Category Archives: News

Bengaluru’s Water Crisis: Can the Tech Capital Fight Its Way Back? How Veolia’s Water Management Is Preparing for Crisis Situations

July 18,2024,Bangalore, Karnataka, India : With its range of technologies and expertise, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions, South Asia helps municipalities and companies to better face the water challenge, through the protection and replenishment of resources. Since 2022, Veolia has been publishing the Barometer of Ecological Transformation every two years, in partnership with the Elabe consulting and research firm globally. Notably, the company has also developed the Water Impact Index (WIIX), a tool that enables companies and municipalities to make better informed choices. It assesses the effects of human activity on water resources and the stress on resources in terms of volume and quantity, thereby determining the water footprint of human activities.

Parched and submerged in sorrow, Bengaluru, India’s booming tech hub, fought its worst nightmare. Homes fell silent, businesses sputtered, and the city’s famed energy dimmed under the harsh reality of empty taps. This wasn’t a temporary blip – it was a major wake-up call. Freshwater accounts for only 2.5% of the world’s available water. With the rapid increase in the world’s population, accelerating urbanization and global warming, this resource is becoming scarcer. Today, access to drinking water is a major environmental, social and economic challenge for cities and industries.

This gives rise to a lot of questions in the minds of the inhabitants of the city- couldn’t the situation be avoided? Was it a classic saga of neglect? And most importantly what next?

Delving deeper into the matter, it is understood that the crisis stemmed from many factors. Bengaluru’s population exploded, surging 76% in a decade. But water infrastructure remained stagnant, a relic of a bygone era. The city’s once plentiful lakes – its lifeblood – have dwindled by 79%, choked by pollution and encroachment. The data paints a grim picture of Bengaluru’s water situation. The city guzzles a massive 2,832 million liters of fresh water daily. While the Cauvery River provides 1,460 million liters, it’s not enough. Residents rely heavily on groundwater, pulling out an alarming 1,372 million liters daily. This overuse is causing a water quality crisis. Bengaluru is facing erratic water supplies and the actual threat of running out of usable groundwater.

The water war wasn’t just about inconvenience. Residents battled for every drop, some forced to flee the city for their basic right to live. Tech giants, the lifeblood of Bengaluru’s economy, felt the pinch as water scarcity disrupted operations and threatened the city’s status as a tech magnet.

The city produces a whopping 1.48 billion liters of wastewater daily. Imagine that – enough to fill over 580 Olympic-size swimming pools! But here’s the catch: Bengaluru’s sewage treatment plants aren’t handling it all. This means millions of liters of potentially reusable water are going to waste. In 2004, Bengaluru built a fancy sewage treatment plant with cutting-edge technology. Great start, right? Unfortunately, that seems to be the only one. The city hasn’t embraced other modern solutions, leaving many wondering if there’s a real plan to fix the problem. Remember Bengaluru’s nickname, “City of Lakes”? Well, that’s becoming a distant memory. Pollution and development have swallowed up 79% of the city’s lakes. These natural water sources were once lifelines for Bengaluru, but now they’re a painful reminder of what’s been lost.

Treated wastewater can be reused for agricultural irrigation (which alone accounts for 32% of the global market), landscape irrigation (20%), industry (19%) and even groundwater recharge (2% of the global market) – source: GWI 2010. It can also be treated to drinking water standard in certain regions of the world. Find out how we are helping cities become more resilient.

“While other cities like Mumbai embrace advanced smart water technologies, lake rejuvenation, and MBR technologies, mobile plants to treat wastewater, why does Bengaluru, the heart of innovation and technology, lag in similar steps? The city has yet to implement comprehensive initiatives for lake cleaning and cultivation, and sewage water reuse,” says Mr. Girish Kale, Director, of Municipal Business at Veolia Water Technologies and Solutions (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Bengaluru needs a complete overhaul of its water management system. Here’s what the city can do:

Smarter Planning: Water conservation needs to be a priority in urban development.
Upgrade Time: The city’s water infrastructure is outdated. Modernization with a focus on efficiency and reuse is crucial.
Learning from Leaders: Cities like Mumbai have been using advanced water treatment technologies. Bengaluru should follow suit. Mumbai City is addressing water management via water treatment technologies in its industrial areas. To quote one such successful impact- roughly 30000 families in the Chembur area near the plant location in Mumbai have benefited from uninterrupted access to fresh water supply for domestic use as a direct impact of Veolia Water Technologies and Solutions (India) Pvt. Ltd. (Veolia WTS)’s advanced technology-enabled STP run at a leading chemical fertilizer factory.

“Some municipal initiatives have achieved excellent results. For instance, MCGM has successfully implemented advanced technologies like MBR technology for their ongoing projects in large STP and river rejuvenation and mobile treatment plants for lake projects provided by renowned water technology providers like Veolia Water Tech Zone. Experts agree that membrane technology offers the best results while using MBR-based STPs combined with other technologies like RO, UV, Ozone, etc. which can make the reclaimed water to nearly potable standards suitable for various uses in cities like Bengaluru,” says Mr. Kale. Further, he states that cities like Mumbai are turning to treated wastewater for industries, a smart way to stretch their water supplies. Singapore and Namibia are also water warriors, with impressive tech-driven systems that minimize leaks and ensure steady water flow.

Bengaluru’s got the brains, so why not use them to solve this water war? Here’s the plan:

Smart Meters, Big Wins: Imagine tiny gadgets whispering water usage secrets! The “Internet of Things” (IoT) can track leaks and usage, making water management a breeze.
Wastewater Wizards: Advanced treatment plants can transform icky wastewater into a valuable resource for watering parks or flushing toilets.
Mobile Marvels: Think power banks for lakes! Portable treatment units can clean ponds and lakes, freeing up precious freshwater for homes. From big industries to everyday citizens, everyone has a role to play!
Industry Gurus: Ditch the freshwater and use treated wastewater instead!
Government Guardians: Strengthen those lake protection laws and promote water-saving practices.
Water Warriors at Home: Support Lake restoration efforts and be a water-wise citizen!

The best bit is that the Indian Premier League (IPL) is already showing the way by using treated water at the stadium! Bengaluru has the potential to become an innovation oasis, not just for tech, but for water management too!

According to Mr. Sharad Tandon, CEO of Tandon Urban Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and an industry veteran with 25 years of experience in Mumbai, the MBR-based STPs are like an oasis in urban deserts for cities like Bengaluru. “The MBR-based STPs produce water that can be reclaimed and reused for other purposes. The technology exists to make it fit for human consumption also but we as a public must choose to be without water or condition our mind use even reclaimed water judiciously.”

Corporate responsibility also plays a pivotal role. Gleaming examples like the Hebbal Lake restoration undertaken by the Infosys Foundation prove the impact of corporate investment in water-saving initiatives. According to Mr. Gopal Madabhushi, Senior VP & Business Leader for South Asia at Veolia WTS, industries need to take the initiative to use sewage-treated water for their industrial purpose vis-a-vis utilizing fresh water from civic bodies. “Such an action will allow the re-purpose of the freshwater for drinking purposes. As such, many companies are in discussion with Veolia WTS to follow this approach. Government and regulators also need to consider providing incentives and other mechanisms to motivate the industries to follow this direction,” adds Mr. Madabhushi. One effective strategy is incentivizing industries that utilize STP water for their operations. From tax rebates to utility sops and subsidies, local and state governments could incentivize industries to take up such rejuvenation projects and switch to the use of treated water.

Bengaluru at Crossroads: Industry veteran Mr. Kiran Kumar with over 35 years in the global water treatment industry too reiterates the importance of adopting treated wastewater to ensure Bengaluru’s sustainable growth. Mr. Kumar suggests that Bengaluru could do well by avoiding crises like Cape Town’s ‘Day Zero’. As Bengaluru grapples with its water crisis, it faces a critical choice: take decisive action or suffer irreversible consequences. Strong steps are the need of the hour, like using 100% recycled sewage water for non-drinking purposes.

Breaking the Cycle: A Path Towards Water Security.

But there’s hope. Cities around the world are pioneering innovative solutions. Bengaluru can, too.

Wastewater Warriors: Turning Trash into Treasure

New-age technologies can treat wastewater, transforming it into a valuable resource.

Smart H2O Heroes: Data & Tech to the Rescue By embracing data analytics and smart water management systems, Bengaluru can identify leaks and optimize water use.

Lake Revival: Bringing Back Bengaluru’s Blue Jewels Restoring and reviving the city’s lakes can replenish water supplies and restore Bengaluru’s ecological balance.
The Time to Act is Now

Bengaluru has a choice: succumb to water scarcity or become a leader in sustainable water management. By embracing innovation and learning from successful examples, the city can craft a water-secure future. Bengaluru’s potential for problem-solving is undeniable. With strong leadership and decisive action, the tech capital can rewrite its water story – and emerge as a global model for water resilience.

Paragon Theaters Launches Sensory Friendly Screenings for Kids of All Ages

Deerfield Beach, FL, July 17, 2024 –Paragon Theaters, home of the exclusive enclave of Lux Box VIP Dine-in Seats and Axis15 and Axis15 Extreme large format screens, is excited to announce the launch of their kids Sensory Friendly Screenings, starting with Universal Pictures smash hit Despicable Me 4, Saturday, July 20, at all Paragon locations nationwide.

Paragon Theaters wants to ensure that all children have the opportunity to see their favorite films on the big screen. That said, for those kids who may need a little extra assistance, Paragon will be screening the latest family films in an auditorium where the lights are fully on, the sound levels are kept low and to a minimum, and it’s actually okay for kids to get up and move around, talk, and even dance in the aisles. Paragon plans on holding these screenings monthly on a Saturday at 10:00am, and all tickets for children and adults are only $5.

The following are the current list of titles that Paragon intends to screen as Sensory Friendly for the remainder of the year (please note that all dates and films are subject to change):

Despicable Me 4 – July 20, 2024
Harold and the Purple Crayon – August 8, 2024
Transformers One – September 28, 2024
The Wild Robot – October 12, 2024
Moana Two – December 14, 2024

“Paragon Theaters is excited to launch special needs sensory friendly screenings, an initiative that embodies our dedication to the communities we live and work in,” said Mike Whalen and Mike Wilson, owners of Paragon Theaters. “These screenings hold a deep meaning for our team, as they reflect our commitment to providing inclusive and enjoyable experiences for all our guests. We are extremely proud of this program and look forward to its success for many years to come.”

Active Care Files Patent for Revolutionary Senior Healthcare Integration Platform

Tyler, TX, July 17, 2024 — Active Care, a pioneering force in senior care technology, is proud to announce the filing of a patent for its groundbreaking platform. Developed by Active Therapy Management LLC, the Active Care platform represents a significant leap forward in the integration and management of patient data for senior care facilities, offering a comprehensive solution to enhance patient outcomes and streamline care processes.

Patent-Pending Technology to Revolutionize Senior Care

The patent filing marks a major milestone for Active Care, underscoring its commitment to innovation in senior healthcare. The patent-pending technology of the Active Care platform integrates multiple Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems into a single, cohesive interface, providing a comprehensive view of patient data. It is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of seniors in rehabilitation and nursing facilities, ensuring that healthcare providers have seamless access to critical information.

Addressing a Critical Need

The Active Care platform addresses the urgent need for a unified system that consolidates patient data from multiple EMR systems, making it easily accessible and manageable. This integration is crucial for improving the quality of care and operational efficiency in senior care facilities.

Empowering Families with critical health Information

The platform is primarily used by patients’ families, care teams, and MDS coordinators/billers in skilled nursing home facilities. It focuses on providing families with access to their loved ones’ health information, ensuring they are always informed and involved in the care process.

User-Friendly and Interactive

For patients’ families, the Active Care platform offers a user-friendly application that allows them to monitor the health status and progress of their loved ones. Families can access a personalized health dashboard that displays vital signs, medication schedules, therapy progress, and nutritional information. The application also enables families to set reminders, track health goals, and communicate with the care team, ensuring they are actively engaged in the care process.

Seamless Integration and Updates

The Active Care platform integrates data from various EMR systems used in Hospitals and Senir care facilities (Epic, Net Health, MatrixCare, PointClickCare are few of the well known EMRs in hospitals and senior care) into a central processing platform. This central platform analyzes, organizes, and updates the data, ensuring accuracy and currency. The platform features a dynamic dashboard tailored to different user roles, providing relevant and actionable information for each type of user. Built-in tools facilitate seamless communication and coordination among healthcare providers, patients, and their families, enhancing the overall care experience.

Visionary Leadership

Co-founded by Dr. Richa Kohli, PT, DPT, a visionary in the field of digital health, Active Care combines cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of senior care needs. Dr. Kohli’s expertise and leadership have been instrumental in developing this platform, which aims to address the inefficiencies and challenges faced by healthcare providers in senior care settings.

Platform Capabilities

Active Care offers a range of features designed to improve the quality of care and operational efficiency in senior care facilities:

– Data Integration: The platform consolidates data from various EMR systems, allowing for updates and comprehensive patient records.

– User-Centric Design: Tailored interfaces for different user roles, including patients, families, care teams, and MDS coordinators/billers, ensure that relevant and actionable information is always at hand.

– Enhanced Communication: Built-in tools facilitate seamless communication between healthcare providers, patients, and their families, promoting better coordination and care.

– Billing Optimization: Tools designed for MDS coordinators/billers streamline the billing and documentation processes, ensuring accurate and timely reimbursements.

A Milestone in Senior Care

“We are thrilled to file this patent for the Active Care platform,” said Dr. Richa Kohli, PT, DPT, Co-founder of Active Therapy Management LLC. “Our platform is not just about integrating data; it’s about improving lives by providing healthcare providers with the tools they need to deliver exceptional care. The patent filing is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in senior healthcare.”

Rickcene Ulysee Selected as a Lifetime Featured Member by Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide

Punta Gorda, FL, July 16, 2024 — Rickcene Ulysse of Punta Gorda, Florida, has been selected as a Lifetime Featured Member by Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide Edition for his outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of finance.

About Rickcene Ulysse
Rickcene Ulysse is the owner and CEO of Bargain Financial Services. For over 20 years, the company has been providing financial services, income tax preparation, money transferring, immigration services, health and life insurance to clients across the United States. In addition, Ulysse is a professional musician and loves playing guitar and bass. Bargain Financial also assists clients with music and record sales.

Born on June 15, 1965, in Jean-Rabel, Haiti, Ulysee received his B.S. in Health Administration from FCC and Southwestern Technical College. He is a licensed life and health insurance agent and is certified in medical billing and coding. Ulysee is affiliated with the Democratic Caucus of Sarasota.

Tigertail Asian Film Festival Debuts in Tampa, Celebrates Asian and International Cinema

Tampa, FL, July 16, 2024 — The Tigertail Asian Film Festival made its highly anticipated debut on July 13, 2024, at LOOK Dine-In Cinema in Tampa’s University Mall. This inaugural event marked a significant milestone as Tampa Bay’s first Asian-inspired film festival, bringing together filmmakers, artists, and cinema enthusiasts to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and storytelling traditions of Asian cinema. The festival screened 28 local and international short films and 1 international feature film.

Welcome to the Tigertail Asian Film Festival
Founded by Tian Liu of Tigertail Pictures, the festival aims to be a premier platform for showcasing the vibrant and diverse stories of Asian filmmakers. Open to all creators and audiences, the Tigertail Asian Film Festival is dedicated to promoting cultural exchange and artistic collaboration through the powerful medium of film.

Their Mission
The Tigertail Asian Film Festival is committed to celebrating the artistry and cultural richness of Asian cinema. By providing a dynamic platform for filmmakers to present their work, the festival fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Asian cultures. This inclusive event embraces a wide range of perspectives and talents, making it a true celebration of diversity in filmmaking.

Event Highlights
The festival featured an impressive lineup of performances and speakers, enriching the cinematic experience for attendees:
– Everett Anthony – Renowned comedian, who entertained the audience with his stand-up comedy routine.
– Annie Dong – Acclaimed artist and muralist, who captivated attendees with a live painting session.
– Jesse Gebryel – Writer, director, and executive producer, who shared valuable insights on building a successful career in film.
– James Sang Lee – ISKA World Champion, martial artist, fight choreographer, who inspired the audience with his extensive experience in film and video production.
– Tian Liu – Founder/CEO of Tigertail Asian Film Festival and Tigertail Pictures,movie producer,cinematographer, renowned for collaborations with industry icons such as Oscar winner Tim Burton and three-time Oscar nominee for best cinematography Dean Cundey, also graced the event.

A Heartfelt Thank You
They extend their deepest gratitude to all the filmmakers who supported and submitted their works to the Tigertail Asian Film Festival. Your incredible talent and dedication to the craft of cinema have truly inspired us. They are thrilled to have connected globally through your remarkable films. For those who couldn’t attend, please join them next year.

Winning Filmmakers:
– Best Film Investor: Brothers – Darkhan Tulegenov
– Exhibition Categories: The Ether Tales – Richard Gil & Bruce Willis
– Best Music/Sound:
– Igwe Jones – Tarik Nkosi, Joe Lazala, Hasani Sadiki, Igew Jones
– Fantasy Island – Xenzu Wang
– Fire – Victor Zheng & Matijn De Haan
– Best Actress:
– Alexa – Rrita Toka
– Patsy – Yola Jean Lu
– Best Actor:
– Steppe – Duaren Sergazin
– Agony – Dominic Witham
– A good fight – Rick Ramos
– Best Editor: Just Like Water – Manos Triantafillakis
– Best Screenwriter: Alexa – Jesse Gebryel & Christos Pietris
– Best First Time Female Filmmaker: For Roy – Vivian Cheung
– Best First Time Filmmaker:
– Status – Madhan Karthick
– Stay – Junghyun Hwang
– Hope of Team China – Runze Zhang, Bicong Li
– Best Cinematographer: Bird Drone – Radheya Jang Jegatheva
– Best Female Producer: Bird Drone – Hannah Ngo
– Best Producer: Steppe – Maxim Akbarov
– Best Female Director: PO Act I Part 1 – Yiling Lu
– Best Director:
– Will You Come Up? – Ho-seung Son
– No Propitious Time to Say Goodbye – Jiu-Lin Li
– Best Action Film:
– Strings of Sorrow – Jay Kwon
– Elizabeth – Courtney Chen
– Best Picture: The Start – Ernar Nurgaliev

Acknowledging Their Supporters
The success of the Tigertail Asian Film Festival would not have been possible without the dedication and support of theirr amazing volunteers, performers, and speakers, photo:Matthew Hill. Their hard work and commitment enriched the festival experience for all attendees. They would also like to extend their gratitude to TBCN and Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay for their invaluable support in making this event a reality.

Attendees also enjoyed this delightful treat while immersing themselves in the world of Asian cinema with their Coconut Ice Cream vendor.

A Successful Inaugural Event
With over a hundred attendees, the first Tigertail Asian Film Festival was a tremendous success. The festival not only showcased outstanding films but also facilitated meaningful discussions and networking opportunities for filmmakers and enthusiasts alike. This is the place to connect with movie lovers.

Call for Submissions for 2025
They are excited to announce that submissions are now open for the 2025 Tigertail Asian Film Festival. Filmmakers are invited to submit their works and be part of this prestigious event.

American Gold Star Mothers (AGSM) Elects New National President

Washington, DC, July 16, 2024 — The 87th annual National Convention of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. took place June 21-23, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Delegates from across the country representing individual chapters and state departments voted on amendments to their Constitution and Bylaws and elected new leadership.

Members of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. (AGSM) are mothers whose children became missing in action, died while on active duty, or died as a result of such service. These mothers find strength in the fellowship of other Gold Star Mothers and strive to keep the memory of their sons and daughters alive by working to help veterans, those currently serving in the military and their families, and our communities. Originally formed June 4, 1928, by Grace Darling Seibold in Washington, DC, AGSM stands on the premise that grief self-contained is self-destructive. After she lost her son, George Vaughn Seibold, Grace organized a group of grieving mothers with the purpose of comforting each other and giving loving care to hospitalized veterans confined in government hospitals far from home. Twenty-five mothers established the national organization and the 98th Congress of the United States granted the charter on that day. AGSM is preparing for the centennial celebration of the organization in 2028.

Patti Elliott, from Youngsville, NC, will serve as the 2024-2025 National President. Patti is the mother of Brad Elliott, of Wake Forest, NC, and SPC Daniel “Lucas” Elliott, who was killed on July 15, 2011, in Basra, Iraq. Lucas was an MP in the Army Reserve, attached to the 805th MP CO, located in Cary, NC. Lucas’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge. President Elliott, a native of Boone, NC, graduated from Appalachian State University in 1985 and has lived in the Raleigh area since. She received her master’s degree in organizational leadership in 2023 from Waldorf University, is an active member of Wakefield United Methodist Church and works as a freelance court reporter.

Following Lucas’s death, Patti became a member of AGSM and has served in various positions at the local, state, and national levels. She served on the Fort Bragg Renaming Commission and is credited with suggesting the name Fort Liberty, as it is known today. Patti worked with Army Reserve Family Programs for six years and served two terms on the Army’s Survivor Advisory Working Group, a panel of Surviving Family Members who advise top Army leadership on quality-of-life issues that affect the Survivor community. She also participates in many other Veterans organizations and events in her community.

Elliott shared her theme for the coming 2024-2025 year:
“My theme this year is Standing in the Gap. The secular definition for Standing in the Gap is ‘to expose oneself for the protection of something, to take the place of a fallen defender or supporter.’ What better way to describe the mission of American Gold Star Mothers? We are taking the place of our fallen defenders – standing in that gap of the service they would have carried through if they were still here: providing for their brothers and sisters in arms, advocating for our Veterans to ensure they receive the care and assistance they need, and supporting the surviving family members who are left behind to pick up the pieces.

There will be a focus on finding opportunities for our members to provide volunteer services in nontraditional ways. There will be opportunities to serve Veterans virtually or in ways that make sense for all members. Every mother has a heartbreaking story, and no two stories are the same but each day we must continue with our mission to maximize our potential. Our children’s lives were not the day they were born, nor the day they died, but the DASH in between. This applies to all the AGSM members to continue to be kind and gracious to all survivors with compassion living your DASH to the fullest. Stand in the Gap and live the mission of AGSM serving our Veterans and Military.”

Newly elected officers of AGSM
In addition to Elliott, other officers serving AGSM in 2024-2025 include:
1st Vice President, Annette Kirk, Dept of Florida/Puerto Rico (Army Veteran)
2nd Vice President, Joyce Paulsen, Dept of New Mexico
Secretary, Theresa Karlson, Dept of Maine/Delaware
Treasurer, Rose Duval, Dept of Virginia (Air Force Veteran)
National Service Officer (NSO), Teresa Bullock, Dept of Southern California/Hawaii (Army Veteran)
Veteran Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Chair, Pam Stemple, Dept of Colorado (Navy Veteran)
Deputy VAVS Chair, Carla Wicks, Dept of Texas (Air Force Veteran)
It Chair, Nicole Chilton, Dept of North Carolina
Chaplain, Sherrie Battle McGhee, Dept of Tennessee
Flag Guard, Denise Torbert, Dept of Pennsylvania
Banner Guard, Joan Snyder, Dept of Pennsylvania (Army Veteran)

Six Players Including Spain’s Dani Olmo Share Alipay+ Top Scorer Honors at UEFA EURO 2024

July 15, 2024,Singapore : In a fiercely contested UEFA EURO 2024™, Dani Olmo (Spain), Harry Kane (England), Cody Gakpo (Netherlands), Georges Mikautadze (Georgia), Ivan Schranz (Slovakia), and Jamal Musiala (Germany) emerged as joint winners of the Alipay+ Top Scorer award. Each player scored three goals during the tournament, showcasing exceptional performances throughout and contributing to a memorable event that concluded with a thrilling final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.

“Our warmest congratulations to the six exceptional football players for their stellar performances and for winning the Alipay+ Top Scorer award,” said Eric Jing, Chairman and CEO of Ant Group, while presenting the award at the Berlin Olympiastadion. “Just as these athletes push the boundaries of excellence with strength, ingenuity and teamwork, Alipay+ advances global commerce through digital innovation, empowering people and businesses worldwide.”

Alipay+, a suite of cross-border mobile payment and digitalization technology solutions operated by Ant International, is the Official Partner of UEFA EURO 2024™. The Alipay+ Top Scorer trophy, sculpted in the shape of the Chinese character “支” (pronounced zhi, meaning payment as well as support), reflects Alipay+’s dedication to supporting consumers to enjoy seamless cross-border payment and access personalised deals when using their preferred payment methods while traveling abroad.

The character also resembles the fleeting moment of a barefooted striker poised to shoot, evoking the original beauty and power of football – a game that unit people across the world with passion, ambition, and solidarity. The base of the trophy resembles the ocean, consisting of 24 undulating pieces each inscribed with the names of the participating countries, while the design symbolizes the 24 teams braving the waves at the competition. The ocean also connects continents, which represents how football connects communities across the world similar to Alipay+ connecting global commerce.

Alipay+ has now enabled over 400,000 merchants in Europe, with over 120,000 in the DACH region alone. Among the 15 Alipay+ mobile partners in Germany are Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China), MPay (Macao SAR, China), Touch ’n Go eWallet and MyPB by Public Bank Berhad (Malaysia), Hipay (Mongolia), GCash (The Philippines), OCBC Digital and Changi Pay (Singapore), TrueMoney (Thailand), Tinaba (Italy), Bluecode (Germany and Austria) and Kakao Pay, Naver Pay and Toss Pay (South Korea).

“With Alipay+ and our global partnerships, global fans and visitors explore Germany, Europe and the bigger world seamlessly using their preferred payment methods. Digital commerce connects communities worldwide just like football,” said Jing. “Looking ahead, we are committed to advancing digital technologies for everyone, supporting a robust, inclusive, and sustainable global digital economy.”