Signify Inaugurates Global Digital Centre in Bengaluru for Growth, Innovation, and Transformation

19th July 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world’s leading lighting company, has officially launched its Global Digital Centre in Bhartiya City, Thanisandra, Bengaluru. This new office, spanning over 300 people, is designed to be a hub for creativity and innovation and is part of Signify’s Innovation Labs (SIL) in the city. This centre will be the home to some of the best and brightest minds in the digital space.

Signify’s aim is to use this facility to continue pushing ahead on its digital transformation journey, which includes digitalizing customer interfaces, processes, and offers. The Global Digital Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and amenities to enable its 300+ employees to deliver their best. It features a dedicated area for collaboration, co-creation, and relaxation, with stylish interiors, lush greenery, and comfortable workspaces. The combination of cutting-edge technology and a nurturing work environment ensures that Signify’s team can work at their best, driving the company forward in its mission to create a better world through innovation and sustainability.

Mr. Tony Thomas, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Signify said, “We are thrilled to expand our footprint in India with our global digital centre in the heart of Bengaluru. As a leader in the lighting space, we believe that nurturing talent in the digital space will be one of the top key drivers for our growth trajectory of business globally. This base will play a pivotal role to drive the strategic objectives of our organization at large.”

Employees at the new facility will get the opportunity to work on some of the most cutting-edge projects in the digital space including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation. The new setup is intended to be a hub of innovation and collaboration, where employees can share ideas and work together to solve some of the most complex challenges in the lighting and digital space.

MAAC Successfully Concludes a First of its Kind Gen AI Powered Tech Challenge – Deadline: A Motion Comic Showdown

19th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  MAAC, a premiere institute and a pioneer in high-end 3D animation Gaming & VFX training, organized Deadline: A Motion Comic Showdown Powered by Gen AI for the students of MAAC, pan India. The theme for this Creative Challenge was “Mythology & History,” which commenced on 23rd May 2024 and concluded in the evening of June 7th, 2024. The event comprised a creative challenge where students relentlessly worked in teams and created 120 seconds of Motion Comics.

During the event, the participating students received masterclasses introducing them to Digital Comics, art generation with artificial intelligence and how to make motion comics. Generative AI has significantly aided creators by streamlining their workflows, providing inspiration, and automating tedious tasks. It has empowered students to push the boundaries of their creativity, resulting in high-quality and innovative motion comics. It has also helped students to enhance their creative process. The challenge focused on utilizing Generative AI to create artwork, with students employing advanced tools such as MidJourney, Leonardo, ChatGPT, and Google translators. This challenge seamlessly blended Generative AI with traditional software like Photoshop, After Effects, and Premiere, allowing participants to enhance their creative process and achieve exceptional results / creative outputs. As part of this Creative challenge, the students got to witness a one-of-a-kind experience working towards an output of Motion Comics using Generative AI tools.

The Creative Challenge saw high participation, with over 155+ teams (4 students per team totaling 620 students) collectively creating over 18600 seconds of motion comics.

Several key technological and market drivers are propelling the animation, VFX, Gaming & Comics (AVGC) industry forward, creating emerging opportunities. Advances in Generative AI, AR, VR, XR, and virtual production are transforming how content is created and consumed. These innovations enable richer, more immersive experiences that captivate audiences worldwide. The design of this tech challenge is based on the 360 Degree Skills Advantage principle of MAAC which puts student’s skills & talent to the test and evaluates their preparedness for jobs in an ever-evolving industry. Through these tech challenges, MAAC focuses not only on technical training but also on fostering an environment of continuous learning and innovation.

Mr. Kallol Mukherjee, Executive Vice President, of International Business, Domestic MAAC & Aptech Learning said, “Deadline: A Motion Comic Showdown represents a ground-breaking creative challenge where our students embrace new age advancements in technology, acquiring smarter skills. MAAC takes pride in pioneering this approach. Instead of shying away from Generative AI, we harness its power to elevate our students’ capabilities and redefine creative boundaries. Generative AI has revolutionized workflows by offering inspiration, automating tasks, and enhancing creativity. This initiative highlights MAAC’s commitment to nurturing talent and preparing students for dynamic careers in the Media & Entertainment Industry. I am delighted to see our MAAC students not only embracing Gen AI in their day-to-day learning but also faring so well in tech challenges such as Deadline.”

Winners of this tech challenge will be receiving Certification of Merit. Additionally, all student participants will be granted a certificate of participation.

Through its top-notch curriculum and comprehensive skill set including technical prowess, industry acumen, creativity, teamwork, adeptness with deadlines, resilience, and personality development, MAAC consistently hones students’ abilities across various facets of the Media & Entertainment Industry, including 3D Animation, VFX, Gaming Multimedia and Broadcast. MAAC underscores the significance of initiatives like “Deadline” in not only equipping young individuals with essential skills but also priming them with new age advanced and smart skills for prosperous careers in the Media & Entertainment sector.

BIG FM Announces AI-Enabled BIG Dhun Platform, Aims to Revolutionize The Musical Experience for Listeners

19th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Today, AI is not just a mere buzzword; its assuming a central role and reshaping the future across various sectors. Known for being in line with the rapidly evolving technological advancements, BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks, is leveraging its offerings under its integrated marketing brand architecture – BIG World, enabling them with the power of AI. Leaping, the radio network aims to create a cohesive and dynamic ecosystem that enhances user experience and fosters a deeper connection with its audience. Kickstarting the first leg of its offering, the radio network announces its distinctive AI-driven initiative – BIG Dhun: a custom song generation platform.

Taking personalization a step further, BIG Dhun is an exclusive AI-powered song-creation platform that will revolutionize the way audiences experience music. The interactive platform will enable users to input different prompts to generate a unique song in seconds. It invites listeners to share specific details reflecting their mood, preferred genre, language, gender, personal story or any chosen theme. The AI platform will generate custom songs that encapsulate the essence of these elements. BIG Dhun is all set to be launched on Friendship’s Day, making the celebrations special for everyone. The songs, crafted with precision reflecting different kinds of relationships that friends share, will be accompanied by touching testimonials. This innovative use of AI not only highlights the technological prowess of BIG FM but also underscores its commitment to fostering genuine connections through the power of music and storytelling.

Commenting on the same, Abraham Thomas, CEO, BIG FM, said, “At BIG FM, we’re leveraging AI to transform our content strategy, enhance engagement and set new benchmarks in consumer experience. It allows us to deliver real-time, data-driven content and interactions, ensuring that our offerings are always relevant, engaging and tailored to individual preferences. We have an impressive line up of offerings in this space which we are sure to get all our stakeholders excited.”

Sunil Kumaran, COO, BIG FM shared, “Through BIG World, our endeavour has always been to provide end-to-end solutions to all our stakeholders. With the introduction of AI, we were leveraging it as a tool to create personalised content and gain deeper consumer insights, but now we are applying it in a more analytical direction. In the age of digital media and entertainment, interactive campaigns that engage users creatively are at the forefront of innovations. Our new platform BIG Dhun aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence to create a unique experience where users can generate personalized songs. It embodies the philosophy of innovation, connectivity and personalized engagement, underscoring our dedication to delivering a holistic experience.”

BIG Dhun anticipates high user interactions, fostering a vibrant and active community. As pioneers in embracing radio + digital advancements, BIG FM continues to innovate and adapt, leading the way whilst merging the best of both worlds- radio’s classic charm with modern digital experiences.

Sobha Group’s Sri Kurumba Trust Wins Global CSR & ESG Award 2024 for Child & Women Development

19th July 2024  Bangalore, Karnataka, India  Sobha Group’s CSR wing, Sri Kurumba Educational, and Charitable Trust, has been honoured with the “Best Child and Women Development Initiatives of the Year 2024.” This esteemed accolade was presented at the Global CSR, Sustainability, and ESG Awards 2024, at the Hyatt Regency, Gurgaon. The event was organized by Marketing and Brand Honchos and brought together industry leaders and champions of social responsibility.

Mr. Nagarajan S, Vice President of Projects at Sobha Limited, received this award on behalf of the organization. This recognition highlights the pathbreaking initiatives of Sri Kurumba Educational and Charitable Trust’s initiatives in empowering children and women through world-class education and community development programs.

“At Sobha, we believe that true success is measured by the impact and positive change we bring to society. This award reflects our dedication to creating opportunities and fostering growth through holistic development. Our initiatives are driven by a deep sense of purpose and a lifelong commitment to making a lasting difference in the society,” said a representative from Sobha Limited.

The Sri Kurumba Educational and Charitable Trust has been instrumental in implementing a range of programs that have enhanced the quality of life for less privileged children and women. From providing educational scholarships that enable young minds, to dream big to offering vocational training that empowers women to be self-reliant, the Trust continues to make a difference with stories of hope and transformation.

No Change of Heart: How Meitra Hospital and an Ordinary Family Saved a Human being and Humanity

19th July 2024  Kozhikode, Kerala, India  Meitra Hospital recently held a profoundly significant and emotional event, ‘Salute Brave Hearts’ to honor the family of a noble person who donated his heart to give life to a brave police officer. Grade ASI E. Kumaran, who has now returned to duty within three months of the procedure was duly congratulated in the event. The renowned Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr Murali P. Vettath and his team of doctors and para-medical staff of Meitra Hospital were also felicitated. Inspector General of Police North Zone, K. Sethuraman IPS, Kumaran’s police colleagues and the family members of the donor and Kumaran attended the event.

During the event, the son of the donor had the poignant experience of listening to his beloved father’s heartbeat through Kumaran’s heart via a stethoscope.

Kumaran’s heart transplant was a shining example of a remarkable humanitarian effort. After two unsuccessful angioplasties, a heart transplant was the only option for Kumaran. Bileesh, a 47-year-old man known for his social work, from Cheruvannur, Kozhikode had passed away, and his family generously consented to donate his heart, upholding his wishes. Kumaran’s 1999 police batchmates raised a considerable amount of funds for the surgery and financial assistance was also received through the MEDISEP program of the government of Kerala. Meitra Hospital also subsided its charges. The transplant procedure was successfully performed under the expert leadership of Dr. Murali P. Vettath at Meitra Hospital within three and a half hours which is way below the usual time taken for such procedures. According to Dr.Murali P. Vettath, a faster transplant procedure leads to improved results and a healthier heart. Kumaran is now back on his duty at Peravoor Police Station.

The ‘Salute Brave Hearts’ event, held at Meitra Hospital, aimed to spread awareness about the significance of organ transplants. The event honored Bileesh’s family for their selfless act of donating their loved one’s heart to E. Kumaran. It also recognized the efforts of Kumaran’s police batchmates and the medical team at Meitra Hospital.

“Despite advancements, there remains a significant lack of awareness about organ transplants. Many individuals are currently waiting for transplants after registering. Both donor Bileesh and recipient E. Kumaran are ordinary individuals, but the community effort that came together for this heart transplant is extraordinary and truly commendable,” said K. Sethuraman IPS said.

The event also featured remarks from Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Murali P. Vettath, Medical Director Jijo V Cherian, and CEO of Meitra Hospital, Nihaj G Mohammed, and other distinguished dignitaries.

Meitra Hospital is the premier center for cardiac vascular diseases in Kerala, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and the largest team of specialized cardiac care experts.

Dakota Lithium Selects Dan Frederick

Pataskala, OH, July 18, 2024 –-Dakota Lithium is pleased to announce the selection of Dan Frederick as Account Executive representing Clients in Rail, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Large Scale Solar Applications. Dan has 36 years in the Rail Industry and first converted Switching Locomotives to Battery Electric in 1998. Dan’s primary objective on the Rail side will be introducing Dakota Lithium Ion Locomotive Starting Battery Solution with a 15+ year life expectancy, 11-year replacement warranty, zero maintenance, and operational capabilities in temperature ranging from -40F to 180F.

XGlobe Corporation Launches Project Guardians

Syracuse, NY, July 18, 2024 — XGlobe, an innovative leader in enterprise consulting and ERP software solutions, proudly announces the launch of Project Guardians. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to empower small businesses, provide practical education to the next generation, and promote community-driven economic growth.

Project Guardians aims to support small businesses by providing them with the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to compete with larger corporations. The initiative focuses on detailed business assessments, strategic consulting, and the implementation of cutting-edge technology solutions tailored to the unique needs of each business.

As part of Project Guardians, XGlobe will offer a comprehensive range of services, including:

Consulting and Business Assessment: In-depth analysis of business operations to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth.
Technology Integration: Customized ERP solutions to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and drive innovation.
Community Support: Building a trust pool to foster collaboration among local businesses and encourage mutual growth.

XGlobe’s mission extends beyond business solutions. Project Guardians is committed to providing practical education that prepares the next generation for future job markets. By focusing on essential skills and technological proficiency, XGlobe aims to create a workforce ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

“We believe that small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Dakota Brokhoff, Founder and Head Digital Contractor of XGlobe. “Project Guardians is our way of giving them a fighting chance against big corporations while fostering community support and promoting economic growth.”

To support the initiative, XGlobe will also launch a dedicated website featuring detailed information about Project Guardians, success stories, and ways for businesses and individuals to get involved. The website will include a donation platform and an online store offering exclusive Project Guardians merchandise, with proceeds going towards supporting the initiative.

KOPO KRUNCH Introduces Korean Corn Dogs at Northridge Fashion Center – Grand Opening This Friday

Northridge, CA, July 18, 2024 –Founded by a team of food enthusiasts, KOPO KRUNCH has been perfecting the art of the corn dog for years. The company specializes in Korean corn dogs, which are hot dogs coated in a sweet and savory batter and then fried to golden perfection. The menu includes a variety of flavors and toppings, such as classic, spicy, cheese, and more. All ingredients are sourced from high-quality suppliers to ensure the best possible product.

Ricky Alam, the founder of KOPO KRUNCH, has been a prominent figure in the shopping mall environment for the past two decades, operating as a Wetzel’s Pretzels franchisee. With extensive experience in the Food and Beverage industry, Alam currently owns 13 locations in shopping malls across the United States. His expertise and dedication to quality have been instrumental in bringing KOPO KRUNCH to life.

The grand opening event will provide an opportunity for customers to experience the innovative flavors of KOPO KRUNCH. The company looks forward to sharing its love for Korean corn dogs with the Northridge community.

Cobble Beach Concours D’Elegance Gearing Up for Its 10th Year

Kemble, Canada, July 18, 2024 — The quintessential Canadian Concours d’Elegance is returning to Cobble Beach Golf Resort Community September 13-15, 2024, for its 10th year. The shores of Georgian Bay and the lush fairways of Cobble Beach Golf Resort will once again be the canvas on which to present over 100 beautiful and rarely-seen works of automotive art. Only the most elegant and authentic vehicles are invited to participate in the Sunday Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Over the past nine years, Cobble Beach has raised over $1,000,000 for the Brightshores Health System Owen Sound Foundation and the Sunnybrook Foundation. Net proceeds from the Sunday Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance will be donated to Sunnybrook, which will help build the new home of Sunnybrook’s Garry Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre, the only facility in Canada where world-class researchers and clinicians will work together to revolutionize the treatment of the three most common brain disorders — dementia, stroke, and mood and anxiety disorders.

“It is our great honour to have the opportunity to raise money for two amazing facilities close to our hearts,” said Rob McLeese, founder and show chair of the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance. “We could not do this without the generous donations from our partners who provide items for our auction, as well as the patrons attending our events. We are grateful to the community for making this event possible.”

The 10th annual Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance features a wide range of events over the course of 3 days. Engines start on Friday with the Participants’ Tour showcasing the beautiful Bruce Grey Simcoe County roads by taking Participants on a 115 km drive to the historic town of Meaford, Ontario. Familiar Saturday events return with the 6th annual Cars & Coffee, located in downtown Owen Sound’s River District. Returning for its 3rd installment to the Saturday lineup is the Concours d’Lemons event presented by Hagerty, also taking place in downtown Owen Sound’s River District. Other highlights for Saturday include two (2) free automotive seminars at the Roxy Theatre in Owen Sound, the Collector’s Dinner (for participants and invited guests only) and a live auction benefiting the Sunnybrook Foundation.

What is a Concours d’Elegance? Derived from the French term meaning a competition of elegance, the Concours d’Elegance has a historic story dating back to 17th-century French society. An event that began with horse-drawn carriages being paraded through the parks of Paris, France has evolved into a display of antique and classic cars for both competition and celebration. The 2024 Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance will be held on the 18th fairway of Cobble Beach Golf Resort & Community overlooking the beautiful waters of Georgian Bay.