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Expat Burn Out Signals a 'Huge Challenge' for Employers
Cigna 360 Global Well-Being Survey of 11,922 people worldwide reveals expat stress has reached an all-time high, with almost all respondents feeling symptoms of burnout Lifestyle is now more important than finances for those planning to move overseas, a quarter plan to move to access better healthcare Top destination for existing expats to relocate to is Canada, with Australia and the U.S. tied second HONG KONG, June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The vast majority of expats are burned out, stressed and reevaluating life and work priorities for more flexibility or to be closer to family and friends, according to a report based on the eighth edition of the Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey. The report released today, Burned Out Overseas – The State of Expat Life 2022, found 90% of expats are stressed and 98% have experienced symptoms of burnout - likely driven by feeling unable to switch off from work. Expats are experiencing an overwhelming sense of isolation, with 87% reporting feeling helpless, trapped or defeated and 86% feeling detached or alone. Meanwhile, more than a third (38%) are also concerned or uncertain about their financial situation. Contributing to these findings is a mix of lifestyle, opportunity and work culture factors. The study found 73% of current expats, and 75% of those who plan to move overseas in the next two years, have spent more time reevaluating their life priorities since the pandemic. Lifestyle now replaces finances as the top priority for those planning to move overseas. Jason Sadler, President, Cigna International Markets, said employers face a real challenge in meeting this lifestyle shift and rethinking the expat value proposition. "Employers may face huge challenges in filling overseas assignments in the future. The exciting, rewarding, globally mobile lifestyle that used to sum-up the 'expat dream' has changed and more people are now prioritizing lifestyle, family and friends when planning moves." Healthcare has become a priority for all groups, with 23% of existing expats considering moving to gain access to better healthcare. Work life balance is also critical, with more than a quarter of aspiring expats saying flexible hours are critical and 16% saying they want the ability to work from any location in the world. "From now on, it's likely that organizations will need to reevaluate how they structure expat assignments. Personal and family needs are now at the forefront of decision-making, and this may impact the benefits expats prioritize when selecting roles," added Sadler. The survey also found Canada is the top destination for existing expats to move to, with 11% wanting to relocate there. Australia and the U.S. tied in second place. The significant majority of those living in Europe and Australia are confident they will remain living overseas, but the same cannot be said for Asia, with only 5% of those in India and 16% of those in Mainland China confident they will stay. Expat age profiles are also changing, with senior employees now more likely to want to return or remain in their home countries while younger staff seek out overseas moves. Only 13% of those over the age of 50 say they want to move overseas, compared to 37% of those aged 18 to 24, and 34% of those aged 25 to 34. Looking ahead, Dr. Stella George, Chief Medical Officer, Cigna International Markets, said the expat age demographic is expected to change. "The past couple of years during the pandemic have been especially challenging for existing and long-term expats," said Dr. George. "So, while many will be moving closer to home, many ambitious younger professionals will also start taking advantage of the opportunities that overseas postings offer, such as quick promotion, flexible working and other incentives. These benefits are especially attractive to people earlier in their careers." About the Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey The eight edition of the Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey was conducted by Cigna International Markets, in partnership with Kantar, a leading data, insights, and consulting company. More than 11,900 people from Australia, Belgium, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, UAE, UK and USA were surveyed for the research in May this year. It examined five key components – family, financial, physical, social, and work – to uncover the latest trends and challenges for the health and well-being of expats. Online sampling used respondents recruited from panels that undergo rigorous quality control and the panel composition is representative of the adult population in each of the surveyed markets. About Cigna Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to improving the health, well-being and peace of mind of those we serve. Cigna delivers choice, predictability, affordability and access to quality care through integrated capabilities and connected, personalized solutions that advance whole person health. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, Evernorth companies or their affiliates, and Express Scripts companies or their affiliates. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products. Cigna maintains sales capability in over 30 countries and jurisdictions and has more than 175 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com
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A Painless, Micro Injection that One Can Do Oneself with the Latest Chula's Innovation "Detachable and Dissolvable Microneedles"
BANGKOK, June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A startup under the umbrella of CU Innovation Hub in collaboration with the Chula Faculty of Science has developed an innovative "Detachable and Dissolvable Microneedle" that makes any injections easy and painless for everyone, while also significantly reducing medical wastes. Those afraid of needles and injections rejoice. Today, getting an injection is no longer scary or painful, because people have a "Detachable and Dissolvable Microneedle", an innovative microneedle patch that can be implanted, fully detached, and dissolved under skin. A product from Mineed Technology Co., Ltd., a startup under the umbrella of the Innovation Hub of Chulalongkorn University (CU Innovation Hub) with Prof. Dr. Supason Wanichwecharraung, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. "Injection is one form of a typical treatment and prophylaxis that everyone has to deal with, whether it's vaccination, insulin for diabetics treatment, or even a typical injections to treat facial acnes. In contrast, for people with Trypanophobia, the injection can significantly causes distress, in some cases, severe physical trauma, such as hyperhidrosis patients, who would require 30 injections under each armpit," Prof. Supason explained about the kickoff ideas of the microneedle patch. From Problems to the Development of "Detachable and Dissolvable Microneedles" Microneedles were invented and have been used globally for a while, but they have not been as popular as they should be. Prof. Supason revealed the problem of the previous generation of microneedles "the needles do not dissolve immediately so that patches have to be left on for 2-6 hours. In addition, the levels of moisture on each person's skin are different, causing the active medication embedded in the needles to absorb at a different rate, not completely dissolve, or do not penetrate the skin of the users." "So, we developed this innovation that once the needle patch is in place, the implanted needle can be instantly detached itself into the skin, similar to implanting a splinter into human skin, but in this case, it doesn't hurt, 100% safe, and a lot quicker than other typical dissolving microneedles." Small but Full-performance Needles The innovative microneedle contains active medication in a tiny needle of no more than 1 millimeter (1,000 microns). It can quickly dissolve into the skin giving a different sensation than an injection with a typical syringe. Mr. Chokchai Puangsiri, Director of Business Development, Mineed Technology Co., Ltd., who frequently try the microneedle, described the experience of using the patches, "Although it feels like something is touching the skin, it feels far less painful than a typical syringe injection, more like touching the prickly part of the velcro tape. The microneedles can also be self-administered anytime, anywhere without the need for any medical expert anymore." In addition to reducing the pain and fear of the syringe, another advantage of using microneedles is that the dosage of medication is much lower. Prof. Dr. Supason gave an example of the COVID-19 vaccination, "There are two types of COVID-19 vaccinations, intramuscular vaccinations, and subcutaneous vaccinations. Subcutaneous injections are better at stimulating the immune while using lower doses than intramuscular injections, but subcutaneous injections are more difficult to inject and, if done frequently, it can cause scarring." The innovative soluble microneedles, therefore, make subcutaneous injections a simple matter and eliminate the likelihood of "scarring" from injections with syringes, especially among patients who need regular subcutaneous injections, such as diabetics. Also, dissolving microneedles help significantly reducing the amount of hazardous medical waste like needles and syringes as well. Microneedles are easy to use. Anyone can give themselves an injection. Microneedles cater to those who need to have frequent subcutaneous injections so that they do not have to waste their time and money traveling to receive services from healthcare profession. It is also a suitable for those who are afraid of needles or do not dare to give themselves injections. "In the past, many diabetic patients died because they did not dare to give themselves insulin injections, and therefore, were not properly treated. Therefore, microneedles are the answer for this group of people, because patients can inject themselves easily." "Microneedles also help extend drugs' shelf life, as liquid drugs are solidified to be used in the microneedles, thus their shelf life is extended for up to 1-2 more years." With various microneedle properties, Mr. Chokchai said the innovation will help healthcare profession in providing telemedicine services without patients having to come to the hospitals for their injections in the future, which is really cost inefficient. How to use "Detachable and Dissolvable Microneedles" The Detachable and Dissolvable Microneedle set consists of two components: a microneedle patch, and a moisture patch resembling a wet tissue. The application starts with placing the microneedle patch on the skin where the injection is needed. Use fingers to press all over the sheet so that the needle containing the drug is embedded under the skin. Place the wet patch over the microneedle patch to dissolve it. Leave it for at least 2 minutes for those needle to be detached and dissolved under the skin. Then, peel off the wet and microneedle patches, and it's done – both conveniently and quickly. For people who are worried about allergic reactions, Prof. Dr. Supason explained, "The microneedle is made from hyaluronic acid, which is a polymer that is already exist in any human body, so it surely doesn't cause any allergic reaction. The needle can be used by anyone, but it also depends on the type of drug or vaccine that is injected. If the user is allergic to the drug or vaccine, it is inevitable that there is a chance for an allergic reaction." Group of medicines suitable for microneedles Microneedles can be used with all types of drugs and vaccines injected subcutaneously, whether they are topical, such as anti-acne, anti-keloid scarring medicines, or drugs for bodily systems, such as diabetes, migraine, contraception, etc. "In our Detachable and Dissolvable Microneedles, we can exactly control the dosage, the depth of the skin layer to be injected, and the time for dissolution rate appropriate to the drugs," Mr. Chokchai said. Unsuitable drug types for microneedles are those with high dosage, because of the limited size of patches and needles making them too small for high-dose drugs. The proper dose is 1 mg per square centimeter. Marketing opportunities for microneedles Mr. Chokchai mentioned that the current development of microneedles is for two markets: the cosmetics market and the pharmaceutical market. In the cosmetics market, hospitals and cosmetology clinics, both local and overseas, have ordered and used the microneedles, which have already been registered with FDA in Thailand and Europe, with vitamins and skincare agents. In the future, interested parties with drug formulas can commission the company to develop microneedles. For the pharmaceutical market, the process is at the Proof of Concept stage, and clinical trials are underway in collaboration with the company's partners before the products are launched at general pharmacies. "We tested a variety of medications, such as anti-inflammatories for the skin, acne medicines, and blood-glucose-lowering medicines for diabetics, and it worked well. But to sell them, we need to comply with the Food and Drug Administration's regulations," Chokchai said. The innovative Detachable and Dissolvable microneedles can be developed for many types of medicines, such as herbal patches for mosquito bites. The characteristics and components of the microneedles can also be adjusted to match the performance of any specific medicines, such as the size of the needle, or the duration of dissolution. Dissolvable microneedles will give people wider access to treatment and preventive medicine because there's no need to be afraid of needles or pain any longer. Now, needles are only minute matters. For parties interested in developing their existing medicine or treatment formula into soluble microneedles or having an idea to further develop their products into soluble microneedles, please contact Mineed Technology Co., Ltd. Tel. +669-6974-8855 (Mr. Chokchai) or visit https://mineed.tech/ For the full release and more images, please visit: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/73232/ About Chulalongkorn University Chulalongkorn University sets the standard as a university of innovations for society and is listed in the World's Top 100 Universities for Academic Reputation, in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2021. For more information about this topic, please contact Miss Thanita Wangvanichapan at (+66) 2218 3280 or email thanita.w@chula.ac.th
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GSK Malaysia Launches Their #GiveBack Recycling Campaign for Safe Disposal of Old Inhalers
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and material waste from harming the environment PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- GSK Malaysia is committed to its long-term ambition of delivering net zero emissions across all operations by 2030. By striving to reduce its environmental impact, GSK Malaysia announced the launch of its very own Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) campaign called #GiveBack, focusing on safe and responsible disposal of old and used inhalers. Mr David Lin, Director of Communications, Government Affairs & Strategic Customer Solutions at GSK Malaysia & Brunei and Ms Liew Chui Ying, Chief Marketing Officer of Big Pharmacy Healthcare Sdn Bhd sign an MOU at the launch of the #GiveBack campaign #GiveBack is held through collaborative working with over 50 outlets of Big Pharmacy across the Klang Valley and Seremban and will soon be extended to a nationwide campaign. During this pilot phase of the campaign, patients are encouraged to drop off their used, unwanted or expired inhalers at participating pharmacies to help reduce plastic waste and the adverse effects that the propellant has on the environment. In a next phase of the campaign, GSK is looking into the feasibility of having the collected inhalers recycled into materials that can be repurposed, such as materials for local artists to create art installations. GSK Malaysia is keen on collaborating with many social enterprises that share similar ESG values. Jonathan Pan, Vice President & GM of GSK Malaysia said, "The programme has already been conducted in the UK and will help pave the way for a more environmentally sustainable treatment of respiratory diseases in Malaysia. By 2030, we hope to create an impact that results in major savings in terms of material waste and carbon emissions." A population survey conducted in Malaysia revealed that nearly two-thirds of asthma patients (60.5%) have limited health literacy levels associated with improper use of inhalers and poor knowledge of asthma. Asthma is found to be given less importance than other long-term diseases in Malaysia such as diabetes, coupled with a lack of funding and attention from a health policy point of view[1]. The use of inhalers leaves a significant impact to the environment. Pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDI) with 10g of propellant can leave a carbon footprint of 13-33kg[2]. These propellants are greenhouse gases, which are a thousand times more powerful than carbon dioxide[3]. Evidence suggests that 7 out of 10 inhalers are discarded before its completely empty and majority inhalers are disposed as general waste, thereby allowing these potent greenhouse gases to leak and contaminate local water supplies, and also contribute to global warming[4]. Asthma is one of the most common non-communicable diseases in Southeast Asia. More than 73% of outpatient health clinic visits are for respiratory symptoms, among which many are asthma related[5]. It is estimated that there are between 1.6 to 2 million people suffering from asthma in Malaysia and according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2011, the prevalence of self-reported or medically diagnosed asthma in Malaysia was 6.4%[5]. Mr Lee Meng Chuan, Chief Executive Officer of Big Pharmacy Healthcare Sdn Bhd shares his thoughts on the campaign. He said, "GSK's #GiveBack initiative is a very meaningful project and does more than just providing a solution for patients to responsibly dispose their inhalers. Pharmacists have a chance to discuss the patient's medicine usage and encourage them to return their used inhalers to unlock the potential for improved patient outcomes and contribute to a greener environment for everyone." GSK topped the pharmaceutical industry for 2021 in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI). This attests to the fact that ESG factors are an integral part of GSK's overall strategy. GSK has maintained its acknowledged leadership in ESG, and this continues to be a key driver in its goal to deliver health impact. Having been one of the first pharmaceutical companies to set ambitious environment targets in 2010, GSK has since reduced 34% carbon emissions, 78% waste in landfills and 31% water usage. By 2030, GSK aims to reach net zero impact on climate and net positive impact on nature[6]. For further information, please visit www.gsk.com [1] Salim, H., Shariff Ghazali, S., Lee, P.Y. et al. Health literacy levels and its determinants among people with asthma in Malaysian primary healthcare settings: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 21, 1186 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11194-w [2] Nursing Times. 2020. Sustainability 3: how nurses can reduce the environmental impact of inhalers | Nursing Times. [online] Available at: https://www.nursingtimes.net/clinical-archive/respiratory-clinical-archive/sustainability-3-how-nurses-can-reduce-the-environmental-impact-of-inhalers-24-08-2020/ [3] Bjgplife.com. 2021. Understanding patients' knowledge of inhaler recycling – BJGP Life. [online] Available at: https://bjgplife.com/understanding-patients-knowledge-of-inhaler-recycling/ [4] Roome C, Bush O, Steinbach I, et al562 Reducing the environmental impact of inhaler use and disposal within paediatrics and the local community. Archives of Disease in Childhood 2021;106:A41-A42. [5] Poh, M. E., Ampikaipakan, S., Liam, C. K., Chai, C. S., Ramanaidoo, D., & Haja Mydin, H. (2021). Management of Asthma Exacerbations in Southeast Asian Tertiary Care. Journal of asthma and allergy, 14, 629–640. https://doi.org/10.2147/JAA.S309143 [6] 2022. [online] Available at: https://www.gsk.com/media/7223/gsk-esg-infographic.pdf
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68% of Indonesia's employees willing to forgo higher salaries or job promotions for work-life balance: Michael Page
JAKARTA, Indonesia, June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sparked by the global pandemic, the Great Resignation has been happening in Indonesia for the past two years and will only intensify in 2022. There has been a wave of resignations in Indonesia with almost half (43%) of employees who have been at their current jobs for not more than two years and a significant 84% of employees looking for new career prospects over the next six months. Olly Riches, Senior Managing Director of Michael Page Singapore, Indonesia & Philippines Professional recruitment services firm, Michael Page Indonesia, launched the 'Talent Trends 2022 Report', titled 'The Great X' which features prominent employment insights. While salaries and bonuses are still top motivators for candidates, the survey shows a swing towards non-monetary benefits. A significant 68% of respondents in Indonesia are willing to forgo pay rise and/or promotion for better work-life balance, overall well-being, and happiness. Olly Riches, Senior Managing Director of Michael Page Singapore, Indonesia & Philippines says, "Individuals are placing increased importance on company culture, sense of purpose and leadership ahead of company branding and promotions. Technology and Healthcare and Life Sciences continue to see tremendous demand for talent with Covid-19, in some cases, being an enabler of innovative ideas for start-ups and traditional players alike." As economies improve, companies cannot underestimate the psychological effect that merging "work" and "personal" life has had over the past two years. 72% of respondents want a hybrid work arrangement between working from home and the office. In addition, 66% of professionals in Indonesia have asked or will consider asking about a company's DE&I policy at interviews and 33% say the lack of clear DE&I commitment would stop them from actively pursuing a job opportunity. The pandemic has also shifted priorities, 81% of candidates believe that mental health and well-being should play a part in employee performance and appraisals. Companies must create a positive culture in which employees at all levels feel appreciated. A significant number of employees has been found to not feel supported at work. 49% of respondents say that their workload has increased compared to before COVID-19. 83% believe that their company does not take active steps to ensure work-life balance. Companies need to change things and help employees work more efficiently.
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62% of Taiwan's employees willing to forgo higher salaries or job promotions for work-life balance: Michael Page
TAIPEI, June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sparked by the global pandemic, the Great Resignation has been happening in Taiwan for the past two years and will only intensify in 2022. There has been a wave of resignations in Taiwan with almost half (40%) of employees who have been at their current jobs for not more than two years and a significant 59% of employees looking for new career prospects over the next six months. Claire Wu, Regional Director of Michael Page Taiwan Professional recruitment services firm, Michael Page Taiwan, launched the 'Talent Trends 2022 Report', titled 'The Great X' which features prominent employment insights. While salaries and bonuses are still top motivators for candidates, the survey shows a swing towards non-monetary benefits. A significant 62% of respondents in Taiwan are willing to forgo pay rise and/or promotion for better work-life balance, overall well-being, and happiness. Claire Wu, Regional Director of Michael Page Taiwan says, "Employees are re-evaluating how they view work and what constitutes quality work. They are also upskilling and reskilling whilst evaluating their careers. Achieving a work-life balance has become more challenging in recent years. So, it's no wonder that more people are turning to temporary work, and there has been accelerated demand for contract professionals across all levels." As economies improve, companies cannot underestimate the psychological effect that merging "work" and "personal" life has had over the past two years. 80% of respondents want a hybrid work arrangement between working from home and the office. In addition, 62% of professionals in Taiwan have asked or will consider asking about a company's DE&I policy at interviews and 45% say the lack of clear DE&I commitment would stop them from actively pursuing a job opportunity. The pandemic has also shifted priorities, 68% of candidates believe that mental health and well-being should play a part in employee performance and appraisals. Companies must create a positive culture in which employees at all levels feel appreciated. A significant number of employees has been found to not feel supported at work. 49% of respondents say that their workload has increased compared to before COVID-19. 74% believe that their company does not take active steps to ensure work-life balance. Companies need to change things and help employees work more efficiently.
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65% of Malaysia's employees willing to forgo higher salaries or job promotions for work-life balance: Michael Page
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sparked by the global pandemic, the Great Resignation has been happening in Malaysia for the past two years and will only intensify in 2022. There has been a wave of resignations in Malaysia with almost half (45%) of employees who have been at their current jobs for not more than two years and a significant 82% of employees looking for new career prospects over the next six months. Nic Chambers, Managing Director of Michael Page Malaysia Professional recruitment services firm, Michael Page Malaysia, launched the 'Talent Trends 2022 Report', titled 'The Great X' which features prominent employment insights. While salaries and bonuses are still top motivators for candidates, the survey shows a swing towards non-monetary benefits. A significant 65% of respondents in Malaysia are willing to forgo pay rise and/or promotion for better work-life balance, overall well-being, and happiness. Nic Chambers, Managing Director of Michael Page Malaysia, says, "More than ever, the adoption of technology and ways of working have only increased the importance of investing in employees. Investing in staff by upskilling them can help fill existing skills gaps. This would also reduce attrition and future-proof the organisation. Opening up to newer talent pools means accepting different cultures because the nature of the leadership is transformational." As economies improve, companies cannot underestimate the psychological effect that merging "work" and "personal" life has had over the past two years. 66% of respondents want a hybrid work arrangement between working from home and the office. In addition, 67% of professionals in Malaysia have asked or will consider asking about a company's DE&I policy at interviews and 36% say the lack of clear DE&I commitment would stop them from actively pursuing a job opportunity. The pandemic has also shifted priorities, 76% of candidates believe that mental health and well-being should play a part in employee performance and appraisals. Companies must create a positive culture in which employees at all levels feel appreciated. A significant number of employees has been found to not feel supported at work. 55% of respondents say that their workload has increased compared to before COVID-19. 82% believe that their company does not take active steps to ensure work-life balance. Companies need to change things and help employees work more efficiently.
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69% of Hong Kong's employees willing to forgo higher salaries or job promotions for work-life balance: Michael Page
HONG KONG, June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sparked by the global pandemic, the Great Resignation has been happening in Hong Kong for the past two years and will only intensify in 2022. There has been a wave of resignations in Hong Kong with almost half (42%) of employees who have been at their current jobs for not more than two years and a significant 76% of employees looking for new career prospects over the next six months. Mark Tibbatts, Managing Director of Michael Page Hong Kong & Taiwan Professional recruitment services firm, Michael Page Hong Kong, launched the 'Talent Trends 2022 Report', titled 'The Great X' that features new insights and market sentiment on prominent employment topics. While salaries, bonuses, and rewards are still top motivators for candidates, the survey shows a big swing towards non-monetary benefits. A significant 69% of respondents in Hong Kong are willing to forgo pay rise and/or promotion for better work-life balance, overall well-being, and happiness. Mark Tibbatts, Managing Director of Michael Page Hong Kong & Taiwan says, "Human capital is one of the most in-demand resources, and demand far outpaces supply. Industries like Technology, and Healthcare and Life Sciences, continue to see tremendous demand for talent. We are witnessing individuals placing increased importance on company culture, a sense of purpose and leadership – ahead of company branding." As economies improve, companies cannot underestimate the psychological effect that merging "work" and "personal" life has had over the past two years. 80% of respondents want a hybrid work arrangement between working from home and the office. In addition, 63% of professionals in Hong Kong have asked or will consider asking about a company's DE&I policy at interviews and 34% say the lack of clear DE&I commitment would stop them from actively pursuing a job opportunity The pandemic has also shifted priorities, with 69% of candidates stating that they believe mental health and well-being should play a part in employee performance, measurement and appraisals. Companies must create positive workplace cultures in which employees at all levels feel appreciated, or risk losing high performing talent to their competitors. A significant number of employees has been found to not feel supported by their employers. 51% of respondents say that their workload has increased compared to before COVID-19. 85% believe that their company does not take active steps to ensure work-life balance. Companies need to change things and help employees work more efficiently.
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Three Quarters of Employees Say Racial Equity Policies Are Not Genuine
New Catalyst research shows that 68% of employees also say their employers' Covid-related policies are not genuine. NEW YORK, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2020, as employers were grappling with the pandemic and renewed calls for racial justice, many responded with new policies and pronouncements. But according to a survey of nearly 7,000 employees in 14 countries around the globe conducted by Catalyst, more than two out of three employees (68%) believe their organization's coronavirus-related policies for the care and safety of their workers were not genuine. In White-majority countries, three-quarters of employees reported that their organization's racial equity policies were not genuine. The report, Words Aren't Enough: The Risks of Performative Policies, shows that it's not enough to announce policies or issue statements. Organizations must follow through and take meaningful action. The data show that employees are savvy and recognize when company policies are merely performative—and when that is the conclusion they reach, there are consequences for organizations, including less engagement and intent to stay among employees. "This report is a wake-up call for CEOs and other senior leaders at a time when employers are still facing high turnover due to the Great Resignation," said Lorraine Hariton, Catalyst President & CEO. "When faced with the next unprecedented disruption, leaders must be able to address it with empathy and authentic, meaningful actions." Most Employees Do Not View Covid-19 Policies as Genuine but Have Better Experiences at Work When They Do—Key Findings: More than two out of three employees (68%) reported that their organization's Covid-19 policies were not genuine. Employees who felt their organization's Covid-19 policies were genuine experience more inclusion, engagement, feelings of respect and value for their life circumstances, ability to balance life-work demands, and intent to stay. Employees who perceived their organization's Covid-19 policies as genuine and had empathic senior leaders experienced less burnout than others. Most Employees Do Not View Racial Equity Policies as Genuine but Have Better Experiences at Work When They Do—Key Findings: Three-quarters (75%) of employees reported that their organization's racial equity policies were not genuine. Employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups were less likely to view these policies as genuine (23%) than White employees (29%). Employees from marginalized racial and ethnic groups who felt their organization's racial equity policies were genuine experienced more inclusion, engagement, feelings of respect and value for their life circumstances, ability to balance life-work demands, and intent to stay. Greater empathy from senior leaders was associated with increased perceptions of their organization's racial equity policies as genuine, leading to increased experiences of inclusion among employees from marginalized race and ethnic groups and increased engagement among women. Report authors Tara Van Bommel, PhD, Kathrina Robotham, PhD, and Danielle M. Jackson, PhD, pinpoint leader empathy as a key determinant in whether employees perceived Covid-related and racial equity policies positively. Leaders who use their empathy skills are better able to create and communicate an authentic, equitable vision for the future and reap the employee and organizational benefits, according to the survey. "We are amid a paradigm shift that compels companies and leaders to take a stand on the defining social and environmental issues of our time," said report author Van Bommel, who leads Catalyst's research on women and the future of work. "Empathy is a vital skill—one that can be learned, developed, and strengthened, and when CEOs and other senior leaders are empathic with employees, they are able to address employee priorities in a vision that will bring deep change and success to everyone." This report, the third in Catalyst's series on Leveraging Disruption for Equity, lays out specific steps that CEOs and other senior leaders can take to be authentic and sincere by using empathy skills. MethodologyCatalyst surveyed 6,975 employees in 14 countries. Respondents were recruited through a panel service company. At the time of the survey, all respondents were full-time workers. After obtaining informed consent, respondents completed an online survey about "technology and work-life experiences." The survey took approximately 20 minutes to complete and included questions about their experiences at work and a demographics section. Catalyst used a variety of statistical analyses to understand the relationships between a respondent's perceptions of Covid-19 and racial equity policies, senior leader empathy, and employee outcomes. About CatalystCatalyst is a global nonprofit supported by many of the world's most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women. Founded in 1962, Catalyst drives change with preeminent thought leadership, actionable solutions and a galvanized community of multinational corporations to accelerate and advance women into leadership—because progress for women is progress for everyone. Contacts Erin Souza-RezendesSenior Director, Global CommunicationsCatalysterezendes@catalyst.org Stephanie WolfUS Communications ConsultantCatalyststephanie@stephaniewolfpr.com Ted BravakisCanada Communications ConsultantCatalysttbravakis@bravacomm.com Frances KnoxEMEA Communications ConsultantCatalystfrances@frankly-pr.co.uk
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Axonify Acquires Nudge to Bring Digital Employee Experience to the Next Level
Acquisition positions Axonify to better address frontline turnover and labor shortage while providing workers with the knowledge, skills, resources and motivation needed to thrive WATERLOO, Ont., June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Axonify, a leader in frontline employee training and communications, today announced the acquisition of Nudge, the top-rated employee communication and execution platform. This strategic union will simplify frontline team enablement and offer best-in-class tools for frontline-devoted organizations. Axonify The labor shortage has showcased how integral frontline workers are to the economy and everyday life, but it has also highlighted that they are vastly overworked. Voluntary employee turnover has historically averaged 25 percent, but a recent study from Axonify indicated that nearly 50 percent of frontline workers are prepared to leave their current jobs, with burnout being cited as the most common reason. Understanding and incorporating the needs of frontline workers have never been more important. Career advancement, skill development and a sense of connectedness are among the top motivators for frontline workers. By joining forces, Axonify + Nudge will be able to deliver an integrated approach to learning, engagement and execution that leverages Axonify's adaptive microlearning methodology with Nudge's two-way communications and task management platform. The combined offering promises centralized learning, guided task execution, engaging communications and real-time feedback in a single digital solution. Through the use of these tools, employees will be empowered with the knowledge they need and the resources they require to execute consistently and confidently, improving employee retention, revenue and the customer experience. "Together, we will enable a digital workplace for frontline teams that is easy to access and inspires success while reducing staff turnover and prioritizing cross-skilling and communication," said Carol Leaman, CEO and Co-Founder, Axonify. "The future of the frontline is one that combines agility, frictionless enablement and leaning into technology to better serve employees and customers. We're ready to deliver." "For a decade, Nudge has been driven by the mission to ensure that all deskless employees have the tools, knowledge, and support to be inspired to do great work every day," said Lindsey Goodchild, CEO and Co-Founder, Nudge. "Joining Axonify means that we can achieve this goal. Together, we can deliver one platform that does everything a frontline employee needs to thrive: engaging microlearning, two-way, real-time communication, task management, and much more." According to recent research by Nudge, the biggest communication challenges facing deskless and frontline leaders are knowledge retention and finding ways to share real-time info. Together, Axonify and Nudge solve for both these challenges and keep frontline workers: In the know: Bite-sized, gamified training and reinforcement will facilitate employees to do the right things for the operation. All in sync: Two-way, real-time communication connects, empowers and aligns the entire organization. On the ball: Guided execution will ensure employees are focused on the right tasks and get oversight into what may be at-risk. "This really is a one and one equals three transaction and we're excited to welcome all of Nudge's employees onto the Axonify team. When the deal is concluded, Lindsey will join Axonify's leadership team as Chief Strategy Officer," said Leaman. Through the right training and education, Axonify and Nudge will ensure that frontline workers are thriving in their current roles, trusted by customers as brand ambassadors and confident to handle whatever's next. In addition to market-leading learning and reinforcement capabilities, Axonify's acquisition of Nudge uniquely positions the company to offer best-in-class enablement tools for customer-obsessed, frontline-devoted organizations. About Axonify Axonify gets frontline employees ready for anything with a training and communications solution that delivers. Why does it work so well? Because the experience is fun, fast, personalized and designed to make critical information stick. And employees love it—83% of users log in 2-3 times a week, which translates into meaningful behavior change that drives business results. More than 200 customers in 155+ countries around the world, including Walmart, Kroger, Levi's and Merck, trust Axonify to fuel their people's performance to keep pace with their business. Founded in 2011, Axonify is headquartered in Waterloo, ON Canada. For more information, please visit www.axonify.com. About Nudge Nudge is a frontline enablement solution that empowers workers with the knowledge, tools and resources they need to execute consistently and confidently every day. Nudge's mobile-first platform combines two-way communications and guided task execution to help deskless organizations enable their frontline across every location in real-time. Employees can complete tasks, provide feedback, take part in discussions, and test their knowledge while earning recognition and points. Since 2012, over 65 million Nudges have been delivered, driving profitability, employee retention, and providing teams with the insights to create memorable customer experiences. Based in Toronto, Canada, Nudge has the highest user ratings in its category and is used by leading brands across North America, including Staples, Mastermind Toys, and Margaritaville. Learn more at www.nudge.co. Contact SHIFT Communications for Axonify axonify@shiftcomm.com
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D-Link Establishes Scholarship for Ukrainian Students
Offering Study Programs at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology and D-Link Group Work Opportunities TAIPEI, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- D-Link Corporation today announced the establishment of the "D-Link Group Scholarship" with National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) to encourage Ukrainian and international students to continue their education and plan for future careers in Taiwan. The D-Link Group Scholarship offers master's programs for 10 individuals in electronics, information technology or communication related disciplines. Scholarship recipients will be given financial aid, internship programs, and job opportunities at companies within the D-Link Group after graduation. "The Russian-Ukrainian conflict has caused the displacement of many Ukrainian students and interrupted their pursuit of higher education. Out of humanistic concerns and with the aim to foster new talents, we expanded our cooperation with NTUST and established the D-Link Group Scholarship. We would like to support Ukrainian students to study in Taiwan at NTUST without worries," said Victor Kuo, the Chairman of D-Link Corporation. "The scholarship recipients will not only receive financial support during their 2-year study, but also receive internships from D-Link Group companies, including D-Link, Amigo, Amit, Sapido and Cameo. After graduation, recipients with outstanding performance may also be hired directly." "By establishing the D-Link Group Scholarship, we hope to assist as many students as possible. In addition to Ukraine, students from other regions are welcome to apply as well," added Victor Kuo, "However, Ukrainian students will receive priority in our evaluation of scholarship applications." NTUST recruits the most foreign graduate students in Taiwan and the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has drawn much attention to all students and faculty at NTUST. In addition to seminars, more than 50 teachers at NTUST also offer laboratory internship opportunities to Ukrainian students. "NTUST is very happy to work with D-Link again!" said Jia-Yush Yen, president of NTUST. "We really appreciate D-Link offering valuable resources and establishing the D-Link Group Scholarship with NTUST. In addition to providing generous financial support, D-Link Group Scholarship also offers internship and career opportunities, which means a lot to foreign students and makes this scholarship unique. We are looking forward to this combined effort between the College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the Computer Center in NTUST and D-Link. We hope to assist more Ukrainian and international students while introducing more international talents to Taiwan." The D-Link Group Scholarship offers 10 students the opportunity for master's programs in electronics, information technology or communication related disciplines, including paid round-trip air fare, tuition and living allowance. Application for Spring 2023 will begin in September 2022, please check https://www.oia.ntust.edu.tw/p/412-1060-8929.php?Lang=en for details. About D-Link D-Link is a global leader in designing and developing networking and connectivity products and total solutions for consumers, small businesses, medium to large-sized enterprises, and service providers. From relatively modest beginnings in Taiwan, the company has grown since 1987 into an award-winning global brand in 57 countries. Find out more about D-Link at https://www.dlink.com/en/change-region
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China Online Education Group to Report First Quarter, 2022 Financial Results on Friday, June 24, 2022
Earnings Call Scheduled for 8:00 a.m. ET on June 24, 2022 BEIJING, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- China Online Education Group ("51Talk", or the "Company") (NYSE: COE), a leading online education platform in China, with core expertise in English education, today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31,2022 on Friday, June 24, 2022, before the open of U.S. markets. The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on June 24, 2022 (8:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong time on June 24, 2022). Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows: United States Toll: +1-866-264-5888 International: +1-412-317-5226 Mainland China Toll: 400-120-1203 Hong Kong Toll: 800-905-945 Hong Kong-Local Toll: +852-3018-4992 Participants should dial-in at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time and ask to be connected to the call for "China Online Education Group." Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.51talk.com. A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately one hour after the conclusion of the live call until July 1, 2022, by dialing the following telephone numbers: United States Toll: +1-877-344-7529 International Toll: +1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code: 9842103 About China Online Education Group China Online Education Group (NYSE: COE) is a leading online education platform in China, with core expertise in English education. The Company's mission is to make quality education accessible and affordable. The Company's online and mobile education platforms enable students to take live interactive English lessons on demand. The Company connects its students with a large pool of highly qualified teachers that it assembled using a shared economy approach, and employs student and teacher feedback and data analytics to deliver a personalized learning experience to its students. For more information, please visit http://ir.51talk.com.
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NaaS, State Grid Changzhi Electric Power Supply Partner to Build New Infrastructure for Chargers
The two parties aim to improve the urban charging network in Changzhi, Shanxi, through the construction of new charging facilities BEIJING, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NaaS Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: NAAS)("NaaS" or the "Company") entered into a strategic partnership with State Grid Changzhi Electric Power Supply Company to build new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in a move to enhance the local charging services in Changzhi, Shanxi Province. Senior executives from both parties attended the ceremony, including Yu Xiang, Vice President of Operations, NaaS, and Hao Xiangjun, Deputy General Manager of State Grid Changzhi Electric Power Supply Company. Under the agreement, State Grid Changzhi Electric Power Supply Company will provide construction sites and a stable power supply for new EV charging stations, while NaaS will build and operate the charging facilities, providing services including site selection, construction, and operation and maintenance (O&M). The Company will also provide charging pile operators with online and offline services including customer sourcing, marketing, O&M and facilities cleaning, alongside the provision of onsite food outlets as well as aftermarket and other value-added services - all as part of the city's overall plan to increase the utilization of charging piles and to build a charging services ecosystem. "NaaS is a leading industry player with strong experiences in the construction of new EV charging stations, with a wide range of proprietary charging piles and accessories, and an established ecosystem of interconnected charging services. The strategic cooperation marks a substantial step towards, and a key step to, creating a green and low-carbon Changzhi. Both parties will work together to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes in a win-win situation," said the relevant person in charge of State Grid Changzhi Electric Power Supply. "We are honored to partner with State Grid Changzhi Electric Power Supply to facilitate the construction of a new infrastructure to service EVs in Changzhi and to provide one-stop-shop services along the entire EV value chain," said Yu Xiang, Vice President of Operations, NaaS. "As a key player in the industry, NaaS is looking forward to, and is confident in our ability to, develop innovative products and provide fully digitalized services, contributing to the building of new EV facilities and interconnected charging networks across the city." NaaS is one of China's largest and fastest growing companies working in the renewable and sustainable energy sector. The Company's digital solutions connect both upstream and downstream players, providing charger manufacturers, station operators, EV OEMs, and other industry participants with a single one-stop solution integrating online, offline and ancillary services. On June 13, NaaS listed on the Nasdaq with the stock ticker NAAS, becoming China's first charging services company to go public. According to publicly available information, as of the end of 2021, NaaS had installed 290,000 charging piles in 288 cities across China. In 2021, NaaS delivered 55 million charges to EVs, amounting to 1,233 GWh and accounting for 18% of the country's total public charging volume. Changzhi, a resource-rich city with a rapidly expanding economy, is currently a designated national industrial transformation and upgrade demonstration zone. Public data shows that in the first quarter of 2022, GDP grew by 8.3%, ranking Changzhi first in Shanxi Province. The city's strategic emerging industries grew by 97% on average over the past two years, with total industrial output the highest among all cities in the province. In March 2022, the local government issued the Changzhi Special Plan for EV Charging Infrastructure (2021-2025), detailing the city's plan for the construction of charging facilities in response to the country's EV industry development roadmap. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the city plans to build 119 new (including expanding existing) charging stations, adding 2,058 new charging piles. In line with China's "dual-carbon" goals, as well as the growing demand for the transformation of the country's energy infrastructure, the cooperation will serve as a strong contributor to the upgrade of the city's charging infrastructure, while assisting China in its transition to a low-carbon and green future. For more information please visit Naas Technology Inc.
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2022 Mom's Choice Gold Award Winner: Creta Class Named Best in Family-friendly Media, Products, and Services
Creta Class's math learning app for kids will continue to provide an equal and engaging remote learning experience to foster gradual learning patterns post-pandemic NEW YORK, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading international math learning program, Creta Class, has recently been recognized by the 2022 Mom's Choice Award as being among the best in family-friendly media, products, and services. Creta Class was granted the prestigious Gold Award for its 5-stage learning program. Complementing their MCA success, Creta Class was also awarded the Spring 2022 Academics' Choice Smart Media Award, while granted kidSAFE® accreditation and earned a 5-star evaluation from the Educational App Store earlier this year. 2022 Mom’s Choice Gold Award Winner: Creta Class Named Best in Family-friendly Media, Products, and Services Aside from being an exceptional learning tool, Creta Class was granted the 2022 Mom's Choice Gold Award for innovation in remote and application-based mathematics teaching. This has been exceptionally important since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020 and has led to the program being a key component in countless virtual classrooms and homes around the world. With additional award-winning platforms available, the app can be found and explored by more families interested in mathematical thinking and learning. Upon receiving the award, Christy, Curriculum Development Head of Creta Class said, "We are very grateful for the recognition. At Creta Class, we see it as our mission to understand and guide the cognitive development of young children, cultivate their enthusiasm for learning, guide them step by step as they explore. Moving forward, we are excited to continue extending the reach and depth of our learning materials to help more young children unlock their learning potential." Creta Class addresses this issue by introducing children to principles of math education from an early age through 240 lessons, 1,200 animation videos, over 2300 interactive exercises, and 1-on-1 tutoring to work through each year. The syllabus covers a wide range of areas, including number concepts, operations, shapes, space, and much more. With daily lessons only 15 minutes in length, children are encouraged to focus on short bursts and commit their lessons to long-term memory, giving them a strong foundation to support their future math studies. "We are happy to award deserving apps like Creta Class," said Dawn Matheson, CEO of Mom's Choice Awards. "Our panel of judges really felt this app merited a place on our list of the best in family-friendly products that parents and educators can feel confident in using." Creta Class utilizes cutting-edge technology to provide a mathematics educational program that is fun, engaging, and safe for young learners. The team of early education and IT industry veterans designed the course to help 3–8 years old kids establish systematic knowledge through progressive learning pathways. The program features engaging animations and hands-on interactive exercises supported by AI technology to ensure maximum immersion to realize a learning experience for children. For more information, please visit Creta Class and on social media on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
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MANHATTAN ASSOCIATES SINGAPORE RECOGNISED AS 2022 GREAT PLACE TO WORK
SYDNEY, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Manhattan Associates today announced its Singapore office has been certified as a 'great place to work' according to the 2022 Great Place to Work® Trust Index© Survey. The accreditation is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by survey platform Emprising, with the anonymous survey measuring a number of areas including workplace culture, alignment, trust and connection. Headquartered in Atlanta, but with a strong presence in the APAC region, Manhattan Associates is the industry leader in enabling supply chain, inventory and omnichannel transformation. Many of the world's top brands depend on Manhattan's innovative suite of software-driven solutions to improve their global operations and deliver an optimal customer experience. "The supply chain and logistics space in Singapore and Asia-Pacific is booming right now and this recognition shows that our Manhattan work culture is as vibrant, dynamic and healthy as the space we are working in," commented Richard Wright, managing director of Manhattan Associates in Singapore. "Manhattan Associates has long championed a work environment that fosters collaboration, innovation and mutual respect and we are delighted to earn this honor because it comes directly from our employees. It is their energy and commitment to innovation and progress that are the cornerstones of our success in Singapore, not to mention all over the globe too," added Wright. Employee engagement is a priority at Manhattan Associates, where the company strives to support all aspects of an employee's personal life and professional development through its Be Your Best Self program. This program comprises Rewards, Wellness, Development, Family, Community and Career, and offers an extensive set of training and development opportunities, top-notch benefits, community outreach initiatives and innovative wellness programs. Keith Hunter, head of HR for Manhattan in APAC added "At Manhattan we put our people first so it is particularly satisfying to see that over 80% of those surveyed said that they either agreed or strongly agreed that they wanted to stay with Manhattan for 'a long time'. The other results also provide us with some really positive feedback and will enable us to deliver an actionable roadmap that will take our employee engagement to the next level over the coming years." For more information about joining Manhattan Associates, visit the company's Careers page for a full list of available positions. Receive up-to-date product, customer and partner news directly from Manhattan Associates on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. About Manhattan Associates Manhattan Associates is a technology leader in supply chain and omnichannel commerce. We unite information across the enterprise, converging front-end sales with back-end supply chain execution. Our software, platform technology and unmatched experience help drive both top-line growth and bottom-line profitability for our customers. Manhattan Associates designs, builds and delivers leading edge cloud and on-premises solutions so that across the store, through your network or from your fulfillment center, you are ready to reap the rewards of the omnichannel marketplace. For more information, please visit www.manh.com. About Great Place To Work Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Founded by business journalists Robert Levering and Milton Moskowitz, we are built on the belief that great employee experiences are better for people, for business and for the world. We've been listening to employee voices for over 40 years, and it's helped us to determine what makes a truly great place to work. Through employee surveys and our For All™ methodology, Certification™ and our Best Workplaces™ lists, we recognise what organisations are doing right and help them to continually improve. Part of a global organisation, we apply data and insights from millions of employees working in around 10,000 organisations across the world every year to benchmark individual performance.
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The University of Mindanao selects Anthology's Blackboard Learn Ultra to Gain Insights through Data, Support Hybrid Course Delivery
DAVAO CITY, Philippines, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthology, a leading provider of education solutions that support the entire learner lifecycle, today announced that the University of Mindanao has selected Blackboard Learn Ultra as its new learning management system (LMS). Learn Ultra positions the university to meet hybrid teaching and learning needs long term by supporting blended models for in-person courses while also acting as a standalone tool for its online distance education program. The solution provides rich data insights about the university's students, helping faculty and staff to identify learners in need and ultimately better support student success. "It's critical that our LMS support both face-to-face and online course delivery so we can prepare for the future and provide accessible options to students from diverse backgrounds who may have different needs," said Dr. Ronnie V. Amorado, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at the University of Mindanao. "Online programs are part of pedagogical realities in a post-pandemic era, and we are committed to giving our faculty and learners the right technology resources to be successful whether they are learning on one of our campuses or at home." The University of Mindanao selected Anthology to replace its current EdTech partner because Blackboard Learn Ultra delivers more functionality than its existing LMS, particularly in connection to data and analytics. Learn automatically captures interaction metrics during classes so faculty and staff can effectively measure learner engagement. Intuitive reporting and adaptable assessment types also provide data to help instructors pinpoint at-risk students, all captured in a flexible, easy-to-use solution with built-in communication channels. "We're continuing to double down on our investment in Learn Ultra to help institutions like the University of Mindanao keep learners engaged through technology and deliver a dynamic experience that's designed for the future of learning," said Yves Dehouck, Vice President of Asia Pacific at Anthology. "Personalized, data-driven experiences are the key to unlocking learner success at an entirely new scale and we are delivering on those experiences across the Anthology product portfolio." The University of Mindanao is the largest private, non-sectarian university in Mindanao with more than 25,000 students across five campuses. For more information on how Anthology's Blackboard Learn Ultra is helping institutions globally achieve their goals, visit www.blackboard.com/teaching-learning/learning-management/blackboard-learn. About Anthology Anthology offers the largest EdTech ecosystem on a global scale for education, recently combining with Blackboard to support more than 150 million users in 80 countries. With a mission to provide dynamic, data-informed experiences to the global education community, Anthology helps learners, leaders, and educators achieve their goals through over 60 SaaS products and services designed to advance learning. Discover more about how we are fulfilling our mission for K-12, higher education, business, and government institutions at www.anthology.com. Media Contact:Chelcee CoffmanSenior Director, Global Communications & Corporate MarketingChelcee.coffman@anthology.com
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"Creative minds transform the world"-- Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University Nurtures Innovation and Invention with Patent Center
AL-KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A major element of human progress is invention—the creation of novel, innovative ways to harness reality's potential in delivering better solutions for challenges both mundane and extraordinary. Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) has fully embraced the power of invention. For starters, the university has established a Patent Center under the Deanship of Research. The Patent Center supports the protection of creative scholarly activities, innovation, and discoveries involving faculty, staff, students, and others participating in PMU programs. Following through on this mission, the Patent Center recently announced the opening of the first Local Chapter of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) in the Middle East. A United States-based non-profit organization, NAI has over 4000 individual inventor members affiliated with more than 250 institutions around the world, including 30 institutions and universities outside of the United States. NAI broadly helps in recognizing and promulgating the inventions made by its members for the benefit of global society. As a sign of the inventive spirit at PMU, the university also recently announced that its members have more than doubled their number of patents registered by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to 23. This number represents a tremendous increase of 15 additional patents since just 2020. The patents cover a rich range of scientific fields including energy and artificial intelligence, as well as electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering. "At PMU, we are taking important measures to ensure we increase our patent productivity and increase the worldwide impact of the inventions created by our university researchers," said Dr. Issa Al Ansari, President of PMU. "As we say at PMU, 'creative minds transform the world'." The Local Chapter will work closely with PMU's Patent Center, which has become a hub on campus for innovators, a crucial resource for preparing a patent application and, as a prime task, supporting the protection of creative scholarly activities, innovation, and discovery at PMU. Further representing the scope of research at PMU, university members currently have more than 400 academic journal papers catalogued in Scopus, including two papers in the prestigious Nature journals. "The Patent Center is here to help not only the PMU community, but the community of inventors nationally in Saudi Arabia and the world, along with all the nations of the world in advancing together through the power of invention," said Dr. Al Ansari. Contact: Ankit S Bhosale, (+966 13) 849 9346, abhosale@pmu.edu.sa Innovative Patents - Glimpse from the PMU's Patent Center
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VISPARK Launches Spark Math and Spark Chinese Online Learning Programs in the U.S.
SAN MATEO, Calif., June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- VISPARK, a global online learning service designed for kids from preschool to middle school, is launching the Spark Math and Spark Chinese programs ("the Programs") in the U.S. this month. This is the newest offering from Singapore-based Spark Education, the largest provider of small group online classes for kids globally, is backed by KKR, IDG Capital, GGV Capital, Sequoia China, Global Investment firm Carlyle, Northern Light Venture Capital and GSR Ventures. VISPARK's programs build upon the experiences from the company's success using Huohua Siwei, an online learning service Spark Education designed for Chinese-speaking families. Huohua Siwei has attracted over half a million students from more than 100 countries and areas, and has won numerous awards and become a widely recognized as a top foundational math and problem-solving skills development program. jwplayer.key="3Fznr2BGJZtpwZmA+81lm048ks6+0NjLXyDdsO2YkfE=" jwplayer('myplayer1').setup({file: 'https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/1844218/video.mp4', image: 'http://www.prnasia.com/video_capture/3795235_AE95235_1.jpg', autostart:'false', aspectratio: '16:9', stretching : 'fill', width: '600', height: '338'}); The two new programs from VISPARK, Spark Math and Spark Chinese, have been developed with best practices from decades of pedagogy research, cognitive science, and child-centered curriculum development. VISPARK's online classes are delivered in small groups with interactive and gamified tools and are guided by experienced local teachers whom are passionate about helping kids learn in a fun and engaging environment. The courseware includes rich multimedia content such as animations, games, and songs, to help make abstract concepts simple, concrete, and fun for kids to understand and apply in problem solving. Spark Math curriculum is primarily modeled after the best-in-class Singapore Math framework and aligns with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics. The program combines some of the best teaching methods globally to deepen students' understanding of mathematics and its applications, including: Singapore Math's CPA (Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract) approach Polya's Four-Step Problem-Solving Process Heuristic Method of teaching Transfer of Learning approach Based on learning maps and data analytics, Spark Math provides computerized adaptive testing, learning analytics, personalized learning solutions for students, and instructional planning for online teachers. Through the use of technology, both teaching and learning are more personalized and effective. Spark Education's math programs have gained popularity and demonstrated strong results with its students in Singapore excelling in various international math competitions. "We're delighted that students are enjoying the classes. We take pride in our interactive tooling and small group live classes that help our students learn better and foster a passion for mathematics," commented in the program, Spark Education Director of Pedagogy, Reece Min said. "More importantly, it has been a privilege to see our students begin to love learning and grow more confident. They have become motivated and curious learners who are proud of their own development." Spark Chinese provides several offerings tailored to learners with different backgrounds and learning goals. From students studying Chinese as a foreign language, to students fluent in Chinese, there are programs that suit the needs of each student. The curriculum focuses on fostering interest in language learning, integrating the foundational structures of the language with its practical application, history and culture. The immersive and interactive learning experience is complete with gamified courseware content designed by experienced educators and guided by fun and passionate teachers via one-on-one instruction or in small groups. For more information and get your free trial, please visit VISPARK. About VISPARK VISPARK is a global online learning service from Spark Education, is designed for children aged 3-15. VISPARK's top programs include Spark Math and Spark Chinese. The research-based curriculum is delivered with high-quality course content, interactive courseware, and experienced teachers passionate about helping kids learn. We are committed to provide a lively, fun, and efficient learning experience for kids through our online live small group classes and one-on-one instruction to achieve learning results, inspire a love for learning, and build self-confidence for learners. Media Contact Sara Chenxi.a.chen@sparkedu.com
