Vega School at Emeris has officially opened applications for its annual 'Brand Activation' and 'Brand Challenge' programs. These programs are designed to provide strategic assistance in marketing and design to small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMEs), as well as non-profit organizations (NGOs).
This nationwide initiative connects selected organizations with interdisciplinary student teams who develop practical business solutions. The institution shifts the focus of academic resources from large corporations to grassroots structures to promote economic development and social sustainability.
The program is divided into two levels depending on the students' level of study. The first level, 'Brand Activation,' is a two-week intensive competition aimed at second-year students. In a simulated agency environment, these teams conduct a comprehensive brand analysis specifically for non-profit clients.
The second level, 'Brand Challenge,' lasts seven weeks and includes third-year students, graduates, and master's students, including those studying remotely. These senior students analyze complex business scenarios from various perspectives to develop long-term strategic and creative design solutions.
According to Amalia van Schalkwyk from Vega School, this dual structure aims to replicate the intense reality of working in an agency. She explained that students receive constant guidance and mentorship from lecturers while independently conducting research and developing solutions for strategic branding. Ultimately, they present their work to clients as an independent agency.
The strategy for attracting clients marks a deliberate evolution for the educational institution. Previously, the school collaborated with large commercial brands such as Disney, AB InBev, Tiger Brands, and MultiChoice. However, the faculty has reoriented its attention towards promising small businesses and non-profit organizations, which often lack a clear brand identity or the financial means to hire commercial agencies.
Participating organizations are required to interact with the student teams at key project stages, providing timely feedback before final presentations. Previous cycles have led to tangible business results, as many past clients have fully implemented the brand communication strategies developed by the students. Furthermore, the partnership between academia and industry has often facilitated internships, employment, and long-term collaboration for the students.
SMEs and NGOs interested in participating in the 'Brand Activation' or 'Brand Challenge' programs in 2026 can apply directly by contacting the campus coordinators via email. Contacts are provided for the campuses in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban.
Global real assets investment manager Hines has appointed Amit Diwan as the head of operations for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Middle East regions. This appointment aims to improve coordination, ensure consistency, and accelerate project execution in the two regions that the company has identified as key drivers of long-term growth.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, Diwan, who previously served as Hines' head in India, will lead the activities of the Texas-based firm in markets characterized by high dynamism in real asset growth and development. This comes at a time when client needs are becoming increasingly regional and cross-border.
Diwan possesses nearly 25 years of experience working in India and the APAC region. After leading the company's platform in India, he will collaborate with Hines market leaders in APAC and the Middle East. His mandate is to apply the firm's integrated global investment and development capabilities, alongside deep local expertise, in the interests of investors, tenants, and clients.
Steve Lutman, Global Head of Real Estate at Hines, emphasized that 'APAC and the Middle East are central to Hines' long-term growth strategy.' He noted that 'Amit brings a strong leadership track record from India, one of our most dynamic platforms, and a clear understanding of how to build local teams, engage capital, and deliver high-quality results.'
Hines operates in six APAC countries, with presences in 14 major cities. In the Middle East, the firm places particular emphasis on the markets of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The company opened an office in Dubai in 2020 to support relationships with local investors and partners, attract capital, and conduct regional business, and it has announced plans to open an office in Riyadh in 2026.
Diwan stated that 'it is a privilege to take on this role at a time when APAC and the Middle East are entering a new phase of opportunities.' He added that the company's focus will remain on 'disciplined growth, local market excellence, and the long-term partnership that has always defined Hines.'
Diwan replaces John Tanaka, who is moving from his role as Head of APAC to Senior Managing Director of Strategic Projects in Japan and Korea. There, he will focus on developing the Hines platform in those two countries. Tanaka noted that 'it was a privilege to help lead the Hines platform in APAC.' He also expressed his willingness to support Amit and the firm in his new capacity.
Hines is positioned as a global real estate investment manager. The company owns and manages assets valued at $91.7 billion across various property types on behalf of a diverse group of institutional and private clients.
The Federal Council of Austria has completed the parliamentary approval of the protocol to the Agreement between Austria and Uzbekistan on the avoidance of double taxation regarding income and capital taxes.
The upper house of parliament approved this document on July 16, 2026. Previously, on July 7, the protocol was approved by the National Council, the lower house of the Austrian parliament. Thus, the parliamentary review procedure in the country is complete.
This protocol introduces changes to the double taxation agreement signed by Austria and Uzbekistan in 2000. Its provisions will come into effect after the completion of all necessary domestic procedures in both countries and the exchange of instruments of ratification.
The update aims to bring the bilateral tax regime into compliance with modern international standards. The document provides for measures to combat base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS), enhance tax transparency, and expand administrative cooperation between the tax authorities of Austria and Uzbekistan.
The protocol will enter into force on the first day of the third month following the exchange of instruments of ratification between the parties. Its provisions will apply starting from January 1st of the year following the date the document enters into force.
JSC Uzbekistan Railways has announced the launch of a second high-speed train manufactured by Hyundai Rotem on the Tashkent–Khiva–Tashkent route, citing growing demand for passenger transport.
The new four-section electric train named 'Jaloliddin Manguberdi', manufactured by the South Korean company Hyundai Rotem, will make its first run on July 22, 2026. According to the schedule, it will depart from Tashkent Central (North) Station on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 07:00. Departures from Khiva are scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 07:15. The total travel time will be 7 hours and 36 minutes.
The first Hyundai Rotem train began operating on this route on May 5, 2026. It runs from Tashkent on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and from Khiva on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. With the introduction of the second set, the frequency of high-speed services between Tashkent and Khiva will increase to six trips per week. However, trains will not depart from Tashkent on Sunday, and from Khiva on Monday.
The high-speed train can carry 389 passengers and reach speeds of up to 250 km/h. This has allowed the journey time between Tashkent and Khiva to be reduced almost by half compared to previous generation trains, bringing it down to approximately 7.5 hours. Along the entire route, the train makes stops in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Urgench.
Negotiations for the purchase of Hyundai Rotem trains have been ongoing since 2018, and an agreement on supply was reached in 2023. The contract value is estimated at approximately 185 million euros, with a loan repayment period of 35 years. The project is being implemented with financial support from the Korea Economic Development Corporation (EDCF) and the Export-Import Bank of Korea. The relevant agreements were signed in June 2025 during the State Visit of the President of the Republic of Korea to Uzbekistan.
In August 2024, the project's feasibility study was approved. The maintenance of the high-speed trains is entrusted to the company Temiryul-Express. According to Uzbekistan Railways management, the delivery of six Hyundai Rotem trains for the Tashkent–Urgench–Khiva route is expected during 2026. Furthermore, the company plans to purchase another eight sets to provide services to Termez and Andijan.
The first Hyundai Rotem train was delivered to Uzbekistan last December. Currently, three sets are in the country, the latest of which arrived on June 22, 2026, via the South Korea–China–Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan multimodal transport corridor.
