Latest news with #ORA
Asahi Shimbun
2 days ago
- Business
- Asahi Shimbun
Without foreign staff, restaurants could not stay open, says exec
Yasuhiro Inoue, center, a vice chairman of the Osaka Restaurant Management Association (ORA), with foreign staff at the ORA Gaishoku Pavilion Utage at the Osaka Kansai Expo (Koichiro Ishida) The status of foreigners in Japanese society has emerged as a central issue in the Upper House election to be held on July 20. Yasuhiro Inoue, 60, a vice chairman of the Osaka Restaurant Management Association (ORA), has worked with non-Japanese both in the association as well as in his own company. The ORA has 560 member companies. The Asahi Shimbun interviewed Inoue for his views on foreigners in Japan. Excerpts of the interview follow: Question: You have led study sessions for close to 10 years at the ORA regarding the hiring practices of foreign workers. You also manage several restaurants. What presence do foreign nationals have in the restaurant industry as a whole? Inoue: I have been involved in the restaurant business for the past 40 years or so and now manage about a dozen restaurants, including Chinese and Japanese ones, on a franchise basis. Based on that experience, I can state that the industry is labor intensive. It can hardly be described as a popular industry since wages are lower in comparison to other sectors. It is not easy to secure adequate personnel due to the need to stay open during periods when most people have the day off. In the last few years, the restaurant industry has faced a difficult situation of not being able to remain open without foreign staff. In my company, we have many foreigners working part-time. Almost all our regular company employees are foreign nationals. There is no difference in the pay scale between Japanese and foreign employees. Q: What has been your experience with hiring foreigners? A: They provide us with ideas that Japanese would never come up with. For example, they have provided ideas regarding the use of the skin from peeled fruit based on cooking methods from their home nations. Those ideas have led to a reduction in food loss and lower company expenses. Because of differences in cultural backgrounds, there are also times when I come up with new business ideas after talking with them. Q: Can you talk about leading ORA activities since 2016 with regard to foreign workers and hiring practices? A: The catalyst was a Vietnamese woman who was the first foreigner we hired as a regular company employee. We found out she had accumulated loans of about 1 million yen ($6,700) as a fee she paid to the local broker who made the arrangements for her to come to Japan. I realized there was a lack of transparency in the system under which foreigners can work in Japan. For the next two and a half years, I backpacked around Asia about once a month to investigate local organizations that were dispatching foreign workers as well as observe local customs. During my research, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) helped out and so did part-time foreign workers at my restaurants. But I came to realize there were limits to what I could do by myself, so I asked the ORA for its help. The cooperation of foreigners will be indispensable to further growth of our restaurant sector. To accomplish that, Japan needs to develop appropriate hiring practices. We have held study sessions by asking college professors, lawyers and judicial scriveners to give talks. We have also lobbied the government to establish a better system. Q: Ahead of the Upper House election, posts have emerged on social media with baseless arguments such as foreigners are taking advantage of the social welfare system set up for Japanese. What are your thoughts on that? A: Our foreign employees naturally pay the same taxes and social insurance premiums as our Japanese employees. If there is a loophole in some specific system, it should be corrected when it is discovered. But there are likely foreigners as well as Japanese who will abuse such loopholes. It is wrong to criticize only foreigners. Q: What do you think about politicians who call for changes in policy regarding foreigners on grounds they are being given special privileges? A: While I believe it is a good thing to finally have a spotlight on policies concerning foreigners that many people had no interest in for a long time, I find the discussion to be less than refined. I want candidates to conduct discussions based on the actual circumstances that the restaurant industry faces rather than make criticisms about foreigners receiving special privileges while not giving specific examples. Q: How do your foreign employees feel about the current social atmosphere? A: Recently after a high-ranking foreign employee who is fluent in Japanese read social media posts, I was asked, 'Are foreigners hated in Japan?' They appear to have become more worried about the change in the social atmosphere. Q: Can you tell us about the use of foreigners as staff at the ORA pavilion at the Osaka Kansai Expo? A: Twenty-four foreigners are working at the ORA Gaishoku Pavilion Utage. While 18 of them are not very fluent in Japanese, we are trying to demonstrate that they can carry out their duties with the help of a small number of Japanese staff as well as foreigners who are fluent in Japanese. We have already welcomed close to 1 million visitors to our pavilion, and there have been no major problems. The staff appear to enjoy working there and I want visitors to feel the benefits and strengths of diversity.
CairoScene
5 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Morocco's ORA Technologies Raises $7.5 Million to Accelerate Expansion
The funding looks to expand ORA Technologies' food delivery platform Kooul and mobile wallet ORA Cash. The raise marks a record for Morocco's tech ecosystem. Jul 17, 2025 Moroccan startup ORA Technologies has secured $7.5 million in Series A funding, led by Azur Innovation Fund alongside three local strategic investors. This brings the company's total local funding to $11.9 million since January 2023, marking a record for Morocco's tech ecosystem. Known for spearheading the 'E-Morocco for Everyone' initiative, ORA aims to make e-commerce and digital payments more accessible across the country. The company is active in the retailtech and fintech sectors, where it is targeting Morocco's growing demand for digital services. ORA's food delivery platform Kooul has amassed over 15,000 active users in just 10 months. The app's model is designed to be affordable for customers while remaining economically fair for restaurants and delivery riders. Meanwhile, its mobile wallet ORA Cash has gained more than 50,000 users within five months. The app allows users to open payment accounts in just 15 seconds and enables free, instant money transfers. It is also being used by delivery riders to digitise Morocco's widespread cash-on-delivery operations. ORA plans to use the new funding to further expand its platform offerings and deepen its impact across Morocco's digital economy.
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
ORA Secures Historic $7.5M Series A to Expand Mobile Payments and Food Delivery
Marrakech – ORA, a Moroccan startup, born not in a Silicon Valley garage but in the vibrant chaos of Casablanca, just closed a record-breaking $7.5 million Series A funding round. Led by Azur Innovation Fund and a squad of local investors, the funding is more than a business milestone. It's a mood. A reminder that homegrown innovation doesn't need to beg for validation from abroad — it's already valid, valuable, and venture-ready. And who's behind it all? Omar Alami, the founder and CEO of ORA Technologies, a man who speaks about digital access the way Carrie Bradshaw speaks about love: with conviction, curiosity, and a strong Wi-Fi connection. 'This is more than funding,' he said. 'It's proof that Morocco is ready to back innovation made by and for its people.' ORA isn't just dabbling in tech — it's rewriting the rules of the game. With Kooul, its fast-growing food delivery app, and ORA Cash, a mobile wallet that's quickly becoming the go-to for e-commerce payments, the company has its manicured hands in the two things we all care about: what we eat, and how we pay for it. The plan now? Expand Kooul's delivery infrastructure, make ORA Cash a household name, and basically become the Beyoncé of Moroccan fintech — flawless and everywhere. But what's even sexier than a startup with a unicorn dream? One that stays grounded. ORA's mission — 'E-Morocco for Everyone' — isn't just a tagline. It's a declaration that innovation doesn't belong to the elite. It belongs to the delivery guy, the online shopper, the corner store, and the girl scrolling through Kooul at midnight in a kaftan and face mask. So, as Morocco's tech ecosystem takes its next bold step, I couldn't help but wonder: When did 'Made in Morocco' become the next big thing in digital? Maybe today. And maybe, with ORA leading the way, there's no turning back. Tags: Omar AlamiOra Technologies
Business Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Chinatown Business Association seeks over S$77,700 in backdated rent from Nanyang Old Coffee for outdoor refreshment area
[SINGAPORE] The Chinatown Business Association (CBA) is seeking more than S$77,700 in backdated rent from heritage cafe Nanyang Old Coffee (NOC) – for the use of an outdoor refreshment area (ORA). At NOC's flagship outlet at the junction of South Bridge Road and Smith Street, additional tables and chairs have been placed at the walkway outside the unit for years. CBA is now seeking backdated rent of S$77,724.18 for the use of this space since October 2024, according to a lawyer's letter seen by The Business Times. This is at a rate of S$8,636.02 a month. This is after, in August 2024, CBA won a tender to refurbish and transform the row of shophouses from 11 to 37 Smith Street, as well as the adjacent pedestrian state land. The letter, dated Jun 19, was addressed to NOC's owner Lim Eng Lam and sent by Trident Law Corporation's Andrew Wu, who represents CBA. NOC was asked to pay the backdated rent; remove items that have encroached onto the space; and pay legal costs of S$5,500, all by 5 pm on Monday (Jun 23). A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Tuesday, 12 pm Property Insights Get an exclusive analysis of real estate and property news in Singapore and beyond. Sign Up Sign Up Fees for the continued use of the space would accrue at the rate of S$287.97 per day, added CBA. The association said it would take further steps 'to best protect its interests' if NOC did not comply. As at Jun 23, NOC had removed the furniture but had not paid CBA. A case conference will take place on Thursday afternoon, with both parties and their solicitors required in attendance. Additional tables and chairs have been placed at the walkway outside Nanyang Old Coffee's shophouse unit for years. PHOTO: LIM ENG LAM CBA is a non-profit organisation that serves and promotes the business and community interest of stakeholders in Chinatown, according to its website. The tender which it won last year was jointly launched by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), Urban Redevelopment Authority and Singapore Tourism Board. 'Repeatedly ignored' engagement efforts In response to queries from BT, a CBA spokesperson said the association began engaging NOC in October 2024 to discuss the ORA, but NOC 'repeatedly ignored' follow-up efforts. 'Despite multiple attempts to resolve the matter amicably, including a formal letter requesting the removal of furniture and potted plants from the outdoor dining area, the unauthorised use of the space has continued, even so, as of Jun 22, Sunday,' the spokesperson said. 'As such, CBA has had to take the necessary steps to address this issue.' According to a separate 121-page court document seen by BT, CBA had e-mailed SLA on Dec 24, 2024 to confirm if it could charge for the use of the ORA. SLA replied on Dec 26 that the space did fall within CBA's tenanted boundary and that the association may charge for its use. CBA then offered to sublet the space to Lim, but the latter did not take up the offer. On May 30, CBA filed an originating application – the first step in commencing legal proceedings – to the State Court, ordering NOC to remove all its furniture from the ORA within 28 days and pay incidental legal fees. The CBA spokesperson told BT that the association was neither restricting NOC from continuing its operations, nor 'compelling' it to become CBA's tenant. However, NOC will need to pay rent for the ORA, 'as is required of all other tenants'. Any proceeds would be donated to support 'the poor and needy' in the Chinatown community, the spokesperson added. In August 2024, Chinatown Business Association won a tender to refurbish and transform the row of shophouses from 11 to 37 Smith Street, as well as the adjacent pedestrian state land. PHOTO: PAIGE LIM, BT 'No lease' with CBA Speaking to BT, Lim said it was 'inappropriate and premature' of CBA to claim backdated rent and legal costs, as NOC has no lease agreement with the association. Lim also argued that the legal and territorial status of the ORA was unclear, as NOC had placed tables, chairs and potted plants in the area for 15 years without issue. 'The alfresco area currently in dispute has been used consistently over this time, just like the other businesses on Smith Street and Sago Street, many of whom have similarly made use of the street frontage for decades,' he said. Nanyang Old Coffee's owner Lim Eng Lam said it was 'inappropriate and premature' of CBA to claim backdated rent and legal costs, as NOC has no lease agreement with the association. PHOTO: BT FILE Smith Street used to house Chinatown Food Street, a 100m stretch of hawker carts that closed in October 2021 during the pandemic. The venue had been managed by food and beverage operator Select Group since 2014. Lim said Select Group had 'never claimed ownership or control' over its ORA, nor imposed rental fees or 'attempted to regulate this space in such a manner'. CBA's actions are thus inconsistent with precedent, he said. He added that CBA provided only a 'faint, undetailed map' when asked for proof of its ORA ownership, and refused to provide a copy of their lease with SLA. In addition, CBA's subtenancy offer for the ORA space was only for business owners who met two conditions: holding a valid tenancy agreement for the ground floor unit, and having obtained written consent from their shophouse landlord to rent the ORA space. NOC leases three floors of the shophouse from Yau Shing Land Investment, a real estate player headquartered in Hong Kong. Lim said he had informed CBA that entering a rental arrangement with the association would be in conflict with NOC's existing tenancy agreement. He argued that the association's behaviour was at odds with its aim to 'enhance Chinatown's business environment and promote the welfare of businesses'. 'The current conduct suggests a focus on commercial gain at the expense of existing heritage stakeholders, which runs counter to that mission,' he said. Lim requested CBA to pause all enforcement action 'until the rightful status and authority over the space' is confirmed by SLA and its landlord. He also asked for any rental arrangement 'to be subject to a clearly documented, mutually agreed contract' and for CBA to enter 'into a meaningful and transparent discussion, in good faith.' At Thursday's case conference, CBA will be represented by Trident Law Corporation's Wu, while NOC will represent itself. Lim said he is currently looking to engage a lawyer.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CWEN or ORA: Which Is the Better Value Stock Right Now?
Investors interested in Alternative Energy - Other stocks are likely familiar with Clearway Energy (CWEN) and Ormat Technologies (ORA). But which of these two stocks offers value investors a better bang for their buck right now? We'll need to take a closer look. The best way to find great value stocks is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The proven Zacks Rank puts an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions, while our Style Scores work to identify stocks with specific traits. Clearway Energy and Ormat Technologies are sporting Zacks Ranks of #2 (Buy) and #3 (Hold), respectively, right now. This system places an emphasis on companies that have seen positive earnings estimate revisions, so investors should feel comfortable knowing that CWEN is likely seeing its earnings outlook improve to a greater extent. But this is just one piece of the puzzle for value investors. Value investors also try to analyze a wide range of traditional figures and metrics to help determine whether a company is undervalued at its current share price levels. Our Value category highlights undervalued companies by looking at a variety of key metrics, including the popular P/E ratio, as well as the P/S ratio, earnings yield, cash flow per share, and a variety of other fundamentals that have been used by value investors for years. CWEN currently has a forward P/E ratio of 29.18, while ORA has a forward P/E of 41.29. We also note that CWEN has a PEG ratio of 0.76. This figure is similar to the commonly-used P/E ratio, with the PEG ratio also factoring in a company's expected earnings growth rate. ORA currently has a PEG ratio of 4.13. Another notable valuation metric for CWEN is its P/B ratio of 1.2. The P/B ratio pits a stock's market value against its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. For comparison, ORA has a P/B of 2.02. Based on these metrics and many more, CWEN holds a Value grade of B, while ORA has a Value grade of C. CWEN has seen stronger estimate revision activity and sports more attractive valuation metrics than ORA, so it seems like value investors will conclude that CWEN is the superior option right now. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Clearway Energy, Inc. (CWEN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Ormat Technologies, Inc. (ORA) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
