August 10, 2023

eXp Realty Exceeds 1,000-Agent Milestone in South Africa

eXp Realty today announced it has exceeded 1,000 agents across South Africa, representing an over 74% increase from the 574 total agent count in July 2022

BELLINGHAM, Wash., Aug. 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — eXp Realty^®, “the most agent-centric real estate brokerage on the planet” and the core subsidiary of eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI), today announced it has exceeded 1,000 agents across South Africa, representing an over 74% increase from the 574 total agent count in July 2022.

“This is a proud moment for eXp Realty South Africa as we reach such a huge milestone,” said Michael Valdes, Chief Growth Officer, eXp Realty. “Our attractive and continuously evolving agent-centric value proposition continues to resonate with agents from around the world and we are so thrilled to be home to over 1,000 real estate professionals in South Africa!”

According to Andrew Thompson, Director and Country Leader of eXp Realty South Africa, eXp South Africa has had more transactions in the first six months of this year compared to last year. “eXp South Africa has realized a cash-flow positive, debt-free and profitable operation in its first 15 months since receiving its license via the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority back in December 2020,” said Thompson.

“Since its inception, eXp has remained committed to putting agents first to equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to reach their full potential. I am so proud to be able to lead such an incredible group of agents through this expansion and beyond,” he added.

eXp South Africa is proudly committed to serving the community, having recently donated R350,000 to Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman of Gift of the Givers to support local and international communities.

About eXp World Holdings, Inc.

eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI) is the holding company for eXp Realty®, Virbela and SUCCESS® Enterprises.

eXp Realty is the largest independent real estate company in the world with more than 88,000 agents in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, India, Mexico, Portugal, France, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Italy, Hong Kong, Colombia, Spain, Israel, Panama, Germany, Dominican Republic, Greece, New Zealand, Chile, Poland and Dubai and continues to scale internationally. As a publicly traded company, eXp World Holdings provides real estate professionals the unique opportunity to earn equity awards for production goals and contributions to overall company growth. eXp World Holdings and its businesses offer a full suite of brokerage and real estate tech solutions, including its innovative residential and commercial brokerage model, professional services, collaborative tools and personal development. The cloud-based brokerage is powered by Virbela, an immersive 3D platform that is deeply social and collaborative, enabling agents to be more connected and productive. SUCCESS® Enterprises, anchored by SUCCESS® magazine and its related media properties, was established in 1897 and is a leading personal and professional development brand and publication.

For more information, visit https://expworldholdings.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

The statements contained herein may include statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update them. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in forward-looking statements include changes in business or other market conditions; the difficulty of keeping expense growth at modest levels while increasing revenues; and other risks detailed from time to time in the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Media Relations Contact:

eXp World Holdings, Inc.

mediarelations@expworldholdings.com

Investor Relations Contact:

Denise Garcia

investors@expworldholdings.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0f5cf167-2910-43fd-8a41-dfc00358fa16

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8892150

August 10, 2023

Duck Creek Technologies Expands to the Indian Market, Offering Its Global Core Technology Platform to India-Based Insurance Carriers

The company’s Indian subsidiary signs its first full-suite customer partnership in the region with HDFC ERGO

Mumbai, Aug. 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies India LLP, a subsidiary of Duck Creek Technologies, today announced a historical milestone with its expansion into the Indian general insurance market. Duck Creek Technologies India LLP now offers India-based insurers the ease, convenience, and power of modern cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS), delivered as a full suite of capabilities or as stand-alone solutions. With this expansion, Duck Creek reinforces its market commitment by establishing its data center in India, supported by nearly 1,000 local employees.

In partnership with its first core systems full-suite India-based insurance customer, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited (“HDFC ERGO”), Duck Creek will deploy its intuitive, user-friendly, and powerful solutions to empower HDFC ERGO to take new products to market faster and significantly improve their customers’ experience throughout the policy lifecycle and across the insurer’s entire portfolio. Duck Creek’s products and solutions will holistically bring a competitive advantage to HDFC ERGO across its entire system, portfolio and operations.

Speaking about the partnership, Sriram Naganathan, President and Chief Technology Officer, HDFC ERGO General Insurance, said, “As a leading insurer of the country, at HDFC ERGO, it has been our priority in adopting innovative technologies to address the evolving demands of our customers and offer them an enhanced customer experience. Being a digital insurer of scale, our partnership with Duck Creek Technologies India LLP is a crucial step towards unlocking the full potential of HDFC ERGO’s wide insurance solutions and enabling us to offer efficient delivery and more convenience for our customers. Duck Creek’s SaaS solution will empower our advanced AI/ML models, providing essential digital capabilities to meet the critical needs of our customers and partners.”

Rohit Bedi, Chief Revenue Officer, Duck Creek Technologies, stated, “Our commitment to HDFC ERGO aligns with their outstanding vision to make insurance easier, more affordable, and more dependable for all the people in India. We are extremely proud to be a partner to HDFC ERGO, India’s leading insurance brand, in their journey to transform general insurance services in the region.” Bedi added, “This is a significant milestone in Duck Creek’s continued growth as a leading SaaS choice for insurers worldwide. Duck Creek’s partnership with HDFC ERGO is another proof point that our global technology solutions are geared towards enabling a more modern and efficient insurance enterprise.”

Drawing on its experience supporting the world’s largest insurers and reinsurers, Duck Creek will offer its suite of SaaS-based core insurance delivery solutions, including policy, claims, billing, rating and reinsurance, to help Indian general insurers innovate and modernize their products and services.

“Duck Creek is truly excited to enter the Indian insurance market with our global solutions. We want to empower insurance companies in India with hyper-personalized insurance solutions that help customers buy or service insurance from any device and anytime. Customers from all parts of India can feel secure knowing they are covered and can raise claims anytime,” said Shaji Sethu, Managing Director APAC, Duck Creek Technologies.

The Indian insurance market was valued at $127 billion in 2021 ($30 billion, represented in the non-life sector). It is anticipated to grow to over $200 billion by 2027, which presents an exciting opportunity for Duck Creek.

About HDFC ERGO

HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited was promoted by erstwhile Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (HDFC), India’s premier Housing Finance Institution and ERGO International AG, the primary insurance entity of Munich Re Group. Consequent to the implementation of the Scheme of Amalgamation of HDFC with and into HDFC Bank Limited (Bank), one of India’s leading private sector banks, the Company has become a subsidiary of the Bank. HDFC ERGO is the second largest non-life insurance company in the Private Sector as on 31^st March 2023 based on gross premium garnered. A digital-first company, transforming into an AI-first company, HDFC ERGO is a leader in implementing technology to offer customers the best-in-class service experience. The company has created a stream of innovative & new products as well as services using technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Processing Language (NLP), and Robotics. HDFC ERGO offers a range of general insurance products and has a completely digital sales process with ~94% of retail policies issued digitally. HDFC ERGO’s technology platform has empowered the customers to avail 69% of the services digitally on a 24×7 basis with ~19% of the customer requests serviced by Artificial Intelligence-based tools. In FY23, the company has issued 1.22 crore policies and has settled ~50 lakhs claims. The Company has an active data base of 1.5+ crore customers. HDFC ERGO is present in 496 districts of the country through their 215 branches, 10,000+ employees and 1.8 lakhs agents and channel partners.

HDFC ERGO offers a complete range of General Insurance products including Health, Motor, Home, Agriculture, Travel, Credit, Cyber and Personal Accident in the retail space along with Property, Marine, Engineering, Marine Cargo, Group Health and Liability Insurance in the corporate space. Be it unique insurance products, integrated customer service models, top-in-class claim processes or a host of technologically innovative solutions, HDFC ERGO has been able to delight its customers at every touch-point and milestone to ensure consumers are serviced in real-time.

Please log on to www.hdfcergo.com or stay connected on the following social media handles to get more information on HDFC ERGO and the products and services offered by the company.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hdfcergo

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hdfcergogic

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hdfcergo

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/hdfcergo

About Duck Creek Technologies

Duck Creek Technologies is the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and Twitter.

Carley Bunch
Duck Creek Technologies
+1201-962-6091
carley.bunch@duckcreek.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8890991

August 10, 2023

EVYD Technology, collaborates with the National University of Singapore Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health and Precision Public Health Asia Society for Leadership Forum to advance Precision Public Health in Asia

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 10 August 2023 – EVYD Technology, in collaboration with the National University of Saw See Hock Public School and Precision Public Health Asia Society, announces the successful conclusion of the Leadership Forum on Progressing Precision Public Health in Asia, held in conjunction with the 3rd ASEAN Digital Public Health Conference. The forum took place on 12 July 2023, at the Courtyard by Marriot Singapore Novena.

Participants at the Leadership Forum on Progressing Precision Public Health in Asia

The Leadership Forum, a biennial regional gathering focused on precision public health in Asia, provided a closed-door platform for health sector leaders from across the Southeast Asia region to share insights and examine the growing role of digital technology in shaping public health initiatives. The key focus was on building awareness and driving action toward the progression of precision public health and its advancement in the region.

The discussions were underpinned by the overarching thread of improving population health through the lens of precision medicine, digital health, and big data. Participants shared insights, discussed challenges, and explored innovative solutions that could revolutionize healthcare delivery in Southeast Asia.

In attendance were distinguished health leaders, including YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Md Isham bin Hj Jaafar, Minister of Health of Brunei Darussalam; Dr Hjh Anie Haryani Haji Abd Rahman, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Management), Ministry of Health of Brunei Darussalam; and Pg Dr Noor Affizan binti Pg Hj Abd Rahman, Medical Superintendent, Ministry of Health of Brunei Darussalam.

The discussions were enriched by the contributions of industry leaders from other regions. Among these leaders were Ming Jie Chua, Chief Executive Officer of EVYD Technology; Ms Ying Ying Yeo, General Manager of Roche Pharma Singapore; and Mr Abram Suhardiman, Executive Vice Chairman, Healthway Medical Group. These leaders provided valuable insights.

The discourse on critical topics such as population health, precision health and digital health were further enlightened by accomplished academics like Dr Dewi Nur Aisyah, Senior Health Informatics Expert & Head of Primary Care Tribe Digital Transformation Office, Ministry of Health of Indonesia; Professor Mayfong Mayxay, Vice President of the Lao University of Health Sciences (UHS), Ministry of Health of Lao PDR; and Dr Somsak Chunharas, President, National Health Foundation. Adding to the rich discourse was Professor Teo Yik Ying, Dean, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore; Adj A/Prof Raymond Swee Boon Chua, Deputy Director-General of Health, Health Regulation Group and Assistant Commissioner, Cybersecurity (Healthcare), Ministry of Health of Singapore; and Dr Dhesi Raja, Vice Chair, Board of Advisory, HIMSS Asia Pacific (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society).

The Leadership Forum is recognized as a satellite event co-organized by the PPHA 2023 Conference and EVYD Technology, in conjunction with the 3rd ASEAN Digital Public Health Conference. The successful co-organization of this forum highlights EVYD Technology’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance public health outcomes in the Southeast Asia region.

“This collaborative effort underscores our dedication to utilizing technology to improve public health outcomes in Southeast Asia,” said Ming Jie Chua, CEO of EVYD Technology. “By bringing together the region’s health leaders, we are fostering collaborations to drive the implementation of precision public health strategies.”

The forum which ran parallel to the 3rd ASEAN Digital Public Health Conference served as a key gathering for experts and policymakers across Southeast Asia to delve into the integration of precision medicine, digital health, and big data in public health strategies. Aiming to assemble healthcare leaders consistently every two years, this cadence aims to maintain momentum in the dialogue and advancement of public health issues. This biennial platform is strategically designed to foster a continuous focus on the advancement of public health, offering a chance for participants to engage with and learning from the experiences and insights of their peers. Attendees agreed on the immense potential these fields hold for improving health outcomes in the region.

The partners look forward to continuing these important conversations and driving the advancement of precision public health in Asia. More details about the Leadership Forum’s outcomes and next steps will be shared in the coming weeks.

About EVYD Technology

EVYD is a Southeast Asia-based healthcare technology company with a vision to build a future where everyone can access better health. We leverage our deep expertise in healthcare data processing and AI to enable our partners to gain insights for informed decision making in healthcare and implement personalized health promotion, risk assessment and chronic disease management programmes at scale to improve population health outcomes.

For more information, visit https://www.evydtech.com.

August 10, 2023

Death Toll from Hawaii Wildfire Rises to 36

At least 36 people have died from devastating wildfires in Maui Island in Hawaii.

US media cited local officials as saying that 36 people have died from the wildfires in Maui, dozens were injured and 271 buildings were destroyed,while thousands of people were displaced.

The fire was fanned by fierce winds from Hurricane Dora passing hundreds of miles to the south. Officials fear to see higher number of victims.

Source: Qatar News Agency

August 10, 2023

Beit Al-Sibai… An authentic heritage landmark and splendid example of rich Damascene houses

Damascus gives a wonderful example of the flourishing of ancient architecture. Markets, khans,houses and gates are considered to be of its most prominent features.

Beit Al-Sibai Damascene house, particularly , with their unique characteristics throughout ages, is considered to be as one of the most prominent features of this architecture with its social and aesthetic dimensions.

This Damascene house, located in al-Daqaqen avenue near al-Buzuriyah Souq, was completed by 1187 Hijri, according to the architect Bishr al-Barri who is the site engineer at Aga Khan Foundation for Cultural Services.

Its large space and the number of its rooms made it embraces the large family. In addition, its architecture reflected the richness of the arts of Damascene architecture.

Beit al-Sibai consists of 13 large rooms distributed over two floors, three halls, and several courtyards.

The family used to meet in the summer in front of the fountain, while in the winter, they moved to the upper floor, where several rooms are connected , allowing sunlight to enter through and giving warmth to the place.

Beit al-Sibai is also a cultural landmark, which we are working to highlight through the restoration and rehabilitation work carried out by the Foundation, Al-Barri said.

Al-Bari affirmes that the restoration process is carried out in accordance with international and local standards in terms of restoring the colors and graphics to their previous era, through a specialized work team including skilled craftsmen in the field of restoration in all its forms.

Director of Old Damascus, Omaima Abboud noted that the role of the Directorate is to supervise and monitor the preservation of archaeological elements, existing geometric shapes, decorations and the beautiful environment in the place by drawing on specialized technical expertise.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

August 10, 2023

Israeli Occupation Navy Opens Fire at Palestinian Fishermen in Gaza

Israeli occupation navy on Thursday opened fire at Palestinian fishermen boats as they were sailing into the Gaza City sea, causing damages to some of them.

The occupation navy forces targeted Palestinian fishermen boats as they were sailing three nautical miles into al-Sudaniya area, northwest of the Gaza City, and opened water cannons at them, causing damages to the boats, and forcing the fishermen to leave offshore in fear of getting shot, Palestinian news agency (WAFA) reported.

The Israeli navy targets Gaza fishermen almost daily and prevents them from fishing.

Source: Qatar News Agency

August 10, 2023

Authorities Control Fire in West France Port

A fire that broke out on Thursday at grain silos in the French port of 'La Rochelle' is under control and had not reached the stored grain, silo operator SICA Atlantique said.

Local authorities said earlier that a major fire was underway in four grain silos at La Rochelle, adding that 70 firefighters were at the site, with reinforcements underway.

France is the European Union's biggest grain producer and La Rochelle on France's Atlantic coast is one of the country's largest grain export terminals.

Source: Qatar News Agency

August 10, 2023

KHALIL MEETS DELEGATION REPRESENTING FINANCE MINISTRY EMPLOYEES OVER RELEVANT DEMANDS

Caretaker Minister of Finance, Dr. Youssef Khalil, on Thursday received in his office a delegation representing the Ministry of Finance's employees, in the presence of the Director General of Finance, George Maarawi. The delegation included a number of Ministry unit directors and heads of departments. The delegation presented to the Minister an array of employees' relevant demands.

Source: National News Agency - Lebanon