Latest news with #ASCI
The Hindu
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Kargil war veteran turns filmmaker to fight suicide crisis, wins accolades
Gurrapu Jagadishwar Rao, a former Group Captain of the Indian Air Force and Kargil War veteran, has turned to cinema to spread awareness about suicide prevention. The 67-year-old from Kazipet, Telangana, has produced a feature film titled September-10 — named after World Suicide Prevention Day — as part of his ongoing efforts in mental health advocacy. Captain Rao is also credited with influencing the Telangana government to launch a 24x7 toll-free suicide prevention helpline (104) after he authored a book in Telugu on preventive strategies. 'I witnessed the supreme sacrifices of my colleagues during the war. In contrast, I was deeply moved by the preventable deaths by suicide of farmers, students, entrepreneurs and lovers, each case a tragic waste of life. To check this tendency, I visited many villages in Telangana and spoke to the kin of those who died by suicide. I was doing my management course at the ASCI, Hyderabad, during my research on suicides,' Captain Rao says. Following his retirement in 2016, Captain Rao resolved to dedicate his life to suicide prevention. 'Cinema is the most powerful medium to reach the masses. That's why I produced this film in both Kannada and Telugu with English subtitles, to offer hope and educate people through stories drawn from real-life situations,' he explains. The movie recently won three awards — Best Social Film, Best Concept Film and Best Director — at the 17th International Film Festival of Hyderabad Charminar (IFFHC) 2025. Veteran director Om Sai Prakash, who helmed the project, received the Best Director award. 'I am thankful to the director for translating the essence of my book into a compelling narrative,' says Captain Rao, who previously implemented a successful suicide prevention model within the IAF during his service as a Class-I Education Officer. Though September-10 is yet to be released in theatres, it has already attracted critical acclaim. Popular South Indian actor Suman, who attended the festival screening, remarks, 'The film presents the subject of suicide with honesty and emotional depth. It is more than a film; it is a mirror to the silent struggles of people from different walks of life. It urges society to listen, empathise and act with compassion.' Sarah Afreen, a psychiatrist from the Institute of Mental Health at Erragadda in Hyderabad, also praises the film for its psychological depth and sensitivity. 'The film avoids sensationalism and portrays suicide as the result of prolonged emotional suffering, loneliness or trauma. The characters are portrayed with authenticity, making their pain both palpable and relatable,' she says. She adds that the film effectively captures psychological themes through symbolic cinematography using silence, shadows and visual metaphors to communicate isolation and despair. 'It underscores the role of empathy and timely psychological support. Even a single compassionate conversation can make a difference,' notes. A narrative of 5 stories Possibly the first feature film globally to depict a wide spectrum of suicides in a single narrative, September-10 is structured around five interconnected stories. Each segment highlights a different trigger while advocating preventive measures. Farmer Suicides focuses on economic distress caused by crop failures, mounting debts and societal pressures, including dowry demands. Lovers' Tragedy is a rural love story involving two agricultural graduates who are torn apart by class divide and parental opposition, leading the couple to despair. Businessman's Crisis is centered on a self-made entrepreneur who faces financial ruin after risky investments made to meet his spouse's unrealistic ambitions. Student Struggle explores the tension between parental academic expectations and a teenager's passion for sports, leading to internal collapse. Parental Pressure is about a girl, who, burdened by her mother's demand for near-perfect academic scores to secure an overseas job, spirals into hopelessness. A psychiatrist character connects the five narratives, guiding the families toward recovery and reinforcing the central message that suicide is preventable through understanding, timely intervention and emotional support. The film also features stories of people with physical and intellectual disabilities who defy adversity, sending a message of resilience and hope. 'September-10 is not just a film, it is a movement. It urges society to see the warning signs, have open conversations and ensure no one feels so alone that death seems like the only way out. The film's runtime is 1.52 hours,' Captain Rao said, adding that he spent ₹80 lakh on the film production. Several NGOs and associations in Hyderabad are gearing up to screen the movie in September and October for students and the public at large. (Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State's health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416. and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)
Associated Press
22-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Christine Hopkins Receives 2025 Vistage Leadership Award for Transformational Leadership and Business Resilience
Christine Hopkins, President, CEO, & Managing Owner of the ASCI Family of Companies, is the recipient of the Vistage 2025 Leadership Award for Alaska region 'Christine exemplifies what it means to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction'— Rick Wolk, Vistage Chair ANCHORAGE, AK, UNITED STATES, July 22, 2025 / / -- Vistage, the world's largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses, has named Christine Hopkins, President, CEO, and Managing Owner of the ASCI Family of Companies, as the recipient of its 2025 Leadership Award for the Alaska region. The Vistage Leadership Award celebrates exceptional leaders who demonstrate bold vision, purpose-driven leadership, and a profound impact on their organizations and communities. Hopkins leads the ASCI Family of Companies, which includes Advanced Supply Chain International LLC and ASCI Federal Services LLC. Headquartered in Anchorage, ASCI is a woman-owned small business delivering mission-critical supply chain, logistics, and asset management services to both federal and commercial clients nationwide. Her leadership journey, rooted in Human Resources and honed through real-world adversity, became transformational in 2020 when the company lost its largest client at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Facing a projected 90% revenue loss, Hopkins chose not to shut the company down. Instead, she led a strategic pivot from commercial services to federal contracting: restructuring operations, building new competencies, and guiding the company into a new era of sustainable growth. 'Vistage gave me the tools, the peer community, and the perspective I needed to lead through crisis, not with fear, but with purpose and personal accountability,' said Hopkins. 'This award reflects the courage and commitment of our entire team at ASCI.' Since implementing this bold transformation, ASCI has grown from 7 to over 60 team members and expanded annual revenue from $1.4 million to a projected $7.9 million in 2025. In addition to winning a $25 million federal contract with the Fleet Readiness Center East, ASCI continues to invest in systems, culture, and workforce development, including active advocacy for veteran and military spouse employment through initiatives like the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) and the SkillBridge program. 'Christine exemplifies what it means to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction,' said Rick Wolk, her Vistage Chair. 'She has transformed not only her company, but the lives of her team and the communities they serve. She successfully navigated a very, very difficult path and did that with humility and grace. Our Vistage group is better because of Christine.' Hopkins was also recently named the 2025 SBA Alaska Small Business Person of the Year, further recognizing her impact on Alaska's economy and small business community. About ASCI Advanced Supply Chain International LLC and ASCI Federal Services LLC are part of the ASCI Family of Companies, based in Anchorage, Alaska. Since 1999, ASCI has provided supply chain and asset management consulting and services to commercial and government customers. The company specializes in procurement, contracting, warehousing, inventory management, transportation coordination, and surplus material disposition. To learn more about the ASCI Family of Companies, visit About Vistage Vistage is the world's largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, Vistage has helped business leaders solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and executive coaching. Today, more than 45,000 members in 35 countries rely on Vistage to grow their companies and lead with greater impact. For more information about Vistage, visit Rosita Johnson ASCI Family of Companies [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Indian advertising's masculinity maze: 94% of ads miss evolving male identity
A new report, "The Indian Masculinity Maze," from Kantar, in collaboration with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and UN Women Unstereotype Alliance, suggests a growing disconnect between how urban Indian men perceive themselves and how they're shown in advertising. The report urges brands to re-evaluate their portrayals of men, highlighting that more authentic representation can lead to improved business outcomes. The study combined a survey of 880 urban Indian men aged 18 to 45 across eight cities with an analysis of over 450 TV advertisements. It found that while male identities are evolving, advertising often lags. The evolving Indian man Today's Indian men are navigating complex shifts. They're dealing with emotional pressures, taking on more diverse roles at home, and rethinking their own self-perceptions. However, advertising often sticks to a more traditional, stoic image. For example, 71 per cent of men in the survey agreed that "real men don't cry," yet many also feel this expectation is outdated and emotionally limiting. Younger men, particularly Gen Z, are more open to expressing emotions and embracing change. Still, 41 per cent of Millennials and 31 per cent of Gen Z men feel negatively represented in advertising, a contrast to older generations. Men frequently report suppressing emotions like fear, loneliness, and vulnerability—feelings rarely seen in mainstream advertisements. Where advertising misses the mark The analysis of advertisements revealed a continued reliance on outdated masculine stereotypes. Only six per cent of male characters explicitly showed respect or emotional care towards women, and 94 per cent of ads did not challenge traditional male roles. Men's voices were used for 43 per cent of voiceovers, compared to 31 per cent for women, suggesting male authority even in narratives involving both genders. Furthermore, household and caregiving roles were present in only one per cent of ads featuring men, despite Indian men reportedly being more open to sharing domestic responsibilities. This gap between reality and advertising portrayals could be a missed opportunity for brands. The business impact of authentic portrayals The report also indicates that moving beyond stereotypes isn't just about social progress; it can be good for business. It shows that advertisements depicting men as empathetic and emotionally nuanced can lead to a significant lift in long-term brand equity and increased short-term sales likelihood. Brands that include diverse perspectives in their ad testing, particularly in personal care and household categories, often see better performance across all genders. Gen Z: A missed opportunity Gen Z men, despite their openness to more varied expressions of masculinity, often feel misunderstood or caricatured in advertising. Over 60 per cent of them believe that confidence, control, and appearance are overly emphasised in ads. While 48 per cent feel that grooming is shown with excessive pressure, 32 per cent believe that men's parenting roles are underrepresented. This generation is navigating a blend of tradition and change and current advertising may not be effectively connecting with their experiences. A path forward for brands The report offers six suggestions for brands to better connect with modern masculinity : Portray real lives: Show men dealing with everyday challenges like health, work stress and caregiving. Represent shared roles: Normalise men in caregiving and emotional labor roles, not as exceptions. Focus on the emotional journey: Depict men as individuals who are still figuring things out, rather than always confident and composed. Test inclusively: Include male perspectives in ad testing, especially for products where masculinity and consumption intersect. Model contemporary masculinity: Blend resilience with vulnerability and leadership with empathy, allowing men to be soft, reflective, or even indecisive. Colour the whitespace: Address unmet needs in areas like health, identity, and emotional well-being, which represent both creative and category opportunities. The report also suggests that by understanding the evolving realities of Indian men, brands can create more relevant and effective advertising that resonates with a broader audience and potentially drives stronger commercial results.
Mint
17-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Gen Z leads the way: Indian men demand nuanced portrayals from ads
Indian men, particularly Gen Z, are challenging the way advertising depicts masculinity. A new Kantar study highlights how urban Indian men feel that ads continue to rely on outdated views, portraying them as stoic, confident providers rather than as emotionally complex individuals navigating modern life. Kantar conducted this study, surveying 880 men aged 18-45 across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Pune. The study aimed to understand the roles men play in both private and professional spheres and how advertisers depict these roles. Additionally, Kantar analysed 457 Indian TV ads to identify traditional male and female roles. The findings, shared exclusively withMint, sought to chart the experiences of Indian men and explore their intersection with brand stories in advertising. Progressive advertising is a proven growth lever. Brands that reflect real, relatable masculinity outperform on metrics such as trust, relevance, and purchase intent, it said. Also Read: Are quick commerce platforms operating in a grey zone with cigarette sales? In fact, 41% of millennials (28-43 years) surveyed feel negatively represented in advertising, while 31% of Gen Z feel the same. The report indicates that urban Indian men are transitioning from traditional roles of being caretakers and emotionally resilient figures to valuing greater partnership at home and appearing more vulnerable. This shift is particularly pronounced among younger, urban men (Gen Z), who are actively rejecting traditional portrayals and seeking more nuanced and holistic representation in popular media. "Indian men are not a monolith. Their roles are expanding, their expectations shifting, and their emotional space deepening. Their aspirations are influenced not just by career goals, but by questions of identity, partnership, health, and well-being. Yet advertising still leans on dated tropes that fail to reflect the full picture," according to the report, anchored by Kantar along with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). Kantar observed that dominant advertising narratives continue to rely on familiar portrayals of men—the confident provider, the emotionally distant achiever, the unflinching decision-maker. These characters may feel familiar, but they no longer feel complete, it added. Men today describe a reality for themselves that is more 'complex, more conflicted, and more emotionally nuanced". Those surveyed also said that ads under-represent traditional pressures like financial responsibility or internal conflict. "Men are feeling a bit alienated in the mainstream narrative, globally and in India. There is a moment of reconsideration for masculinity. Men are evolving, but advertising hasn't yet caught up. Men are more diverse, more plural, and are more nuanced compared to the relative stereotyping that they see of themselves in advertising," Soumya Mohanty, managing director and chief client officer, Kantar, said in an interview withMint. In fact, Kantar found that the majority of ads in categories like personal care, food, and household are still tested only among women, even when men are visible users, buyers, or influencers. In personal care, only 8% of ads were tested among all genders, while 87% were tested only with women. Even in food and Beverages, male representation in testing remains low. Roles and appearances Those surveyed said they are tired of having to appear confident and feel disconnected from societal portrayals that rarely reflect their real lives. They are also under pressure to succeed and provide without showing any visible signs of doubt. Men also fear loneliness and failure. However, advertisers said such a change is hard to come by immediately. "In small towns and cities (up country India) men want to be seen as macho and also see macho men on screen. Social hierarchies exist in a country like India, and they remain very well defined. There is nothing wrong or right about it. At the end of the day, it's about a brand's point of view and who they are targeting," said Sandeep Goyal, managing director at advertising agency Rediffusion. Among other findings, a large majority of men (71%) still believe "a real man should never cry," indicating that the stigma around emotional openness continues to restrict men's ability to express vulnerability. For instance, men don't strongly believe domestic tasks are off-limits for them, but they perceive that ads reinforce this idea. Many men feel ads exaggerate traditional portrayals, especially concerning domestic roles. Also Read: Prada delegation land in Kolhapur over ₹1 lakh 'Kolhapuri' sandals Ads also standardise the notion of the way men are expected to look, while overt reliance on grooming is also often critiqued. For instance, across the 457 ads reviewed by Kantar, one profile largely dominates that of the clean-cut, medium-toned, and middle-aged man. The range of male portrayals is repetitive. Men aged 20-39 lead male representation (32%), while older and teenage males are nearly invisible. Medium skin tone dominates (36%), with light (13%) and dark (6%) tones far less visible. Regular physiques appear in 45% of ads, with fitness extremes being rare. Gender roles To be sure, in a large and complex market like India where traditional roles of caregiving and domesticity often openly fall squarely on women, and where women aren't always encouraged to work or find meaningful employment, any shifts in their financial status or their ability to take on stronger decision-making roles, both outside and within the home, are certainly worth capturing in popular media. Kantar's Mohanty said that over the past decade, advertisers have done a great job capturing the shift in women being more progressive and financially independent. For instance, more ads now show women in demanding jobs, dismantling notions around appearances or even single mothers raising children. Meanwhile, Kantar suggests that brands should move beyond 'high-achieving" archetypes of men in advertisements and feature men navigating the demands of real life, dealing with health concerns, work stress, caregiving responsibilities, or managing uncertainty. Also Read: Cooling edible oil prices, good monsoon stoke AWL's optimism for strong demand Similarly, highlighting caregiving, nurturing, sharing domestic responsibilities, and emotional labour should be portrayed as 'regular" parts of life for men, not exceptions. Additionally, male characters cooking, helping children get ready for school, or discussing emotions with partners should become standard, not symbolic. Men in ads are shown as "already sorted, already wise, already transformed." However, for many, the reality is they are "still figuring things out." Brands should show the in-between, where men are working under pressure and learning to express themselves.
Borneo Post
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
More than a game: How a Miri lass made Scrabble a global bridge
The participants focus on their game during ASCI 2025 at the KPPI in UM, Kuala Lumpur. WHEN 22-year-old Vanessa Ting Mei Yu stood in the heart of the buzzing Research and Innovation Management Complex (KPPI) at Universiti Malaya (UM) in Kuala Lumpur, surrounded by rows of Scrabble boards and focused players from across the globe, she was not just witnessing a tournament. The young woman was truly living her dream. A second-year pharmacy student from Miri, Vanessa had just led one of the biggest students-run Scrabble tournaments in the world – the ASTAR Scrabble Challenge International (ASCI) 2025. 'Becoming the director of ASCI really pushed me to a level that I never imagined,' she told thesundaypost in Kuching. 'There were moments when I doubted myself, but then, I reminded myself that I was doing this not just for the event, but to prove what students like us were capable of.' The recent ASCI 2025 brought together around 230 players of different ages and backgrounds, not only from Malaysia but also from countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Sweden, New Zealand, Thailand, and the Philippines. The event was organised by the committee of UM's First Residential College (KK1), endorsed by the Malaysian Scrabble Association (MSA), and sanctioned by the World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPA). Over the years, ASCI has earned the reputation as one of the most recognised international Scrabble competitions. This year's edition featured a mix of seasoned veterans and enthusiastic newcomers, ranging in ages from 10 to 86. Among them was the legendary Nigel Richards, widely hailed as the 'Greatest of All Time' (GOAT) having clinched five 'World Scrabble Championships' in English, as well as in French. His presence added prestige and excitement to an already-electrifying tournament. Players competed in four main categories: Under-12, Under-15, Under-18, and Open. Guiding the organising team alongside Vanessa were advisors Dr Mohd Nur Ashraf Mohd Yusoff and Nor Arissa Yasmin Abdul Mo'men, whose experience was invaluable throughout the months of preparation. What made ASCI 2025 truly special was not just its size, but also the dedication, the teamwork and the heart that brought it all together. Legendary Scrabbler, Nigel Richards (front) seen during the intense ASCI 2025's Masters game. He won the category. Leadership with a mission Vanessa's journey with ASCI began last year when she first served as its treasurer, and later, she stepped up as director – a bold move motivated by a desire to grow and create something meaningful. 'I wanted to challenge myself. Being part of the team made me realise how much potential ASCI had to become something lasting and impactful,' she said. 'I learned so much, especially about leadership, communication, and working with people,' she added. Balancing academic life with the responsibilities of running an international event was not easy, though. From handling venue logistics and registrations, to managing a team and handling endless messages, Vanessa was constantly on her feet. Still, her persistence paid off. The tournament ran seamlessly and drew the attention of the global Scrabble community. 'I wanted ASCI to be more than just a competition,' she said. 'I wanted it to be a space where young people could learn, connect and feel inspired – all through Scrabble.' Vanessa (left) and fellow member of the organising committee seen at the ASCI 2025. More than just a game To some people, Scrabble may look like a quiet board game, but at the competitive level, it is a fast-paced mental battleground. Every move demands sharp strategy, strong command in vocabulary, and a calm focus. 'Scrabble is where language meets logic,' said Vanessa. 'It's not just about fancy words, as it is also about quick thinking, staying calm, and adapting as the game unfolds.' Since its debut in 2006, ASCI has grown into one of Southeast Asia's most respected Scrabble tournaments. According to Vanessa, Scrabble is a game where language meets logic. Aside from a one-year pause in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been held annually and has consistently attracted passionate players from across the region. Beyond gameplay, ASCI upholds the values of the '3Ms': 'Membaca', 'Menulis', 'Mengira' (Reading, Writing, Arithmetic), while fostering critical-thinking and global friendships. This year's event also hosted some of the top-ranked global players like Hubert Wee and Toh Wei Bin from Singapore, and Thacha Koowirat from Thailand, as well as Malaysia's own elite William Kang and Ahmad Amirul Hakimi. Also present were international icons like Manop Phiphatboonserm of Thailand, Douglas Tsang of Hong Kong, and Mohamad Ali Ismail, the president of the MSA. Young players attempt to outdo one another in their category. Sarawak pride on the board Vanessa was not the only one flying the Sarawak flag high. Three young players – Delbert Tiong Guo-Yi, Herby Liew Yong He, and Shelifina Dangkan – represented the state with pride and passion. For Delbert, ASCI 2025 was deeply meaningful. 'It was a proud and unforgettable experience. I wasn't just playing for myself, but for Sarawak and everyone who has supported me,' said the student from Catholic High School in Sibu. One of his highlights was finally beating his long-time Malaysian rival Dresden Lim, who had previously defeated him by over 100 points at a previous World Youth Scrabble Championship. 'This time, I won and it meant the world to me. It felt like all the hard work finally paid off.' Herby, from SMK Simunjan No 1, echoed that sentiment. 'There aren't many Scrabble players in Sarawak, so I really hope that my journey would encourage more people to give it a try, even if it's just for fun.' His toughest challenge came from Tsang, whom he faced three times. 'I won two of those games. It was intense, but I stayed focused and calm.' Herby, who placed second in the Open category, accepts the prize from UM First Residential College principal Dr Mohd Istajib Mokhtar (right), as Mohamad Ali looks on. For Shelifina, it was her first time competing outside Sarawak, and the experience left a lasting impression. 'It felt surreal. I met so many amazing players, even some of my idols,' said the student from SMK Pending in Kuching. She said her most memorable game was against a player named Marten. 'I was leading until he played a bingo, 'REAPINGS', followed by 'QAID' for 72 points. That game really taught me the importance of tile tracking.' Shelifina maintains focus on her strategy during her round. All these three young Sarawakians shared a dream: to see ASCI hosted in their home state one day. Delbert expressed hope that fellow Scrabblers from other countries could experience Sarawak's unique diversity and breathtaking landscapes. Stating similar sentiments, Herby wanted visitors to feel the warmth and hospitality of Sarawakians. For Shelifina, she knew exactly what she would share first. 'They should visit Sarawak Cultural Village and not leave without trying the 'kolo mee' and Sarawak Laksa!' Delbert arranges the letter pieces for word options to be placed on the Scrabble board. Building bridges ASCI 2025 was never just about high scores or titles, as it was also about new friendships, lasting lessons, and the belief that when young people got entrusted and empowered, they could create something incredible. For Vanessa, the most rewarding part was watching people come together. 'What touched me most was how Scrabble brought everyone together. People of all ages and backgrounds bonded over the same board. 'I hope that the ASCI would continue to grow and maybe one day, could make its way to Sarawak. 'Scrabble is more than just a game – it's a bridge between people, places, and ideas, and I'd love to see more people experience that.' bridge global kuala lumpur miri Scrabble Vanessa Ting Mei Yu
