LG UPLUS KIDSTOPIA BAGS MSIT AWARD AT 2024 METAVERSE ALLIANCE CONFERENCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- LG Uplus, one of South Korea's leading telecom carriers, has been awarded the Science and ICT Minister’s Award at the 2024 Metaverse Alliance and Self-Regulation Achievement Sharing Conference for its children's platform, ‘KidsTopia’.

LG Uplus’s Metaverse Project head, Kim Min-gu, expressed pride in the platform’s achievements, affirming the company’s commitment to advancing KidsTopia as a leading global platform that prioritises education, entertainment, and safety.

Hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) of the Republic of Korea, the conference recognises outstanding contributions to the growth of the metaverse ecosystem, bringing together experts from various sectors. This year’s event took place on Dec 11 at the Seoul Dragon City Hotel in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

In a statement, LG Uplus said KidsTopia earned the Minister’s Award in recognition of its exceptional performance in such areas as User Protection, User-to-User Interaction and Collaboration, and Authenticity for Users.

KidsTopia was praised for its innovative approach in offering children educational experiences through engaging 3D virtual environments, powered by LG Uplus’s proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) technology, ixi.

The platform allows children to learn about diverse subjects, including foreign languages, animals, dinosaurs, and space, all while interacting with AI-powered characters.

KidsTopia’s child-friendly design and multilingual capabilities have driven its success, reaching over 900,000 global subscribers in just one year and seven months since its launch, gaining widespread popularity at home and abroad.

In addition to the MSIT recognition, KidsTopia was recently awarded the ‘Gold Medal’—the highest honour in the application category at the ‘2024 Mom’s Choice Awards’, a globally renowned certification programme for child-appropriate products, on Dec 4.

'Mom’s Choice', an international certification organisation, evaluates and recognises outstanding products based on the overall assessment of their quality, educational value, and originality, with input from educators and parents, as well as children.

-- BERNAMA

JIANGSU COMPLETES KEY WINTER PEAK LOAD PROJECTS, BOOSTING 2024 POWER SUPPLY

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- The capacity expansion project of the main transformer at the 500-kilovolt (kV) Shangdang Substation in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, was officially put into operation on Dec 16.

This marks the completion of all major projects aimed at addressing the 2024 winter peak load in Jiangsu Power Grid, according to a statement.

State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Co Ltd Planning Division of the Construction Department Head, Chen Songtao stated that the full operation of 10 key winter peak load projects has significantly enhanced the province's grid network structure.

He explained that these upgrades meet the growing demand for large-scale grid connections for new energy in northern Jiangsu and strengthen the power supply in southern Jiangsu.

“It will effectively ensure the safe and reliable electricity use of enterprises and residents in Jiangsu during the winter," said Chen.

The company has also intensified control over crucial grid project nodes and refined its management to ensure these projects were operational before the peak of winter electricity demand.

From January to November, Jiangsu's social electricity consumption reached 773.949 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), a year-on-year increase of 8.99 per cent. For instance, in Zhenjiang, electricity consumption increased by 7.58 per cent, reaching 29.838 billion kWh.

To support this rise in demand, the Shangdang Substation project, which began in May, expanded the capacity of the number one main transformer from 750 to 1,000 megavolt-amperes. This increase in capacity is expected to meet the electricity needs of 3.3 million households, ensuring a steady power supply for Zhenjiang this winter.

Additionally, the 500-kV Haiyang Transmission and Transformation Project in Taizhou was the first major winter peak load project to be completed this year. As part of Jiangsu  Power Grid’s "14th Five-Year Plan", this substation will provide reliable electricity for about 4.38 million households annually.

-- BERNAMA

LUMI GLOBAL ACQUIRES ASSEMBLY VOTING TO STRENGTHEN PRODUCT LEADERSHIP AND ACCELERATE INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION

LIPHOOK, United Kingdom, Dec 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lumi Global, a global leader in technology-driven meeting solutions across Annual General Meetings, Investor Relations, and Member meetings, proudly announces the acquisition of Assembly Voting, a technology company specializing in end-to-end verifiable, cloud-based elections and voting solutions via its proprietary platform, Electa. This strategic acquisition reinforces Lumi Global’s commitment to innovation while expanding its capabilities beyond the live meeting environment to new market opportunities.

Key Highlights of the Acquisition

1. Enhancing Product Leadership
   • Assembly Voting introduces advanced end-to-end verifiability to Lumi’s portfolio, ensuring secure, transparent, and verifiable election and voting processes for clients worldwide.
   • While Lumi Global has long offered anonymous voting solutions, Assembly Voting further elevates this capability with its advanced features, solidifying Lumi Global’s position as a leader in meeting technology and election solutions.
2. Strengthening Product Portfolio
   • The Electa platform is purpose-built for scheduled elections and asynchronous voting, complementing Lumi Global’s existing solutions designed for live meetings and synchronous voting.
   • With a focus on verifiability, security, and scalability, the Electa platform broadens Lumi’s ability to support organizations at every stage of their decision-making processes, both before and during key meetings.
3. Catalyzing International Expansion
   • This acquisition establishes Lumi Global’s presence in Denmark and Spain, opening new opportunities in these strategically significant markets.
   • Lumi Global is strategically positioned to deploy the Electa platform across its key markets in North America, EMEA, and APAC.
4. Driving Innovation with Expertise
   • The inclusion of Assembly Voting’s experienced development team enriches Lumi Global’s innovation pipeline, bringing new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
   • The Electa platform’s excellence is further validated by an independent study conducted by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), which ranked it among the top electronic voting solutions globally out of 82 tools analyzed. KIT’s SECUSO (Security, Usability, Society) research group, renowned for its work in cybersecurity and usability, has emphasized Electa’s robust focus on these areas, reinforcing its credibility and leadership in the field. The full study is available here.

Leadership Perspectives

“This acquisition marks a bold step forward for Lumi Global, as we extend our product capabilities beyond the meeting day and into the wider elections market,” said Richard Taylor, CEO of Lumi Global. “The integration of Assembly Voting’s innovative technologies with Lumi’s Global platform will unlock new opportunities, ensuring we remain at the forefront of technology-driven meeting, election and voting solutions in Annual General Meetings, Investor Relations, and Member organization worldwide.”

“We are thrilled to join Lumi Global, a company whose vision and innovative approach align perfectly with ours,” said Jacob Gyldenkaerne, CEO of Assembly Voting. “This partnership not only expands the reach of our technology but also enhances our ability to serve an even more diverse, global client base with end-to-end verifiable election solutions.”

Supporting Lumi Global’s Strategic Goals

Lumi Global’s acquisition of Assembly Voting underscores its dedication to powering the meetings and elections that matter for trusted decisions worldwide. As live meetings and general assemblies transition to increasingly digital formats, elections have similarly evolved from traditional paper ballots to more secure and reliable digital platforms. This digital transformation creates the opportunity for a unified platform that seamlessly serves both needs. Lumi Global’s clients are increasingly seeking a comprehensive solution that delivers this integration.

About Lumi Global

Lumi Global powers the meetings and elections that matter for the world’s most trusted decisions, ensuring seamless, engaging experiences for in-room and online participants. Lumi Global’s cutting-edge technology and unique global presence empower informed decision-making across annual meetings, elections, member meetings, legislative meetings, IR meetings, and earnings calls. For over 30 years, Lumi has driven industry innovation, co-creating solutions with customers to simplify the complex and deliver stress-free, flawless meetings that foster accountability and meaningful engagement.

For more information, please contact:

Sylvie Harton
Chief Business Strategy Officer

sylvie.harton@lumiglobal.com

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8b52aaa2-db1a-4f84-b5a9-de6d0e1e94b3 


SOURCE : Lumi Global

QIANHAI EMBRACES A BRIGHTER FUTURE ON FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF QIANHAI PLAN

AsiaNet 0200632

SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 19, 2024 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

The Overall Development Plan for the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone (hereinafter referred to as the "Qianhai Plan") has marked its first anniversary since its release. Over the past year, Qianhai has stepped up efforts to build a pilot platform for comprehensive reform and innovation, a high-level portal for international openness, a leading area for deep integration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and a hub for the high-quality development of modern service industries, driven by a more dynamic momentum of growth.
 
Deepening reform and expanding opening-up are both Qianhai's unique advantages and important missions. Statistics released by the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone shown that, for three consecutive years, Qianhai has been ranked No.1 in terms of the institutional innovation index of China's free trade pilot zones. Since the beginning of this year, Qianhai has launched 47 new institutional innovations, bringing the total to 882.
 
Speaking of institutional innovation, Kevin Qian, Chinese Principal of Harrow Shenzhen, shared his insights. "Since the Qianhai branch of Harrow International School was established, we have enjoyed numerous support policies, such as approval for land use, access to hardware facilities, and permission to expand enrollment. These policies enable us to better meet the education demands of high-caliber talent families. With the preferential policies and convenient services, the school can attract more excellent foreign managers and teachers," he said.
 
Qianhai has emerged as one of the fastest-growing and most open regions in China in the new era. In the first 10 months of 2024, the import and export value of the Qianhai-Shekou area of the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone reached 448.1 billion yuan, representing a 58.3% year-on-year increase and a record high.
 
The Qianhai Plan has endowed Qianhai with a new strategic role as a "leading area for deep integration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong". When viewed from above, the building of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub (E-hub) resembles the traditional Chinese character for "dream", symbolizing the dream-chasing journey of youth from places such as Shenzhen and Hong Kong. As of early December 2024, the E-hub has incubated a total of 1,374 startup teams, including 955 from Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and overseas countries. Today, more than 9,000 Hong Kong-funded enterprises are registered here.
 
"As the forefront of Shenzhen's reform, Qianhai has become a land of opportunity for strengthening financial cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong and supporting Hong Kong in consolidating its status as an international financial center," an executive of East Asia Qianhai Securities Co., Ltd. said in an interview.
 
Sun Jinjun, Chief Representative of the Holman Fenwick Willan LLP Shenzhen Representative Office, was impressed by the professional services that he received when setting up the office. "I often have colleagues from other countries and both Chinese and foreign clients attending meetings at our Qianhai office, and they often praise the office environment," he said. He also spoke highly of the increasingly convenient transportation here. "Many of my colleagues travel between Hong Kong and Qianhai on the same day, and the commute is quite convenient," he added.
 
Acting as a hub for the high-quality development of modern service industries is Qianhai's strategic positioning and source of competitiveness. Over the past year, Qianhai has delivered remarkable achievements and a promising future is expected.
 
Source: The Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone

SIMA.AI TEAMS UP WITH SYNOPSYS TO ACCELERATE AI-DRIVEN AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- SiMa.ai has collaborated with Synopsys to jointly deliver a new solution for automotive companies to accelerate the development of workload-specific silicon and software needed to power artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled features in next-generation automobiles.

“Collaborating closely with Synopsys allows us to provide automotive manufacturers with complete, optimised solutions that accelerate their development cycles.

“When combined with Synopsys' industry-leading IP and software, we will deliver a powerful foundation for innovation across auto OEMs in autonomous driving and in-vehicle experiences,” said SiMa.ai Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Krishna Rangasayee in a statement.

Meanwhile, Head of the Synopsys Product Management and Markets Group, Ravi Subramanian said: “Our leadership in architecture exploration, IP, and hardware-assisted verification, combined with SiMa.ai’s innovative performance and power-optimised ML capabilities, will enable customers to differentiate while continuing to meet stringent cost considerations and industry standards.”

The solution will combine Synopsys' best-in-class Electronic Design Automation (EDA), automotive-grade IP, and hardware-assisted verification solutions with SiMa.ai’s leading machine learning accelerator (MLA) IP and a complete ML software stack application development environment for maximum customisation of IP, subsystems, chiplets, and System-on-Chips (SoCs).

The integrated Synopsys and SiMa.ai solution will be designed to enable early architecture exploration, shift-left software development, cost-effective and differentiated in-vehicle experiences, and continuous upgradeability of automotive edge AI solutions.

SiMa.ai is the software-centric company that specialises in developing high-performance, power-efficient MLSoC solutions for the embedded edge, while Synopsys is a trusted partner to the worldwide automotive ecosystem.

The SiMa.ai tech stack emphasises flexibility, offering support for the widest number of models, sensors, and applications possible, and automatically optimises them for peak performance.

-- BERNAMA

Nikkei Online Edition Hits One Million Paid Subscribers, Achieving Landmark Milestone

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Nikkei Inc has announced its Nikkei Online Edition has surpassed one million paid subscribers, becoming the first domestic digital news media to achieve this significant milestone, according to a report by Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism.

The recent rapid growth has been driven by increased subscriptions in the corporate and education sectors. Nikkei continues to expand beyond its role, evolving from a key news source to an essential service for a broader audience.

Launched in 2010, the Nikkei Online Edition early success was driven by a strong uptake from individual subscribers, but in recent years, it has seen a rapid increase in adoption by corporations and the education sector.

Companies use the service as a source of essential information as well as for corporate training, while educational institutions are increasingly turning to it as a resource for inquiry-based learning.

This year, the number of paid subscriptions to Nikkei Online grew by 13 per cent, reaching 1.01 million, a 100,000 increase over December 2023, according to Nikkei in a statement.

Meanwhile, paid subscriptions to Nikkei's digital media subscriptions overall, including services such as the "NIKKEI Prime" series, exceeded one million in December 2023 and reached 1.17 million as of December this year.

With a total of 3.7 million paid digital subscriptions across its global platforms, including English-language media "Nikkei Asia" and the Financial Times (FT), Nikkei is now the third-largest paid digital news media provider globally, following the New York Times and Dow Jones, which publishes the Wall Street Journal.

Founded as a market news provider in Japan in 1876, Nikkei has grown into one of the world’s largest media corporations, with 37 foreign editorial bureaus and approximately 1,500 journalists worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

Millennials, Gen Z to Drive Global Beauty Market Growth, Says Generational Report

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- Millennials are expected to lead global beauty spending, contributing US$193 billion, followed closely by Gen Z at US$158 billion, as unveiled in NielsenIQ (NIQ)'s new report forecasting the future of the global beauty market over the next decade. (US$1=RM4.42)

In collaboration with World Data Lab and SPATE, the comprehensive generational report highlights generational shifts in beauty preferences, spending, and behaviours, with Millennials and Gen Z at the forefront of growth.

The overall beauty market is projected to reach US$1.1 trillion, with an additional US$700 billion in growth by 2034, driven in large part by Asia, which will account for US$310 billion, according to a statement.

NIQ Beauty, Vice President, Claire Marty emphasised the importance of understanding generational differences to navigate this rapidly evolving industry, while brands are encouraged to move beyond a “one size fits all” approach and use data to address the specific needs and values of each generation.

The study revealed that Millennials, born between 1977 and 1995, will dominate beauty market growth in the next decade, surpassing Gen X as the leading spenders by 2034, representing 24 per cent of spending globally. Their spending is focused on skin and hair care, with a preference for natural ingredients in their beauty routine.

Millennials are also significantly influenced by TikTok trends, with #makeupover30 and emerging topics like Beef Tallow usage gaining traction. In terms of beauty services, Millennials in Europe are expected to allocate 57 per cent of their budgets to beauty services by 2034. 

Meanwhile, Gen X, born between 1965 and 1980, will be the largest beauty spenders through 2034, with their spending set to increase by $150 billion. This generation is highly engaged across beauty categories, especially skincare, which will see the fastest growth at 4.9 per cent year over year (US$26.8 billion).

Gen X consumers tend to prioritise convenience, often shopping at one-stop locations, while also increasingly active on TikTok, with popular hashtags like #over40makeup.

The report underscores the importance of digital trends on platforms, revealing shifts in consumer behaviour and preferences. Both Millennials and Gen Z are placing greater emphasis on sustainability, with Millennials prioritising environmental impact and Gen Z seeking products that promote social equality.

NielsenIQ’s “Beauty Futures” report offers a detailed analysis of global beauty consumers, covering market projections, generational purchasing drivers, and emerging trends.

-- BERNAMA

Hong Kong to Ring in 2025 with Spectacular New Year Countdown Fireworks, Live Performances

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- Hong Kong is set to light up the sky with a breathtaking New Year countdown fireworks display on Dec 31, as the world prepares to bid farewell to 2024.

This annual tradition has become a hallmark of the city’s festive spirit, drawing locals and visitors alike to the iconic Victoria Harbour for an unforgettable night of celebration and joy to welcome another journey around the sun, according to a statement.

Adding an unparalleled level of energy to the festivities, Crash Adams, a hit Canadian pop music duo from Toronto, will join the stage of Hong Kong countdown celebrations for the first time together with performances of local artists.

Guided by the theme ‘The Symphony of Happiness’, the fireworks display reflects the vibrancy and resilience of life in Hong Kong, delivering a powerful message to take into the new year, whereby attendees can expect a rich tapestry of colours and dynamic shapes inspired by the essence of life.

Beginning at the stroke of midnight and unfolding over 12 spectacular minutes, the fireworks display encompasses five distinct movements, namely Fire, Earth, Wood, Water, and Metal, each representing a vital element of existence.

Meanwhile, the grand finale, Light of Future (metal) will see bright multi-hued fireworks and iridescent clouds light up Victoria Harbour, embodying a courageous spirit for a shining future in the year ahead.

In addition, the stunning show will feature pyrotechnic effects launched from prominent rooftops along the skyline. This multi-layered approach ensures that the entire harbour is alive with colour and sound, creating an immersive atmosphere that will resonate throughout the city.

As part of the festivities, pre-show pyro-shooting stars and a giant countdown clock at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will further add to the excitement as the city celebrates the start of 2025.

-- BERNAMA

2024 CHINA-ASEAN MARATHON BLENDS SPORT WITH BREATHTAKING SCENERY

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 6 (Bernama) -- The 2024 China-ASEAN Marathon kicked off on Nov 24 at the Beibu Gulf Ocean Culture Park in Fangchenggang City, attracting over 20,000 participants from over a dozen countries and regions.

The event, held in the scenic coastal bay city, featured four categories, namely a full marathon, a half marathon, a 10-kilometre (km) fitness run, and a five-km fun run, according to a statement.

Both the full and half marathons started and ended at the Beibu Gulf Ocean Culture Park, passing iconic landmarks such as Egret Park, Fubo Cultural Park, Xiwan Scenic Area, Xianren Mountain Park, and the Zhenyuling Bridge.

The race course is designed to showcase the urban landscape and coastal scenery, highlighting the unique "sea, beach, and mountain" characteristics of Fangchenggang City.

The event successfully broadened its network of international connections, receiving strong support from several international friendship cities and the consulates general of ASEAN countries in Nanning, including Cambodia and Myanmar.

Meanwhile, international partners such as Yeongdong County in South Korea, Rzeszów in Poland, and Quang Ninh Province in Vietnam actively sent delegations to participate in and observe the race.

Additionally, international friendship cities such as Zhukovsky in Russia, Loei in Thailand, and Hai Phong in Vietnam have also sent congratulatory messages.

In the race itself, Kenyan runners dominated the competition, claiming victory in both the men’s and women’s marathon titles.

-- BERNAMA

EMGA ARRANGES US$ 30M DEBT FINANCE FOR UZBEKISTAN'S IPAK YULI BANK

LONDON, Dec 2 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emerging Markets Global Advisory LLP (EMGA) announces they have completed their first transaction in Uzbekistan securing US$ 30M from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund).

Commenting on the transaction, Ipak Yuli’s Chairman Mr.Saydakhmedov Saidabror said, “We are pleased to be the first private bank in Uzbekistan to sign an agreement with the OPEC Fund. This is an important step in supporting the development of the Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Business (MSME) sector in our country. We share common values with the OPEC Fund in fostering entrepreneurship and are confident that this partnership will lay the foundation for expanding our cooperation in the future, contributing to the further development of the economy and creating new opportunities for businesses.”

EMGA’s Head of Investment Banking and Managing Director Sajeev Chakkalakal said, “In spite of a challenging global macroeconomic environment, we are pleased to structure this transaction and facilitate Ipak Yuli’s continued vision to supporting SMEs in Uzbekistan, as well simultaneously help expand the presence of OPEC Fund’s on-going operations in the region.”

EMGA’s Head of Operations and Managing Director Jeremy Dobson added, “EMGA is delighted to have secured this financing for Ipak Yuli, the operation will further diversify their funding base and bodes well for the future.”

OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “Our partnership with Ipak Yuli Bank reflects our targeted approach to support Uzbekistan’s private sector transformation. By facilitating access to finance for businesses, including those led by women, we are helping unlock their potential to contribute to the country’s sustainable economic growth. This partnership is not just about financing—it is about supporting a more dynamic and inclusive private sector that fosters economic opportunities and enhances the well-being of communities across Uzbekistan.”

Ipak Yuli is a joint-stock commercial-innovation bank in Uzbekistan. It was established in December 1990 and provides banking services to individual entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses, state organizations and institutions, and to corporate customers. In addition to a wide range of banking services and credit operations, the bank carries out leasing, factoring and project financing operations, operations with cash and non-cash currency funds, operations on the stock market on behalf of clients 

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