Fintech PR
SM: Still plenty of room for growth in 2024
PASAY CITY, Philippines, Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SM Investments Corporation, one of the country’s leading conglomerates, says there is still room for growth with the Philippines consistently showing consumer growth.
“Even during the height of the Asian crisis, household consumption in the Philippines has been quite resilient, primarily driving sustained economic growth,” SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio said.
Discretionary spending in key categories such as fashion, food and beverage as well as entertainment, among others, is buoying consumption activity.
“We are positive about our retail business, and we continue to be mindful of our customers’ needs as we offer choices that can match the size of their wallets,” Mr. DyBuncio said.
Substantial remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are also supporting the consumption story of the Philippines. Adding fuel to consumption growth is BPO expansion and improving unemployment numbers. Many BPO firms have been moving to the provincial areas providing additional spending power to a young population.
SM is expanding largely in provincial areas which present opportunities for establishing modern retail formats in a significantly underpenetrated sector.
Over 80 percent of SM’s new retail stores are located outside of Metro Manila. Mall expansion is also geared towards the provinces.
Housing also presents a huge opportunity. SM Development Corporation (SMDC), SM’s residential arm, has a growing presence in the provinces strategically near SM’s malls and transportation terminals.
In banking, BDO Unibank and its community banking arm BDO Network Bank continue to provide relevant financial solutions to address unique banking needs in the provinces. For communities in remote areas without traditional bank branches, BDO Cash Agad allows convenient access to funds for daily expenses, emergencies, or business needs.
SM invested in high growth sectors such as in logistics through 2GO, the largest transportation and logistics provider in the country and Airspeed, an end-to-end logistics solutions and express courier company which are both well positioned to meet various economic needs.
In the race to clean energy, SM is invested in renewable energy supply through geothermal firm Philippine Geothermal Production Company in support of the country’s growing advocacy for green energy and sustainable development.
“Investors view us as a proxy because all of SM’s businesses touch the daily lives of millions of Filipinos.”
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1880730/Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sm-still-plenty-of-room-for-growth-in-2024-302049047.html
Fintech PR
Nakheel partners with six renowned architecture firms to design 10 bespoke Beach Collection villas on Palm Jebel Ali
DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nakheel, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has announced its collaboration with six locally and globally acclaimed architecture firms – WATG, SAOTA, Whitespace Architects, NAGA Architects, LOCI, and LW Design Group – to deliver a stunning 10 distinct architectural styles for the bespoke villas planned for the Beach Collection at Palm Jebel Ali.
Inspired by the island’s unique blend of oceanfront serenity, vibrant cityscape, and the colours and forms defining its landscape, the architects have crafted an exclusive collection of 10 homes that celebrates the iconic destination’s natural beauty and urban dynamism, delivering a collection of residences that seamlessly integrate indoor-outdoor living and infuse luxury into everyday living. From minimalist elegance to bold contemporary statements, the emphasis is on creating spaces that embrace natural light and take advantage of the scenic vistas to offer residents a sanctuary of tranquillity and exclusivity, aligned with Nakheel’s vision for Palm Jebel Ali.
Situated on prime beachfront locations, the five- and six-bedroom villas from the Beach Collection range from 7,300 sq ft to 8,500 sq ft, offering unparalleled privacy and exclusivity. Each villa boasts a unique and contemporary façade, meticulously designed to complement the coastal setting. Grand entryways with double-height volumes lead to expansive living spaces, where floor-to-ceiling windows showcase captivating views of the Arabian Gulf.
Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said: “With its breathtaking oceanfront views and ambitious vision, Palm Jebel Ali has inspired some of the world’s leading architectural minds to design bespoke masterpieces for The Beach Collection. These unique villas embody luxury, sophisticated design and a seamless connection with nature, a testament to the success of our collaboration, showcasing the individual brilliance of each architect while capturing the essence of this extraordinary destination. This collaboration brings to life our vision for exceptional homes that cater to inspired tastes and lifestyles.”
Palm Jebel Ali’s seven islands span 13.4 kilometres, feature 16 fronds and over 90 kilometres of beachfront, and it marks the beginning of a new growth corridor in the Jebel Ali area, underlining the expansion of the emirate, in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Nakheel’s projects form an iconic portfolio that are pivotal to realising Dubai’s vision.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2598730/Nakheel_1.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2598731/Nakheel_2.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2598732/Nakheel_3.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nakheel-partners-with-six-renowned-architecture-firms-to-design-10-bespoke-beach-collection-villas-on-palm-jebel-ali-302351788.html
Fintech PR
AUS announces President’s Scholarship for international students
SHARJAH, UAE, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — American University of Sharjah (AUS), invites outstanding international students to apply for the President’s Scholarship for Fall 2025. Open to applicants who have completed their secondary education outside the UAE, this scholarship provides talented students with the opportunity to join a dynamic academic community that fosters innovation, collaboration and leadership.
AUS is ranked among the top five universities in the UAE for its number of international students according to QS World University Rankings 2025 and third for its international student ratio in the Arab region according to QS Arab Region University Rankings 2024. With a campus that represents approximately 90 nationalities, AUS offers an inclusive and vibrant environment where diverse perspectives enrich academic and personal growth.
The scholarship covers full tuition and lab fees, on-campus housing, student medical insurance and a monthly stipend to support living expenses. Recipients also benefit from three annual round-trip tickets during their studies.
Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, underscored the significance of the scholarship, stating: “The President’s Scholarship reflects our steadfast commitment to providing talented students from around the globe with access to an education that is both transformative and empowering.”
Students at AUS benefit from remarkable opportunities to engage in innovative research studies, thanks to the establishment of six cutting-edge research centers. These include the Artificial Intelligence, Smart Infrastructure and Robotics Research Center; the Materials Research Center; the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Development; the Energy, Water and Sustainable Environment Research Center; the Center for Arab Studies and Islamic Civilizations; and the Advanced Biosciences and Bioengineering Research Center.
Located in Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE, AUS combines tradition with modernity on a campus that inspires exploration and discovery. AUS students are immersed in a thriving ecosystem of cultural heritage, entrepreneurship and technological advancement. The vibrant campus life offers opportunities for personal development and engagement through over 120 student-led organizations, including cultural clubs that celebrate global traditions, academic associations that drive professional excellence and interest-based clubs that cater to diverse passions and talents.
The President’s Scholarship is open for applications until Thursday, April 17, 2025, and renewable for students who continue to meet the scholarship’s requirements. Prospective applicants can visit apply.aus.edu to learn more about the eligibility criteria and submit their applications. To know more about the scholarships and grants offered by AUS, visit www.aus.edu/scholarship.
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2598699/American_University_Sharjah.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aus-announces-presidents-scholarship-for-international-students-302351720.html
Fintech PR
elevendigits Ltd Launches Three Different Business Loan Comparison Websites
LONDON, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — elevendigits Ltd, a company at the forefront of financial technology and business funding solutions is thrilled to announce the launch of three business loan comparison websites tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom, the United States, and New Zealand: business-loan.uk, business-loans.com, and businessloan.nz.
This strategic expansion effort reflects elevendigits’ commitment to simplifying the financial decision-making process for businesses across many different markets. By offering user-friendly platforms designed to make life easier, these websites provide transparent, accessible and efficient loan comparisons for companies of all sizes.
Meeting the Needs of Global Entrepreneurs
These 3 new websites are tailored not only to the unique issues and regulations, but also to the opportunities within their respective markets:
- business-loan.uk: Designed specifically for the UK business landscape, it addresses the growing demand for tailored funding options, helping startups and SMEs navigate a competitive market.
- business-loans.com: Caters to the vast US business ecosystem. This platform matches entrepreneurs with a wide array of financing opportunities. This ensures they find the best fit for their growth ambitions.
- businessloan.nz: Focused on New Zealand’s entrepreneurial community. It seeks to simplify the access to funding solutions for businesses that prioritize agility and innovation.
Streamlined Access to Business Financing
The platforms provide comprehensive loan comparison tools that let business owners evaluate multiple funding options based on several categories such as interest rates, repayment terms, eligibility requirements and lender reputation. Each site features:
- Personalized Recommendations: Tailored loan matches which are based on your business profile and funding needs.
- Educational Resources: Guides, articles and tools to help business owners make informed decisions.
- Secure and Efficient Application Processes: A streamlined experience that lets you save time and reduces the complexity of securing funding.
A Vision for Empowered Business Growth
“Access to the right financial tools can be transformative for businesses,” said the CEO of Elevendigits Ltd. “By launching these platforms, we’re ensuring that entrepreneurs in the UK, USA and New Zealand can confidently navigate their financing options and grow their businesses.”
About Elevendigits Ltd
Elevendigits Ltd is a global leader in financial technology, dedicated to creating solutions that can form a connection between businesses and the financial institutions capable of funding them. With a strong eye for transparency and accessibility, Elevendigits continues to simplify the life of entrepreneurs worldwide.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/elevendigits-ltd-launches-three-different-business-loan-comparison-websites-302351681.html
-
Fintech PR5 days ago
HTX 2025 Outlook: Five Sectors to Look Forward to, and How Trump’s Policy Will Affect Crypto Industry
-
Fintech PR5 days ago
Novo Holdings invests in $200M Series A for Windward Bio launch to advance long-acting treatments for asthma and COPD
-
Fintech PR5 days ago
AZZURRI GROUP LAUNCHES ITS 2024 SUSTAINABLE DINING REPORT AND ACHIEVES FURTHER REDCUTIONS IN CARBON EMISSIONS
-
Fintech PR5 days ago
Fintech nsave launches investment platform, offering people from distressed economies protection from inflation with compliant and safe investments abroad
-
Fintech PR5 days ago
Amrop, a Leading Global Executive Search and Leadership Consulting Firm, Announces New Office in Japan
-
Fintech PR5 days ago
2024 Marks Breakout Year for China’s ETF Market with Unprecedented Growth
-
Fintech PR5 days ago
StockGro Partners with GIIS Dubai to Transform Youth Financial Literacy in the UAE
-
Fintech PR6 days ago
Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. to Sell its Europe-North Segment to a subsidiary of Bauer Media Group for $625 Million