All posts by team

Ms. Niru Agarwal, Managing Trustee, Greenwood High International School

Teamwork and collaboration have always been crucial to achieve the best results and greater productivity and while teamwork is vital in the corporate world, it matters even at the micro level of schools, where students need to work together to understand new concepts of learning, studying and realizing the best outcomes. Teamwork not only enhances academic performance but also helps students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships, fostering cooperation, camaraderie, and emotional well-being. The benefits of teamwork extend beyond academics, influencing various aspects of life, including sports, community activities, and personal interactions and by combining individual strengths, teamwork creates a synergy leading to outcomes better than those arising out of working in silos.

The fundamentals of collaboration

Teamwork is a collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal or complete a task effectively and efficiently. While there are many elements that characterize teamwork, it is important that teams have a clear and common goal that students should work towards and should have respect for each other and their ideas, contributions, and differences. Each member should also be provided with responsibility and a defined role to fulfill the overall objectives of the team. Significantly, trust is the basic foundation of effective teamwork to execute commitments, and each member must be accountable for their contribution and take onus to achieve overall success.

The multiple aspects of effective teamwork

•  Transparent and honest communication helps avoid misunderstanding of information exchange and perceptions among team members as even an iota of mistrust may result in breakdown of communication. Apart from the trust factor, clarity in roles gives the team leads on the methods to be adopted to achieve a common goal.
• Effective leadership is also a significant element of teamwork as it fosters guidance, support, and motivation and a team with diverse skills enables members and leaders to approach problems from different perspectives and craft innovative solutions. Mutual respect amongst the team and inclusivity are fundamental to creating a positive team environment where every member feels appreciated and heard. When team members acknowledge and value diverse opinions and contributions, it fosters collaboration and establishes an inclusive culture that enhances productivity.
• Teams should also be flexible and adaptive to changes and updates to reach the common goal and should have the ability to manage, negotiate, and resolve conflicts in an articulate manner to maintain harmony. A sense of commitment to a plan developed by the team and leadership is essential to reach the common destination. It is important to have ongoing feedback mechanisms within a team to ensure alignment of thoughts, facilitating continuous improvement throughout a project. Constructive and open feedback not only sharpens individual performance but also propels the team toward its goals with increased accuracy.
• Recognizing and celebrating small victories is also crucial in a team setting. Acknowledging and rewarding achievements, regardless of their scale, elevates morale and inspires team members to pursue the final objective with renewed enthusiasm.

The goal of positive outcomes

Synergy in a team divides tasks among members, allowing each to work more quickly and efficiently by leveraging their strengths and a team with diverse skills and backgrounds can adopt a wide range of methods to implement plans and come up with solutions that are new and evolving. Working in a team enhances communication skills, fosters transparent discussions, and promotes personal and professional growth. Sharing workload and responsibilities reduces stress and prevents burnout as a collaborative spirit can also help each team member leverage experience and avoid mistakes. Teamwork also boosts morale and motivation among students and leads to higher productivity and achievement of goals.

Schools must encourage teamwork among students with both immediate and long-term goals in mind. Learning to collaborate at a young age helps students carry this value, skill, and perspective into college, university, and their eventual work settings. Experts, researchers, and philosophers have long espoused the benefits of teamwork and collaboration for harmony in educational, familial, and economic contexts. Sociologists warn that without this focus, society risks anomie or normlessness, leading to instability and disruption. Therefore, it is imperative that educational administrators make it a goal for teachers, parents and adults in general to foster the value of teamwork and collaboration among young children. By doing so, schools can lay the foundation for a more cooperative, harmonious, and successful future for their students.

MELBOURNE, Australia, Nov. 4, 2024 – Bizcap, a leader in fast and flexible business finance across Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K., is thrilled to announce its upcoming Singapore expansion and the appointment of Joseph Lim as Managing Partner – Asia. Set to launch in Q1 2025, Bizcap’s move will provide Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with accessible short-term funding tailored to their needs.

Why Singapore?

Singapore’s vibrant SME sector and reputation as a global financial hub make it an ideal location for Bizcap’s expansion. By addressing demand for non-bank financing, Bizcap aims to provide more flexible funding solutions for businesses facing challenges with traditional lenders. This new venture brings Bizcap’s unique model to the region, featuring rapid access to capital and low-documentation requirements paired with an innovative tech-enabled user experience.

Leadership Appointment

To lead this new venture, Bizcap has appointed Joseph Lim as Managing Partner – Asia. With over 13 years of experience in financial services and a proven track record of driving growth in competitive markets, Lim’s expertise in financial operations, strategic growth initiatives, and fintech partnerships makes him the ideal leader for Bizcap’s Singaporean operations. His leadership will be instrumental in accelerating Bizcap’s regional expansion, with a focus on empowering SMEs to seize growth opportunities. Lim joins Senior Leadership Team Co-CEOs Abraham White and Zalman Blachman, Chief Revenue Officer Rebecca Del Rio, Chief Operating Officer Adam Szental and Chief Credit Officer Tony Truong.

“Lim’s appointment as our Asia Lead is a significant step in our international growth strategy,” said Abraham White, Co-CEO of Bizcap. “His deep knowledge of financial services and passion for innovation will be key as we deliver on our promise to provide fast, reliable funding to SMEs across the region. We look forward to seeing the success of the Singapore market as the first entry point to Asia for Bizcap.”

Bizcap’s Flexible Funding Solutions

Bizcap will offer Singapore SMEs funding from SGD 5,000 to 500,000, with approvals in as little as 3 hours and fund disbursement typically within 24 hours. This rapid access to working capital allows businesses to respond quickly to opportunities. Bizcap’s model emphasises flexibility, requiring no upfront credit checks with low-documentation processes that consider both qualitative and quantitative factors. Unique among lenders, Bizcap also offers lifetime commissions to brokers and advisers, fostering long-term partnerships.

ULSAN, South Korea, Nov. 4, 2024 – Located along South Korea’s southeastern coast, Ulsan is known not only as an industrial powerhouse, with major corporations like Hyundai and Hanwha, but also as the country’s premier eco-city.

One of its most notable natural attractions is Samho Bamboo Forest in Namgu, the city’s southern district, where around 40,000 rooks gather each winter for a breathtaking aerial display. These flocks arrive in early October and stay through early March, creating a spectacular sight at sunset that captivates both local and international tourists.

Situated near the Taehwagang River basin, Samho Bamboo Forest provides an ideal year-round environment for migratory birds due to its mild climate, abundant food sources, and predator-free surroundings. This habitat is well-suited for the winter gathering of rooks, known as the “Special Guests of Winter,” making it one of Ulsan’s most beloved eco-tourism destinations.

Samho Bamboo Forest is equipped with visitor facilities such as the Migratory Bird Center, which features a top-floor observation deck offering panoramic views of the rooks. Visitors can also explore exhibition spaces, a 5D theater, and a VR experience area – especially popular among families with children. The 5D theater screens a bird-themed animation in English, Chinese, and Japanese, ensuring accessibility for international guests. Visitors also can enjoy traditional Korean tea at the fourth-floor cafe.

Ulsan Namgu authorities have undertaken various initiatives to preserve this natural habitat and promote eco-tourism, including deploying specialized cleaning vehicles to manage the effects of bird populations and conducting research to protect migratory bird habitats. These efforts underscore the district’s commitment to fostering a harmonious coexistence between people and nature.

From November 9 to 10, Ulsan Namgu will host the 2024 Samho Bird Festival at the Samho Migratory Bird Park and Migratory Bird Center. It will feature a welcoming performance for migratory birds, migratory birds observation sessions, and hands-on activities for families.

“Samho-dong’s rook murmurations are a unique winter spectacle,” said Seo Dong-wook, Mayor of Ulsan Namgu. “We invite everyone to join us at the 2024 Samho Bird Festival to experience the beauty and wonder of nature firsthand.”

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Nov. 4, 2024 – Vietcoco – a Vietnamese coconut brand has proudly been honored “Vietnam Value” for 4 consecutive times. This achievement underscores the brand’s unwavering commitment to producing high-quality coconut products that meet the stringent standards set by the Ministry of Industry and Trade under the Vietnam Value Program 2024.

Vietnam Value program is a long-term, specialized trade promotion initiative undertaken by the Vietnamese government to enhance the country’s image and brand reputation through products and services associated with the core values “Quality – Innovation – Pioneering Capacity”.

To be recognized among the top 190 businesses nationwide this year, Vietcoco has consistently strived for innovation and growth, offering a diverse range of products including coconut-based food, beverages, and cosmetics. This year marks a significant milestone for Vietcoco as its Coconut-based Cosmetics have been honored with the prestigious Vietnam Value recognition, joining its existing food and beverage products.

This achievement is a testament to Vietcoco’s relentless efforts in diversifying its product range, providing consumers with a wide array of high-quality options. It also reaffirms the company’s unwavering commitment to its mission of “Pioneering for Community Health”.

Vietcoco has maintained a steady growth rate in recent years, characterized by a consistent increase in revenue and a robust return on equity. The company’s innovative product range, exceeding 100,000 tons, has successfully penetrated over 65 international markets. As a result of its rapid expansion and enhanced brand recognition, Vietcoco has solidified its position as the undisputed leader in Vietnam’s coconut industry. Notably, Vietcoco is the only Vietnamese coconut brand to be featured in this prestigious event.

TOKYO, Nov. 4, 2024 – From October 29 to 31, 2024, the METAL JAPAN exhibition took place at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Tokyo. In response to the evolving demands of the Japanese market, bedra Vietnam Alloy Material Co., Ltd. (“bedra Alloy “) made its debut at this prominent event, showcasing a range of lead-free, environmentally friendly, high-strength, and high-conductivity copper alloys. This exhibition emphasizes the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive material solutions that address industry challenges and enhance operational efficiency across various sectors.

METAL JAPAN stands as the leading expo for the metal industry, gathering a wealth of technologies related to high-performance metals including aluminum, copper, titanium, magnesium, and precious metals. This event unites key players in the metal sector, providing a platform for manufacturers to explore cutting-edge innovations. At this year’s METAL JAPAN, bedra Alloy presented a series of industry solutions that highlight the company’s advancements in sustainable and high-performance materials.

Lead-Free Eco-Friendly Copper Alloys

In line with current market trends, bedra Alloy’s eco-friendly copper alloy series represents a commitment to sustainability. These alloys are free from lead and beryllium, adhering to rigorous environmental standards such as NSF, LFGB, and FDA regulations in Europe and the United States, as well as compliance with RoHS directives. They are ideal for applications in consumer electronics, medical devices, children’s toys, smart home products, and sanitary hardware, where ecological and sanitary safety is paramount.

A standout product in this series is the bedra 49250, which boasts high cutting freedom with a maximum cutting index of 90% compared to C36000. Its lead content is ≤90ppm, meeting stringent lead-free requirements while demonstrating excellent strength and ductility, making it highly suitable for bending and crimping applications. Additionally, the PlugMax 22 alloy offers superior strength and conductivity compared to tin bronze, with excellent cutting performance and fine chip formation for easy separation from parts. The mechanical properties of this alloy surpass those of C5191, making it an ideal replacement for traditional materials.

High-Strength, High-Conductivity Copper Alloys

Driven by electrification, advanced semiconductor manufacturing, and global supply chain security, the demand for high-strength and high-conductivity copper alloys in Japan’s industrial and consumer sectors is experiencing significant change. This growing demand is met by innovative solutions like bedra’s high-performance copper alloys, which cater to a wide range of advanced applications.

The bedra high-strength, high-conductivity copper alloys find applications in smart devices, welding equipment, specialty motors, medical devices, the steel industry, high-voltage transmission and transformation, and precision die-casting molds. These alloys are produced using large-tonnage vacuum casting technology and strict quality management processes, ensuring uniform and stable composition and structure, excellent thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and superior machinability. Notably, the bedra 11000 alloy achieves a hardness of over 80 HBW and a conductivity exceeding 97% IACS, meeting the technical requirements for high-speed cold heading processing.

Comprehensive Digital Production System

Beyond innovative products and solutions, bedra Alloy boasts a digital end-to-end production system. This system encompasses the entire product lifecycle, from design and manufacturing to sales, enabling real-time demand management, supply chain oversight, after-sales maintenance, and project management.

Additionally, with a robust R&D foundation, bedra Alloy leverages a global ecosystem for digital research and development of non-ferrous metal alloys. This capability facilitates the intelligent development of alloy materials through big data analysis, artificial intelligence algorithms, and digital twin technology, allowing for accurate predictions of material performance and formula optimization while reducing R&D costs. The company’s production bases span across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, ensuring rapid response and supply capabilities to better serve global clients.

As bedra Alloy unveiled its innovative copper alloy solutions at METAL JAPAN 2024, the focus remains on providing advanced materials that meet the evolving needs of various industries, promoting sustainability and efficiency for a better future.

TAIPEI, Nov. 4, 2024 – Cathay United Bank has long dedicated itself to the advancement of both domestic and overseas markets, constantly innovating to provide customers with convenient and secure financial services through its customer-centric approach. Global Finance, a respected publication in international finance, recognized the Bank’s outstanding achievements in its World’s Best Digital Bank Awards for 2024, awarding it the “Best Corporate/Institutional Digital Banks – Taiwan“, “Best User Experience (UX) Design – Taiwan“, and “Best Consumer Digital Banks in Asia – Cambodia” awards.

Cathay United Bank has created services that cater to customer needs by leveraging its technological advantage. By adopting a development strategy centered around cloud technology, the Bank refined its cloud governance framework and architecture to establish personalized services. Thanks to this strategy, the Bank successfully created a smart financial ecosystem focused on multi-cloud, hybrid cloud, and data development, aiming to advance governance planning, cloud applications, technology architecture, and talent training. By providing customers with an effective and digitally resilient service, the Bank was awarded the “Best Corporate/Institutional Digital Banks – Taiwan” award.

Yet, Cathay United Bank’s success goes beyond the borders of Taiwan. Cathay United Bank (Cambodia), a subsidiary in Cambodia, broke new ground by becoming the first bank to offer digital accounts in Cambodia with the launch of the CUBC mBanking App, which is also connected to the popular Cambodian mobile payment service, Bakong. As of now, the App includes multiple features such as streamlined KHR/USD digital account setup, cardless deposits/withdrawals, cross-border transfers across platforms, and support for the KHQR retail payment service. Such efforts have transcended the digital finance experience of Cambodian customers, earning the Bank the “Best User Experience (UX) Design – Taiwan” and “Best Consumer Digital Banks in Asia – Cambodia” awards.

With its keen market observations and pioneering digital technology, Cathay United Bank distinguished itself at the World’s Best Digital Bank Awards for 2024 with its innovation. Looking towards the future, the Bank will persist in creating a customer-centric service, aspiring to become the most prominent Taiwanese bank in Southeast Asia.

BALI, Indonesia, Nov. 4, 2024- K Club Ubud and Akar Gastrobar, two of Bali’s newest luxury offerings, have made waves on the global stage. Both properties, part of the K Club Group, have been honored with prestigious awards at the World Luxury Awards 2024.

A breathtaking K Club Ubud, revealing its exquisite pool design harmoniously intertwined with lush jungle landscapes, offering guests a refined eco-luxury retreat immersed in the natural beauty of Ubud, Bali.
Kanva Ubud by K Club Ubud has been crowned the Best Luxury Eco Resort. A new way to get a staycation perched in a luxury glamping tent. It offers a serene escape where sustainable luxury meets authentic Balinese hospitality.

Meanwhile, Akar Gastrobar has clinched the title of Best Luxury Steakhouse. A key part of the K Club Ubud experience is Akar, renowned for its premium cuts and curated wine list – Akar has redefined luxury dining in Ubud. With its distinctive Charcoal Menu, Akar delivers visually stunning, richly flavored dishes that make it a standout in Bali’s dining scene.

As Bali continues to elevate its status as a global luxury destination, the K Club Group is proud to be iconic for the new barefoot luxury that creates unique experiences.

The Vision Behind K Club Ubud

Founded by Alban Kibarer, K Club Ubud was created to be an eco-luxury resort that offers high-end hospitality while respecting Ubud’s natural beauty. Alban envisioned a sanctuary where guests can reconnect with nature without sacrificing modern comforts. This vision is reflected in the resort’s architecture, which harmonizes with its lush surroundings, and its unwavering commitment to sustainable practices in every aspect of the experience.

“K Club Ubud is more than just a resort,” Alban shares. “It’s a place where luxury meets mindfulness – a space where guests can immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a sustainable, yet sophisticated, lifestyle.”

This vision led to K Club Ubud receiving the Best Luxury Eco Resort award. The resort’s innovative design, which incorporates eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, combined with its luxurious amenities, has made it a sought-after destination for travelers seeking indulgence and a deep connection with nature.

Celebrating Our Team’s Dedication

These awards celebrate the property and the passion of our team, who started operating during Covid-19 when most others shut down. Their dedication to excellence continues to bring Alban’s vision of eco-luxury to life, creating unforgettable moments for guests and nurturing Ubud’s unique environment.

BANGKOK, Nov. 4, 2024 – Mintel, the world’s leading market intelligence agency, is set to present exclusive insights at in-cosmetics Asia 2024 with sessions on the 2025 Global Beauty and Personal Care Trends and The Future of Skincare in Asia Pacific. This highly anticipated event will bring together over 600 global suppliers, R&D experts, and innovators in beauty and personal care from November 5-7.

Mintel’s 2025 Global Beauty and Personal Care Trends will explore three pivotal themes: ‘(My) Knowledge is Power’, ‘Turning the Tide is Power’, and ‘Think Slow, Move Fast’. These trends, grounded in Mintel’s core Trend Drivers such as Wellbeing, Identity, and Technology, forecast essential shifts in consumer demands, drawing on Mintel’s extensive global consumer data and product insights.

The trends to be presented are anchored on current market dynamics combined with a forecast of future developments over the next 10 years.

Unveiling Skincare’s Future in Asia Pacific will focus on the longevity trend, driven by factors such as an ageing population, rising life expectancy, and consumers’ preventative mindset. Mintelwill discuss how brands can embrace “slow ageing” to maintain longevity spending, how they can reinforce brand status with dermocosmetics quality, and how to harness brand loyalty through wellness-centered solutions.

With actionable insights, Mintel’s presentations will equip attendees to understand and respond to evolving consumer mindsets, giving them a competitive edge in the fast-evolving beauty and personal care landscape.

National, October 4^th, 2024 – Welspun Michigan Engineers Limited (WMEL), a subsidiary of Welspun Enterprises Limited (WEL) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with SmartOps, a UK-based leader in innovative water treatment solutions. This joint venture aims to bring modular, scalable, and cost-efficient technology to India, designed to convert grey water into a reusable resource. The arrangement includes establishing a Subsidiary or Joint Venture under WMEL, with WMEL holding a 50% stake in the entity, which will implement this technology across India.

The SmartOps system, known as SABRE (Stabilised Aerobic and Anaerobic Bioengineered Reaction Environment), will revolutionize India’s water reclamation efforts by offering a solution that combines proprietary biological treatment process with rapid deployment and minimal footprint.

With 17% of the global population but only 4% of its freshwater, India faces a critical water crisis, worsened by rapid urbanization and lack of infrastructure. Government programs like Jal Jeevan Mission and AMRUT 2.0 aim to improve water management. It is our conviction that rising wastewater calls for innovative solutions like the SABRE system.

SABRE’s biological treatment process mimics nature’s own filtration abilities, providing an advanced solution for rejuvenating and recycling water bodies. The system delivers treated water suitable for both commercial and domestic use, addressing two of India’s most pressing environmental challenges—water scarcity and contamination. Its key advantages include:

• Space Efficiency: The SABRE system needs just 1/5^th to 1/3^rd of the land required by traditional methods, making it ideal for space-constrained urban and industrial areas.
• Quick Setup: A 15 MLD plant can be operational in just 90 days—far faster than the two-year timeline for conventional plants.
• Cost Efficiency: SABRE reduces overall costs by around 20%, saving on land, pumping, and piping without sacrificing quality.
• Flexibility: The system can be easily scaled, upgraded, or relocated, adapting to changing needs and locations.
• Wide Applications: We foresee the application of SABRE technology in river, lake, and stream rejuvenation, sludge and municipal waste treatment, decentralized STPs for industrial wastewater and modernization of aging STPs.

This partnership reflects Welspun Enterprises’ continued commitment to delivering sustainable solutions that address the lack of adequate water treatment infrastructure and technological gaps in India. With SmartOps, WMEL is focusing on both industrial and urban landscapes, with key projects in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.

Sandeep Garg, Managing Director, Welspun Enterprises Ltd., said, “Our partnership with SmartOps aligns with our vision of leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive sustainable solutions and contribute to the circular economy through the reuse of treated wastewater. The SABRE system not only addresses India’s pressing water challenges but also boosts operational efficiencies, positioning it as a game-changer for municipal, domestic and industrial applications.”

Mr. Saurin Patel, Managing Director Welspun Michigan Engineers Limited, said, “This collaboration with SmartOps marks a pivotal step in bridging India’s water infrastructure gaps. By integrating advanced technology with scalable, cost-effective solutions, we are transforming the way water is treated, reused, and valued. Essentially, we are ensuring wastewater is treated at the point and moment of its generation, driving greater efficiency and sustainability.”

Out of 72,368 million litres of sewage water generated in urban India, only 28% is treated and reused.  WMEL aims to convert this wastewater into an asset and through this partnership it will drive a much-needed change to conserve water in an integrated, seamless and sustainable way.

HONG KONG, Nov. 4, 2024 – CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) and Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor) are partnering on a cross-platform campaign dedicated to showcasing inspiring success stories from around the world. This campaign will offer a dynamic blend of advertising, branded content, and sponsorship solutions, bringing Hyundai Motor’s brand vision of “Progress for Humanity” and its entrepreneurial spirit of innovation to life through stories that will engage and inspire CNN global audiences.

The campaign’s branded content component includes two films produced by CNNIC’s global brand studio Create that aims at enhancing awareness of Hyundai Motor’s ongoing support and presence in the world of sports. The first film features Laura Enever, an Australian professional surfer, Guinness World Record holder, and Hyundai brand ambassador, who is actively raising awareness for female surfers and promoting the sport of surfing. Through a cinematic documentary approach, the film will highlight how Laura empowers the next generation of female surfers to pursue their dreams.

The partnership also includes Hyundai Motor’s exclusive sponsorship of a new editorial series, Visionaries. The show content will air across CNN International’s TV, digital and social platforms from November through April to spotlight extraordinary individuals and inspiring leaders in the fields of art, business, technology, and sport. The series will tap into CNN’s high-profile roster of correspondents and anchors to personally guide viewers on this journey. Visionaries will provide a platform for these remarkable people who have pioneered change and continue to shape a better world, aligning with Hyundai Motor’s mission to elevate the quality of life.

“We are excited to collaborate with Hyundai Motor Company on this inspiring campaign that underscores our shared commitment to spotlight the diversity of inspiring leaders across different fields of importance who have each pioneered change for the better,” said Cathy Ibal, Senior Vice President, CNN International Commercial. “Through our authentic storytelling and a rich mix of branded content and the editorial series, we hope the compelling stories we shared will inspire CNN’s global audiences and spark meaningful conversations.”

Airing on 2nd November, the first episode of Visionaries features Olympic legends Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles discussing handling pressure on the world stage, along with former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi on balancing motherhood and leadership.