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Quantum CorpHealth (Quantum) Sets Sights on 300 ALS Ambulances to Transform India's Emergency Healthcare, Through Doctor911

Quantum, a doctor-led pioneer in corporate and industrial healthcare, has announced the national launch of its Doctor911 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance network — a major step toward building India’s next-generation emergency response ecosystem. The initiative begins with a pilot deployment at Oberoi Mall, Goregaon, in collaboration with Oberoi Realty, setting the foundation for a nationwide rollout of 300 fully equipped ALS ambulances across 20 metropolitan regions over the next two years.

 

Doctor911 strengthens emergency response with the launch of its ALS ambulance at Oberoi Mall, Mumbai, led by Dr Narendra Vankar & Dr Bhavya Vankar

 

The Doctor911 ALS ambulance service ensures rapid medical assistance with a turnaround time of under 10 minutes, supported by Quantum’s emergency command system and its pan-India network of over 200 Occupational Health Centres (OHCs) across corporate, industrial, and retail environments.

 

India continues to face a significant gap in emergency ambulance availability compared to developed healthcare systems. Current estimates indicate that India operates 18,000–20,000 ambulances for a population of 1.4 billion, while the United States runs over 50,000 ambulances for just 330 million – highlighting the urgent need to expand India’s emergency-care capabilities at scale.

 

As part of its global strategy, Doctor911 is expanding into the UAE and exploring opportunities in the US, supported by MediLocker — Quantum’s secure, portable health-data layer that ensures a patient’s medical records travel with them. This allows Doctor911 to deliver seamless, informed care for employees, travellers, and NRI families across borders.

 

Doctor911 is evolving into a global connected-care platform. With our expansion into the UAE and exploratory entry into the US, our aim is to ensure coordinated, high-quality care for Indians and NRIs wherever they are,” said Dr. Narendra Vankar, Founder & CEO, Quantum.

 

Quantum also continues to strengthen India’s workplace healthcare ecosystem — a pillar governed by the Factories Act, 1948, which mandates employers to safeguard the health, safety, and environment of workers. Corporate India increasingly recognises that “the cost of non-compliance is 10x the cost of compliance.”

 

To support this compliance-driven need, Quantum has built a cross-functional corporate health team, backed by standardised SOPs and smart digital software, converting traditional OHCs into smart clinics capable of delivering faster, more accurate, and data-backed care.

 

For corporates, factories and large industrial operations, immediate medical readiness is critical. Through our OHC network, on-site medical teams and now ALS ambulances under Doctor911, we are elevating workforce health and emergency response. Our experienced corporate doctors also conduct all training, knowledge transfer and detailed slice-and-dice analysis of employee health data, offering deep insights into organisational wellbeing,” said Dr. Bhavya Vankar, Co-Founder & Director, Quantum.

 

Founded by Dr. Narendra Vankar and Dr. Bhavya Vankar, both MBBS, AFIH-qualified occupational health specialists, Quantum Corp today serves over 500 corporate groups across sectors. The company is distinguished by its direct medical service delivery model — delivering preventive, curative, and emergency care on-site at workplaces, supported by qualified doctors and trained medical teams.

"Future of Nudge Theory in the Smartphone Era" Highlighted at DU's Memorial Lecture for Cheistha Kochhar

The University of Delhi, in collaboration with the Department of Psychology and the Cheistha Kochhar Nudge Centre, hosted the 1st Cheistha Kochhar Memorial Lecture 2025 on the theme “The Future of Nudge Theory in the World of Smartphones”. The event was held on Monday, 17th November 2025, at Shankar Lal Hall, bringing together academics, policymakers, behavioral scientists and students to honor the legacy of the late Cheistha Kochhar, a pioneering behavioural science scholar and the visionary behind India’s first Behavioural Insights Unit at NITI Aayog.

 

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1st Cheistha Kochhar Memorial Lecture 2025


The event was graced by Prof. Rajni Abbi, Director of South Campus, University of Delhi, who attended as the Chief Guest, along with Prof. Urmi Nanda Biswas, Head of the Department of Psychology and Dr. Subhash Meena, Assistant Professor and Coordinator from the Department of Psychology. Their presence underscored the University’s commitment to advancing behavioural science and honoring Cheistha Kochhar’s enduring legacy.


Mr. Biju Dominic, Chief Evangelist at Fractal Analytics and Chairman of Final Mile Consulting, delivered the keynote address. Speaking about Cheistha’s contribution to behavioural science, he said, “Cheistha showed us what it means to challenge convention with courage. She chose a path few explored, bringing behavioural science and nudge theory into real-world problem solving long before it was widely understood. Her work reminds us that meaningful change often begins with small, thoughtful nudges that can shift human behaviour in profound ways. As we honour her legacy, we must carry forward her conviction that knowledge, empathy and science can illuminate society’s deepest cracks and transform them into possibilities.


Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, COAI and father of Cheistha Kochhar, shared a deeply emotional tribute. He said, “Speaking about Cheistha fills me with both sadness and pride — sadness that she is no longer with us and pride that her legacy continues to shine. From childhood she was compassionate, curious, fearless and deeply committed to serving others. Whether in Aadhaar, the Planning Commission, NITI Aayog or at the University of Chicago, she left a mark through her brilliance and humanity. We discovered the depth of her impact only after her passing. Our only wish now is that her legacy continues to inspire and be carried forward.”


Born out of her pioneering vision, the Cheistha Kochhar Nudge Centre at the University of Delhi aims to advance research and innovation in behavioural science, with a particular focus on how nudge theory can be applied through modern technologies such as smartphones. Cheistha believed that policymaking must be rooted in how people actually think, behave and choose, and that empathetic, evidence-based nudges can enable individuals to make better decisions for themselves and the planet.


With the scholarships and annual lectures established in her memory, Cheistha’s legacy continues to inspire young researchers, policymakers and behavioural scientists across the globe to carry forward and be recognised in her mission of creating more humane, compassionate and impactful public policy.

Epic VF 7 Road Trip Shows Indian Drivers What EV Future Could Look Like

A Vietnamese creator’s epic crossing from Asia toward Africa is giving India an early glimpse of how the VinFast VF 7 could change ordinary road travel by demonstrating how a straightforward electric car can carry itself across long distances with steady ease.

 

India has only recently welcomed the VF 7, but local reviews already show favorable feedback

 

Early one October morning in Hanoi, automotive YouTuber Nguyen Thanh Hai, known to his followers as Hai Kar, packed his VinFast VF 7 and began an extraordinary journey. His plan is to drive from Vietnam to Africa, passing through thirty countries across Asia and Europe before reaching Morocco. The trip, expected to take several months, covers about fifty thousand kilometers. It is one of the first attempts by a Vietnamese driver to cross continents in a made in Vietnam electric car.

 

A car built for adaptation

Hai’s VF 7 is a standard production vehicle. Before setting off, he fitted a roof rack, rally tires and a tow cable, then added a few essentials such as charging adapters, a small generator and translation tools for unfamiliar regions. His car can travel more than four hundred kilometers on a full charge and has enough power to manage highways and mountain roads. A few weeks into the journey, he is now somewhere in China, heading west.

 

The VF 7 already attracts attention at home in Vietnam among long distance drivers. Owners who have traveled from Hanoi to Ca Mau praise its solid handling, smooth ride and consistent performance across varied terrain. Fast charging from near empty to seventy percent takes about half an hour, which turns long trips into a sequence of short breaks rather than slow, painful stops.

 

What makes Hai’s trip remarkable is how ordinary the car is. It was designed for daily life such as commuting, errands and short weekends, yet it is handling a route that stretches from Asia to Africa.

 

India’s early look at the VF 7

India has only recently welcomed the VF 7, but local reviews already show favorable feedback. One buyer in Lucknow, who is 6’4, cancelled his booking with another brand after realising the VF 7 simply felt better inside(1). Plus, both the vehicle and battery warranty is generous at 10 years or 2 lakh kilometres. He took delivery in Jaipur and drove the car home to Lucknow, and during that stretch he found the VF 7 steady at speed and easy to place when overtaking, while city crawling felt calm and predictable. “I am satisfied with the car”, he said after crossing the one thousand kilometre mark, addng that he gave it “9.5 out of 10.”

 

The VF7 arrives just as India’s charging network begins to expand for a larger EV audience. VinFast is preparing its own ecosystem alongside this, supported by partners in each key area, such as myTVS (authorised service centres), Global Assure (roadside assistance), and banks like SBI (financing for both customers and dealers). Together these pieces form a full EV ecosystem that covers finance, home and public charging, service coverage, and the other tools needed for day to day use.

 

What this means for Indian drivers

Once more chargers appear along the major national highways, long distance EV journeys will be much easier. A normal India trip such as Bengaluru to Goa or Delhi to Nainital could eventually feel as simple as Hai Kar recharging his VF 7 on his road to Africa. Drivers will stop for chai or lunch while the car picks up enough range to continue.

 

Hai’s journey continues to unfold across continents. Each update he posts is another tiny demonstration of how electric travel keeps expanding its reach. And for Indian drivers watching Hai Kar’s trip from afar, it hints at a future where a quiet, clean road trip from one state to another becomes an ordinary weekend plan rather than a brave experiment.

 

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. The company is rapidly expanding its global distribution network and manufacturing capabilities with facilities in Vietnam, India, and planned operations in the United States.

 

The company’s Thoothukudi facility in Tamil Nadu represents a $500 million investment and will produce 150,000 vehicles annually when fully operational, creating approximately 3,500 direct jobs.

 

Learn more at:vinfastauto.in.

away Center Launches in Bengaluru: A New Era of Intentional Coworking Begins in Koramangala

away Center, India’s first wellness-forward coworking brand, has opened its doors in Koramangala, marking the brand’s entry into Bengaluru’s dynamic startup and creative ecosystem. away is a design-led workspace rooted in wellness and culture. The new hub signals a conscious reimagining of what coworking can and should feel like.

 

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away Centre in Bengaluru


As the coworking industry across India pivots toward managed offices and mass-scale expansion, away represents a return to meaning. Built for founders and professionals who seek purpose and presence in their work, each away hub is intentionally capped under 20,000 sq. ft., ensuring a balance of intimacy, design quality, and community depth. The Koramangala center embodies this philosophy with natural light-filled layouts, spacious per-person zones, and an integrated café front that invites both members and visitors into its rhythm.


Coworking doesn’t need more square footage, it needs more soul. The industry scaled fast, and somewhere along the way, intention got replaced by occupancy dashboards. away brings back what truly matters: design that inspires, communities that care, and systems that build better teams, not just bigger offices. Bengaluru’s energy, talent, and entrepreneurial clarity make it the perfect city to lead this movement toward intentional, conscious workspaces,” said Udbhav Jalan, Founder, away Center.


The Koramangala hub introduces a new vocabulary for workspaces: Stillness Rooms and Meditation Cornersthat anchor focus and mental clarity; Private Studios, Open Stations, and Enterprise Suites that adapt to different work modes; and a Reset Bar that doubles as the community’s cultural heart. The cafe, open to non-members, serves barista-crafted coffee and a wellness-aligned menu designed in collaboration with Food Maki and Shooketh Bakery, celebrating balance, nourishment, and connection.


away’s programming goes beyond convenience, fostering an environment of shared growth and introspection. Weekly yoga sessions, daily meditations, and curated cultural evenings, ranging from acoustic gigs to wellness workshops, form the backbone of its community model. The brand’s embedded wellness ecosystem also offers access to executive coaches, therapists, and mindfulness mentors on demand.


The Bengaluru launch follows away’s successful debut in Vizag earlier this year, with upcoming hubs in Hyderabad, Gurgaon, and a second Vizag location by early 2026. Each location operates on away’s “Nano-GCC” model, a distributed network of high-quality, human-scale workspaces that allow companies to build small, autonomous teams in Tier 2 and 3 cities. By blending premium infrastructure with conscious culture, away helps organizations scale meaningfully while keeping opportunity close to home.


In a city that has always celebrated innovation and individuality, away’s arrival marks the beginning of a more mindful chapter, where work, culture, and consciousness coexist with intent.


Location: Eterna, 100 Feet Rd, KHB Colony, Industrial Area, Properties,#9, Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560095
Website: www.away.center
Instagram: @away.to.be

The Art of Living (VVKI) and Indian Navy Sign MoU for Wellness & Leadership

With the blessings of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the HQ Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area (HQTNP) and The Art of Living Government Programs have entered into a landmark partnership to strengthen the well-being, resilience, and leadership capacities of naval personnel. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 14 November ‘25 at Naval Headquarters, Chennai.

 

Rear Admiral Satish Shenai, FOTNA, and Br. Pragyachaitanya, Chairman (VVKI) sign a landmark MoU in Chennai

 

The MoU was formalised by Rear Admiral Satish Shenai, Flag Officer Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area (FOTNA), and Br. Pragyachaitanya, Chairman, Vyakti Vikas Kendras India (VVKI). This collaboration aims to bring evidence-based wellness, stress-management, and leadership training to officers and sailors serving under the Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area.

 

The MoU between HQ Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area and The Art of Living Government Programs will focus on enhancing resilience and performance in the Navy

 

Scaling Impact Across Naval Establishments Nationwide

This collaboration builds on a strong foundation already laid across the Indian Navy, where thousands of officers, sailors, and trainees have experienced The Art of Living’s training programmes across diverse units and ranks. Backed by scientific research and tailored for high-pressure operational environments, these techniques reinforce the inner readiness that underpins steady performance.For many participants, the tools have become long-term anchors – resources they continue to return to long after the workshops, strengthening the human element at the heart of naval readiness.

 

Reflections from Officers Across the Services

Across ranks and services, officers from previous batches consistently described the training as deeply transformative:

 

A Navy Commodore described the programme as an “awesome experience”, one that helped him realise the importance of breath and the immense benefits it can bring. He felt that choosing not to attend would have been “the biggest loss.” The programme, he said, enabled him to recognise his inner energy and the divine power that can be channelised through meditation, yoga, and Sudarshan Kriya.

 

Another Commodore noted that although he has always maintained strong personal and professional ethics, the programme will further refine his skills and help him become a calmer, more balanced individual in his work life.

 

Yet another Navy Commodore reflected that the techniques will help him stay calmer and more balanced, fundamentally changing the way he deals with individuals and issues at work.

 

Together, their voices capture a common thread: the practices are not just calming, they are reshaping perspectives, strengthening resilience, and offering tools that continue to support them long after the training ends.

 

Extending Support across Borders: Trauma Relief for Veterans in USA

The power of the programme extends beyond the country. In the US, Project Welcome Home brings mind-body techniques to troops struggling with post traumatic stress, multiple combat deployments and the challenges of reintegration. The programme helps release years of accumulated stress and emotional strain, while specialised practices backed by research restore calm, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.

 

The 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports a sobering reality: in 2022, 6,407 veterans died by suicide. At a time when the U.S. loses an average of 17 veterans a day to suicide, this initiative is making a profound difference – helping veterans heal deeply and reconnect with themselves, their families, and their communities.

 

Strengthening the Human Element of National Security

As the Navy continues to modernise its infrastructure and capabilities, this MoU places equal emphasis on the human element behind the machinery. It acknowledges that the strength of a force lies not only in its ships and systems, but also in the inner balance, morale, and clarity of the people who serve. Through this partnership, the Art of Living and HQTNP reinforce a shared commitment to nurturing that inner strength – ensuring that those who protect the nation do so with resilience in their minds, steadiness in their emotions, and a deeper sense of purpose within. 

Invest Beyond Banks with the Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund

As an investor, you may already know that India’s financial sector extends beyond banks today. Over the years, it has grown to include a wide range of businesses such as non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), insurers, asset managers, and fintechs. The Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund aims to offer an opportunity to participate in this wider financial ecosystem.

 

Look beyond banking with Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund NFO live now 


The Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund, an open ended equity scheme, seeks to invest in companies that are part of this evolving financial landscape. The New Fund Offer is currently live since Monday, November 10, 2025, and will close on Monday, November 24, 2025. The scheme will reopen for subscription within five business days from the date of allotment.


The evolving BFSI landscape
The Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector has long been central to India’s growth. But its structure has changed. As of 2025, banks make up about 57% of the sector’s market capitalisation, compared to 85% in 2005.


This shows how other parts of the financial system have grown to become important contributors. NBFCs are serving diverse credit needs, fintechs are making financial access simpler, insurers are expanding coverage, and asset managers are enabling more people to invest. Together, they are helping shape a more balanced financial sector.


Source: MOFSL Report as published in April 2025


What’s driving this shift
Several trends are behind this shift. Digitisation has made financial products easier to access and manage. Fintech innovation has simplified how people borrow, invest, and insure. Retail participation has grown as more individuals look to plan their financial goals through investments.


At the same time, demand for different financial services, from insurance to investments, continues to grow as incomes rise and awareness improves. These factors have made BFSI a more diverse and dynamic part of India’s economy.


Source: MOFSL Report as published in April 2025


The sector’s growing presence in the market
The market’s response to this transformation is visible in the data. Over the past 20 years, the BFSI sector’s weight in the Nifty 50 has increased 2.6 times, from 14.6% in FY04 to 37.9% in July 2025. During the same period, its market capitalisation has grown from Rs. 1.8 trillion to Rs. 91 trillion.


This steady rise reflects formalisation, stronger credit participation, and growing investor confidence. Many large business groups have also expanded beyond lending into areas such as insurance and asset management, recognising how the financial services space has diversified.


Source: MOFSL Report as published in April 2025


Why consider investing beyond banks
For investors, this broader growth means opportunities extend beyond traditional banking. The Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund invests across different areas within the BFSI sector, from banks and NBFCs to insurers, asset managers, and fintechs.
By doing so, it offers exposure to multiple drivers of India’s financial growth rather than focusing on one segment alone. Investors who wish to align their portfolios with the structural changes shaping India’s financial system may find such a diversified approach suitable for long-term investing.


Conclusion
The Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund gives you a way to look beyond banks and invest in the wider financial services sector. With exposure across NBFCs, insurers, fintechs, and asset managers, it reflects how the BFSI space has evolved and continues to grow.


For investors with a long-term perspective, this may be a suitable way to participate in India’s expanding financial landscape.


New Fund Offer Opens on: Monday, November 10, 2025
New Fund Offer Closes on: Monday, November 24, 2025
Scheme re-opens on: Within five business days of allotment date


Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

2025 World Trade Centers Association Member Forum Advances Private Sector's Role in Strengthening Global Business Ties

World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®), an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center® (WTC®) locations in nearly 100 countries and territories, held its 2025 WTCA Member Forum from October 27-29. The three-day virtual event brought together 280 registrants, representing 105 WTC businesses across 43 countries and territories.

 

Under the theme “Empowering Emerging Voices,” this year’s event highlighted WTCA’s rising leaders and the experienced voices who guide, mentor and empower international trade collaboration. Sessions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops offered actionable tools for navigating a changing international landscape, reflecting WTCA’s commitment to promoting free and fair trade, open markets and healthy competition.

 

Highlights from this year’s Member Forum included a “Mentor-Mentee Match Up” session, where experienced leaders shared their insights and expertise with emerging voices within the network, as well as “The State of Global Trade and Investment” with Michael Blanga-Gubbay, Research Economist, World Trade Organization (WTO); “Networking with a Purpose” with Melinda Emerson, President, SmallBizLady Enterprises; “Digital Literacy for Trade Pros: Smart Tools, Big Impact” with Krishna Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO, GreenPepper AI; and “Cross-Cultural Communication in a Global Network” with Tamir Maharaj, Trade Advisor, WTC Winnipeg.  

 

Our members’ dedication and collaboration in navigating rapidly shifting trade times has been remarkable. The energy and support that they offer one another demonstrate the strength and adaptability of our network. It is inspiring to see how WTCA continues to evolve and help members succeed in an ever-shifting global trade landscape,” said John E. Drew, WTCA Chair, Board of Directors. “At its core, WTCA’s mission is to empower WTC locations with the tools and connections they need to support the businesses they serve. By strengthening our members, we strengthen the businesses and communities navigating today’s complex geopolitical and trade realities, ultimately fulfilling our purpose of ‘Connecting Businesses, Globally,’ for shared growth and resilience.”

 

This year’s Forum also introduced the WTCA Visionary Awards, recognizing the groundbreaking projects of WTC businesses and their affiliated companies. This prestigious program highlights innovation, impact, and leadership within the WTCA network, providing businesses an opportunity to gain recognition and elevate their profile on a global stage. Through the Visionary Awards, WTC businesses and their affiliates can showcase their achievements and strengthen their presence within the international WTCA community.

 

The 2025 Member Forum provided a valuable space for members to learn, share insights and discuss global trade trends,” said Crystal Edn, WTCA Executive Director-Member Services. “We have already heard that participants gained actionable takeaways from sessions on cross-cultural collaboration. We look forward to continuing these productive, transcontinental conversations at the 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum in Philadelphia.

 

The 2025 WTCA Member Forum marked the official countdown to the highly anticipated 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF), which will be hosted April 19-22, 2026, in the United States by WTC Greater Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

As we look toward the 2026 WTCA GBF, our focus is on honoring our shared traditions while advancing the innovation and collaboration that define the WTCA network today. Philadelphia is proud to host and invite our global partners to join us as we highlight the leadership, ideas and connections shaping the future of international business,” said Thomas Young, President and CEO of WTC Greater Philadelphia.

 

For more information about the 2026 WTCA Global Business Forum, please click here

Employability.life and SKUAST-Kashmir Join Hands to Prepare Learners for the Global Future of Work

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has signed an agreement with Employability.life, a wholly owned subsidiary of Federation University Australia, to establish a Future of Work Lab that will empower students with internationally recognized microcredentials  and practical skills for global career readiness.

 

Employability.life, a subsidiary of Federation University Australia, signs agreement with SKUAST-K to establish a Future of Work Lab supporting students’ global career readiness


Through this collaboration, SKUAST-K students will gain exposure to industry-aligned, work-simulated projects (XPro) across domains such as Agriculture, Food Technology, Biotechnology, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence. Learners will also receive microcredentials from Federation University Australia and a Workplace Readiness Profile and Score, enabling them to showcase their employability potential on a global platform with a focus on sustainable careers. 


Echoing the same sentiment, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, stated, “This partnership with Employability.life aligns with our vision of integrating innovation and practical exposure into agricultural and technological education. It will open new global opportunities for our learners and help them develop future-ready skills through real-world experiential learning.”


Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Raja Dasgupta, CEO of Employability.life, said, “Our partnership with SKUAST-Kashmir marks a pivotal moment in making global education accessible to learners from all parts of India. By bringing Federation University’s experiential learning ecosystem to SKUAST-K, we aim to empower students to build capabilities that transcend borders and prepare them for the workplaces of tomorrow.”

GTDC Summit APJ 2025 Highlights the Future of Distribution, AI and the Circular Economy

Regional technology channel leaders met this week for the 2nd Annual Summit APJ event, hosted by the Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC), the world’s largest consortium of technology distributors. This year’s conference welcomed executives from some of the world’s leading distributors, vendors, analysts, media and other organizations to converse and collaborate on several important industry topics. Summit APJ speakers emphasized the unique capabilities of distribution and how its investments will orchestrate the IT ecosystems of the future. With new technology-enabling programs, digital marketplaces and alliances with hyperscalers, distributors are empowering the current and next generation of vendors and partners.

 

The economic and cultural diversity of the APJ region was also acknowledged in keynote discussions and panel discussions, with speakers highlighting the distinct needs and opportunities for channel organizations in this area, as well as how distributors expand the global sales, branding and partnership opportunities for the vendor community. Providing valued support for emerging markets and innovative technologies is one of the long-proven capabilities of these vital channel orchestrators.

 

The APJ region has shown unexpected resilience in 2025 despite global trade tensions and shifting tariffs. Growth has been strong, with many countries posting robust GDP figures. However, that export boom was fueled by “front-loading” (firms rushing orders ahead of tariff deadlines); a drop-off is expected in countries that will be affected by those changes

 

Technology distributors are force multipliers for vendors and solution providers, scaling sales and partner communities and overcoming regional and in-country challenges,” said Ananth LazarusManaging Director of APJ for GTDC. “Their enablement programs and alliance development and integration capabilities provide strategic value that ensures success across diverse markets.

 

Considerable investments help distributors reshape and refine their operations and increase support for these invaluable communities.

 

Distributors must continually evaluate the needs of their collective IT ecosystems and innovate to provide even greater value to their vendor and solution provider partners,” said Frank VitaglianoCEO of GTDC during his opening remarks. “Our research shows that those investments are paying off as distributors evolve their capabilities to meet the future needs of channel organizations and the customers they support, especially with increasing complexities with AI and cybersecurity.”

 

More Key Takeaways from Summit APJ

This year’s event highlighted the tech ecosystem of the future and the evolving role of IT distribution, including the continued growth of the tech sector in Southeast Asia and India. Here are highlights of other insightful Summit APJ sessions:

 

  • Alex Holmes from the EIU spoke to the positive growth in the region as well as the some of the unknowns to watch for that could constrain future growth, He stressed that while emerging market opportunities and technical innovation are creating strong opportunities for the industry, executives should pay attention to potential shifts in monetary and fiscal policies and currency fluctuations that may impact those positive trends.

  • Sandra NG of IDC highlighted how AI has evolved from experimentation to enterprise-wide orchestration in APJ, with organizations already adopting agentic models where humans and intelligent systems act with autonomy. She also offered strategic imperatives for technology providers, emphasizing how AI, data ecosystems and distributed intelligence would create distinct competitive advantages in the future.  

  • Aaron Raj of CRN Asia moderated an interactive discussion on building a successful AI strategy. The group addressed key elements of these programs, including setting expectations, overcoming challenges and collaborating on new opportunities with Corrie Briscoe of Amazon Web Services, Joseph Turner with CONTEXT, SS Lim of PTC System (S) Pte Ltd and Debdut Maiti from Lenovo.  

  • Vitagliano also led an insightful “view from the top” conversation with senior distribution executives, including V.S. Hariharan, Redington Limited; Luis Lourenco, Ingram Micro; Jaideep Malhotra, TD SYNNEX; and Patrick Aronson, Westcon-Comstor. Panelists discussed investments in digital platforms and enabling innovative technologies, as well as optimizing go-to-market strategies and business operations.

  • Dominique Deklerck of GTDC shared updates on sustainability-related topics in a pre-day session at Summit APJ. The discussion covered recent regulatory changes and best practices for adapting to the circular economy, in addition to insight on the Digital Product Passport (DPP), EPEAT, CSRD and other related topics.

 

The council’s next global event GTDC Summit North America, February 18th-19th, 2026, at the Mission Pacific & Seabird Resort in Oceanside, CA. Register now or go to the GTDC events page for more information.

 

About the GTDC

The Global Technology Distribution Council is the industry consortium representing the world’s leading tech distributors. GTDC members drive more than $180 billion in annual worldwide sales of products, services and solutions through diverse business channels. GTDC conferences support the development and expansion of strategic supply-chain partnerships that continually address the fast-changing marketplace needs of vendors, end customers and distributors. GTDC members include AB S.A, Arrow Electronics, CMS Distribution, Computer Gross Italia, D&H Distributing, ELKO, Esprinet, Exclusive Networks, Exertis, Infinigate, Ingram Micro, Intcomex, Logicom, Mindware, ​ ​Redington Limited, SiS Technologies, Tarsus, TD SYNNEX, TIM AG, VSTECS Holdings and Westcon-Comstor.

MAHE Corporate Cricket Championship 2025: Bringing Industry and Academia Together on One Field

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) marked a significant milestone with the grand launch of the MAHE Corporate Cricket Championship 2025, featuring an energetic Trophy Unveil and Jersey Reveal ceremony at the MAHE Bengaluru Campus. The initiative, jointly organized by the Campus and the Office of Corporate Relations, MAHE Manipal, reinforces MAHE’s growing stature as a centre for industry collaboration and highlights its strong corporate connect with leading organizations. Recognized as an Institution of Eminence and ranked 3rd in the NIRF University Rankings 2025, MAHE continues to build platforms that go beyond academics, fostering engagement where companies, leaders, and professionals connect through sport, networking, and shared purpose.

 

MAHE kick-starts the Corporate Cricket Championship 2025 with a vibrant trophy and jersey reveal


The championship officially kicks off on November 16 and will run for a month, transforming the campus into a vibrant hub for corporate interaction. Across five match days, 16 thrilling T20 encounters will promote camaraderie between organizations while strengthening industry and academia relationships. Speaking at the launch, Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, MAHE, said:  “Industry engagement is central to MAHE’s mission. This championship deepens our connect with corporate professionals, helps us understand evolving sector needs, and enhances our efforts to prepare students as industry-ready leaders.”


Captains from 12 leading Indian and global organizations including Deloitte, EY, HPE, J. P. Morgan, KPMG, Manipal Hospitals, Microsoft, Microland, Novo Nordisk, Salesforce, Thomson Reuters, and Unisys were present for the jersey and trophy reveal, setting the stage for a month of spirited competition and meaningful professional networking. A symbolic sapling plantation drive further underscored the collective commitment to sustainability and long-term partnerships.

 

Tournament Schedule Highlights
Nov 16: Opening matches – 2 games


Nov 22 to 23: League stage intensifies – 6 games


Dec 6 to 7: League stage concludes – 4 games


Dec 13: Semi-Finals


Dec 14: Grand Finale


Designed in a four-pool format with three teams per pool, the tournament ensures fair play and equal opportunity for all, with each corporate team participating in a minimum of two league matches. Eligibility is limited to regular corporate employees, promoting authentic representation and strong team bonding. A robust awards lineup will recognize both individual and team excellence. Trophies and vouchers await the winners and runners-up, along with 14 Man of the Match awards and special honors such as Man of the Series, Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Best Fielder, and Best Wicketkeeper.


The MAHE Corporate Cricket Championship 2025 stands as a unique platform that reflects MAHE’s dedication to strengthening real-world industry engagement. By blending sport, collaboration, and leadership development, MAHE continues to build deeper, enduring partnerships with the corporate world. Industry connect will remain a defining pillar of MAHE’s growth and its vision for the future.