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Infinix and PUBG MOBILE Bridge Talent and Opportunity with Inclusivity Empowering African Youths to Pursue Esports

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Congratulations to the successful holding of 2024 PUBG MOBILE Global Championship (PMGC). With every game played in 2024 PMGC, esports is forging new connections and creating opportunities for African youth. This rings true for Fero, Begho, Daniel and Chris, four university students whose journey in gaming has brought them to the eyes of the world.

SHANGHAI, Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the close of 2024, Infinix partnered with PUBG MOBILE to host a national campus competition in Nigeria, titled 2024 PUBG MOBILE Campus Championship (2024 PMCC Nigeria). Four players from the University of Lagos emerged as victors and their road to 2024 PUBG MOBILE Global Championship (2024 PMGC) began as a defining chapter for the new team, the growing esports community in Africa and the rest of the world. Fero, Begho, Daniel and Chris are not the only ones breaking new ground; their journey is part of a larger movement transforming how the world views gaming as a viable career path. These young athletes represent the rising wave of esports talent from emerging nations that are being recognized on the global stage. Their success highlights a broader trend: the esports industry, with its expanding opportunities, has become an accessible platform for the younger generation to showcase their skills, build communities, and carve out careers that were once unimaginable.

 

From professional gaming to diverse roles in content creation, event management and digital marketing, the esports ecosystem is growing in ways that are creating new opportunities every single day. Infinix, as the official gaming phone brand for the 2024 PMGC has been at the forefront of this transformative progression, not only by sponsoring the tournament but more importantly, through creating avenues for emerging talents to connect, compete, and grow. By empowering young players and communities, Infinix is helping to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, fueling the dreams of countless future esports athletes in Nigeria and beyond.

“Unity Titans”: The E-sports Dream-Chasing Journey of the Nigerian Team

Their paths collided during 2024 PUBG MOBILE Campus Championship (2024 PMCC Nigeria) leading to the formation and rise of a new, dynamic team, Unity Titans. Their shared love for gaming united them, fostering not just camaraderie but a deeper connection that would prove essential in their pursuit of professional esports. During an interview with the champions of 2024 PMGC, Team DK from South Korea spoke about their unique training approach, which emphasized staying united both inside and outside of the gaming environment. “Whether it was training, having meals, playing, or even shopping, we always stuck together. This team spirit helped us progress during training and gave us a solid foundation for effective teamwork in competitions, ultimately leading to excellent results,” they explained.

For these young athletes, the game served as more than just a source of entertainment; it became a way to manage life’s pressures, offering them a sense of balance, a new form of socializing and a space to showcase their talents. With the support of Infinix and PUBG MOBILE, Team Unity’s aspirations took flight, giving them the opportunity to compete on the same stage as some of the world’s best players in the PUBG MOBILE Global Championship (2024 PMGC).

The campus competition – beyond a tournament, was also a celebration of the team, “Unity Titans,” a term that encapsulated the shared sense of community, ambition and collaboration among players and fans alike. It offered a vital platform for participants to engage with industry leaders, explore career opportunities, and gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving esports landscape. While it was unfortunate that the Nigerian team were unable to attend the finals held in London due to visa issues, Infinix saw an opportunity to turn this setback into a positive outcome; ensuring that the excitement of the tournament remains and reached fans through vibrant Watch Party activities held across Nigeria, Indonesia, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Thailand.

Local Watch Parties: Bringing Global Esports Home

In Nigeria itself, the Watch Party saw over 100 Infinix gaming fans and PUBG MOBILE enthusiasts gathering to celebrate: participants showcased their creativity by dressing up as their favorite PUBG MOBILE characters. The 360-degree interactive photo and video booths encouraged fans to create meaningful content which was shared across TikTok and Instagram, boosting the event’s visibility. The lucky draw gave everyone a chance to win exclusive branded gifts including in-game items, leaving attendees with even more to remember the event by.

Additionally, live performances by artists set a festive atmosphere, while interactive sessions with the Nigerian champions of 2024 PMCC and other renowned gaming personalities, provided fans with rare opportunities to learn and connect. To conclude, attendees had the opportunity to experience the latest Infinix devices at the phone experience booth, further demonstrating the powerful technology that is helping shape the future of esports.

From London to Nigeria

In an exclusive interview with the winner of the 2024 PMGC Finals’ Most Valuable Player (FMVP), Nolbu shared that winning the award, presented by Infinix, was a significant milestone in his career. “It was the first time I received such an honor in an international tournament, especially in a prestigious event like the PUBG MOBILE Global Championship,” he said.

Nolbu also took the opportunity to share an inspiring message for 2024 PMCC Nigerian winners: “We never knew we had fans and a community in Africa, especially in Nigeria. We’re incredibly grateful for their support, cheering on every player at 2024 PMGC. I truly hope that in the future, we’ll see a representative from Africa competing in the next PMGC.”

Social Responsibility and Commitment to inclusivity

The global esports market is projected to reach a value of $3 billion in 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18% from 2020 to 2025. This is fueled by increased investment, rising viewership, and growing interest from brands and sponsors across various regions, including Africa. However, despite the rapid expansion of esports, there remains a significant gap in access and opportunities for aspiring gamers in developing nations.Infinix has taken measures like sponsoring the finals of PUBG MOBILE, holding the ISANJA campus championships, renewing cooperation with the Alliance Française and PUBG MOBILE, and sponsoring Gamer X and the Versity League. Through these initiatives, it has improved the professional and campus e-sports architectures, promoted grassroots development and cross-border cooperation, helped e-sports talents in developing countries like Nigeria to stand out on the international stage, and injected strong impetus into the balanced development of the global e-sports ecosystem.

In the future, Infinix and PUBG MOBILE will continue to work hand in hand to bring more excitement and possibilities to the e-sports world, inspiring generations of young people to bravely pursue their e-sports dreams.Infinix and PUBG MOBILE will continue to intensify their efforts to support young e-sports players and offer them more opportunities to develop in the e-sports field. As the e-sports industry continues to thrive, Infinix has always adhered to its mission, which is to assist young people and help them build successful careers. By advocating inclusiveness, skill cultivation and teamwork, Infinix helps e-sports players and shapes the future of e-sports.

About Infinix

Founded in 2013, Infinix is a trendy tech brand crafted for young consumers. With a presence in over 70 countries and regions, Infinix delivers cutting-edge technology, stylish design, and outstanding performance. Our product lineup includes smartphones, TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, and smart TVs. In 2023, Infinix was recognized in Kantar and Google’s top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders Report and ranked sixth in Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024 in the Asia-Pacific sector. For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/.

About PUBG MOBILE:

PUBG MOBILE is based on PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, the phenomenon that took the world of interactive entertainment by storm in 2017. Up to 100 players parachute onto a remote island to battle in a winner-takes-all showdown, Players must locate and scavenge their own weapons, vehicles, and supplies, and defeat every player in a visually and tactically rich battleground that forces players into a shrinking play zone. PUBG MOBILE is co-developed by LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS of Tencent Games and KRAFTON Inc.

For more information, please visit the official PUBG MOBILE accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok. KRAFTON Inc.

PUBG MOBILE is available to download for free on the  App Store and Google Play.

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMCEIEdYCp8
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Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2590975/2024_Nigeria_Watch_Party_Night.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2590976/2024_PMGC_Champion_Team.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2316423/Infinix_Logo.jpg

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Nation’s Top 300 Teen Scientists Selected for Achievements in STEM Innovation and Leadership in Nation’s Oldest and Most Prestigious High School Competition

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Regeneron Science Talent Search Sees Record Number of Applicants; $1.2 Million to be Awarded to Nation’s Most Promising Young Scientists and Their Schools 

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Society for Science (the Society) today announced the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. The 300 scholars will be awarded $2,000 each and their schools will be awarded $2,000 for each enrolled scholar.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars were selected from nearly 2,500 entrants from 795 high schools across 48 states, American Samoa, Guam, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and 14 other countries. US citizens living abroad are eligible to apply.

Scholars were chosen based on their outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions and exceptional promise as STEM leaders demonstrated through the submission of their original, independent research projects, essays and recommendations. The 300 scholars hail from 200 American and international high schools in 33 states, Washington D.C., China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Switzerland.

The full list of scholars can be viewed here: https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/2025-scholars/ 

“Congratulations to the 300 scholars in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO, Society for Science and Executive Publisher, Science News.  “With a record-breaking number of applications, these exceptional young scientists and engineers represent the best in the nation. We are thrilled to celebrate their ingenuity, hard work, and passion for STEM.”

The Regeneron Science Talent Search recognizes and empowers our nation’s most promising young scientists who are generating innovative solutions to solve significant global challenges through rigorous research and discoveries. The competition provides students with a national stage to present new ideas and challenge conventional ways of thinking.

Now in its 103rd year, Society for Science has played a significant role in educating the public about scientific discoveries as well as in identifying future leaders in science, technology, engineering and math. Regeneron has sponsored the Science Talent Search since 2017 as part of its deep commitment to STEM education and to supporting young scientists.

This year, research projects cover topics from Medicine and Health to Computer Science and more. Other students chose to focus on Social Science. With a total of 20 research categories, the top 5 categories among scholars’ projects this year include:  Medicine and Health (12%); Environmental Science (8%); Cellular and Molecular Biology (8%); Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (8%) and Engineering (7%).

“Congratulations to the Regeneron Science Talent Search top 300 scholars, who demonstrate the extraordinary potential of nurtured STEM talent,” said Christina Chan, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Regeneron. “Our long-standing partnership with Society for Science is a cornerstone of our commitment to elevate these future scientific leaders, and we look forward to seeing how their discoveries will tackle global challenges and help improve our world.”

On January 23, 40 of the 300 scholars will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. The finalists will then compete for more than $1.8 million in awards during a week-long competition in Washington, D.C., taking place March 6-12, 2025.

For over eight decades, the Science Talent Search has rewarded talented high school seniors who dedicate countless hours to original research projects and present their results in rigorous reports that resemble graduate school theses. Collectively, STS alumni have received millions of dollars in scholarships and gone on to found world-changing companies, publish groundbreaking research, and win Nobel Prizes, Fields Medals, MacArthur Fellowships and numerous other accolades.

Important Dates for 2024:

Top 40 Finalists Announced: January 23, 2025Regeneron STS Finals Week: March 6-12, 2025Public Exhibition of Projects: March 9, 2025Winners Announced at Awards Ceremony: March 11, 2025

Resources:

Regeneron STS Top 300 Scholar ListNotable STS AlumniSTS 2024 Highlights Video

About the Regeneron Science Talent Search
The Regeneron Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science since 1942, is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Each year, more than 2,000 student entrants submit original research in critically important scientific fields of study and are judged by leading experts in their fields. Unique among high school competitions in the U.S. and around the world, the Regeneron Science Talent Search focuses on identifying, inspiring and engaging the nation’s most promising young scientists who are creating the ideas that could solve society’s most urgent challenges.

In 2017, Regeneron became only the third sponsor of the Science Talent Search, making a 10-year, $100 million commitment to help reward, celebrate and encourage the best and brightest young scientific minds. Regeneron’s investment nearly doubled the overall award distribution to $3.1 million annually, increasing the top award to $250,000 and doubling the awards for the top 300 scholars to $2,000 and their schools to $2,000 for each enrolled scholar to inspire more young people to engage in science.

Learn more at https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/

About Society for Science
Society for Science is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, Society for Science is best known for its award-winning journalism through Science News and Science News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge and its outreach and equity programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in STEM. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, Society for Science is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on FacebookTwitter,  Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media Contact
Gayle Kansagor, Society for Science 
703-489-1131, gkansagor@societyforscience.org

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SOURCE Society for Science

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Net Health Acquires Alinea Engage to Further Optimize Patient Engagement and Outcomes in Rehab Therapy

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Investment will advance Net Health’s mission to provide patient-centric care by streamlining administrative processes for rehab therapy

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Net Health, a trusted source for specialized software solutions that empower restorative care providers across the continuum of care, today announced that it has acquired Alinea Engage (Alinea). Alinea provides web-based, enterprise level automation and patient engagement software for private and senior rehabilitation therapy providers. As part of Net Health, Alinea will help clients deliver exceptional care through patient engagement and increase revenue by improving reimbursement efficiency through revenue cycle automation and the reduction of claims denials.

“I’m excited to welcome the Alinea team, and clients, to the Net Health family,” said Ron Books, CEO of Net Health. “Over the years we have built lasting relationships with Alinea, and it became apparent that we share a common mission and a set of core values. Foremost among those values is a mandate to put clients at the heart of everything we do, by providing high-value technology that enables them to deliver better outcomes. By acquiring Alinea, we are reinforcing that commitment and strengthening our organizational portfolio to ultimately offer best-in-class, specialized solutions for all.”

Net Health’s clients will now have access to Alinea’s current features, including patient onboarding automation; patient and family engagement; and workflow automation for prior authorization and direct bill processes. Additionally, Net Health is committed to ensuring the Alinea team has the resources it needs to continue to help their clients grow. That includes investing in future generations of products, an aligned roadmap to help clients address market needs, and a robust client experience and support infrastructure.

Alinea clients will continue to benefit from the solutions they know and the expertise of the team they trust. Led by CEO and founder Carol Vance, the Alinea team will operate with the same independence that has contributed to their success. “We are thrilled to become part of the Net Health family, and excited about the opportunity to continue our work with greater investment, powerful product alignment with Net Health, and the infrastructure needed to strengthen our client partnerships.”

To learn more about Net Health and how its technology offerings are helping to improve outcomes for restorative care providers, visit http://nethealth.com. To learn more about Alinea Engage, visit https://alineawellness.com/.

About Net Health  
Net Health is a trusted source for more than 25,000 healthcare organizations across the continuum of care. Our specialized software solutions enable restorative care providers and their organizations to improve both patient outcomes and financial performance. Over 30 years of expertise in wound care and rehab therapy inform our electronic health record (EHR) software, patient engagement tools, and predictive analytics. Our technology platforms help administrators manage workflow, specialists engage with patients, and executives drive business growth. Net Health is a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, Level Equity, and Silversmith Capital Partners. Learn more at www.nethealth.com.

About Alinea Engage
Alinea is a web-based platform that streamlines and automates workflows to help rehabilitation providers drive productive, profitable, person-centric care. Alinea reduces the administrative burden on clinicians, increases the capacity of revenue cycle and compliance teams, and effectively engages patients, responsible parties, and families. Exclusively integrated with Net Health, Alinea is on a mission to optimize care and connection for senior adults in Senior Living Communities, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and Private Homes by giving the rehabilitation providers that serve them the edge they need to deliver the best care possible. For more information, visit alineawellness.com.

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SOURCE Net Health Systems, Inc.

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Cengage Group Earns Equality 100 Award in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2025 Corporate Equality Index

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Cengage Group has been recognized for the fifth consecutive year as a leader in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion

BOSTON, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cengage Group, a global edtech company, today announced its score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s (HRCF) 2025 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The CEI is the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. This year’s CEI includes 1,449 businesses –the highest number of companies rated since the start of the CEI in 2002.

This marks the fifth consecutive year Cengage Group has been included in the CEI, and the third year it earned a score of 100. Notably, this score reflects the company’s swift efforts to meet new LBGTQ+ benefits guidelines introduced by HRCF in 2023. The company launched a comprehensive guide for employees in early 2024, which helped return its score to 100.

“Once again, we are incredibly proud to receive recognition from the HRC, as it reaffirms our unwavering commitment to inclusion and belonging,” said Jeri Herman, Chief People Officer of Cengage Group. “At Cengage Group, we foster a culture that values transparency, collaboration and the authentic expression of our diverse workforce. We know that a more diverse workforce is not just the right thing to do, it helps drive business success; this is why we remain committed to attracting and retaining talent with a range of backgrounds and experiences.”

Herman continued, “We are able to advance these efforts through various initiatives that prioritize listening, learning and allyship. Additionally, our employee resource groups (ERGs) play a vital role in developing programming that builds community and understanding across the organization.”

Along with 1,449 U.S. businesses, including Fortune magazine’s 500 largest publicly traded businesses, Cengage Group was rated against performance criteria falling under four central pillars:

Non-discrimination policies across business entities;Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families;Supporting an inclusive culture; and,Corporate social responsibility.

“The CEI is so much more than a score on paper. For decades businesses have relied on the CEI as a tool for transparency and leveling the playing field for all workers, making sure LGBTQ+ people and their families can share in fair, respectful and supportive workplaces and benefits,” said RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, SHRM-CP, HRCF Senior Director of Workplace Equality. “Our goal at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is to work in a spirit of partnership with companies, providing educational resources and leading benchmarking. The work of the CEI is to help businesses to expand their consumer base and attract top, innovative talent by supporting the LGBTQ+ community.”

To learn more about CEI and Cengage Group’s recognition, view the full report at: http://www.hrc.org/cei.

About Cengage Group

With more than 100 years of serving learners, Cengage Group is a global edtech company that enables student choice. No matter how, where, when or why someone wants to learn, our portfolio of education businesses supports all students, from middle school through graduate school and skills education, with quality content and technology. Collectively, our three business units – Cengage Academic, Cengage Work, and Cengage Select – help millions of students each year in more than 125 countries achieve their education and career goals and lead choice-filled lives. Visit us at www.cengagegroup.com or find us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About the Human Rights Campaign Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people. Through its programs, the HRC Foundation seeks to make transformational change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people, shedding light on inequity and deepening the public’s understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, with a clear focus on advancing transgender and racial justice. Its work has transformed the landscape for more than 15 million workers, 11 million students, 1 million clients in the adoption and foster care system and so much more. The HRC Foundation provides direct consultation and technical assistance to institutions and communities, driving the advancement of inclusive policies and practices; it builds the capacity of future leaders and allies through fellowship and training programs; and, with the firm belief that we are stronger working together, it forges partnerships with advocates in the U.S. and around the globe to increase our impact and shape the future of our work.

Media Contact:
Emily Featherston, Vice President, Corporate Communications, External
Emily.featherston@cengage.com

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SOURCE Cengage Group

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