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Basta Hosts Summit with Bloomberg, Uniting Business Leaders and First-Generation College Graduates to Advance Economic Mobility

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NEW YORK, Nov. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The national nonprofit Basta, in partnership with Bloomberg, hosted First-Gen Summit, an immersive experience aimed at creating transformative connections between first-generation college graduates and industry leaders. The summit brought together 50 senior executives from top companies, including Amazon, BNY Mellon, Barclays, Google, IPG Mediabrands, Uber, and New York University, alongside 100 first-generation graduates, for an impactful day of networking and discussions.

Basta Hosts Summit with Bloomberg, Uniting Business Leaders and First-Gen graduates to Advance Economic Mobility.

First-Gen Summit focuses on the critical, yet often overlooked, role of social capital in career advancement. Studies show that nearly fifty percent of recent college graduates are underemployed, while data from the Business- Higher Education Forum reveals that approximately sixty percent of students are not able to secure internships.

All of this underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions, like Basta’s, that bridge the gap between education, employment and career success.

Julia Freeland Fisher, the summit keynote speaker, emphasized the transformative power of relationships in fostering economic mobility in the age of AI. “Will a bot provide the warm introduction you need to get a job?” she asked. Sheila Sarem, Basta CEO and Founder, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Even as a tech-forward organization investing in AI to enhance our individual-centered First-Gen Magic approach, we still believe that social capital and professional connections are the backbone of economic mobility.”

First-Gen Summit also sparked a broader conversation about how companies can rethink their approach to sourcing and supporting first-generation talent. Alejandro Perez, Basta board member, and Winston Fisher of Fisher Brothers and AREA15, called for bold, results-driven leadership to ensure our efforts lead to sustainable, long-term impact. Fisher emphasized how first-gen talent doesn’t merely join companies, “they energize organizations and elevate performance across the board.”

The summit was held at Bloomberg’s global headquarters in New York. The company has proudly hired more than seventy talented Basta Alumni in different roles across the company. Bloomberg has supported Basta since 2016 and its employees have contributed more than two thousand volunteer hours of mentoring for Basta Fellows.

“Bloomberg is thrilled to partner with Basta to revive the First-Gen Summit convening the incredible talent and drive that we’ve witnessed in First-Gen students and professionals,” said Nancy Cutler, Head of Corporate Philanthropy at Bloomberg, Americas. “This summit is more than an event—it’s a powerful bridge across industries, generations, and career stages, fostering connections that empower First-Gen talent to thrive and lead in their careers. First-Gen talent brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that drive growth, adaptability, and success in today’s dynamic marketplace.”

First-Gen Summit forged these sorts of lasting connections, between first-generation graduates and industry leaders, in just a few hours by uncovering powerful, often untold stories. As Basta alum Soré Agbaje, passionately shared from the audience:

“My story is a first-gen story. Today, I’m proud to share it with you because I learned early on the power and danger of the stories we are told. Narratives shape the world and decide who belongs. First gen, we belong. “

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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.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aima-technology-welcomes-top-us-dealers-to-shape-the-future-together-302338738.html

SOURCE AIMA Technology

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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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SOURCE AIMA Technology

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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.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/hkbn-signs-hk5-25bn-sustainability-linked-loan-302338719.html

SOURCE HKBN Ltd.

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