Day: September 12, 2024

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World’s Biggest Cocktail Competition Names Keegan McGregor as World Class Global Bartender of the Year

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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Guided by Customer-Centric Philosophy, VinFast Navigates New EV Realities

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.

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Day 342 of Genocide: Palestinian civilians killed, injured, in ongoing Israeli bombardment in Gaza


Five Palestinians were killed and others were injured at dawn on Thursday as a result of the Israeli occupation’s bombing of Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip, and Al-Zeitoun neighborhood in the south of Gaza City.

In Jabalia camp, three citizens were killed and others were injured, as a result of the occupation’s bombing of the Siyam family’s house in Al-Fakhoura area in Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip. They were transferred to Kamal Adwan Hospital in the camp.

In Al-Zeitoun neighborhood, two citizens were killed and a number of citizens were injured as a result of the occupation’s bombing of Kashko Street in Al-Zeitoun neighborhood.

The occupation also blew up residential buildings in the northern areas of Al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip, while the occupation’s aircraft bombed a house in Al-Da’wa in Al-Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Al-Sabra neighborhood in the south of Gaza City was also subjected to artillery shelling, specifically around Abu Sharia Diwan.

Since the
beginning of the aggression on October 7, 2023, 41,020 Palestinians have been killed, most of them children and women, and 94,925 others have been injured. Rescue teams are still facing great difficulties in reaching thousands of victims who are still under the rubble or on the streets.

Source: National news agency – Lebanon

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Health Minister meets Italian Ambassador

Manama, Dr. Jaleela bint Al Sayyed Jawad Hasan, Minister of Health, met with Andrea Catalano, the newly appointed Italian Ambassador to Bahrain.

The Health Minister commended the strong Bahrain-Italy relations, particularly in the healthcare sector.

The meeting discussed enhancing cooperation in training, medical expertise exchange, and arranging specialist visits.

Ambassador Catalano lauded Bahrain’s growth and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration under the existing memorandum of understanding to achieve shared goals.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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Government Hospitals Board of Trustees holds fourth meeting of 2024

Manama, Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulaziz Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Government Hospitals, chaired the board’s fourth periodic meeting for 2024.

Shaikh Hisham welcomed the members and emphasised the government’s continued focus on advancing the health sector, contributing to ongoing improvements in healthcare services.

He commended the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to accelerate the completion of cochlear implant surgery waiting lists. Shaikh Hisham highlighted the team’s success in clearing the list at Salmaniya Medical Complex in August, noting the positive impact on healthcare efficiency in the Kingdom.

The board reviewed achievements made in the first half of the year, such as the establishment of a dedicated ward for women with sickle cell anaemia (SCA).

The meeting also discussed several development projects aimed at improving the patient experience in government hospitals, updates on performance improvement
initiatives, and the training plan.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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Saudi Committee for Labor Market and Federation of Saudi Chambers Conclude their Workshops

The Saudi Committee for Labor Market and the Federation of Saudi Chambers concluded their three-day Workshops with the International Labor Organization (ILO) at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) yesterday. During these workshops, many topics were discussed that aimed to develop legislation and regulations with the Saudi Committee for Labor Market.

The Chairman of the Saudi Committee for the Labor Market, Dr. Abdul Ghani Al-Sayegh, explained that the training workshops held on ILO and labor issues that affect companies impacted the labor market system and the relationship between the three parties of production represented by the government, employers, and workers. This is of the utmost importance as it gives dimension to local and international policies and legislation.

The business owners spoke about improving the status of workers and raising their efficiency in the labor market.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

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Customs president commends King Fahd Bridge staff for swift travel processing

Manama, Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa, President of Customs and Vice Chairman of the King Fahd Causeway Authority (KFCA) Board, made a visit to inspect the King Fahd Causeway, accompanied by Yousef bin Ibrahim Al Abdan, CEO of the King Fahd Causeway Authority, and senior Customs officials.

The customs president reviewed the facilities and inspected the operations of customs sections and departments on the Bahraini side of the causeway.

Shaikh Ahmed commended the efforts of the staff on the causeway for their dedication to speeding up travel procedures and ensuring the smooth movement of goods. He noted that these efforts led to record times for truck processing, with an average crossing time of 46 minutes during peak hours in the second quarter of this year. Additionally, the expansion of the passenger processing areas increased capacity by 50%, accommodating 2,500 vehicles per hour.

He added that the daily crossing rate during weekdays reached 39,000 vehicles and trucks in both directions, rising to
46,000 on public holidays, representing a 14% increase in operational activity compared to the same period last year.

The Customs President expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the King Fahd Causeway staff, emphasising their role in achieving the desired goals and facilitating procedures at this key crossing. He reaffirmed his ongoing support to provide the necessary resources to ease operations on the causeway.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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Acknowledged.

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing launched its latest digital services during the third Global AI Summit (GAIN Summit) in Riyadh from September 10 to 12, 2024. The new services include the Smart Assistant Service and the Smart City Management Platform (Madinaty), both of which utilize generative artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

The Smart Assistant Service, accessible through the “Balady” Application and the ministry’s website, is designed to streamline communication with customers. It offers a smart experience that allows customers to interactively and instantly receive answers to their inquiries using generative artificial intelligence technologies. This service provides clear and direct answers about the ministry’s services, regulations, and related requirements 24/7 without human intervention.

Additionally, the ministry introduced the Smart City Management Platform (Madinaty) at the summit. This platform aims to be a comprehensive centralized system for managing smart solutio
ns for environmental sanitation and cleanliness within cities. It covers all stages, from waste sources and construction and demolition waste to the organization of waste transport and disposal in designated landfills. The platform operates using IoT (Internet of Things) technologies, enabling the monitoring of cleaning operations and the tracking of vehicles during transportation routes. This enhances the efficiency of smart municipalities in their operational work for cities.

These new digital services align with the ministry’s efforts to enhance digital transformation, promote smart municipality initiatives, and provide quality services to various sectors and individuals within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s cities

Source: Saudi Press Agency

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Second edition of Media Talents Award announced

Manama, Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Information, has announced the launch of the second edition of the “Media Talents Award 2024”.

The award is organised annually by the Ministry in strategic partnership with Tamkeen. This initiative, one of the outcomes of the Innovators’ Lab, aims to identify and nurture young Bahraini talent, providing them with the training and support needed to develop their skills in professional media production. This year’s focus is on acting for television, cinema, and theatre.

The minister highlighted the ministry’s dedication to empowering Bahrain’s young creatives across all media fields, through continuous initiatives aimed at improving their skills and elevating their potential. He noted that such efforts enhance Bahrain’s leading position in regional and international media.

Dr. Al Nuaimi emphasised that the award has sparked healthy competition among participants, with the previous edition successfully discovering several emerging talents expected to mak
e a significant impact in the future.

He said that this year’s focus on acting is a testament to the important role that the arts play in raising societal awareness and delivering meaningful messages. The award also aims to equip new generations of Bahraini actors with the tools and opportunities to showcase their abilities.

The minister further noted that art is a powerful form of soft diplomacy, with the ability to shape culture and values. He expressed pride in Bahrain’s rich artistic heritage and the many accomplished artists who have made lasting contributions to the cultural landscape of Bahrain, the Gulf, and the Arab world.

Dr. Al Nuaimi expressed his hope that this year’s award will help discover new talent in acting, contributing to the legacy of Bahrain’s distinguished artists. He also extended his best wishes to all those who would like to participate in the competition.

Furthermore, the minister commended the collaboration with Tamkeen, acknowledging its commitment to supporting initiatives t
hat develop the skills of Bahraini youth, particularly in the media sector.

The Media Talents Award aims to discover and develop acting talent, helping participants grow their abilities and integrate into television, film, and theatre productions. It aims to encourage innovative performance techniques and showcase the artistic diversity of the participants, ultimately preparing a new generation of skilled actors for the media industry.

The award will include specialised workshops and development programmes to enhance participants’ acting skills, along with financial rewards for the top three winners and recognition awards. Participants will also receive training to help them navigate the challenges of the industry and prepare for roles in future productions of the ministry.

Applicants must be 15 years or older and pass an initial selection process that includes interviews and auditions by a jury of Bahraini artists. They can register through the Ministry of Information’s website www.mia.gov.bh.

The applic
ation period is open from September 12 to October 5. The top 30 applicants will be selected for a training programme in November and December, and the winners will be announced in January 2025.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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The Kingdom Participates at the G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting in Brazil

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Space Agency (SSA), participated in the G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting held today in Foz do Iguaçu, Federative Republic of Brazil. According to a press release from SSA, the delegation from the Kingdom was led by the CEO of SSA, Dr. Mohammed Altamimi.

The meeting focused on enhancing the global role of the space economy and its tangible contributions to addressing environmental challenges and leveraging scientific and technological advancements in space to achieve sustainable development goals. The discussion involved space agencies and entities from G20 member countries, representatives from invited nations, and heads of international and regional organizations.

In his address, Dr. Altamimi emphasized that this year’s theme, “Space Economy and Climate Change: Challenges and Opportunities,” underscores the vital role of the space sector in confronting global environmental challenges and its significant contribution to improving the quality of life o
n Earth.

He extended his gratitude to the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil, particularly to the CEO of the Brazilian Space Agency, Marco Antonio Chamon, for their efforts in organizing the fifth edition of this important meeting.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing the global space economy. He noted that the Saudi Space Agency has Established the “Future Space Center” in partnership with the World Economic Forum. This center will serve as a catalyst for international collaboration, innovation, and economic opportunities in the space sector. He reiterated the Kingdom’s belief that investment in space is essential for humanity’s progress.

The Space Economy Leaders Meeting is one of the outcomes of the Kingdom’s G20 presidency, which, for the first time, included it as an agenda item. The Kingdom aims to enhance international space cooperation to maximize the benefits of the space economy and the use of space data in supporting sustainable development, food security, and glo
bal health.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

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Interior Minister reviews Southern Governorate’s programmes for addressing citizens’ needs

Manama, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior, received Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa, the Southern Governor.

The minister was briefed on the initiatives and programmes launched by the governorate to address citizens’ needs and monitor project implementation in coordination with relevant authorities, fostering a collaborative approach. The governor highlighted the governorate’s swift response and engagement with citizens’ demands, based on a community partnership framework.

Shaikh Rashid expressed his appreciation for the Southern Governorate’s efforts in addressing citizens’ needs and wished them continued success in serving the nation.

They also covered various topics related to the Southern Governorate and its programmes for serving citizens.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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Saudi Youth Handball Team Qualifies for 2025l World Cup After Thrilling Victory Over Republic of Korea

The Saudi youth handball team qualified for the 2025 Handball World Cup, which will be hosted in Egypt, marking their third appearance in the tournament’s history.

The Greens’ achievement followed their dramatic 25-24 victory over the Republic of Korea in today’s match, which concluded the main round of the 10th Asian Championship, which is being held in Jordan through September 14.

The Saudi team topped their group in the main round with a total of 5 points.

Source: Saudi Press Agency