ScamTelegraph reports that TVI Express claims to have received an "International Good Company Award" in Indonesia, despite the company facing bans and investigations in multiple countries, including the US, Australia, China, and parts of Africa. The company asserted the award was presented by Minister Sjarifuddin Hasan for "best service excellence," but independent verification remains elusive.
TVI Express has publicly stated that the "International Good Company Award" is "one of the most prestigious business awards" in Indonesia. They claim the award for "best service excellence for year 2010-2011" was presented by Sjarifuddin Hasan, the Indonesian Minister of Cooperatives and Small & Medium Enterprises. However, ScamTelegraph could not locate any independent information, in either English or Indonesian, regarding this award, the ceremony, or the organizing entity, International Achievement Foundation. The purported organizing foundation also lacks any discernible web presence. The absence of government or media coverage for an award allegedly involving a cabinet minister and described as highly prestigious raises questions about its legitimacy, leaving details about the nomination process, selection, and eligibility criteria undisclosed.
Despite the lack of direct verification for TVI's award, there is some media coverage acknowledging another company, TimeZone (an arcade gaming operator), received an "International Good Company Award under the category of Best Entertainment & Service Excellence." This suggests that such awards may indeed exist. Curiously, while TimeZone's article noted the awards ceremony took place on February 18, TVI Express's announcement of its win emerged approximately a month later, prompting inquiries into the delay in publicizing results.
In other company news, TVI Express recently conducted its March bootcamp training sessions in Dubai. CEO Tarun Trikha reportedly attended the event. Despite TVI Express boasting "over three million members," the turnout at the Dubai bootcamp appeared to be notably small.
During the Dubai event, Trikha also announced future bootcamps to be held in Thailand, Las Vegas, Australia, and Uzbekistan. The mention of Australia is particularly significant, as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) previously declared TVI Express a pyramid scheme in May of the preceding year.
Additional announcements from TVI Express included plans for a proposed office in Dubai, the temporary incorporation of TVI Express from an unspecified offshore entity which reportedly functions as a trade license, and a partnership with Priceline Partner Network, a hotel accommodation affiliate program. This partnership with Priceline Partner Network appears to be non-exclusive, as the program is generally open to public affiliation. Furthermore, the company announced the "completion of 30% of our work for the lowest (?) international air flights," indicating a partnership with Pacific Royale Airways.
What award did TVI Express claim to receive in Indonesia?
TVI Express claimed to have received an "International Good Company Award" in Indonesia, specifically for "best service excellence for year 2010-2011." The company stated it was presented by Sjarifuddin Hasan, the Indonesian Minister of Cooperatives and Small & Medium Enterprises.
What concerns surround the "International Good Company Award" presented to TVI Express?
Concerns include the lack of independent verification in English or Indonesian media, the absence of a web presence for the purported organizing body (International Achievement Foundation), and the general lack of government or media coverage for an award TVI claims is highly prestigious and involved a cabinet minister.
Where else has TVI Express faced regulatory scrutiny?
TVI Express has been banned or is under investigation in various countries, including the United States, Australia, China, and parts of Africa. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) notably declared TVI Express a pyramid scheme.
What other business developments did TVI Express announce recently?
TVI Express announced future bootcamps in Thailand, Las Vegas, Australia, and Uzbekistan, a proposed office in Dubai, temporary offshore incorporation, and partnerships with Priceline Partner Network for hotel accommodations and Pacific Royale Airways for international flights.