West Palm Beach, FL, Mar 18, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), the entertainment subsidiary of USPA Global, has extended its historic relationship with ESPN through 2026. USPA Global manages U.S. Polo Assn., the multi-billion-dollar global sports brand and the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA).Veteran ESPN Broadcaster Chris FowlerThe relationship continues to build upon the landmark deal between GPE and ESPN, which brought the sport of polo to a massive global audience for the first time in 2022. Since that time, the exposure to the sport has extended to many parts of the world and millions of households across multiple platforms.In 2025, ESPN will show fans the most prestigious tournament in North America, the U.S. Open Polo Championship®, as well as the U.S. Open Women's Polo Championship® and the Gauntlet of Polo®, all taking place on the U.S. Polo Assn. Stadium Field One, along with the Women's and Men's National Intercollegiate Championship (NIC) games, in addition to other select international games. For game broadcasts and times, check your ESPN local listings.Adding to the excitement of the 2025 polo season, veteran ESPN broadcaster Chris Fowler will be on site to host the 2025 U.S. Open Polo Championship on Sunday, April 20, in front of what is expected to be the largest crowd to ever watch the most prestigious tournament in North America. Fowler has been with ESPN for nearly 30 years, appearing on many of the network's marquee properties, including hosting ESPN's coverage of the Triple Crown horse races from 1998-2007.Fowler is best known for his play-by-play for the company's top college football game each week on ABC Saturday Night Football and SEC on ABC, where he works alongside analyst Kirk Herbstreit and sideline reporter Holly Rowe. Over the years, the Emmy-winning commentator has also been the voice of ESPN's Grand Slam tennis coverage, and has hosted SportsCenter, College GameDay - including three Emmy wins for Outstanding Studio Show - Weekly while Fowler was at the helm, and men's college basketball, including on-site NCAA Final Four coverage."I've been a fan of the sport of polo for years, and now I'm excited to be part of the genuine polo experience by hosting the U.S. Open Polo Championship in front of what is expected to be the largest crowd to ever watch the pinnacle of the sport in North America," said Fowler about his new role. "I have provided commentary on so many great games and athletes, and now I will be able to speak about an entirely different kind of athlete alongside their equine partners in this thrilling game of speed and precision.""I'm also proud to be able to share this unique sport with the greater ESPN audience and give it the exposure it deserves as a competitive and skill-driven sport," Fowler added.The multi-faceted relationship will again bring the finals of the top North American polo events to ESPN platforms, with game distribution on ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN.com and on-demand on the ESPN App."The USPA continues to work closely with ESPN and credits this amazing relationship with attracting an entirely new generation of sports fans to the exciting world of polo," said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, which oversees the worldwide, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. "The addition of Chris Fowler to the U.S. Open Polo Championship broadcast team is a credit to the success of this groundbreaking relationship and serves to further drive the global momentum of the sport around the world.""We believe Chris aligns with the tradition, sophistication, passion and global reach of our sport!" added Prince.By broadcasting many of the top polo tournaments in the world annually since 2022, including the U.S. Open Polo Championship®, the XII Federation of International Polo (FIP) Championship®, and the Paris Games Polo Challenge, the sport of polo has reached an entirely new and thriving audience on ESPN. The extension with ESPN will continue to bring more exposure to polo.In conjunction with the games, ESPN will once again distribute multiple 25-minute made-for-television shows produced by GPE. The award-winning show "Breakaway: Presented by U.S. Polo Assn." serves as a behind-the-scenes look into the lives and careers of polo players and horses from around the world and will include "Breakaway" episodes such as "Polo in the Palm Beaches," "Women in Polo," "Polo in College" and "Polo in England," to name a few. Included in extended media distribution, these episodes will also air on StarSports, beIN Sports and Times of India."The USPA is delighted with the long-term vision of the ESPN relationship and with the recognition polo is receiving from a new fan base around the world by watching polo on ESPN," said Stewart Armstrong, Chairman of the USPA. "We are anticipating another highly competitive season driven by the partnership of superior athletes, both the players and their equine partners, competing in the Gauntlet of Polo® series right here at the newly renovated USPA National Polo Center (NPC) - Wellington."For the most up-to-date information and breaking news, sign up for the Polo Insider newsletter at globalpolo.com.About ESPNESPN, the world's leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA GlobalU.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the largest association of polo clubs and polo players in North America, founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. Historic deals with ESPN in the United States and Star Sports in India now broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., making the thrilling sport accessible to millions of sports fans globally for the very first time.U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors in the world alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized internationally with awards for global and digital growth. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.USPA Global is a subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPA Global also manages Global Polo TV, which provides sports and lifestyle content. For more sports content, visit globalpolo.com.About the United States Polo Association® (USPA)The United States Polo Association® is organized and exists for the purposes of promoting the game of polo; coordinating the activities of its member clubs and registered player members; arranging and supervising polo tournaments, competitions and games; and providing rules, handicaps and tournament conditions for those events. Its overarching goals are improving the sport and promoting the safety and welfare of its human and equine participants. Founded in 1890, the USPA is the largest voluntary sports organization in North America for the sport of polo. The USPA is currently made up of more than 200 member clubs and over 5,000 registered player members. It annually awards and oversees roughly 50 national tournaments hosted by its member clubs. For more information, please visit uspolo.org.Contact InformationShannon StilsonVP, Sports Marketing & Mediasstilson@uspagl.com+001.561.227.6994Stacey KovalskySenior Director, Global Communicationsskovalsky@uspagl.com+001.561.790.8036SOURCE: USPA Global Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

SINGAPORE, Mar 18, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - CropLife Asia, the regional voice of the plant science industry, today announced a new lineup for the organization’s Office Bearers within the Board of Directors. Among the changes to the roster of Office Bearers as the installation of Ms. Simone Barg of BASF as CropLife President.Ms. Simone Barg, Senior Vice President, Agricultural Solutions Asia-Pacific with BASF, is an experienced senior leader with a growth mindset focused on customers and people. Currently based in Singapore, Ms. Barg has served with BASF for over two decades and successfully managed the company’s businesses in various industries, B2B and B2C, specialty and commodity chemicals and extensive transformational programs.The new roster for the CropLife Asia Office Bearers is as follows:Ms. Simone Barg (BASF) – PresidentMr. Paul Luxton (Syngenta) – Vice-PresidentMs. Malu Nachreiner (Bayer Crop Science) – TreasurerMr. Robert Kaan (Corteva Agriscience) – Secretary"As the population in Asia continues to grow, the challenge facing agriculture is its ability to produce safe, affordable and nutritious food sustainably," said Simone Barg, President of CropLife Asia. "This starts with supporting farmers gain access to the tools, technology and innovations in plant science. I am honored to represent CropLife Asia as President. Together with our member partners, governments, ag industry partners, and farmers, we seek to establish agricultural systems enabled through innovative crop science and technologies that would contribute to improving food security and the living standards of all in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner."About CropLife AsiaCropLife Asia is a non-profit society and the regional organization of CropLife International, the voice of the global plant science industry. We advocate a safe, secure food supply, and our vision is food security enabled by innovative agriculture. CropLife Asia supports the work of 15 member associations across the continent and is led by six member companies at the forefront of crop protection, seeds and/or biotechnology research and development. For more information, visit us at www.croplifeasia.org. For more information please contact:Duke HippDirector, Public Affairs & Strategic PartnershipsCropLife AsiaTel: +65 6221 1615duke.hipp@croplifeasia.org Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Africa, Mar 18, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Registry Africa, the official operator of the .africa top-level domain (TLD), and GoDaddy, a world leader in domain registration and web services, have announced that the .africa domain is available on GoDaddy.com. This will help increase Africa’s digital ecosystem while catering to the rising international demand for connectivity with the continent.GoDaddy’s vast customer base – spanning millions of business owners organizations, and entrepreneurs globally – can easily register and manage .africa domains by simplifying access to .africa extension. The aim is to empower entities seeking to establish or expand their digital footprint across Africa’s rapidly growing markets.“Having GoDaddy as our Registrar increases our market reach and puts .africa at the top shelf for users to access,” said Lucky Masilela, CEO of Registry Africa.The move comes as interest in Africa’s digital potential is growing internationally due to the continent’s youthful population, increased internet penetration, and a surge in startup environment. The .africa domain, synonymous with regional identity, offers businesses a strategic tool to localize their online presence.Industry analysts and economic experts highlight that strategic partnerships can act as a catalyst for transformation, accelerate digital innovation and stimulate cross-border investments throughout Africa. This partnership coincides with a period of rapid expansion, exemplified by the remarkable surge in mobile internet adoption across sub-Saharan Africa.For more information on registering a .africa domain through GoDaddy, visit www.godaddy.com/en-ph/tlds/africa-domain.About GoDaddyGoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services, and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company’s AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.About Registry AfricaRegistry Africa is the official registry for the .african domain, responsible for managing the .africa top-level domain (TLD) and maintaining the database of all registered .africa domain names along with corresponding registrant information. Visit www.registry.africa for more information.PR contacts:GoDaddy: mohammed.elbatta@fekracomms.comRegistry Africa: pr@registry.africa Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

HONG KONG, Mar 18, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (DBS Hong Kong) recently co-organised a T-box Workshop on Navigating ASEAN Business Opportunities to showcase the vast potential of the ASEAN market to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and to help them further expand their international business footprint. ASEAN is the third-largest economy in Asia and the fifth largest globally, following the United States, China, Japan, and Germany, and holds significant economic influence and abundant business opportunities.As the second largest trading region since 2010, bilateral trade between Hong Kong and ASEAN reached USD145 billion in 2023, accounting for 12.8% of Hong Kong's total global trade. The key focus of the workshop was to show Hong Kong SMEs how they could explore business opportunities in ASEAN.Cherry Lee, Associate Director, Marketing & Customer Service, Corporate Communications & Marketing, HKTDC, said: "Inevitably, businesses encounter issues associated with entering new markets including those in ASEAN. As Hong Kong SMEs have limited resources to tackle these challenges HKTDC helps by providing free support services from over 50 offices worldwide. Since the launch of T-box in April 2020, more than 4,700 Hong Kong companies have participated and gained assistance including branding, digital transformation, manufacturing and supply chain solutions, new market exploration, and sustainability transformation to achieve business and transformation goals."T-box programme is offered free of charge and is open to all Hong Kong registered companies. Dedicated T-box staff work with corporates to identify their goals and provide support, with group and tailored services including advisory services, workshops, government-funding information, market knowledge and networking opportunities.Lareina Wang, Managing Director and Head of SME Banking, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, said: “The ASEAN market presents abundant business opportunities. Our survey reveals that over half of Hong Kong SMEs view expanding into new Asian markets as a key business priority, with particular focus on Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. As Southeast Asia's largest bank with deep roots in Asia and extensive market knowledge, DBS is committed to supporting SMEs in entering ASEAN and achieving sustainable growth through efficient banking solutions, professional advisory services, extensive networks, and market insights.”SMEs are the pillars of Hong Kong's economy, but they often face challenges in managing operational costs, maintaining cash flow, and expanding into Asian markets. Leveraging its strong network in Asia and leading digital technology, DBS Hong Kong provides tailored banking solutions and competitive financing options for SMEs, thereby enhancing their businesses resilience and growth, and driving the development of Hong Kong’s business ecosystem.T-box Workshop on Navigating ASEAN Business Opportunities invited several ASEAN market experts to share insights. The session began with Galvin Chia, HKTDC Principal Economist, Asian and Emerging Markets Research Team, who provided an overview of the ASEAN market and its opportunities.During the discussion panel, Billy Cheung, Executive Director, Hong Kong Foreign Trade eCommerce Association shared tips to SMEs about how to leverage e-commerce platforms to enter new markets. Crystal Yuen, Head of Documentary Trade Product Management, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited discussed how banks or related institutions can support SMEs in entering new markets through trade finance. Finally, Eugene Yeung, Tax Partner, KPMG China, provided tax strategies and advice for SMEs to avoid tax risks while effectively utilising tax incentives to expand their business.In a rapidly changing global economy, all sectors in Hong Kong, whether large enterprises or SMEs, need to continuously upgrade and transform, striving to explore new markets and seek avenues for business growth while embracing new opportunities. T-box regularly organises workshops and online seminars on various topics, inviting industry leaders and professionals to provide practical information on branding, digital transformation, manufacturing and supply chain solutions, new market exploration, and sustainability transformation, helping enterprises strengthen their competitive advantage. Through this workshop, participants opened up new horizons for business development and seize the immense potential of the ASEAN market. The successful hosting of this seminar also highlights the support and commitment of HKTDC and DBS Hong Kong to SMEsPhotos Download: https://bit.ly/4buTN8NCherry Lee, Associate Director, Marketing & Customer Service, Corporate Communications & Marketing of HKTDCLareina Wang, Managing Director and Head of SME Banking, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) LimitedAngie Ng, Executive Director, SME Banking, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, delivered opening remarks at the event(From left to right) Galvin Chia, HKTDC Principal Economist, Asian and Emerging Markets Research Team, Crystal Yuen, Head of Documentary Trade Product Management, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Eugene Yeung, Tax Partner, KPMG China, and Billy Cheung, Executive Director, Hong Kong Foreign Trade eCommerce Association, shared their expertise on ASEAN market expansion for SMEs during the panel discussionHKTDC and DBS SME Banking recently co-organised the T-box Workshop on Navigating ASEAN Business Opportunities, which saw proactive participation from multiple Hong Kong SMEs interested in expanding into the ASEAN marketMedia enquiriesHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Clayton LauwTel: (852) 2584 4472Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgDBS Hong Kong:Celia WanTel: (852) 6690 9250Email: celiawan@dbs.comGigi LaiTel: (852) 6840 2142Email: gigilai@dbs.comAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.About DBSDBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The bank’s “AA-” and “Aa1” credit ratings are among the highest in the world.Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME, and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way.With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities.For more information, please visit www.dbs.com. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Key findings from the survey47% of professionals report their salary is above industry standards42% of respondents feel their salary is below market levelsOnly 40% of respondents are satisfied with their salary growth opportunities37% of employees reported no major change in their salary over the past three yearsIn-demand skills (38%) and economic trends (24%) are the primary drivers of current salary trendsMANILA, Mar 19, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Employers and employees in the Philippines appear to be divided on compensation perspectives, according to a comprehensive salary survey by foundit, a leading jobs and talent platform. The survey reveals a workforce with mixed sentiments about salary standards, with nearly half feeling adequately compensated, while many others perceive a gap between their pay and industry benchmarks. Despite this divide, the survey highlights a growing awareness among professionals about market comparisons and strong optimism for future salary growth, despite recent stagnation in wages.These findings present valuable opportunities for organisations to enhance their talent strategies, ensuring competitive compensation structures that attract and retain top talent. With compensation playing a central role in both recruitment success and employee loyalty, these insights provide valuable intelligence for business planning.V Suresh, CEO of foundit, commented on the findings: "Our latest survey highlights a unique divide in the Philippine workforce—while 47% of professionals feel adequately compensated, 42% believe their salaries fall below industry standards. This contrast presents both a challenge and an opportunity for employers navigating an increasingly competitive talent market.What stands out is the strong optimism among professionals, with nearly 80% expecting salary growth despite 37% experiencing wage stagnation over the past three years. This signals a workforce that remains hopeful about future prospects, even in the face of economic uncertainties.For organisations, this underscores the importance of strategic compensation planning. Employers who embrace transparent salary benchmarking, skills-driven pay structures, and clear career progression paths will be best positioned to attract and retain top talent. By bridging the perception gap and aligning compensation strategies with workforce expectations, companies can strengthen their employer brand and contribute to the Philippines’ continued economic growth.”Key findings from the survey include:Salary Perception Across Experience Levels47% of professionals report that they are paid above industry standards, considering themselves well compensated.42% consider their salary is below market levels, highlighting dissatisfaction.11% are not aware of how their salary compares, indicating a gap in transparency.Entry-level professionals (0-3 years) are the most optimistic, with 50.5% feeling they are paid above industry standards, although 40.7% feel underpaid.Junior (4-6 years) and Mid-level (7-10 years) professionals show the highest dissatisfaction, with 47% feeling their salaries are below average, reflecting potential career growth struggles.Satisfaction with Salary Growth40% of respondents are satisfied with their salary growth opportunities.34% remain neutral, indicating mixed perceptions about compensation structures.26% are dissatisfied, with junior professionals (4-6 years) reporting maximum dissatisfaction at 32.1%. FMCG, Foods, Beverage (54.5%), Recruitment, Staffing (53.8%), and Advertising, PR, Event Management (42.9%) sectors show the highest dissatisfaction rates.Expected Salary Growth from Appraisal29.7% of professionals expect a 6-10% salary hike in their next review, making this the most common expectation.26.9% expect a substantial increase of 30% or more in their salaries — an indicator of optimism and high aspirations.Professionals with 4-6 years of experience are optimistic, with nearly 38% expecting 6-10% raises.Executive-Level (15+ years) professionals have the highest expectations, with over 51% anticipating an increase of 30% and above.Salary Changes Over the Past Three Years37% of professionals saw no salary growth, indicating wage stagnation.38% experienced growth, with 22% reporting significant increases.25% faced a decline in their salaries (14% slight, 11% significant).Executive-Level professionals (15+ years) reported the best career growth with 34.55% seeing significant increases, while entry-level professionals faced the most uncertainty.Future Salary Expectations: Industry Outlook79.5% of respondents expect salary growth in their industry, showing strong optimism despite past stagnation.Technology & IT employees expect the highest salary increments, with a significant number of them expecting 30% and above.Key Drivers of Salary TrendsSkills in Demand: 38.04% of professionals see in-demand skills significantly impacting salaries.Economic Trends: 23.6% see macroeconomic factors shaping pay scales.Industry-Specific Challenges: 14.44% cite industry-specific challenges as key influencers.Technological Advancements: 13.66% recognise tech-driven disruptions affecting wages.For organisations navigating the complexities of talent acquisition and retention today, this results of this survey provide a valuable benchmark for assessing current approaches and identifying areas for strategic improvement. By leveraging these insights to enhance both compensation structures and communication around pay, companies can create more appealing work environments that attract and retain top talent.About foundit - APAC & Middle Eastfoundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME), is Asia’s leading jobs and talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. In addition to its innovative AI-powered job search, foundit offers e-learning, assessments, and services related to resume creation and interview preparation. foundit has connected over 120 million job seekers across 18 countries with the right job roles and upskilling opportunities. Over the last two decades, the company has been a leader in the world of recruitment solutions and has launched cutting-edge tools to give recruiters access to passive candidates in addition to active ones. With its advanced technology, foundit is efficiently bridging the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies.Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches and offer precision hiring. Additionally, foundit has been recognised as a Great Place to Work, reflecting its dedication to fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture.To learn more about, foundit in APAC & Gulf, visit: www.foundit.com.ph | www.foundit.my | www.foundit.sg | www.foundit.in | www.founditgulf.com | http://www.foundit.hk | www.foundit.idContact:For media inquiries or further information, please contactNamrata Sharma – Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.comContact number - +65 81383034 Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.