Huawei Consumer Business Group expects steady growth for the fifth consecutive year of 2016

Huawei Consumer Business Group (CBG) revealed its expected 2016 annual performance figures indicating a 42 per cent increase when compared to 2015. With anticipated sales revenue of USD $26 billion Huawei CBG is showing steady growth for the fifth consecutive year. Additionally, smartphone shipments reached 139 million units presenting a year-on-year growth of 29 percent. According to IDC, the increasing rate of global smartphone shipments was only 0.6% in 2016, which means Huawei has outperformed the overall market.[1]

Mr. Richard Yu, Chief Operating Officer of Huawei CBG commented on the results saying, “Despite tough market conditions Huawei CBG is still growing at industry-leading speed. We believe our success is a direct result of our consumer and innovation-centric approach, as well as our ongoing commitment to building a premium brand. As we reinforce our global channels and ensure consistent, high-quality service, we make our devices accessible and reliable for all Huawei users.”

When speaking on Huawei’s plans for the coming year, Yu said: “In 2017, we plan to strengthen our supply chain, channels, R&D efforts, our after-sales services. We will also work to fortify any other areas and to streamline our operations, improve the efficiency of our decision-making, drive our internationalization strategy and proactively develop future capacity.”

In 2016, Huawei CBG focused on developing meaningful innovations and made breakthroughs in the areas of operating systems (EMUI based on Android), dual-lens camera technology, artificial intelligence and more. Huawei unveiled EMUI 5.0 – their latest operating system software that is deeply integrated with the Kirin chipset and contains 20 Huawei patented technologies.

2016 also saw the introduction of Huawei’s first dual-lens camera technology featured on a flagship device. These were designed in conjunction with industry expert Leica Camera AG and by the end of the year Huawei had developed two generations of dual-camera technology. This not only set the industry ablaze and established new benchmarks for image quality but also, it made the Huawei P9 and Mate 9 very popular amongst consumers.

In September 2016, Huawei also founded the Max Berek Innovation Lab alongside Leica Camera AG. This center will see joint research and development efforts in the fields of optical systems, imaging algorithms, virtual and augmented reality.

With these technological advancements, Huawei’s flagship products such as the P9 and Mate 9 have achieved global recognition. Huawei P9 and P9 Plus global shipments exceeded 10 million units, making them the first Huawei flagship handsets to break 10 million sales.

In 2017, Huawei CBG will continue to put consumer needs first and will develop a consumer-facing system focused on channels, retail, brand, marketing and services, to strengthen its business base and streamline its operations and customer service. In the meantime, Huawei is committed to making further breakthroughs in innovation that will help consumers have a more intelligent, connected lifestyle.

RapidCompute Becomes First Local Cloud Provider to Achieve PCIDSS3.2 Certification

For the first time in Pakistan, RapidCompute – a division of Cybernet, has made it possible for businesses to create their own Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) that can store, transmit or process cardholder data securely on the Cloud. 

Now, when organizations utilize RapidCompute for any of its services, they are partnering with one of the best enterprises in the industry. The company is the first and only cloud-hosting provider in the country to achieve PCIDSS 3.2, as well as ISO27001:2013 certified service provider status. This is the most rigorous status in the industry and thus empowers Pakistani organizations, especially from the FinTech space, to finally reap the immense flexibility and efficiency of a local cloud provider.

From customers to merchants and financial institutions, the security of cardholder data affects everybody. Meeting vigilant security standards is essential for keeping a company’s sensitive financial information safe. The PCIDSS is a global organization that maintains, evolves and promotes Payment Card Industry standards for the safety of cardholder data across the globe. It is the chief  information security standard regulated by the worlds’ leading credit card companies that include American Express, Discover, JCB, MasterCard and Visa. It is designed to prevent fraud through increased control of credit card data. 

According to the Division Head, Mr. Zaeem Arshad, “RapidCompute’s infrastructure is not the top concern we have. Our data centers are already built on the highest design standards. This allows the company to focus on valuable industry certifications like the ISO 27001:2013, Cloud Security Alliance and now PCIDSS to ensure that our processes, procedures and all facets of services are up to international security and availability benchmarks. Local companies now have a cloud vendor that can fulfill their demand of storing and managing data on a secure, reliable and compliant platform.”

According to Mr. Danish Lakhani - CEO of Cybernet; “This solution can help meet the demand for a higher level of financial security in the country. We understand the immense responsibility of hosting mission-critical data on our cloud. In an age of increasingly sophisticated system attacks, the PCIDSS certification is an organization’s best protection against network security threats and data breaches.”

Mr. Zaeem Arshad also added that by moving to the RapidCompute cloud, organizations can eliminate the associated efforts and costs of getting their own PCIDSS certification. “Our four multi-regional, locally hosted, state-of-the-art data centers also let customers choose exactly where they can place their data. These PCIDSS certified data centers provide our clients with secure, dependable hosting environments and the best-in-class customer support services.

We believe that everyone should reap the benefits of hosting with a trustworthy, local cloud provider. Because of certifications like these, RapidCompute now boasts an impressive diverse base of clients including those from FMCGs, Startups, Pharmaceuticals, Education, Financial Institutions and Government institutions. ” 

To mark the completion of the certification, an official signing ceremony took place between RapidCompute and the Australian-based certification firm Risk Associates.  Dr. Aftab Rizvi, CEO of the firm congratulated the RapidCompute team for acquiring the integral certification; he said “Security is fast becoming the top concern among organizations worldwide. We’re glad RapidCompute has achieved the milestone of becoming the first PCIDSS certified Cloud vendor. The company has demonstrated their commitment to keeping their customers’ data secure at the highest level by complying with the latest security standards and certifications.”

PNSC gets ‘AA’ Entity Ratings from PACRA with a Stable Outlook

The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA) has granted an Entity Ratings of Long Term ‘AA’ to Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) in February, 2017. This rating has been raised from PNSC’s previous Entity Ratings of Long Term ‘AA-’in 2016. 

The Short Term Ratings given to PNSC this year was ‘A1+’, while its 2016 Short Term Ratings was also A1+. PNSC’s Outlook has also remained constant at ‘Stable’. The action advised for PNSC in 2017 is ‘Upgrade’, while last year the advised action was to ‘Maintain’.

As per PACRA’s report, the ratings reflect PNSC’s strong ownership – majority owned by Government of Pakistan and its strategic significance as the country’s flag carrier. On a stand-alone basis, PNSC’s business profile has gained significant strength in recent years and exhibited by continuous improvement in business margins on account of efficient fleet utilization, better pricing strategy and cost management measures taken by the management.

Sen. Mir Hazil Khan Bizenjo, Minister for Ports & Shipping remarked, “It is noteworthy that the PNSC is cruising ahead with distinction having achieved the ‘AA’ ratings at the start of 2017. PNSC being a Public Sector company has displayed resilience by adopting robust measures and stringent controls and as a consequence PNSC’s business profile has gained significant strength in recent years.”

Mr. Arif Elahi, Chairman, PNSC, said, “The PACRA Entity Ratings of Long-Term ‘AA’ upgrading PNSC to having a stable outlook is significant and a milestone in the history of the national carrier. I am delighted to report that a concerted team effort, effective management practices and decisions based on best global practices in a most challenging environment have enabled us to achieve this result; congratulations to the entire staff of PNSC.”

The ratings are dependent on the Corporation’s ability to generate envisaged cash-flows post-expansion. Meanwhile, proactive management of financial profile, while improving coverage’s remains important. Credit rating reflects forward-looking opinion on credit worthiness of underlying entity or instrument; more specifically it covers relative ability to honor financial obligations. The primary factor being captured on the rating scale is relative likelihood of default.

Minister Petroleum Khaqan Abbasi to open Energy Forum 2017

The Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, will inaugurate the 9^TH Pakistan Energy Forum 2017 being held on February 23 at 9.30 a.m. at the Marriott Hotel Islamabad. The theme of the conference is “Approaching New Frontiers in Energy Efficiency” and will dilate on critical current trends in the energy sector.

The keynotes will be addressed by Mr. Umer Masood, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Water & Power and eminent economist, Mr. Sakib Sherani, CEO, Macro Economic Sights.

The opening session on Strategic & Regulatory Paradigm for Energy Sufficiency will be chaired by Chairman WAPDA General (Retd) Muzammil Hussain, and will feature Mr. Scott M. Miller, Energy Officer, US Embassy Islamabad; Mr. Arshad Maqsood Malik, Chief (Energy) Planning Commission of Pakistan, and Mr. Muhammad Raziuddin, CEO, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Oil & Gas Company.

The second session on Integrating Public & Private Investment to Ensure Equitable Energy Mix will be chaired by Mr. Werner E. Liepach, Country Director, Asian Development Bank (Pakistan Resident Mission) and addressed by Mr. Rashid Hussain Kazi, MD, Thar Coal Energy Board, Govt. of Sindh; Sardar Shaukat Aziz Popalzai, President, Balochistan Economic Forum and Mr. Asim Tirmizi, Project Director (Liquefied Gases) Sui Southern Gas Company.

The third session on Technology for Ecology, Optimizing Alternative Energy Sources will be chaired by Prof. Dr. Arshad Ali, NUST School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences and speakers include, Mr. Amjad A. Awan, CEO, Alternate Energy Development Board; Syed Imran Shah, Manager Business Development, Fauji Fertilizer Company, and Mr. Mujtaba Haider Khan, CEO, Reon Energy.

Delegates from the federal and provincial ministries, regulatory bodies, think-tanks, academia, foreign missions and the media will be joining the day-long conference held annually by SHAMROCK Conferences International. For agenda and further details, please visit: www.shamrockconferences.net

EcoStar appoints Fahad Mustafa for awareness campaign of deceptive TV screen-sizes

EcoStar is the leading innovator in LED Televisions and smart TV technologies. This nationwide brand has now engaged the famous TV actor and show-host - Fahad Mustafa for launching an awareness campaign for the deceptive TV screen-sizes being sold in the market. In this new TV advertisement, Fahad Mustafa will make the consumers cautious, by revealing the facts about this malpractice observed in LEDTVs market.

Being a responsible enterprise that believes in transparency - EcoStar is issuing these public-service messages on media, to advise the buyers to actually measure and confirm the LED screen size, before purchasing any Television. For example; some TVs claiming to be 40 inches in size, are actually 1 to 2 inches smaller. This deceptive practice is more common in 40 inch, 43”, 50” and 60 inch LED televisions. So, EcoStar requests the consumers to make sure they are getting the accurate size of LED screen that they have paid for. Due to this initiative, thousands of customers will be able to avoid any deception and ensure that they are purchasing a reliable television.

Followed by this TV ad, EcoStar will also launch a digital-media campaign to make the audience aware of the under-sized LEDs being sold in market.

EcoStar also wants every buyer to be aware of the correct way to measure the LED screens. The customers should take an inch-tape and measure the LED TV screen diagonally; from the top left corner to the bottom right corner of the screen. This will give them the accurate size of the screen.

Huawei & Shehryar Munawar Meeting Fans in the Fortress Square Mall

The leading technology brand Huawei, recently gave its loyal Honor 6X fans a chance to meet and greet and take pictures with the young and vibrant Pakistani heart-throb – ShehryarMunawar in the Fortress Mall on 11th February 2017. 

This event turned out to be a great experience for the fans, as well as Shehryar who was gracious as always. He signed autographs and took selfies with a lot of people in the Fortress Mall. Being attracted by the huge crowd surrounding Shehryar, almost everyone took out their phones to capture a memorable glimpse of the star.

He's been making a splash in the country with his latest brand endorsement deals with Huawei and the building hype for his latest projects including a movie ‘Ghaazi’ starring many other A listers that is set to release this year.  But it seems it isn't only the critics who are raving about SheheryarMunawar.

The Lollywood heavyweight was greeted by a swarm of adoring fans while doing a press meet and greet for Huawei Honor 6X fans. His youthful vibrancy along with the gift of bringing something new-to-the-table every time, blends perfectly with Huawei’s DNA of keeping  users up-to-date with the most innovative smartphone technology in all aspects, from revolutionary design to one-of-a-kind tech features.

Shehryar appeared in the recently released TVC for the Honor 6X where he is highlighting the extraordinary features of the device. With the primary focus on 6X's camera having wide aperture, 0.3 second focus and low-light crisp photography, the 6X also has a 2.1 GHz octa-core processor, 32GB ROM, 3GB RAM, 3340 mAH battery, finger print sensor and a revolutionary dual-lens camera. It is available for PKR 28,499 in silver, grey, and rose gold at selected retail outlets across the country.

Perfect Gift for Him and Her this Valentine’s Day

With the Valentine’s Day almost upon us, most of us are frantically searching for the perfect present for the loved ones in our life. Huawei has solved that problem but providing the perfect gift for him and her; The Huawei Mate 9 and Honor 8. These are both are beautifully crafted powerful devices which are perfect for treating that special someone in your life. Huawei is offering a free ‘Honor color band A1’ on the purchase of Honor 8 or Mate 9 as a special Valentine’s Day offer for 13^th and 14^th February.  

Mate 9 is the feature-rich device designed to fulfill the needs of the prolific man. Its sleek and slim unibody with a sandblast finish and amazing 5.9 inch display makes it the perfect accessory.  The Honor 8 on the other hand has a smaller display but is the ideal device for socially-active ladies who love taking selfies because of its amazing dual lens camera.

Huawei considered both cultural needs and consumer-trends, while designing the functional elements of the Honor 8 and Mate 9. Both the devices boasts amazing camera features respectively, enhanced battery life and a sleek design, clearly reflecting Huawei’s innovation, reliability, performance and consumer-focus. Through these powerful devices, Huawei has managed to capture what the younger millennial audience is looking for; phones promising revolutionary user-experience along with the liberty to stream, share and scroll swiftly and with style.

The Marketing Manager of Huawei Mr Salman Javed stated that; "We expect to exceed our sales targets, with this recently launched great devices – The Huawei Honor 8 and Mate 9. This confirms our belief in working with our users to understand their needs and preferences, before creating new revolutionary technologies, which offer the perfect blend of beauty and performance to ensure the happiness of many diverse segments of users". Both devices are available with the V Day Deal on all Huawei brand shops, so hurry up and spread the love with Huawei.