Next Gen Consulting

Author: admin

  • WeR1 Consultants Approved for Two Programmes Under SGX’s S$30 Million Value Unlock Initiative

    SINGAPORE, July 10 – WeR1 Consultants Pte Ltd (“WeR1”), a specialist in corporate strategy and investor relations, has been appointed by Singapore Exchange Limited (“SGX”) as a service provider for both programmes under the Value Unlock initiative designed to strengthen foundations and drive value creation among SGX-listed companies (“listcos”). 

    Founded in 1999, WeR1 has been approved for both the Equip and the Elevate programmes of the S$30 million MAS-SGX initiative under which Singapore listcos can avail themselves to grants to offset costs for professional services related to enhancing corporate strategies, sharpening investment narratives and deepening investor and media engagement, as well as costs for training programmes to strengthen capabilities. 

    WeR1 is launching three training programmes – Lining Your IR Calendar Effectively, Turning Crisis into Opportunity, and Specialist Writing for Financial Markets – under the Equip Grant, under which participating companies can claim 50% co-funding support of up to S$15,000 each. 

    For the Elevate Grant, WeR1 has been approved to offer investor relations (“IR”) services. Undervalued companies which intend to bridge the valuation gap can receive 50% co-funding support, capped at S$200,000 per listco, for this programme. 

    WeR1’s appointment reflects its 27-year proven track record of helping small- to mid-cap listcos, which often struggle with weak market visibility, in their financial communications. Led by former Reuters correspondent and Merrill Lynch equity analyst Lai Kwok Kin (“KK Lai”), the firm has supported dozens of listcos in the region for corporate strategy, IPO and crisis communications, and IR. 

    A core approach of WeR1 for the Elevate programme is its Corporate & Business Update (“CBU”) methodology, a disclosure-based narrative refresh designed for listcos with limited analyst coverage, uneven trading liquidity and low investor engagement. WeR1 has helped more than 30 companies articulate their corporate transformation, including Fu Yu Corporation and Zico Holdings. 

    KK Lai, WeR1’s Founder and Managing Director, said: “We are deeply honoured to have been approved for both programmes under the MAS-SGX Value Unlock Initiative. Many smaller listcos remain undervalued because they do not communicate with clarity and consistency. WeR1 intends to bring its experience and approaches to help these companies overcome the valuation gap and increase trading liquidity.” 

    WeR1 is inviting SGX-listed companies, particularly smaller Mainboard and Catalist issuers, to explore their eligibility under the Equip and Elevate programmes. 

  • University of Sydney awarded Australia-India grant for landmark music partnership

    University of Sydney awarded Australia-India grant for landmark music partnership

     Musicians from Sydney Conservatorium of Music with musicians from India’s Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts at the 2024 Australia-India Youth Dialogue: l-r, Lu Liu (Sydney Con), Vladimir Gorbach (Sydney Con), Bindu Subramaniam (CEO of SaPa), Ambi Subramaniam (CCO of SaPa), Pirashanna Thevarajah (Sydney Con), and SaPa Academy students Aditya Ravidas and Sakethram Phani Vedala. Photo: Tim Dwyer/University of Sydney. 

    July 10: The University of Sydney has been awarded a 2026 Maitri Grant to support a landmark music partnership between Australia and India, creating new opportunities for students, educators and communities in both countries.

    The $180,000 grant was awarded to the University’s Conservatorium of Music announced on Thursday as part of a broader package of Australia-India initiatives unveiled by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  
     
    Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Mark Scott said the partnership would help strengthen the University’s connection with communities across Sydney.

    “One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is its potential to connect the University’s expertise in music and education with communities across Sydney,” said Professor Scott. 

    “By building relationships with Indian-Australian musicians and communities, we’re extending the cultural footprint of the Conservatorium beyond Macquarie Street and creating new opportunities for learning, performance and community engagement activities with Indian-Australian communities in Parramatta and across Western Sydney.” 

    India-Australia partnership 
     
    The Sydney Conservatorium project is one of 41 initiatives funded through the 2026 Maitri Grants Program, which supports projects that strengthen cultural, educational and research links between Australia and India.

    The partnership reflects the growing importance of education, research and cultural exchange in the Australia-India relationship, creating new opportunities for students, educators and communities in both countries.

    Minister for Education Jason Clare said education was one of the most important bridges between Australia and India. 
     
    He said of the Maitri Grants and the wider university projects around Australia: “This is bringing a world-class Australian education closer to home for more young Indians and creating new opportunities for our researchers to work together.”

    Student experience

    A key focus of the project is enriching the student experience.  
     
    Through the three-year partnership, Sydney Conservatorium of Music students will have opportunities to travel to India to learn alongside musicians, educators and students at Bengaluru’s Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts (SaPa), a leading centre for music education, performance and intercultural learning in India.  
     
    The project will also bring Indian musicians and educators to Sydney, creating new opportunities for students to engage with Indian musical traditions through workshops, performances and creative collaborations at the Conservatorium’s Macquarie Street campus and future teaching facilities in Parramatta.  

    Students in Sydney will also learn from artists and educators from Sydney’s Indian diaspora community through workshops, performances and collaborations bringing Indian musical traditions to the heart of Conservatorium life. The partnership is expected to support community engagement activities for many years to come, extending the Conservatorium’s cultural engagement into communities with deep and enduring connections to Indian music and culture.  

    “This project represents a wonderful opportunity to rethink what a conservatorium can be,” said Dr Alex Chilvers, one of the four grant recipients from Sydney Conservatorium of Music. “Australia’s musical culture is enriched by extraordinary traditions that have travelled here with migrant communities, yet those traditions are not always reflected in the core of higher music education. 

    “We’re looking forward to learning alongside our colleagues at SaPa and working closely with Indian-Australian musicians to explore new ways of teaching, creating and understanding music. We hope this is the beginning of a long-term relationship that benefits students, educators and communities in both countries.”

    University of Sydney awarded Australia-India grant for landmark music partnership

     

    Sydney Conservatorium grant recipients, left to right: Dr Anthony Chmiel, Dr Lu Liu,  Dr Alex Chilvers and Ms Kirsty McCahon. Photo: Grace Sui/University of Sydney

     The project, A Partnership for Indian-Australian Music, Diaspora Empowerment, and Cultural Exchange, is led by Sydney Conservatorium academics Dr Alex Chilvers, Dr Lu Liu, Dr Anthony Chmiel and Ms Kirsty McCahon (International Partnerships and Events).  
     
    The project will support staff exchanges, curriculum development and new approaches to teaching music across cultures. Through the collaboration, educators will develop new curriculum resources, teaching assets and learning materials designed for conservatorium and music programs in both countries, creating a lasting educational legacy for students in Australia and India. 
     
    Professor Anna Reid, Dean and Head of School at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, said the project builds on the Conservatorium’s commitment to international collaboration and intercultural learning. 
     
    “This partnership will open up extraordinary opportunities for our students to learn directly from musicians, educators and communities in both Australia and India,” Professor Reid said. “Music has always been a powerful way to build understanding across cultures, and we’re excited to create new opportunities for students to play together, learn from one another and engage deeply with Indian musical traditions. The experiences and relationships that grow from this partnership will enrich our Conservatorium community for years to come.” 

    Bindu Subramaniam, co-founder and CEO of the Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts, welcomed the partnership. 

    “Our partnership with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music has the potential to bring knowledge and understanding of Indian music into mainstream higher education in Australia. It will create opportunities for students, artists and educators in both countries to learn from one another and deepen cultural understanding through music.” 

    University of Sydney awarded Australia-India grant for landmark music partnership

     

    Left to right: Dr Lu Liu (Sydney Conservatorium of Music), Associate Professor Vladimir Gorbach (Sydney Conservatorium of Music), Bindu Subramaniam (CEO of SaPa), Ambi Subramaniam (CCO of SaPa), with musicians from SaPa Academy at Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2024. Photo: Tim Dwyer 

    SaPa, headquartered in Bengaluru, India, teaches music to students of all ages and works with over 40,000 children annually as part of its in-schools program. The organisation is recognised for its innovative approach to integrating Indian and Western music traditions and fostering intercultural understanding through music education. 
     
    The Maitri Grants Program – Sanskrit for “friendship” – supports projects strengthening the Australia-India relationship through cultural, educational, research and business collaboration. The program is administered by the Australian Government’s Centre for Australia-India Relations.

  • Beyond Fuel Prices: E20 Brings Energy and Agricultural Benefits, Says Govt

    New Delhi, July 10: The government has said that while E20 fuel may appear costlier at current crude oil prices, its long-term benefits include reducing India’s dependence on imported oil, saving foreign exchange, and increasing farmers’ income.

    Beyond Fuel Prices: E20 Brings Energy and Agricultural Benefits, Says Govt

    E20, a blend of 20 per cent ethanol with petrol, is part of India’s strategy to promote cleaner fuel alternatives and reduce reliance on crude oil imports. Officials highlighted that greater ethanol blending will help lower the country’s fuel import burden and improve energy security.

    The government said the ethanol programme is also creating new opportunities for farmers by providing an additional market for agricultural produce used in ethanol production, thereby supporting rural incomes.

    Although the price impact of E20 depends on global crude oil prices and market conditions, authorities emphasized that the broader economic benefits of the programme extend beyond fuel costs.

    The initiative is expected to support India’s transition towards cleaner energy, strengthen the agricultural economy, and contribute to the country’s goal of reducing fossil fuel dependence.

  • Breathe Battery Technologies’ Dr Ian Campbell Presented with Princess Royal Silver Medal

    Breathe Battery Technologies' Dr Ian Campbell Presented with Princess Royal Silver Medal

     

    London, July 10 – Dr Ian Campbell, co-founder of Breathe Battery Technologies, was presented with The Princess Royal Silver Medal last night by HRH The Princess Royal at the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Awards Dinner in London.

    His win was announced last week, and the medal is one of the Academy’s most prestigious individual honours, recognising an outstanding personal contribution to UK engineering by an early- to mid-career engineer.

    Ian received the medal alongside fellow 2026 honourees Dr Liucheng Guo (TG0) and Professor Robert Thomson FREng (Heriot-Watt University).

    Breathe Battery Technologies is a London-based company whose software simulates the inner workings of batteries to optimise charging and design without any hardware changes.

    Its technology has been adopted by major automotive and technology partners including Volvo Cars, OPPO and Bang & Olufsen.

    Speaking when his win was announced last week, Dr Ian Campbell said:

    “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the Princess Royal Silver Medal. Climate change and air pollution continue to threaten health and livelihoods worldwide. By combining battery physics simulation with materials libraries built in industrial-scale labs, we can screen millions of potential designs and rapidly optimise the most promising candidates using advanced software. This capability is helping to bring cleaner, quieter, healthier and more affordable cars, trucks and energy storage systems to market faster.”

  • India Wins Gold in Mixed Relay at Asian U23 Athletics Championships

    China, July 10: India’s Mixed Relay Team delivered a spectacular performance at the Asian U23 Athletics Championships 2026, securing the gold medal with a winning time of 3:18.64 minutes.

    India Wins Gold in Mixed Relay at Asian U23 Athletics Championships

    Pic Credit: https://x.com/sports_odisha 

    The champion team featured Odisha’s promising athlete Astik Pradhan along with Sandra Mol Sabu, Setu Mishra, and Shravani Sachin. The quartet displayed exceptional speed, coordination, and determination to finish at the top in the highly competitive event.

    The victory marks another significant milestone for Indian athletics, showcasing the growing strength and potential of the country’s young athletes on the international stage. The team’s performance reflected their months of preparation, discipline, and commitment to excellence.

    For Odisha, the achievement carries special pride as Astik Pradhan’s contribution played an important role in India’s gold medal-winning campaign. The success highlights the state’s continued contribution to nurturing talented athletes and strengthening India’s presence in global competitions.

    The gold medal at the Asian U23 Athletics Championships is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes and further boost confidence in India’s emerging sporting talent.

  • Solar Rooftop Expansion in India Set to Gain Momentum with World Bank Support

    New Delhi, July 10: India’s efforts to expand clean energy access have received a major boost after the World Bank approved financing support for the country’s solar rooftop programme.

    Solar Rooftop Expansion in India Set to Gain Momentum with World Bank Support

    The initiative aims to increase the adoption of rooftop solar systems among households, businesses, and communities while making renewable energy more accessible and affordable.

    The funding support is expected to strengthen solar infrastructure, encourage greater use of clean power, and create new opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

    The programme aligns with India’s broader goal of increasing renewable energy capacity and reducing dependence on traditional energy sources. It is also expected to support sustainable growth and contribute to the country’s long-term climate commitments.

    With the latest support, India’s rooftop solar expansion is set to gain further momentum as the nation continues its transition towards a cleaner energy future.

  • Amarnath Yatra 2026 Gains Momentum as Over 1.60 Lakh Devotees Complete Darshan

    Jammu, July 10: The Amarnath Yatra 2026 continues to witness a strong response from devotees, with more than 1.60 lakh pilgrims completing darshan at the holy cave shrine so far.

    Amarnath Yatra 2026 Gains Momentum as Over 1.60 Lakh Devotees Complete Darshan

    A fresh group of 8,796 pilgrims began their journey towards Kashmir as part of the ninth batch of the annual pilgrimage. Authorities have strengthened arrangements along the route to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees.

    Security personnel, medical teams, and support services have been deployed at key locations to assist pilgrims throughout the yatra. Officials are also closely monitoring the movement of devotees and weather conditions to ensure smooth operations.

    The annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine remains one of the most significant spiritual journeys in the country, drawing devotees from different parts of India with faith and devotion.

  • Assam Govt Flags Teacher Shortage and Low Student Enrolment in Assembly

    Guwahati, July 10: The Assam government has informed the state Assembly that more than 60,000 teaching positions remain vacant across schools, while over 30,000 schools have an enrolment of around 30 students each.

    The government said the figures highlight key challenges facing the state’s education sector, including teacher availability and declining student numbers in several schools.

    Officials stated that efforts are being taken to address vacancies, improve the quality of education, and ensure better utilisation of school infrastructure. The government is also reviewing school-level requirements to strengthen teaching resources and academic facilities.

    The issue was raised during the Assembly session, where legislators discussed the need for effective measures to improve school education and provide students with better learning opportunities.

    The government reiterated its commitment to filling vacant posts and enhancing the overall education system across Assam.

  • LTSCT and Azuremoto Technologies Sign MoU to Advance SiC and Power Semiconductor Solutions

    Chandigarh, July 10: L&T Semiconductor Technologies , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro , has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Azuremoto Technologies Inc., Taiwan, a provider of semiconductor IP design and component solutions.

    The MoU establishes a structured framework for cross-border business cooperation across Silicon Carbide power semiconductor products for the AI Data Centre market, and Rectifiers and MOS-based power semiconductor products targeting LTSCT’s key business verticals in India and worldwide.

    Under the terms of the MoU, the collaboration spans two primary product domains. The first encompasses SiC MOSFETs, diodes and related modules and components for AI Data Centre applications such as power supplies, server power architecture, uninterruptible power supply systems and energy-efficient solutions. The second includes Rectifiers and MOS-based semiconductor products for applications such as energy metering systems, HVAC power control, solar inverter applications, BLDC motor drives and consumer electronics.

    The MoU is structured around three key objectives – (1) Establishing a cooperative framework for market development, customer engagement and joint promotional activities targeting AI Data Centres, OEMs, ODMs and power solution providers, (2) Defining a mutual technical support structure encompassing reference designs, engineering samples, evaluation kits and application documentation, and (3) Building a foundation for long-term supply arrangements, product customisation, demand forecasting and potential codevelopment initiatives.

    The parties have committed to executing a Definitive Agreement as a Distribution, Supply or Joint Development Agreement within one year.

    Under the agreed structure, LTSCT will provide product roadmaps, technical specifications, application guidance, engineering samples and regulatory compliance support, and will participate in joint customer engagements. Azuremoto will lead market development, sales and customer relationship management within agreed territories, while delivering first-line technical support, market intelligence, and coordinating joint marketing efforts.

    Commenting on this, Dr Sandeep Kumar, Chief Executive – LTSCT, said:

    “India is no longer on the fringes of the global semiconductor map – it is shaping its contours. This MoU with Azuremoto signals LTSCT’s intent to build India’s semiconductor future through deliberate, strategic partnerships with leading global ecosystems. The India – Taiwan corridor is emerging as a critical axis in semiconductor development, and this collaboration positions LTSCT at its centre, combining our fabless design capability and IP-led product vision with Azuremoto deep ecosystem strengths”.

    “We are not only addressing current demand for high-performance power semiconductors but also building the foundation for a resilient, cross-border value chain to serve AI infrastructure and industrial power markets over the long term”, he added.

    Stanley Lin, Chief Executive Officer, Azuremoto Technologies Inc., said:

    “This partnership underscores Azuremoto’s commitment to building a resilient, execution-driven power semiconductor ecosystem globally. By combining LTSCT’s IP-led product vision and application expertise in India, with Azuremoto’s Taiwan-based design know-how and go-to-market execution, we are moving beyond a traditional distributor model towards true co-design enablement.

    “Our shared goal is to accelerate time-to-market for high-performance SiC and power semiconductor solutions that meet the stringent efficiency, reliability and scalability demands of AI Data Centres and industrial applications worldwide”, he added.

    The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the global semiconductor industry. India’s Union Budget 2026 introduced five-year tax exemptions and near-zero import duties on semiconductor components, signalling strong policy support for deeper India–Taiwan collaboration. The India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 is accelerating the shift towards fabless design and IP-led development, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company already fabricating chip designs from Design Linked Incentive scheme-backed Indian start-ups.

    At the same time, the broader trilateral model – combining Japan’s capital, Taiwan’s ecosystem expertise and India’s engineering talent – is taking shape. The MoU between LTSCT and Azuremoto reflects this growing momentum.

  • Swaranjali Delhi Successfully Organises “Colours of India 2026” in Gurugram

    Gurugram, July 10: Swaranjali Delhi successfully organized Colours of India 2026 in association with Eternal Oasis Gurugram on July 9, 2026, at Prakriti Hall, Eternal Oasis, Sector 42, Gurugram. The cultural evening, supported by the Art and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Haryana, brought together renowned classical musicians, dancers, and art enthusiasts for an unforgettable celebration of India’s diverse artistic traditions.

    Swaranjali

     

    The evening commenced with a captivating Kathak dance performance by the talented young artiste Ms. Oyeshi Bhattacherjee, whose graceful footwork, technical finesse, and expressive abhinaya won the appreciation of the audience.

    The instrumental segment featured an inspiring Swar Ragini presentation by Pt. Subhas Ghosh, who mesmerized listeners with Raag Bageshree through compositions set in Jhaptaal, Ektaal, and Teentaal, followed by a vibrant folk dhun. He was accompanied by Pt. Susamoy Mishra on tabla and Shri Suresh Kumar on special effects, creating a memorable musical experience.

    Swaranjali

    The vocal recital by Smt. Laxmi Priya Nayak showcased the beauty of Raag Shyam Kalyan with soulful vilambit and drut compositions, followed by a melodious Dadra presentation. She was accompanied by Shri Jitendra Swain on tabla and Ustad Zakir Dholpuri on harmonium.

    The grand finale featured an enchanting sitar recital by Pt. Uma Prakash Shankar, who presented Raag Jhinjhoti with remarkable artistry. Pt. Siddhartha Chatterjee provided accomplished tabla accompaniment, bringing the evening to a fitting musical conclusion.

    The event was graced by distinguished guests Shri Umesh Mathur, noted author, educationist, journalist, and filmmaker, and Smt. Niharika Mathur, Manager and Program Director of Eternal Oasis. The programme was seamlessly anchored by Shri Subrata De, whose engaging presentation added to the evening’s charm.

    swaranjali3

    Shreyas Webmedia Solutions served as the Online Media Partner for the event.

    The organizers expressed gratitude to the performers, guests, supporters, and audience members for making Colours of India 2026 a memorable celebration of India’s classical arts while reaffirming Swaranjali Delhi’s commitment to promoting and preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage.

    About Eternal Oasis

    Eternal Oasis is a unique centre dedicated to arts, culture, and spirituality, founded on the belief that music and creative expression have the power to connect, heal, and inspire. Located in Sector 42, Gurugram, the expansive 1 lakh sq. ft. campus offers panoramic Aravalli-facing views and world-class infrastructure designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit.

    The centre features three performance venues, six flexible workshop spaces, a large art gallery, a professional recording studio, 30 residential rooms, an 80-seater eatery, a modern Buddhist temple and meditation room, spacious terrace areas, lush green lawns, and dedicated parking for up to 100 vehicles.

    Envisioned as a vibrant “third space” beyond home and workplace, Eternal Oasis provides a platform where individuals can reconnect with art, culture, and spirituality through a wide range of performances, workshops, exhibitions, and wellness programmes. Under the leadership of its founder Umesh Mathur, the centre continues to emerge as a prominent cultural and spiritual destination in Gurugram.

    For updates on upcoming programmes, follow @eternaloasis_gurugram on social media.

    For more information, visit: