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World Champions Crowned at Pearson’s Certiport 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist Competition

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HOBOKEN, N.J., July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L) today announced the winners of the Certiport 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship, a global competition that recognizes students from around the world using Microsoft Office. Now in its 24th year, the championship highlights the value of Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications in preparing learners for academic and career success.

This year’s event, held in Anaheim, CA, welcomed 135 finalists (ages 13–22) from 36 countries who qualified by passing Microsoft Word, Excel™, or PowerPoint™ certification exams, and won their respective country competitions. This year’s event, held in Anaheim, California, welcomed 135 finalists ages 13–22 from 36 countries.

The global competition celebrates excellence in Microsoft Office, helping students build confidence and develop essential digital skills for the future. Through their participation, students gain valuable real-world experience, preparing them to succeed in an economy increasingly shaped by new technologies.

The winners:

Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps)
First: Sio Keng Nim, Macao, China Second: Lee Yuan Han, Taiwan Third: Flor Nathalia Pelaez Guerra, EcuadorMicrosoft Excel™ (Microsoft 365 Apps)
First: Nguyen Mai Chi, Vietnam Second: Aleksy Jakub Dobrodziej, Poland Third: Hoi Kiu Cheng, Hong Kong, ChinaMicrosoft PowerPoint™ (Microsoft 365 Apps)
First: Santiago Matteus Dardón Pinzón, Guatemala Second: Ung Man Kit, Macao, China Third: Nguyen Dinh Bao, VietnamMicrosoft Word (Office 2019)
First: Reem El Shafii, Lebanon Second: Valentina Ribatski Baldan, Brazil Third: Xiao Jun Ting, TaiwanMicrosoft Excel™ (Office 2019)
First: Zhong Tin Kin, Macao, China Second: Thanawit Thawonkan, Thailand Third: Do Le Tuan Kiet, VietnamMicrosoft PowerPoint™ (Office 2019)
First: Liang Xinzhi, Macao, China Second: Helena Bertozzi Pires, Brazil Third: Amar Azar, USA

Why it matters: “These students have not only earned a valuable credential, they have demonstrated the commitment, capability, and confidence needed to succeed in a fast-changing digital world. As certified Microsoft Office Specialists, they are building a strong foundation for academic achievement, career opportunity, and lifelong learning,” said Arthur Valentine, President of Assessment and Qualifications at Pearson. “Their initiative and adaptability show exactly the kind of future-ready talent employers need. By mastering essential digital skills, they are preparing to thrive in an AI-driven economy.”

What Microsoft said: “The Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship celebrates more than technical excellence. It highlights the power of digital skills and certifications,” said Jeana Jorgensen, Corporate Vice President, Global Skilling, Microsoft. “The students who take part in this competition demonstrate that their talent, dedication, and certification can open doors. These opportunities will also extend far beyond the event, creating pathways for success in the workforce.” 

The big picture: The Microsoft Office Specialist is the only official Microsoft-recognized certification program for validating Microsoft Office skills. Available in over 140 countries and 26 languages, MOS certifications serve as a powerful instrument for assessing students’ skills and preparing them for real-world application of their knowledge. They help them stand out in academic and professional settings while providing employers with a trusted measure of workplace readiness. Learn more about the Pearson Certiport Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship here.

Related Pearson News

The Certification Imperative: Empowering Young People to Bridge the Skills GapEmployers Use IT Certification to Close High Risk Skills Gaps and Gain Competitive Advantage, Pearson Study FindsNew Pearson and AWS Global research: 53% of Employers Struggle to Find AI-Ready Graduates 

About Pearson 

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are. Visit us at plc.pearson.com.

Media Contact

Greg.Forbes@pearson.com 

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SOURCE Pearson

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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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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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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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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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