Sunday 30 April 2017

PKNS COMMITTED TO PRODUCE YOUNG ENTREPENEURS

 SHAH ALAM, April 29 (Bernama) -- The Selangor State Development 
Corporation (PKNS) is committed to produce a generation of young 
entrepreneurs through the Tunas Niaga (Protune) programme and 
Entrepreneurial Pilot programme that have been carried out since 1998.

PKNS chief executive officer Noraida Mohd Yusof said the programme to make 
entrepreneurship as a culture among primary and secondary school students 
was provided by PKNS under the supervision of the Entrepreneur Development 
Division.

"Such programmes aims to provide exposure on the actual business environment 
and opportunities to students to gain experience in directly interacting and 
communicating with the buyers," he told reporters after officiating the 
Protune and PPU sales promotion programme here today.

The four-day programme, which began on Thursday until tomorrow, is organised 
by KNS jointly with the Selangor Education Department.

It is attended by 192 students from 50 primary and secondary schools 
throughout Selangor.

Noraida said since its inception until last year, 20,650 students and 1,652 
counselling teachers had taken part in the Protune programme.

"For the PPU programme, introduced since 2007, 120 students have 
participated in it, among others, involves the sale of products in schools, 
PPU camp and sales promotion undertaken to nurture an interest in 
entrepreneurship among primary school students.

Noraida added PKNS also provided entrepreneurship programmes for various 
ages such as those that catered to graduates and contractors.

-- BERNAMA

Friday 28 April 2017

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF NATIONAL REINSURANCE CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES

SINGAPORE, April 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb” of National Reinsurance Corporation of the Philippines (NRCP) (Philippines). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) remains negative.

The ratings reflect NRCP’s strong risk-adjusted capitalization and low net underwriting leverage.

NRCP’s risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), is supported by its low underwriting leverage. NRCP has low premium retention and cedes a significant portion of risk to a panel of highly rated retrocessionaires.


http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29000

SINGAPORE FACES PRODUCTIVITY CHALLENGE ACCORDING TO NEW OLIVER WYMAN REPORT



SINGAPORE, April 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Over the past decade, Singapore has lost some of its economic competitiveness. While the economy has been growing steadily, the pace of growth has stagnated according to a new report from Oliver Wyman.
 
“Singapore is lauded as one of the greatest economic success stories in history. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown at an average annual rate of around 7.7 percent since its independence in 1965,” said Christian Pedersen, Oliver Wyman partner and co-author of the report. “However, the pace of progress in Singapore is slowing, mainly due to a decline in productivity – a phenomenon which affects most economies. In lieu also of broader global uncertainties, the leadership of Singapore’s industrial and financial industries needs to be bold, adopt new techniques, and view productivity through a different lens in order to help reverse this trend.”

The report, entitled “Singapore Productivity Challenge: Role of the Private Sector” can be viewed here. The report examines how rising wages combined with a decline in labour productivity are making it more difficult for Singapore to stay ahead of the emerging Asian economies such as China, India, and Indonesia.

Key findings of the report include:
  • GDP growth decreased from 4.7 percent in 2013 to 2.0 percent in 2015. This is comparable to Australia (2.3 percent), Hong Kong (2.4 percent) and South Korea (2.6 percent). But many competing economies in the region continue to outpace Singapore, including Indonesia (4.8 percent), China (6.9 percent) and India (7.6 percent).
  • The global outlook pointing to a retreat of globalisation will further exacerbate the economic uncertainty in Singapore. The protectionist economics growing in strength in Europe and US will slow down cross-border flows of goods, services and capital, which will have further impact on Singapore’s competitiveness.
  • Several industries contributing significantly to Singapore’s GDP have seen a rise in market capitalisation over the last five years, but at the same time experienced a decline in numerous productivity metrics. These include profit per employee, return on capital, and – in some cases – return on equity.
  • Recognising the importance of workforce productivity, the Singapore government has promoted its improvement as a focus area for the economy. The government has highlighted the need to improve employee skills rather than reduce employee numbers and has also taken the lead by driving greater productivity within its own departments.
  • With further pressures coming from digitization, the larger private-sector companies operating in Singapore need to further evolve their organisations by raising the skills, effectiveness, and – ultimately – productivity of their employees.
The report discusses challenges and solutions across various industries including information and communication and healthcare and also features data on workforce metrics from Mercer, Oliver Wyman’s sister company. The report concludes with a call to action for large, private sector companies in the region to take measures in order to reverse the productivity drain, and set an example for smaller firms to follow. 

NASDAQ REPORTS RECORD QUARTERLY EARNINGS; ANNOUNCES 19% INCREASE IN QUARTERLY DIVIDEND

NEW YORK, April 27 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq, Inc. (Nasdaq:NDAQ) today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2017. First quarter net revenues were $583 million, up $49 million or 9% from $534 million in the prior year period. The first quarter increase in net revenues included a $50 million positive impact from acquisitions and $15 million, or 5%, organic growth in non-trading segments, partially offset by a $12 million organic decline in Market Services net revenues driven by lower industry trading volumes, as well as an overall $4 million impact from unfavorable changes in foreign exchange rates.

"I'm pleased Nasdaq was able to set new highs in terms of operating income and EPS, and deliver continued strong organic revenue growth across the non-transactional businesses, despite a challenging trading volume environment," said Adena T. Friedman, President and CEO, Nasdaq. "Importantly, we are seeing growth in areas where we've invested materially to innovate for the benefit of our clients, bringing them new or enhanced capabilities and efficiencies, in particular in the Market Technology, Information Services and Corporate Solutions businesses."
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28986

DREAM TO SET UP ITS FIRST U.S. DEVELOPMENT FUND "DREAM US FUND"

TOKYO, April 27 (Bernama) -- Diamond Realty Management Inc. ("DREAM"), a 100%-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation ("MC"), announced on April 27 that it has launched a development fund in the U.S., dubbed "DREAM US Fund." The launch of the "DREAM US Fund" represents the first outbound overseas fund-raising offered to Japanese domestic investors by DREAM. DREAM will robustly pursue cross-border transactions, including making this "DREAM US Fund" into the fund series. Being a member of the MC Group enables DREAM to be a competent global and local asset manager in Japan and globally.

The "DREAM US Fund" will co-invest in multi-family and logistics development projects (for less than 49% interests) in the U.S. which have been undertaken by DREAM's sister company, Diamond Realty Investments Inc. ("DRI"), a U.S.-based real estate investment company. DRI is a 100%-owned subsidiary of MC Americas. DREAM will act as an asset manager for the Fund.

With total equity commitment of US$51 million from Japanese institutions, the Fund will invest in three development projects. The Fund has a life of 4 years and plans to exit through third-party sale of properties after the three development projects' completion and lease-up reaching stabilized occupancy levels. The total cost of the projects is approximately US$250 million, which will consist of two multi-family development projects (located in Texas and Colorado) and one logistics development project (located in California).

DREAM plans other multiple overseas initiatives, including a series of the Fund. DREAM will continue to leverage the MC Group's global network and local expertise, and offer diverse high-quality products to its investors.

(Reference)
1. Mitsubishi Corporation
(1) Head Office: 3-1, Marunouchi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
(2) Businesses: MC is a global integrated business enterprise that develops and operates businesses across virtually every industry including industrial finance, energy, metals, machinery, chemicals, foods, and environmental business. MC's current activities are expanding far beyond its traditional trading operations as its diverse businesses range from natural resource development to investment in retail business, infrastructure, financial products and the manufacturing of industrial goods.
(3) Representative: Takehiko Kakiuchi, President and Chief Executive Officer
(4) Established: 1950
(5) Number of employees: 68,247 (consolidated basis, as of March 31, 2016)

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28988

​NASDAQ ANNOUNCES 19% INCREASE IN QUARTERLY DIVIDEND TO $0.38 PER SHARE

​NASDAQ ANNOUNCES 19% INCREASE IN QUARTERLY DIVIDEND TO $0.38 PER SHARE

Thursday 27 April 2017

SNOOPY MUSEUM TOKYO HOLDS 1ST ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE EXHIBITION, STARTING APRIL 22, 2017




TOKYO, April 26 (Bernama-AsiaNet) --

- Meet Snoopy's Friends at "Peanuts Gang All Stars! -- Introduce Your Friends to Me, Snoopy" -

Reaching its first anniversary on Sunday, April 23, 2017, Snoopy Museum Tokyo started a commemorative exhibition entitled "Peanuts Gang All Stars! -- Introduce your friends to me, Snoopy" from Saturday, April 22.

(Logo:
http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M103782/201704211134/_
prw_PI1fl_EUeITxSz.jpg)

Among over 70 characters in "Peanuts," especially familiar ones have been handpicked as the All Star gang for this exhibition. Snoopy and his distinct friends ("Peanuts Gang") and the relationship among one another are described through 80 precious original comic strips and a newly created original video.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28978

POLYPLASTICS DEVELOPS NEW DURAFIDE (R) PPS GRADES WITH IMPROVED HEAT SHOCK RESISTANCE

TOKYO, April 26 (Bernama-AsiaNet) -- 
 
- Better Materials for Automotive Components and Others -

Polyplastics Co., Ltd. has developed new DURAFIDE (R) PPS grades, 6150T73 and 6150T8, which applied advanced technology to improve heat shock resistance of highly filled, high-toughness PPS materials.

(Image: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M100475/201704211145/_prw_PI1fl_B49uBz0Y.jpg)

Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is a highly heat-resistant resin that is categorized as super engineering plastic. It exhibits outstanding flame retardancy, mechanical property, dimensional stability and chemical resistance. In order to meet market requirements, particularly in the automotive sector, we have been making efforts to develop new highly filled, high-toughness PPS grades with greatly improved heat shock resistance.

Previously, it was not so easy to improve heat shock resistance of a PPS material while keeping other properties in balance. First, conventional grades with improved heat shock resistance generate large quantities of mold deposits, caused by gases originating from the impact modifier. And increased frequency of metal mold maintenance was an issue. Second, the trend toward reduction of product thickness and weight has resulted in an increased requirement for materials with higher flowability. However, increasing flowability and improving toughness to give heat shock resistance normally have conflicting effects and it was difficult to achieve both at the same time.

Polyplastics has now developed the new grades DURAFIDE PPS 6150T73 and 6150T8 that have overcome the abovementioned problems. DURAFIDE PPS 6150T8 exhibits high flowability and improved heat shock resistance, while DURAFIDE PPS 6150T73 benefits from even higher heat shock resistance. Additionally, both grades demonstrate low outgassing (low mold deposit) characteristics. These new materials are expected to boost productivity at customers not only in the automotive sector but in a wide range of fields by helping to increase freedom of product design while also reducing the frequency of metal mold maintenance. Polyplastics is not only a developer of materials technology; it is also actively engaged in the development of molding and processing technologies. In addition to the abovementioned materials technologies, we aim to offer new solutions that combine molding and processing technologies.

For more information, visit
https://www.polyplastics.com/en/product/lines/pps_hs/index.vm

DURAFIDE (R) is a registered trademark of Polyplastics Co., Ltd. in Japan and other countries.

SOURCE: Polyplastics Co., Ltd.

--BERNAMA

TACONIC BIOSCIENCES EXPANDS MICROBIOME PRODUCT AND SERVICE PLATFORM

HUDSON, N.Y., April 27 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Taconic Biosciences, a global leader in genetically engineered mouse models and associated services and the only commercial provider of germ-free mice, announced that effective April 26, 2017 they will expand their microbiome product and services platform to include custom Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) services. To support these new FMT services, Taconic will also offer custom germ-free derivations using either client mouse models, Taconic’s commercial offerings, or mice sourced from third parties.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28987

A.M. BEST BRIEFING: NON-LIFE INSURERS IN THE PHILIPPINES STRUGGLE TO BALANCE GROWTH WITH PROFITABILITY


SINGAPORE, April 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Philippine non-life industry experienced another year of solid premium growth in 2016, with gross and net premiums growing faster than the overall economy. However, this growth was likely not supported by sufficient net profitability or capital growth, according to a new A.M. Best briefing, and net underwriting margins remain thin for a catastrophe-exposed market like the Philippines.

The Best’s Briefing, titled, “The Challenges of Balancing Growth With Profitability,” states that the average four-year net combined ratio (2012-2015) of a sample group of eight non-life insurers was 102.9. While higher pricing to incorporate a larger allowance for catastrophe claims could lead to positive average net underwriting results over a longer period, competitive constraints make this hard to implement. Moreover, as expense ratios dominate the net combined ratio in the Philippines, realizing efficiencies will likely play an important role in achieving improvements in net underwriting margins.

While overall net profits from 2012 to 2015 were positive and relatively stable, they were insufficient to strengthen risk-based capital. Return on equity (ROE) averaged only 3.6% during this period and lagged behind growth in premiums, indicating that the insurers’ capital generation capability failed to match the growth in insurance risk. As of 2015, risk-based capital was estimated to have remained below the levels in 2012, the year before Super Typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines. A temporary fall in risk-based capital after a catastrophe is not unusual, but strong insurers would be able to restore their risk-based capital. However, this was not evident for the sample group between 2012 and 2015 as low net profitability impeded capital growth.

To access the full copy of this briefing, please visit http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=260719.

A.M. Best is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2017 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts
A.M. Best
Chi-Yeung Lok
Associate Director
+65 6589 8400, ext. 211

chi-yeung.lok@ambest.com
or
Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com
or
Jim Peavy
Director, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644

james.peavy@ambest.com
 

Source: A.M. Best

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

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

Wednesday 26 April 2017

EOS INC. SIGNED CONTRACTS FOR THREE FLAGSHIP STORES OPENING IN NANNING, CHINA

TAIPEI, Taiwan, April 26 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On April 22nd, 2017, Mr. Ben Yang, the chief representative of Asian market, EOS Inc., arrived in Nanning City, Guangxi, China, to sign the agency contracts with three owners of new flagship stores being launched there.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f5794ad4-8667-4914-bedc-e7714706bfda

There were more than one hundred guests from other cities in China attending the banquet to celebrate such a successful progress in Guangxi province.

Now there have been a total of 4 flagship stores set up in China, including the first one in Quanzhou. It will make a great contribution to broadening the business of EOS Inc. in China.

Nanning City is the largest economy of Guangxi province. According to "China's top 100 cities in 2016" released by Wharton Institute of Economic Research in Shanghai, Nanning City was ranked 42, which was 5 ranks higher than the previous year.

The overall consuming power of the city is also increasing rapidly.  This is why the new local agents have high confidence in EOS's business development in Nanning city.

It is expected that by the end of this year there will be 3 to 5 new flagship stores opened in China, and the total business turnover of EOS enterprise is estimated to increase by 4 million US Dollars.

ABOUT EOS INC.:

EOS Inc. is a holding company registered in Nevada, USA, who has a vast distribution network associates with many dealer companies providing health care, beauty care, and environment friendly cleaning products in Asia.

Since the first quarter of 2017, EOS Inc. has aggressively expanded its marketing channels in China and Southeast Asian countries. Its beauty and health care products are positively confirmed in these markets.  The opening of the three flagship stores in Nanning is its new mile stone.

For more information on EOS, Inc. please visit the website: https://eosinc999.us/

Forward-Looking Statements:
Statements made in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, general business conditions, managing growth, and political and other business risks. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this paragraph and the risks and other factors detailed in EOS Inc.'s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. EOS INC. undertakes no duty to update these forward-looking statements.


CONTACT: Frank Jia, frank.ctc@eosinc999.com

SOURCE : EOS Inc.

BAYSHORE NETWORKS A FOUNDING MEMBER OF EDGEX FOUNDRY

Cyber protection seen as a critical component of new open source edge computing framework

HANNOVER, Germany, April 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HANNOVER MESSE -- Bayshore Networks, the leading provider of cyber protection for industrial infrastructure, announced that it is a founding member of EdgeX Foundry, which launched today.

Hosted by The Linux Foundation, EdgeX Foundry is an open source project to build a common open framework for Internet of Things (IoT) edge computing. EdgeX Foundry will create an ecosystem of interoperable components that unifies the marketplace and accelerates secure enterprise and industrial IoT solutions that can be easily scaled.

“Secure edge computing has emerged as a complicated but critical element driving the realization of industrial IoT,” said Ram Boreda, VP Product Management at Bayshore Networks. “Bayshore is partnering with Yokogawa, along with Foghorn, Telit, and Microsoft in developing their innovative Industrial IoT architecture, where cyber protection is proving critical. We believe EdgeX Foundry can become a catalyst for even further innovation in industrial markets, by simplifying interconnection of edge devices, and are thrilled to contribute our cyber protection expertise to this new open-source initiative as a founding member.”

"Our goal is to accelerate enterprise IoT deployments by delivering interoperability at the edge through a common open framework,” said Philip DesAutels, Senior Director of IoT with The Linux Foundation. “We are so excited to have Bayshore Networks as a member to help us grow the EdgeX ecosystem and build a secure framework that benefits the entire IoT community."

The announcement was made at Hannover Messe, the world’s leading industrial event, being held this week in Hannover, Germany. Bayshore’s Industrial Cyber Protection Platform and EdgeX will be on display in their respective kiosks at the Industrial Internet Consortium Pavilion (Hall 8, Stand C24). Additionally, Bayshore executives will present throughout the week in Hall 8, Stand D19.

TGS ANNOUNCES CREAN 3D MULTI-CLIENT PROJECT IN IRELAND

ASKER, Norway, April 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TGS announces new multi-client acquisition project, Crean 3D on the Irish Atlantic Margin.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/325303aa-b36f-4de5-a678-60be534ae895

Crean 3D (CRN 3D) is a multi-client survey of more than 5,400 km2 located in the South Porcupine Basin between the Porcupine High and the Irish Mainland Platform. Multi-level targets exist, such as Paleocene and Mesozoic channel/fan systems overlying tilted fault blocks. Exploration success on the Newfoundland Labrador conjugate margin coupled with historical exploration in Atlantic Ireland has resulted in significant acreage being licensed. TGS will acquire new 3D data to provide the higher spatial resolution required to delineate multiple plays at multiple levels. Acquisition is expected to commence in June 2017. Data processing will be performed by TGS using its Clari-FiTM broadband technology.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28959

A.M. BEST ASSIGNS CREDIT RATINGS TO PEAK REINSURANCE AG

HONG KONG, April 25 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" to Peak Reinsurance AG (Peak Re AG) (Switzerland). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect Peak Re AG's sound business plan, supportive risk-based capitalization and retrocession support provided by its parent company, Peak Reinsurance Company Limited (Peak Re). Peak Re established a Zurich branch office in September 2015. In December 2016, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) awarded Peak Re AG a subsidiary license to underwrite non-life reinsurance business. A.M. Best expects Peak Re AG to operate with a high degree of integration with Peak Re, which will include retrocession support and the sharing of branding and core operational functions such as underwriting, pricing, marketing, reserving and risk management.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28957

A.M. BEST COMMENTS ON CREDIT RATINGS OF TUGU INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED

A.M. BEST COMMENTS ON CREDIT RATINGS OF TUGU INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED

TACONIC BIOSCIENCES ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF NEW PARKINSON'S DISEASE ANIMAL MODEL

HUDSON, N.Y., April 26 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Taconic Biosciences, a global leader in genetically engineered mouse models and associated services, announced that effective April 17, 2017, in conjunction with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), began commercial distribution of a new Parkinson’s disease mouse Model 13940 (C57BL/6- Lrrk2tm4.1Arte).

The development of Model 13940 underscores the commitment of both Taconic and MJFF to provide novel models for expediting Parkinson’s disease testing.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28975

POWERPHASE AND PLN SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR TURBOPHASE® APPLICATION IN INDONESIA

JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Powerphase and PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), the state power company of Indonesia, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today. The MoU was signed by PLN and Powerphase in conjunction with USA Vice President Pence’s visit to Indonesia. With this agreement, both parties agree to cooperate on a phased implementation plan of Turbophase® Dry Air Injection, beginning with a feasibility study and including two 50 MW projects, followed by a full implementation of 2 GW of additional power. The 2 GW is forecasted to be contracted and installed at existing PLN assets over the next two years.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28972

Tuesday 25 April 2017

TECH MAHINDRA EXPANDS RELATIONSHIP WITH COVISINT TO UTILIZE COVISINT'S IOT PLATFORM TO CREATE VERTICAL SOLUTIONS

Global Partnership Drives Digital Business Transformation by Securely Connecting Complete Ecosystems of People, Systems and Things

DETROIT, April 21 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Covisint Corporation (Nasdaq:COVS) and Tech Mahindra, a leader in digital transformation for the Telecommunications and Manufacturing industries, today announced that Tech Mahindra will be using the Covisint IoT Platform to enable digital transformation solutions across a variety of IoT initiatives - including smart cities, and the telecommunications and automotive markets.

Through this partnership, there will be a focused solution building and joint go-to-market efforts around:
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28940

NEW TESTING PROCEDURE HOLDS PROMISE AS A CRITICAL TOOL IN THE GLOBAL EFFORT TO ELIMINATE MALARIA

Field laboratory-deployable molecular test up to 80,000 times more sensitive than current options

CINCINNATI, April 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the global community gathers for World Malaria Day to celebrate successes and plot strategy to eliminate the disease from the face of the earth, a new ray of hope is emerging from a surprising place: the testing side of the equation.

Meridian Bioscience, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio (NASDAQ:VIVO) has developed illumigene® Malaria, a molecular-based, field laboratory-deployed test for malaria that is up to 80,000 times more sensitive at detecting the malaria parasite than current testing options. The test was developed by Meridian with the technical assistance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, Senegal.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28961

Friday 21 April 2017

NASDAQ LAUNCHES VENTURE INVESTMENT PROGRAM

Dedicated unit will focus on fintech investment and strategic partnership opportunities

NEW YORK, April 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq (Nasdaq:NDAQ), one of the world's leading providers of technology and services to the capital markets, announced today the launch of a venture investment program, Nasdaq Ventures, dedicated to discovering, investing in and partnering with unique fintech companies worldwide. The program's main objective is to identify and collaborate on new technologies and groundbreaking services and solutions which align with Nasdaq’s clients' needs and the company’s long-term objectives in the global capital markets.

"With the launch of our new venture investment program, we are reinforcing our focus on driving growth and innovation by evaluating, distributing, licensing and integrating disruptive technologies for the long-term benefit of our global clients," said Adena Friedman, President and CEO, Nasdaq. "Investing in pioneering fintech firms, who are developing unique technologies, continues our history of being a platform and partner of choice for the most innovative companies in the world. In addition, through this program we plan to accelerate the pace of innovation to ensure our clients continue to benefit from the technologies that are reshaping the capital markets."
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28933

TOSHIBA'S NEW STEPPING MOTOR DRIVER IC HAS AN ANTI-STALL FEEDBACK ARCHITECTURE

TOKYO, April 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Corporation's
(TOKYO:6502) Storage & Electronic Devices Solutions Company today
announced the launch of “TB67S289FTG,” a stepping motor driver with a
Toshiba developed architecture that automatically detects and prevents
stalling during operation. Mass production is scheduled to begin in the
end of July 2017.

Stable and highly precise control is a basic
operating requirement, for motors used in printers, office appliances,
banking terminals such as ATMs, cash dispensers, amusement machines, and
home appliances. Recent demand has also emphasized more efficient motor
drivers that use less power and generate less heat generation.




TOSHIBA'S NEW STEPPING MOTOR DRIVER IC HAS AN ANTI-STALL FEEDBACK ARCHITECTURE

GTA TO JOIN HOTELBEDS GROUP¹

- Hotelbeds Group and GTA2 combine forces to drive distribution excellence in the B2B travel wholesaler and retail space.

- Deal brings together companies with complementary operations and geographic footprints. 3

- Significant presence of GTA in fast growing Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets closely aligns with Hotelbeds Group's growth strategy.

PALMA, Spain, April 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Hotelbeds Group, a global bedbank and business-to-business provider of services to the travel industry, has announced today plans for GTA to join its Bedbank business unit.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28947

NETEASE GAMES DEBUTS CRUSADERS OF LIGHT, A FULL-FLEDGED MOBILE MMORPG WITH MASSIVE RAIDS

Pre-registration offering up to $50 USD worth of in-game gifts is now open and soft launch begins today in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Philippines

BRISBANE, Calif., April 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTES) today announced a new MMORPG, Crusaders of Light, for iOS and Android phones and tablets. The full-fledged MMORPG is free to download and currently available in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Philippines, and coming soon to North America, Europe, Russia and Brazil. Pre-registration is now open and all participating players can unlock up to $50 worth of valuable in-game items, including virtual currency, weapons and a ram mount.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28941

RAGINGWIRE AND NTT COMMUNICATIONS HOST GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION AND RIBBON CUTTING FOR DALLAS TX1 DATA CENTER



500
business and civic leaders cheer launch of massive high-tech facility
for housing computing systems of enterprises and cloud companies




DALLAS, April 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- RagingWire Data Centers, Inc., the premier data center provider
in the United States, and its parent company NTT Communications (NTT
Com), the ICT solutions and international communications business within
the NTT (TYO:9432) Group, were joined by 500 business and civic leaders
today to celebrate the opening of the Dallas TX1 Data Center, a 230,000
square foot facility designed to house computing systems of large
enterprises and hyperscale cloud companies.



The TX1 Data Center
is engineered to meet the requirements of global enterprises, cloud
providers and the unique conditions in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex,
one of the top data center markets in the United States:


RAGINGWIRE AND NTT COMMUNICATIONS HOST GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION AND RIBBON CUTTING FOR DALLAS TX1 DATA CENTER

BOTSWANA MOST ATTRACTIVE INVESTMENT DESTINATION IN AFRICA

- Quantum Global Research Lab launches Africa Investment Index
- Morocco, Egypt, South Africa and Zambia amongst top five investment destinations
- Top five investment destinations attracted a combined net FDI of $13.6bn

LONDON, April 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Botswana is the most attractive economy for investments flowing into the African continent, according to the latest Africa Investment Index 2016 (http://APO.af/sUtRNQ) by Quantum Global’s (www.QuantumGlobalGroup.com) independent research arm, Quantum Global Research Lab.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28932

Thursday 20 April 2017

AXA CUSTOMER DAY GOES NATIONWIDE TO SHOW APPRECIATION TO CUSTOMERS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (Bernama) -- Great customer service means closer interaction with customers, to listen to what they have to say, and be there to assist them. As part of its continuous efforts to enhance customer experience, AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad (AAGI) recently celebrated AXA Customer Day 2017 at its Customer Service Centre at Wisma Boustead, Kuala Lumpur on 13 April 2017. This event was created by AAGI as a platform to show appreciation, interact and gather feedback from customers, in a casual and fun environment. AAGI is hosting AXA Customer Day for the second consecutive year.

“We had a great time interacting with our customers in last year’s event, where all our executive members personally served customers at our Customer Service Centre. This year we are back with our Head of Departments as a show of commitment to putting customers first at all levels of the organization. As part of our vision to transform from being a Payer to a Partner, this is a great avenue for us to have more frequent and meaningful interactions with customers,” said Emmanuel Nivet, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AAGI.

It was a fun-filled day of food, activities and casual chatter between AAGI staff, customers, agents, their families and children, with the AAGI management team and employees.  The AAGI executive committee team, including CEO Emmanuel Nivet, together with various Heads of Departments, were at hand to serve customers including handling walk-in enquiries, customer calls, purchase and renewal of policies. Customers were also engaged in open conversations with the AAGI management and staff, a welcoming occasion to provide feedback on their lifestyle and insurance needs.

AAGI also recently became the first general insurance company to launch personalized videos as welcome notes and renewal reminders to customers. On the customer service front, AAGI also redesigned its Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system for its customer service helpline to reduce the service menu layers, and adopted more customer-centric service options, enabling customers to reach an AXA representative 8 seconds faster. On the digital front, AAGI has various automation projects planned in 2017 to deliver faster and more responsive service for customers. These transformation efforts have gained AAGI increasing recognition as it took home the International General Insurer of The Year award at the Insurance Asia Awards 2016.

“Only by having closer conversations with our customers, can we truly understand what really matters to them, and how we as a partner can help. AXA Customer Day, along with our personalization and platform automation, are all initiatives that bring us closer to our customers and empower them,” added Nivet.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28914

SOLARWINDS DATABASE PERFORMANCE ANALYZER WITH SUPPORT FOR MICROSOFT AZURE SQL DATABASE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE MICROSOFT AZURE MARKETPLACE

Azure SQL Database users can now benefit from Multi-Dimensional Performance Analysis with simplified deployment

SINGAPORE, April 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SolarWinds, a leading provider of powerful and affordable IT management software, today announced the availability of SolarWinds® Database Performance Analyzer with support for Microsoft® Azure® SQL Database in the Azure Marketplace.

SolarWinds Database Performance Analyzer delivers deep visibility into the performance of top database platforms, including Microsoft SQL Server® 2016, and provides advice for optimisation and tuning to accelerate database performance.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28935

EUROMONITOR REVEALS TOP 5 DIGITAL CONSUMER TRENDS IN 2017

CHICAGO, April 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Global market research company Euromonitor International will unveil the latest trends shaping digital commerce in the upcoming webinar “Top 5 Digital Consumer Trends in 2017”, on Thursday, April 27 at 9 a.m. CDT.
 
In today’s digital world, mobile is overtaking personal computers (PC), new technologies are influencing digital purchases and connected devices are providing consumers with new places to pay. This webinar will dive into these trends changing the commerce space.

Mobile tipping point

According to Euromonitor International, China and Indonesia have already reached the mobile-first mentality with more than half – 66 percent and 51 percent, respectively – of digital purchases transacted through mobile in 2016.

South Korea, Thailand, Australia, the US and the UK are expected to follow suit with mobile surpassing PC in terms of digital purchases by 2021.

New technologies impacting the path to purchase

Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies have the ability to create new brand experiences. These advancements are giving way to a new reality for commerce, which in the near term will likely be driven by enterprise applications with greater consumer-driven usage.

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a potential commerce tool. In time, applications powered by AI will become key competitive advantages for commerce players as these technologies afford brands the power to more effectively create personalised offers.

Changing commerce environments

Digital commerce is no longer restricted to computers, tablets or even mobile phones. Connected cars and smart appliances, among others, lend the potential to disrupt commerce by creating a new purchasing environment – from paying in your car to replenishing products from the comfort of your home.

“Technological advances evolved the way consumers browse and buy, making it imperative to understand the trends impacting the connected consumer and digital commerce,” said Michelle Evans, head of digital consumer research at Euromonitor International.

To register for the free webinar, visit: http://go.euromonitor.com/wb-digital-consumer-2017-top-5-digital-consumer-trends-2017.

About Euromonitor International

Euromonitor International is the world’s leading provider for global business intelligence and strategic market analysis. We have more than 40 years of experience publishing international market reports, business reference books and online databases on consumer markets.
 
Contacts
Euromonitor International
Marissa Bosler, +1 312-477-8908
Communications Executive
marissa.bosler@euromonitor.com
 
Source: Euromonitor International
 
View this news release online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170418005748/en

--BERNAMA

DYNADMIC GIVES GLOBAL BRANDS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUY "SAFE" YOUTUBE ADS

Ensuring Brand Safe Environments In The Age of User Generated Content
 
NEW YORK, April 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- In recent weeks, some of the world’s top brands, including L’Oreal, HSBC, Starbucks, and Walmart, have pulled their ad spending from Google, as a result of their ads appearing next to objectionable content on YouTube or websites the online ad giant monetizes. These brands are searching for a new digital video advertising safe haven that some believe, will be hard to find. In the midst of all of this upheaval and advertising anarchy, DynAdmic, a digital video advertising firm, has come to save the day with a unique set of tools that stirs up the competition and catches the eye of the world’s top brands and media agencies.

“The only way to prevent brands from being shown in an unsafe environment, is to analyze both written (page level) and spoken content (video level), not just rely on a quality score or the reputation of a video or website,” said DynAdmic CEO Stéphane Bonjean. “We are scrubbing through online video content as if it was done by a human being. With our technology, we can listen to the videos, hunt for shocking sounds and inappropriate spoken content, to make sure our clients are buying ad space within a secure environment.”

For the past four years, DynAdmic’s prerogative has been to protect the brands they work with, such as BMW, Red Bull, Kellogg’s, McDonald’s and American Express, from appearing next to undesirable videos or articles that do not fit within the brands’ vision. Now you might find yourself asking “How exactly does DynAdmic prevent ads from appearing next to objectionable content?”. And how it works is, DynAdmic’s proprietary audio recognition technology analyzes the audio track of a video people are watching online to identify the viewer’s interest and serve relevant ads.

By using the same technology, DynAdmic is able to filter out YouTube’s or any website’s undesirable video inventory by identifying sounds, written and spoken keywords that are associated with undesirable content, such as violence, offensive language, hate speech, etc… The video content recognition and analysis is based on signal processing, machine learning (artificial intelligence), latent semantic analysis, and parallel computing. With 6 billion ad placements analyzed every day, DynAdmic is leveraging its hyper-targeting technology to provide a level of brand safety known for its efficiency and scalability. Finally, in regards to a full approach to ad verification, DynAdmic’s fraud rate, monitored by MOAT, is less than 1% on all its campaigns (Q1 2017).

About DynAdmic:

DynAdmic is a leading digital video advertising marketplace using an exclusive targeting concept powered by its audio recognition technology to identify and target a viewer’s real-time interest, serving them a brand’s ad the moment their interest level is highest. DynAdmic uses its never-before-seen contextual targeting solution to sell brand safe, highly focused campaigns to the world’s largest brands and agencies.
 
Contacts
DynAdmic
Stephane Bonjean, +1-212-672-1624
stephane@dynadmic.com
 
Source: DynAdmic
 
View this news release online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170418006012/en

--BERNAMA

Wednesday 19 April 2017

NEW STUDY PUBLISHED IN PLOS ONE ADVANCES SCIENCE AROUND VTS-270 FOR TREATMENT OF NIEMANN-PICK DISEASE TYPE C1

ROCKVILLE, Md., April 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Sucampo) (NASDAQ:SCMP), a global biopharmaceutical company, today announced the publication of a new study in an independent scientific journal that confirms the unique composition of VTS-270, a 2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) product under investigation as a novel treatment for Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1 (NPC-1).

NPC-1 is a rare, progressive and ultimately lethal genetic disorder affecting an estimated 2,000-3,000 patients globally. The results were published today in an article entitled, “Characterization of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrins used in the treatment of Niemann-Pick Disease type C1,” in PLOS ONE, the world’s first multidisciplinary, Open Access journal, and are available at http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0175478.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28926

MOBIL JET™ OIL 387 GOES FLEET-WIDE WITH SINGAPORE AIRLINES

- Singapore Airlines now using Mobil Jet Oil 387 across entire fleet
- Decorated carrier operates one of the youngest fleets in the industry
- Mobil Jet Oil 387 has accrued nearly one million hours of on-wing performance

SPRING, Texas, April 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- ExxonMobil announced today that Mobil JetTM Oil 387, a synthetic High Performance Capability (HPC) turbine engine oil, will be used in all of Singapore Airlines’ aircraft.

Among the world’s most awarded carriers, Singapore Airlines operates one of the youngest fleets in the aviation industry. Its fleet includes a range of Airbus and Boeing wide-body aircraft powered by some of the most advanced and popular engine technologies, including numerous Rolls-Royce Trent and General Electric’s GE90 variants.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28924

NTT AND TELKOM INDONESIA LAUNCH "APAC TELECOM INNOVATION INITIATIVE (ATII)" TO CREATE NEW NETWORK SERVICES IN ASIA-PACIFIC REGION BASED ON VIRTUAL INFRASTRUCTURE TECHNOLOGIES

TOKYO, Apr. 18, 2017 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) and PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom Indonesia) established the "APAC Telecom Innovation Initiative (ATII)" as a joint research and development initiative on April 17 with a view to creating new network services in the Asia-Pacific region with a look beyond 2020 focusing on virtual infrastructure technologies. The ATII launch was attended by Tadashi Ito, Senior Vice President, Head of NTT Information Network Laboratory Group, NTT, and Arief Mustain, Executive General Manager (EGM) of Digital Service Division, Telkom Indonesia, in Tokyo on April 17. The initiative will develop technical studies and proof of concepts (PoCs) regarding requirements for new network services in the virtualization era, and aims to expand this initiative together with various partners, including other service providers, who share the initiative's goals.


http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28918

​EXPANSION OF THE WFH HUMANITARIAN AID PROGRAM DEMONSTRATES SIGNIFICANT RESULTS DUE TO THE CONTRIBUTION OF 500 MILLION IUS DONATION OF BIOVERATIV AND SOBI

MONTREAL, April 18 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The paradigm shift that has occurred through the expansion of the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program has resulted in significant improvements in the lives of those living with bleeding disorders in developing countries throughout the world. This is as a direct result of the significant level of donations committed by Bioverativ and Sobi, 500 million international units (IU) of clotting factor concentrates (CFC) treatment products, over 5 years, along with their substantial financial support for the operational needs of this program.

The WFH Humanitarian Aid Program was established in 1996, with more than 462 million IUs of treatment products channelled since it began, to more than 100,000 people in need, in 90 countries. Prior to the expansion of this program, donations were sporadic and existing commitments allowed for only emergency relief in dire situations.

In 2014, 21 million IUs of treatment products were channelled through the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program. In 2016, the donations rose to 122 million IUs, with this level per year to remain consistent until at least 2020. This translates into a rise from 2,119 patients treated in 2014 to over 12,300 patients reported just in 2016.The projected number of patients to be treated each year with this donation from Bioverativ and Sobi is expected to be approximately 21,000.

“The WFH Humanitarian Aid Program has transformed, over the past two years, into one of the most effective global programs in addressing the significant treatment gaps that occur for those living without much needed care,” said Alain Weill, WFH President.

The cost of treatment is prohibitively expensive for the majority of those affected with a bleeding disorder. Due to the limited access to diagnosis and treatment in many developing countries, people with severe hemophilia in these areas often do not survive to adulthood.

The direct impact of this sustainable and predictable model demonstrates significant transformation within the global bleeding disorders community. Life and limb-saving surgeries have climbed from 21 in 2014, to a total of 795 in 2016. As of the end of March 2017, this number has risen to over 1000. The immediate impact on quality of life is evident for those living with debilitating effects of joint damage, or having to put off other necessary surgeries due to the lack of treatment products.

Moreover, prior to the expansion of this program, people with bleeding disorders in developing countries had no opportunity to be put on a prophylaxis treatment regime, the standard of care in most of the developed world. In 2016, 852 people were placed on prophylaxis, with an additional 129 added onto this regime so far in 2017.

Last year, the WFH and WFH USA called for action to address the need for Treatment for All through the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program. This meant not only the commitment of donated treatment products, but also the financial support to allow for this program to become operationally successful.

In addition to these donations, the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program provides a wide range of integrated clinical training programs to ensure the local infrastructure and medical expertise are available to optimize use of donated products.

“The WFH Humanitarian Aid Program is an integral part of addressing the major gaps that exist for the majority of people in the world living with a bleeding disorder,” said Mark Skinner, WFH USA President.

The ongoing support of Bioverativ and Sobi to this program demonstrates strong leadership in providing certainty to those most in need. We continue to work with all our global partners to come together to further strengthen the success of the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program.

About the World Federation of Hemophilia
For over 50 years, the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), an international not-for-profit organization, has worked to improve the lives of people with hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. Established in 1963, it is a global network of patient organizations in 134 countries and has official recognition from the World Health Organization. Visit WFH online at www.wfh.org

WFH USA advances the global mission of the World Federation of Hemophilia in the United States.

About the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program
For many developing countries, product donations are often the only source of treatment product for patients with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. The WFH receives requests, many urgent in nature, from WFH national member organizations (NMOs) and from recognized hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs) around the world. An increasing number of collaborators within the global bleeding disorders community have accepted the challenge of providing a sustainable and predictable supply of donated products. Through the donation by Bioverativ and Sobi to the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program of up to 500 million IUs within five years, the Grifols eight-year commitment totaling 200 million IUs, the three-year agreement with CSL Behring for a total of 10 million IUs, and the agreement with Green Cross for 6 million IUs, there will now be a more predictable and sustainable flow of humanitarian aid donations to the global community. In addition, the initiatives of Project WISH and Project Recovery allow for the manufacturing of clotting factor concentrates from previously discarded cryopaste which provide treatment products to countries most in need.

Media Contact:
Sarah Ford
+1-514-266-7764
sford@wfh.org

SOURCE : World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH)

--BERNAMA

KEIO PLAZA HOTEL TOKYO HOSTS A SPECIAL

TOKYO, April 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, celebrates the 150th
anniversary of the birth of Beatrix Potter, the British author who
created the famous series of children’s stories about the fictional
character Peter Rabbit, by hosting a special event entitled “Peter Rabbit™ Hotel Carnival.”
During the course of this event to be held through June 30, 2017,
special desserts created in image of characters from the story of Peter
Rabbit will be served in All Day Dining Jurin’s sweets buffet. Moreover,
special Peter Rabbit-themed menus will be served at our other
restaurant facilities. In addition, special photo spots of various Peter
Rabbit characters will be set on the second floor to take pictures of
and enjoy.


KEIO PLAZA HOTEL TOKYO HOSTS A SPECIAL

A.M. BEST PLACES CREDIT RATINGS OF KB INSURANCE CO., LTD. UNDER REVIEW WITH POSITIVE IMPLICATIONS

HONG KONG, April 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has placed under review with positive implications the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" of KB Insurance Co., Ltd. (KB Insurance) (South Korea).

The Credit Rating (rating) action follows KB Financial Group Inc.'s (KB Group) announcement on April 17, 2017, that it will acquire 60.19% of the outstanding shares of KB Insurance. The KB Group currently owns 39.81% of KB Insurance's shares. The under review with positive implications status reflects the potential financial and operational benefits that KB Insurance could derive from being a member of the larger and more diverse KB Group.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28915

"320 NEW PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL PLANNERS TO SERVE MALAYSIANS"

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- The 7th MFPC Graduation took place on Saturday, April 15th 2017 at Dewan Tun Dr. Ismail, Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur. This year’s graduating class successfully completed the Registered Financial Planner (RFP) and Shariah RFP intensive program and received the professional designation.

Victor Kho Chu Ing, the Organising Chairman of the ceremony, in his speech stated that this year’s theme “Be Professional. Be Ethical”, graduates must place in positions of integrity, honesty, and personal integrity and must not be subordinated to any personal gain or desire.

The 7th graduation was officiated by the Assistant Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, Jessica Chew with a total of 320 graduates were coffered the titles of RFP or Shariah RFP respectively. Building on its success since 2002, this year ceremony focused on formulating the importance of ethics towards the profession as a Financial Planner.

“As graduates of the MFPC, you carry the torch for the highest standards of professional conduct and education that are so critical to fulfil these important roles. You can create a significant, positive impact in modelling a career in financial planning that is highly regarded for its integrity and sound technical foundations”, she said.

Md Adnan bin Md Zain, President of MFPC, congratulated and encouraged the graduates; he mentioned that “Today is the beginning in what would be a long and arduous journey as professional financial planners. Always be mindful, that the path success is not easy and it may take multiple failures and obstacles to reach the top. As long as you are willing to press on, there will always be creative ways in helping your clients achieve their desired financial wellness”. 

Tuesday 18 April 2017

IE EXPO CHINA 2017, MORE THAN AN EXHIBITION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INDUSTRY

 SHANGHAI, April 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- IE
expo China 2017, Asia’s largest and most influential environmental
exhibition, will be open on May 4-6, 2017 at Shanghai New International
Expo Centre. The 18th edition will be held in 9 exhibition halls
displaying cutting-edge technologies and the most innovative solutions
in areas including water & sewage treatment, waste management, site
remediation, air pollution control and air purification, along with
various concurrent meetings and symposiums.

At the 2017 edition
of IE expo China, visitors will see regular exhibitors including Veolia,
SUEZ, Huber, KSB, VAG, Andritz, Heyl, E+H, Dow, EISENMANN, Durr,
Heraeus, Zoomlion, BHS, ENSA, TITECH and ALLU. Apart from Italy,
Germany, USA, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Switzerland, EU, Denmark
and Austria will also set up pavilions.




IE EXPO CHINA 2017, MORE THAN AN EXHIBITION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INDUSTRY

TOSHIBA LAUNCHES H BRIDGE DRIVER IC FOR LOW-VOLTAGE 2.5V DRIVE

TOKYO, April 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Corporation's (TOKYO: 6502) Storage & Electronic Devices Solutions Company today announced the launch of “TC78H630FNG,” “TC78H621FNG,” and “TC78H611FNG,” additions to its line-up of H bridge[1] driver ICs for DC brushed motors and stepping motors used in the mobile battery-drive equipment, home appliances, and housing and facility equipment. Sample shipments* start today with mass production scheduled for end of July.

TC78H630FNG has one H bridge with a 2A rating and is suitable for the large current drive of DC brushed motors. Additionally, making on-resistance[2] 0.4Ω (sum of upper and lower: typ.) in the motor driver output block allows the IC to realize a large current drive for motors.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28920

BRAND UPGRADING : CHINESE AUTO GIANT JAC ANNOUNCES BOLD NEW BRANDING STRATEGY AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

SUZHOU, China, April 17 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- At the 2017 International Distributors’ Conference, held on April 16-19, JAC reaffirmed its plan to build a strong global brand by launching and implementing a new brand upgrade strategy which will be focused on three key areas: technological innovation on products upgrade, exports, and enhanced collaboration within the auto industry. An Jin, JAC Chairman, said, “A breakthrough is not necessarily a business expansion. It can be a brand upgrade. JAC’s breakthroughs are only made when JAC brands compete with Sino-foreign joint-venture brands.”
 
Products Upgrade

JAC’s product portfolio is in line with the philosophy of ‘Enhancing Energy Efficiency, Green Technology, and Safety with Intelligent Design.’ By investing in R&D, JAC has mastered three key technologies in batteries, electric motors and electric controls. JAC has sold over 35,000 units of new energy vehicles, with an accumulative driving mileage of more than 600 million kilometers.

JAC’s line of high-end products include the A60N series light-duty trucks, and BEST coaches. In 2017, JAC plans to develop more high-end products, including the passenger vehicle masterpiece S7 SUV, along with the MPV M6 and K7 utility truck for commercial use.

Upwards and Outwards: A Global Strategy

JAC Motors’ global business model proved effective throughout 2016, with exports accounting for 8.2% of total sales – a figure set to rise to 10% in 2017. JAC Chairman An Jin pledged to further increase this figure to 20% over the coming years.

By sticking to a sales strategy that focuses on strategic markets, key demographics and consumer needs, JAC now has the 5th largest export volume in the auto industry, with JAC assembly lines and factories under construction in Kazakhstan, Algeria, Iran, Vietnam and Paraguay. After years of efforts, JAC has finally gained a foothold in the South American market, and is set to enter higher-end markets, such as Australia and New Zealand.

Collaboration is the Key

To seek more collaborations within the industry, JAC signed an agreement with NEXTEV in April 2016, in addition to a memorandum of cooperation with Volkswagen China. The partnership between JAC Motors, which has rich experience in the local electrical vehicle market, and Volkswagen, which has an extensive brand influence, proves to have created tremendous mutual benefits. An Jin stated, “As we hope to expand electric vehicle manufacturing, our doors are always open for widespread cooperation within the industry.”

About JAC Motors

JAC Motors is an automaker that develops full-line independent brand vehicles including light, medium and heavy trucks, sedans, MPV, SRV, buses, chassis, engineering machinery, engines, and gearboxes. Based in Hefei, China, the company’s research and development center drives its innovation. JAC also founded China’s first overseas research and development center in Turin Italy, and a second in Tokyo, Japan.
 
Source: JAC Motors
 
View this news release online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=51541481&lang=en

--BERNAMA 

TOSHIBA LAUNCHES HIGH-VOLTAGE MULTI-CHANNEL SOLENOID AND UNIPOLAR MOTOR DRIVER IC

TOSHIBA LAUNCHES HIGH-VOLTAGE MULTI-CHANNEL SOLENOID AND UNIPOLAR MOTOR DRIVER IC

Friday 14 April 2017

FREE BIG DATA ANALYTICS SEMINAR COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU

KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (Bernama) -- The country's leading geospatial solutions provider, Esri Malaysia, is bringing its highly anticipated roadshow of seminars - Directions LIVE - to five major Malaysian cities: Johor Bahru, Sarawak, Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Kuantan. The month-long roadshow will run from 25 April to 23 May.

This round of Directions LIVE - themed Build. Connect. Share. - will provide insight on how organisations can leverage Big Data Analytics, lightweight productivity apps and real-time GIS to achieve tangible results.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28883

Thursday 13 April 2017

TOSHIBA EXPANDS LINE-UP OF ARM® CORTEX®-M-BASED MICROCONTROLLERS


TOKYO, April 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Corporation's (TOKYO: 6502) Storage & Electronic Devices Solutions Company today announced the launch of “M3H group (2),” as the third product group in the TXZ™ Family of low-power, high-speed microcontrollers based on the ARM Cortex-M core. Sample shipments of the 24 products in the group will start in May with mass production scheduled to start in September.

Toshiba launched “M3H Group (1)” with 30 products for consumer and industrial device applications in May 2016, as the first product group of the TXZ family. October saw the start of sample shipments of 13 products from the second product group, "M4K Group," equipped with a vector engine.

TOSHIBA EXPANDS LINE-UP OF ARM® CORTEX®-M-BASED MICROCONTROLLERS

SPEEDCAST SECURES TWO SYSTEMS INTEGRATION CONTRACTS WITH LEADING FABRICATOR FOR OFFSHORE E&P ASSETS




SYDNEY, April 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Speedcast International Limited (ASX: SDA), the world’s most trusted provider of highly reliable, fully managed, remote communication and IT solutions, today announced it has won two new systems integration projects with a leading fabricator for the oil and gas industry.
 

In both contracts, Speedcast has been named telecoms systems integrator, responsible for all telecommunications components. Under the terms of the agreements, Speedcast will design, integrate, test and deliver the entire communications systems solution.

The first of these projects is in support of a new wellhead platform to be located offshore Brazil and the telecom package includes 14 systems. The second of these projects is for a new pipeline support platform to be located in the Gulf of Mexico and the telecom package includes 19 systems. These systems include elements such as wide-area and local-area networks, closed-circuit television (CCTV), company phone, public address and general alarm (PAGA), television receive-only (TVRO) and meteorological monitoring.

“Being awarded the telecommunications component for both of these projects is evidence of the great strides we are continuing to make in growing our systems integration business,” said Keith Johnson, EVP of Energy, Speedcast. “These wins not only position us well for ongoing and continued support of these projects, but also for future projects. Our global systems integration team offers our customers tremendous value by ensuring their communication system needs are designed, integrated and installed using an experienced, certified and trained global team.”

A.M. BEST WITHDRAWS CREDIT RATINGS OF BEA LIFE LIMITED

HONG KONG, April 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” of BEA Life Limited (BEA Life) (Hong Kong). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. Concurrently, A.M. Best has withdrawn the ratings of BEA Life upon management’s request to no longer participate in A.M. Best’s interactive rating process.

The ratings reflect BEA Life’s adequate balance sheet strength, favorable operating performance and the benefits it receives from its strong affiliation with The Bank of East Asia.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28899

AXA AFFIN GENERAL INSURANCE (AAGI) BAGS THREE AWARDS AT ASIA RECRUITMENT AWARDS 2017

KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 (Bernama) -- AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad (AAGI) recently won three awards at the Asia Recruitment Awards 2017:

*Gold – Best Recruitment Evaluation Technique

*Silver – Best Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

*Bronze – Best Use of Digital Media

The Asia Recruitment Awards 2017 is organized by Human Resources Magazine, featuring the Top 25 organizations in Malaysia, and is the only regional recruitment awards to recognize and celebrate the best in talent acquisition within Asia. The ceremony was held at Aloft Kuala Lumpur on 31 March 2017, and was attended by 200 out-performing corporate Human Resource (HR) personnel from top companies in Malaysia.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28898