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Operation HOPE CEO John Hope Bryant Leads CNBC Executive Panel on AI and Workforce Transformation in Singapore

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SINGAPORE, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — John Hope Bryant, CEO of Operation HOPE, led a pivotal discussion on the future of work and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) at CNBC’s CONVERGE LIVE event in Singapore. CONVERGE LIVE is CNBC’s premier global forum that brings together top executives, policymakers, and thought leaders to discuss the most pressing issues shaping business and the economy. The event serves as a platform for high-level conversations on innovation, technology, and economic transformation.

Pivotal discussion explores ‘the future of work’ and the transformative impact of AI at CNBC’s CONVERGE LIVE event.

The session, titled “The Future of Work in the Age of AI,” was moderated by CNBC’s Julia Boorstin and featured a distinguished panel including John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Operation HOPE; Elizabeth Hart, President of Leasing, North America, Newmark; and Peta Latimer, President of Mercer Asia. Together, they explored the profound implications of AI on employment and economic structures.

“We are not spending nearly enough time focusing on the bottom of the pyramid,” Bryant stated during the panel. “Convenience store jobs are gone, grocery store jobs are gone—this is not the future; this is right now.”

Bryant, a global advocate for financial literacy and economic empowerment, highlighted the disproportionate impact AI-driven job displacement will have on individuals with lower educational attainment and limited access to career development opportunities. He emphasized that governments and the private sector must take proactive steps to integrate AI education and workforce development programs, ensuring that economic progress does not leave the most vulnerable behind.

A Model for Inclusive Growth
Bryant pointed to Singapore as a case study in leveraging human capital as a national asset. “Singapore had a troubled past, yet its leaders invested in human capital when they had no natural resources,” he noted. “This approach transformed the country into an economic powerhouse. The U.S. and other nations must take similar steps to grow their economies by prioritizing workforce training.”

The panel explored how AI is reshaping industries, with businesses investing trillions in infrastructure, data centers, and automation. While AI adoption is accelerating, Bryant cautioned that without deliberate policies—such as tax incentives for apprenticeships, financial literacy education, and AI workforce training—income inequality could worsen, and social disruptions could escalate.

The Path Forward: AI with People, Not AI or People
In a forward-looking discussion, Bryant stressed that AI should be used to uplift workers rather than replace them. “It’s not AI or people; it’s AI with people,” he stated. “If we integrate AI with human capital investment, we can drive an economic boom.”

Bryant cited Operation HOPE’s own initiatives, including the AI LP3 – Artificial Intelligence Literacy Pipeline of Prosperity Project, which partners with educational institutions such as Georgia State University and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to prepare students for AI-driven industries. “We need to pipeline young talent into AI careers, offering internships, apprenticeships, and training opportunities before job losses occur.”

Reimagining Economic Growth
With the U.S. national debt surpassing $36 trillion, Bryant advocated for expanding workforce participation as a means to stimulate GDP growth. “Instead of trying to cut our way out of debt, let’s grow the pie,” he said. “If we train and incentivize the bottom 10-20% of the economic pyramid, we could add 3-4% to GDP annually over the next decade.”

The discussion concluded with a call to action for business leaders and policymakers to embrace AI as a tool for economic inclusivity. “The greatest risk isn’t AI itself—it’s failing to prepare people for it,” Bryant remarked. “Countries that prioritize AI literacy, financial literacy, and economic mobility will be the ones that thrive in the coming decades.”

About Operation HOPE, Inc.
Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to “Silver Rights” with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through its award-winning community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $4 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. Operation HOPE recently received Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Award for driving entrepreneurship as well as its tenth consecutive 4-star charity rating for fiscal management and commitment to transparency and accountability from the prestigious non-profit evaluator, Charity Navigator. For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Join the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Contacts:
Kevin Boucher, Operation HOPE
kevin.boucher@operationhope.org

Lalohni (LA) Campbell, Per/Se Media Group
la@persemediagroup.com
404-593-7145

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SOURCE Operation HOPE, Inc.

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Fox ESS Celebrates Strong Momentum with Integrated Solar Storage & Charging Solutions at Smart Energy 2026

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May 9, 2026

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SYDNEY, May 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fox ESS, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, attended Smart Energy 2026 during 6-7 May as a platinum sponsor. At the event, Fox ESS showcased its next-generation approach to solar storage and EV charging solution, delivering a seamless, future-ready energy experience for homeowners and installers across Australia.

Integrated Solutions Tailored for Aussie Homes

At Smart Energy 2026, Fox ESS highlighted its storage-to-charging solution, designed to make everyday energy use more convenient for local residents. With performance-led products and proven market traction, Fox ESS is set to play its part in building a more resilient energy future for Australia.

Battery Systems

Fox ESS continues to build momentum in the battery market. Sunwiz, an Australian solar consultancy, recently reported that Fox ESS ranked No.1 in March for installation capacity. And the company also revealed it has installed more than 25,000 systems in April. During the exhibition, Sunwiz presented Fox ESS with an award, recognising the company as Top Solar Company for Fastest Growing Battery.

CQ7 V6+ High Voltage Battery (42kWh and above)
Building on Fox ESS’ proven strengths, compact design and high capacity, CQ7 V6+ is well suited to medium-sized households and ensure the free use of electricity and maximize the self-consumption.EQ4800 High Voltage Battery (28kWh)
A reliable choice for smaller households, designed for efficient day-to-day energy storage.

Alongside its battery range, Fox ESS showcased all-in-one systems, including Stackable AIO and EVO, designed to simplify installation while maintaining a high standard of design and presentation.

Inverters

Fox ESS offers a range of inverters to suit local requirements, supported by up to 200% PV oversizing and a 10-year product warranty.

Single-phase: H1‑G2 (3–6kW); KH series (7–10.5kW)Three-phase: H3 Smart (5–15kW); H3 Pro (15–29.9kW); H3 Plus (50–125kW)

EV Chargers

With EV adoption accelerating, Fox ESS also offers EV charging solutions with solar linkage, designed to work across its inverter portfolio. The chargers provide robust, smart energy management, including dynamic load balancing to help protect home circuits.

A Series (7.3kW / 11kW / 22kW): IP65 and IK08 protection, OCPP-compliant.L Series (7.3kW / 11kW): straightforward installation with multiple colour options.

Big Battery Still Takes Centre Stage

As the Cheaper Home Battery Program moves into a new phase under an updated rebate policy, interest in larger battery systems continues to grow, particularly as more households consider EV upgrades amid rising fuel costs. More EVs typically mean households need greater energy availability, making higher-capacity storage an increasingly attractive option.

Looking ahead, from 1 July 2026, the Australian Government’s Solar Sharer Offer (SSO) will provide eligible households with three hours of free daily electricity to align with peak solar generation. Households with larger batteries will be well placed to make the most of this opportunity.

Fox ESS is also working with local VPP partners, including Amber Electric and Origin Loop VPP, helping homeowners unlock maximum value while supporting greater grid stability.

Maimai Comes Alive at the Exhibition

Visitors to the Fox ESS stand experienced a full programme of brand activations across the event. Following the online announcement, Sydney served as Maimai’s first physical stop, bringing the community together for face-to-face engagement. Attendees queued to take photos with the brand’s friendly and recognisable mascot.

Long-Term Commitment to Australia

Fox ESS has opened two local offices in Melbourne and Sydney, with more than 30 dedicated specialists supporting local customer needs. The company is also looking to play a wider role in Australia’s energy transition.

Notably, Ian Thorpe made his first in-person appearance at Fox Night, where he presented partners with awards. At the event party, Fox ESS also hosted a battery installation challenge, featuring eight rounds of competition, with the final winners receiving a range of prizes.

“We’re delighted to see such a strong result following the rollout of local policy. With nearly 400,000 Australian households now installing batteries, Fox ESS has played a key role, but this is only the beginning. We’re committed to keeping momentum and helping make a smarter, more reliable energy future a reality for more homes.” said Brooks Richard Geng, APAC & Middle East Managing Director, Fox ESS.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/fox-ess-celebrates-strong-momentum-with-integrated-solar-storage–charging-solutions-at-smart-energy-2026-302767429.html

SOURCE Fox ESS

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TELUS announces election of directors

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1 hour ago

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May 9, 2026

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VANCOUVER, BC, May 8, 2026 /CNW/ – TELUS Corporation (TELUS) (TSX: T) (NYSE: TU) announced today that the nominees listed in TELUS’ 2026 information circular were elected as directors of TELUS. The detailed results of the vote for the election of directors held at TELUS’ annual meeting on May 8, 2026 (the Meeting) are set out below.

Each of the following 14 nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of TELUS:

Nominee

Votes For  

% Votes For  

Votes Withheld  

% Votes Withheld 

Raymond T. Chan

592,322,965

97.91

12,667,245

2.09

Hazel Claxton

599,400,953

99.08

5,589,256

0.92

Lisa De Wilde

583,361,107

96.42

21,629,103

3.58

Victor Dodig

593,352,117

98.08

11,638,092

1.92

Darren Entwistle

586,791,970

96.99

18,198,239

3.01

Thomas Flynn

596,684,564

98.63

8,305,646

1.37

Mary Jo Haddad

577,841,419

95.51

27,148,791

4.49

Martha Hall Findlay     

595,075,545

98.36

9,914,665

1.64

Christine Magee

597,282,615

98.73

7,707,595

1.27

John Manley

579,845,538

95.84

25,144,672

4.16

David Mowat

592,867,380

98.00

12,122,830

2.00

Marc Parent

577,961,748

95.53

27,028,461

4.47

Denise Pickett

596,211,746

98.55

8,778,464

1.45

W. Sean Willy

595,898,668

98.50

9,091,541

1.50

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Meeting will be published shortly on telus.com/agm, and filed with the Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

About TELUS

TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a world-leading communications technology company operating in more than 45 countries and generating over $20 billion in annual revenue with more than 21 million customer connections through our advanced suite of broadband services for consumers, businesses and the public sector. We are committed to leveraging our technology to enable remarkable human outcomes. TELUS is passionate about putting our customers and communities first, leading the way globally in client service excellence and social capitalism. TELUS Health is enhancing approximately 170 million lives across 200 countries and territories through innovative preventive medicine and well-being technologies. TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods utilizes digital technologies and data insights to optimize the connection between producers and consumers. TELUS Digital specializes in digital customer experiences and future-focused digital transformations that deliver value for their global clients. Guided by our enduring ‘give where we live’ philosophy, TELUS continues to invest in initiatives that support education, health and community well-being. In 2023, we launched the TELUS Student Bursary, which strives to ensure that every young person in Canada who wants a postsecondary education has the opportunity to pursue one. To date, the program has distributed over $6 million in bursaries to 2,000 students and counting. Since 2000, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed $1.85 billion in cash, in-kind contributions, time and programs, including 2.5 million days of service–earning TELUS the distinction of the world’s most giving company.

For more information, visit telus.com or follow @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

For more information, please contact:

Jacinthe Beaulieu
TELUS Media Relations
Jacinthe.Beaulieu@telus.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/telus-announces-election-of-directors-302767404.html

SOURCE TELUS Communications Inc.

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CTK BIO SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN NGEN’S $62.7M ADVANCED MANUFACTURING INITIATIVE

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1 hour ago

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May 9, 2026

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VANCOUVER, BC, May 8, 2026 /CNW/ – CTK Bio Canada today announced its selection as a participant in a Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)-supported advanced manufacturing project, part of a $62.7 million national initiative backing 14 high-impact projects across Canada.

The initiative, recently announced by NGen, represents one of Canada’s most significant investments in advanced manufacturing, supporting collaborations between leading industry and technology partners to accelerate commercialization and strengthen global competitiveness. NGen’s project selection process is highly competitive, prioritizing initiatives with strong technical innovation, commercialization potential, and industry impact.

CTK Bio will contribute to the project titled “Streamlining Cosmetics Packaging with AI Powered Materials Informatics,” which uses artificial intelligence to guide the formulation and validation of packaging materials, ensuring compatibility with cosmetic products while meeting performance and regulatory requirements.

ADVANCING AI-DRIVEN MATERIALS INNOVATION
Through this project, CTK Bio is advancing an AI-powered materials informatics approach that improves how packaging materials are formulated, validated, and scaled for cosmetic applications.

By shifting from traditional trial-and-error methods to predictive, data-driven formulation, CTK Bio aims to:

Increase the success rate of new material developmentReduce formulation and validation timelinesLower development costsAccelerate commercialization of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions

EXECUTIVE COMMENTARY
JK Park, CEO
“This project unlocks synergies between CTK Bio and CTK Clip, where we already have an established global presence in the cosmetics market. By combining advanced materials innovation with existing market access, we can accelerate the commercialization of next-generation packaging solutions.”

ABOUT CTK BIO
CTK Bio Canada is focused on advancing next-generation biomaterials and manufacturing technologies, developing innovative solutions that enable more efficient, sustainable, and scalable production across global industries.

ABOUT NGEN
Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) is the industry-led organization spearheading Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing. NGen brings together industry, academia, and technology partners to drive innovation, accelerate commercialization, and enhance Canada’s global competitiveness.

SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctkbiocanada
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctkbiocanada
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ctk-bio-canada

For more information, visit www.ctkbio.com or call (604) 372-4200.

SOURCE CTK Bio

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