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The 2023 International Conference on Education Innovation: Redefining Learning Trends with AI

CommonWealth Education Media & Publishing

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Media OutReach - 20 October 2023 - The rapid development of artificial intelligence in recent years has opened the way for AI to revolutionize learning. The most talked-about education-related topic in 2023 is how AI and other examples of cutting-edge technology can change the way we teach our children. Concurrently, interdisciplinary learning that revolves around urban centers is also catching on around the world thanks to its culturally rich, explorative nature. The main theme of the 2023 International Conference on Education Innovation, hosted by CommonWealth Education Media & Publishing, was "AI x Education: Redefining Learning". The topics of discussion focused on education goals, learning methods, and a deep dive into "why we learn" in the era of AI. In addition to the insightful discourse on global education trends, an exciting new program in this year's forum was the series of individual seminars that zeroed in on specific concepts, such as career planning, hands-on learning, and OPEN365, an invigorating new approach to improving education with outside-the-box thinking. The aim of the conference was to inject new ideas into Taiwan's education innovation ecosystem, so that it may have a lasting effect on the education system. Nearly a thousand parents and education workers participated in the annual extravaganza. A special highlight of the conference was the talk on "The World is Your School: Making Learning Fun with Technology", which saw Teachers Lead Tech founder Monika Katkute sharing success stories from Lithuania, in which EdTech helped students expand their understanding of the world. Hsiao-Yue Tsao, Chair of the Graduate Institute of Interactive Media Design at National Taipei University of Technology, spoke about cooperation between businesses and academia that aims to advance technological education. With her guidance, participants were able to experience the new era of the Metaverse, as well as inspiring new applications in AR, VR, and XR tech that showcased the creativity and diversity of Taiwan's education scene. Taiwan's booming EdTech industry was another area of great interest, as speakers shared case studies about how AI was used to teach students to play Go, the contribution of robots and the Internet of things (IoT) on campuses, interactive online courses, the utilization of tech to promote aesthetic education for children, etc. The rich tapestry of seminars and exhibitions allowed participants to witness live demonstrations on how AI and technology can be integrated into learning. The audience was wowed by different tech applications and how technology can turn the world of education on its head while creating new business opportunities. The proposed end goal is to change the methods of "teaching" and "learning" so that the ideal of "Personalized Learning" can become reality. The 2023 International Conference on Education Innovation hosted by CommonWealth Education Media & Publishing will continue to use its media influence to build new platforms for education innovation. Through in-depth dialogue and the free sharing of ideas, it is hoped that the education ecosystem will thrive and bring about greater cooperation between academia and the private sector. Contact Details LO AN LIN roanlin@cw.com.tw

October 20, 2023 09:22 AM Eastern Daylight Time

GLOBAL ENGINEER GIRLS ACHIEVES MILESTONE IN KOSOVO TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY IN STEM

Limak

GLOBAL ENGINEER GIRLS ACHIEVES MILESTONE IN KOSOVO TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY IN STEM Prishtine, October 18, 2023 - Global Engineer Girls (GEG), the international philanthropic initiative aiming to improve women’s representation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), proudly announces the graduation of 20 young women from its flagship program in Kosovo. Implemented by Limak Group in partnership with the UNDP in Kosovo, GEG Kosovo empowers young women and girls enrolled in STEM education and provides them with opportunities to gain crucial experience in a male-dominated industry. The project aims to inspire the next generation of female engineers, and highlight the strides made towards gender equality in STEM education. The graduation ceremony marked the successful completion of a year-long journey of scholarships, training, mentorship, and internships, all provided by GEG Kosovo. The ceremony also highlighted the projects undertaken by the girls during their participation in the program, including digital communication, effective team management, personal brand-building, communication, and interpersonal skills. These projects serve as compelling evidence that extending opportunities to girls is a vital way to prepare them for successful futures in the STEM world. President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, in her speech, mentioned, "We must ensure that all our bright minds have equal opportunities to pursue the education of their choice. We need these equal minds in order to address the critical issues of our time, such as climate change and AI. We cannot afford to exclude half of our population from the most pressing challenges of our era. It is imperative to collaborate and work together to achieve equality more swiftly. These young girls serve as clear examples of the potential within our youth. It is our duty to ensure that young women and girls feel empowered to pursue their dreams, regardless of the path they choose. They must harbour no fear or hesitation in stating, 'I want it, and I will make it.' Every girl holds a guaranteed place in our future. I encourage each girl to carry forward the legacy of GEG.” Chair of Limak Holding and Limak Foundation, Ebru Özdemir, said: “It's truly an important milestone for GEG and our vision at Limak. I’m thrilled to see the progress of the GEG Kosovo participants over the past year, and I am certain they all have a bright future ahead of them. Engineering isn’t a man’s world anymore, so it is our responsibility to continue to create opportunities for young women to succeed in STEM by supporting them in their studies and careers.” GEG Kosovo extends its gratitude to its supporters, mentors, parents, and volunteers, who have enabled the success of this program. Their collective efforts have empowered young girls to overcome challenges, build confidence, and unlock their full potential. Moving forward, GEG Kosovo remains committed to expanding and enhancing its programs to reach even more young girls, empowering them to break down barriers and become leaders in STEM fields. About Global Engineer Girls Global Engineer Girls (GEG) is an international philanthropic initiative that aims to inspire the next generation of female engineers. The inception of GEG was driven by Limak Group of Companies' culture and its Chairperson's, Ebru Özdemir's, deep personal commitment to improving women's representation in STEM. GEG provides girls and women with education, mentorship and career opportunities in Turkey, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Kuwait and beyond. GEG's predecessor, the Engineer Girls of Turkey (EGT), was launched in Turkey in 2015. Since its inception in 2015, the GEG university programme has benefited 710 young women by providing support for female students enrolled in chemical, civil, computer, electrical- electronic, environmental, industrial, and mechanical engineering departments in Turkish universities. This support has included funded scholarships and mentoring by hundreds of professional volunteers, as well as online training programs, soft skills and English language courses, internships, and employment opportunities at Limak's companies and partner companies. About Global Engineer Girls Kosovo Global Engineer Girls (GEG) Kosovo was established in 2022, in partnership with Limak Kosovo and United Nations Development Programme in Kosovo. GEG Kosovo currently operates in three public universities, covering bachelor and master's programs in engineering. UNIVERSITY OF PRISHTINA "HASAN PRISHTINA", UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES IN FERIZAJ, UNIVERSITY OF MITROVICA "ISA BOLETINI" Note to editors: High-resolution images from the graduation ceremony are available in the attachment. Contact Details Highgate Advisory Ltd. Iulia Trandafir +44 7516 787557 iulia@highgate.ltd

October 19, 2023 09:59 AM Central Daylight Time

Minuteman Press Franchisees Chantal & Clifton Gideon Win Community Award, Receive Special Proclamation in Forest Park, GA

Minuteman Press International Inc

Chantal and Clifton Gideon are the owners of the Minuteman Press franchise in Forest Park, GA since June of 2021. Over the past two and a half years, Chantal and Clifton have built meaningful connections with their clients and business community. Minuteman Press in Forest Park is located at 1046 Main Street, Forest Park, GA 30297. As a result of their remarkable efforts, Chantal and Clifton were recognized earlier this year in August during National Black Business Month and awarded a Special Proclamation from the City of Forest Park. The Proclamation credits Chantal and Gideon with “serving the community with great distinction and pride” as well as “their strong grit and determination to go into business for themselves.” In addition, Chantal also completed the Leadership Clayton program offered by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce and was recognized as a member of the Class of 2023 for the program. Chantal shares her insights on networking and community involvement, building the business for over two years, and the support she’s received from Minuteman Press. What does this Special Proclamation award mean to you? What are some of the ways you are active in the community? Chantal Gideon: “To me this award serves as recognition of our involvement with the community of Forest Park and the positive relationships we’ve fostered together. It’s very important to be involved in the community as a business owner because more people know our brand, the products and services we offer as well as the quality of our work. Clifton and I are active members of our local Chamber of Commerce, we attend City Council meetings to keep abreast of community happenings as well as the rapid economic development occurring on the Main Street corridor of which our business is located. I also serve as an ambassador for our Chamber of Commerce where I attend ribbon-cuttings for new businesses and assist with welcoming new business members, etc. while offering print/marketing services to them.” What are your high-demand products and key growth areas? Chantal Gideon: “Our high-demand products and services includes business cards, books, EDDM, and flyers/brochures. We do a lot of paper printing for a wide variety of clients.” What marketing strategies have you found to be effective? Chantal Gideon: “Increasing our internet marketing spend has been very effective in keeping a constant flow of new customers/orders coming in. I am looking forward to further increasing our Minuteman Press internet marketing program spending by the end of this year due to how profitable this has been for us.” What was your background before franchising? What has the support been like for you? Chantal Gideon: “Before Clifton and I purchased our Minuteman Press franchise, I was a high school biology teacher and Clifton was an engineer at a local steel manufacturing company. Clay Trussell is our field rep and he is always super responsive with whatever we need. He’s always just a text, phone call or visit away whenever we need him. Tech support is always consistent and our RVP Dave Walton stays involved with our overall growth and long-term strategy.” Is there anything else you’d like to share? Chantal Gideon: “Networking within the community and building our brand awareness has been very rewarding. I anticipate continuing to cultivate these relationships!” Minuteman Press in Forest Park is located at 1046 Main Street, Forest Park, GA 30297. For more information, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/ga/forest-park/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

October 19, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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NewSchool Of Architecture And Design Utilizes Ambow’s (NYSE: AMBO) HybriU AI Digital Education Solution For Hybrid AI + Design Thinking Seminar Series In San Diego

Ambow Education Holding

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga The installation of the HybriU AI digital education solution at the NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego represents a significant milestone for Ambow Education Holdings (NYSE: AMBO). The education sector has been undergoing a transformation, with digital and hybrid learning becoming the new standard across all levels of education. This shift has exposed the need for suitable infrastructure to support the complexities of multi-site, hybrid digital learning. Platforms like Zoom (NASDAQ: ZM) and others have struggled to meet the diverse needs of online education. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) platforms and integration become crucial. Ambow Education is leading this revolution with its HybriU learning platform, specifically designed to meet the mounting need for a new model that effectively fuses online and offline instruction at higher-learning institutions worldwide. NewSchool, with its 40-year history in San Diego's East Village, has a strong connection to the city's development. Over the years, its students, faculty, and alumni have played a pivotal role in shaping San Diego's architectural and design landscape. As the sole accredited architecture program in San Diego, NewSchool has been a vital contributor to the local architecture and design industry. NewSchool's commitment to the local community has been evident through its faculty and students' participation in a wide range of design projects. Founded in 1980 by Richard Welsh, the school quickly established itself as a leading institution for architectural education. Notably, NewSchool students have had the opportunity to work on conceptual plans for significant locations, including Qualcomm Stadium and Westfield UTC Mall. With the installation of the HybriU AI digital education solution at NewSchool, the institution can now empower professors to conduct a series of AI and design-related seminars open to the public, in addition to on-campus and off-campus students. Seminars such as "Product Design in the AI Era," "Drones in Construction: From Preconstruction to Occupancy," and "Design Thinking and Innovation: Design in the AI Era" have not only been beneficial to the local community but Ambow reports that they have also received extremely positive feedback. Ambow's HybriU solution is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, providing students with a seamless and immersive learning experience. By integrating cutting-edge AI technology, HybriU eliminates barriers related to language, geography, academia and industry, offering students the resources needed to succeed in today's rapidly evolving world. As a pioneering innovator in technology-driven education, Ambow recognizes the need to modernize and enhance educational and workforce training. Their HybriU AI digital education solution, powered by patented OOOK technology, aims to accomplish just that. By incorporating this powerful technology, Ambow equips students with up-to-date resources, ensuring they have the skills required to thrive in the current educational landscape. The HybriU AI digital classroom comes equipped with advanced features, including AI-tracking cameras that ensure virtual students do not miss crucial information or demonstrations. Multiple microphones placed throughout the classroom capture teaching and discussions, guaranteeing a seamless learning experience without distractions or difficulties in hearing valuable information from peers or teachers. NewSchool's pilot program is an encouraging step forward for HybriU to meet the substantial market demand. The online education sector is projected to experience significant growth, with an estimated value of $602 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2% from 2022 to 2030. The advantages offered by HybriU, explicitly designed for hybrid learning, position Ambow Education as a key player in the industry, driving online learning experiences into the future. To sign up for a free demo of HybriU, visit http://www.hybriU.com or www.ambow.com. Ambow Education Holding Ltd. is a leading cross-border career educational and technology service provider, offering high-quality, individualized services and products. With its extensive network of regional service hubs complemented by a dynamic proprietary learning platform and distributors, Ambow provides its services and products to students in China and United States of America. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Kevin Derrivan kderrivan@amboweducation.com Company Website https://www.ambow.com/

October 19, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Contract Management Associations Join Forces to Globally Elevate Profession

National Contract Management Association

Reston, VA and Ridgefield, CT – October 17, 2023 – Today, the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and World Commerce and Contracting (WorldCC), the world's foremost authorities in the field of contract management, proudly announce a groundbreaking joint venture. This partnership is set to revolutionize the profession around the world. Contract management is the bedrock of successful business and social outcomes, underpinning transactions that drive economies and society forward. Recognizing the paramount importance of this profession, WorldCC and NCMA are uniting to advance a common and worldwide understanding of both public and commercial contracting practices. One of the core pillars of this joint venture is the commitment to consensus-based updates. At its heart, this collaboration aims to continually refine and expand the application of the Contract Management Standard™ (CMS™). By harnessing their collective expertise, they intend to adapt the CMS™ to accurately reflect the ever-evolving landscape of contract management in today's intricate global context and drive the growing adoption of the CMS™ for academic recognition of contract management. In addition to CMS™, this partnership will provide a wealth of guidance resources that are invaluable to professionals in the field. These resources will focus on the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within the realm of contract management. This initiative is poised to empower practitioners by unlocking the full potential of AI, leading to enhanced efficiency, precision, and innovative practices. Sally Guyer, WorldCC's Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the venture. "Our shared vision is to elevate the profession of contract management and ensure that it remains at the forefront of industry practices. By unifying our efforts, we can deliver cutting-edge guidance and resources that will empower professionals worldwide." NCMA's Chief Executive Officer, Kraig Conrad, expressed his enthusiasm for this milestone partnership, stating, "This joint venture marks a new era for contract management professionals. Together, we'll elevate CMS™ globally, setting a new standard for excellence and creating a common contracting language." The announcement was made at WorldCC's Americas Summit in Dallas TX. Further details will be discussed at NCMA's Government Contract Management Symposium November 6th and 7th in Bethesda, MD. The National Contract Management Association (NCMA), a nonprofit professional society founded in 1959, is an important resource for contract management and its nexus with related acquisition communities. With nearly 20,000 members, NCMA is dedicated to promoting excellence in the practice and profession through education, certification, and networking opportunities. NCMA serves through an open exchange of ideas in neutral forums of buyers and sellers. Visit ncmahq.org to learn more. About WorldCC World Commerce & Contracting is a not-for-profit association dedicated to helping its global members achieve high-performing and trusted trading relationships. With 75,000 members from over 20,000 organizations across 180 countries, the association welcomes everyone with an interest in better contracting: business leaders, practitioners, experts, and newcomers. It is independent, provocative, and disciplined existing for its members, the contracting community and society at large. Visit worldcc.com to learn more. Contact Details National Contract Management Association Holly DeHesa +1 281-865-3296 holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org WorldCC Kate Hodgins media@worldcc.com Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org/

October 18, 2023 04:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Contract Management Associations Join Forces to Globally Elevate Profession

National Contract Management Association

Today, the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and World Commerce and Contracting (WorldCC), the world's foremost authorities in the field of contract management, proudly announce a groundbreaking joint venture. This partnership is set to revolutionize the profession around the world. Contract management is the bedrock of successful business and social outcomes, underpinning transactions that drive economies and society forward. Recognizing the paramount importance of this profession, WorldCC and NCMA are uniting to advance a common and worldwide understanding of both public and commercial contracting practices. One of the core pillars of this joint venture is the commitment to consensus-based updates. At its heart, this collaboration aims to continually refine and expand the application of the Contract Management Standard™ (CMS™). By harnessing their collective expertise, they intend to adapt the CMS™ to accurately reflect the ever-evolving landscape of contract management in today's intricate global context and drive the growing adoption of the CMS™ for academic recognition of contract management. In addition to CMS™, this partnership will provide a wealth of guidance resources that are invaluable to professionals in the field. These resources will focus on the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within the realm of contract management. This initiative is poised to empower practitioners by unlocking the full potential of AI, leading to enhanced efficiency, precision, and innovative practices. Sally Guyer, WorldCC's Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the venture. "Our shared vision is to elevate the profession of contract management and ensure that it remains at the forefront of industry practices. By unifying our efforts, we can deliver cutting-edge guidance and resources that will empower professionals worldwide." NCMA's Chief Executive Officer, Kraig Conrad, expressed his enthusiasm for this milestone partnership, stating, "This joint venture marks a new era for contract management professionals. Together, we'll elevate CMS™ globally, setting a new standard for excellence and creating a common contracting language." The announcement was made at WorldCC's Americas Summit in Dallas TX. Further details will be discussed at NCMA's Government Contract Management Symposium November 6th and 7th in Bethesda, MD. For media inquiries, please contact: Holly DeHesa, NCMA Director of Marketing and Communications holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org Kate Hodgins, WorldCC Head of Marketing media@worldcc.com The National Contract Management Association (NCMA), a nonprofit professional society founded in 1959, is an important resource in the field of contract management. With nearly 20,000 members, NCMA is dedicated to promoting excellence in the practice and profession through education, certification, and networking opportunities. NCMA serves through an open exchange of ideas in neutral forums of buyers and sellers. Visit www.ncmahq.org to learn more. About WorldCC World Commerce & Contracting is a not-for-profit association dedicated to helping its global members achieve high-performing and trusted trading relationships. With 75,000 members from over 20,000 organizations across 180 countries, the association welcomes everyone with an interest in better contracting: business leaders, practitioners, experts, and newcomers. It is independent, provocative, and disciplined existing for its members, the contracting community and society at large. Visit worldcc.com to learn more. Contact Details NCMA Holly DeHesa +1 281-865-3296 holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org/

October 17, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Fall & Holiday Finds

News Media Group, Inc.

Contact Details Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/

October 12, 2023 01:08 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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SIGMA America Announces Results of its 4th Annual “Focused On The Fight” Charitable Giving Campaign Supporting Local Community Education

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America, a leading camera and lens manufacturer for both photography and cinema applications, announced today the results of its 4th Annual “Focused on the Fight” Charitable Giving Campaign. The initiative kicked off the new academic school year with a $50,000 contribution to schools selected by participating SIGMA dealers through DonorsChoose, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting teachers and students by funding educational projects that go beyond traditional school budgets. While this year’s charitable giving program is expected to cover 90% of U.S. states once fully funded later this month, SIGMA America’s long-term goal is to fund school projects in every state. To date, SIGMA dealers have donated to 68 schools and funded 70 school projects and will continue to grow as more projects are funded. Participating dealers are: Bedford Camera & Video, numerous locations in AK, OK, MO F32 Photo, Knoxville, TN Garland Camera Repair & Photo Imaging, Garland, TX Glazer’s, Seattle, WA Hot Rod Cameras, Burbank, CA Houston Camera Exchange, Houston, TX Nuzira, Scottsdale, AZ Pixel Connection, Avon, OH and Nashville, TN PROCAM, Detroit, MI; Chicago, IL; and Cincinnati, OH SIGMA America is grateful for and dedicated to the Long Island community which has supported its headquarters for nearly 40 years, and to the Los Angeles community that welcomed its Burbank office and showroom in 2018. As part of this charitable giving campaign, SIGMA served a total of 44 schools and funded a total of 46 projects, including the following in the Long Island and Los Angeles communities: East Islip High School, Islip, NY, “Strobe Lighting for Photography Students” project Martin Luther King Junior Elementary, Wyandanch, NY, “Strike a Pose It’s Camera Time” project Sotomayar Arts and Science Magnet School, Los Angeles, CA, “Empowering Student Filmmakers” project Logan Academy of Global Ecology, Los Angeles, CA, “Make a Statement without Saying a Word” project "We strongly believe that Sigma’s ‘picture’ – or actions – must match our words," says Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of SIGMA America. "Photography, by its creative nature, promotes awareness, compassion, and empathy; it is the heart of all we do as photographers. Nurturing and cultivating the next generation of creatives starts in the school, and it’s often the creative programs that are the first to fall victim to underfunding. We look forward to the impact this initiative will have on our communities now, and in the years to come." For the full list of funded projects and participating partners, please visit: https://www.sigmaphoto.com/focused-on-the-fight-23 SIGMA’s “Focused On the Fight” Charitable Giving Campaign was started in 2020 to assist in alleviating and eradicating Covid-19 after-effects, and in 2022 turned its focused to supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Since its inception, a generous $343,000 has been donated to charities in the United States and Ukraine, including local charities selected by 53 SIGMA participating dealers. About SIGMA Corporation of America SIGMA Corporation of America, founded in 1984, is the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation, a family-owned manufacturer of lenses, cameras and photo accessories. Headquartered in Ronkonkoma, NY, SIGMA America expanded its US operations in 2018 with the opening of SIGMA Burbank, a multifunctional showroom, event space and repairs/distribution facility located in the heart of the Los Angeles entertainment industry. Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, SIGMA has been devoted to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning still photo and cinema camera lenses, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, flashes, filters and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan. In 2012, the company introduced SIGMA Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sports. Designed for industry camera mount systems including Canon, Leica, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony and SIGMA, each lens is handcrafted and tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last. In 2016, the SIGMA Cine lens lineup was launched, further cementing SIGMA as an innovator in imaging engineering. Embodying the core optical DNA that has defined the SIGMA benchmark of excellence, SIGMA Cine lenses meet the needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production. Forming the landmark L-Mount alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic in 2018, SIGMA continues its storied tradition of imaging excellence through groundbreaking innovations such as the native L-mount SIGMA fp and fp L full-frame mirrorless digital cameras, announced in July 2019 and March 2021 respectively. These products, along with over 35 award-winning SIGMA Global Vision lenses available in native L-Mount format, demonstrate SIGMA's continued commitment to the creative community through expanded product offerings. With the fp, fp L and these lenses, even more users can now leverage SIGMA's renowned optical formula to achieve their creative vision with ease. ### For information about SIGMA America, please visit sigmaphoto.com and SIGMA Blog for helpful information about our products. Follow SIGMA America on social media! SIGMA Photo: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram SIGMA Cine: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Contact Details SIGMA +1 631-207-7381 SIGMA.PR@sigmaphoto.com Company Website https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

October 12, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Demand for Online Writing and Content Creation Jobs Intensifies, finds Freelancer.com

FREELANCER.COM

Freelancer.com (ASX: FLN) (OTCQX: FLNCF), the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace by number of users and jobs posted, today released its quarterly report revealing the most in-demand online jobs on the platform for Q3 2023. The Fast 50 Q3 2023 report, a quarterly dataset ranking the fastest growing and falling jobs on the platform, analyzed over 277,000 jobs posted by employers to Freelancer.com between July and September 2023. According to the data, the fastest growing freelance jobs by percentage growth in Q3 2023 were mostly writing, content creation and marketing related. As AI continues to advance, the need for human creativity remains strong. Employers are once again seeking freelancers to support with Creative Writing and Content Writing projects, which are up 22.4% and 19.4% respectively. A surge in demand for writing skills across the platform means there were more than 10,000 additional writing projects available in Q3 2023, which were already a trending skill evident in the previous quarter. The Q3 2023 data also indicates a consistent trend in businesses seeking freelance marketing support, with Search Engine Marketing (up 24.1%), Videography (up 17.4%) and Telemarketing (up 16.5%) seeing notable growth across the quarter. This aligns with the previous quarter's emphasis on business marketing activities. “Our Freelancer Fast 50 Report is a forward leading indicator of the skills and expertise businesses need today. Artificial Intelligence is powering a boom in content creation, particularly focusing on writing, marketing and video production skills” said Matt Barrie, Chief Executive at Freelancer. “Generative AI is superskilling freelancers and their ability to produce extremely high quality content and faster than ever before. Tools like ChatGPT and Bard have changed the game when it comes to producing and refining written content, while advances in video AI such as Runway Gen-2, HeyGen and Pika Labs means that video production and editing can be done with a click of a button.” Growth in skills like User Interface / IA (up 17.4% from 3,071 to 3,607) and UX / User Experience (up 13.9% from 1,193 to 1,359) highlight the importance of user-centric design in today's digital landscape. Data Mining (up 14.9% from 2,374 to 2,728) and Data Processing (up 10% from 11,013 to 12,115) were also amongst the top growing jobs. These skills are often associated with Sales functions and Lead Generation, which are also growing in the quarter, up 13.3% and 11.4% respectively. By leveraging freelancers to research leads, businesses can operate more efficiently and focus more on relationship building in the sales process. Design, Marketing and Video Creation Jobs Lead Year-on-Year Growth Several skills have surged in demand when comparing Q3 2022 and Q3 2023. Jobs for User Interface (UI) Design have doubled, growing by 101.9% to 3,607 from 1,786 in the same period last year. Search Engine Marketing jobs grew 80.4% (from 1,597 to 2,881) and Videography jumped by 77.1% (from 2,716 to 4,809). Fastest Falling Jobs of Q3 2023 The recent data highlights a shift in the demand for specific technical skills, which saw a significant increase last year as many tech companies laid off technical staff. There's a noticeable decline in jobs for certain established programming languages and frameworks. For instance, Matlab and Mathematica saw a 25.1% decrease (from 1,349 to 1,011 jobs). Similarly, projects requiring skills in AngularJS jobs dropped by 23.5% (from 1,722 to 1,318), while those requiring Django experts experienced a decline of 23.4% (from 1,216 to 932). C Programming, C++ Programming, and Python, which were all in-demand skills in Q3 2022, also all decreased on the platform in Q3 2023. While algorithms remain integral to many processes, there's been a reduction in specialized roles in this domain. This trend is evident in the decrease in demand for Algorithm skills, which saw a decrease of 22.5% (from 1,438 to 1,114 jobs). This might be a consequence of the advent of more intuitive tools and platforms that simplify algorithmic tasks. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fast 50 Q1 2023 - Data Analysis Writing Jobs Show No Sign Of Slowing Down The introduction of highly sophisticated and powerful generative AI tools have led many experts and commentators to predict that skills such as writing will be replaced by AI. However, the latest Fast 50 Q3 data demonstrates that writing jobs are here to stay, as content writing, creative writing, copy typing and ghostwriting jobs increase by more than 20% over the last quarter. These skills continue to flourish after reporting growth in the previous quarter on Freelancer.com, with Creative Writing ranked as the fastest growing skills in Q2 2023 (up 58%, from 1,868 to 2,961). An Increase in writing skills for two quarters in a row suggest that businesses are placing more emphasis on content creation by hiring freelancers to write articles and produce creative content. Copy Typing, the fastest growing skill for Q3’23 (up 28.7% from 6,381 to 8,213) encompasses all types of jobs from data entry to helping write e-books to transcription and typist projects. While technical projects do require degrees and past experience, most copy typing jobs can be performed by freelancers with no prior knowledge, making it a lucrative side hustle for freelancers globally. AI’s Impact on Whitecollar Jobs While writing jobs continue to flourish over the past 6 months, there is a need to understand how generative AI will impact jobs and various freelancing skills. In a longform essay titled ‘ AI know what you did last summer ’, Freelancer.com CEO Matt Barrie discusses the bleeding edge of AI technology and how he predicts these will go on the shape white-collar jobs. Barrie suggests that to be competitive in a world of AI, workers will need to adapt or move up the stack: “Those in white collar jobs will need to move ‘up the stack’. Illustrators become cinematographers. Writers become editors. Software developers become product managers. Grad students now run a research group.” Barrie also highlights that there is a major opportunity for freelancers, arguing that AI-powered freelancers will ultimately be the winners as they have the ability to compete against middle class workforces all around the world. AI’s impact on work productivity is evident in a recent AI study conducted by Freelancer.com which found that in a survey of over 1,300 US workers, a majority of those US workers (75%) are using generative AI tools in their work. One in three (33%) workers are using AI tools all the time in their work, while one quarter of US workers (25%) are using these tools sometimes and one sixth (16%) admit to never using AI at work. Marketing & Video Production Sustain Growth, Growing Every Quarter in 2023 Marketing and Video Production skills are one of the most in-demand skill categories on the platform, with data showing they’ve now grown every quarter since the beginning of the year. Search Engine Marketing (up 24.1%, from 2,321 to 2,881) ranked as the third fastest growing skill on the platform. Telemarketing (up 16.5%, from 1,054 to 1,228) has grown in Q3 as businesses turn towards more traditional marketing tactics. Sustained growth in different types of marketing skills means there are many opportunities for skilled freelancers to find unique projects on the platform. As for video production, not only is the skill up quarter-on-quarter, but both Video Production and Videography have almost doubled when compared to the same time last year, up 58.1% and 77.1% respectively. The surge in freelancer video production jobs can be attributed to the booming demand for online content, especially on platforms like YouTube (up 10.3%, from 1,174 to 1,295 jobs in Q3) and TikTok. As content is a staple in many marketing strategies, businesses are turning to freelancers to help them produce content, boosting this as a potential category for workers. Businesses Delegating Sales Functions to Freelancers As found in the Freelancer.com World’s Most Boring Job research, businesses often delegate research heavy tasks to on-demand freelancers. In turn, this allows businesses the ability to operate more efficiently and focus on more impact-based tasks. A unique trend uncovered in the Fast 50 Q3 2023 shows that businesses are leaning on freelancers to help with the research portion of the sales function. Sales and Lead Generation ranked as some of the fastest growing jobs in the quarter, up 13.3% and 11.4% respectively. Interestingly, Sales and Lead Generation both featured in the top 25 fastest growing jobs in Q2 2023. Growth in sales and lead generation is an example of how businesses are employing freelancers to help them streamline the sales process. ###### Freelancer Fast 50 The Freelancer Fast 50 report is the world’s largest forward indicator of trends in online jobs related to industries, technologies, products, and companies. The data is based on 277,000 jobs posted to the Freelancer.com platform between July 1 to September 30 2023. Fast 50 Q3 2022 vs Q3 2023 Fast 50 Q2 2023 vs Q3 2023 Data About Freelancer Twelve-time Webby award-winning Freelancer.com is the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace by total number of users and projects posted. More than 69 million registered users have posted over 23.1 million projects and contests to date in over 2,000 areas as diverse as website development, logo design, marketing, copywriting, astrophysics, aerospace engineering and manufacturing. Freelancer owns Escrow.com, the leading provider of secure online payments and online transaction management for consumers and businesses on the Internet with over US$5 billion in transactions secured. Freelancer also owns Freightlancer & Loadshift, enterprise freight marketplaces with over 550 million kilometers of freight posted since inception. Freelancer Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker ASX:FLN and is quoted on OTCQX Best Market under the ticker FLNCF. Forward-looking statements This document contains certain "forward-looking statements". The words "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "project", "forecast", "estimate", “outlook”, “upside”, "likely", "intend", "should", "could", "may", "target", "plan" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Indications of, and guidance on, future earnings and financial position and performance, including Freelancer’s FY23 outlook, are also forward-looking statements, as are statements regarding Freelancer’s plans and strategies and the development of the market. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Freelancer, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Freelancer cannot give any assurance or guarantee that the assumptions upon which management based its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct or exhaustive beyond the date of its making, or that Freelancer's business and operations will not be affected by other factors not currently foreseeable by management or beyond its control. Such forward-looking statements only speak as at the date of this announcement and Freelancer assumes no obligation to update such information. The release, publication or distribution of this document in jurisdictions outside Australia may be restricted by law. Any failure to comply with such restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws. Contact Details Freelancer.com Marko Zitko +61 404 574 830 mzitko@freelancer.com

October 12, 2023 07:09 AM Pacific Daylight Time