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MFMC’s Triumphant Presence at Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World 2024, Dubai

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January 22, 2025

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MFMC’s Triumphant Presence at Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World 2024, Dubai

PRWire:

The Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC) participated in the prestigious Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) 2024, held in Dubai from September 30th to October 2nd. As a government-backed organization driving investment in the Maldives, MFMC represented the island nation by sharing insights into investment opportunities, sustainability initiatives, and the future of the Maldivian tourism industry.

MFMC, a key player in the economic landscape of the Maldives, has been entrusted with steering
investment toward strategic sectors essential for the country’s sustainable growth. Its core focus areas include tourism, infrastructure, and renewable energy, sectors vital to supporting the Maldives’ national development goals. Through its investment efforts, MFMC aims to strengthen the economy while fostering long-term sustainability across these industries.

The Future Hospitality Summit, renowned for bringing together global leaders, policymakers, investors, and experts in hospitality, was a key platform for MFMC to highlight its initiatives. This year’s summit was centered around themes such as Real Estate Hotelisation, Sustainable Construction, and Technological Innovation, with a special emphasis on how these trends will shape the future of hospitality and global investment. These themes resonate with MFMC’s commitment to integrating sustainability and technology into its tourism development projects.

During the summit, MFMC took the opportunity to unveil several of its major tourism initiatives during a panel discussion titled ‘Building the Future: The Changing Face of Market and Investor Growth in the Maldives.’ Eezan Shahul Hameed, Chief Commercial Officer of MFMC, spoke on the panel alongside notable industry figures such as Amman Shah, Executive Director of Dubai Holdings Investment, Tony Miki, Partner at Foster and Partners, Majd Hamamouchi, Corporate Business Development Director of TIME Hotels. The panel examined the evolving market landscape and investor interest in the Maldives, with a special focus on MFMC’s role in shaping the future of the country’s tourism sector. Additionally, MFMC’s Managing Director, Ahmed Nazim, contributed to the event as a member of the advisory board for FHS, further solidifying the corporation’s involvement in the summit’s strategic discussions.

Beyond this session, MFMC actively participated in several other key discussions at FHS. ‘New Horizons Ahead: Trends and Developments in Tomorrow’s Designs,’ and ‘Branded Residences: A New Era in Real Estate Investment.’ These discussions provided MFMC with the opportunity to showcase its strategic vision for the Maldivian tourism industry, particularly in terms of leveraging emerging trends to drive sustainable growth and attract global investors.

A highlight of this year’s summit was the introduction of ‘Country Pavilions,’ a new feature designed to
spotlight emerging hospitality projects and highlight investment opportunities in high-ROI ventures from different nations. As the official representative of the Maldives, MFMC used this platform to present some of its flagship tourism projects. Among them were the Gaafaru Integrated Tourism Development Project, Hankede Integrated Tourism Development Project, Addu Nature Park, and the Dhiyaneru Yacht Marina and Safari Harbour. These projects reflect MFMC’s ambition to diversify the Maldives’ tourism sector and drive the next phase of growth.

The Gaafaru Integrated Tourism Development Project, for instance, involves the creation of two luxury
resorts and 14 private islands within the same lagoon. For the first time in the Maldives, these private islands will be available for sale to individual buyers under long-term lease agreements of up to 99 years. This unprecedented move will allow buyers to develop their own private homes on the islands. Additionally,

MFMC will be offering a residency-by-investment program tied to the sale of these real estate properties, providing buyers with benefits such as multi-entry visas, fast-track services, and tax savings. MFMC also introduced the Hankede Integrated Tourism Development Project, located in the southernmost atoll of Addu. Set to begin in November 2024, this ambitious project will transform the region into a premier tourism destination. The development will feature an array of facilities, including grand and deluxe hotels, restaurants, water sports centers, and other attractions, all within a designated tourism zone. Upon completion, the zone will offer over 1,000 rooms (2,088 beds) and a real estate component, including serviced apartments, beach villas, and water villas available for purchase.

Another key project showcased was the Dhiyaneru Yacht Marina and Safari Harbour, which is designed to cater to the growing number of superyachts and safari vessels visiting the Maldives. Strategically located near Velana International Airport, just five minutes by speedboat, this development will feature a state-of- the-art mooring and berthing harbor, a yacht club, hotels, and restaurants, enhancing the Maldives’ appeal as a top destination for high-end travelers.

Last month, President of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, announced the government’s plans to roll out a residency-by-investment program, designed to attract foreign capital and create new investment opportunities in the country. This initiative is seen as a pivotal move for the Maldives, aligning its investment strategy with global destinations like Dubai that have successfully evolved into business-driven hubs. The Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC) aims to utilize this program to boost investor interest in its real estate components of the projects currently undertaken by the corporation, further elevating the attractiveness of its current developments.

MFMC’s participation in the Future Hospitality Summit 2024 was met with keen interest from industry
leaders, investors, and policymakers. The corporation’s pavilion attracted significant attention, and MFMC is optimistic that the connections made at the summit will lead to fruitful collaborations and investments in the Maldives’ tourism future. Through its pioneering efforts, MFMC continues to play a pivotal role in transforming the tourism landscape of the Maldives and driving sustainable economic development in the
country.

FreeAgent CRM Rebrands to Servis.ai to Transform Customer-Facing Operations with AI-Powered Insights

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January 22, 2025

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FreeAgent CRM Rebrands to Servis.ai to Transform Customer-Facing Operations with AI-Powered Insights

PRWire:

FreeAgent CRM, a leader in customer operations management, today announced a major rebranding initiative. The company will now operate as servis.ai, reflecting its mission to transform and elevate customer-facing operations by combining a powerful system of record with cutting-edge AI. This shift aligns with the company’s commitment to empowering businesses in complex industries to streamline operations, increase productivity, and enhance the customer experience.

The rebrand to servis.ai encapsulates the platform’s evolution from a traditional CRM to a robust Business Operations Management Platform (BOMP). As servis.ai, the company will focus on helping customer-centric teams automate and simplify critical workflows, enhancing every step of the customer journey with actionable insights.

“Today’s businesses face a imminent disruption far bigger than the COVID-19 lockdowns,” said Dave Stephens, CEO of servis.ai. “And that’s AI. Businesses that fail to incorporate AI into their enterprise systems will be left behind. Our shift to servis.ai represents our commitment to leading the charge, on behalf of our customers, so their workflows can be more intelligent, efficient, and impactful.”

Empowering Complex, Customer-Facing Industries

Servis.ai serves organizations across sectors where managing complex operations is essential—ranging from healthcare to manufacturing, financial services, and post-production media.

AI-Driven System of Record

With its new identity, servis.ai reinforces its role as a system of record that combines workflow automation and advanced AI tools. Designed for customer support, sales, and marketing teams, the platform enables businesses to centralize operations and gain real-time insights, ensuring that each interaction builds stronger relationships and operational resilience.

HIPAA and AI: Transforming Healthcare Operations without Compromise

Servis.ai is committed to ensuring that healthcare organizations, too often forced to forego the latest innovations due to strict regulatory requirements, can harness the power of AI without compromise. With full HIPAA compliance, servis.ai empowers healthcare providers to streamline their operations, improve patient interactions, and increase operational efficiency—all within the bounds of healthcare’s rigorous standards. By addressing the unique challenges of the healthcare sector, servis.ai ensures that providers can finally leverage advanced AI-driven technology, enabling seamless service delivery and an enhanced patient experience without sacrificing compliance. In addition, servis.ai’s customers can completely control which AI capabilities are active and which are disabled as they navigate this new area.

A Platform of the Future

The rebrand to servis.ai represents a long-term vision: to become the world’s most trusted platform for managing customer-facing business operations. Servis.ai aims to deliver an effortless and intelligent user experience, allowing businesses to drive productivity and insights at scale.

As part of the rebrand, servis.ai has launched a conversational AI interface, further simplifying interactions and reducing friction in day-to-day operations. This conversational interface enables users to manage tasks, resolve support requests, and engage in real-time communication, setting a new standard for operational efficiency.

For more information on servis.ai and how it’s transforming customer-facing operations, please visit servis.ai.

EVO Wealth Consulting Launches Wealth Technology Solution Guide with 22 Industry Leaders

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January 22, 2025

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PRWire:

EVO Wealth Consulting Launches Wealth Technology Solution Guide with 22 Industry Leaders

EVO Wealth Consulting (EVO), is proud to introduce the Wealth Technology Solution Guide, created in partnership with 22 leading wealth technology providers. This initiative aims to help financial advisors, RIA firms, and broker-dealers navigate the expanding landscape of wealth technology.

EVO’s new guide offers clear, concise educational content, explaining the functions and implementation of various solutions within advisory firms. The content also addresses the challenges of adopting new technologies and integrating them into existing processes.

The 22 featured firms, selected for their innovative solutions and commitment to client service, span the entire wealth management technology spectrum. These firms provide cutting-edge solutions, continuously invest in their offerings, and are dedicated to exceptional client support.

Mike Casciano, Founder and President of EVO, has extensive experience from his roles at BlackRock and Principal Asset Management, where he combined asset management products with wealth technology and portfolio analytics. “The demand for comprehensive, customized technology education was clear,” Casciano said. “EVO was founded to meet this need.”

EVO’s innovative content covers four key categories:

Data and Cyber: Buckler, FCI, Dispatch, JIFFY.ai
Marketing, Client Engagement, Planning: Fynancial, Asset-Map, Wealth Management GPT, VRGL, FP Alpha, Vanilla, Jump
Portfolio Design, Implementation, Analysis: Nebo Wealth, Smartleaf AM, Advyzon IM, AllocateRite, Kwanti, Jacobi
Investment Solutions: VettaFi, Syntax, Proteus, IMTC, Halo Investing

EVO’s website, www.evo-wealth.com, offers wealth management leaders operational and technical educational content through short videos and articles. Soon, the site will include a portal for curated access to demo videos.

Learn more about EVO, the partner firms, and the Wealth Technology Solution Guide by visiting www.evo-wealth.com.

About EVO

EVO Wealth Consulting, LLC was founded in September 2023 to fill the unmet need of holistic technology and client service process consulting for wealth managers with a focus on $1B+ RIAs. EVO combines two decades of broad asset and wealth manager experience with thousands of advisor engagements. EVO conducts continuous due diligence across the entire technology stack to identify challenges, emerging technologies, best practices, and opportunities for efficiency. The result is a true open architecture consulting relationship that adapts to a firm’s needs through time.

Data and Cyber:

Buckler – https://buckler.app/

FCI – https://fcicyber.com/

Dispatch – https://www.dispatch.io/

JIFFY.ai – https://jiffy.ai/

Marketing, Client Engagement, Planning:

Fynancial – https://fynancial.com/

Asset-Map – https://www.asset-map.com/

Wealth Management GPT – https://wealthmanagementgpt.com/

VRGL – https://www.vrglwealth.com/

FP Alpha – https://fpalpha.com/

Vanilla – https://www.justvanilla.com/

Jump – https://jumpapp.com/

Portfolio Design, Implementation, Analysis:

Nebo Wealth – https://www.nebowealth.com/

Smartleaf AM – https://www.smartleafam.com/

Advyzon IM – https://www.advyzon.com/main/index.html

AllocateRite – https://www.allocaterite.com/

Kwanti – https://kwanti.com/

Jacobi – https://www.jacobistrategies.com/

Investment Solutions:

VettaFi – https://vettafi.com/

Syntax – https://www.syntaxdata.com/

Proteus – https://www.proteuscapital.us/

IMTC – https://imtc.com/

Halo Investing – https://haloinvesting.com/

Contact:

Mike Casciano

President

mike@evo-wealth.com

484-764-2387

Celebrating WWII veteran, grandfather and all-around mensch Charles Wilson as he turns 100

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January 22, 2025

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Celebrating WWII veteran, grandfather and all-around mensch Charles Wilson as he turns 100

PRWire:

If someone asked, “What would you do for your 100^th birthday?” the first answer probably wouldn’t be, “Head into work.” Charles Wilson is different. On June 16, Father’s Day, he will officially turn 100, but on Friday the 14, this centenarian will put on his best suit, and most likely his WWII commemorative baseball cap, and walk up the steps and into the lobby of Ernest Packaging Solutions in Commerce, CA, for the unbelievable, awe-inspiring, umpteenth time.

He’s been doing the very same thing—at 9 a.m. sharp—for the past 78 years.

That’s not the only thing he’s been doing with his century on Earth. He did 100 pushups a day until he was 98 years old. He practiced law, on top of being Chairman and CEO of his company, until he was 99. He’s been consistently active in national politics, sat on the Cedar Sinai board of governors, and been a chairperson for the nonprofit JVS SoCal. But make no mistake, this unbelievable success and unparalleled drive did not come easy for Charles Wilson. Nor did it come out of the blue. There’s one very simple reason his life continues to exemplify the American rags-to-riches dream:

A woman named Minnie Wilson.

Charles’ incredible work ethic was instilled in him and his brother Ernest (the company’s namesake) by their mother, Minnie. During the Great Depression, she lost her husband and their home but still managed to raise her two boys on literally next to nothing. Even so, Minnie often instilled in both brothers that there was always someone less fortunate than them. So even when she couldn’t give the boys a little spare change to go to the movies, she always had a dime for a stranger.

She raised them right and when it came time to serve their country, both boys answered the call. Ernest went into the Army Air Corps (now the Air Force) and Charles to the Army infantry. Charles still remembers this harrowing time with his signature sense of humor, “When people are shooting at you, you can dig a foxhole damn quickly.” During his tour of duty, Charles’ platoon was met with heavy artillery fire, and he was injured. Disregarding his own injuries, he brought six wounded men back to the command post to safety. For his valor, he received both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, two of the highest honors the military can bestow.

The next chapter of his story began when Charles returned home to Los Angeles. His brother met him at Union Station with a hug and an announcement, “We’re in business!” Total employees: two. The brothers started their humble new venture out of a one-car garage and slowly but steadily grew it over the years. While making deliveries and helping Ernie with the business, Charles also attended USC law school and passed the bar in 1950 at 26 years old. At that time, there were fewer than 27,000 attorneys practicing in the whole state of California. Throughout his young life, he also found time to write poetry, spend quality time with his mother and brother, and always maintain an attitude where he put other people first. Charles says it best, “Give more to others than to yourself. Be humble and you will get back tenfold.”

In 1954, he met the love of his life, Betty Seagle, and proudly became known as “Mr. Betty.” They raised a girl and a boy, Minda and Tim, in Los Angeles, CA. In fact, his son, Tim, has worked alongside his father since the early 90s and currently serves as president of the company. Today, Charles is a proud and dedicated grandfather to four. When asked about work, the subject will always turn back to family, “We wanted to have a family business, and we wanted everybody who worked for us to be a part of that family,” Wilson says. “If you enjoy the people you work with, you feel we’re all in this together and everybody is important in the business. We will work together and try to get you to your best.”

Due to an unparalleled drive and true love of what he does, Chairman and CEO Charles Wilson has helped Ernest Packaging thrive. This once-small business with a single location in LA is now in 15 cities nationwide with over 600 employees, including a division within blocks of where he and his brother were born in Salt Lake City. If asked, Charles will downplay his role and argue the true reason for success is that he surrounds himself with people who are smarter than him. It’s this sense of humility and kindness—still at 100 years young—that makes him a pillar of the community and a beloved presence at work. Within the walls at Ernest, he’s known for his words of wisdom. “When you can help someone, that’s the best thing in the world.” And a most fitting phrase, “Every day is a gift,” which is actually printed on the wall at headquarters.

While the story of Charles began with both poverty and tragedy, it continues today as a true triumph. And the things he’s seen in his lifetime are almost unfathomable.From horses delivering ice to the invention of sliced bread to the discovery of penicillin to televisions in every home—even humankind’s first walk on the moon—he’s been there for it all. And he’s proof positive that if you work hard and put others before yourself, what you get in return is absolutely amazing.

On June 14, all the friends, family and loved ones are going to bring gifts, good wishes and more hugs than he can handle. But Charles Wilson will be the one giving the greatest present of all: being an inspiration to all of those lucky enough to know him.

———

About Ernest
Ernest is a family-owned packaging solutions company that creates wonderful, unconventional experiences for our clients. It’s been that way since 1946, and it still stands to this day. We don’t just deliver boxes, bubble wrap and the occasional bear claw. We help our clients blaze new trails by offering end-to-end business solutions to get their product safely and cost-effectively to their customers.

Whether it’s a packaging, supply chain or process automation problem, there’s no challenge too big or small for us to tackle. How? We achieve the impossible by saying no to the status quo, focusing on bringing smiles to faces and making the world a little more Ernest.

Learn more about our solutions at: https://www.ernestpackaging.com

For more information, interviews, or inquiries, please contact:
Kristin Vega, Marketing Communications Manager
323.923.3223

Sports Ergonomics: Optimizing Training and Preventing Sports Injuries

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January 22, 2025

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Sports Ergonomics: Optimizing Training and Preventing Sports Injuries

PRWire:

Sports ergonomics, also known as athletic ergonomics, plays a crucial role in enhancing athletic performance and minimizing the risk of injuries. By understanding and applying ergonomic principles, athletes can optimize their training routines, improve their performance, and ensure long-term health. This comprehensive guide will delve into the importance of sports ergonomics, how to implement ergonomic principles in training, and effective strategies for injury prevention.

The Importance of Sports Ergonomics

Understanding Sports Ergonomics

Sports ergonomics involves the study and application of ergonomic principles specifically tailored for athletes. This includes analyzing body movements, postures, equipment design, and environmental factors to enhance performance and prevent injuries. By focusing on optimizing the interaction between athletes and their environment, sports ergonomics aims to reduce physical stress and promote efficiency.

Benefits of Implementing Sports Ergonomics

Implementing sports ergonomics offers numerous benefits for athletes, including:

Enhanced Performance: Proper ergonomic practices help athletes achieve better posture, improved biomechanics, and optimal movement patterns, leading to enhanced performance.
Injury Prevention: By identifying and mitigating risk factors, sports ergonomics significantly reduces the likelihood of sports-related injuries.
Increased Comfort: Ergonomic training environments and equipment provide greater comfort, allowing athletes to train more effectively and for longer periods.
Long-Term Health: Emphasizing ergonomics promotes sustainable training habits that contribute to long-term health and athletic longevity.

Ergonomic Principles in Athletic Training

Posture and Body Mechanics

Maintaining proper posture and body mechanics is fundamental to sports ergonomics. Athletes should focus on aligning their bodies correctly during training and competition to minimize strain on muscles and joints.

Correct Posture in Different Sports

Each sport requires specific postural considerations. For example:

Running: Runners should maintain an upright posture with a slight forward lean, ensuring that their feet land under their hips.
Cycling: Cyclists need to adjust their bike fit to maintain a neutral spine position and avoid excessive bending or reaching.
Swimming: Swimmers should focus on head and body alignment to reduce drag and improve efficiency in the water.

Ergonomic Equipment and Gear

The right equipment and gear are essential components of sports ergonomics. Athletes must select and use equipment that fits well and supports their activities.

Choosing the Right Equipment

Footwear: Proper shoes are crucial for activities like running, basketball, and soccer. Athletes should choose shoes that provide adequate support, cushioning, and fit.
Protective Gear: Helmets, pads, and braces should be ergonomically designed to offer protection without restricting movement.
Training Tools: Equipment like resistance bands, weights, and exercise machines should be adjustable and comfortable to use.

Training Environment

The training environment should be optimized for ergonomics to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Factors to Consider

Surface Quality: Training surfaces should be appropriate for the sport to reduce the risk of injuries. For example, track surfaces for runners should offer the right balance of cushioning and firmness.
Lighting: Adequate lighting is essential to prevent eye strain and ensure visibility during training sessions.
Temperature and Humidity: The environment should be maintained at a comfortable temperature and humidity level to prevent heat stress and dehydration.

Preventing Sports Injuries with Ergonomics

Common Sports Injuries and Their Causes

Understanding common sports injuries and their causes is the first step in prevention. Some prevalent injuries include:

Sprains and Strains: Often caused by improper technique or overuse.
Fractures: Result from high-impact activities or falls.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of tendons due to repetitive movements.

Ergonomic Strategies for Injury Prevention

Implementing ergonomic strategies can significantly reduce the risk of these injuries.

Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down

Athletes should always engage in proper warm-up and cool-down routines to prepare their bodies for activity and aid in recovery.

Warm-Up: A dynamic warm-up that includes activities like jogging, dynamic stretches, and sport-specific drills helps increase blood flow and flexibility.
Cool-Down: A cool-down period with static stretching and low-intensity activities helps to gradually lower heart rate and prevent stiffness.

Ergonomic Training Techniques

Technique Improvement: Athletes should work with coaches to refine their techniques, ensuring that movements are efficient and reduce the risk of injury.
Strength and Flexibility Training: Incorporating strength and flexibility exercises helps to balance muscle groups and support joints.

Rest and Recovery

Adequate rest and recovery are crucial for preventing overuse injuries. Athletes should follow a structured training program that includes rest days and recovery periods.

Monitoring and Adjusting Ergonomics

Continuous monitoring and adjustment of ergonomic practices are vital to maintaining their effectiveness.

Regular Assessments

Athletes should undergo regular assessments to identify any ergonomic issues or potential injury risks. This can include biomechanical analysis, posture evaluations, and equipment checks.

Expanding a 65+ Year Family Legacy Across Houston

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January 22, 2025

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Expanding a 65+ Year Family Legacy Across Houston

PRWire:

Value Village Texas Rebrands as Value World, Expanding a 65+ Year Family Legacy Across Texas

[Houston, TX] — Value Village Texas, a trusted family-owned thrift store business serving Texas communities for more than six decades, is excited to announce its rebranding as Value World. This transition aligns the Texas locations with the Value World brand already established in Ohio and Michigan, creating a unified identity across all regions while honoring the family values that have long defined the business.

The rebranding to Value World introduces a fresh look for Texas stores while maintaining the same family ownership, dedication to quality, and commitment to offering affordable merchandise. “We’re proud to bring Value Village Texas into the Value World family,” said owner, Tia Winfield. “Our family has been part of this community for over 65 years, and while the name is changing, our commitment to customers remains exactly the same.”

Value World also assures its loyal customers that all VIP Club rewards points will transfer seamlessly to the new brand with no assistance required. VIP Club members can continue to earn and redeem points as usual, with every visit contributing to their rewards balance. As always, Value World remains committed to providing an excellent shopping experience for VIP Club members, with special offers and promotions tailored to their loyalty.

Customers can expect updated exterior and interior signage that introduces Value World and reassures them of the seamless transition, including messages like “Formerly Value Village Texas, Now Value World.” In-store, a “Transition Wall” near the entrance will tell the story of the brand’s journey, including photos and a timeline celebrating its history.

The Value Village Texas website will redirect to the main Value World domain, where customers will find information on the rebrand, answers to common questions, and reassurance that all rewards points will transfer automatically to the new brand.

To celebrate, Value World will hold customer appreciation events, offering special promotions and giveaways to thank loyal patrons. The company will also share stories from its 65+ years of family ownership on social media and in local publications, building a sense of continuity and community pride. Unlike some thrift stores, Value World buys their inventory. They purchase items from many sources, including recycling programs, non-profit organizations, and other retailers.

Since they have been in business, they have helped support non-profits that help veterans, children, and families in need. Their purchases have helped organizations raise more than $50,000,000 in support of their charitable missions. In addition, over the years, they have kept more than 100,000,000 pounds of items from going to landfills.

ABOUT VALUE WORLD

Owned by the same family since 1955, the founder of Value World purchased the first store in Cleveland with the mission to serve his community by offering affordable, gently used items. Today, Value World is majority female-owned with nineteen thrift store locations throughout Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; and now Texas. Each store offers a huge selection and fair pricing on quality items. Their goals haven’t changed: they are still family-owned, and they are still committed to taking care of their communities.

More information about Value World can be found at ValueWorld.com.

Elm signs MoU with Kidana Development Company to streamline collaborative digitalisation efforts

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January 17, 2025

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Elm signs MoU with Kidana Development Company to streamline collaborative digitalisation efforts

PRWire:

Elm signs MoU with Kidana Development Company to streamline collaborative digitalisation efforts

Riyadh, KSA, 15 January 2025– Elm, a pioneer in digital solutions, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kidana Development Company, the major developer of the Holy Sites and wholly owned by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. The agreement aims to bolster joint efforts in the development and operation of digital platforms, as well as to deliver consulting services and promote digitalisation in the holy sites. It will also facilitate inspection and field supervision services to ensure the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

The MoU was signed by Mr Mohammad Abdulaziz Alomair, CEO of Elm, and Eng. Majed Ahmed Al-Shangiti, Executive Vice President of Human Capital & Shared Services at Kidana Development Company, in the presence of key officials from both organisations.

As part of the MoU, both entities will coordinate their efforts to achieve mutual goals in areas of shared expertise while leveraging Elm’s electronic solutions, technological systems, and consulting services to drive the digital transformation of the holy sites.

Majid bin Saad Al-Arifi, official spokesman and CEO VP of the Marketing Sector at Elm, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with Kidana, led by a vision to enhance the services offered to pilgrims of Umrah, in line with the objectives of ‘Saudi Vision 2030’. The collaboration will enable us to develop a range of electronic platforms and enhance the digital infrastructure while offering specialised consultancy services and complete support in the field of digital transformation. The agreement will also facilitate cooperation in the fields of operations, inspection, and field control services, paving the way for robust security and safety standards. These are especially significant given the large number of pilgrims and Umrah performers who visit the holy sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to perform the rituals of Hajj and Umrah each year.”

The MoU demonstrates Elm’s commitment to forming strategic alliances with companies from diverse sectors and offering best-in-class services, including consulting, technical solutions, and digital support. Moreover, the agreement reaffirms the company’s vision to consolidate its role as a facilitator and accelerator of KSA’s digital transformation journey, which aligns with Elm’s 2025-2028 strategy.

Elm signs MoU with Kidana Development Company to streamline collaborative digitalisation efforts

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January 17, 2025

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PRWire:

Elm signs MoU with Kidana Development Company to streamline collaborative digitalisation efforts

Riyadh, KSA, 15 January 2025– Elm, a pioneer in digital solutions, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kidana Development Company, the major developer of the Holy Sites and wholly owned by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. The agreement aims to bolster joint efforts in the development and operation of digital platforms, as well as to deliver consulting services and promote digitalisation in the holy sites. It will also facilitate inspection and field supervision services to ensure the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

The MoU was signed by Mr Mohammad Abdulaziz Alomair, CEO of Elm, and Eng. Majed Ahmed Al-Shangiti, Executive Vice President of Human Capital & Shared Services at Kidana Development Company, in the presence of key officials from both organisations.

As part of the MoU, both entities will coordinate their efforts to achieve mutual goals in areas of shared expertise while leveraging Elm’s electronic solutions, technological systems, and consulting services to drive the digital transformation of the holy sites.

Majid bin Saad Al-Arifi, official spokesman and CEO VP of the Marketing Sector at Elm, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with Kidana, led by a vision to enhance the services offered to pilgrims of Umrah, in line with the objectives of ‘Saudi Vision 2030’. The collaboration will enable us to develop a range of electronic platforms and enhance the digital infrastructure while offering specialised consultancy services and complete support in the field of digital transformation. The agreement will also facilitate cooperation in the fields of operations, inspection, and field control services, paving the way for robust security and safety standards. These are especially significant given the large number of pilgrims and Umrah performers who visit the holy sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to perform the rituals of Hajj and Umrah each year.”

The MoU demonstrates Elm’s commitment to forming strategic alliances with companies from diverse sectors and offering best-in-class services, including consulting, technical solutions, and digital support. Moreover, the agreement reaffirms the company’s vision to consolidate its role as a facilitator and accelerator of KSA’s digital transformation journey, which aligns with Elm’s 2025-2028 strategy.

Key trends and innovations set to transform telecom industry in 2025

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January 17, 2025

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Key trends and innovations set to transform telecom industry in 2025

PRWire:

By Ian Hood, Telecommunications chief technology officer, Red Hat

The pace of change continues to accelerate and the ecosystem surrounding our telecom industry thrives on tackling innovation through open collaboration. With ongoing operational and economic challenges to stay competitive, service providers are taking a measured and deliberate path forward, with a focus on business benefits, while constantly adapting to ongoing changes. Many service providers are also tackling the transformation of their customer and business processes to evolve from telcos to digital tech companies. In the coming year, service providers will continue to focus on a number of key themes, as follows.

Driving expansion and commercial success of 5G

Next generation 5G continues being deployed globally, with greater focus on identifying successful business models as well as coverage expansion. While competition to lead the industry remains fiercer than ever, commercial success has been somewhat slower than expected. To fully unlock the potential of 5G, we will see a renewed focus on fresh operational methodologies, innovative business opportunities, and new partnerships.

Using AI to improve business and resource efficiency

AI has already made significant strides over the past few years, and in 2025, this momentum will continue with tremendous speed and have more impact on how we live, especially in telecommunications. AI is well suited to the distributed nature of telco networks, enabling automation of lifecycle management, providing insights across every segment of technology, every device and service. AI is poised to accelerate the offering of innovative new experiences, while improving business and resource efficiency. While some companies may achieve substantial annual gains enabled by AI, leaders should identify a realistic goal for increasing productivity and operational efficiency through AI and implement it across their business accordingly.

Service providers have the opportunity to control their destiny. If they are truly willing to disrupt themselves, break away in their market, and embrace AI, they will survive this transition. Now is the time to focus on disruption and speed.

Harnessing observability to enable autonomous infrastructure

Observability enables a data-driven approach to automating the infrastructure across hardware, software, and cloud deployments. Data is the new differentiator to the value of service provider futures. Combining predictive analytics, generative AI (gen AI), and open APIs enables service providers to talk to their data to provide insights and operational recommendations with closed-loop automation.

Over the past years, service providers have been applying AI to their core mobile and wireline networks, and will look at ways to deploy AI in RAN to dynamically manage frequencies, sectors and base stations, improving efficiency, power consumption, and performance metrics. Similarly, gen AI and AIOps are enabling predictive maintenance, root-cause analysis and smarter decision-making with guardrails for privacy and compliance.

Laying the foundations for 6G

Service providers are taking a more pragmatic approach to the next generation of mobile architecture (6G) with a focus on improving business outcomes. Defining 6G involves more than just infrastructure — it requires the participation of a broader ecosystem of industry players, demanding structural and cultural shifts across the value chain. This collaborative approach will be key to driving innovation and ensuring the technology meets the demands of the future.

The growing telco industry ecosystem will focus over the next year on the following:

What key aspects of 6G differentiate from 5G’s capabilities
Distributed architectures with AI driven autonomous infrastructure
Fostering new collaboration behaviors to accelerate transformation
Open APIs to streamline multi-system interactions and offer new services
Horizontal platforms to mitigate risk and improve operational consistency
Evolution of network slicing with AI inference to enable intelligent connectivity
Holistic sustainability as a core driver of next-gen networks
Integrating all photonic and non-terrestrial network (NTN) technologies
Exploring new use cases:
- Immersive AR/VR/XR experiences
- Precision positioning
- Advanced autonomous vehicle (V2X)
- Integrated sensing – situational awareness
- Energy efficient IoT integration

Open source will play a pivotal role in addressing innovation, flexibility, unpredictability, and independence in this rapidly evolving space. The road to 6G will focus on harnessing AI and automation to unlock new data-driven services and meet ambitious sustainability goals. In our increasingly disruptive world, the journey will require pragmatic, deliberate, and constant evolution to differentiate and stand out from the crowd, while ensuring business value is delivered across industries and geographies.

Voyager Global Mobility Redefines Rideshare Operations with SafeMode Technology

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theconverser.com

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December 9, 2024

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Voyager Global Mobility Redefines Rideshare Operations with SafeMode Technology

PRWire:

NEW YORK — Voyager Global Mobility (VGM), a leading service provider in the rideshare industry, is revolutionizing driver safety with SafeMode, a pioneering behavioral analytics technology. Utilizing innovative, data-driven strategies, the partnership has successfully enhanced road safety in VGM’s top three markets—shifting driver behavior, reducing accidents and lowering operational costs. VGM seeks to expand this approach to its growing fleet of 10,000 vehicles across North and Central America.

Utilizing advanced telematics, sophisticated data review, and VGMs unparalleled understanding of rideshare driver’s needs, the SafeMode pilot proved that influencing driver safety is the next frontier in the rideshare industry.

Impressive Results and Forward-Looking Strategies

The collaboration between VGM and SafeMode has led to a 37% reduction in speeding durations and a 52% decrease in overall safety violations. These improvements have significantly lowered insurance costs and expenses related to damages and repairs, setting a new standard in the industry.

“Through our strategic partnership with SafeMode, we are reinforcing our market dominance with cutting-edge safety improvements,” said Sam Jurkowicz, CEO of VGM. He added that “while other projects seek to study some of the driver behavior, like when they are logged into Uber or Lyft, VGM’s pilot is unique in that we can impact driver behavior 24/7, across all rideshare platforms.”

Ido Levy, CEO of SafeMode, added, “Our technology is transforming fleet management practices significantly, enhancing driver behavior and safety across the board.”

Recognition and Innovation in the Insurance Sector

The integration of SafeMode’s technology into VGM’s operations has earned the Captive International Award for Best Technology Provider to the Insurance Industry. This accolade highlights the effectiveness of their solutions in managing high-risk aspects of rideshare operations.

The rideshare industry is undergoing a significant transformation from owner-operated to rental vehicle models, escalating market reach while amplifying insurance liabilities. VGM’s innovative approach is crucial in managing these emerging risks.

Capitalizing on this success, VGM and Safemode seek to expand data-driven behavior enhancements throughout the United States, to existing and future VGM markets.

“By advancing rental models and utilizing SafeMode’s technology, VGM is poised to lead the future of global rideshare services,” stated a company spokesperson.

About Voyager Global Mobility

Voyager Global Mobility (VGM) is the largest fleet subscription service in the Americas, fully dedicated to serving the needs of rideshare drivers in the mobility industry. VGM and its

subsidiaries provide drivers with professionally managed vehicles and resources so they can succeed as entrepreneurs in the rideshare economy. Our fleet-as-a-service model—scalable,

localized infrastructure of well-maintained vehicles, driver resources, data and metrics—is deployed to empower the Uber platform and other noted rideshare services to deliver world-

class service anywhere.

VGM’s portfolio includes subsidiary companies: Fasttrack (NYC), Mi Nave (Mexico), Prestarte

(Costa Rica), UCars (Phoenix and Dallas), Buggy (NYC, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Atlanta, Las

Vegas, Houston, Austin, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Boston and Milwaukee) and Buggy Gov (NYC MTA Access-A-Ride and 12other cities in the US and Canada for paratransit operations).

About SafeMode

SafeMode leads in behavioral analytics technology, improving transportation safety and efficiency through innovative, data-driven solutions.

For more information about VGM and SafeMode’s initiatives and the results of their collaboration, please visit www.voyagergm.com and www.safemode.co.

Contact:

Jeremy Moskowitz

Voyager Global Mobility

Email: Jeremy@voyagergm.com