Media OutReach
De Beers Group Unveils “Desert Diamonds” at JGW
A COMMITMENT TO ENHANCE NATURAL DIAMOND DEMAND THROUGH “ORIGIN” STRATEGY
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 October 2025 – From September 17th to 19th, 2025, De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond company, made a dazzling appearance at the Jewellery & Gem WORLD, unveiling the exceptional allure of “Desert diamonds” – gradient-coloured natural diamonds. During the event, De Beers Group highlighted its diamond traceability strategy -“Origin”, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to driving demand for natural diamonds.
Senior executives from De Beers Group attending the event included Paul Rowley, Executive Vice-President, Diamond Trading, Feriel Zerouki, Chief Trade and Industry Officer, Mahiar Borhanjoo, Chief Commercial Officer, SVP Polish, Lynn Serfaty, General Manager of Natural Diamond Category Marketing, and Wesley Tucker, CEO of Tracr, presented at the event. They engaged in discussions with industry guests about the future development trends of natural diamonds, demonstrating De Beers Group’s commitment to continue investing in resources and driving collective industry efforts to promote natural diamonds. Through these initiatives, the group consistently conveys the core attributes of natural diamonds—rarity, value, and heritage — while igniting desire and aspiration among a new generation of consumers.
At the Show & Tell, experts from the “Origin”, Institute of Diamonds, and Science and Technology came together to showcase the Group’s innovative technologies and cutting-edge technology in the fields of diamond traceability and detention instruments.
“Origin” is De Beers’ brand-new diamond traceability program. Powered by Tracr, it enables consumers to explore the origin and supply chain of each De Beers diamond. It empowers retailers to share the unique stories behind De Beers’ natural diamonds, deepening the emotional connection between diamonds and wearers. Furthermore, consumers can access information about their purchased diamonds, including rarity rating and details about the social impact programs supported by each diamond. This initiative not only provides consumers with the opportunity to purchase natural diamonds mined by the De Beers Group but also provides comprehensive assurance, highlighting ethical sourcing as a key component of De Beers’ overall marketing strategy.
De Beers Group’s Desert diamond initiative captivates visitors with their delicate colour gradient, transitioning from warm white to champagne and amber, creating rich and harmonious visual layers that made them a highlight at Jewellery & Gem WORLD. By blending the inherent rarity of natural diamonds with the vast desert, these diamonds evoke emotional resonance among a new generation of consumers through their differentiated value, reinterpreting the enduring allure and extraordinary value of natural diamonds.
De Beers Group drew inspirations from the geological wonders of the desert—the birthplace of natural diamonds—blending desert elements with the unique characteristics of natural diamonds. Through narrative-driven spatial design and interactive elements, De Beers Group translated its strategies and the value of natural diamonds into tangible realities, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and profound significance of Desert Diamonds.
Paul Rowley, Executive Vice-President, Diamond Trading, De Beers Group, stated: “We are honoured to participate in Jewellery & Gem WORLD and engage in in-depth discussions with our partners. It provided a valuable opportunity to share De Beers Group’s strategies and explore the future of the natural diamond industry. China is a crucial part of our global strategy, and we are committed to continuing our collaboration with all partners. Through comprehensive market education and communication, we aim to help more consumers appreciate the rarity of natural diamonds and deeply recognize the enduring emotions and generational significance they carry.”
Building a Sustainable Future for Natural Diamonds
During the three-day exhibition, De Beers Group successfully hosted multiple events, including a Breakfast Meeting, Show & Tell, and Natural Diamonds Leadership Forum, gathering global industry leaders to look ahead at trends and developments in natural diamond industry. At the Breakfast Meeting, Paul Rowley shared the latest progress of “Origins”, while Lynn Serfaty highlighted the Group’s initiatives in natural diamond category marketing and elaborated on the unique charm of Desert diamonds.
The Natural Diamond Leadership Forum hosted by De Beers Group emerged as a significant highlight of this year’s exhibition, offering forward-looking perspectives and profound insights. At the first panel – Innovation in the Diamond Value Chain: From Technology to Customer Experience, Wesley Tucker, CEO of Tracr, shared customer engagement strategies centered on technological evolution. In-depth discussions focused on how to drive the future growth of the natural diamond industry and tap into fast-growing markets such as China. Tucker stated, “As a core component of the ‘Origins’, Tracr leverages blockchain technology to ensure the origin and traceability of every natural diamond. We are not only building a reliable technology platform but also committed to telling the authentic and unique story behind each natural diamond. Through Tracr, we hope consumers can trust their choices with greater confidence and understand how their purchases support the communities and sustainablility.”
Lynn Serfaty, General Manager of Natural Diamond Category Marketing, De Beers Group, along with Loletta Lai, VP, Natural Diamonds APAC, De Beers Group, and others, delved into the theme of ” Unlocking Growth in the Greater China Market: Opportunities and Challenges for the Natural Diamond Industry”. They provided in-depth analysis of consumer trends and behavioural shifts in the Chinese market, while sharing strategic insights on how to align with the demands of the new generation of consumers and foster long-term desire for natural diamonds. Serfaty stated, “The new generation of consumers is redefining their emotional connection with natural diamonds. They see these diamonds not only as symbols of weddings but also as unique carriers of self-expression and gifting. These consumers value authenticity, sustainability and pursue personalized experiences and emotional resonance. Through our strategies of ‘Origins’ and ‘Building Forever’, we consistently reinforce the core characteristic of natural diamonds—rarity, value, and heritage—continuously evoking consumers’ emotional identification and desire.”
Another Leadership Forum was hosted, themed “The Billion-Year Promise: Consumer Trust in Natural Diamond”. This event delved into the goals and initiatives of the “Origin” Strategy, De Beers Group and “Building Forever”, aiming to transform each natural diamond into an eternal promise, establishing and reinforcing consumers’ enduring and solid trust.
Partnering for Value Creation: Planning the Future of Natural Diamonds
For years, De Beers Group has consistently collaborated with partners across the industry to jointly promote the development of the natural diamond sector. During the exhibition, the Group invited media and influencers to visit the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) booth and engage in natural diamonds workshops, guiding guests to explore the enduring charm and value of natural diamonds. Pritesh Patel, President and CEO of GIA, stated: “We are deeply honored to collaborate with De Beers Group. Through this workshop, we illustrated the eternal charm and profound value inherent in natural diamonds. Each natural diamond is a miracle created by the Earth over hundreds of millions of years, blending natural beauty, exquisite craftsmanship, and a commitment to sustainable development. We look forward to working with all partners to convey values of authenticity, transparency, and responsibility, helping consumers gain a deeper understanding of the precious qualities of natural diamonds, and jointly promoting the sustainable development of the industry.”
Since June of this year, GIA has ceased providing traditional 4Cs grading for laboratory-grown diamonds and adopted a descriptive rating system. Submitted samples receive only broad evaluations as “Premium” or “Standard,” with those of excessively low quality receiving no grade. In August, GIA announced that it would implement an assessment service for laboratory-grown diamonds starting in October. These measures clarify the essential differences between natural diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds in terms of attributes and value, providing a solid foundation for the standardized and healthy development of the natural diamond industry.
In addition to the exhibition, De Beers Group also organized a visit for media and influencers at De Beers London flagship store, allowing them to experience the artistic transformation of natural diamonds from rough stones to exquisite jewellery. This visit immersed guests in the innovative interpretation of natural diamonds in contemporary fashion. It was not merely a product showcase but a vivid demonstration of De Beers Group’s “Building Forever” comitmment at the retail level. From traceable natural diamond sources to sustainable craftsmanship, design, and polishing, every step reflects the Group’s firm commitment to sustainable development. Through offline experiences, jewellery try-ons, and in-depth sharing, the guests further deepened their emotional connection and value recognition of natural diamonds.
With the brand philosophy “A Diamond is Forever,” De Beers Group not only highlighted the enduring demand and broad prospects of natural diamonds in the global market at Jewellery & Gem WORLD, but also vividly demonstrated differentiated value through its Desert Diamonds, reflecting a deep integration with its “Origins”. Through immersive experiences and in-depth interactions, the Group presented an unforgettable natural diamond journey for industry partners and the public, further advancing the education about natural diamons. Looking ahead, De Beers Group will continue to collaborate with all parties to lead the natural diamond industry toward a more transparent and sustainable future, allowing natural diamonds to shine even brighter amidst the interplay of technology, art, and culture, and to continue writing the moving legend of this era.
Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup #NaturalDiamonds #diamonds #desertdiamonds
https://www.debeersgroup.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/debeersgroup/posts/?feedView=all
https://www.facebook.com/DeBeersGroupOfCompanies
https://www.instagram.com/debeersgroup/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About De Beers Group
Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.
Hardware Built for Local Conditions
The company isn’t just showing off standard gear; they’ve brought systems specifically designed to handle the challenges of the local energy landscape.
- PowerX1 Hybrid Inverters: Intelligent energy management, seamlessly switching between solar, battery, and grid for stable, uninterrupted power. Supports multi-source integration and rapid power transition.
- Powerinfi All-in-one ESS: ISO 13849 PL-d and IEC 62443 certified for functional safety and cybersecurity. Features a multi-layer battery safety system within a compact design.
- Advanced Solar & System Protection: Incorporates N-type HOT3.0 solar cell technology for enhanced low-light performance. The system boasts an IP66 rating for superior dust and water resistance.
A New Partnership with MIA Group
The big news from the show floor is the new Annual Channel Distribution Strategic Partnership with MIA Group. MIA Group is already a household name in Pakistan for HVAC and energy, and this deal means they’ll be the main bridge for Midea Hiconics’ tech to reach the local market.
“We’re excited to get to work with MIA Group,” a Midea Hiconics spokesperson said. “They have the reach and the local knowledge we need. By putting our hardware in their hands, we’re making it much easier for people here to switch to reliable, clean energy without the usual headaches.”
Media Contact:
Midea Hiconics Press Office
Website: https://www.hiconics-global.com/
Location: Solar Pakistan 2026, Booth A-3-8
Hashtag: #MideaHiconics
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Midea Hiconics
Midea Hiconics (SHE: 300048) has been around since 2003 and joined the Midea Group in 2020. They focus on green energy, home storage, and industrial tech, building smart tools that help people take control of their own power.
Check out https://www.hiconics-global.com/ for more info.
Media OutReach
Green SM And Umoney Partner To Build An Integrated Mobility And Digital Finance Ecosystem In Laos
Under the agreement, Umoney will be integrated as a direct payment method within the Green SM app. The two parties will also implement an embedded integration model enabling Umoney users to seamlessly access Green SM’s mobility services directly within the Umoney platform.
For the first time in Laos, customers will experience a fully seamless ride-hailing journey with fares processed instantly via the Umoney e-wallet upon trip completion, replacing the previously common manual bank transfer method. Users simply link their Umoney wallet to the Green SM app for fast, convenient, and fully cashless transactions. Additionally, customers using partner banking applications can pay drivers through Umoney’s QR system, delivering a flexible, fast, and secure payment experience that enhances user convenience and broadens customer reach across both platforms.
As part of the collaboration, Green SM Laos will provide comprehensive mobility solutions for Umoney’s enterprise partners and individual customers, including Green SM Car electric ride-hailing, Green SM Limo, Green SM Airport transfer services, as well as corporate travel packages and flexible, customized mobility plans. Umoney, in turn, will collaborate with Green SM to develop digital financial and payment solutions tailored for drivers within the Green SM ecosystem, encompassing e-wallet services, direct income disbursement, operational expense payments, and cash flow management tools. This synergy is designed to optimize operational efficiency while enhancing the experience for businesses, drivers, and end-users alike.
Beyond mobility and payment solutions, both parties plan to expand their shared digital services ecosystem by integrating Umoney and Unitel’s telecommunications and digital utilities into the Green SM platform, including SIM card registration, mobile top-ups, data package purchases, and other digital services, thereby enhancing the value proposition for users across both platforms.
The two companies will also jointly roll out customer benefit programs targeting Umoney users in Laos, with a particular focus on airports, transaction points, and key high-traffic locations. Through integrated service offerings and incentives promoting electric mobility, Green SM and Umoney aim to foster environmentally responsible travel habits while delivering greater value to customers within their shared ecosystem.
Mr. Ha Chien Thang, Director of Star Fintech Sole Co., Ltd, shared:”Our partnership with Green SM marks a significant milestone in Umoney’s strategy to develop a comprehensive digital finance ecosystem in Laos. The integration of payment capabilities and digital services not only enhances user convenience but also contributes to the advancement of cashless payments and the broader digital transformation of the economy.”
Ms. Tran Hanh An, Director of Mobility Services Sales at Green SM Vietnam & Laos, stated: “The partnership between Umoney and Green SM reflects a shared commitment to connecting the essential infrastructures of modern urban life, from digital finance and telecommunications to a green mobility ecosystem. Through this collaboration, we aim to expand benefits for our customers and driver community while driving meaningful green transformation that is firmly grounded in everyday mobility and consumption needs.”
Furthermore, Green SM and Umoney will collaborate on multi-channel communications initiatives to strengthen brand awareness and expand their combined customer base. Planned activities include co-branded campaigns, promotional programs for new users, digital platform communications, and on-ground experiential activations in key markets.
The partnership between Green SM and Umoney marks a significant convergence of two leading ecosystems in green mobility and digital finance in Laos, united in their pursuit of integrated service solutions that meet the increasingly diverse demands of modern urban life. This collaboration also represents a pivotal step toward fostering innovation, elevating the user experience, and contributing to the sustainable growth of the digital economy in Laos.
Hashtag: #GreenSM
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Global Leaders Converge to Shape the Future of Higher Education in Asia
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Times Higher Education (THE) co-hosted the Asia Universities Summit 2026 from April 22 to 24. Under the theme “Igniting Global Transformation: Asia’s Leadership,” the three-day premier event explores Asia’s pivotal role in reshaping global innovation and addressing pressing societal challenges through higher education.
The Summit holds particular significance as it coincides with HKUST’s 35th anniversary and marks a decade of partnership between the University and THE since the inaugural summit. This year’s event has attracted over 600 university presidents, policymakers, and industry titans from 25 countries and regions, underscoring a collective commitment to advancing the academic landscape across the continent.
The Summit officially commenced on April 22 at HKUST’s Shaw Auditorium, with the opening ceremony officiated by Dr. SZE Chun-Fai, Jeff, Acting Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government; Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST; Phil BATY, Chief Global Affairs Officer, and Mei Mei LIM, President, Asia Pacific, from THE.
In her opening remarks, President Ip underscored the need for cross-border collaboration and the evolving role of universities in a rapidly changing world. She said, “As HKUST celebrates its anniversary and a decade of partnership with Times Higher Education, we gather at a defining moment for our region. Asia is increasingly shaping the direction of global innovation, talent development, and societal transformation. In this era of rapid technological advancement and constant change—from artificial intelligence to climate resilience—the challenge of progress lies in anticipating needs and shaping solutions, which calls for a fundamental rethinking of how universities lead. At HKUST, we firmly believe that no single institution can address these global challenges alone; progress will come through openness, partnership, and shared responsibility.
Hong Kong is unique in being the only city in the world with five universities ranked among the global top 100, underscoring its role as a leading international hub for exchange and innovation. Building on this strength, HKUST has initiated dialogues with the world’s leading universities and invited them to Hong Kong to explore opportunities for a university town. This Summit reflects our long‑standing commitment to bringing institutions together to exchange ideas, build meaningful collaborations, and take collective action. By convening leaders from across Asia and beyond, we aim to turn thoughtful dialogue into real impact for our communities and for society at large.”
Dr. SZE Chun-Fai, Jeff, highlighted Hong Kong’s unique position as an international education hub, stating, “Universities today are not only centers of knowledge creation but also powerful drivers of innovation, resilience, and societal impact. In an era of rapid technological advancement, higher education must translate cutting-edge research into real-world solutions that address global challenges. HKUST exemplifies this excellence and achieves remarkable rankings, with its entrepreneurial story equally unmatched, demonstrating the worldwide impact of its research discoveries. Hong Kong has long served as the world’s super-connector and super-value adder, bridging East and West. Our highly internationalized and diversified post-secondary education system positions us ideally to facilitate this convergence between global academic networks and the opportunities of the Chinese Mainland and the wider region. Education, technology, and talent form a foundational triad for success. By fostering talent attraction, interdisciplinary education, industry-academic partnerships, and research collaborations with our counterparts elsewhere, we are building a vibrant ecosystem that strengthens Hong Kong’s innovation edge, contributing to Asia as well as national development.”
Phil Baty reaffirmed THE’s enduring partnership of trust with HKUST and celebrated Asia’s rising global influence, stating, “A decade ago, right here on this stunning campus, THE launched its first-ever Asia Universities Summit. Today, we are witnessing a tilt in the balance of power in global higher education and research from the West to the East. This extraordinary trajectory is driven by Asia’s booming research productivity and global ambitions. Hong Kong, with five universities now ranked among the world’s top 100, stands at the heart of this transformation—a city which we believe will remain the flagship atop the rising tide across Asia, cementing its position as a world-leading powerhouse. New knowledge creation is not a zero-sum game, as we all gain from the leapfrogging Asian university sector. This Summit is a celebration of your excellence and the glorious diversity of our academic community.”
Following the opening ceremony, President Ip joined Prof. Martin O. BERGÖ, Vice-President of Karolinska Institutet, in a keynote fireside chat on longevity science. The discussion explored how advances in biomedicine, neuroscience, and translational research can extend both lifespan and healthspan, while contributing to resilient and equitable societies. President Ip shared insights from her pioneering neuroscience research, including the University’s efforts to decode the biological basis of healthy aging. She said, “Healthy aging is not just about adding years to life, but adding life to our years. We need a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive care. At HKUST, we are focused on monitoring risks for any diseases early and implementing preventive measures. Longevity science is about extending the ‘healthspan’ and as a university, we have much to offer through our research and collaborations. We are uniquely positioned to contribute to this field.”
A spotlight on the first day was a fireside chat between Prof. Harry SHUM, Chairman of the HKUST Council, and Judson ALTHOFF, CEO of Microsoft’s Commercial Business. The dialogue delved into the transformative power of AI across both industry and academia, discussing how universities can collaborate with global technology leaders to prepare students for an AI‑pervasive world. Emphasis was placed not only on technological capability, but also on trust, critical thinking and mindset change within institutions.
Prof. Shum underscored the importance of embracing AI across disciplines, “For our university, at this time, the number one priority is really a mindset change—to focus on AI for science, engineering, business, humanities, and medicine. AI is already here. We do not have to be afraid of this technology. It is a powerful new tool for us and a wonderful thing that we must learn and master to drive growth and innovation.”
Throughout the Summit, President Ip participated in two leadership meetings with over 15 university presidents and senior leaders from institutions across Asia, engaging in candid, strategy‑focused exchanges on shared regional challenges. One session examined how Asia’s emerging innovation corridors—from the Greater Bay Area to other fast‑growing technology belts—can redefine global technology leadership, with discussions centered on governance models and cross‑border collaboration. Another session focused on shaping next‑generation cities, exploring how universities can align research, talent development and policy engagement to support sustainable urban transformation amid rapid technological and societal change. These high-level dialogues emphasized the need for strategic alignment between academic research and regional development, reinforcing the Summit’s mission to leverage Asian leadership for global transformation through collaborative institutional design and shared expertise.
Across a series of high‑level sessions, HKUST senior leadership played an active role in shaping discussions on inclusive leadership, trusted AI in higher education, research commercialization, climate resilience, and global research collaboration. The sessions examined how universities can strengthen governance frameworks to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI, while cultivating innovation ecosystems that translate research outcomes into socio-economic impact.
The dialogue also addressed strategies for nurturing entrepreneurship, climate‑proofing rapidly growing cities through interdisciplinary engineering approaches, and sustaining borderless research collaboration amid rising geopolitical and regulatory pressures. Collectively, these contributions highlighted HKUST’s commitment to advancing responsible innovation, international partnership, and university leadership attuned to Asia’s evolving challenges and global responsibilities.
The three-day event concluded with a closing ceremony, cementing new strategic partnerships and a shared vision for the future of higher education in the region.
Download photos here: https://hkust.edu.hk/news/hkust-and-times-higher-education-co-host-asia-universities-summit-2026
Hashtag: #HKUST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism10 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn