MUMBAI: Mintoak, a preferred merchant software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform for payments and commerce enablement, announces a strategic stride forward in its global expansion efforts. Welcoming aboard three seasoned professionals—Chayan Hazra, Marlyn Jose, and Jyoti Shankar Mishra — to its leadership team, Mintoak signifies its steadfast commitment to strategic growth and innovation.

Mintoak’s recent appointments, strategically made beyond India’s borders, signify a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution, highlighting its strong growth trajectory and the visionary leadership guiding its advancement.

These strategic additions align perfectly with Mintoak’s overarching vision, which not only focuses on strengthening its presence in its home market of India but also extends its reach into new, promising territories such as the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. While Mintoak has already forayed into markets like Africa and the Middle East,  this expansion comes at a time when India’s digital payments success serves as a global case study, making it a compelling strategic move for Mintoak to leverage its expertise and insights in these emerging markets.

Chayan Hazra steps into the pivotal role of Head of Growth, leveraging his nearly two-decade-long expertise in financial services and banking. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Chayan’s leadership will play a pivotal role in driving Mintoak’s international expansion, particularly in digital payments, regulatory compliance, and forging strategic partnerships. His extensive background includes leadership roles at PineLabs, Mastercard, HDFC Bank, and Deutsche Bank.

Joining as Head of Business Development, Africa, Marlyn Jose brings over 15 years of invaluable experience in banking and payments to the table. Stationed in Johannesburg, South Africa, Marlyn’s deep understanding of the local retail landscape positions Mintoak favorably for growth across the African continent. In the past, she spearheaded strategy and revenue-generating initiatives for payment acceptance solutions at Mastercard EEMEA. Her prior achievements in enhancing FNB South Africa’s merchant services segment also highlight her adeptness in navigating complex and diverse markets.

Jyoti Shankar Mishra, assuming the role of Head of Business Development for the Middle East, brings with him a wealth of experience spanning more than two decades in banking and insurance across the region. With a base in Dubai, Jyoti’s extensive career with brands like Standard Chartered and Dubai Islamic Bank equips him to drive Mintoak’s expansion in this dynamic market.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chayan, Marlyn, and Jyoti to the Mintoak family,” said Raman Khanduja, co-founder and CEO at Mintoak. “Their collective experience and regional insights perfectly complement our strategic vision of expanding our global footprint. These appointments reinforce our commitment to delivering innovative solutions for empowering the SME community globally.”

In fortifying its global presence with these strategic appointments, Mintoak not only reaffirms its position as a frontrunner in the merchant services domain but also commits to its dedication to driving sustainable growth and fostering synergistic alliances in diverse markets.

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The envisioned investment is strategically aligned with the Honorable Prime Minister’s vision of providing last-mile optical fiber-based connectivity to every village in the country. Anticipating a surge in demand, Finolex Cables is positioning itself to cater to the increasing need for optic fiber cables (OFC), fueled by the nationwide 5G roll-out and the growing requirement for fiber-to-home connectivity.

Highlighting Finolex Cables’ commitment to fortifying its capabilities and product range in the optic fibre cables sector, the company, currently possessing a fibre drawing capacity of 4 million fiber km per year and a cabling capacity of 8 million fibre km per year, is set to establish an additional plant dedicated exclusively to fibre optic cables. This expansion initiative encompasses the installation of fiber draw towers and the implementation of backward integration for the production of glass preforms, crucial in the fiber drawing process. Notably, this aligns with the goals of the Government of India’s Make in India program.

In a groundbreaking move, Finolex Cables aims to become the second company in the country to manufacture glass preforms, a vital component for optical fiber production. The proposed upgrade will see the Draw Tower capacity doubling to 8 million fibre km per year, pushing the fibre optic cables’ annual capacity to 10 million fibre km from the current 8 million fibre km. This expansion initiative is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for 400-plus individuals.

Under the terms of the MoU, the Government of Maharashtra has committed to actively supporting Finolex Cables Limited in obtaining the necessary registrations and approvals from the relevant state departments. This collaboration is anticipated to facilitate a seamless and successful implementation of Finolex Cables’ ambitious expansion project, contributing significantly to the region’s economic development and employment opportunities.

Speaking on this occasion, Finolex Cables Limited, Deputy CEO & CFO, Mahesh Viswanathan, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion plans and the collaborative effort with the Government of Maharashtra. “This strategic investment reinforces our commitment to contribute to the state’s economic development and create employment opportunities. We are grateful for the support from the Government of Maharashtra, and we look forward to a seamless and successful implementation of our expansion project. “

To augment the OFC business further, the company has also opened an EPC division for executing

orders for laying fiber-optic cable networks in various locations all over the country. The business has already commenced in Gujarat and is expected to be expanded to other geographies soon.

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The scope of the agreement includes bilateral interlining, allowing both airlines to sell tickets on each other’s network. Additionally, the two airlines have entered a Special Prorate Agreement, allowing Air India to file ‘through fares’ on routes covering Alaska Airlines’ network. Passengers will also be able to enjoy Air India’s free baggage allowance on Alaska Airlines routes.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer, Air India, said, “The tie-up with Alaska Air will expand our international footprint in the US and Canada and even extend our reach to Mexico, boosting our network expansion plans. It will help us offer more choices to our guests and mark a significant step forward in our mission to enhance connectivity.“

Passengers will be able to connect to 26 points in the USA and 6 in Mexico from San Francisco, and to Portland, San Diego, Seattle, Los Angeles, Anchorage, Boise, Salt Lake City, Orange County, Tampa, Austin, Boston, Bozeman Yellowstone, Dallas Love Field, Reagan National, Fort Lauderdale, Spokane, Honolulu, Jackson Hole, Las Vegas, Orlando, Missoula Montana, Kahului, Seattle Paine Field, Phoenix, Palm Springs, Redmond, and Vancouver from Air India’s current gateways in North America.

Air India currently operates 47 non-stop flights every week from Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai to five American cities: New York, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco, and 14 non-stop flights every week from Delhi to Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.

Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India’s aviation sector. After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022. Air India is navigating through a major five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI, with an ambition to become a world-class airline with an Indian heart.

As a member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers all over the world.

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The Mahindra Group will support interested companies in setting up their manufacturing base in India in a range of ways, including

1. Through an integrated approach to manufacturing (infrastructure, supply chain, technology/automation, and others);
2. A modular plug-and-play suite of offerings;
3. Experience sharing on regulations and compliance; and
4. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) focus.

With India as the fulcrum for its manufacturing operations, the Mahindra Group offers self-sufficient industrial parks at strategic locations and expertise to guide companies through the approval processes. The Group also offers cost-effective solutions for manufacturing and logistics needs, amongst others.

Complementing these efforts, International Finance Corporation (IFC) – the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets – will offer bespoke equity and debt financing solutions for these companies. IFC has deep expertise in the manufacturing sector globally and offers valuable guidance leveraging its presence in India for local context and insights gained over six decades in the country.

India, with its huge domestic market and established industrial base, offers a robust manufacturing hub for global supply chains. Its young and skilled labor force is an added asset in terms of talent and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, with a thriving start-up ecosystem, India is well-positioned to drive economic growth and serve as a nerve center for disruptive ideas and technologies. The country has also achieved substantial manufacturing complexity across sectors, showcasing its competitiveness and readiness.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr Anish Shah, Managing Director & CEO, of Mahindra Group, said, “Mahindra Group is delighted to announce a dedicated platform in the United States – a decisive step aimed at enhancing global manufacturing and supply chain solutions for American companies. With this bold move, we will empower American businesses to unlock the immense potential of manufacturing in India. We are committed to leveraging our experience, capabilities, and expansive scale thereby strengthening the global manufacturing landscape. Together, we will forge a path towards a shared, prosperous future, marked by strong collaboration and growth.”

The initiative’s modular approach will further allow businesses to select products, services, and financing options from the Mahindra Group’s entire suite of offerings based on their exclusive requirements. With a demonstrated commitment to the highest ESG standards, sustainable manufacturing solutions will be a key component of the initiative.

The Mahindra Group also has extensive experience in regulatory and policy matters, with an in-house team of experts, who will lend their expertise to give American companies a head-start on their manufacturing journey in India.

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• Second consecutive time: ASUS recognized as a Climate Leader Asia-Pacific for the second consecutive time, showcasing its strong climate commitments
• Low carbon product innovation: Focused on product carbon footprint verification, carbon reduction strategies, and carbon neutral products
• Sustainable all the way: ASUS invests in products that keep sustainability in mind, with ExpertBook B9 and Zenbook S 13 OLED as perfect examples

INDIA: ASUS today announced that it has been recognized, for the second consecutive time, as part of the prestigious Climate Leaders Asia-Pacific. This 2023 recognition comes from the joint efforts of the Financial Times and Statista, who have acknowledged ASUS for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Within the ranking this year, ASUS has emerged as a leader in a number of areas related to environmental sustainability efforts. For example, the company has shown its strong commitment to sustainability by ranking in the top 15 in terms of the total reduction of core emissions and in the top 25 for the reduction of core emissions intensity. This recognition showcases the company’s relentless pursuit of sustainability and reinforces its position as a responsible corporate citizen actively contributing to mitigating climate change.

As a company, ASUS takes immense pride in its dedication to sustainability and continuously seeks new and innovative ways to reduce its environmental impact. Guided by four pillars — climate action, circular economy, responsible manufacturing, and value creation — ASUS has set science-based targets and implemented a three-stage approach focusing on climate action. These three stages focus on enhancing energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy usage, and investing in innovative, green technologies. This award is a testament to the company’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change and foster sustainable practices within the technology industry. By pushing boundaries and driving innovation, ASUS strives to create a cleaner, greener future.

One of the key targets for ASUS is to achieve 100% renewable energy usage across its global operations by 2035. By 2050, the company aims to have invested in innovative technologies to eliminate its remaining carbon emissions and gradually work towards achieving net zero. The company’s focus on expanding its range of eco-friendly products has also played a crucial role in its journey toward a sustainable future.

To further its net-zero roadmap, ASUS conducts low-carbon product innovation by focusing on conducting carbon footprint verification, carbon reduction strategies, and building carbon-neutral products. To achieve this, ASUS focuses on three key steps. Firstly, calculating the product’s lifecycle using international standards and third-party verification, as well as publishing a certified carbon footprint report. Secondly, employing eco-friendly materials, energy-saving design, and carbon reduction strategies within its supply chain to decrease the product’s carbon footprint. Finally, offsetting the remaining emissions with premium nature-based carbon credits that are verified by a third party for transparency and credibility.

Major examples of these endeavors include ExpertBook B9 (B9400), the world’s first commercial carbon footprint and carbon neutral-verified laptop, and Zenbook S 13 OLED (UX5304), the world’s slimmest OLED laptop, which is also carbon neutral. Beyond their sleek design, high performance, and ultra-portability, these devices emphatically keep sustainability in mind. For the second year, the Financial Times and Statista have collaborated to create the Climate Leaders Asia-Pacific 2023 list. Using extensive research and analysis, the list recognizes companies that excelled in reducing their core emissions intensity, specifically their Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions relative to revenue, between 2016 and 2021. These companies also demonstrated their commitment to addressing climate change by engaging in initiatives such as collaborating with the CDP (Climate Disclosure Project) and SBTi (Science Based Targets Initiative), as well as ensuring transparency in reporting their Scope 3 emissions. Other additional criteria have been added this year,

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PUNE: Amadeus, the largest technology provider for the travel industry, has announced the opening of their new engineering site in Pune, Maharashtra. This facility will help expand Amadeus Labs’ engineering and R&D activities in India. The new center is part of Amadeus Labs’ ongoing expansion in India and underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and digital transformation. The center will focus on developing cutting-edge travel technology solutions and enhancing Amadeus’ existing products and services in India and Asia Pacific regions.

Amadeus Labs has a strong presence in India, with an existing R&D center in Bengaluru with over 3000 engineers. With the launch of the new center in Pune, Amadeus Labs will continue enhancing existing and developing new technology solutions catering to hospitality organizations across the country. Amadeus Labs Pune is located in one of the most preferred and upscale locations of Pune – Kalyani Nagar.

With this expansion in Pune, we are reinforcing our commitment to investing in India and harnessing the country’s vast pool of talent in engineering and technology. The opening of this new facility is an opportunity for Amadeus Labs to enhance its technological prowess in the country, in addition to the travel industry”, said Mani Ganeshan, Head of Engineering – Travel Distribution and Centre Head, Amadeus Labs Bengaluru. “This expansion will help us to better serve our customers, by providing them with innovative solutions that create exceptional traveler experiences. Amadeus Labs Pune will play a pivotal role in driving our global R&D efforts and help us stay at the forefront of the travel technology industry in India & the Asia Pacific regions.”

The center will be staffed by experienced engineers who will be responsible for developing and implementing innovative solutions for Amadeus’ customers in India and worldwide, with a focus on artificial intelligence, data science, and cloud-based technologies. The employees will work closely with Amadeus Labs’ existing teams for driving breakthrough technology development and strengthening its technology solutions for the hospitality industry.

Amadeus Labs began its journey in India in 2008, setting up its first office in Bengaluru which evolved into the second-largest R&D center in the Amadeus universe with over 3000 of the best minds in the country shaping the future of travel. Amadeus Labs has consistently invested in major technology areas such as Cloud, Open Source, Big Data, APIs, PaaS, etc., to create innovative solutions for the travel industry. Through the years, Amadeus Labs has transformed India’s travel technology infrastructure alongside several industry leaders. Amadeus’ partnership with Microsoft has accelerated Amadeus’ journey to the cloud revolutionizing the development of technology and ushering in a new era of travel innovation.

As a global center of competency for advanced travel and hospitality solutions, Amadeus Labs in India will continue to leverage local expertise to provide end-to-end, innovative, and cost-effective solutions. Amadeus Labs is committed to making its India operations more robust and holistic by strengthening commercial and engineering activities.

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