Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

Taha Maruf Champions Community Service and Mental Focus as Keys to Personal and Professional Growth

Investor and Poker Pro Urges New Yorkers to Step Up, Stay Grounded, and Give Back

NEW YORK, NY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / Investor, World Series of Poker competitor, and philanthropist Taha Maruf is calling on New Yorkers to reconnect with their communities and reclaim their sense of purpose through small, everyday actions. Drawing from his own experiences in high-stakes finance, poker, and service work, Maruf is raising awareness about the value of discipline, service, and calm thinking in today's noisy, fast-paced world.

"You don't need to be rich or famous to make an impact. You just have to show up, listen, and be consistent," said Maruf. "That's true at a soup kitchen, a poker table, or in a boardroom."

Supporting Mental Wellness Through Grounded Action

Mental health continues to be a rising concern across the U.S., especially in urban centers like New York City. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness, and rates of anxiety and depression have increased by more than 25% since 2020. Many New Yorkers feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure how to engage.

Maruf believes one answer lies in grounding yourself through meaningful, focused action-particularly by serving others.

"Volunteering helps you get out of your own head. It gives structure, perspective, and connection. You walk in with your own problems, and you walk out with purpose," Maruf said, speaking about his work at a local soup kitchen.

Focus and Patience in a High-Speed World

As a successful investor and professional poker player with over $250,000 in World Series of Poker earnings, Maruf has built his life around making calm, strategic decisions. Whether it's choosing the right hand to play or the right stock to back, the secret, he says, isn't luck-it's process.

"There's power in staying steady. I don't try to be louder than others. I try to be clearer," said Maruf.

With today's obsession with instant results and hustle culture, Maruf warns that people are skipping the fundamentals-like listening, learning, and developing focus.

"Poker taught me how to think. Golf taught me patience. Community service taught me perspective. It all adds up."

A Call for Everyday Leadership

Taha isn't launching a nonprofit or asking for donations. His message is simpler: don't wait for the perfect cause-just start helping where you are.

"Leadership doesn't mean being in charge. It means paying attention and doing what you can. Pick up a shift at a shelter. Help a friend. Take a walk instead of doomscrolling," Maruf urged.

He believes the same qualities that make a good investor-discipline, reflection, empathy-can make anyone a better citizen and neighbor.

What You Can Do Today

Maruf's challenge to the public is clear and actionable:

  • Volunteer one hour a week-at a food bank, shelter, or school.

  • Practice daily focus-put away your phone and take 15 minutes to reflect, write, or walk.

  • Help one person-not by fixing them, but by showing up and listening.

  • Choose steadiness over noise-in conversations, decisions, and how you spend your time.

"You don't need a platform. You just need a little space in your schedule and a willingness to show up," said Maruf.

About Taha Maruf
Taha Maruf is a New York-based investor, Hunter College graduate, and World Series of Poker competitor. He is known for his strategic thinking, calm leadership, and ongoing volunteer work. He is also a strong advocate for mental clarity, personal responsibility, and community service.

Media Contact:
Email: tahamaruf@emaildn.com
Website: https://bmmagazine.co.uk/

Read the full Interview, here.

SOURCE: Taha Maruf



View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

More News

View More

Recent Quotes

View More
Symbol Price Change (%)
AMZN  213.04
+0.00 (0.00%)
AAPL  252.29
+0.00 (0.00%)
AMD  233.08
+0.00 (0.00%)
BAC  51.28
+0.00 (0.00%)
GOOG  253.79
+0.00 (0.00%)
META  716.91
+0.00 (0.00%)
MSFT  513.58
+0.00 (0.00%)
NVDA  183.16
-0.06 (-0.03%)
ORCL  291.31
+0.00 (0.00%)
TSLA  439.31
+0.00 (0.00%)
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.