ACCA celebrates the power of neurodiversity in the workplace

        

Results from a major survey of the accountancy profession suggest that employers’ focus on aspects of diversity must be more balanced. 41% of all respondents expressed concerns that their organisation focuses more on certain aspects of diversity than others, rising to 46% for Gen Z respondents. This finding is particularly relevant in a business environment where other markers of diversity such as neurodiversity in the workplace are slowly starting to gain relevant attention.

 

To explore the critical issue of neurodiversity in accountancy, ACCA is hosting a global webinar on 21 March hearing from leading experts to explore the power of neurodiverse talent why it matters for today's profession.

 

Building on findings from the largest annual global survey of work and talent practices across the accountancy profession with almost 10,000 survey respondents, ACCA’s Global Talent Trends 2024, suggest that equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) practices are critical as a key part of the employee proposition.

 

Jamie Lyon, head of skills, sectors and technology at ACCA, said: "To be competitive and innovative for the future, it’s really important that organisations have access to a real diversity of talent in their workforces. One key marker of diversity that demands greater focus in the months and years ahead is neurodiversity, and recognition of the unique skills and capabilities that neuro-divergent talent can bring to the organisation. Over the coming months ACCA will be exploring this key issue and championing this really important agenda across the accountancy profession".

Infinix NOTE 40 series defies norms with the introduction of upto 20W MagCharge technology now introduced globally

                                                

Infinix, a trendy tech brand crafted for young consumers, is thrilled to announce the latest addition to its product lineup: the NOTE 40 Series. This remarkable series comprises the NOTE 40, NOTE 40 Pro, NOTE 40 Pro 5G, and the most advanced model, the NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G. By setting a new benchmark for fast charging, Infinix showcases its All-Round HyperSpeed Lab to unveil these groundbreaking products at the F1 Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, igniting the exhilaration that emerges when speed and technology converge.

The NOTE 40 Series represents a significant advancement in Infinix’s All-Round FastCharge 2.0 technology, introducing innovations such as 100W Multi-Speed FastCharge, Wireless MagCharge, and a self-developed chip that supports multi-function charging modes. Additionally, the series features a vibrant and responsive 3D curved 120Hz AMOLED display and a robust 108MP super-zoom camera system with OIS support. Infinix has also incorporated AI enhancements like Active Halo AI lighting and partnered with Sound by JBL, ensuring an unparalleled level of performance and efficiency. 

“The Infinix NOTE 40 Series represents a significant advancement in charging technology, transforming the power experience. With our proprietary Cheetah X1 chip at its core, All-Round FastCharge has entered a new era, offering features like multi-speed charging and extreme temperature charging. We've also introduced the innovative MagCharge accessory kit, providing a seamless charging ecosystem for users. These advancements unlock the full potential of the NOTE 40 Series, enabling users to stay powered up all day, in any scenario, and in any weather, ” Weiqi Nie, Product Director at Infinix.

Industry-Leading Charging Capabilities

The NOTE 40 Series introduces All-Round FastCharge 2.0 technology, powered by Infinix’s first self-developed Cheetah X1 chip. This chip integrates high-precision power detection, secure voltage detection, and versatile scene support, ensuring exceptional charging efficiency and diverse capabilities. The NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G supports 100W Multi-Speed FastCharge, reaching 50% in just 8 minutes in hyper mode. It also offers low-temp mode and smart mode for tailored charging. The series boasts high-density batteries, enduring 1,600 full cycles while retaining 80% energy.  Wireless charging is upgraded to 20W Wireless Magcharge, surpassing its class.

The lineup includes the Infinix MagKit for a convenient magnetic charging experience, including the phone case MagCase, magnetic charging pad MagPad, and magnetic power bank MagPower. Extreme-Temp Tech ensures reliable charging down to -20 °C, ideal for snowy environments. Bypass Charging 2.0 filters current to supply power directly to the motherboard during intense gaming session or watching videos, preventing overheating. Reverse charging allows sharing power with other devices wired or wirelessly at speeds up to 10W. PD3.0 protocol support enables charging laptops with the phone’s charger, eliminating the need for multiple chargers.

Sleek Urban Aesthetics

The Pro Series is inspired by cityscape aesthetics, featuring a stunning 55° curved display enhanced with durable Corning® Gorilla® Glass for an elegant and sturdy feel. The NOTE 40 boasts a flat display with an ultra-narrow bezel using the unibody MDA(metal device antenna) design, which hides the antenna into the frame. The 120Hz AMOLED display offers a 1080P resolution and a peak brightness of 1300 nits, ensuring enhanced visibility in all lighting conditions. TÜV Rheinland certification for anti-blue light eye protection and a high PWM Dimming rate of 2160Hz provides a flicker-free experience, enhancing visual comfort.

Infinix’s new ‘Active Halo’ feature is another standout, merging AI and design. It brings the NOTE 40 Series to life with lifelike light pulsations on the phone’s camera module. The light display changes based on various activities such as receiving calls, and notifications, playing games or music, charging the device, or using the voice assistant, Folax.

Take Your Photos and Videos to New Heights

The NOTE 40 Series offers enhanced camera functionality for mobile photographers and social media content creators. It features advanced in-sensor zoom technology, utilizing its impressive 108MP main camera to capture long-distance moments with 3x Lossless Superzoom, maintaining image clarity and details. The Pro series includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) technology, reducing camera shake for sharper and more stable shots.

Users can simultaneously record from the 32 MP front and rear cameras, capturing events or interviews from different perspectives using Dual Video mode.  They can also leverage editing features like Vlog Clipper to create engaging vlog content for social media. The NOTE 40 Series is a valuable tool for creative enthusiasts looking to enhance their mobile photography and storytelling abilities.

Mobile Gaming at a Higher Level

The NOTE 40 Series introduces the Dimensity 7020 and Helio G99 Ultimate chipset, utilizing cutting-edge 6nm processes for energy efficiency and high performance. These chipsets are enhanced by AI features on XOS 14, including Folax, Ask AI, and AI wallpaper generator, enhancing creativity and productivity.

For mobile gamers, up to 24GB of extended RAM improves multi-tasking, while the vacuum chamber cooling system reduces temperatures by up to 7°C. XBOOST Frame Rate Control optimizes performance for popular MOBA and FPS games, providing a premium gaming experience at peak frame rates. Additionally, the NOTE 40 Series features dual stereo speakers fine-tuned by JBL engineers for immersive sound quality, enhancing the gaming experience.

All models have Infinix XOS 14 installed, with the Pro series supporting two years of Android OS upgrades. With the NOTE 40 Series launch, Infinix has introduced a range of ecological chain products, enabling people to enjoy a vibrant life anytime, anywhere.

CBD PUNJAB LEADS CHARGE AS MARYAM NAWAZ GREENLIGHTS NAWAZ SHARIF IT CITY

                                                 

Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has granted approval for the long-awaited IT City project in Lahore, signalling a new era of progress and development for the province of Punjab. The responsibility for the implementation of this ambitious initiative has been entrusted to the Punjab Central Business District Development Authourity (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab).

In a recent high-profile meeting, presided over by the visionary CM Punjab, saw the comprehensive presentation of the IT City project presented by CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin. The meeting was attended by Provincial Ministers Maryium Aurangzeb and Azma Bukhari, Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman, COO CBD Punjab Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Secretary Housing Sajid Zafar Daal, Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Randhawa, and other senior government officials, all demonstrating their commitment to this transformative endeavor under the inspiring leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Spanning an impressive 853 Acres (6824 Kanals) near PKLI in Lahore, the project will be officially named Nawaz Sharif IT City. To kickstart this monumental venture, the Punjab government, under the astute guidance of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has allocated a substantial 10 billion rupees as seed money, underscoring her unwavering dedication to fostering IT and growth in the region.

The project will be structured into four key segments, addressing diverse needs and opportunities: IT & Tech District, Education City, Film City, Commercial and Residential. The initial phase will witness the construction of the Celestia twin-tower IT building, projected to be completed within 12 months. The entire infrastructure of the project is anticipated to be finalized within three years, overcoming significant obstacles such as land transfer and survey issues, thanks to the diligent efforts of the Punjab Government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

To ensure meticulous planning, Nespak, along with an international consultant, will be engaged for the master planning process. March 2024 marks a pivotal moment, as the land will be officially transferred to CBD Punjab from Knowledge Park Company, paving the way for IT tower construction starting in April 2024, a testament to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's visionary leadership.

Anticipated to generate nearly one million jobs, the project boasts diverse revenue models, including self-generation, joint ventures, and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT). With an estimated cost of 100 billion PKR, special economic zones will be a key feature, attracting both local and international investment, reflecting Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's commitment to driving economic prosperity.

In a strategic move, the Government of Punjab has declared the project tax-free for 10 years, further incentivizing participation and investment. CBD Punjab is set to conduct a series of roadshows to raise awareness and attract investments to fuel the success of the Nawaz Sharif IT City, a testament to the progress and prosperity of Punjab and its people.

Alibaba.com Hosts Top Seller Meetup in Lahore to Bolster B2B Entrepreneurs

            

Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce, has successfully held a supplier gathering with the theme “Ace The Race” in Lahore as part of its Top Seller Meetup event series. The series aims to enable local entrepreneurs in the manufacturing and trading sectors to access new business opportunities with offerings available from Alibaba.com, such as the Verified Supplier membership.

The ”Verified Supplier” is a membership tier reserved for high-quality suppliers on Alibaba.com. This exclusive designation aims to foster greater trust among buyers. Verified Suppliers gain access to a dedicated online pavilion on Alibaba.com, where they can showcase their products and enjoy enhanced visibility to potential buyers. These features are particularly beneficial for eligible Pakistani companies seeking to enter the global market, as they help these businesses establish credibility and differentiate themselves from the competition.

The meetup featured a detailed presentation by Muzaffar Hussain, Head of Overseas Marketing of JNM Leather Safety Gloves Industries. A Verified Seller on Alibaba.com, Hussain recounted his rise to success on the platform, offering attendees practical advice and strategies from his personal experience.

Hussain spoke of the trust he placed in Alibaba.com, which has been instrumental in his e-commerce achievements. After joining the platform in 2014, he quickly secured significant orders from overseas markets such as South Korea, which led to a 58% year-on-year revenue increase that year. JNM Leather Safety Gloves Industries has since become a notable name in the leather sector in Sialkot.

Hussain encouraged other businesses to join Alibaba.com as Verified Supplier members and realize their potential for growth in the international market.

Experts from Alibaba.com and Trademor participated in a panel discussion, highlighting the advantages of becoming a Verified Supplier on Alibaba.com. They stressed how this membership fosters trust with global buyers and provides a competitive advantage.

CBD Punjab Sets New Standard with Transparent Process for Grand Souq Lahore Marketing Rights

                                           

Punjab Central Business District Development Authority, (PCBDDA) also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), has awarded sales and marketing rights of Grand Souq Lahore (GSL), following a rigorous evaluation process, Star Marketing emerged as the successful bidder, marking a significant milestone in the development of GSL.

The signing ceremony, held at the CBD Punjab Complex, witnessed the official agreement signing between Imran Amin, CEO CBD Punjab, and Ali Habib, Regional Director Punjab of Star Marketing. Mohammed Omar, Executive Director Commercial CBD Punjab, Ali Waqar Shah, Director Business Development CBD Punjab, Jawad Ahmed, Director Procurement CBD Punjab, and Murtaza Imran, Senior Manager Star Marketing were also present during the signing ceremony. 

Grand Souq Lahore (GSL), an ambitious project spanning 68 kanals at Rescue 1122 Academy, LOS Ferozepur Road, is poised to redefine Lahore's retail landscape. Designed by Turkish architects to meet international standards, GSL promises to deliver a comprehensive shopping experience to residents of Icchra, Samanabad, Shadman, and neighboring areas.

For the ease of the business community, CBD Punjab is offering a four-year easy installment plan, with possession guaranteed within three years. This initiative aims to facilitate entrepreneurs and business owners in acquiring prime retail space within GSL while managing their financial commitments effectively.

Expressing confidence in Star Marketing's capabilities, Imran Amin stated, "We are very confident about the expertise of Star Marketing. Hopefully, they will market the project as per our expectations. This partnership will help in fostering new business ties between CBD Punjab and Star Marketing, which will result in bringing a positive impact on the economic landscape of Lahore."

Ali Habib, Regional Director Punjab of Star Marketing, echoed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "We are thrilled to collaborate with CBD Punjab for the marketing of Grand Souq Lahore. This project presents a significant opportunity for the local business community. We are committed to leveraging our marketing capabilities to ensure the success of GSL."

As CBD Punjab and Star Marketing embark on this collaborative journey to promote Grand Souq Lahore, they aim to set new benchmarks in real estate marketing and urban development. With a shared commitment to excellence and innovation, both entities seek to elevate the retail experience and contribute to the socio-economic growth of Lahore.

CBD PUNJAB CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY WITH A FOCUS ON EMPOWERMENT AND INCLUSION

                                                          

CBD Punjab proudly commemorated International Women's Day, embracing this year's themes of "Investing in Women" and "Inspiring Inclusion." The event, held at the CBD Punjab Complex, was a vibrant celebration of women's empowerment and their significant role in shaping a more equitable world.

The occasion brought together a distinguished gathering, including COO CBD Punjab, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, female employees of CBD Punjab, directorate heads, and senior officials. Their presence underscored the commitment of CBD Punjab to fostering an environment where women are empowered to thrive and succeed.

CBD Punjab firmly believes in the power of women to drive positive change and create a society that values inclusion and equity. As part of its ongoing dedication to gender equality, CBD Punjab highlighted the achievements and contributions of women within the authourity and beyond.

While addressing the occasion COO CBD Punjab, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua said "We are immensely proud of the women who contribute to the success and growth of CBD Punjab.Their dedication, expertise, and leadership are invaluable assets to our authority. CBD Punjab is committed to providing equal opportunities for women to excel and lead in their respective fields."

International Women's Day serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in women's development and advancement across all spheres of life. CBD Punjab reaffirms its commitment to supporting women's growth and empowerment, recognizing their vital role in society.

The celebration culminated in a special cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing unity and solidarity in the pursuit of gender equality and women's empowerment. As the world acknowledges the indispensable contributions of women, CBD Punjab remains steadfast in its mission to champion their rights and create a more inclusive society for all.

Infinix Revolutionizes Esports with GT 10 Pro and HOK as the Official Gaming Powerhouses of 2024 S1 Tournaments

                                                       

Infinix, a trendy tech brand crafted for young consumers, has announced its partnership with Honor of Kings (HOK), the world's most-played 5v5 mobile MOBA. Infinix will provide its cutting-edge Infinix GT 10 Pro models as the designated gaming device for the upcoming HOK Invitational  S1 gaming tournaments. This collaboration comes hot on the heels of Infinix's partnership with the 2023 PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC), further solidifying the GT 10 Pro's reputation as the ultimate esports smartphone.

 

The Honor of Kings Tournament

The HOK S1 tournament is scheduled to run from March 2nd to March 10th, showcasing six teams from Turkey, Brazil, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Notable contenders include ALPHA 7 ESPORTS, FUT KAOS, Stalwart Esports, IW NRX, Besiktas Esport, Vivo Keyd Stars, TWISTED MINDS, and Major Pride, vying for a substantial prize pool of $300k US dollars.

 

Infinix’s Game-Changing GT 10 Pro

Born for professional E-Sports players, the Infinix GT 10 Pro features advanced 6nm technology powered by the MediaTek D8050 5G game chip, offering an immersive gaming experience with its all-sensory game engine and a clean, bloatware-free operating system. Through collaboration with game developers, the GT 10 Pro achieves remarkable frame performance not only with HOK but also boasts high frame and picture performances of 120 frames and 90 frames, respectively, on popular titles such as PUBG, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Free Fire.

 

Previously, Infinix GT 10 Pro partnered with the 2023 PMGC as the only designated smartphone for the event and specially invited 20+ fans from all over the world to witness the birth of the 23rd World Champion and to give away exclusive co-branded hoodies. To let more users who support Infinix feel the passion of esports, Infinix has created exclusive viewing areas, mobile brand experience zones, cosplay photo areas, and other interactive experience activities.