Free Fire Pakistan join hands with Rizq to host Grand Iftar, Stars Babar Azam & Shadab Khan in attendance

    

Free Fire Pakistan partnered with Rizq Trust, an NGO working on SDG2, zero hunger to create a food secure Pakistan, to serve a Grand Iftar to members of its community and the general public at the Nishtar Park Sports Complex. Free Fire Pakistan’s new brand ambassadors for the year, Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam & all-rounder Shadab Khan were present at the event and helped to distribute the iftar, which delighted everyone in attendance.

 In the true spirit of Ramzan this Grand Iftar was hosted beside the E-Library and the iconic Gaddafi Stadium where a dawat-e-aam was issued prior to the event. Babar Azam & Shadab Khan interacted with eager esport players, streamers and clans among other attendees. Free Fire joined hands with Rizq to aid them in their noble cause to create a food secure Pakistan where the cricketing stars alongside professional esports players and other members of the Free Fire community engaged in a wholesome evening and broke their fasts together. They were joined by an estimated number of 400 members of the general public who enjoyed the iftar whilst interacting with the sporting icons.

 Free Fire remains committed to bringing people and communities together, our mission coincides with building a global community of passionate gamers whoever or wherever they may be. Free Fire continues to be one of the leading and most popular mobile games in the world, with over 1 billion downloads and continues to create engaging content and experiences that are accessible to all while inspiring our players to BattleinStyle while having fun.

HUAWEI Sound X Review: Give Voice to Your Bass, with the Speaker of Choice

        

Huawei recently released the HUAWEI Sound X, the first-ever dual-subwoofer Hi-Fi speaker, co-designed with Devialet with premium hardware, a stylish exterior, and next-level software. When testing the product, it's clear at first listen that it is endowed with standout capabilities.

The HUAWEI Sound X adopts a cylindrical shape, and features a gloss finish on the upper portion and a mesh grille at the bottom, the perfect blend of splash and substance. Its rounded, aesthetic exterior is a perfect match for every conceivable backdrop, and a fit in any room. The top of the speaker incorporates a touch-sensitive display that provides for intuitive controls. The display changes color to account for different operations, providing the vivid visuals to match the sterling sound it emits.

The Sound X packs six full-frequency tweeters at the bottom, which are evenly distributed in a ring. A proprietary sound effect algorithm provides for endless immersion amidst a lush 360° sound field. It also comes equipped with two 3.5-inch subwoofers, which feature a symmetrical Push-Push acoustic design. This inventive solution allows for each subwoofer to cancel out the backwave vibrations from the other, projecting sound that is larger than life. Devialet's exclusive Speaker Active Matching (SAM® technology) ensures that the acoustic pressure reproduced by the speaker precisely matches that recorded by the microphone, faithfully restoring low frequencies, preventing the presence of any lag between the bass and the rest of the spectrum. The dual subwoofers deliver a sound pressure level (SPL) of up to 93 dB, rivaling that on far larger speakers. It is also the first-ever Hi-Res-certified speaker, designed to capture the full richness of the original audio.

The actual listening experience exceeds even these lofty expectations. We selected several different songs, which highlight the speaker's unmatched versatility.

First, we played WHY NOT MERI JAAN by Young Stunners to test the performance of the Sound X when playing low and medium frequencies. Unsurprisingly, the Sound X is remarkably adept when diving into low frequencies, absorbing listeners in an all-encompassing tapestry of sound. The drumming at the beginning of the song is stunning, and the transitions between low and high frequencies are seamless, consistent with the high level of performance from Devialet products.

Next, we used Eagles' Hotel California (live edition) as a test track. The song’s guitar intro is rhythmically complex and wide-ranging, providing the perfect test for the speaker's analytical capabilities. Concert noise also presents a challenge for most speakers. The Sound X does a fantastic job of conveying the subtle changes in how the guitar is strummed. The interplay between the instruments, singer, and crowd noise provides for total immersion, transporting us to the scene of the concert. The speaker also transmits superb high-frequency audio without the presence of any crackling sounds, demonstrating its all-round versatility.

The HUAWEI Sound X delivers premium sound across the entire audio frequency spectrum. It produces crisp, detailed high-frequency audio, reproduces the human voice in all of its nuance at medium frequencies, and generates powerful, soulful tones at low frequencies, which serves as the product's defining feature. Bass performance is consistent with that on Devialet's Phantom model, demonstrating Sound X’s bona fides as a high-end Devialet speaker.

In addition to its sterling audio quality, the HUAWEI Sound X also supports the convenient OneHop Audio Sharing function, which can be initiated simply by tapping your phone against the NFC icon on the speaker, after which audio played on the phone will switch to the speaker, without a hitch.

Accountancy is vital for global economies to advance into the future

   The accountancy profession can play a role in shaping a better world for the future.

These are turbulent times and society’s expectations of governments, policymakers and business have shifted with speed and intensity. The devastating impact of war and conflict heightens the challenges the global economy is already facing from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the climate crisis.

While no one profession can solve all the challenges global society faces, they can each play their part and contribute to helping make the world a better place for the future in different ways.

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has released a new report providing an overview of the contribution the profession could make in transforming the world for the better. It identifies seven core areas of focus, as well as sharing case studies and stories - bringing to life why the accountancy profession matters, and why it remains integral in helping economies and wider society to advance in the future.

·         Building resilient economies for the future including the role of accountancy in emerging economies, capacity building, driving financial literacy and helping address corruption.

·         Developing the talent of tomorrow helping cultivate a new generation with financial skills in the workplace, delivering world class business and financial education and contributing to diversity and equality.

·         Driving sustainable business with professional accountants in whatever role they perform as being essential in helping organisations create long term value and delivering accountability and transparency across business.

·         Advancing standards and regulation – the role the profession plays in future regulatory reform, working to develop regulation and standards that are the bedrock of trust in capital markets and that help the world respond to major societal and environmental challenges.

·         Transforming the public sector – accountancy at the centre of public sector change, helping deliver the right sorts of policy and spending decisions and transforming public financial management to create a more digital, green and inclusive future across global society.

·         Supporting entrepreneurial growth with accountancy as a foundational pillar at the heart of the future entrepreneurial economy, with smaller accountancy firms as the trusted advisers offering innovative and technology-led services to support local business growth.

·         Strengthening ethics and trust with the profession helping restore and strengthen trust in business, government and other institutions. Serving the public interest and driving enhanced corporate governance standards to increase stakeholder confidence in organisations.

ACCA’s chief executive, Helen Brand, says:

‘In these difficult times, this report looks ahead and considers the priorities facing the accountancy profession in helping create a better tomorrow. By sharing stories and examples across the profession, we also seek to strike a cautious yet prevailing note of hope for the future, showcasing the role of accountancy, and the positive contribution accountants can make in forging a new path to a better destination for global society’.

Jamie Lyon, report author and head of business management at ACCA says:

‘We have a responsibility to future generations to ensure they inherit a better world. As this report demonstrates, the accountancy profession can play a vital role in this, helping deliver a more equitable, green and inclusive world for the future.’

The report is online here: https://www.accaglobal.com/my/en/professional-insights/pro-accountants-the-future/accounting-for-a-better-world.html

Descon Engineering wins Best Supplier award from SABIC – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

         

Descon Engineering Ltd., (DEL) the leading enterprise in Pakistan’s large-scale engineering sector, has recently received an award for Best Supplier during the SABIC Annual Supplier Recognition Awards in Saudi Arabia. Descon is one of the few successful companies that have been recognized for their outstanding performance in 2020-2021, against a competition of more than a hundred suppliers associated with SABIC from various sectors globally. Within the Engineering Category, DEL is one of the top 07 suppliers in the Engineering category of SABIC to have received this prestigious award.

During the annual ceremony, Descon was recognized for its outstanding performance and quality in Design Engineering Services. This is the 3^rd year for Descon Engineering Ltd. of providing services to SABIC, one of the world’s largest producers of petro-chemicals, based in Saudi Arabia. The Honorable Leader of SABIC’s Department of Global Suppliers, Materials Management & Logistics Services, Abdul Rahman A. Al-Hussain, personally graced the occasion to present the awards. 

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Executive Officer at Descon Engineering Ltd., Taimur Saeed stated, “Descon has always aimed to create excellence in its services, be it in engineering, construction, large infrastructure projects, industrial services or manufacturing. I would like to express my gratitude towards the honorable leadership at SABIC for this recognition for the hardworking team at DEL and look forward to continuing our relationship with SABIC in future.”

The Head of Design Engineering & Services Technology (DEST) at Descon, Kashif Malik commented, “It is a great honor for us to have worked with SABIC and receive recognition for our valuable services. Descon has extensive experience with multi-national projects and our entire team is strongly committed to go beyond our client’s expectations in quality and excellence. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to SABIC for their recognition, as it solidifies our commitment to continue delivering world-class engineering and design services. “

In line with SABIC’s strategy to engage and collaborate, it has honored its suppliers from different sectors for outstanding performance during 2020-2021, with special focus on the services delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic and their role in promoting local content in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

DEST is a multi-discipline business unit having core competencies in the design and engineering services stretching from Basic & Conceptual design, Front End Engineering Services (FEED) and Detailed Engineering. Since its inception, DEST has delivered complex projects in the sectors of Oil & Gas, Petrochemicals/Chemicals, Power & Energy and Industrial domains globally.

Google deepens its commitment to Pakistan’s gaming industry

  Announces phase two of Gaming Growth Lab; Launches ‘Think Games Pakistan’ and first gaming newsletter to accelerate growth in the gaming industry

Google today reaffirmed its commitment to Pakistan’s gaming industry through three new steps. First, its Gaming Growth Lab in Pakistan is entering its second phase where participants across 57 selected companies will receive 1:1 support and mentorship from Google experts, to help them build on the learnings from the first phase of the program, and take their businesses to the next level. Google will also host Pakistan’s inaugural Think Games Pakistan event in June, and launch the first edition of its ‘Google for Games’ Pakistan newsletter.

Launched on 1 March 2022, Gaming Growth Lab (GGL) is an accelerator program by Google that seeks to nurture Pakistan’s top up-and-coming mobile game companies. The first phase of the program - a 5-week education phase - was attended by over 250 participants from 57 selected companies.

Now in its second phase, GGL will see these 57 participating companies embark on an 8-week virtual support programme focused on identifying and addressing business challenges, and expanding their offerings. Selected participants will also join coaching sessions led by Google experts on topics such as Google Play, Google Cloud, measurement and export where they can acquire more learnings on game creation and growth.

Google’s Regional Director in Pakistan, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka, Farhan Qureshi said, “Our goal is to make Pakistan a global gaming powerhouse, and put Pakistan’s gaming industry on the world map. Whether we’re talking about gaming developers looking to create, grow, or monetize games, Google is committed to supporting all of them on their growth journey. I’m excited to see the progress made by Gaming Growth Lab, an initiative that reflects our ongoing commitment to develop the gaming community in Pakistan and help the country unlock its digital opportunity.”

Already, GGL participants are reporting results. Codematics, a Pakistan-based app development company, launched two games on the Google Play Store (Bomber Warriors and 3D Car Parking) after attending the first phase of the GGL program. Waseem Javed, Director of Codematics, said, “GGL sessions have been great for us, especially when we connected with experts from Google and the larger ecosystem. GGL has helped us expand our business from just apps to games.”

Participants who complete both phases of GGL will graduate from the program in June, after which they can enjoy additional benefits including, priority access to future Google gaming initiatives and networking events in Pakistan, and business growth support from the Google team.

Additionally, Google will host Think Games Pakistan for the first time on June 21-22. This two-day virtual event will bring together Pakistan’s gaming community, experts, and thought leaders, and become Google’s flagship gaming community event in Pakistan. It will feature the latest insights and data around gaming, as well as tools and solutions to help gaming developers build better games and succeed on a global level.

Google also recently launched its inaugural ‘Google for Games’ Pakistan newsletter, a quarterly edition of the newest information and insights around gaming specifically designed to cater to the needs of gaming developers across Pakistan. The newsletter can be signed up here: goo.gle/gfgpk-signup

PSDF to lead skill development in Koh e Suleman, DG Khan and Rajanpur under the Koh e Suleman Improvement project (KISP)

      PSDF (Punjab Skills Development Fund) has signed an agreement of PKR 150 million with Koh e Suleman Improvement project (KISP) to lead its skill trainings for residents of Tehsil Koh e Suleman, DG Khan and De-excluded area of Rajanpur. These areas comprise primarily of tribal communities with low literacy levels and until now have had limited opportunities for personal and economic development. During the first phase of this project, 2000 residents will receive training and are aimed to include at least 20 percent female trainees. The residents will gain trainings across four key industries: Light Engineering, Construction, Services and Textiles. The trainings will be the first of their kind in these districts and PSDF will use its skill expertise to equip residents with market-relevant professional knowledge to commence their skill development and open career opportunities for them.

To mobilize this project, training centres will also be established in the tribal areas to execute the trainings and create ease of access for the residents. A stipend of Rs 3500 monthly, will also be provided to the trainees to facilitate their learning journey.

The on-ground trainings are scheduled to commence in July of this year.  During the contract signing ceremony Maqbool Ahmed (Project Director, KISP) remarked, “We look forward to working with PSDF on this project, PSDF’s expertise in executing quality skills trainings will bring a lot of value for these communities and prepare them to access income-generating opportunities”.  PSDF COO Ali Akbar Bosan also echoed this sentiment, “These trainings are aimed at developing the local resident’s skillsets in professional fields that are growing and employers are actively seeking to hire workers in. PSDF will utilize its experience to ensure that our trainees receive the right technical knowledge and develop valuable skillsets, so they can confidently pursue employment opportunities throughout the country”.

PSDF is the country’s largest skill development fund and has established itself as a skills expert by training more than 500,000 women and men in 250 plus trades.  It has also successfully implemented trainings on behalf of FCDO, World Bank and the Government of Punjab.

Free Fire Pakistan Welcome Skipper Babar Azam & Shadab Khan as Brand Ambassadors & Host Grand Iftar

 

Free Fire announces the appointment of Pakistani Cricket Icon and Captain Babar Azam alongside All Rounder Shadab Khan as their Brand Ambassadors for the calendar year. Free Fire is the world's leading mobile battle royale game with over 1 Billion downloads and has been at the forefront of the Esports revolution in Pakistan.

Previously, Garena Free Fire has launched groundbreaking collaborations that integrated global superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo into their game. Since then numerous global personalities have joined this coveted list including, DJ Alok, Hrithik Roshan, BTS & most recently, Pakistan Cricket Icons, Babar Azam & Shadab Khan.

In the true spirit of Ramzan, Babar Azam and Shadab Khan partook in the Grand Iftar hosted in collaboration with the NGO, Rizq where Esport players, streamers and clans among other attendees were delighted to interact with the new Free Fire Ambassadors.  

Commenting on the occasion, Babar Azam said “It gives me immense pleasure to represent Free Fire, the name that’s been leading the Esports revolution in Pakistan and I look forward to playing my part to help bring people and communities together. I would like to wish the team representing Pakistan in the Free Fire World Series the very best of luck!”

Shadab Khan added his comment, “It’s a great feeling joining the esteemed list of Free Fire Ambassadors. We often hear how Esports is growing globally in a lucrative manner. It’s time to get my colleagues to download it so we can play Esports in our bubble as well. I’ve been hearing wonderful things about the Free Fire Universe and their community and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Falak Gondal, PR & Comms Lead at Garena added, “Our goal has always been to provide new and engaging experiences for Free Fire players all over the world. To do this we often align ourselves with their interests beyond gaming, and into sports. Babar & Shadab have become household names in Pakistan and we’re delighted to have them onboard to promote Esports in Pakistan. We witnessed their heartwarming impact on our community during the Grand Iftar firsthand”

Free Fire is also behind FFPL, Pakistan’s First Professional Esports League. FFPL III’s Grand Finale was held last month in Lahore, where the final teams competed for a grand prize pool of PKR 10,000,000 & the winning team, House of Blood now go on to represent Pakistan in FFWS, the largest Free Fire tournament in the world, held later this year in Singapore for a prize pool worth $2 Million.