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Stax Music Academy Celebrates 25th Anniversary with the release of Soul of America Virtual Production and Study Guide

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MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Stax Music Academy (SMA) celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, focusing on youth, education, and the ongoing legacy of soul music. As part of its milestone year, SMA announces the release of SOUL OF AMERICA, its annual virtual performance production, and a companion study guide for educators.

 

STAX MUSIC ACADEMY focuses on the ongoing legacy of soul music; releases educational Study Guide, Soul of America.

Educators, students, youth-serving organizations, music lovers, and media can register HERE to download Soul of America, an engaging virtual production that connects music, history, and social change. 

“This year’s program connects lived experiences through music while uplifting the ongoing legacy of American Soul Music,” says Bria Saulsberry, SMA’s Director of Education & Youth Development.

“Our ultimate desire is to help students connect with the power of community and inspire them to create art relevant to their current experiences,” Saulsberry continues. “The virtual production’s companion study guide empowers youth to explore their creative agency, recognize their values, and determine how to serve their communities.”

That goal is realized each year as students write, help direct, and star in the production. “One of the most important lessons SMA has taught me is balance – life, school, work – you must choose your path, and music is such a gamble,” describes Pasley Thompson, a senior at SMA who will continue her music studies in college this fall.

“I never thought I’d be a singer, and really didn’t know I could write a script, but I used lessons SMA taught me to translate my own idea into something that resonated with other people, the same way music does.”

More than 150,000 people viewed last year’s show, thanks to educators around the country as well as the generosity of Ryan Seacrest, whose foundation created Seacrest Studios, state-of-the-art broadcast media centers located in select pediatric hospitals across the nation, including Memphis’ own Lebonheur, which plays the program for patients multiple times throughout the month.

“Seacrest Studios at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital is thrilled to partner again this year with Stax Music Academy to bring the transformative power of music to patients and families. Our missions align to inspire and uplift children – to help them heal – whether through medicine, the power of music, or, in this case, the combination of the two,” says Chris Luther, Seacrest Studios Lead at Le Bonheur.

In addition to its annual Black History Month digital production and study guide, SMA will honor its 25-year legacy and impact on soul music through a year’s worth of exciting events, the centerpiece of which will be a live performance on February 21st in downtown Memphis.

Stax Music Academy will also host 12 months of Soul programming, a series of free pop-up concerts throughout the year that blend gospel, blues, and R&B to celebrate the enduring power of soul music.

SMA students will also embark on a national Summer concert tour that includes performances in Washington, D.C., New York City, Philadelphia, Nashville, and the Mississippi Delta. The tour begins with an appearance at the prestigious Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Legacy of Stax Music Academy
Rooted in the rich history of Stax Records, where young dreamers transformed the corner of College and McLemore into a beacon of creativity, Stax Music Academy continues to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of artists.

Notable alumni include songwriting legend David Porter, Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White, J. Blackfoot of The Soul Children, Booker T. Jones of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, the original Bar-Kays, The Mad Lads, Rufus Thomas, William Bell, and many more. Today, SMA offers rigorous music education and youth development for students aged 12-18, ensuring the soul of Memphis continues to evolve for future generations. 

Soul of America, a virtual production and study guide, is designed for use by students, teachers, schools, youth groups, YMCAs, YWCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and organizations, particularly those with limited access to the arts. These free resources will be available to all audiences in February 2025.

The SMA Soul of America digital show and companion study guide will be available for download HERE on February 3rd, 2025.

About Stax Music Academy
The Stax Music Academy is a premier afterschool and summer music institute located adjacent to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music at the original site of Stax Records in the Memphis community known as Soulsville, USA. It provides industry-centric music education combined with holistic youth development programming to create leaders and artists of the future. It also provides professional mental wellness counseling to its families.

It is the only music institute in the world that focuses on the music created at Stax in the 1960s and 70s. Here, middle school and high school students study Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, the Staple Singers, Sam & Dave, and Rufus and Carla Thomas, and perform around the world in places like Italy, Australia, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

For more information about Stax Music Academy’s 25th Anniversary events, visit the SMA website. The website links to events and social media, and you can sign up for monthly updates on all events and programs throughout the year.

The Soulsville Foundation is fully responsible for the program and its content. The Stax and Snapping Fingers design are ® trademarks of Stax Records, a division of Concord. Stax Records proudly supports the Soulsville Foundation; however, the views and opinions expressed in this program may not necessarily be shared by Stax Records.

For more information, please contact:
Mary Helen Randall (Memphis) || maryhelen.randall@soulsvillefoundation.org 
Brian O’Neal (Los Angeles) || brianoneal@gmail.com

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SOURCE Stax Music Academy

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Finastra simplifies trade finance with AI-powered assistant using Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service

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Assist.AI boosts efficiencies and bridges the knowledge gap in trade finance, enabling banks to focus on strategic projects

LONDON, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Finastra today announced the launch of Assist.AI, an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance the trade finance operations within its Trade Innovation solution. The tool, built on architecture powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, bridges the knowledge gap in the trade finance industry, providing users with instant, accurate, and context-aware assistance.

The trade finance industry faces significant challenges, including a diminishing knowledge base and a widening disparity between seasoned professionals and new entrants. Assist.AI addresses these issues by offering prompt-based assistance, allowing users to interact with the tool by entering specific questions related to trade processes. This ensures that users receive precise answers sourced from relevant resources without the need to sift through extensive documentation.

Assist.AI offers Trade Innovation users the following benefits:

Enhanced user support: Provides instant, accurate, and context-aware assistance, significantly improving the user experience.24/7 availability and efficiency: Ensures users can access support anytime, boosting efficiency by automating routine inquiries and freeing up valuable time for more strategic tasks.Continuous improvement and adaptability: The solution learns and adapts based on interactions, ensuring ongoing relevance and continuous improvement in responses.

“This timely and much needed solution represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to advancing Open Finance and leveraging AI technology to solve real-world challenges in financial services. By providing instant assistance to bank employees, we are empowering our clients to navigate the complexities of trade finance with greater ease and efficiency,” said Andrew Bateman, EVP Lending at Finastra.

Finastra identified a significant talent gap in the trade finance industry through interactions with various clients. As experienced staff retire or transition to other careers, banks need to invest in training new staff on the latest developments in trade finance and the use of Trade Innovation. Assist.AI uses Microsoft Copilot technology to facilitate this training and support, making it a timely and essential addition to the industry.

“We are pleased to work with Finastra to make trade finance simpler and more efficient for banks worldwide. Using the robust capabilities of Microsoft Azure, this solution exemplifies the power of AI in enhancing operational efficiency and user experience,” said Bill Borden, Corporate Vice President of Worldwide Financial Services at Microsoft.  “This collaboration not only showcases our shared vision for the future of financial technology, but also strengthens the long-standing relationship between Microsoft and Finastra. Together, we are committed to driving innovation and empowering businesses to achieve more through cutting-edge technology.”

Assist.AI is a global solution, available to users of Finastra Trade Innovation worldwide. To learn more, visit Finastra’s website.

finastra.com

About Finastra
Finastra is a global provider of financial services software applications across Lending, Payments, Treasury and Capital Markets, and Universal (retail and digital) Banking. Committed to unlocking the potential of people, businesses and communities everywhere, its vision is to accelerate the future of Open Finance through technology and collaboration, and its pioneering approach is why it is trusted by ~8,100 financial institutions, including 45 of the world’s top 50 banks. For more information, visit finastra.com.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2615478/FINASTRA_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/finastra-simplifies-trade-finance-with-ai-powered-assistant-using-microsoft-azure-openai-service-302371441.html

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RedotPay Partners with StraitsX and Visa to Revolutionise Digital Spending

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RedotPay is excited to announce its collaboration with Visa and StraitsX to launch a groundbreaking card programme in Singapore. This initiative aims to redefine how users interact with their digital assets in everyday transactions by combining RedotPay’s innovative technology with Visa’s extensive global payment network.

SINGAPORE, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ —

Partnership to Facilitate Launch of Crypto Credit Card for Seamless Transactions

Singapore, 10 February 2025 RedotPay, a leading provider of crypto payment solutions, is excited to announce its collaboration with Visa and StraitsX to launch a groundbreaking card programme in Singapore. This initiative aims to redefine how users interact with their digital assets in everyday transactions by combining RedotPay’s innovative technology with Visa’s extensive global payment network. The collaboration is made possible through the essential support of StraitsX as the BIN sponsor for the card programme.

Seamless Transactions

The new card programme will empower users to spend their cryptocurrencies effortlessly across millions of Visa-accepting merchants worldwide. With this innovative solution, users can utilise their cryptocurrencies directly, thanks to RedotPay’s proprietary real-time conversion technology. This feature bridges the gap between digital assets and traditional commerce, making crypto spending as seamless as using a conventional debit or credit card.

Compliance and Security

RedotPay is committed to providing users with a secure and trustworthy platform for their transactions. The partnership emphasises robust security measures to protect user data and funds, fostering confidence in the use of cryptocurrencies for everyday purchases.

Enhancing User Experience

“We are thrilled to partner with Visa and StraitsX to bring this innovative card program to Singapore,” said Michael, CEO of RedotPay. “This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to make crypto payments accessible and user-friendly, promoting the mass adoption of cryptocurrencies in payment systems. Our users will enjoy the flexibility of spending their digital assets just like traditional currency.”

Jason Tay, Head of Commercial at StraitsX said, “We are excited to support RedotPay in launching this innovative card program in Singapore. This partnership is a game changer for everyday retail use cases, enabling users to easily leverage their digital assets for daily transactions. As the BIN sponsor, StraitsX is dedicated to powering this initiative, which will transform how consumers interact with cryptocurrencies in the retail space. By combining our technology with Visa’s vast network, we are making it easier than ever for users to seamlessly integrate digital assets into their everyday spending.”

“Based on a Visa study, close to six in 10 consumers in Singapore are aware of cryptocurrencies. In fact, over 35 per cent of cryptocurrency owners in Singapore use cryptocurrencies for retail purchases.[1] We are happy to support our partners who are helping more cryptocurrency users have a more seamless payment experience and access to digital payments leveraging on their Visa cards for face-to-face or online transactions. Visa is committed towards promoting innovation with our valued partners and this initiative with RedotPay and StraitsX aligns with our vision to become the best way to pay and be paid,” said Adeline Kim, Visa Country Manager for Singapore & Brunei.

Looking Ahead

The RedotPay card program is set to soft launch later this year, featuring a user-friendly interface designed for both convenience and security. Users will have the ability to manage their crypto assets easily, making everyday spending as simple as swiping a card.

About RedotPay

RedotPay is a leading crypto payment company, headquartered in Hong Kong, eligible to operate across various Asian, European and other jurisdictions. Their mission is to enable crypto adoption as a medium of exchange, increase payment efficiency with blockchain, and promote financial inclusion for the unbanked. Through intuitive interfaces and proprietary blockchain technology, RedotPay simplifies crypto transactions while prioritizing enterprise-grade security. The platform enables seamless integration of digital assets into everyday spending, ensuring accessibility and trust for both businesses and individuals.

For media inquiries, please contact: Press@RedotPay.com

About StraitsX

StraitsX is Southeast Asia’s leading digital payment infrastructure provider and a licensed Major Payment Institution regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Leveraging blockchain technology within a secure, regulated environment, StraitsX empowers businesses and individuals with innovative tools for managing funds, integrating digital assets, and enabling seamless cross-border transactions. Through partnerships with global financial institutions, businesses, and developers, StraitsX is driving the future of digital payments and financial connectivity.

1 Visa Green Shoots Radar: Study conducted across Asia Pacific markets, including 500 Singapore respondents in June 2023.

Media Contact

Jackee T. T. WONG, RedotPay, 1 85221290009, press@redotpay.com, https://www.redotpay.com/

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SOURCE RedotPay

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KBC Group renews collaboration with Cognizant to improve IT services and customer experience

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KBC Group and Cognizant celebrate over a decade of collaboration with a renewed agreement until 2027. Cognizant will provide various IT services, focusing on quality and cost-effectiveness.

BRUSSELS, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) today announced the renewal of its relationship with KBC Group, a leading Belgian universal multi-channel bank-insurer.

This renewal of the agreement will extend until 2027, positioning Cognizant as KBC Group’s partner in supporting its IT and business transformation across the entire spectrum of IT services, including application development & maintenance, data services, infrastructure, and quality engineering.

“We are pleased to renew our agreement with Cognizant, as it supports our goals of creating superior customer experience, supporting innovation, and maintaining operational excellence,” said Isabel Van Mele, Chief Information Officer of KBC Bank & Insurance. “Cognizant’s ability to provide various IT services, focusing on quality, stability, and cost-effectiveness, makes it an important partner for KBC. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to achieve our organizational objectives.”

Cognizant and KBC Group have enjoyed a long-standing relationship for over 11 years, built on mutual trust, respect, and a proven track record. This agreement has been characterized by a collaborative spirit, seeking win-win solutions for both parties. The renewal of the relationship underscores the commitment of both organizations to continue bringing execution focus, innovative solutions and thought leadership to KBC Group. Cognizant’s existing team and service offerings are expected to enhance quality, ensure operational stability, foster innovation, and optimize cost-effectiveness for KBC Group.

“We are honored to extend our partnership with KBC Group,” said Geert Lejon, Country Manager, Belgium & Luxembourg at Cognizant. “Our extensive experience in delivering a wide range of IT services has been crucial in helping KBC achieve its objectives over the past eleven years. Our team is excited to continue this work and further enhance our collaboration.”

About Cognizant

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we’re improving everyday life. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.

About KBC Group

KBC is one of the leading financial groups in Europe. It is a multi-channel bank-insurance group with a geographic focus on Europe, catering mainly to retail clients, SMEs and local midcaps. The group occupies significant, and in many cases leading positions in its core markets of Belgium, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Hungary and Slovakia. The KBC group has also selectively established a presence in a number of other countries and regions around the world.

KBC Group employs around 41000 staff and caters for about 13 million clients in its core markets. KBC Group NV is listed on Euronext Brussels (ticker symbol ‘KBC’).

For more information, contact: GlobalCommunications@cognizant.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kbc-group-renews-collaboration-with-cognizant-to-improve-it-services-and-customer-experience-302371525.html

SOURCE Cognizant Technology Solutions

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