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Driving Mobile Growth: GSMA Advocates for Policy Reforms to Enhance Investment in MENA
Vodafone Egypt Partners with GSMA to Propel Mobile Investment and Policy Changes in MENA; New Report Highlights Five Key Reforms to Expedite 5G Deployment and Digital Transformation in the Region
CAIRO, EGYPT – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2025 – Policymakers and regulators across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) risk missing out on significant economic growth driven by mobile technology unless urgent policy reforms are enacted, according to a new GSMA report presented today at a high-level CxO and policy roundtables hosted by Vodafone Egypt in Cairo. The report, Igniting Mobile Investment in MENA, takes a closer look at how well countries in the region are set up to improve and expand their mobile networks. It highlights key strengths and problem areas in current policies, offering practical ideas to help unlock more investment and enhance mobile access for everyone.
With the mobile sector projected to contribute over $200 billion to MENA’s GDP by 2030, the stakes are high. However, the report finds that outdated regulatory environments including fragmented licensing management, and high sector specific taxation are stifling the necessary investments to expand and modernise networks. At the same time, more than 250 million people remain offline despite being within coverage – underscoring the urgent need for policies that support both infrastructure expansion and meaningful digital inclusion.
“Governments in MENA have set bold digital transformation goals, but the investment climate still lags behind,” said Jawad Abbassi, Head of MENA at GSMA. “This report provides a clear roadmap for reform – enabling mobile to deliver the connectivity, services, and economic growth that societies across the region are counting on.”
At the reports core is the Infrastructure Policy Readiness Framework, a diagnostic tool developed by the GSMA to help policymakers assess the investment-readiness of their regulatory environments. The report evaluates mobile investment conditions in 13 markets across MENA, uncovering shared challenges such as:
- Restrictive licensing models and too short spectrum licence durations
- High and distortionary sector-specific taxes
- Delays in approvals for infrastructure deployment
- Lack of supportive frameworks for network sharing
- Limited provisions for cross-border data flows and innovation
Five Priority Reforms to Unlock Mobile Investment
The GSMA has identified five top policy priorities essential to improving investment climates and accelerating network rollout:
- Modernise licensing framework to allow technology neutrality and increase spectrum license duration to provide clarity and reduce risk for investors
- Fair and investment-friendly taxation that encourages infrastructure investment
- Supportive frameworks for infrastructure sharing to lower costs and expand rural coverage
- Competitive, open market dynamics to enable efficient investment and consumer choice
- Regulation that enables innovation and emerging technologies, such as 5G, AI, and cloud computing
“These are practical, achievable steps that will pay dividends for years to come,” said Michaela Angonius, Head of Policy and Regulation at GSMA. “This isn’t just about building networks – it’s about creating opportunities for people, communities, and economies across the region. With the right policies, governments can unlock innovation, create jobs, reduce inequality, and empower millions to benefit from the digital age.”
A Shared Commitment to Progress
The report was presented during the GSMA MENA CxO Roundtable, bringing together senior government officials and industry leaders. The event highlighted growing momentum across the region for more collaborative policymaking and the importance of bridging the gap between ambition and action, emphasising that public and private sector collaboration is crucial for the successful digital transformation of the region.
“The telecommunications sector is a cornerstone of economic growth and digital transformation, offering immense opportunities to drive innovation and connect communities,” said Ayman Essam, External Affairs and Legal Director at Vodafone Egypt. “At Vodafone Egypt, we are committed to leveraging our expertise, including our 5G experience across 49 Vodafone markets, to address the region’s most pressing challenges. By collaborating closely with MENA operators and the GSMA, we aim to drive meaningful policy reforms and foster a supportive regulatory environment that enables sustainable growth across the region.”
The GSMA is now calling on governments across the region to adopt the report’s recommendations and deepen engagement with mobile industry stakeholders to realise shared digital ambitions.
Hashtag: #GSMA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the GSMA
The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop, and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy; tackling today’s biggest societal challenges; underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work; and providing the world’s largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.
About Vodafone Egypt
Vodafone is the largest telecommunications company in Egypt. The company’s strategy is to shape the future of the new digital world while continuing to put our customers first. For more than 25 years, Vodafone has invested more than EGP 100 billion to make a tangible difference in the lives of over 50 million customers through its exceptional team of 10,000 employees. The company strives to strongly impact on the market with innovative products and services and seamless digital customer experience. They were the first to launch the Vodafone Cash mobile wallet, aiming to facilitate the lives of over 20 million Egyptians by providing access to digital solutions and financial services. In 2003, the company established the Vodafone Egypt Foundation for community development and invested EGP 700 million in high-impact projects, benefiting 11 million Egyptians. The company’s purpose is to connect for a better future by using technology to improve lives and businesses and help develop inclusive, sustainable societies. It is committed to operating 100% on renewable energy by 2025.
For more information, please visit https://web.vodafone.com.eg/en/home or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/vodafone
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UMSOCIAL by Ultima Markets Strengthens Social Trading Ecosystem for Traders
UMSOCIAL has grown steadily over the past two years. Today, UMSOCIAL offers over 2,000 live strategies, with more than 10,000 trading accounts actively copying trades on the platform. This growth shows that traders are looking for a place where learning and trading can happen together.
“UMSOCIAL is not just about copying trades. It’s about learning, growing, and sharing success together,” said Jack Li, Regional Business Director at Ultima Markets. “Every Follower has the potential to become a Master. That’s the spirit behind our message: Follow Today, Master Tomorrow.”
A Connected Experience for Both Beginners and Skilled Traders
For beginners, UMSOCIAL provides an accessible way to learn from real-time market activity and trading strategies. New users can review verified performance records, understand trading styles, and mirror strategies from skilled traders in real time. As a social trading app, UMSOCIAL fosters a supportive learning experience for those who are new to markets.
At the same time, seasoned traders gain a structured platform to share their expertise, build credibility within the community, and earn performance-based fees tied to their strategy outcomes.
UMSOCIAL brings both beginner and skilled traders into one cohesive environment. This unified ecosystem supports education, transparency, and professional recognition, enabling every participant to engage with markets at their own pace while benefiting from clear and data-driven insights.
Powered by State-of-the-art Technology and Full Transparency
UMSOCIAL is built on Ultima Markets’ advanced technology infrastructure and strong focus on visibility, ensuring a secure and consistent experience across all user interactions. Every transaction is processed with fast order matching, stable connectivity, and full visibility. Traders can manage their accounts, monitor performance, or switch strategies at any time with just a few clicks.
The platform continues to evolve as one of today’s leading copy trading platforms, offering faster trade execution, real-time insights, and user-friendly tools. Ultima Markets remains focused on building a reliable, fair, and engaging environment where traders can grow and succeed together.
Start your journey with UMSOCIAL by Ultima Markets and trade smarter together.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Ultima Markets
Ultima Markets is a licensed, award-winning, multi-asset broker offering access to over 250 CFD instruments across forex, commodities, indices and shares. The company was recently awarded Most Advanced Multi-Asset Trading Platform Europe 2025 and is the first CFD broker to join the UN Global Compact.
CFDs are complex instruments and involve a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Ensure you fully understand the risks before trading.
Disclaimer
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Past performance of Masters on UMSOCIAL does not guarantee future results. Trading involves risk, and you are fully responsible for your own trading decisions.
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2nd MOTIFX – Embracing the Beauty of Chinese Culture Culture to Nature – A Surreal Garden of Botanical Patterns
Organised by the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) under the Vocational Training Council (VTC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), MOTIFX invites emerging designers to reinterpret traditional Chinese motifs for contemporary contexts, seamlessly integrating historical patterns into modern objects, interiors, and lifestyle products while deepening new generations’ engagement with their cultural heritage.
The 2nd MOTIFX – Embracing the Beauty of Chinese Culture invites designers to explore the mystical side of Chinese characters, with a particular focus on Radical Grass (艹 / 艸) and its evocative connection to a surreal world of nature. While respectfully acknowledging the cultural and philosophical differences between Eastern and Western traditions, the project embraces nature’s whimsy and dreamlike beauty with open delight
This inspiration gives birth to the central theme: Culture to Nature – A Surreal Garden of Botanical Patterns. Curated by Michael LEUNG, the exhibition brings together numerous design students and local designers who are in studies across diverse disciplines to rediscover the vibrant potential of Chinese characters. In doing so, it redefines the relationship between cultural heritage and the natural world, resulting in an imaginative collection of patterns and design works that vividly capture the theme.
A key highlight is the immersive installation Surreal Garden, created by designers Moon.noon and Stickyline. Inspired by “Radical Grass” motifs designed by these young creatives, the duo transforms two-dimensional patterns into a multi-sensory experience. Visitors move seamlessly from the physical space into a digital dreamscape, journeying through the four seasons guided by the 24 traditional solar terms — from the blossoming of spring to the retreat of winter — tracing the boundless rhythms of nature.
This surreal journey continues throughout the exhibition, which showcases over 100 original patterns created by local design students, each derived from the 艹 radical. Like countless flowers blooming in a shared field, these works express diverse creative voices, yet all are rooted in the same ancient, ever-living origin — the enduring 艹 .
DesignInspire 2025 was transformed into this fantastical garden woven from Chinese characters and nature’s boundless poetry — and let your imagination take flight.
Curator: Michael LEUNG
Born in Hong Kong, Michael LEUNG earned his Master’s degree from Design Academy Eindhoven in the Netherlands, where he later founded Studio AA (previously MIRO). His practice spans graphic, product, and spatial design, often exploring the intersections of craftsmanship and industry, local culture, and sustainability. Recipient of the Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award and Perspective 40 Under 40, his work has been showcased at Milan Design Week, Dutch Design Week, and other major international exhibitions. In recent years, he has collaborated with institutions such as the Vitra Design Museum (Germany) and the V&A (UK), extending his creative vision into exhibition curation.
Participating Artist: Moon.noon
Moon.noon (KONG Fan-leung) is a real-time visual artist who masterfully blends data-driven storytelling with immersive audio-visual and sensory experiences. A former user-experience designer, he now transforms complex sources — climate data, urban landscapes, audience interaction — into powerfully evocative visual languages. His works have appeared at M+, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, West Kowloon Freespace Jazz Festival, and in collaborations with Coca-Cola, LG, and Samsung.
Participating Artist: STICKYLINE
Founded in 2011 by Hong Kong creative artists Mic LEONG and Soilworm LAI, STICKYLINE is celebrated for its large-scale polyhedral sculptures that reveal the beauty of creative engineering, mathematics, and geometry. Working primarily with paper and metal, and integrating kinetics, sound, and light, the duo produces minimalist, durable, and strikingly futuristic installations, site-specific works, and private commissions that have earned widespread acclaim in the design world over the years.
Moroso × HKDI Furniture Collaboration Project
The exhibition showcases a creative collaboration between renowned Italian luxury furniture brand Moroso and design students from the HKDI’s Department of Architecture, Interior and Product Design (AIP). Together, they present the forward-looking project with MOTIFX patterns printed on the fabrics to “Designing Clothes for Furniture Objects.”
This initiative reimagines furniture as living bodies to be dressed, where textiles and soft elements become expressive garments. Moving beyond surface aesthetics, students explore adaptability, sensory depth, and emotional resonance, while engaging with ideas of circularity, modularity, and service-oriented design. The design challenge invites them to create interchangeable and upgradeable “furniture garments” that respond to personal habits, environments, and even special occasions.
Event Details:
The 2nd MOTIFX – Embracing the Beauty of Chinese Culture Exhibition at DESIGNINSPIRE 2025
Date : 4 Dec – 6 Dec, 2025
Time : 9:30am-7:30pm
Venue : Booth no. 3E-D02, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
The 2nd MOTIFX – Embracing the Beauty of Chinese Culture Exhibition
Date : 3 Mar – 31 Mar, 2026
Time : 10:30AM – 7:30PM (Monday to Sunday)
Venue : 2/F, LANDMARK ATRIUM
The 2nd MOTIFX – Embracing the Beauty of Chinese Culture Exhibition at FASHION INSTYLE, HOME INSTYLE EXHIBITION 2026
Date : 27 Apr – 30 Apr, 2026
Time : 9:00AM – 6:00PM
Venue : Concourse Area, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Hashtag: #MOTIFX
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Vocational Training Council (VTC)
Established in 1982, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) is the largest vocational and professional education and training provider in Hong Kong. The mission of VTC is to provide a valued choice to school leavers and working people to acquire the values, knowledge and skills for lifelong learning and enhanced employability, and also to provide support to industries for their manpower development. VTC has 14 member institutions, namely the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), the Institute of Professional Education And Knowledge (PEAK), the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE), the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT), the Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI), the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI), the International Culinary Institute (ICI), the Maritime Services Training Institute (MSTI), Youth College, Pro-Act by VTC, the Integrated Vocational Development Centre (IVDC) and the Shine Skills Centre.
Website:
www.vtc.edu.hk
About Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI)
Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) is a member of VTC Group. HKDI was established in 2007 with the mission to be a leading provider of design education and lifelong learning, including architecture, interior and product design, communication design, digital media, and fashion and image design. With a view to providing professional designers for the creative industries, it promotes the “think and do” approach and encourages interdisciplinary synergy in its broad range of design programmes that cultivates students’ cultural sensitivities and sense of sustainability. HKDI maintains a strong network with industry and provides its students with essential practical experience. Overseas exchanges are actively arranged for students to broaden their international perspective.
Website:
http://www.hkdi.edu.hk
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Media OutReach
InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay Strengthens Guest Experiences Through The Quay Insider Programme
The Story Behind The Quay Insider
Introduced in early 2025 as part of the InterContinental brand’s hallmark of “Insider Expertise”, The Quay Insider embodies InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay’s commitment to connecting travellers with the authentic and lesser-known sides of Singapore. This comes to life through partnerships with local brands around the neighbourhood, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant culture and storied heritage.
Crafting Experiences For Every Traveller
The Quay Insider has been thoughtfully designed to cater to a variety of traveller interests. The Cultural Enthusiast seeks authentic immersion, connecting with the heart of a destination through its local flavours, rich heritage and timeless stories. The Creative Wanderer discovers rare and remarkable experiences, from curated dining journeys to artisanal craftsmanship, that reflect bold individuality. The Wellness Seeker pursues balance amidst the rhythm of modern life, choosing mindful experiences that uplift and rejuvenate. By aligning curated privileges with these personas, The Quay Insider ensures that each guest’s journey is both enriching and personalised.
For business travellers, The Quay Insider privileges are crafted to enhance the comfort and convenience of the hotel’s luxury suites, seamlessly balancing work with moments of relaxation. For leisure guests, the programme allows them to immerse themselves in the precinct’s rich cultural and heritage experiences that have shaped Singapore into the city it is today. By fostering experiential travel, The Quay Insider transforms each stay into a journey of discovery, with curated local encounters that add depth and distinction to every visit.
Curating Our Neighbourhood Partners
Over 25 partners were curated for their commitment to authenticity, alignment with guest interests, and exceptional quality. Spanning independent designers, art collectives, wellness studios, and award-winning restaurants, these partnerships offer guests privileges ranging from complimentary additions with purchase and curated cultural tours to bespoke wellness and dining experiences that are tailored to each individual’s interests.
The programme spotlights local businesses and tour operators to support sustainable tourism through preservation of the creative, heritage and cultural identity of Robertson Quay. By connecting guests with local experiences around the neighbourhood, it reinforces InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay’s positioning as both a luxury riverfront haven and a gateway to the neighbourhood’s heritage rhythm and cultural vibrancy.
Creating Meaningful Connections Beyond The Stay
From culinary experiences and cultural explorations to moments of rest and wellness, The Quay Insider complements the hotel stay by introducing guests to lesser-known aspects of Singapore’s dining, culture, and wellbeing scene. It helps leisure travellers discover local highlights and offers business travellers experiential travel opportunities to relax and explore nearby, all within easy reach of the hotel.
“The Quay Insider invites guests to experience more than just a stay,” shared Kieran Quinn, General Manager, InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay. “It connects them to the heart of Robertson Quay through meaningful partnerships with community partners in the neighbourhood, enriching guest experiences while helping to support the local community.”
Building The Next Chapter Of Hospitality
InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay remains committed to sustaining long-term partnerships within the community, supported by dedicated communication efforts that keep guests informed of the privileges available through The Quay Insider. Renewed annually, this ensures the programme stays attuned to evolving guest interests and the growing demand for meaningful, experiential travel.
Moving forward, the hotel is also exploring more collaborations across the precinct to further expand the scope of insider experiences. These initiatives aim to introduce both international travellers and local guests, including those booking a staycation package in Singapore, to a wider range of experiences. As such, the programme can continue to evolve in line with the needs and aspirations of today’s travellers. This allows InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay to weave local experiences seamlessly into every guest’s stay experience.
Hotel Positioning
Alongside The Quay Insider, InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay maintains its positioning as a luxury lifestyle hotel for modern travellers. Its residential-inspired design complements the experiential travel focus of the programme, offering guests the combination of contemporary comfort and immediate access to local culture.
The introduction of the programme sets the hotel apart by embedding cultural engagement seamlessly into the guest journey. Both leisure and business travellers may enjoy a hospitality experience that weaves meaningful experiences around the neighbourhood, together with the refined luxury of InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay.
Hashtag: #InterContinentalSingaporeRobertsonQuay #TheQuayInsider #CondéNastReadersChoice2025
https://robertsonquay.intercontinental.com/
http://www.facebook.com/InterContinentalRobertsonQuay
https://www.instagram.com/intercontinentalrq/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay
InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay is a luxury hotel nestled in the heart of Singapore’s newest micro-destination. Situated on the banks of the Singapore River at one of the most exclusive addresses, InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay is a ripe host of thoughtful amenities and personalised services.
The 225 studios and suites are reminiscent of a private residence, surrounded by vibrant dining options, art houses and heritage sites, with the CBD located just 5 minutes away. The sleek urban property reflects the neighbourhood’s industrial past with modern, contemporary finishes complemented by outdoor terraces boasting river views.
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