Connect with us

Technology

Time Matters with G-SHOCK x J Balvin’s Ma G: A Bold, Customizable Watch Collaboration

Published

1 year ago

on

Limited Edition Timepiece Features an Interchangeable Design with J Balvin’s Iconic Lightning Bolt and Innovative Signature Accents

DOVER, N.J., Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Casio America, Inc. is proud to announce its latest collaboration with global superstar, J Balvin – introducing the powerful new Ma G-SHOCK, DWE5600JB1A9. Marking the brand’s first product collaboration with a Latin artist and the first design to have Spanish text on the dial, G-SHOCK unveils an exciting first look at the new model with the release of the official launch video, which can be viewed here.

This limited-edition collaboration will be on-sale globally on January 27, 2025, and will showcase J Balvin’s unique style, blending G-SHOCK’s legendary durability with creative design from the Colombian superstar.

The watch features a standout interchangeable band and bezel set, offering up to eight design combinations to match any mood or outfit. With sleek black and vibrant yellow colorways, fans can mix and match to create their perfect look. The watch face design is equally distinctive, featuring J Balvin’s iconic lightning bolt motif —inspired by his electrifying performances— and a special handwritten function description in Spanish, giving the piece a genuinely personal touch.

“G-SHOCK’s tough and bold style has always resonated with my journey,” says J Balvin. “With this launch, I wanted to create something that reflects my music and culture, while also giving fans a unique way to express themselves. This watch does just that, with bold, interchangeable parts that let everyone make it their own. I’m excited to bring this new product to life and continue my journey with a brand I’ve always loved.”

Growing up, J Balvin always gravitated toward G-SHOCK, associating the watch with a sense of empowerment. As his passion for art, culture, and fashion evolved over the years, the timeless G-SHOCK style remained a constant in his life, embodying the resilience that has defined his journey. Following the success of G-SHOCK’s 40th anniversary celebration where J Balvin headlined an electrifying performance, the two proudly reunite to introduce a uniquely special design for fans and collectors alike.

Named after J Balvin’s phrase for those closest to him, the ‘Ma G’ is a first-of-its-kind design, here to inspire people that Time Matters. 

The new timepiece comes equipped with the following features: 

Shock-resistantCarbon Core Guard Structure200m water resistantStopwatchCountdown timerMulti-function AlarmLED light (Super Illuminator)12/24 Hr. Time FormatsFull Auto CalendarBlack Band and Bezel made from Bio Based Resins

The ‘Ma G’ design is currently available for pre-order on G-SHOCK.COM and J BALVIN SHOP. Starting January 27, 2025, the Ma G, DWE5600JB1A9 will be available for purchase, for $230 each at select retailers, gshock.com, jbalvin.com, and the G-SHOCK Soho store. For more information about the G-SHOCK brand, visit gshock.casio.com/us.

About G-SHOCK
CASIO’s shock-resistant G-SHOCK watch is synonymous with toughness, born from the developer Mr. Ibe’s dream of ‘creating a watch that never breaks’. Over 200 handmade samples were created and tested to destruction until finally in 1983 the first, now iconic G-SHOCK hit the streets of Japan and began to establish itself as ‘the toughest watch of all time’. Each watch encompasses the 7 elements; electric shock resistance, gravity resistance, low temperature resistance, vibration resistance, water resistance, shock resistance and toughness. The watch is packed with Casio innovations and technologies to prevent it from suffering direct shock; this includes internal components protected with urethane and suspended timekeeping modules inside the watch structure. Since its launch, G-SHOCK has continued to evolve, continuing to support on Mr. Ibe’s mantra “never, never give up.” www.gshock.casio.com/us/

About Casio America, Inc.
Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to realize its corporate creed of “creativity and contribution” through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casio.com/us/

About J Balvin
J Balvin is a GRAMMY® nominated global superstar, entrepreneur, mental health advocate and critically acclaimed music icon who has broken cultural barriers to become one of the Top 10 most-streamed artists in the world. Originally from Medellín, Colombia, the illustrious reggaeton giant is one of the best-selling Latin music artists with sales of more than 35 million records worldwide. His sixth studio album, Rayo, is nominated for a 2025 GRAMMY® Award and his accolades include wins at the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards and four Latin GRAMMYS. With passions spanning across music, fashion, art and mental health, Balvin continues to lead the charge for representation across industries, and is dedicated to empowering the next generation through his philanthropic initiative, Vibra En Alta. A passionate mental health advocate, he works to raise awareness about the importance of accessible mental health care, particularly within the Latino community. In 2024, he launched Vita Veloce Team, a creative design studio, in collaboration with Italian designer Matias Gollin, expanding his artistic vision beyond music into design, art, architecture, and innovation. With his finger on the pulse of entertainment, fashion, digital culture and beyond, J Balvin has time and again proven to be an unstoppable force and inspiration to his legions of fans worldwide. 

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:

5WPR
gshock@5wpr.com 

Sue VanderSchans / Cecilia Lederer
CASIO AMERICA, INC.
(973) 361-5400
SVanderSchans@casio.com
clederer@casio.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/time-matters-with-g-shock-x-j-balvins-ma-g-a-bold-customizable-watch-collaboration-302353984.html

SOURCE Casio America, Inc.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center collaborate on cancer research and personalized prevention

Published

6 hours ago

on

May 13, 2026

By

ABU DHABI, UAE, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, together with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC), today announced the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Fred Hutch), one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions and home to three Nobel laureates.

By pairing Abu Dhabi’s unified clinical and genomic data infrastructure, sovereign AI capabilities and governed data environments with Fred Hutch’s globally renowned research engine, the ensuing collaborations will pave the way to shortening the distance between scientific discovery and patient benefit, for Abu Dhabi’s community and beyond.

Among the projected collaborations, the two organizations will consider leveraging Abu Dhabi’s intelligent health system, and layering Fred Hutch’s world-class science onto the secure, high-quality, real-world data foundation Abu Dhabi has built. That foundation includes the emirate’s pioneering liquid biopsy programme launched last year, one of the first national-scale efforts of its kind anywhere in the world. Alongside Abu Dhabi’s AI multi-cancer early detection work, and the world’s largest clinically integrated population-scale genomics programme – with nearly one million genomes sequence.

During his visit to the center, HE Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH commented: “Cancer is one of the defining health challenges of our time, and progress depends on combining world-class science with population-scale data, advanced AI, and research. In Abu Dhabi, we have built an AI-enabled health system that ‘cares before it cures, delivering prevention at population scale. We are already achieving some of the highest early cancer detection rates in the world, and through our partnership with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center we are committed to bringing breakthroughs to people in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

“This MOU between Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health underscores the power of working together to prevent and treat cancer,” said Thomas Lynch Jr., MD, president and director of Fred Hutch and holder of the Raisbeck Endowed Chair. “Our organizations share a deep commitment to research and to provide the highest levels of cancer prevention, diagnosis and care to our communities, and we are excited to bring our expertise, tools and datasets together to identify unique approaches to cancer care and research in pursuit of our boldest goals.”

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2979204/DoH_Abu_Dhabi.jpg
Logo- https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2714371/5968536/DoH_Logo.jpg

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/department-of-health—abu-dhabi-and-fred-hutchinson-cancer-center-collaborate-on-cancer-research-and-personalized-prevention-302770894.html

SOURCE The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi

Continue Reading

Technology

L’Mychele & Associates Founder LaKessia Hill Completes North Texas FWC Hospitality Program (FIFA World Cup) and Appears on The Jeff Crilley Show

Published

6 hours ago

on

May 13, 2026

By

DALLAS, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — L’Mychele & Associates LLC is proud to announce two significant milestones for the growing strategic meetings and events firm: Founder & CEO LaKessia Hill has successfully completed the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee’s Hospitality Program and was recently featured on The Jeff Crilley Show.

These accomplishments reflect the company’s continued momentum within the hospitality, tourism, and events industries as L’Mychele & Associates expands its presence through strategic partnerships, leadership engagement, and elevated client experiences.

The completion of the North Texas FWC Hospitality Program further strengthens the company’s commitment to delivering intentional, guest-centered experiences rooted in strategy, hospitality, and meaningful connection — values that are central to the L’Mychele & Associates brand.

In addition, Hill recently joined veteran journalist and media personality Jeff Crilley on The Jeff Crilley Show to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind L’Mychele & Associates, and the company’s approach to creating experiences as bold as its clients’ goals.

“Both opportunities represent growth, visibility, and the continued evolution of our brand,” said Hill. “Hospitality is more than service — it’s about creating intentional moments that leave lasting impressions. Being recognized through the hospitality program and having the opportunity to share our story on The Jeff Crilley Show were both incredibly meaningful experiences.”

Known for its consultative and strategy-first approach, L’Mychele & Associates specializes in executive summits, conferences, nonprofit galas, incentive experiences, corporate meetings, and curated social gatherings. The firm partners with organizations, brands, and leaders to transform ideas into impactful experiences through strategic planning, management, and execution.

Guided by the company’s signature philosophy — “The Art of Listening. The Science of Execution.” — L’Mychele & Associates continues to position itself as a strategic partner within the meetings, events, and hospitality industries.

The episode of The Jeff Crilley Show featuring LaKessia Hill is now available across multiple platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Transistor.

About L’Mychele & Associates LLC

L’Mychele & Associates LLC is a Dallas-based strategic meetings and events firm specializing in executive summits, corporate meetings, conferences, nonprofit events, incentive experiences, and curated social gatherings. The company is known for blending strategy, hospitality, and execution to create experiences that drive connection and lasting impact.

Media Contact

LaKessia Hill
Founder & CEO, L’Mychele & Associates LLC
469-402-7825

LaKessia@LMychele.com
www.LMychele.com  

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lmychele–associates-founder-lakessia-hill-completes-north-texas-fwc-hospitality-program-fifa-world-cup-and-appears-on-the-jeff-crilley-show-302770319.html

SOURCE L’Mychele & Associates LLC

Continue Reading

Technology

HBX GROUP ANNOUNCES HALF YEAR 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Published

6 hours ago

on

May 13, 2026

By

LONDON, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HBX Group International plc (HBX Group, the Company, the Group, HBX.SM) announces its Half Year 2026 results for the six months ended 31 March 2026.  

TTV up +17% to €3.8bn, and Revenue of €309m, up +1% YoY at constant currency, reflecting targeted commercial and strategic actions to prioritise growth and capture market share, partly offset by disruption from the Middle East conflictAdjusted EBITDA up +9% at constant currency to €163m, with margin of 53% expanding +4ppts in constant currency. Profit after tax was €28m (H1 25: €(227)m).Strong cash generation with 103% cash conversion and leverage at 1.7x Adjusted Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA. S €100m share buyback programme and a 7.5 cents per share (c.€18m) interim dividend.Executing the strategic building blocks, including the acquisition of Bridgify announced today.FY26E guidance revised to reflect the impact of Middle East conflict and macroeconomic uncertainty. New FY26 guidance is for constant currency TTV growth +11% to +15%, Revenue growth -4% to +1% and Adjusted EBITDA growth -5% to -2%, and Operating Free Cash Flow conversion between 90% and 100%. Medium-term guidance is unchanged.

First half 2026 Financial Performance Summary1

6 months
ended 31
March 2026

6 months
ended 31
March 2025

Change
constant
currency2

Change 

Total Transaction Value (TTV) (€m)

3,770

3,370

+17 %

+12 %

Revenue (€m)

309

319

+1 %

-3 %

Adjusted EBITDA (€m)

163

159

+9 %

+3 %

Delivering profitable growth

Group TTV increased to €3.8bn in the first half, up +17% at constant currency. TTV contribution increased from shorter lead-time bookings, Third Party Supply and Online Travel Agents.

Revenue of €309m, increased +1% in constant currency. Take rate was 8.2%, down 1.3ppts year‑on‑year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 9%, with margin +4ppts.

Net finance costs were €35m, 77% lower than the prior year. The tax charge was €16m. Adjusted Earnings were €83m, up +44% at constant currency.

Delivering commercial milestones in line with strategy

Commercial progress in H1 2026 reflected HBX Group’s strategy to expand its global travel ecosystem and drive profitability through AI-driven operational efficiency and commercial performance. Key developments included new distribution partnerships in Asia-Pacific, acquisitions such as Bridgify and PerfectStay to strengthen experiences and dynamic capabilities, and new platform and fintech initiatives.

HBX group also continued embedding AI across products and operations, including AI-powered solutions for Bedsonline and HotelTech, while scaling internal AI agents already delivering measurable savings and supporting more than 120 identified use cases, reinforcing the Group’s connected B2B travel ecosystem strategy.

Regional performance and trading dynamics

TTV grew in double-digits in all three regions, up +18% in the Americas and +16% in both MEAPAC and Europe, at constant currency.

In Europe, TTV growth was supported by strong intra‑regional and domestic travel. Asia Pacific up +18%, partly offset by slower growth in the Middle East and disruption on some Europe-Asia corridors. In the Americas, TTV was predominantly driven by domestic demand.

Middle East impact and near‑term outlook

Since late February, the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has impacted travel demand across affected destinations and selected international corridors, resulting in increased volatility, shorter booking windows and reduced near‑term visibility. The impact of this on H1 Group TTV growth was approximately 1ppt.

HBX Group implemented dynamic pricing, inventory reallocation and active partner support. Demand outside affected corridors has been more resilient.

Cost discipline, cash generation and capital allocation

Underlying operating costs fell by 5%. Performance was supported by productivity initiatives, automation and AI.

On a last 12-month basis, Operating Free Cash Flow was €447m, with cash conversion of 103% over the last 12 months. Adjusted Net Debt at 31 March 2026 stood at €741m.

Outlook

The Group started FY26 with strong performance. Since late February, trading conditions have been adversely impacted by the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and broader geopolitical uncertainty.

The Group has revised its FY26 guidance. Updated outlook reflects a -4ppt effect of the Middle East conflict on TTV growth. Assumes four months of disruption with gradual stabilisation.

For the complete press release and disclaimer applicable to this information, please visit www.investors.hbxgroup.com

1 See financial statements for definitions of specific financial terms and KPIs, including any Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
2 Constant currency changes exclude the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations by translating current year results at the exchange rates used in the prior year.

Contact: 
Clara Truyols
clatruyols@hbxgroup.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hbx-group-announces-half-year-2026-financial-results-302770897.html

SOURCE HBX Group

Continue Reading

Trending