Latest news with #Excellence
Business Wire
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Vena Once Again Named SPARK Leader in the SPARK Matrix Cloud Financial Planning and Analysis 2025
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vena, the only Complete FP&A platform powered by agentic AI and purpose-built to fully amplify the Microsoft technology ecosystem, has been recognized as a SPARK Leader in the SPARK Matrix Cloud Financial Planning and Analysis 2025, ranking again as one of the top two providers by technological excellence. This continued recognition from QKS, based on its in-depth analysis of cloud financial planning and analysis vendors and its industry knowledge, signifies Vena's ongoing leadership as a future-forward, AI-focused platform designed to scale with the growing responsibilities of the office of strategic finance. Vena placed among the leaders in both the technological excellence and customer impact rankings, with Vena Copilot for FP&A standing out as one of the major differentiators. Vena Copilot, built from the start as an agentic-AI-capable solution, orchestrates the operations of both the Vena Analytics and Vena Reporting agents, with additional agents planned for release in the near future. Most recently, Vena Copilot received Microsoft Teams support, bringing agentic AI directly into financial professionals' everyday workflow. 'Vena's second straight year of Technological Excellence leadership is all the more impressive given the increased competitiveness and need for technological differentiation in the cloud FP&A space. We designed our entire platform, Vena Copilot included, for maximum flexibility to accommodate both changes in the technology available and the role of strategic finance alike, and that adaptability is a major reason our customers come to and stay with Vena,' said Hugh Cumming, CTO, Vena. 'We're honored by QKS' recognition and plan to use their findings to continue fueling our innovations to help customers navigate this market volatility and go from good to great.' Vena's technological and operational flexibility positions it well to lead the next generation of AI-augmented, autonomous enterprise performance management. With a vast library of native integrations and API connectors, QKS writes the platform has 'deep, bi-directional data connectivity across ERP and CRM ecosystems,' connecting finance to other strategic functions and easily ingesting data for improved AI-driven insights, analysis and reporting across industries. Furthermore, Vena's extended planning (xP&A) and Beyond Planning solutions give the platform additional use cases, offering more strategic functions, such as operations, the same smooth experience. "We are proud to acknowledge Vena as a SPARK Leader in the Cloud Financial Planning and Analysis 2025,' said Akhilesh Vundavalli, Senior Analyst at QKS Group. 'Vena's top ranking for Technology Excellence emphasizes its strong AI implementation via solutions like Vena Copilot, its continued focus on robust integrations with the Microsoft ecosystem and other key enterprise software platforms, and its readiness for the new cross-functional age of finance.' From high-growth startups to global enterprises, finance and operations teams are turning to Vena to unify their planning in a single platform that's fast to deploy, flexible to use and powered by the tools finance teams already trust—Excel, Power BI, Teams and more. With agentic AI, real-time analytics and a seamless Microsoft-native user experience, Vena empowers finance leaders to go beyond the numbers and make confident, insight-driven decisions that move their business forward. To learn how companies are planning with confidence using Vena, visit our Customer Stories. About Vena Vena is the only agentic AI-powered FP&A platform purpose-built to harness the full power of the Microsoft technology ecosystem for finance teams everywhere. Vena amplifies Microsoft's world-leading productivity tools, cloud technology and AI innovation to make FP&A, operational planning and adjacent strategic processes more flexible, efficient and intelligent. Thousands of the world's leading companies rely on Vena to power their planning. For more information, visit
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Calian Receives Dual Recognition for Excellence and Culture from Iconic Media Brands
Top Canadian Company from TIME and Best Company Culture from Forbes reinforce company talent, commitment to customers and momentum OTTAWA, Ontario, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calian Group Ltd. (TSX: CGY), a mission-critical solutions company focused on defence, space, healthcare and other strategic infrastructure sectors, is proud to announce two major honours recognizing its dedication to excellence and a thriving workplace culture. TIME Magazine has included Calian in its inaugural 2025 list of Canada's Best Companies, while Forbes announced today the company as one of Canada's Best Employers for Company Culture. These prestigious recognitions underline Calian's momentum as a leader in delivering mission-critical solutions across defence, space and health industries, while also building an empowering, supportive culture that fuels its success. 'These honours highlight what makes Calian thrive—our people,' said Kevin Ford, CEO of Calian. 'Our 5,000-strong global team lives our values every day, building not just a company, but a community committed to impact. With momentum across key industries and a strong team behind us, we're on a clear path forward—combining purpose with progress as we grow, innovate, and continue delivering for our customers and communities.' The TIME Magazine recognition focused on company metrics over the last three years, including employee satisfaction, revenue growth and sustainability transparency, underscoring Calian's steadfast commitment to driving meaningful outcomes for its employees, clients and the environment. Forbes' recognition for company culture, based on employee feedback from across Canada, spotlights Calian as an industry leader that fosters inclusion, collaboration and excellence. 'We recognize that employees are what make Calian a high-performing, innovative company. Our people are the backbone of everything we do,' said Sue Ivay, Chief Human Resources Officer, Calian. 'Their expertise, dedication and shared drive for excellence are the reasons these recognitions are possible. Whether we are prioritizing learning and professional growth, engaging with our customers, or delivering solutions when failure is not an option, it is our people who set us apart.' These accomplishments reflect Calian's motivation for focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to better serve our communities. Creating a workplace where individuals can grow, collaborate, and succeed, while continuing to deliver the critical mission-driven outcomes that our clients expect. For more on life at Calian and our mission to help the world communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives, visit About Calian For over 40 years, Calian has delivered mission-critical solutions when failure is not an option. Trusted worldwide, we empower organizations in critical industries to overcome obstacles, manage risks and drive progress. By combining the expertise of our people, proven industry insight, cutting-edge technology, bold innovation, and global reach, we deliver tailored solutions that solve complex challenges. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with over 5,000 people around the world, Calian's solutions protect lives, strengthen security, foster global connectivity and drive economic progress, making a lasting impact where and when it matters most. Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Media inquiries: media@ 613-599-8600 Investor Relations inquiries: ir@ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as 'intend', 'anticipate', 'believe', 'estimate', 'expect' or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Company's most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them. Calian · Head Office · 770 Palladium Drive · Ottawa · Ontario · Canada · K2V 1C8Tel: 613.599.8600 · Fax: 613-592-3664 · General info email: info@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Straits Times
04-07-2025
- General
- Straits Times
15 receive social service honours, including founding member of S'pore's first inclusive pre-school
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Awwa chief executive J.R. Karthikeyan received the President's Award for Social Service Professionals at the inaugural Social Service Professional Awards on July 2. SINGAPORE - When Awwa chief executive J.R. Karthikeyan first thought about starting Singapore's first inclusive pre-school, he was sceptical about whether it would last as he thought it would be mistaken for an early intervention care programme. 'I wasn't sure we had the right playbook to set it up right,' he said. But he added: 'Because there are no existing rules to play by, you have more control over setting standards that are aspirational and possibly meaningful.' He went ahead to set up Kindle Garden Preschool in 2016, and nine years on, more than 650 children have attended the pre-school, located at the Enabling Village in Lengkok Bahru. Mr Karthik received the President's Award for Social Service Professionals at the inaugural Social Service Professional Awards on July 2. This is the highest accolade conferred to social service professionals with more than 15 years of experience, who have made significant contributions to the sector. 'The award is incredibly valuable to me because it affirms my contributions, and it's spurred me to do even better by my staff and the clients we support,' said Mr Karthik. In his 17 years with Awwa, he has also opened a therapy hub, set up a 300-bed adult disability home, and started an initiative that engages seniors with dementia to take on volunteer work. The Social Service Professional Awards recognise the contributions of social service professionals in Singapore, including those in the fields of social work, youth work and counselling, among others. Held in conjunction with the Social Service Summit organised by the National Council of Social Service, it recognised 13 individuals and two teams at the ceremony held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. The Ministry of Social and Family Development has designated 2025 as the Year of Celebrating Social Service Professionals to honour their contributions. Singapore currently has more than 20,000 social service professionals. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who was the guest of honour, presented the President's Award to three individuals: Mr Karthik; Ms Priscilla Lim, medical social work lead at the Singapore National Eye Centre; and Ms Chan Lay Lin, principal medical social worker at the Institute of Mental Health. Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli presented the Excellence, Merit and Team Awards. One of those who received the Excellence Award was Ms Charlene Heng, deputy director of SOS Academy at Samaritans of Singapore (SOS). She recalled how she was inspired to start the charity's Be-A-Samaritan programme, which equips participants with the skills to respond to suicide distress, when she walked past a neighbour who was crying several years back. She realised many people could encounter a suicidal person but not approach them, as they do not know what to do or say, and are afraid to trigger the person. 'Sometimes a person just needs human companionship at that critical point,' she said, adding that neighbours, friends and colleagues could be trained to help those around them who are in distress. The Be-A-Samaritan programme has trained close to 6,000 participants since it was set up in 2022. Ms Charlene Heng, deputy director of SOS Academy at Samaritans of Singapore, was one of those who received the Excellence Award. PHOTO: SAMARITANS OF SINGAPORE Ms Heng also developed SOS into a SkillsFuture-recognised training provider. The academy has trained over 2,000 social service, mental health and community healthcare professionals. She said fund raising for new initiatives was a constant challenge in her 20 years in the social service sector, requiring 'painstaking' advocacy work. During the Covid-19 pandemic, her team started a 24-hour text-based helpline, CareText, after finding that young people preferred texting as a form of communication. There was no funding, and many risks around confidentiality and the worry that clients would screenshot and post their messages online, she said. But the team decided to start it anyway due to the urgent need during the 2020 circuit breaker, as people were confined to their homes and needed someone to text when they felt distressed. The service has since grown to respond to about 20,000 CareText messages every year. Ms Heng said that some companies wish to donate to the Samaritans, but are afraid to be associated with the suicide prevention cause. She hopes to break the stigma against suicide prevention, and work with more communities to tailor training to different contexts such as workplaces. 'If everyone is equipped with the skill set, I truly believe that is an answer to suicide prevention,' she said. Correction note: The headline of this story has been edited for clarity.
Straits Times
02-07-2025
- General
- Straits Times
15 receive social service honours, including founder of Singapore's first inclusive pre-school
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Awwa chief executive J.R. Karthikeyan received the President's Award for Social Service Professionals at the inaugural Social Service Professional Awards on July 2. SINGAPORE - When Awwa chief executive J.R. Karthikeyan first thought about starting Singapore's first inclusive pre-school, he was sceptical about whether it would last, as he thought it would be mistaken for an early intervention care programme. 'I wasn't sure we had the right playbook to set it up right,' he said. But he added: 'Because there are no existing rules to play by, you have more control over setting standards that are aspirational and possibly meaningful.' He went ahead to set up Kindle Garden Preschool in 2016, and nine years on, over 650 children have attended the pre-school, located at the Enabling Village in Lengkok Bahru. Mr Karthik received the President's Award for Social Service Professionals at the inaugural Social Service Professional Awards on July 2. This is the highest accolade conferred to social service professionals with more than 15 years of experience, who have made significant contributions to the sector. 'The award is incredibly valuable to me, because it affirms my contributions, and it's spurred me to do even better by my staff and the clients we support,' said Mr Karthik. In his 17 years with Awwa, he has also opened a therapy hub, set up a 300-bed adult disability home and started an initiative which engages seniors with dementia to take on volunteer work. The Social Service Professional Awards recognise the contributions of social service professionals in Singapore, including those in the fields of social work, youth work and counselling, among others. Held in conjunction with the Social Service Summit organised by the National Council of Social Service, it recognised 13 individuals and two teams at the ceremony held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. The Ministry of Social and Family Development has designated 2025 as the Year of Celebrating Social Service Professionals to honour their contributions. Singapore currently has more than 20,000 social service professionals. Guest of honour President Tharman Shanmugaratnam presented the President's Award to three individuals: Mr Karthik; Ms Priscilla Lim, medical social work lead at the Singapore National Eye Centre; and Ms Chan Lay Lin, principal medical social worker at the Institute of Mental Health. Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli presented the Excellence, Merit and Team Awards. One of those who received the Excellence Award was Ms Charlene Heng, deputy director of SOS Academy at Samaritans of Singapore (SOS). She recalled how she was inspired to start the charity's Be-A-Samaritan programme, which equips participants with skills to respond to suicide distress, when she walked past a neighbour who was crying several years back. She realised many people could encounter a suicidal person but not approach them, as they do not know what to do or say, and are afraid to trigger the person. 'Sometimes a person just needs human companionship at that critical point,' she said, adding that neighbours, friends and colleagues could be trained to help those around them who are in distress. The Be-A-Samaritan programme has trained close to 6,000 participants since it was set up in 2022. Ms Charlene Heng, deputy director of SOS Academy at Samaritans of Singapore, was one of those who received the Excellence Award. PHOTO: SAMARITANS OF SINGAPORE Ms Heng also developed SOS into a SkillsFuture-recognised Training Provider. The academy has trained over 2,000 social services, mental health and community healthcare professionals. Ms Heng said fund raising for new initiatives was a constant challenge in her 20 years in the social service sector, requiring 'painstaking' advocacy work. During the Covid-19 pandemic, her team started a 24-hour text-based helpline, CareText, after finding that young people preferred texting as a form of communication. There was no funding, and many risks around confidentiality and the worry that clients would screenshot and post their messages online, she said. But the team decided to start it anyway due to the urgent need during the 2020 circuit breaker, as people were confined to their homes and needed someone to text when they felt distressed. The service has since grown to respond to about 20,000 CareText messages every year. Ms Heng said some companies wish to donate to the Samaritans but are afraid to be associated with the suicide prevention cause. She hopes to break the stigma against suicide prevention, and work with more communities to tailor training to different contexts such as workplaces. 'If everyone is equipped with the skill set, I truly believe that is an answer to suicide prevention,' she said.
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
SAI centre in Bengaluru: the go-to venue for athletes seeking world-class facilities at home
From a modest training base with limited facilities to being responsible for implementing all Sports Authority of India (SAI) schemes across three states and holding National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) for hockey, athletics and volleyball, financial and professional impetus have made the Netaji Subhas Southern Centre (NSSC) the go-to venue for athletes seeking world-class facilities at home. With a cumulative investment exceeding ₹140 crore, the NSSC has undergone a major transformation in the last decade. Besides the three NCOEs for comprehensive training across age-groups, the centre also hosts national camps in table tennis, kabaddi and water polo and conducts academic programmes in 11 disciplines. The 3000m steeplechase national record holder Avinash Sable said the venue had always helped him perform well at major competitions. 'I came here for the first time in 2017 and things have changed a lot. The recovery centre is new, there are two synthetic tracks, experts for physiotherapy, medicine, biomechanics. I have trained abroad also but no facility has so many things together at one place. I have always performed well after training here,' he said. The centre today has a state-of-the-art sports science centre with labs for biomechanics, sports medicine and sports psychology equipped with some of the latest testing and training machines from across the world. Out in the field, the athletics stadium boasts of a smart track with sensors that can gather and analyse data of every stride, exclusive strength and conditioning area, recovery room and modern changing rooms for hockey with more facilities planned in the near future, including exclusive testing machines for para-athletes. P.V. Sindhu, who came for isokinetic testing, was appreciative of the facilities. 'I have come here a couple of times and SAI has always been very helpful. My father also used to come here as a player and things have changed completely since then,' said the badminton star. The biggest change, however, has been in the diet department with the centre boasting of a state-of-the-art research kitchen headed by chef Jeyraj that works closely with nutritionists to create customised recipes and also provides athlete's meal cards to track their consumption. (The writer was at the NSSC Bengaluru on invitation from the Sports Authority of India)
