Technology

Quantum AMC launches the Quantum Ethical Fund NFO (New Fund Offer) opens for subscription till December 16

Published

1 year ago

December 4, 2024

The fund will be an Open-Ended Equity Scheme Predominantly investing in companies meeting an Ethical Set of PrinciplesThe scheme will have a Direct and Regular Plan

MUMBAI, India , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Quantum AMC announced the launch of a new fund offer (NFO) with Quantum Ethical Fund. It closes on Monday, December 16, 2024. The Fund is an open-ended Equity Fund that invests in companies meeting an Ethical Set of Principles, with the objective of achieving long-term capital appreciation. The Fund will be managed by Chirag Mehta – Chief Investment Officer, Quantum AMC.

Its investment objective is to achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing in Equity & Equity Related Instruments of companies following an Ethical Set of Principles.

The scheme will have a Direct and Regular Plan. The Fund Managers will allocate 80%-100% to the Equity & Equity related instruments of Companies following an Ethical set of Principles and 0%- 20% to the Debt & Money Market Instruments in compliance with Ethical Principles. The Scheme will follow an active investment strategy. The corpus of the scheme will invest in shares of companies meeting an Ethical set of Principles including of Shariah, Jainism and other ethical principles, encompassing a broad Ethical Framework.

Ethical investing allows investors to align their investments to their values, beliefs and ethical ideologies. There are many ideologies and there seems to be a large overlap between them alongside subtle differences. For e.g.: Shariah investing has unique approach in that financial transactions should be fair and equitable, financial rewards are correlated with the level of risk, efforts and responsibility and prohibits interest, excessive uncertainty / speculation, gambling and harmful businesses. Jainism also has a unique approach to economic development which is strongly centered on sincerity and integrity’ around Ahimsa and Karma, which ‘encourages a light footprint in life. To follow such principles while investing the fund will exclude sector and industry such as Alcohol, gambling, tobacco, vulgar entertainment, animation content provider, exhibition of films, media-broadcasting ,media-content, production and distribution of films, mainstream or conventional financial services, non-halal food and beverages, narcotics substance or anything largely harmful to society, Meat & Animal Products, Pharmaceutical involving Animal Testing, Weapon & Defense, & Betting.

Commenting on the fund launch, Mr. Chirag Mehta, Chief Investment Officer & Fund Manager, Quantum AMC, said, “The Quantum Ethical Fund will enable investors to align their investments to their beliefs, values and ideologies. While encouraging ethical business practices, the robust integrity and financial checks will ensure investments reflect less risk and high quality which would drive long term performance. ‘Responsibility and profitability are complementary traits’ and thereby ‘good ethics is good business’. The Quantum Ethical Fund will allow investors to generate wealth through equity investments with a clear conscience. By investing in this fund, thoughtful investors have an opportunity undertake investments aligned to their values.”

Adding to this, Mr. I. V. Subramaniam, MD & Group Head- Equities, Quantum Advisors – Sponsor to Quantum Mutual Fund, said, “If you are an investor, for whom where a fund invests is as important as how much fund is invested, with this fund, you can be more intentional with your investments. Ethical investing is an investment approach in which investors invest in businesses that align with their religious or social values and generate financial returns. Sometimes, some businesses are involved in activities which are not good in terms of social values. As an individual investor it can be difficult to identify businesses that conduct their operations in accordance with the social values followed by the investor and at the same time remain profitable. That’s where the Ethical Fund is a good fit.”

About Quantum AMC

Quantum Mutual Fund was established in 2006 with the launch of its first fund. Quantum Mutual Fund nurtures a partnership culture with investors, business partners, and employees to spread the goodness of investing.

Quantum Mutual Fund is committed to providing simple Investment Solutions with simplicity, transparency, and integrity.

Investment options to convert savings to wealth.Simple products that are easy to understand.Dependable standards of service.Sensible, risk-adjusted returns over the long term through a disciplined research and investment process

We now offer 14 simple and easy-to-understand products for achieving different financial goals. Our tried and tested research-oriented process gives a channel to receive risk-adjusted returns that outperform the market in the long term. Quantum’s continued relevance is a product of its reputation as trailblazer in the realm of mutual fund investing. With a solid track record and a commitment of providing progressive investment strategies.

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Technology

Neptune Robotics Invests US$12mn in New Singapore Factory to Drive Five-Fold Increase in Autonomous Ship Hull Cleanings

Published

34 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

Move to capture a larger share of Singapore’s hull cleanings at berth and anchorage
New R&D operations enhances cutting-edge robotics and AI capabilities

SINGAPORE, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Neptune Robotics (“Neptune”), a pioneer in AI-powered robotic hull cleaning services with a presence in 61 ports across Singapore and China, today announced a major manufacturing and R&D expansion in Singapore. This is part of the company’s continuing ambition to tackle biofouling, one of the shipping industry’s costliest issues with significant environmental impact.

On the back of a US$52 million Series B round led by Granite Asia in September 2025, the new facility will accelerate Neptune’s mission to slash maritime carbon emissions and fuel wastage through automated hull maintenance.

“Our investment in Singapore is a strategic milestone that will enhance our service provision to clients and position us to meet their current and future needs,” said Elizabeth Chan, Co-Founder and CEO of Neptune Robotics. “With operators facing mounting fuel cost and emissions pressures, we’re scaling autonomous hull cleaning to help mitigate these issues and empower our clients to run more sustainable shipping operations.”

A growing number of shipowners are realizing the benefits of Neptune’s solutions. Biofouling — the buildup of marine growth on hulls — can increase ship greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25-30%[1] depending on vessel characteristics and conditions. Neptune’s AI robots remove this growth without damaging hull coatings, providing an immediate ROI for shipowners facing volatile energy markets and evolving sustainability regulations.

The new facility will bring a number of benefits including:

Increased capacity: By the end of 2026, Neptune will increase its local autonomous cleaning capacity by 400% with plans to reach 60 daily hulls by 2027.Advancing AI and robotics: The new facilities in Singapore will house dedicated R&D operations to advance the company’s proprietary computer vision and machine learning capabilities. This will ensure robots can operate 24/7 in challenging conditions including extreme weather, strong currents and low-visibility water.

With a global network now covering 61 strategic ports across Singapore and China, Neptune is scaling AI-driven hull maintenance to the heart of global trade. The company now services 70% of Asia’s primary shipping lanes, providing standardized, robotic hull cleaning at more than half of the world’s international merchant stops.

Since entering the Singapore market in 2024, Neptune has seen significant growth even as the local competitive landscape has thinned. By automating the hull cleaning process, Neptune eliminates the need for human divers in dangerous environments while ensuring vessels remain fuel efficient at sea.

Neptune will be exhibiting at Booth D19 during Singapore Maritime Week (SMW), April 20–24, 2026.

– ENDS –

About Neptune Robotics

Neptune Robotics is a technology company specializing in robotics-driven vessel cleaning and energy efficiency optimization.

Its robotic system can clean full draft capesize vessels within 24 hours, counter 4-knot currents, and operate day and night in both clear and murky waters. With coverage across 61 ports in Singapore and China — representing around 70% of major trade routes — Neptune supports shipowners at scale.

Neptune’s services are trusted by the world’s top five bulk carrier and container ship fleets. Its approach has earned endorsement from a leading silicone paint manufacturer for protecting hull coatings. Capable of cleaning all vessel types, Neptune helps clients cut fuel use, lower emissions, and advance their 2050 net-zero goals.

In September 2025, Neptune raised US$52 million in Series B funding led by Granite Asia to drive R&D, new robotic systems, and global expansion.

Company website: Neptune Robotics | ROV Underwater Hull Cleaning

[1] https://shipandbunker.com/news/emea/266832-imo-publishes-final-biofouling-report

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SOURCE Neptune Robotics

Technology

transcosmos organizes a well-digging volunteer project in Vietnam

Published

34 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

Aiming to address community-specific, long-term challenges through continuous efforts in environmental conservation, child support, and infrastructure support projects

TOKYO, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — transcosmos today announced that transcosmos technology Vietnam co., ltd. (Headquarters: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; CEO: Daisuke Kamada; transcosmos Technologies Vietnam, TTV), its wholly owned subsidiary specializing in agile software development services in Vietnam, has organized a well-digging volunteer project in Kon Tu Ma Village, Mang Den, Kon Plong District, Quang Ngai Province, located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

In 2022, TTV initiated an employee-led TTV Volunteering Club to boost unity and foster social awareness among employees. Today, approximately 20 employees participate in volunteering activities, led by 10 club members, engaging in initiatives such as environmental conservation, child support, and infrastructure support projects.

This time, the project was carried out in Mang Den, a beautiful place known as “the second Da Lat.” Nestled amidst gently sloping mountains and abundant virgin forests, Mang Den is located on a tranquil plateau with a comfortable, cool climate throughout the year. Many ethnic minority groups sustain themselves mainly through agriculture; however, they face various challenges related to their living environment, medical care, and education. Children living in remote mountainous areas, in particular, face severe conditions.

In Mang Den, TTV has been carrying out volunteering activities for these children by providing meals and clothing, as well as recreational events and interaction programs. To further deepen these initiatives, TTV has dug a well to provide clean water to Kon Tu Ma Village and has also provided food and daily necessities.

With the Village Mayor, A Reo, and Mr. Hia, who is in charge of public safety, in attendance, TTV handed over the completed well at the grand opening ceremony. At the ceremony, Mayor A Reo commented, “This will not only help improve daily life, but also provide a secure environment even during dry seasons. We appreciate TTV’s support and thank you for your continued assistance.”

With the aim of establishing safe and sustainable water supply systems, TTV will continue to consider possibilities for supporting the development of water storage facilities and water purification systems. Guided by the belief that helping communities address community-specific, long-term challenges—going beyond temporary support—is the ideal approach, TTV is committed to continuing its volunteering activities.

*transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries.

*Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.

About transcosmos inc.

transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have united superior “people” with cutting-edge “technology” to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients’ business processes, focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 186 bases across 36 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of the e-commerce market on a global scale, transcosmos provides comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce Services to deliver our clients’ excellent products and services to consumers in 46 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos is committed to treating the challenges of its clients and society as its own—discussing and addressing their issues from planning to execution—and Make It Real, Together. Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/

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SOURCE transcosmos inc.

Technology

Agoda Launches brand new ‘What a Save!’ campaign in India

Published

34 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

NEW DELHI, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda is ready to save the day and travelers’ wallets with its fresh “What a Save!” campaign. This lighthearted set of digital ads, including three unique videos, blends humor with creativity to highlight real savings of up to 50% off on domestic hotel bookings.

In the campaign’s videos, viewers are treated to unexpected acts of heroism. One shows a beachgoer rescuing a dolphin washed ashore, with the crowd exclaiming “What a save!” only for the hero to cheekily add, “Actual savings happen on Agoda.” Another video features a girl performing the Heimlich maneuver on a choking peacock, with a grateful mom echoing the same sentiment about Agoda’s savings.

Gaurav Malik, Country Director India at Agoda, shared, “With the new ‘What a Save!’ campaign, we’re blending humor with genuine value. Agoda aims to make travel planning as enjoyable as the journey itself. Wherever travelers venture, booking with Agoda ensures they’ll be amazed and exclaim, ‘What a Save!’.”

In addition to the videos, Agoda is rolling out digital creatives and teaming up with popular creators like Aparshakti Khurana, Raghu and Rajiv of Roadies fame, and Gajraj Rao. This dynamic content lineup is set to engage audiences and highlight Agoda’s knack for great deals and a delightful booking experience.

Agoda’s “What a Save!” campaign is now live on Meta platforms, YouTube and other digital channels. It showcases the platform’s vast offerings, including over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in a single booking. Travelers can explore these offerings and find the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app. For more information, visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2959229/What_a_Save_Campaign_Visual.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2567836/Agoda.jpg

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