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Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair set to showcase works from over 1,500 First Nations artists, represented by a record 76 community Art Centres from across Australia

DARWIN, Australia, July 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives will be celebrated in Darwin, Australia, from 2–7 August in an unmissable showcase of art, design and culture at Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation's series of iconic events.

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) is Australia's largest and most celebrated First Nations visual art event, which will return for the 16th year to run both online and in person this 5–7 August.

The internationally celebrated art fair sits alongside the Foundation's two Indigenous Fashion Projects events, Country to Couture on the 2 August, and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards on the 3 August, bringing Australia's most acclaimed and vibrant First Nations artists and designers to the national and global stage.

As the only Australian event of its kind, DAAF has secured a reputation as one of the country's most significant and internationally recognised arts events, creating a unique opportunity to connect with, and ethically purchase art directly from Art Centres, as well as meeting the artists and learning firsthand about their cultural heritage, stories, history and traditional artistic practices through a range of masterclasses, talks and demonstrations.

DAAF 2022 is on track to be the most successful and widest reaching yet, with a record 76 Art Centres participating in the Foundation's inaugural hybrid delivery of the event. In 2021, the Fair achieved a record $3.12 million AUD in sales with 100 per cent of profits going back to the Art Centres and their communities. The Fair itself takes no commission from artwork sold.

DAAF Foundation are proud to be part of a collective of organisations championing music, arts, and ideas from the world's oldest living cultures. Taking place in Australia's Top End each July–August, alongside DAAF Foundation's renowned Fair and fashion events, will be:

  • Garma Festival | Yothu Yindi Foundation | 29 July – 1 August
  • Salon des Refuss | Salon Art Projects | 3–13 August
  • Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards | Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory | 5 August 2022 "" January 2023
  • National Indigenous Music Awards | Music NT | 6 August

The first week of August is predicted to be one of the biggest showcases of First Nations talent in the world. Music, art and culture will collide as The Collective unifies to bring the public a unique experience across the creative industries in the Northern Territory.

For more information about the 16th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair and for priority access to the digital Art Fair, visit daaf.com.au/register.

Georgina Dawson
georginad@bastionagency.com

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on the image or link below:

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair: Media Snippet


Surforma Globally Launches Ballistic Plate

PORTO, Portugal, July 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Surforma has launched on the world market CompactShield, a ballistic plate for use in urban environments with civil risks, aimed at more demanding markets for the protection of people, especially in countries in regional blocks such as America, Africa, and the Middle East.

The Efanor group company "" which owns the Sonae group "" affirms that the new solution is the result of 3 years of research and development in partnership with Beyondcomposite, gaining a great advantage over existing ones, essentially in its applicability as a decorative solution, thereby not needing two components: ballistic protection and surface design, in addition to weight, durability, price.

With level IIIA, III, and IV protection, according to the NIJ standard 0108:01, the new ballistic CompactShield is mainly intended for the sectors of construction (public buildings, police stations, banks, etc.) and transport (armoured vehicles, bus driver barriers, shipping containers, etc.).

“It is a technological revolution where, in addition to protecting human lives, we incorporate the decorative factor in a single solution, allowing its application to have different uses, namely in the transport and construction sectors,” says Miguel Nogueira, Surforma CEO.

The company has, this way, started a process of globally repositioning its Laminates and Compacts business, both structurally, with the introduction of new raw materials, and technically, by investing in new ranges with improved performance.

“With our new innovation strategy and product pipeline, sales can grow by 10% in the next 5 years, essentially through exports, and resulting in a forecasted increase of 7M in business by 2025,” he states.

ABOUT SURFORMA

Set up in 1959, the company is the origin of the Sonae Group, a Portuguese multinational that is present in 62 countries and which manages a diversified portfolio of businesses in the areas of industry, retail, financial services, technology, shopping centres, and telecommunications. In 2021, the group's turnover exceeded 8 billion.

With over 60 years of innovation and leadership in the sector, and with the aim of creating its own identity and holding a prominent position in the production and distribution of Laminates and Compacts, SURFORMA was set up in 2018: a global brand focused essentially on the Furniture, Construction, and Decoration industries. The company operates in over 30 countries, in 5 continents.

CONTACTS

Ricardo Rodrigues, Chief Executive Officer & Founder
+351 22 532 3550
rr@pressmediaonline.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd1f2f6a–fdfa–438c–817d–2f8f6219a1c1


Surforma Globally Launches Ballistic Plate

PORTO, Portugal, July 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Surforma has launched on the world market CompactShield, a ballistic plate for use in urban environments with civil risks, aimed at more demanding markets for the protection of people, especially in countries in regional blocks such as America, Africa, and the Middle East.

The Efanor group company "" which owns the Sonae group "" affirms that the new solution is the result of 3 years of research and development in partnership with Beyondcomposite, gaining a great advantage over existing ones, essentially in its applicability as a decorative solution, thereby not needing two components: ballistic protection and surface design, in addition to weight, durability, price.

With level IIIA, III, and IV protection, according to the NIJ standard 0108:01, the new ballistic CompactShield is mainly intended for the sectors of construction (public buildings, police stations, banks, etc.) and transport (armoured vehicles, bus driver barriers, shipping containers, etc.).

“It is a technological revolution where, in addition to protecting human lives, we incorporate the decorative factor in a single solution, allowing its application to have different uses, namely in the transport and construction sectors,” says Miguel Nogueira, Surforma CEO.

The company has, this way, started a process of globally repositioning its Laminates and Compacts business, both structurally, with the introduction of new raw materials, and technically, by investing in new ranges with improved performance.

“With our new innovation strategy and product pipeline, sales can grow by 10% in the next 5 years, essentially through exports, and resulting in a forecasted increase of 7M in business by 2025,” he states.

ABOUT SURFORMA

Set up in 1959, the company is the origin of the Sonae Group, a Portuguese multinational that is present in 62 countries and which manages a diversified portfolio of businesses in the areas of industry, retail, financial services, technology, shopping centres, and telecommunications. In 2021, the group's turnover exceeded 8 billion.

With over 60 years of innovation and leadership in the sector, and with the aim of creating its own identity and holding a prominent position in the production and distribution of Laminates and Compacts, SURFORMA was set up in 2018: a global brand focused essentially on the Furniture, Construction, and Decoration industries. The company operates in over 30 countries, in 5 continents.

CONTACTS

Ricardo Rodrigues, Chief Executive Officer & Founder
+351 22 532 3550
rr@pressmediaonline.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd1f2f6a–fdfa–438c–817d–2f8f6219a1c1


Surforma Globally Launches Ballistic Plate

PORTO, Portugal, July 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Surforma has launched on the world market CompactShield, a ballistic plate for use in urban environments with civil risks, aimed at more demanding markets for the protection of people, especially in countries in regional blocks such as America, Africa, and the Middle East.

The Efanor group company "" which owns the Sonae group "" affirms that the new solution is the result of 3 years of research and development in partnership with Beyondcomposite, gaining a great advantage over existing ones, essentially in its applicability as a decorative solution, thereby not needing two components: ballistic protection and surface design, in addition to weight, durability, price.

With level IIIA, III, and IV protection, according to the NIJ standard 0108:01, the new ballistic CompactShield is mainly intended for the sectors of construction (public buildings, police stations, banks, etc.) and transport (armoured vehicles, bus driver barriers, shipping containers, etc.).

“It is a technological revolution where, in addition to protecting human lives, we incorporate the decorative factor in a single solution, allowing its application to have different uses, namely in the transport and construction sectors,” says Miguel Nogueira, Surforma CEO.

The company has, this way, started a process of globally repositioning its Laminates and Compacts business, both structurally, with the introduction of new raw materials, and technically, by investing in new ranges with improved performance.

“With our new innovation strategy and product pipeline, sales can grow by 10% in the next 5 years, essentially through exports, and resulting in a forecasted increase of 7M in business by 2025,” he states.

ABOUT SURFORMA

Set up in 1959, the company is the origin of the Sonae Group, a Portuguese multinational that is present in 62 countries and which manages a diversified portfolio of businesses in the areas of industry, retail, financial services, technology, shopping centres, and telecommunications. In 2021, the group's turnover exceeded 8 billion.

With over 60 years of innovation and leadership in the sector, and with the aim of creating its own identity and holding a prominent position in the production and distribution of Laminates and Compacts, SURFORMA was set up in 2018: a global brand focused essentially on the Furniture, Construction, and Decoration industries. The company operates in over 30 countries, in 5 continents.

CONTACTS

Ricardo Rodrigues, Chief Executive Officer & Founder
+351 22 532 3550
rr@pressmediaonline.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd1f2f6a–fdfa–438c–817d–2f8f6219a1c1


WPP's Gain Theory Named A Leader in Marketing Measurement and Optimization Solutions

NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gain Theory, a global foresight consultancy that accelerates growth for ambitious brands, has been named a Leader in The Forrester Wave: Marketing Measurement and Optimization Solutions, Q1 2022.

The Forrester MMO wave evaluates and benchmarks the most significant marketing measurement and optimization providers against current offering, strategy, and market presence. Forrester categorizes providers as either Leaders, Strong Performers, Contenders or Challengers.

The Forrester report states that "Large global enterprises with complex marketing budgets in search of high–touch services should put Gain Theory on their short list" and notes that Gain Theory's "services offering really shines among the competitive set."

Gain Theory received the highest scores possible across 13 criteria, defined as superior relative to other vendors in the evaluation. Gain Theory's highest scores include the use case criteria of "Brand Portfolio Management', "Omnichannel Marketing Strategy and Planning' and "Insights Driven Business'. Full marks were also given to Gain Theory in the criteria of "Unified Measurement Methodology', "Marketing Strategy Consulting', "Business Strategy Consulting' and "Change Management Consulting'.

Of note is the top mark possible given to Gain Theory in "Unified Measurement Methodology'. The report states "Gain Theory's long–term approach is to advance its planning and optimization recommendations by incorporating more customer behaviors and data signals."

With regard to Gain Theory's ability to advise on enterprise–wide business growth levers, top marks were also given in the "Business Strategy Consulting" criterion which evaluated vendors' ability to apply its measurement and optimization capabilities across areas such as customer churn analysis, pricing analysis, demand generation analysis and other functional insights.

"At a time of unprecedented change and uncertainty, organizations need a more holistic and future–facing approach to accelerating growth. We have enabled our clients to do this by activating smart business strategies that fuse hindsight, insight, and foresight. We are delighted about our position as a Leader in Forrester's Wave report," said Gain Theory Global CEO, Manjiry Tamhane, "It confirms for us the unique value that we deliver to our clients globally who trust us to focus on what matters the most, simplify the complex at speed, and ultimately make a meaningful difference to their business performance."

About Gain Theory

Gain Theory is a global foresight consultancy, focused on accelerating growth for ambitious brands.

Our experts in data, advanced analytics, technology and consultancy fuse hindsight, insight, and foresight to improve investment decisions and activate growth at speed.

Available in 62 markets, our award–winning solutions and highly specialized vertical expertise support clients via four measurement and optimization pillars: Foundations for Growth, Data Excellence, Growth Accelerators and Activating for Growth.

To focus on what matters the most for clients, Gain Theory's proprietary Marketing Effectiveness Index evaluates and benchmarks marketing effectiveness maturity "" establishing critical gaps standing in the way of accelerated growth. Built on data, the Marketing Effectiveness Index benchmarks against sector and industry to help inform transformational roadmap priorities.

Gain Theory is"a"WPP"agency"(NYSE: WPP).""""

Find out more at www.gaintheory.com and follow our social channels via LinkedIn or Twitter.

For press queries please contact:
Claudia Sestini
Global CMO, Gain Theory
claudia.sestini@gaintheory.com


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8466452)

Business School Applications Surge Proves Not a Fad, Sustaining 2020 Growth

RESTON, Va., Nov. 17, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a global association of leading graduate business schools, today released its anticipated annual 2021 Application Trends Survey. The survey of nearly a thousand MBA and business master's programs found that in 2021, the volume of applications for graduate business school programs grew 0.4 percent from the year before, sustaining the elevated demand since the onset of a global pandemic in 2020 when business schools worldwide saw unusually high volume of applications due to the economic uncertainty.

"Candidates looked for alternative career options during the COVID induced recession and business schools introduced more flexible admissions policies, resulting in soaring application volumes last year," said Sangeet Chowfla, president and CEO of GMAC. "The question was whether this was a fleeting event caused by the pandemic or the start of a new uptick in applications. In this context, the 2021 application cycle indicates that the surging demand for graduate business education is not a passing fad but has staying power beyond 2020."

Key Findings

International candidates rebound in top–ranked business schools

After years of unwelcoming immigration policies in parts of the world and months of global travel restrictions due to COVID–19, pent–up demand from international students for graduate business schools was evident in this year's data. Weighted absolute year–on–year change in application volumes from international candidates " the applicants whose citizenship differs from that of the country where the program is located " shows an increase of 4.1 percent compared to a decline of 3.8 percent from domestic candidates, the applicants who are citizens of the country where a program is located. More programs in Europe, the U.S., and the U.K reported decline in applications from domestic candidates when compared across regions.

This difference between international and domestic application volume is especially apparent for full–time MBA programs among leading business schools. The share of full–time two–year MBA programs showing growth in applications from international candidates has doubled from 28 percent in 2019 to 57 percent in 2021. Furthermore, twice as many U.S. programs ranked in the top 50 according to the US News & World Report saw an increase in applications from international candidates (73%) as domestic candidates (36%).

"Business school learning is experiential and relies heavily on interactions, discussions and cohort and alumni networks. This is impossible without a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds," said Katy Montgomery, Associate Dean of Degree Programmes at INSEAD and a GMAC board member. "As student mobility gradually returns, the diversity it brings to a classroom will only benefit and enrich campus life."

Women, U.S. underrepresented minorities return to in–person, full time MBA programs

Full–time MBA programs continued gaining traction in 2021. Half of full–time one–year (52%) and two–year (56%) MBA programs report an increase in applications in 2021, above all programs averaged at 41 percent. On the contrary, professional MBA programs such as part–time MBA, executive MBA, and online MBA programs " those geared toward the needs of working professionals " saw their share in those reporting application growth at the lowest level since 2017.

This year's application data also indicates that globally, women candidates emerging from the shadow of the pandemic refocused on their career ambitions, with three in five (60%) full–time two–year MBA programs reporting an increase in applications from female candidates compared to two in five (43%) programs reporting growth from male candidates. In comparison, a much smaller share of online MBA programs (42%) reported growth in applications from female candidates, indicating women's preference to return to in–person, full time learning.

In the U.S., women and underrepresented minorities (URM) reported similar desire to study on campus. More full–time two–year MBA programs reported growth in URM applications in 2021 (56%) compared to pre–pandemic 2019 (37%) or the online program (30%). Even more notably, female URM candidates demonstrated an impressive 22 percent increase between 2019 (38%) to 2021 (60%) in their share of applications for full–time two–year MBA programs.

About the Report

The annual GMAC Application Trends Survey focuses on global demand for graduate management education and analyzes differences by programs and regions for the 2020–2021 admissions season (incoming class of 2021). This survey data was collected between July 8 and August 23, 2021, and garnered responses from 967 programs at 269 business schools worldwide. This is the 23rd year the survey has been conducted, contributing to the greater understanding of the value of graduate business degrees and global and regional trends. More details of the full report, and other research series produced by GMAC, are available on gmac.com/research.

About GMAC

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is a mission–driven association of leading graduate business schools worldwide. Founded in 1953, GMAC creates solutions and experiences that enable business schools and candidates to better discover, evaluate, and connect with each other.

GMAC provides world–class research, industry conferences, recruiting tools, and assessments for the graduate management education industry, as well as tools, resources, events, and services that help guide candidates through their higher education journey. Owned and administered by GMAC, the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) exam is the most widely used graduate business school assessment.

More than 12 million prospective students a year trust GMAC's websites, including mba.com, to learn about MBA and business master's programs, connect with schools around the world, prepare and register for exams and get advice on successfully applying to MBA and business master's programs. BusinessBecause and The MBA Tour are subsidiaries of GMAC, a global organization with offices in China, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

To learn more about our work, please visit www.gmac.com

Media Contact:

Teresa Hsu
Sr. Manager, Media Relations
202–390–4180 (mobile)
thsu@gmac.com


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8394516)

First-Ever Global Study of Diversity in Graduate Management Education Sheds Light on Gaps in Race and Gender

RESTON, Va., Oct. 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a global association of leading graduate business schools, today released a special report, "The Global Diversity of Talent "" Attainment and Representation," a first reference guide of its kind to better understand representation for graduate management education (GME) degree attainment worldwide. Understanding that education systems across the globe experienced disruption due to the pandemic, GMAC turned to its leading research capability as universities sought to adapt with a renewed attention to issues of student access and equity, as well as diversity and representation in tertiary educational attainment. The report provides a global overview, seven regional outlooks, and separate reports for 69 locations or countries with an estimated 25,000 or more people in the student–aged population of 20 to 34 who have attained a master's degree in the subject of business, administration, or law. In addition to a separate appendix that reviews data on 111 other countries, it also examines the representation of women globally and underrepresented groups in the United States.

"At GMAC, we recognize that a diverse student body in gender, race and background lifts us all as it creates a richer student experience and increases sensitivity to the issues that affect others," said Sangeet Chowfla, president and CEO of GMAC. "This report "" the first global state of the industry view about diversity in graduate management education "" is intended not only to serve as an informative guide, but also as a base to target outreach and advocate for the value of graduate business degrees to underrepresented populations around the globe."

Key Findings

Women struggle to be represented at the graduate business level, falling behind the most in Europe

Globally, more women than men choose their undergraduate study in the fields of business, administration, and law. 26.4 percent of bachelor's degrees earned by females are in these fields, slightly higher than for men (24.6%). At the master's level, however, men (33.7%) are more likely to study in business, administration, and law than women (29.4%). Data suggests that women have shown broader interest when pursuing a master's degree, with education and health and welfare two other popular disciplines besides business or law schools.

Furthermore, women in Europe are estimated to hold only 38.4 percent of graduate business degrees in the region, notably lower than the global average (44.8%) and behind East Asia and the Pacific where women are a majority (51.7%) of the region's graduate business degree–holders. When compared across all regions, Europe has the largest share of those aged 30–34 in the GME pipeline at 41.8% but the smallest share of the GME pipeline aged 20–24 at only 19.8 %, suggesting that many women in Europe choose to return to business school later in life.

African American graduates outpace their white counterparts, driven by their overrepresentation in U.S. for–profit programs

The proportions of graduate management degree–holders relative to the student–aged population, or the GME participation rate, differs among the seven U.S. race/ethnicity groups studied in the report: American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American, Black or African American, Hispanic American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Other/Two or more races, and Whites. Although a common perception is that African Americans are underrepresented in GME programs, they demonstrate a 3.0% GME participation rate, outranking their white counterparts at 2.5%.

"African Americans are interestingly overrepresented in graduate management education relative to their population size when compared with other groups, albeit slightly," said Sabrina White, vice president of school and industry engagement at GMAC. "According to a previous GMAC study, African Americans accounted for 37 percent of for–profit GME degrees conferred in 2015–2016. Their enrollment in for–profit institutions outpacing that in traditional universities may have contributed to their overrepresentation in GME."

Most business degree holders come from Asia while Latin America enjoys highest business concentration among graduate degrees

Among the seven regions studied, the largest pool of student aged graduate business talent falls in East Asia and the Pacific, which is also the largest source of bachelor's degree–holders in the fields of business, administration, and law. While China and India, the two "Asian giants," contribute the most to both the graduate and undergraduate levels of business school students, the U.S. impresses with its substantial share at third in both categories. Pakistan and Turkey are two other notable inclusions in the top 10 sources, with business graduates accounting for 28 percent and 40 percent respectively of the country's total bachelor's degree–holders.

Globally, of the more than 61 million people understood to have attained a master's degree, approximately 24 percent have earned GME degrees. By region, the highest business concentration among all master's degree–holders is seen in Latin America (33.1%), the Middle East (27.6%), and East Asia and the Pacific (26.6%). In addition, two countries in the Latin America region have greater than 60 percent females within the student–age population of 20 to 34 who are assumed to have attained a master's degree in the subject of business, administration, or law: Colombia (65.6%) and Dominican Republic (64.5%).

About the Report

To establish the foundation of this groundbreaking effort, GMAC leveraged the latest global data resources from the 2018 dataset of U.S. Census Bureau International Database, The World Bank, UNESCO, UNECE, and OECD, to provide baseline for studying the state of diversity within graduate management education today. Supplemental material of country and regional descriptions as well as available 2020/2021 international rankings indices were included for present context. More details of the full report, and other research series produced by GMAC, are available on gmac.com.

About GMAC

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is a mission–driven association of leading graduate business schools worldwide. Founded in 1953, GMAC creates solutions and experiences that enable business schools and candidates to better discover, evaluate, and connect with each other.

GMAC provides world–class research, industry conferences, recruiting tools, and assessments for the graduate management education industry, as well as tools, resources, events, and services that help guide candidates through their higher education journey. Owned and administered by GMAC, the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) exam is the most widely used graduate business school assessment. GMAC also owns and administers the NMAT by GMAC (NMAT) exam and the Executive Assessment (EA).

More than 12 million prospective students a year trust GMAC's websites, including mba.com, to learn about MBA and business master's programs, connect with schools around the world, prepare and register for exams and get advice on successfully applying to MBA and business master's programs. BusinessBecause and The MBA Tour are subsidiaries of GMAC, a global organization with offices in China, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

To learn more about our work, please visit www.gmac.com

Media Contact:

Teresa Hsu
Senior Manager, Media Relations
202–390–4180 (mobile)
thsu@gmac.com


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8379813)

MINTIE Provides Proven Worldwide COVID Surge Capacity Solution as International Infection Prevention Week Highlights Tireless Efforts and Bravery of Worldwide Infection Control Community

AZUSA, Calif., Oct. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the worldwide healthcare industry commemorating International Infection Prevention Week, October 17–23, MINTIE LLC, a third–generation healthcare product innovator and an Alliance Environmental Group company, continues its efforts at infection prevention in the fight against COVID–19 and the Delta Variant. The company introduced its first line of Environmental Containment Units (ECUs) in 2003 to control the spread of harmful airborne particles during construction or maintenance activities. Since then, MINTIE has continued to push the innovation process forward and now, its ECU4 mobile environmental containment units are currently being used to support surge requirements for airborne isolation in the continued fight against the transmission of COVID–19. https://youtu.be/O0sS1–LpDvc

Since January 2021, over 1,500 ECU4s have been deployed in 400+ Japanese healthcare facilities to provide temporary airborne isolation support as part of Japan's effort to control the spread of COVID–19. The MINTIE ECU4 also played a critical role during the Tokyo Summer Olympics "" supporting 20 Olympic designated healthcare facilities with additional airborne isolation capabilities.

According to Tsuneki (Neki) Kusaba, President & CEO, Moraine Corporation, MINTIE's exclusive Japanese distributor, "The main purpose of the ECU4 is to create zoning to distinguish between risk and safety areas in hospitals where regular medical care must be continued to accommodate an ever–growing number of patients. We needed as many ECU4s as possible to handle this emergency, so we have made unreasonable demands on MINTIE. However, MINTIE has definitely supplied the ECU4 in response to our request."

"We are delighted with the success of the ECU4 business, however more than that, we are proud to have saved the lives of many Japanese healthcare workers and patients. The ECU4 provides a safe and secure medical system for many healthcare workers, and we have received messages of gratitude from many customers," Mr. Kusaba added.

According to Toshihiro Mitsuda, Ph. D CICD, Director and Associate Professor, Yokohama City University Hospital, “Without the MINTIE product, zoning couldn't be achieved in healthcare facilities in Japan. It wouldn't be exaggerating to say that HAI didn't trigger collapse of the Japanese medical system because Moraine supplied MINTIE products all over the country. MINTIE and Moraine supported the Japanese government at a critical time and saved many lives."

The adoption of MINTIE's ECU4s in hundreds of hospitals has drawn the attention of a number of Asian media outlets, including Japan's News 8 and TVK news station as well as in South Korea on MBN TV News, Money Today, MBC News, KBS News and JIBS News. In the US, MINTIE has been named a finalist in the Los Angeles Business Journal's inaugural 2021 International Business Forum & Awards in the Global Trade Leader of the Year and Private Company "" Medium Sized Business categories.

The MINTIE ECU4 is a product that provides a variety of airborne containment solutions. The ECU4 is patented and has been clinically evaluated and rigorously tested for efficacy of particle containment, ventilation, and stability in healthcare environments where ICRA containment requirement sits in levels 1 to 4. If a hospital is a step away from reaching ICU capacity for COVID–19 patients, ECU4s can be set up with negative air machines to provide temporary, total isolation rooms.

The ECU4's simple, yet advanced design makes it user–friendly from setup to tear down and because of their portability, can be setup virtually anywhere. This allows hospitals to create as many isolations rooms as space allows. "Sometimes setting up multiple ECU4s might not be enough "" maybe a whole section of a hospital needs to be isolated. The MINTIE ECU4 corridor flange enables an ECU4 to function as a portable anteroom. The corridor flange is used to seal off the entryway of a hallway, creating a larger isolated space," according to Kyle Hourraney, Director of Facilities at Orange County Global Medical Center, Santa Ana, CA.

MINTIE's product portfolio also includes multi–use negative air machines, when combined with an ECU4 to create an anteroom, a negative air machine is the "engine" that pulls air out of the anteroom space. As the air passes through the negative air machine's 99.97% HEPA filter, it creates the negative pressure air lock to protect the general patient population and caregivers. MINTIE's ECU4s are utilized in all 50 U.S. states. MINTIE is also currently partners with distribution channels in Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and other countries.

About MINTIE LLC

Founded in 1940, MINTIE LLC began as specialty maintenance service company and has grown into a company with an international reputation for excellent service and innovative indoor environmental systems. MINTIE provides indoor air quality management, preventative maintenance solutions and portable containment products for airborne particulates, infection control, and bio–security. MINTIE has focused on leading the industry with innovative products and the highest quality services to provide clients with safer, healthier, and more productive environments with minimal disruption and highest levels of satisfaction and effectiveness. The company serves a diverse mix of companies, ranging from market leaders to entrepreneurial start–ups within healthcare, biotechnology, entertainment, aerospace, manufacturing, and commercial real estate. MINTIE is an Alliance Environmental Group Company. For more information, visit https://www.mintie.com/.

History of IIPW

Established in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) focuses attention on the importance of infection prevention in saving lives and healthcare dollars. APIC has spearheaded this annual effort to highlight the significance of infection prevention among healthcare professionals, administrators, legislators, and consumers.

Over the years, this week of recognition has vastly expanded to every corner of the globe, including Australia, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. As the reach of IIPW widens, more patients benefit from safer healthcare practices and reduced threat of healthcare–associated infections.

Contact Details:

Vinay Panday
Director of Marketing
Alliance Environmental Group
626–633–3514
vinaypanday@alliance–enviro.com
Source: Mintie, LLC

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5a22272e–0abd–40ba–8f90–c670892e992c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/21576409–3f90–40a7–8d8a–4ffb6876c20f


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8375339)

Majid Al Futtaim Launches AI Powered Carrefour City+; The Region’s First Check-Out Free Store

  • Carrefour City+ offers customers a fast, seamless and contactless shopping experience
  • From start to finish, the new store explores a holistic approach to Artificial Intelligence
  • Customers simply pick their products and walk–out with no staff interaction or checkout

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Majid Al Futtaim "" the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia "" is setting new precedents for retail with the launch of the region's first check–out free store, Carrefour City+. Opened today in Mall of the Emirates, the new convenience store provides a fast, seamless and contactless experience using cutting–edge, artificial intelligence technology. Customers use their phones to access the store, pick their desired items and simply walk out without having to queue and pay at the cash register.

Carrefour City+ was inaugurated by H.E Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications along with Alain Bejjani, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Holding and Hani Weiss, Chief Executive Officer at Majid Al Futtaim Retail.

Store access and shopping payment is enabled via the current MAF Carrefour App. Once inside Carrefour City+, every item picked up by customers will then be automatically added to a digital shopping basket and the purchase will be completed by simply walking out. Not only is the shopping journey faster, but also completely contactless, with no store staff interaction necessary.

"Carrefour City+ has been designed to make life easier by using technology to remove friction and enhance the retail experience," revealed Hani Weiss, Chief Executive Officer at Majid Al Futtaim Retail. "The store represents a huge leap forwards for retail in the UAE and region as Carrefour continues to innovate to meet the needs of the present whilst anticipating future shopping trends."

A first for Carrefour worldwide, City+ deploys artificial intelligence and state of the art technology to identify thousands of products with pinpoint accuracy, improving inventory management and simplifying shopping for customers. Carrefour City+ stocks over 1,300 items including snacks, beverages, packaged food and food–to–go meals as well as basic essentials. It can easily be found near the entrance of the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station link for anyone wishing to try the world's most advanced, "simply walk out' shopping technology.

Carrefour City+ is a prime example of the role of the private sector in supporting the UAE's Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy to become a leading global hub and an open lab for the Fourth Industrial revolution's application. It is also in line with the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy that aims to make the UAE the first in the field of AI investments and applications in various sectors. Having established a reputation for innovation, modernity and technology, this retail revelation from Majid Al Futtaim contributes to the UAE's transformation into an international technology hub as the government takes concrete steps towards establishing a strong, digitally enabled economy.

Media Contact:

Mina Kiwan "" Media Relations
E: mina.kiwan@ogilvy.com
D."+971 (0) 4 305 0325
M. +971 (0) 55 2426806

Raed Matarbazi "" Communications Manager
Carrefour UAE
E: RMatarbazi@mafcarrefour.com
M. M +971 (0) 56 417 9771

About Carrefour

Carrefour was launched in the region in 1995 by UAE–based Majid Al Futtaim, which is the exclusive franchisee to operate Carrefour in over 30 countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, and fully owns the operations in the region. Today, Majid Al Futtaim operates over 375 Carrefour stores in 17 countries, serving more than 750,000 customers daily and employing over 37,000 colleagues.

Carrefour operates different store formats, as well as multiple online offerings to meet the growing needs of its diversified customer base. In line with the brand's commitment to provide the widest range of quality products and value for money, Carrefour offers an unrivalled choice of more than 500,000 food and non–food products, and a locally inspired exemplary customer experience to create great moments for everyone every day. Across Carrefour's stores, Majid Al Futtaim sources over 80% of the products offered from the region, making it a key enabler in supporting local producers, suppliers, families and economies.

About Majid Al Futtaim

Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

A remarkable business success story, Majid Al Futtaim started from one man's vision to transform the face of shopping, entertainment and leisure to "create great moments for everyone, every day'. It has since grown into one of the United Arab Emirates' most respected and successful businesses spanning 17 international markets, employing more than 43,000 people, and obtaining the highest credit rating (BBB) among privately–held corporates in the region.

Majid Al Futtaim owns and operates 28 shopping malls, 13 hotels and four mixed–use communities, with further developments underway in the region. The shopping malls portfolio includes Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, City Centre malls, My City Centre neighbourhood centres, and five community malls which are in joint venture with the Government of Sharjah. The Company is the exclusive franchisee for Carrefour in over 30 markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, operating a portfolio of more than 375 outlets and an online store.

Majid Al Futtaim operates more than 500 VOX Cinemas screens as well as a portfolio of world–class leisure and entertainment experiences across the region including Ski Dubai, Ski Egypt, Dreamscape, Magic Planet, Little Explorers and iFLY Dubai. The Company is parent to a Fashion, Home and Specialty retail business representing international brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, AllSaints, lululemon athletica, Crate & Barrel, Maisons du Monde, LEGO and THAT, a Majid Al Futtaim fashion concept store and app. In addition, Majid Al Futtaim operates Enova, a facility and energy management company, through a joint venture operation with Veolia, a global leader in optimised environment resource management.

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8321459)

Don’t miss Australia’s largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual art event

DARWIN, Australia, Aug. 03, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) will open Friday 6 August via its cutting–edge digital platform, connecting audiences around the world with Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives.

Presented by Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation (DAAFF), now in its 15th year, the DAAF program will run from 6–11 August. The program features a highly anticipated digital art fair and an online Public Program that includes artist masterclasses and artists talks.

DAAFF will also showcase two First Nations fashion events including the annual National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) and the winner announcement will be live streamed across NITV's social media channels on 3 August, direct from the Darwin Convention Centre, Australia. The vibrant Country to Couture runway will also be presented on 4 August.

DAAF is internationally celebrated as a world–class program and pays homage to the world's oldest living culture. It is the only event of its kind that connects artists, performers and Art Centres from Australia's most remote regions with domestic and international audiences, eager to snap up stunning and authentic works.

DAAFF Executive Director, Claire Summers says the program generates significant flow–on benefits for Australia's Indigenous communities, where 100 per cent of the sales from each artwork is returned to Art Centres, the artists and their communities.

"We are honoured to be able to profile over 70 Indigenous owned Art Centres and open up the rich storytelling, culture, and history behind these works of art," says Ms Summers.

Commenting on the decision to pivot from a physical event to an online strategy, Ms Summers adds, "We've already had overwhelming interest in our Public Program, with many of the workshops at capacity. Last year we welcomed the largest global audience we have ever seen thanks to our digital offering."

DAAF connects Indigenous and non–Indigenous art and culture audiences through its unique event to celebrate the vibrant heritage of Australian First Nations Peoples, providing an important meeting place for artists and designers to share stories and traditions through their chosen medium.

The DAAF program includes:

  • Tuesday 3 August |National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA)
  • Wednesday 4 August | Country to Couture
  • 6–11 August | 15th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF)

For access to the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, register daaf.com.au/art–fair–2021


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