MONDAY, JULY 14, 2014 BUSINESS

Canon enhances IT skills of UAE youth at ICDL summer camps

DUBAI: Canon Middle East, a world leader secutive year to mark an ongoing commit- The ICDL Summer Camps is taking place Vocational Education - KHDA. have received for this year’s ICDL Summer in imaging solutions, is supporting the ment with the organization to enhancing IT from June 29 to August 28 at universities Anurag Agrawal, Managing Director, Camp. Now on its 13th year, ICDL returns International Computer Driving License pro- skills and social responsibility amongst across the UAE are being supported or Canon Middle East, said: “As a company that with its strategic aim to empower GCC gram (ICDL) Summer Camp for the fifth con- youth in the UAE and across the region. organized by the ICDL GCC Foundation to encourages creativity and technological youth with essential skill to enable them to spread digital competency and cyber safety innovation, Canon Middle East looks for- use social media and the Internet safely and through recreational activities hosted by ward to contributing to the ICDL Summer responsibly. We extend our thanks to our Canon and other partners. ICDL GCC Camp every year to help strengthen IT skills sponsors, partners and stakeholders for Foundation works under the umbrella of of youth in the UAE. While this generation of their strong show of support for this year’s ICDL Arabia, the governing body and the students has a high level of digital compe- initiative. “ certification authority of the International tency, it is crucial to share tips and tricks to He added: “We would like to particularly Computer Driving License program in the ensure cyber safety from a young age. acknowledge Canon, which is known the GCC, Iraq and Egypt. “At Canon we implement the philosophy world over to be not only an industry leader About 1,700 students aged 14 to 18 of Kyosei, which encourages our employees in imaging and optical products, but also a across all seven emirates of the UAE will and partners to live and work together for responsible corporate citizen evidenced by have the opportunity to attend interactive the common good. Encouraging the its generous contributions towards good workshops on topics related to Wi-Fi and responsible use of technology and the cause initiatives such as ours. We look for- connectivity showcased in Canon cameras Internet as a lifelong skill will help enhance ward to continue working closely with the and printers and photography booths will the user experiences of the local communi- Canon group in meeting our commitment feature the technologically advanced ty and boost the opportunities for high-tech towards today’s youth and preparing them Powershot N100. Participating universities innovations from the region.” for a digitally-enhanced future.” Canon include University, Higher At the summer camps, high achieving Middle East serves as an active partner in Colleges of Technology CERT and UAE students will have the opportunity to win the communities it operates in, by working University in both Abu Dhabi and Al-Ain, cameras in recognition of their work and all with governments, scientific, academic, the National Academy for Research and participants will receive vouchers for use on humanitarian, and arts and culture organi- Development in , camp locations in Canon consumer products. Jamil Ezzo, zations, to integrate corporate social and all northern emirates which will Director General, ICDL GCC Foundation, responsibility across all elements of the be operated by the National Institute for said: “We are thrilled by the response we business. jewellery growth drive continues

BELGAUM: Globally renowned jewellery retailer one of the world’s largest retail chains and is showroom features dazzling collections and Joyalukkas, has continued its rapid growth plans present in 10 countries which include , exquisite designs in gold, diamond, precious for the year 2014 successfully. The world’s London, UAE, , , , stones, platinum and pearl. The collections have favourite jeweller has ventured into the dynamic , , and . The jewellery a mix of traditional, ethno contemporary and city of Belgaum from July 11, 2014 onwards. The retailer currently has a customer base of over 10 international designs that have won the hearts signature Joyalukkas showroom in Belgaum was million customers worldwide and offers over 1 and following of customers around the world. inaugurated by superstar Kiccha Sudeep in the million choices in all types of jewellery at each of Kiccha Sudeep, the brand ambassador for presence of various dignitaries and VIP’s at a its showroom. Joyalukkas, said, “I would like to extend my grand celebration during the opening. Every Said (Chairman & MD, Joyalukkas hearty congratulations and best wishes to resident of Belgaum was personally invited for Group), “Our plan for 2014 includes strengthen- Joyalukkas for their foray into Belgaum. I am the celebration, which showcased the world’s ing our jewellery retail presence across various delighted for the residents of Belgaum because they are soon going to experience the best in jewellery shopping.” ‘Trust’ is an integral part of the Joyalukkas offer which is managed through ensuring assur- ance and peace of mind to customers on their jewellery purchase. The retail chain manages this through strict adherence to quality and interna- Weak global economy keeps tionally accepted standards eg. 100 percent IGI certified diamonds, BIS Hallmark gold jewellery inflation abnormally low and PGI certified platinum jewellery etc. Joyalukkas, is also the first and only ISO 14001- Where did inflation go? 2006 & ISO 9001-2008 certified jewellery retail chain, “My vision for our jewellery business is to KCIC WEEKLY ANALYSIS ON ASIA ‘ornament the world’ by offering customers the best mix of price, choice, convenience and serv- The past five years have been marked by stubbornly high in Europe at more than 11 ice and me and my team work every single day the near-total absence of inflation in the percent. In the United States, the participa- to ensure this at all times. I’m sure Belgaum resi- global economy. This is the result of two fac- tion rate remains at historical lows and the dents will love our dazzling jewellery collections tors: a weak economy and luck. Since the credit tightening in China is making many and designs and the great experience we plan to beginning of the crisis in 2008, central banks factories operate below potential. This trend offer them” added Joy Alukkas, Chairman & MD in the four largest economies of the world shows in core inflation, the part of inflation Joyalukkas group. (United States, China, Europe and Japan) that is directly related to the domestic activi- BELGAUM, India: Joyalukkas inaugurated another showroom in Karnataka in Belgaum by brand ambas- Other unique feature of Joyalukkas jewellery have almost tripled the amount of money ty in each country. Core prices rose 0.8 per- sador stylish star Kiccha Sudeep in the presence of dignitaries like Feroz Sait (MLA Belgaum North), Joy includes consumer friendly value added into the economy. Economic theory says that cent in Europe and 1.9 percent in the United Alukkas (Chairman & MD Joyalukkas Group), PD Jose (DGM-Gold Joyalukkas Group), PD Francis (DGM - schemes like ‘Easy gold schemes, Joyalukkas such a large amount of fresh money should States. China, which as an emerging econo- Retail Joyalukkas Group), and Joseph Kunjappu (Regional Manager - Karnataka and Delhi). Golden Rewards Card, 100 percent buy back have created high prices across the world. my is supposed to experience higher infla- guarantee and more. However, inflation remains weak. China tion, had a core inflation rate of only 1.7 per- favourite jewellery shopping experience. parts of India and opening our showrooms in This international jewellery retail chain is also released last week its June inflation data, cent. The output gap is still large in these Joyalukkas Jewellery is a retail chain with 95 cities and towns that we feel is ready for the one of few retail chains to be recognised with revealing further deceleration. Prices rose 2.3 economies and there are large pools of showrooms spread across 10 countries around Joyalukkas experience. For the sugar bowl of many awards and accolades for its exceptional percent year-on-year (YoY), a deceleration resources (labor, factories, machinery, capi- the world and today is a part of the multi-billion Karnataka i.e. Belgaum we have planned the standards in jewellery retailing. It’s popular from May’s 2.5 percent. The level of inflation tal) that are not being used. dollar global conglomerate, which has various sweetest and best experience in jewellery shop- showroom has been recognised by the considered “adequate” by Chinese authori- The second factor explaining these low business interests. The Joyalukkas Group busi- ping.” Limca Book of records for being the largest jew- ties is 3.5 percent, but on average, prices rose prices is pure luck. Even in an environment of ness interests today include jewellery, money The Joyalukkas Belgaum showroom is locat- ellery showroom in the world. Joyalukkas has only 2.5 percent in the last 12 months. weak economic activity, food and energy exchange, fashion and silks, luxury air charter, ed at Khade Bazar, and offers ample parking also been awarded the prestigious ‘Superbrand’ India, which saw inflation levels above 10 prices can create an inflationary spiral. malls and real estate. Joyalukkas Jewellery is space and a very extensive shopping area. The status five years in a row in the UAE. percent in 2011, had only 5.5 percent in 2014 Natural disasters such as droughts or floods so far. A similar situation is taking place in in food producing countries can spark infla- Europe. In June, prices rose only 0.5 percent tion across the world, particularly in emerg- in the 18 countries of the euro zone, the ing countries where food represents a larger same rate than a month earlier and a four- share of the inflation basket. However, good year low. The official task of the European yields and the absence of weather-related Central Bank is to ensure that inflation does disasters have produced abundant food in not go beyond the 2 percent threshold for a international markets, keeping prices low. sustained period of time, but over the last Over the last 12 months, rice prices declined year, with inflation averaging 0.9 percent, the 5.3 percent, soybean prices fell 16.5 percent, bank is facing the unexpected threat of wheat decreased by 11 percent and corn deflation. The GCC is not an exception. May prices declined 43 percent. These are the data show that growth in prices in the last most important global crops and are a key year has been weak, mostly in the 2 to 3 per- factor in explaining the current level of low cent range ( 2.1 per- prices particularly in countries like the GCC cent, Saudi Arabia 2.7 percent and Kuwait 2.9 which are heavily dependent on food percent) imports. Central banks want inflation back, The first driving factor of low inflation is but not all of it, only the “good” inflation the persistent weakness in the global econo- resulting of a healthy level of economic activ- my. In spite of the many analyses announc- ity. Unfortunately, macro indicators suggest ing the pickup in global growth over the last that good inflation is unlikely to appear any few years, recovery has not occurred and it’s time soon. In the meantime let’s keep our unlikely to take place any time soon. Signs of fingers crossed hoping that “bad” inflation slack are abundant: unemployment remains will remain low.

Air India joins Star Alliance

Air India has scripted a new chapter in India’s Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa existing member carriers. This will provide pas- aviation history by becoming the first airline from Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian sengers with more options in earning and India to be inducted into the world’s leading Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, redeeming, upgrading and obtaining Star global airline consortium, Star Alliance. On June Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Alliance Gold status. 23, 2014, the Star Alliance Central Executive Board Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, Passengers holding Star Alliance Gold status MSRY Behbehani excels at Isuzu voted in favor of Air India to become its 27th TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI and United. have access to more than 1,000 lounges across member airline. Air India will start offering the Overall, the Star Alliance network presently offers the global network, can check-in at specially des- Service ME Grand Prix Competition alliance benefits and privileges to customers from more than 18,000 daily flights to 1,269 airports in ignated counters, have an increased baggage July 11, 2014. 193 countries. allowance and receive priority boarding and bag- KUWAIT: Mohammad Saleh & Reza Yousuf Behbehani Isuzu Service Team is delighted to Air India operates to a network of 50 destina- Some of the benefits and privileges that will gage delivery. All these benefits will also be pro- Behbehani Company, the authorized distributor receive these significant awards, thanks to the tions in India and 33 international, covering 23 be available to passengers flying Air India from vided by Air India. of Isuzu vehicles for the State of Kuwait, has out- excellent support from our Ideal Partner Isuzu, countries. Presently, with a total of 387 daily July 11, 2014: A seamless travel experience across Besides this, member airlines of Star Alliance shone again bagging several awards at the Isuzu Japan, Thailand and the Middle East departures which include 289 domestic and 89 a vast global network, besides premium customer will now have an improved access to a region Service Middle East Grand Prix Skill Competition Operations, said Talal Behbehani, Director. international, out of its primary hub Delhi and recognition and benefits across member airlines. which includes the world’s fifth largest aviation 2014, held in Dubai last month. Out of 11 team “These honors will further strengthen and secondary hub Mumbai, Air India offers the best By coordinating arrival and departure times, market. Membership to the Alliance will bring Air participated from the Middle East Dealers, the encourage us to deliver continuously the high- of connectivity and frequency. A mixed fleet of 95 Star Alliance member airlines have optimized India value in terms of revenue generation and Behbehani Isuzu Service Team won the follow- est level of customer enthusiasm that exceeds aircraft, including the state-of-the art Dreamliner connections within the network and considerably cost reduction. Member carriers work on joint ing prestigious accolades in the tough competi- customer expectation” Behbehani added. B787, ensure a comfortable flying experience. reduced waiting times for passengers. Through purchasing initiatives like fuel and fleet coordina- tion: Top Rank Team in “Academic Test”; Top Rank Mohammad Saleh & Reza Yousuf Behbehani The Star Alliance network was established in check-in, joint ticketing, check-in and baggage tion and collocation of information technology - Academic Test Individual; Best Performance Company the Sole Distributor of Isuzu since 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to facilities, collocation and connection teams at key projects. Air India will have the benefit of adopt- Award; and Second Place in the ME1 -Grand Prix. 1973, have a full-fledged service center at Al- offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless airports will all help offer a smooth travel experi- ing the global best practices, branding and global In addition, the Isuzu Service Team was suc- Rai, equipped with modern technologies, sup- service to the international traveller. The member ence. visibility. We wish our passengers a pleasant flying cessful in winning second position in the ported by factory trained technical and non- airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Reciprocal frequent flyer benefits between Air experience on Air India, a member of Star Middle East Isuzu Service Dealer of the Year technical staff to provide the best services in Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana India’s Flying Returns program and those of the Alliance. Award 2014, a remarkable achievement. “The town to its valued customers.