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PR Newswire

Majority of Arab youth say social media addiction is leading to decline in mental well-being: 15th annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey

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DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — While the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has among the highest levels of per capita adoption of social media networks globally, a majority of Arab youth say they are struggling to disconnect, and that social media addiction is negatively impacting their mental health.

Three-quarters of Arab youth say they struggle to disconnect from social media
Three-quarters of Arab youth say they struggle to disconnect from social media

These are some of the key findings under the theme, ‘My Lifestyle,’ of the 15th annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, the most comprehensive study of its kind of the Arab world’s largest demographic, its over 200 million youth, conducted by ASDA’A BCW, MENA’s leading communications consultancy.

This year’s survey reveals that nearly three-fourths (74%) of young Arabs are struggling to disconnect from social media. Additionally, about two-thirds (61%) agreed that social media addiction negatively impacts their mental health. 

The findings of the survey were launched at a special event organised by blinx, the new digital media hub focused on youth in the Middle East, to mark the World Mental Health Day. Sunil John, President, MENA, BCW and Founder of ASDA’A BCW, and Nakhle Elhage, General Manager of blinx, discussed the findings.

Asked which social channels are most important to them, 18% said of the respondents said Facebook, followed by Instagram (17%), WhatsApp (16%), YouTube (13%), TikTok (12%), SnapChat (11%), X/Twitter (8%) and LinkedIn (4%).

But most Arab youth (92%) also said big tech companies such as Meta, Apple, Netflix and Google have ‘too much power’. Similarly, an overwhelming majority (92%) said social media companies need to do more to stop disinformation on their sites.

Despite their struggle to disconnect, many young Arabs are swayed by the prospect of fame via social media, reflecting their ‘soft career’ choices rather than pursue challenging jobs in technology, medicine or engineering.

Asked which field they would want to achieve fame, the highest percentage (13%) of Arab youth said they would rather be famous as ‘a social media influencer.’ The respondents had the option of naming multiple fields from over 30 options including careers in industry, education, business, healthcare, tourism, and others.

To be known as chefs, food critics or food bloggers was equally popular (12%) while 11% each said they would like to be known for their humanitarian work or for their contribution to technology.

Social media as top source of news

Nearly two-thirds (61%) of the respondents said they get their news from social media, but this is a significant drop from 2019 when almost 80% of young Arabs surveyed said they get their news from social channels. Television, however, continues to be the second most preferred source of news – named by nearly half of young Arabs (45%).

Television is the most trusted source of news for young Arabs – named by 89% followed by online news portals (79%) and print dailies (76%). Social media influencers are not as trusted with 42% saying they are ‘not trustworthy’.

Announcing the findings, Sunil John, said: “The overt dependence on social media appears to have left many young people living in a bubble, unaware of the socioeconomic realities. With the highest levels of youth unemployment in the world, it is important for the MENA region to channel the energies of these young men and women into vocational training and quality education for the jobs of the future.”

“In the face of intriguing revelations by the ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, blinx, with its focus on Gen Z and Millennials across the Middle East, finds these insights particularly enlightening,” said Nakhle Elhage. “As we learn more about Arab youth media consumption habits and preferences from the recent survey findings, we, at blinx, are committed to keeping it real and genuine, away from fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.”

ASDA’A BCW commissioned SixthFactor Consulting, a leading research company, to conduct the 15th edition of the Arab Youth Survey. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 3,600 Arab citizens aged 18 to 24 in 53 cities across 18 Arab states, the largest sample in the survey’s history. All the published findings are freely available with expert commentaries at arabyouthsurvey.com

Young Arabs would rather be a famous social media influencer, chef or charity worker
Young Arabs would rather be a famous social media influencer, chef or charity worker
PR Newswire

Tata Communications completes acquisition of Kaleyra, a leading global CPaaS platform player

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NEW YORK and MUMBAI, India, Oct. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Tata Communications, a global digital ecosystem enabler, today announces completion of the acquisition of Kaleyra, Inc. (NYSE: KLR).

On 28th June 2023, Tata Communications had entered into a definitive agreement with Kaleyra, Inc. to acquire it through Tata Communications Limited. The transaction has now been completed upon receipt of the approval by Kaleyra’s stockholders, necessary regulatory approvals, and fulfilment of other customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the agreement, Tata Communications Limited has paid an aggregate consideration of approximately $100 million in cash and assumed all of Kaleyra’s outstanding debt. With this, Kaleyra, Inc. and its subsidiaries have now become wholly owned subsidiaries of Tata Communications Limited.

The combination of Tata Communications customer engagement solutions and Kaleyra’s stronghold in technology, engineering and research & development will drive growth of global enterprises, powered by hyper-personalised and intelligent customer interactions.

“In today’s hyperconnected world, customer success and loyalty are pivotal to enterprise growth across industries and geographies,” said A.S. Lakshminarayanan, MD and CEO, Tata Communications. “We at Tata Communications are committed to revolutionise how businesses engage with customers, leveraging a digital fabric to harness data insights for delivering seamless, secure, smart and impactful customer interactions. We’re thrilled to welcome Kaleyra in this journey, as together we pave the way for the future of customer experience!”

Mysore Madhusudhan, Executive Vice President, Collaboration and Connected Solutions, Tata Communications added, “In this digital age, businesses require multi-channel customer engagement solutions built for intuitive, intelligent and automated interactions. Together, Tata Communications and Kaleyra form a powerful combination, poised to shape the customer engagement platforms of tomorrow.”

Mauro Carobene, Head of Customer Interaction Suite, Tata Communications, commented, “Together Kaleyra and Tata Communications stand on the brink of a new era, powered by the world-class communications capabilities of Kaleyra.io platform and a determination to drive the future of communications via our intelligent suite of customer interaction solutions. Our joint aspirations are massive, not only in terms of growth, but also in expanding our portfolio that drives value for our customers.”

Dr. Avi Katz, Founding Managing Partner of GigCapital Global said: “As the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kaleyra since inception in November 2019 by way of combination with GigCapital1, Inc., I am delighted to see this outcome for the Kaleyra team and its stakeholders. This acquisition reflects a global recognition of the leadership of Kaleyra in the CPaaS industry, fruits of hard work of the entire Kalyera team for the last four years and excellent relationship with Tata Communications.”        

About Kaleyra

Kaleyra, Inc. (NYSE: KLR) (NYSE American: KLR WS) is a global group providing mobile communication services to financial institutions, e-commerce players, OTTs, so

ftware companies, logistic enablers, healthcare providers, retailers, and other large organizations worldwide. Through its proprietary platform and robust APIs, Kaleyra manages multi-channel integrated communication services, consisting of messaging, rich messaging and instant messaging, video, push notifications, e-mail, voice services, and chatbots.

Kaleyra’s technology makes it possible to safely and securely manage billions of messages monthly with over 1600 operator connections in 190+ countries, including all tier-1 US carrier.

About Tata Communications  

A part of the Tata Group, Tata Communications (NSE: TATACOMM; BSE: 500483) is a global digital ecosystem enabler powering today’s fast-growing digital economy in more than 190 countries and territories. Leading with trust, it enables digital transformation of enterprises globally with collaboration and connected solutions, core and next gen connectivity, cloud hosting and security solutions and media services. 300 of the Fortune 500 companies are its customers and the company connects businesses to 80% of the world’s cloud giants. For more information, please visit www.tatacommunications.com

Kaleyra’s Statutory Information

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, its omnichannel and other product and global customer developments, its expectations, beliefs, intentions, plans, prospects or strategies regarding the business plans of Kaleyra, Inc.’s (“Kaleyra”) management team. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Kaleyra in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and their potential effects on Kaleyra as well as other factors they believe are appropriate in the circumstances. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Kaleyra will be those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond the control of the parties) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including the mix of services utilized by Kaleyra’s customers and such customers’ needs for these services, including any variability by geography, market acceptance of new service offerings, the ability of Kaleyra to expand what it does for existing customers as well as to add new customers, that Kaleyra will have sufficient capital to operate as anticipated, and the impact that geopolitical and macroeconomic factors such as the war in Ukraine, may have on Kaleyra’s operations, the demand for Kaleyra’s products, global supply chains and economic activity in general. Additional risk factors that that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (i) the ability of Kaleyra and Tata Communications to timely and successfully achieve the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction; (ii) significant transaction costs associated with the proposed transaction; (iii) potential litigation relating to the proposed transaction; (iv) the risk that disruptions from the proposed transaction will harm Kaleyra’s business, including current plans and operations; (v) the ability of Kaleyra to retain and hire key personnel; (vi) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; (vii) legislative, regulatory and economic developments affecting Kaleyra’s business; (viii) general economic and market developments and conditions; (ix) the evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes under which Kaleyra operates; and (x) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships, during the pendency of the merger that could affect Kaleyra’s financial performance. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any such statements and caution must be exercised in relying on forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should any of the assumptions being made prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

Tata Communications Statutory Information

Forward-looking and cautionary statements

Certain words and statements in this release concerning Tata Communications and its prospects, and other statements, including those relating to Tata Communications’ expected financial position, business strategy, the future development of Tata Communications’ operations, and the general economy in India, are forward-looking statements. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including financial, regulatory and environmental, as well as those relating to industry growth and trend projections, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tata Communications, or industry results, to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, among others, failure to increase the volume of traffic on Tata Communications’ network; failure to develop new products and services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; failure to successfully complete commercial testing of new technology and information systems to support new products and services, including voice transmission services; failure to stabilize or reduce the rate of price compression on certain of the company’s communications services; failure to integrate strategic acquisitions and changes in government policies or regulations of India and, in particular, changes relating to the administration of Tata Communications’ industry; and, in general, the economic, business and credit conditions in India. Additional factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, many of which are not in Tata Communications’ control, include, but are not limited to, those risk factors discussed in Tata Communications Limited’s Annual Reports. 

The Annual Reports of Tata Communications Limited are available at www.tatacommunications.com. Tata Communications is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements.

© 2023 Tata Communications Ltd. All rights reserved.

TATA COMMUNICATIONS and TATA are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tata Sons Private Limited in India and certain countries.

PR Newswire

Personal connections on social media drive more consumer purchases than influencers, Mintel research reveals

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MUMBAI, India, Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Indian consumers are more inclined to be influenced by people they know personally on social media when making purchasing decisions, according to the latest research by Mintel.

While urban consumers show a preference for online influencers, with 28% relying on them compared to 19% of the total sample, they are more heavily influenced by social media posts from people they know across various categories like clothing and accessories (51%), dining out (33%), and household items (31%).

This trend is not exclusive to urban areas. In Tier 3 cities, a significant 67% of consumers have not made purchases based on online influencers’ recommendations in the last six months through May 2023. Mintel research suggests that despite engaging with online influencers, consumers in low-tier cities remain unconvinced when making purchase decisions.

Urban Gen Z and Millennials draw inspiration from sports and entertainment celebrities

However, in urban settings, an affinity toward sports celebrities has emerged due to the increasing preference for an active lifestyle, particularly for Gen Z and Millennials. In the past six months, two in five women (40%) and men (36%) aged 18-34 have made clothing and accessory purchases based on influencer recommendations. Notably, nearly four in 10 (39%) men aged 18-34 who follow influencer advice favour sports celebrities over entertainment celebrities.

“When developing their social media marketing strategy, it’s critical for brands to consider consumers’ preferences, whether they’re targeting young men who admire sports stars for their lifestyle and fashion choices, or young women who tend to look up to entertainment celebrities and movie stars for fashion inspiration,” said Saptarshi Banerjee, Senior Lifestyle Analyst, Mintel Reports India.

Women aged 18-44, particularly those between the ages of 35 and 44, show a significant inclination toward entertainment celebrities. Nearly two in five (37%) female followers of such celebrities say they purchase beauty and grooming products based on online influencers’ recommendations, compared to 24% of female consumers from the total sample who are active on social media platforms.

“The influence of celebrities in social media extends beyond beauty and grooming to a wide range of lifestyle categories, including clothing and accessories, dining out and shopping for household items such as furniture and home décor.

“Our research indicates that sports celebrities influence urban consumers, in particular, while urban females find inspiration in media celebrities’ lifestyles. Brands can leverage the aspirational appeal of these celebrities, combining it with the broad reach of micro and nano influencers to craft compelling and authentic influencer marketing campaigns,” continued Banerjee.

Authenticity and the rise of micro and nano influencers

Consumer awareness is growing regarding the financial gains that drive online influencers, with 24% of metro consumers (compared to 18% of the total sample) feeling that most influencers are untrustworthy. This has underscored the importance of authenticity and trust in successful influencer marketing campaigns.

Moreover, 33% of those distrustful of online influencers believe that social media influencers with fewer followers are more authentic than those with massive followings. “The increasing distrust of online influencers with massive followings highlights the growing relevance of micro and nano influencers* as they are seen to be more relatable and approachable than their more famous counterparts, thus garnering greater trust from consumers,” noted Banerjee.

Furthermore, nearly half (47%) of consumers are drawn to influencers who are knowledgeable, easily accessible and foster a personal connection with their audience. Additionally, authentic reviews in conjunction with humorous content can be instrumental in connecting with 56% of consumers, according to Mintel research.

“Consumers who immerse themselves in social media platforms are often drawn to content that speaks directly to their everyday concerns in an amusing and captivating manner. In this time of uncertainty, humour provides a much-needed reprieve and is thus a particularly attractive form of content,” added Banerjee.

YouTube: The most popular platform

Across different age groups, YouTube is the most widely used social media platform among Gen Z (87%), Millennials (72%) and Gen X (47%). Furthermore, younger consumers are engaging with multiple social media platforms with 47% of Indians aged 18-24 using four or more, while 31% of those aged 25-34 are active on three or more platforms.

Mintel research shows that 21% of Older Millennials aged 34-42 (compared to 16% of the total sample) actively engage with brands on social media, highlighting the growing significance of these platforms for this generation. A majority of them follow brands on Facebook (89%) and Instagram (67%), emphasising the value of maintaining a brand presence on these platforms.

“Facebook can be a great platform for brands to keep Older Millennials up to date with the latest industry trends and product announcements, while Instagram can be used to create visually appealing and unique engagements.

“Additionally, only half of Gen X have been active on social media in the last six months, while 70% of Baby Boomers have not used social media in the same period, making them less conducive to online influencer marketing,” concluded Banerjee.

Notes:

*Micro-influencers (10k–100k followers) and nano influencers (<10k followers)

PR Newswire

BEA Victorious at the 11th Global Brand Awards

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Bank’s consistent pursuit of the best stands out in the industry

LONDON, Oct. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Bank of East Asia, Limited (‘BEA’) has taken home three Hong Kong awards at the prestigious 2023 Global Brand Awards. It won Best Personal Banking Brand, Best New Digital Banking Product (BEA GOAL), and Best Banking Product (Virtual Card) on the back of its commitment to customer service and innovation, evidenced by its exceptional banking experiences, cutting-edge digital solutions, and pioneering virtual card offerings. This remarkable achievement solidifies the bank’s leadership in the industry, setting new standards for customer-centric services and ground-breaking innovations.

Mr. Jay Reddy, Director of Global Brands Magazine, commented, “BEA’s remarkable achievement, underlining its commitment to innovation and customer service excellence, deserves special recognition. In an industry where many banks hesitate to embrace change, BEA stands out for its unwavering pursuit of excellence, which clearly reflects in its well-deserved win of three prestigious awards. I extend my best wishes to the bank for its future endeavors and hope it continues to lead the way in the banking industry.”

Mr Raymond Ng, BEA’s Deputy Head of Personal Banking Division, said, “The Awards recognise the team’s tremendous effort in putting the customer experience at the forefront. Our digital all-in-one BEA GOAL account was a manifestation of the Group’s strategic development to nurture a new generation of tech-savvy customers. It provides access to customised wealth management solutions and diversified retail banking services anytime, anywhere, at their fingertips. We are committed to building positive long-term relationships and developing innovative products and services to meet evolving needs of our customers.”

About The Bank of East Asia, Limited

Incorporated in Hong Kong in 1918, The Bank of East Asia, Limited (‘BEA’) is a leading Hong-Kong-based financial services group listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, with total consolidated assets of HK$872.1 billion (US$111.3 billion) as of 30th June, 2023.

BEA provides a comprehensive range of corporate banking, personal banking, wealth management and investment services to customers through an extensive network of about 130 outlets covering Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Macau, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. For more information, please visit: http://www.hkbea.com/

About Global Brands Magazine (England)

Global Brands Magazine (GBM) is a UK-based magazine at the forefront of news, views and opinions on ‘best in class’ brands that are shaping the future of their industry.

About the Global Brand Awards

The Global Brand Awards honour brands for their excellence in performance, and rewards companies for the quality of their services. The Awards highlight the accomplishments of organisations that have performed remarkably well in their respective industries. We are excited to announce the highly anticipated awards ceremony which will take place at The Athenee Hotel located in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, in May 2024.

To nominate for the Global Brand Awards 2023, click on this link:

https://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/nomination-form/

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PR Newswire

CGTN: CMG’s 2023 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala: Family bonds shine under full moon

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BEIJING, Oct. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — On September 29, with the arrival of the Mid-Autumn Festival, China Media Group (CMG) hosted a Mid-Autumn Gala that brought together Chinese people from across the world to celebrate and pay homage to the moon, fostering a sense of unity during this festive season.

The gala featured a variety of tender and heartwarming programs, infusing the atmosphere with a warm familial embrace. By presenting the perspectives of ordinary people, the event closely reflected the everyday lives of the audience.

The program “Time of Childhood” portrayed the simple and delightful experiences of childhood, highlighting the beauty in its simplicity.

Meanwhile, the program “Father” explored the universal bond of deep love that parents around the world share with their children.

This year, netizens were invited to share a photo with their fathers and tag it with the hashtag “Bring my Dad to CMG’s 2023 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala.” These photos would then get a chance to appear on the stage screen.

Since its inception, the initiative has garnered nearly 10 million views. Numerous netizens have enthusiastically shared heartwarming photos, expressing their deep emotions and love for their fathers.

Cultural elements incorporated in the gala

This year’s gala revolved around five literary elements, containing poetry, wine, the moon, water and bamboo, all of which are the most common forms of cultural imagery found in ancient Chinese poems.

In ancient Chinese history, poetry held the highest literary regard. Beyond concise language and melodic rhythms, imagery, known as yixiang, served as a crucial and artistic tool for conveying intricate emotions.

Rather than directly expressing their feelings, most ancient poets skillfully wove hidden emotions and profound meanings into tangible objects and objective scenes through artistic observation and traditional literary perspectives.

For instance, wine in Chinese culture often symbolizes gatherings, celebrations and toasts. It transcends being merely a beverage, embodying the act of forging connections and reveling with friends and family.

Meanwhile, the moon serves as a recurring motif in Chinese literature and culture, embodying notions like reunion, change, the passage of time and nostalgia.

In the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the renowned poet Zhang Jiuling penned verses like, “As the bright moon shines over the sea, from far away you share this moment with me.” These lines reflect the deep homesickness felt by the poet.

The gala presented programs highlighting the five enduring cultural symbols deeply rooted in Chinese history, offering a glimpse into the ancient civilization along the Yangtze River.

A song, “Asking the moon with a wine cup in hand,” reflected the wine culture in Chinese history. Another song, “Bright Light,” incorporated lyrics from the celebrated litterateur Su Shi of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), conveying themes centered on the resilience and unyielding spirit of the Chinese people.

Symbolic meaning of love and reunion

The gala took place in Yibin City, southwest China’s Sichuan Province. The main stage was set up in the Yangtze River Park, at the point where the Jinsha River and Minjiang River converge to form the mighty Yangtze River.

Yibin City, renowned as “The First City on the Yangtze River,” boasts a rich history of city construction spanning over 2,200 years, more than 3,000 years of tea cultivation heritage and a brewing tradition that stretches back more than 4,000 years.

“Yibin is my ancestral home. Although this is my first time in Lizhuang, I feel a strong sense of familiarity,” said Qin Hao, a performer at the gala.

“In Chinese culture, certain images hold universal significance. Symbols like the moon resonate deeply with Chinese people across generations,” he said.

The Mid-Autumn Festival holds a special place in the hearts of the Chinese people. Throughout history, this festival has been intertwined with Chinese mythology, folklore and poetry, enriching its cultural significance.

This festival is not just about celebrating the moon; it’s also a moment when people express their deepest emotions to their loved ones. It’s a time for love, gratitude and cherishing the enduring bonds of family.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-09-29/CMG-2023-Mid-Autumn-Festival-Gala-Family-bonds-shine-under-full-moon-1nuIYjtQRGM/index.html 

PR Newswire

CGTN: Mid-Autumn Festival: Xi Jinping’s nostalgia

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BEIJING, Sept. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Falling on Friday, the Mid-Autumn Festival has been observed by people of Chinese origin for thousands of years and is usually marked by family reunions, a full-moon viewing and the consumption of mooncakes.

This traditional festival has entrusted the Chinese people with their deepest nostalgia for home and their deepest attachment to their country since ancient times.

Reflecting his deep affection for the country and the people, Chinese President Xi Jinping has talked about nostalgia on many occasions.

From Fuping and Liangjiahe in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Zhengding in north China’s Hebei Province, to Fujian Province, Zhejiang Province, Shanghai and Beijing, Xi regards these places where he has worked as his “hometowns.”

‘Nostalgia means you will miss a place after you leave it’

During a state visit to Costa Rica in 2013, Xi visited the home of a farming family and talked about his experience in Liangjiahe.

“It is extremely rare for a president to speak so passionately and with such pride about being a farmer. Some people may downplay that aspect, but he does not. He emphasizes it,” said the Costa Rican farmer’s son.

In the late 1960s, Xi left Beijing for a village called Liangjiahe in an arid part of Shaanxi to work as a rural laborer and spent seven years in the countryside, working and living alongside farmers.

He was separated from his family, slept in cave dwellings, suffered from flea bites, and worked as hard as fellow villagers to tend crops, herd sheep, carry manure and haul coal.

Before leaving Liangjiahe, Xi expressed his appreciation to the people in Liangjiahe for their selfless acceptance and assistance. “I will never forget everything Liangjiahe has given me,” he said.

Whether it is at a small courtyard of a farmer’s house in Costa Rica, on the podium in Washington State in the U.S., or at the Global High Level Forum on Poverty Reduction and Development and the High-level Dialogue on Global Development, Xi has talked about his time in Liangjiahe.

In the spring of 1982, Xi volunteered to work at the grassroots level and moved to Zhengding, a poor county in Hebei Province.

For more than three years, Xi served first as deputy secretary and then secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Zhengding County Committee and did a lot of pioneering work with the local CPC committee, planning strategies and laying a solid foundation for Zhengding’s development.

Recalling his experience in Zhengding during an inspection tour in Hebei in 2013, Xi said he grasped a direct understanding of how villagers feel through “being with comrades every day, talking, thinking and working together.”

Wherever Xi goes, he brings this sincere and simple feelings to the people.

“Don’t cut off true feelings because of long distances, don’t forget your true feelings because of a busy life and don’t ignore your true feelings because of the hustle and bustle of life,” Xi said at a Spring Festival gathering in 2017.

‘Seeing the place where you have worked can continuously develop is when you feel the happiest’

In 1988, Xi became the Party chief of Ningde Prefecture, one of the poorest regions in southeast China’s Fujian Province at the time. During the two years of working there, Xi visited 123 of the 124 townships, including three of the four without access to paved roads. Xiadang, a township nestled deep in the mountainous area of Shouning County, was one of them.

Xi visited Xiadang three times, and personally directed poverty relief in the remote town.

It took Xi about three hours by vehicle and two hours on foot along the rugged mountain paths to reach the township during his first visit.

Xi decided it was essential to focus on accessibility for the area to take off. Work began on a highway just months after his first visit, and the road into Xiadang opened in January 1991.

The second visit came on July 26, 1989, after the county was hit by its worst floods in a century. Xi sent condolences and post-disaster reconstruction funds to the people affected by the floods. He visited the township for a third time on August 7, 1996, to investigate and direct poverty alleviation work.

Thanks to poverty alleviation efforts, tremendous changes have occurred in Ningde.

When inspecting Fujian in March 2021, Xi met several tourists from Shangrao, Jiangxi Province, who said it took them only 22 minutes to take the train to Wuyi Mountain, a famous summer resort in Fujian.

“Seeing the place where you have worked can continuously develop is when you feel the happiest,” he once said.

Hosting a banquet to welcome guests who are gathering in Hangzhou to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games, Xi warmly recommended Zhejiang to the guests.

“I once worked in Zhejiang Province for quite a few years. Committed to reform and opening-up, the province is now fast-tracked toward high-quality development,” Xi said, adding that it is building a demonstration zone for common prosperity, and has become a pioneer in Chinese modernization.

“My job is to serve the people. It is very tiring, but also very fulfilling,” Xi said, though knowing that governing such a huge country requires a strong sense of responsibility and hard work.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-09-29/Mid-Autumn-Festival-Xi-Jinping-s-nostalgia-1nuvERpxo52/index.html

PR Newswire

Start a journey of Chinese opera, the global live broadcast is not to be missed

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BEIJING, Sept. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — What is it like to enjoy Chinese opera in the autumn scenery of a Chinese garden? How is Chinese opera passed down from generation to generation? What kind of sparks will come from the collision between Chinese opera and scripted mystery games? From September 28th to October 4th, come to Beijing Garden Expo Park, and the 7th Chinese Opera Culture Week will reveal the answer for you.

This year’s Chinese Opera Culture Week brings together nearly 50 outstanding troupes and art schools from 20 provinces and municipalities in China and will bring more than 120 wonderful performances. Peking Opera, Pingju, Kunqu, Hebei Bangzi, Yu Opera, Yue Opera, Huangmei Opera… In Chinese Opera Culture Week, you will have the honor to enjoy the charm of all major Chinese operas.

In addition to watching exciting performances, audiences who want to learn more about Chinese opera can also watch the “Interviews with Famous Artists” program. Famous Chinese opera masters such as Changrong Shang, Yufu Li, Shaochun Yang, Meiti Yue, and Wenyue Gu will tell the audience about the inheritance and development history of Chinese opera.

This year’s Chinese Opera Culture Week also focuses on creating cross-border integration of art content to present more possibilities for opera stage art. Walking in the Garden Expo Park, visitors can witness flash performances of Chinese opera skills such as spear kicking and silk dancing, but also experience the immersive game “The Best Actor in the World.” Additionally, they can enjoy a traditional Chinese music concert featuring famous singers and Chinese opera masters.

Audiences who are unable to make it to the venue don’t have to worry about missing the show. This year’s Chinese Opera Culture Week will broadcast 16 exciting offline performances live through YouTube. Audiences can enter the live broadcast page to watch by searching “Chinese Opera Culture Week”. We look forward to the Chinese Opera Culture Week becoming a cultural feast shared by fans around the world.

PR Newswire

IBC 2023: TVU Networks Introduces Native 4K Support Across Its Entire Live Cloud Video Production EcoSystem

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Newest platform enhancement provides seamless cloud-based video production, playout, and distribution in 4K resolution for broadcasters, social media producers, and sports organizations

CUPERTINO, Calif., Sept. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — TVU Networks, a pioneer in cloud-based workflow solutions for live content production and distribution, today announced that its end-to-end TVU Cloud Ecosystem for live video production now supports 4K natively, encompassing collaboration, playout and distribution as well as AI-based recording, indexing, and search. The new 4K TVU Cloud Ecosystem has been demonstrated live at the IBC Conference.

TVU Networks Introduces Native 4K Support Across Its Entire Live Cloud Video Production EcoSystem.
TVU Networks Introduces Native 4K Support Across Its Entire Live Cloud Video Production EcoSystem.

Users can now harness the advantages of the cloud to ingest, process, record, and output in 4K easily and cost-effectively on the TVU platform across all solutions:

TVU Producer – With TVU Producer, users can natively ingest 4K live video to the cloud from virtually any IP video source or VOD content and fully produce the content in 4K including the switching of sources, accessing graphics overlays, and custom PIP configurations to name a few. The finished production can then be simultaneously output to broadcast, OTT, social media, and many other types of content distribution channels in 4K.

TVU Partyline – TVU Partyline enables all members in a remote production environment using TVU 4K devices – technical crews, producers, talent, and guests – to communicate seamlessly in a virtual environment. Users also have access to professional production tools and can collaborate remotely in real time with high quality video, perfectly synchronized audio and video, and mix minus one audio feedback. With a simple shared URL, participants can join Partyline to watch all program feeds live and interact, discuss, control and participate in a production with undetectable latency. Collaboration within Partyline is made possible through the use of TVU’s exclusive Real Time Interactive Layer (RTIL).

TVU Search – TVU Search provides AI-driven live video content ingest and discovery all in the cloud. It features content search capabilities based on advanced AI algorithms and automation, allowing users to locate live or archival feeds or clips for immediate playout, download, or sharing easy and fast. TVU Search offers 24/7 ingest, record and AI based metadata creation indexed to the timecode of 4K content as well as playout or downloading of archived 4K content.

TVU Channel – TVU Channel upends traditional playout. It doesn’t operate on customary infrastructure which can be both expensive and complicated. Instead, TVU Channel can be deployed in minutes to schedule, manage and output one or hundreds of live content channels including OTT, websites, apps and social media all in 4K if desired. TVU Channel supports LIVE and pre-recorded/pre-programmed content. Its intuitive user interface design borrows from familiar web-based calendars making it quick to get started and easy to use. TVU Channel supports dynamic ad insertion with SCTE decoration and can be set to operate continuously 24/7 with no downtime.

TVU Remote Commentator – Professional, high-quality sports and event commentary can be delivered from anywhere with TVU Remote Commentator. On-air talent can call the action from their homes, hotel rooms, offices – wherever there’s an internet connection – using a simple browser-based interface without needing to be at the venue. 4K support is now available for high quality, low-latency commentary that’s 100% in sync with the live program. 

TVU Grid – TVU Grid delivers highly scalable point-to-point and point-to-multipoint switching, routing and distribution of live video over IP. It’s used by news agencies and media organizations around the world to share and exchange reliable live broadcast quality video feeds with virtually no latency. TVU Grid can now provide the point-to-point and point-to-multipoint distribution of 4K content using commodity internet.

“We are seeing a growing demand for live 4K production, particularly within sports, entertainment, corporate, and major events. The pivotal consideration of applying 4K in these specific industries revolves around cost effectiveness and flexibility, as the cost and complexity of a traditional 4K production environment is generally not practical,” said Paul Shen, CEO, TVU Networks. “The TVU Ecosystem provides a comprehensive array of tools covering the entire spectrum from content acquisition and production to delivery. This empowers the creation of premium live 4K content tailored for various platforms, including live streaming, virtual reality, pop-up channels, and more with a strong emphasis on simplicity and affordability.”

PR Newswire

Custom-Made for Taiwanese Users! iMyFone’s Text-to-Speech Tool Voxbox Reshapes the Future of Communication

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TAIPEI, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — On September 11, 2023, iMyFone unveiled iMyFone Voxbox, an artificial intelligence (AI) voice synthesis and speech-to-text (STT) tool. As AI gains traction across diverse sectors, AI-based text-to-speech (TTS) has become an essential tool for multimedia creators, from film production to online publishing, as it makes it easy to translate text into natural-sounding speech. TTS amplifies the richness of multimedia transmissions, resulting in enhanced narratives and data dissemination. With AI voiceover technologies, multimedia professionals can quickly convert large amounts of text to voice, saving precious time and labor and allowing them to focus more on content creation.

There is a pronounced demand among users for a reliable tool that seamlessly converts text into natural-sounding speech. Users have specific requirements in terms of the quality of synthesized voice, as well as the ability to generate various languages and dialects. This tool meets these requirements by converting text into smooth and lifelike speech.

The availability of Voxbox aims to fill the demand gap in the market. Compatible with both Windows and Mac platforms, this software offers a vast repertoire of over 200 voices for TTS and STT functionalities, facilitating seamless bidirectional interchange between text and audio. Images and PDFs can also be converted to speech supplemented by verbatim transcriptions. Additionally, Voxbox is equipped with recording capabilities and format conversion features.

Features of iMyFone Voxbox

1. AI-enhanced TTS capabilities

Users can convert text to speech in just one simple step, which is especially invaluable for individuals with visual impairments, those experiencing screen fatigue from prolonged reading, or those who prefer to listen to content. Advanced TTS applications can provide engaging and informative video voices suitable for diverse audiences and use cases. The ability to freely modify the tempo, tone, and pitch offers a fresh perspective on education, promotion, and entertainment.

2. Multimedia-to-text capabilities

The Image/Audio/Video to Text feature facilitates effortless transcription from images, audio or video recordings, ideal for capturing content during meetings and presentations. This ensures important content isn’t overlooked, while streamlining the exchange of information. By negating the necessity for laborious manual note-taking, participants can focus on the highlights of the meeting. The benefit of this feature is its versatility, whether it is academic seminars, business conferences or educational lectures, serving as an indispensable tool for effective information management. Both Taiwanese and Cantonese are supported.

3. Customized voice synthesis

Harnessing robust audio synthesis capabilities, creativity in areas such as music, film and advertising is unrestricted by geographic location or device. Digital tools enable efficient and precise production, giving artists complete control over every aspect of the sound. This control drives experimentation and innovation, encouraging the exploration of new sound effects and mixing techniques.

Key attributes of iMyFone Voxbox VTT Software:

Intuitive interface: iMyFone Voxbox is very easy to use and does not require any professional skills. Simply enter your text and Voxbox will convert it into authentic and dynamic audio, enlivening your communications and enriching your content delivery.

Multilingual support: With the help of iMyFone Voxbox, you can translate Traditional Chinese, English, or other languages, making information accessible to a broader audience.

Customization: iMyFone Voxbox also allows users to fine-tune their voice attributes and inflections, ensuring that each audio output mirrors the intended sentiment and flair.

Cross-platform compatibility: Whether used on Windows or Mac computers, iMyFone Voxbox can seamlessly adapt to a wide range of devices and enable TTS anytime, anywhere.

Applications:

Education: Teachers can use iMyFone Voxbox to provide students with a more engaging classroom experience, making learning more vivid.

Business communication: Businesses can use iMyFone Voxbox to create vibrant advertising content that amplifies audience engagement and attracts more customers.

Inclusive accessibility: Helping individuals with visual impairments access websites and information, ensuring a genuinely inclusive digital experience.

Everyday conversations: Users can use iMyFone Voxbox to convert messages to speech, making communication more convenient and saving time.

In Taiwan, iMyFone Voxbox’s TTS solution is gaining traction, empowering users with enriched expressive capabilities and elevating the caliber of interactions. Whether you’re an educator, a business executive or a general user, iMyFone Voxbox has everything you need to innovate the way you communicate by turning every word into a living sound.

About iMyFone and Voxbox

iMyFone stands at the forefront of the digital solutions landscape, offering specialized software tools for iOS, Android, and desktop platforms. They boast a diverse product lineup, including tools for LINE data migration, Windows/Mac data restoration, and Apple system optimization. Engineered with intuitive interfaces, their solutions ensure streamlined user experiences. By harnessing state-of-the-art technologies, iMyFone commits to crafting software that epitomizes both performance and user-centric design. Recognized and respected in the industry, the company has garnered accolades from various segments and maintains a solid reputation among numerous authoritative media entities.

To learn more about iMyFone Voxbox and embark on the next-generation TTS journey, please visit the official website (https://tw.imyfone.com/) or download the iMyFone app (https://tw.imyfone.com/voice-generator/).

PR Newswire

City Beach Partners with NewStore to Launch Mobile Consumer App

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Australia’s leading lifestyle and youth fashion brand will leverage the NewStore Consumer App to extend its digital footprint and enhance customer loyalty

BOSTON and BRISBANE, Australia, Sept. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — NewStore, a modular, mobile-first omnichannel cloud platform for retail brands worldwide, today announced a new partnership with City Beach, one of Australia’s premier youth fashion destinations. The retailer will leverage the NewStore Consumer App to design and launch the City Beach App, which will debut on iOS and Android in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States in the coming months.

Since its inception in 1985, City Beach has championed a legacy of youth fashion. With over 65 stores throughout Australia, the retailer boasts a curated selection of 300+ brands and is supported by a team of more than 3,000. City Beach’s digital footprint is equally as impressive, with its ecommerce operations accounting for a significant percentage of the company’s revenue. By rolling out the City Beach App, the business will extend its ecommerce presence beyond desktop and mobile web, strengthening its digital prowess while also enriching customer relationships and driving sales.

“After a comprehensive evaluation, it became evident that the NewStore platform was the perfect match from a feature-functionality standpoint,” said Chris Lockwood, Head of Ecommerce, City Beach. “This journey marks a turning point for City Beach, and we are confident that the end product will benefit our business and further our commitment to offering a superior customer experience.”

With NewStore, City Beach will have access to all the essential capabilities it needs to run a modern and engaging app, as well as real-time omnichannel inventory visibility, custom push notifications, and interactive product lookbooks. NewStore Consumer Apps also offer the following differentiating features:

  • Brand Stories: Provide an unmatched, on-brand in-app experience with interactive storytelling.
  • Immersive Videos: Seamlessly integrate videos to unlock captivating brand visuals that drive engagement.
  • Digital Loyalty: Offer a unique, members-only experience with out-of-the-box capabilities designed to create “superfans.”
  • App Extensions: Easily add external features for endless customization possibilities.

City Beach will benefit from the fact that NewStore Consumer Apps are proven to increase both engagement and brand loyalty. Compared to typical mobile website metrics, NewStore customers have seen 3x more visits from their app users and in-app conversion rates as high as 7x. At the same time, brands using NewStore Consumer Apps have significantly reduced customer acquisition costs, with 90% of users accessing the app directly versus through paid search advertisements.

“Youth fashion retail has its own set of challenges, and businesses must have a vision and strive to continue to adapt. NewStore not only gets this, but the team also brings a much-needed spirit of partnership and collaboration to the table,” added Troy Elliott, Head of Operations, City Beach. “In a rapidly evolving retail landscape, their innovative app development approach and commitment to our brand’s success truly set them apart.”

“The NewStore Consumer App is a vital component of our larger omnichannel platform,” said Stephan Schambach, Founder and CEO, NewStore. “Our modularity is a key differentiator, and brands like City Beach can choose how to leverage our offerings. Their decision to launch a NewStore Consumer App speaks not just to meeting today’s consumer demands but also to their forward-looking vision for retail’s future.”

NewStore runs apps for 25 brands in 40+ countries. To learn more about the NewStore Consumer App and request a demo, visit: https://www.newstore.com/mobile-retail-experience/

About City Beach
For more than three decades, City Beach has been a beacon of Aussie lifestyle, fashion and culture, growing from a small surf and skate shop established in 1985, to an international brand with over 65+ stores Australia wide. Over the years, it has evolved into Australia’s leading lifestyle brand, recognised and adored for its trendsetting apparel, footwear, and accessories.

With an unwavering commitment to an immersive shopping experience, City Beach continues to innovate and expand its global presence via their epic international online offering. City Beach stocks over 300 of the world’s biggest brands, with new arrivals landing every day.

About NewStore
NewStore provides Omnichannel-as-a-Service for retail brands worldwide that want to accelerate their digital transformation. Built with MACH principles, NewStore allows brands to easily deliver amazing shopping experiences that store associates and consumers love. Its mobile-first, modular cloud platform includes POS, order management, clienteling, inventory, and consumer apps. NewStore customers such as Burton, Faherty Brand, G-Star RAW, Marine Layer, Roots Canada, UNTUCKit, and Vince benefit from the most complete, global omnichannel retail solution available — now supercharged with Tap to Pay on iPhone. The company is backed by General Catalyst, Activant Capital, and Salesforce Ventures. Learn more at www.newstore.com

Logo – https://techent.tv/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/city-beach-partners-with-newstore-to-launch-mobile-consumer-app.jpg

Source: NewStore, Inc.