Governor of Punjab pays tribute to Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipient Professor Kamal Munir from University of Cambridge for his contribution to education

                                       

Cambridge International, Pakistan recently organised an iftar dinner to pay tribute to Professor Kamal Munir, Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, for his remarkable contributions in the field of education. Professor Munir is the first South Asian in 800 years to hold the coveted position of Pro Vice Chancellor for the University of Cambridge. The event was attended by His Excellency Mr. Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman, Governor of Punjab, and other notable personalities from the education sector, including Former Federal Minister for Education, Shafqat Mehmood, Former HE Minister Punjab, Raja Yasir Humayun, and Former Federal Education Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan.

The Governor congratulated Professor Kamal Munir on receiving the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan this year, recognising his contribution to the field of education. During his speech, the Governor, emphasised the importance of education and how it is the key to unlocking opportunities and achieving dreams. He also commended Professor Munir's hard work and excellence, stating that he is an embodiment of the power of education.

 

Professor Kamal Munir expressed his gratitude towards the honourable Governor of Punjab, his colleagues from Cambridge International Pakistan, and the education community for the appreciation and the honour they bestowed upon him. He spoke with pride about being able to represent Pakistan on a global level through his work and association with the University of Cambridge.

 

Professor Kamal Munir said, “Pakistan has great talent and potential when it comes to students, education, and intellect, I believe that through concentrated efforts from the academia, the government and other stakeholders, this potential can be increased tremendously. I hope I am able to play my part in pushing the agenda for quality education forward.”

 

Sharing her admiration for the country’s talent, Uzma Yousuf, Country Director, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Pakistan, said:

 

“Pakistan is home to some of the most brilliant minds in sports, entertainment, education, sciences. We are proud to have individuals like Professor Munir associated with us and representing the country in a positive light globally. It is no small feat to hold such a coveted position with the University of Cambridge and be the first South Asian in 800 years to do that”.

 

The event was attended by members of key Cambridge schools in Lahore, including Beaconhouse School, Lahore Grammar School, Roots, City School and other educational institutes. Their presence was a testament to the ongoing collaboration and partnership between Cambridge and Pakistan in promoting quality education

realme Pakistan Energizes the Underprivileged in Ramadan

                                                         

The month of Ramadan is upon us - a month where kindness and generosity are in abundance. Keeping up with the month’s spirit, realme Pakistan has energized the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal Sweet Home in Lahore. The institution serves as an orphanage and realme is humbled to contribute in their assistance and empowerment.

The donation is aimed at helping the organization provide uninterrupted power supply to its residents, especially during the load-shedding hours of Ramadan. Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal Sweet Home is a government-run facility that provides housing, education, and medical care to orphaned and abandoned children. The organization relies on donations from individuals and corporations like realme to support its operations and ensure the well-being of its residents.

The batteries donated by realme Pakistan will provide backup power to the facility during electricity outages and ensure that the children's daily routine is not disrupted. The donation is part of realme Pakistan's ongoing commitment to supporting communities in need and giving back to society. This gesture also highlights the significance of contributing to the less privileged members of society, especially during challenging times like these. realme has always been committed to social responsibilities and philanthropy. realme has previously taken part in various social initiatives and other charitable activities in order to enable the unfortunate and underprivileged members of society.

Investors drive demand for sustainability assurance

                                                  

Investors seeking to place reliance on corporate sustainability information are driving unprecedented demand for assurance in this emerging area.

 

This represents a challenge and an opportunity for the global accountancy profession. In response the profession is engaged in determining the framework within which assurance engagements should be carried out and who is best qualified to perform the work.

 

Using the core assurance skills obtained through the experience of auditing financial statements, the accountancy profession – alongside others performing assurance engagements – is well placed to satisfy this demand.

 

ACCA’s report Sustainability Assurance – Rising to the Challenge describes the landscape for sustainability assurance and introduces the extant standard and guidance issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Board (IAASB).

 

Sustainability Assurance – Rising to the Challenge sets out the key issues faced by practitioners providing this assurance work.

 

ACCA’s research – supported by evidence gathered from a series of virtual global roundtables held in 2022 and 2023, with assurance practitioners and other representatives involved with audit and assurance policy-related matters – sets out seven key messages:

 

·         To avoid a new ‘sustainability assurance expectation gap’ ACCA stresses the importance of international and national standard setters explain what ‘limited assurance’ and ‘reasonable assurance’ mean, and the key differences between the two.

 

·         Standard setters should consider the risk of misleading reporting – green washing – when developing reporting and assurance standards.

 

·         A concept to deal with estimates should be a key focus for the IAASB as much sustainability reporting and assurance work is often based on hypothetical scenarios.

 

·         The unprecedented dependence on subject matter experts (SMEs) for sustainability assurance engagements may suggest the need for further standards and guidance on how to rely on their work.

 

·         The assurance report – the end-product – should be seen as a key priority area by standard setters and policy makers, particularly in dealing with limited/reasonable differences.

 

·         Assurance skills obtained through audit experience remain vital in performing sustainability assurance engagements.

 

·         ISAE 3000 (Revised) and the Sustainability/EER guidance provide a strong foundation for those intending to undertake sustainability assurance engagements before the IAASB’s overarching standard is finalised.

Report co-author, Marianna Rogdaki, Audit & Ethics Lead, ACCA says: ‘ACCA recognises that  it can be a real challenge for practitioners new to this area to come to grips with both the risks and the opportunities of taking on sustainability assurance engagements. This report aims to raise awareness of the current landscape as a good starting point for practitioners to get involved.’

She adds: ‘It is clear that the demand for sustainability information is now higher than ever, with regulators across the globe considering mandatory reporting and assurance requirements.

‘Most notably in the European Union, the European Commission has replaced the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) introducing mandatory requirements for more entities, alongside requirements for assurance over published information.’

Report co-author, Antonis Diolas, Head of Audit and Assurance, Policy & Insights, ACCA, says: ‘In our roundtable the importance of professional scepticism was noted. Given the immaturity of sustainability reporting, professional scepticism is even more important where subjective statement often forms part of sustainability reports and are not backed up with sufficient appropriate evidence.’

The report commends the IAASB, the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) for their respective swift responses to the call for international sustainability reporting, assurance and ethical standards, reducing the risk of fragmentation.

 

Read the full report here https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/professional-insights/global-profession/sustainability-assurance-rising-to-challenge.html

CBD Punjab Celebrates Pakistan Day with Patriotic Fervor, Reaffirms Commitment to National Development

                                             

A flag hoisting ceremony was held by Punjab Central Business District Development Authority to celebrate Pakistan Day with great fervor and patriotism.

The ceremony was held at Central Business District house Punjab to commemorate the day when All-India Muslim League moved a resolution that led to the establishment of Pakistan.    

The event was attended by the COO of CBD Punjab, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Directorate heads and staff members of CBD Punjab. The flag hoisting was followed by the singing of the national anthem, which filled the atmosphere with an aura of national pride and honor.

While addressing the ceremony COO of CBD Punjab, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua said, “Today is a momentous day in our nation’s history. As an authority, CBD Punjab has a crucial role to play in the development of Punjab and Pakistan. We remain committed in supporting the growth of our country by providing innovative business solutions thereby contributing to an overall development of the country”.

The event showcased the passion and dedication of CBD Punjab, towards betterment of the nation. It highlighted the importance of the day and how it is deeply embedded in the country's history. CBD Punjab has been instrumental in promoting modern business practices and infrastructure development in Punjab, by establishing Pakistan's first business district on vertical principles, which has contributed to the economic development of the region.

realme makes a ground breaking entry with its eye-catching design at an attractive price

            

realme, the world’s fastest-growing smartphone brand, has introduced its next budget king - realme C33 in Pakistan. Raising the bar for its segment, realme C33 has a stylish Boundless Sea Design and a next-level 50MP camera resolution. The device is available in three different colours, Night sea, Aqua Blue, and Sandy Gold.

realme C33 has a unique design that distinguishes it from other smartphones in the market. The phone features a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a waterdrop-style notch, that houses the front-facing camera. It comes with a 5000 mah battery. The back of the phone has a glossy finish, that gives it a premium look and feel. The rear camera module is vertically placed and makes it stand apart from its competitors.

The C33 features a USB Type-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a single speaker. The phone's fast-side fingerprint scanner is user-friendly and is placed stylishly, making it easy to unlock the device with a simple touch.

realme C33’s Sandy Gold colour has a subtle metallic finish that gives the phone an elegant and premium look. The Sandy Gold variant offers an eye-catching festive beach vibe. At the same time, the colour is not too flashy, making it perfect for those who prefer a regal look. This makes the sandy Gold colour a great option.

The realme C33 in Sandy Gold colour evokes the feeling of being at the beach. The colour itself resembles sand on the shore, while the design of the phone, with its curved edges and smooth finish, is reminiscent of waves of the ocean.

When you hold the realme C33 in your hand, it's easy to imagine yourself standing on the beach with the sun shining down on you. You can feel the warmth of the sand beneath your feet and the coolness of the water as it washes over your toes. It's a feeling of relaxation and calmness that comes with being near the water. This colour also blends perfectly with the glossy finish of the phone's back panel, creating a perfect combination of elegance and style. This colour option is a welcome addition to the realme C33 lineup, which already has two other amazing colour options to choose from.

realme has once again set itself apart from the competition with the introduction of the C33 into its list of budget-friendly phones. Their innovative phone designs have set a new benchmark for the industry.  

The accountancy profession has a vital role in meeting the green finance challenge says new report from ACCA

                                              

At a time when access to cheaper capital is more vital than ever to an organisation’s long-term survival, access to green finance can be a lifeline to businesses. However recent research by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) revealed that business say they’re underinformed on climate finance opportunities and climate risk management. 59% of the respondents to the Global Economic Conditions Survey Q2 2022 said they are not considering using green finance products – an opportunity that must be addressed.

 

With lenders increasingly offering attractive ‘green rates’ to organisations able to meet sustainability requirements, green finance is cheap capital that can keep businesses in business. Professional accountants’ ability to understand the green finance options needed for the transition to net-zero is key to equipping organisations with this expertise. Having the skills to consider non-financial as well as financial business drivers will also leave the profession well placed to lead in training staff and developing the talent needed for enabling transformation and embedding sustainability.

Report author, ACCA senior subject manager – sustainability, Emmeline Skelton said: ‘Green finance is part of the fundamental narrative of ACCA’s research programme on net zero transition and the role of the accountancy profession.

In a world where key stakeholders are demanding more from companies and their net zero objectives, green finance is fast becoming the hot topic for the finance profession as it explores financing options. The profession needs upskilling, especially in volatile times, where access to capital including green finance is crucial for an organisation’s long-term survival.’

John Lelliott OBE FCCA, Non-executive Director of the Environment Agency and ACCA Sustainability Global Forum Chair said: ‘The accountancy and finance profession’s knowledge and skills in evolving market trends, stakeholder requirements and regulatory changes, will be key to transform organisations to operate in a net zero economy.’

Assad Hameed Khan, head of ACCA Pakistan, said that the timing of this research is apt considering the uncertain economic landscape in Pakistan. Green finance is an engine of competitive advantage for organisations to drive value creation by embracing sustainability into all activities. Long-term nature of sustainability continues to be at the intersection of social equity, economic viability and environmental protection.

Because finance and investment professionals have such a critical role to play in helping organisations adapt to build a more sustainable future, ACCA has taken practical steps to upskill its members. In particular, ACCA has worked together with CFA Institute to jointly launch a Climate Finance course designed by experts from both bodies.

The full report can be accessed at www.accaglobal.com/greenfinanceskills

ACCA welcomes newly qualified members in Pakistan

                                              

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) gave an extravagant welcome to the newly qualified ACCA professionals in the country at the New Member Ceremonies held in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

Themed ‘Shaping the future in uncertain times’, the events were a living proof of how ACCA is enabling its members to think ahead and turn challenges into opportunities for the benefit of the society. The events celebrated over 700 newly inducted ACCA members and fellow members who come from diverse backgrounds but follow the same journey as their peers globally. The events also recognised ACCA’s prizewinning students, newly awarded approved employers, Practical Experience Supervisors and winners of ACCA advocacy awards.

ACCA’s head of Pakistan, Assad Hameed Khan, initiated the ceremonies by welcoming the new members including fellows and high achievers, emphasising on the vital role played by professional accountants in nation building as well as contribution towards an inclusive, resilient and sustainable national economic growth.

Speaking to the new members, ACCA President, Joseph Owoloabi, said:

‘Accountancy is an increasingly meritocratic profession, where the content of your character and the quality of your mind and your work mean much more than nationality or background. Your global credentials mean that the welcome mat will be

rolled out for you by top employers all over the world, in all of the 178 countries where our members are active.’

In a video message, President Dr Arif Alvi, said,

‘ACCAs certainly have the potential to change and rebuild the economy of Pakistan. The accountancy profession plays a central role in the economic development of any country. Accountants are uniquely placed to help drive transparency and be at the forefront of the global fight against corruption.’

Chief Guest at the ceremony in Lahore, Governor Punjab, Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman, said,

‘Pakistan looks forward to ACCA’s strategic business leadership for a better tomorrow.’

Notable leaders who spoke at the new member ceremonies included Kabeer Naqvi, President & CEO, U Microfinance Bank, Faisal Mushtaq, CEO, TMUC, Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Founder, Nutshell Group, Faisal Qamar, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Decibel HRMS and Sajid Hussain, CEO, SKANS School of Accountancy.

Seed Ventures joined ACCA as this year’s co-organisers. Bank Islami and The Coca-Cola Company were the Strategic Partners. Platinum Partners included SKANS School of Accountancy, U Microfinance Bank, and The Millennium Universal College. Telenor Group Adroit Accountax/ Obox Accounting, National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited, National Disaster Risk Management Fund, Tabani's School of Accountancy, PAC Group of Colleges and Mirchawala’s Hub of Accountancy supported as Gold Partners. TCM – The Centrum Media joined as Outreach Partner and KPMG and Nutshell Group were the Knowledge Partners.

The event was also supported by the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), Pakistan Stock Exchange, Special Technology Zones Authority, Pakistan Software Houses Association, KP Board of Investment and Trade, The Centre of Excellence in Responsible Business (PBC), ICMA Pakistan, National Incubation Center, Universal Service Fund, Punjab Board of Investment & Trade, Punjab Information Technology Board, Central Power Purchasing Agency, and the CFA Society Pakistan.

ACCA has more than 227,000 fully qualified members and 544,000 future members worldwide. They're among the world’s best-qualified and most highly sought-after business professionals - and they work in every sector, everywhere in the world.

Get a chance to win PSL finale tickets for free!

         

Pakistan’s leading selling smartphone brand, Infinix, has stepped up to give fans a chance to watch PSL finale for free.  All that is required to do is to correctly predict the winners of ongoing PSL matches onto Infinix Facebook page and increase their chances of winning PSL tickets via lucky drawer taking place on Infinix Facebook page as well.  

As PSL 8 is heating up with nail-biting competitions, Infinix brings fans a unique opportunity to be a part of this legacy. Starting from today, in this out of the box contest, fans have to simply guess and comment the winner of the ongoing matches of PSL 8 on the Facebook page of Infinix. Those who guessed the right winner will enter the Lucky Draw. The winner(s) of the exciting Lucky Draw will get to witness the live cricketing clash of PSL 8 final playoffs and finale as well.

CEO Infinix, Mr. Joe Hu, urged the fans not to miss out on the opportunity of winning exclusive tickets to PSL 8 matches: " Infinix also aims to provide fans with innovative experiences & cherish able memories. This time around, we're thrilled to offer a chance to watch the best teams in action at PSL 8. We're eager to see who comes out on top in our lucky drawer."

Stay tuned to Infinix's Facebook page and find out more about this lucky drawer. In addition to this, there will be more surprises and gifts to make this cricket season worth remembering.

Shop Smart and Save Big During the Ramadan Sale on Iffalcon and TCL Products Exclusively on Daraz

                                                

Pakistan’s No.1 LED TV Brand TCL and Daraz announces the Exciting Ramadan Sale on Iffalcon and TCL Products. Starting from the today, 15th to the 25th of March, customers can enjoy massive discounts on a wide range of electronics, including TVs, sound systems, and more.

 

In addition to the discounted prices, TCL and Daraz also offer free shipping for all orders placed during the sale. This means that customers can shop from the comfort of their homes and have their products delivered right to their doorstep without any additional fees.

 

To make the deals even more affordable, monthly installments are offered on all products during the sale period. This allows customers to spread the cost of their purchases over several months, making it easier to manage their budgets while still getting the products they want.

 

"We're thrilled to offer such amazing discounts and deals to our customers during the holy month of Ramadan," said Majid Khan Niazi, Head of Marketing TCL Electronics. "We understand that this is a special time of year, and we want to make it easier for our customers to shop for the electronics they need without breaking the bank."

 

Iffalcon and TCL products are known for their quality, durability, and advanced features. Customers can expect to find the latest models and technology during the sale, including 4K Ultra HD TVs, smart TVs, and more. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to upgrade your electronics and save money—visit the TCL flagship store on Daraz today to enjoy these fantastic Ramadan deals.

 

Store Link: https://bit.ly/3l9mjXK

Alibaba.com Highlights Value of Export E-commerce at Textile Asia International Trade Fair

       

Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) trade, has concluded its participation as Gold Sponsor in the 24th edition of South Asia’s leading textile trade show, Textile Asia International Trade Fair. Held at the Karachi Expo Centre from 10-12 March, the event brought together textile industry experts and businesses from around the world in Pakistan to explore the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in the textile sector.

Over three days, the trade fair attracted the attendance of more than 35,000 visitors and over 450 exhibitors. The Alibaba.com booth at the event attracted more than 500 visitors, who interacted with experts from Alibaba.com on-site to learn about the role of B2B e-commerce in transforming the way traditional businesses conduct global trade, as well as the opportunities and tools provided by Alibaba.com to support their export development. Visitors also took part in interactive activities to win prizes, including coupons for free e-commerce training from Alibaba.com.

Engr. Sami Abdullah Al Khanjari, Consul General, Sultanate of Oman also graced the Alibaba.com booth on the last day of the event. “We appreciate Alibaba.com’s effort in facilitating Pakistani textile companies’ global export journey through e-commerce. It shall open new business pathways for Pakistan,” he said.

“The textile industry has been the backbone of Pakistan’s export sector and we are dedicated to helping Pakistani textile companies grow to the next level by exploring online opportunities. To this end, we are greatly honored to be able to meet hundreds of local industry players at the Textile Asia International Trade Fair to highlight the value of B2B e-commerce to them,” said Mr. Rocky Lu, Head of Alibaba.com Pakistan.

“We are delighted with the success of 24th Textile Asia International Trade Fair,” said Uzair Nizam, Project Director, Textile Asia Exhibition - Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd , the event organizer. “The textile industry is constantly evolving, and it’s great to see global e-commerce players like Alibaba.com joining hands with industry players to promote the industry’s digitalization and help expand the global reach of quality products from Pakistan. We believe that this event has played an important role in shaping the Pakistan’s Textile industry for the future,” says Uzair.

Alibaba.com’s participation at the 24th Textile Asia International Trade Fair was a demonstration of its commitment to supporting the growth and development of the local textile industry. In the 12 months ended March 31, 2022, more than 40 million buyers from over 190 countries sourced business opportunities or completed transactions on Alibaba.com.

realme Launches realme C33 as a Stylish Budget King, Offering a Unique Design and Segment-only 50MP Camera

                                             

realme, the world’s fastest-growing smartphone brand, has announced its next budget king - realme C33 in Pakistan. Raising the bar for its segment, realme C33 has a stylish look and a next-level 50MP camera resolution. realme C33 (4GB + 128GB) is currently available for purchase with a price tag of PKR 54,999/-

 

Stylish Design that Stands Out

Unlike many of its uninspiring counterparts in the market, the all-new budget king outstands itself with a stylish look and classy finish. It adopts a micron-level processing and lithography technology to create a unique line pattern on its back case, creating a dynamic visual effect when looking from different angles. In addition, the phone comes coated with a shimmering and brightening sand composite to mimic a flowing water texture. 

 

Instead of just plastic, realme C33 adopts both PC and PMMA materials for the back case design, offering a translucent visual effect while also ensuring durability. The product also attends to every detail by featuring a uni-cover back cover with a premium right-angle bezel and no interrupting camera bumps. The product also comes in an 8.3mm ultra-slim body, providing a light and comfortable grip in hand. realme C33 comes in two color variants for users to choose from – Aqua Blue, and Night Sea. While the Aqua Blue variant offers a sleek and romantic ocean-like color that reminds the boundless sea, the Night Sea color variant provides a subtle and elegant option to go with users’ everyday style.

 

The First and Only 50MP under PKR 55,000/-

realme C33 provides best-in-class camera capability by being the first in its price range to feature a 50MP AI primary camera. Users can access blockbuster shots with crispy details by activating the 50MP Mode on their device. Moreover, the phone also offers Night Mode, HDR Mode, Timelapse, Panoramic view Mode, and more to capture all kinds of inspiring moments in life. The product also features a CHDR algorithm to enhance its picture quality further. For example, when taking shots under a backlit scene, the algorithm enables a better image dynamic that helps provide rich details for the overexposed area and improves the highlight suppression effect.

 

Solid All-rounder that Elevates Experience on All Front

On the display front, realme C33 offers a full-screen experience with a 6.5-inch(16.5cm) mini-drop display. It also comes with a massive 5000mAh battery capacity that lasts up to 37 days on standby while supporting Ultra-Saving Mode to offer up to 1.8 hours of calling time even with only 5% of battery left. The product sports a Unisoc T612 processor and UFS 2.2 to offer a fast and fluid system experience and is also the first C series to offer Android 12 out of the box. The product also supports a fast side-fingerprint sensor for added security.

CBD Punjab steals the show at Jashan-E-Baharan & Punjabi Culture Day celebrations

                                   

The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA) has successfully concluded its participation in the Jashan-E-Baharan celebrations (Spring Festival), organized by the Government of Punjab from March 4, 2023 till March 12, 2023

This yearly festival was aimed to promote the culture of Punjab by representing different themes, thereby bringing joy and entertainment to the people of the province. PCBDDA, also known as Central Business District Punjab, supported numerous activities during the festivity days, including Dangal (wrestling), Cycling, and Marathon. The authority also designed an ingenious social media campaign for Punjabi Culture Day to showcase the beauty and diversity of Punjab's rich culture. The campaign, supported by videos and still images, highlighted Punjabi traditions like food, folk-music and sculptures.

The CBD Punjab float remained the center of attraction throughout the festival. The float showcased the signature projects of CBD Punjab, including SIRIUS, The Runway, and The Regalia. The float was beautifully decorated with flowers and vibrant colours, thus capturing the essence of this spring.

The commissioner Lahore division Mr. Mohammed Ali Randhawa appreciated the efforts of CBD Punjab of showcasing its unique projects in a lively manner, which illustrated the efforts of authority in building quality infrastructural projects in the province  

CEO CBD Punjab. Mr. Imran Amin while expressing his view, said, "CBD Punjab has always backed government initiatives in promoting soft activities. We try to keep ourselves ahead in adding value to the community. Our participation in Jashan E Baharan is a testament to our commitment to promoting the rich culture and heritage of Punjab."

CBD Punjab is a leading development authority, aiming to create vibrant and sustainable business districts in Punjab. The authority focuses on developing state-of-the-art infrastructure, providing world-class facilities, and promoting a business-friendly environment. CBD Punjab's participation in Jashan E Baharan is part of its broader strategy to engage with the community and showcase the authority's vision and mission.

Infinix leading breakthrough technology by introducing 260W &110W-Wireless All-Round Fast Charger!

                                                  

Infinix today announced the launch of 260W All-Round Fast Charger and 110W Wireless All-Round FastCharger, alongside its transformative "All-Round FastCharge" solution that offers flexible, safe and smart fast charging experiences for user in all scenarios. The 260W All-Round FastCharger can charge a phone to 25% in 1 minute and complete a 1-100% charge in only 7.5 minutes ^[1]. Whereas the 110W Wireless All-Round Fast Charger can charge up a device to 100% in 16 minutes ^[2]. This innovative All-Round Fast Charge technology can meet the different charging needs of all kinds of users and also alleviate users’ charge anxiety in the era of 4G/5G where power consumption has never been higher.

"Infinix has always been at the forefront of developing fast charging technologies that meet the evolving needs of our customers. We always prioritize the overall charging experience while leading the development of fast charge technologies, including our previous industry-leading technologies, the 160W Fast Charge and 180W Thunder Charge. Building on this, we are excited to introduce the 260W & 110W-Wireless All-Round Fast Charge technology and All-Round FastCharge solution, which sets a new benchmark for fast charging” - Liang Zhang, Deputy General Manager at Infinix.

260W All-Round FastCharge

Infinix has developed a new 260W All-Round FastCharge technology that improves mobile phone fast-charging with breakthroughs in charging architecture, charger design, and the charging cable.

The charging architecture uses a 4-Pump Intelligent Circuit Design that intelligently identifies power requirements and allocates the number of charge pumps needed to work, and the upgraded 12C high rate 4400mAh battery with a multi-electrode lug structure, which ensure a high charging conversion efficiency of up to 98.5%^[3], while also increasing battery durability. The battery retains more than 90% of its energy after 1,000 cycles ^[4].

The charger uses triple GaN material PFC + AHB innovative circuit architecture, which has high power density, small size, more intelligent and safe charging control, and a wider range of chargeable products. The charging cable adapts Emarker identification chip, with new interface structure design. This cable can carry a current up to 13A^[5], and when combined with Infinix's customized fast charging protocol, ensures that 260W high-power extreme fast charging is possible.

110W Wireless All-Round FastCharge

Infinix’s new 110W Wireless All-Round FastCharge technology can fully charge a phone in just 16 minutes ^[6]. By using custom-made small-sensitive coils that have fewer coils than traditional designs and wider coils in the same space, Infinix overcomes traditional architectural limitations, reduces coil internal resistance, and subsequently lowers phone temperature rise, increases peak power charging time, and improves wireless charging efficiency.

The custom-made 110W wireless charger features a dual coil design for both vertical and horizontal charging. The charge station also employs a fan at the base for silent air-cooling, which improves heat dissipation efficiency in typically high heat areas.

Infinix’s All-Round FastCharge Solution

Infinix has developed an innovative charging solution called the All-Round FastCharge, which takes charging technology to a new level. The company's long-term plan focuses not only on speed, but also on creating an all-round charging experience that is fast, flexible, smart, and safe. With this solution, consumers can charge their devices in a variety of ways, wherever they are in the world, without being tethered to a power source. The goal is to provide consumers with a seamless and convenient charging experience that meets all their needs.

In order to provide consumers with an all-round charging experience that is fast, flexible, smart and safe, Infinix's first generation All-Round FastCharge solution is packed with features. The solution offers both wired and wireless fast charging, as well as reverse charging, bypass charging, and multi-protocol charging. With wired and wireless dual fast charging, users can enjoy a supreme charging experience on-the-go. The reverse charging function also allows users to transform their phone into a portable charger. Infinix is compatible with multiple fast charging protocols, including PD 3.0, and offers intelligent charging and monitoring features such as night charging and bypass charging to extend battery life and reduce heat. In terms of safety, Infinix's solution includes over 140+ protection mechanisms and 20+ temperature sensors, ensuring safe operation even in extreme environments.

Users will be able to experience the All-Round FastCharge with Infinix upcoming NOTE series. Through innovation and a focus on delivering a high-quality consumer experience, Infinix continues to push the boundaries of cell phone charging, offering even faster and safer fast-charge solutions to consumers worldwide. 

 

For more details visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/

ACCA holds Pakistan Public Sector Conference

        

 

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) brought together key public financial management stakeholders at the Pakistan Public Sector Conference 2023 held here in Islamabad yesterday. The leaders explored the challenges and the solutions that face public sector professionals as they work towards transforming the public sector finance. The conference was aimed at developing a knowledge sharing platform in Pakistan for key public sector stakeholders, including the government, international development partners, public sector finance professionals and other key enablers in the public sector ecosystem.

The importance of professionalisation and strengthening of Public Financial Management (PFM) remained the main focus of the conversations, as well as the evolving role of finance professionals in building public trust.

Tariq Bajwa, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Finance, was the Chief Guest who spoke about the evolving role of finance leadership in the public sector and emphasised on the importance of promoting sustainability-driven capacity building, policies and practices in the public sector.

In the opening remarks, Assad Hameed Khan, Head of ACCA Pakistan, said:

‘Accountancy is at the centre of public sector transformation in Pakistan. Finance professionals need the right skills to improve PFM and drive policy and spending decisions resulting in a resilient, inclusive and sustainable economic development of Pakistan.’

‘ACCA's 67,000 public sector members and future members around the world make an extraordinary difference to the lives of so many, playing a key role in the delivery of public services and setting the regulatory environment to meet societies' global challenges,’ he added.

Dr Irum Anjum Khan, Additional Auditor General, Office of Auditor General of Pakistan, delivered the Guest of Honour address and expanded on the role of the Supreme Audit Institution in building and enhancing public trust in the public sector.

The event also featured two insightful panel discussions with representation from key public sector stakeholders and other key enablers in the public sector ecosystem.

The first panel, moderated by ShahBano Khan, focused on the need to strengthen professionalisation in the public sector. The panellists included Salman Amin from the Ministry of Privatisation, Adnan Rafique from the Department of Auditor General of Pakistan, Inam Ullah Kakra from KPMG and Shahzad Hassan, Accountant General of Pakistan Revenues, Controller General of Accounts.

The second panel discussion deliberated on recent developments in public sector reforms and transformation. The keynote for the session was delivered by Abbas Naqvi, Partner and Head of Risk Management at KPMG. The panellists included Noaman Ali from The World Bank Pakistan, Nadeem Wali from USAID, Kamran Rashid Khan from the Department of Auditor General of Pakistan, Anam Hussain from Oxford Policy Management, and Naveed Aziz from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

ACCA’s global head of public sector, Alex Metcalfe, presented on the role of government balance sheets for sustainable public finances. Hammad Yunus, CEO, PFM Solutions, delivered a keynote explaining ACCA’s PFM capacity building framework aimed at strengthening and enhancing the results of PFM reforms through professionalisation

of the public sector and alignment with the national sustainability agenda. It was highlighted that the sustainability reporting and assurance are evolving rapidly and will play an increasingly prominent role in the public sector.

The conference concluded with closing remarks delivered by Asad Mehmood Malik, Head of Business Development – North, ACCA Pakistan.

The event was well-attended and provided a forum for public sector specialists and professionals to stay abreast with the latest in the public sector and learn from the experts. 

 

TCL Scores Big with Heartwarming Cricket Match Screening at SOS Village Lahore

                                                

TCL has hit a sixer in its bid to promote inclusivity through sports by hosting a heartwarming cricket match screening at SOS Village Lahore. In collaboration with the village, TCL organized an exciting event that brought together over 200 children and their teachers to enjoy a thrilling match between their favorite teams, Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandar. The event was made even more special by McDonald's coming on board as a food partner, serving the kids their favorite meals.

The children had a ball cheering for their favorite teams and experiencing the joy of sports in a safe and inclusive environment. The event provided a platform for the children to socialize and interact with each other, making it a memorable experience for all.

Speaking about the event, TCL Marketing Head, Mr. Majid Niazi, said, “We believe in the transformative power of sports and the positive impact it can have on children's lives. It was heartwarming to see the children at SOS Village come together to enjoy the match-screening event and cheer for their favorite teams. We hope to continue organizing such events in the future to spread happiness and positivity in our community."

TCL has always been committed to giving back to the community and supporting underprivileged communities in Pakistan. Through events like this, TCL hopes to inspire children and promote inclusivity through sports, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

ACCA calls on employers to continue to progress flexible working on International Women’s Day

                                           

As employers around the world today mark International Women’s Day, ACCA is emphasising the importance of flexible working and training in accelerating diversity.

Remote and hybrid work, education and training are proving invaluable in extending access to opportunity and ACCA is calling on employers to maintain the momentum.

Following the completion of a major piece of research surveying 8,000 finance professionals around the world, ACCA has found most people want hybrid working, believing it makes them more productive, with additional benefits reported by women.

ACCA’s 2023 Global Talent Trends report found that while men and women valued hybrid working almost equally (at 88% and 86% respectively), women felt the benefits of remote working more significantly, with 73% of women saying felt they were more productive when they worked remotely, in comparison to 66% of male respondents.

Findings of the research suggest hybrid working also leads to better outcomes overall in terms of mental health and retention, with hybrid workers less likely to leave their organisations. But employers are still working through the potential impact on teamwork and collaboration.

Women felt better able to manage the impact of remote working on collaboration and engagement, with a lower percentage reporting they found collaboration harder when working remotely (43% in comparison to 52% of male respondents), or that they felt more disengaged.  

ACCA Chief Executive, Helen Brand OBE, said: “Flexible approaches to working are bringing significant benefits to all, but can particularly helpful to those where geographical, financial or additional commitments create restrictions that can impact on working location or hours.

“The cultural changes brought about by the pandemic, along with evolving technology, mean remote work and study is now an option for a greater diversity of people. As employers consider the culture of their organisations, it’s important this inclusivity benefit is kept front of mind.”

While not all work and study can be undertaken remotely, such as in the healthcare and construction sectors, increasing flexibility and access where it is an option can increase diversity. ACCA is committed enhancing inclusivity for its members, and future remembers, and remote learning and exams also plays a part in extending the opportunity of professional careers to many more people.

Helen Brand added: “E-learning has brought extra flexibility to study, giving people who live in remoter areas, or with challenging commitments outside of study, the scope to build education into their lives. It opens up the promise of a profession to many who might have been excluded until now.” 

Download the full ACCA Talent Trends report here.

Find out more about ACCA’s International Women’s Day activities here.

Google to host 7 Women Techmakers events to support over 1,550 women developers in Pakistan, starting from International Women’s Day

     Google is organizing seven Women Techmakers (WTM) events in Pakistan this year to support and empower more than 1,550 women developers across five cities. WTM is a global initiative by Google to provide visibility, community, and resources for women in tech.

The seven events - which will comprise rallies, workshops, networking events and conferences - will run from March to May, and provide training in various entrepreneurship areas including leadership, technical skills, and how to overcome unique challenges facing women in tech. 

The first event will start on March 8, which marks International Women’s Day (IWD). The IWD theme for WTM events this year is #DareToBe, where we encourage women to have the courage and confidence to dream big and take risks. Whether it’s bold, resilient or innovative, we invite everyone to think about all the ways they will “Dare To Be” in 2023.

Local WTM Ambassadors will host the events with support from Google. The WTM Ambassador program supports women in tech who are looking to create impact and give back to their communities. As an Ambassador, they will engage with their communities by participating in one or more leadership activities on a quarterly basis. 

Farhan S. Qureshi, Google Regional Director for Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka said: “These events, in collaboration with Women Techmakers (WTM) Ambassadors, don’t only recognize the accomplishments of women in tech, but will also encourage more women to join the fast growing tech industry. Over the years, WTM and its ambassadors have organized many events that have helped women developers reach their true and full potential. That said, the program will promote diversity, equality, and inclusion in the tech sector, which is the primary mission of Google.”

An attendee from last year’s program, Manahil Qureshi, recalled her experience at the WTM: “The speakers' sessions were filled with power-packed talks on Education, Women's Workforce, Community Building, and future prospects for women in tech in Pakistan. The speakers fired up the event with interactive discussions and some interesting Q&A sessions. The vibe of the event was so warm and positive.”

Our WTM events this year build on encouraging results from last year, where we trained more than 800 women developers across Pakistan through a series of WTM sessions. The events, which were also held as part of celebrations for IWD, covered important topics such as online safety, as well as coding and presentation skills.

The 2023 WTM sessions will commence on March 8, 2023, and continue until April 29, 2023, across Pakistan. For more information, please visit https://sites.google.com/view/iwd-wtm-2023-pakistan/