Day: September 12, 2024

Thousands competed in the 15th edition of World Class for the coveted title

Keegan McGregor shakes his Tanqueray No.TEN Martini at the World Class Bartender of the Year Global Finals in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Keegan McGregor from Canada has been awarded the coveted title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024 at the world’s biggest cocktail competition, celebrated in Shanghai this year. Competing against finalists from 44 regions around the world, spanning six continents, Keegan McGregor was named as the ultimate winner by an international line-up of industry legends, during the annual celebration of global cocktail culture.

Keegan of Highwayman Bar stood out amongst the other competitors by presenting a series of signature serves that celebrated community, sustainability and innovation, to earn a place at the Global Final, hosted in one of the most historic and famous cities in the world, Shanghai. The World Class competition, hosted by Diageo, sets to challenge and inspire the next generation of bartenders through a spirited contest where they are rewarded for pushing their creativity, storytelling and techniques to the next level.

Keegan McGregor celebrates winning World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024

Themed ‘Future Legacy’, this year’s event proved that the future of bartending has never been more exciting, with the discovery of unique flavour combinations and cocktail concepts that are reflective of the vibrancy seen in the best bars around the world.

As part of his journey, the winner showcased how Scotch Whisky can come alive and elevate a new generation of serves using technology, with a bespoke Johnnie Walker Blue Label serve. He was also challenged to create a duo of drinks reimagining both his home city and Shanghai featuring indigenous ingredients alongside Don Julio tequila. For his home city, Halifax, Nova Scotia, he showcased his take on a dish called Hodge Podge – a stew with local harvested vegetables – and took elements of that to create a twist on a classic eggnog. A Ketel One vodka challenge saw Keegan tasked with creating a cocktail initiative that supports the growth of the hospitality community in his neighbourhood in Halifax. He also created three pioneering gin cocktails with Tanqueray No. TEN, which took the judges on a journey through bartending history and into the future, with each drink paying tribute to an industry legend.

The Singleton challenge was about designing an ingeniously theatrical Single Malt Scotch whisky serve, blending taste with sound. The culmination was The Shanghai Showdown final challenge, which saw Keegan along with seven other finalists create an immersive bar pop-up experience that transcended the boundaries of bartending and set the tone for the future of cocktail culture.

Keegan McGregor is crowned Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024 in Shanghai

Some of the industry’s most respected and awarded talent, including Agostino Perrone, Director of Mixology at London’s Award-Winning Connaught Bar, Ryan Chetiyawardana, mastermind of the Mr Lyan empire, Julie Reiner from NYC hot-spots, Milady’s and Clover Club, alongside an elite team of bartenders and bar owners from behind some of the world’s most celebrated bars formed the judging panel throughout the week.

Keegan McGregor, World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024, said:
“My World Class journey started six years ago, so it’s a really special experience to be recognized as the World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024. The camaraderie amongst the competitors this week has been both inspiring and has kept me going. The biggest piece of advice I was given was to be myself and that’s exactly what I did.”

Kevin Delaney, Global Senior Brand Manager of World Class, said:
“World Class has gone from strength to strength over the last 15 years and grown a reputation as a hotbed of trends and a pinnacle of bar culture. This year’s program truly feels like the culmination of a decade and a half of learning and growth for our program and global hospitality community. Shanghai is a unique meeting of traditional and modern and the city set the scene for an incredible week of creativity, professionalism, and hospitality at its best. Diageo has long been committed to celebrating the best of this wonderful industry and tonight we celebrate this year’s winner but also everyone who has been part of World Class over the last 15 years. I couldn’t be prouder of Keegan and can’t wait to be a part of this exciting new chapter of his journey as World Class Global Bartender of the Year”.

Cocktail lovers and industry experts travelled from across the globe to be part of an innovative and dynamic three-week programme of highlights. The World Class Cocktail Festival, accompanying the competition, showcased the best of Shanghai and the surrounding area’s cocktail and bar scene with over 100 venues activating with unique events and menus. Special guest shifts were held at Shingo Gokan’s host of award-winning Shanghai bars, Speak Low, Sober Company and The Odd Couple; Coa Shanghai, a Mexican-inspired cocktail bar specialising in agave spirits and cocktails; Hope & Sesame Guangzhou, ranked No.14 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars; Epic, an award-winning cocktail bar by Cross Yu, showcasing Shanghai Local Culture and Disco Era, and Japanese-influenced Suzu Bar, Shanghai. Last year’s World Class global winner, Jacob Martin, also hosted a guest shift at the luxury Mandarin Oriental hotel, in nearby Guangzhou.

World Class’s international cohort of industry experts did more than judge challenges and takeover the city’s bar scene, they also participated in the first-ever World Class Mentorship program and contributed to Industry Forum. This consisted of seminars, workshops, and group discussions, focussed on discussing the industry’s hottest and most discussed topics of the moment, which are faced by global hospitality businesses and professionals in every region. These included “Vibe Architecture” with Julie Reiner, Adrián Michalčík, Shelley Tai and Ervin Trykowksi, which immersed attendees in the essential elements of constructing a sensory landscape that perfectly complements consumer offering. “Content is Queen” with Jing Zhang, Global Editor-in-Chief of Jing Daily, Kaitlyn Stewart of @likeablecocktails and Giuliana Pe Benito, Global Culture Manager for World Class and Tanqueray, was hosted by Gillian Cook, Global Head of Culture for Diageo Luxury. Together, they looked at the unique solutions today’s content creators bring to the challenges in luxury brand building and reaching audiences in the digital age.

NOTES TO EDITORS
For more information, please contact worldclass@thestory.co.uk

ABOUT KEEGAN MCGREGOR
Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Keegan fell in love with hospitality while touring Canada, after studying Classical music in New Brunswick.

Keegan has the simple goal of always making sure his customers have a warm welcome – feeling like they’ve been invited into his house for a kitchen party and have the right drink in hand. He continuously strives to help grow the pub-dominated market by educating his customers and peers, and bringing more attention to the world of spirits. This year was Keegan’s third time competing in World Class Canada.

ABOUT WORLD CLASS
World Class is on a mission to inspire people to drink better and create unforgettable experiences in the process. Whether at home or in a bar, World Class encourages consumers to think and care about what, where and how they drink, and in doing so, discover the best of cocktail culture.

World Class has supported, trained and inspired over 400,000 bartenders across the globe for the past fifteen years, while partnering them with the world’s finest spirits. World Class is the authority on the global drinks industry for information on the latest drinks, trends, cocktail recipes and industry insight.

ABOUT WORLD CLASS INDUSTRY FORUM
World Class is a global gathering of the world’s most respected and celebrated talent, and through the World Class Industry Forum initiative, the conversations that spark creativity are nurtured. The Industry Forum is providing a platform that unifies the community and encourages leading voices to share insights, discuss impact and build a lasting legacy for those in the industry. From the introduction of technology infused mixology to vibe architecture, the art of curating an emotional connection for guests, the community remains committed to transforming cocktail culture and delivering next level experiences for each and every cocktail lover. This year’s World Class Industry Forum also saw a brand-new one-on-one mentorship programme introduced, offering the finalists the opportunity to receive dedicated time and bespoke guidance from some of the industry’s world-leading talent, including the World Class Hall of Fame.

ABOUT DIAGEO
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Mortlach, Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray, and Guinness. Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
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VinFast is responding to the evolving electric vehicle (EV) market with a customer-centric philosophy focused on affordability, quality, and comprehensive after-sales support. This is reflected in its diverse model range and expansion into emerging markets, positioning the company for sustained growth.

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire -12 September 2024 – The EV market, while still expanding, has fallen short of the ambitious growth trajectory envisioned by automakers. Consequently, many established manufacturers are scaling back their aggressive electrification timelines.

VinFast EV manufacturing complex in Hai Phong, Vietnam

While some automakers are hedging their bets with hybrid models, others are doubling down on their vision for an all-electric future. To achieve this, they’re recognizing the need to transition from catering to early adopters to making electric vehicles more accessible to the mass market.

VinFast, a Vietnamese pure-play EV manufacturer, is meeting this challenge head-on with a customer-centric approach. Their commitment to “premium-quality product, inclusive price, and outstanding aftersales policy” aims to tackle the common concerns of potential EV buyers.

With price being the most significant hurdle to mainstream adoption, VinFast has introduced, or is planning to introduce, more affordable EV models across virtually all its operational markets. Consumers in Vietnam enjoy the broadest selection of VinFast vehicles, including their most budget-friendly model, the VF 3, priced starting from $10,000 with their innovative battery subscription model. The record-breaking 27,400 non-refundable pre-orders in May underscore the model’s resonance in a market where car ownership remains a distant dream for many. It’s anticipated that the VF 3, with its blend of affordability, style, and practicality, will redefine mobility in the broader Southeast Asia, much like how motorcycles once did.

In the US and the EU, reports suggest that VinFast may introduce more affordable SUVs like the VF 6, positioned below the current VF 8 in terms of price. Their arrival in these markets, while still not official, is eagerly awaited by those seeking a more affordable entry point into the VinFast ecosystem.

VinFast’s comprehensive lineup empowers them to cater to diverse market demands. Moreover, all VinFast vehicles have garnered praise for their handling and driving experience, both from casual customers and professional reviewers, complemented by an array of smart and practical features. For instance, the VF 8, one of VinFast’s flagship models, boasts a spacious interior, advanced driver-assistance systems, and a range that rivals many established competitors.

The company’s dedication to exceptional customer service and aftersales support, characterized by extended warranties and comprehensive service offerings, further solidifies their commitment to providing value and reassurance to buyers. The up-to-10-year warranty offered on VinFast vehicles stands as a testament to their confidence in the quality and longevity of their products, setting a new benchmark in the industry.

VinFast’s strategic focus might also stem from the realization that while the EV market in developed regions like the US and Europe may be experiencing a slowdown, other markets, such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East, present promising prospects.

The young company is actively expanding its reach into these regions, tapping into a growing interest in the EV transition. In the Middle East, VinFast has made significant strides, securing agreements with distributors, opening its first showroom, and establishing a regional headquarters. These strategic moves not only open doors to new customer bases but also lay the groundwork for future expansion into other promising markets in the region.

VinFast’s proactive approach to catering to customer needs, coupled with its expansion into emerging markets, positions the company as a compelling player in the ever-evolving EV landscape.

Tripoli: Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Ageela Saleh, met yesterday in Al-Quba with the Russian Ambassador to Libya, Aydar Aganin.

According to the Spokesman for the HoR, Abdullah Belihaq, the meeting discussed the current crisis of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL) and ways to address it, as well as the political process in Libya in general and ways to advance it to end the crisis by holding presidential and parliamentary elections.

For his side, Aganin commended the reconstruction and development works in Derna and other cities.

Source: Libyan News Agency

DUBAI: The National CSR Fund – Majra held its fourth Board of Trustees meeting for the 2024-2026 term. The session, chaired by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board, focused on evaluating progress and reviewing strategic plans to advance corporate social responsibility and sustainable impact in the UAE.

Al Marri highlighted the UAE’s progress in enhancing corporate social responsibility, noting the Fund’s role in aligning private sector strategies with national priorities and sustainable development goals.

Attendees included Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority, and Abdullah Al Saleh, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Vice Chairman of the Board.

Other notable participants were Mubarak Al Nakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Youth; Aisha Ahmed Yousef, Acting Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Community Development; Dr. Maryam Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Securities and Commodities Authority; Hanan Ahli,
Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre; and Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Accelerators Sector at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. The meeting also saw the presence of Abdulaziz Khalid Al Jaziri, Deputy CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, Salama Al Amaimi, Director-General of the Family Care Authority, Mariam Al Qassab, Director of the Office of the Chairman at Sharjah Book Authority, community entrepreneur Bodour Al Raqbani, and Sarah Shaw, Director of the National CSR Fund – Majra.

Sarah Shaw remarked, ‘This meeting marks a key milestone for Majra, providing a platform to discuss future strategies and build on achievements in boosting private sector contributions to social development and sustainability. We aim to develop new mechanisms that inspire businesses to make a lasting impact.’

The meeting reviewed Majra’s financial reports and the “Impact Index” to evaluate performance in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) domains. Over 80
sustainability-focused companies were honoured with the “Impact Seal.”

The Board outlined a forward-looking vision, emphasising the Fund’s role in mobilising private sector contributions to national development projects. They stressed the need for increased awareness of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, and discussed new strategies for social responsibility issues and sustainable practices in the UAE. The Board encouraged companies to adhere to mandatory disclosure plans on sustainability and ESG practices.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of continued public-private sector collaboration to achieve Majra Fund’s vision of advancing sustainable development in the UAE.

Source: Emirates News Agency

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) launched Wednesday the Riyadh Charter on Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World, during the Third World Summit on Artificial Intelligence in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

ICESCO said in a statement that the Charter aims to establish a comprehensive framework for developing artificial intelligence technologies in line with the ethical values and principles of the Islamic world, and to promote comprehensive and sustainable development and international cooperation in this field.

Dr. Salim bin Mohammed Al Malik, ISESCO Director General, noted that artificial intelligence provides tremendous opportunities and solutions to the most pressing problems in our societies, but it also poses challenges regarding its implications for human creativity and the originality of scientific research.

He said that the Riyadh Charter carries within it the principles of truth
and authenticity, and provides a comprehensive framework in which the use of artificial intelligence is consistent with ethical values, including privacy, human dignity, fairness, and solidarity.

The Director General of ICESCO added that the Charter seeks to integrate artificial intelligence into the societies of the Islamic world in a way that preserves values and the pivotal role of the family.

It also aims to present proposals that ensure the development of artificial intelligence, most notably the establishment of an artificial intelligence monitoring committee tasked with overseeing progress in this field, and for ICESCO to lead a union of international governmental and non-governmental organizations and institutions to support its member states in building infrastructure for development in the field of the digital economy.

Source: Qatar News Agency

DUBAI: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, attended the graduation ceremony of the latest cohort of the Master’s Degree in International Business Law Executive Leadership Program offered by the University of Paris II Panthéon-Assas, in partnership with the DIFC Academy.

Sheikh Hamdan said that Dubai continues to develop its higher education infrastructure and offer world-class academic programmes, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

He noted that Dubai aims to be one of the world’s top 10 cities in quality of education by 2033, as outlined in the Dubai Social Agenda 33.

Sheikh Hamdan also announced scholarships for graduates of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD) to join the Master’s Degree in International Business Law Executive Leadership Program offered
by the University of Paris II Panthéon-Assas.

The scholarships aim to enhance the legal and business skills of the graduates in the global marketplace, enabling them to effectively address legal challenges faced by institutions in international markets.

At the end of the ceremony held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the Master’s degrees, and took commemorative photos with the graduates.

The Master’s Degree in International Business Law Executive Leadership Program was launched in 2018, through a partnership between the DIFC Academy and the University of Paris II Panthéon-Assas, one of Europe’s and the world’s leading universities. The Program offers a broad range of academic courses to develop leaders in legal and regulatory fields and broaden the horizons of future leaders across various domains.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Minister of State for Youth and President of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup organizing committee Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi discussed with President of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Association (AGCFF) Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani the preparations for Kuwait’s hosting of the biennial championship, due between December 21 and January 3.

Al-Mutairi, also minister of information and culture, affirmed Kuwait’s readiness to host the regional tournament in the scheduled time and according to the highest standards, said Vice-President of the committee Bashar Abdullah in a statement following the meeting on Thursday.

Bashar, the acting Director-General of Kuwait’s Public Authority for Youth, pointed out the meeting reviewed the organizing committee’s plan of action to prepare the tournament venues in in line with the organizing and sports criteria of the AGCFF.

He emphasized the organizing committee’s eagerness meet the AGCFF criteria and put in place the highest sports, technical and organizing standards, in a way t
hat better represents Kuwait, and leads to the success of the event.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

DUBAI: Dubai Design Week, the region’s leading design festival, will celebrate its 10th edition from 5th to 10th November, 2024, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture.

The festival is set to feature an outstanding programme of new commissions, exhibitions, and events.

Held in strategic partnership with Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group PJSC, and supported by Dubai Culture, this year’s edition will reflect on a decade of design and its influence on the UAE and GCC’s growing interior design and furniture markets, now collectively estimated at US$26 billion.

Dubai Design Week 2024 will celebrate the local community, creative talent, and regional design it has nurtured over the past decade, while marking the city’s rise as a global design hub.

The festival will bring together over 500 designers and brands from more than 40 countries to showcase new design ideas through installations, exhibitions, and experiential displays.

K
hadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3, part of TECOM Group, said, ‘Creative industries fuel the economy while shaping identity and culture. Dubai’s focus on nurturing creative communities has led to a rich, multicultural design narrative that reflects the Emirate’s ambitions. Dubai Design Week has played a crucial role in this over the past decade, providing a platform that promotes local and international talent while addressing global design themes like diversity, sustainability, and belonging. We look forward to welcoming stakeholders to this year’s programme, which includes the debut of ‘Editions’, in strategic partnership with d3, shaping the future of Dubai’s creative economy.’

Natasha Carella, Director of Dubai Design Week, commented, ‘As we mark the 10th edition, we look forward to gathering designers from around the world to exchange ideas and highlight the positive impact of design. This year’s programme will focus on sustainable practices, vernacular architecture from the region and the w
ider global south, showcasing how creativity can address modern challenges and shape our common future.’

Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, stated, ‘Design plays a key role in advancing innovation and shaping new possibilities locally, regionally, and globally. As a UNESCO City of Design, Dubai is committed to fostering an educational ecosystem that promotes fresh ideas and creativity. Our continued support for Dubai Design Week is part of our responsibility to the cultural and creative industries in the emirate, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global cultural centre, a hub for creativity, and a thriving space for talent.’

Source: Emirates News Agency