25, Jul 2024
NIQ 2024 Shopper Trends report unveils five key trends shaping the future of grocery shopping

July 25, 2024,Singapore : Grocery shopping in Asia is undergoing a transformation as value-conscious shoppers adjust spending habits and explore different retail channels.
NIQ’s 2024 Shopper Trends report identifies five key shopper trends to help consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers win in this evolving retail landscape.
The grocery landscape in Asia is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by evolving consumer values and economic realities. The 2024 Shopper Trends report by NIQ, a leading authority in consumer intelligence, sheds light on trends in shopper retail channel choices, basket size, and shopping trip frequency. The annual report identifies five key trends that manufacturers and retailers in Asia can leverage to enhance customer experience and achieve success in this evolving retail landscape.
“By staying attuned to these shifting shopper trends in Asia, manufacturers and retailers in the consumer packaged goods industry have a unique opportunity to not only adapt and thrive in the current environment, but also prepare for the impact these trends will have on markets across the region,” states Gaurang Kotak, Consumer and Marketing Insights, Southeast Asia Modern Trade Leader at NIQ. “Developing proactive strategies that cater to these changing behaviors will be paramount for success in the future.”
Inflation’s bite is evident in shopper sentiment. Across Asia, more shoppers report heightened price awareness compared to 2019. Notably, Vietnam (60%) and Thailand (72%) see over half their shoppers acutely aware of price changes. This awareness translates into sharpened focus at the store with over 80% of shoppers in Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan perceiving price increases. Due to this, shoppers are making deliberate choices to maximize their budgets —— which retail channels they shop at, how often they shop, their basket sizes, and their willingness to change stores and brands for promotions.
Key shopper trends in 2024
To help navigate the evolving shopper behaviors, the NIQ 2024 Asia Shopper Trends report pinpoints five key trends taking hold across the region.
Omni shopper behavior: Shoppers are not just focusing on online stores but also bringing back physical stores in their choices for retail channels, blending online and physical store shopping. This omnichannel behavior is driven by the pursuit of both value and convenience. Shoppers in China and Singapore have added more retail channels to their repertoire compared to pre-pandemic times. This includes online stores, physical stores (big and small formats), and emerging traditional trade formats like fresh marts in China. In Vietnam, there is a shift towards adding a mix of online stores and traditional trade formats.
This shift in channel utilization has also impacted shopping frequency. Shoppers in Malaysia are showing increased visits to online stores and hyper/supermarkets, whereas shoppers in Hong Kong are adding trips to supermarkets. On the other hand, shoppers in Thailand are an exception, showing increased shopping trips across most channels.
Price and promo-conscious shopping: Price and promotion sensitivity are on the rise, requiring targeted strategies. Constant promotions are not sustainable. NIQ recommends adopting a more strategic approach, which involves promoting with purpose. This means identifying the different shopper segments within the target market and their priorities. For example, some shoppers might be more value-conscious, seeking the best deals. Others might prioritize quality or be eager to try new innovations.
Shoppers today are more willing to switch brands and stores for better deals. The willingness to switch varies by market. Malaysian shoppers are more open to brand switching for promotions, while shoppers in Thailand are willing to switch both brands and stores. China presents a unique case with two sets of shoppers: those open to brand switching for promotions and those who purchase on promotions when their familiar brands are on offer.
Shopping mission changes: Basket sizes are adapting – some prefer smaller, more frequent trips, while others seek economies of scale with bigger baskets. There is a decline in large baskets among shoppers in China and Indonesia, with shoppers opting for smaller baskets and lower spending per shopping trip. Conversely, more than half of shoppers in Taiwan and the Philippines see a trend towards bigger baskets, suggesting a potential focus on economies of scale.
Assortment optimization is crucial to cater to changing shopping needs and basket sizes.
Product and brand information seeking: Savvy consumers are conducting thorough research before making purchasing decisions, driving demand for transparency and sustainability. Brands must now focus on delivering innovative, environmentally friendly products that meet the evolving needs and values of their customers.
Shopper trade-offs: The wide range of choices bombarding shoppers – which channel, retailer, product, brand, and even pack size. This decision fatigue often leads to trade-offs with what they purchase, how often and from where. This underscores the critical need to go back to basics and get a comprehensive understanding of shopping behavior to win with shoppers.
“The trends identified in the Shopper Trends report, such as the rise of omnichannel shopping, return of shoppers to the physical stores, and increased tradeoffs that shoppers are making, paint a clear picture of the evolving shopper landscape,” says Dolly Jitani, NIQ Global Shopper Leader, Consumer and Marketing Insights. “By leveraging these insights, manufacturers and retailers can develop targeted strategies to meet the diverse needs of shoppers and build lasting customer loyalty.”
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- By Rabindra
25, Jul 2024
Pearl Raises Largest-Ever Investment in Dental AI with $58 Million Round

July 25, 2024,Los Angeles, United States :+Pearl, the global leader in dental AI, today announced that it has raised $58 million in Series B funding to accelerate its mission to elevate patient care in dentistry. Left Lane Capital led the round, with participation from Smash Capital, Alpha Partners, and existing investors, Craft Ventures and Neotribe Ventures. This funding marks the largest investment ever in dental artificial intelligence.
With this investment, Pearl will continue to advance innovation in technologies that enhance the health of dental patients around the world by expanding its line of dental AI products, broadening its regulatory and patent portfolio, and increasing global access to the transformative benefits of AI in dentistry. At present, Pearl’s machine learning and computer vision tools solve a core challenge in dentistry: inconsistency in diagnostic accuracy, which directly impacts the quality of patient care. The company’s AI serves as a real-time aid to help dentists read patient x-rays, deliver consistent, objective, and accurate diagnoses, and clearly communicate findings to patients with precision, clarity, and confidence.
Since receiving the first-ever FDA clearance for AI software to help dental professionals detect multiple different pathologies and other conditions in x-rays, Pearl’s clinical AI has gained regulatory authorizations for chairside use in over 120 countries and recognition among TIME’s Best Inventions. The company plans to use the funding announced today both to accelerate ongoing development of computer vision capabilities – including detection and tracking of disease in 3D and other imaging modalities – and introduce new AI tools to improve patient treatment planning, insurance claim approvals and dental education.
“In the field of healthcare, dentistry has become an AI standard-bearer, demonstrating the technology’s enormous utility and benefit in day-to-day patient care––and Pearl has led the AI charge in dentistry,” said Ophir Tanz, founder and CEO of Pearl. “This historic funding round underscores the impact of Pearl’s capabilities and supports our belief that high-quality, AI-powered dental care should be accessible to everyone. With this investment, Pearl will continue to push the envelope, providing pioneering machine learning to improve oral health outcomes and strengthen trust between the patient and dental professionals.”
This investment follows a period of significant growth for Pearl. The company grew its revenue by 458% in 2023 and remains the only dental AI company with a global market presence. Pearl’s technology is used in dental practices across six continents and is commercially available to over 500,000 dental practices and millions of dental professionals worldwide. The company has also integrated its AI into dozens of popular imaging and practice management systems and is the preferred radiologic AI provider for leading dental technology distributors.
“We have spent the past year evaluating this market and it is clear that Pearl stands above peers at the forefront of dental innovation,” said Vinny Pujji, Managing Partner at Left Lane Capital. “Pearl’s pioneering dental Al improves diagnostic accuracy and efficiency while transforming the provider-patient relationship. We’re confident in Pearl’s ability to continue setting new standards of care and are thrilled to support their next phase of growth.”
Pearl’s AI technology offers a seamless and less invasive approach to dental diagnostics. By accurately detecting disease and displaying clinical findings that are easy for patients to understand, the company’s FDA-cleared software enhances the efficiency, consistency, and precision of radiologic exams, while also facilitating patient education and engagement in their dental health. Leveraging its new funding, Pearl will enable dental professionals to continually raise the standard of care with more transparent, accurate and objective diagnoses, more effective individualized care, and deeper patient trust in dentistry.
25, Jul 2024
Kolmar BNH Expedites European Market Expansion with its Technology-Driven HemoHIM G

July 25, 2024,Seoul, South Korea : Kolmar BNH (KRX: 200130), a leading Korean health functional food Original Development Manufacturing (ODM) firm, is accelerating its expansion efforts into the Southeast Asian and European markets with HemoHIM G, a product designed for the global arena.
HemoHIM G (Global) is the international version of ‘HemoHIM’, Korea’s first individually-approved immune-boosting health supplement developed by Kolmar BNH over an eight-year period. The formulation has been tailored to comply with the food regulations of various countries, with adjustments made to raw materials and ingredient ratios. The product features angelica sinensis, ligusticum chuanxiong, paeonia lactiflora, all selected through rigorous quality control processes. Enhanced taste and aroma also make HemoHIM G more appealing to a broader audience.
In April, Kolmar BNH published a study on HemoHIM G in the SCIE-ranked journal Toxicological Research, demonstrating its safety. Conducted according to OECD guidelines, the study holds significance not only in facilitating safety approvals in other countries but also in reinforcing intellectual property rights with reliable results.
HemoHIM, distributed by Atomy, is a technologically-advanced product of Kolmar BNH. The main ingredient, HemoHIM extract complex of angelica gigas, etc., was developed in collaboration with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. Currently, it is available in 19 countries, including Australia, the United States, Thailand, Central Asia, and South America.
Kolmar BNH continues its efforts in research and development to enhance HemoHIM’s global competitiveness including new functionalities, through investing about 4% of its annual revenues to R&D. In June, the company published a study showing that the main ingredient of HemoHIM (HemoHIM extract complex of angelica gigas, etc.), has antioxidant and anti-fatigue effects, which are newly discovered. This study was featured in the June issue of the ‘Journal of Medicinal Food,’ an SCIE-level international journal.
Leveraging the competitive edge of HemoHIM G, the company plans to speed up exports to European countries, including Turkey, Italy, and Belgium.
An official from Kolmar BNH said, “HemoHIM is Korea’s one of the best-selling health supplements, with cumulative sales of KRW 200 billion over the past nine years since 2014. We aim to build on our success in Korea and accelerate our expansion into the European market.”
25, Jul 2024
AI Innovation and Strategic DAM Deployments Fuel Record First Half for Bynder

July 25, 2024,Amsterdam, Netherlands : Bynder, a global leader in enterprise digital asset management (DAM), has revealed how the accelerated adoption of the company’s AI-powered solutions and strategic DAM deployments have driven record growth in the first half of 2024.
More than 350 customers have adopted Bynder’s enhanced AI Search Experience since its launch nine months ago, and through the solution, more than 30 million images have been processed. Bynder, which currently has over 150 million active assets on its platform, also reported that in the first half of the year, it has seen a 20% year-on-year increase in the delivery of assets to connected systems. With assets delivered 113 billion times in the first half of the year, this shows that Bynder’s customers are continuing to leverage content as a strategic differentiator to deliver exceptional content experiences.
Bynder first integrated AI into its platform in 2016, demonstrating the company’s long-term commitment well before it became mainstream. Since then, Bynder has accelerated its efforts by acquiring an AI company and launching AI Search Experience, continually enhancing its AI capabilities and giving customers governance and control over how AI is used in their organizations and on their own terms.
Since the launch of Bynder’s AI Search Experience, many of Bynder’s customers have adopted the solution, reinforcing the trend that AI is increasingly viewed as a strategic tool for marketers seeking to streamline content operations and improve customer experience. This trend validates Bynder’s approach to AI, demonstrating the need to harness AI responsibly to deliver tangible benefits to its customers.
Bynder’s AI-powered DAM platform is pivotal in supporting go-to-market operations and the adoption of AI within content operations has driven the rapid uptake of Bynder’s AI Search Experience. This solution is customer-inspired and enables teams to maximize asset reuse, save resources, reduce time spent searching for assets, and automatically eliminate duplicates.
The benefits of the solution were evidenced at Bynder’s recent customer Spotlight Awards where brands such as Viator, Les Mills and Inspire Brands were recognized for their excellence in innovation, creating compelling value and return on investment when it comes to the implementation and use of Bynder DAM.
By leveraging AI-powered recommendations and filtering options, Inspire Brands was able to quickly locate and distribute relevant assets across its portfolio of sub-brands. This new level of findability has promoted content reuse within the organization and increased the value of the assets that the company invests in.
Cliff Crosbie, Head of AI Strategies at Bynder, said: “It’s great to see that our ongoing innovation and market leadership in AI has continued to drive growth in the first half of this year, along with our strategic DAM deployments which have both become invaluable solutions for our customers. The digital landscape continues to evolve faster than ever, so it’s our aim to implement AI responsibly to help drive scale and efficiency and we’re looking forward to bringing the next phase of our AI enhancements to market very soon.”
As a result of the company’s accelerated growth, Bynder has appointed Ann-Michèle Verheyden as its new Chief Legal Officer. Ann-Michèle brings extensive experience in SaaS, IP and privacy, supporting Bynder’s position and investment in AI where she will be building a robust compliance framework enabling businesses to navigate the complexities of AI-driven technology while mitigating risk.
Richard Heitmann also joins Bynder as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Richard brings a wealth of experience from high-growth startups like Aspera and enterprise software experience from IBM. Richard’s expertise will help drive further growth and bring Bynder’s platform innovations to the market.
Looking forward to the second half of the year, Bynder will host its inaugural customer event, Bynder Connect, in September in Amsterdam. The event will bring together industry leaders to share insights, launch new innovations, and celebrate successes with its customers.
25, Jul 2024
L&T Finance Ltd. is Now Great Place To Work Certified
25th July 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, has been Great Place To Work® Certified™ in India.
The certification, awarded by the Great Place to Work Institute, is a hallmark of LTF’s commitment to creating a workplace culture that is built on credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie. The certification is based on the feedback of LTF employees based on their experiences.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO of LTF, said, “I am happy to announce that we have received this prestigious recognition, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, who consistently strive to make LTF a better place to work every day. We are grateful for their contributions, and we are proud to be recognised as a ‘Great Place To Work’, which reflects our dedication to our employees and the values of Ambition, Pride, Discipline, and Integrity. LTF is committed to creating a workplace culture that is welcoming, supportive, and empowering, and one where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute and grow.”
Mr. Nilesh Dange, Chief Human Resources Officer of LTF said, “This achievement underscores our continuous dedication to creating a workplace that fosters growth, development, and well-being for all employees. At LTF, we are continuing to invest in our people and culture, thereby driving excellence in business. This recognition also highlights our dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion, promoting employee engagement, and developing talent. We are proud of this recognition and will continue to aim for excellence in all aspects of our Company.”
The ‘Great Place To Work’ Certification recognises LTF’s strengths in several areas:
Credibility: Employees have unwavering confidence in LTF’s values, mission, and commitment to excellence due to transparent communication practices, demonstrated competence, and unwavering integrity.
Respect: Employees feel respected, valued, and trusted by their leaders and colleagues and are empowered to take ownership of their work, share their ideas, and contribute to the Company’s success.
Fairness: Employees see the Company as committed towards fairness and equity in all aspects of its operations.
Pride: Employees take pride in being part of a Company that is driven by values and is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of its customers, employees, and communities.
Camaraderie: Employees see a strong sense of camaraderie as the foundation of a successful and fulfilling work environment.
Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting, and insights they need to make strategic people decisions.
25, Jul 2024
BPCL Launches Innovative Drone Reforestation Project to Revitalize Nashik’s Lands
25th July 2024 Nashik | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a leading Maharatna PSU, proudly announces a transformative reforestation initiative in the Nashik District of Maharashtra. This project, conducted in collaboration with the Forest Department – Nashik, aims to restore degraded lands using advanced drone technology and speedball deployment.
BPCL’s reforestation project will utilize 200,000 seed balls distributed by drones, targeting remote and inaccessible areas. This innovative approach addresses the critical issues of rapid deforestation and land degradation, which have significantly impacted the region’s biodiversity, climate resilience, and community well-being.
“At BPCL, we believe in the power of innovation and community. Our drone-based reforestation project in Nashik is a transformative step towards restoring nature and empowering local communities. By leveraging advanced technology and involving local residents, we aim to create a sustainable environment that benefits both the ecosystem and the people. Together, we can build a greener and healthier future,” said Shri Biju Gopinath, Executive Director of Pipelines, BPCL.
The project encompasses comprehensive planning, including site selection using GIS mapping, community engagement, speedball production, and drone deployment. The target areas cover 100 hectares across three forest ranges in Nashik District: Sinnar Nashik Range, Hivre Village, and Ganga Mahalungi Village.
The main objectives are to restore the environment by planting 200,000 seedballs to rejuvenate deforested land, enhance local biodiversity, and promote ecosystem health. Tree species to be planted include Millettia Pinnata (Karanja), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Tectona grandis (Sagwan), Dalbergia Sissoo (Indian Rosewood), Acacia Catechu (Khair), Syzygium Cumini (Black Plum), and Mangifera Indica (Mango). Additionally, the project aims to involve local communities in seedball production and land management, fostering environmental awareness, and creating economic opportunities. It will also utilize seed copter drones for efficient seed ball deployment and employ advanced monitoring systems to track reforestation progress.
This initiative not only aims to restore the environment but also to empower local communities by providing training and employment opportunities in sustainable practices. By integrating scientific research, technological innovation, and community participation, BPCL aims to create a scalable and replicable reforestation model that can be implemented in other regions facing similar challenges. This pioneering reforestation initiative marks a significant step towards creating a greener and more sustainable environment in Nashik, enhancing both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of its residents.
BPCL through its CSR initiatives, has consistently contributed to various social causes, including education, environmental sustainability, health and sanitation, skill development, and community development. This reforestation project aligns with their core CSR focus on environmental sustainability, demonstrating the company’s dedication to creating a positive and lasting impact on society.
25, Jul 2024
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale Praises Efforts of the Producers and Director After Watching The UP Files
25th July 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India A special screening of the film “The UP Files” was organized for Union Minister Ramdas Athawale in Mumbai. The event was attended by Shri Ramdas Athawale and Manoj Joshi, who is playing a lead role for the first time in his three-decade career. Directed by Neeraj Sahai and produced by Kuldeep Umraosingh Ostwal, “The UP Files” is set to release in theaters on July 26, 2024.
After watching the film, Ramdas Athawale said, “This is a very good film. It depicts the reality of Uttar Pradesh. It shows how the lawlessness in Uttar Pradesh was brought to an end. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s constitution is what every citizen must follow, and this film conveys that message. Those who do not abide by the law will not fare well. The main actor, Manoj Joshi, has performed excellently. I congratulate all the actors, the producer, the director, and all the technicians associated with ‘The UP Files’.”
Manoj Joshi expressed his gratitude to Union Minister Ramdas Athawale and said, “There is a dialogue in this film that says, ‘ Baba saheb ambedkar ke samvidhan ki kadar, na ek inch idhar na ek inch udhar.’ The film showcases how UP’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is continuously striving to improve the state, and his efforts are leading Uttar Pradesh towards a better future. I am very grateful to the producer and director for giving me this role because the entire film rests on my shoulders. I thoroughly enjoyed playing this role. I want people from every state to watch ‘The UP Files.’ It’s an excellent film, and I hope all the viewers will like it.”
Produced by Shree Ostwal Films, “The UP Files” features Manoj Joshi alongside Manjari Fadnis, Avtar Gill, Ali Asgar, Shahbaz Khan, Milind Gunaji, Aman Verma, Ashok Samarth, and Anil George. The music is composed by Dilip Sen, and the choreography is by Ganesh Acharya. The film, shot in UP, Jammu, Mumbai, and Rajasthan, has Gautam Rai as production head and Bhavesh Jain as production controller, Vishnu Nishad as the art director and production designer, and Suhail Lone as the line producer. UFO Moviez is distributing the film across India.
25, Jul 2024
India’s Booming MICE and Luxury Travel Industry Attracts Destinations and Travel Businesses Across the Globe to MILT Congress 2024
25th July 2024 Mumbai | Delhi, India Dubai-based QnA International, organizer of the annual MICE India and Luxury Travel (MILT) Congress, will host the 12th MILT Congress at the Hyatt Regency Jaipur Mansarovar on July 25 and 26 bringing together more than 150 vetted buyers and over 40 suppliers to interact in thousands of business meetings over 20 hours of networking at the event. International visitors and delegates from India anticipate constructive outcomes based on their past experiences at MILT Congress in India.
With India’s outbound tourism market projected to reach US$ 18817.72 million in 2024 and expand at 11.4% CAGR between 2024 and 2034 amounting to a projected market value of US$ 55388.41 million by 2034*, destinations, cruise liners, air charters, theme parks, hotels & resorts and travel agents around the world are flocking to MILT. The MILT Congress is the premier platform for MICE and luxury travel sourcing for regional and outbound travel from India.

Commenting on the MILT Congress, Crystal Chan Busch, Executive Director of Sales of Sands Resort Macao, said, “Our ongoing sponsorship of MILT Congress stems from the tangible benefits we observe, including the opportunity to meet influential industry players and showcase our unique offerings. QnA International’s dedication to evolving with industry trends and addressing emerging challenges is indispensable for fostering growth and collaboration. The most important aspect for Indian travel buyers is trust and reliability. At Sands Resorts Macao, we understand these priorities and consistently strive to exceed expectations by offering unique, world-class experiences that resonate deeply with our distinguished clientele from India.”
Marel Ioannou, Destination Wedding Planner from City of Dreams Mediterranean, Cyprus agrees, “MILT offers great opportunities for destinations and properties like ours to meet travel trade professionals from the Indian market and highlight the diverse offerings at hand. Cyprus offers its visitors more than 11,000 years of history and culture, combined with a modern cosmopolitan lifestyle. The destination finds itself at the crossroads of 3 continents, each of which has influenced our island in its unique way, with a growing appeal to Indian travellers.”
Sharionelle Pereira Almeida, Manager of Commercial Jets from Air Charter Service, concurs, “We’ve noticed a significant rise in Indian visitors, especially in the MICE and luxury travel segments. Indian corporate groups and luxury travellers are increasingly seeking unique, tailored experiences at our destinations and experiences.”
A new entrant to MILT, Matthew Boutwell, Sr. Director, Charter and Incentives from Crystal Cruises from the United Kingdom remarked “India is such a critical market for us and the Cruise Sector for Incentives. MILT offers connections to companies and agencies that we may not otherwise connect with. As more and more Indians travel internationally, the desire for exceptional travel on both land and sea will demand the level of luxury and detail that the Western guests expect from us.”
Nikhil Swaroop, Country Manager of Jordan Tourism Board is also excited to be at the show. He knows that Indian tourists love to explore new destinations with great offerings and Jordan fits the bill. Swaroop points out that Jordan is a multi-faceted destination which caters to MICE, Weddings, Filming, Luxury, Adventure and various other aspects of tourism. “Its well-established business infrastructure positions the Hashemite Kingdom as a competitive destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions in the region. Its varied landscape offers a great mix, which is perfect for combining luxury with leisure and has all the makings for a perfect holiday,” Nikhil says.
Pritipava Chakraborty, Marketing Communications & Public Relations Manager of The Leela Convention Hotel agrees, “We believe that Indian travel buyers are primarily drawn to experiences that blend luxury with cultural authenticity. They seek personalized service that respects their cultural preferences and traditions. The most crucial aspect for them often revolves around impeccable hospitality, attention to detail in service, and a seamless blend of modern amenities with traditional warmth. These elements not only enhance their stay but also leaves a lasting impression, ensuring that they return and recommend our hotel to others.”
Talking on the increase in luxury travel and the Indian market Aakriti, Batra, CEO and Co-founder of 1524 Delhi, representing the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, stated that the group located in some of the most prestigious destinations across the globe, has seen a consistent growth of FIT and transient travellers and is trending on a 56% growth over last year. The group is now focused on the luxury group segment from India, especially with new openings and renovated legendary properties.
Lokesh Sawant, General Manager Sales of ITC Hotels believes that India’s MICE industry remains underrepresented globally. “If 2022/23 was about the freedom of ‘revenge travel’ after Covid restrictions lifted, then 2024 is about visiting destinations which inspire a certain feeling. Consumers globally continue to prioritise experiences over material goods,” he says.
Joo Rei Mathieson, Associate Director, Global Corporate & Incentives of BESydney, Australia has a practical suggestion for travellers to visit “Plan your trip around the upcoming India vs Australia Sydney cricket test matches in January 2025 being held at Sydney Cricket Ground.” He says “It has never been more exciting or easier than it is now to book corporate incentives to Sydney. With 4x increased flight capacity, a revamped online group visa process and many new venues, hotels and attractions to put Sydney as a top consideration for your upcoming reward trip.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Melbourne Convention Bureau, Julia Swanson talks about another exciting Australian city. “Melbourne is a top choice for Indian corporate incentive travel planners, offering a vibrant mix of culture, excitement, and exclusive experiences. As the cultural and sporting capital of Australia, Melbourne’s rich heritage and dynamic vibe make it the perfect destination for Indian travellers. Our city’s walkability and compact diversity make it easy for visitors to immerse themselves in Melbourne’s rich offerings seamlessly. From our famous cafes, rooftop bars, and laneways, to distinguished food and wine experiences, every corner of this city is bound to inspire Indian groups.”
The MILT Congress industry leaders will emphasize a growing trend towards bespoke travel experiences tailored to individual preferences. The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi exemplifies high hospitality standards. Mannai Travels will talk about Qatar, its cultural charm and its diverse offerings, appealing to Indian visitors. Ocean Park Hong Kong, Dusit Thani Hotels & Resorts, Sun International, Nong Ping 360, Happay, Hafla, Kempinski Hotels & Resorts, Concept Solutions, JTB India and Accor are other valuable partners that will add value with diverse insights in the travel industry, highlighting varied destinations such as Finland, Taiwan, Jordan, Abu Dhabi, Sydney, Azerbaijan, Czech Republic, Ras Al Khaimah, Hong Kong, Melbourne & Qatar.
The eminent speakers from Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality at this year’s MILT Congress in Jaipur promise to make it an exceptional gathering. Their insights will reveal a strong trend towards personalized, high-quality, and culturally immersive travel experiences, setting the stage for a dynamic and engaging MILT Congress 2024.
Varsha Yadav, VP- Sales Promotion Agency Channel, Max Life Insurance Company Limited says, “This year, I am particularly looking forward to the diverse range of sessions and panel discussions that are planned. I am excited to hear from thought leaders about the future of the MICE industry and to gain insights into emerging trends and technologies. Additionally, I am eager to participate in the networking opportunities and to meet with other professionals who share a passion for innovation and excellence in MICE events.”
Sandeep V Dandekar, Senior Director, NTT Global Data Centres agrees on the importance of the Congress, “India is transforming, growing and will continue to do so. In fact, considering the potential and all the right enabler/accelerator things falling in place, I am very confident that MICE has a steep and sustainable growth horizon ahead in India.”
QnA International’s Director Mr. Sidh NC concludes, “On behalf of QnA International, I extend heartfelt thanks to all our partners and speakers for their invaluable contributions to MILT Congress 2024. Our partners’ and vendors’ dedication and insights have been instrumental in shaping this event into a premier platform for the MICE and luxury travel sectors. Together, we are setting new benchmarks in the industry and creating exceptional experiences for Indian travel buyers.”
25, Jul 2024
Celebrating the Third Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence

25th July 2024 Bangalore, Karnataka, India On the auspicious morning of 21 July 2024, Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence (SSSUHE) celebrated its 3rd Convocation at the Sri Sathya Sai Premamrutham Auditorium. The event was graced by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, esteemed Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. This momentous occasion recognized the achievements of 7 honorary doctorates, 6 Doctors of Philosophy, and 154 graduate students. This year’s theme, “ekaṁ sat viprāḥ bahudhā vadanti” – Truth is one, but the wise call it by many names, highlights SSSUHE’s commitment to embracing diverse perspectives in our pursuit of knowledge.
Addressing educational challenges highlighted by the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER 2023: Beyond Basics), which shows that about 25% of rural students aged 14-18 years still cannot read a grade two-level text fluently in their regional language, SSSUHE provides quality education free of cost, including lodging, boarding, and all daily essentials. This commitment significantly benefits youth from rural areas, with over 70% of students below the poverty line, more than 65% being girls, and about 32% being first-generation graduates. The University currently enrolls 117 students across various disciplines, including MBBS, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences, making a profound impact on bridging the education gap in underserved communities.
Shri Hardeep Singh Puri Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, praised the initiative, saying, “It is a great honor for me on the auspicious occasion of Guru Poornima to be at the third convocation ceremony of Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence. I congratulate the 154 graduates, 6 doctorates, faculties, and families for their achievements. I personally thank Sri Madhusudan Sai Ji for inviting me. He is a role model for us all, dedicated to raising human consciousness and striving for human excellence. His public-spirited endeavours, spiritual guidance, and humanitarian work uplift the most vulnerable sections of society, touching thousands of lives in India and worldwide. His initiatives span 60 nations. I applaud Sri Madhusudan Sai Ji’s efforts to promote the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”
Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, Global Humanitarian, Spiritual Leader and Founder of Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, introduced seven honorary doctorate recipients for their selfless service. These are Mr T B Jayachandra; Prof Darshan Shankar; Prof Dr Afksendiyos Kalangos; Dr Lakshmi Prasad; Mr Isaac Tigrett; Mr Dimitris Lambrianos; Dr P T Usha.
Sri Madhusudan Sai emphasized the importance of graduates, postgraduates, and doctorates, acknowledging the sacrifices of devotees for free education. Parents were encouraged to bless their children to walk the path of service. The mission of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, rooted in ancient Indian ethos, envisions the world as one family. This concept, emphasized by the Prime Minister at the G20 Summit, was the theme of the Convocation: ekaṁ sat viprāḥ bahudhā vadanti – despite our differences, we are inherently one. This Vedic and scriptural message urges our students not just to be educated but enlightened beings who foster transformational change. With an attitude of living for each other and for God, Sadguru wished the students, their parents, and the guests a prosperous future and blessed Guru Poornima.
Sri B N Narasimha Murthy, Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, said, “At the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, founded by Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, we integrate India’s ancient wisdom with modern science and technology, merging spiritual wisdom with contemporary education. For the first time in higher education, human excellence is given equal importance to academic excellence. Students are assessed on both, with grades out of 10, and their overall grade is the average of the two. Today, we honour students receiving gold medals: 10 undergraduates, 8 postgraduates, and 6 doctorates, who excel in both academic and human excellence. This pioneering approach includes intelligence, emotional, social, and spiritual excellence, aiming to create citizens with individual character, professional excellence, and social responsibility—brilliant heads, compassionate hearts, and competent hands.”
Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence stands out as a unique institution that blends spiritual and worldly knowledge based on the ancient Indian Gurukulam System of Values-based Education. Offering a diverse range of 18 undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the curriculum extends beyond traditional education to include Vedic Studies, Performing Arts, Medical and Paramedical Education, Agriculture, Mental Health, Sports and Yoga, Physical Education, and Vocational Skills. This holistic approach ensures that students are not only academically proficient but also well-rounded individuals ready to contribute to society’s welfare.
25, Jul 2024
Access India’s Top Developers under One Roof, at the Invest India Realty Expo 2024 in Noida

25th July 2024 Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India The most anticipated real estate event of the year is here! Invest India Realty Expo 2024 is set to take place this weekend, 27 – 28 July 2024, from 10 AM to 8 PM, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Sec 18, Noida, bringing together India’s top developers and exclusive overseas investment opportunities under one roof.
Event Highlights:
- Premium Properties: Discover a wide range of premium residential and commercial properties from India’s leading developers.
- Top Developers: Meet and interact with top developers, showcasing their latest and most luxurious projects.
- Overseas Investments: Explore key investment opportunities in Dubai, providing unparalleled returns and growth potential.
- Exclusive Offers: Unlock benefits upto Rs. 1 Crore on your dream property and enjoy assured gifts with each on-the-spot booking.
Reasons to Attend?
- Exclusive Deals: Exclusive discounts which are not available even at the site visit will be offered here. Assured rewards with every booking.
- All Developers under one Roof: thereby saving your time and money, allowing you to choose from top brands and projects under various stages of construction such as Pre-launch / Mid – Construction / Ready to Move.
- Trust and Transparency :- Meet the developers representative face to face
Pre-Register Today! To ensure you don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity, pre-register by calling +91 96200 54154 or visiting our website at investindiarealty.events. Early registration guarantees you a personalized experience and quick access to the best deals and properties at the expo.