MUNICH, GERMANY – EQS Newswire – July 23, 2020 – Binance, the global blockchain company behind the world’s largest digital asset exchange, and CM-Equity AG, a leading German investment firm providing asset management and brokerage services for crypto assets, today announced a strategic partnership to expand services for German and European customers.
Through this partnership, crypto traders and investors in Germany and Europe are able to use Binance and CM-Equity, a fully regulated German investment firm that is licensed by the German Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) to operate proprietary trading and brokerage services. By using CM-Equity’s services, Binance users in Europe will be able to further trade crypto assets and other financial products with state-of-the-art infrastructure and the highest security standards.
“By joining forces with CM-Equity, Binance will be able to broaden our services in Europe while ensuring compliance with local regulations,” said Changpeng Zhao, CEO of Binance. “We are looking forward to a long-term partnership with CM-Equity to grow the digital assets industry in a sustainable way and expand our offerings for European clients.”
“Binance offers the best trading experience in the market and we are thrilled to collaborate with the world’s number one,” said Michael Kott, CEO of CM-Equity. “Our fully licensed digital assets platform will benefit from the best liquidity and frictionless service offered by Binance.”
Additional plans of the partnership will be announced at a later date.
About Binance
Binance is the world’s leading blockchain and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider with a financial product suite that includes the largest digital asset exchange by volume. Trusted by millions worldwide, the Binance platform is dedicated to increasing the freedom of money for users, and features an unmatched portfolio of crypto products and offerings, including: trading and finance, education, data and research, social good, investment and incubation, decentralization and infrastructure solutions, and more. For more information, visit: https://www.binance.com
About CM-Equity
CM-Equity is a fully compliant Investment Firm operating with a license from the German Financial Market Authority BaFin. In its 18 years of business, CM-Equity has positioned itself as a pioneer in digital asset management and brokerage. For more information, visit: https://cm-equity.de/en/
HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach – 23 July 2020 – Chinachem Group (the Group)
and the Smart City Consortium (SCC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) to collaborate in propelling smart city development and helping elevate
cybersecurity standards in Hong Kong. The move underlines not only the
determination of both parties to foster the development of Internet of Things
(IoT) property technology (PropTech) in Hong Kong, but also Chinachem’s
commitment to digital transformation and driving sustainable living
solutions for Hong Kong people.
The Memorandum of Understanding to help propel Hong Kong’s
smart city development was signed by Damien Wu, Director of Digital
Transformation of Chinachem Group (2nd right) and Gary Yeung, President of the Smart
City Consortium (2nd left); witnessed by Donald Choi, Executive Director and
Group CEO of Chinachem Group (1st right) and Dr Winnie Tang, Founder and
Honorary President of the Smart City Consortium (2nd left).
Pursuant to the MoU, the SCC will
develop a set of indexing standards, cybersecurity guidelines and best
practices for deploying and maintaining IoT devices in smart buildings. The
Group, in addition to offering monetary sponsorship, will serve as a pioneer in
testing the resulting IoT PropTech standards to enhance cybersecurity in its
smart buildings. Furthermore, the two parties will join hands in organising
activities to promote Hong Kong’s smart city vision, with a focus on smart
buildings and the development of an IoT connectivity framework.
The MoU was signed by Damien Wu,
Director of Digital Transformation of Chinachem Group, and Gary Yeung,
President of the Smart City Consortium; witnessed by Donald Choi, Executive
Director and Group CEO of Chinachem Group, and Dr Winnie Tang, Founder and
Honorary President of the Smart City Consortium. The Group is the first
property developer partner of the SCC.
“We at Chinachem have accelerated the
digital transformation process and have the aspiration of becoming an industry
pioneer in PropTech applications,” explained Mr Choi. “We are collaborating
with the SCC with the intention to raise the bar for the Group as well as the
industry, and help make Hong Kong a more liveable smart city. It is also our vision
to position the city as a leader within the Greater Bay Area in terms of IoT
standards development, assessment and education for the property sector.”
Thanking Chinachem Group for its
support and sponsorship, Mr Yeung said the adoption of communications
technology and IoT were major opportunities that empowered the SCC’s operations
to promote smart building management, allowing swifter actions and improved security.
“The connected network of sensors and smart devices also delivers a safer and more
sustainable environment which is key to maximising property value,” he noted. “We
hope to develop a set of indicators and a rating standard index for the
property management industry and the IoT industry.”
While IoT-powered solutions in smart buildings will help increase cost-efficiency
and operational effectiveness, they will also be subject to higher cybersecurity
risks if no related standards, guidelines and best practices exist — hence the
importance of this collaboration for Hong Kong’s future PropTech development.
Chinachem Group
Chinachem Group is a leading property
developer based in Hong Kong, with a real estate pedigree dating back to the
1960s. Today, we develop residential, commercial, retail and industrial properties,
and own and manage hotels.
We uphold integrity, accountability,
teamwork, innovation, harmony and win-win as the values that drive our
operations and benefit our stakeholders, ultimately bringing positive change to
our communities.
We are forward thinking in embracing
new ways to work, through organisational change and digital transformation, as
we forge ahead into our next century of success.
Smart City Consortium
Smart City Consortium is formed by a group of professionals from
different corporations and organisations to provide opinions and suggestions to
the Government for formulating related policies and standards in the
development of Hong Kong as a world-class smart city. We encourage
worldwide collaboration with different stakeholders to create the right
ecosystem which fosters innovation and sustainable economic growth for Hong
Kong.
NAIROBI, KENYA – Media OutReach – 23 July
2020 – Infinix, a premium online-driven smartphone
brand designed for the young generations, and Infinix NOTE 7 which is a newest smartphone model targeting
the mid-to-high end market segment, comes in with a 6.95″HD Infinity-O display, the biggest Infinity-O display ever from
Infinix; MediaTek Helio G70 CPU performance, ideal for elite
mobile gamers; a 48MP Quad AI Camera, boasting the highest pixel count in its price range;
industry leading 18w super charge 3.0, and XOS 6.0 operating system based on the
latest Android™ 10 system, elevating global users’ smartphone experience to a whole new
level. Launching the NOTE 7 is a key milestone for Infinix’s
NOTE series, bringing
powerful, innovative and exciting enhancements to consumers by fulfilling a
broad range of daily use scenarios from: non-stop picture taking, work, social,
to gaming, movies, entertainment and more.
The new NOTE 7 comes in
3 mesmerizing color designs such as, Forest Green, Aether Black and Bolivia
Blue with subtle patterns in the reflective glass.
The
new Infinix NOTE 7 phone model has generated many positive with consumers that
appreciate the many features of the phone at affordable price.
“We are very proud to launch NOTE 7 to global
markets. NOTE 7 carries forward the DNA of Infinix by offering the most premium
smartphone experience and powerful features through stylish designs, trendy
technologies, and high-quality hardware to software experience. NOTE 7 is the
device that combines Infinix’s technological innovation strength with our deep
insights into our target consumers’ real needs to deliver an overall enhanced
experience for all types of content consumption and user scenarios. We are
confident that both our fans and new users will be amazed by the NOTE 7 when
exploring and perusing unlimited new wonders with cutting-edge technology in
the newest yet most price-friendly NOTE 7 in its price segment.” said Benjamin
Jiang, Managing Director of Infinix Mobile.
Fantastic Large Screen & Strong CPU to Seamlessly Bridge
Work and Daily Life
Smart phones have become an indispensable tool in people’s daily work and
private life. A smartphone that allows people to switch between
diversified needs and scenarios everyday is ideal for modern consumers.
Packed with a
6.95” HD + Infinity-O display and MediaTek Helio G70 CPU performance, NOTE 7 makes for a well-rounded tool that
seamlessly bridges daily work and play.
For those who want to be efficient during working
hours, its high-definition Infinity-O display and strong CPU performance can
offer a fantastic viewing experience and smooth multitasking capabilities for
whenever users are video calling with business partners, checking emails,
taking notes or browsing web pages for quick research.
For those who want fun and style during their leisure hours, NOTE 7 users
can indulge and experience epic entertainment moments all from the palm of
their hands; with awe-inspiring cinematic viewing effects, an incredible gaming
experience, and smoother multimedia engagements made possible by the super
large screen and a powerful CPU that optimizes performance. Especially, NOTE 7
with MediaTek Helio G70 makes it an ideal choice for game lovers to enjoy
guaranteed nonstop gaming, faster response time and ultra-smooth gaming
experience.
Caption: NOTE 7 6.95” HD +
Infinity-O display
Superior Camera
Experience that Let Users Shoot Like A Pro
NOTE 7 boasts with 48MP Quad Camera, allowing users to create ultra-high-resolution photography under a diverse
range of scenery conditions and different layout modes. No matter whether it is a beautiful
sunset, a backlight street view, a selfie or even highlights from a night out,
the camera is able to capture it all– with crystal clear clarity and lifelike
beauty.
Shooting
videos in low-light has never been this easy with NOTE 7’s outstanding
low-light performance. With a 1080P low-light video camera recording at 30fps, pixel 2.8μm,
it will be able to capture each detail and color even in the dark without
the flash. The unique 1080P low-light video camera allows NOTE 7 stand out among other mobile products within its target market segment. Meanwhile, powered by advanced AIS (AI Image Stabilization), users can also capture
incredible blur-free, handheld shots even in low-light conditions using Night
Mode.
NOTE 7 can accurately sense
movement and stability as well as the amplitude and eliminate it, creating
super steady action shots; this enables users to effortlessly take high motion
videos without the blur and shakiness, instantly immortalizing otherwise
fleeting moments of fun. Furthermore, a 16MP front camera means that every
selfie user take can be stunning, turning a selfie into a self-portrait in just
one second.
Caption：NOTE 7 48MP Quad Camera
Powerful Performance to Unlock an Enjoyable and Ultra-smooth
User Experience
Smartphone’s sound quality is an important part of the device. The NOTE 7
packs a powerful punch with its dual stereo speakers featuring DTS and audio
optimization to produce crisper, louder and more balanced sounds regardless of
content format (movies, games, music and more), providing the same great sound
effects and experience with or without headphones for users.
The NOTE 7 houses a longer
lasting 5,000mAh battery and powerful fast-charging technology, reaching 18W
charging speeds that gives users’ worry-free full-day guarantee of their day
and night life on the move. It is also faster and more intuitive with a
side-mounted fingerprint sensor for unlocking the phone with a tap in an
instant, upgrading the fluidity of the smart phone connection experience.
Equipped with the latest operating
system of XOS 6.0 built upon Android™ 10 system, NOTE 7 also introduces a whole
new user interface, with snappier performance and exciting new features. Users
can customize their phones to suit their own tastes with the latest features,
such as Dark Theme and Android 10 Gesture Navigation.
48MP+2MP+2MP+ Low light Video Camera with Quad Flash-Light (6GB + 128GB)
48MP+2MP+2MP+AI Lens (4GB + 64GB/4GB + 128GB)
48MP+2MP+2MP+AI Lens AF with Quad Flash-Light
Memory:
4GB RAM+64GB ROM /
4GB RAM+128GB ROM /
6GB RAM+128GB ROM
4GB RAM+64GB ROM /
4GB RAM + 128GB ROM
Colors:
Forest Green, Aether Black, Bolivia Blue
Forest Green, Violet, Space Grey
About Infinix
Launched in 2013 and
targeting the young generations, Infinix Mobile is a premium online-driven
smartphone brand. With “THE FUTURE IS NOW” as the brand essence,
Infinix aims to allow consumers to stand out in the crowd and to show the world
who they really are. Infinix is committed to providing the most
cutting-edge technologies, bold and stylish designs, keeping consumers on trend
and up-to-date. Infinix’s portfolio spans five product lines — ZERO,
NOTE, HOT, S, and SMART; empowering users to own innovative technologies
and experience intelligent lifestyles! Infinix has a presence in more than 30
countries around the world, covering Africa, Latin America, the Middle East,
Southeast Asia and South Asia. For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/
Company furthers commitment to financial services with addition of financial industry pioneer
HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach – 23 July 2020 –Symphony,
the leading provider of secure collaboration for global markets, today
announced the appointment of financial industry pioneer Brad Levy, as President
and Chief Commercial Officer.
Levy’s appointment comes at a pivotal point in
the Company’s momentum as customer demand for secure and compliant
collaboration integrated with automated workflows continues to grow. Levy will
lead Symphony’s efforts within the global financial services space, focusing on
expanding the company’s commercial offering on capital market workflows and
solutions.
“Brad’s unmatched experience within financial
services, coupled with his inclusive leadership style and network make for a
perfect combination as we enter our next phase of growth at Symphony,” said
David Gurlé, Symphony’s founder and CEO. “Brad’s expertise in capital markets
will further solidify Symphony’s role as the complete solution provider and
partner to our clients. I am thrilled to welcome Brad to the Symphony
leadership team.”
Prior to Symphony, Levy was a partner at
global analytics and information provider, IHS Markit, having also served as
CEO of MarkitSERV and global head of its loan settlement and software services
division. He was recently awarded the prestigious Markets Media Markets Choice Neil DeSena Market Advocate Award
for his dedication to driving change as a global leader in financial services.
In 2018, he was fourth on Institutional
Investor‘s Trading Technology 40.
Earlier in his career, he spent 18 years at
Goldman Sachs, culminating in his role as managing director and global head of
Goldman’s Principal Strategic Investments Group. Levy currently serves as
Chairman Emeritus of FINOS, the Fintech Open Source Foundation, as well as a
member of the Technology Advisory Committee of the CFTC, the U.S. Commodities
and Futures Trading Commission, and chairman of its Distributed Ledger
Subcommittee. He has served on numerous other boards within the financial
sector and is an oft-requested advisor and speaker.
“The financial services industry has arrived
at an inflection point, as technological developments and demand for expanded
digital offerings call for true, industry-wide transformation,” said Levy.
“From day one, I’ve admired how Symphony has evolved to meet the specific needs
of its clients, and I look forward to working with David and the Symphony team
to grow our community.”
At its 7th Innovate
conference in April, Symphony shared record growth numbers in Q1 2020, with
more than half a million licensed users, a 42% increase in daily active users
and a 280% increase in messages sent. Symphony announced
its commitment to delivering truly secure meetings to its users later this
summer. The company also recently revealed Deutsche Bank has become one of the
first companies
to enable the Symphony Connect Solution for secure chat and collaboration with
its clients via WhatsApp.
About Symphony
Established in 2014, Symphony is the cloud-based
messaging and collaboration platform that securely connects markets,
organizations and individuals. Powered by a growing and open app ecosystem, and
protected with customer-controlled encryption key infrastructure, Symphony’s
communications platform increases workflow productivity while maintaining
global regulatory compliance. Already the platform of choice for the financial
services industry, Symphony unifies the enterprise workflow to boost
productivity in any information-centric business.
Symphony currently has over
525,000 users from more than 340 companies worldwide, powering over 60 million
monthly messages.
DevOps teams gain continuous cloud security visibility and cloud security posture management
HONG
KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach – 23 July
2020 – Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704;TSE: 4704), the global
leader in cloud security, today announced its Trend Micro Cloud One™ —
Conformity offering is now available to Azure customers, helping global organizations
tackle misconfigurations, compliance challenges and cyber-risks in the cloud.
The company also achieved the CIS Microsoft Azure Foundation Security Benchmark. This
certifies the Conformity product has built-in rules to check for more than 100
best practices in the CIS framework.
“The
security of the cloud is a cloud
providers’ responsibility, but security in the cloud falls to the customer, which is where we fit,” said Wendy Moore, vice
president of product marketing for Trend Micro. “Our Cloud One platform integrates closely with Microsoft Azure
allowing DevOps to easily deploy against any hybrid cloud environment during
their migration to the cloud.”
In-house skills are often overloaded with the
challenge of managing hybrid cloud complexities. The proliferation of shadow IT
projects in the enterprise also means IT functions are often the last to know
if cloud accounts have been created by business units without adequate care and
attention paid to compliance, security and governance controls.
Conformity tackles these challenges by providing
powerful visibility and control of Azure environments. Its continuous cloud
security and compliance posture management capabilities alert customers to the
risk status and provide easy-to-action remediation recommendations. These can
help prevent common mistakes such as unauthorized database access and public
access to Blob storage accounts.
By implementing the Conformity API into a CI/CD
pipeline and existing workflows, DevOps teams can
identify potential risk in their cloud infrastructure before they are deployed
to live environments for
automated, proactive prevention of vulnerabilities.
Trend Micro
Cloud One — Conformity identifies around 230 million cloud misconfigurations
for its global Azure and AWS customers every single day.
Trend Micro’s experience securing
multi-cloud environments is a key differentiator to many organizations. “Trend
Micro is one of just a few vendors that provides the same full security and
monitoring capabilities across both Microsoft Azure and AWS,” said Mario Mendoza, Team Lead, Cyber Security
Architecture and Engagement at Blackbaud. “Blackbaud adheres to a DevOps
approach internally, so any shift in security vendors requires buy-in from the
DevOps teams. The fact that Trend Micro is able to protect Blackbaud’s hybrid
cloud environment without slowing down its DevOps teams was critical in our
decision for Trend Micro.”
Trend
Micro helps Blackbaud maintain constant vigilance for security and monitoring
across its cloud operations. Trend Micro is always on the cutting edge of new
threats, and they include us in those efforts. As a market leader, that’s what
we look for in partners,” said Mendoza.
Trend Micro Cloud One — Conformity is available
as a free trial or a
complimentary cloud health check can be quickly conducted for you by clicking here.
About Trend Micro
Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in cybersecurity
solutions, helps to make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Our
innovative solutions for consumers, businesses, and governments provide layered
security for data centers, cloud environments, networks, and endpoints. All our
products work together to seamlessly share threat intelligence and provide a
connected threat defense with centralized visibility and control, enabling
better, faster protection. With more than 6,000 employees in over 50 countries
and the world’s most advanced global threat intelligence, Trend Micro secures
your connected world. For more information, visit www.trendmicro.com.hk.
DHL Express continues
modernizing growing fleet by adding four B767-300F
State-of-the-art
aircraft support Strategy 2025 goals of reducing emissions
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – July 23, 2020 – DHL Express, the world’s
leading express service provider and Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace
company, announced today that DHL Express will add four 767-300 Boeing
Converted Freighters (BCF) as part of the logistics company’s efforts to
continue modernizing and growing its fleet with cost-efficient and reliable
freighters.
DHL Express is adding four 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) to modernize its long-haul intercontinental fleet with more eco-friendly and cost-efficient aircraft.
This is part of DHL’s effort to modernize its long-haul
intercontinental fleet with more eco-friendly and cost-efficient aircraft. The aircraft
are converted from passenger to freighter configuration by Boeing to fit the
needs of DHL Express and meet the rising global demand for express services.
“With a burgeoning e-commerce sector and the continued lack
of belly space in passenger aircraft, there could not be a more opportune time
to add these freighters to the DHL Express air network,” said Sean Wall,
Executive Vice President, Network Operations & Aviation, DHL Express Asia
Pacific. “The 767-300F is a proven model that we have operated across our
global fleet for many years and it will continue to help us deliver excellence
with greater efficiency and at a lower carbon footprint.”
Even
before the Covid-19 pandemic, the rapid growth of e-commerce was expected to
exert pressure on supply chains and the airfreight transportation space. A study by
Facebook and Bain & Company found that the average spend per digital consumer
in Southeast Asia is expected to triple from 2018 to 2025. With many countries
still under pandemic protection measures, the demand for fast and reliable
cross-border shipping has grown exponentially.
“Boeing is committed to delivering the freighter capacity that DHL needs to
succeed as one of the most trusted logistics and express cargo leaders in the
world,” said Ihssane Mounir, Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and
Marketing, The Boeing Company. “We are delighted that they choose Boeing
platforms to optimize their operations. Boeing has received 51 orders and
commitments for the 767-300BCF to date.”
The world’s most efficient medium wide-body twin-engine freighter, the 767
Freighter Family, boasts the lowest direct operating costs, best payload to
weight ratio and allows airlines to develop new opportunities in the long-haul,
regional, and feeder markets. The 767-300BCF has virtually the same cargo
capability as the 767-300F production freighter with approximately 50 tons
structural payload at a range of approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,556
kilometers) and 412,000 pounds (186,880 kilograms) maximum takeoff weight.
As part of its Strategy 2025, DHL Express has continued to invest in and employ innovative
solutions and technologies to meet the growing demands of cross-border
e-commerce trade and intercontinental delivery expertise. The company is
focused on continuously improving its well-connected global network whilst
reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption to benefit the environment,
partners and customers alike. Since 2019, DHL Express has also added 14 top-of-the-line
fuel-efficient Boeing 777F to replace older 747-400s. DHL Express operates over 260
dedicated aircraft with 17 partner airlines on over 3,000 daily flights across
220 countries and territories.
DHL is the
leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an
unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and
international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions,
international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain
management. With about 380,000 employees in more than 220 countries and
territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and
reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions
for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and
healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail,
DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of
more than 63 billion euros in 2019. With
sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment,
the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group
aims to achieve zero-emissions logistics by 2050.
About Boeing
Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and
leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems,
and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial
and government customers in more than 150 countries. Building on a legacy of
aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation,
deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth. www.boeing.com
“JERF has provided $39.5m in funding to publishers in 115 countries in the past few months,” says Ludovic Blecher, Head of Google News Initiative Innovation. “The money is being applied in diverse and creative ways from ensuring basic reporting needs, giving emergency stipends to allow reporters to cover the crisis, to driving audience engagement and generating subscriptions.
Additionally, a significant number also said they are prioritising a need for cultural change, including a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion as well as organisational and business management changes.”
Within the first two weeks’ of launch, JERF had received applications from 12,000 publishers across the globe, with newsroom sizes ranging from an average of 20 in the Asia Pacific to 8 in North America.
“The massive response gave us the opportunity to understand what “local” means in different parts of the globe and how dynamics ranging from newsroom size to ownership structure can differ depending on the region and the kinds of communities served,” Blecher says.
According to an optional reader revenue survey GNI conducted, “Advertising continues to be the sole source of revenue for most recipients with 50% claiming to be totally advertising dependent.
The survey also showed that less than 30% operate some form of a paywall while less than 18% rely on community contributions or memberships to support their journalism.
However, the situation is changing with 60% of the recipients planning to diversify their revenue streams through developing subscription, membership or contribution models.”
“The pandemic has affected everyone and local news organisations have been at the forefront in helping their communities navigate COVID. At the Google News Initiative, we are trying to play our part with this funding and otherinitiatives as we all work towards the common goal of a sustainable, innovative and diverse news ecosystem globally,” Blecher concludes.
The full list of Nigerian publishers is:
Aledah.com
City Mirror News
Daily Nigerian
News Wire NGR
Lagos Post Media
Newsfeed Nigeria
Premium Times
Sundiata Post
Sunrise Newspaper
Tell Magazine
The Daily Times
The Daily Report
The Eagle Online
The Median
TNG
The Punch (including Saturday Punch, Sunday Punch and Punch Online)
Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world.
Africa’s highly-anticipated online series, The Men’s Club, hit the screens for its Season 3 on Wednesday.
The 13-episode smash series is powered by the United Bank for Africa’s Lifestyle and Entertainment channel, REDTV, producers of hit shows such as Our Best Friend’s Wedding, Inspector K, Assistant Madams, Red Hot Topics, Hotel Boutique and many more.
The blockbuster series, TMC, which has enjoyed a huge following since its first release in 2018, has taken viewers on a roller-coaster ride with Africa’s most eligible young men – Ayoola Ayoola, Efa Iwara, Daniel Etim and Baaj Adegbule, on their adventure filled with love, friendship, fear, betrayal and Romance.
The show also stars top female acts: Sharon Ooja, Mimi Chaka, Folu Storms and features some of Nollywood’s finest legends like Sola Sobowale and Shaffy Bello.
The new season, which was premiered on REDTV’s Youtube channel on Wednesday, was an instant hit as thousands of people from all over the world watched the 90-minute premiere event.
The Executive Producer of REDTV, Bola Atta, who spoke shortly before TMC3 came on screen, noted that although there had been a slight delay in the production of the hit series third season due to the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, there were efforts taken to ensure that this delay was not prolonged.
Atta said: “TMC is one of our major hit series brought from the REDTV stables and powered by the United Bank for Africa.
“We worked really hard to ensure we were bringing the best this season despite all the delays.
“The TMC fans have been so loyal and we needed to give them what they wanted.
“The COVID-19 lockdown meant that we had to halt production right in the middle and this caused quite a bit of stress for us.
“However, the minute the lockdown eased up, we put the very best measures in place for safety and security for cast and crew, limited the numbers and went back into production.”
Atta emphasised UBA’s continued support for the creative industry to ensure that more youth are gainfully employed and presented with opportunities that showcase their talent, boosting economies across Africa.
She said: “REDTV was birthed by the United Bank for Africa to support the creative industry in Nigeria and across the African continent and for over four years now, we have been creating employment and honing creative talent through entertainment.
“The potential revenue that can be generated in this industry is often under-estimated and it is only in recent times that more people have had the courage to leave traditional professions and embrace the creatives.”
Also speaking about TMC3, CEO Urban Vision and Director of The Men’s Club, Tola Odunsi, expressed delight at the reception, which the series has received over the years.
Odunsi also praised UBA and REDTV for the continuous support towards ensuring that viewers are always provided with the best quality entertainment.
He said: “We are extremely pleased to partner with UBA and REDTV to create top-quality content and jobs.
“Working with UBA and REDTV has been amazing and with their support, more jobs continue to be created in the entertainment sector.
“On TMC 3 production we were able to hire a lot of people in different capacities and that ultimately equates to impacting many families, many lives. All thanks to UBA’s support.”
REDTV is a fast-paced lifestyle channel that puts Africa on the global stage.
Proudly powered by UBA, the network is here to entertain and inform with rich content that features the very best of African entertainment, fashion, news, design, music, sport, movies and travel and so much more.
REDTV collaborates with the most talented visionaries and creative minds daring to believe in New Africa.
Watch the new season of The Men’s Club on YouTube: @itsredtv.
Audi established the premium compact class segment with the A3 in 1996. The new generation of the success model is now being introduced on the market – sporty, digitalized and fully connected. Beneath the progressive design of the body of the new A3 Sportback and the new A3 Sedan lie many innovations from the full-size class, for example, the infotainment, suspension, and driver-assist systems.
Distinctive: design and lighting
The new A3 models feature compact proportions and a sporty design. The wide Singleframe and large air inlets at the front end accentuate their dynamic character. The shoulder of the body extends in a smooth line from the headlights to the rear lights. The area below is curved inward. This is a new element of Audi’s design that puts a stronger emphasis on the wheel arches.
The digital daytime running lights of the Matrix LED headlights are further innovation. They consist of a pixel array made up of LED segments in a three by five arrangement that creates special light signatures and makes the new A3 immediately recognizable.
The sporty and sophisticated design is continued in the interior with the new shifter, aluminium or carbon inlays, striking door openers, and an instrument panel with a black-panel look. Seat upholstery made of recycled PET bottles, on which stylish contrasting stitching sets accents, are being used for the first time.
Optimized: the space concept
The new A3 models offer more space and functionality combined with compact external dimensions. Measuring 4.34 meters (14.2 ft) in length and 1.82 meters (6.0 ft) in width (without mirrors), the A3 Sportback has grown by just over three centimetres (1.2 in) compared with its predecessor.
The height of 1.43 meters (4.7 ft) – without the roof antenna – and the wheelbase of 2.64 meters (8.7 ft) remained unchanged. Depending on the position of the rear bench seat, the luggage compartment holds between 380 (13.4 cu ft) and 1,200 litres (42.4 cu ft), and the loading floor can be inserted at different heights. Upon request, there is a tailgate for the Sportback and the Sedan that can also be opened with a foot movement. With the A3 Sportback, it is optionally available with an electric drive that closes the tailgate once more.
The new Audi A3 Sedan is just over 15 centimetres (5.9 in) longer than the A3 Sportback. All other dimensions are identical. At 425 litres (15.0 cu ft), the luggage capacity is the same as in the predecessor model. The rear end and the large diffuser help the Sedan to achieve an excellent drag coefficient of 0.25.
Digitalized: controls and displays
The cockpit of the new A3 is wholly focused on the driver. It uses familiar elements from the brand’s full-size class models and is equipped with a 10.1-inch touch display as standard, which is integrated into the centre of the instrument panel. It recognizes letters entered by hand, provides acoustic feedback, and can be controlled using natural language.
The instrument cluster, which the driver operates via the multifunction steering wheel, is also digital as standard. The optional Audi virtual cockpit provides additional functions such as the large display of the navigation map. The plus version measures 12.3 inches and enables three different views, including graphics with a sporty look. A head-up display is offered as an option.
Intensified: the infotainment
The MMI operating concept is powered by the new third-generation modular infotainment platform. Its computing power is ten times higher than that of its predecessor. It performs all tasks relating to connectivity, including telephony and the Audi connect services with LTE Advanced speed, and also has an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot.
Individual settings can be stored in up to six user profiles – from climate control and the seat, position to frequently selected navigation destinations and frequently used media. The DAB+ digital radio is included as standard and the online or hybrid radio is available as an option. Route guidance is particularly easy and flexible.
For example, the navigation offers predictions on the development of the traffic situation, high-resolution satellite images from Google Earth, and detailed 3D models of many major European cities. The online traffic information plus with lane-precise traffic flow display and the Amazon Alexa voice assistant will follow in the near future.
The connect services also include car-to-X services. In selected cities, they help with finding free parking spaces on the roadside or allow the driver to surf the green wave by communicating with traffic lights.
The new Audi A3 is connected to the user’s smartphone via the myAudi app, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as via the Audi phone box. The latter connects the device to the car antenna and charges it inductively. The Audi connect key allows the user to lock and unlock the car and to start the engine via an Android smartphone.
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Refined: the engines
In Europe, there are six engine/transmission variants to choose from for the new Audi A3 – four TFSI and two TDI. The 1.0 TFSI, a three-cylinder gasoline engine with 81 kW (110 hp)2 of power and a six-speed manual transmission, serves as the entry-level engine.
Static photo, Colour: Manhattan gray
The larger gasoline engine, a 1.5 TFSI with 110 kW (150 hp)3, follows the same formula. It, too, is connected to a six-speed manual transmission. Or it works in conjunction with the extremely fast-shifting seven-speed S Tronic and the mild-hybrid system4. In addition, the 1.5 TFSI features cylinder on demand (COD) technology. At low and medium loads, it temporarily deactivates the second and third cylinders, thus helping to reduce fuel consumption.
The 2.0 TDI is also available in two versions. As the entry-level engine, it develops 85 kW (116 hp)5. In the top version, the diesel engine delivers 110 kW (150 hp)6.
Static photo, Colour: Manhattan gray
The engine versions at the start of production will be combined with front-wheel drive. Power will be transmitted by a six-speed manual transmission or – with the MHEV engine variant and the powerful TDI – the quick-shifting seven-speed S Tronic, the selector lever of which is now designed as a compact shifter.
The driver can push and pull this to control the basic functions of the automatic transmission. Shortly after market launch, Audi will be gradually expanding the offering to include further electrified drive systems and versions with Quattro drive.
Static photo, Colour: Manhattan gray
Refined: the suspension
The suspension of the new A3 models – with a four-link rear axle for engines from 110 kW (150 hp)7 – is sporty and balanced, combining pleasant ride comfort with good dynamics. In combination with the optional Audi drive select dynamic handling system, the suspension is available with adaptive damper control, which simultaneously lowers the body by 10 millimetres (0.4 in).
Each damper permanently adapts to the road condition, the driving situation, and the settings in Audi drive select, creating a widespread between highly comfortable roll motion and agile handling. With the sport suspension – standard in conjunction with the S line exterior, otherwise an option – the focus is clearly on dynamics. Due to the tauter tuning of the suspension and dampers and the fact that the vehicle is lowered by 15 millimetres (0.6 in), the new A3 conveys an even more direct contact with the road surface.
Well versed: the driver assist systems
Equipped with Audi pre sense front, the collision avoidance assists, and the lane departure warning, the new A3 models help prevent accidents with other road users and offer a high level of safety as standard. Further assist systems, such as the lane change and exit warnings as well as the cross-traffic and park assist systems, are available as an option.
The adaptive cruise assist, which customers know from many of the full-size models, assists with longitudinal and lateral guidance. It maintains the speed and distance to the vehicle in front and assists with lane guidance by means of gentle interventions in the electromechanical steering. This increases the level of ride comfort during long journeys in particular.
Scheduled: market launch and prices
Presales of the new A3 Sportback started in March 2020 in many European countries. The 1.0 TFSI (81 kW/110 hp)8 is listed at €26,800 in Germany, while prices for the 1.5 TFSI with 110 kW (150 hp)9 start at €28,900. The new A3 Sedan has also been available to order since the end of April and will be delivered to customers from the summer. The A3 Sportback costs an extra €900.
For both models, the market launch will be accompanied by a special-edition model: the edition one with exclusive features. From the outside, it can be recognized by special attachments, darkened Matrix LED headlights and 18-inch wheels. The interior S line with newly developed sports seats including integrated head restraints, aluminium inlays and stainless steel pedals rounds out the dynamic look.
Many of our parents belonged to a generation where people became what they studied at school. If you studied Psychology, you would most likely become a psychologist; If you studied Accounting, then, you would become an accountant.
People’s career paths were quite predictable at that time. But, do we have the luxury of predictable careers in our time?
The nature of work is changing and the competition in the labour market is getting stiffer over time. Hence, more candidates are seeking to offer some competitive advantages over their contemporaries. An advanced degree or certification does not necessarily offer the desired differentiation for candidates as it used to be.
This is a good time for us to talk about how our educational system is preparing us for the work of the future. We 2 groups of people: those who are happy to work in fields related to what they studied in school, and those who are currently working in roles unrelated to what they studied in school. In other words, the latter group is charting their career paths.
Please share your story in the comments section.
What did you study and what are you currently doing?
Written by:Anifat Ibrahim, Research Associate | Project Management Professional (PMP).
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