Category: Retail & eCommerce

Verofax Wins at Emirates Global Aluminum Ramp-Up Programme 2023

Verofax, an award-winning product validation and traceability solution provider, is thrilled to announce its selection as one of the top three winners of the Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) Ramp-Up Programme. The programme attracted over 600 startups from around the globe, all vying for a chance to make a significant impact in the industry.

About the EGA Ramp-Up Programme
Emirates Global Aluminum, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside of oil and gas, initiated the EGA Ramp-Up Programme to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs. These businesses are expected to contribute to economic growth and job creation, particularly in the realm of low-emission commodity exports.

The programme, supported by C3, consisted of a three-month series of customized workshops focusing on business and impact for 20 finalist startups. These workshops were aligned with EGA’s strategic objectives of promoting growth and sustainability.

Verofax’s Unique Contribution
Verofax’s commodity validation and traceability solution empowers exporters to automate compliance and streamline border clearance at customs in regulated markets. This is particularly crucial given the European Union’s recent introduction of Carbon Border Tax regulations, which impose tariffs of up to 35% on non-compliant exporters of high-emission commodities like steel and aluminum.

Wassim Merheby, CEO of Verofax, said, “We are very excited to have won the EGA challenge for Growth and Impact. This win underscores EGA’s commitment to low-emission commodity manufacturing. We are thrilled to promote regional exports from the Middle East with our seamless validation and traceability solutions. The EU imports of targeted high-emission commodities amount to over $80 billion, mostly catered today by China and Russia. The new regulations open doors for near-shore exporting countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia to benefit and increase exports.”

A Commitment to Sustainability and Growth
Abdulnasser bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, said, “Our goal with EGA Ramp-Up is to contribute further to the UAE’s economic diversification and development by supporting innovative young entrepreneurs to launch their impact-driven and sustainability-focused businesses. We hope our support will enable these companies to thrive and that some may even become EGA suppliers, further increasing our local procurement and supporting ‘Make it in the Emirates’ and achieving the UAE’s Operation 300bn industrial growth strategy.”

As part of the Entrepreneurial Nation strategy, EGA Ramp-Up supports achieving the Centennial 2071 goal of increasing entrepreneurship in the UAE.

“These startups represent some of the most promising talent in the UAE, and C3 is thrilled to have partnered with EGA to equip them with the tools needed to accelerate their businesses. Through our tailored mentorship programme, we have nurtured their growth trajectory, enabling them to create lasting impact,” said Kevin Holliday, Managing Director of C3 – Companies Creating Change.

About EGA
EGA is a global leader in aluminum production, with operations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, an alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi, and a bauxite mine and associated export facilities in the Republic of Guinea. EGA is committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and supply chain by 2050. Visit www.ega.ae/en/ramp-up.

About Verofax
Verofax is a compliance and commerce SaaS solution provider, validated by Microsoft and holding four patents on AI analytics that enable intelligent supply chain and operations. Fortune 100 enterprises across 50 markets have adopted Verofax solutions for securing their supply chain and connecting directly to customers. Verofax is committed to achieving Net Zero by 2025 and promotes global offset and community relief projects across the globe. Visit https://verofax.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Wassim Merheby
CEO, Verofax
Email: info@verofax.com

Society Pass Inc (Nasdaq: SOPA) Awarded the 2023 APEA Fast Enterprise Award for E-Commerce Category

Society Pass Incorporated (SoPa) (Nasdaq: SOPA), Southeast Asia’s (SEA) next-generation, data-driven, loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem, announces that it received the Enterprise Asia’s 2023 Fast Enterprise Award for E-Commerce award. The Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) ceremony was held on 05 October 2023 at the Log Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

SoPa CFO, Tan Yee Siong, accepting Fast Enterprise Award for E-Commerce

Through the prestigious APEA programme, Enterprise Asia recognizes entrepreneurial excellence throughout the Asia Pacific region. APEA aims to band leading entrepreneurs and organizations across Asia to spur greater innovation, fair practices and growth in entrepreneurship, creating a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem which will then shape Asia to sustainable economic and social growth. APEA honors business leaders and organizations who have shown outstanding performance and tenacity in developing successful businesses, whilst not neglecting the social responsibilities that come with leadership.

Tan Yee Siong, Chief Financial Officer of SoPa, comments, “We are very proud to receive this Fast Enterprise Award for the e-commerce category from Enterprise Asia. It is a reflection and recognition of the effort and hard work that our teams across the ecosystem deliver daily. We significantly invest into recruitment, training and implementing best practices across our operations. The benefits are already reflected in the growth of our company, but it is especially rewarding to be recognized for those efforts by APEA. We continue to deliver and hope to be nominated again across other categories in the years to come.”

Kevin Vong, Executive Director of Enterprise Asia, said, “APEA’s goal is to recognize enterprises and business leaders who have shown outstanding track records, perseverance and growth. It is our great pleasure to congratulate Society Pass Incorporated for being selected as the winner under the e-Commerce Industry of the prestigious Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2023.”

About Enterprise Asia
Enterprise Asia is a leading non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine towards sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, in uplifting the economic status of people across Asia and in ensuring a legacy of hope, innovation and courage for the future generation. For more information on Enterprise Asia, please visit: https://www.enterpriseasia.org/.

About Society Pass Inc.
Founded in 2018 as a data-driven loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in the fast-growing markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, which account for more than 80% of the SEA population, and with offices located in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) is an acquisition-focused holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, digital media, travel, telecoms, lifestyle, and F&B), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.

Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021.

SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa’s data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.6 million registered consumers and over 650,000 registered merchants and brands. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.

Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operatesThoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital video multi-platform network;NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; VLeisure, Vietnam’s leading provider of hotel management and payment solutions; Gorilla Global, a Singapore-based, mobile network operator;  Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; and NextGen Retail, a Indonesia-based e-commerce platform.

For more information on Society Pass, please visit:
Website at https://www.thesocietypass.com or
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/societypass  or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesocietypass  or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/society_pass or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/societypass/.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may include “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus relating to the Company’s initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Media Contacts:
Rokas Sidlauskas
Chief Marketing Officer
rokas@thesocietypass.com

Verofax wins GITEX Supernova Web3 & Blockchain Award 2023

Verofax, an innovator in Brand & Retail solutions, was selected among 521 startups globally as the best solution offering for Web3 & Blockchain, at the GITEX 2023 Expo,  Supernova Challenge in Dubai.

Verofax, a UAE-based startup and service provider for turning shopping & products interactive, has emerged as the winner of the 2023 Supernova Challenge at Expand North Star Dubai, the world’s largest startup event. The startup received the prize after rounds of pitching against global finalists.

Verofax’s groundbreaking solution combines interactive Product IDs with cutting-edge product recognition, enabled by advanced computer vision. This innovation has empowered consumers to:

  • Discover & Validate: Check before you buy product properties, ensuring complete transparency in terms of price, quality, and sustainability.
  • Engage Intimately: Through augmented reality, experience custom interactions that redefine brand loyalty.
  • Reap Rewards: Earn meticulously curated, personalized discounts anchored in individual purchase histories and preferences.

Verofax is on a mission to strengthen the bond between consumers and brands. This direct connection, established at the moment of purchase, accentuates trust and fosters unprecedented loyalty.

Wassim Merheby, CEO of Verofax, conveyed his gratitude, “We are profoundly honored by this recognition from the GITEX committee. It further fuels our mission – ‘Never trust, always verofax.’ As we look to the future, our resolve is only strengthened to bring forth innovations that redefine the consumer landscape.”

The Supernova Challenge is the biggest pitch competition in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia . The challenge is a key feature of Expand North Star Dubai, which hosted its biggest edition this year. It attracted over 1800+ startups from over 100 countries to explore the emerging opportunities in Dubai’s dynamic, diverse and tech-driven digital economy.

One of the judges at Supernova, Sharif El-Badawi, CEO of Dubai Future District Fund, commented, “The pitches we witnessed here at the Supernova Challenge are brimming with promise, unique innovations, and inspiring ideas.”

The Supernova Challenge Pitch Competition, a highlight of GITEX Global, in partnership with the Dubai Future District Fund, is the largest pitch competition in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Startups vie for top honors in a range of categories, aspiring to become the next unicorn in the tech world.

Overall, thirteen category winners representing the USA, India, UAE, South Korea, France, UK, Nigeria, Switzerland, China and Bangladesh took home prize money:

Blockchain and Web3 Disruptor: Verofax from the UAE, a platform enabling real-time immersive shopper experiences instore and product quality validation.

Sustainability and ESG Disruptor: Zenerate from the USA, a platform providing AI-powered feasibility solutions for real estate development.

AI Disruptor: Knorish, a platform that enables hobbyists, professionals and niche experts to build, launch, market and sell online courses powered by their own knowledge and as an extension of their own brand.

Fintech and E-commerce Disruptor: Appro Technologies from the UAE, a digital platform simplifying retail banking onboarding.

Mobility and Smart Cities Disruptor: Innocel from France, a company providing clean energy solutions for a net zero future.

Healthtech and Wellness Disruptor: Skia from Korea, a digital surgery guide solution using augmented reality (AR) technology.

Martech Disruptor: Smartzer from the UK is a SaaS platform brands use to make live streams and videos interactive and shoppable to drive sales.

Female Founder Award: Matis from Switzerland, a platform empowering art market stakeholders with accessible and quantifiable tools for art authentication.

Africa Fast Award: Gifty from Nigeria, an app that helps people easily share gift lists with family and friends and avoid duplicating purchases.

Asia Fast Award: Urtopia from China, a company dedicated to revolutionizing urban transportation with its smart, sleek, and stealthy e-bikes.

India Fast Award: EyeROV from India, a marine robotics company providing underwater ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) to various industries.

Insurtech Disruptor: InsureCow from Bangladesh, a platform offering a 360° technology-powered cattle insurance and wellbeing monitoring solution.

MENA Award: Jalebi.io from the UAE is the world’s first restaurant operating system that helps restaurants save 5% on the cost of every order served.

The Supernova Challenge featured 40 finalist startups selected from the Expand North Star global roadshow, a series of international pitch competitions held by the Dubai World Trade Centre and DCDE to attract startups to Dubai and foster collaborations with digital ecosystems in various countries.

Expand North Star hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy (DCDE) is the powerhouse startup show of GITEX Global, organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) concluded this week marking its largest-ever edition at its new Dubai Harbour venue.

About Verofax
Verofax is a blockchain-enabled Brand and Retail solution provider with a presence across North America, Europe, Asia and MEA regions. Verofax’ solution is available across multiple cloud environments, helping Brands and retailers turn products connected for meaningful engagements with customers in store.

For technical matters, visit Verofax at https://www.verofax.com or contact info@verofax.com. 

The E-Invoicing Exchange Summit in Singapore opens its doors from December 4 to 6

On September 29, 2023, the Inland Revenue Board Of Malaysia (IRBM) published that for businesses with an annual turnover of RM100 million and above, E-Invoicing will be mandatory from June 1, 2024 and for all other businesses from January 1, 2027. Thiswill apply to both domestic and cross-border transactions. There will be two options for transmitting E-Invoices, on the one hand, thesupplier can create an E-Invoice and share it to IRBM via the MyInvois Portal, or on the other hand the supplier can use an API (Application Programming Interface). The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is Malaysia’s Peppol Authority and accreditsMalaysia’s Peppol service providers and Peppol ready solution providers under the consideration of local requirements and technicalstandards. At the E-Invoicing Exchange Summit in Singapore from December 4 to 6, 2023 Datuk Fadzli Abdul Wahit, Senior VicePresident, Digital Industry Development, MDEC will give an update on the status quo of the Malaysian E-Invoicing initiative. Hispresentation is only one of the many highlights:

Among others, these expert speakers and thought leaders have confirmed their contributions:
Kiren Kumar, Deputy Chief Executive, IMDA, Singapore – André Hoddevik, Secretary General, OpenPeppol – Mark Stockwell, DirectoreInvoicing, Taxation Office, Australia – Michael Alp, COO, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, New Zealand – Hiroyuki Kato, Director, Digital Agency, Government of Japan – Mehrdad Talaifar, Digital Tax Technology Strategy and Operational Tax Transformation Executive, UAE – Michel Gilis, Head of Interoperability Working Group, GENA – Global Exchange NetworkAssociation – Dolf Kars and Alex Baulf, Board of Directors, DBN Alliance, USA

The E-Invoicing Exchange Summit is a unique opportunity to get in personal contact with these leading experts from governments andindustries to elaborate on the recent developments and future trends in the field of E-Invoicing and E-Reporting – with a strong focuson APAC countries.

Information on the E-Invoicing Exchange Summit and special ticket rates valid for public sector and typical senders of a high volume of invoices: www.exchange-summit.com/events/asia/agenda

About Vereon AG

Vereon AG organises leading-edge seminars, conferences and workshops addressing current business issues. Distinguished experts in research, science, industry and politics regularly present practical solution approaches and pioneering trends. Leaders and specialists from all sectors appreciate theseinformation platforms to build knowledge, exchange experience and make valuable new contacts.

Press Contact

Vereon AG | Public Relations | Hauptstrasse 54 | CH-8280 Kreuzlingen presse@vereon.ch | www.exchange-summit.com/insights/media-pr

Society Pass Inc (Nasdaq: SOPA) / Thoughtful Media Group Inc Ventures into Concert Sponsoring in Indonesia

Thoughtful Media Group Inc (“Thoughtful Media” or “TMG”), the Thailand-based social commerce-focused, premium digital advertising network of Society Pass Incorporated (“SoPa”) (Nasdaq: SOPA), Southeast Asia’s (SEA) next generation, data-driven, loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem, today announces that it will commence sponsoring local live music events in SEA, resulting in creating unique marketing opportunities for advertisers.

Expected to launch its first concert in 4Q 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia, TMG-sponsored concerts will focus on the local musicians with a tag line of “Lemburan”, which translates as “over-time”, aiming to create a distinctive space and time for music fans to gather and to enjoy the nostalgia of their favourite musicians. Streaming these concerts via TMG-affiliated social media channels, advertisers have the opportunity to collaborate with TMG-connected influencers in promoting these popular music events and reaching to their desired audiences.

Ilhamka Nizam, TMG Indonesia Country Head, explains, “Indonesians love music, and it comes as no surprise that TMG found an innovative way to tap into that expanding market segment. Across these live events, TMG aims to reach over 2.5 million over the course of the next year which will create significant sponsorship opportunities for advertisers and our 10,000-member influencer community here in Indonesia. We are planning to host 1 concert each month and is projected to earn $680K annually, and each year we are planning to host 1 big festival that is outside the monthly concerts we will be hosting. I am confident that over 2024, the Group will expand these initiatives across the rest of the TMG markets in Southeast Asia, significantly increasing the revenues for the Group”.

About Thoughtful Media Group Inc.

Founded in 2010, Thoughtful Media Group is the leading digital advertising platform in SEA. Through our network of more than 10,000 talented creators across multiple industries in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines, we help brands maximise marketing budgets and achieve business objectives through some of the most innovative marketing campaigns in the region.

In July 2022, Society Pass (Nasdaq: SOPA), the next generation acquisition-focused fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in SEA, acquired TMG. Since then, TMG has fully evolved into a digital-first and fully integrated advertising powerhouse, servicing creators and advertisers in SEA.

For more information on TMG, please visit:
Website at www.thoughtfulmedia.com or
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoughtful-media-group-inc or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thoughtfulmedia/ or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thoughtfulmediaasia or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/ThoughtfulMedia.

About Society Pass Inc.

Founded in 2018 as a data-driven loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in the fast-growing markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, which account for more than 80% of the SEA population, and with offices located in Angeles, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) is an acquisition-focused holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, digital media, travel, telecoms, lifestyle, and F&B), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.

Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021.

SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa’s data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.6 million registered consumers and over 650,000 registered merchants and brands. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.

Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operatesThoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital video multi-platform network;NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; VLeisure, Vietnam’s leading provider of hotel management and payment solutions; Gorilla Global, a Singapore-based, mobile network operator;  Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; and NextGen Retail, a Indonesia-based e-commerce platform.

For more information on Society Pass, please visit:
Website at https://www.thesocietypass.com or
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/societypass  or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesocietypass  or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/society_pass or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/societypass/.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus relating to the Company’s initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Media Contacts:
Rokas Sidlauskas
Chief Marketing Officer
rokas@thesocietypass.com

U.S. Polo Assn. Wins Two Prestigious Gold Stevie(R) Awards in the 2023 International Business Awards(R) Held in Rome, Italy

USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) today announced that U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), has been awarded two Gold Stevie® Awards from the 20th Annual International Business Awards® (IBA). U.S. Polo Assn. was celebrated during a luxurious gala banquet event at the Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Rome, Italy, on Friday, October 13, attended by leadership from USPAGL and the brand’s Italian partners Incom, Bonis, Eastlab, and Eurotrade. The globally attended event hosted more than 250 guests, including many of the world’s top companies and Stevie winners.

The winning entries were for ‘Achievement in Growth: USPA Global Licensing Takes Global U.S. Polo Assn. Brand to the Next Level with $2.3 Billion in Revenue,’ and for ‘Achievement in International Expansion: USPA Global Licensing/U.S. Polo Assn. Expands in 190 Countries.’ The multi-billion-dollar, sport-inspired global brand received the highest scores from the judges over all submissions in these very competitive global growth categories.

“It is an honor for U.S. Polo Assn. to be a recipient of two Gold Stevie® Awards from the 20th Annual International Business Awards® for the very first time,” says J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPAGL, the company that manages the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “To be recognized for our sport-inspired brand’s achievements amongst strong global competition in one of the world’s premier business awards programs reflects the passion that our global team and strategic partners around the world have for building the U.S. Polo Assn. brand.”

Accepting the two gold trophies on stage were Lorenzo Nencini, CEO of Incom S.P.A.; Augusto Bonetto, CEO of Bonis S.P.A.; Andrea Zini, CEO of Eastlab; and Franco Zuccon, CEO of Eurotrade, as well as Stacey Kovalsky, Vice President of Global PR & Communications for USPAGL.

The International Business Awards® are the world’s premier business awards program. The 2023 IBAs received entries from organizations spanning more than 60 nations and territories, where more than 3,700 nominations from organizations of all sizes and virtually every industry were submitted this year in a wide range of categories. Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 230 executives worldwide who participated in the judging process.

“Nominations to the IBAs get better every year, and this year’s class of Stevie winners is the most impressive yet,” said Stevie Awards President, Maggie Miller. “The winners have demonstrated that their organizations have set and achieved lofty goals. We congratulate them on their recognized achievements and enjoyed celebrating them on stage in Rome.”

In the Achievement in International Expansion category, USPAGL highlighted the global expansion of brick-and-mortar U.S. Polo Assn. storefronts that are now accessible to consumers in 190 countries. Judges recognized the brand’s resilience and adaptability to position U.S. Polo Assn.’s growth and success in the international market. In the Achievement in Growth category, USPAGL highlighted U.S. Polo Assn.’s achievement in reaching $2.3 billion in global retail sales. Judges recognized the brand’s success in driving awareness of the sport of polo, expanding into new markets, and embracing digital strategies, all resulting in significant sales growth and recognition as a top global performer.

Today, U.S. Polo Assn. has reached $2.3 billion in global retail sales, expanding its footprint to include over 190 countries and more than 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores worldwide. The brand’s fast-tracked digital strategy has resulted in websites for more than 40 countries in 20 different languages and the activation of more than 7 million social media followers of the brand, all together strengthening U.S. Polo Assn.’s authentic connection to the sport of polo and consumers worldwide.

Details about The International Business Awards and the lists of Stevie Award winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/IBA.

About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL)
U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the non-profit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through over 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores, sporting goods channels, independent retailers, and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in more than 190 countries worldwide. U.S. Polo Assn. was named one of the top global sports licensors in 2023, according to License Global. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPAGL also manages Global Polo TV, which provides sport and lifestyle content. A historic, multi-year, global arrangement between USPAGL and ESPN now showcases many of the top championship polo games in the U.S., enabling millions of sports fans and consumers to enjoy the sport across ESPN’s broadcast and streaming platforms. For more sport content, visit globalpolo.com.

About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at www.StevieAwards.com. 

Contact Information
Stacey Kovalsky, VP Global PR and Communications, skovalsky@uspagl.com +001.561.790.8036
Kaela Drake, PR & Communications Specialist, kdrake@uspagl.com  +001.561.461.8596

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Tanachira Retail Corp PLC (SET: TAN) debuts on the SET, strategy to expand business ecosystem

  • Aims to grow into a regional lifestyle company, shows strong performance with first half-year net profit surging 88.14%

Tanachira Retail Corp PLC, (SET: TAN), a leading importer and distributor of world-class luxury lifestyle and fashion products, trades for the first time on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, highlighting its expertise in managing high-potential lifestyle brands. It moves forward to create continuous growth for its portfolio brands and expands its business ecosystem to related businesses, to create group brand synergy and become a Thai lifestyle company in the regional market. Meanwhile, its performance in the first six months of this year tops the form, with a net profit of 71.06 million baht, up 88.14% from the previous year.

Mr. Tanapong Chiraphanidchakul, CEO of Tanachira (TAN), said the company has initiated trading of TAN shares on the first day (October 18, 2023) in the Stock Exchange of Thailand in the “Services”, “Commercial Business” category, after successfully offering an IPO of 77.5 million shares at a price of THB 16.50 per share. This is an important step to help TAN grow into a leading lifestyle company in the region, supported with strong financial capital to expand its business ecosystem in the future. The company aims to become a leading lifestyle company in the region by delivering exceptional experiences to customers and creating value from sustainable operations for everyone.

Tanachira IR Homepage

The company has laid out a strategy to expand its business ecosystem through brand extension under the lifestyle portfolio, related businesses, and adding new lifestyle product brands with growth potential to boost its strength. TAN is the owner of HARNN Group, whose body care, skincare, spa, and aromatherapy products are sold globally through expansion from being one of the leading retailers of lifestyle and fashion products with various product brands and high growth potential.

The company has a comprehensive distribution channel with successful global lifestyle and fashion product brands and is pioneering and presenting lifestyle and fashion product brands to consumers in Thailand. It has been able to rapidly expand its branches and customer base while integrating marketing excellence and operational excellence, as well as experienced management teams and employees in the lifestyle and fashion product business. This helps support TAN’s continuous growth and aims to become a leading lifestyle company in the region.

TAN plans to use the funds raised to create sustainable growth opportunities in the future, including (1) expanding the lifestyle and fashion product business branches that the group currently has the rights to. In Q3/2023, in addition to expanding its business in Thailand, the group also expanded its branches overseas by opening HARNN’s first branches in Vietnam and Singapore and Marimekko’s first branch in Singapore.

The company has exclusive rights to import, distribute, and market Marimekko products in Singapore for a period of 5 years. In addition, the group has been granted the right to manage the world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsey’s restaurant chain in Thailand. It is expected that two branches will be opened this year. 

In addition, the company has invested in computer programs to support business and develop online sales channels that support changing consumer behavior. (2) Adjusting capital structure through debt repayment to institutions and (3) using revolving funds for managing existing branches, expanding new branches, as well as revolving funds for business operations.

“I am confident that from now on TAN will grow by leaps and bounds from a strong capital base, expanding branches both domestically and regionally, including adding new brands to the portfolio, expanding the business ecosystem from the service industry to the lifestyle food and beverage business, to create growth in Group Brand Synergy and aim to become a leading Thai lifestyle company in the regional arena,” concludes Mr. Tanapong.

Mrs. Chidchanok Jangpol, Chief Financial Officer of TAN, says that the company’s first half-year results (January-June) of 2023 had total sales revenue of THB 655.80 million, up 18.01% compared to the same period last year. The net profit was THB 71.06 million, up 88.14% compared to the same period last year. The company’s performance has returned to strong growth, reflecting the strong business fundamentals of its group of companies.

Mr. Pongsak Pruekpaisal, Managing Director of Kasikorn Securities Pcl, as financial advisor and underwriter, says “TAN is a growing company and is considered a Growth Stock with expertise in managing lifestyle and fashion brands that are globally renowned and have long been popular with consumers. The company has a variety of distribution channels that can reach customers in all target groups both domestically and internationally. It has a clear business expansion plan that is in line with the trend of growth in the luxury lifestyle and fashion product industry, including management teams with vision and experience who understand consumer lifestyles. They are excellent in both marketing and operations, which has led to TAN’s IPO being well received by both leading institutional investors and retail investors. After being registered on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, it is expected that TAN’s potential for business operations will increase and strengthen its financial capital to be used for business expansion as planned.”

Mr. Pongsak expresses confidence that TAN will be a quality stock in the Thai stock market that will gain investors’ trust.

Press release distributed by MT Multimedia Co., Ltd. on behalf of Tanachira Retail Corporation PLC
For more information, please contact: Thiyaporn Sriadunphan (Dah)
Tel: +66 [0]87 556 6974l Email: thiyaporn.s@mtmultimedia.com
Tanachira Retail Corporation PLC, http://www.tanachira.co.th [SET: TAN]

OYO launches virtual front desk for De Rantau properties

Technology supports quick check-ins by removing language barrier

  • OYO introduces virtual front desk solution to facilitate anytime check-in in De Rantau properties
  • The solution will ensure faster response eliminating language barrier for overseas tourists
  • The virtual front desk is integrated with smart lock systems and supports 80+ languages
  • It will reduce front desk operations expenses by ~60%
  • Guests will also receive tailored recommendations for activities, dining, and local attractions

Global hospitality technology company OYO has announced the launch of virtual front desk solutions for De Rantau properties in Malaysia. Powered by the capabilities of GPT-4, this solution aims to minimise customer wait times, providing seamless anytime check-in, offering invaluable assistance to international travelers who often struggle with language barriers while booking their stay. OYO is expecting that virtual front desk will significantly expedite response and issue resolution.

The self check-in technology is integrated with smart lock systems, allowing guests to enjoy keyless entry and exit without the need for physical key cards. It is also expected to reduce front desk operations expenses by ~60% annually. The virtual front desk will support 80+ languages and will promptly assist guests in their preferred language, addressing queries and concerns in real-time. Additionally, the system automates payment collection, streamlining the entire process for a hassle-free experience. ChatGPT4 also analyses guest preferences to provide tailored recommendations for activities, dining, and local attractions.

This also contributes to boosting bookings on OYO’s own platforms, creating an additional revenue stream for hotel owners. Hotels will be able to take advantage of OYO’s user friendly hotel management system to increase profitability, revenue and efficiency of their hotels. The technology will also enable property owners to manage hotel operations remotely from anywhere.

DE Rantau program is aimed at establishing Malaysia as the preferred Digital Nomad Hub to boost digital adoption and promote digital professional mobility and tourism across Malaysia. DE Rantau hub is a nomad-ready accommodation that has been verified, validated and certified by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation based on DE Rantau hubs criteria to cater to the active and dynamic nomad lifestyle.

OYO is planning to add 100 premium category hotels to support DE Rantau program in Malaysia. OYO plans to strengthen its premium hotel footprint across Malaysia as a part of this initiative. It is focusing on key regions such as Langkawi, Penang, Klang Valley, Ipoh and Melaka for this program.

Speaking on the development, Akshay Rathod, Country Head, OYO Malaysia said “De Rantau properties offers travelers a unique and immersive experience in some of the world’s most exciting destinations. However, language barriers have often posed challenges for overseas tourists looking to book and check into their accommodations. With the introduction of the Virtual Front Desk, OYO is taking a significant step toward addressing this issue and making international travel more accessible and enjoyable”.

OYO currently has more than 700 hotels across 50 cities in Malaysia. OYO’s extensive presence in Malaysia, with properties across major cities and popular destinations, will ensure that De Rantau Program participants have access to comfortable accommodations across all locations. Most of these hotels will be equipped with basic facilities such as Wi-Fi connection, availability of café, stores, entertainment and recreational facilities within walking distance and easy access to food and parcel delivery as well as transportation services.

About OYO
OYO is a global platform that aims to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses with hotels and homes by providing full-stack technology products and services that aim to increase revenue and ease operations; bringing easy-to-book, affordable, and trusted accommodation to customers around the world. OYO offers 40+ integrated products and solutions to patrons who operate approximately 1.70 lakh hotels, homes and listings in more than 35 countries including India, Europe and Southeast Asia, as of September 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.oyorooms.com.

Contact:
Abhishek Sinha, PR & Corporate Communications
Tel: +91-9198461616

Disclaimer: Oravel Stays Limited is proposing, subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offering of its equity shares (the “Equity Shares”) and has filed the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”).

The DRHP is available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, websites of the Stock Exchanges, i.e., BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited atwww.bseindia.com andwww.nseindia.com, respectively, and is available on the websites of the Global Coordinators and Book Running Lead Managers, i.e., Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, J.P. Morgan India Private Limited and Citigroup Global Markets India Private Limited at www.investmentbank.kotak.com, www.jpmipl.com and www.online.citibank.co.in/rhtm/citigroupglobalscreen1.htm; the websites of the Book Running Lead Managers, i.e., ICICI Securities Limited, Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) Private Limited, JM Financial Limited and Deutsche Equities India Private Limited at www.icicisecurities.com, www.nomuraholdings.com/company/group/asia/india/index.html, www.jmfl.com and www.db.com/India, respectively. Investors should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to the same, refer to the Red Herring Prospectus which may be filed with the Registrar of Companies in the future, including the section titled “Risk Factors”. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP filed with SEBI for making any investment decision. The Equity Shares offered in the Fresh Issue (as defined in the DRHP) and the Offer for Sale (as defined in the DRHP) have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and, may not be offered or sold within the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the Equity Shares are only being offered and sold (i) within the United States only to “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements under the Securities Act, and (ii) outside the United States in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act and pursuant to the applicable laws of the jurisdictions where those offers and sales are made. There will be no public offering of the Equity Shares in the United States.

Yowie Unveils Spooktacular Halloween Costume Contest: A Chance to Win Sweet and Spooky Prizes

Get ready for a Halloween celebration like no other as Yowie, the beloved surprise-inside chocolate brand, announces its exciting Halloween Costume Contest. This event promises a spine-tingling treat for all Yowie enthusiasts in the USA and Australia.

Starting Monday, October 16th, 2023, and running until November 3rd, Yowie’s Halloween Costume Contest is set to make this Halloween season extra special with prizes for the cutest, spookiest and sweetest costumes. Participants can win not only sweet treats but also a range of Yowie merchandise that will leave them spellbound.

How to Enter: Entering the Yowie Halloween Costume Contest is as easy as pumpkin pie! Just follow these simple steps:

  • Wear your cutest, spookiest, or sweetest Halloween costume.
  • Share a photo of your enchanting costume in the comments section of the contest post on Yowie’s official social media pages – Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.

Prizes Await the Most Enchanting Costumes:
Yowie is thrilled to announce three tantalizing prize packs that will be awarded to the cutest, spookiest, and sweetest Halloween costumes. The lucky winners in each category will receive a Yowie prize pack filled with delectable Yowie chocolates and a range of spooktacular Yowie merchandise.

  •  Cutest Costume Prize Pack:
  • A box of 12 Yowie chocolates
  • A Yowie drawstring sports bag
  • Rare Yowie figurines: Baby giraffe, glass frog
  • A set of Yowie books
  • Sweetest Costume Prize Pack:
  • A box of 12 Yowie chocolates
  • A Yowie canvas bag
  • Rare Yowie figurines: Baby giraffe, glass frog
  • A glass water bottle
  • A reusable straw
  • Spookiest Costume Prize Pack:
  • A box of 12 Yowie chocolates
  • A Yowie canvas bag filled with Yowie surprises
  • Rare Yowie figurines: Baby giraffe, glass frog
  • A full set of Yowie figurines from Series 1
  • A snack bottle
  • A Yowie patch

Make sure to follow @yowieworld on Facebook and unleash your creativity this Halloween for a chance to win these exciting prizes!

Terms and Conditions:

  • The competition will conclude on November 3, 2023.
  • One comment equals one entry.
  • Entrants must be over the age of 13 years and be able to provide proof of age upon request. Parents and/or guardians are able to enter on behalf of children under the age of 13.
  • This contest is open across Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and is not affiliated with any of the aforementioned platforms.
  • Eligible participants must be residents of the USA or Australia.

Yowie’s Halloween Costume Contest is set to create spooktacular memories this season, so dress up in your cutest, sweetest or spookiest costume and join the fun!

About Yowie:
Yowie is a popular chocolate brand known for its delicious treats with a surprise inside. Each Yowie chocolate reveals a collectible figurine, making it a delightful experience for children and collectors alike. The brand is committed to promoting education and conservation by sharing fun facts about the natural world with every figurine.

Any questions, please reach out to Devin Mainville at devin@kmkmedia.com or 779-221-3764 and get your Halloween on!

Society Pass Inc (Nasdaq: SOPA) / Thoughtful Media Group Inc Launches 1st Ever MediaGram to Build Indonesia Online Fitness Community

  • MediaGram Platform Projected to Generate +20% of TMG Group Revenues in 2024

Thoughtful Media Group Inc (Thoughtful Media or TMG), the Thailand-based social commerce-focused, premium digital advertising network of Society Pass Incorporated (SoPa) (Nasdaq: SOPA), Southeast Asia’s (SEA) next generation, data-driven, loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem, today announces a launch of first ever MediaGram, entitled “Sit Up”, in partnership with Indonesian superstar actor and producer, Chicco Jerihko, to develop online fitness centric community promoting health focused lifestyle in Indonesia. TMG expects new revenue models with fitness clubs and clothing retailers to emerge as result of this partnership.

“MediaGram” is an Instagram page used as a media platform to build communities in collaboration with individuals and/or companies. TMG Group aims to launch 3 Mediagram partnerships per quarter for the rest of 2023 and in 2024 across SEA to continuously develop innovative advertising channels promoting brands and services.

A household name in Indonesian entertainment landscape, Chicco Jerihko’s popularity derives from acting in and producing movies, TV shows and web series. Chicco has previously been nominated for and awarded prestigious awards for his roles in cinema, including Best Actor and Best Film by Festival Film Indonesia. Due to his on-screen success, Chicco Jeihko has amassed over 3+ million followers on social media. Chicco Jerihko comments, “Since 2003, I have been building these healthy habits to meet career demands and personal priorities. I am thrilled to share these habits and best practices with the wider online community and collaborating with renowned digital advertising firm, Thoughtful Media, on this endeavour”.

Kriangkrai Chaimongkol, TMG Chief Executive Officer, explains, “MediaGram is a direct result of our innovative methodology of growing the SEA digital creator economy and we are proud to present our first collaboration with Chicco Jerihko. We strongly believe that collaboration between TMG and SEA celebrities will have a significant positive impact on the regional social media market. We expect this ground-breaking platform to chart a fresh path for local celebrities to engage with and develop bigger audiences for our brands to market to. As we expand this exciting business to other parts of SEA in 2023 and 2024, and with innovative revenue models just emerging, we project our high margin, MediaGram revenues to contribute over 20% of Group revenues in 2024. TMG continues to create value-added services for our strategic celebrity partners, brands and the wider SEA creator community”.

About Thoughtful Media Group Inc.
Founded in 2010, Thoughtful Media Group is the leading digital advertising platform in SEA. Through our network of more than 10,000 talented creators across multiple industries in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines, we help brands maximise marketing budgets and achieve business objectives through some of the most innovative marketing campaigns in the region.

In July 2022, Society Pass (Nasdaq: SOPA), the next generation acquisition-focused fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in SEA, acquired TMG. Since then, TMG has fully evolved into a digital-first and fully integrated advertising powerhouse, servicing creators and advertisers in SEA.

For more information on TMG, please visit:
Website at www.thoughtfulmedia.com or
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoughtful-media-group-inc or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thoughtfulmedia/ or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thoughtfulmediaasia or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/ThoughtfulMedia.

About Society Pass Inc.
Founded in 2018 as a data-driven loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in the fast-growing markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, which account for more than 80% of the SEA population, and with offices located in Angeles, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) is an acquisition-focused holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, digital media, travel, telecoms, lifestyle, and F&B), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.

Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021.

SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa’s data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.6 million registered consumers and over 650,000 registered merchants and brands. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.

Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operatesThoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital video multi-platform network;NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; VLeisure, Vietnam’s leading provider of hotel management and payment solutions; Gorilla Global, a Singapore-based, mobile network operator;  Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; and NextGen Retail, a Indonesia-based e-commerce platform.

For more information on Society Pass, please visit:
Website at https://www.thesocietypass.com or
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/societypass  or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesocietypass  or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/society_pass or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/societypass/.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may include “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus relating to the Company’s initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Media Contacts:
Rokas Sidlauskas
Chief Marketing Officer
rokas@thesocietypass.com