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GITEX GLOBAL, Expand North Star 2023 centre world’s attention on booming Artificial intelligence (AI) economy

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GITEX GLOBAL

World’s largest tech and start-up show gathers best minds, advanced companies for the year’s most anticipated dialogue into a new tech paradigm

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 10, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Dubai will unleash a new era of global AI dominance next week, as the UAE hosts the world’s largest tech and start-up show, converging the best minds, future-focused governments, and most advanced companies to redraw the boundaries of the AI economy and shape the future of the globe’s next big technology shift.  

For the first time, GITEX GLOBAL – independently rated globally as the best tech show in the world – shall take place in two mega venues as its 43rd edition prepares to welcome 6,000 exhibitors and 180,000 tech executives from 180 countries from 16-20 October 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Its powerhouse start-up show, Expand North Star hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy runs from 15-18 October 2023 at the stunning new Dubai Harbour venue. More than 1,800 start-ups across the events will explore rising opportunities in one of the world’s most agile, diversified, and technology-enabled digital economies.

The blockbuster duo, organised by DWTC, comprise a combined 2.7 million sq. ft of exhibition space, a 40 percent increase over the previous year, inviting the world to the year’s most anticipated dialogue and deep scrutiny into a new tech paradigm experimenting in AI, the cloud, Web 3.0, and a sustainable digital economy.

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, spoke at the official GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star 2023 press conference today.

“We are working with AI policymakers to ensure that the world is better for everyone everywhere,” said H.E. Al Olama, who was named by TIME Magazine as one of the world’s top 100 most influential people in artificial intelligence in 2023. “GITEX GLOBAL is where the best and brightest minds come together to shape the future of technology. Dubai is a global market and through GITEX GLOBAL, we are pushing the envelope by showcasing new technologies including the transformational power of AI to inspire everyone and shape a better future.”

“We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of participants at GITEX GLOBAL and this growth really is a testament to the UAE’s status as a global leader in technology.”

Expand North Star 2023 accelerates global VC investment revival

The influx of global interest in the UAE will see Expand North Star host the largest line-up of 1,000 investors from 70 countries with $1 trillion under management, as they look to ramp up the global VC start-up investment revival.

It arrives as the UAE companies clinched the lion’s share of US$4 billion in start-up funding across the Middle East and North Africa in 2022, fetching investments to the tune of $1.85 billion across 250 deals, a five percent increase in value over the previous year. 

“Expand North Star reflects Dubai’s strong commitment to enabling ambitious start-ups to thrive in the emirate,” said Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy (DCDE), host of Expand North Star.

“We look forward to introducing several initiatives at the event including India Central, the biggest showcase of Indian start-ups ever assembled outside India; Asia Fast 100 and Africa Fast 100, the event’s largest showcases bringing together more than 100 leading start-ups from each continent for an intensive programme of conferences, networking events, and dedicated pitch competitions; and Launchpad Dubai, a first-of-its-kind initiative providing local and international tech businesses including start-ups, scaleups, and unicorns opportunities to accelerate their business and kickstart their operations in Dubai through a one-stop experience at DCDE’s booth at Expand North Star.

“Hosting this event enables us to harness the full potential of the digital economy by connecting stakeholders from the government sector, investors, and accelerators with the world’s leading industry experts, innovators, and tech start-ups,” added Al Gergawi.

“By bringing the global start-up ecosystem together in the emirate, Expand North Star supports our drive to transform Dubai into one of the world’s leading digital economies in line with the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).”

Intense demand spurs new tech agendas, government participation rises

GITEX GLOBAL 2023 will see the highest involvement of public private partnerships yet as more than 250 government entities intensify their futuristic digital city visions and strategic collaborations amplified by bold commitments toward digital excellence.

The annual five-day event will deep dive into the biggest reflections of the AI era with the return of AI Everything – the year’s largest showcase of AI solutions and concepts – and the Global DevSlam coder and developer meet-up, while the hyper popular GITEX Cyber Valley will take the fight directly to the dark cyber-criminal underworld. 

“We have not seen this hyper level of fervour and anticipation of GITEX GLOBAL in recent years,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Events Management at Dubai World Trade Centre. “GITEX is synonymous with AI this year, especially when excitement over the emergence of generative AI is shadowed by a sense of trepidation and cautiousness.

“We are aggregating the year’s largest AI in Everything showcase and the most powerful AI architects across businesses. GITEX GLOBAL has not merely expanded in scale. It has totally upsized the big AI ethical conversation and commercial exploration to new dimensions.”

The dilemma to encourage innovation whilst balancing regulation and controls have perplexed policy makers. AI’s meteoric development has triggered debates on the vulnerability of systems to cyber-attacks which has prompted the genesis of GITEX Cyber Valley to corral the AI security agenda.

The expansion of the global digital economy towards the deep tech revolution and green tech world missions has also propelled the genesis of GITEX CTO World Congress, the year’s largest gathering of tech architects and disruptors; GITEX Impact on advancing a net zero carbon future through green technologies; and Future Urbanism Expo moulding the future smart cities of the world.

Democratising AI, empowering the planet

More than 1,800 start-ups across the events will explore rising opportunities in one of the world’s most agile, diversified, and technology-enabled digital economies

Tech titans spearheading the AI charge at GITEX GLOBAL 2023 include regular exhibitors Huawei and Microsoft, while cloud-based software giant Salesforce debuts.  They’ll be among more than 1,000 AI-infused companies at the year’s largest AI showcase and summit revealing how the new force of supercharged tech stacks are advancing economies and transforming lives, governments, businesses, and society.

Microsoft, which in 2023 injected $10 billion of fresh capital into OpenAI, the creator of the ubiquitous large language model-based chatbot ChatGPT, will deliver a powerhouse showcase of the company’s commitment to democratising AI and empowering everyone on the planet to achieve more.

The American tech giant has been working with governments, businesses, developers, students, and start-ups so that they can build their own AI applications to drive sustainable economic growth and improve the lives of citizens across the region.

“We envision a future where AI is enhancing the capabilities of people across all professions to find innovative ways of solving pressing challenges and creating a positive impact in their communities,” said Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE.

“We’re proud to highlight this vision at GITEX GLOBAL, where we are showcasing our latest AI solutions that not only improve productivity and streamline business processes across the public sector and all industries, but also unleash creativity and drive innovation.”

Huawei will reaffirm its commitment at GITEX GLOBAL to help all industries make the most of intelligence, digitalisation, and the strategic opportunities presented by AI, supported by cloud, advanced network capabilities, and digital power technologies.

Dr. Alaa Elshimy, Managing Director & Senior Vice President, Huawei Enterprise Business Group, Middle East & Central Asia Region, said: “AI is the key to unlocking the full potential of digital transformation and creating new value for our customers and partners. At Huawei, we are committed to providing innovative and intelligent ICT solutions that advance industry transformation, enhance cybersecurity, and support sustainability goals.”

Salesforce, the global leader in customer relationship management (CRM), will meanwhile fuel the AI mania with its new Einstein 1 AI assistant for all CRM enterprise applications.  Thierry Nicault, Area Vice President and General Manager of Salesforce Middle East, said attendees will see first-hand how the new AI platform enables organisations to safely connect any data and build AI-powered apps with low-code no-code capability. 

“It’s important for organisations in the UAE and the wider MENA region to recognise the importance of Generative AI and its role in digital transformation, enabling them to develop digital strategies that promote efficiency, innovation, and resilience,” said Nicault.

“Organisations must build a single source of truth, and integrate every consumer encounter to deliver tailored experiences, and make their entire business smarter, faster, and more productive. This will open new opportunities and help them to achieve growth.”

Influential UAE challengers enter the epic AI innovation race  

UAE entities have also entered the epic AI innovation race, accelerating government economic diversification strategies centred around bold digital transformation agendas.  G42, Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and Masdar City are among the UAE-based research and tech innovation hubs at GITEX GLOBAL 2023 shaping the future of AI and its transformative application across all spheres of life.

The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied-research arm of ATRC last month released Falcon 180B, the world’s most powerful open source AI model impressing technologists across the globe.  Its sister company ASPIRE is now stepping into the future mobility landscape, as it prepares to unveil for the first time at GITEX GLOBAL 2023 its autonomous racing car that clocks speeds in excess of 300km/h.

The Dallara Super Formula car is a flagship racing car of ASPIRE’s Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL), launching in April 2024 as a series of high-profile autonomous races including racing cars, drones and dune buggies.  The A2RL, according to Dr. Tom McCarthy, Executive Director at ASPIRE, will bring together the exciting impact of AI on humanity and its incredible potential for autonomy.

“A2RL, the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, is a ground-breaking initiative that has captured the interest of industry experts and university researchers,” said Dr. McCarthy. “We’re thrilled to unveil the autonomous racing car model at GITEX GLOBAL, which is built on the renowned Italian manufacturer Dallara’s Super Formula car.

“It has been adapted with an autonomy stack, allowing the vehicle to perceive its environment and race autonomously at the Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit.  The introduction of A2RL marks a significant milestone for Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, setting the stage for disruptive innovations in mobility through the medium of extreme sports.”

Elsewhere, G42, a champion of AI and cloud technologies, is returning to GITEX GLOBAL 2023 to contribute to the dynamic dialogue on AI under the theme ‘Imagination in Action.’ “Imagination in Action isn’t just a slogan but a reflection of the active steps we’ve taken to transforming theoretical AI concepts into tangible solutions, commented Hasan Al Hosani, Managing Director of Bayanat, a G42 company.

“Visitors to our stand will have an opportunity to explore our portfolio companies’ cutting-edge innovations across multiple domains, from data centres, supercomputing and government services, to healthcare, BFSI and smart mobility.

“Together, we look forward to forging meaningful connections, igniting collaborative efforts, and driving societal advancement through the combination of imagination and technology. I’m personally very excited to welcome visitors and introduce them to Bayanat’s latest advancements in the Geospatial AI domain.”

Masdar City, another debut exhibitor at GITEX GLOBAL 2023, will meanwhile elevate its mission to realise greener, more sustainable urban living in the UAE, highlighted through several innovations at its stand, including three leading-edge net-zero energy buildings currently under construction.

“Masdar City is, at its heart, a place of innovation,” said Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director of Sustainable Real Estate at Masdar City.  “We’ve been pioneering sustainable urban development for more than 15 years, and sustainable development depends heavily on innovation and technology.

“This is the foundation of our free zone, where more than 1,000 companies, from start-ups to multi-nationals, are ushering us into the future. We’ll be highlighting several innovations at our stand, including the three leading-edge net-zero energy buildings we currently have under construction, and some of the climate-change solutions that Masdar City start-ups have created.”

Power-packed conference line-up explores 2023’s pressing tech challenges    

GITEX Global and Expand North Star will also feature 21 conference tracks with more than 1,500 expert speakers from 80-plus countries delivering 900 hours of immersive mind-stretching content, as they unpack and demystify 2023’s pressing tech challenges and controversies, from delivering the world’s fasters AI supercomputer, or driving the green energy revolution, to scaling autonomous driving tech, and the assessing the impact of AI tools on cybersecurity.

More information is available at www.GITEX.com and www.ExpandNorthStar.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Global.

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Algeria’s Hydrocarbons Minister Joins MSGBC 2026 as Sonatrach Eyes Senegal Partnerships

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October 20, 2026

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Etu Energias

Algiers and Dakar are preparing an energy agreement as Sonatrach pursues partnerships across the MSGBC basin

DAKAR, Senegal, October 19, 2026/APO Group/ –Mohamed Arkab, Algeria’s Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons, will join the speaker lineup at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 in Dakar this December, bringing one of the continent’s most senior energy ministers to a forum focused on investment and regional cooperation. His confirmation serves as a bridge between one of Africa’s longest-standing oil and gas producers and one of its newest, paving the way for greater collaboration across upstream exploration, infrastructure and power.

 




  

Algerian cooperation with MSGBC nations has already gained momentum. Minister Arkab hosted Senegal’s Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, in Algiers on October 4. The two-day visit produced a cooperation agreement between Senegalese utility Senelec and Algeria’s Sonelgaz, while Petrosen and Sonatrach held discussions on a potential partnership spanning upstream exploration and infrastructure.

Senegal’s government has said the visit sets the stage for an intergovernmental agreement to be signed in Dakar during MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026. The two national oil companies first signed a memorandum of understanding in 2022, and Minister Arkab discussed putting it into effect with Senegal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Cheikh Niang in July.

The potential partnership comes as MSGBC countries look toward the next phase of upstream development following the start of production at Senegal’s Sangomar oil field and the cross-border Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project. Regional priorities are now shifting toward advancing the next generation of projects, including Senegal’s Yakaar-Teranga gas development and Mauritania’s BirAllah discovery, while attracting fresh exploration investment across the wider basin. Moving these opportunities toward development will require capital, technical expertise and partnerships with established producers – creating scope for deeper cooperation with countries such as Algeria and companies such as Sonatrach.

Minister Arkab’s participation at the upcoming conference also arrives as Algeria advances its own exploration strategy. The event convenes shortly after bidding closes for the Algeria Bid Round 2026, which the National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources launched in April with seven exploration blocks on offer. Submissions are due November 26, and Sonatrach expects to finalize contracts with successful bidders by the end of January 2027. Exploration and production will absorb three-quarters of the $60 billion Sonatrach intends to spend between 2026 and 2030, as the company works toward lifting annual gas output to 200 billion cubic meters within five years.

With a bilateral agreement potentially headed for signature on the conference sidelines, Minister Arkab’s participation promises to be one of the defining moments of the 2026 edition and reinforces MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power’s standing as the region’s leading meeting point for governments and investors.

Organized by Energy Capital & Power and held under the High Patronage of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 takes place December 1–3 in Dakar and will convene heads of state, ministers, investors, operators and development partners from Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry. Explore opportunities and secure your participation at www.MSGBCOilGasandPower.com.

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

 




 

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Afreximbank and partners advance Africa’s automotive investment agenda at Alamein Africa Forum

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October 20, 2026

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Afreximbank

The two-day Forum brought together high-level African automotive industry policymakers, private sector original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Africa-based component manufacturers

CAIRO, Egypt, October 19, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), in partnership with the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Ministry of Trade and Investment of Egypt, and the Department of Trade and Industry of South Africa, hosted the Africa Automotive Investment Forum on the sidelines of the Alamein Africa Forum held in El Alamein, Egypt recently.

 




  

The two-day Forum brought together high-level African automotive industry policymakers, private sector original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Africa-based component manufacturers.

The Forum sought to sensitise policymakers on the policy changes and reforms needed to develop the automotive sector, enable investors to engage directly with both policymakers and manufacturers, and facilitate potential joint ventures and supply agreements or engagements leading to future deals.

Afreximbank noted that the Forum prioritised joint ventures and technology transfer agreements between global auto giants and African enterprises with the expectation of creating highly skilled engineering, manufacturing and technical jobs for Africa’s growing youth demographic while significantly boosting local small and medium enterprises within the secondary supply tier.

It described the automotive sector as a strategic priority because it serves as a powerful catalyst for Africa’s industrialisation, intra-African trade and economic resilience, noting that several African countries were already making important strides in the development of a manufacturing sector that had attracted increasing investment into the emerging auto industry, including new energy vehicles.

Highlighting the significance of the Forum for Afreximbank, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development, said:

“The automotive sector is a critical pillar for advancing Africa’s industrialisation and achieving the structural transformation championed by Afreximbank. By driving regional value chain integration, the automotive industry directly aligns with our mandate to foster intra-African trade under the AfCFTA framework. Supporting this sector allows Afreximbank to catalyse high-impact investments, stimulate manufacturing capabilities, create skilled employment, and significantly reduce the continent’s heavy reliance on vehicle imports. Investing in the African automotive ecosystem is not merely a financing opportunity, but a strategic imperative that accelerates economic diversification and establishes Africa as a competitive player in the global industrial economy.”

Mrs. Awani said that significant investment opportunities existed in Africa’s automotive manufacturing sector, including component manufacturing, leveraging the continent’s growing skills base and raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel, copper, iron and steel. She added that Afreximbank was championing the development of a pan-African automotive manufacturing sector comprising an interrelated component and vehicle manufacturing ecosystem, supported by intra-African supply chains and trade.

The automotive sector is a critical pillar for advancing Africa’s industrialisation and achieving the structural transformation championed by Afreximbank

Mrs. Awani noted that Afreximbank had committed US$1 billion towards financing Africa’s automotive sector as part of its strategy to promote manufacturing, trade and industrial development across Africa.

The Forum witnessed the signing of a joint venture agreement between Malben Engineering from South Africa and Egypt-based industrial conglomerate El Araby Group to establish a joint platform for manufacturing components serving Egyptian, South African and broader African markets. The undertaking combines El Araby Group’s industrial, engineering, and technological capabilities with Malben Engineering’s experience spanning over 50 years in manufacturing and forming metal automotive components.  The joint venture illustrates the type of commercial partnership that will spur development of intra-African automotive supply chains and trade.

Mr. Tarek Mosaad, President of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) said: “with the AfCFTA Rules of Origin now agreed, the foundation for a more integrated automotive industry is in place. Our focus must shift to turning ambition into action by creating factories, strengthening supplier ecosystems, generating jobs, and increasing intra-African trade.” He noted that “AAAM remains focused on three key priorities:

  • Growing local content through regional value chains
  • Making it easier to move automotive products across borders
  • Ensuring Africa plays a meaningful role in shaping the future of mobility|

In his call to action, he cautioned that “investors are not looking at 54 separate African markets. They are looking at one integrated opportunity.”

H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, echoed the sentiments expressed by Afreximbank and AAAM and outlined three priorities for advancing the Strategy for the African Automotive Sector under the AfCFTA framework, namely: “developing investment-ready projects and competitive production locations; strengthening regional supplier networks and deepening localisation; and establishing commercially viable regional production.”

In a further step towards advancing these priorities, the AfCFTA Secretariat and the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in developing Africa’s automotive industry.

The MoU provides a framework for cooperation in implementing the Strategy for the African Automotive Sector under the AfCFTA, covering automotive Rules of Origin, customs procedures and trade facilitation, automotive policy and standards, capacity building, regional supplier and value-chain development, mineral beneficiation, investment mobilisation and emerging automotive technologies.

The partnership will also support ongoing efforts by the AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank to advance the AfCFTA Automotive Investment Plan, with a focus on mobilising investment and strengthening competitive regional automotive production networks.

The Forum also witnessed the establishment of a joint Egypt-South Africa Business Council designed to develop bilateral trade and investment projects across various priority sectors that include automotive, mining and mineral resources, renewable energy, agriculture and food production, pharmaceuticals, transport and logistics infrastructure – leveraging the Suez Canal and national ports in both countries to facilitate increased trade between northern and southern Africa.

For a more practical experience, delegates moved from policy discussion to industry exposure through curated site visits to OEMs Nissan Motor Corporation, General Motors Egypt, Al Mansour Automotive and components manufacturer Mobica in 6th of October City. The visits offered a first-hand view of Egypt’s automotive industrial base, showcasing the progression from vehicle assembly and localisation to supplier development, manufacturing capabilities and regional market reach, while illustrating the tangible opportunities for investment, technology transfer and cross-border value-chain integration that can help position Africa as a competitive automotive manufacturing hub.

With African vehicle demand expected to reach 5 million by 2035 as well as rising interest in new energy vehicles globally, industry stakeholders and policymakers are seeing opportunities to drive domestic industrialisation through the automotive sector and renewables, leveraging African raw materials. Forum participants emphasised that the policy incentives must be right and that the provision of affordable financing will help drive demand and capital investments.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 

 




 

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The Detail Behind a Decade: Mala Lingappa Marks Ten Years at APO Group

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October 20, 2026

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A decade of precision behind the measurement that proves APO Group’s performance across Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 19, 2026/APO Group/ –Mala Lingappa has marked ten years at APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the pan-African communications consultancy integrating advisory, execution, and proprietary news distribution. She joined in 2016 as its first media monitoring specialist. Today, APO Group guarantees visibility in all 54 African markets, and Mala has helped make that visibility measurable.

“When I started, I wasn’t expecting to stay for a decade,” says Mala. “The chance to work in an international environment and learn from people with diverse backgrounds drew me in. The experience has been incredibly rewarding.”

 




 

Performance only counts when it can be proven. From the start, Mala built the expertise in search criteria and reporting that tracks client coverage and evidence results across the continent. She has adapted to every new system and service as the business evolved into an integrated model of strategic advisory, local execution and owned distribution.

“There have been challenging periods, but those moments pushed me to become more flexible, to keep learning and to step outside my comfort zone,” she says. “They gave me the confidence to handle new challenges.”

People stay where they feel trusted, respected and able to grow

APO Group builds performance through its people, giving them opportunities to learn, take on new responsibilities and grow their careers. For Mala, this has included training and professional development initiatives that helped her build new skills, broaden her perspective and expand her role.

As the longest-serving member of the media monitoring team, Mala brings precision to every search and every report. In a model where results are measured, accuracy is essential. Her experience helps the team resolve questions quickly, keep work moving and deliver reliable reporting for APO Group’s clients.

Mala has also helped shape the team around her, sharing the search and reporting expertise she has built over the past decade. Pooja Sanga, Team Leader of the Media Monitoring Team, says: “Mala is meticulous about process and highly skilled at search criteria. She is down to earth and approachable. She answers our questions quickly because of her depth of knowledge. That reliability makes a huge difference every day.”

Loanette Boshoff, Chief People Officer at APO Group, says: “Ten years is a choice Mala has made every single year. She could have taken her talent anywhere, and she kept bringing it to APO Group. People stay where they feel trusted, respected and able to grow. Our job is to be that place, for Mala and for everyone who joins us.”

Looking ahead, Mala is excited about the role that technology, training and people will play in the team’s next chapter. “Ten years went quickly,” she says. “I value the journey and the people who supported me. I’m looking forward to what comes next.”

Bas Wijne, Chief Executive Officer of APO Group, says Mala’s decade with the company shows the strategic value of experience and institutional knowledge. “Mala understands how the business works, why our processes matter and where detail makes a difference. That knowledge helps us work efficiently, support our teams and maintain the standards we expect as we grow.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

 




  

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