Pakistan’s Marham among the startups that will take the stage at Google’s Demo Day Asia next month

Day Asia next month

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) After Google’s open call for startups to apply to pitch top investors at Demo Day Asia — taking place this September in Shanghai — we received hundreds of submissions. They came from founders in different countries across Asia-Pacific, in industries as diverse as agriculture, entertainment and healthcare.

It was hard to narrow down this impressive field, but after much painstaking deliberation, the results are in. Out of 305 qualifying applications, the 10 finalists that will take the stage at Demo Day Asia are:

  • Marham from Pakistan is a healthcare platform that helps people find, book appointments, and consult with doctors online.
  • DycodeX from Indonesia develops Internet of Things solutions for livestock farming.
  • FreightExchange from Australia is an online platform for freight carriers to sell their unused space to shippers.
  • GITAI from Japan specializes in building robots that can help humans conduct scientific experiments in space.
  • Miotech from China is a fintech startup developing artificial intelligence-based software for financial services firms.
  • OneStockHome from Thailand offers an e-commerce platform for construction materials.
  • Origami Labs from Hong Kong makes smart rings that let people hear and send text messages without taking out their phones.
  • SigTuple from India creates AI-based solutions to automate healthcare screening.
  • SkyMagic from Singapore produces drone swarming technology for live entertainment and traffic management systems.
  • Swingvy from Korea provides human resources solutions for businesses.

We’re proud that several of these companies belong to organisations that are in the Google for Entrepreneurs partner network in Asia-Pacific, including Kibar in Indonesia, Fishburners in Australia, Hubba in Thailand, and Found. in Singapore . The Google for Entrepreneurs partner network is a global community of over 50 co-working spaces and programs supporting startups,

Congratulations to these outstanding startups and their founders! They will pitch to a distinguished panel of leaders from Google for Entrepreneurs, Sequoia Capital and Venturra Capital in a few weeks’ time. The startups that impress could come home with funding from investors and up to US$100,000 in Google Cloud Platform credits. We’re honored to connect such incredible tech companies with investors, and we wish them the best of luck for their pitches.

Zong 4G, The F-16 of Pakistan

Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir)Pakistan’s No.1 Data Network Company, Zong 4G has moved to capture the imagination of people of Pakistan with the launch of its upcoming advertisement on country’s 71st Independence Day. Themed “Zong 4G the F-16 of Pakistan,” the one-of-a-kind advertisement allegorically equates the invincible speed of Zong’s fastest 4G internet service with that of F-16, an iconic fighter jet that is known for its unmatched speed, precision and accuracy. 

The idea to launch a unique advertisement carrying an extraordinary theme vis-a’-vis August 14 celebrations has been derived by bringing together the creative extracts of an upcoming film about speed; ‘Parwaz Hai Junoon’, a project of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) powered by Zong 4G, which reinforces its technological supremacy and leadership in the 4G domain. The film features prominent stars like Hamza Ali Abbasi and Ahad Raza Mir.

“August 14 is a day that is close to the heart of each and every Pakistani. It reminds us of the sacrifices our forefathers made to secure this great piece of land on the world map called Pakistan under the towering and exemplary leadership of our larger than life leader Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.” said Company Spokesperson on the launch of new Ad.

 “Like the rest of the people of Pakistan, team Zong 4G also celebrates Independence Day with a patriotic zeal and zest. Living up to our traditions, this year too, we have come up with a novel idea to celebrate our 71st Independence Day in style. Our new Ad compares and synergizes the fastest speed qualities of F-16 with Zong’s 4G services.” he added.

The new Zong 4G Ad underlines the impressive fact that Zong offers largest 4G coverage with fastest speed at the same superiority level that F-16 has as a ultimate hallmark of speed in fighter aircraft. It merits a mention here that Zong 4G is the largest 4G operator in Pakistan, ensuring seamless data connectivity round-the-clock, throughout the year to its customers.

To watch the Ad you may visit

https://www.facebook.com/Zongers/videos/310314836371937/

to view and share it with your friends and family on Facebook.

 

Khaadi to donate annual 14th August proceeds towards building a better Pakistan

The proceeds would be divided equally between the Supreme Court of Pakistan Diamer Basha And Mohmand Dam Fund and a trust for the betterment of Pakistan

KARACHI (Muhammad Yasir)  Khaadi, Pakistan’s premier fashion brand in an unprecedented gesture, has committed to donate its Independence Day proceeds to Pakistan.

The announcement was made at the company’s 14th August celebration “As long as Khaadi exists, 14th August sales will go back to Pakistan” “said Khaadi’s founder and CEO, Shamoon Sultan. “we have no right to the money earned on this day, it belongs to Pakistan.” he added.

Building on last year’s “#MeinBhiPakistnanHoon” tagline which celebrated the spirit of inclusiveness, the brand focused this year’s Independence Day Campaign on giving back to Pakistan, changing the hashtag to #HumBhiPakistanHain. Customers had the the freedom to choose from 5 sectors crucial for national development, namely; water, health, education, sanitation, and environment through a poll. Results revealed water to be the most popular sector.

Khaadi subsequently announced that it would give half the proceeds towards the building of the Supreme Court of Pakistan Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dam Fund and the remaining half will be kept in trust to be used for the betterment of Pakistan.

 

 

U.S. Consul General in Karachi visits CDC House

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir A delegation from the U.S. Consulate General Karachi, headed by Consul General JoAnne Wagner and her Economic Team, visited the Central Depository Company of Pakistan (CDC) Limited.  Key capital market and corporate leaders also representing the American Business Council along with the Board Members of CDC attended this breakfast event.

Mr. Moin Fudda, Chairman Board of Directors – CDC, welcomed the delegation and stressed the importance of Pakistan’s capital market and the greater ties between the U.S. and Pakistani companies.  Mr. Aftab Ahmed Diwan, CEO-CDC, gave a detailed presentation on the contributions and achievements of CDC and its vital role in the development of Pakistan’s capital market.

Consul General Wagner highlighted past successes of the U.S.-Pakistani partnership in Sindh and Balochistan and sought suggestions for future engagements with Karachi’s business community that can potentially strengthen our bilateral relationship and build upon the current $6.4 billion two-way trade that benefits both American and Pakistani citizens.

 

Experience a unique and state-of-the-art living experience with LG SIGNATURE

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir LG SIGNATURE products promote a stylish lifestyle that brings together art, elegance, sophistication and state-of-the-art technology. LG’s super-premium brand provides refined elegance and aesthetic satisfaction by achieving a minimalist design while flawlessly blending in its surrounding to give the most discerning customers an exceptional living experience that boasts charm and innovation.

The demand for luxury goods is increasing across the GCC. In fact, according to Goldstein Research analyst forecast the UAE luxury goods market to expand at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period 2017-2025. Moreover, the market is projected to reach USD 7.8 Billion by 2025.

“The regional demand for luxury goods is on the rise and LG SIGNATURE stays true to the essence, delivering a new sense of life for the most discerning customers,” said Mr. Kevin Cha, President of LG Electronics Middle East & Africa. “Our role at LG is to innovate for a better life, and with LG SIGNATURE, we not only provide unparalleled performance, but generate an intuitive user experience whilst accentuating aesthetic satisfaction for years to come. We are confident that LG SIGNATURE will thrive in across the GCC and look forward to assisting homeowners with decorating their homes with the most innovative and elegant home electronics and appliances designed to elevate the look and feel of any home in the Gulf and across the world.”

The LG SIGNATURE family consists of four ultra-premium products that include the amazingly thin picture-on-glass LG SIGNATURE OLED TV W8 that takes the immersive viewing and listening experience to the next level with its new Artificial Intelligence (AI) feature; the sleek LG SIGNATURE InstaView refrigerator with a beautiful Door-in-Door™ feature designed to let you have a glimpse as to what is inside with a single Knock; the innovative and all-white LG SIGNATURE TWINWashTM washing machine that can wash two loads at the same time; and the intuitive LG SIGNATURE Air Purifier designed to filter and purify the air in any home in any environment in order to protect one’s family from pollutants and allergens.

LG SIGNATURE OLED TV W8

The television is the centre of any home and entertaining guests is a significant part of the region’s culture, and with the ultra-thin LG SIGNATURE OLED TV W8, it has never been more rewarding as it creates a unique living experience. It showcases that simplicity is the ultimate form of art and sophistication. The minimalistic design of the televisions stays true to LG’s “less is more” philosophy that aims to highlight the elegance of the screen alone.

Furthermore, the LG SIGNATURE OLED TV W8’s ultra-thin profile makes the TV appear to be levitating in mid-air – like a beautiful piece of art – further amplifying the sense of immersion.

 

LG SIGNATURE Air Purifier

Although the television remains the key highlight of any room, the LG SIGNATURE Air Purifier enhances the overall experience.  LG believes that impeccable designs need to be experienced and that purified air is the key to healthy and premium living – especially because we live in a time where we unknowingly pollute our environments using products like perfumes, deodorants, cleaning agents and more that have harmful chemicals that could aggravate asthma or some breathing disorders.

The exceptionally crafted LG SIGNATURE air purifier was engineered with an innovative Watering Engine™ that has the unique ability to harness the power of water to filter out dust, chemicals and contaminants while quickly adjusting humidity levels to maximize comfort.

LG SIGNATURE InstaView Refrigerator

True art lives in the kitchen as home owners and culinary enthusiasts cook-up the most decadent meals.

The LG SIGNATURE InstaView Door-in-Door™ refrigerator creates another dimension of refined sophistication to the highlight overall ambience. This refrigerator was not only designed to enhance the décor of the kitchen, but orchestrate a master-chef-worthy experience – whether it involves two-quick knocks to get a glimpse of what is inside without opening the door, to foot-feature that enables people to open the door withoutthe use of one’s hands.

The LG SIGNATURE InstaView refrigerator is a true visualization of essence that is both innovative and intuitive designed to elevate levels of creativity and inspiration as one pursuits perfection in the kitchen whilst keeping food fresh.

 

LG SIGNATURE TWINWASHTM Washing Machine

When it comes to design, the washing machine is one home appliance that is typically neglected as remains hidden and tucked away in a corner of the laundry room. However, the LG SIGNATURE TWINWash Washing Machine was inspired by essence and designed to be showcased, celebrated and experienced. It’s minimalistic, clean and ergonomic design is a true testament to LG’s quest of creating products that exude sophistication and perfection. Furthermore, it has a timeless look and feel and works in virtual silence due to LG’s Centum System.

Each LG SIGNATURE product was purposely designed to be visually astonishing, while staying true to its essence. “Essence” was the true inspiration behind the design philosophy of the LG SIGNATURE brand. By eliminating unnecessary elements and focusing primarily on design and functionality, LG SIGNATURE represents the pinnacle in simplistic performance. For more information on the LG SIGNATURE brand, its cutting-edge products please visit www.LGSIGNATURE.com

Dolmen Mall Amplifies Independence Day Celebrations in Karachi

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  Dolmen Mall also known as a Mall with a Heart, celebrated Independence Day through five days of nostalgic retro experience. From 10-14 August, all three malls in Clifton, Tariq Road and Hyderi were adorned with pop up installations, green and white embellishments, lights and aesthetic visuals to mark the 71st birthday of the land of pure.

Creative décor featuring vintage memorabilia, old radios, TV, gramophone and photo booths were put up throughout the mall to keep the visitors engrossed. The visitors were most excited by the dated adornments in the form of old Pakistani currency, phone booths and classic Pakistani vehicles.

The majestic festivities began with a formation and pledge towards Pakistani progress by less privileged, highly talented students of TCF (The Citizens Foundation) at Dolmen Mall Clifton who were present through the festivities. As a collaborative effort, World Wildlife Federation (WWF) also launched a grand recycling drive “Beat Plastic Pollution” and a Plantation drive “Rang Do” at the mall.

Shaniera Akram initiated the activity of “Hoga Saaf Pakistan” campaign by bringing in empty plastic bottles and putting them in the recycling bin. Many other renowned celebrities like Ayesha Omer, Hareem Farooq, Zhallay Sarhadi, Momal Sheikh, Yashma Gill, anchor Sidra Iqbal and singer Abdullah Muzaffar joined hands to support this cause.

The eve of Independence Day was marked with Performances by Asif Sinan, South Asian Ensemble co-curated by Salt Arts and Ahsan Bari. Kashmir Band performed live and joined the audience in a zealous countdown to the nation’s 71st Independence Day.

Recognising the perseverance and lifetime accomplishment of renowned Pakistanis, the mall presented John Permal, Nighat Misbah, Ansar Burney and Javed Miadad lifetime achievement awards for their contribution towards Pakistan and invited them and their families to hoist the national flag at the mall. Visitors were taken to a whole new level of patriotism through parades, flag hoisting and cake cutting ceremonies on the Independence Day.

The biggest attraction remained the #BoulevardChowk that led the visitors into a nostalgic engagement experience with games such as hopscotch, ludo, carrom and pittu garam. Dolmen Mall invited visitors to digitally share photos, tributes, achievements, fables from the time of independence.

Additionally, Dolmen Mall gave away 1947 gifts and prizes, 71 gift hampers and 14 grand prizes through lucky draws and shopping incentives.

On this occasion, Anum Nadeem, Director Dolmen Group said, “Dolmen Mall has always brought appeal for its valued customers, be it any occasion or festival. We take pride in our pledge to bring people closer and to make a difference in people´s perceptions about our country.”

 

Zong 4G Celebrates Independence Day

Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir) Top management of Zong 4G celebrated the spirit of freedom with a large number of employees at Zong 4G headquarters. On this momentous occasion the hoisting of Pakistani flag was followed by the national anthem. Patriotism was in the air as employees participated in various activities. These activities were also extended to the children in Day Care who were color co-ordinated and overjoyed with the festive ambience. 

On the occasion, the top management of Zong 4G extended his heartfelt felicitations to its employees and the people of Pakistan and paid profound homage to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, under whose leadership the nation took it’s shape. Zong 4G’s management also highlighted and commended the role of leadership present at Zong 4G and their future plans to empower Pakistan and its citizens.

“Zong 4G has been playing a pivotal role in providing millions of people of Pakistan an easy, affordable and fastest way of connectivity. Together we aim to grow and rise by leaps and bounds.” Said the company spokesperson.

Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic zeal and zest as the team Zong 4G came together to rejoice the ambitiousness to help each other achieve goals with a bigger purpose through hard work and determination.

 

 

OPPO F9 to Launch Exclusively with VOOC Flash Charge and Gradient Color Design

OPPO today announced its latest model F9 which is expected to be launched in Pakistan by end of this month. OPPO F9 is the brand-new breakthrough F series smartphone that will be shipped with VOOC Flash charge, gradient colors, as well as a unique Waterdrop Screen design.

A favorite with OPPO fans, VOOC Flash Charge applies a low voltage fast charging mechanism to deliver lightning quick charging. With its standardized configuration 5V/4A, it can achieve a charging speed 4 times faster than conventional 5V/1A charging technology. While guaranteeing fast charging performance, VOOC also ensures a safe charging process. Specifically, OPPO VOOC has five layers of protection from the charging adapter to smartphone, including low temperature and voltage, which ensures a fast and safe charge.

OPPO F9 uses a gorgeous gradient color design, again a first in the F series. OPPO created this design because of technological advances in color processes, while gradient colors in the market are already popular among young people. Previously, smartphone design using flat color profiles could be considered dull or static while with gradient color, now young users can show of their personality and attitude.

The three colors on offer are Sunrise Red, Twilight Blue and Starry Purple, with inspiration coming from nature – sunrise, twilight, and starry skies. OPPO wants to infuse these feelings into the design of the product to provide consumers with vitality rooted in nature. Moreover, to achieve a unified design, OPPO F9 for the first time applies a gradient design on the side frame, making the sides and the back a naturally connected whole.

In addition to the unique gradient color options, the device will also feature OPPO’s first FHD+ Waterdrop Screen with a high screen-to-body ratio up to 90.8%. This provides a vivid, visual enjoyment without increasing the size of the phone while the high-resolution screen offers a more immersive experience to consumers.

OPPO F9 with its VOOC fast charging and Waterdrop Screen is an innovative device. With its commitment to the ‘Art of Technology’ and the ‘Pursuit of Perfection’, OPPO F9 continues OPPO’s tradition of always putting the user first.

Khaadi to donate half of Independence Day proceeds to a cause of your choice

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Khaadi, Pakistan’s leading fashion brand, has vowed to participate in a national cause through the donation of 50% of what customers spend on 14th August, this year.

Using the hashtag #HumBhiPakistanHein the brand allows customers to choose from 5 crucial sectors, namely; water, health, education, sanitation, and environment. The preferred cause can be selected by visiting hbph.khaadi.com. The link has been set up for people to decide which cause to contribute to for the betterment of the country. Khaadi will then donate to the cause with the highest percentage as decided by Pakistan.

“Khaadi loves Pakistan and we believe it is our duty to give back to the nation that has made us the icon we are today,” said Anjum Nida Rahman, Head of Corporate Communication at Khaadi. “The more our customers spend the more we donate – kyun kaye #HumBhiPakistanHein”.

The premier fashion brand has set a precedent in Pakistan of contributing to a national cause instead of introducing Independence Day discount offers or going on sale.

Khushhalibank celebrated 18 years of Microfinance excellence

Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir) Pakistan’s largest microfinance bank, Khushhali Microfinance Bank (KMBL) celebrated its 18th anniversary on August 11, 2018. Inaugurated in 2000, Khushhali Microfinance Bank operates through a network of 158 branches and 28 service centers across Pakistan. Having serviced over 6 million loans to date, Khushhalibank takes pride in its legacy of providing access to finance to marginalized segment of the population, males and females alike, to invest in microenterprises for a better future and realize their economic potential.

To continue improving lives and contributing towards financial Inclusion in Pakistan, Khushhalibank is now Investing in digitizing its financial services to further expand the scope of its  services.  For 18 years, KMBL has enabled easy access to working capital requirements for farmers, self-employed individuals, and home-based workers. The bank also provides free of cost effective trainings in creating financial literacy by incentivizing positive credit behavior through access to better borrowing terms.

Talking on the occasion, Ghalib Nishtar, President, Khushhali Microfinance Bank, said: “Our vision is to be a premiere Microfinance Institution in Pakistan. We are committed to provide a full array of superior products and services through our expert bankers and set a precedent of providing microfinance banking being the first licensed bank in Pakistan.”

“We’ve also outlined the three “Ps” of digital success – product, people, and process. As the banking sector becomes increasingly competitive, with tech giants and fintech innovators challenging the established institutions, maximizing efficiency is becoming even more important.” he further added.

To mark its 18th anniversary, Khushhalibank carried out a ‘Plant Khushhali’ campaign across all its branches nationwide. Every employee participated by planting a tree sapling. More than 4,500 saplings were planted by the KMBL family to commemorate the anniversary.  The campaign also symbolizes the bank’s holistic commitment towards the country’s development that goes beyond the provision of its banking services.

As of June 30, 2018, Khushhalibank has nearly 2.0 million active depositors, and more than 700,000 active borrowers, making it the largest microfinance bank in Pakistan.

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