All posts by Rabindra

Mumbai, 27th September 2024: S P Jain School of Global Management has been ranked among the top 10 business schools in the Asia-Pacific region by Bloomberg Businessweek in its latest B-School rankings. This marks the second consecutive year that the institution has received this prestigious recognition.

The Bloomberg Businessweek rankings are based on an in-depth evaluation of data provided by business schools, combined with surveys from students, alumni, and recruiters. Key areas of assessment include the quality of learning experiences, networking opportunities, and career outcomes—critical factors in shaping tomorrow’s business leaders.

Commenting on the achievement, Nitish Jain, President of S P Jain Global, said:
“Securing a spot in the top 10 for two years in a row is a powerful endorsement of our commitment to providing a truly global and transformative business education. At S P Jain Global, we go beyond traditional learning, equipping our students with the skills, perspectives, and networks they need to succeed in the dynamic global marketplace.”

Highlighting the school’s unique multi-city model, which allows students to study across Singapore, Dubai, Sydney, and London, Jain added: “This distinctive model gives our students invaluable exposure to different markets and cultures, fostering a global mindset—a skill highly valued by employers in today’s interconnected world. With our new London campus, through our sister school SPJ London, we’re continuing to expand this global experience and open new doors for our students.”

Dr Balakrishna Grandhi, Dean of the Full-Time MBA Program at S P Jain Global, emphasized the significance of the ranking, saying: “Our consistent presence in Bloomberg Businessweek’s top 10 is a reflection of the passion and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students. It highlights our relentless focus on academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and preparing graduates to lead in an ever-evolving business landscape.”

New Delhi, 27 September 2024: The British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural exchange, and Guidance Tamil Nadu, the investment promotion agency of the Government of Tamil Nadu, exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the creative economy and cultural industries of the state. This is in line with the aims of Guidance, Tamil Nadu, and its work to position the state as a premier investment destination by streamlining business processes and reducing operational costs.

Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu and Oliver Ballhatchet MBE British Deputy High Commissioner, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry presided over this MOU exchange. The MOU was exchanged between Janaka Pushpanathan, Director South India, British Council and Mr V Vishnu, IAS, MD & CEO, Guidance

Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu said, “The State of Tamil Nadu and the British Council have collaborated very successfully over the past several years, and I am pleased that Guidance Tamil Nadu and the British Council are now partnering on the theme of creative economy and cultural industries, a significant priority for the State. This marks another important milestone in the Tamil Nadu–UK partnership. By joining forces, I am confident we will nurture an environment where young artists and entrepreneurs can thrive, contributing to the state’s economic growth and cultural vibrancy. This partnership underscores our commitment to the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru. MK Stalin’s vision of a Trilion Dollar Economy by fostering innovation and creating lasting opportunities for the youth of the State.”

Janaka Pushpanathan, Director South India, British Council said, “We have had a long-standing relationship with the Government of Tamil Nadu and are pleased to collaborate once more to nurture talent and drive economic prosperity through the creative economy. By leveraging the combined expertise of both the UK and Tamil Nadu, our aim is to unleash the boundless potential of the creative industries within the state, thereby providing youth with enriched avenues for success. This initiative marks a significant step in our ongoing partnership with the state, and we are dedicated to working closely together to ensure it leads to improved outcomes for fostering sustainable livelihoods.”

Oliver Ballhatchet MBE British Deputy High Commissioner Chennai representing the UK in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry said “The MoU is a significant step to further strengthen ties between the UK and the Government of Tamil Nadu and thereby build a strong ecosystem for the creative economy and cultural industries in the State. I congratulate the British Council and Guidance Tamil Nadu for this initiative and wish this collaboration utmost success.”

The MOU outlines several key areas of collaboration, including:

• Assessing the contribution of the creative economy and cultural industries to employment and gross value added (GVA) in Tamil Nadu, leveraging the expertise of both the UK and Tamil Nadu.
• Providing insights to facilitate policy dialogue on Tamil Nadu’s creative economy between government stakeholders and sector leaders.
• Identifying growth potential in tech art, festivals, crafts, and the ‘influencer’ economy to foster sustainable livelihoods.
  Establishing a roadmap for future research partnerships between Tamil Nadu and the UK in the creative industries and laying the groundwork for long-term policy frameworks.
• This MOU aims to shine a spotlight on the State’s creative economy, nurturing the aspirations of its creative professionals while fostering overall economic development. The collaboration seeks to create an environment conducive to the growth of young artists, arts and tech companies, and entrepreneurs, with a specific focus on areas such as tech art, festivals, AVGC, music, and crafts, to support sustainable livelihoods and spur digital innovation.

Noida, 26 September 2024: Heart attacks were previously believed to affect only older individuals, but now they are affecting the younger generation, particularly between the age group of 30 and 40. Heart disease is a significant cause of death worldwide and its prevalence has risen in India over the past five years. This rise in sudden cardiac arrests and other cardiac related ailments can be mostly attributed to our fast-paced, erratic and unhealthy lifestyle. Doctors at Fortis Hospital, Noida highlighted this disturbing trend and narrated instances of young cardiac patients who had suffered sudden cardiac arrest, at a press briefing held at the hospital today.

Dr Ajay Kaul, Chairman, Cardiac Sciences, Fortis Hospital, Noida said, “In recent years, India has been witnessing a troubling surge in the occurrences of heart disease among its younger population, particularly among individuals in their 30s and 40s. Traditionally, heart disease has been perceived as a condition affecting only older adults. However, recent research has directed at a disturbing shift, with a growing number of younger Indians experiencing heart attacks and other cardiovascular conditions. This paradigm change can largely be attributed to lifestyle modifications characterized by poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and escalating stress levels. Given the escalating trajectory of cardiovascular diseases among young adults, early screening for hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid levels in the blood) emerges as imperative. Timely detection through routine health check-ups can pave the path for enhanced management and treatment of these conditions, potentially mitigating the risk of heart disease.”

Dr Sanjeev Gera, Director & HOD, Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Noida said, “We are witnessing around 70-80 cases of cardiac related ailments on a yearly basis. Recently, we treated a few young patients in the age group 30-40 years and all of them had symptoms of chest pain. Soon after admission to the hospital, they were thoroughly evaluated and given immediate treatment. The patients responded well to treatment and are now leading a normal life. Stress and sedentary lifestyles are key factors leading to a rise in cardiac diseases in younger population.”

Present at the media briefing were patients who had suffered sudden cardiac arrests and were treated at Fortis Hospital Noida. The first such case was a 37-year-old woman who was admitted at Fortis Noida’s emergency department with chest discomfort for one week. The medical evaluations indicated heart attack and a coronary angiography was done which showed blocked arteries. She was treated with a new technology known as DCB (Drug Coated Balloon) to avoid stent or metal in her body. Post the surgery, the patient recovered and was discharged in 3 days in a stable condition.

Second such case was of a 36-year-old man who was presented at the hospital with heart attack and two blocked arteries. He did not have any previous risk factors associated with smoking but had a family history of heart disease. He was treated with the help of stent and Drug Coated Balloon, which was done to avoid metal in his body. Post the surgery, he was discharged in 2 days in a stable condition.

Third case was of a 46-year-old woman who was presented with a major heart attack and underwent an angioplasty and placement of stent to main left anterior descending coronary artery and a Drug Coated Balloon to other artery which is a new technique to avoid stents in younger patients. Her heart function improved immediately after the surgery, and she was discharged in 3 days.

Fourth case was of a 39-year-old man who was presented in the hospital with complaint of chest pain and shortness of breath on exertion. He underwent a coronary angiography, which revealed coronary artery disease – a common heart condition that occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup. He underwent a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) and after 10 days, he was discharged in a stable condition.

Fifth case was of a 34-year-old man who had visited the hospital with complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath on exertion, which was gradually increasing with each passing day. He had an episode of cardiac issue and angiography was done in 2019 and again in February 2024 his coronary, which revealed Triple Vessel Disease. He was advised for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG), post which he recovered gradually.

Mumbai, India: Intuitive, a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), announced the opening of its Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Bengaluru today. The new centre will drive innovation and enable the enhancement of operational efficiency across the global organisation. Gary S. Guthart, Intuitive CEO and Dr. Sharanprakash Rudrappa Patil, Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka inaugurated the centre today at its location at the Embassy Golf Links.

The GCC will serve as one of Intuitive’s core global hubs for functions including IT support, enterprise analytics, software quality, human resource management system (HRMS) and post-market surveillance, all of which strengthen the safety, performance and reliability of Intuitive’s systems and technologies. The GCC will be an important contributor to Intuitive’s operations, reflecting the company’s dedication to innovation, quality, and excellence.

While inaugurating the centre, Dr. Sharanprakash Rudrappa Patil, Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka said, “Today marks a significant step forward as we welcome the establishment of a Global Capability Center in Bangalore, a city known for its dynamic growth and future potential. We recognize the pivotal role of cutting-edge technologies like robotics in the future of surgery and are committed to supporting such innovations. This Global Capability Center will play a crucial role in training more doctors, a field where India has immense potential and already produces some of the finest medical professionals globally. With further collaboration, including public-private partnerships, we can expand these advancements to even the most remote areas. The government looks forward to working with medical technology leaders like Intuitive to bring modern healthcare technology to every corner of Karnataka.”

Announcing the opening of the GCC in Bengaluru, Gary S Guthart, CEO of Intuitive said, “Intuitive is committed to building a strong presence and contributing to the growth of the healthcare ecosystem in India. This Global Capability Centre will play an important role in helping us to advance minimally invasive healthcare technology, and the ecosystem of services, support and insight that ensure its successful use and adoption.”

Intuitive expects to have more than 250 full-time positions at the GCC, including functions that will add value to the overall product lifecycle, including product upgrades, quality improvement, and customer service. This expansion aligns with Intuitive’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture, and the team at GCC will embody Intuitive’s core values of integrity, transparency, and flexibility.

“Opening the Global Capability Centre here in Bengaluru is about more than expanding our operations—it reinforces our commitment to innovation, safety, quality and performance. Bengaluru, known for its vibrant technology development and skilled talent pool, provides an ideal environment for our Global Capability Centre, and we believe it can help us drive our mission forward to improve patient outcomes through advanced robotic surgical technologies,” said Darla Hutton, Vice President Commercial Operations and Marketing Asia & Interim General Manager India, Intuitive

Intuitive has thoughtfully advanced minimally invasive care in India through advanced robotic technology, supported by an innovative ecosystem of learning, services, and solutions. Intuitive technology can be found in in leading private and government hospitals, Medical Institutes and State Government Medical Colleges across the country. To date, more than 850 surgeons have been trained on Intuitive’s da Vinci technology and more than 100,000 procedures performed in India.

Chennai 27th September 2024: Federal Bank is excited to announce the launch of NPS Vatsalya, a pioneering initiative under the National Pension System (NPS) specifically for minors. Launched by the Government of India on September 18, 2024, NPS Vatsalya aims to provide a secure and flexible retirement planning solution for children, ensuring long-term wealth accumulation through the power of compounding. With a minimum annual contribution of just Rs. 1,000, this scheme is accessible to families from all economic backgrounds, promoting financial inclusion and early financial planning.

“NPS Vatsalya is a significant step towards securing the financial future of our children. By starting early, we can ensure that they have a robust financial foundation,” said P V Joy, SVP & Country Head – Deposits, Wealth & Bancassurance of Federal Bank. “We are glad to bring this initiative to the citizens of the country, as it is launched by the Government to promote long-term financial planning and security for all.”

NPS Vatsalya offers flexible investment options, allowing guardians to choose between active and auto investment choices across various asset classes. Managed by reputable fund managers registered with the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), the scheme ensures expert handling of investments. Additionally, subscribers can benefit from tax deductions under Section 80 CCD (1) and Section 80 CCD (1B) of the Income Tax Act, making it a tax-efficient investment option. For more information, visit Federal Bank’s NPS page.

How to Apply: Interested individuals can apply for NPS Vatsalya by visiting any of the designated Federal Bank branches or through the Bank’s online platform. Upon application, subscribers will receive a unique Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) for all future transactions.

Mumbai, September 2024: Sayaji Hotels, a leading name in the Indian hospitality industry, recently announced the appointment of Dinesh Dahiya as the General Manager – Business Development. He returned to the organization after serving as Vice President of Sales & Revenue Management for nearly two years, starting in May 2020. In his new role, he spearheads strategic initiatives to drive portfolio development, and acquisitions, promote partnerships, revenue growth, and explore new business opportunities across regions.

Dinesh Dahiya brings over 25 years of industry experience in the hospitality sector, including his tenure with several renowned organizations nationwide, focused on enhancing development, revenue and guest experiences. With an MBA in Sales & Service Marketing from IIT Roorkee, he blends strategic insight with operational expertise, positioning himself as a key leader for Sayaji Hotel’s growth initiatives. Throughout his career, he had led initiatives to promote business development, strategic planning, and revenue management, leveraging modern technologies and industry trends to create innovative solutions.

Reflecting on his appointment, Dinesh Dahiya said, “It is a privilege to return to Sayaji Hotels, a brand that has always held a special place for me. I’m excited to take on this new role and collaborate with the talented team at Sayaji, once again, to drive the business forward. My focus is on utilizing strategic insights and operational excellence to further strengthen the brand’s position in the market.”

During his previous tenure with Sayaji Hotels, he made significant contributions by leading the sales and revenue management functions. His innovative strategies played a key role in navigating the brand through challenging market conditions. As the General Manager – Business Development, his role involves developing and implementing business development strategies aligned with Sayaji Hotels’ long-term goals, identifying target markets, and setting portfolio development initiatives. His key responsibilities also include identifying and securing prime hospitality properties, assessing industry trends, and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders – bringing projects to life, from concept to reality.

Saba Dhanani, Director – Marketing, Communications & Operations at Sayaji Hotels, shared, “We are thrilled to have Dinesh rejoin the Sayaji family. Previously, his extensive experience has contributed significantly to our sales and revenue management. We are confident that, in Dinesh’s new role, his leadership, deep understanding of the brand and the ability to create strategic partnerships and drive business development would be pivotal to our growth.”

Dinesh Dahiya’s passion for continuous learning and his industry engagement kept him at the forefront of hospitality trends, making him a key asset in Sayaji Hotels’ efforts to strengthen its market presence and expand its portfolio.

Chennai, September 27, 2024 — Cisco, the worldwide leader in security and networking, has today inaugurated its first manufacturing facility in India, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to building manufacturing capabilities in the country. This state-of-the-art site will produce a range of Cisco’s best-in-class routing and switching products to meet the rapidly growing technology needs of organizations in India and around the world. With this strategic investment, Cisco aims to drive over USD $1.3 billion in revenue, broadening its diverse and resilient supply chain. The facility is also expected to create 1200 jobs in the state.

The Chennai-based manufacturing facility was inaugurated by Shri. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Communications; and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India, along with Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco; Jeetu Patel, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer, Cisco; Dave West, President, Cisco APJC; Daisy Chittilapilly, President, Cisco India & SAARC; and state and local government officials. This opening marks an important expansion milestone in Cisco’s worldwide manufacturing footprint.

Cisco has collaborated with Flex  to successfully build the Chennai site and bring advanced telecom technology that can help connect citizens in India and globally. This is the next milestone in Cisco and Flex’s longstanding 25-year partnership to ramp up manufacturing across the globe with speed, resilience, and sustainable practices.

The facility, which will initially focus on Cisco’s Network Convergence System (NCS) 540 Series of routers, represents the first phase of the company’s multiyear investment plan. Significant innovation and technical advancements are planned in the next phase including printed circuit board assembly components with several layers; products requiring, at times, thousands of individual components; and industrial-grade products that are built to endure severe environmental conditions. With this, Cisco is broadening its technical manufacturing capabilities to enable additional customers and market segments.

“The inauguration of the Cisco’s manufacturing facility in India producing advanced telecom equipment is a testament to the country’s growing Atmanirbharta in the global technology landscape. Certain that the factory will strengthen Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub and amplify the holistic growth of India’s telecom ecosystem,” said Shri. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Communications; and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India.

“We congratulate Cisco on the inauguration of this state-of-the-art facility in Tamil Nadu. This facility is in line with Tamil Nadu becoming a critical hub for advanced manufacturing and technological innovation. Under the leadership of Honourable Chief Minister Thiru. MK Stalin, Tamil Nadu continues to attract world-class investments, reinforcing our position in the global supply chain, especially in electronics manufacturing. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Cisco as we continue to drive technological growth and industrial leadership in the region,” said Dr. T.R.B Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu.

“India has been an important market for Cisco for nearly three decades, and we are immensely proud of our progress and partnerships here,” said Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco. “The inauguration of a manufacturing facility in Chennai marks a significant advancement in our commitment to the region. This expansion not only deepens our presence in India, but also strengthens our partnerships with customers, partners, and the government. By delivering cutting-edge technology from this facility to our customers in India and across the globe, we are enhancing supply chain reliability and catalyzing innovation, both locally and globally.”

“We are proud to officially open a new manufacturing facility in Chennai, which is a pivotal step in our investments in India,” said Daisy Chittilapilly, President, Cisco India & SAARC. “This new facility strengthens our capabilities in the country to produce state-of-the-art technologies, contributing to our nation’s technological advancement and global competitiveness.’’

The new facility enhances Cisco’s manufacturing capabilities and is a step towards helping accelerate India’s transition into a leading digital economy. By diversifying supply chains, Cisco is committed to helping global organizations bolster their resilience.

Authored by Dr. Narendra S. Hiregoudar, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, HCG Suchirayu Hospital, Hubli

Heart health is vital for our overall well-being as it is the central organ that pumps blood, delivering oxygen and nutrients to each part of our body. It is crucial to maintain good heart health to prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes which are one of the leading causes of death globally. The heart is affected by various diseases and peripheral artery disease is one of the common circulatory problems that affect millions of people worldwide. The disease is often undiagnosed and treated due to its nature.
What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

It is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the limbs, particularly the legs, become narrowed or blocked due to cholesterol buildup in the arteries. This reduces blood flow, leading to symptoms like leg pain, cramping, and in severe cases, ulcers or gangrene. Primarily affecting older adults, with the risk increasing significantly after age 50, with high-risk patients falling under the 65+ age bracket, PAD is also seen among people with chronic smoking/tobacco, DM, hypertension, and a family history of cardiovascular disease.

5 crucial factors to know about Peripheral Artery Disease

1. PAD seldom shows any early symptoms

Peripheral Artery Disease can grow in our body without any symptoms and the plague can enlarge itself to become hard till it reaches a certain stage to block the blood flow in the arteries. One of the key symptoms of PAD is leg pain that occurs while walking and then feels better after we rest. This symptom is called claudication and occurs because our muscles don’t have enough oxygen-rich blood to support increased activity. In the advanced stage, PAD can present as gangrene of the leg/hand and may require amputation

2. PAD increases the risk of Heart Attack

If one suffers from peripheral artery disease, it is likely that the individual also has atherosclerosis in other arteries, including the coronary arteries. PAD alone significantly increases our risk of developing heart failure or having a heart attack or stroke.

3. PAD can be Prevented

Genetics plays a role in PAD, but most of the things that increase the risk of getting this disease are related to our lifestyle. Due to its link to lifestyle, we can identify what could be leading to the disease. Lifestyle risk factors have a big role and also form part of our treatment after we get diagnosed with PAD. Diabetes and smoking are known to be the leading causes of peripheral artery disease.

4. PAD can lead to Amputation

Untreated PAD can progress to an advanced stage called critical limb ischemia, a condition that occurs when blood flow is significantly blocked. Without enough blood, the tissues in your lower leg, ankle, and foot don’t get enough oxygen and start to die.
PAD if left without proper treatment can progress to an advanced stage called critical limb ischemia, a condition that occurs when blood flow is significantly blocked. Without enough blood, the tissues in our lower leg, ankle, and foot don’t get enough oxygen and start to die. Once an individual develops critical limb ischemia, they need immediate treatment to restore blood flow and preserve their leg.

5. PAD is treatable

PAD is treatable even at an advanced stage and it can be identified by a risk assessment, ultrasound screening to evaluate the arteries, and help with a lifestyle plan to prevent PAD. When a blockage is detected, minimally invasive interventional treatments that eliminate the plaque and restore normal blood flow are conducted. Procedures, such as angioplasty and atherectomy, are done from inside the arteries, using specialized catheters that only need a tiny cut to access the vein. However, the most important is control of risk factors as prevention is better than cure.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis and treatment of PAD can prevent serious complications, including heart attacks. Different kinds of treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgical interventions to restore blood flow in the arteries. It is essential to have regular check-ups and screenings, especially for those at risk for early detection. Understanding peripheral artery disease and its connection to heart failure or stroke can help in managing risks and maintaining cardiovascular health.

NITI Ayog report predicted that the GIG workforce in India will rise from 7.7 million to 23.6 million or 6.7% of the non-farm workforce by 2029-30

Hyderabad, September 27, 2024: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) organised a full day The HR Evolution Summit-2024 on Thursday with the theme “Adapting to Evolving Workplaces, Workforce, Work Output and Work Ethos” at the Hotel Awasa at Madhapur.

The role and face of HR are changing so much that nobody would have imagined it. Flexibility will be as important as efficiency. Performance predictability will be critical as business cycles become shorter and more volatile. Measurement and modelling are the key to predictability said T. Muralidharan, Chairman of TMI while delivering a keynote address on The Future of HR: A Revolution in the Making.

The work, workforce and workplace are changing rapidly, he said and gave five huge counter-intuitive trends in India. More women are getting educated but fewer women want to work. Male youth prefer to sit at home than work. Real wages in the organized sector are stagnant due to excess supply. Population control has happened without coercion and income inequality is growing rapidly he said

He highlighted the shifting employment terms landscape. The current generation of employees are preferring from full-time to flexible working. The days of full-time and permanent employees will be over soon, he made a startling revelation.

T. Muralidharan who is a former President of FICCI Telangana State Council said a Flexible workforce, part-time, contractual, gig and outsourced workers is going to be the norm in future. HR function needs expertise to effectively hire, engage and compensate this diverse workforce, he added.

NITI Ayog report predicted that the GIG workforce in India will rise from 7.7 million to 23.6 million or 6.7% of the non-farm workforce by 2029-30. Is HR ready for that scenario, he asked 150 plus HR professionals in the hall.

Mr. Srini Raju Chintalapati, Vice Chairman, Young India Skills University, Telangana; Founder, and Chairman of iLabs Capital gave an overview of how HR transformed. It has evolved from basic personnel management to becoming a strategic partner in achieving organizational goals. He highlighted the supply and demand gaps in employment. How entry-level workers’ salaries were staged but salaries for other roles increased manyfold. He spoke about the disparity in the wage structure. He suggested a supply chain mechanism similar to the one in manufacturing for HR.

Dr D. Srinivasa Reddy, Founder and Director, Optimus Group in his special address said HR which used to be statutory compliant has now evolved and become a strategic partner in business development.

Malcolm Nicolson, Head of Sreenidhi School said the way we work has transformed over the past few years. How do we evolve with these changing times? he asked. The answer is leadership, collaborative leadership is the need of the hour, he stated. Collaborative leadership fosters innovation, creativity and engagement and builds, confidence and trust. This leadership can help employees feel heard and understood. They are the partners in progress of each other, he added. The transition from an ego-system to an eco-system approach to leadership is a shift we are witnessing now. They form an individual-centric mindset to one that focuses on the well-being of the whole, he stressed

MVV Rama Raju, Co-chairman of FICCI Telangana State Council while welcoming the gathering said the theme of the summit ‘Adapting to evolving workplaces, work output and work ethos provides insights into the subject and engages in meaningful dialogue. The amount of technology being used in HR has transformed the way we work.

The day-long summit attended by over 150 HR professionals had two panel discussions and a workshop on Future Proofing of HR; Mental Health and Wellbeing and a workshop on Labour Code Implementation

India, September 25, 2024 – a leading leading cyber security platform provider of AI-powered, cloud delivered solutions globally, recognised the top partners across the Asia Pacific region, during this year’s Check Point Asia Pacific Partner Conference 2024. Held in Phuket, Thailand from 2^nd – 5^th September 2024, this yearly conference saw attendance of 240 regional partners from 19 countries.

This year’s Partner Awards recognized the top-performing cyber security providers and distributors across the Asia Pacific region. These partners have been instrumental in helping customers build more secure business environments by embracing Check Point’s 3Cs of security—comprehensive, consolidated, and collaborative. By leveraging a prevention-first security architecture that covers all attack vectors, streamlining security operations, and fostering proactive collaboration, these award winners have consistently identified and nurtured new sales opportunities, enhancing revenue predictability even in a rapidly changing landscape.

Pankaj Narayan, Head of Channels for Check Point Asia Pacific, emphasized the significance of these partnerships: “Check Point Software is proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of our top business partners across Asia Pacific. These partners deliver unparalleled business value by adopting our 3Cs of security, which play a crucial role in consolidating a stronger security posture for our customers. Through an integrated partnership with Check Point, these award-winning partners are not only driving technology adoption but also ensuring ongoing customer engagement, particularly in areas like cloud and mobile security. Their efforts are vital in today’s digital landscape, where cyber security is more critical than ever.”

He continued, “These awards honour channel excellence in helping customers enhance their cyber security capabilities amidst the consistently rising tide of global cyberattacks, which are increasing in sophistication, leveraging new technology such as AI. With Check Point’s prevention-first approach and our partners’ dedication, we are poised to elevate our engagements, create more opportunities, and achieve our shared mission of securing the world.”

Check Point’s honoured partner award winners are :

Growth Partner of the Year Award was won by NCS Pte. Ltd in Singapore. NCS has consistently been the largest and most strategic partner for the Check Point business in Singapore, with a significant joint customer base across Government and Enterprise sectors, driving strong year-on-year growth.

Partner of the Year Award was given to NEC Australia. A long-time partner, NEC continuously partners with Check Point, with a focus on State and Federal Governments, and specialising in the health sector. NEC Australia and Check Point have strategically aligned their Sales, Presales, Post-Sales, Marketing, and Executive teams through a joint Go-to-Market Plan to mutually grow the business.

Harmony Partner of the Year Award was awarded to Softcell Technologies Global Pvt. Ltd in India. This partner is one of India’s leading System Integrators with over 30-plus years of experience, particularly in cyber security. With a 700-plus strong team, across six offices, they serve more than 2000 customers in IT Security, Mobility, Optimized IT Infrastructure & Cloud and Engineering Services. Over the past few years, Softcell has focused on upskilling in all Check Point products, especially the Harmony suite. They have been a top contributor to Check Point’s demand generation initiatives for Harmony Enterprise & Collaboration offerings, achieving significant joint business development success, including key wins in H1 FY24, with continued momentum in the second half of the year.

Cloud Partner of the Year Award was presented to ASF Consultancy Limited in Hong Kong. With their dedicated focus on Check Point cloud business, ASF has been the top cloud partner in Hong Kong for 2 consecutive years, as well as the trusted cloud security advisor in Hong Kong, enabling their client journey from on-premise to cloud-based security solutions.

Quantum Partner of the Year Award was handed to ST Engineering Info-Security Pte Ltd in Singapore. ST Engineering Info-Security has been partnering with Check Point for many years in key Defense, Government and Commercial customers in Singapore. With a deep expertise in network security services, ST Engineering has successfully deployed Check Point Quantum and Hyperscale solutions across a broad customer base, consistently choosing Check Point as their preferred cyber security partner for delivering turnkey security projects.

Infinity Partner of the Year Award was awarded to Vastcom Technology Limited in Macau. By leveraging Infinity Global Services’ offering and excellent collaboration with the Check Point account team, and upselling from a simple renewal project, Vastcom have won the first million-dollar Infinity deal in Macau in the first half of this year.

New Customer Partner of the Year Award was given out to Hitachi Systems India Limited. This Partner has seen significant growth due to its focus on creating value through customer collaboration. With deep industry expertise and a broad range of digital ecosystem management services, from cable to cloud, they offer customised, business-aligned IT services and solutions. A Premier Tier Partner of Check Point for over a decade, their close collaboration with Check Point in FY24 has led to successful upselling and new key customer acquisitions.

Distributor of the Year Award was presented to Tech Data Advanced Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. This distributor was recognised for its pivotal role in the technology partner ecosystem, leading as a solutions and ideas aggregator. Tech Data have demonstrated strong dedication to the Check Point partnership by heavily investing in joint go-to market strategies, building a robust technical team to support our presales and technology initiatives. In FY24, they achieved the highest annualized revenue for Check Point in India, and supported numerous implementations & POCs, enhancing the partner ecosystem’s GTM initiatives.

Growth Distributor of the Year Award went to Dicker Data Australia. One of Australia’s largest Distributors with over 45 years of experience, Dicker Data grew over 100% Year on Year in New Business with Check Point in 1H 2024. This growth was driven by Partner enablement, including the highest growth in new MSSP Partners, successful onboarding of New Partners, stocking Quantum Spark and innovative marketing strategies targeting Enterprise, Mid-Market and SMB Partners to expand Check Point’s presence in Australia.

 GSI Partner of the Year Award was clinched by NTT Ltd, with regional offices across APAC. A long-standing global partner for their exceptional performance and remarkable return to growth in the first half of 2024, NTT ANZ and NTT Taiwan achieved impressive triple-digit growth, while NTT Singapore and NTT China demonstrated substantial high double-digit growth, nearing triple-digits.  NTT has secured significant new customer bookings and played a leading role in winning ITP deals with large enterprise customers, highlighting the strong collaboration and shared commitment between our organisations to drive business success together.

ATC Partner of the Year Award was won by Red Education, based in Sydney, Australia. With a decade-long partnership, the ATC of the Year award underscores Red Education’s commitment to excellence in cyber security education to our customers and partners. This award highlights Red Education’s role in addressing the cyber security skills gap and have built a foundation for a more secure digital future, addressing their dedication to quality, innovation, and shaping the next generation of cyber security professionals.

APAC Technical Excellence Award was presented to Keystone Solutions, Inc., a long term and strategic Elite-tier partner of Check Point in Philippines. Keystone has strategically collaborated with Check Point and key FSI customers, particularly in advancing Infinity Total Protection contracts. Their contributions in planning technology blueprints, overseeing deployment and adoption and conducting technical reviews have been instrumental in driving business growth and ensuring customer success.