Friday 29 April 2016

ANAPLAN APPOINTS SPLUNK CFO DAVID CONTE TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SAN FRANCISCO, April 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Anaplan, the enterprise planning cloud company, today announced it has appointed David F. Conte to its board of directors.

Conte brings over 20 years of finance expertise to Anaplan's board. He is currently Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Senior Vice President at Splunk Inc., provider of the leading software platform for real-time Operational Intelligence. Previously, he served as CFO at IronKey, Inc., an internet security and privacy company. Prior to that, he served as CFO at software company Opsware when it was acquired by Hewlett-Packard Company.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26701

CMMI® INSTITUTE CEO COLLABORATES WITH INDIA'S TOP-PERFORMING ORGANIZATIONS TO ADDRESS EMERGING INDUSTRY TRENDS

NEW DELHI, April 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Members of CMMI® Institute’s executive team traveled to India this month to connect with key companies working to adapt their capabilities to capitalize on emerging market conditions. One of 101 countries using CMMI, India is the world’s third largest market applying the framework to elevate performance and build reliability, scalability, and innovation inside organizations.


“We believe that the CMMI will provide a strong platform for economic growth and innovation in India for the rapidly changing future, as proven by the dynamic success of the prior 20 years,” said Kirk Botula, CEO of CMMI Institute.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26710

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS RATINGS OF UNITED OVERSEAS INSURANCE LIMITED

SINGAPORE, April 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A+ (Superior) and the issuer credit rating of “aa-” of United Overseas Insurance Limited (UOI) (Singapore). The outlook for each rating remains stable.
 

UOI’s rating reflects the company’s strong risk-adjusted capitalization, excellent operating performance and its favorable business profile as a member of the United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) group, Singapore’s third largest bank by asset value. UOI’s strong risk-adjusted capitalization, as evaluated by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, is supported by its low gross and net underwriting leverage. 

Thursday 28 April 2016

TOSHIBA LAUNCHES CURRENT-FEEDBACK 4CH POWER AMPLIFIER IC FOR CAR AUDIO WITH BUILT-IN FULL-TIME OFFSET DETECTION

TOKYO, April 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Corporation's (TOKYO:6502) Storage & Electronic Devices Solutions Company today announced the launch of "TCB501HQ," a 4-channel power amplifier IC that detects output offset voltage that is a factor in speaker burnout. Mass production is scheduled to start in June 2016.

The new IC integrates a newly developed, full-time offset detection circuit. Conventional offset detection during sound reproduction is difficult. Toshiba's new IC detects output DC offset voltage caused by leakage from the input capacitor and other sources, even during sound reproduction, and prevents speaker burnout.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26699

DECKER & CO. JOINT LEADS LARGE STOCK OFFERING FOR PHILIPPINES-BASED XURPAS, INC.

SAN FRANCISCO, April 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Institutional equities broker Decker & Co. announced today the completion of a stock offering for Philippines-based Xurpas, Inc. (PSE:X) in which it served as Joint Coordinator with SB Capital. Xurpas successfully completed an accelerated overnight placement of 155,400,000 shares at Php16.00 per share. The placement was priced at an 11.9% discount to the 30-day average price of Php18.15 per share.

The overnight placement was subscribed to by 21 global funds including Philippine QIBs and funds across Asia, Europe and the U.S. It was structured as a partial top-up, in which Xurpas' founders sold shares and repurchased a portion of those newly issued, and effectively increased the free float level of Xurpas to about 28% from 20% prior to the transaction.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26696

NASDAQ LAUNCHES NEW QUALITY ASSURANCE PLATFORM, NASDAQ VALIDATOR

New technology solution is built to accelerate time-to-market with robust testing and unparalleled quality assurance

NEW YORK, April 27 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq (Nasdaq:NDAQ), has officially launched the Nasdaq Validator to support exchanges, clearinghouses and central securities depositories (CSDs) in reducing the cost and complexity of quality assurance (QA), and bring new functionality to market quickly and effectively. Nasdaq Validator is an API-independent testing platform offering manual and automated test tools for the capital markets industry that was created from Nasdaq's experience in developing and delivering marketplace systems to over 100 exchange clients worldwide.

The solution focuses on shortening time-to-market for manual tests, driving efficiencies in the testing and QA process and simplifying access and usage of test tools enabling a broader user group, particularly those less technologically-oriented, to be engaged in the verification process. Nasdaq Validator interfaces with Nasdaq's matching, clearing and CSD systems, in addition to systems by other providers; it is currently in-use by Nasdaq and external clients.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26693

ALMEX INC. (USEN GROUP)推出LOVEINN JAPAN

東京, April 27  (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ALMEX INC.2016425推出了日本情侶酒店門戶網站Loveinn Japan

Loveinn Japan是首個專為外國人而設的英文網站,未來幾個月內將增加中文和韓文版本。

其目的是向外國人介紹情侶酒店的獨特文化,包括向入住休閑酒店的訪日游客提供指引和教程。此外,Loveinn Japan還提供搜索和瀏覽數百間情侶酒店的功能,每月還會增加更多的情侶酒店以供選擇。這個網站的另一核心特點還包括定期更新網站和博客內容,以提供情侶酒店和相關主題的建議。 


ULTRAFLEX MINI PC-IMMENSE POWER AT AN INCREDIBLE DENSITY FOR EXTREME APPLICATIONS

ROTKREUZ, Switzerland, April 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The WEY Group introduces the UltraFlex Mini PC, a minicomputer with the size of a graphic card and the performance of a modern full-fledged desktop PC. The tiny, efficient PC is particularly suitable for use in demanding work environments where space is limited, such as airport towers, trading floors, broadcast trucks and most kinds of vehicles.

The UltraFlex Mini PC offers outstanding computing power, is suitable for multi-screen environments and compatible with a variety of operating systems. It can be custom configured to meet individual user performance requirements.




Wednesday 27 April 2016

RECALL TO PROVIDE THOUGHT LEADERSHIP AT AIIM ANNUAL CONFERENCE


Jason Baker to Lead Automated Accounts Payable Roundtable
 
NORCROSS, Ga., April 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Recall, a global leader in document storage, digital information solutions, data protection and secure destruction services, today announced that Jason Baker, Senior Director, Recall North America Digital Solutions, will be leading the roundtable, “Building a Business Case for Automating AP and Moving to the Mobile Approved Lifestyle,” at 11:40 a.m., on April 27, 2016, at the AIIM 2016 Conference, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The roundtable will explore the ways automated systems enable and drive a new culture of efficiency, offer real-time visibility into the approval process and address technology challenges related mobile devices. 

A.M. BEST BRIEFING: JAPAN EARTHQUAKES TO HAVE MODERATE IMPACT ON INSURERS' EARNINGS AND LITTLE EFFECT ON FINANCIAL STRENGTH

OLDWICK, N.J., April 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best expects that the rated non-life insurers affected by the recent earthquakes in Japan will be able to withstand losses, with a moderate impact on earnings but little effect on financial strength, according to a new Best's Briefing. While the series of earthquakes, which occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture in mid-April, are expected to lead to sizeable losses, the impact could be mostly mitigated by the release of catastrophe reserves. Although Japan is prone to earthquake risk, the penetration of earthquake insurance remains relatively low, which indicates insured losses would be a small portion of the economic losses caused by the series of earthquakes.

The briefing, titled, "Earthquakes in Kyushu – Moderate Impact on Insurers' Earnings With Little Effect on Financial Strength," states that the affected insurers have reported robust growth in capital over the past five years, largely due to an increase in unrealized gains under J-GAAP, recent improvement in profitability driven by premium rate hikes in major insurance lines and benign catastrophe loss experiences.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26683

Tuesday 26 April 2016

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS RATINGS OF VIETNAM NATIONAL REINSURANCE CORPORATION


SINGAPORE, April 25 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B (Good) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of "bbb" of Vietnam National Reinsurance Corporation (VINARE) (Vietnam). The outlook for the FSR remains stable while the outlook for the ICR remains positive.


The ratings reflect VINARE's adequate risk-adjusted capitalization, consistent operating performance and good business profile.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26678

NRI'S I-STAR SUITE TO BE UPGRADED FOR T+1 SETTLEMENT OF JAPANESE GOVERNMENT BONDS

TOKYO, April 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. (NRI), a leading provider of consulting services and system solutions, today announced that it has begun the next phase of its I-STAR suite upgrades in preparation for the shortened settlement cycle of Japanese Government Bonds (JGB) to T 1 set by the Japan Securities Dealers Association (JSDA) Working Group scheduled for early 2018.

I-STAR suite, NRI’s ASP back-office solutions for securities firms, enables clients to respond to the major regulatory changes in a timely manner and improve the efficiency of operations, while also reducing the cost burden.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26684

NRI WINS TWO AWARDS FOR THE ANNUAL FTF NEWS TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AWARDS 2016

NEW YORK, April 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nomura Research Institute (NRI), a leading provider of consulting services and system solutions, today announced it has been awarded “Best Outsourcing Provider” and “Best Clearing and Settlement Solution” by FTF News for its 2016 Technology Innovation Awards.

NRI was awarded the “Best Clearing and Settlement Solution” category for its Prime Settlement Service (PSS) for investment banks. PSS is the first utility service for investment banks in Japan that streamlines post-trade operations by delivering business process outsourcing (BPO) and IT outsourcing (ITO) services as an integrated package with high levels of reliability and stability. The service started in November 2015 and also includes its ITO component I-STAR, ensures clients are able to meet their data security and risk assessments requirements. PSS's BPO services are jointly provided by NRI and its subsidiary NRI Process Innovation, Ltd (NRI-PI), and its current and former BPO clients include forty-four asset management companies. By integrating BPO and ITO services, PSS enables its financial institution partners to standardize their business processes, improve back-office efficiency and flexibly adapt to regulatory and infrastructural changes.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26685

PERKINELMER AND GENOME INSTITUTE OF SINGAPORE OPEN JOINT RESEARCH LABORATORY TO ADVANCE PRECISION ONCOLOGY

WALTHAM, Mass. & SINGAPORE, April 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- PerkinElmer, Inc., a global leader focused on improving the health and safety of people and the environment, and the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), a biomedical sciences research institute under Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), today announced the opening of the PerkinElmer-GIS Centre for Precision Oncology. Leaders from PerkinElmer and GIS attended the official opening ceremony today and discussed objectives for the joint research laboratory.

The joint laboratory aims to develop a state-of-the-art high-throughput screening (HTS) platform to predict therapeutic sensitivity in next-generation patient-derived tumor models in real-time, with the ultimate goal of bringing precision oncology research results into the clinic. Specifically, the platform will utilize sequence-informed studies and HTS/HCS focused compound library screens to test the efficacy of different standard of care and pathway-specific inhibitors in 3D tumor micro-spheroid culture models derived either directly from patient primary tumors or patient-derived models (PDX).
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26690

IMPRIVATA URGES HOSPITALS TO DITCH THE PAGER

#DitchPageBoy social campaign encourages providers to embrace 21st century communications technology to reduce provider frustration and improve patient care
 
LEXINGTON, Mass., April 25 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Imprivata® (NYSE: IMPR), the healthcare IT security company, today launched the #DitchPageBoy social media campaign, to shed light on the risks associated with relying on pagers to communicate within a hospital. Through a series of tongue-in-cheek videos featuring Page Boy, an annoying, intrusive, and inefficient sidekick who causes all kinds of problems for his healthcare professionals and their patients, Imprivata pokes fun at the absurdity of using the obsolete pager in 2016. 

Monday 25 April 2016

NEC Asia-Pacific Provides Innovative Technologies For SMRT Buses

KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- NEC Asia Pacific will implement a suite of innovative technologies for Singapore public transport service provider, SMRT Buses Ltd, at the Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange.


In a statement here today, the infocommunications technology provider said it would equip the bus interchange with different technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), video analytics and software-defined networking solutions to improve commuter experience.

"It is also to provide real-time information gathering to improve bus transportation services," said the Singapore-based company.

NEC Asia said the company and SMRT had commenced trials on features such as video analytics and face and fingerprint matching technologies which were expected to be fully implemented by year-end.

"For the safety and security of commuters, video analytics technology will be utilised to analyse changing behavioral patterns of people and their age and gender profiles," it said.

Managing Director Lim Kok Quee said NEC Asia had been working with SMRT Buses since 2014 to implement Singapore's first telematics system.

"We are happy to contine to build on this relationship with SMRT to co-create and implement NEC's suite of innovative technologies at the Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange," he said.

Meanwhile, SMRT Vice-President Tan Kian Heing said the partnership with NEC had proven to be successful in terms of providing SMRT with innovative ways to better serve its commuters.

"This will pave the way for future collaborations between NEC and SMRT," he added.

-- BERNAMA

JAIME R. LANDIVAR NAMED PA GROUP'S NEW LIFE & INVESTMENTS VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

MIAMI, April 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PA Group appointed Jaime Landivar, a global investment professional with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, as new VP of Business Development for its Life & Investments Division. Jaime will report directly to Charles Jorge, PA Group’s President, and will be based at the company’s global headquarters in Coral Gables, Florida. He will be responsible for expanding distribution in Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.

“Jaime’s strong experience, not simply as a financial services professional, but as an expert in the international financial industry, will be of great value to help our company fortify its presence in the various markets where we do business today,” commented Jorge. “He is a highly motivated professional with the perfect combination of abilities and a long, solid track record of success. We are very happy to count on his expertise to continue expanding our Life & Investments division.”


Sunday 24 April 2016

KUALA LUMPUR TRADE AND COPYRIGHT CENTRE (KLTCC) 2016 TO ENRICH THE ASEAN LICENSING AND PUBLISHING INDUSTRY

KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur Trade and Copyright Centre (KLTCC) is back for the 9th edition this year to enrich the ASEAN licensing and publishing industry through intellectual properties (IPs) trade and digital convergence. Hence, Malaysia's hub for the book industry; Kota Buku as the main organiser is calling all exhibitors, content creators and trade visitors to participate and bring their IPs to life at the 3-day event, which will be held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) from 7th to 9th May 2016.

Consistent with its position to serve as a channel that promotes copyrights and digital rights trade, KLTCC’s main focuses for this year include; Page to Pitch Media 360 (P2P) (the world's first publishing to media pitching competition), ASEAN Book Industry Symposium (ABIS) (a platform for exchanging ideas and thoughts about the ASEAN book industry), Pocket Talks (gain insight into the world of content and copyrights by international and local speakers), improved business matching sessions with pre-arranged meetings, and various exhibitions.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26672

UNISYS DELIVERS AWARD-WINNING MICRO-SEGMENTATION SECURITY ON MICROSOFT AZURE

BLUE BELL, Pa., Apr. 18, 2016 /Medianet International-AsiaNet/ --
 

Unisys Stealth(cloud)(TM) to deliver added security at a lower cost to users of Microsoft Azure, a platform used by 85 percent of Fortune 500 companies in 140 countries

Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) (http://www.unisys.com/) today announced the availability of Unisys Stealth(cloud)(TM) for Microsoft Azure to seamlessly deli

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26623

Saturday 23 April 2016

OIL PALM PROMOTION MISSION TO FRANCE AND BELGIUM 24 - 28 APRIL 2016

PUTRAJAYA, April 22 (Bernama) -- YB Ar. Wan Khai-ril Anuar bin Wan Ahmad, Chairman, Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) will lead the Oil Palm Promotion Mission to France and Belgium from 24 to 28 April 2016. The delegation includes Secretary General of Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Senior Officials and selected Members of Parliament.

The delegates to France and Belgium will:
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26670

FINDING MALAYSIA'S YOUNG SCIENCE AMBASSADORS

PETALING JAYA, April 23 (Bernama) -- Speaking in front of the public can be a daunting task, let alone communicating about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) related subjects. Due accolades and recognition should be accorded to the ten finalists of FameLab Malaysia and five top listed schools for School Lab Malaysia. Both FameLab and School Lab are Science Communication Competitions targeting two different age groups held together for the first time at Petaling Jaya Live Arts Centre.   
 
Communicating science effectively and attractively to a non-scientific audience is an ongoing and growing requirements for researchers worldwide. There is a need to communicate effectively on how science and technology pervades our life.  Through these programs, we hope to inspire future generations of scientists, increase public understanding of it, and justify public funding for their research.   

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26674

SNOOPY MUSEUM - HOLY LAND FOR "PEANUTS" FANS -- TO OPEN IN ROPPONGI, TOKYO

TOKYO, Apr. 22, 2016 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --

Snoopy Museum Tokyo, the world's first satellite museum of the California, U.S.-based Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, opens in the Roppongi district of Tokyo on Saturday, April 23, 2016.

Once every six months until September 2018, Snoopy Museum Tokyo will hold exhibitions displaying original comic strips and other artworks from the collection of the Charles M. Schulz Museum.


A.M. BEST SPECIAL REPORT: THAILAND INSURERS FOCUSING ON COST EFFICIENCIES IN LOW-GROWTH ENVIRONMENT TO CAPITALIZE ON THE ASEAN OPEN MARKET

SINGAPORE, April 22 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- According to a new Best's Special Report, titled, "Thailand Insurers Focusing on Cost Efficiencies in Low-Growth Environment To Capitalize on the ASEAN Open Market," government growth initiatives have helped the Thailand non-life insurance industry to grow out of the crisis brought on by the catastrophic floods in 2011.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26664

Friday 22 April 2016

HOUSE OF SILLAGE推出最新限量版PASSION DE L'AMOUR香水

加利福尼亞新港灣, April 21 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 全球首屈一指的高級香水品牌House of Sillage隆重推出限量版Passion de L’Amour香水。這款香氣獨特、瓶身設計巧奪天工的產品,全球只限量發行1,000瓶。

Passion de L’Amour香水的靈感源自南太平洋上熱帶風情迷人的仲夏夜之樂。香草和焦糖氣味芳香撲鼻,沉香木的氣息令人恍如置身於奇妙的異國風情之中,與你展開一 段馥郁華麗的冒險旅程。House of Sillage將此醉人香氛融入於品牌經典的漸變色香水瓶之中,以奢華體驗締造House of Sillage的非凡品質。

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26654

VOCALINK SELECTED AS RECIPIENT OF NACHA'S 2016 GEORGE MITCHELL PAYMENTS SYSTEM EXCELLENCE AWARD

Award Presented at PAYMENTS 2016 in Phoenix
 

PHOENIX, Ariz., April 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- VocaLink announced today that it has been selected as the recipient of the 2016 George Mitchell Payments System Excellence Award. The award is given annually by NACHA—The Electronic Payments Association®.

The award is named after former vice-chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, George Mitchell, an early proponent of electronic payments. It honors an individual or organization that has shown superior leadership in the development, implementation or advancement of domestic or international electronic payments. 

STAR CLOUD SERVICES BRINGS FIRST DIGITAL RECEIPT SOLUTION TO SINGAPORE RETAILERS

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE-- Star Cloud Services, a subsidiary of leading receipt printer manufacturer Star Micronics, announced it has expanded support to retailers in Singapore.
 

Built to bring IoT solutions to retailers, Star Cloud Services helps them better engage with, activate and retain shoppers by turning receipt printers into cloud-connected devices and offers a suite of free services to get the most out of shopper data available from receipts. 

KIMBALL ELECTRONICS WINS FIVE CATEGORIES OF SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

JASPER, Ind., April 22 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kimball Electronics (NASDAQ:KE) announced it has received top honors in the CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY 2016 Service Excellence Awards. Sponsored by CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY, the Service Excellence Awards (SEAs) for Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) providers honor companies that excel in the crucial area of customer service. The program, now in its 24th year, functions as a way for participants to see how they compare to peers in customer satisfaction. For EMS firms with revenue over $500 million, Kimball Electronics took home all five awards.
 
On Tuesday, March 15th, during the 2016 CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY Service Excellence Awards ceremony at IPC Apex Expo, Kimball Electronics was once again recognized by our Customers for best in class for all five categories: Dependability and Timely Delivery, Technology, Responsiveness, Manufacturing Quality, and Value. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26665

Thursday 21 April 2016

HOUSE OF SILLAGE RELEASES NEW LIMITED EDITION PASSION DE L'AMOUR FRAGRANCE

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- House of Sillage, a leading Haute Parfumerie, has released its Limited Edition Passion de L'Amour fragrance. This fragrance is an exclusive, limited edition product, where only 1,000 of these magnificently designed caps have been produced worldwide.

Passion de L'Amour was inspired by a moment of sheer bliss on a hot tropical night in the SouthPacific. Breezes of vanilla and caramel entice while hints of oud carry you to far off exotic locales. Sumptuous adventure awaits. This alluring parfum comes in the classic House of Sillage ombre lacquered glass bottle to add to the luxurious experience that is the hallmark of House of Sillage.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26647

FAST CASUAL DINING DRIVES FOODSERVICE AT 10.4 PERCENT GROWTH IN 2015

CHICAGO, April 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Global market research company Euromonitor International released today new consumer foodservice industry data. According to the new research, consumer foodservice sales grew 5.7 percent globally in 2015, improving on last year’s growth rate of 5.3 percent. Fast casual dining was the strongest growing segment across the industry at 10.4 percent, increasing USD $3.4 billion from 2014 to 2015.
 

“Consumers are shifting their dining preferences, especially in developed markets,” Elizabeth Friend, consumer foodservice strategy analyst at Euromonitor International, said. “Coffee shops, for example, saw a high increase in sales last year, which shows that the dining-out culture is continuing to evolve toward more modern, premium, casual and social experiences.” 

ANDROID APP INVENTORY VALUE INCREASES NEARLY 150 PERCENT YEAR-OVER-YEAR, AS ADVERTISERS SEEK TO TARGET INCREASINGLY VALUABLE ANDROID USERS


PubMatic’s Q1 2016 Quarterly Mobile Index report reveals over 50 percent year-over-year increases in average CPMs on both app and mobile web, as inventory quality improves across mobile platforms
 
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., April 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- PubMatic, the marketing automation software company for publishers, today announced that its Q1 2016 Quarterly Mobile Index (QMI) report found that advertisers are increasingly targeting Android users, as Android app inventory prices or CPMs (cost per thousand ad impressions) increased 147 percent, year-over-year. While Apple iOS app inventory prices are still higher on an absolute basis, iOS app CPMs rose only 62 percent year-over-year. This mobile advertising pricing data demonstrates that, globally, Android users represent an increasing value to advertisers.

PubMatic’s Q1 2016 QMI report also found that mobile app and mobile web CPMs grew 67 percent and 57 percent year-over-year, respectively, indicating increasing quality and value across both mobile platforms. The improvement in mobile web value is especially important to premium publishers that typically see the majority of their mobile traffic originating from mobile web (e.g. mobile browsers, such as Safari and Chrome). In the first quarter, 80 percent of monetized mobile inventory came from mobile web—with the remainder from mobile apps—which means that premium publishers are better monetizing on the bulk of their ad inventory. 

Meet HR Guru, Dave Ulrich In Kuala Lumpur May 31

KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- Grab a chance to meet and learn more about the role of human resources (HR) by joining a one-day programme by world renowned HR guru, Professor Dr Dave Ulrich.

Homegrown human capital development organisation, K-Pintar Sdn Bhd in a statement today said the programme organised with the support of the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) will be held on May 31 at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

The session will feature Dr Ulrich insights on how developing an HR practice can directly contribute to the growth and revenue potential of an organisation effectively.

With the topic 'The Next New Thing: How HR Creates Value from Outside In', the USA-born guru will assist in answering questions related to the field that helps participants build perspective, deliver outcomes and empower transformation in their organisations.

Meanwhile, K-Pintar chief executive officer, RA Thiagaraja said the programme is hoped to bring in respected leaders to share the latest trends and best practices for continuous professional development.

"Our commitment in human capital development extends beyond reskilling and upskilling the general Malaysian workforce," he said.

For more information about the programme, visit www.kpintaracademy.com.

-- BERNAMA

A.M. BEST SPECIAL REPORT: HOW HAVE JAPANESE LIFE INSURERS COPED WITH ULTRA-LOW INTEREST RATES OVER TWO DECADES?

HONG KONG, April 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A new Best’s Special Report states that although the ultra-low level of interest rates would be a negative factor to the insurers’ financial strength in the long term, a repeat of the late-1990s, when some companies became insolvent due to sudden and material changes in financial market conditions, is not expected.
 

The Best’s Special Report, titled, “How Have Japanese Life Insurers Coped with Ultra-Low Interest Rates Over Two Decades?” states that over this two-decade period, rated life insurers have coped with increasing pressure on capitalization by developing more sophisticated risk management tools and adopting a conservative risk appetite by shifting the focus of new sales toward protection-type products, such as traditional death coverage or products with living-benefit features, to achieve stable profitability. Life insurers also have strengthened reserves and lengthened the asset duration to mitigate the liability mismatching risk.

MITEL ADVANCES REAL-TIME COMMUNICATIONS FOR MOBILE WORKERS AND CONSUMERS

SAN DIEGO, April 21 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mitel® (Nasdaq:MITL) (TSX:MNW), a global leader in real-time business, cloud and mobile communications, today announced its next series of innovations for businesses and services providers as the company continues to deliver the technology and capabilities for mobile-first, cloud-enabled and millennial-focused communications and collaboration.
 
Delivering a Millennial-Ready Contact Center Experience: The advent of 4G and 5G networks is driving a consumer’s natural point of entry into businesses through mobile applications. With the corresponding emergence of Internet of Things and machine-to-machine services, businesses need added agility to adapt and prosper. The newest generation of Mitel’s MiContact Center, a mobile-first, millennial-ready customer engagement platform delivers that agility, transforming every interaction into an opportunity to build customer loyalty. By enabling an advanced digital customer experience across real-time communications social media and CRM integration, MiContact Center offers a cohesive view into a customer’s profile, which can intertwine with advanced skills-based routing capabilities to find an expert and deliver an immediate and satisfying customer experience.



REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES ANNOUNCES 2017-18 ITINERARIES

SYDNEY, April 20 (Bernama) -- Luxury line unveils details for epic Northwest
Passage Voyage on Seven Seas Navigator, and 25th anniversary cruise on Seven
Seas Explorer

The most inclusive luxury cruise line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has announced
a wealth of new itineraries as part of its 2017-18 Voyage Collection. Regent
Seven Seas Cruises'' all-inclusive experience includes free unlimited shore
excursions, fine wine and spirits, unlimited WiFi, prepaid gratuities, ground
transfers and luxury pre-cruise hotel stays.

http://bernamamobile.com/mrem/mnewsdetail_nEmbed.asp?hd=806900

Wednesday 20 April 2016

SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE SERVICES CITED IN GARTNER'S THIRD PARTY MAINTENANCE COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Systems Maintenance Services (SMS) has been identified as a Top Performer by Gartner for Third-Party Data Center and Network Maintenance for Data Center in their March 2016 report titled “Competitive Landscape: Data Center and Network Third Party Maintenance Service Providers [ID G00294372].” The report states, “The focus of this document is on Third Party Maintenance (TPM) market for data center and network support, which is maintenance provided independently from the OEMs.”
 

The report’s author, Christine Tenneson, is a Research Director supporting Gartner’s Managed Business and Technology services team research. Within the report she categorizes third party maintenance providers by the following named groups: Top Performers, Rising Stars, Disruptors, Stalwarts and Secondary Hardware Entrants. Top Performers are identified with the following attributes/characteristics: 

DEMONSTRATION OF ULTRAFILTRATION SYSTEM FOR DRINKING WATER TO MINISTER IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT

SELANGAU, April 15 (Bernama) -- Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, officiated the launch of an ultrafiltration system for drinking water developed by an engineering team from Universiti Malaya (UM) for Rumah Senabong in Selangau, Sarawak on 9 April 2016. The event, which was also attended by Associate Professor Dr. Arham Abdullah, Director of Industry Relations Division, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, was organized together with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and Malaysia Innovation Hub, which have been collaborating with UM on implementation of this system in Sarawak.

According to the “Water Services Industry Performance Report 2011” issued by SPAN (Suruhanjaya Pengurusan Air Negara), ten percent of residents in rural areas within Malaysia still lack access to a safe drinking water supply. Within Sarawak alone, there are 8,000 communities that require drinking water treatment solution. Supplying clean drinking water to remote locations is a logistical challenge. The UM team leaders, Prof. Dr. Mohamed Kheireddine Aroua and Prof. Ir. Mohamed Azlan Hussain, from the Department of Chemical Engineering. Faculty of Engineering, UM identified maintenance and power supply as key obstacles to a solution. To overcome this, self-cleaning routines and solar power were incorporated into the design of the ultrafiltration system. 

STEPHEN LYNCH JOINS INTREPID


STAMFORD, Conn., April 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Intrepid Aviation is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Lynch as Vice President, Marketing, based in Intrepid’s Singapore office. Stephen will assume responsibility for airline account coverage in the Asia Pacific region.
 
“We are delighted that Stephen is joining the Intrepid team, “ says Doug Winter, Intrepid’s CCO and President. “He brings a strong range of experience spanning business development, credit management, pricing and audit which will help us to increase our presence in this very important region, which continues to demonstrate strong growth potential.” 

BEIJING INTERNATIONAL IMPORT FOOD EXPO 2016 TO SHOWCASE HIGHLY DIVERSIFIED FOODS AND DRINKS IN BEIJING

BEIJING, April 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The 5th Beijing International Import Food Expo 2016 (cipfe 2016), which will take place on 6th-8th May, 2016 at Beijing Exhibition Center, is expected to gather over 600 international food enterprises from more than 30 countries and regions. One of the great highlights will be the diversity of foods and drinks from all over the world.

The Asian exhibitors from Korea, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia will showcase various snack foods, including exotic Thai and Malaysian products such as dried fruits and meat -- durian, mango, coconut, cashew nut, tamarind, and even crocodile meat; as well as drinks, coffee and fish products.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26632

SUMITOMO CHEMICAL GROUP OF COMPANIES LAUNCHES PLANTATION SOLUTIONS PLATFORM AT CORBANA - ACORBAT BANANA CONGRESS

Global leader in integrated crop production solutions combines technologies from multiple companies, markets for unique plantation portfolio
 
MIAMI, April 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Sumitomo Chemical (SCC) Group of Companies, a global leader in developing and commercializing biorational and conventional solutions for agriculture, public health, and forestry worldwide, announced today it has added a plantation-focused platform to its growing portfolio of innovative hybrid chemistries. The new SCC Plantation Solutions platform will be on display as part of the company's sponsorship of the CORBANA – ACORBAT Banana Congress at the Hyatt Regency, April 19-22.



KYOCERA TO BREAK GROUND ON THIRD KYOTO AYABE MANUFACTURING FACILITY

Company expands production of organic packages for microelectronic devices used in smartphones and tablet PCs

KYOTO, Japan, April 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) today announced that it will begin construction this week on a third manufacturing facility at its Kyoto Ayabe complex in Ayabe City, Kyoto Pref., Japan. The new facility will produce miniaturized, low-profile organic packages to house microelectronic devices used inside smartphones, tablet PCs and related mobile communications equipment.


Tuesday 19 April 2016

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS RATINGS OF PINNACLE LIFE LIMITED

SINGAPORE, April 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of B (Fair) and the issuer credit rating of “bb+” of Pinnacle Life Limited (Pinnacle Life) (New Zealand). The outlook for each rating remains stable.
 

The rating affirmations reflect Pinnacle Life’s low product risk profile, direct distribution capabilities and a lapse ratio consistently below the market average.
Pinnacle Life mainly underwrites simple life insurance in the term life market segment in New Zealand, relying primarily on a direct-to-consumer channel. In addition, the company continues to maintain a steady niche in its targeted market segment. 

TRIPWIRE BUSINESS MOMENTUM ACCELERATES IN 2015

PORTLAND, Ore., April 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Tripwire, Inc., a leading global provider of endpoint detection and response, security, compliance and IT operations solutions, today announced record revenues and profits in 2015 led by strong sales of Tripwire® IP360™, a vulnerability management solution; Tripwire® Enterprise, a security configuration management and policy compliance solution; and Tripwire NERC Solution Suite, a security and compliance solution designed to meet the unique compliance and cyber security requirements of energy organizations.
 

“After our acquisition by Belden last year, growth and profitability have continued at an aggressive pace,” said Gus Malezis, President of Tripwire. “We were able to successfully take advantage of key market opportunities in a variety of critical infrastructure industries in 2015, and we expect this momentum to continue. We are continuing to invest deeply in technology innovation, customer relationships, channel and third party vendor partnerships, and aligning our solutions for optimum delivery.” 

Saturday 16 April 2016

TORANOMON HILLS EVOLVING AS A GLOBAL BUSINESS HUB


-Mori Building unveils three redevelopment projects leading up to 2020 and beyond-
 
TOKYO, April 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Mori Building, a leading urban landscape developer, today announced an extensive slate of large-scale redevelopment projects involving the construction of three towers around the existing Toranomon Hills . The plans will transform the area into a more vibrant, globally accessible business hub that will entice individuals and enterprises from around the world to live, work and play in Toranomon.

Toranomon's accelerating transformation

Over the coming years, Mori Building will develop three new mixed-use towers tentatively called Toranomon Hills Business Tower, Toranomon Hills Residential Tower and Toranomon Hills Station Tower around the existing Toranomon Hills, which was opened in June 2014.

MITSUI CHEMICALS: EXPANSION OF HIGH PERFORMANCE NONWOVEN FACILITIES

Further Strengthening Hygienic Material Business to Meet Growing Demand
 

TOKYO, April 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (TOKYO:4183; President & CEO: Tsutomu Tannowa) will grow high performance nonwoven facilities at their Nagoya works as follows, to meet the increasing need moving forward for premium diapers.

Friday 15 April 2016

ASM-EXXONMOBIL LAUNCH NATIONAL SCIENCE CHALLENGE 2016

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- The Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) in partnership with the ExxonMobil Subsidiaries in Malaysia, have launched National Science Challenge (NSC) 2016 as part of their efforts to promote, nurture and enhance interest in science, technology and innovation amongst young minds. The competition is open to Form Four or 16 year old science stream Malaysian students from public, private and international schools. Three students are required to form a team, and schools may register any number of teams online via www.nsc.my
 
The grand prize is the Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the winning team to attend the Nobel Lectures and witness the prestigious international Nobel Prize Awards ceremony during a one-week study visit to Stockholm, Sweden accompanied by their mentor teacher. The first, second and third runner up winners will receive an invitation to participate in the Sakura Science Exchange Programme in Japan.



CHINA'S HUBSKY CHOOSES UNISYS TO PROVIDE IT CONSULTING AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR NEW CLOUD-BASED DATA CENTER IN BEIJING

AsiaNet 64105
BEIJING, 15 Apr., 2016/Medianet International-AsiaNet/ --
 
Unisys advisory, design, implementation and management services to help HubSky establish new data center facility for China’s businesses

Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) today announced that HubSky Network Company (HubSky) has appointed Unisys to provide data center planning, design,  implementation and management services for HubSky’s new cloud-based data center in Beijing. The data center is designed to enable HubSky to meet China’s growing business needs.

FIVE KEY TRENDS TO WATCH IN EMERGING MARKETS DURING ECONOMIC CRISIS

SANTIAGO, Chile, April 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Market research company Euromonitor International released today a new white paper “Emerging Markets During Crisis: Business Strategy in Times of Uncertainty”, highlighting key trends that offer organizations new growth opportunities in emerging markets during economic crisis.
 

In times of economic crisis, consumers buy products or experiences to disrupt the present and pretend they are in another context than the one causing hardships. According to the white paper, status triggers a set of emotions, such as pride and satisfaction, and consumers frequently buy objects to reflect these emotions and communicate them to their peers. 

Thursday 14 April 2016

WEX EXPANDS GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE FOR OIL CUSTOMERS IN ASIA

Leverages over 20 Years of Experience Processing Transactions and Managing Businesses’ Fully Outsourced Portfolios in North America

SINGAPORE, April 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- WEX Inc. (NYSE: WEX), a leading provider of corporate payment solutions, today announced several key milestones as part of its expanding fleet services in Asia, where it has been serving oil companies for nearly a decade.


Wednesday 13 April 2016

XAXIS AND PLISTA LAUNCH AD INDUSTRY'S MOST COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMMATIC NATIVE PLATFORM; NICOLAS BIDON NAMED PLISTA GLOBAL CEO

plista is First to Provide Single Source Programmatic Solution for Buying Native Ads across In-Feed, Outstream Video, Recommendation Widgets and In-Ad Formats
 
LONDON, April 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Xaxis, the world’s largest programmatic media and audience platform, and native ad specialist plista, which is now part of the Xaxis portfolio, announced today the launch of the world’s most comprehensive programmatic platform for native advertising. The new offering is the first to bring the personalisation benefits of audience data to a broad portfolio of native formats, creating a single source programmatic solution for native ads.



ARGOSY OPENS NEW FACILITY TO EXPAND AEROSPACE MATERIAL MANUFACTURING

NEW YORK, April 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Argosy International Inc., the leading supplier of advanced composites and related materials to the Asia Pacific aerospace industry, has started construction of their new 2,300 square-meter manufacturing facility located at No. 33, Jing 3rd Road, Wuqi District, Taichung City, Taiwan (R.O.C.).
 
The new facility is located in the Taichung Duty Free Zone and will be qualified to AS9100. It includes a clean room, cutting table, and freezer to process cut-to-shape composite kits. The configuration of the new space will allow the company to provide Composite Aerospace Manufacturers in the Asia Pacific region with composite kitted solutions.


HERBALIFE'S NUTRITION AT WORK SURVEY REVEALS MAJORITY OF ASIA-PACIFIC'S WORKFORCE LEAD LARGELY SEDENTARY LIFESTYLES, PUTTING THEM AT RISK OF OBESITY

Fifth Herbalife Asia-Pacific Wellness Tour seeks to address health issues associated with sedentary lifestyles, and deepen practical understanding on the benefits of a healthy, active life

HONG KONG, April 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Herbalife, a global nutrition company (NYSE: HLF), today released the findings from the new Nutrition At Work Survey, which revealed that the majority of Asia-Pacific's workforce lead largely sedentary lifestyles, putting them at risk of obesity. The Survey¹, which was designed to understand the lifestyle habits and attitudes of Asia Pacific's modern workforce, was conducted in March with 5,500 full-time workers in 11 Asia-Pacific markets.

According to the survey findings, nine out of 10 workers (85 percent) spend at least six hours a day sitting at their desk, with five out of 10 eating lunch at their work desk two to five times per week. Indonesia had the highest number of workers eating at their desks, with 71 percent eating lunch at their desk two to five times per week. 
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26574

BIOTECH/GM CROPS PLANTED ON TWO BILLION HECTARES FROM 1996 TO 2015

Farmers Reap More Than US$150 Billion from Advances in Biotech Crops over 20 Years
 
BEIJING, April 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Today, the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA) released its annual report detailing the adoption of biotech crops, “20th Anniversary of the Global Commercialization of Biotech Crops (1996-2015) and Biotech Crop Highlights in 2015,” showcasing the global increase in biotech hectarage from 1.7 million hectares in 1996 to 179.7 million hectares in 2015. This 100-fold increase in just 20 years makes biotechnology the fastest adopted crop technology in recent times, reflecting farmer satisfaction with biotech crops.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26588

TECHNINIER'S SKY INVASION RAISES GAMING STAKES FOR U MOBILE CUSTOMERS WITH RM100,000 WORTH OF PRIZES UP FOR GRABS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 (Bernama) -- Techninier Sdn Bhd, Malaysia's leading mobile social gaming platform provider continues to bring its state of the art cross-platform mobile games to the masses. As part of its on-going efforts to reach mobile gamers across the country, Techninier has partnered with U Mobile Sdn Bhd to hold a mobile game tournament exclusively for U Mobile customers through its own built game named 'Sky Invasion'.

U Mobile subscribers have the privilege to participate in the 'Sky Invasion' mobile game tournament for FREE and they also stand the chance to win prizes worth RM100,000 including the grand prize, a brand new Kia Picanto 1.2 AT. Other prizes up for grabs include motorcycles, electronics and vouchers. Other notable prizes include HTC's latest mobile phones as HTC Malaysia is also a key collaborator of this exclusive U Mobile Sky Invasion tournament.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26581

EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS ANNOUNCES NEW CEO FOR MALAYSIA BUSINESS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (Bernama) -- Eastspring Investments ("Eastspring"), the US$131 billion Asian investment management arm of Prudential plc, and one of Asia's largest investment managers, announced today that Mr Raymond Tang has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Eastspring Investments Berhad Malaysia. Mr Tang is an industry veteran, having had a successful career leading investment and distribution functions for major asset managers in Malaysia.

In this role, Mr Tang will be responsible for growing Eastspring's business in Malaysia and further developing relationships with its clients.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26578

Tuesday 12 April 2016

15 LUCKY APPLICANTS TO BE OFFERED CHANCE TO LEARN JAPANESE CUISINE IN ENGLISH AT JAPAN CAMPUS OF 'LE CORDON BLEU' WITH 120 YEARS OF EDUCATIONAL EXPERTISE

TOKYO, Apr. 11, 2016 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --

- Under "Japanese Cuisine Bursary Program" -

Le Cordon Bleu Japan is inviting applicants for a program to learn Japanese cuisine in English at the culinary Institute. It collaborates on a special 8-month bursary program, developed under a project initiated by the Organization for Fostering Human Resources for the Promotion of Japanese Cuisine & Food Culture, targeted for culinary school graduates or industry professionals looking to broaden their culinary horizons.



Monday 11 April 2016

NEWLINE GROUP ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS IN ASIA

LONDON, April 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Newline Group announced new appointments to its leadership team based in Singapore. Rachel Flynn has been named the Principal Officer for Newline Asia and Susan Chew has been appointed Chief Underwriting Officer.
 
Ms. Flynn joined Newline Group in 2014 as Claims Manager and Underwriting Counsel. In this new position she is now responsible for Newline’s operations in Singapore as well as overseeing local regulatory issues. Ms. Chew has been with Newline since the Singapore office was first established in 2007. As Chief Underwriting Officer, she will broaden her focus from general liability and medical malpractice to now include financial lines while also directing the overall underwriting strategy for Newline within Asia.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26573

MACH7 TECHNOLOGIES AND 3D MEDICAL COMPLETE MERGER

Focus on enterprise imaging strategy expands as technology innovators partner to deliver a clearer picture of the patient, help build healthier communities and empower clinical ecosystems globally.
 
BURLINGTON, Vt., April 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Mach7 Technologies and 3D Medical (ASX:3DM) today announced the completion of their merger. The combined company will bring advanced medical image management solutions to customers across five continents. Mach7 Technologies Limited begins trading on the Australian Stock Exchange under the symbol M7T.
 
Mach7 is a global provider of enterprise image management systems that are used at hundreds of healthcare sites, including many of the world’s leading teaching hospitals, research institutions and integrated healthcare delivery networks such as Penn Medicine (University of Pennsylvania Health System), Raffles Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26570

​A.M. BEST REVISES OUTLOOK TO STABLE FOR NEW ZEALAND LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSURANCE CORPORATION LIMITED

SINGAPORE, April 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to stable from negative and affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B+ (Good) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of “bbb-” of New Zealand Local Government Insurance Corporation Limited (New Zealand), trading as Civic Assurance (Civic).
 
The revised outlooks for the FSR and ICR mainly reflect Civic’s substantial reduction of reinsurance counterparty risk following the settlement of Canterbury earthquake claims between Christchurch City Council, Civic and its panel of reinsurers.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=26569