Author: user user

BBDO Sri Lanka’s Wajinie Mahanama named Campaign Asia-Pacific’s Women to Watch ’26

BBDO Group Sri Lanka Associate Vice President and Client Servicing Director Wajinie Mahanama has been named among Campaign Asia-Pacific’s Women to Watch 2026, recognising her contribution to the advertising industry through sustained business growth, trusted client relationships and a leadership approach grounded in accountability and purpose.

Now in its 14th year, the regional recognition celebrates 25 women across 12 markets whose expertise, business performance and influence are shaping Asia Pacific’s marketing and communications landscape. Wajinie’s selection reflects a career spanning 15 years in advertising, during which she has led major client portfolios, driven business growth and championed work that creates meaningful social impact.

BBDO Group Sri Lanka, Executive Chairman Thayalan Bartlett said: ‘Wajinie’s recognition reflects the kind of leadership that builds lasting value for clients, businesses and the industry. Her ability to combine commercial discipline with a deep understanding of people and brands has made her a trusted leader within our organisation. She represents the strength of Sri Lankan talent on the regional stage, and we look forward to seeing her continue to do big things.’

Throughout her career, Wajinie has built enduring client partnerships while leading brands across diverse sectors. Her portfolio includes campaigns and initiatives that extend beyond commercial objectives, including work supporting social awareness and behavioural change through brands such as Eva Sanitary Napkins and Atlas Sipsavi Scholarship program. Her leadership also places importance on mentoring colleagues, supporting young talent and creating an inclusive workplace.

‘Being named among Campaign Asia-Pacific’s Women to Watch is a meaningful milestone in a journey shaped by continuous learning, resilience and the people who have challenged and supported me. I believe lasting leadership comes from staying curious, honouring commitments and remaining willing to evolve. This recognition encourages me to keep contributing to the industry, supporting others and creating work that makes a difference,’ said BBDO Group Sri Lanka Associate Vice President, and Client Servicing Director Wajinie Mahanama.

Wajinie’s regional recognition is complemented by her selection in the ‘Outstanding Leadership in Advertising’ category at the Women Icon Awards powered by Times Women, India, where she was the only recipient from Sri Lanka in the category. Together, these recognitions highlight her contribution to an industry where effective leadership increasingly calls for commercial strength, adaptability and a commitment to people and purpose.

Huawei and Qualcomm announce broad patent licence agreement

Huawei and Qualcomm has announced a multi-year, broad patent licence agreement that includes cross licences to the companies’ patent portfolios across a range of technology fields, including 5G, compute, AI, and networking, together with Qualcomm’s purchase of certain Huawei US patents in the areas of compute, AI, networking, and other technologies.

This transaction will close following receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals. The agreement reflects the companies’ shared commitment to intellectual property rights and to licensing practices consistent with fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) principles.

Huawei’s Chief Intellectual Property Officer Alan Fan said: ‘Huawei’s decades of sustained investment in fundamental R and D have driven innovation and progress in mobile communications and other technology fields. Huawei’s broad contributions to the 4G/5G standards, such as the near-physical-limit signal transmission technology using polar codes, have established Huawei’s leadership in the mobile communications industry, and continuously transformed the way people communicate and live.’

‘This agreement not only demonstrates the value of Huawei’s innovations, but also recognises Qualcomm’s foundational contributions to modern communication technologies,’ Fan added.

Qualcomm Technology Licensing Executive Vice President and General Manager John Han said: ‘Qualcomm has invested in foundational wireless technologies that have enabled successive generations of mobile innovation and earned broad recognition across the global wireless industry. This agreement reaffirms industry recognition of Qualcomm’s 5G technology leadership and the success of Qualcomm’s 5G SEP licensing program. This agreement likewise reflects Qualcomm’s recognition of Huawei’s continued innovation and intellectual property in 5G and other technology fields.’

Lokoja stakeholders drum up support for Ododo’s re-election

All Progressives Congress ( APC) stakholders in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State yesterday okayed Governor Ahmed Ododo for a second term in office.

The stakeholders, including former Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Umar Immam, told reporters that, as much as they were not against power rotation, they are backing Ododo because of his performance in office.

Immam, who read the copy of an address by the stakeholders, explained that the governor performed well in all sectors in his first term in office, insisting that he (the governor) should be allowed a second term to complete his job.

He said: ”Following the political trends in Kogi State and Nigeria at large and in line with constitutional provisions, power rotation should not become a tool to deprive the incumbent Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, of the right to fulfil his constitutional rights for another term in office.

‘That we observed that Councillors, Local Government Chairmen, State Assembly members, National Assembly members and indeed Mr President are all seeking re-election for another term. It will therefore be curious to now subject the well-deserved return of Governor Ododo to an unwarranted debate.

‘That we the critical stakeholders in Lokoja, do extend our support, solidarity and commitment to the re-election of Governor Ahmed Ododo come November 2027.

‘That we call on all people of means and goodwill throughout Kogi State to join hands with us to achieve this.

‘That his re-election will not only enhance the peace that we are all enjoying at present, but it will enable him to continue and even improve on the developmental strides he has currently embarked upon in Kogi State.’

Virtuoso Elvin Hoxha Ganiyev’s performance of ‘Symphonie espagnole’ wins standing ovation in Poland [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

The performance by virtuoso violinist and Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Elvin Hoxha Ganiyev was one of the highlights of a symphony concert at the Feliks Nowowiejski Warmia and Mazury Philharmonic (Filharmonia Warminsko-Mazurska) in Olsztyn, Poland. His rendition of Édouard Lalo’s Symphonie espagnole was greeted with a standing ovation.

The concert took place as part of the philharmonic’s 81st artistic season. Néstor Bayona conducted the orchestra, while Ganiyev took center stage, performing the virtuosic solo part in one of the most expressive works in the violin repertoire.

Symphonie espagnole in D minor, Op. 21, by French composer Édouard Lalo requires not only impeccable technical skill but also strong artistic expression, a refined sense of style and the ability to convey a rich range of musical emotions. In Ganiyev’s performance, dazzling virtuosity blended with lyrical expressiveness, while the music’s temperament and energy unfolded through a dialogue between the violin and the symphony orchestra.

The Azerbaijani musician’s performance resonated strongly with the audience and concluded with enthusiastic applause, becoming one of the most memorable moments of the concert.

The School of Zakhar Bron and International Recognition

The school of the legendary violin teacher Zakhar Bron has played a particularly important role in the artistic development of Elvin Hoxha Ganiyev, regarded as one of the leading violinists of his generation. Bron has trained numerous outstanding musicians, including Maxim Vengerov, David Garrett and Su-Yeong Lee.

Ganiyev studied under Professor Zakhar Bron at the Reina Sofía School of Music in Madrid before continuing his education in Germany.

The violinist is a laureate of prestigious international competitions. In 2023, he won second prize at the International Karol Szymanowski Music Competition in Poland. His other achievements include a gold medal at the Berliner International Music Competition and awards at several other international contests.

Throughout his career, Ganiyev has performed with renowned orchestras and conductors at prestigious concert venues worldwide, establishing himself as a prominent representative of a new generation of classical musicians.

International Recordings and New Projects

Recordings have also played an important role in the violinist’s career. In 2024, he released the album Ysaÿe: Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, featuring all six sonatas for solo violin by Eugène Ysaÿe.

In February 2026, the Solo Musica label released an album featuring Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concertos in D minor and E minor, recorded with the Wrttemberg Philharmonic Orchestra Reutlingen under the baton of Howard Griffiths.

The concert in Olsztyn also featured Georges Bizet’s Symphony in C major. Performed by the Warmia and Mazury Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra under Bayona’s direction, the work enriched the evening with its orchestral depth and expressive musical drama.

Before the concert, audiences attended a session in the A Word About Music program, hosted by Witold Paprocki.

Ganiyev’s performance in Poland marked another milestone in his international concert career and reflected European audiences’ interest in Azerbaijani musical artistry.

Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan present joint Silk Road Tour in Berlin

A joint tourism route developed by Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, titled the “Joint Silk Road Highlights Tour,” has been presented in Berlin. The tour aims to promote the tourism potential of both countries in the European market and attract international visitors.

The presentation was held as part of a joint initiative under a memorandum of cooperation signed in July 2026 between the Azerbaijan Tourism Board and Uzbekistan’s National PR Center.

The project envisages creating a unified tourism product that brings together the historical and cultural heritage of the two countries and their shared traditions associated with the Great Silk Road. The initiative aims to strengthen Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan’s positions in the international tourism market and make the route more attractive to European travellers.

Representatives of more than 20 companies and over 40 German tourism industry professionals attended the presentation. Participants were introduced to a route covering the historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva in Uzbekistan, as well as Baku, Shamakhi and Sheki in Azerbaijan.

The destinations offer travellers an opportunity to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage, architectural landmarks and centuries-old traditions shared by the Azerbaijani and Uzbek peoples.

Meetings with representatives of Germany’s tourism industry formed an important part of the event. Discussions focused on developing business ties, establishing new partnerships and expanding opportunities to promote joint tourism products in the European market.

The initiative is expected to create additional opportunities for international tourism cooperation, diversify tourism offerings and increase tourist flows between the two countries. By bringing together prominent historical destinations in a single itinerary, the route offers travellers broader opportunities to discover the cultural and historical legacy of the Great Silk Road.

President Ilham Aliyev sends congratulatory letter to President of Kazakhstan

President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The letter reads as follows:

Dear Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I sincerely congratulate you and, through you, the people of your brotherly country on the national holiday of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Republic Day, and convey my best wishes.

Today, as a result of the deliberate policy pursued under your leadership, the Republic of Kazakhstan has achieved comprehensive development, made progress in all spheres, strengthened its economic potential, and gained considerable prestige on the international stage. As a brotherly country, we sincerely rejoice in Kazakhstan’s year-after-year progress and its continued achievements.

Our regular mutual visits, meetings, and active dialogue at the highest level play an important role in accelerating the development of our bilateral relations, strengthening our strategic partnership and alliance, and enriching them with new content. I highly appreciate your recent visit to Azerbaijan to participate in the 7th CICA Summit.

I am confident that Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan intergovernmental relations, drawing strength from our rich moral values and the brotherhood of our peoples, will continue to develop steadily and grow stronger through our joint efforts.

On this festive day, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your responsible state activities, and the brotherly people of Kazakhstan lasting peace, well-being, and prosperity.

Gianni Infantino thanks President Ilham Aliyev for organization of FIFA U-15 World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the organization of U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku.

In a post on his Instagram account, FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the opening ceremony held in Baku as a historic day and fantastic event.

“I thank Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov, the government, those at AFFA officials led by President Rovshan Najaf, my colleagues at FIFA, and everyone helping deliver this special competition. We are giving every young talent a chance and uniting the youth from 189 FIFA Member Associations across all six confederations to create special memories at their first-ever FIFA World Cup event,’ the FIFA President said.

The official opening ceremony of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival was held at the Baku Crystal Hall on October 24. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, their family members, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino watched the ceremony.

The match held following the opening ceremony between the Azerbaijan and Timor-Leste national teams ended with a 6-0 victory for the Azerbaijani national team.

Baku to host ICOMOS Triennial General Assembly [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan’s capital will welcome international experts in cultural heritage conservation in 2029 after being selected to host one of the major global gatherings dedicated to protecting monuments and historic sites.

Baku has been selected to host the 23rd Triennial General Assembly of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 2029.

The decision was made during the organization’s 22nd Triennial General Assembly, held on October 22 in Kuching, Malaysia.

During the event, Sadaqat Davudova, deputy chair of the Management Board of the State Tourism Agency’s Reserve Management Center, presented Baku’s candidacy to host the next assembly.

The presentation highlighted Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage, particularly monuments and historic sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as Baku’s modern infrastructure and experience in organizing international events. A video showcasing the country’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage was also screened.

Following the presentation, the ICOMOS Board decided that Baku would host the organization’s 23rd Triennial General Assembly in 2029.

Established in 2021 with the support of the State Tourism Agency, the ICOMOS Azerbaijan National Committee works to protect the country’s cultural heritage, develop international cooperation and promote professional knowledge exchange.

Azerbaijan’s cooperation with ICOMOS also includes international efforts to preserve historic sites. In 2007, a joint UNESCO-ICOMOS mission assessed conservation measures in Baku’s Walled City, home to the Shirvanshah’s Palace and the Maiden Tower. Cooperation has since expanded through professional exchanges and participation in international meetings. In 2023, Azerbaijani representatives attended the ICOMOS General Assembly in Sydney, while in 2024, the national committee translated the Venice Charter, a key international document on heritage conservation, into Azerbaijani.

Founded in 1965, ICOMOS is a global non-governmental organization dedicated to conserving monuments and historic sites. It also advises the UNESCO World Heritage Committee on the protection and preservation of cultural heritage. Baku’s selection for the 2029 assembly marks a new milestone in Azerbaijan’s engagement with the organization and international efforts to safeguard cultural heritage.

Visa: No firm timeline for stablecoin adoption in Philippines

Global payments giant Visa has yet to establish a firm timeline for the adoption of stablecoin-based money transfers in the Philippines, even as it begins commercially deploying the technology overseas to make cross-border payments faster and more efficient.

Visa Direct head for regional Southeast Asia Qinwen Xiao said the introduction of stablecoins would depend on the readiness of local financial institutions, regulators and consumers.

Stablecoins are digital assets designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to currencies such as the dollar.

‘Unfortunately, I don’t have a timeline on when exactly the consumers or businesses or financial institutions will adopt stable coins,’ Xiao said during a media briefing on Thursday.

The company said it would continue discussions with Philippine banks, financial technology (fintech) firms and regulators to explore potential applications of stablecoins in international money transfers.

The absence of a definite Philippine timetable comes as Visa expands its stablecoin capabilities globally.

On Oct. 15, Visa announced that its stablecoin-enabled prefunding service had moved from pilot testing to commercial deployment, with payments infrastructure provider Inyo Global becoming its first partner to bring the service into production.

Meanwhile, the payments company is targeting the rollout of another partner-led Visa Direct service in the Philippines within the next six months.

‘Where we are now is being able to launch it hopefully in the next six months to make that service available,’ Visa Philippines country manager Jeffrey Navarro said.

Visa Direct is the company’s money movement platform that enables banks, remittance companies and other financial institutions to send funds across borders to eligible bank accounts, payment cards and digital wallets.

Unlike stablecoin-based services, the planned rollout involves Visa Direct’s broader payment infrastructure, which allows participating institutions to facilitate international transfers using conventional currencies.

Visa has existing partnerships with Philippine banks, including Bank of the Philippine Islands, which earlier announced plans to introduce outbound international transfers through its mobile application by the first quarter of 2027.

While Visa continues to expand its payment infrastructure, its latest consumer survey showed that Filipinos remain cautious about adopting stablecoins.

The Money Travels 2026 report found that 42 percent of Filipino respondents were aware of stablecoins, although only about 20 percent had some knowledge of how the technology works.

Actual usage remained limited, with only two percent of respondents who had used international transfer services reporting stablecoin transactions.

Trust also emerged as a major obstacle to wider adoption.

Only 38 percent of Filipino respondents expressed trust in stablecoin remittances, compared with 79 percent for conventional digital transfers and 81 percent for cash-based remittances.

The survey also found that 70 percent trusted government institutions or central banks to handle digital currencies, followed by global payment networks at 68 percent and traditional commercial banks at 59 percent.

‘With the Philippines becoming one of the most dynamic remittance markets in the region, we will continue to work with regulators as well as our bank and fintech partners to make money movement solutions more responsive to the evolving needs of Filipino consumers across the globe,’ Navarro said.

The global study, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of Visa, surveyed more than 45,000 respondents across 20 markets, including 3,101 Filipino adults.

Donald Trump keeps military option open amid Iran negotiations

U.S. President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of renewed military strikes against Iran if Washington and Tehran fail to reach an agreement.

Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump was asked whether the United States might resume attacks on Iran.

‘Do you really think that if I had such an intention, I would tell you about it? There is a possibility of that. But there is also a possibility of reaching a good deal,’ Trump said.

He added that the outcome remained uncertain, stating: ‘I can see this through to the end. Or perhaps they will make a deal. I don’t know for sure. In any case, we will win.’