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Now Open for Nominations: The First Edition of the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence

The newest edition of the world’s premier business awards will celebrate technology-related achievements worldwide

Now Open for Nominations: The First Edition of the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence
The newest edition of the world’s premier business awards will celebrate technology-related achievements worldwide including Green and Clean Technology, Financial Technology, Artificial Intelligence., and many others.

FAIRFAX, Va., March 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Stevie® Awards, organizers of the world’s premier business awards, have opened a ninth international competition: the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence. This new Stevie Awards program celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of individuals, teams, and organizations shaping the future of technology across all industry sectors.

Now Open for Nominations: The First Edition of the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence

Individuals and organizations worldwide are eligible to enter – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. The program will recognize the world’s best technology professionals, organizations, achievements, products, and services since the beginning of 2022.

The early-bird entry deadline, with reduced entry fees, is May 2. The entry deadline is May 30, but late entries will be accepted through June 28 with payment of a late fee. Entry details are available at www.StevieAwards.com/tech.

Michael Gallagher, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Stevie Awards, expressed enthusiasm about this significant Stevie Awards milestone, “We are thrilled to announce the opening of our latest Stevie Awards competition, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. As we celebrate 22 years since the inception of the first Stevie Awards competition in 2002, this launch fulfills a long-awaited vision. With categories distinct from our existing programs, this competition provides a unique opportunity for startups, small businesses, corporations, and forward-thinking individuals to spotlight their technological accomplishments on a prestigious, global stage.”

The program features more than 250 categories across 20 technology-industry groupings, with a broader set of categories for Information Technology. Category groupings include:

Each year, Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations from organizations of all types and sizes in more than 70 nations. Past Stevie Award winners include Cisco Systems, Inc., DP DHL, EY Global Services Limited, HCLTech, IBM Corporation, LLYC, Proctor & Gamble, Samsung, Toyota, Verizon, Viettel Group, and many others.

Juries featuring more than 100 executives worldwide will determine the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners. Winners will be publicly announced on August 7 and celebrated at a joint awards gala with the ninth annual Stevie® Awards for Great Employers on September 16 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, New York City.

About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the newest Stevie Awards program, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive over 12,000 entries annually from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

Contact:
Nina Moore
+1 (703) 547-8389
Nina@StevieAwards.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91ea8fc2-fd10-4e4b-ac13-67f99083a926

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9079613

Posted on

Now Open for Nominations: The First Edition of the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence

The newest edition of the world’s premier business awards will celebrate technology-related achievements worldwide

Now Open for Nominations: The First Edition of the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence
The newest edition of the world’s premier business awards will celebrate technology-related achievements worldwide including Green and Clean Technology, Financial Technology, Artificial Intelligence., and many others.

FAIRFAX, Va., March 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Stevie® Awards, organizers of the world’s premier business awards, have opened a ninth international competition: the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence. This new Stevie Awards program celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of individuals, teams, and organizations shaping the future of technology across all industry sectors.

Now Open for Nominations: The First Edition of the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence

Individuals and organizations worldwide are eligible to enter – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. The program will recognize the world’s best technology professionals, organizations, achievements, products, and services since the beginning of 2022.

The early-bird entry deadline, with reduced entry fees, is May 2. The entry deadline is May 30, but late entries will be accepted through June 28 with payment of a late fee. Entry details are available at www.StevieAwards.com/tech.

Michael Gallagher, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Stevie Awards, expressed enthusiasm about this significant Stevie Awards milestone, “We are thrilled to announce the opening of our latest Stevie Awards competition, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. As we celebrate 22 years since the inception of the first Stevie Awards competition in 2002, this launch fulfills a long-awaited vision. With categories distinct from our existing programs, this competition provides a unique opportunity for startups, small businesses, corporations, and forward-thinking individuals to spotlight their technological accomplishments on a prestigious, global stage.”

The program features more than 250 categories across 20 technology-industry groupings, with a broader set of categories for Information Technology. Category groupings include:

Each year, Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations from organizations of all types and sizes in more than 70 nations. Past Stevie Award winners include Cisco Systems, Inc., DP DHL, EY Global Services Limited, HCLTech, IBM Corporation, LLYC, Proctor & Gamble, Samsung, Toyota, Verizon, Viettel Group, and many others.

Juries featuring more than 100 executives worldwide will determine the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners. Winners will be publicly announced on August 7 and celebrated at a joint awards gala with the ninth annual Stevie® Awards for Great Employers on September 16 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, New York City.

About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the newest Stevie Awards program, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive over 12,000 entries annually from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

Contact:
Nina Moore
+1 (703) 547-8389
Nina@StevieAwards.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91ea8fc2-fd10-4e4b-ac13-67f99083a926

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9079613

Posted on

Now Open for Nominations: The First Edition of the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence

The newest edition of the world’s premier business awards will celebrate technology-related achievements worldwide

Now Open for Nominations: The First Edition of the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence
The newest edition of the world’s premier business awards will celebrate technology-related achievements worldwide including Green and Clean Technology, Financial Technology, Artificial Intelligence., and many others.

FAIRFAX, Va., March 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Stevie® Awards, organizers of the world’s premier business awards, have opened a ninth international competition: the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence. This new Stevie Awards program celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of individuals, teams, and organizations shaping the future of technology across all industry sectors.

Now Open for Nominations: The First Edition of the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence

Individuals and organizations worldwide are eligible to enter – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. The program will recognize the world’s best technology professionals, organizations, achievements, products, and services since the beginning of 2022.

The early-bird entry deadline, with reduced entry fees, is May 2. The entry deadline is May 30, but late entries will be accepted through June 28 with payment of a late fee. Entry details are available at www.StevieAwards.com/tech.

Michael Gallagher, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Stevie Awards, expressed enthusiasm about this significant Stevie Awards milestone, “We are thrilled to announce the opening of our latest Stevie Awards competition, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. As we celebrate 22 years since the inception of the first Stevie Awards competition in 2002, this launch fulfills a long-awaited vision. With categories distinct from our existing programs, this competition provides a unique opportunity for startups, small businesses, corporations, and forward-thinking individuals to spotlight their technological accomplishments on a prestigious, global stage.”

The program features more than 250 categories across 20 technology-industry groupings, with a broader set of categories for Information Technology. Category groupings include:

Each year, Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations from organizations of all types and sizes in more than 70 nations. Past Stevie Award winners include Cisco Systems, Inc., DP DHL, EY Global Services Limited, HCLTech, IBM Corporation, LLYC, Proctor & Gamble, Samsung, Toyota, Verizon, Viettel Group, and many others.

Juries featuring more than 100 executives worldwide will determine the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners. Winners will be publicly announced on August 7 and celebrated at a joint awards gala with the ninth annual Stevie® Awards for Great Employers on September 16 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, New York City.

About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the newest Stevie Awards program, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive over 12,000 entries annually from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

Contact:
Nina Moore
+1 (703) 547-8389
Nina@StevieAwards.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91ea8fc2-fd10-4e4b-ac13-67f99083a926

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9079613

Posted on

Now Open for Nominations: The First Edition of the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence

The newest edition of the world’s premier business awards will celebrate technology-related achievements worldwide

Now Open for Nominations: The First Edition of the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence
The newest edition of the world’s premier business awards will celebrate technology-related achievements worldwide including Green and Clean Technology, Financial Technology, Artificial Intelligence., and many others.

FAIRFAX, Va., March 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Stevie® Awards, organizers of the world’s premier business awards, have opened a ninth international competition: the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence. This new Stevie Awards program celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of individuals, teams, and organizations shaping the future of technology across all industry sectors.

Now Open for Nominations: The First Edition of the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence

Individuals and organizations worldwide are eligible to enter – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. The program will recognize the world’s best technology professionals, organizations, achievements, products, and services since the beginning of 2022.

The early-bird entry deadline, with reduced entry fees, is May 2. The entry deadline is May 30, but late entries will be accepted through June 28 with payment of a late fee. Entry details are available at www.StevieAwards.com/tech.

Michael Gallagher, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Stevie Awards, expressed enthusiasm about this significant Stevie Awards milestone, “We are thrilled to announce the opening of our latest Stevie Awards competition, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. As we celebrate 22 years since the inception of the first Stevie Awards competition in 2002, this launch fulfills a long-awaited vision. With categories distinct from our existing programs, this competition provides a unique opportunity for startups, small businesses, corporations, and forward-thinking individuals to spotlight their technological accomplishments on a prestigious, global stage.”

The program features more than 250 categories across 20 technology-industry groupings, with a broader set of categories for Information Technology. Category groupings include:

Each year, Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations from organizations of all types and sizes in more than 70 nations. Past Stevie Award winners include Cisco Systems, Inc., DP DHL, EY Global Services Limited, HCLTech, IBM Corporation, LLYC, Proctor & Gamble, Samsung, Toyota, Verizon, Viettel Group, and many others.

Juries featuring more than 100 executives worldwide will determine the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners. Winners will be publicly announced on August 7 and celebrated at a joint awards gala with the ninth annual Stevie® Awards for Great Employers on September 16 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, New York City.

About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the newest Stevie Awards program, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive over 12,000 entries annually from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

Contact:
Nina Moore
+1 (703) 547-8389
Nina@StevieAwards.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91ea8fc2-fd10-4e4b-ac13-67f99083a926

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9079613

Posted on

Now Open for Nominations: The First Edition of the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence

The newest edition of the world’s premier business awards will celebrate technology-related achievements worldwide

Now Open for Nominations: The First Edition of the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence
The newest edition of the world’s premier business awards will celebrate technology-related achievements worldwide including Green and Clean Technology, Financial Technology, Artificial Intelligence., and many others.

FAIRFAX, Va., March 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Stevie® Awards, organizers of the world’s premier business awards, have opened a ninth international competition: the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence. This new Stevie Awards program celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of individuals, teams, and organizations shaping the future of technology across all industry sectors.

Now Open for Nominations: The First Edition of the Stevie® Awards for Technology Excellence

Individuals and organizations worldwide are eligible to enter – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. The program will recognize the world’s best technology professionals, organizations, achievements, products, and services since the beginning of 2022.

The early-bird entry deadline, with reduced entry fees, is May 2. The entry deadline is May 30, but late entries will be accepted through June 28 with payment of a late fee. Entry details are available at www.StevieAwards.com/tech.

Michael Gallagher, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Stevie Awards, expressed enthusiasm about this significant Stevie Awards milestone, “We are thrilled to announce the opening of our latest Stevie Awards competition, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. As we celebrate 22 years since the inception of the first Stevie Awards competition in 2002, this launch fulfills a long-awaited vision. With categories distinct from our existing programs, this competition provides a unique opportunity for startups, small businesses, corporations, and forward-thinking individuals to spotlight their technological accomplishments on a prestigious, global stage.”

The program features more than 250 categories across 20 technology-industry groupings, with a broader set of categories for Information Technology. Category groupings include:

Each year, Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations from organizations of all types and sizes in more than 70 nations. Past Stevie Award winners include Cisco Systems, Inc., DP DHL, EY Global Services Limited, HCLTech, IBM Corporation, LLYC, Proctor & Gamble, Samsung, Toyota, Verizon, Viettel Group, and many others.

Juries featuring more than 100 executives worldwide will determine the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners. Winners will be publicly announced on August 7 and celebrated at a joint awards gala with the ninth annual Stevie® Awards for Great Employers on September 16 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, New York City.

About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the newest Stevie Awards program, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive over 12,000 entries annually from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

Contact:
Nina Moore
+1 (703) 547-8389
Nina@StevieAwards.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91ea8fc2-fd10-4e4b-ac13-67f99083a926

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9079613

Posted on

EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited Granted Full Regulatory Licence from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA)

EBC Financial Group strengthens its global presence with full CIMA licence, underscoring the group’s commitment to stringent global regulatory standards

EBC Financial Group – CIMA Full Regulatory License

EBC Financial Group has been granted full regulatory license from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA).

HONG KONG, March 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EBC Financial Group (EBC Group or EBC) is pleased to announce that its Cayman Islands subsidiary, EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited, has been awarded a full Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) licence. This significant achievement marks a major advancement in EBC’s global regulatory portfolio, following its existing accreditations from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

EBC Financial Group - CIMA Full Regulatory License

Within CIMA’s strict regulatory framework, EBC will offer more comprehensive financial services, including trusts, securities, futures, and funds, specifically catering to retail, professional, high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors.

List of EBC Financial Group Full Regulatory Licenses

A list of authorised and full regulatory licenses from the UK, Australia and Cayman Islands awarded to EBC Financial Group.

The Cayman Islands, recognized as a premier offshore financial centre, gathers 90% of the world’s banks and over 85% of hedge funds. CIMA, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, is renowned for its rigorous standards and comprehensive oversight, mirroring the UK’s legal framework. Strict information disclosure, client fund protection, and compliance management requirements ensure the integrity and stability of the financial sector.

Among the Global Elite with Full Licensing
Since its establishment, CIMA has issued only a limited number of full regulatory licences. In the past two years, only four entities have passed the audit. EBC Group stands as one of the very few firms to have secured the coveted full regulatory licence.

EBC Group, having undergone stringent scrutiny, secured a full regulatory licence, granting EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited comprehensive permissions in dealing, arranging, managing, and advising, all under CIMA’s strictest regulations, including the Securities Investment Business (SIB) framework. EBC adheres to these requirements, ensuring comprehensive investor fund security.

Before receiving the full regulatory licence from CIMA, EBC held two top global regulatory licences: EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd is authorized and regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA); EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd is authorized and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

List of EBC Financial Group Full Regulatory Licenses

The full regulatory licence issued by CIMA consolidates EBC’s position as a global top-tier financial group, promotes cross-jurisdictional asset allocation, and provides more comprehensive framework support for expanding global services.

EBC Group holds the highest-level Corporate Banking Account with Barclays, providing equal fund security under different regulatory bodies. Consistent with EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited’s strict adherence to the FCA’s CASS rules, EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited rigorously complies with CIMA’s client fund protection regulations. Client funds are independently safeguarded at Barclays UK, enjoying the same AAA-level security protection.

Future Directions:
EBC Group is set to explore new horizons and expand its diversified and innovative services globally. Looking ahead, EBC will adhere to its original intention, strictly abide by CIMA’s high standards, ensure that investors enjoy a compliant trading environment, and thus build a safer regulatory protection mechanism to promote industry trust and information transparency.

For more information on EBC Financial Group, please visit: https://www.ebc.com/.

About EBC Financial Group

Founded in the esteemed financial district of London, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renowned for its comprehensive suite of services that includes financial brokerage, asset management, and comprehensive investment solutions. With offices strategically located in prominent financial centres, such as Sydney, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, Limassol and more, EBC caters to a diverse clientele of professional, individual and institutional investors worldwide.

Recognised by multiple awards, EBC prides itself on adhering to the highest levels of ethical standards and international regulation. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd is regulated by Australia’s Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA).

At the core of EBC Group are seasoned professionals with over 30 years of profound experience in major financial institutions, having adeptly navigated through significant economic cycles from the Plaza Accord to the 2015 Swiss franc crisis. EBC champions a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor engagement is treated with the utmost seriousness it deserves.

Media Contact:
Douglas Chew
+6011 3196 6887
douglas.chew@ebc.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91e6abd0-80e6-4fec-b2d8-9d31ea416203

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f2c6c812-dfe4-4c9f-9910-59b56a3b23f4

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9080861

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Core Specialty Leads the Way in Innovation with Duck Creek’s Cloud-based SaaS Solutions via Microsoft Azure Marketplace

Through their relationship with Microsoft, Duck Creek is redefining the customer experience and simplifying transactions for technology-focused insurers like Core Specialty

BOSTON, March 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, highlights Core Specialty as its inaugural customer transacting its Duck Creek OnDemand subscription on Microsoft’s commercial marketplace to use its existing Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC).

Duck Creek and Microsoft are enhancing customer experience and streamlining transactions for technology-centric insurers such as Core Specialty. As a forward-facing leader in the insurance industry, Core Specialty recognizes the strategic value of acquiring software-as-a-service (SaaS) products through the Azure Marketplace. This approach allows Core Specialty to apply its Duck Creek SaaS fee payments as a credit to its MACC and simplifies the billing process through a consolidated invoice.

As a technology-focused insurer immersed in continuous product innovation and business expansion, Core Specialty benefits from Duck Creek’s presence in the commercial marketplace. This relationship between Duck Creek and Microsoft drives impactful results for insurers with regard to scalability, security, and sustainability, as well as getting to market quickly with innovative and emerging technologies.

“We take pride in championing Core Specialty on their path to growth, innovation, and service excellence for both their customers and distribution partners through our world-class solutions and industry expertise,” said Mike Jackowski, Chief Executive Officer, Duck Creek Technologies. “The decision to make Duck Creek solutions available in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace is a strategic move and adds substantial value for insurers by aligning their Duck Creek and Microsoft relationship and investments with impactful results.”

“Duck Creek’s win with Core Specialty Insurance demonstrates the immense partner opportunity of building on Microsoft Azure and selling solutions via the Azure Marketplace, resulting in streamlining Core Specialty’s cloud transformation strategy across SaaS and transactable solutions. This underscores the power of collaboration, where forward-thinking technology providers and insurers come together to drive innovation, enhance customer experiences, and transform the insurance landscape. As we continue to empower the financial services industry, relationships like these exemplify the true potential of the cloud and the Microsoft partner ecosystem,” said Karen Del Vescovo, CVP Financial Services, Microsoft.

“At Core Specialty, our dedication to meeting the needs of our customers and brokers is unwavering,” said Jeff Consolino, Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer, Core Specialty. “Through our relationship with Duck Creek and Microsoft, we have heightened our emphasis on using technology to elevate the customer experience. This relationship empowers us to uphold our commitment to delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions.”

Learn more about the Azure Marketplace and how insurers with Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) credits can use their spend towards Duck Creek’s OnDemand solutions, including policy, rating, billing, claims, producer, insights, distribution management, and industry content.

About Core Specialty

Core Specialty offers a diversified range of specialty insurance products for small to mid-sized companies. From its underwriting offices spanning the U.S., the company focuses on niche markets, local distribution, and superior underwriting knowledge; offering traditional as well as innovative insurance solutions to meet the needs of its customers and brokers. Core Specialty is an insurance holding company operating through StarStone Specialty Insurance Company, a U.S. excess & surplus lines insurer, and StarStone National Insurance Company, Lancer Insurance Company, and Lancer Insurance Company of New Jersey, each of which is a U.S. admitted markets insurer and Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company, a life, accident, and health insurer. All Core Specialty Insurance entities are AM Best rated A- (Excellent). For further information about Core Specialty, please visit www.corespecialty.com.

About Duck Creek Technologies

Duck Creek Technologies is the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and X.

Media Contacts:
Dennis Dougherty
dennis.dougherty@duckcreek.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9079456

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AI, Inclusion, and Sustainability: Must-Haves for Business School Aspirants

GMAC’s annual survey finds evolving motivations for advanced business education

RESTON, Va., March 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the world emerged from a turbulent year that witnessed greater geopolitical conflicts, economic uncertainty, volatile job markets and disruptive technology, individuals are turning to graduate management education with a new-found focus. They aim to upgrade their skills while approaching their study, work—and life—with a purpose, according to an annual survey of global prospective students of business school released today by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). The research shows more than two-thirds of potential students agreed that equity and inclusion, as well as sustainability, are important or very important to their academic experience. In addition, three-quarters of candidates say efforts around well-being — defined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of no poverty, zero hunger, clean water and sanitation, and decent work and economic growth —are important to them when pursing higher education, to the point that many of them would eliminate schools from their consideration if these themes were not incorporated in the curriculum.

What’s also driving the interest in advanced business education of would-be students is the transformative technology of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Candidate demand for it grew 38 percent year-over-year, with two-fifths now saying it is essential to their curricula. Interest was the highest among those from the Middle East and Latin America as well as among millennials and men. Global interest in STEM-certified business programs also grew 38 percent in five years—and to new heights in Asia, driven by demand in India and Greater China.

“The 2024 survey of prospective students reveals that candidates expect graduate business education to help equip them to advance social impact as a component of their professional and personal goals. Their strong desire to build evergreen skills like leadership in an uncertain world, data-driven problem-solving, and effective technology and human capital management persists, even though their preferences for delivery formats and study destinations may shift,” said Joy Jones, CEO of GMAC. “I am encouraged by how today’s candidate is aspiring and adapting to meet new global challenges in the forever-evolving business environment and really owning their career trajectory. It is creating enormous opportunities for business schools to satisfy the ever-changing demands of candidates and industry with a wide variety of degree offerings and course flexibility.”

Demand for flexibility reaches new high.

Over the past five years, interest in hybrid learning has grown around the globe at the expense of in-person learning. Most hybrid candidates want to spend half or more of their class time in-person and the rest online. This growth is seen across regions, except for Central and South Asia, with preference for hybrid study being the highest in Africa and North America. Not surprisingly – and consistent with previous years’ findings – women are more likely to prefer hybrid programs compared to men, with 20 percent of female prospective students with this preference compared to 15 percent of men.

“This year’s prospective student survey adds to a growing slate of evidence that candidates’ appetite for flexibility is increasing,” said Andrew Walker, director of research analysis and communications at GMAC and the report author. “Interest in hybrid learning has grown across regions and demographic types as hybrid workplaces have also increasingly become available and expected by prospective employees. While in-person learning remains the most preferred delivery format among most candidates, its dominance among candidates is diminishing.”

Affordability and growth of quality in-region institutions reshape global student mobility.

While the United States remains the top study destination for most business school candidates globally, multi-year survey data shows that more candidates than ever before plan to apply to study within their country of citizenship instead of internationally, particularly in Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. For example, most Indian candidates now plan to apply domestically, growing from 41 percent in 2022 to 53 percent in 2023. Among them, most cited affordability as their top reason, followed by the reputation of India’s educational system. At the same time, candidates of Greater China showed less interest in studying in the U.S. with a nine-point drop since 2019, reaching a five-year low. While Chinese candidates still associate the U.S. with better preparation for their careers, a reputable educational system, and an attractive location, their interest in studying in Western Europe has largely remained strong, with a majority associating Western European programs, which tend to be shorter in duration, with affordability.

“As high-quality educational institutions and economic opportunities continue to rise in Asia, it is no surprise that many candidates would choose to stay closer to home instead of traveling afar,” said Curtis Alan Ferguson, managing partner of Ventech China and a board member of GMAC. “That said, graduate business programs in the U.S. and Western Europe still enjoy quite an advantage because of their established reputations of the educational systems and well-rounded preparation for candidate careers.”

About the Prospective Student Survey

With more than 15 years of survey responses representing all world regions, the GMAC Prospective Students Survey has provided the world’s graduate business schools with critical insights into the decision-making processes of people currently considering applying to a graduate management education program. This year’s summary report considers data collected in the 2023 calendar year from 4,105 respondents in 132 countries around the world. Among them, 42 percent are female, 61 percent are Gen Z, and 29 percent of the U.S. sample are from underrepresented populations. The survey continues to explore trends in the candidate pipeline, program preferences, and career goals, with new questions added to this year’s survey about candidate demand for equity and inclusion, sustainability, and health and well-being in their academic experiences. The report also considers surging interest in AI; evolutions in candidate expectations for flexibility; motivations behind candidate mobility from key markets; trends in certifications and micro-credentials; and the ongoing patterns in candidate career preparation and upskilling.

About GMAC

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is a mission-driven association of leading graduate business schools worldwide. GMAC provides world-class research, industry conferences, recruiting tools, and assessments for the graduate management education industry as well as resources, events, and services that help guide candidates through their higher education journey. Owned and administered by GMAC, the Graduate Management Admission Test™ (GMAT™) exam is the most widely used graduate business school assessment.

More than 12 million prospective students a year trust GMAC’s platforms, including mba.com, GMAC Tours, and BusinessBecause, to learn about MBA and business master’s programs, connect with schools around the world, prepare and register for exams, and get advice on how to successfully achieve their business education and career goals. GMAC is a global organization with offices in China, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

To learn more about our work, please visit www.gmac.com

Media Contact:

Teresa Hsu
Sr. Manager, Media Relations
Mobile: 202-390-4180
thsu@gmac.com

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