Banknote art competition results

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced the conclusion of the Art Competition for the designs of the new banknote series, as per a press release.

The shortlisted designs are being shared with international designers who have been shortlisted to work with SBP and finalise designs for the new banknote series.

The international designers, while drawing inspiration from the local art submissions, will, however, be free to employ their own design expertise and imagination to create final designs for the new banknotes series. Winners will be awarded prize money to appreciate their contribution to this important national project.

EFU Life launches WIN

EFU Life Assurance Ltd announces the launch of its wellness proposition, EFU Life WIN, as per a press release. EFU Life has partnered with Swiss-health tech company dacadoo, a global digital health engagement platform to power the wellness program. The program is designed to empower individuals to take control of their health and financial well-being through an integrated approach that combines life insurance with a comprehensive wellness platform.

Speaking at the launch event, Mohammed Ali Ahmed, CEO and Managing Director of EFU Life Assurance Ltd, stated, “At EFU Life, we are committed to providing our customers with solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. With EFU Life WIN, we are introducing a proposition that integrates wellness into the core of financial planning.”

IBA delegation’s global partnerships

Centre for Executive Education (CEE) at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi successfully concluded a pivotal visit to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur by its delegation, led by Dr S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director, IBA Karachi, along with Kamran Bilgrami, Director, CEE and Bulent Sohail, Head of Program and Partnerships, ADR International Center (ADRIC), as per a press release.

From August 26-27, the delegation engaged in meetings with senior representatives of the National University of Singapore to discuss the importance of leadership development and the role of business schools in shaping the future of alternate dispute resolution (ADR) practices.

NBP myZoi partnership

National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) announces a strategic partnership with myZoi Financial Inclusion Technologies (myZoi), a leading fintech company based in the United Arab Emirates dedicated to fostering financial inclusion and literacy, states a press release. This collaborative effort makes cross-border fund transfers more accessible and convenient for the under-banked Pakistani nationals residing in the UAE.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration, Syed Muhammad Ali, CEO of myZoi, said this partnership will enable financial accessibility by introducing instant payroll services, among other facilities.

TDAP’s FooAg Manufacturing 2024

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) announces the upcoming FoodAg Manufacturing 2024, as per a press release. This exhibition will take place from December 5-7, 2024, at the Expo Centre in Lahore.

The event will encompass a diverse array of companies from around the world presenting their latest advancements in agro and food manufacturing including food ingredients, food-related packaging, supply chain solutions, food processing technologies, automation & controls, agritech innovations, food safety & quality measures, labelling equipment & supplies, refrigeration plants, and warehouse management solutions.

Italy and Pakistan’s university cooperation

Prof Roberto Tottoli, Chancellor of the University of Naples L’Orientale, is visiting Karachi at IBA’s invitation, as per a press release. The visit of Prof Tottoli to Karachi highlights the Italian Con­sulate’s efforts to strengthen academic exchanges and cooperation. The L’Orientale University of Naples has a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Karachi, which was signed in 2022 and is envisaging establishing a long-term cooperation with IBA.

Prof Tottoli’s expertise lies in Arabist studies, Islamic history, and Arabic Qur’anic manuscript traditions. L’Orientale University also has a Depart­­ment of Urdu Language and Culture.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, September 9th, 2024