Kuwait’s Real-Time Payment Scheme WAMD Surpasses 1 Million Accounts in First Year

 WAMD onboards 30% of Kuwait’s banked population in first 3 months; real-time transactions powered by KNET and ACI Worldwide up more than 12x since 2024

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW), an original innovator in global payments technology, and KNET, Kuwait’s national electronic banking company, today announced that WAMD, Kuwait’s real-time payment system, recorded significant growth in the number of transactions processed since its launch in June of 2024, making WAMD one of the world’s most rapidly adopted real-time payment initiatives.

KNET utilized ACI's Digital Central Infrastructure solution to build the central payment infrastructure of WAMD, an interoperable, countrywide scheme that enables account-to-account (A2A) payment transfers via a bank’s mobile app or internet banking service by using a phone number. WAMD was implemented in less than 15 months, redefining the pace for rapid digital transformation and innovation. Banks in Kuwait have lauded the scheme for delivering a seamless and user-friendly differentiated customer banking experience. With 100% of the country’s banks now on board with WAMD, this extraordinary growth in real-time payments is expected to continue.

“As real-time payments become ubiquitous in Kuwait, consumers have gravitated toward secure, real-time payment methods, reshaping habits around convenience and efficiency while reducing reliance on cash. KNET’s primary strategic focus is to provide a safe and reliable payment environment by enhancing existing infrastructure, developing innovative payment systems, and improving service efficiency domestically and regionally,” said Esam Alkheshnam, KNET’s Chief Executive Officer.

Alkheshnam added that “IPS in Kuwait was given the name ‘WAMD,’ which translates to lightning flash – an indication of the speed of the service. WAMD, which is available on the banking application of all local banks, has gained traction from the start with one million registered users during the first quarter of the launch of WAMD.

“As soon as we introduced the service to Kuwait, we began outlining the next phase of IPS in Kuwait, which will build on the success of phase one. Together with ACI Worldwide, being one of our strategic partners, KNET is committed to adopting state-of-the-art technologies in digital payments, adhering to the highest global standards.”

Aligned with KNET’s mission of supporting Kuwait’s national vision for digital transformation, longer-term strategic initiatives include the integration of Kuwait’s fintech players to WAMD and enabling A2A real-time payments in their Electronic Fund Transfer Point-of-Sale terminals using dynamic QR codes. KNET is also looking at implementing the “Request to Pay” service to streamline payment operations for web merchants and provide a safer, enhanced e-commerce shopping experience for Kuwaitis.

Kuwait’s evolution into a real-time payment powerhouse is set to further propel the Middle East’s position as a leader in payments modernization. According to ACI’s Prime Time for Real-Time 2024 report, which tracks global real-time payment volumes and growth forecasts, the Middle East has been recognized as the fastest-growing real-time payments market in the world for two consecutive years. Additionally, real-time payments are a powerful enabler for economic advancement and inclusion. ACI’s Real-Time Payments: Economic Impact and Financial Inclusion report indicates that by 2028, real-time payments are forecast to create more than 167 million new bank account holders and generate $285.8 billion of additional global GDP growth.

“Kuwait’s rapid adoption of real-time payments has been impressive and stands out as one of the fastest adoption rates around the globe. The rising demand for real-time payments drives innovation in payments, forges new use cases that stimulate economic growth, promotes financial inclusion, and meets customers’ evolving expectations,” commented Craig Ramsey, global head of account-to-account payments at ACI Worldwide. “Together, ACI and KNET have created one of the most secure and future-proof real-time payment systems in the world – one that puts Kuwait at the forefront of the global real-time payments revolution.”

ACI Worldwide has a strong track record of powering real-time schemes around the world as well as helping banks, fintechs and other payment service providers in the ecosystem to connect to the schemes and offer new, innovative financial services for consumers and businesses. ACI currently powers 26 domestic and pan-regional real-time schemes across six continents – including 11 central infrastructures. Globally, ACI serves all 10 of the world’s largest financial institutions by asset value and provides solutions that move trillions of dollars through more than one billion transactions daily.

About KNET

The Shared Electronic Banking Services Company (KNET), a pioneer in electronic payments in Kuwait, was established in 1992 through a partnership of local banks to connect their systems and enable a wide range of banking services through an advanced network. KNET is committed to adopting state-of-the-art technologies in various fields of electronic banking and payments, adhering to the highest global standards. The company's targeted sectors include commercial, banking, and governmental sectors in Kuwait.

About ACI Worldwide

ACI Worldwide, an original innovator in global payments technology, delivers transformative software solutions that power intelligent payments orchestration in real time so banks, billers, and merchants can drive growth, while continuously modernizing their payment infrastructures, simply and securely. With 50 years of trusted payments expertise, we combine our global footprint with a local presence to offer enhanced payment experiences to stay ahead of constantly changing payment challenges and opportunities.

© Copyright ACI Worldwide, Inc. 2025

ACI, ACI Worldwide, ACI Payments, Inc., ACI Pay, Speedpay and all ACI product/solution names are trademarks or registered trademarks of ACI Worldwide, Inc., or one of its subsidiaries, in the United States, other countries or both. Other parties’ trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners.

 

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Contacts

KNET Media Contact
Mai Al-Sharida | Director – Business Development | MayS@knet.com.kw

ACI Media Contacts
Nick Karoglou | Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs | nick.karoglou@aciworldwide.com
Lyn Kwek | Communications and Corporate Affairs Director, APAC/Middle East/Africa | lyn.kwek@aciworldwide.com

CSC Launches Domain Control Validation as a Service, Streamlining Certificate Life Cycle Management

 WILMINGTON, Del. -

Simplifying domain validation to reduce overhead, accelerate certificate issuance, and ensure readiness for industry-wide changes.

 

(BUSINESS WIRE)--CSC, an enterprise-class domain security provider and world leader in domain management, brand protection, and anti-fraud solutions, today announces the launch of Domain Control Validation as a Service (DCVaaS), a unique offering designed to simplify and expedite secure sockets layer (SSL)/transport layer security (TLS) certificate validation processes for all its CSC Trusted Secure digital certificate clients.

DCVaaS empowers users with a streamlined, centralized solution for domain control validation, eliminating the need for repetitive validations during certificate renewals. It significantly reduces the time and effort required to manage certificate life cycles—making it an essential tool as the industry moves toward shorter certificate validity periods.

This launch comes at a critical time as the digital certificate industry evolves. Notably, the CA/Browser Forum has announced that starting March 2026, certificate lifetimes and domain control validation (DCV) re-use periods will be reduced to 200 days. These will reduce annually, ultimately reaching a lifetime of just 47 days and a DCV re-use period of 10 days by 2029. Additionally, WHOIS email validation will be discontinued on July 15, 2025. While the changes are aimed at enhancing security, and increasing agility, they mandate the need for alternative and future-ready validation solutions that are real-time, scalable, and standards compliant.

Key benefits of DCVaaS include:

Simplified validation workflows: One-time validation removes redundancy and improves efficiency.

Faster certificate issuance: Real-time validation reduces delays in provisioning digital certificates.

Reduced administrative burden: Centralized management of validation records means fewer manual tasks.

Future-proofing against industry changes: Designed to support shorter certificate lifetimes and the deprecation of WHOIS email validation.

“Issuing digital certificates involves specific processes and a considerable amount of work. When it comes to renewals, the same steps need to be repeated. DCVaaS addresses a major pain point in certificate management—repetitive and time-consuming validations,” says Mark Flegg, senior director of Technology, CSC Security Products and Services. “DCVaaS can reduce processing time by more than half, allowing companies to deploy certificates more quickly than ever before. As WHOIS email validation sunsets and certificate lifespans continue to shrink, DCVaaS helps organizations stay compliant, agile, and ahead of the curve.”

To learn how Domain Control Validation as a Service can support your digital certificate management strategy, contact CSC at cscdbs.com.

About CSC

CSC is the trusted security and threat intelligence provider of choice for the Forbes Global 2000 and the 100 Best Global Brands (Interbrand®) with focus areas in domain security and management, along with digital brand and fraud protection. As global companies make significant investments in their security posture, our DomainSecSM platform can help them understand cybersecurity oversights that exist and help them secure their online digital assets and brands. By leveraging CSC’s proprietary technology, companies can solidify their security posture to protect against cyber threat vectors targeting their online assets and brand reputation, helping them avoid devastating revenue loss. CSC also provides online brand protection—the combination of online brand monitoring and enforcement activities—with a multidimensional view of various threats outside the firewall targeting specific domains. Fraud protection services that combat phishing in the early stages of attack round out our solutions. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, since 1899, CSC has offices throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Asia- Pacific region. CSC is a global company capable of doing business wherever our clients are—and we accomplish that by employing experts in every business we serve. Visit cscdbs.com.

 

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Joyson Cherian

W2 Communications

CSC@w2comm.com

CSC® News Room

Sharjah Ruler gifts University of Sacred Heart historical manuscript

 May 26, 2025 03:54 ET| Source: Bitget Limited

Bitget Delivers A Knockout Experience: VIP Access to Karate Combat’s KC54 Dubai UFC Fight

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, brought the heat to Token2049 with an exclusive ringside experience at Karate Combat KC54 in Dubai on May 2nd. Think high-octane strikes, VIP treatment, and a night so wild, even the blockchain felt the impact.

bitget x krtkmbt-38 large

This year, Bitget raised the stakes by offering a premium experience that put crypto enthusiasts right at the heart of the action. Bitget's esteemed VIPs witnessed world-class fighters trade blows while enjoying gourmet food and premium beverages in an exclusive VIP section reserved just for Bitget's key opinion leaders and special guests.

With a crowd of 4,000-5,000 roaring fight fans, the energy in Dubai's premier venue was electric. Bitget COO Vugar Usi Zade perfectly captured the spirit of the event: "Crypto trading and combat sports demand the same qualities—quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and nerves of steel. We're thrilled to give our community this exclusive opportunity to experience world-class competition up close. Whether you're analyzing charts or analyzing fight techniques, this is where champions are made."

Bitget Delivers A Knockout Experience: VIP Access to Karate Combat’s KC54 Dubai UFC Fight

Robert Bryan, CEO of Karate Combat, remarked, "KC54 marked a significant milestone in our journey, and having Bitget as a sponsor amplified our commitment to innovation in combat sports. Their support helped us deliver an unforgettable experience that blended tradition with cutting-edge technology.

Asim Zaidi, President of Karate Combat, also added, "Partnering with Bitget for KC54 was a game-changer. Their involvement not only elevated the event's profile but also underscored the synergy between martial arts and the evolving digital landscape."

Bitget Delivers A Knockout Experience: VIP Access to Karate Combat’s KC54 Dubai UFC Fight

The event marked another strategic partnership for Bitget in the combat sports world, following their successful collaborations with professional combat athletes such as Wrestling World Champion, Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu, and Boxing Gold Medalist Samet Gümüş (Boxing). By creating these exclusive live experiences, Bitget continues to build meaningful connections between the crypto community and high-profile sporting events.

Jyotsna Hirdyani, Bitget's South Asia head, who orchestrated the event, shared insights. "This is the future. From blockchain to sports, crypto is changing the game forever. This is what happens when sports & entertainment meet blockchain technology. It’s a cultural shift where you will see more & more cross-plays of sports x crypto, the ultimate cross-over."

This partnership underscores Bitget's commitment to delivering unique, high-value experiences to its community. Just as in trading, timing is everything, and May 2nd in Dubai was when crypto met combat in what turned out to be an unforgettable showdown. Bitget's focus remains on creating tangible value for the crypto community beyond digital interfaces.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World's Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

About Karate

Karate Combat is the world's premier full-contact karate league, renowned for its innovative approach to combat sports entertainment. Known for its distinctive, fast-paced fighting style - essentially MMA without ground fighting, Karate Combat delivers high-energy bouts, with nearly half ending in knockouts. With over 7 million followers, hundreds of millions of views monthly, and over 100,000 active app users, Karate Combat is at the forefront of blending sports, technology community-driven experiences.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c42afdf6-d6ba-4c86-9956-11a55ab53e57

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7491be04-23bb-4a08-adea-298413bc3465

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/11cf807e-3ef9-44f5-8645-11265a51e617

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3b65cc5e-9dd9-4842-9b2c-cb12d08b16d6

AVEDA Launches in the U.S. Amazon Premium Beauty Store

 (BUSINESS WIRE)--AVEDA, a purpose-driven pioneer of plant-powered, high-performance beauty announces its debut in the U.S. Amazon Premium Beauty store, bringing its assortment of vegan hair, skin, body and lifestyle products to new consumers across the country.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250528898881/en/

“With the launch of AVEDA in the U.S. Amazon Premium Beauty store, we’re not only introducing more people to the world of AVEDA but also highlighting our incredible network of salons,” said Shane Wolf, President AVEDA & Hair Care. “This new online experience gives a glimpse into our world of high performance, vegan hair care for all – from new innovations to iconic classics.”

Amazon customers can shop a wide selection of AVEDA products, including its best-selling franchises Botanical Repair™ for bond building and repair, Invati Ultra Advanced™ for thinning hair concerns, and Be Curly Advanced™ for targeted care for curls, coils and waves. Shoppers can also explore signature aroma collections like Shampure™, Rosemary Mint and Cherry Almond, must-have body care essentials like Hand Relief™ and styling offerings like the Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush.

AVEDA’s U.S. Amazon Premium Beauty store features an immersive Hair Care Guide – an educational experience page created in partnership with salon professionals from the AVEDA network. This guide includes videos, product highlights, and storytelling to help consumers recreate their salon style at home.

Since its founding, AVEDA has been guided by its mission to care for the world. AVEDA is a proudly vegan, Leaping Bunny Approved, certified B Corporation, that raises awareness and funds for clean water initiatives worldwide. AVEDA prioritizes care for the “whole you,” combining modern science and the ancient art of Ayurveda to provide holistic, ritual based products and services that meet the needs of consumers and professionals alike.

Follow @AVEDA and @amazon on social and shop AVEDA on the U.S. Amazon Premium Beauty store at amazon.com/AVEDA.

ABOUT AVEDA

Our mission at AVEDA is to care for the world we live in, from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society. At AVEDA, we strive to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility, not just in the world of beauty, but around the world.

A force of nature since 1978, AVEDA was founded by hair stylist Horst Rechelbacher with a mission to care for the world we live in. Crafted with care for people and planet, AVEDA creates vegan, plant-powered, high-performance products for hair, skin and body. AVEDA uses botanical technologies and green chemistry and combines the principles of modern science and the ancient art of Ayurvedic healing. AVEDA is Leaping Bunny approved by Cruelty Free International and a certified B Corporation, meeting high verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. AVEDA products are available in more than 45 markets worldwide across freestanding stores, partner salons, specialty retailers and on AVEDA.com. For every hair, everyone.

About The Estée Lauder Companies

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The Company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.

ELC-B

 

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Contacts

PRESS CONTACTS

Investors:

Rainey Mancini

rmancini@estee.com

The Estée Lauder Companies:

Meg Teggart

Mteggart@estee.com

AVEDA:

Moheli Rinaldi

mrinaldi@aveda.com

Rimini Street Appoints Vijay Kumar as EVP and Chief Operating Officer

 LAS VEGAS - Thursday, 29. May 2025 AETOSWire 

Seasoned business and IT executive leader to drive operational efficiency, scaling, increased profitability and accelerated growth of the business

 

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI), a global provider of end-to-end enterprise software support, management and innovation solutions, and the leading third-party support provider for Oracle, SAP and VMware software, today announced the appointment of Vijay Kumar as executive vice president (EVP) and chief operating officer (COO).

In this role, Mr. Kumar leads product management, service strategy and offerings for Rimini Street’s “Support, Optimize and Innovate” solutions and oversees Rimini Street’s Global Capability Centers (GCC). Mr. Kumar also drives operational efficiency and innovation of the portfolio to increase profitability and accelerate top line revenue growth.

New COO Brings Broad Operational Experience and Capabilities

Kumar is a seasoned technology executive with more than 25 years of experience in building and scaling go-to-market, post-sales, services, and product organizations. His expertise spans enterprise software, SaaS, product management, professional services, and global support across B2B, B2C and AI platforms.

In his most recent role prior to joining Rimini Street, Kumar served as senior vice president at Genesys Cloud, leading global functions in operations, customer success, services, and delivery for the past seven years. He played a key role in accelerating customer expansion, driving revenue retention and operating margin. Previously, Kumar held executive leadership roles at HP Software leading services, sales & delivery, Kony Inc. as vice president and general manager of professional services, and at Vignette (acquired by OpenText) as vice president.

“I am thrilled to join the Rimini Street C-Level executive team at such a pivotal moment in the company’s growth journey. Together we are building a path to a multi-billion-dollar revenue operation, driving top and bottom-line results, while delivering extraordinary value and innovation for our clients,” said Kumar. “Our Rimini Smart Path™ methodology is a game changer; we empower customers to unlock the latest innovation without the burden of ERP upgrades or migrations. I am excited to lead the team that will show our clients how to self-fund innovation without disruption, within their existing IT budgets.”

“Vijay’s leadership is already making a positive impact as we continue scaling our business for increased profitability and accelerated revenue growth,” said Seth Ravin, CEO and chairman of the board at Rimini Street. “His broad operational expertise and experience and service roadmap vision make him an ideal fit for Rimini Street.”

Kumar holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and an MBA from Xavier School of Management, India. He is based in Rimini Street’s North American region and reports directly to the CEO.

About Rimini Street, Inc.

Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI), a Russell 2000® Company, is a global provider of end-to-end enterprise software support and innovation solutions and the leading third-party support provider for Oracle, SAP and VMware software. The Company offers a comprehensive portfolio of unified solutions to run, manage, support, customize, configure, connect, protect, monitor, and optimize enterprise application, database, and technology software. The Company has signed thousands of contracts with Fortune Global 100, Fortune 500, midmarket, public sector and government organizations who selected Rimini Street as their trusted, proven mission-critical enterprise software solutions provider and achieved better operational outcomes, realized billions of US dollars in savings and funded AI and other innovation investments.

To learn more, please visit https://www.riministreet.com, and connect with Rimini Street on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this communication are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “currently,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “goal,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seem,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our expectations of future events, future opportunities, global expansion and other growth initiatives and our investments in such initiatives. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of management and are not predictions of actual performance, nor are these statements of historical facts. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties regarding Rimini Street’s business, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, adverse developments in and costs associated with defending pending litigation or any new litigation, including the disposition of pending motions to appeal and any new claims; any additional expenses to be incurred to comply with any injunction ordered by the courts relating to the Rimini II litigation matter and the impact on future period revenue and costs incurred related to these efforts; changes in the business environment in which Rimini Street operates, including the impact of any macro-economic trends and changes in foreign exchange rates, as well as general financial, economic, regulatory and political conditions affecting the industry in which we operate and the industries in which our clients operate; the evolution of the enterprise software management and support landscape and our ability to attract and retain clients and further penetrate our client base; significant competition in the software support services industry; customer adoption of our expanded portfolio of products and services and products and services we expect to introduce; our expectations regarding new product offerings, partnerships and alliance programs, including but not limited to our partnership with ServiceNow; our ability to grow our revenue and accurately forecast revenue, along with the results of any efforts to manage costs in light of current revenue expectations and expansion of our offerings; the expected impact of reductions in our workforce during the last and current fiscal year and associated reorganization costs; estimates of our total addressable market and expectations of client savings relative to use of other providers; variability of timing in our sales cycle; risks relating to retention rates, including our ability to accurately predict retention rates; the loss of one or more members of our management team; our ability to attract and retain additional qualified personnel, including sales personnel, and retain key personnel; our business plan, our ability to grow in the future and our ability to achieve and maintain profitability; our plans to wind-down the offering of services for Oracle PeopleSoft products, which may be impacted by pending decisions in the Rimini II litigation; the volatility of our stock price and related compliance with stock exchange requirements; our need and ability to raise equity or debt financing on favorable terms and our ability to generate cash flows from operations to help fund increased investment in our growth initiatives; risks associated with global operations; our ability to prevent unauthorized access to our information technology systems and other cybersecurity threats; any deficiencies associated with generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies potentially used by us or used by our third-party vendors and service providers; our ability to protect the confidential information of our employees and clients and to comply with privacy regulations; our ability to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting; our ability to maintain, protect and enhance our brand and intellectual property; changes in laws and regulations, including changes in tax laws or unfavorable outcomes of tax positions we take, tariff costs (including tariff relief or the ability to mitigate tariffs, particularly in light of proposed policies of the new Presidential administration), a failure by us to establish adequate tax reserves, or our ability to realize benefits from our net operating losses; any negative impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters on our reputation or business and the exposure of our business to additional costs or risks from our reporting on such matters; our ability to maintain our good standing with the United States government and international governments and capture new contracts with governmental entities/agencies; our credit facility’s ongoing debt service obligations and financial and operational covenants on our business and related interest rate risk, including uncertainty from the transition to SOFR or other interest rate benchmarks; the sufficiency of our cash and cash equivalents to meet our liquidity requirements; the amount and timing of repurchases, if any, under our stock repurchase program and our ability to enhance stockholder value through such program; uncertainty as to the long-term value of Rimini Street’s equity securities; catastrophic events that disrupt our business or that of our clients; and those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Rimini Street’s Annual Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 1, 2025, and as updated from time to time by Rimini Street’s future Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other filings by Rimini Street with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, forward-looking statements provide Rimini Street’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Rimini Street anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Rimini Street’s assessments to change. However, while Rimini Street may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Rimini Street specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Rimini Street’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication.

© 2025 Rimini Street, Inc. All rights reserved. “Rimini Street” is a registered trademark of Rimini Street, Inc. in the United States and other countries, and Rimini Street, the Rimini Street logo, and combinations thereof, and other marks marked by TM are trademarks of Rimini Street, Inc. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners, and unless otherwise specified, Rimini Street claims no affiliation, endorsement, or association with any such trademark holder or other companies referenced herein.

 

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Contacts

Janet Ravin

VP, Global Communications

Rimini Street, Inc.

+1 702 285-3532

pr@riministreet.com

 

The African Engineering and Technology Network signs ninth university partner

 KIGALI, Rwanda - 

Pan-African network, led by Carnegie Mellon University Africa, drives digital transformation on the continent through research, education, and entrepreneurship

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Carnegie Mellon University Africa announced today that the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) has signed its ninth university partner, Universidade Agostinho Neto. The network, launched in 2022, provides a vehicle for technology-focused universities in Africa to engage in deep collaboration to drive digital growth, create technology development and job growth, and shape policy change.

Afretec Network members span the entire continent and include Carnegie Mellon University Africa (Rwanda), Al Akhawayn University (Morocco), the American University in Cairo (Egypt), Université Cheikh Anta Diop (Senegal), University of Lagos (Nigeria), University of Nairobi (Kenya), University of Rwanda, University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), and now Universidade Agostinho Neto (Angola).

“We are proud to welcome Agostinho Neto University into the Afretec Network,” said Conrad Tucker, director of CMU-Africa and associate dean for international affairs-Africa. “As a network, we are focused on pan-African digital growth, which means that it is crucial that we collaborate across different languages and cultures on the continent.”

The Afretec Network is focused on goals in three areas:

Producing critical, locally relevant innovations and globally competitive technology talent

Developing a digital knowledge creation ecosystem

Fostering a startup technology culture and ecosystem across Africa

Located in the capital city of Luanda, Agostinho Neto University is Angola’s oldest and largest public higher education institution. The university has a commitment to modernization, academic excellence, and the sustainable development of Angola and Africa. The Portuguese-speaking country of Angola has a young population and a strong demand for engineering, IT, and technology-driven programs. The university has already begun to collaborate with the network and will join partner universities in engaging with stakeholders across the continent to work toward the shared mission of the digital transformation of Africa.

About the African Engineering and Technology Network: The African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) is a pan-African network made up of technology-focused universities across the continent, who are working together to drive the digital transformation of Africa. The network is led by Carnegie Mellon University Africa. Learn more by visiting www.afretec.org.

About the College of Engineering and CMU-Africa:

The College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University is a top-ranked engineering college that is known for our Advanced Collaboration culture in research and education. The College is well-known for working on problems of both scientific and practical importance. Our “maker” culture is ingrained in all that we do, leading to novel approaches and transformative results. Our acclaimed faculty have a focus on innovation management and engineering to yield transformative results that will drive the intellectual and economic vitality of our community, nation, and world.

Carnegie Mellon University Africa was established in 2011 through a partnership between Carnegie Mellon and the Government of Rwanda. CMU-Africa is the only U.S. research university offering its master’s degrees with a full-time faculty, staff, and operations in Africa. The institution is addressing the critical shortage of high-quality engineering talent required to accelerate the economic transformation of the African continent. For more information on the College of Engineering location in Africa, visit www.africa.engineering.cmu.edu.

 

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Hannah Diorio-Toth

+1 412-268-1208

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NIQ Report Reveals 2025 Global Health & Wellness Trends

 CHICAGO - Wednesday, 28. May 2025 AETOSWire 

Wearable tech and conscious buying are influencing health and wellness spending habits

Consumers worldwide are more skeptical of health claims by food companies (62%) and want more transparency in product labels (82%)

Globally, 43% of consumers would consider taking anti-obesity medication if recommended by their healthcare provider

Globally, 39% of consumers view ultra-processed foods negatively, North Americans (48%) among the highest of any region

 

(BUSINESS WIRE)--NielsenIQ (NIQ) today launched its Global State of Health & Wellness 2025: Navigating the shift from health trends to lifestyle choices, the first report of its kind for NIQ to examine emerging consumer behaviors around health and wellness. The findings include regional deep dives in 19 countries, focusing on the critical topics of trust and influence, nutrition, weight loss, mental wellness, health technology, and conscious buying within health and wellness.

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According to NIQ, consumers are increasingly making choices for their future health—70% of global consumers believe they are proactive in managing their health and 57% now prioritize “aging well” more than they did five years ago. As a result, 55% of consumers are willing to spend over $100 a month on better nutrition, self-care, physical and mental health, and more. However, consumers are growing increasingly skeptical about health claims. Globally, 82% say labels on health and wellness products need to be more transparent and easier to understand, and 25% say that their lack of trust that wellness products or services will be effective is stopping them making healthier life choices.

“To thrive in the evolving wellness market, brands must go beyond product innovation to deliver clarity, transparency, affordability, and trust,” said Marta Cyhan-Bowles, Chief Communications Officer & Head of Global Marketing COE. “Consumers are ready to invest in their well-being but need guidance. Companies must ensure their products are accessible, transparently labeled, and competitively priced to win consumer loyalty.”

Top Consumer Trends in Health and Wellness in 2025

To capture shifting consumer preferences and what it means to live well, manufacturers and retailers must connect with today’s holistically minded and better-informed consumers in ways that focus on their priorities.

Nutrition and gut health are driving healthy food and beverage choices:

Half (53%) of the consumers across 19 surveyed countries say they plan to buy more high-fiber foods in 2025, while around 40% plan to buy more superfoods, high-protein plant-based foods, or probiotic foods.

Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) are transforming weight loss management:

More than half (54%) of consumers place more importance on healthy body weight, shape, and muscle tone now than they did five years ago. Four in 10 (43%) would consider taking AOMs if recommended by their healthcare provider, but 63% globally are not familiar with the medications.

Health-related technology is a growth area in the global Consumer Tech & Durables market:

Three-quarters (74%) of consumers would prefer a tech product with extra health and wellness features over one without. Nearly two-thirds (63%) believe that health-focused technology products are effective in helping to improve their health and wellness, and 57% say they would use an app or screening device that ensures the products they purchase align with their personal health priorities.

Consumers are focusing on self-care and wellness:

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of consumers prioritize getting quality sleep and looking after their mental health more than they did five years ago. They also plan to do more activities like spending time in nature (60%), massage and muscle relaxation (40%), yoga and meditation (35%), or aromatherapy (24%).

Conscious buying—the global demand for socially responsible products is on the rise:

Personal well-being and societal responsibility are becoming increasingly interlinked in consumers’ outlooks. In fact, 70% of surveyed consumers say they believe it’s “important” or “very important” that the health and wellness products they buy are also eco-friendly and/or ethically produced (e.g., fair trade, cruelty-free, higher animal welfare), and 71% are willing to pay more for wellness products with these attributes.

Key Takeaways for Brands

Manufacturers and retailers must address consumers’ ongoing core concerns around the cost and availability of healthier options—and their desire for authentic, clear, and detailed product information. Brands can additionally win loyalty with core segments, along with premiumization potential, by ensuring that their full product portfolio has a wellness focus, as well as being ethically sourced, environmentally responsible, and socially aware.

About the Global State of Health & Wellness 2025 Report

This flagship report focuses on global forces that are shaping consumers’ developing needs and findings around consumers’ health and wellness awareness, aspirations, motivations, barriers, and future buying intentions. To understand how these trends are impacting your local market, download a free copy of the global report and one or more of the five Regional Insights Companions that dig deeper into specific markets across Asia Pacific; Europe, Middle East & Africa; Latin America; North America; and Western Europe.

Research Methodology

NIQ’s 2025 Global Health & Wellness survey was conducted in January and February 2025. Nearly 19,000 adult consumers were interviewed online in the following 19 countries: Brazil, Canada, China, Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States. Data reflects the adult grocery shopping population in each respective country.

About NIQ

NielsenIQ (NIQ) is a leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. NIQ combined with GfK in 2023, bringing together two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. Our global reach spans over 90 countries covering approximately 85% of the world’s population and more than $ 7.2 trillion in global consumer spend. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™.

For more information, please visit www.niq.com

© 2025 Nielsen Consumer LLC. All Rights Reserved.

 

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Contacts

Patricia Ratulangi

patricia.ratulangi@nielseniq.com