Day: May 2, 2024

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KFSH&RC Ranked Top Valuable Healthcare Brand in Saudi Arabia and Middle East

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KFSH&RC tops the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, recognizing it as the most valuable healthcare brand in these regions for the second year. According to the 2024 Brand Finance reports, it placed 9th in Saudi Arabia and 28th in the Middle East. Additionally, KFSH&RC stands out as the only hospital worldwide to be ranked among its country’s top ten most valuable brands.

The Brand Finance Report shows that KFSH&RC brand value increased by 31%, exceeding 5.6 billion Saudi Riyals, equivalent to USD 1.5 billion. This increase is the result of the hospital’s unwavering commitment to incorporating the latest medical technologies and treatments and providing specialized medical care that adheres to the latest international standards.

Reflecting on KFSH&RC’s global recognition, Mr. Muhannad Kadi, the Chief Corporate Communications & Marketing Officer, commented, “This accomplishment underscores the hospital’s dedication to achieving the highest quality standards and providing outstanding healthcare, as well as the significant value it delivers to its beneficiaries.” He emphasized that the hospital’s position among the top ten most valuable brands in Saudi Arabia not only highlights its effectiveness but also the positive impact of the ongoing transformations within the Kingdom’s healthcare sector.

Over the past year, KFSH&RC has achieved several notable milestones that have significantly contributed to its brand strength and reputation. These include conducting four ground-breaking experiments in space medicine, performing the World’s first fully robotic liver transplant, and launching a rapid whole genome sequencing analysis service available to all beneficiaries. Furthermore, KFSH&RC celebrated the successful treatment of 100 T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia patients, a testament to our advanced medical capabilities and dedication to patient care.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030 and its transformation programs, initiated by His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister—which aim to enhance the Kingdom’s global position and establish it as a healthcare hub—KFSH&RC has been ranked as the top Academic Medical Centre in the Middle East and Africa. It also secured the 20th spot globally for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024, according to Brand Finance’s Global Top 250 Hospitals report. Additionally, it has been ranked among the top 250 Best Hospitals in the World by Newsweek Magazine.

For more information please contact:

Mr. Essam Al-Zahrani, Acting Media Affairs Head, 0555254429

Mr. Abdullah Alown, Senior Media Affairs Editor, 0556294232

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9110177

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INVNT GROUP and MSM Boost Partnership and Marketing Service Offerings in Motorsports Industry with Strategic Leadership Appointment

INVNT GROUP welcomes Roc Nation veteran, Luca Zanello, as SVP of Content Strategy

New York, NY, May 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Building on their successful partnership, INVNT GROUP and MSM (Media & Sport Management) enhance service offerings and commercial solutions tailored for talent and brands within the booming motorsports industry.

INVNT GROUP, the global brand storytelling agency portfolio, was named Best Global Media Agency at the 2023 Automotive Marcomm Awards by Autocar, for groundbreaking campaigns with Lamborghini, Formula E, General Motors, Lotus, Rolls Royce and more. Over four decades, MSM has built standout relationships between brands, drivers, teams, and championships at the pinnacle of motorsport, including sponsorships, hospitality, and events.

The partnership brings the appointment of Roc Nation music and entertainment veteran, Luca Zanello, as SVP of Content Strategy at INVNT GROUP, fortifying the global suite of award-winning capabilities and integrated services within the motorsports including strategy, partnerships, experiential, digital, Web3, content, and culture. Zanello reports into Scott Cullather, President and CEO of INVNT GROUP, and CEO of INVNT.ATOM.

“Motorsports have not only captured the global imagination but have accelerated the expansion of its cultural influence at unprecedented speed. Our evolving collaboration with MSM, and appointment of Luca, places us at the forefront, allowing us to deliver pioneering, bespoke solutions to the motorsports industry. We are committed to enhancing the connection between brands, talent, and partners with audiences worldwide through dynamic storytelling and groundbreaking experiences. Together, we are charging the future of motorsports, transcending the boundaries of the racetrack,” said Scott Cullather.

The partnership aims to deliver strategies within the motorsport domain, leveraging both INVNT GROUP and MSM’s deep rooted motorsports network and industry expertise.

Enrico Zanarini, Founder and CEO of MSM, expressed: “This is more than a partnership expansion; it’s how we redefine motorsport marketing. With MSM’s deep history in the motorsports industry, and INVNT GROUP’s storytelling expertise, we are poised to deliver exciting and unexpected engagement programs that resonate deeply with fans and stakeholders alike.”

Luca Zanello, commenting on his new role, added, “Joining this dynamic team during a transformative era in motorsports is truly exhilarating. We are redefining the limits of motorsports engagement by introducing comprehensive programs that blend traditional approaches with cutting-edge digital and experiential strategies. Our goal is to unite and excite fans globally, offering them novel and captivating experiences that not only entertain but also deepen their connection to the sport.”

This strategic allegiance is a significant milestone in the evolution of motorsport marketing and the overall industry, promising next-generation strategies and enhanced engagement for clients, brands, partners, and audiences across the globe.

ABOUT INVNT GROUP

INVNT GROUP™ represents a growing portfolio of complementary disciplines designed to help forward-thinking brands and organizations everywhere, impact the audiences that matter, anywhere.

Headed by President and CEO, Scott Cullather, INVNT GROUP amplifies globally with offices in New York (HQ), Sydney, London, Singapore, Dubai, San Francisco, Stockholm, Mumbai, Detroit, and Washington D.C.

The GROUP consists of the founding, live brand storytelling agency, INVNT; brand strategy & creative-led culture consultancy, Meaning; production studio & creative agency, HEVĒ; live events for colleges and universities, INVNT Higher Ed; digital innovation agency, INVNT.ATOM; creative multimedia experience studio, Hypnogram, and live entertainment production company, ITP Live. For more information visit: https://invntgroup.com/

ABOUT MSM

MSM is a leader in the world of motorsport and has been fostering standout relationships between brands, drivers, teams and championships for over 40 years.

The team specializes in individual and corporate management, offering clients their expertise across the marketing mix. MSM is active in sponsorship facilitation, commercial opportunity development and execution, client representation, tailored hospitality offerings, and managing bespoke events on and off track. Having spent four decades in the most innovative sporting environment, MSM has developed an approach that is tailor-made for partners to unlock their full potential.

MSM’s deep insight and unparalleled know-how enable their partners to connect with both new and existing audiences in an authentic way, while also delivering measurable commercial impact. For more information, https://msmgroup.com

Attachment

Jhonathan Mendez de Leon
INVNT GROUP
Jmendezdeleon@invnt.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9110107

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Arqit and SoftIron Partner to sell more secure data center deployments

LONDON, May 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ, ARQQW) (Arqit), a leader in quantum-safe encryption, and SoftIron, the worldwide leader in true private cloud infrastructure announce a partnership to enable customers to make a seamless migration to quantum safe cloud tasks, with a priority focus on the defense sector. Arqit’s quantum-safe products will be available as part of the SoftIron Partner Marketplace alongside other industry-leading solutions.

SoftIron has integrated Arqit’s Symmetic Key Agreement Platform (SKA-Platform™) into HyperCloud, SoftIron’s ready-to-run true private cloud experience, deployed on-premises or on the battlefield. This brings the security of symmetric encryption across data center and edge compute environments without the need for additional infrastructure. It ensures customers win from optimal security, pace of deployment, performance, scalability and sovereignty.

The technology represents a strongly complementary offering and both companies will leverage their existing industry partnerships and defense customers.

“We are delighted to partner with SoftIron to bring Symmetric Key Agreement to the deployable cloud. The combination offers customers huge advantage in rapid and secure deployment of SoftIron’s impressive capability, compatible with the requirements of standards laid down for National Security Systems, and great synergy in our customer bases,” said David Williams, Chairman and CEO of Arqit Limited.

“We are excited to have Arqit join the SoftIron+Co Partner Program as a Technology Alliance Partner (TAP) that will enable all of Arqit’s best-in-class encryption solutions to our customers,” said Phil Straw, CEO of SoftIron. “By integrating Arqit’s SKA-Platform™ with our true private cloud solutions, we are empowering organizations to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and ensure the integrity and confidentiality of their data in rapid on-premises and battlefield deployments. Complying with the new standards laid down for National Security Systems in using symmetric encryption but in a manner that is flexible and fast gives us an important edge.”

Notes to Editors

Arqit representatives will be attending RSA (6-9 May 2024) and will be available for interview. www.rsaconference.com/usa.

For more information about Arqit and SoftIron, please visit Arqit’s website and SoftIron’s website.

About SoftIron:

SoftIron is a Silicon Valley-based worldwide leader in true private cloud infrastructure. HyperCloud by SoftIron allows organizations to build a true private cloud on-premises that deploys, manages and consumes like public cloud. HyperCloud provides the elasticity of cloud in a solution that is fast and simple to deploy, driving extreme agility. HyperCloud delivers the benefits of AWS Outposts or Azure Stack HCI but in a cloud-neutral solution. Learn more at www.softiron.com

About Arqit

Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ, ARQQW) (Arqit) supplies a unique encryption software service which makes the communications links of any networked device, cloud machine or data at rest secure against both current and future forms of attack on encryption – even from a quantum computer. Compatible with NSA CSfC Components and meeting the demands of NSA CSfC Symmetric Key Management Requirements Annexe 1.2. and RFC 8784, Arqit’s Symmetric Key Agreement Platform uses a lightweight software agent that allows end point devices to create encryption keys locally in partnership with any number of other devices. The keys are computationally secure and facilitate Zero Trust Network Access. It can create limitless volumes of keys with any group size and refresh rate and can regulate the secure entrance and exit of a device in a group. The agent is lightweight and will thus run on the smallest of end point devices. The product sits within a growing portfolio of granted patents. It also works in a standards compliant manner which does not oblige customers to make a disruptive rip and replace of their technology. Arqit is winner of two GSMA Global Mobile Awards, The Best Mobile Security Solution and The CTO Choice Award for Outstanding Mobile Technology, at Mobile World Congress 2024, recognised for groundbreaking innovation at the 2023 Institution of Engineering and Technology Awards and winner of the National Cyber Awards’ Innovation in Cyber Award and the Cyber Security Awards’ Cyber Security Software Company of the Year Award. Arqit is ISO 27001 Standard certified. www.arqit.uk

Media relations enquiries:
Arqit: pr@arqit.uk

Investor relations enquiries:
Arqit: investorrelations@arqit.uk
Gateway: arqit@gateway-grp.com
Mike Bradshaw
Connect Marketing for SoftIron
mikeb@connectmarketing.com

Caution About Forward-Looking Statements

This communication includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Arqit’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. These factors are difficult to predict accurately and may be beyond Arqit’s control. Forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere speak only as of the date made. New uncertainties and risks arise from time to time, and it is impossible for Arqit to predict these events or how they may affect it. Except as required by law, Arqit does not have any duty to, and does not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere after the date this communication is issued. In light of these risks and uncertainties, investors should keep in mind that results, events or developments discussed in any forward-looking statement made in this communication may not occur. Uncertainties and risk factors that could affect Arqit’s future performance and cause results to differ from the forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to: (i) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Arqit, (ii) the ability to maintain the listing of Arqit’s securities on a national securities exchange, (iii) changes in the competitive and regulated industries in which Arqit operates, variations in operating performance across competitors and changes in laws and regulations affecting Arqit’s business, (iv) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and identify and realise additional opportunities, (v) the potential inability of Arqit to successfully deliver its operational technology, (vi) the risk of interruption or failure of Arqit’s information technology and communications system, (vii) the enforceability of Arqit’s intellectual property, and (viii) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Arqit’s annual report on Form 20-F (the “Form 20-F”), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on 21 November 2023 and in subsequent filings with the SEC. While the list of factors discussed above and in the Form 20-F and other SEC filings are considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realisation of forward-looking statements.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9109828

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Syrians Seek UN Rights Ruling Against Russia for 2019 Hospital Attacks

Open Society Justice Initiative Files Complaint to the UN Human Rights Committee

New York, May 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Russian Federation has been accused before the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva of carrying out a deliberate attack on a hospital in Syria—in a legal action that highlights Moscow’s repeated use of military force against health care facilities in Syria, where its forces have been supporting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

A complaint before the Committee, filed on May 1, focuses on a series of air strikes on Kafr Nabl Surgical Hospital in Idlib province on May 5, 2019.

It accuses the Russian Air Force of killing two civilians and endangering the lives of all those working in and using the hospital at the time—medical practitioners, patients, support staff, and visitors.

The complaint has been brought before the Committee by a Syrian man whose two cousins were killed by the attack, and by Hand in Hand for Aid and Development, the humanitarian NGO that was supporting the hospital at the time. Hand in Hand is representing the interests of the patients of the hospital.

The applicants are represented by lawyers of the Open Society Justice Initiative, with Professor Philip Leach, professor of human rights law at the UK’s Middlesex University as co-counsel.

The evidence being presented to the Committee includes a detailed account of the Russian Air Force attack on the hospital at Kafr Nabl, and on three other hospitals near Kafr Nabl in just 12 hours on May 5-6, 2019. There was no fighting near the hospital at the time of the attack, which lay in opposition-controlled territory some 20km away from the front line.

The complaint draws on a wealth of video and audio recordings made at the time, as well as eyewitness accounts that point to direct Russian Air Force involvement in coordinating and executing the attacks. The material includes observations of Russian aircraft in the area at the relevant time, and audio recordings of communications between a Russian pilot and Russian ground control, authorizing the release of aerial munitions and confirming that the aerial munitions had been dropped, at the precise times that strikes were captured on video. Some of the material included as evidence in the complaint was used by the New York Times in a special report published on October 13, 2019.

Fadi al-Dairi, the director of Hand in Hand, said: “The Russian air force attack on Kafr Nabl hospital was a well-documented atrocity that was part of a systematic assault on hospitals and healthcare facilities in opposition-held territory in Syria in 2019. The coordinates of the hospital had been shared with Russia by the UN under the UN Deconfliction Mechanism. Syrians are looking to the Human Rights Committee to show us some measure of redress by acknowledging the truth of this brutal attack, and the suffering caused.”

James A. Goldston, executive director of the Justice Initiative, said: “This complaint before a preeminent international human rights tribunal exposes the Russian government and armed forces’ deliberate strategy of targeting healthcare in clear violation of the laws of war. It must remind us all that attacks on protected healthcare facilities—whether in Syria, Sudan, Ukraine, or the Gaza Strip—are an abomination that must never be normalized.”

The complaint is being supported by expert analyses prepared by Syrian Archive and Physicians for Human Rights. Physicians for Human Rights has documented 604 attacks against medical facilities in Syria since 2011, the overwhelming majority conducted by Syrian and Russian forces.

Houssam al-Nahhas, MD, Middle East and North Africa Researcher for Physicians for Human Rights, said: “Widespread and systematic attacks on health care in Syria are part of a strategy implemented by the Syrian and Russian governments, devastating the country’s health care system. Despite the seriousness of these crimes, no perpetrators have ever faced accountability. We hope this landmark case helps to end the impunity for attacks on health care in Syria and serve as a warning to perpetrators in other conflicts around the world.”

The Geneva-based Human Rights Committee is a body of 18 independent experts that monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which has been signed by 173 countries. Under the ICCPR’s Optional Protocol, which the Russian Federation signed in 1990, individuals can bring complaints against signatory states before the Committee over rights violations.

The complaint accuses the Russian Federation of perpetrating a clear and serious violation of International Humanitarian Law by deliberately attacking a protected medical facility, in breach of the Right to Life under the ICCPR. The attack killed two brothers and endangered the lives of everyone working in and using the busy hospital. The hospital was operating normally at the time of the attack and neither Russia nor Syria provided any warning before the attack. This is not the only time the facility was targeted: Kafr Nabl Hospital was attacked 13 times between 2014 and 2019.

From a legal perspective, a decision against Russia would provide significant new jurisprudence on the extraterritorial obligations of States in armed conflict, and would pave the way for progressive decisions from other human rights bodies and courts.

The Open Society Justice Initiative is part of the Open Society Foundations, and pursues strategic litigation on a range of issues including advancing human rights and advancing the rule of law. Its work on Syria has included supporting efforts to bring top Syrian officials and leaders to trial before national courts in Europe for crimes against humanity committed in Syria.

Communications
Open Society Foundations
(212) 548-0378
media@opensocietyfoundations.org

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9109977

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Lahore Labor Leader Calls for Reinstatement of Unjustly Fired Workers


Lahore, During the Labor Day ceremony at Hamra Hall, Syed Najamul Hasan Shah, President of the Labor Wing of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz in Lahore, called for immediate action against the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) for its alleged mistreatment of employees, including the wrongful termination of over forty workers.



According to Pakistan Muslim League (N), Shah criticized the LWMC management during his conversation with colleagues including Syed Majid Ali Zaidi, Syed Laik Ahmed Qureshi, and Ali Hasan Jalal. He described the firing of employees, which notably included disabled workers, on Labor Day as an egregious violation of labor rights. Shah argued that the firings represent not only a breach of trust but also a failure of the administration to protect its workers, whom he described as essential to the prosperity of any industry.



Shah further commented on the broader implications of the treatment of workers in Pakistan, suggesting that economic stability in any country is closely tied to the well-being of its workforce. He also referenced the historical significance of May 1, International Workers’ Day, calling for genuine action rather than mere rhetoric in the support of labor rights.

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WWF-Pakistan Launches Initiative to Promote Regenerative Agriculture Practices

Islamabad, In a significant push towards sustainable agriculture, WWF-Pakistan, backed by Laudes Foundation, has initiated the Regenerative Production Landscape Collaborative (RPLC) Pakistan. This new endeavor aims to transform farming practices and business models to support smallholder farmers and address environmental challenges.

According to WWF-Pakistan, the RPLC Pakistan will be implemented in the Jhang and Sahiwal districts of Punjab, and Barkhan and Lasbela districts of Balochistan. The project draws on successful strategies from similar initiatives in India, Brazil, and Tanzania, aiming to improve agricultural yields, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance climate resilience among local farming communities.

Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan, outlined the initiative’s goals at the launch event. He emphasized the pressing need to address the unsustainable agricultural practices that deplete soil productivity and excessively use water and chemicals, all exacerbated by climate change. The initiative, he noted, will foster collaborative action and innovative strategies to enhance the sustainability and productivity of agriculture in Pakistan.

Anita Chester, Head of the Fashion Programme at Laudes Foundation, participating virtually, expressed confidence in the leadership of WWF-Pakistan. She highlighted the initiative’s potential to impact over 100,000 hectares and benefit more than 50,000 farmers in Pakistan alone, part of a global effort affecting over a million hectares and 300,000 farmers worldwide.

Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), also spoke at the event, noting the initiative’s potential to boost crop productivity and income for smallholder farmers while reducing reliance on harmful fertilizers and pesticides. He stressed the importance of adopting nature-based solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture.

The initiative also addresses the broader impacts of climate change, which have significantly affected Pakistan’s economy and agriculture, as highlighted by the devastating floods in 2022. Qadir Baksh Pirkani, Secretary Agriculture of the Government of Balochistan, pointed to the challenges and potential of Balochistan’s agricultural sector, underscoring the importance of sustainable practices in mitigating climate risks.

Asad Imran, Director Foods and Markets at WWF-Pakistan, provided an overview of the five-year project, which aims to halt and reverse land degradation, improve water management and conservation, and empower local communities economically and socially, particularly women farmers.