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UTM Open and Distance Learning: Empowering Learners Globally

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), a research-intensive university specialising in engineering, science and technology, is expanding its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) initiative under the UTMHyFlex program to enhance accessibility to postgraduate education for learners worldwide.

The initiative started in 2020, with the offering of 3 programs which now has expanded to 12 programs including the first of its kind in Malaysia, the Doctor of Professional Practice. Today, the ODL program has enrolled 1,010 students across 22 countries, with 285 graduates. In addition to Malaysia, students come from Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), Belgium, Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Liberia, Iran, China, South Korea, India, and Bangladesh.

According to UTM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, the university remains committed to making education inclusive, flexible, and forward-thinking.

“While we hope that our students will be able to study independently using the self-instructional materials, we strive to maintain a personal touch with our students. Each program will be assigned a course coordinator who will be responsible for addressing any queries from students. Additionally, each student will have the opportunity to attend up to six personal synchronous sessions with their lecturer. We believe that, through this approach, we can establish a closer relationship between students and lecturers, which makes our program unique.”

Additionally, UTM has introduced a web-based virtual reality lab that significantly enhances learning experiences, particularly in engineering, science, and technology fields.

“At UTM, we believe that physical boundaries should not limit education. Our Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs provide opportunities for learners worldwide to achieve academic excellence using cutting-edge digital platforms and innovative teaching methodologies. Integrating our Virtual Reality Lab and Recognised Research Supervision (UKCGE)  further ensures that our postgraduate students receive the same high-quality education as those attending on-campus programs.” he added.

Beyond full-degree programs, UTM’s ODL framework also includes micro-credential courses, which allow professionals to upskill and re-skill in specialised areas aligned with industry demands. These short-term, modular courses provide flexibility for learners who wish to enhance their expertise without committing to a complete postgraduate program.

By integrating micro-credentials with graduate ODL programs, UTM promotes lifelong learning, progressively allowing individuals to develop their skills through stackable credentials. This initiative aligns with Malaysia’s vision for a knowledge-driven economy, ensuring that education remains industry-relevant, accessible, and globally competitive.

UTM has also achieved the highest ranking in Malaysia for graduate employability, reinforcing the university’s strong industry connections and career-focused curriculum. The university’s emphasis on technological integration, quality research, and global recognition makes its ODL programs highly attractive to students and employers.

With a growing global student base and the rising demand for online postgraduate education, UTM remains progressive in digital higher education innovation. The introduction of the virtual reality lab and recognised research supervision ensures that remote learners receive an engaging and practical academic experience comparable to on-campus studies.

For more information on UTM’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs, visit odl.utm.my, mooc.utm.my and  https://admission.utm.my/.

About Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM):

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is a leading public research university in Malaysia, dedicated to advancing knowledge and nurturing future leaders. UTM is committed to excellence in education, research, and innovation, making a significant impact on society and industry. As a global institution, UTM is known for its cutting-edge research and its role in developing innovative solutions to global challenges.

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SOURCE Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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4 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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