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FlagshipKansas.Tech Celebrates Five Years, Announces 2024 Board

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WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — FlagshipKansas.Tech, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing Kansas as a hub for technology and innovation, is pleased to announce its 2024 board of directors and officers as it celebrates a milestone anniversary. February 27, 2024, marks five years since FlagshipKansas.Tech held its kickoff event at the Advanced Learning Library in Wichita, where hundreds of tech professionals and community leaders converged to learn about the organization and its mission.

“FlagshipKansas.Tech is a catalyst for innovation to propel the Kansas tech industry forward,” said Ben Sebree, Chair of the FlagshipKansas.Tech Board. “Through its critical role, Flagship is facilitating connections to support tech education, workforce, and economic development.”

The governing board will be led by Chair Ben Sebree, SVP of R&D at CivicPlus – an international software provider founded in Manhattan, Kan., and Vice Chair Megan Harper, Director of Marketing & Sales at Twin Valley – the state’s largest independent broadband and communications company. Amanda Duncan, Vice President & Chief Development Officer for Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas, will serve as Treasurer along with Tonya Knipp, Senior VP & Information Technology Manager for Emprise Bank, as Secretary.

Additional members of the board include:

Callie Harris, Assistant Principal, Pray-Woodman Elementary – Maize, KSRobin Huber, VP and General Manager, NetApp WichitaThomas Papadatos, Venture Investment Manager, Entrepreneurial Growth VenturesJade Piros de Carvalho, Director, Kansas Office of Broadband DevelopmentDan Reisig, VP of Technology, UV&STroy Tabor, Director, WSU Center for EntrepreneurshipSteven Werner, CEO, Lawn BuddyJonathan Wiersma, VP of Product and Marketing, TrueRoll

Additionally, the advisory board was expanded significantly with 21 new members. A new committee focused on FlagshipKansas.Tech membership benefits and recruitment will be led by Steven Werner. Board member bios are available at flagshipkansas.tech/leadership.

“I was very pleased to see the level of interest in involvement for the Flagship board,” said Vice Chair Megan Harper. “Coming off the success of the second annual Ad Astra Technology Summit, we’re heading into 2024 with significant momentum and excitement around our mission. Our talented and diverse board will be an asset as we advocate on behalf of the Kansas tech industry.”

FlagshipKansas.Tech has had many successes in its five years, despite the pandemic hitting hard just a year after launching the organization. Some of the highlights include:

Helped recruit tech companies to Kansas, including Novacoast, Millenium and Knowmadics. Driving economic development, Flagship often partners with the Greater Wichita Partnership to help recruit tech companies to the area. Flagship was instrumental in the recruitment of Novacoast, hosting a tech industry event with its membership to allow Novacoast leaders to get a feel for the Kansas tech ecosystem. They later cited the event as a key influencer in their decision to move to Wichita. Flagship also helped secure Millenium and Knowmadics.Received $150,000 in grant funding from Microsoft. The funds supported Kansas tech education and workforce development initiatives.Lobbied for Computer Science Education, which led to the passing of HB2466, allowing CS to be a core graduation requirement in Kansas schools. Additionally, other funding was passed for current and aspiring teachers to receive training in computer science programs.Supported the application of the One Workforce Grant, a $10 million department of labor grant awarded to the Workforce Alliance. This grant funds training in advanced manufacturing and technology for a 10-county region in South Central Kansas. Many Flagship companies have received training funds to hire new employees or upskill existing staff. As one of just 17 grantees nationwide, One Workforce is the single largest grant award the public workforce system has received in Kansas.Helped members receive more than $400,000 in workforce development funding through the DRAW grant and apprenticeship programs.Exposed students to technology careers and skills through partnerships with the Workforce Center of South Central Kansas and its Youth Employment Project along with AT&T.Established the Ad Astra Technology Summit. Industry leaders, startups, government officials, and educators come together to explore current issues, attending informative sessions on digital skills development, industry panels, apprenticeship programs, and new/startup business enablement. The event won an Innovation Award following its first year.Established the state’s technology awards, highlighting leaders, innovators, educators and students in Kansas tech.Brought Steve Wozniak to Kansas. The STEM teacher, engineer and Apple co-founder participated in an exclusive fireside chat moderated by Kansas tech giant Luis Rodriguez.

Technology companies continue to find themselves accelerating to meet current market needs and position themselves for the future. According to CompTIA, the tech industry makes a 10-billion-dollar impact on the Kansas economy and employs over 65,000 individuals across the state.

This year, FlagshipKansas.Tech will gain even more momentum in its efforts to raise awareness, attract and retain technology talent, and support technology workforce training and education initiatives in the state. Additionally, developing a positive climate in support of startups is essential for the growth of Kansas tech.

“I am so excited to carry out the FlagshipKansas.Tech mission, serve our members and be wildly disruptive in 2024,” said Conner Hampton, Executive Director. “The work we do across Kansas is not possible without the leadership from such an impactful and powerful Board of Directors.”

Those interested in learning more about FlagshipKansas.Tech’s mission, membership, and/or collaboration opportunities can contact Executive Director Conner Hampton at flagshipkansas.tech/contact.

About FlagshipKansas.Tech

FlagshipKansas.Tech is a nonprofit organization that brings together Kansas technology companies to shine a light on the depth of skill, ingenuity, and innovation running through our cities and communities. Current goals include raising awareness, attracting and retaining technology talent, and supporting technology workforce training and education. Learn more at FlagshipKansas.Tech.

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AIMA Technology Welcomes Top U.S. Dealers to Shape the Future Together

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TIANJIN, China, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On December 7, 2024, AIMA Technology Group warmly invited a delegation of five top-performing U.S. IBD dealers to visit its headquarters. Accompanying the group was Angela Zheng, CEO of AIMA’s U.S. subsidiary, AIMA EBIKE, along with her sales, marketing, and customer service teams. This visit not only marked a deepened connection between AIMA and the mainstream U.S. market but also provided U.S. dealers with a valuable opportunity to witness AIMA Technology’s globally leading capabilities in research, development, and manufacturing of electric mobility solutions.

The delegation first toured AIMA’s state-of-the-art factory in Tianjin. Aima Technology possesses production factories with extremely high levels of intelligent manufacturing Additionally, AIMA has integrated advanced technologies such as AI visual recognition and established a CNAS-certified R&D laboratory, maintaining its industry leadership in intelligent transformation. During the tour, the dealers were deeply impressed by AIMA’s cutting-edge technology, large-scale production capabilities, and relentless pursuit of excellence in product development and manufacturing. They expressed that this rare visit not only enhanced their understanding of AIMA but also strengthened their confidence in promoting AIMA products as a symbol of outstanding performance and exceptional quality to their customers.

Furthermore, AIMA Technology’s R&D team engaged in in-depth discussions with the dealers regarding the new models AIMA EBIKE plans to launch in 2025. The dealers test-rode prototypes of the latest models and shared their innovative insights. They expressed high praise for AIMA’s product innovation capabilities and market acumen, recognizing these as key factors that distinguish AIMA in the industry.

Later, the dealers joined AIMA Technology‘s team to witness the rollout of the 10,000th AIMA E-Bike. This milestone moment showcased AIMA’s exceptional manufacturing strength and market influence. The dealers were inspired and expressed strong confidence in the promising future of their partnership with AIMA.

This visit from the top-tier U.S. dealer delegation not only deepened mutual trust and friendship but also injected new momentum into AIMA’s ambition to become a leader in the U.S. E-Bike industry by focusing on the IBD channel. Looking ahead, AIMA Technology will continue to strive to provide market-leading performance and quality, enhancing its product development and manufacturing capabilities while working hand-in-hand with global dealers to create an even brighter future.

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AIMA Technology Group to Unveil Seven New Electric Mobility Products at CES 2025 and Partner with Italian Brand to Set New Industry Standards

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LAS VEGAS, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — AIMA Technology Group will debut seven new electric mobility products at CES 2025, catering to diverse consumer needs, from urban commuters to adventure seekers. Each product will showcase AIMA Technology Group’s signature blend of futuristic design, smart technology, and eco-conscious engineering, further advancing sustainable electric mobility.

AIMA Technology Group will also unveil its strategic partnership with a top-tier Italian brand at CES 2025, merging luxurious aesthetics with superior performance to set a new standard in the electric mobility industry. This collaboration will redefine luxury and practicality in electric mobility, establishing a new benchmark for the industry.

AIMA Technology Group’s global expansion is accelerating, having already covered over 50 countries, with a cumulative sales volume exceeding 80 million units by 2023. The showcase at CES 2025 will further strengthen AIMA Technology Group’s leadership in the global electric mobility market.

During CES 2025, AIMA Technology Group will hold a media reception on Tuesday, January 7th at 10:30 AM (Pacific Time) to showcase its new product lineup. On January 8th at 11:00 AM, AIMA will unveil the mysterious limited-edition concept new product at the CES booth, redefining the future of mobility. We invite you to join us in discovering this groundbreaking innovation. Booth location: Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Booth #10947, showcasing our latest innovative achievements.

AIMA Technology booth: Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Booth #10947.

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HKBN Signs HK$5.25bn Sustainability-Linked Loan

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HONG KONG, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — HKBN Ltd. (“HKBN” or the “Company”; SEHK stock code: 1310) is delighted to announce the signing of its inaugural HK$5.25 billion syndicated Sustainability-Linked Loan (the “SLL Facility”) under the HKBN Ltd. Sustainability-Linked Financing Framework (“Framework”), with 11 leading international, regional and local banks. The facility includes enhanced terms and a greenshoe mechanism that allows HKBN to upsize the loan in the future. Proceeds from the SLL Facility will be used to refinance the Company’s outstanding loans.

The overwhelming response from the market is a vote of confidence in HKBN’s business plan. This landmark SLL Facility reaffirms HKBN’s long-term commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices while driving business growth. It also includes an interest rate adjustment mechanism that is linked to predetermined sustainability performance targets (SPTs). This will allow HKBN to benefit from savings in borrowing costs upon the successful attainment of the specified key performance indicators (KPIs).

The specified KPIs and SPTs are tailored to address climate change mitigation and cybersecurity within HKBN. The first KPI focuses on Scopes 1 and 2 emissions. The second KPI involves the average failure rate of phishing assessments for HKBN’s Talents. The third and final KPI comprises Scope 3 emissions. Emissions reduction targets were set in line with HKBN’s near-term GHG emissions reduction targets recently validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (“SBTi”); while those for KPI 2 were set based on the performance results from impromptu simulated email assessments, which the company will conduct to evaluate its Talents’ susceptibility to phishing attacks – a vital and necessary exercise for measuring cybersecurity risk.

HKBN has appointed Sustainable Fitch to provide a Second Party Opinion (“SPO”) on the Framework with an overall rating of “Good”. The SPO affirms that the Framework aligns with the Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles set forth by the Loan Market Association, the Loan Syndications and Trading Association, and the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association.

The SLL Facility is led by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, BNP Paribas, Cathay United Bank Company, Limited, Hong Kong Branch, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Hong Kong Branch, DBS Bank Ltd., ING Bank N.V., Hong Kong Branch and The Bank of East Asia, Limited as the Mandated Lead Arrangers, Bookrunners and Underwriters and participated by Fubon Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Natixis, Hong Kong Branch, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co., Ltd., Hong Kong Branch and Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank Co., Ltd. as the Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners. Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Hong Kong Branch and ING Bank N.V., Hong Kong Branch are the Joint Sustainability Coordinators. Rothschild & Co is the financial adviser for HKBN.

Derek Yue, HKBN Co-Owner & Chief Financial Officer said, “Through this refinancing deal, HKBN is not just reshaping our financial well-being with better loan terms, but setting a new standard for corporate accountability and sustainability. Our focus on achieving key performance indicators in climate change mitigation and cybersecurity reflects our dedication to a more sustainable future and a secure digital environment. We believe that by aligning our financing initiatives with these crucial objectives, we are not only strengthening our business but also contributing to a better world for all.”

Nancy Cheng, Managing Director, Head of Tech Coverage APAC, at Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, commented, “Being a long-standing banking partner of HKBN, we are delighted to play a key part in HKBN’s inaugural SLL transaction, which is the very first in Hong Kong for the telecommunications market. It establishes a new benchmark for the sector, akin to how HKBN has continually set and raised the bar for broadband speeds in Hong Kong. We are dedicated to continuing our role in supporting HKBN’s financing and sustainability journey in the future.”

Shalini Sujanani, Managing Director, TMT & Healthcare for ING in Asia Pacific, commented, “We are pleased to support HKBN’s sustainability journey as Joint Sustainability Coordinator for this landmark facility. By embedding ambitious KPIs into their financing, HKBN demonstrates that sustainability and business performance can go hand in hand. This SLL Facility reflects the growing importance of aligning financial strategies with environmental and social objectives, and we are excited to help HKBN drive meaningful impact through this partnership.”

About HKBN Ltd.

HKBN Ltd. (SEHK Stock Code: 1310, together with its subsidiaries, “HKBN” or the “Group”) is an investment holding company.  Headquartered in Hong Kong with operations spanning across Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, the Group is a leading integrated telecommunications and technology services provider. The Group provides a full range of one-stop, high-quality information and communication technology (ICT) solutions and an unlimited services portfolio. HKBN’s extensive tri-carrier fibre infrastructure covers around 2.6 million residential homes and 8,200 commercial buildings and facilities across Hong Kong. Committed to creating a lasting positive impact to wherever it operates, HKBN embraces a core purpose to “Make our Home a Better Place to Live” and has received a highest possible rating of AAA in MSCI’s 2024 ESG Ratings assessment in environment, society and governance. The Group is managed by hundreds of Co-Owners (supervisory and management level Talents in the Group) who invested their savings to buy shares of HKBN Ltd.. For more information about HKBN, please visit https://www.hkbn.net/group/en.

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