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EY US unveils David Erickson of Forward Networks as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Bay Area Award finalist

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Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates ambitious entrepreneurs who are shaping the future

SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced the finalists for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Bay Area Award. Now in its 40th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world’s most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and making a profound impact on communities. The program honors bold entrepreneurs whose innovations shape the future and pave the way for a thriving economy and a hopeful tomorrow.

An independent panel of judges selected David Erickson among 33 finalists for their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and lasting impact in building long-term value.

In reflecting on this recognition, Erickson said: “Bringing Forward Networks from a concept to a company trusted by some of the world’s largest enterprises and government agencies—where data security is critical—has been a journey more than a decade in the making. Being named an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® Finalist is a true honor. For decades, this award has recognized business leaders whose companies have disrupted industries and created entirely new product categories. Being part of that legacy is a meaningful validation of the work my co-founders, our employees, and I have done to drive real, positive change.'”

Entrepreneur Of The Year honors business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit. The program celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future.

Regional award winners will be announced on Friday, June 13 during a special celebration in San Francisco and will become lifetime members of an esteemed community of Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni from around the world. The winners will then be considered by the National judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards include presenting sponsors PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, Marsh USA and SAP. In the Bay Area, sponsors include platinum sponsor: DLA Piper, gold sponsor: ADP and silver sponsor: Big Picture.

About Entrepreneur Of The Year

Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 60 countries globally.

The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November where National finalists and award winners are announced. The overall National winner represents the US at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.

About EY
EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

All in to shape the future with confidence.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

About Forward Networks 
Forward Networks is revolutionizing the way large networks are managed. Forward’s advanced software delivers a digital twin of the network, enabling network operators to ensure the network is secure, reliable, and agile. The platform supports devices from all major networking vendors and cloud operators, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. Forward Networks was founded in 2013 by four Stanford Ph.D. graduates and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. Investors include MSD Partners, Goldman Sachs, Andreessen Horowitz, Threshold Ventures, Section 32, Omega Venture Partners, and A. Capital. For more information, visit www.forwardnetworks.com.

Dawn Slusher
Forward Networks
dawnslusher@forwardnetworks.com

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SOURCE Forward Networks, Inc.

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Agoda Spotlights Six Scenic Road Trip Destinations in Asia

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SINGAPORE, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda’s latest recommendations highlight destinations where travelers can embark on scenic getaways where the journey itself becomes an integral part of the adventure. With a curated list of unique road trip destinations across Asia, Agoda’s guide offers travelers the flexibility to explore by car, cycling, or motorbike, turning every mile into a memorable experience.

Road trips captivate travelers with the allure of breathtaking views and the opportunity to savor quality time with companions or embrace the solitude of solo travel. The journey transforms into an experience in itself, offering the freedom to pause and explore hidden gems along the way. With the flexibility to start their trips whenever they choose, travelers can infuse spontaneity and adventure into their travels, making each road trip a unique story waiting to unfold.

Below are Agoda’s curated recommendations for travelers seeking a unique road trip destination in Asia.

Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam
Often explored by motorbike, travelers can expect dramatic mountain landscapes with terraced rice fields cascading down hillsides and local villages dotting the scenery. The Ha Giang Loop offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, making it a captivating road trip destination. The winding roads and breathtaking vistas provide an unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure.

Taroko Gorge, Taiwan
This road trip features breathtaking marble cliffs, deep gorges, and lush forests, making it one of Asia’s most spectacular drives. Travelers can marvel at the natural beauty of Taroko Gorge, where the landscape offers a stunning backdrop for exploration. The route provides numerous opportunities to stop and appreciate the serene environment, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Shimanami Kaido, Japan
The Shimanami Kaido is a cyclist’s paradise, offering a stunning island-hopping route across the Seto Inland Sea. This journey connects six islands with a series of bridges, each providing panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. Travelers can enjoy the unique experience of cycling over the sea, with opportunities to explore charming coastal towns, savor local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of Japan’s inland sea.

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India
Known for its surreal, otherworldly terrain, Spiti Valley offers rugged landscapes, pristine lakes, and ancient monasteries at high altitudes. The road trip through this region promises a journey through time, with the chance to explore remote villages and experience the unique culture of the area. The dramatic scenery and sense of isolation make it a truly unique destination.

Flores Island, Indonesia
With diverse volcanic landscapes, lush rice paddies, and access to Komodo National Park’s unique scenery, Flores Island offers a road trip filled with natural wonders. Travelers can explore the island’s rich biodiversity and enjoy the vibrant landscapes that change with every turn. The journey promises an adventure through one of Indonesia’s most captivating regions.

Jeju Island, South Korea
Jeju Island’s volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastlines, waterfalls, and lava tubes create diverse natural beauty. The road trip around the island offers a chance to explore its unique geological features and enjoy the serene environment. Travelers can immerse themselves in the island’s charm and discover hidden gems along the way.

Mae Hong Son Loop, Thailand
This route offers stunning mountain scenery winding through hill tribe country with hot springs and misty peaks. The Mae Hong Son Loop provides a journey through Thailand’s cultural heartland, with opportunities to engage with local communities and enjoy the natural beauty. The road trip promises a blend of adventure and relaxation in a picturesque setting.

Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President at Agoda, shared, “Road trips are a fantastic way to experience both the journey and the destination. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline along the Ha Giang Loop, or enjoying the captivating vistas of Taroko Gorge, Agoda empowers travelers to explore the world with ease and affordability, offering a seamless blend of accommodations and activities that enrich every road trip experience.

Travelers seeking an unforgettable road trip can browse over 300,000 activities, along with more than 6 million holiday properties and over 130,000 flight routes, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app or visit Agoda.com for more.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/agoda-spotlights-six-scenic-road-trip-destinations-in-asia-302797476.html

SOURCE Agoda

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fileAI Expands into Japan with Strategic Partnership with JRE VENTURES

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Partnership marks fileAI’s entry into Japan, bringing enterprise-grade agentic AI to one of Japan’s most forward-thinking infrastructure organizations

SINGAPORE, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — fileAI, the AI-native intelligence platform, announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with JRE VENTURES PTE. LTD., the corporate venture capital arm supporting innovation and startup collaboration opportunities across the JR East Group. The collaboration marks fileAI’s formal expansion into Japan and signals the company’s commitment to building a dedicated local team in Japan – a critical milestone as the organization scales its global footprint.

The partnership will see fileAI and JRE VENTURES explore opportunities to deploy its governed AI platform for data preparation and automation within JR East Group companies, beginning with initiatives related to the digitisation and restructuring of legacy contractual and operational documents. As part of the partnership, JRE VENTURES will also make a strategic investment in fileAI, underscoring its confidence in the company’s vision and technology roadmap.

Turning Legacy Documents into a Living Intelligence Layer

At the heart of the partnership is a mission to modernise how JR East Group companies may manage vast archives of historical contracts and documentation in the future. Using fileAI’s proprietary AI agents, the parties aim to transform static, paper-based and legacy digital records into searchable and structured knowledge assets helping organizations unlock value that has long been locked in siloed files and systems. The program delivers four foundational capabilities:

Digitization of historical contracts and documents — converting physical and legacy files into high-fidelity digital assetsAI-powered extraction — automatically identifying key terms, clauses, obligations, and metadata from unstructured textCentralized intelligent repository — enabling future retrieval, search, and reuse of contractual knowledge within and potentially across organizationsContract intelligence and analytics — unlocking future reporting, risk insights, and renewal forecasting capabilities at enterprise scale

The long-term vision is to create a living contract intelligence layer – one that could reduce manual document hunting, improve knowledge accessibility, and support more intelligent operational decision-making across organizations.

Leadership Perspectives

“Japan is a pivotal market for fileAI, and JRE is exactly the kind of partner we envisioned building with here. Their appetite for innovation, combined with the scale of their operations, makes this the perfect proving ground for what AI agents can do for enterprises. We are proud to be planting our flag in Japan alongside a truly visionary organization.”

— Christian Schneider, CEO, fileAI

“At JRE VENTURES, we are continuously exploring how emerging technologies can enhance the efficiency and resilience of JR East Group operations. fileAI’s approach to AI-driven file processing represents a meaningful advancement in how enterprise data can be structured and utilised. Through this partnership, we aim to validate practical use cases and contribute to the broader adoption of enterprise AI in Japan and across Asia Pacific.”

— Junichi Eto, Managing Director, JRE VENTURES

Building for Japan: A Long-Term Commitment

The partnership with JRE VENTURES is the cornerstone of fileAI’s broader Japan strategy. The company is actively building a local team in Tokyo, with plans to hire across sales, engineering, and customer success functions over the coming months. fileAI is committed to developing deep local expertise and nurturing relationships that are grounded in an understanding of Japan’s unique enterprise landscape.

Japan represents one of the world’s largest concentrations of complex, file-heavy enterprise operations, spanning rail, finance, manufacturing, and government. fileAI sees an extraordinary opportunity to partner with Japan’s most innovative institutions as they navigate the AI transition, and is dedicated to being a trusted, long-term presence in the market.

About fileAI

fileAI is the enterprise intelligence company behind fileForge, the leading platform for complex business process automation. By turning complex files into structured, validated data with full decision traceability, fileForge gives AI agents the reasoning and confidence to act inside real enterprise operations.

Trusted by global enterprises including MS&AD, Toshiba, PwC, KPMG, Nippon Paint, and Keppel, fileAI has processed over 1 billion files across finance, insurance, supply chain, healthcare, and operations, delivering governed automation and contextual reuse for the world’s most complex workflows.

For more information, visit www.file.ai.

About JRE VENTURES PTE. LTD.

JRE VENTURES PTE. LTD. is the corporate venture capital arm established to support startup collaboration and innovation initiatives related to the JR East Group. Based in Singapore, the company works with startups across Southeast Asia and other global markets, supporting business development opportunities in areas such as retail, advertising, logistics, real estate, AI, travel, and digital transformation.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/fileai-expands-into-japan-with-strategic-partnership-with-jre-ventures-302799213.html

SOURCE fileAI

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Technology Leads Insurance Education: Big Jump SEO Partners with Three Major Insurance Platforms to Enhance VHIS Information Quality with Latest Gemini AI Technology

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HONG KONG, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Leading digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) expert Big Jump SEO Solutions today announced a strategic partnership with three renowned local insurance education platforms: VHIS101, HKVHIS and MoneyHK101. This collaboration will fully integrate Google’s latest Gemini AI technology to optimize and elevate the quality of knowledge-sharing for the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) and various insurance products, providing Hong Kong citizens with more precise, accessible, and timely insurance information.

With continuous updates to VHIS policies and rapid changes in the healthcare market, public demand for clear, objective insurance information has become increasingly urgent. Leveraging its deep foundation in digital technology, Big Jump SEO Solutions will deeply integrate Gemini AI’s powerful natural language processing and big data analytics capabilities into the content creation and optimization workflows of the partner platforms. Utilizing Gemini AI technology, the platforms can quickly untangle complex insurance terms and claims procedures while ensuring regulatory compliance and accuracy. This information will be transformed into easy-to-understand educational articles, infographic cheat sheets, and intelligent interactive Q&As, significantly lowering the barrier for the public to understand insurance products.

The three participating platforms each bring unique strengths to the partnership: VHIS101 and HKVHIS have long focused on VHIS policies, product comparisons, and enrollment strategies, while MoneyHK101 comprehensively covers personal finance and general insurance knowledge.

A spokesperson for Big Jump SEO Solutions stated: “The core of insurance education lies in ‘trust’ and ‘clarity’. We are thrilled to partner with these three outstanding platforms. By introducing the latest Gemini AI technology, we can not only enhance content production efficiency but also conduct deep optimization for search engines. This ensures that citizens in need can access the most authoritative and valuable insurance knowledge immediately when searching online, truly achieving technology-empowered inclusive finance.”

Looking ahead, Big Jump SEO Solutions and the three insurance education platforms will continue to deepen the application of AI technology in the InsurTech (insurance technology) sector. Both sides will collaborate closely to launch a wider variety of intelligent tools, driving the digital transformation of the Hong Kong insurance market and reshaping the public’s perception of personal health protection and wealth management.

About Big Jump SEO Solutions

Big Jump SEO Solutions is a comprehensive digital marketing company that focuses on providing customized Search Engine Optimization (SEO), content marketing, and online advertising solutions for its clients. With in-depth industry experience and innovative strategies, Big Jump is committed to helping brands enhance their online visibility and stand out in the online market.

Website: bigjumpseo.com

 

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SOURCE Big Jump SEO Solutions

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