Tag: PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — To celebrate the Jewish holiday of Lag B’omer, on Friday, May 16, Geulah Generation women’s organization will take to the streets – or more specifically to the Brooklyn Bridge – at about 11:15 AM to publicize the prophecy of the Lubavitcher Rebbe that we are in the era of the Redemption and that the Rebbe is the King Moshiach, (the Messiah).

This is the same organization that sponsors the national “MOSHIACH IS HERE” billboard campaign.

A “Moshiach Parade” of ladies, holding banners, signs and flags, will enter the walkway of Brooklyn Bridge at Cadmon Plaza, Brooklyn, and exit at City Hall.

In 1991, at the time of the Gulf War, foretold in ancient writings as a harbinger of the Messiah, the Rebbe announced publicly to the Jewish people, “The time of your Redemption has arrived.”

The belief in the Rebbe as the Messiah is not just a result of love and awe for the Rebbe but is based on Jewish Law. In Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah, a compendium of all Torah laws, he describes the mission and qualifications of Moshiach.

In sum, these laws state that a king will arise from the House of David, immersed in Torah and the commandments. He will strengthen the breaches in Jewish observance, fight the G-dly wars against assimilation, and ultimately help the whole world to accept the One G-d. There will be peace and abundance and brotherhood among all people.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe traces his lineage to King David. Over 5000 emissaries of the Rebbe throughout the world are awakening Jews to their heritage and spreading the 7 Noahide Laws for the gentiles, universal laws from the Bible for all humanity.

In a 1991 interview with a CNN reporter (YouTube) the Rebbe said Moshiach is ready to come now. “Its only on our part to add something additional in the realm of goodness and kindness.”

Lag B’omer, the day of the Moshiach parade, celebrates the life of the great sage Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (2^nd century). He was the first to bring the mystical secrets of the Torah into the world, known today as the book of the Zohar. It is said that with this book the Jews will leave exile forever and reunite in the land of Israel, G-d’s gift to the Jewish people.

Geulah Generation is continuing its national “MOSHIACH IS HERE” billboard campaign on major highways. For donations, please visit www.GeulahGeneration.com, or donate via Zelle to info@geulahgeneration.com.

*Geulah = Redemption in Hebrew

Contact:
Basha Botnick
347 277-4094
395066@email4pr.com

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SOURCE The Geulah Generation

Back-to-School Release Will Celebrate Crayola’s Limited-Time Return of Retired Crayon Collection

SEATTLE, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Jones Soda Co. (CSE: JSDA) (OTCQB: JSDA) today announced a strategic agreement with Crayola to create a special co-branded pack using Jones’ vibrantly colored craft sodas to showcase Crayola’s recently announced limited-time return of select retired crayon colors. The 12-pack will be sold in a package resembling the Crayola box, contain two each of six pure-cane-sugar Jones flavors, include a box of crayons, and be released in time for back-to-school sales.

Each flavor in the limited-edition collection will carry a custom label naming both the Jones flavor and the corresponding Crayola crayon color, including Jones’ popular Berry Lemonade (Blizzard Blue), Pineapple Cream (Dandelion), Green Apple (Magic Mint), Grape (Violet Blue), Strawberry Lime (Mulberry) and Orange & Cream (Orange Red). The accompanying crayon box will include all eight colors featured in the limited-edition campaign, adding Raw Umber and Lemon Yellow.

The Jones Soda + Crayola collaboration was inspired by Crayola’s bringing a collection of nostalgic, fan-favorite crayon colors out of retirement for a limited time—a first in the company’s 122-year history. The year-long “unretirement” was launched in March on International Colour Day with a free public event bringing all eight returning colors to life with their crayon personas hosting creative activities in globally themed interactive spaces.

The joint promotion is the latest in a series of strategic partnerships that Jones has established with consumer goods companies, film studios, nonprofits and other businesses to increase brand visibility, open new sales channels and drive incremental growth. The Crayola partnership also will introduce a new generation to Jones products and potentially bring Jones to new retail shelves, including back-to-school aisles.

“As soon as we learned about Crayola’s initiative, we knew that Jones was a perfect match. We had the soda colors to match their limited edition unretired crayons, the creative flavors and fun brand personality to fit the campaign, and a commitment to using strategic partnerships to help expand our customer base,” said Jones Soda CEO Scott Harvey. “With the novelty of this promotion, the appeal of the oversized Crayola-style package, and Crayola’s distribution channels and universal appeal, we expect this to be our most successful collaboration yet.”

“This year, Crayola is celebrating creativity through color and the deeply personal role it plays in connecting us to the past and inspiring us anew,” said Crayola Chief Marketing Officer Victoria Lozano. “This campaign represents one of our most comprehensive celebrations of color and creativity. It spans product innovation, experiential marketing, partnerships, digital engagement and retail activation. Our collaboration with Jones Soda is an unexpected, playful way to create a highly collectible product that resonates with both brands’ audiences. It reminds consumers to live colorfully, celebrate their individuality, and infuse creativity into their day in another unique way.”

Crayola’s Limited Edition retired color collection will be available in an assortment of products including crayons, markers and colored pencil packs, activity kits and themed coloring books. All Crayola products will be available throughout 2025 at most national retailers. Parents, teachers and children can also expect additional Limited-Edition Collection “surprises” throughout the year, especially during key seasonal moments such as back-to-school and holiday.

About Jones Soda 
Jones Soda Co.^® (CSE: JSDA, OTCQB: JSDA) is a leading developer of sodas and hemp-infused beverages known for their premium taste, unique flavors and unconventional brand personality. Launched in 1996 as the original craft soda brand, the company today markets a diverse portfolio of core craft sodas, premium adult beverages and modern beverages under the Jones^® Soda brand as well as a line of award-winning hemp beverages and edibles leveraging Jones’ trademark flavors under the Mary Jones brand. For more information, visit www.jonessoda.com www.myjones.com or https://gomaryjones.com

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SOURCE Jones Soda Co.

SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tuya Inc. (“Tuya” or the “Company”) (NYSE: TUYA; HKEX: 2391), a global leading AI cloud platform service provider, today announced that MSCI has upgraded its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating to ‘AA’ from ‘A’. This upgrade recognizes Tuya’s efforts to build a more sustainable and responsible business and places Tuya among the ESG leaders in its sector.

MSCI, a leading provider of research-driven indices and analytics, reviewed companies in the Software & Services industry as part of its latest ESG assessment. Tuya’s improved rating reflects its strong performance in key areas including data privacy and security, governance enhancements, and contributions to energy efficiency through smart technology solutions. It also underscores Tuya’s commitment to driving innovation-led, technology-enabled sustainability.

“We’re pleased to receive MSCI’s recognition of our ESG progress.” said Xueji (Jerry) Wang, Founder and CEO of Tuya. “Sustainability is part of how we operate and innovate every day. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen our ESG practices, aiming to deliver long-term value for our stakeholders and support global efforts towards a greener, more secure smart future powered by smart technology.”

MSCI ESG Ratings measure how effectively companies manage long-term ESG risks and opportunities relative to their peers. Ratings range from AAA (highest) to CCC (lowest), serving as a key benchmark for investors focused on sustainable and responsible business practices.

About Tuya Inc.

Tuya Inc. (NYSE: TUYA; HKEX: 2391) is a global leading AI cloud platform service provider with a mission to build an AIoT developer ecosystem and enable everything to be smart. Tuya has pioneered a purpose-built AI cloud platform with cloud and generative AI capabilities that delivers a full suite of offerings, including Platform-as-a-Service, or PaaS, Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS, and smart solutions for developers of smart device, commercial applications, and industries. Through its AIoT developer platform, Tuya has activated a vibrant global developer community of brands, OEMs, AI agents, system integrators and independent software vendors to collectively strive for smart solutions ecosystem embodying the principles of green and low-carbon, security, high efficiency, agility, and openness.

Investor Relations Contact

Tuya Inc.
Investor Relations
E-mail: ir@tuya.com

The Blueshirt Group
Gary Dvorchak, CFA
Phone: +1 (323) 240-5796
Email: gary@blueshirtgroup.co

HL Stategy
Haiyan LI-LABBE
Email: hl@hl-strategy.com

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SOURCE Tuya Inc.

Insurers closing more than half of claims without payment.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Weiss Ratings, the nation’s leading independent rating agency, has issued a critical report highlighting how Florida’s property insurance crisis is impacting Louisiana homeowners.

The report identifies three alarming trends among insurers operating in both states, raising concerns about financial stability and claims denials.

“Louisiana homeowners are being shortchanged by insurers prioritizing profits,” said Dr. Martin D. Weiss, founder of Weiss Ratings. “Regulators must act, and homeowners should choose insurers with fair practices and strong ratings.” 

According to data gathered by Weiss Ratings, insurers in Louisiana are increasingly doing three things: They’re closing claims with no payment whatsoever. They’re using underwriting losses to lobby for rate hikes while making investment profits that are far larger. Plus, they’re outsourcing to affiliates, which reduces funds available to pay claims.

More Claims Closed Without Payment

Nationwide, insurance companies closed 41.9% of homeowner claims with no payment in 2024, up dramatically from 25.8% in 2004. But in Louisiana, the denial rate was even higher at 44.6%.

The table below shows the large insurers operating in the state with the highest denial rates.

Seven companies closed over half of homeowner claims with no payment in 2024.

Kin Insurance closed 68.3% of claims, Spinnaker Insurance closed 60.6%, Elevate Reciprocal Exchange closed 54.9%, and SureChoice Underwriters closed 51.3% — all with zero payment.

In addition, smaller insurers domiciled in the state followed a similar pattern: Cajun Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange closed 53.8% of claims with no payment, while

Gulf States Insurance Company closed 47%.

Investment Profits Are Far Bigger Than Underwriting Losses

Insurers often blame premium hikes on underwriting losses, but their investment gains tell a different story.

Nationally, in the 20 years since 2004, insurers lost $23.5 billion on underwriting but earned $155 billion from investments and other sources.

In Louisiana, it was even more extreme: Companies operating in the state reported $1.6 billion in underwriting losses, dwarfed by $88.3 billion from investments and other sources. That’s $55 in profits for each $1 of underwriting losses.

Hidden Fees Reduce Funds Available to Pay Claims

Homeowner insurers have paid large fees to affiliated companies, reducing reserves available to pay claims.

Nationwide, they have paid $86.7 billion to affiliates since 2004; while those operating in Louisiana have paid $27.1 billion, effectively hiding these funds from regulators.

“We urge regulators, policymakers, and consumers to scrutinize these practices,  demanding greater transparency,” concluded Dr. Weiss.

Media Contact:
Nicole Brown
Weiss Ratings
Email: nbrown@weissinc.com
Phone: (561) 291-9625

About Weiss Ratings: Weiss covers 53,000 institutions and investments, including safety ratings on insurers, banks and credit unions as well as investment ratings on stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and cryptocurrencies. Since its founding in 1971, Weiss Ratings has never accepted any form of payment from rated entities for its ratings. All Weiss ratings are available at https://weissratings.com.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that the Weiss ratings of U.S. life and health insurers outperformed those of A.M. Best by 3-to-1 in warning of future financial difficulties, while also greatly outperforming those of Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. The New York Times reported that Weiss “was the first to warn of the dangers and say so unambiguously.” Barron’s called Weiss Ratings “the leader in identifying vulnerable companies.”

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SOURCE Weiss Ratings

atNorth has committed to sponsoring the IMWomen program, supporting efforts to elevate digital infrastructure industry awareness across all sectors

REYKJAVÍK, Iceland, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — atNorth, the leading Nordic colocation, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence service provider, has announced its support of the Infrastructure Mason’s IMWomen program. The initiative is designed to increase the number of women pursuing careers in digital infrastructure through a series of events, masterclasses, and partnerships that promote awareness, retention, develop skills and professional growth.

The IMWomen program is open to all women in the digital infrastructure space and aims to create meaningful pathways for advancement across the industry.

atNorth has a longstanding commitment to fostering diversity, creativity and teamwork within its business to inspire innovation and collaborative working – something that has no doubt contributed to atNorth’s continued success.

“With the rapid growth of the infrastructure industry there are a wealth of career opportunities available”, says Camilla O’Leary, Director of Client Management at atNorth and member of the IMWomen EMEA team. “IMWomen is a fantastic resource and aligns directly with atNorth’s dedication to workforce development, employee wellbeing and professional growth.

“We are proud to sponsor the Infrastructure Masons IMWomen program”, says Eva Sóley Guðbjörnsdóttir, CFO & Deputy CEO at atNorth. “By investing in initiatives that support the career advancement of women we aim to help create a more equitable and innovative digital infrastructure industry for the future”.

“Our mission is to unite the builders of the digital age by increasing industry awareness across all sectors. People drive innovation and innovation drives efficiency” said Santiago Suinaga CEO at Infrastructure Masons. “The support from organizations like atNorth is invaluable in driving global impact across the industry empowering our digital society and economy. We look forward to working together to foster workforce development and leadership.”

The news follows the recent appointment of a number of key female roles within atNorth’s business, including; Cora Olsen, Director of Sustainability, Marie Ekström, Director of People & Culture, Charlotte Ware, Design Director, Taina Ahti-Aalto as Operations Director for Finland, Anna Kristín Pálsdóttir as Chief Development Officer, Mardís Heimisdóttir, Director of Strategy Implementation, Tracey Pewtner, Marketing Director and Elísabet Árnadóttir, Director of Security and Compliance.

About atNorth

atNorth is a leading Nordic data center services company that offers cost-effective, scalable colocation and high-performance computing services trusted by industry-leading organizations. The business acquired leading High Performance Computing (HPC) provider, Gompute, in 2023 enabling a compelling full stack offering tailored to AI and other critical high performance workloads.

With sustainability at its core, atNorth’s data centers run on renewable energy resources and support circular economy principles. All atNorth sites leverage innovative design, power efficiency, and intelligent operations to provide long-term infrastructure and flexible colocation deployments. The tailor-made solutions enable businesses to calculate, simulate, train and visualize data workloads in an efficient, cost-optimized way.

atNorth is headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland and operates eight data centers in strategic locations across the Nordics, with a site to open in Ballerup, Denmark in 2025, as well as its tenth under construction in Kouvola, Finland and its eleventh site in Ølgod, Denmark. The business has also secured land for a future mega site in the Sollefteå Municipality in Sweden.

For more information, visit atNorth.com or follow atNorth on LinkedIn or Facebook.

Press Contact:
Caroline Brunton
Kite Hill PR for atNorth
+44 (0) 7796 274 416
caroline@kitehillpr.com 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/atnorth/r/atnorth-supports-infrastructure-masons–women-program-and-industry-advancement,c4149171

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SOURCE atNorth

BATAM, Indonesia, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aslan Energy Capital recently successfully hosted a tender clarification workshop in Batam, marking a major milestone in the development of what will become Indonesia’s largest solar power project, a 1,200 MWp utility-scale solar plant. The event forms part of the Aslan’s ongoing RFQ process and drew overwhelming participation from leading solar developers from across Asia.

This landmark solar project will be a cornerstone of Aslan Energy Capital’s sustainable hydrogen hub initiative, linking clean power generation directly to green hydrogen production. Strategically located in the Riau Islands, the project supports Indonesia’s renewable energy ambitions and establishes Batam as the heart of a new energy hub in Southeast Asia.

 “This solar project will not only be the largest in Indonesia—it also sets a new benchmark for energy innovation by enabling utility-scale solar to power green hydrogen production for export,” said Muthu Chezhian, CEO of Aslan Energy Capital, during his opening address at the workshop. “Indonesia is uniquely positioned to lead the region’s transition to clean energy, and this initiative reflects our deep commitment to both environmental restoration and inclusive growth.”

Importantly, the solar development will incorporate environmental rehabilitation measures by installing part of the solar farm on top soil depleted post-mining lands, transforming degraded areas into productive clean energy assets. The project is expected to generate over 2,000 local jobs in Riau Islands will be accompanied by major social impact programs to uplift surrounding communities.

During the workshop, participating bidders received comprehensive briefings on the technical scope, commercial terms, and integration of the solar facility with downstream hydrogen infrastructure. The interactive Q&A sessions enabled open dialogue on permitting, collaboration frameworks, and grid connectivity, reinforcing Aslan’s transparent and inclusive development approach.

The RFQ process, launched in Q4 2024, received 31 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from global renewable energy developers. 17 of these were prequalified to advance to the final bidding round, underscoring the high level of global confidence and competition surrounding this initiative. Aslan Energy Capital will continue to engage with shortlisted bidders in the coming months, as the project advances toward execution and helps shape a sustainable and economically vibrant future for Indonesia and the region.

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SOURCE Aslan Energy Capital

MUNICH, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — May 7-9, Antaisolar participated in Intersolar Europe 2025, presenting its distinctive brand identity and comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) mounting solutions tailored for the European market. The showcase included smart tracking systems, distributed rooftop solutions, carports, and ground-mounted structures.

As a key global PV market, Europe is projected to see demand reach a hundred-gigawatt scale in 2025. Different regions exhibit diverse requirements shaped by geography, industrial structures, and energy policies—ranging from large-scale ground-mounted power plants to commercial/industrial rooftops, and emerging applications in innovative scenarios. Antaisolar has keenly identified these nuances, developing specialized solutions such as the TAI-Space multi-rotation single-axis 1P independent tracking system for utility-scale projects, the MetaRoof series for rooftop installations, four-pillar PV carports, and integrated fence/balcony systems. Antaisolar highlighted its next-generation solar roof designing platform – SolarAid, dedicated to simplifying the design and quoting process of rooftop PV projects for both end-users and distributors.

The company’s ability to deliver market-specific solutions stems from its robust localized support framework. Anchored by its R&D center in Spain and subsidiary in the Netherlands, Antaisolar provides localized design services, rapid delivery, and comprehensive operation/maintenance support—ensuring products align seamlessly with regional regulatory requirements, climatic conditions, and market expectations across Europe.

During Intersolar Europe 2025, Antaisolar further strengthened its European footprint by signing a 120MW distribution agreement with French distributor Sunliberty, underscoring Antaisolar’s growing influence in the region. With Europe’s energy transition accelerating, the PV market’s potential is set to expand further. Antaisolar is poised to leverage its all scenario mounting solutions and SolarAid intelligent system to offer European customers more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective choices, driving the continent’s shift toward sustainable energy.

About Antaisolar:

Antaisolar, expert in digital intelligent PV mounting system solutions, is a pioneer in renewable energy solutions specializing in structure and automation control. It ranks among the top 500 global new energy companies and is one of the top ten tracking system brands worldwide.As of 2024, the company’s cumulative global shipment has reached 41.7GW, with leading positions in markets such as Japan, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

Learn More: antaisolar.com

 

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SOURCE Antaisolar

Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews and Margo Price to headline event honoring the four-decade legacy of advocacy for thriving family farms

MINNEAPOLIS, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Farm Aid is heading to Minnesota for the first time for its 40th anniversary festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The event will launch a year-long celebration of four decades of impactful advocacy, historic cultural moments and unforgettable music.

Farm Aid 40 — a full day of music, family farmers, HOMEGROWN food and agricultural experiences — will feature performances by Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young (and the Chrome Hearts), John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds), and Margo Price, as well as Billy Strings, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Trampled by Turtles, Waxahatchee, Eric Burton of Black Pumas, Jesse Welles, Madeline Edwards and more artists to be announced.

Since the 1980s, Minnesota has offered a groundswell of strength in the farm movement, championing rural advocacy, sustainable and equitable agriculture, and forward-thinking policy reform. Farm Aid President Willie Nelson says Minnesota is an ideal host as Farm Aid commemorates this milestone anniversary.

“Family farmers are the heart of this country, and we depend on each other for good food and strong communities,” said Nelson. “For 40 years, Farm Aid and our partners have stood with farmers, supporting them to stay on their land even when corporate power, bad policies and broken promises make it harder to keep going. This year, we’re proud to bring Farm Aid to Minnesota to celebrate the farmers who sustain us and to fight for a food system that works for all of us. Family farmers aren’t backing down, and neither are we.”

Farm Aid festival attendees will experience farmers’ contributions firsthand with HOMEGROWN Concessions^®, which offers a delicious and fresh menu with ingredients that are grown or raised by farmers who use ecological practices and are paid a fair price. Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Village features hands-on activities engaging festivalgoers with exhibits about soil, water, energy, food and farming.

The year-long anniversary celebration will feature a variety of special events and initiatives to honor 40 years of action, showcase historical music moments, highlight the strength of the farm movement, and create opportunities for long-time supporters and new ones to join in. Farm Aid Co-Executive Director Jennifer Fahy said this year’s festivities are not only about looking back, but also about building the future.

“We’re grateful to our dedicated board members and hundreds of generous artists who have brought us together year after year to celebrate family farmers and highlight the challenges they face every day. Our anniversary marks a critical time for the nation to come together in support of the family farmers we all depend on,” said Fahy. “Our work isn’t done. There are significant threats to the future of family farm agriculture and our food system. Farm Aid 40 is an opportunity to call those out and work for the food system that farmers, eaters and our planet all deserve.” 

“There is no farm movement without the people. Rural communities represent the heartbeat of this country. Farmers and rural and immigrant labor sustain our food system, care for the land, and strengthen our foodways and cultural connections,” said Co-Executive Director Shorlette Ammons. “When we invest in rural communities, we uplift the well-being of our entire country, celebrating the vibrant and needful contributions of all.”

Farm Aid was founded by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young in response to the growing crisis faced by American family farmers during the 1980s. The inaugural Farm Aid concert, held on September 22, 1985, in Champaign, Illinois, marked a historic moment in the farm movement, raising more than $7 million to support struggling family farmers, but more importantly, raising awareness of the impacts of the crisis. More than 50 artists came together to highlight the urgent need to address the challenges farmers were facing, including skyrocketing interest rates, mounting debt, plummeting land values, crop and market failures, and policies that were tailor-made to push farmers out of business. Since 1985, Farm Aid has grown into an annual festival that has raised more than $85 million, featured performances by more than 500 artists who generously donated their time and talent and championed policies that support family farms, promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen rural communities.

Tickets for Farm Aid 40 go on sale on May 16 at 10 a.m. CDT. Ticket prices range from $101 to $390 (including fees, sales tax will be added) and will be available for purchase at farmaid40.org. A limited number of pre-sale tickets will be available beginning at 10 a.m. CDT on May 14. Visit farmaid.org/festival for more information. 

Sponsors of Farm Aid 40 include Tractor Beverage Company, Explore Minnesota, Horizon Organic, Seven Sundays, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, REI Co-op and Frontier Co-op. Farm Aid welcomes the participation of the business community and offers corporate sponsorship and VIP hospitality opportunities. For more information, contact Anna Mulè at anna@farmaid.org.   

For festival and 40^th anniversary updates, follow Facebook (facebook.com/farmaid), Instagram (instagram.com/farmaid), X (@FarmAid), Bluesky (@farmaid.org), Threads (threads.net/@farmaid) and visit farmaid.org/festival.

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SOURCE Farm Aid

SINGAPORE, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As Catcher Technology’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) approaches on May 27, 2025, shareholder activism continues to play a prominent role in shaping corporate governance discussions at the Taiwanese electronics casing manufacturer. Two foreign institutional investors, Singapore-based Vasanta Master Fund and Hong Kong-based Pagoda, have formally nominated candidates for four of the seven board seats up for election, including three positions reserved for independent directors.

This follows a multi-year campaign by the two funds aimed at improving board oversight, capital allocation practices, and shareholder rights at Catcher. The investors previously submitted a shareholder proposal in 2024 to allow shareholders to propose cash dividends, which was supported by global proxy advisory firms ISS and Glass Lewis. While the resolution did not pass, it received 30.37% of the shareholder vote, suggesting growing interest in governance reforms among international investors.

In this year’s AGM, Vasanta and Pagoda are again seeking to influence the company’s direction through board representation. They argue that their nominees would bring independent oversight and align with global governance standards. Proxy advisors ISS and Glass Lewis are expected to release their voting recommendations in the coming weeks, which could shape the outcome of the election.

Both Vasanta and Pagoda remain under regulatory review by Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC), which has revisited earlier inquiries regarding investor disclosure and ownership. The funds have stated that they continue to comply with all applicable regulations and disclosure requirements.

Catcher Technology has been the subject of increased scrutiny in recent years following the sale of key business assets and ongoing investigations involving its chairman and family members related to potential insider trading. These developments have raised broader questions around governance and accountability at the company.

The 2025 AGM may serve as a notable example of the increasing involvement of foreign institutional investors in Taiwan’s corporate governance environment. Additional details regarding Vasanta’s engagement with Catcher Technology are available at https://www.governanceforcatcher.com/, a public resource accessible to all market participants. Proxy advisors and shareholders are expected to make their assessments based on the information and disclosures provided.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/foreign-investors-vasanta-master-fund-and-pagoda-push-for-governance-reform-at-catcher-technology-302453251.html

SOURCE Vasanta Master Fund

IRVINE, Calif., May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kia America today announced through its “Accelerate the Good” Dealer Match program, the company and its nationwide network of retailers raised a total of $4.6 million for non-profit organizations in 2024, including donations totaling more than $1.5 million each to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® and No Kid Hungry®. Now in its fourth year, the initiative continues to provide critical support for a wide variety of causes across the United States.

“At Kia America, our commitment to community remains strong,” said SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America. “Our ‘Accelerate the Good’ initiative continues to provide meaningful support to those in need. We are especially proud to continue our support of the lifesaving efforts of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, No Kid Hungry and the meaningful work of dozens of other nonprofit organizations nationwide.”

Donations were provided to the following organizations:

• American Red Cross
• Covenant House
• Operation Homefront
• Petfinder Foundation
• No Kid Hungry Campaign
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Toys for Tots

Kia also partnered with local organizations across the U.S., including food banks, children’s hospitals, and shelters. These efforts are part of the broader “Accelerate the Good” platform which has delivered more than $30 million in total donations since 2019. The initiative also includes employee-led volunteer efforts such as food pantry service, beach cleanups, clothing drives, and the supply of art kits to hospitalized children.

Kia continues to invest in long-term impact through scholarships for underserved students, and grants supporting environmental innovation, ocean conservation, and animal welfare.

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*. 

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert 

* Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 

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SOURCE Kia America