focused on high-quality hemp-derived THC products and modern wellness experiences. In his expanded role as President, Winstanley will oversee the companywide vision and strategic direction for Edibles.com, including corporate governance, organizational alignment, and long-term growth initiatives and profit centers. He will continue overseeing sales, operations, marketing, retail, and government relations to ensure cohesive execution and expansion across the portfolio.

“The opportunity in front of us is significant, and we intend to lead it, regardless of headwinds. Consumers are increasingly looking for approachable, trustworthy ways to integrate functional wellness into their daily lives, and hemp-derived THC is becoming a meaningful part of that conversation,” said Edibles.com President Thomas Winstanely. “What we are building at Edibles.com is a platform that meets consumers where they are with education, transparency, and products that actually work. This is not a category you can build overnight, and we have no intention of doing so. We are building something durable that can positively impact consumers’ well-being.”

His promotion comes as consumer demand for functional wellness products and hemp-derived THC alternatives continues to accelerate nationwide. According to Grand View Research, the U.S. nutraceuticals market was valued at $163.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% through 2030, fueled by rising consumer interest in natural solutions supporting sleep, relaxation, mood, and recovery. At the same time, the hemp-derived cannabinoid market is rapidly expanding as consumers increasingly seek approachable, federally legal THC products that fit into modern wellness routines. Edibles.com is positioned at the intersection of two of the fastest-growing consumer wellness categories.

Veefin Appoints Riddhi Dutta As Chief Revenue Officer To Accelerate Global Growth

Mumbai, India  June 12: Veefin Solutions Limited, a global leader in banking, lending and working capital technology solutions, today announced the appointment of Riddhi Dutta as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). 

As CRO, Riddhi will be responsible for driving Veefin’s global revenue strategy, accelerating growth across international markets, leading the company’s sales and marketing functions, strengthening strategic customer relationships, expanding the partner ecosystem, and scaling Veefin’s go-tomarket organisation worldwide. 

Riddhi brings over two decades of experience in enterprise technology, digital banking, and financial services transformation. Over the course of his career, he has led commercial, growth, and transformation initiatives across global banking technology organisations, working closely with financial institutions across Asia-Pacific, India, and the Middle East. He has helped banks modernise customer experiences, digitise operations, and accelerate business growth while building and scaling high-performing teams across multiple markets. 

Prior to joining Veefin, Riddhi spent more than seven years at Backbase, where he played a pivotal role in establishing and scaling the company’s business across Asia-Pacific. During his tenure, he led teams responsible for delivering 10x business growth, built and scaled a high-performing go-tomarket organisation, and managed relationships with some of the region’s largest and most innovative financial institutions. His leadership helped strengthen Backbase’s position as a leading digital banking platform provider across key markets in the region. 

The appointment reflects Veefin’s commitment to accelerating global growth and strengthening its commercial leadership as the company expands its presence across international banking markets. As financial institutions worldwide continue to invest in digital transformation, lending modernisation, and embedded financial services, Veefin is focused on scaling its global business, deepening engagement with customers and partners, and reinforcing its position as a leading provider of banking and lending technology solutions. 

Leadership Statements

Raja Debnath, Co-founder and Managing Director, Veefin Solutions Limited, said: “As Veefin enters its next phase of global growth, building a world-class commercial organisation is a strategic priority. Riddhi brings deep industry expertise, strong customer relationships, and a proven track record of scaling technology businesses across international markets. His experience in driving sustained growth and building high-performing teams will be instrumental as we continue to expand our global presence and strengthen our leadership position in banking technology.” 

Riddhi Dutta, Chief Revenue Officer, Veefin Solutions Limited, said: “Veefin has built an exceptional platform and product portfolio that addresses some of the most critical challenges faced by financial institutions globally. I am excited to join the company at such an important stage in its journey and look forward to working closely with customers, partners, and colleagues worldwide to accelerate growth, strengthen market leadership, and create long-term value for all stakeholders.”

Australia’s Wage Hike, AI Adoption Set to Reshape Offshore Operations in Malaysia: MABC

Kuala Lumpur/New Delhi, June 12, 2026: Australia’s latest minimum wage increase could accelerate the shift of business operations to lower-cost markets such as Malaysia, while also driving greater adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across industries, according to an analysis by the Chairman of the Malaysia Australia Business Council.

Australia’s Fair Work Commission announced a 4.75% increase in the national minimum wage as part of its 2026 Annual Wage Review, raising the weekly minimum wage to AUD 1,004.90 and the hourly rate to AUD 26.44. Entry-level workers will receive an effective increase of nearly 5.95%, alongside structural reforms designed to gradually raise the wage floor.

According to Loong Caesar, Chairman of the Malaysia Australia Business Council (MABC), the decision, while aimed at addressing domestic economic conditions, is likely to have broader implications for Australian businesses operating overseas, particularly in Malaysia.

The report notes that rising labour costs in Australia are widening the cost gap between developed and emerging markets. Malaysia, with its skilled English-speaking workforce, competitive wage structure and mature business ecosystem, remains an attractive destination for multinational companies seeking operational efficiencies.

As wage pressures continue to mount in Australia, sectors such as finance, human resources, information technology support and customer service are expected to see increased offshoring activity. These functions, which are highly scalable and sensitive to labour costs, could increasingly be relocated or expanded in Malaysia to achieve long-term savings.

Several Australian companies already maintain significant operations in Malaysia, including Telstra, Lynas Rare Earths, AirTrunk, NextDC, BlueScope, Cochlear, SEEK and Lendlease. For these firms, Malaysia has become an integral part of their regional and global operating strategies.

However, the report cautions that wage increases in Australia could also create pressure on Malaysian operations, particularly within multinational organizations seeking to maintain internal pay equity. Employees in Malaysia may increasingly expect compensation adjustments aligned with global salary benchmarks. Nevertheless, Malaysia’s overall cost advantage remains significant, supported by its skilled workforce and business-friendly environment.

The growing influence of AI is expected to further transform the equation. Rising wages are making automation more attractive for routine and process-driven tasks such as data entry, customer support, reporting and basic analytics. Rather than eliminating offshore operations altogether, AI is likely to augment them by automating repetitive work while increasing demand for higher-skilled roles.

The analysis suggests that AI could partially offset wage inflation by reducing dependence on labour-intensive processes. However, it also highlights the need for Malaysia to accelerate workforce upskilling initiatives to remain competitive as automation technologies become more widespread.

“The logic of labour arbitrage remains relevant and, if anything, is reinforced by rising wages at home. At the same time, AI is transforming how that arbitrage is realised, shifting the focus from simple cost savings to productivity through technology,” Caesar said.

Industry observers believe the combined impact of higher wage floors and rapid AI adoption could redefine the future of global business services, prompting companies to reassess the balance between offshore labour, automation and productivity-driven growth.

Luxury off-plan homes bring AED5 billion May sales

Keturah founder says Dubai shows its global standing with apartment, villa deals above AED 5 million

Dubai, UAE, June 12: Dubai’s luxury real estate market continued to attract strong investment in May, with developers recording almost AED5 billion in off-plan sales for homes priced above AED5 million.

A market analysis from the Keturah luxury brand today shows villa buyers accounted for AED2.51 billion across 184 transactions, while apartment sales reached AED2.45 billion from 207 deals.

The strongest villa activity came in the AED10-20 million bracket, where 60 transactions generated AED834.2 million in developer off-plan sales, with a further 23 deals worth AED746.3 million recorded in the AED20-50 million range.

Data from DXBinteract shows that apartment sales were concentrated in the AED5-10 million bracket, which accounted for 158 of the 207 transactions recorded during the month.

With a total of 391 apartment and villa sales amounting to AED4.96 billion, it means an average of 12 off-plan homes each worth more than AED5 million were sold every day of the month, at an average of AED12.7 million per property.

“This is the equivalent of almost 400 homes each worth more than £1 million in London, and $1.36 million in New York, being sold in a single month,” said Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the Keturah luxury brand.

“It says a great deal about Dubai’s standing among the world’s leading real estate markets, and about the depth of confidence that continues to exist here.”

Added Al Gaddah: “This market has proven over many years that its resilience is structural rather than cyclical. When conditions become more challenging, that foundation holds, and serious capital continues to move.

“At the same time, the definition of luxury in real estate is evolving, as global investors focus more on wellness, liveability, environmental quality, privacy, and long-term residency potential.”

Keturah currently has two major residential developments under way in Dubai that sit directly within this market segment. Keturah Reserve is an AED5.7 billion bio-living community in Mohammed Bin Rashid City’s District 7. The Ritz-Carlton Residences at Keturah Resort is a wellness-certified waterfront community along Dubai Creek adjacent to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

“Both projects were conceived with exactly this shift in mind,” said Al Gaddah. “Buyers are now asking more of the developments they choose. They want to know how a home will actually serve them day to day, how it is built, what surrounds it, and whether it will hold its value over time.

“Developers who answer these questions honestly will earn long-term trust, and Dubai will attract long-term capital because the fundamentals are genuinely strong. The regulatory environment is transparent, the infrastructure is world-class, and the city is planned with genuine foresight.”

CRC Group to Fly Noida’s Top 75 Business Families on Historic First Commercial Flight to Noida International Airport

Noida, June 12: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, CRC Group is set to fly 75 of Noida’s  business families on the historic inaugural commercial flight from Lucknow to Noida International Airport on June 15, 2026.

The special journey holds historic significance as the Lucknow-Noida service is slated to become the first commercial passenger flight to land at Noida International Airport, marking the commencement of commercial operations at one of India’s most anticipated infrastructure projects. The inaugural flight from Lucknow will officially open passenger services at the airport before regular operations expand to other destinations.

Through this exclusive initiative, CRC Group aims to bring together some of the region’s most influential industrialists, entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to witness a landmark moment in Uttar Pradesh’s growth story. The gesture also underscores the rising prominence of Noida and the Yamuna Expressway corridor as a major hub for business, investment, and urban development.

The invited guests will get a firsthand experience of India’s newest international airport while gaining a closer perspective on the transformative role it is expected to play in enhancing regional connectivity, boosting trade and tourism, strengthening logistics infrastructure, and driving economic growth across Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region.

Widely regarded as a game-changing infrastructure asset, Noida International Airport is expected to catalyse fresh investments, create new economic opportunities, and further establish the Yamuna Expressway region as one of India’s fastest-growing growth corridors.

Salil Kumar, Director, Business Management & Marketing, CRC Group, said,

“We are extremely happy to witness Noida’s growth story reaching new heights. The commencement of operations at India’s largest airport will add another shining crown to Noida’s remarkable transformation journey. We believe the airport will significantly enhance the region’s attractiveness for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), manufacturing, technology, and several other industries, encouraging greater investments and accelerating economic growth across the region.”

ASUS strengthens after sales service network with the launch of a new Exclusive Service Centre in Mumbai

Mumbai, June 11: Reinforcing its commitment to delivering best in class customer support and strengthening its after sales service network across the country, ASUS India, Taiwanese technology leader, today announced the inauguration of a new ASUS Exclusive Service Centre in Mumbai. Located near Sakinaka Metro Station, the new facility is designed to provide comprehensive support for ASUS consumer product portfolios, ensuring a seamless service experience for customers in Mumbai and surrounding regions.

Spread across 800 sq. ft., the new service centre will offer support for a wide range of ASUS products, including Consumer Laptops, Gaming Laptops under the Republic of Gamers (ROG) and TUF Gaming portfolios, All in One PCs, Desktops, and Accessories. Equipped with spare parts inventory and experienced technical support professionals, the centre will provide both in-warranty and out of warranty service support.

The new service centre will cater to walk-in customers through a dedicated token management system and will also support onsite service requirements. Customers will additionally have access to Warranty Extension Package (WEP) offerings, further enhancing the overall ownership experience.

Talking about the expansion, Vishal Mhalsekar, National Service Manager, ASUS India, said, “At ASUS, delivering a reliable and seamless customer experience remains one of our key priorities. The inauguration of our new Exclusive Service Centre in Mumbai reflects our continued investment in strengthening our service infrastructure and bringing high quality support closer to our customers. As our user base continues to grow across consumer, gaming, and commercial segments, we remain focused on enhancing accessibility, reducing service turnaround times, and ensuring customers receive expert assistance whenever they need it.”

With over 210 service centres across India, including 10 service centres across Mumbai and suburban regions, ASUS continues to expand its service network to support its growing customer base and provide faster, more accessible after sales support nationwide.

KR Group Deploys Netradyne’s AI to Build a Culture of Safer Driving Across Hazardous Goods and Passenger Fleets

India, June 11: Netradyne, a global leader in AI-powered fleet safety and performance solutions, announced the driver safety outcomes of its technology across KR Group companies, a leading fleet operator in the space of LPG fuel distribution, ammonia gas haulage, and intercity passenger transit in India. The results analysed after six months of deployment show significant improvement across identified key performance indicators, including speed violations, driver distractions, following distance, driver- drowsiness, collision warning, hard braking and acceleration, GreenZone® Score, and Driver Stars. 

Data shows that real-time, in-cab coaching can significantly improve driver safety outcomes, with the fleets reporting a 64% reduction in driver distraction events and a 65% decline in drowsiness alerts, a 100% speeding correction rate, and a more than 90% reduction in mobile phone usage within six months.

KR Trans Fuels, KR Gases, and KRT Carriers manage some of India’s most safety-critical transport environments, where the consequences of a single incident can extend far beyond the vehicle. Safety has long been a core focus of the KR group, supported by structured protocols such as GPS tracking, strict no-phone policies, and regulated driver rest cycles. However, leadership recognised the need to go a step further with real-time visibility into on-road behaviour to validate compliance, identify emerging risks, and strengthen a truly preventive safety approach.

The rollout was built on Netradyne’s Driver•i® platform, which combines real-time, in-cab audio coaching on risks such as speeding, distraction, unsafe following distance, and drowsiness with GreenZone® Score, a data-driven performance framework that gives fleet managers an objective, ongoing view of driver behaviour for coaching, recognition, and accountability.

“We have always prioritised safety, but we needed greater visibility at the driver level, where decisions are made in real time. Drowsiness on a night haul, a moment of distraction, or a hand reaching for a phone, these are risks no policy can prevent. What Netradyne gave us was real-time visibility and the ability to act on it instantly, helping us build a more preventive approach to safety,” said Suresh Kumar, MD & Owner, KR Trans Fuels, KR Gases & KRT Carriers. “The numbers reflect that, but more importantly, we’re seeing a clear shift in how our drivers approach safety every day,” he added.

The results were visible across all three entities. KR Gases, which operates some of the group’s highest-risk vehicles, recorded a 100% speeding correction rate, while fleets also recorded corrective action in 96% of unsafe following-distance alerts. KR Trans Fuels, which operates the largest fleet in the group, reduced driver distraction by 64% in three months and cut phone-use incidents by more than 90%, from 20–30 per day to one or two. KRT Carriers, operating on urban and semi-urban passenger routes, recorded a 65% reduction in drowsiness alerts compared with peak levels.

At KR Group, GreenZone® Scores are reviewed monthly and directly linked to driver recognition and financial incentives, contributing to a double-digit improvement in driver performance while embedding safety into everyday operations.

“What KR Group has achieved is a blueprint for India’s fleet sector, deploy Physical AI at the driver level, build recognition into the system, and safety becomes a competitive advantage, not just a compliance requirement,” said Durgadutt Nedungadi, Senior Vice President, Netradyne. “What we’re seeing is a clear shift toward real-time, video-telematics systems that can influence driver behaviour in the moment. This deployment shows how that approach can deliver consistent safety and performance outcomes at scale, and we expect this model to accelerate across India and the broader APAC region.”

Xiaomi TV FX Mini LED Series Now on Sale, Bringing Mini LED Technology and Fire TV Together

Bengaluru, India June 11: Xiaomi India today announced the availability of the Xiaomi TV FX Mini LED Series, with Fire TV built-in a new smart television lineup created for consumers who expect more from their home entertainment experience. Available in 43-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch screen sizes, the FX Mini LED series with Fire TV built-in combines advanced display technology, immersive sound, intelligent features, and seamless content access to deliver a more engaging viewing experience.

“Consumers now see their TV as more than just an entertainment screen. They prefer an elevated experience where the screen becomes their entertainment hub, smart home controller, and personal assistant, all in one. With Fire TV built-in and the power of Alexa, customers enjoy a personalised, smart, and seamless viewing experience that’s also voice powered. Xiaomi has been an invaluable partner in bringing Fire TV with Alexa to lakhs of consumers in India, and these new launches across price points will help us reach many more,” shared Sayantani Choudhuri, Head of Fire TV, Amazon India.

DOMS Marks National Ballpoint Pen Day with an Immersive KidZania Experience and a Brand Film Celebrating the Journey of Writing

Mumbai, June 11: Reinforcing its commitment to nurturing creativity and the joy of writing, DOMS celebrated National Ballpoint Pen Day through a thoughtfully curated campaign that combined experiential engagement, product innovation and emotional storytelling. The initiative featured an interactive graphology experience for children at KidZania alongside the launch of a brand film that pays tribute to the timeless role of the pen in people’s lives.

At KidZania, children participated in a special graphology-led activity hosted by handwriting expert Nishtha Savar. Using DOMS pens, participants wrote their names and short sentences, following which their handwriting was analysed to reveal simple personality insights. Each child received a personalised Handwriting Personality Card, transforming a writing exercise into an engaging and memorable experience.

The activity encouraged children to view handwriting beyond a classroom skill and appreciate it as a reflection of their individuality, creativity and confidence. Through this experience, DOMS sought to spark conversations around the importance of writing as a powerful medium of learning, communication and personal expression.

As part of the celebration, DOMS also showcased its latest innovation, the DOMS INXGLO Pen, offering children a unique glow-in-the-dark writing experience and introducing a fun new dimension to everyday writing.

Adding an emotional layer to the campaign, DOMS unveiled a specially created brand film that traces the remarkable journey of a pen through different stages of life. Told through a poetic narrative, the film follows a pen from a neighbourhood kirana store into the hands of students, aspiring professionals, parents and grandparents, quietly witnessing moments that shape lives and memories.

The film highlights how a pen becomes a silent companion through life’s defining milestones—from writing first words and school examinations to capturing ambitions, ideas, calculations, letters and cherished memories. As generations evolve and stories unfold, the pen remains a constant presence, connecting people through the simple yet meaningful act of writing.

Through its evocative storytelling, the film serves as a tribute to the legacy of the ballpoint pen, reminding audiences that even in an increasingly digital world, putting pen to paper continues to hold deep personal and emotional significance.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Saumitra Prasad, Chief Marketing Officer, DOMS Industries Ltd., said, “A pen is much more than a writing instrument. It is a silent companion to our thoughts, dreams, milestones, and memories. Through our National Ball Point Pen Day celebration, we wanted to remind people of the profound role a pen plays in every stage of life, while inspiring young minds to embrace the joy of writing.”

With a blend of immersive experiences, innovation and storytelling, DOMS continues to champion the power of handwriting and creativity, inspiring new generations to discover the joy and value of writing.

AAEON Secures IEC 62443-4-1 Certification, Strengthening Commitment to Industrial Cybersecurity

Certification reinforces confidence in AAEON’s Product Security Development Lifecycle Process in the evolving global cybersecurity landscape.

Taipei, Taiwan – June 11, Leading provider of advanced industrial and embedded AI computing platforms AAEON announced that it has successfully obtained IEC 62443-4-1 certification. This certification validates that AAEON’s Product Security Development Lifecycle Process meets globally recognized standards in cybersecurity practices across every stage of product development.

AAEON initiated its certification effort in June 2025, working alongside independent consulting firms to proactively review its existing practices, ahead of the full implementation of the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) requirements in December 2027. In addition to performing both independent and internal reviews, AAEON implemented detailed standardized procedures, such as security management documentation and supporting forms, while also undertaking comprehensive internal security awareness training programs.

The certification, issued by LCIE (Laboratoire Central des Industries Électriques), France, covers eight key domain requirements, all successfully passed with an assessed Maturity Level 2. Of particular note are the key controls evaluated, such as the presence of a formalized secure development lifecycle, threat modeling and mitigation testing, and a commitment to the periodic review of security defect management practices.

With cybersecurity threats evolving and standardized regulatory frameworks being introduced to meet them, IEC 62443-4-1 certification positions AAEON as a trusted partner for organizations seeking edge AI and industrial platforms that are both compliant and able to reduce operational risk across different industries.

“We strive to be always ahead, and to do this we must continuously improve in all areas, including how we handle emerging cybersecurity threats.” said Howard Lin, CEO of AAEON. “To have formal recognition of how seriously we take such matters sends a clear signal to our customers that we not only adhere to stringent security practices, but that they are a cornerstone of our product development lifecycle.”