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From India to Rutgers: Alumna reflects on experience as a graduate student in the U.S.

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While earning a Master of Information, Technology and Analytics, Shamali Shah gained mentors, an appreciation for New Jersey’s diversity, and a new career.

NEWARK, N.J., Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Shamali Nitin Shah came from India to the United States for the first time to pursue a graduate degree at Rutgers Business School in Newark, N.J., about a 20-minute ride to New York City. The experience tested her, allowing her to grow as she immersed herself in a new culture. At the end of 2020, she graduated with a Master of Information Technology and Analytics. Now, she is employed as a data analyst with Slalom where she works with technologies such as Databricks, Power BI, and Tableau. With the clarity of hindsight, Shah looks back at her decision and explains how the experience prepared her for a new career.

Of everywhere you could have gone to attend graduate school, why did you decide to attend Rutgers Business School in New Jersey?
I conducted thorough research on universities across the U.S., looking specifically for programs with a strong mix of analytics, management as well as technology. Not many universities provided the electives related to analytics and management that I was looking for. As part of my research, I connected with alumni in my field, and reached out to professors, all of which guided my decision. In the end, the Master of information Technology and Analytics at Rutgers Business School offered the ideal blend of courses in data analytics, information technology, and project management.

What was it like to be a graduate student at Rutgers?
Initially, I was eager to explore the campus and build new connections, but as I settled in, balancing academics with social life became challenging. The rigorous coursework, coupled with the competitive environment, added to the pressure. Despite the initial hurdles, I was able to adapt and, ultimately, thrive at Rutgers by building strong connections, applying for internships and full-time positions, and getting valuable support from the Rutgers Career Center.

Interested in learning more about the Master of Information, Technology and Analytics at Rutgers Business School? Attend an online information session on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 8 a.m.

What did you do to feel more comfortable so far from home?
This was my first time coming to the U.S., and I did experience homesickness initially. To ease the transition and feel more comfortable, I took several steps: I connected with other students, both from India and other countries, who were going through similar experiences. I joined the Master of Information Technology and Analytics Student Association (MITSA), and participating in campus activities helped me to build a support network and make new friends. Regular video calls with my family and friends back home made the distance feel smaller. Working at the P3 Collaboratory at Rutgers provided valuable work experience and support, further easing my transition. Gradually, I felt more settled and comfortable in my new environment.

Where did you live while you studied at Rutgers Business School?
I lived in Harrison and truly appreciated the convenience of being within a 15-to-20-minute walk from campus. This made it easy for me to attend classes and engage in university activities. Additionally, the nearby amenities like cafes, grocery stores, and parks made life more enjoyable. The overall atmosphere struck a perfect balance between study and relaxation, helping me maintain a good rhythm during my time at Rutgers.

What did your capstone project require and what did you think of the experience?
The project involved developing a predictive model for stock prices in the airline industry during a period of significant market volatility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we built a Long- Short-Term Memory (LSTM) architecture model to forecast stock prices for major airlines like Delta, United, Alaska, and Southwest. We integrated text sentiment analysis on news articles to enhance our predictions. This project was particularly valuable for several reasons. First, working under the mentorship of Professor Sergei Schreider was a transformative experience. His support and expertise were crucial in helping us navigate the complexities of the project. Additionally, the project deepened my understanding of advanced analytical techniques and equipped me with practical skills in Python programming and financial forecasting. Overall, the combination of technical challenges, real-world relevance, and supportive mentorship made the capstone project a profoundly impactful and memorable experience. The knowledge I gained was also pivotal in helping me to succeed in interviews.

What was the most challenging aspect of the MITA program for you?
The most challenging aspect was mastering the advanced technical skills required, particularly in data analytics and programming. The coursework demanded a deep understanding of complex algorithms, statistical methods, and various programming languages like Python. It wasn’t just about grasping the content but also about applying it effectively to solve real-world problems, often under tight deadlines. Balancing these technical demands with other responsibilities, such as my on-campus job and collaborative projects, added to the challenge. However, these difficulties pushed me to grow, sharpened my problem-solving skills, and ultimately gave me confidence in handling complex, data-driven tasks.

During the time you spent at Rutgers, did you visit other parts of New Jersey? What was your favorite place?
I made it a point to explore various parts of New Jersey. One of my favorite places was the Jersey Shore, particularly Asbury Park, with its vibrant boardwalk, stunning beach, and lively atmosphere. It was a perfect getaway from the academic routine. I also enjoyed visiting Exchange Place in Jersey City. Whenever I needed a pick-me-up, I’d head there for a coffee and a peaceful view of the New York City skyline. Living close to New York City allowed me to visit it monthly, which was always a highlight. What I find fascinating about New Jersey is its incredible diversity – a true melting pot of cultures, evident in its food, festivals, and communities. 

Looking back, what did you gain by coming to Rutgers Business School?
It was immensely rewarding. The exceptional curriculum in information technology and analytics equipped me with advanced technical and analytical skills, especially in data analysis, programming, and problem-solving. Projects like the capstone enabled me to apply these skills in practical scenarios, effectively preparing me for real-world industry challenges. Beyond academics, the diverse and collaborative environment at Rutgers was crucial in developing my communication and teamwork skills, which are essential in any professional setting. The relationships I formed with peers and faculty, including mentors like Professor Ehsan Teymourian, Professor Mehmet Turkoz, and Professor Ronak Parikh, were invaluable.

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EPWK HOLDINGS LTD. Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering

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XIAMEN, China, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — EPWK HOLDINGS LTD. (the “Company”) (NasdaqGM: EPWK), a company that connects businesses with great talents through innovative and efficient cloud-sourcing platforms, announced the pricing of its initial public offering (the “Offering”) of 2,750,000 Class A ordinary shares at a public offering price of $4.10 per share. The Class A ordinary shares start trading on Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol “EPWK” on February 6, 2025.

The Company will receive aggregate gross proceeds of $11.275 million from the Offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. In addition, the Company has granted the underwriters an option, exercisable within 30 days after the closing of the Offering, to purchase up to an additional 412,500 Class A ordinary shares at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The Offering was conducted on a firm commitment basis.

Proceeds from the Offering will be used for business development and marketing, research and development, exploration of new product and service offerings and the creation of an online global design center, and general corporate purposes and working capital.

Cathay Securities, Inc. acted as the representative of the underwriters, with Revere Securities LLC acting as co-underwriter (collectively, the “Underwriters”) for the Offering. VCL Law LLP served as counsel to the Company. Winston & Strawn LLP served as counsel to the Underwriters.

The Offering was conducted pursuant to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1, as amended (File No. 333-269657) (the “Registration Statement”), previously filed with and subsequently declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 3, 2025. The Offering was made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the Registration Statement. A final prospectus relating to the Offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, electronic copies of the prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained from Cathay Securities, Inc. at 40 Wall Street, Suite 3600, New York, NY 10005, or by telephone at +1 (855) 939-3888.

This press release has been prepared for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About EPWK HOLDINGS LTD.

The Company connects businesses with outstanding talent through an innovative and efficient integrated crowdsourcing platform, providing creative transaction services for small and medium-sized enterprises and suppliers. The Company was founded by Huang Guohua, former chief reporter of Fujian Daily Press Group, and conducts its operations through its subsidiaries and contractual arrangements with the variable interest entity in China. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: www.epwk.com

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and in its other filings with the SEC.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Relations
EPWK HOLDINGS LTD.
Phone: +86 0592-5978725
Email: chenyanjun@epwk.com

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SOURCE EPWK HOLDINGS LTD.

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SIMONA AMERICA Group Advances Sustainability Commitments with SBTi Validation As Part of SIMONA AG

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Reduction of CO2 emissions by 42% by 2030 (Scope 1 and 2)SIMONA’s contribution to restricting global warming to 1.5 degreesSignificant milestone in the execution of SIMONA’s sustainability strategy

ATLANTA, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SIMONA AMERICA Group, a subsidiary of SIMONA AG, is proud to announce that the company’s ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets have been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This milestone underscores SIMONA’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and contributing to the global effort to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

SIMONA first signed up to the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) at the beginning of 2024. The rationale behind this move was to ensure an effective reduction in the company’s carbon footprint, while also making a positive contribution to global climate change mitigation. In joining the SBTi, SIMONA has taken responsibility for the environment and set itself long-term goals that are both quantifiable and based on scientific principles.

As part of these science-based targets, SIMONA has pledged to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 42% in absolute terms by 2030, using 2022 as the baseline year. Additionally, the company has committed to reducing Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services by 51.6% per ton of manufactured product within the same timeframe. The SBTi has recognized these targets as ambitious and aligned with the latest climate science and objectives of the Paris Agreement.

“The SBTi’s confirmation of our climate targets is a significant achievement within our sustainability strategy. It illustrates that we are on the right track when it comes to making a genuine contribution to global climate change mitigation. Working closely with our partners and customers, we are doing everything in our power to achieve our goals in a determined and effective manner,” said Johannes Kappler, Head of Sustainability at SIMONA AG.

At SIMONA AMERICA Group, sustainability remains a top priority across all facilities, operations, and product offerings. Through the increased use of renewable energy, process efficiency improvements, and material innovation—including the expansion of the TERREFORM® line for the aerospace industry and the installation of more than 3,300 solar panels at the Archbald, PA facility—SIMONA AMERICA Group is actively contributing to the company’s broader carbon reduction goals.

“SIMONA has started its sustainability journey much like every other company—by gathering a baseline for carbon accounting,” said Autumn Werner, Sustainability Manager for SIMONA AMERICA Group. “However, with SBTi validation, we have also added accountability to ensure that our efforts lead to real emission reductions while supporting the global goal of restricting warming to 1.5 degrees.”

Werner further emphasized the importance of industry-wide collaboration in sustainability: “SIMONA’s work towards becoming sustainable doesn’t just stop at products—it extends to real efforts across all of our facilities to drive meaningful emission reductions. The SBTi validation keeps us on track and aligns us with the many other companies committed to measurable, science-based climate action.”

To achieve these ambitious targets, SIMONA AMERICA Group is implementing specific initiatives, including transitioning to green electricity, optimizing production processes, and increasing the use of sustainable raw materials. Additionally, efforts to integrate post-industrial and customer waste into new products further reinforce the company’s circular economy approach.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) was established in 2015 as a collaboration between the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). It provides companies with the framework to set rigorous emissions reduction targets in line with the latest climate science.

As SIMONA AMERICA Group continues to advance its sustainability strategy, the company remains committed to meaningful, science-backed actions that drive measurable impact for the environment and the industries it serves.

About SIMONA AMERICA Group

SIMONA AMERICA Group is a diversified manufacturer of high-quality thermoplastic products designed to provide innovative solutions and world-class customer service throughout the United States. As a subsidiary of SIMONA AG, the company is dedicated to sustainability, excellence, and advancing material technologies across multiple industries.

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SOURCE SIMONA AMERICA Group

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Walter P Moore receives ACEC California top award for CAA ICON’s Intuit Dome

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SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Last night, the American Council of Engineering Companies of California (ACEC California) announced that Walter P Moore has won the prestigious Golden State Award for their work on the Intuit Dome located in Inglewood, California.

Intuit Dome realized owner Steve Ballmer’s vision for the NBA Los Angeles Clippers to play in an iconic venue within a complex that houses all team functions under a single roof. The 18,000-seat arena is the NBA’s most environmentally friendly arena and benefits the Inglewood community year-round. The venue anchors a 1.14 million-square-foot facility including state-of-the-art practice and training facilities, team offices, fan gathering spaces, and indoor and outdoor basketball courts open to the public. The distinctive diagrid shell roof, covered in diamond-shaped ETFE and PTFE fabric panels, is designed to resemble a basketball net, making Intuit Dome stand out from other NBA arenas.

Walter P Moore’s team of structural, enclosure, seismic, and construction engineering specialists blended their expertise to optimize the roof geometry, connections, and panel layouts to achieve the goals of strength, beauty, and practicality. Seismic safety was a concern because the site is 1.25 miles from the Newport-Inglewood Fault.

The team created an elegant and ingenious solution that allows the light diagrid shell to behave independently from the much stiffer main arena structure that supports it during a seismic event. They connected the diagrid shell to the arena roof at its top and then laterally supported it at node points down its height with innovative toggle-brace connections. The toggle-braces provide lateral and gravity support while allowing the shell to “swish like a hula skirt” around the more rigid brace frame structure. Intuit Dome also features an enormous one-of-a-kind “Halo” board, a one-million pound, 360-degree, double-sided video board with retractable end pieces that are suspended from the roof, along with state-of-the-art rigging and catwalk systems that enhance the venue’s capabilities.

Intuit Dome is a fully electric facility with sufficient solar panels and batteries to power the arena for an entire concert or basketball game. It is the first NBA arena to achieve LEED Platinum certification under LEED v4. Walter P Moore reduced embodied carbon in the concrete by over 20 percent by collaborating with the concrete supplier to obtain supply-chain-specific Environmental Produce Declarations for all concrete mixes; as a result, the concrete is 50 percent more energy efficient than required by the California Green Building Code.

The complex opened on budget and three months ahead of schedule in July 2024.

Congratulations, Walter P Moore, for capturing ACEC California’s 2025 Golden State Award!

Photographs of all Engineering Excellence Award-winning projects can be found at: 2025 Engineering Excellence Award Winners – American Council of Engineering Companies of California

About Walter P Moore
Walter P Moore is an international company of engineers, innovators, and creative people who solve some of the world’s most complex structural and infrastructure challenges. Providing structural, diagnostics, civil, traffic, parking, transportation, enclosure, technology consulting, and construction engineering services, they design solutions that are cost- and resource-efficient, forward-thinking, and help support and shape communities worldwide. Founded in 1931 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Walter P Moore’s 900+ professionals work across 24 U.S. offices and seven international locations. For more information, visit www.walterpmoore.com, or follow Walter P Moore on LinkedIn, X (Formerly Twitter), Facebook or Instagram.

About ACEC California
ACEC California is a 70+ year-old, nonprofit association of private consulting engineering and land surveying firms. As a statewide organization, we are dedicated to enhancing the consulting engineering and land surveying professions, protecting the general public, and promoting use of the private sector professionals in the growth and development of our state. Follow us on Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | LinkedIn 

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SOURCE American Council of Engineering Companies, California

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