Latest news with #strategicpartnerships
Tahawul Tech
3 days ago
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Heimir Fannar Gunnlaugsson Archives
Heimir Fannar Gunnlaugsson, Chief Executive Officer at Nanitor, shared insights with on evolving cybersecurity needs, the role of AI, and strategic partnerships during his participation at GISEC Global 2025.
Free Malaysia Today
17-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Asean sees Russia as ‘balancer' amid US-China rivalry, say analysts
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the upcoming East Asia Summit in October this year, a key Asean platform for strategic dialogue with major external partners. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : As tensions between the US and China intensify, Asean member states are increasingly looking at Russia as a potential 'third power' or 'balancer' to diversify their strategic partnerships, say analysts. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said the unpredictability of US President Donald Trump's administration has shaken confidence in Washington's reliability as a long-term partner. 'Whether you are an ally, a close friend, or even an adversary, Trump doesn't differentiate. Asean needs other superpowers,' he told FMT. As a result, Azmi said, he expects Asean to move closer to Russia under Malaysia's chairmanship, particularly in the economic, geopolitical, security and defence spheres. He said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's push for Malaysia to join the BRICS economic grouping was a step in the right direction, allowing Malaysia to diversify its international partnerships and aligning Asean with an alternative framework to the traditional Western-led order. Malaysia officially became a BRICS partner on Jan 1 following the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, which Russia chaired. Thailand and Vietnam became partners in late 2024 while Indonesia was made a full member earlier this year. Elena Burova, a research fellow at the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia at the Russian Academy of Sciences, said Asean-Russia ties have gained momentum, citing Anwar's state visit to Moscow and the bloc's growing engagement with BRICS. She said the partnership allows Asean to maintain autonomy without aligning too closely with either Washington or Beijing. 'Russia's role as an emerging player in the region is welcomed by Asean countries seeking to hedge their diplomatic bets. Russia could become a desirable balancer in the region. 'Asean countries stand to benefit from Russian expertise in military technology, equipment and training, which could enhance their defence capabilities and overall readiness,' she said. Cooperation constraints However, Burova said Western sanctions may hinder efforts to strengthen military cooperation between the regional bloc and Russia. 'While Western sanctions have limited Russia's ability to export military hardware, the evolving defence relationship between Asean and Russia can pursue alternative avenues, such as cooperation, training and joint initiatives that enhance regional security. 'Given the strategic importance of maritime security in Southeast Asia, Russia has engaged in discussions and cooperative efforts in this area,' she told FMT. Ian Storey, senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, said those efforts include one joint Asean-Russia naval exercise to date and Russia's continued participation in Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) activities. Despite limited opportunities for Asean-Russia ties to fully blossom given constraints, he said continued engagement with Asean serves Moscow's interests. 'Russia places great importance on the countries of the Global South,' he said. 'Good relations with countries in the Global South strengthens the Kremlin's narrative that Russia has plenty of friends around the world and that the West's attempts to isolate it have failed. 'Russia has some old friends in Asean, especially Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.' Anwar's recent official visit to Russia from May 13 to 16 has underscored Malaysia's commitment to diversifying its international partnerships and enhancing its role in a multipolar global landscape. During the visit, Anwar extended an invite to Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the upcoming East Asia Summit in October this year, a key Asean platform for strategic dialogue with major external partners.
Forbes
14-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Doubling Down, Not Spreading Out: How One Manufacturer Is Redefining Supply Chain Strategy In The Power Industry
This article was written by Peter Follows, featuring George Partyka By trading transactional relationships for long-term, strategic partnerships, PTI focuses on giving every part of the value chain the confidence to make the investments needed to increase production. For years, many industries have optimized for speed. The 'just-in-time' supply chain model became the gold standard—minimize inventory, reduce costs, and keep things moving with surgical efficiency. But when the pandemic hit, that efficiency became a liability. Shelves went empty, factories paused production, and companies around the world scrambled to secure parts they once took for granted. More recently, tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty, and margin erosion have again driven companies to question their supply chain strategies. A common response is to diversify the supply base, expanding supplier networks to spread risk. But in the power transformer sector, market leaders took a different path. Rather than cast a wider net, they chose to deepen their connections, betting that trust, foresight, and long-term alignment would outlast volatility. It's a contrarian move that may prove to be a model worth emulating. For George Partyka, CEO of PTI Transformers, a leading manufacturer of power transformers, this shift isn't just a strategy—it's a necessity born out of the unique challenges this growing industry faces. Fortunately for George, it's also how PTI has operated since its inception. Unlike industries that rely on commodity inputs and benefit from interchangeable suppliers, power transformer manufacturing depends on specialized components, from copper winding conductor to transformer-grade electrical steel. This specialization, coupled with the demand for long-term operational durability, narrows the pool of reliable suppliers. Limited supply was one thing when demand was flat. It was something entirely different when the surge that followed the pandemic turned the industry on its head. The post-pandemic economic recovery accelerated the industry's transformation, but George identifies a perfect storm of factors that have brought it to its current state. When the U.S. introduced the Inflation Reduction Act and Canada doubled down on its commitment to net-zero by 2050, the North American power industry experienced growth not seen since the 1970s. Instead of simply replacing aging infrastructure, forecasts called for grid capacity to double. Demand forecasts, however, fell short of clearly defining what would be required to make that happen. The problem with a call to 'double the grid' was that it meant different things to different people. It might involve doubling generation, beefing up transmission, or expanding distribution networks. In the years leading up to and immediately following the pandemic, forecasts remained at a high level, leaving suppliers across the value chain to work together to figure out how to get there. Compounding the issue, these forecasts failed to account for the added strain of rapidly growing alternative energy sources and data centers, which can require as much electrical supply as a small city. The industry faced the immediate pressure of longer lead times—increasing from one year pre-pandemic to three years or more today—as well as the intricacies of syncing its needs with customers who often operate on government-regulated rate cycles and tight budgets. While many industries have responded to such supply chain challenges by spreading risk across a broader base of suppliers, PTI has taken the opposite approach: deepening relationships throughout the supply chain. By trading transactional relationships for long-term, strategic partnerships, PTI focuses on giving every part of the value chain the confidence to make the investments needed to increase production. Without this confidence, the industry's ambitious goals will remain out of reach. PTI's commitment to integration reaches down to sub-suppliers and up to their own utility clients. By collaborating directly with their suppliers to forecast demand, the manufacturer shares insights that allow for better allocation of resources, from raw materials like aluminum and copper to finished components like bushings and cores. 'We don't shy away from handholding,' George admits. 'We've even facilitated introductions between customers and new suppliers to ensure every part of the value chain works together.' This level of reliance on a smaller pool of suppliers inherently opens the door to risk, but in the power industry, the only way to keep up with demand is to work in lockstep with suppliers and to truly understand their constraints. This integrated approach stands in sharp contrast to industries such as automotive manufacturing, which actively reduce risk by spreading production across multinational supply chains. For power transformer manufacturers, however, the risk lies not in relying on fewer partners but in failing to align priorities across the ecosystem. At the heart of the industry's pivot toward integration is a shared commitment - and a financial imperative. The investments required to ramp up production in this field are staggering. Doubling the grid, by anyone's definition, doesn't come cheap. What makes capacity expansion feasible isn't a promise of short-term profitability but rather long-term certainty. PTI and others in the power industry speak of five- to 10-year memorandums of understanding rather than one- or two-year contracts. That provides everyone in the chain the confidence to invest. While the framework of deepened supply chain integration might be uniquely suited to select industries, its insights are valuable across every sector. PTI has set itself apart not by stockpiling suppliers or relying on transactional procurement practices, but by building mutual understanding and a shared dedication to solving immediate and long-term needs. Reliability and foresight have replaced aggressive cost-cutting as the ultimate competitive advantages. This reflects a broader cultural shift, as customers increasingly recognize the cost of uncertainty. George has learned that his time is best spent directly engaging with leaders throughout the industry—whether it's working with government to help understand utilities budget cycles better, collaborating with utilities to tackle their challenges, or ensuring PTI's suppliers are planning five years ahead instead of just one. The result is a model where success is measured by more than just output. It's defined by shared trust among stakeholders. PTI is demonstrating that flexibility, reliability, and a willingness to solve problems are value propositions powerful enough to see this company—and this industry—through the storm brewing with global trade tensions. While many industries scramble to protect themselves from external shocks, PTI demonstrates the value of looking inward. By knitting their supply chain closer together instead of expanding it outward, they've positioned themselves to thrive in a period of unprecedented growth. And they're ready to double down on that bet.
Entrepreneur
13-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
How to Build the Ultimate Partner Network for Your Startup
Having a network of strategic partners is essential for sustainable growth. Here's why — and what it takes to build one. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. When you're launching a startup, especially in the early stages, the temptation is often to keep your head down, build your product or service and focus solely on perfecting your core offering. But the reality is, no business thrives in isolation. As you scale, one of the most powerful accelerators for growth isn't just internal execution; it's the strength and depth of your network of partners. Surrounding yourself with the right partners who share your vision and complement your capabilities can dramatically amplify your market presence and accelerate your growth trajectory. Related: How Strategic Partnerships Catapulted My Business to 200% Growth — and How They Can Help You, Too. The power of synergistic partnerships Why is this partner network so crucial? The simple answer: synergy. A strong partner network doesn't merely add incremental value; it multiplies the collective impact. Synergistic partnerships create new opportunities, expanding your potential far beyond what you can achieve alone. They enable access to broader audiences, new markets and technologies that might otherwise be out of reach. In the earliest days, you're deeply involved in developing your core product or service. However, as you evolve, reaching new audiences becomes vital. Strategic partnerships allow you to tap into established distribution channels, dramatically reducing your time-to-market. For instance, integrating your service with an established platform or becoming a recommended provider within a partner's ecosystem opens doors quickly and efficiently, giving you immediate credibility and access to pre-vetted customer bases. Leveraging collaborative innovation Bolt-on applications and integrations represent another significant benefit. Consider how platforms like Shopify or Salesforce became global leaders. They didn't rely exclusively on internal development. Instead, they empowered an entire ecosystem of partners to build complementary applications and integrations. This strategy significantly enhanced their product offerings, making them indispensable to their customers. By fostering these types of collaborations, startups can extend their product capabilities rapidly without overextending internal resources, thereby accelerating customer adoption and loyalty. But it's not only about technology integrations and distribution. Collaborative event participation and joint marketing efforts can also have transformative impacts. Industry conferences and events represent key opportunities to amplify your message, gain visibility and establish credibility. Participating jointly with trusted partners can help you stand out, maximize the return on investment from events and reinforce your position within the industry. Moreover, these events facilitate invaluable face-to-face interactions that deepen relationships, spark innovation and lead directly to business opportunities. Related: How to Use Strategic Partnerships for More Explosive Growth Real-world examples and strategic execution A great example can be seen in how tech giants like Microsoft and IBM evolved. These companies understood early that growth wasn't just about internal product innovation but also about building expansive partner networks. IBM's partner ecosystem spans software providers, consultants and service integrators globally, significantly contributing to its longevity and sustained relevance. Microsoft's Azure cloud platform similarly thrives through extensive partnerships, allowing it to rapidly expand capabilities and customer reach. This approach applies equally to startups. Take the fintech sector, where startups frequently partner with established banks or financial institutions to gain immediate market access, regulatory support and credibility. These partnerships allow startups to bypass costly and lengthy market entry processes, accelerating growth and customer trust. For startups in emerging sectors like AI, Web3 or green technology, partnerships aren't just strategic; they're often necessary. Emerging industries face unique challenges such as regulatory uncertainty, technological complexity and customer education barriers. Collaborating closely with complementary businesses can help mitigate these challenges, pool resources and accelerate market readiness. Joint efforts can more effectively educate customers, shape industry standards and foster wider adoption. Building a robust partner network requires intentional effort and strategic foresight. Start by clearly understanding your core strengths and areas where partners could add value. Prioritize alignment, choose partners who share your vision, values and commitment to quality. Approach partnerships with a mindset of mutual benefit, ensuring both sides see clear value from the collaboration. Transparent communication and clearly defined expectations are critical for long-term success. As you grow, continuously reassess your partnership ecosystem. Your network should evolve with your business, adapting to new goals, market opportunities and customer needs. Regularly evaluate existing partnerships for effectiveness, and proactively seek new collaborations that align with your strategic objectives. Related: I've Partnered With 15 Companies — Here's What I've Learned About Strategic Collaborations Building and nurturing a network of strategic partners is not merely an option; it's a necessity for sustainable growth. Whether it's enhancing product offerings through integrations, accelerating market entry through joint distribution efforts or amplifying your message through collaborative marketing, partnerships provide powerful leverage. For startups looking to scale efficiently and effectively, investing in a strong network of synergistic partners isn't just smart; it's essential.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump targets massive investments in first Middle East trip
President Donald Trump is embarking this week on a high-stakes tour of the Persian Gulf region, targeting business deals and strategic partnerships with three oil-rich nations: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The trip marks Trump's first major foreign visit of his new term and comes as nuclear negotiations with Iran drag on and as war continues between Israel and the Palestinian terror organization, Hamas, in the Gaza Strip. While business is the official focus, the backdrop is anything but calm. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the mission as part of Trump's broader vision that "extremism is defeated [through] commerce and cultural exchanges." Under former President Joe Biden, U.S. relations with Gulf states cooled, particularly after Biden vowed to make Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a "pariah" over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. But Trump has reversed course, embracing a more transactional approach that has warmed ties with regional leaders. "The overall goal here is that the United States is reminding our Middle East allies that we're here to stay," said Gregg Roman, executive director of the Middle East Forum. "We're here to promote our joint interests rather than the abandonment policies under the previous administration." Saudi Arabia has already pledged $600 billion in U.S. investments, spanning weapons purchases, technology transfers, artificial intelligence and the stock market. Trump has said he believes the Saudis may ultimately commit up to $1 trillion. Read On The Fox News App While Saudi leaders aim to diversify their economy away from oil, those massive investments still depend on oil revenues, which could be threatened by Trump's push to lower global energy prices. Trump Strains Relationship With Netanyahu As Middle East Policy Increasingly Isolates Israel In addition to economic deals, Trump and bin Salman are expected to discuss a possible civil nuclear program and expanded defense cooperation. Such agreements were once linked to a potential Abraham Accords-style normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. But Riyadh has made clear it won't recognize Israel unless Palestinian statehood is on the table, something Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has staunchly opposed. No stop in Israel is scheduled during Trump's tour. "Israeli normalization in any Saudi-U.S. project is an outdated option," said Saudi geopolitical analyst Salman Al-Ansari. "The second Trump administration is doubling down on its strategically autonomous Middle East policy." In a possible goodwill gesture ahead of the trip, Hamas released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, a move Trump called "monumental" in the push to end the Gaza conflict. And as the UAE seeks to boost its ties with the U.S. and become a global AI leader by 2030, it'll need American microchips. The UAE has gone even further than the Saudis, promising $1.4 trillion in U.S. investments over the next decade focused on AI, semiconductors, manufacturing and energy. Biden had tightened curbs on AI exports to keep such technologies out of the hands of adversaries at a time when China drew closer to Middle Eastern states, especially the UAE. On Thursday, the U.S. announced Trump would rescind the Biden-era restrictions. Trump's whirlwind Gulf visit begins Tuesday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he'll headline the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum alongside Saudi ministers, White House crypto czar David Sacks and other business leaders. On Wednesday, he'll attend a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting before flying to Qatar for talks with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and a visit to the U.S. military's Al Udeid Air Base. Thursday's final stop is Abu Dhabi, where Trump will meet UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 4Th Round Of Us-iran Talks Ends As Trump Set To Embark On Historic Middle East Tour The Qataris are pulling out all the stops to impress: They've offered Trump the use of a royal Boeing 747-8, typically reserved for the Qatari royal family, to serve as Air Force One. Since being named a major non-NATO ally by Biden in 2022, Qatar has deepened its ties with the U.S., hosting American troops and mediating sensitive negotiations, including ongoing back-channel talks between Israel and Gaza. Doha also maintains close contact with Syria's new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who ousted Bashar al-Assad and is now seeking sanctions relief and normalized ties with the West. "Regional leaders will have an opportunity to address the situation directly with the president," said regional expert Jonathan Bass. "Trump is the only man that can lead the way." While a fourth round of Iran nuclear talks in Oman over the weekend failed to produce a breakthrough, Tehran is expected to keep a close eye on Trump's Gulf meetings. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made unannounced visits to both Saudi Arabia and Qatar ahead of Trump's arrival, likely in hopes of passing messages through those governments to Washington. But all three of Trump's host nations, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, remain wary of Iran's ambitions. "The region needs to openly address the problem of the IRGC," said Bass, referring to Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. "The IRGC is trying to undermine every single country in the region."Original article source: Trump targets massive investments in first Middle East trip
