"JAPAN BULLET TRAIN" SHINKANSEN TICKET SERVICE NOW OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS AND FOREIGN RESIDENTS IN JAPAN

TOKYO, Mar. 12, 2024 /Kyodo JBN/ --

Inbound Platform Corp. (listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange) is pleased to announce the new launch of its Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket service, which includes basic fares, express tickets and the innovative ticket issuance via QR codes, for international travelers and foreign residents in Japan, starting from March 1, 2024.
 
Image1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/
M107869/202402026175/_prw_PI1fl_xUeq2624.png
 
Image2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/
M107869/202402026175/_prw_PI2fl_40292sCg.png
 
Through the "JAPAN BULLET TRAIN" website provided by the company, accessible via the link below, international travelers and foreign residents can effortlessly book and manage Shinkansen tickets in less than 2 minutes, while also eliminating language barriers and ensuring seamless experience.
 
"JAPAN BULLET TRAIN" website: https://www.japan-bullettrain.com/
 
Features of service
-Inbound Platform Corp. known for its diverse range of travel services catering to international travelers and foreign residents, has decided to expand and extend support by facilitating Shinkansen ticket bookings. Recognizing the complexities, time constraints and language barriers involved in purchasing Shinkansen tickets, the company aims to streamline the entire booking process through the new service.
With a commitment to exceptional customer service, the company offers telephone assistance in seven languages for a flawless travel experience.
 
-Currently available in English, Mandarin Chinese (both simplified and traditional), and Korean. The company plans to incorporate Spanish and French in the near future. Furthermore, while currently accepting credit cards and Apple Pay, the company plans to integrate additional payment options such as Google Pay and Wechat Pay.
 
How to Use: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/
M107869/202402026175/_prw_PI3fl_4m5taiud.png
 
Available ticket types:
JR Shinkansen and all conventional JR lines nationwide which also include popular routes such as the Narita Express and limited express trains.
*Note that the Japan Rail Pass is not yet available.
 
In the near future, Inbound Platform Corp. intends to provide the Shinkansen reservation service to travel agencies and web media worldwide, aiming to make Shinkansen bookings in Japan as convenient as possible. For those interested, please inquire at the following link: https://www.japan-bullettrain.com/contact
 
About Inbound Platform Corp.
CEO: Shin O
Executive Director: Toru Otake
Address: 4th Floor, SW Shimbashi Building,6-14-5 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Established: October 2015
Company website: https://www.inbound-platform.com/en/
Services:
Japan Wireless(Wi-Fi rental): https://www.japan-wireless.com/en
Japan Wireless eSIM(embedded SIM card): https://www.japan-wireless.com/esim
AIRPORT TAXI(airport transfer): https://www.airport-taxi.tokyo/en
JW Magazine(web media): https://jw-webmagazine.com/
 
 
Source: Inbound Platform Corp.  

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=48202

XSOLLA BRINGS NEW PAYMENT METHODS FOR GAMERS IN AFRICA, ADDING ACCESS FOR 440 MILLION CUSTOMERS AND USERS

 

LOS ANGELES, March 8 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, continues to expand its presence in Africa by integrating MTN and Airtel mobile money services. This strategic move addresses the unique financial landscape of Africa, where a significant portion of the population, particularly in regions like Ghana and Uganda, remains unbanked.
 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240307038287/en/ 

Mobile money services are pivotal, enabling users to manage funds through mobile devices and circumventing the need for traditional banking infrastructure. This initiative opens up a vast new customer base, leveraging MTN's 292 million and Airtel's 147 million users, and simplifies transactions for Xsolla merchants, who can now accept these payment methods effortlessly. It represents a significant leap towards global expansion for game developers, utilizing Pay Station's comprehensive payment options and wide market reach to deliver a smooth and inclusive payment experience.

David Stelzer, President at Xsolla, emphasizes the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our efforts to integrate local payment methods are crucial for expanding our reach in Africa, catering to both banked and unbanked users in these emerging markets. Nearly 40 million potential users will benefit from our simplified integration process for developers, enabling them to concentrate on creating engaging gaming experiences while we handle the intricacies of payments, fraud, taxes, and compliance in Africa.”

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=48187

NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS ACQUIRES JAPAN’S STARTUP INSTALIMB STAKE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Nippon Express Holdings Inc acquired an equity stake in Instalimb Inc (Instalimb), which is expanding its 3D-printed prosthetics business in the Philippines, India and elsewhere overseas, as an NX Global Innovation Fund investment on Feb 29.

According to a statement, the Nippon Express (NX) Group is striving to enhance its corporate value and resolve social issues to realise the group's long-term vision of becoming a logistics company with a strong presence in the global market.

Through this investment, the group will be assisting Instalimb's business expansion from a logistics perspective and supporting the provision of prosthetic limbs in Asian countries such as the Philippines and India and, in future, emerging countries in Africa and other regions as well.

Instalimb is a Japanese startup which develops new digital manufacturing solutions using 3D printing and artificial intelligence technology, employing these to manufacture and sell 3D-printed prosthetic legs overseas at one-tenth the conventional price and with a shorter delivery time.

The NX Group will continue addressing social issues through business collaboration with startups in Japan and overseas to help bring about sustainable societies where all people can lead affluent and fulfilling lives.

As a global logistics company since 1937, the group provides high-quality logistics services in 50 countries/regions utilising aircraft, ships, railways, and trucks as well as warehouse facilities and information technology systems.

-- BERNAMA

MARY KAY’S SPECIAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS COMMITMENT TO CHAMPION WOMEN'S CAUSES GLOBALLY

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Mary Kay Inc, a global leader in women’s empowerment, has released a special report titled "Advancing Women’s Entrepreneurship: from Commitment to Action".

The report details the company’s steadfast commitment to championing women's causes worldwide through the significant strides the company has made in the four years since the founding of the groundbreaking Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator (WEA) multi-stakeholder partnership.

“Through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator, we have created a robust platform that not only supports but celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of women globally.

“Our goal is to empower five million women by 2030, and we are well on our way. We have engaged over 600,000 women in our programmes and activities so far, and 2024 will prove to be another historic year,” said its Chief Operating Officer, Deborah Gibbins in a statement.

The report showcases Mary Kay’s holistic approach to women's empowerment through the WEA multi-stakeholder partnership, spanning access to education, capital, networks and markets, advocacy, and policy.

It includes remarkable achievements such as Women’s Entrepreneurship Regional EXPO and in-country satellite events in Europe and Central Asia reaching over 15,308 participants; and the successful implementation of various training and mentoring programmes conducted by high-level partners worldwide via the online Women’s Entrepreneurship Certificate Programme.

The company's notable efforts in promoting gender-responsive procurement and investment have also made significant contributions to women's economic participation and empowerment.

-- BERNAMA

ETT | IBYOND™ ASIA DIVISION SIGNS $1.2B DEAL WITH KNIGHTSBRIDGE BRINGING DIGITIZATION AND FINTECH TO ASIA AND THE WORLD

PALM BEACH, Fla., March 5 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- ETT | iByond™ and Knightsbridge Group have sealed a monumental deal projected to be worth as much as $1.2 billion, marking a significant stride in advancing digitization and fintech solutions globally. The collaboration signifies a pivotal moment in harnessing cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation and transformation across industries.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240304917175/en/

 

Under the agreement, ETT | iByond™ and Knightsbridge Group will join forces to spearhead digital initiatives and revolutionize financial technology offerings. Leveraging iByond™'s expertise in the burgeoning Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape and Knightsbridge's global network and resources, the partnership aims to deliver unparalleled solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers worldwide. This joint venture will leverage ETT’s state-of-the-art data management and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Economic Transformation Technologies “ETT | iByond™” (ETT) Asia Division has executed a five year software services and licensing agreement with Knightsbridge that is valued at $683 million to ETT and over $500 million to Knightsbridge. This partnership aims to revolutionize the financial services industry through cutting-edge digital transformation solutions.

The joint venture will leverage ETT's state-of-the-art, data management and Artificial intelligence (AI) platform infrastructure and Knightsbridge Group's advanced market technologies to deliver a comprehensive fintech platform that offers unparalleled efficiency, security, and scalability. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, the platform will enable financial institutions to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive sustainable growth in today's dynamic marketplace.​This collaboration represents a significant milestone in Knightsbridge's expansion strategy and underscores its commitment to driving growth in the region.

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology (fintech) in Asia is reshaping the region's economic landscape at an unprecedented pace. With advancements in AI technology and increasing digitalization across industries, Asia has emerged as a hotbed for innovation and investment in AI and fintech solutions. From pioneering AI-driven financial services to revolutionizing traditional banking and investment practices, Asian countries are harnessing the power of AI and fintech to drive economic growth, improve financial inclusion, and enhance efficiency in financial markets. With supportive regulatory frameworks, vibrant startup ecosystems, and a growing pool of tech talent, Asia is poised to continue leading the global AI and fintech revolution, unlocking new opportunities and driving innovation across sectors.​

Christopher Condon, Chairman and CEO of ETT, commented on the partnership, saying, "This partnership with Knightsbridge emphasizes ETT's dedication to being proactive at the forefront of digital innovation and reinforcing its position to global growth and the rapidly evolving Asian market."

David Chlapowski, President of the Americas and Emerging Markets, added, “Information presented in a scalable and consumable manner is the new oil and is the fuel of digital innovation. The Interoperability of disparate platforms combined with the learning capabilities of artificial intelligence will provide efficiencies never before possible - until now. I would be so bold to declare that ETT/Knightsbridge FinTech Platform is the glue bringing this all together. Collectively , we are ushering a new era of Web 4.0 – the era where Software, Infrastructure, and Finance all come together at the intersection of enablement and wealth creation and turbocharged by AI."

Issaree Suwunnavid said, “As the Managing Director of Knightsbridge Group, I am delighted to announce our joint venture with ETT, bringing cutting-edge fintech solutions to Asia. It fills me with immense pride to establish Thailand as the home of this transformative technology, empowering businesses and individuals across the region with innovative financial services."

For more information, visit ettworld.com or knightsbridgelaw.com 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=48156

TRAVEL + LEISURE CO COMPLETES ACCOR VACATION CLUB ACQUISITION

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- Travel + Leisure Co, the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company, has successfully closed the acquisition of the vacation ownership business of global hospitality giant Accor.

The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Travel + Leisure Co earnings, which means the Accor Vacation Club based in Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia will now be integrated into the Travel + Leisure Co business structure.

The company has assumed responsibility for the development and marketing of Accor Vacation Club, along with the servicing of nearly 30,000 club members and management of 24 club resorts in Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia.

Travel + Leisure Co President and Managing Director of International Operations, Barry Robinson said: “Our intention is to grow the brand in the various markets where we are licensed and expand in the markets Accor Vacation Club is already operating in.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to build on the 24-year legacy of Accor Vacation Club and, as the world’s leader in vacation ownership, we have the knowledge to grow Accor Vacation Club while conveying its unique propositions and delivering the elevated guest experiences the business is renowned for.”

In a statement, Travel + Leisure Co said the acquisition increases the international portfolio of the company, namely outside North America, to more than 100,000 members and its club resort count to 77.

As part of the agreement, Travel + Leisure Co has the ability to develop new vacation ownership clubs and products utilising the Accor Vacation Club brand across Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Turkiye.

Current Accor Vacation Club Chief Executive Officer, Craig Wood will stay on and oversee day-to-day operations of that business and will report to Robinson as part of the Travel + Leisure Co structure.

The acquisition was a strategic move that enabled Travel + Leisure Co to fulfil one of its key intents to operate and grow its vacation ownership businesses under other well-known brands, alongside brands like Wyndham, Sports Illustrated and Margaritaville.

-- BERNAMA

THE WORLD'S MOST ATTRACTIVE INVESTMENT MIGRATION PROGRAMS IN 2024

LONDON, Feb 27 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- European residence and citizenship by investment programs continue to dominate the top spots of global wealth advisory firm Henley & Partners’ annual rankings of the most sought-after investment migration programs in the world. Malta holds onto 1^st place in the 2024 Global Citizenship Program Index as it has done for nine consecutive years, while the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program retains top spot on the Global Residence Program Index.

The two indexes — featured in the 2024 edition of the Investment Migration Programs report — offer a systematic analysis and comprehensive benchmarking of the world’s most attractive residence and citizenship by investment programs, providing the gold standard in the sector. This year’s edition includes a total of 39 programs, representing the most relevant of over 100 programs worldwide. These have been appraised by a panel of independent experts, including leading academic researchers, country risk specialists, economists, independent expert immigration and citizenship lawyers, and other specialists, who consider a broad range of pertinent factors. Interactive digital comparisons of the programs are also available, enabling global investors and wealthy families to select what matters most to them when weighing up their options.

Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, international immigration and citizenship law expert and Chairman of Henley & Partners, says, “The publication is important for private clients and wealth management professionals as well as for government policy makers looking to manage investment migration programs to achieve greater fiscal autonomy and economic growth. In this era of heightened global volatility, nation states are using investment migration as an innovative financing tool to fund national or regional social and infrastructure projects as well as development initiatives that mitigate sustainability risks, to the benefit of their citizens and residents.”

Citizenship programs: Malta reigns supreme

The Global Citizenship Program Index ranks 13 programs, with the strategically-located European nation of Malta scoring 77 out of 100 and taking top honors once again. Malta’s Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulations allow for the granting of citizenship by a certificate of naturalization to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the country’s economic development. This is possible following a 36-month residence period (or 12 months by exception). Malta’s original citizenship program was designed by Henley & Partners in 2013–2014 and went on to become one of the most successful such programs in the world.

Retaining 2^nd place with a score of 74 is Austria’s premium citizenship by investment offering, which requires applicants to make a substantial contribution to the Austrian economy. Three Caribbean island nations tie in 3^rd position, each scoring 70: the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program, the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program, and the St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program all offer attractive real estate-linked investment routes and fund options.

Residence programs: Portugal in prime position

Europe also prevails in the 2024 Global Residence Program Index, with programs on the continent occupying the Top 5 positions. The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program ranks 1^st overall out of 26 programs, with a score of 75 out of 100. Each scoring 73, the Austria Private Residence Program shares 2^nd place with the Mediterranean’s rising star — the Greece Golden Visa Program, followed closely by the Swiss Residence Program on 72 — an investment option developed by Henley & Partners, which combines private residence with the Swiss forfait tax provisions.

Italy’s Residence by Investment Program is joint 4^th with the UK’s Innovator Founder Visa, each scoring 71. The only Top 5 program not in Europe is the Canada Start-Up Visa Program, which scores 69 and shares the 5^th spot with another European favorite that is attracting a great deal of attention, the Spain Residence by Investment Program.

Domicile diversification a top priority

Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, says, “Acquiring alternative residence and/or citizenship programs enables greater flexibility and participation in the world’s leading economies, as well as optionality, which is now an indispensable part of any family’s insurance policy for the 21^st century. The more jurisdictions a family can access, the more diversified its assets, the lower its exposure to country-specific, regional, and global volatility, and the more sustainable it will be over the long term.”

Last year, US-Americans were the top nationality applying for alternative residence and citizenship options through Henley & Partners, and this trend has continued into the first quarter of 2024. This year is also projected to be a record-breaker in terms of millionaire migration, according to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report, with 128,000 high-net-worth individuals forecast to move to a new country, compared to the 120,000 who did so last year, surpassing the pre-pandemic high of 110,000.

Read Full Press Release

Sarah Nicklin
Group Head of PR
sarah.nicklin@henleyglobal.com
Mobile: +27 72 464 8965 

SOURCE : HENLEY & PARTNERS GROUP HOLDINGS LTD