The Global Business Times Magazines

Martin Brenner

The Fall Behind the Race: How Meta Platforms’ Bold Bet Backfired

The Fall Behind the Race: How Meta Platforms’ Bold Bet Backfired For years, Meta Platforms stood proudly as one of the titans of tech. But lately, it’s been clear that titans don’t always stay unchallenged. After reporting a 26 % revenue growth in its most recent quarter, Meta’s announcements sparked a sharper reaction than the numbers alone would suggest. Investors fixated on one phrase: “notably larger capital expenses next year.” Those two words triggered a ripple effect. Why? Because they signalled that Meta was going all-in on building AI infrastructure—data centres, networks, arms of research—at a scale that would demand billions in spending. The result: Meta’s stock plunged 11 % on that forecast alone, erasing more than $29 billion from the fortune of its founder-CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, and knocking him out of the top spots on the global billionaire index. But this isn’t just a wealth-story. It’s a warning light. It reveals the risks that come when a company leans heavily into future promise while current sentiment turns cautious. The tech industry is shifting too: Investors want not just growth, but profitable growth or at least a credible path to it. Meta’s spending spree is a bet on the long game—but Wall Street responded with impatience for shorter-term accountability. Why It Matters For Meta: The blow to its market value and to investor confidence may force a rethink in how aggressively it pursues expensive, long-term projects. For the tech sector: The episode underscores a key tension: will companies with massive ambitions and heavy investment go the distance—or will the pace of spending become a liability? For investors and markets: It signals that the honeymoon phase for AI and infrastructure splurges might be fading. Big promises now must carry big discipline. For the broader economy: As companies shift vast sums into new infrastructure (AI, cloud, chips), we’ll likely see knock-on effects in employment, supply chains, and global competition among tech powers. What to Watch Next Will Meta cut back or delay some of its investment plans to ease investor concerns? How will Meta’s competitors respond? If rivals like Alphabet Inc. or Amazon.com Inc. capitalise on this moment, we might see a reshuffle in leadership across Big Tech. What will regulators and governments do? Massive AI infrastructure can raise questions of data sovereignty, competition and national security. How will Meta’s strategic pivot affect its consumer-facing products (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)? Will cost pressures impact user experience, features, or monetisation? This story isn’t just about a stock plunge or a billionaire’s net-worth—it’s about the crossroads at which Big Tech now stands. Whether Meta’s gamble pays off could shape the next decade of how technology is built, how it’s funded, and who controls it.  

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A New Chapter in the Indo-Pacific: When Shields Become Bridges

A New Chapter in the Indo-Pacific: When Shields Become Bridges On the crisp autumn morning of November 1, 2025, the halls of the summit centre in Gyeongju, South Korea, were charged with an unusual mix of ceremony and uncertainty. As delegates gathered for the closing session of the APEC 2025 Summit, all-eyes were on two figures whose presence alone seemed to signal that something more than diplomacy was at play: Xi Jinping of China and Donald Trump of the United States. Viewed from the vantage of geography and strategy, the Indo-Pacific region has long been defined by fault-lines: trade tensions, military posturing, ideological divides. Yet today, what unfolded was subtly different. The two leaders—once symbols of deep rivalry—posed side-by-side in a gesture that felt more like a prelude than a finale: Trump offering a handshake, Xi offering a nod, and South Korea’s president playing elegant host. The Moment That Caught the Lens As cameras flashed and the world tuned in, the summit’s communiqué spoke of “shared interests, responsible leadership and the need to ensure that all nations gain from the region’s growth.” It was language familiar enough—but the spectacle of China and the U.S. under the same roof nonetheless carried deeper resonance than the words themselves. In the corridors, delegates whispered of earlier drafts: harsher tones softened, references to “strategic competition” replaced by “constructive collaboration.” In the lobby’s coffee lounge, analysts noted the change not in what was said, but what was unsaid—the reference to exclusion zones, to spheres of influence, to zero-sum gains, all missing from the final text. Why It Matters This technical “summit handshake” matters because symbols open doors. When two great powers once at odds show up at the same table, it tells smaller nations something: the game is changing. For exporters in Southeast Asia, it suggests tariffs may ease. For military planners in the region, it suggests a recalibration of alliances. For heads of state in capitals large and small, it suggests the era of head-on confrontation may be giving way to a subtler competition—one rooted in economics, infrastructure, and influence rather than tanks and warships. It also matters because timing is everything. With security flash-points in Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the Korean Peninsula still very much alive, this summit did not guarantee peace—but it did open a window for diplomacy. What Happens Next Will this summit actually translate into coordinated trade deals, or is this merely a photo-op? Watch for announcements in the coming weeks: new bilateral pacts, infrastructure funding commitments, or joint statements on emerging technologies. Will regional players respond? Countries like Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines will soon map their strategies—if the U.S. and China shift tone, their choices become richer and more complex. How will domestic political winds respond? Leaders in Washington and Beijing both face populist pressures—what was achievable today may be challenged tomorrow by rivals who prefer tougher postures. In the End Out of the summit’s ornate hallways and flags of many colours emerged a simple yet potent message: in a world of shifting tectonics, change often arrives not with fireworks, but with handshakes. For the Indo-Pacific region, that handshake may be the first step in a transformation that reorganises not only trade maps, but strategic mind-maps too.

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Keri Johnstone: Living Life in Motion

Keri Johnstone: Living Life in Motion In a world where trends fade overnight and authenticity is rare, Keri Johnstone has mastered the art of being timeless. A professional freelance model, influencer, UGC content creator, and TV/film actress, Keri has crafted a journey defined not by fame but by purpose, passion, and presence. She embodies a generation of creators who are rewriting what success, confidence, and individuality mean in today’s digital world. A Dream that Found Its Path Keri’s journey began with a spark, a fascination with storytelling through images. Growing up surrounded by creativity, she found herself drawn to the camera not just as an object of attention but as a window into emotion and imagination. While many saw modeling as surface-level glamour, Keri saw it as a language, a way to communicate feeling, attitude, and artistry without words. Her first foray into the world of modeling was humble yet defining. Every shoot, every audition, and every small campaign taught her more about herself, her strengths, her limits, and her ability to adapt. What started as a pursuit of opportunity soon evolved into a calling to express confidence, grace, and self-belief. The Rise of a Modern Creator Keri isn’t just a model; she’s a multi-dimensional creator. As social media evolved from a hobby to an industry, she recognized its potential to connect, inspire, and influence. She began creating User-Generated Content (UGC) that felt real, unfiltered moments of travel, lifestyle, fashion, and wellness that resonated with people around the world. Unlike traditional influencer culture, Keri’s approach is rooted in authenticity. She doesn’t just showcase destinations or products; she tells stories through them. Her photos and videos capture the texture of life, the warmth of a sunset, the rhythm of a city, the quiet joy of a morning coffee before a shoot. Her audience follows not a persona, but a person, a woman who travels, creates, and celebrates life’s simple luxuries. In Front of the Camera and Beyond Her experiences as a TV and film actress expanded her artistic depth. Acting brought new dimensions to her expression, teaching her to embody emotions, tell stories through motion, and understand the delicate relationship between performance and presence. Whether on a film set or in front of a camera for a brand campaign, Keri brings a blend of confidence and vulnerability that commands attention. Every role, campaign, and collaboration has contributed to her evolution not just as a professional but as a storyteller. She believes that modeling and acting are both acts of transformation. “It’s not about pretending to be someone else,” she often says. “It’s about finding pieces of yourself in every story you tell.” Travel: The Heart of Her Story For Keri, travel isn’t an escape; it’s inspiration. Each destination adds a new chapter to her narrative. From serene beaches to bustling cities, from heritage landmarks to hidden cafés, her journeys reveal more than just scenic beauty. They reflect her belief that travel expands creativity and empathy. Her content often blurs the line between travel and art. Every photograph tells a story of culture, emotion, and perspective. She sees the world not as a backdrop but as a collaborator. Whether capturing fashion in motion on cobblestone streets or creating cinematic travel reels, her work celebrates connection between people, places, and dreams. The UGC Revolution In recent years, User-Generated Content has reshaped digital marketing, and Keri is at the forefront of this movement. Brands today don’t just seek polished perfection; they seek relatability. Keri’s style, authentic, vibrant, and emotionally resonant, bridges that gap. Her collaborations with travel, lifestyle, and beauty brands focus on storytelling rather than sales. She crafts each piece of content with intent: natural lighting, genuine emotion, and subtle creativity. Her audience engages not because she sells a lifestyle but because she lives it. As she puts it, “People don’t follow filters, they follow feelings.” The Power of Being Real What sets Keri apart in an oversaturated digital world is her honesty. She doesn’t shy away from showing the effort behind the glamour, the early call times, the missed flights, the creative blocks, and the perseverance that keeps her going. She reminds her followers that success isn’t instant; it’s a daily choice to keep showing up, creating, and believing. Her message to aspiring creators is simple yet profound: “Don’t try to be like everyone else. Your individuality is your superpower. When you embrace it, everything changes, your energy, your opportunities, and your confidence.” Balancing Passion and Purpose Beyond her creative endeavors, Keri is passionate about self-growth, wellness, and mindfulness. Her daily rituals such as journaling, movement, and gratitude keep her grounded amidst the fast pace of the entertainment and influencer world. She believes that inner peace reflects outwardly, shaping how one connects with their audience and themselves. Her philosophy extends to her collaborations as well. Keri chooses to work with brands that align with her values of sustainability, authenticity, and empowerment. Whether promoting a fashion label or a travel retreat, her content always carries her signature of warmth, elegance, and sincerity. A Vision for the Future Looking ahead, Keri envisions expanding her creative journey into new territories, perhaps launching her own travel and lifestyle brand or mentoring upcoming models and creators. She wants to inspire the next generation of storytellers to create with heart, not just algorithms. For her, success isn’t measured in followers or fame; it’s in impact. “If my story makes even one person believe in themselves a little more,” she says, “then I’ve done something worthwhile.” A Life Worth Capturing Today, Keri Johnstone stands as a symbol of what it means to live life fearlessly, to pursue passion without boundaries, and to create beauty in every frame. Her story is more than a career journey; it’s a reminder that authenticity never goes out of style. Through her work in modeling, acting, travel, and content creation, Keri continues to inspire thousands to see the world with curiosity, courage, and creativity. She lives every moment like it’s a masterpiece in

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Organon & Co. CEO Kevin Ali to resign after internal probe into wholesaler sales practices.

Organon & Co. CEO Kevin Ali to resign after internal probe into wholesaler sales practices. Organon & Co. announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Ali, will step down following an internal investigation into sales practices within the company’s U.S. wholesale channel. The probe revealed irregularities involving the company’s contraceptive implant product, Nexplanon. The investigation determined that between 2022 and 2025, certain U.S. wholesalers were encouraged to purchase more Nexplanon inventory than needed at the end of several financial quarters. While the issue accounted for less than one percent of the company’s consolidated annual revenue for 2022 and 2024, it raised concerns about internal controls and ethical compliance. Organon stated that the findings do not require any restatement of previously issued financial statements. However, the company plans to implement several remedial measures to strengthen its governance and oversight systems to ensure transparency in its sales and distribution processes. Kevin Ali’s resignation is effective immediately. He will not receive severance payments or equity-related retirement benefits as part of his departure. Joseph Morrissey, Executive Vice President and Head of Manufacturing & Supply, has been appointed as Interim CEO. The company’s Board Chair, Carrie Cox, will assume additional responsibilities as Executive Chair until a permanent CEO is appointed. Following the announcement, the company’s shares saw a significant decline in pre-market trading, reflecting investor concern over the leadership transition and internal control issues. Despite the limited financial impact, the resignation highlights the importance of ethical conduct and accountability within the pharmaceutical sector. Organon, which has positioned itself as a global leader in women’s health, faces the challenge of restoring investor confidence while maintaining its operational stability and reputation for integrity. The company has assured stakeholders that it will continue to prioritize compliance, reinforce its internal audit framework, and strengthen relationships with its partners as it moves forward under interim leadership.

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UK-US Multibillion Dollar Tech Collaboration: What’s Going On

UK-US Multibillion Dollar Tech Collaboration: What’s Going On What is the Deal The United Kingdom and the United States are preparing to sign a landmark technology agreement during President Donald Trump’s upcoming state visit to the UK. The agreement is aimed at strengthening collaboration across several cutting-edge technology sectors: artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, telecommunications, and quantum computing. Though the exact details are still under negotiation, quite a few commitments and investment plans are already public. Key Players USA side: will include senior tech industry leaders. For example, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are expected to accompany President Trump during the visit. UK side: Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, who recently took office, is a key figure. Investment Commitments One specific investment already announced: BlackRock intends to invest US$700 million into UK data centres as part of the series of deals to be unveiled during Trump’s state visit. Additionally, U.S. firms are reportedly planning broader, multibillion-dollar infrastructure investment in data centres in the UK, particularly to support AI and cloud computing demand. Strategic Context Both the UK and US have, in 2025, published AI Action Plans which outline ambitions to grow AI, compute capacity, R&D and regulation in the sector. This tech deal is seen as a logical extension of those plans, boosting trans-Atlantic cooperation. There is also growing interest globally in making sure certain critical technologies—especially for AI, semiconductors, data infrastructure—are more resilient, secure, and “sovereign”, meaning less dependent on supply chains that could be disrupted. Potential Impacts Boost to UK Data InfrastructureThe investments in data centres, plus cooperation from large firms like OpenAI and Nvidia, will likely accelerate the UK’s ability to host large-scale AI training and deployment locally. That can reduce latency, regulatory exposure, and dependency on foreign infrastructure. Jobs & Skills DevelopmentBuilding data centres, setting up high-end semiconductor or quantum labs, supporting AI R&D all create skilled jobs. Also, there will likely be spillover in training, research institutions, and upskilling in computing and engineering disciplines. Regulatory and Policy AlignmentAs part of the agreement, expect movement toward aligning standards, regulation, and oversight in AI, data protection, and related areas. Shared or compatible regulation helps firms operate across borders. Geopolitical ImplicationsThe deal reflects a broader trend: democracies are trying to build stronger tech collaboration to ensure competitiveness vis-à-vis China, for example, and to reduce risks from supply chain disruptions in semiconductors, chips, etc. Also, there is an element of strategic signalling. Innovation & Spillover EffectsMore investment tends to catalyze more private R&D, spin-off firms, and innovation ecosystems. The presence of major global players (like OpenAI, Nvidia) in the UK could help attract more talent and startup activity. Challenges & Things to Watch Finalization of Details: Some parts are still under negotiation. Ensuring clarity on how the collaboration works (who owns what, IP rights, data protection, infrastructure commitments, energy supply, etc.) will matter. Energy and Infrastructure Constraints: Data centres and AI infrastructure consume lots of power. Ensuring sustainable and reliable energy supply, cooling, etc., will be key. Regulatory Hurdles: Licenses, environment, planning permission, zoning, national security scrutiny. These can slow down or increase the cost of implementation. Balance of Benefits: The UK will want to ensure it gets enough economic benefit, rather than just serving as a site for US-based operations. Geopolitical Risk: Tensions with other global powers might complicate supply chains, trade in key inputs like semiconductors, or restrict access to certain technologies. Conclusion This proposed UK-US tech collaboration is a significant move. It continues a pattern where nations are looking beyond simple trade for deeper cooperation in technology infrastructure, regulation, and capability. If implemented well, the deal could substantially advance the UK’s AI and data infrastructure, raise its global tech profile, and generate jobs, while also reinforcing the strategic ties between the UK and US. But success will depend heavily on how quickly and smoothly the various technical, regulatory, and logistical issues are resolved.

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