Okta Study Reveals High Degree of Customer Identity & Access Management (CIAM) Adoption, Low CIAM Maturity Among APAC Organisations

Study further examines the challenges organisations face in managing CIAM solutions, and the benefits of adopting digital-first strategies

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 10 August 2022 – Okta, Inc. (NASDAQ: OKTA), the leading independent identity provider, today announced the results of IDC’s Asia/Pacific Customer Identity and Access Management 2022 Survey commissioned by Okta. The study explores the dynamics of managing customer identity and access in a digital world, including the challenges that these organisations face, and how digital-first organisations fare against their peers. IDC surveyed senior and mid-level management personnel in IT and lines of business across 750 organisations in Asia Pacific (APAC) in April 2022 for this study.

The study revealed that the pandemic has either accelerated or highlighted the need for digital-first strategies, with 72% of APAC organisations realizing the need for digital-first strategies, and another 21% having already anticipated the need for such strategies prior to the pandemic. This awareness has led to widespread adoption of customer identity & access management (CIAM) solutions, with 56% of digital-first leaders having already deployed CIAM, and another 32% planning deployment in the next 12-24 months.

However, the study also revealed a low level of CIAM maturity among organisations, where only 34% of digital-first leaders and 14% of digital-first followers have adopted an advanced approach towards CIAM. An advanced CIAM approach is defined in the study as an approach where customer identities are managed via a CIAM platform with full integration to enable 360-degree customer overviews in order to deliver a highly personalized experience. Digital-first leaders with a high level of CIAM maturity show better business outcomes such as customer acquisition, customer loyalty, digital talent attraction and retention, and time to market for new products and services.

“Enterprises are leaning more into digital-first strategies as evidenced by this study, and one of the most important strategies that CEOs in this region have identified is to leverage pent up demand from customers and consumers by improving on digital product and services experiences. CIAM is fundamental to delivering a seamless experience whilst keeping customers’ service experiences around assurance intact.” said Linus Lai, Vice President, Software and Services APEJ at IDC.

“Organisations today need to embrace digital-first strategies to succeed in the hyper-competitive digital economy. A well-integrated, secure and seamless CIAM solution is the key to ensuring the most optimal digital user experience for customers and end-users,” said Philip Goldie, Vice President and Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand at Okta.

“Organisations need to level up their CIAM deployments in order to reap the full benefits that it brings, such as better customer satisfaction, business agility and resilience against an ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.” said Ben Goodman, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Asia Pacific Japan at Okta.

From digital transformation (DX) to digital-first

IDC predicts in a separate report that by 2022, more than half the global economy will be based on or influenced by digital technologies[1]. To compete and succeed in this increasingly digital world, enterprises must adopt a digital-first strategy. The study revealed that digital-first leaders are more likely to prioritise customer satisfaction, business agility, and innovation beyond traditional metrics such as revenues. Such priorities naturally put customer experience (CX) at the forefront of a digital-first strategy.

Digital-first leaders are more likely to report an improvement versus their peers in customer satisfaction and retention, beyond traffic and support volume. According to the IDC study, digital-first organisations reported 8-12% higher performance across all customer metrics, compared to their peers.

Challenges of managing identity and access

Digital-first organisations are re-imagining ways to improve productivity and digital experiences across the whole ecosystem involving vendors, partners, customers and suppliers. However, these transformations brought up a number of challenges, especially around customer identity verification and access security. The top three challenges highlighted in the study include difficulty defending against malicious attacks (9%), combining customer access through multiple channels (9%), and managing customer privacy content (9%).

Securing the digital identities of customers as well as the larger ecosystem participants is considered table stakes in ensuring the success of a digital-first strategy. Hence, investments in CIAM technologies have become a necessity to enable a secure and personalised digital experience. CIAM solutions provide organisations with better visibility to ward off cyber threats across systems, allowing for better defence from malicious cyberattacks.

Digitally mature countries are more focused on security and CIAM investments

Countries across the Asia/Pacific region fare differently in terms of digital maturity. Australia (67%), Singapore (66%) and New Zealand (60%) were the top three regions with a strong digital-first strategy in place. In addition, regions with higher percentages of digital-first organisations are also more likely to consider CIAM as a top priority investment for their organisation. New Zealand (90%), Australia (87%) and Singapore (72%) were among the top regions that considered CIAM as a top priority.

CIAM solutions often result in a range of tangible benefits for organisations that choose to invest in them. According to the survey, the top three business benefits that these organisations have achieved by investing in CIAM solutions are operational efficiency (22%), improved security posture (19%), and enhanced customer experience (17%).

  • Okta’s The Role of Customer Identity Management in a Digital-First World white paper can be downloaded at this link.

Hashtag: #Okta

About Okta

Okta is the leading independent identity provider. The Okta Identity Cloud enables organisations to securely connect the right people to the right technologies at the right time. With more than 7,000 pre-built integrations to applications and infrastructure providers, Okta provides simple and secure access to people and organisations everywhere, giving them the confidence to reach their full potential. More than 15,800 organizations, including JetBlue, Nordstrom, Siemens, Slack, Takeda, Teach for America, and Twilio, trust Okta to help protect the identities of their workforces and customers.

TUMI Launches Fall 2022 Collection

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 10 August 2022 – For Fall 2022, TUMI explores the concept of “Future Earth.” Looking towards the new world, TUMI reexamined its innovations to help better every journey – and the planet. Technical and material innovations are only the beginning. TUMI’s goal is to reduce the ecological footprint it leaves behind while increasing the impact it has on its clients’ lives. TUMI achieves this through timeless designs that run parallel to its mission of creating built-to-last products that remain in the world for generations to come.

Tegra-Lite Collection in Sky Blue

Travel is a key focus for the brand as it knows the world is ready to travel again. The new Tegra-Lite travel collection is sleeker than ever and will be available in carry-on, short trip and extended trip sizes. Each will have the option of an included front pocket to streamline travel even more. What truly sets this collection apart, while also tying it into TUMI’s commitment to sustainability, is the introduction of components made from recycled materials with enhanced durability, and TUMI+ accessory compatibility.

TUMI+ is an ecosystem of add-ons that enhance the carrying capacity and function of select styles. It grows this season with even more additions that will help uncomplicate any journey.

Voyageur Carson Backpack in Beetroot/Emboss

19 Degree International Expandable Carry-On in Beetroot

Voyageur shows off its sophisticated side with three new leather bags. The Liv Backpack can either be worn as a backpack or carried as a tote, making it the quintessential everyday bag. The spacious Adrian Carryall brings a stylish new attitude to Voyageur Leather. The Helena Crossbody comes with a delicate gold chain strap that is removable, so the bag can also be worn as a clutch or a wristlet.

With a focus on wellness and adaptability, TUMI brings another innovative yoga bag to their lineup. The Yoga Sling Tote effortlessly converts from a crossbody sling that’s sized to hold a yoga mat, into a modern, oversized tote.

Collection is available now via TUMI.com

Keep up with TUMI on and

Full Media Kit is here

About TUMI

Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business, travel lifestyle, and performance luxury essentials designed to upgrade, uncomplicate and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we’re committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions. The brand is sold globally in over 75 countries with upwards of 2,000 points of sale.

For more about TUMI, visit .

Latest Exchange Rate: Naira Gains Against Dollar By 0.52%

The Naira on Tuesday appreciated against the dollar at the Investors and Exporters window, exchanging at N428.75.

The figure represented an increase of 0.52 per cent compared with the N431 it exchanged for the dollar on Monday.

The open indicative rate closed at N429.58 to the dollar on Tuesday.

An exchange rate of N444.00 to the dollar was the highest rate recorded within the day’s trading before it settled at N428.75.

The Naira sold for as low as N417 to the dollar within the day’s trading.

A total of 113. 64 million was traded in foreign exchange at the official investors and exporters window on Tuesday.

Why Women Should Invest In The Stock Market And The Endless Opportunities Available To Them

Studies show women investors earn higher returns than men when given the same opportunities. During these uncertain times of high inflation and falling stock prices, there is an opportunity for all women in our society to start their journey to achieve financial security.

 

The Russia – Ukraine war has disrupted the global supply of agricultural products like wheat and oilseeds, ingredients for staple foods like bread, and cooking oil. Food, gas, and oil trade restrictions by the European Union and the United States have exacerbated the situation. In Kenya, food prices were already rising due to the ongoing drought.
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows the annual inflation rate in Kenya accelerated to 7.1% in May, from 6.5% in the previous month. It was the highest reading since February 2020, as food costs rose sharply (12.4% vs 12.2% in April).

 

 

Stock markets fall as investors shift to safer assets after Central Banks increased their interest rates to reduce inflation. Investors are used to a certain amount of volatility and risk. However, unpredicted events and uncertainty about their economic impact cause them to shift funds to more predictable assets such as low-interest fixed-income bank deposits, government-issued treasury bills, and bonds, whose payments are more or less guaranteed.

 

 

The problem arises when you do not have an investment strategy to ensure invested funds are generating above-inflation returns to meet higher living costs for one, five, ten, and twenty years in the future.
Women need to be able to achieve a sense of financial equality in their lives, and having the right investment skills is key to becoming independent.

 

 

Historically, cultural bias across the globe has placed men as the primary breadwinners for their families. It has meant that the financial services sector has prioritized promoting financial literacy amongst men. Instead of being provided with all the investment options, women are presented with the safest option. Despite this, there is growing evidence that women make better investors than their male counterparts. According to a Forbes article entitled “Why Women Make Better Investors” by Emily Guy Birken and Benjamin Curry, studies show that women spend more time researching their investment choices. And while they do take on less risk than men when it comes to investing, that doesn’t mean they are risk-averse. They are more likely to take appropriate risks with their investments than men. Both of these findings make for better investing outcomes.

 

 

Women are more likely to set the goals they wish to accomplish with their investment funds and think longer term. They ask more questions and plan what they want to do with their investment funds. However, the Fidelity Investments’ 2021 Women and Investing Study showed that women still hold too much cash and may miss out on future growth.

 

 

At EFG Hermes Kenya, we believe that a financially empowered woman will impact herself and future generations. Recently, we hosted an event for women investors called She Makes Money Moves. We found that more and more Kenyan women are taking control of their finances. They are becoming more confident in taking informed risks and want financial products and advice tailored to their life circumstances.

 

Investing consistently over long periods means your principal and what it earns (capital gains, dividends, and interest) combine to generate more value. Regularly investing as little as Ksh.100 ($1) in our stock market, you can activate the power of compounding by reinvesting the dividends you receive from your shares into the stock market. For those investors with a medium to long-term view, investing in the heavily discounted shares of well-run companies trading on the NSE presents an opportunity to accelerate your journey to financial freedom.

Mouka Rewards Business Partners Nationwide With Exciting Gifts

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Mouka, Nigeria’s leading manufacturer of mattresses, pillows, and other bedding products, has rewarded its loyal Business Partners with fabulous prizes in recognition of their contribution to the company’s growth trajectory.

Gifts such as Tricycles, Air Conditioners and Television sets were presented to the highly elated Business Partners amidst the glitz and glamour of the African-themed evening. Celebrities, medical practitioners, media and other professionals attended the fun-filled event at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, 6 August 2022.

Mouka Rewards Business Partners Nationwide with Exciting Gifts to Enhance Trade, Assures Endearing Relationship
From Left: Mouka Business Partner, Ayo Ibidapo; with Chief Commercial Officer, Mouka, Dimeji Osingunwa; with Brand Ambassador, Mouka, Sola Sobowale; and Managing Director, Mouka, Femi Fapohunda; at the 2022 Mouka Business Partners Conference, where the Business Partners were rewarded with tricycles and premium electronics for their excellent performance and brand loyalty, on Saturday 6 August 2022, at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Commending the market leader, a Business Partner from the South-west region and one of the beneficiaries of the award, Alhaji Mufutau Owolabi, stated that the relationship with Mouka has been cordial, mutually beneficial and rewarding. He eulogised the company for its immense support over the years.

Also, another beneficiary, Ismaila Amusa, avowed that Mouka has been adding value to his business through similar rewards that have positively impacted his trade. “I am highly delighted to be one of the company’s Business Partners; l can confidently say it is the best in the industry,” Amusa stated.

Mouka Rewards Business Partners Nationwide with Exciting Gifts to Enhance Trade, Assures Endearing Relationship
From Left: National Customer Service Manager, Mouka, Femi Yussuf; Chief Commercial Officer, Mouka, Dimeji Osingunwa; Mouka Business Partner, Rabah Mudah; National Sales Manager, Mouka, Oladimeji Alabi; at the 2022 Mouka Business Partners Conference, where the Business Partners were rewarded with tricycles and premium electronics for their excellent performance and loyalty, on Saturday 6 August 2022, at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In his remark, Mouka’s Managing Director, Femi Fapohunda, commended the Business Partners for their continued loyalty to the brand. “Mouka’s success story spanning over 63 years would not have been possible without your hard work and dedication. Our ability to maintain the leading position in the sleep industry of Nigeria could not have been possible without you. We call you partners because you have continued to demonstrate immense commitment to this relationship which has resulted in steady growth and achievement of our business objectives”, Fapohunda stated.

Furthermore, Mouka’s MD stated that the tricycles would augment the trucks they were presented with in easing the challenges relating to logistics. With these tricycles, their Business Partners can service smaller orders quickly and cost-effectively.

The company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Chief Dimeji Osingunwa, cheered the Business Partners, urging them to do more in the year’s second half. He also presented a new scheme where the Business Partners could win trips to exotic destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Marakesh in Morocco and Zanzibar in Tanzania upon achievement of their sales target for July to December of 2022. The announcement of the new reward scheme was received with loud applause and excitement.

As the propagator of a healthy sleep culture in Nigeria, the brand heritage and product quality have spurred endorsements by the National Association of Orthopedic Manual Therapists (NAOMT) and the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP).

According to the President of the NSP, Dr Nnenna Chigbo, ‘’when you sleep well, your mental and physical health improves. With the Mouka Wellbeing range of orthopaedic mattresses, you sleep better and wake up with a strong body to tackle your day”.

Mouka Rewards Business Partners Nationwide with Exciting Gifts to Enhance Trade, Assures Endearing Relationship
From Left: Mouka Business Partner, Owolabi Ishola; with Chief Commercial Officer, Mouka, Dimeji Osingunwa; with Brand Ambassador, Mouka, Sola Sobowale; and Managing Director, Mouka, Femi Fapohunda; at the 2022 Mouka Business Partners Conference, where the Business Partners were rewarded with tricycles and premium electronics for their excellent performance and brand loyalty, on Saturday 6 August 2022, at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In the same vein, the President of NAOMT, Dr Onigbinde Teslim, remarked: “before our endorsement, Mouka has been a household name in Nigeria, but as scientists, we needed proof. We analysed their processes and products and found Mouka mattresses, especially the Wellbeing range, to be world-class and ideal for back health and general wellness”.

Mouka’s Brand Ambassador, ‘The King Of Boys’, also known as ‘Toyin Tomato’, Nollywood star Sola Sobowale shared her Mouka Story with the invitees. “My relationship with the brand started before I was born. My parents slept on Mouka and raised us sleeping on Mouka mattresses. A healthy diet, exercise and quality sleep on Mouka have helped me stay on my game. At my age, I still rock high-heeled shoes, and my back still stands Kakaraka”, she said.

With side attractions of comedy, games, dance presentations, and live music, it was a night filled with fun, laughter and fulfilment for all who attended.

Enjoy Sweet Chills With The New Domino’s Sweet Chilli Chicken Pizza

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Have you heard about the latest, sweetest, chilliest Pizzaon the block?! Domino’s Pizza has introduced the NEW SWEET CHILLI CHICKEN PIZZA! It’s a sweet savory blend of pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, green pepper and tasty pepper chicken glazed with luscious, golden sweet chilli sauce that releases a burst of flavour in every bite,just perfect for any moment!

It doesn’t get tastier than this folk, withdouble dose of sweet August chills, with the new Domino’s Pizza Sweet Chilli Chicken Pizza. You need this new exciting flavour from Domino’s to celebrate your awesome moments& wins this August. So, if you like it juicy, sweet &chilli, freshly baked, and delicious, then you are in for a real treat because whether you are looking for a tasty meal on-the-go, a time out with friends or with bae, or a late-night meal, you can’t go wrong with the new Domino’s Sweet Chilli Pizza.

You know Domino’s would comethrough with an irresistible deal!!! Most definitely, you can get this amazing flavour with a chilled bottle of drink for a whooping price from N3600! Yup, this is a chilled cruise you need to jump on; you can order this in any Domino’s Pizza branch and online at www.dominos.ng, with FREE delivery in 20mins, guaranteed! Talk about value for your money!

Remember we said it’s double chills this August? Yes, it is! Coupled with the amazing new product launch, Domino’s also is still coming through with the All-Day Everyday Value Range Deal. It’sunbelievable, in this economy!!! With the All-Day Everyday Value Range Deal, you can enjoy 7 differentPizza flavors of your choice plusa drink for as low as N2500 ONLY. This deal is still available in all their branches and online as well www.dominos.ng and you can have it delivered as well! For FREE, in 20mins, guaranteed or your get a FREE Medium Pizza voucher.

Now, there is so much to enjoy this August thanks to Domino’s Pizza serving you the very best! If you are like us, you will give your kitchen a break and enjoy stress-free moments with your favorite persons this season with Dominos Sweet Chilli Chicken Pizza, anddon’t forget to enjoy other amazing deals while at it.

Make sure you also follow @dominosng on Instagram to never miss out on more fantastic offers, discounts and so much more throughout  August.

China Intensifies Crackdown On Cryptocurrency Hype, Speculation

China’s internet watchdog on Tuesday said it had intensified a crackdown on illegal online information that may lead to speculation and fraud involving cryptocurrency.

According to the Cyberspace Administration of China, the move since early this year was aimed at protecting people’s property.

While urging leading online platforms to fulfill their responsibilities in presenting content, the administration shut down 989 accounts on Weibo, WeChat and Baidu’s online community service, which misled internet users to invest in cryptocurrency, as well as virtual or digital assets.

The administration, in joint efforts with other competent authorities, also closed 105 websites hyping cryptocurrency or releasing information concerning cross-border speculation on and mining of cryptocurrency.

While pledging continuous efforts to curb illegal activities involving digital currency, the administration also cautioned internet users against cryptocurrency speculation.

FG Inaugurates Africa’s 1st Meter Museum In Lagos

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The Federal Government through the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has inaugurated a Meter Generation MuseumMeter Generation Museum/Gallery at the National Meter Test Station, Oshodi, Lagos State.

Mr Iyali Peter, the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of State for Power, Mr Goddy Jedy-Agba made this known in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

The minister, while inaugurating the project said that the museum/gallery was designed to showcase the evolution path of electricity meter in the country.

He said the evolution was done from a simple electro-mechanical electricity meter to Advanced Meter Reading (AMR) and Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) “is considered the first of its kind in Africa”.

Jedy-Aagba said the project was aimed at educating Nigerians on how electricity meters used to be during the pre-independence era.

”The several evolution steps as a result of technological advancement, where it is now and a perception of what it is expected to be in the future, ”he said.

He said that the establishment of the museum/gallery had brought the historical time-line of electricity meter generation closer to Nigerians and the world at large.

Jedy-Agba said that the facility would be used as a collaborative launch-pad in the power sector for lecturers, students, tourists and electricity users to enhance their knowledge in evolution of meters.

He said that the inauguration was significant and represented a milestone in the realisation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s  administration’s objective.

Earlier, Mr Tahir Aliyu, NEMSA Managing Director said that the project was a unique milestone in the history of the agency.

Aliyu said that the importance of the energy meter in the electricity value chain “cannot be overemphasised”.

He said that it had evolved from simple billing devices to an essential part of electricity network which monitors and helps with load management.

The minister said that the agency intended to set up similar galleries of generation of electricity energy meters in other National Meter Test Stations in Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin.

”It is our fervent belief that with today’s event, NEMSA will further create awareness on the importance of electricity meters in homes.

” What to look for in the meters  and ultimately educate Nigerians on the need to insist on having only metres duly tested by NEMSA with attached NEMSA crimp seals, ”he said.

Latest US Dollar To Naira Black Market Rates Today, 9 August 2022

Today’s Dollar to Naira Exchange rate at the parallel/black market and the aboki fx. How much is the Dollar to Naira exchange rate today, 9th August 2022? Convert your dollar to Naira at the most recent black market or parallel market rate.

Nigerians prefer to exchange foreign currency, particularly dollars to Naira, on the black market since the conversion rate is much higher than the bank offers.

On this page, you can discover all the facts and the current rate for dollar to Naira, both the CBN and the black market rate.

How Much is Dollar to Naira and the official Exchange Rate today, 9th August 2022?

Please keep in mind that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market) and has recommended individuals interested in Forex contact their respective banks before proceeding.

The parallel exchange rate (black market rate) always differs from the CBN rate. The exchange rate between the US dollar and the Nigerian Naira significantly impacts the Nigerian economy.

As the Naira falls in value, inflation takes over the economy, which usually impacts the inhabitants. The Central Bank has stated that the Nigerian economy needs a significant turnaround and has asked Nigerians to work toward this goal, such as increasing exports.

The black market rate for dollars is frequently higher than the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The CBN Exchange rate is the rate at which you can purchase or sell dollars for Naira on the CBN dollar-to-naira website,  cbn.gov.ng.

The dollar to naira bank rate is the rate you use when you buy something from a foreign website with your Naira MasterCard or Debit card from a Nigerian bank. These rates are almost always cheaper than those on the black/parallel market.

US Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today, 9th August 2022

Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate 650
Selling Rate 657

Factors that could Influence Foreign Exchange Rates in Nigeria

  • Conditions of Trade
  • Speculators
  • Government Debt
  • Interest Rates
  • Inflation Rates

HKBU launches Turing AI Orchestra as next milestone in human-AI art co-creation

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach9 August 2022 – Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has announced the launch of the world’s first “Turing AI Orchestra” today (9 August) as the next milestone in its visionary plan to broaden the scope and explore potential opportunities in art co-creation by humans and artificial intelligence (AI).