Glimpse from Today’s Ecomm Asia Summit 18 Coverage

ABOUT THE ITCN ASIA 2018

ITCN ASIA Conference provides a complete 360° round view of IT and Telecom industry, providing a deep insights and innovations and trends. This also provides the basis of business leaders, social innovators reveals, forward thinkers, explorers and debates trailblazing technologies and the way how they figured the year ahead- to meet the two ends i.e. the working world and the society at large. With this, at ITCN ASIA Conference 2018, it is expected that there would be 50 plus speakers would be participating, 8 plus panel discussions would be conducted in a three day event, with more than estimated 600 participants will be taking part in entire event and there would be assumed that above 500 plus online participants will also take part in entire event. This is said to be one of its kind of Mega event being hosted once a year and every year there is an increase in the number of participants and attendees.

Highlights from ITCN ASIA 2018

The Ecomm Asia Summit 18 began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the National Anthem of Pakistan and Organiser’s Note- Mr. Umair Nizam, Vice President Ecommerce Gateway & Event Director ITCN Asia.

Moving ahead to the Inaugural Session, Mr. Adam Dawood, Head of Yayvo presented the welcome address, followed by the speaker from the Pasha, then next was the Mr. Parvez Iftikhar, CEO, ICT Forum Pakistan spoke on Universal Affordable Fast Internet- a must for eCommerce growth. The Chief Guest Mr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Government of Pakistan then addressed to the guests and the other attendees of the summit and presented his views.

Khaled Maqbool Siddiqui while speaking at the opening ceremony to the guests and attendees

Coming to the next session of the Ecomm Summit based on PAYMENTS. Mr. Omar Moeen Malik, Group Executive Director, Head of Digital Wallet & Payment Products, Telenor Microfinance Bank Ltd. (Online) presented detailed a session covering all the high and lows of the payments system and presented some key Statistics on Payments in Pakistan.  The session then followed by the panel discussion on payments, the panelists includes Syed Adnan Ali (Ceo. Avanza Premier Payment Services, Mr. Saleem Ropani (CEO Foree), Mr. Umair Munawar (Finja), Mr. Adam Dawood (Head of Yayvo (moderator)) and Ms Asma Khalil (e-commerce consultant, Jazz). Then panel discussion is followed by a small Question and Answer session. At the end of this session, there was a refreshment and Hi-tea for the guests.

Session on Payments by the panelists

After the break, the next session of the Ecomm Summit based on MARKETPLACES. The Magic Moment of Ecommerce for B2C Retail Brands Mr. Badar Khushnood, Cofounder & VP of Growth, Bramerz, spoke in detailed on the session and presented some key find facts. Statistics on Marketplaces in Pakistan are then presented by Mr. Bilal Bajwa, CPO/ CTO, OLX.  The session is then followed by panel discussion on marketplaces, the panelists includes Mr. Raza Matin (Marketing and Business Consultant, Google (Moderator)), Mr. Bilal Bajwa  (CPO/ CTO, OLX), Mr, Salman Hassan (CEO, TCSECOM), Ms. Anum Kamran (Founder & CEO, Buyon), Mr. Shayaan Tahir (CEO, Homeshopping), Ms. Nadia Patel Gangjee (Founder & CEO, Sheops), Mr. Badar Khushnood (Cofounder & VP of Growth, Bramerz). Then panel discussion is followed by a small Question and Answer session.

Q&A Session on marketplaces

Moving ahead towards the end of the Ecomm Asia Summit last Session based on LOGITICS. The last session was carried out by briefly by Mr. Muneeb Maayr (Founder, Bykea), which was followed by panel discussion. The panelist includes, Ms. Saira Awan, Director TCS (Moderator), Mr. Muneeb Maayr (Founder, Bykea), Mr. Qasim Awan (Director, TCS), Mr. Safee Shah (General Manager, Uber), Mr. Imran Buxamoosa (CEO, BlueEx), Mr. Muhammad Qasim Anis (General Manager, LCS). Then panel discussion is followed by a small Question and Answer session.

The Ecomm Asia Summit was ended by the thank you note of Pasha and Souvenir Distribution. The refreshment was catered by Delfrio and Scream.

Highlights from today's Ecomm ASIA Summit

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Sonya Hussyn Set the Stage on Fire at the IPPA Awards 2018

Press Release 

Whether it is creating a fashion statement or leaving a powerful impact as an actor, Sonya Hussyn has always set higher standards for others to strive for. The actress, who is known for her roles in Mere Hamrahi, Aisi Hai Tanhai, Nazo and Meri Guriya amazed the audience at the IPPA Awards 2018 with mind-blowing dance performances.

Her elegant and classy solo performance on 'Ankhiyan Udeek Diyan' was much appreciated. 5Sonya's second dance performance with Ali Kazmi on the song 'Nach Nach Ke' along with Wahab Shah was power-packed and energetic.

Sonya Hussyn, known for her strong persona and acting skills was nominated in three categories for the IPPA 2018; Best Actor Female TV Serial 2017, IPPA Best Jodi of the Year - TV Serial (Sonya Hussyn & Sami Khan for Aisi Hai Tanhai) and IPPA Style Icon of the Year - Female, she indeed came home with the IPPA award for Style Icon of the Year - Female.

The International Pakistan Prestige Awards, IPPA Awards 2018 are one of the largest star-studded Awards that took place earlier this September at Indigo 02, London.

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Performance look 

Sonya Hussyn Award look

Sonya Hussyn

Sonya while receiving the award

TV One brings Special Muharram Transmission

At this auspicious month of Muharram TV One is proud to Host favorite morning show on Muharram with Sahir Lodhi, and guests will be aired on 9th and 10th Muharram ul Haram. The entire transmission is based on Spiritual and soulful thoughts and talks presented by Sahir Lodhi with Ulemas and Naat Khwans explaining the biggest Islamic historic event Karbala at 9 am on TvOne.

The program is then continued with a special presentation by Shabbir Abu Talib and renown Ulemas “Paikar -e- Sabar o Raza” a special Muharram transmission to be aired on 9 & 10 Muharram on TVOne.

The transmission is hosted by Shabbir Abu Talib Pakar e Sabar o Raza will enlighten viewers will sufficient knowledge about “Karbala” and significance Ashura in Islam. Famous religious scholars along with Naat Khuwans will grace the special transmission with their mighty religious knowledge and soulful recitations.

Promo Link:

A.F. Ferguson & Co. Celebrated its 125 years of Professional Services

[Friday, September 14, 2018: Karachi] A.F. Ferguson & Co. celebrated its 125 years of professional services at a gathering at the PC Hotel, Karachi. The event was attended by a large number of people from business community, corporates, banks and former and current partners and employees of the firm. The firm recognized all its former partner for their significant contributions to the firm in shaping it to what it is today. 

“The common expectation of all our client relationships is trust, solution-oriented service with comprehensive and composite knowledge,” remarked Syed Shabbar Zaidi, Senior Partner, A.F. Ferguson & Co. He added “All major business houses, regulators, international agencies, judiciary, and all the governments in power trust the firm for its independence, transparency, expertise and cutting edge of knowledge in the respective fields”. 

Speaking on the occasion, Syed Babar Ali, Founder Packages Group said, “Working with Ferguson has been a rewarding experience. I have had the privilege of knowing successive leaderships, and an unbroken business relationship since 1958. Being the pioneers in the field of auditing and chartered accountancy, Ferguson has set such a high standard, that every other firm has had to emulate. I congratulate them on this landmark achievement of their journey,” 

A documentary covering 125 years of A.F. Ferguson & Co was also played on the occasion which included remarks from Syed Babar Ali – Founder Packages Limited, Asad Umar - Federal Minister of Finance, Mohammad Ali Tabba - CEO Lucky Cement among other senior business leaders.

Addressing the audience, Khalid Rafi, former Senior Partner A.F. Ferguson & Co. said, “Integrity is the cornerstone of everything we do at Ferguson. This is something we learned from our predecessors and what we forwarded to the next generations.”

The event stressed on the long standing relationships Ferguson has shared with their clients and honesty and integrity with which it serves the community.

International Pakistan Prestige Awards (IPPA) 2018

Crème of Pakistani celebrities honored in London at 2^nd annual

International Pakistan Prestige Awards (IPPA)

Who’s Who Guest List from Pakistani film, television, music and fashion descends on London’s Indigo at The O2

Following its inaugural debut on the UK’s celebrity event calendar in 2017, the second, annual International Pakistan Prestige Awards (IPPA) welcomed the A-list of Pakistan’s glitterati on Sunday 9^th September at the renowned Indigo at The O2, London.

A who’s who guest list of the finest from the worlds of Pakistani film and television, music and fashion were joined by leading figures from the UK’s expatriate community and corporate sector, as well as by fans and audiences themselves, as IPPA continued to acknowledge and celebrate the wealth of talent from Pakistan’s entertainment industries with global audiences and fan bases that transcend borders.

Celebrities who attended at IPPA 2018 includes: Meywish Hayat, Humayun Saeed, Syra and Shehroz Sabzwari, Zahid Iftikhar Ahmed, Yasir Hussain, Ayesha Omer, Sarwat Gilani, Sonya Hussain, Ali Kazmi, Ahsan Khan, Jawed Sheikh, Adnan Siddiqui, Mathira, Sana Fakhar, Bilal Ashraf, Shiraz Uppal, Ayesha Sana, Osman Khalid Butt, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Shermeen Ali, Urwa Hocane, Farhan Saeed, Azfar Rehman, Ainy Jaffri, Nadia Khan, Yashma Gill And Saifi Hasan.

The ceremony was interspersed with world class entertainment that set that stage ablaze, with dazzling performances by: Sana Fakhr, Syra and Shehroze, Shiraz Uppal, Ali Kazmi and Sonia and Urwa and Farhan.

Award winners on the night:

Best Film 2017: Punjab Nahi Jaongi

Best Actress Film: Mehwish Hayat (Jury and Viewers’ Choice)

Best Actor Film: Humayun Saeed (Jury and Viewers’ Choice)

Best Jori Film: Osman Khalid Butt and Ainy Jaffri for Balu Mahi

Best Director Film: Nadeem Baig

Best Supporting Actor Film: Urwa

Best Singer of the Year: Shiraz Uppal

Best TV Serial 2017 (Jury): Baaghi

Best TV Serial 2017 (Viewers’ Choice): Yaqeen Ka Safar

Best Actor (Female) TV Serial 2017(Viewers’ Choice): Saba Qamar

Best Actor (Female) TV Serial 2017(Jury): Sajjal Ali

Best Actor (Male) TV Serial 2017(Viewers’ Choice): Mikaal

Best Actor (Male) TV Serial 2017 (Jury): Adnan Siddiqui

Best Supporting Actor TV Serial: Sana Fakhr and Ali Kazmi

Best Director TV Serial: Khuda aur Muhabbat

Best Jori TV Serial – Ahad and Sajjal

IPPA Style Icon of the Year: Sonya Hussain

Designer of the Year: Ali Xeeshan

IPPA Star of the Year (female): Sajjal

IPPA Star of the Year (male):Ahsan Khan

Model of the Year: Hira Shah

Best Emerging Talent: Ahad Raza Mir

Most Stylish TV Presenter Male: Yasir Hussain

Most Stylish TV Presenter Female: Ayesha Omer

Best British Pakistani in Business – Mr Mehbbob of Royal Nawab

Best Pakistani International Brand -- Damas

In addition, Special Category Awards were presented for Lifetime Achievement to Sultana Siddiqui, president HUM Network Ltd

IPPA Founder Ali Malik said on the occasion, 

“Following the success of IPPA’s inaugural year in 2017, we are delighted to have brought to the UK the second, annual instalment on an even grander scale than our debut year. We once again united the most coveted names from Pakistan’s burgeoning arts and entertainment industries on one platform in the UK, allowing fans and audiences to see their favourite icons on stage, while also celebrating the wealth of talent from Pakistan that has garnered fans and followers globally. We are honoured to have shared this immense pride in Pakistani achievement with audiences and guests on the night.”

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Huawei Unveils the True AI Selfie Superstar Nova 3 / 3i in Pakistan

Press Release 

Karachi- Saturday, 08 September, 2018: Huawei threw a grand celebration at the launch of its Nova 3 Series in Pakistan for the first time. The series features two innovative smartphones – HUAWEI Nova 3 and HUAWEI Nova 3i – both equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) quad cameras that allow for great selfies and AI photo detection. The HUAWEI Nova 3 is available for PKR 59,999/- , while the HUAWEI Nova 3i is priced at PKR 39,999/-.

While launching the nova Series for the first time in Pakistan, Mr. Blueking Wang, Manager, Huawei CBG said: 

“Nova is synonymous with the birth of a new star – and our HUAWEI Nova 3 and Nova 3i are the real AI Selfie Superstars. These devices are for the youth of today who love to take selfies and save their beloved moments. It’s got 128GB memory – a first for a phone at this price point.”

HUAWEI Nova 3 series is for young and trendy consumers, for whom a smartphone is not just part of their lifestyle but also represents their personal style.nova, means new; the word is used to describe a newly discovered star. It’s innately mysterious and romantic with a hint of sci-fi. It represents vitality, brilliance and red-hot passion, and all qualities that the HUAWEI nova embodies.

Truly Advanced AI-powered Dual Front and Back Cameras

The HUAWEI nova 3 & nova 3i are equipped with dual AI-enabled 24MP + 2MP cameras on the front, while the nova 3 sports dual 24MP + 16MP AI-powered rear camera.The nova 3i comes with dual 16MP + 2MP AI-powered rear camera as Huawei brings its innovative AI technology to a new price point to let more and more people enjoy the exciting trend.The new f/2.0 wide aperture lens on the 24MP high-resolution front camera is joined by a 2MP broad-spectrum color sensor that captures depth-of-field information for authentic bokeh effects.

Ultimate Power Play with Kirin chipsets

In terms of performance, HUAWEI Nova 3 packs a Kirin 970 SoC with 4GB RAM, which runs on EMUI 8.2, allowing the new mid-range superstar to deliver a flagship experience whether you use it for work or play. While the HUAWEI Nova 3i is equipped with a Kirin 710 AI processor, and EMUI 8.2 for flagship performance.

Recognize Scenes Through AI

HUAWEI Nova 3 & Nova 3i are enabled with over 200 different scenarios. The front camera detects eight unique categories including blue skies, beaches, plants, night, stage performances, flowers, rooms and snow. The rear camera now detects 22 scenarios with the addition of autumn leaves, ancient building, bike, automobile, Panda etc.

Cutting-edge design and striking colours

Both sides of the HUAWEI Nova 3 devices are covered with a sleek glass back, which offers a superior, more premium look and feel to it. Notched with a 6.3-inch FullView display that sparkles with delight, and covers 83.4 percent of the frontal view, every curve on the HUAWEI Nova 3 Series is meticulously designed to provide the best grip and a stunning appearance. The HUAWEI Nova 3 has four colourful hues of Iris Purple, Airy Blue, Red and Black,while HUAWEI Nova 3i will make you fall in love with Iris Purple, Pearl White and Black.

About Huawei Consumer Business Group

Huawei Consumer Business Group (CBG) is one of Huawei’s three business groups, providing a range of products including mobile phones, wearables, tablets and laptops. Huawei’s products and services are available in more than 170 countries, and are used by a third of the world’s population, ranking second in the world in mobile phone shipments at the end of May 2018.

Year-on-year growth was reflected in Huawei’s rise as a globally recognized premium brand. In 2018, Huawei was ranked 48^th on BrandZ’s Most Valuable Global Brands list, 79^th on Forbes World’s Most Valuable Brands list and 25^th on the Brand Finance Global 500 Most Valuable Brands list. Among the Fortune 500, Huawei climbed up the list to the 83^rd place in 2017, up from 129^th with a revenue of USD 78.51 billion, making the top global 100 for the first time.

As a leading technology company, Huawei invests a significant amount of its annual sales revenue to research and development efforts, and has established 15 research centers around the world. Among these facilities is the Huawei Aesthetics Research Center in Paris. Huawei’s newest R&D center is the Max Berek Innovation Lab in Wetzler, Germany, where Huawei and Leica are jointly researching technologies to improve mobile device camera and image quality.

The Mystery of Sonya Hussyn’s Purple Dress

London: Recently, at the Hum Style Awards where everyone dressed to impress, a mystery surfaced about a purple dress. Stunner Sonya Hussyn looked Uber-chic in a purple dress, flawless sun-kissed makeup, and a fishtail braid. She never leaves a moment to shine anywhere, whether it’s a casual day out or a starry night.

Multiple claims were made by different bloggers naming designers like Shehla Chatoor and Natasha Kamal as the sole owner of the beautiful dress. What’s the mystery or a controversy here you ask? The dress became a conversation starter as it was inspired by international designer Ralph Russo’s Spring 2017 Couture collection, which on evident demand was an inspirational copy.

A little bird told us that the designer does not intend to reveal or be revealed. Sonya is known for her classy style sense and strong persona. Let it be a mystery about the dress, at least we know who rocked the dress.

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Nausheen Shah Awarded as Style Icon of the Year at the 2nd Pakistan Excellence Awards 2018

Karachi, September 1st, 2018: 2nd Pakistan Excellence Awards were held at the Marriott Hotel, Karachi on Friday, August 31st, 2018 hosted by Mr. Hameed Bhutto CEO Pakistan Excellence Foundation. The event was attended by many celebrities, socialites and other renowned people from different fields. 

There were multiple categories in which talented individuals from the Media Industry were recognized and celebrated. Nausheen Shah, a renowned actor, already known for her style sense was recognized as the Style Icon of the Year 2018. 

At the time of receiving the coveted award, Nausheen Shah stated, ‘It’s an honor and I am privileged to be here tonight. I am very humbled to receive this award. It feels great when someone is recognized for their hard work.’

Award was presented by Nina Kashif, General Manager/Producer, Urdu1.

After Parwaz Hai Junoon, Shaz Khan’s Successful Trajectory takes him to Lamhay

After the release of Parwaz Hai Junoon this Eid Ul Adha, making 17.9 Million from the local box-office on an opening day, the film has managed to genuinely hook the audience with such a strong storyline and a star-cast. Shaz Khan who is known to be the most content-centric strong actor, who’s spell-binding acting skills and looks has charmed the audience, not just in Pakistan but worldwide.

From Shaz’s debut film Moor to his debut drama Yaqeen Ka Safar till PHJ, he has proven to be an actor who discovers the depth of the character and story before portraying it.

After recently playing a character of a Squadron Leader, Shaz will be seen as Hashir, who is a westerner and has an unpredictable volatile side. A non-resident Pakistani who comes back to Pakistan for his grandmother and now trying to figure out a drastic shift in his life and to get in touch with his roots. The drama will keep the audience glued with twists, turns, and conundrums, unfolding of the characters and the way the story is told.

The drama is directed by Amna Nawaz Khan under the banner of Momina Duraid Productions. Alongside Shaz, Zara Noor Abbas has also played a powerful character of Aleena who is the caretaker of Hashir's house. The first episode was critically praised by audience and reviewers.

Azaan Sami Khan’s Musical Debut with Parwaaz Hai Junoon

Karachi [29^th Aug – 2018]: Recently, Azaan Sami Khan’s latest photo shoot took the internet by storm, which was his first step towards the start of his successful journey. Son of legendary names, Zeba Bakhtiar and Adnan Sami Khan, Azaan marked the start of his musical career with Parwaaz Hai Junoon.

The most anticipated film of 2018, Parwaaz Hai Junoon is a eulogy to Pakistan’s Air Force, but also a platform for Pakistani filmmakers to show their creativity.  The music for the film was composed by Azaan Sami Khan, which has already made it to the top playlists of everyone across the globe. Thaam Lo - composed by Azaan and sung by Atif Aslam is not only melodious but a genuine depiction of the new era for Pakistan’s music industry.

Khan shared his gratitude by saying that, ‘It was an overwhelming experience working on Parwaaz Hai Junoon’s music and an incredible learning experience for me working with Atif Aslam on Thaam Lo’. Azaan has composed five out of 6, songs for the film. Each song is beautiful in itself.

Parwaaz Hai Junoon released across Pakistan on Eid-Ul-Azha. The film is directed by Haseeb Hassan, produced by MominaDuraid and written by Farhat Ishtiaq. The star-cast includes Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ahad Raza Mir, Shaz Khan, Hania Amir, Kubra Khan, Adnan Jaffar and Farhan Ali Agha.