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Global Times: China a model for development that African countries can follow

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BEIJING, Sept. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held in Beijing from September 4 to 6. It takes place at a critical juncture when the world is grappling with various regional and global crises and there is a pressing need for countries from the Global South to join hands. How will this year’s FOCAC elevate ties between China and Africa? What is the significance of building a high-level ChinaAfrica community with a shared future? The Global Times (GT) interviewed a number of former officials and pundits from various African countries to share their insights and stories. 

In the first article of this series, GT reporters Qian Jiayin and Bai Yunyi interviewed Essam Sharaf (Sharaf), former prime minister of Egypt and chairman of the Egyptian Sharaf Foundation for sustainable development. He said that China’s growing influence in Africa is timely, essential and vital.

GT: This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Egypt. During these 10 years, you have visited China many times. When did you first come to China, and what was your first impression of China? How do you evaluate the deepening of the ChinaEgypt relationship?

Sharaf: I have visited China about 40 times, and my first visit was in 2005. Although, at the time, Egypt was leaning toward the US, I insisted on visiting China. When I arrived in China, I visited many places and met many people. To tell you the truth, I was impressed. I told my colleagues that China is a great country, and it will be a major country in the world.

Now, the relationship has deepened in terms of economic cooperation. But the most important thing is the political stances. The political stances of Egypt and China are almost identical. Egypt and China were upgraded to a strategic comprehensive relationship 10 years ago, which means there is now a deeper and wider level of relationship between the two countries, covering almost all aspects. If you ask me about the evolution, I believe that the relationship is very strong, and I hope that this relation grows and has a positive impact on both countries as well as other countries.

GT: The two great civilizations of China and Egypt each have a long history and splendid culture, as well as many similarities. As a politician from Egypt, with its great civilization, how do you evaluate the series of global initiatives and ideas proposed by China?

Sharaf: The relations between China and Egypt actually go back maybe 2,000 years through the ancient Maritime Silk Road. These two civilizations have influenced humanity, history and the civilization of the world over time. I believe that, for humanity, it is our responsibility to build on the relationship between these two countries, as very few countries have such deep civilizations. 

If we talk about global prosperity, global prosperity requires getting rid of the deficits in global peace, global trust, global connectivity and global development efforts, which are China’s global initiatives’ goals are. 

For example, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) deals with international connectivity. BRI is actually considered the most important international cooperation platform. When we talk about a trust deficit, we have the Global Civilization Initiative. When we talk about reducing the security deficit, we’re talking about Global Security Initiative. When we talk about development deficits, there is the Global Development Initiative. I consider these initiatives to be a road map for the world toward global prosperity, global peace and global development. And it’s very difficult to have such a package from any other country.

GT: How do Egyptians, both the public and businesses, perceive the Belt and Road Initiative? Could you share some successful examples of infrastructure projects between China and Egypt?

Sharaf: In Egypt I found that the perception of BRI has changed over time from looking at the BRI as just a project to looking at it as a cooperation platform. That change, I believe, is highly correlated to the relations between China and Africa. I also believe the BRI has and will play a vital role in the development of the Global South.
 
Egyptians now perceive BRI in a much more comprehensive way than 10 years ago. For example, we have projects in different disciplines, like transportation, electricity and solar power, among others. And the most important one is the huge work of Chinese companies in the New Administrative Capital. China is doing an excellent job there.

Furthermore, China has a lot of experience with special trade and economic zones. We have a Chinese economic zone in Egypt now, but I believe that we need more as we benefit from the huge experience of China in this field. I believe that the Chinese can do a lot in terms of cultural exchanges and mutual learning, which is something we should work on. China and Egypt should cooperate and lead together through dialogue, and understanding. As the United Nations Secretary General said, we have a trust deficit. We need to talk, we need to understand each other, we need to get closer, and once we get to know each other and understand and respect each other, then the cooperation projects will be much, much easier.

GT: Have you taken note of the concept of “Chinese modernization”? Do you think China’s development model offers valuable insights for Egypt? What challenges does Egypt face when trying to adapt and localize these experiences?

Sharaf: China offered a model for modernization of developing countries. How China transferred from this level to this advanced level is very important for Egypt and other developing countries. China succeeded in achieving outstanding development through several modernization pillars, including putting people at the center, respect for diversity and innovation-driven development. 

Egypt is now surrounded by a hostile environment. But still, I believe that the closer relationship between Egypt and China will benefit us as we analyze the modernization process of China. Once we actually have a peaceful environment in the area, I believe Egypt will be able to make great strides toward real modernization.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-china-a-model-for-development-that-african-countries-can-follow-302235599.html

SOURCE Global Times

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INTOUCH INSIGHT ANNOUNCES Q3 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS

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OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 21, 2024 /CNW/ – Intouch Insight Ltd, (“Intouch” or “the Company”) (TSXV: INX) (OTCQX: INXSF) a leader in customer experience measurement solutions, today announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Key highlights for Q3 2024

Revenue increased 18% to $6,656,664 compared to $5,634,594 in Q3 2023.Recurring services revenue increased 23% to $5,761,966 from $4,678,154 the prior year Q3.Gross margin increased to 48.2% from 41.7% in Q2 2024 due to the shift in product mix.SaaS revenues grew 9% organically.Operating expenses have grown 7% compared to prior year’s Q3 as acquisition integration efforts continue.Adjusted EBITDA remained positive increasing to $575,889 compared to $296,515 in Q2, 2024 and $509,762 in prior year Q3.

“Our financials illustrate that Intouch is a growing, profitable and financially self-sufficient business.  Sales and marketing efforts are building on our thought leadership and improving brand recognition, particularly in the key target market segments of Quick Serve Restaurants and Petro Convenience, as evidenced by recent mainstage speaking invitations for four industry events,” said Cameron Watt, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

“This year will mark the second year in a row with revenues over $25 Million and we expect growth to continue well beyond this level into the future,” said Watt.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Q3 2024

Q3 2023

Revenue

$    6,656,664

$    5,634,594

Cost of services

3,445,180

2,719,682

Gross margin

3,211,484

2,914,912

Total operating expenses

2,844,721

2,656,381

Income from operating activities

366,763

258,531

Non-operating (expenses) income 

87,297

(83,076)

Income tax recovery (expense)

Net income (loss)

$       454,060

$       175,455

About Intouch Insight

Intouch Insight offers a complete portfolio of customer experience management (CEM) products and services that help global brands delight their customers, strengthen brand reputation and improve financial performance. Intouch helps clients collect and centralize data from multiple customer touch points, gives them actionable, real-time insights, and provides them with the tools to continuously improve customer experience. Founded in 1992, Intouch is trusted by over 300 of North America’s most-loved brands for their customer experience management, customer survey, mystery shopping, mobile forms, operational and compliance audits, geolocation data capture and event marketing automation solutions. For more information, visit intouchinsight.com.

Certain statements included in this news release contain forward looking statements that are made of the date hereof, which by their nature are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events, including the acquisition, future revenues and references to the Company’s expansion and growth of the business and operations, and are based on information currently available to the Company and on hypotheses which it considers to be reasonable; however, management warns the reader that hypotheses relative to future events which are beyond the control of management could prove to be false, given that they are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Please refer to the risks set forth in the Company’s most recent annual MD&A and the Company’s continuous disclosure documents that can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.   The Company does not intend, and disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Intouch Insight Ltd.

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Beacon Healthcare Systems Expands Leadership Team with Addition of Ayman Mohamed as Chief Technology Officer

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HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Beacon Healthcare Systems, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ayman Mohamed as its new Chief Technology Officer, effective November 18, signaling a new direction in innovation and technology leadership. With over 20 years of senior leadership, strategic, and operational product management experience, Ayman brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role.

Beacon Healthcare Systems Expands Leadership Team with Addition of Ayman Mohamed as Chief Technology Officer

Ayman Mohamed is a seasoned technology leader with a proven track record of launching innovative products in new and existing markets, generating significant revenue streams, and creating profitable enterprises. His passion for building high-quality products and commitment to servant leadership have earned him a reputation for building trust and fostering collaborative, high-performing teams.

Throughout his career, Ayman has demonstrated a deep understanding of software architecture and broad hands-on technical skills. He has successfully helped organizations succeed, with experience spanning startups and larger companies in the San Francisco Bay and Washington DC metro areas. In his new role at Beacon Healthcare Systems, Ayman will lead engineering and delivery teams, develop a product roadmap, and lead technology development, testing, and implementation efforts.

“We are thrilled to have Ayman join Beacon Healthcare Systems at this pivotal time. Our vision is to harness cutting-edge technologies to enhance our products, implementations, and continue to give our clients the level of quality they expect,” said Todd Petersen, CEO.

Ayman Mohamed’s previous roles include leadership positions at Amazon Web Services, American Well, Avizia, Intersections Inc, Zumetrics, Moasis Global, and Ultra Zoom Technologies. His strategic and operational skills, combined with his ability to thrive in dynamic environments and his bias for action, make him an invaluable asset to Beacon Healthcare Systems.

About Beacon Healthcare Systems. Beacon Healthcare Systems streamlines the business of healthcare through reliable innovative SaaS technology delivered by industry experts. With a focus on appeals and grievances, compliance, and analytics, Beacon HCS is the first place health plans turn when looking for a trusted, experienced partner that can help them reduce costs, grow revenue, and achieve their strategic goals. Founded in 2011, Beacon HCS is a privately held California-based company. Visit our website at www.beaconhcs.com

Media Contact: 9048744189 | Dkroog@beacon@beaconhcs.com 

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SOURCE Beacon Healthcare Systems

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NASA Awards Test Operations Contract

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — NASA has selected Sierra Lobo, Inc. of Fremont, Ohio, to provide for test operations, test support, and technical system maintenance activities at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

The NASA Stennis Test Operations Contract is fixed-price, level-of-effort contract that has a value of approximately $47 million. The performance period begins July 1, 2025, and extends three years, with a one-year base period and two one-year option periods.

The contract will provide test operations support for customers in the NASA Stennis test complex. It also will cover the operation and technical systems maintenance of the high-pressure industrial water, high-pressure gas, and cryogenic propellant storage support areas, as well as providing welding, fabrication, machining, and component processing capabilities.

NASA Stennis is the nation’s largest propulsion test site, with infrastructure to support projects ranging from component and subscale testing to large engine hot fires. Researchers from NASA, other government agencies, and private industry utilize NASA Stennis test facilities for technology and propulsion research and developmental projects.

For information about NASA and other agency programs, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-awards-test-operations-contract-302313691.html

SOURCE NASA

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