China Banking Corporation (Chinabank), the Philippines’ fourth-largest private universal bank, has officially completed its transition to Darwinbox, a leading AI-powered Human Capital Management (HCM) platform. This milestone marks the bank’s full shift to a digital-first HR ecosystem that will optimize HR operations and enhance the employee experience for over 11,000 Chinabankers nationwide.
The partnership between Chinabank and Darwinbox was formalized on December 6, 2024 at the Chinabank headquarters in Makati City. In just five and a half months, Chinabank completed the accelerated phase 1 implementation of the platform, which is now live and fully operational across its nationwide network.
Internally branded as SyncHROne (pronounced “Sinkron”), the new platform is part of Chinabank’s One Chinabank identity initiative, reflecting the organization’s commitment to unified, employee-centric innovation.
“We are building a great workplace anchored on a compelling employee value proposition and a transformative work culture to foster innovation, collaboration, and employee growth,” said Romeo D. Uyan Jr., Chinabank President and CEO.
Built with a mobile-first design and open API architecture, Darwinbox enables seamless integration with Chinabank’s existing systems, while offering world-class data security. Employees now enjoy 24/7 access to HR services on both desktop and mobile devices, ensuring a more agile, accessible, and empowered workplace experience.
“We are leveraging innovative technology to drive operational excellence. From the outset, the development of SyncHROne was a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders from across the bank. Their insights ensured the system would meet the evolving needs of our workforce while staying true to our governance standards,” said Delfin Jay Sabido IX, Chinabank Chief Innovation and Transformation Officer.
SyncHROne will now serve as the bank’s centralized HCM platform, managing critical HR functions such as performance management, recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and issue resolution.
Named by the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) as the 2023 Employer of the Year, Chinabank is making every possible effort to be a great company to work for. CBC Group HR Head Tani Michelle Cruz said, “The journey of this HR digital transformation has been focused on the bank’s commitment to fostering a future-ready, inclusive, and innovation-driven workplace.”
For Darwinbox, the partnership marks another significant step in its growing presence in the Philippines. Since entering the market in 2021, the company has onboarded over 50 enterprises, including leading names in banking, retail, and multinational industries.
“We are invigorated by the mission of reshaping people processes across the entire employee lifecycle at Chinabank, and driven by a desire to help them succeed,” said Sasank Raavi, Country Manager of Darwinbox Philippines. “It is an honor to work alongside a company with over a century of legacy. Here’s to a long and fruitful partnership.”
Together, Chinabank and Darwinbox are redefining what it means to build an employee-first, innovation-led organization in today’s evolving business landscape.
About Darwinbox
Founded in 2015, Darwinbox is a global HR tech leader that empowers enterprises to better manage their talent with new-age employee experiences and disruptive AI-powered technology. Its cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) software caters to an organisation’s HR needs across the entire employee lifecycle. Darwinbox is trusted by over 900+ enterprises across 130 countries. Darwinbox has been backed by global investors like TCV, Microsoft, Salesforce Ventures, Peak XV, Lightspeed and Endiya Partners among others.More at www.darwinbox.com.
Galaxy Payroll Group Limited(NASDAQ: GLXG, Galaxy Group), a leading global payroll provider, announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly develop innovative AI-powered HR solutions. The partnership will combine Galaxy’s payroll expertise with CURRENC’s artificial intelligence technology to create advanced tools for modern workforce management.
The cooperation, as outlined in the MOU, will focus on the development of two key modules that leverage the combined strengths of both parties. The “AI HR & Payroll Manager” will integrate Galaxy’s extensive payroll expertise with CURRENC’s advanced AI capabilities to streamline and enhance HR and payroll operations. This module will also introduce cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins, as a payment option for payroll processing, aligning with the growing trend of digital payments and offering clients a more efficient and secure payment alternative.
The “AI Recruitment Manager” will utilize data-driven automation technology to optimize the recruitment process, providing intelligent candidate screening and automated interview scheduling. This system aims to help enterprises accurately match talents with job requirements, significantly improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their recruitment processes. Together, these modules will not only enhance operational efficiency but also provide clients with innovative solutions that address modern workforce challenges.
Speaking of the strategic significance of this cooperation, Wai Hong Lao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Payroll Group, said, “Integrating stablecoins into our AI-driven HR product suite represents a dual innovation. It not only keeps pace with the current trend of digital payments but also enhances operational efficiency for our multinational clients, helping them achieve HR management upgrade in the digital era.”
Alex Kong, Founder and Executive Chairman of CURRENC, stating, “By combining Galaxy’s professional payroll service advantages with our accumulated AI technology in the financial field, we are confident in creating next-generation HR tools that can meet the challenges of today’s labor market and provide enterprises with more competitive solutions.”
About CURRENC Group Inc. CURRENC Group Inc. (Nasdaq: CURR) is a fintech pioneer dedicated to transforming global financial services through artificial intelligence (AI). The Company empowers financial institutions worldwide with comprehensive AI solutions, including SEAMLESS AI Call Centre and other AI-powered Agents designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency and boost customer satisfaction for banks, insurance, telecommunications companies, government agencies, cryptocurrency exchanges and other financial institutions. The Company’s digital remittance platform also enables e-wallets, remittance companies, and corporations to provide real-time, 24/7 global payment services, advancing financial access across underserved communities.
About Galaxy Payroll Group Limited Galaxy Payroll Group Limited is a leading payroll outsourcing service provider based in Hong Kong. The company specializes in delivering HR and payroll solutions to multinational companies across various industries. With a focus on innovation and client satisfaction, GLXG operates in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and the PRC, offering payroll outsourcing, employment services, and consultancy to businesses of all sizes.
For more information, please visit Galaxy Payroll Group’s website: www.galaxyapac.com.
Forward-Looking Statements Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “intends,” “estimate,” “potential,” “may,” “should,” “expect” “pending” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations.
For enquiry, please contact Intelligent Joy Limited: Karen Deng Phone: (852) 3594 6407 Email: pr-team@intelligentjoy.com
Eastern River Pty Ltd is proud to announce a major milestone in its growth trajectory with the appointment of Tom Paras as Managing Director – Head of Fund Investments. This appointment signals a significant evolution in the company’s leadership capability as it expands its footprint across the fund investment landscape.
With more than 30 years of executive experience in the property and investment sectors, Tom brings an extraordinary depth of expertise spanning office, retail, industrial, and residential asset classes. He has held senior leadership roles at several high-profile organizations, including CEO of Panda Global Funds, where he led operations across international markets, and as a senior specialist at Payton Capital, recently acquired by ASX-listed HMC Capital. He has also served as Senior Executive – Investments at Occasio Funds Management.
Before joining Eastern River, Tom played a pivotal role in a number of corporate advisory and capital raising mandates across both domestic and international markets, with deep investor networks in the UAE, Asia, and the Americas. His global perspective and strategic insight will be instrumental in driving Eastern River’s next phase of expansion.
Tom has also served as a Non-Executive Director for several China-based companies seeking ASX listings, further demonstrating his unique capability in cross-border corporate structuring and capital markets. Beyond the boardroom, Tom holds equity positions across multiple businesses and investment entities in property development, construction, and venture capital. He holds an MBA and several professional diplomas in corporate and investment disciplines.
“Bringing Tom into the business is a landmark moment for Eastern River. His track record and depth of experience align perfectly with our long-term vision of becoming a leading force in the private investment and funds management sector,” said Tekauri Ryan Hurst, CEO & Executive Director of Eastern River Pty Ltd.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Jobs platform, foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), today released the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) for the Philippines, highlighting a significant 11% annual growth in hiring activities, despite an 8% month-on-month decline in March 2025
Commenting on the Philippines’ job market trends, V Suresh, CEO of foundit, stated, “The continued growth in hiring activity reflects the resilience of the Philippine job market and its steady economic recovery. Key sectors such as Hospitality & Travel, Logistics, and BFSI are driving this momentum. Despite short-term fluctuations, the overall outlook remains positive, with companies strategically focusing on roles that strengthen operational efficiency and enable long-term expansion.”
The Hospitality & Travel sector emerged as the top-performing industry, reporting a 37% year-on-year hiring increase, driven by rising tourist arrivals, infrastructure investments, and supportive governmental policies aimed at bolstering tourism.
Logistics, Courier/Freight/Transportation, and Shipping sectors closely followed with 31% annual hiring growth, supported by investments in distribution centres and fleet management.
Conversely, the Education sector experienced a 13% year-on-year decline in hiring demand. Similarly, the IT and Telecom sectors recorded an 8% decrease, reflecting cautious employer sentiment amid global economic uncertainties and tech investment realignments.
Other sectors demonstrating strong hiring demand annually include BFSI (+13%), Healthcare (+12%), Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media, and Entertainment (+10%), and Engineering, Construction, and Real Estate (+7%). More modest growth was seen in BPO/ITES (+4%), Production/Manufacturing (+3%), Consumer Goods/FMCG (+2%), and Retail (+2%).
Purchase and Logistics Professionals in Highest Demand
From a functional perspective, Purchase/Logistics/Supply Chain roles lead the pack with 36% annual hiring surge, fuelled by expanding operations, supply chain efficiency demands, and significant investments in logistics infrastructure.
Sales & Business Development professionals saw 28% growth in demand, alongside Engineering/Production/Real Estate roles at 10%, driven by infrastructure projects and growing market opportunities.
However, Software, Hardware, and Telecom professionals experienced a 14% decline in recruitment demand year-on-year, indicative of cautious hiring amid shifting technological priorities and global economic concerns.
Moderate increases in hiring were observed for Medical Roles (+10%), Marketing & Communications (+9%), Hospitality Roles (+8%), HR & Admin (+7%), and Finance & Accounts (+6%). Customer Service roles remained stable with no significant annual change (0%).
The foundit Insights Tracker is a comprehensive monthly analysis of online job posting activity conducted by jobs platform, foundit. Based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of online career outlets, the foundit Insights Tracker (FIT) presents a snapshot of employer online recruitment activity nationwide.
Timeframe for the Report
The timeframe for the fit data is March 2024 to March 2025.
About foundit – APAC & Middle East
foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME), is Asia’s leading jobs and talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. In addition to its innovative AI-powered job search, foundit offers e-learning, assessments, and services related to resume creation and interview preparation. foundit has connected over 120 million job seekers across 18 countries with the right job roles and upskilling opportunities.
Over the last two decades, the company has been a leader in the world of recruitment solutions and has launched cutting-edge tools to give recruiters access to passive candidates in addition to active ones. With its advanced technology, foundit is efficiently bridging the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies.
Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches and offer precision hiring.
– Green jobs in Singapore show 27% year-on-year growth with 12% month-on-month increase in March ’25 – Engineering, Construction & Infrastructure sector leads sustainability hiring with 29% share of green jobs – Consulting & Strategy sector accounts for 11% of sustainability-focused positions – ESG Analyst emerges as the role with the highest growth in demand 28% year-on-year – Singapore’s green job sector projected to grow by 11% in 2025
Jobs platform, foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), today published the foundit Earth Day Special Singapore Report as part of the foundit Insights Tracker (fit). The report highlights significant growth in sustainability-driven hiring across Singapore’s employment landscape.
The tracker reveals an overall year-on-year (YoY) growth of 27% in green jobs, with a positive month-on-month (MoM) increase of 12% in March 2025, building on the 17% growth seen in February.
“Singapore’s green job market is witnessing remarkable growth,” said V Suresh, CEO of foundit. “Our Earth Day Special report reveals a 27% year-on-year surge in green job opportunities, underscoring the nation’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Pivotal sectors such as Engineering, Construction, and Sustainable Finance are spearheading this transition, driving substantial and lasting impact. This upward trend not only mirrors the evolving demands of the labour market but also resonates strongly with the objectives of Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, reaffirming sustainability as a cornerstone of the country’s long-term economic vision.”
Engineering, Construction and Consulting sectors lead sustainability hiring
The Engineering, Construction & Infrastructure sector has emerged as the frontrunner in sustainability-focused hiring, accounting for 29% of all green job opportunities across monitored industries. This dominance reflects Singapore’s commitment to eco-friendly urban development and sustainable infrastructure projects.
Representing 11% of green job postings, the Consulting & Strategy sector is gaining momentum, driven by growing demand for sustainability consultants and environmental strategists as organisations integrate ESG frameworks into their operations.
Education and Manufacturing & Production sectors each contribute 7% of sustainability-focused positions, highlighting increased focus on workforce reskilling and the transition toward cleaner production practices.
Energy and Research & Technology sectors each account for 6% of green job opportunities, supporting innovations in renewables, green hydrogen, and sustainable R&D initiatives across Singapore.
ESG and Renewable Energy professionals lead demand among sustainability roles
In terms of sustainability-focused roles, ESG Analysts witnessed the highest growth with a 28% year-on-year increase, underscoring the rising importance of environmental, social, and governance considerations in business operations.
Sustainability Consultants followed closely with 24% year-on-year growth, while Renewable Energy Engineers showed strong demand with 22% year-on-year growth, reflecting Singapore’s push toward clean energy alternatives.
Other high-growth roles include Green Supply Chain Managers (+19%), Environmental Policy Officers (+16%), Carbon Credit Analysts (+14%), and Climate Risk Specialists (+13%), indicating broad demand across sustainability functions.
The report highlights evolving skill requirements, with employers increasingly seeking cross-functional expertise that blends engineering, finance, policy, and digital proficiency to meet regulatory and ESG expectations.
Looking ahead, the green job sector in Singapore is projected to grow by 11% in 2025, with renewable energy, electric mobility, and green infrastructure identified as key growth drivers.
The foundit Insights Tracker is a comprehensive monthly analysis of online job posting activity conducted by jobs platform, foundit. Based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of online career outlets, the foundit Insights Tracker (FIT) presents a snapshot of employer online recruitment activity nationwide.
About foundit – APAC & Middle East
foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME), is Asia’s leading jobs and talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. In addition to its innovative AI-powered job search, foundit offers e-learning, assessments, and services related to resume creation and interview preparation. foundit has connected over 120 million job seekers across 18 countries with the right job roles and upskilling opportunities.
Over the last two decades, the company has been a leader in the world of recruitment solutions and has launched cutting-edge tools to give recruiters access to passive candidates in addition to active ones. With its advanced technology, foundit is efficiently bridging the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies.
Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches and offer precision hiring.
Saudi Arabia, as a developing country, has achieved tremendous progress in changing its human resources development (HRD) sector, but it still faces hurdles in aligning its workforce with the needs of rapid economic growth. Despite recent social and economic reforms, Saudi labour markets continue to struggle to fulfil the country’s changing economic needs. Human Resource Development is crucial to this change, serving as an indicator of the country’s social, cultural, and economic growth. The National Human Resource Development (NHRD) framework empowers HR professionals to go beyond company talent development and address larger national challenges. This framework serves to highlight labour market concerns while also ensuring that HRD policies are adapted to the needs of the future workforce.
The Human Capability Development Program (HCDP), started in 2021 as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, intends to empower citizens while also increasing global competitiveness. The HCDP is intended to produce a competitive national workforce by emphasizing value promotion, future skill development, and knowledge enhancement. To do this, continual analysis of NHRD policies is required to align labour demands and supply, resulting in successful workforce planning for long-term national growth. This strategic strategy is critical for providing the Saudi workforce with the skills needed to face future problems.
Overview of the event:
The 4th Edition of the HR World Summit, themed “Unlocking the Future of Human Potential,” is a premier, invitation-only event that brings together over 200 HR leaders and experts. Set to take place on April 24th, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Minhal, this summit offers an exclusive platform for in-depth discussions on the challenges and opportunities in human resources. With a focus on advancing skill development, promoting innovation, and implementing effective strategies to enhance organizational competitiveness, attendees will gain valuable insights and tools to drive transformation. This gathering of CHROs, VPs of HR, talent management leaders, and HR professionals will foster impactful networking and provide actionable solutions to elevate organizational performance in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
Who will Speak
Abdullah Zabin AlOtaibi, Vice President of Upstream HR at Aramco.
Ahmed Omar Baaboud, Chief Shared Services Officer at Real Estate Registry.
Hessah Fahad Moammar, Vice President of People & Culture at ACWA Power.
Ratibah Aljawini, Executive Director of Human Resources for the Human Capability Development Program.
The event will cover topics like:
Reimagining HR for a Digital Age: Navigating the Saudi Arabian Landscape
Addressing Quiet Quitting: Retaining Top Talent in a Competitive Job Market
AI in HR: A Double-Edged Sword Balancing Benefits and Risks
Breaking Down Barriers: A Conversation on DEI and Workplace Transformation
Toxic Workplace: Breaking the Cycle and Building a Healthy Culture
The Future of Work: Navigating Uncertainty and Embracing Opportunities
For more information on the 4th Edition HR World Summit: Link
About Exito:
Exito, which means success in Spanish, embodies our commitment to the success of our customers. Each year, we host over 240 virtual and in-person conferences globally, bringing together audiences with world-class thought leaders and C-level executives across industries. Our meticulously crafted agendas, based on extensive research and valuable industry insights, facilitate business, knowledge transfer, deal flow, and impactful messaging for brands.
Euro Manganese Inc. (TSXV: EMN) (ASX: EMN) (FSE: E060) (the “Company” or “Euro Manganese“) is pleased to announce that Mr. Rick Anthon has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors (the “Board“) as of April 11, 2025 (Vancouver). In addition, the Company is providing an update on the Company’s previously announced upsized C$11.2 million (A$12.3 million) brokered unit private placement financing (the “Financing“).
Appointment of New Chairman
Mr. Anthon was originally expected to join the Board upon the closing of the Financing, which is now anticipated to close on or about May 22, 2025, subject to shareholder approval. However, his appointment has been brought forward following unanimous approval by the other directors. The Company’s current Chairman, Mr. John Webster, is stepping down as Chairman but will remain on the Board and as Chair of the Audit Committee.
Mr. Anthon’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Euro Manganese as it advances the development of its Chvaletice Manganese Project. His addition to the Board brings decades of battery metals experience and reflects the Company’s continued focus on building a strong leadership platform to support its role as a key contributor to Europe’s battery materials supply chain.
Martina Blahova, Interim CEO of Euro Manganese, commented, “Rick’s early appointment reflects the confidence we’ve built with key stakeholders and our focus on execution. His depth of experience in the resource sector and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to scale the Chvaletice Project and deliver on our strategic priorities. On behalf of the Board, we would like to express our gratitude to John for his outstanding contribution to Euro Manganese during his tenure as Chairman, and his exceptional stewardship during these recent transformative years. We look forward to continuing to receive his guidance and support as a director and as Chair of the Audit Committee.”
Rick Anthon, Euro Manganese’s new Chairman said, “I am honoured to step into the role of Chairman at this important stage for Euro Manganese. The Company is exceptionally well-positioned to play a critical role in Europe’s battery materials supply chain, and I look forward to working closely with the Board and management team to help drive the Chvaletice Project forward and create long-term value for all stakeholders. As I take on this new responsibility, I want to express my sincere appreciation to John for his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to Euro Manganese. His strategic vision and steady guidance have been instrumental in positioning the Company for the next stage of growth.”
During his tenure as Director of Corporate Development at Allkem Limited, Mr. Anthon led the company’s corporate development activities while it evolved from a junior explorer to a major industry player, navigating a successful IPO and playing a key role in Allkem’s A$16 billion merger with Livent to create Arcadium Lithium, now one of the world’s largest lithium producers and a NYSE-listed company that is being acquired by Rio Tinto. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board at Savannah Resources, a European-focused lithium producer, as well as Chairman of Greenwing Resources Limited, which has lithium brine operations in Argentina and a graphite project in Madagascar. Mr. Anthon is also Chairman of Rapid Lithium Limited, which is focused on lithium exploration in South Dakota, and Non-Executive Director at Savannah Goldfields Limited.
John Webster, Euro Manganese’s outgoing Chairman said, “Serving as Euro Manganese’s Chairman has been an honour. We have an extremely capable and enthusiastic management team, and with Rick joining as Chairman I am confident that this team will continue to execute on this next chapter of the Company’s strategic vision and plans. I look forward to continuing to work with management and my fellow Board members to develop the Chvaletice Manganese Project and enhance value for all shareholders.”
Financing Update
TSX-V Conditional Approval
The Company also announces that the Financing has received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSX-V“). The TSX-V’s final acceptance of the Financing is conditional upon the Company satisfying the filing requirements set forth in the conditional approval letter.
Completion of the Financing is also conditional upon receipt of the necessary shareholder approvals to be obtained at the Company’s upcoming Annual General and Special Meeting of shareholders (the “Meeting”) to be held virtually on May 15, 2025. The Company will mail Meeting materials to shareholders in due course and encourages all shareholders to vote in advance of the Meeting by returning their proxy or voting instruction form.
Share Purchase Plan (“SPP”)
The Company also confirms a revised launch date of the SPP for later in April (see below), details of which were initially announced on March 6, 2025, and initially updated on April 1, 2025, for aggregate gross proceeds of A$1.5 million (approximately C$1.4 million). On April 1, 2025, Orion OMRF (BK) LLC (“Orion“) agreed that if there is a shortfall between the maximum amount of the SPP and the total number of securities taken up under the SPP, Orion will subscribe for the securities up to a maximum of A$1.5 million on the same terms as the SPP, subject to regulatory requirements, any required regulatory and shareholder approvals and completion of the Financing and SPP.
Updated Indicative Financing Timetable
The indicative timetable for the SPP has been revised as set out below:
Vancouver
Australia
SPP Record Date
n/a
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Lodgement of Prospectus with ASIC
n/a
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Share Purchase Plan Opens
n/a
Monday, April 28, 2025
Share Purchase Plan Closes
n/a
Friday, May 9, 2025
Meeting to approve the Financing, SPP and related matters
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Friday, May 16, 2025
Settlement of New Securities Issued under the Financing and SPP
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Allotment of New Securities issued under the Financing and SPP
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Friday, May 23, 2025
About Euro Manganese
Euro Manganese is a battery materials company focused on becoming a leading producer of high-purity manganese for the electric vehicle industry. The Company is advancing development of the Chvaletice Manganese Project in the Czech Republic and an early-stage opportunity to produce battery-grade manganese products in Bécancour, Québec.
The Chvaletice Project is a unique waste-to-value recycling and remediation opportunity involving reprocessing old tailings from a decommissioned mine. It is also the only sizable resource of manganese in the European Union, strategically positioning the Company to provide battery supply chains with critical raw materials to support the global shift to a circular, low-carbon economy.
Euro Manganese is dual listed on the TSX-V and the ASX.
Authorized for release by the Interim CEO of Euro Manganese Inc.
Neither TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) or the ASX accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Enquiries
Martina Blahova Interim Chief Executive Officer +1 (604) 681-1010 martina@mn25.ca
Certain statements in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company, its Chvaletice Project, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “scheduled”, “forecast”, “predict” and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Forward-Looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company.
Such forward-looking information or statements also include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s intentions regarding the development of the Chvaletice Project, the ability of the Company to scale the Chvaletice Project and deliver on strategic priorities and create long-term value for all stakeholders, statements regarding the terms of the Financing, including completion thereof, the anticipated closing date of the Financing, receipt of the final regulatory and shareholder approvals for the Financing and the SPP, the holding of the Meeting, the terms of the SPP, including completion thereof, and issuance of the SPP Prospectus.
All forward-looking statements are made based on the Company’s current beliefs including various assumptions made by the Company including that the Chvaletice Project will be developed and operate in accordance with current plans, that the Company will be able to raise the financing that it requires, and that it will meet conditions of its secured credit facility. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: risks and uncertainties related to maintaining necessary licenses or permits; risks related to acquisition of surface rights; securing sufficient offtake agreements; the availability of acceptable financing, and risks related to granting security; the potential for unknown or unexpected events to cause contractual conditions to not be satisfied; developments in EV (Electric Vehicles) battery markets and chemistries; and risks related to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, changes in laws or regulations; and regulation by various governmental agencies. For a further discussion of risks relevant to the Company, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual information form for the year ended September 30, 2024, available on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release.
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EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd, a part of EdgePoint Infrastructure, a leading ASEAN-based independent telecommunications infrastructure company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ravin Vickneswaran as Chief Operating Officer of EdgePoint Towers. Ravin has been with EdgePoint since 2021 and has extensive experience spanning over 25 years in the local and international telecommunications industry.
EdgePoint Towers Appoints Ravin Vickneswaran as Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer, Ravin will work closely with teams across the organization to drive the company’s vision across various departments, including Engineering & Implementation, Property & Permitting and Operations & Maintenance. He will also lead teams towards enhancing service offerings, boosting customer satisfaction, ensuring the successful implementation of ESG practices, strengthening partnerships and driving the adoption of new technologies. In addition, Ravin will retain his previous portfolio in EdgePoint, continuing to lead the Innovations team.
Speaking on his new role, Ravin shared, “I am thankful to step into this new role at such a transformative time for the industry. As Malaysia accelerates its 5G rollout, Edgepoint Towers remains committed to delivering future-ready infrastructure that enables seamless connectivity. Collaboration with our customers is at the heart of our strategy, ensuring we provide innovative and reliable solutions that support their evolving needs. Continuing to work alongside my talented colleagues, we aim to foster strong partnerships, drive operational excellence, and play a key role in advancing the nation’s digital transformation.”
Muniff Kamaruddin, Chief Executive Officer of EdgePoint Towers said, “We are pleased to see Ravin advance in his career at EdgePoint. As we rapidly scale in Malaysia, it is crucial that we expand our management bench strength, and Ravin’s expertise will be key in this effort. His proven leadership, operational expertise, and strong execution capabilities will be instrumental in ensuring the Company’s continued success. Ravin’s deep understanding of the industry and customer needs has enabled him to build high-performing teams who have delivered innovative solutions across various industries in Malaysia, even winning two international awards in the past three years. With his track record, we are confident that Ravin will drive our business forward and strengthen our position as a partner of choice for digital infrastructure solutions in Malaysia.”
Ravin has served as Vice President of In-Building Coverage and Innovation at EdgePoint since 2021 and has been instrumental in growing the company’s IBC and small cells portfolio. Prior to joining EdgePoint, he has held key senior positions in telecommunications companies in Malaysia and Myanmar namely, Head of 5G Enterprise Business in Celcom Axiata Berhad, Director of APAC Operations at Flexenclosure AB, and Manager at Maxis Communications Berhad.
To date, EdgePoint Towers is the second largest independent telecommunications infrastructure company in Malaysia with 1,800 sites in its portfolio.
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ABOUT EDGEPOINT INFRASTRUCTURE
EdgePoint Infrastructure is an ASEAN based independent telecommunications infrastructure company that aspires towards Building a Connected, Digital ASEAN. Headquartered in Singapore with operations in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, through EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd, PT Centratama Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk and EdgePoint Towers Inc. respectively, the company is focused on providing sharable and leading-edge telecom structures, small cells and in-building systems. EdgePoint aims to be an industry leader through scale and innovation, driving operational efficiencies through the adoption of analytics and digital technologies.
Despite fears of job loss, Quality Assurance (QA) professionals are leaning into AI faster than ever, according to Katalon’s newly released 2025 State of Software Quality Report. The report reveals that testers using AI tools are twice as likely to fear being replaced by them, a paradox that underscores the profession’s evolving relationship with automation. Yet those with stronger AI fluency aren’t just adapting—they’re testing faster, leveling up their skills, and reclaiming joy in the work that once burned them out.
That shift is fueled by both urgency and intent. As AI reshapes expectations, 82% of QA professionals say AI skills will be critical in the next 3 to 5 years, and teams are already adapting. The report finds that those with higher AI fluency excel not just at using new tools, but in test planning, problem-solving, and applying AI concepts in real-world scenarios.
To close the skills gap, 67% of teams are investing in continuous learning, while 53% are adopting AI-driven testing practices to stay ahead. And for the most advanced teams, QA is no longer just a safeguard, it’s a business enabler. In fact, 77% of respondents say aligning QA with business goals has helped improve customer retention.
Katalon’s 2025 State of Software Quality Report surveyed over 1500 quality professionals, from engineers to senior executives, across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The report explores the challenges, capabilities, and innovations shaping today’s testing landscape—and how QA teams are evolving from execution-focused roles to strategic drivers of business value.
“The shift toward AI-powered testing isn’t just accelerating—it’s inevitable. This year’s report validates what we’ve long believed: QA professionals, the unsung heroes of software innovation, are navigating intense pressure to move faster without compromising quality, and their impact is finally being recognized, with 48% of organizations now viewing QA as a competitive advantage. Looking ahead, the future of quality will belong to teams who can combine AI fluency with human insight to lead testing into a smarter, more adaptive era.” – Vu Lam, CEO of Katalon
Key highlights of Katalon’s 2025 State of Software Quality Report:
* AI Integration with Human Expertise: Testers who blend AI, automation, and manual testing skills with critical thinking, the new generation of hybrid testers—are leading the next wave of innovation in software quality. According to the report, high-maturity QA teams that leverage these hybrid testers are 1.3 times more likely to adopt AI-augmented test optimization and 1.8 times more likely to implement intelligent test maintenance practices like self-healing tests, compared to lower-maturity teams.
* The Happiness Edge: Happier QA pros aren’t just more satisfied, they’re more effective. According to the report, they’re 1.4 times more likely to implement advanced automation solutions (46% vs. 34%) and 1.4 times more likely to say AI has improved efficiency and automation in their roles (71% vs. 52%). As organizations modernize, these findings reveal a clear connection between job satisfaction and innovation in software quality.
* AI and The Future of QA: AI-driven testing is gaining momentum, with 61% of QA teams adopting it to automate repetitive tasks and free up time for more strategic work. Forward-looking teams are embracing advanced automation tools, augmented with AI, with the potential to make testing more adaptive, efficient, and intelligent. Beyond AI, they’re also investing in performance and load testing tools (34%) and test management platforms (30%) to further optimize workflows and scale quality with confidence.
* Redefine quality with AI: The research shows that high-performing teams are modernizing on three critical fronts: 61% are adopting AI-driven tools, 51% are using modern development practices, and 40% are investing in continuous testing. Together, these shifts are accelerating release cycles while preserving what matters most: trust, reliability, and quality at scale.
Save your seat for the April 24 virtual summit katalon.com/webinars/quality-horizon. Join Katalon, industry experts, and QA leaders to discuss key findings from the report and what’s next for AI in testing.
About Katalon
Katalon is the category leader in AI-augmented software testing, empowering hybrid testers—those blending manual, automation, and AI skills, to deliver exceptional digital experiences. Trusted by more than 30,000 QA and DevOps teams across 80+ countries, Katalon has been named a G2 Leader in software testing for 11 consecutive quarters. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Atlanta, Katalon helps teams accelerate software delivery and elevate quality through a powerful, integrated test automation platform, empowering them to release with speed and confidence.
In a world where customer experience (CX) is increasingly defining business success, the Bengaluru edition of Team Marksmen Network’s CX Transformation Conclave 2025 scheduled for 21st March, 2025 at Taj Vivanta, Bengaluru, proved to be a beacon of insight and innovation. Bringing together an array of industry stalwarts and forward-thinking leaders, the event delved into the transformative power of technology in shaping exceptional customer journeys, offering actionable strategies to future-proof businesses.
As India continues to climb the global CX maturity ranks — standing third worldwide and leading the Asia-Pacific region, according to an industry report — the conclave highlighted the immense potential that lies in crafting thoughtful, technology-enabled customer experiences.
However, despite 79% of Indian firms acknowledging CX as a revenue driver, only 17% have achieved the elusive goal of providing “exceptional” customer service. The event set out to bridge this gap, serving as a platform for industry experts to exchange ideas and chart a path toward customer-centric innovation.
The day featured a series of engaging keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions that covered diverse facets of CX transformation. Attendees gained insights into the power of omnichannel strategies, where the seamless integration of digital and physical touchpoints ensures continuity and consistency in every customer interaction. The role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics was also explored, with experts showcasing how these innovations can unlock personalised, real-time experiences that resonate deeply with consumers.
One of the key takeaways was the importance of balancing innovation with empathy. While technology offers endless possibilities for personalisation and efficiency, the human element remains crucial. Speakers emphasised that businesses must strive to forge genuine connections with customers, understanding their needs, emotions, and expectations to deliver experiences that are not just satisfying but truly memorable.
Throughout the event, the importance of measuring and optimising CX investments was underscored. Experts shared frameworks for tracking the impact of CX initiatives on key metrics such as customer lifetime value, retention rates, and revenue growth, ensuring that businesses can continually refine their approaches for maximum impact.
This industry-centric platform was brought to life by its industry partners, namely Presenting Partner NICE, AI Transformation Partner Exotel, and Associate Partner Ubona Technologies.
The CX Transformation Conclave also saw a select cross-section of eminent organisations lauded for their trailblazing CX efforts. This included:
Ather Energy Limited
Brick and Bolt – home and commercial construction
Cashfree Payments
Electrolux India Private Limited
Firstsource
Flipkart
Force Point
Infosys Finacle
ITC Infotech
ITC Limited
Kapiva Ayurveda
LTIMindtree
Prestige Group
Xiaomi Technology India Private Limited
Reflecting on the event’s impact, Rajesh Khubchandani, Co-Founder and MD, Team Marksmen Network, said, “The insights shared at the CX Transformation Conclave reaffirmed that customer experience is more than just a business strategy — it’s the heart of every successful organisation. Technology is an incredible enabler, but true transformation lies in embracing a customer-first mindset at every level. Our goal with this event was to bring together brilliant minds to explore the future of CX and empower businesses to harness innovation in creating meaningful, lasting connections with their customers.”
As the curtains closed on yet another successful edition of the CX Transformation Conclave, one thing was clear: the future of customer experience lies in a harmonious blend of technology, empathy, and continuous evolution. The insights shared and connections forged at the event are sure to inspire a new wave of customer-centric innovation, positioning businesses to thrive in the ever-evolving experience economy.
About Team Marksmen
Through an array of bespoke industry-centric knowledge platforms, using a variety of formats, such as Roundtables, Summits & Conferences, Workshops, and Recognition Ceremonies, Team Marksmen helps senior industry decision makers navigate through issues of critical importance and informs their world-view for better decision-making.
Team Marksmen has successfully executed more than 50 events that have featured 1500+ brands, helping businesses across industries create opportunities to engage audiences through on-ground and virtual experiences.
The organisation empowers industry leaders by providing them with insights, ideas, and opportunities that fits their unique industry and context. Through content shared via its flagship website, Marksmen Daily, and print magazine ‘in Focus’ focused on business, leadership, and lifestyle, they help advance the practice of management. Meanwhile, through strategic initiatives like Marksmen Media, it helps organisations achieve their objectives through a plethora of bespoke digital and content strategies.
