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Rice University announces historic gift to establish Virani Undergraduate School of Business

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HOUSTON, Oct. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Houston business and community leaders Farid and Asha Virani have made a generous philanthropic gift to Rice University’s business program igniting a new era of opportunity for students. In recognition of this historic contribution, the current undergraduate business program will be named the Virani Undergraduate School of Business.

Rice is equipping graduates to become thoughtful and effective leaders in the business world and beyond.

Farid Virani is the founder and CEO of Prime Communications, the largest AT&T-authorized retailer in North America. He is deeply committed to giving back to the community through his active involvement in organizations such as Teach for America, SEARCH Homeless Services and Texas Children’s Hospital and is a longstanding member of the Young Presidents’ Organization.

Farid immigrated to the United States from Pakistan at the age of 19. After exploring various entrepreneurial ventures, he ultimately founded Prime Communications in 1999, starting with just a single store in Houston’s Baybrook Mall. Looking back on his journey, Farid credits his success to three guiding principles that have shaped both his personal and professional life: “stay humble, stay hungry and stay scrappy.” He believes these values will deeply resonate with Rice’s undergraduate business students as they embark on their paths and confront the challenges ahead, especially at a school that now proudly bears his family’s name.

Dr. Asha Virani ’89 is a Rice alumna, medical doctor and board member of The Kinkaid School and Asia Society Texas. She and Farid are also founders of The Faris Foundation, a nonprofit focused on bringing brighter days and better treatments to children with cancer, created in honor of their beloved son, Faris D.

The couple’s son, Faraz Virani ’21, graduated from Rice with a bachelor’s degree in sport management and minors in business and entrepreneurship — the same year Rice Business launched its undergraduate business program. Their daughter, Zoya, graduated from Emory University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology and currently works in the tech industry.

This extraordinary gift will support undergraduate curriculum development and delivery, co-curricular opportunities, a new associate dean position and other resources to support undergraduate career readiness and academic success.

“We are incredibly excited to support Rice Business, as we believe in the transformative power of education. This contribution will play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs to tackle the challenges and seize the future opportunities — not just for our city, but for our state and our country,” Farid Virani said.

“Our vision is to foster a culture of curious and compassionate lifelong learners who will lead with a strong ethical orientation and intellectual humility,” Asha Virani said.

The Virani Undergraduate School of Business aims to provide students with a robust foundation in leadership and business fundamentals, including accounting, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, strategy and communications. An associate dean position will be created to lead the new school, and a national search will be conducted to fill this role.

“We are profoundly grateful to Farid and Asha Virani for their extraordinary gift, which will transform our undergraduate business education,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said. “Their success and commitment to excellence inspire our students, and their generosity will serve as a lasting testament to what can be accomplished through vision and determination.”

“This significant gift from the Virani family will advance undergraduate education, meeting a high demand for an undergraduate business major and providing unparalleled opportunities for student development. Rice is equipping graduates to become thoughtful and effective leaders in the business world and beyond,” said Amy Dittmar, the Howard R. Hughes Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

Rice Business Dean Peter Rodriguez emphasized that this gift will significantly impact the nearly 300 students currently declared as business majors, fostering a new generation of leaders equipped to tackle pressing global challenges. This includes supporting ongoing growth in the number of business majors at Rice and advancing opportunities in areas like energy transition, artificial intelligence, nonprofits benefiting society at large, health care reform and the revitalization of urban communities.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Virani family for this remarkable gift, which will have a lasting impact on Rice Business students for years to come,” Rodriguez said. “This gift allows our undergraduate students not only to study with world-renowned faculty but to thrive in co-curricular endeavors and in their future careers.”

Click here to watch a video of the donor family.

About Rice University

Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of architecture, business, continuing studies, engineering, humanities, music, natural sciences and social sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 4,574 undergraduates and 3,982 graduate students, Rice’s undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for lots of race/class interaction, No. 2 for best-run colleges and No. 12 for quality of life by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

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Leoguar Electric Bike Makes Christmas Unforgettable with Exclusive Holiday Offers

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HOUSTON, Dec. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As the holiday season draws near, Leoguar is excited to offer exclusive deals on their range of electric bikes, bringing families together for memorable moments. With a collection designed to combine fun and fitness, this Christmas is the perfect time to gift an unforgettable experience.

“This Christmas, we’re inviting families to rediscover the joy of outdoor exploration. Our bikes help you bond, stay active, and make the most of every moment,” said the Leoguar COO.

Leoguar’s holiday lineup offers premium e-bikes for every rider, now with unbeatable deals: 

Flippo Folding eBike: A lightweight, foldable ride perfect for urban commutes. Upgrade to the Flippo Pro for enhanced performance with a torque sensor for smoother rides.

Fastron Fat Tire eBikes: Built for rugged terrains, the Fastron features a durable, rugged build, and speeds up to 28 MPH, making it the perfect choice for adventurous riders.

Zephyr Beach Cruiser eBikes: Crafted for effortless coastal cruising, the design combines style and comfort, featuring a comfort saddle that ensures a smooth, seamless ride.

Sprint Utility eBike: A versatile, practical choice featuring a sturdy frame and passenger seat, perfect for errands or leisure.

Trailblazer EMTB: Designed for tough off-road trails, the model features a 500W mid-drive motor, offering powerful performance, extended range, and excellent climbing ability.

To make this holiday gift even sweeter, all Leoguar bikes come with free shipping and a two-year warranty for worry-free riding. Additionally, customers can join the holiday giveaway to win prizes like $59 bottle holders, or even a free e-bike!

Leoguar bikes cater to all experience levels, offering comfort and a seamless riding experience. They promote health benefits like improved fitness and stress relief while creating lasting memories on scenic rides.

“Whether it’s cruising the city streets, riding mountain trails, or relaxing by the beach, a Leoguar electric bike is the ideal Christmas gift,” the COO added. “This holiday season, choose a cycling gift that will last for years to come — there’s no better way to kick off the new year.”

To check out the full collection and take advantage of these limited-time offers, visit www.leoguarbikes.com

About Leoguar:

Leoguar is an eco-conscious e-bike brand founded by Johnny, an engineer with decades of industry expertise. Combining innovation, agility, and power, Leoguar delivers high-quality electric bikes designed for adventure, sustainability, and individuality.

Media contact: lily@leoguarbikes.com 

 

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SOURCE Leoguar Electric Bikes

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2024 Financial Oscars: Waton Securities International Honored as “Outstanding Digital Empowerment Institution” of the Year

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SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In early December, at the 18th Huaxia Institutional Investor Annual Conference of 2024, the 18th Golden Cicada Awards were announced. Waton Securities International was awarded the “Outstanding Digital Empowerment Financial Institution of 2024” for its significant achievements in securities brokerage and fin-tech sector.

The selection for the “Outstanding Digital Empowerment Financial Institution” focused on evaluating companies based on financial performance, market competitiveness, customer recognition, digital strategy planning and implementation, digital transformation outcomes, and risk control capabilities. Particularly, it highlighted cases that have made significant strides in digital empowerment.

The evaluation also emphasized the outstanding performance of financial institutions in their own digital transformation and the sound risk control abilities demonstrated during this process, ensuring that while pursuing innovation, companies can effectively manage and control risks. Waton Securities International distinguished itself among the contenders with its sophisticated technology platform, well-defined digital strategy, substantial transformation achievements, and commendable risk control mechanisms.

Established in Hong Kong in 1989, Waton Securities International has steadily grown with a deep understanding of professional financial services and regulatory compliance. It has obtained licenses 1/4/5/9 from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, becoming a fully licensed brokerage with comprehensive financial service qualifications. Through continuous technological innovation and digital transformation, it has successfully built a one-stop brokerage cloud service platform, promoting advanced digital financial technology globally. Its pioneering SaaS product, “Broker Cloud”, allows corporate clients to independently deploy and operate high-performance digital customer information management and trading systems without their own IT teams. The solution is relatively low-cost and adaptive to industry, which is the core competitiveness of Waton Securities International.

Data reveals that of the 1,100 securities firms in Hong Kong, approximately 600 are actively trading, yet fewer than 50 have developed their own mobile applications. On a global scale, among the 30,000 securities companies, only a handful—less than 300—feature brokerage trading Apps in App stores. This underscores a significant market demand for the digital enhancement of the securities sector.

With the swift growth of technologies like generative AI LLMs, blockchain, big data, and cloud computing, the securities industry can use these tools to streamline trading strategies, assess risks more accurately, and forecast market trends. These technologies also help the industry to move towards more integrated, platform-focused, and digital operations. The main goal of technology in finance is to increase the efficiency of financial institutions. A good starting point for applying technology is to focus on financial services and build a solid technical foundation for these institutions.

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SOURCE Waton Securities

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Mega Matrix Announced that the English Version of “Getting Even: The Secret Prodigy’s Playbook” Now Streaming on FlexTV

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SINGAPORE, Dec. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The highly anticipated English adaptation of the revenge rebirth series, Getting Even: The Secret Prodigy’s Playbook, officially premiered on December 19th on FlexTV, the world-leading short drama streaming platform operated by Mega Matrix Inc. (NYSE American: MPU). The series delves into the intricacies of power struggles within the White family, chronicling the protagonist’s journey of rebirth and empowerment to rewrite her destiny.

Audrey White, the legitimate daughter of the White family, was sent abroad at a young age due to family circumstances, gradually estranging her from her kin. When she finally returns home, eager to reunite with her family, she unexpectedly becomes the target of jealousy from Ruby White, the family’s adopted daughter. Harboring deep resentment, Ruby orchestrates a kidnapping plot, culminating in a devastating fire designed to test the loyalty and affection of the White family.

Left to perish in the flames, Audrey is abandoned by her family but heroically rescued by her uncle. Miraculously, she is granted a second chance at life, returning three years prior with the power to alter her fate. Determined to expose Ruby’s schemes, rebuild her family bonds, and claim her rightful respect and happiness, Audrey embarks on a journey of resilience and redemption.

FlexTV, operated by MPU, is a global leader in short drama streaming, delivering content in over 100 countries in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Arabic. Known for its premium-quality dramas and unparalleled user experience, FlexTV has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The English version of Getting Even: The Secret Prodigy’s Playbook, now streaming on FlexTV, offers a compelling exploration of familial power dynamics, the complexities of human nature, and the protagonist’s growth and self-redemption in adversity. For more exciting content, please visit https://www.flextv.cc/.

#WealthyFamily #Revenge #Rebirth #ShortDrama #FlexTV #MPU

About Mega Matrix Inc.: Mega Matrix Inc. (NYSE American: MPU) is a holding company and operates FlexTV, a short-video streaming platform and producer of short dramas, through its subsidiary, Yuder Pte, Ltd.. Mega Matrix Inc. is a Cayman Island corporation headquartered in Singapore. For more information, please contact info@megamatrix.io or visit: http://www.megamatrix.io.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this press release other than statements that are purely historical are forward looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “estimates,” “projected,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “future,” “propose,” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees for future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors, among others, are: the ability to manage growth; ability to identify and integrate future acquisitions; ability to grow and expand our FlexTV business; ability to execute the strategic cooperation with TopReels, ability to obtain additional financing in the future to fund capital expenditures; ability to establish the investment fund with 9 Yards Communications under the memorandum of understanding; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions; costs or other factors adversely affecting the Company’s profitability; litigation involving patents, intellectual property, and other matters; potential changes in the legislative and regulatory environment; a pandemic or epidemic; the possibility that the Company may not succeed in developing its new lines of businesses due to, among other things, changes in the business environment, competition, changes in regulation, or other economic and policy factors; and the possibility that the Company’s new lines of business may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. The forward-looking statements in this press release and the Company’s future results of operations are subject to additional risks and uncertainties set forth under the “Risk Factors” in documents filed by the Company’s predecessor, Mega Matrix Corp., with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K, as amended, and are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof. In addition, such risks and uncertainties include the Company’s inability to predict or control bankruptcy proceedings and the uncertainties surrounding the ability to generate cash proceeds through the sale or other monetization of the Company’s assets. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Disclosure Channels

We announce material information about the Company and its services and for complying with our disclosure obligation under Regulation FD via the following social media channels:

The Company will also use its landing page on its corporate website (www.megamatrix.io) to host social media disclosures and/or links to/from such disclosures. The information we post through these social media channels may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor these social media channels in addition to following our website, press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. The social media channels that we intend to use as a means of disclosing the information described above may be updated from time to time as listed on our website.

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SOURCE Mega Matrix Corp.

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