Latest news with #MESC
Argaam
3 days ago
- Business
- Argaam
MESC renews credit facility deal with Al Rajhi Bank
Middle East Specialized Cables Co. (MESC) renewed a Shariah-compliant credit facility agreement with Al Rajhi Bank worth SAR 150 million. The tenor of the facility extends till June 30, 2026, said the company in a Tadawul filing today, July 17, adding that a promissory note valued at SAR 153.7 million was provided as collateral, along with an assignment of insurance proceeds. MESC also indicated that the credit facility is aimed at financing its working capital and issuance of different types of bank guarantees. According to the company, the agreement is dated on June 30, 2025, while the effective date of the facility took a place on July 17, 2025. The renewed facility has been increased from the previous one by SAR 50 million.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi's MESC unit secures $33mln loan from First Abu Dhabi Bank
Middle East Specialized Cables Company (MESC) said one of its subsidiaries has secured a credit facility worth 120 million UAE dirhams ($32.67 million) from UAE-based First Abu Dhabi Bank. The loan was obtained by Middle East Specialized Cables Company (MESC) LLC, the company stated in a press release to the Saudi Stock Exchange on Wednesday. The facility is planned to finance working capital and provide bank guarantees, including performance and advance payment, as well as to fund capital expenditures for plant and machinery. The credit facility, which is valid until May 31, 2026, is secured by a promissory note worth AED 120 million, an assignment of insurance proceeds, and a pledge over plant & machinery. In April, MESC signed a Sharia-compliant facility deal worth SAR 140 million with Riyad Bank. (Editing by Seban Scaria
Hans India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Lights, camera, career: Exploring job opportunities in animation
The world of animation is no longer confined to Saturday morning cartoons or Hollywood blockbusters. Today, it stretches across multiple domains—from advertising and gaming to education and real estate. As more industries recognize the power of visual storytelling and immersive digital experiences, the demand for skilled animation professionals is rapidly increasing. According to projections by NASSCOM and the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC), India's AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sector is poised to create over 2 million jobs by 2030, with nearly 75,000 new opportunities emerging annually. This growth is not limited to metro cities. Talent hubs are rising in Tier-2 and Tier-3 locations such as Indore, Kochi, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati—where trained artists are finding opportunities in films, mobile games, short-form content, and corporate communication. The convergence of creativity and technology has led to a demand for dynamic visual content across platforms. Streaming services, digital marketing, virtual walkthroughs in real estate, interactive learning in edtech, and immersive gaming experiences are all leveraging animation and VFX to engage users. The pandemic-era shift to digital platforms accelerated this trend, but it's the continued focus on hybrid entertainment, branded content, and gamification that is sustaining it. In-demand roles in the animation While the industry continues to evolve, several roles are consistently emerging as high-demand areas: • VFX Compositors: Responsible for integrating CGI with live-action footage, especially in OTT content, films, and advertising. • 3D Modelers & Texturing Artists: These professionals bring objects and environments to life, widely used in games, architecture, and simulations. • Motion Graphics Designers: Essential for creating animated logos, infographics, and visual transitions in digital content and social media. • Unreal Engine Operators & Virtual Production Crew: With the rise of real-time rendering, especially in films and games, this skill set is rapidly becoming crucial. • Roto & Matchmove Artists: Key roles in post-production pipelines, ensuring accuracy and realism in integrated shots. • Storyboard Artists and Character Animators: These creatives drive narrative flow, character movement, and emotional engagement. • AR/VR Designers & Metaverse-ready Creators: As virtual spaces expand, professionals who can create immersive 3D experiences are in growing demand. Skills that employers value Interestingly, the emphasis has shifted from long resumes to relevant portfolios. Employers today prioritize applied skillsets over academic degrees. Artists who can showcase original, compelling projects—be it a short animation film, a mobile game, or a VR simulation—often stand out more than those with just formal credentials. Proficiency in industry-standard software like Maya, Blender, After Effects, Nuke, Unity, or Unreal Engine is commonly expected. However, soft skills such as collaboration, adaptability, and creative problem-solving are equally important—especially in fast-paced production environments. Education and training: Shorter, sharper, smarter Earlier, mastering animation or VFX could take several years. Today, thanks to updated training methodologies and modular learning paths, students can develop production-ready skills in one to two years through focused diplomas, certifications, and intensive bootcamps. These programs often include portfolio development, studio projects, and mentorship, which help learners transition directly into jobs or freelance gigs. Notably, many learners are finding work opportunities even before completing their final projects, especially in freelance marketplaces, influencer content production, and gaming startups. Career paths A career in animation doesn't follow a single track. Some professionals choose to specialize in a niche—like rigging or FX simulation—while others move between advertising, games, and short films. Many start in studios and eventually shift to freelance, independent content creation, or entrepreneurship. For instance, a 3D artist may begin working on asset creation for a mobile game, later move into architectural visualization, and eventually collaborate with a VR startup. Others might work on educational content, creating animated explainers for e-learning platforms or scientific simulations. This fluidity of roles is one of the defining characteristics of careers in animation and VFX—allowing individuals to blend technical expertise with creative exploration. Creativity as a career asset Pursuing a career in animation is no longer a leap of faith—it's a strategic career choice rooted in practical demand and evolving opportunity. The line between passion and profession is increasingly blurred in this space. Whether you're crafting imaginary worlds, animating characters, or designing AR experiences, your work can reach and impact audiences in powerful ways.
The Wire
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Wire
Shankar Mahadevan, Resul Pookutty-led Indian Institute of Creative Skills Hosts ‘Made for Media. Built for Success' Conclave at Siri Fort on July 5
The Indian Institute of Creative Skills, India's first industry-led creative incubator, is poised to reshape the country's creative education landscape with its national career conclave titled 'Made for Media. Built for Success', scheduled for July 5, 2025, at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi. Under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, affiliated with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) Academy, and operated by the Media & Entertainment Skills Council, the Indian Institute of Creative Skills echoes Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Create in India—nurturing talent to make India a global skill capital. The conclave will be graced by Padma Shri and Grammy Award-winning music icon Shankar Mahadevan, Chairman – MESC, and Padma Shri and Academy Award-winning sound maestro Dr. Resul Pookutty, Chairman – Indian Institute of Creative Skills, alongside Dr. (Hon.) Mohit Soni (CEO – MESC), Pooja Arora (COO – MESC), and Roshni Sehgal, Head – International Development and Business Alliances, MESC. Adding depth to this vision is an illustrious panel of mentors and industry leaders including: Kavita Krishnamurthy, Dr. L. Subramaniam, Dia Mirza, Dr. (Hon.) Amit Behl, Dr. (Hon.) Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, Neeta Lulla, Sham Kaushal, Rahul Rawail, Anjum Rajabali, Shibashish Sarkar, Bharat Dabholkar, Dr. (Hon.) S. Ramachandran, P. Rajendran, Feroz Abbas Khan, Robin Bhatt, Kireet Khurana, Ashish Kulkarni, Bina Paul, Shonali Bose, Wiz Sabbas Joseph, Sudeep Chatterjee, Hrishi K, Sameer Tobaccowala, Munjal Shroff, Kamlesh Pandey, Sushma Gaikwad, Sushil Sakhuja, Anand Jha, Avijit Dutt, Raju Singh, and others who represent decades of excellence across cinema, fashion, music, television, OTT, advertising, festivals, and brand building. With admissions now open for the 2025 academic session in Delhi (Lajpat Nagar) and Bhopal (Jagran Lakecity University), the institute aims to expand to 10 cities by December 2025, taking creative opportunities beyond metros into India's cultural heartlands. The Media & Entertainment Skills Council, under Dr. (Hon.) Mohit Soni's leadership, has developed over 100 industry-backed Qualification Packs, enabled the training of over 700,000 individuals through 5,000 certified trainers, and championed real-world industry integration. 'In today's landscape, creativity is not a hobby—it's a high-value profession,' said Dr. (Hon.) Mohit Soni. 'At the Indian Institute of Creative Skills, we don't just teach. We build futures—with character, credibility, and creativity.' The curriculum spans filmmaking, music production, costume design, journalism, VFX, animation, acting, gaming, new-age media, PR, and branding—with every course designed by practitioners for future professionals. With 60 to 150 handpicked students per campus across 10 cities, the institute will mentor over 1,000 creators annually. It is also welcoming Value Partners—visionaries and organisations wishing to co-build campuses aligned with CSR goals. With an investment of ₹1.5–2 crore, Value Partners receive nationally benchmarked curriculum, brand support, operational guidance, and industry mentorship. Admissions for 2025 are now open. Only 250 seats available in the first academic cycle across Delhi and Bhopal. For details and applications, visit: admissions@ | partnerships@ (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
Daily Mail
31-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
JEFF PRESTRIDGE: There ARE simple ways for trusts to boost their shares
Investments trusts are a super way for investors to get long-term exposure to stock markets – and make some money along the way. They're easy to buy and sell, and most provide value for money. Yet they are not without flaws, as predators such as American hedge fund manager Saba Capital have sought to exploit. The biggest one is that as funds listed on the London Stock Exchange, their share prices do not always reflect their underlying asset value. In most cases, they undervalue them. In investment speak, they trade at a discount. When this happens, shareholders see the worth of their investments eroded. It's frustrating. The average discount industrywide is currently about 15 per cent. Trust shares trade at discounts for many reasons: out of vogue investment mandates; an unappealing stock market (as London has been for quite a while); and an unfriendly economic and financial backdrop. Yet underpinning all these reasons is a mismatch between buyers and sellers. More investors want out than in. Saba has sought to make money from this by buying stakes in undervalued investment trusts and then agitating for change. So far it hasn't managed to take any trusts under its wing, but it has helped close discounts on some trusts, making money in the process. A few days ago I spoke to Richard Curling, chairman of trust Montanaro European Smaller Companies (MESC), about discounts. The £277 million trust has Saba among its shareholders. Curling says investment trusts must do more to reduce the 'volatility' in share price discounts. At MESC, he has implemented a three-prong strategy designed to drive down the trust's discount. It has involved buying back shares (in effect reducing their supply to make them scarcer); allowing investors twice a year to exit the trust at close to asset value; and reducing the annual charge from 0.9 to 0.825 per cent. Although early days, it's working. The trust's discount is now 8 per cent, more than half what it was in November last year (Saba has taken advantage of this to trim its stake). And unlike many other trust chairs, Curling has a bit of get up and go about him. Curling believes the investment trust industry needs to do far more to attract investors – young and old – something which would help drive down discounts. His ideas include the use of social media to get younger people interested in investing, and the removal of jargon from key literature such as annual reports. He adds: 'We must present our case better to potential investors. Plain English, not jargon.' Curling is bang on the nail. Although stellar investment performance will always be the number one priority for investors (MESC's share price is up 17 per cent over the past year), investment trusts must become more relevant to today's investors. Otherwise there is a danger many will be undermined by discounts. On a related issue, the industry's flag waver, the Association of Investment Companies (AIC), is calling for a change in UK company law that would ensure more trust shareholders vote on key issues, such as a trust's discontinuation or takeover. Currently, many shareholders are thwarted from voting because the platform they hold their investments with don't pass on details. The AIC has launched a petition on this issue. It needs 10,000 signatures for the Government to respond ( As a fan of trusts and investor empowerment, I've put my name to it, as have 1,798 other people. Are there 8,202 lovers of investment trusts out there who will get the petition to the next step? I do hope so. Leave Gift Aid alone, Rachel Gift Aid is a financial lifeline to many charities left battered and bruised by Chancellor Rachel Reeves's recent hike in employer National Insurance costs. It boosts the coffers of 66,000 charities by £1.6 billion a year. This month, I am doing two Race For Life runs for fabulous charity Cancer Research UK – a 5km event in London's Battersea Park, followed by a 10km run in glorious Worthing, West Sussex (I have a thing about piers). So far, Gift Aid, a 25 per cent top-up on donations, has increased my fundraising by more than £180. So, Rachel, I know you've made a pig's ear of the country's finances, but please leave Gift Aid alone come the Autumn Budget. You've hit charities once in the pocket. Twice would be cruel beyond cruel. Rachel de Vil. Watch out for your bank sneakily dropping chip and pin payments Like many readers, retired teacher Moira McCormick isn't a fan of new banking technology. She prefers cards that require a personal identification number (PIN) to contactless. 'It provides me with a layer of financial protection,' she says. But recently she used her card to pay for parking at her local Banbury railway station, only for the payment to be completed without requiring a PIN. Worried that anyone could use her card to pay for parking if she were to lose it, she contacted Chiltern Railways (operator of the car park) for an explanation. She was told that Mastercard and Visa have informed the company which provides the payment service for Chiltern's ticket machines that 'insecure unencrypted PIN validation' was no longer permitted. She was told to contact her card issuer (HSBC) for a replacement that asks for PIN verification. Chiltern informed her that some cardholders with Lloyds and Royal Bank of Scotland (NatWest) were also affected. 'I was told the change is meant to improve the security of my card,' says Moira, 'but it's now less secure. Anyone could use it if I lost it.' Indeed, when sales director Bradford Bines, from Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, lost a card in a Manchester car park, he later discovered it was fraudulently used 29 times by exiting drivers. HSBC insisted that changes to the technology were designed to make cards 'more secure from criminals trying to steal data'. Moira's non-PIN payment, it said, was deemed to be 'low value and low risk', adding: 'A decision was made to approve this payment without a PIN for the convenience of the customer.' Moira isn't happy. She says HSBC should have informed her that some payments would no longer require a PIN. Fair point.
