Seafood Expo Asia’s 2024 Conference Program

25th July 2024  Singapore  Seafood Expo Asia, organized by Diversified Communications, will feature a series of in-depth conference sessions for seafood professionals to learn about timely topics relevant to the Asian seafood industry. The educational conference program, taking place alongside the exhibit hall on 4-6 September in Singapore, will highlight expert-led discussions around seafood traceability, cell-cultured seafood, Latin America’s role in the Asian seafood market, sustainable seafood supply chains in Southeast Asia, sustainable seafood consumption in Asia and more.

Traceability and sustainability will be prominent topics covered this year. A session led by the Marine Stewardship Council will discuss how a robust traceability system and sustainable practices can help the Southeast Asian seafood industry address consumer demands, mitigate environmental impacts and position itself as a leader in the global market. Another panel presented by ASC will analyze the status and potential of the responsible seafood market and consumption in Asia and the importance of responsible aquaculture practices. Policy and business professionals from The Nature Conservancy, Seafood Legacy, the Ministry of Agriculture of Taiwan and more, will cover topics around illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, its threat to sustainability and the need for seafood transparency and traceability schemes.

Utari Octavianty, Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer, Aruna and recipient of Forbes 30 under 30 and Top 100 Asia-Pacific Women-Powered, High-Growth Businesses JP Morgan, will lead a discussion around how Aruna’s technology helps small-scale fishers in Indonesia cut the long lines of the supply chain, ensuring fishers get fair prices and access to a wider and more stable market. Utari Octavianty will also be featured in a panel that will discuss the ways to raise the profile of women in the seafood industry and how to attract diverse talent. Other speakers in this panel include Åshild Nakken, Regional Director, Southeast Asia, Norwegian Seafood Council, Jill Briggs, Managing Director, Affectus, and more.

Prominent ambassadors from Chile and Argentina and seafood industry representatives from ProEcuador, Sustainable Shrimp Partnership (Ecuador) and Messina Holding (Panama) will present their perspectives on Latin America’s role in Asia’s seafood market. The panelists will discuss the unique qualities of seafood from each region and address initiatives, practices and certifications in Latin America, supply chain and trade support as well as success stories and examples of efficient logistics and trade routes.

Cell-cultured seafood, or protein derived from muscle cells grown in a lab, will be covered in a session around how the innovation is shaping the industry, its potential to address consumer concerns around issues of mercury, antibiotic, or microplastics contamination, bycatch, overfishing, or labor abuse and Singapore’s leadership in cultivating the industry.

Six entrepreneurs will present their latest innovations in aquaculture and the seafood supply chain on an investor panel. The startups focus on technology that can transform the seafood industry and create a more sustainable future with solutions in areas such as shrimp farming technology, upcycling aquafeed ingredients, novel diagnostics, seaweed aggregators and others.

Seafood industry professionals can learn more about Seafood Expo Asia and register to attend for free by visiting www.seafoodexpo.com/asia.

MANA – Skanda’s The Right Life Campaign Turns Heads: Lifestyle-First Marketing Drives Unprecedented Demand

25th July 2024 Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  MANA, an established leader in Bangalore’s real estate market along with Skanda Developers, has shattered industry expectations with its innovative “The Right Thing” marketing campaign for “MANA-Skanda The Right Life”, Bengaluru’s largest child-centric township spread over 100 Acres. The Right Life’s remarkable bookings of Rs. 500 crore in a mere 48 hours signify a new era in lifestyle real estate marketing, where the focus is not simply on the homes but the complete life experience they facilitate.

Bengaluru’s “MANA-Skanda The Right Life” township is being developed by Neobuild Ventures, a collaboration between MANA Projects and property developer Skanda. MANA’s meticulously planned ideation through marketing campaigns, organic efforts, and advertisements codenamed “The Right Thing” ignited immense interest in its 360-degree marketing approach. Apart from this, existing MANA customers and investors also showed positive interest in “MANA-Skanda The Right Life” township following the campaign efforts. Overall, the township garnered 800+ expressions of interest within the initial six months of the announcement of the township.

Envisioned as the region’s largest child-centric project, this development seamlessly blends MANA’s legacy of crafting exceptional living spaces with Skanda’s commitment to creating environments that cater to the unique needs of families from across all age groups.

Bengaluru’s largest child-centric township, “MANA-Skanda The Right Life”, is designed to cater to the unique needs of families. Located at the heart of the city’s educational hub on Sarjapur-Varthur Road, the project offers easy access to over 23 key international schools, minimizing commute times and maximizing family time. The township boasts facilities for sports such as a Badminton court, Basketball, Cricket & Football field, and is supported by leading academies and legends of the games, giving children the opportunity to nurture their athletic talents. “MANA-Skanda The Right Life” aims to provide children with a well-rounded environment where they can thrive academically, athletically, and socially.

A Comprehensive Marketing Masterpiece

MANA Skanda’s marketing strategy for “The Right Life” was a meticulous masterpiece. Unlike traditional campaigns, MANA-Skanda went all-out with a comprehensive 360-degree marketing campaign spanning a major online platform and laser-focused geo-targeted ads. This was further amplified through traditional media channels like digital marketing, print, radio, and eye-catching outdoor hoardings.

The crown jewel of this campaign was the ingenious “missing school bus” concept. This disruptive and innovative strategy highlighted the township’s enviable proximity to top schools and positioned “MANA-Skanda The Right Life” as an unmatched setting for families. The print ad campaign cleverly highlighted the township’s proximity to top schools and the holistic lifestyle it offered, sparking significant interest and engagement among potential buyers. This innovative approach paved the way for the township’s record-breaking sales success.

MANA-Skanda’s consistent campaigns resonated powerfully across all media channels—digital, outdoor, and print—grabbing the audience’s attention from the get-go. This was reinforced by a barrage of creative ads across TV, radio, and streaming platforms. These were strategically tailored for multiple regional languages to reach as many buyers as possible. Additionally, a record-breaking number of radio ad spots in a single day ensured widespread awareness, highlighting the township’s ideal location and family-friendly ethos.

The “MANA-Skanda Right Life” campaign also resonated deeply with modern homebuyers by going beyond simply selling houses; it also offered a complete lifestyle. MANA highlighted the township’s integrated amenities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community, effectively positioning “The Right Life” as the embodiment of a well-rounded and fulfilling life.

Speaking on the property bookings, Mr. D. Kishore Reddy, CMD, MANA, said, “The phenomenal achievement of ‘The Right Life’ township is a validation of our commitment to innovative marketing strategies. Codenamed ‘The Right Thing’, our campaign meticulously crafted a message that resonated across every platform. I want to express my sincere gratitude to our marketing team for their exceptional creativity and strategic execution. By positioning ‘The Right Life’ as more than just a residence—it’s a complete lifestyle solution—we struck a chord with discerning homebuyers. The interest received by MANA-Skanda’s latest project is a testament to the power of a well-planned and executed marketing initiative.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Vijay Kumar Reddy and Mr. Sandeep Ramanolla, Managing Partners of Skanda Group, said, “MANA-Skanda’s innovative ‘The Right Thing’ campaign, particularly the thought-provoking missing school bus’ concept, effectively captured the essence of this unique child-centric community. By highlighting proximity to top schools in such a compelling way, the campaign resonated deeply with families. We’re proud to be part of a project that redefines how families envision their living experience. This success story highlights the synergy between exceptional design and strategic marketing, paving the way for future child-centric developments.”

“The Right Life”: Where Lifestyle Meets Child-Centric Living

Envisioned as Bengaluru’s largest child-centric township, this development seamlessly blends MANA’s legacy of crafting exceptional living spaces with Skanda’s commitment to creating environments that cater to the unique needs of families from across all age groups. Spanning over 100 acres with a phased launch, The Right Life is thoughtfully designed to emphasize community, sustainability, and vibrant living. It offers signature experiences with 84% open spaces for a harmonious blend with nature. Enhanced by high-street retail and a 1,00,000-square-foot clubhouse, it’s more than just a residence—it’s an extraordinary lifestyle investment.

Nestled on Sarjapur-Varthur Road, at the heart of the city’s educational hub, The Right Life offers a prime location with easy access to over 23+ key international schools and IT hubs like Electronic City, Outer Ring Road (ORR), and Whitefield. This strategic positioning reduces commute times, allowing residents to maximize their time for outdoor activities and quality family moments. Here, children have the opportunity to pursue sports as more than just a hobby, fostering their athletic talents and ambitions. In addition to its prime location, offering access to various schools and sports academies, the township prioritizes creating an optimal environment essential for every child’s holistic development. One notable feature is the planned introduction of artificial mist every morning. This initiative aims to introduce children to experiences uncommon in urban settings, fostering their growth and well-being. Also, there are sustainable elements to maximize the eco-friendly features of the township such as rain gardens to reduce flooding and water pollution, places for kitchen gardening, root barriers, and much more. And, if you are working parents, then you can leave your children at the ‘Creche’ that is designed to provide group care away from home.

With ongoing marketing efforts, the rollout of new phases, and the addition of further amenities, MANA-Skanda aims to maintain this momentum, catering to the ever-changing needs and aspirations of its discerning clientele. This focus on a holistic lifestyle experience will solidify their position as a leader in the real estate industry. The project is registered under Karnataka RERA: PRM/KA/RERA/1251/308/pr/280324/006766.

Features That Fulfill Dreams

The Right Life township spans over 100 acres, offering a vibrant blend of community, sustainability, and signature experiences. With 84% of the development reserved for open spaces, residents are assured of an exceptional living environment in harmony with nature. From the expansive 1,00,000-square-foot clubhouse to high-street retail and commercial areas, every detail is designed for an extraordinary lifestyle.

Located in the heart of a thriving educational hub, residents find themselves near world-class schools, hospitals, malls, and tech parks. This unique positioning offers a well-rounded lifestyle with incredible convenience for everyone in the family. Additionally, a lakeside setting, Open-air theater, Outdoor work pods, Cascade water feature and boardwalk pool, and picturesque views of birds in flight create an exceptional living experience, conveniently situated between Whitefield, Sarjapur Road, and ORR Marathahalli.

Luxury in Every Detail: A Thoughtful Celebration of Love at Dorsett Kai Tak

25th July 2024  Hong Kong, SAR  Opening its doors on September 26th, Dorsett Kai Tak is set to be Hong Kong’s most desired wedding destination. Believing true hospitality lies in attention to detail, Dorsett guides couples through their Wedding Journey – from planning to the big day – providing unparalleled personalized service every step of the way.

The Dorsett Kai Tak Wedding Journey*

• Pre-wedding meal plans with Nutrition Kitchen
• Custom Signature Wedding beverage masterclass at Jin Bo Law, Dorsett Kai Tak’s Skybar
• A Signature Wedding Scent workshop with BeCandle
• After-party catering by Shake Shack
• Complimentary 1-night stay at Premier City Sky View Room with breakfast for two

Magnificent banquets start from HK$12,388 for lunch and HK$16,388 for dinner (12 guests per table). Banquets take place in the impressive 415 sq.m Grand Ballroom, featuring 7m double-height ceilings and a 4K LED display.

*The Wedding Journey is complimentary for couples who commit to a minimum of 10 tables for dinner and 15 tables for lunch.

Couples can opt for an outdoor ceremony at the podium area, featuring an iridescent backdrop of the new “Pearl of the Orient” Hong Kong Stadium, for only an additional HK$388 per person.

IVPA Global RoundTable Conference 2024: Veg Oils Vision 2030: Opportunities and Challenges

25th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  The Indian Vegetable-Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA) announced the successful commencement of the third edition of its signature event, ‘IVPA Global Round Table Conference @3.0 on Theme “Veg Oils Vision 2030: Opportunity and Challenges”. The event witnessed the participation of about 500 delegates from across the globe.

The conference was honoured by the presence of Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member in NITI Aayog in the rank and status of Union Minister of State, Honourable Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Malaysia, Dr. Ir. Kasan, MM, the Head of Trade Policy Agency of the Ministry of Trade Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Kevin Roepke, Regional Director South Asia, USSEC and Mr. Mariano Beheran, Agriculture Attache of Argentina. A special welcome was extended to Honourable Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Plantation & Commodities, Malaysia. The presence of these esteemed dignitaries underscored the significance of the shared mission and collaborative efforts in the sector.

The conference also acknowledged the participation of representatives from the embassies of Argentina, Brazil, Malaysia, and Indonesia, NITI Aayog, US Soybean Export Council, RSPO, Apicol, SD Guthrie International, Adani, Patanjali Foods, and numerous other MNCs in India.

Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member in NITI Aayog, Government of India said, “The IVPA Global Round Table Conference serves as an important forum for addressing the complex challenges and exploring the vast opportunities within the vegetable oil industry by providing a platform for an open exchange of ideas. For the next 7-8 months or more, the fallow lands in Eastern India that remain after rice harvest present a significant opportunity for oilseed cultivation on these lands. However, policymakers will need to deal with issues such as the GM mustard case, which is currently pending in court, and the dynamic duty changes based on global prices in order to ensure that the sector grows sustainably in the future.”

YB Datuk Seri Johari bin Abdul Ghani, Hon’ble Minister of Plantation and Commodities said, “The Indian market represents a vital growing market for Malaysia, and we look forward to exploring opportunities outside of palm oil here as well. In addition to rice and sugar, Malaysia regularly purchases a variety of commodities from India, highlighting the robust trade relationship between our two nations. Our commitment to sustainable palm oil production is unwavering, and we strive to protect the environment to the fullest extent possible. This dedication to sustainability ensures that our palm oil industry remains environmentally responsible while meeting global demands. We believe that by expanding our trade horizons and reinforcing our sustainability efforts, we can foster even stronger economic ties with India.”

Building on the resounding success of the IVPA Global Round Table Conference 2023 in Delhi, the IVPA returned with renewed vigour for this year’s event. The theme, “Veg Oils Vision 2030: Opportunities and Challenges”, reflected the organization’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and embracing the uncertainties that drive innovation. As the industry navigated extreme market movements, the importance of innovation and strategic risk management was emphasized.

During the two-day event, participants explored cutting-edge ideas, emerging trends, and transformative strategies shaping the future of the vegetable oil industry. The conference highlighted the remarkable resilience of the industry in maintaining a smooth supply chain from global producers to Indian consumers, despite numerous challenges.

Further, Mr. Sudhakar Desai, President IVPA & CEO, of Emami Agrotech Ltd. added that “India’s unique position in the global market, with a diverse range of oil types and increasing demand, was a focal point of discussion. The conference emphasized the need for a deep dive into future supply and demand factors not only in India but also in global oilseed-producing countries.”

Additionally, he and team IVPA addressed the issues that include:

• Rising Dependence on Veg Oil Imports: Emphasis was placed on prioritizing the national mission on oilseeds as a national priority.
• Rebalancing Imports: The need to adjust the differential duty between crude and refined oils to 15% was highlighted as essential for the survival of the Indian vegetable oil refining industry.
• Dynamic Duty Slab System: IVPA’s recommendations, positively received by the Agriculture Department, NITI Aayog, and CACP, were discussed. Adopting this system is expected to balance farmer interests, consumer interests, and the industry’s survival.
• Inverted Duty Structure: Addressing the ongoing issue of accumulated GST credits by allowing refunds was seen as crucial to alleviating financial strain on companies.

The conference provided a unique platform for industry stakeholders to come together, exchange knowledge, foster collaborations, and further the shared mission of achieving sustainable and responsible growth in the vegetable oil sector.

MAS Financial Reports 24% Growth in AUM & 26percent in PAT in Q1FY25; Consolidated AUM Crosses Rs. 11,000 Crores

25th July 2024  Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India  The Board of Directors of MAS Financial Services Limited (MAS Financial) (BSE: 540749, NSE: MASFIN), which specializes in MSME financing, announced today the unaudited financial results for the quarter ended 30th June 2024.

117 Quarters of Consistent Financial Performance is the testimony of the strong fundamentals of the company, which has been followed over more than two and half decades. We witnessed a healthy growth in business activities across the segments we serve, during the quarter. The consolidated disbursement was Rs. 2774.91 Crores during the quarter ended 30th June 2024.

During the quarter, the Company raised Rs. 500 Crores in equity through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP). The issue garnered a strong response from a diverse group of marquee institutional investors reflecting broad-based interest. This QIP marked the first equity raise by the Company since its IPO in 2017 and witnessed an overwhelming response resulting in demand of multiple times over the issue size.

Performance Highlights – (Consolidated)

MAS Financial Services Limited on a consolidated basis reports Assets under Management (AUM) of Rs. 11006.72 Crores and Profit after Tax (PAT) of Rs. 72.56 Crores for the quarter ended 30th June 2024 from Rs. 8867.94 Crores and Rs. 57.56 Crores respectively for the quarter ended 30th June 2023.

A Growth of 24.12 % in AUM and 26.06 % in PAT over the corresponding period of the previous year.

Performance Highlights – MAS Financial Services Limited (Standalone)

MAS Financial Services Limited reports Assets under Management (AUM) of Rs. 10383.59 Crores and Profit after Tax (PAT) of Rs. 70.43 Crores for the quarter ended 30th June 2024 from Rs. 8417.85 Crores and Rs. 57.25 Crores respectively for the quarter ended 30th June 2023. The AUM as on 31st March 2024 was Rs. 10125.61 Crores.

A Growth of 23.35% in AUM and 23.02% in PAT over the corresponding period of the previous year.

Capital Adequacy Ratio (including Tier II capital) as of 30th June 2024 stood at 28.59%. The Tier-I capital stood at 25.39%.

The portfolio quality remained stable and strong at 2.29% gross stage 3 assets and 1.52% net stage 3 assets of AUM as compared to 2.25% gross stage 3 assets and 1.51% net stage 3 assets of AUM as on 31st March 2024.

The company continues to carry a management overlay of Rs. 17.60 Crores as on 30th June 2024, 0.22% of the on-book assets.

` in Crores)

(` in Crores)

*Represents underlying assets in each of the categories. As on 30th June 2024, 34.20% of the total underlying assets are through various NBFCs.

The MSME segment contributed ~62% in the YoY AUM growth of the company while other products also contributed meaningfully.

Performance Highlights – MAS Rural Housing and Mortgage Finance Limited (Standalone)

MAS Rural Housing and Mortgage Finance Limited reports Assets under Management of Rs. 623.13 Crores and Profit after Tax of Rs. 2.17 Crores for the quarter ended 30^th June 2024 from Rs. 450.10 Crores and Rs. 1.59 Crores respectively for the quarter ended 30^th June 2023.

• A very strong growth of 38.44% in AUM and 36.41% in PAT over the corresponding period of the previous year.
• Capital Adequacy Ratio (including Tier II capital) as on 30th June 2024 stood at 35.96%. The Tier-I capital stood at 29.05%.
• The portfolio quality remained stable and strong at 0.90% gross stage 3 assets and 0.65% net stage 3 assets of AUM as compared to 0.90% gross stage 3 assets and 0.66% net stage 3 assets of AUM as on 31st March 2024.
• The company continues to carry a management overlay of Rs. 3.00 Crores as on 30th June 2024, 0.63% of the on-book assets.

 (` in Crores)

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Kamlesh Gandhi – Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, MAS Financial said,“As we usher in to the next phase, post reaching an important milestone of Rs. 10,000 Crores in AUM, we are confident to maintain a fundamentally strong growth momentum. Adequate capitalization, strong asset quality and a track record of more than 25 years to navigate across various cycles will ensure the same thus creating value on a large scale for all its stakeholders.“

The Government’s Commitment to Skill Development is a Welcome Move, Says Vikram Vuppala, Founder & Group CEO, NephroPlus

25th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  The 2024-25 Union Budget has emphasized a comprehensive roadmap towards achieving ‘Viksit Bharat’ by focusing on critical sectors like agriculture, employment, skilling, and MSMEs. Key initiatives include promoting vegetable production through cooperatives and start-ups, and releasing new high-yield crop varieties. Employment schemes aim to increase workforce participation, particularly among women, with incentives for new hires and skilling programs for youth. The budget also enhances credit support for MSMEs and allocates Rs. 11,11,111 crore for infrastructure, emphasizing energy security and innovation to foster inclusive and sustainable growth. This budget reflects a strategic approach to inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Vikram Vuppala, Founder & Group CEO, NephroPlus – Asia’s Largest Dialysis Centre Network said, “We were hoping that the healthcare sector would be granted infrastructure status in this budget along with an increase in healthcare expenditure which is less than 2.5% of GDP. But we welcome the government’s commitment to skill development, with a promise to upskill 20 lakh youth over the next five years and a month’s wage for new hires. This initiative will significantly boost employability and address the skill gap in various sectors.”

NephroPlus operates 400+ dialysis clinics in more than 230+ cities across 4 countries and is known for its quality focus and patient-centricity. The company was established 14 years back with a vision to enable people on dialysis across the world to lead long, happy, and productive lives. The company treats ~28,000 patients per month.

Antis Roofing Celebrates 35 Years in Business with a Roof Give Contest

Irvine, CA, July 25, 2024 — The great people running thousands of nonprofits throughout Southern California shouldn’t have to worry about roof leaks. That’s why Antis is donating a roof to one of them in honor of its 35th anniversary.

Starting on August 1, 2024, nominations will be accepted on Antis’ website. Anyone can submit a nomination until October 1, 2024 for a Southern California-based 501c3 nonprofit in need of a new roof. Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges from the roofing industry, as well as the Antis Executive team. A winner will be chosen and announced on November 4, 2024.

Criteria include the following: Candidate must be a nonprofit with 501c3 status, and must be located in Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, or San Bernardino counties. More criteria are available on the contest website.

“We’ve spent 35 years keeping families safe and dry, just like all of these nonprofits that are providing food and shelter,” says Founder and CEO Charles Antis. “We salute them, and like them we want to do whatever is needed to build bridges in the community.”

Since its beginning, Antis has operated as a leader in corporate philanthropy, contributing more than $1 million in roof repairs and installations for communities in need. The award-winning company works closely with Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, and many other organizations.

Digital Engineering Awards Launched by L&T Technology Services, ISG and CNBC TV18

July 24, 2024,Dallas, United States & Bengaluru, Karnataka, India : L&T Technology Services Limited (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS), a leading global digital engineering and R&D company, today announced the launch of the third annual Digital Engineering Awards, in association with Information Services Group (ISG), a leading global technology research and advisory firm, and business news channel CNBC TV18 in India.

The Digital Engineering Awards recognize and celebrate global engineering excellence and innovation. Nominations are open to all product companies, manufacturers, and OEMs worldwide.

Enterprises and their service providers are invited to submit nominations through September 23, 2024. Winners will be announced during a gala awards celebration on December 7, 2024, in Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.

The latest edition of the Digital Engineering Awards aims to build on the success of the program to date, including that of the 2023 program, which attracted 200-plus nominations from more than 100 leading organizations from around the world. Winners over the last two years include such blue-chip names as AT&T, BMW Group, Caterpillar Inc., Chevron, Delta Airlines, ExxonMobil, GE Healthcare, Honeywell and Microsoft, among others.

For the 2024 program, enterprise award winners will be selected by a global panel of industry experts—including representatives from ISG—in 11 categories, comprising six team awards and five individual awards.

This year’s awards are divided into two segments—Engineering The Change and Engineer At Heart—and spread across the 11 categories. Reflecting the recent dynamic shifts in technology and AI adoption, two new awards have been created: AI Champion (Innovator) of the Year and AI Impact of the Year.

The Awards will be presented at the December 7 gala ceremony in the following categories:

Engineering the Change Team Awards

Digital Transformation of the Year
Top Sustainability Initiative
Digital Engineering Project/Program of the Year
Engineering Product of the Year
Excellence in Value Realization
AI Impact of the Year

Engineer at Heart Individual Awards

The Distinguished Digital Engineering Leader
The Digital Engineer of the Year
The Woman Engineer of the Year
The Innovator of the Year
AI Innovator of the Year