Valvoline — world’s first and finest — holds gas engines celebration at PAF museum
Valvoline 300 Gas Engines Celebration was held here at PAF Museum, last week chaired by OES shareholders Mr Azhar Iqbal, Mr. Nasim Ahmed, Mr Muhammad Saeed and Mr Jawaid Iqbal. Valvoline Business Manager Middle East, Africa & Pakistan – Mr Christos Metsios and Marketing Manager MENAP – Mr Abid Ali Mawjee also presented and graced the occasion. Around 400 customers from various cities participated in the event and appreciated Valvoline premium products as well as their value-added services of Orient Energy Systems (Pvt) Ltd for over two decades.
It may be noted that OES was the first company to introduce a 24X7 service concept in Pakistan power sector and contributed heavily across Pakistan. Valvoline is the world’s first and most enduring lubricant brand for the last 153 Years and this fact alone makes Valvoline special. It has a unique slogan, ‘World’s first & World’s finest’ and it operates in over 140 countries. Since 1866, Valvoline launched many groundbreaking innovations that changed the industry. Today, the end users trust Valvoline because it offers a better formula for businesses and consumers through innovative products and services, help extending engine life, save fuel, increase performance, reduce environmental impact and enhance reliability.
In 1866, Dr. John Ellis established the industry’s first brand when he poured his lubricant into the stuck valves of a large V-shaped steam engine, freeing the valves to move easily. He went to register the name VALV-O-LINE as the world’s very first trademarked oil brand. Today, Valvoline is a leading lubricant specialist globally with 153 years of experience under the belt. It is amongst the top five oil brands in countries like USA, Australia, India etc. Valvoline is the official Lubricants Partner for Manchester City football club and has had brand ambassadors like Virat Kohli and Ricky Ponting in cricket.
The improved formulation of Valvoline gas engine oil 100% made in Europe, after rigorous trials from Jenbacher, was introduced in Pakistan in 2018, with Orient Energy Systems as sole representatives. In less than two years, Valvoline & Orient Energy have exceeded 300 gas engines in Pakistan with exceptional oil performance & premium services such as international testing and extensive end user trainings.
Some global innovations from Valvoline®
In 1939: Valvoline developed a single grade oil, called X-18 that eliminates the need for 18 other specific car lubricants.
In 1954: Valvoline developed its all-climate oil, so people don’t have to switch oils for each season.
In 1965: Keeping in mind the obsession with speed and power of muscle cars, Valvoline introduced an oil specifically designed for racing, now called VR1.
In 1996: Valvoline introduced DuraBlend, its first synthetic-blend motor oil to withstand increasingly hotter engine temperatures.
In 2000: For the aging population of cars from the ’80s and ’90s, Valvoline developed MaxLife, to help restore lost horsepower in cars with over 75,000 miles.
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Telenor microfinance bank signs agreement with NdcTech to upgrade core banking system
Seated from L-R: From Telenor Microfinance Bank: Syed Ahmar Nizam, Head of Branch Banking, Khurram Gul Agha, Head of Operations, Mohammad Mudassar Aqil, President and CEO. Ammara Masood, President & CEO – NdcTech, Jean Paul Mergeai, Managing Director – Temenos Middle East and Africa and Behram Ahmed, Chairman – NdcTech. Senior representatives from both organizations are also present.
Telenor Microfinance Bank (TMB), Pakistan’s leading microfinance bank has signed an agreement with NdcTech, a partner of Temenos. With this agreement, the Bank is upgrading its core banking system to achieve operational excellence, rapidly launch new innovative products, streamline its banking operations and business processes that will lead to better customer service and sustainable growth.
Through this digital transformation, Telenor Microfinance Bank aims to achieve greater efficiency by monitoring transactions better, controlling fraudulent activities and complying with regulatory requirements in a timely manner all while empowering its field staff to digitally perform banking services. Moreover, the implementation of this system will enable the Bank to be secured from financial crimes and provide a better interface and user-friendly experience to its customers. This is yet another step by TMB to gain further customer trust and grow its footprint in the Pakistani banking industry.
Telenor Microfinance Bank has always believed in incorporating state-of-the-art technologies in its operations. With this upgrade, the Bank continues to further reinforce its aim of transforming Pakistan into a digitally robust economy by offering innovative solutions that promote greater financial inclusion and empowerment.
While addressing the ceremony, Mohammad Mudassar Aqil, President and CEO, Telenor Microfinance Bank said, “Telenor Microfinance Bank has always remained true to its vision of being a market leader through innovation. We strive to provide uniquely designed experiences that positively influence our customers and their daily lives. Partnering with NdcTech to implement Temenos solutions will allow us to enhance the digital financial services value chain by streamlining internal as well as external processes. We continue to pursue a general orientation of bringing financial inclusion to the masses.”
President & CEO, NdcTech, Ms. Ammara Masood stated, “Banks who want to thrive in a fast and evolving landscape need mission-critical solutions and reliable local partners to succeed. Our partnership with Temenos in this market has enabled us to achieve many successes and we are confident that Telenor Microfinance Bank will be another addition to our very prestigious portfolio of customers. We want to continue expanding our proven track record and support other banks with their digital transformation journeys as well”.
Jean-Paul Mergeai – Managing Director, Temenos Middle East & Africa said, “We are pleased to partner with Telenor Microfinance Bank during this exciting time of integration and transformation in banking. Temenos has a wealth of expertise, in driving exceptional customer experience and powering sustainable growth as well as facilitating the streamlining of banking operations. In Temenos T24 Transact, Telenor Microfinance Bank has a future-proof platform from which it can drive business growth, accelerate product innovation and better respond to market changes to meet customer needs. Pakistan is a key growth market for Temenos, and Telenor Microfinance Bank will mark our 15th customer in the country. We look forward to working closely with the bank and our partners at NdcTech as we continue to move towards digital transformation and financial inclusion.”
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Pakistan offers a potential private-sector SDG investment opportunity of $96.2 billion
The Standard Chartered SDG Investment Map reveals an almost USD10 trillion (USD9.668 trillion) opportunity for private-sector investors across all emerging markets to help achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with Pakistan representing USD96.2 billion of that totals.
The study identifies opportunities for the private sector to contribute to three infrastructure-focused goals between now and 2030: SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure across emerging markets.
Need for private investment intensifying
The greatest investment opportunity in Pakistan is found in achieving and maintaining universal access to electricity (a key SDG 7 indicator), representing a USD44.7 private-sector opportunity. This considers the proportion of the population currently without electricity access (29 percent), projected population growth, and the growing demand for power as the economy develops.
There is also significant opportunity for investment in digital infrastructure, with a potential private-sector contribution of around USD34 billion needed to achieve full digital adoption (measured by a combination of mobile phone subscription rates and internet connectivity). Digital access is a key indicator for SDG 9, which encourages improvement in industry, innovation and infrastructure. The other SDG 9 indicator in Opportunity2030 is transport infrastructure. To significantly improve Pakistan’s transport infrastructure by 2030 indicates a USD13.5 billion investment opportunity for the private sector.
The opportunity in the water and sanitation sector is smaller but could make a significant impact. Almost a quarter (24 percent) of Pakistan’s population still do not have access to clean water and sanitation, a key SDG 6 indicator. Closing this gap by 2030 will require significant investment, with an opportunity for the private sector to provide around USD4 billion of the funding.
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MCB Bank’s annual conference
Mian Mohammad Mansha, Chairman MCB Bank, Mr. Imran Maqbool, President/CEO MCB Bank and senior members of the MCB management team at the MCB Bank Annual Conference 2020. The annual event is a platform for MCB Bank senior management to discuss the Bank’s performance during 2019, share future prospects and present forthcoming plans for 2020.
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First mass deworming initiative opens for a half a million children in Karachi
The Secretary of Health, Zahid Ali Abbassi, launched the Sindh Deworming Initiative’s first mass deworming campaign in Karachi. The school-based deworming program aims to treat over 500,000 school-age children in 2,600 select government and private schools, as well as in 145 health facilities across the six districts of Karachi on 29th January 2020. All children enrolled in classes 1-10 will be encouraged to access treatment at a nearby school or any health facility displaying a banner on deworming day, as well as out-of-school children aged 5 -14 years. The treatment will be provided free of charge.
Zahid Ali Abbassi, the chief guest of launch event, remarked that “annual mass deworming is very important for our children, as it will ensure their improved physical and cognitive growth, resistance to other infections and improved school performance. Moreover, mass deworming is in direct support of and positively impacts Pakistan’s progression toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals as well as the Government of Pakistan’s top health priorities, reducing under nutrition and anemia. Deworming is a quick, easy, and safe measure to better the health and future of our children.”
Additional Commissioner-II Karachi Dr. Waqas, Secretary Health Zahid Ali Abbasi, Director Schools Sindh Education and Literacy Department, attended the launching event and urged parents and guardians to send their children to the nearest government, private school or health facility displaying a banner on 29th January.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 1 in 4 of the world’s population, are infected globally with intestinal worms, also known as soil-transmitted helminths, with over 835 million children in need of treatment. These infections result from poor sanitation and hygiene conditions and tend to have the highest prevalence in school-age children. A national survey conducted in 2016 found that approximately 17 million school-age children across Pakistan, including approximately 4.6 million children in Sindh, are in need of regular deworming.
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Zahid Ali Abbassi further stated, “It is the mandate of the Health Department Government of Sindh to help the people of Pakistan to maintain and improve their health and to make our population among the healthiest in the region. Since children account for one-third of Pakistan’s population, we open-heartedly welcome the school-based deworming program in Pakistan and in Sindh, as this will not only improve the health of our children but will also benefit our society as a whole.
Director Schools Education Karachi, School Education and Literacy Education Department, Hamid Karim demonstrated his pride for the deworming program which targets both enrolled and out-of-school children, ensuring no school-age child is left behind. He stated, “benefits of school-based deworming are demonstrated through a rigorous body of evidence proving that mass deworming improves both health and academic performance of school-age children.”
Deworming day is set to be conducted on 29th January 2020 for all children enrolled in classes 1 – 10 and out-of-school, ages 5-14. A deworming week will also commence from 30th January 2020 to 7th February 2020 in selected public health facilities across Karachi to ensure wider access.
The school-based deworming program is coordinated and led by the Ministry of Health Government of Sindh and implemented in partnership with the Secretary School Education and Literacy Education Department and Commissioner Office. IRD Pakistan, Evidence Action, and Indus Health Network provide technical assistance to Federal and Provincial Governments to ensure high-quality program delivery. Deworming drugs (mebendazole 500 mg) are donated through the WHO drug donation program. The program is funded by Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, and donors following the recommendations of GiveWell.
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National incubation center graduates 32 innovative startups
NIC startups have created over 5000+ jobs, raised over PKR 500 million in investments
The National Incubation Center – a partnership between Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, Ignite, Jazz and Teamup – graduated its third and fourth cohort of thirty-two innovative tech startups.
After 12 months of incubation at the innovation hub, including rigorous trainings, one-on-one mentoring sessions, access to industry experts and investors, most of these startups are now commercially growing and scaling their business to create positive economic and social impact.
Ten of the thirty-two graduating startups received “Stars of NIC and Jazz Xlr8” awards. These were awarded on the basis of investment raised, revenue generated and social impact created.
“Although we are celebrating the graduating startups here today, we are also celebrating the three year collaboration between Jazz and the government of Pakistan for the NIC. Scale comes from joining hands and from public private partnerships. This is how our vision of a truly #DigitalPakistan will become a reality,” said Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz.
NIC has on-boarded over 162 startups in 7 cohorts, with over 300 founders, creating over 5000 jobs, and generating investments of over PKR 500 million.
“I congratulate those graduating today in making Pakistan’s innovation space robust and sustainable in its impact,” he further added.
Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui, Secretary IT, applauding the startups on their passion, focus and determination, commented: “It is overwhelming to see how IT is acting as an enabler across different industries, and startups are building on it to revolutionize sectors and contribute positively towards the economy.”
Junaid Imam, CEO of Ignite, while addressing the graduating startups, commented, “The startup ecosystem is thriving, and we are all set to make it a strong pillar of Digital Pakistan.”
The national incubation center has startups from diverse genres including Health-tech, Ed-Tech, Fin-Tech, assistive technologies and artificial intelligence among others.
Aamer Ejaz, Chief Digital & Strategy Officer of Jazz said, “We are committed to playing our part in supporting the startup ecosystem and empowering the youth to build a progressive and digital Pakistan through the NIC and Jazz xlr8.”
The ceremony also marked the completion of three years of the National Incubation Centre, Islamabad. This achievement poses a promising future for entrepreneurial initiatives to flourish in the country, and the NIC will continue to strive forward in playing an integral role in the ecosystem.
Parvez Abbasi, Project Director at NIC, on this occasion remarked on the exponential growth witnessed by the ecosystem and appreciated how young talent is playing its role in shaping the future of Pakistan, said “Pakistan has immense talent, and through initiatives like the NIC, we can empower the youth to come up with innovative solutions to daunting challenges faced by Pakistan.”
As a part of its vision to boost the ecosystem for more opportunities, NIC on this occasion launched an ‘NIC Startup Community App’, with an aim of providing a platform for investors, startups, partners and mentors to connect with each other.1
Zouhair Khaliq, Co-Founder Teamup on the completion of three years of NIC commented, “The startup eco-system in Pakistan has really matured in the last few years, and NIC has been pivotal in creating a sustained impact to develop and nurture innovative entrepreneurs and startups.”
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Mitsubishi UFJ Foundation and MUFG Bank provide financial assistance to IBA Karachi students
Mitsubishi UFJ Foundation and MUFJ Bank awarded USD 6,000 to 8 scholars of the Institute of Business Administration, Karachi at a scholarship award ceremony held at the IBA Main Campus.
The Mitsubishi UFJ Foundation was represented by Chairman Ryosuke Tamakoshi and Managing Director Kunihiro Watanabe, while the MUFG Bank was represented by Managing Director & Country Head Hitoshi Kanahori and Managing Director Haseeb Saied. The representatives from the IBA, Karachi included Acting Executive Director Dr. Sayeed Ghani, Director Finance Moied Sultan and Director Alumni, Corporate Relations and Communications Malahat Awan.
Five students from the undergraduate programs and three students from the graduate programs received their scholarship certificates increasing the tally to 48 scholars, since the inception of the scholarship program in 2014. The IBA, Karachi is one of the two institutions to have partnered with the MUFJ foundation for supporting higher education.
Dr. Ghani informed the audience that every year, out of the 4,000 enrolled students, 1500 apply for financial assistance and the IBA is able to provide scholarship to around 900 students with the help of generous donors.
Mr. Tamakoshi lauded the efforts of the IBA in easing the financial burden of the students and reaffirmed the commitment of MUFJ Foundation and MUFG Bank towards supporting this noble cause.
Later, the Mitsubishi delegation interacted with the students and discussed their career aspirations.
Mitsubishi UFJ Foundation is a Japan based organization that provides financial assistance to students in Japan and overseas.
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Fleet handing over ceremony of 45 units of Hyundai porter H-100 pickup held
An impressive handing-over ceremony of 45 units of Porter H-100 pickup to M/s Shan Distributors & Shan Marketing Services was held at Hyundai Nishat Motor (Pvt) Ltd, plant, Faisalabad.
The event was attended by the Directors of Shan Distributors and Shan Marketing who received the ceremonial keys of their brand new Hyundai Porter High-deck and Deckless variants from Mr. Tatsuya Sato-COO HNMPL and Mr. Junya Masuda-EVP Sales & Marketing HNMPL. Other senior company officials from HNMPL were also present at the occasion.
The production of Porter H-100 pickup and its committed deliveries to the customers have already begun from early January 2020.
Hyundai Nishat Motor is committed to not only provide highly quality products and services, but also to work closely with the Pakistani clients to set the new benchmark for Pakistan’s transportation industry.
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First Women Bank open branch in Faisalabad
First Women Bank inaugurated its flagship corporate branch in Faisalabad’s prominent commercial hub at Civil Lines. The branch was inaugurated by the young business woman Ms Hania Javed, Director of Sitara Energy. The ceremony was also attended by an overwhelming group of local dignitaries representing women entrepreneurs, business leaders, President of Women Chamber of Commerce and senior officials from State Bank of Pakistan, Faisalabad.
Ms. Naushaba Shehzad, Acting President and CEO First Women Bank Limited, shared her vision and success story of the Bank. She informed how in 2019, the Bank has been turned around from losses to profits. She further advised that shifting to this new premises will not only help in customer convenience, attracting new business and uplifting the brand image of the Bank. She cited that this has created opportunities for the Bank, its employees and the businesswomen of Faisalabad. Women of Faisalabad are welcomed to come and do business with First Women Bank Limited.