COVID-19: Coursera Workforce Recovery Initiative responds to global unemployment crisis

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 -- Coursera, the world’s leading online learning platform has announced the Coursera Workforce Recovery Initiative, assisting governments worldwide to provide unemployed workers with free access to 3,800 online courses.

According to a statement, the states of Illinois, Arizona and Oklahoma of the United States, as well as the governments of Colombia, Costa Rica, Greece, Malaysia, Panama, Ukraine and Uzbekistan will be the first to make the initiative available.

The initiative’s goal is to help impacted workers develop the knowledge and skills to be re-employed.

Federal, state and local governments can sign up until Sept 30 and learners enrolled by then will have until year-end to complete the courses.

Through the Coursera Workforce Recovery Initiative, governments can provide unemployed workers, many of whom lack financial resources, with job-relevant online learning.

The 3,800 courses on Coursera are taught by the world’s leading university and industry educators, covering critical business, technology and data science skills.

The initiative also includes Professional Certificates, like the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, designed specifically to train people for high-demand jobs.

The Coursera Workforce Recovery Initiative is modelled after a highly successful initiative that the company launched on March 12, to offer free courses to colleges and universities that have closed their campuses.

-- BERNAMA

Teledyne e2v Expands Its Emerald Image Sensor Family With New Compact Global Shutter 3.2MP Sensor

GRENOBLE, France, April 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teledyne e2v, a Teledyne Technologies [NYSE: TDY] company and global innovator of imaging solutions, announces its new Emerald 3.2 Megapixel CMOS image sensor, specially designed to tackle the challenges of emerging applications such as security, drones and embedded vision, as well as traditional machine vision.

With its 2.8 µm global shutter pixel and innovative design, the new 3.2M sensor shares all of the characteristics of the Emerald sensor series: superior low-noise performance, compact format, easy integration and a wide range of embedded features.

The sensor has been designed in an ultra-compact light package format with low power to address the challenge of optimizing SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power and Cost). The device also features a MIPI interface, that provides a direct connection to low-cost MIPI ISPs and a central optical center that helps to minimize the camera size. Its small pixel enables the sensor to fit within compact and cost-effective S-mount optics. In addition, Emerald 3.2M is pin-to-pin and optically compatible with Emerald 2M and Emerald 5M, so that multiple resolutions are supported from one single design, saving cost.

The Emerald 3.2M sensor is available in two different package options (ceramic LGA or organic fan-out BGA) to either optimize size and cost or prioritize robustness in harsh conditions. It offers versatility in terms of Chief Ray Angle (CRA) as well to ensure a perfect match with different kinds of optics.



​http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37254

Cloudflare-JD partnership helps global companies expand businesses inside, outside China

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 -- Cloudflare and JD Cloud & AI, the intelligent technology provider of JD.com, have announced a strategic partnership to provide a faster and more secure Internet for global companies doing business in China and for Chinese businesses reaching consumers globally.

This collaboration joins Cloudflare’s integrated global cloud platform with JD Cloud & AI’s extensive China network, infrastructure, and services, offering a seamless experience for businesses looking to reach global audiences.

“Together, Cloudflare and JD Cloud & AI are partnering to give businesses even more opportunity to be secure, fast and reliable with one integrated global network,” said Cloudflare co-founder and chief executive officer, Matthew Prince.

JD Cloud & AI is one of JD.com’s core business units, focused on technology services that build on its delivery and retail network. It delivers public, private and hybrid cloud services through more than 300 product offerings.

Bringing together Cloudflare’s intelligent global platform with JD Cloud & AI’s robust infrastructure and services inside China will enable enterprises to seamlessly and securely deploy cloud-based firewall, distributed denial of service mitigation, content delivery and DNS services worldwide.

Cloudflare offers a truly integrated global network, giving customers a secure, fast and reliable experience for visitors inside and outside of China. Cloudflare customers can enable their China network within a few clicks and without changing a single line of code.

Once enabled, their visitors within China will be served from data centres inside of China, while visitors outside China will still be served from the nearest Cloudflare data centre.

More details at www.cloudflare.com.

-- BERNAMA

Preqin Anywhere : Programme to access Preqin data wherever you are

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 -- Preqin has launched Preqin Anywhere, a programme that enables clients to access the alternative assets industry’s most powerful data and insights in any way that best suits them.

To that end, Preqin has provided remote-access tools and collaborated with other providers to offer Preqin data directly through other CRM and research platforms, giving Preqin clients seamless access to the insights they need.

All of Preqin’s core data sets on Preqin Pro, can be accessed through its data feeds API, allowing operators to import Preqin data directly into their native systems, rather than collecting data from Preqin Pro and transferring it.

According to a statement, the data feeds API makes it easy to combine raw data from Preqin with other internal and external sources.

And with the Mobile app, Preqin is offering more ways to access Preqin’s data, anywhere, anytime. Containing all the same raw information as Preqin Pro, the Preqin mobile app allows users to get up-to-the-minute information on funds, firms, investors, and contacts.

Preqin is the Home of Alternatives™, the foremost provider of data, analytics and insights to the alternative assets community. More details at https://go.preqin.com/anywhere

-- BERNAMA

ECOKNIGHTS LAUNCHES DIGITAL STREAMING SERVICE KLEFFLIX IN CONJUNCTION WITH EARTH DAY 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Media Kit: bit.ly/PRklefflix

KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- In conjunction with Earth Day 2020, EcoKnights announces the launch of KLEFFlix – Malaysia’s first and only streaming service for environmental and community films, a digital maneuver to its flagship event, the International Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Fest (KLEFF).

KLEFFlix enables the film festival to transcend beyond its physical element and reach a wider audience by screening past and future KLEFF films digitally. This means that this year’s theme and message of “Climate (in)Justice” can now be spread virtually as well. This is further aligned with the climate action theme of Earth Day 2020 50^th Anniversary - raising awareness on the threat of climate change to our future.

The launch of KLEFFlix also marks another notable milestone of KLEFF partnering with the Ministry of Environment and Water, which further helps the spread of the climate action message nationwide.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37215

Teledyne Lumenera launches board level cameras to meet embedded systems challenges

KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 -- Teledyne Lumenera has released its new Lt Series USB3 Board Level Cameras, offering a smaller, lighter and lower cost imaging solution, designed specifically to meet today’s embedded systems challenges.

Equipped with the latest rolling shutter Starvis™ CMOS sensors and global shutter Pregius™ CMOS sensors from Sony®, and ranging in resolution from two to 20 megapixels, these new board level cameras provide flexibility for a wide variety of imaging systems.

According to a statement, the Teledyne Lumenera Lt Series Board Level Cameras help ease the vision system design process by eliminating extra camera weight and housing material, making it easier for system designers to integrate these cameras into existing product designs.

In addition, the board level camera, which has a three-year warranty, allows system designers more flexibility around lens options for their imaging application.

Teledyne Lumenera Lt Series Board Level Cameras are engineered to deliver high dynamic range, high speed, with low read noise for applications such as aerial imaging, portable/OEM devices, Intelligent Traffic Systems, life sciences and industrial inspection solutions.

Teledyne Lumenera, part of the Teledyne Imaging Group, is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance digital cameras and custom imaging solutions.

-- BERNAMA

NGA partners Vricon on agreement to explore 3D data exploitation

KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 --  Vricon has announced that the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to explore and potentially improve 3D data exploitation.

CRADA is a written agreement that allows federal agencies and non-federal partners to optimise their resources, share technical expertise and intellectual property and increase the commercialisation of federally developed technology.

Simply put, NGA and Vricon will pursue joint research and development goals to benefit both organisations under an agreement that poses no additional costs to the government.

“One of the critical pieces of the CRADA will be our ability to support core NGA functions. We believe this will lead to better fulfillment of the warfighter’s data requirements,” said Vricon’s Technology Evangelist, Barry Tilton.

The CRADA officially starts in April 2020 and could last up to five years, according to a statement.

Vricon serves the global professional geospatial market with world-leading 3D geodata and software solutions. More details at www.vricon.com.

-- BERNAMA

PULSE SECURE ACCESS SUITE AND PULSE SDP HIGHLIGHTED IN NEW ZERO TRUST NETWORK SECURITY MARKET INSIGHT REPORT

Pulse Access Suite provides uniquely integrated remote, mobile, cloud and network solutions to enable hybrid IT secure access and Zero Trust

SINGAPORE, April 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pulse Secure, the leading provider of software-defined Secure Access solutions, today announced its Access Suite and SDP solution were recognized in a recently published analyst report - Market Insights: Software Defined Perimeter (SDP) for Zero Trust Network Security, 2020.

The Software Defined Perimeter market insights report, by Quadrant Knowledge Solutions, presents market definitions, drivers, primary use cases, trends, solution characteristics and architectures, as well as market recommendations and vendor profiles. Enterprises and service providers can download the report at http://www.pulsesecure.net/SDPquadrant/.

According to the report, “Software Defined Perimeter technology is emerging as an advanced network security solution for today's complex, interconnected world. SDP follows a Zero Trust approach, wherein the default network security posture is that of deny. Access is granted upon authenticating and authorizing both user and device. By pre-authorizing users and devices prior to making the application layer access (applications and resources), SDP protects enterprises from a range of attacks. The debate of SDP as a complete replacement over VPN (SSL-VPN), that SSL-VPN is insecure, or SSL-VPN lacking Zero Trust capabilities – is all moot. SSL-VPN is a proven, widely used tool for secure remote access. Advanced SSL-VPNs operate at the application layer and offer Zero Trust functionality.”

PULSE SECURE ACCESS SUITE AND PULSE SDP HIGHLIGHTED IN NEW ZERO TRUST NETWORK SECURITY MARKET INSIGHT REPORT

CYBERCRIMES AND SCAMS HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE OF ITS SIMPLICITY, SAYS KPMG

Preventing cyber incidents do not require complicated countermeasures
 
PETALING JAYA, April 21 (Bernama) -- Technology, especially access to the internet and social media, has been a saving grace for many during this containment phase in combatting the COVID-19. But this scenario has also provided an opportunity for malicious groups to exploit the current pandemic and launch cyberattacks. 

“Right now, everyone is heavily reliant on their laptops or mobile phones to conduct their everyday needs such as online banking, shopping or donating to causes and charities. Criminals are not afraid to take advantage of that,” warned Tan Kim Chuan, Head of Forensic at KPMG in Malaysia.  
 
“Those with ill intent are playing on the uncertainty of the situation coupled with isolation from social distancing to spread fake news and trick people into divulging their online banking details. Just one careless step could lead someone into becoming a victim of fraud and losing more in what is already a difficult situation,” he added.

An increase in COVID-19 themed phishing lures, high-risk fake domains and scams prove that cybercriminals are changing their modus operandi in order to manipulate fear and target individuals and businesses in a variety of ways.

— According to CyberSecurity Malaysia, an estimated 838 incidents were reported from the start of the Movement Control Order on March 18 up till April 7, with most of the incidents involving fraud, intrusion and cyberharassment.
— In March 2020, it was reported that the authorities had opened 393 investigation papers (IPs) involving online sales of face masks as well as fraudulent withdrawals of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) savings with total losses incurred reaching RM3 million.
—  On April 2, Malaysia’s National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) were informed of a malicious Android mobile app and a fraudulent website claiming to be from the Perdana Menteri’s Office to trick victims into submitting their internet banking details. The app also had the capability to read mobile phone SMSes, which could be used to steal victim online banking credentials and TAC codes.¹

According to Tan, cybercrimes and scams have been successful because of its simplicity and it doesn’t require complicated countermeasures to prevent cyber incidents. Some practical and logical preventive steps include:

1. Don’t install applications from untrusted sources. Look out for official announcements and only install apps from the Google Play or Apple App Store.
2. Beware of freeware video conferencing apps. Some of these apps were developed for ease of use, rather than with security and privacy features enabled by default. Require passwords for all meetings, never share your meeting IDs and enable waiting rooms to prevent any unwanted ‘bombers’.
3. Never click on unverified links in emails or text messages. 
4. Do not open untrusted attachments.
5. Verify the legitimacy of sources before responding to any text message or voice calls asking for personal or sensitive information.
6. Report any related incident to the proper authorities via  https://www.mycert.org.my/.

During this time when negligence or carelessness could accidentally open doors to an unwanted cyber breach or financial loss, it isn’t only individuals who are at risk but also organizations that need to remain vigilant. 

“With the abrupt transition to remote working as a result of the enforced Movement Control Order (MCO), companies are rolling out new remote working and cloud infrastructure at pace and forced to implement ad-hoc security models and approaches to secure that infrastructure. Yet on the other side, we also observe how organized crime have responded rapidly to the crisis by orchestrating large scale campaigns to defraud customers and businesses,” Tan explained.

Hence, as an immediate measure, companies should focus on embedding pragmatic remote working security controls to deal with COVID-19 themed threats. This includes implementing the following measures at minimum, in order to protect their business and remain resilient:

1. Educate your employees and third-party contractors on working remotely, and various risks such as the proper procedures when connecting organization devices to public Wi-Fi.
2. Provide a mechanism for employees and third-party contractors to easily report any phishing, vishing or smishing attempts.
3. Quickly deploy cloud-based solutions to prevent and detect phishing attempts and update employees and third-party contractors about latest related developments.

For more insights, visit the KPMG microsite Embedding Resilience: The Business Implications of Coronavirus.

¹ Beware of Malicious Android App Being Distributed Through A Fraudulent Website Claiming to Be from The Perdana Menteri Malaysia, 2 April 2020, National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA)

KPMG Management & Risk Consulting Sdn. Bhd.
KPMG is a global network of professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 147 countries and territories and have more than 219,000 people working in member firms around the world. The history of KPMG in Malaysia can be traced back to 1928. KPMG Management & Risk Consulting Sdn. Bhd., a company incorporated under Malaysian law, is a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such.

SOURCE: KPMG PLT

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Kimberly Sammy
Manager, MARCOM
KPMG in Malaysia
Tel: +603 7721 3924
Email: kimberlysammy@kpmg.com.my

Name: Syazlina Nasir
Executive, MARCOM
KPMG in Malaysia
Tel: +603 7721 3728
Email: syazlinanasir@kpmg.com.my

--BERNAMA

JUNIPER NETWORKS PROVIDES DEUTSCHE TELEKOM WITH A MANAGED SD-WAN PLATFORM TO DELIVER END-TO-END OVERLAY SERVICES TO ITS ENTERPRISE CUSTOMERS

Integrated hardware and software solution underpins rollout of Software-Defined managed services offering

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 21 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Juniper Networks (NYSE: JNPR), a leader in secure, AI driven networks, has partnered with T-Systems, one of the world-leading cross-manufacturer digital service providers, to create and deliver a managed SD-WAN infrastructure as part of an end-to-end service overlay solution for companies with complex network and connectivity requirements.

With this service offering, T-Systems is focusing on the adoption of modern enterprise networking with a secure, managed platform for the delivery of multicloud hosted applications, as well as delivering standardized services as managed SD-WAN overlay services, called Smart SD-WAN. Smart SD-WAN powered by Juniper is a cornerstone of an advanced, secure networking infrastructure, which is the foundation of T-Systems’ digital transformation strategy.

Having already secured a major European transportation brand as a flagship customer for these services, T-Systems is expecting its offering to provide a compelling proposition for a wide range of enterprises to deliver significant revenues to its business. Ultimately, T-Systems is committed to helping its enterprise customers navigate digital transformation by reducing complexity, managing costs effectively and increasing data protection capabilities. Furthermore, providing its customers with greater visibility into the network, as a core business asset, helps them achieve their digital goals more easily. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37200

IMU COLLABORATES WITH FUSIONEX TO INTEGRATE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TO ENHANCE MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

Fusionex Office of Superheroes (Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia April 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Leading multi-award-winning data technology specialist Fusionex in collaboration with Malaysia’s pioneer private medical and health sciences education institution International Medical University (IMU) incorporates cutting-edge digital technologies into the university’s undergraduate programs in an initiative to support the increased demand for digital health as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37189

Epiq Contract Analysis combines expertise with machine learning, natural language processing

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 -- Epiq has announced the expansion of its artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled legal solutions to include Contract Analysis, offering combined expertise with machine learning and natural language processing.

According to a statement by the global leader in the legal services industry, the new global Contract Analysis will enable faster, more intelligent contract analysis by legal teams, with the ability to supplement and scale with experienced Epiq team members.

The platform does not take the human component out of contract analysis, but it can make those humans faster and more effective, reducing overall costs by as much as 50 per cent.

Epiq is leveraging Diligen for the machine learning portion of the platform to provide high quality and efficient contract analysis through its ability to ingest, review and pinpoint data in hundreds of contracts within minutes.

Epiq’s highly experienced teams manage the review, provide scale when needed, define quality control, extract clauses requiring manual intervention, and provide detailed reporting and metrics about client contracts.

Additional applications for this new platform include helping legal teams analyse contracts for compliance with new laws and regulations, creating a lease catalogue, exporting essential contract characteristics for loading into a Contract Lifecycle Management system and preparing for the elimination of LIBOR clauses.

More details at https://www.epiqglobal.com

-- BERNAMA

K3 CLOUD SERVICES ACHIEVES SECURE SEGMENTATION ACROSS NETWORK ENVIRONMENTS WITH HILLSTONE CLOUDHIVE

SANTA CLARA, Calif. April 16 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Hillstone Networks, a leading provider of Enterprise Network Security and Risk Management solutions, provides virtual micro-segmentation technology to K3 Cloud Services to secure its cloud network and deliver secure services with Hillstone CloudHive.

K3 Cloud Services is a UK-based managed service provider (MSP) that offers first-class business technology solutions for domestic and international customers. The K3 Cloud offers both hosted and managed private cloud solutions, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS).

The shared nature of virtual private clouds presents many challenges. Each individual customer environment hosts its own sensitive data and applications, while the K3 Cloud hosts horizontal applications that are shared across multiple customers. In order to ensure the highest levels of security, customer environments and shared applications must be segmented and separate.

After extensive research for a solution, the K3 Cloud Services team ultimately chose Hillstone CloudHive, which secures and protects each virtual machine (VM) in a cloud environment. Hillstone CloudHive Micro-Segmentation solution provides granular visibility into east-west traffic to defend against lateral attacks, is easily scalable, and is transparent to users and network devices. CloudHive enforces Zero Trust across environments, allowing the K3 cloud team to safely segment vulnerable applications from other systems, and gain visibility and control in their cloud.

“We had a tremendous challenge that impacted us from multiple angles: compliance, security, customer service levels as well as our overall business. With CloudHive, we have adopted a modern, sophisticated approach to data center security and successfully segmented network traffic and protected customer data,” said Craig Bright, IT Infrastructure Manager for K3 Cloud Services. “With Hillstone CloudHive, we have achieved our goals.” Read the full case study here.

About Hillstone Networks

Hillstone Networks' Enterprise Network Security and Risk Management solutions provide visibility, intelligence, and protection to ensure enterprises can comprehensively see, thoroughly understand, and rapidly act against cyber-threats. Recognized by leading analysts and trusted by global enterprises, Hillstone's solutions cover the enterprise from edge to cloud while improving total-cost-of-ownership. To learn more visit www.hillstonenet.com

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200415005181/en/

Contact

Hillstone Networks
Zeyao Hu
Marketing Manager
inquiry@hillstonenet.com

Source : Hillstone Networks

--BERNAMA

TRANSPORTS VERVAEKE LEVERAGES AI-DRIVEN NETWORK FROM JUNIPER MIST TO STREAMLINE OPERATIONS AND IMPROVE EMPLOYEE EFFICIENCY

Leading European Logistics Provider Turns to Juniper Mist for Strategic Digital Transformation Efforts

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 15 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Juniper Networks, (NYSE: JNPR), a leader in secure, AI-driven networks, today announced that Transports Vervaeke, a leading international chemical and fuel logistics provider, has chosen the Wireless LAN (WLAN) platform from Mist Systems, a Juniper company, to streamline network operations and improve employee productivity in the company’s garages, warehouses and office locations across Europe.

From the Benelux, northern France and the Ruhr region of Germany, Transports Vervaeke serves its customers all over Europe, transporting chemicals, gas, fuel and other dangersome goods. It also offers a wide range of international logistics services by road, train and sea.

After doubling in size through two acquisitions in the last three years, the company’s IT department has been focused on consolidating and modernizing applications and creating an agile digital workplace that fosters flexibility. An AI-driven network from Mist Systems is key to this endeavor, enabling consistent and reliable access to disparate tools from any location, while simultaneously providing the insight needed for IT to ensure the best possible user experiences.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37167

PHOENIX SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL, INC., ANNOUNCES JES3PLUS™ V1R0 GENERAL AVAILABILITY

PHOENIX SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL, INC., ANNOUNCES JES3PLUS™ V1R0 GENERAL AVAILABILITY

SWIDCH: WHY NUMBERLESS CARDS ARE NOT ENOUGH TO TACKLE PAYMENT FRAUD

_{A UK cybersecurity startup, swIDch, announced an alternative technology to overcome the limitations of numberless cards by using its Dynamic Virtual PAN (primary account number) technology, thereby creating a new security environment in the payment process. This patented technology is a complete API-driven, CNP security solution that replaces static with dynamic PANs as well as eliminating access points for hackers. (Graphic: Business Wire)}

SWIDCH: WHY NUMBERLESS CARDS ARE NOT ENOUGH TO TACKLE PAYMENT FRAUD

HYTERA ANTI-PANDEMIC SOLUTIONS HELP CONTAIN THE VIRUS CRISIS

SHENZHEN, China, April 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has affected all of us. Given the difficulties the world is currently facing at this time of uncertainty, Hytera has developed a new solution to help those who are on the frontline of battling the disease, including customs police officers, healthcare workers and enterprise staff. The solution aims to combat the spread of COVID-19 by using fast deployable, non-contact body temperature detection and communication technology.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200413005183/en/

Enables customs to monitor anytime, anywhere
 

Land border crossings and immigration customs control points at ports and airports are particularly vulnerable areas as large numbers of travelers pass through them on a daily basis. If it is possible to detect that someone has an abnormally high temperature at the border, it becomes easier to reduce the risk of the infection spreading at home and abroad.

Hytera has developed a safe, efficient and precise way to measure the body temperature of travelers using non-contact methods. The solution provides a way to remotely detect the body temperatures of multiple persons at the same time up to a distance of 3m with no risk of close touch infection. An automatic warning is triggered and sent to Hytera PNC550 PoC radio devices if an abnormal temperature is detected. The person whose temperature is abnormal can then be isolated, re-checked, and sent to hospital if necessary.

The solution saves a lot of time and manpower, as it provides a way of screening large numbers of people simultaneously at border posts, thereby getting around the near-impossible alternative option of having to check people’s body temperatures manually, one at a time, which would involve close contact.

Deployment of Hytera VM780 body worn cameras (BWCs) also helps to protect the safety of travelers and customs officials. Border controls can lead to confrontations between officials and travelers, but BWCs can help defuse tense situations as people usually calm down if they know they are being filmed.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37147

​SYMPHONY HEALTH TO PROVIDE FREE ACCESS TO NEW METYSTM COVID-19 MODULE FOR U.S. BASED LIFE SCIENCES INDUSTRY DURING PANDEMIC

Metys COVID-19 Module delivers pharmaceutical market analytics and intelligence quickly through a single access point

RALEIGH, N.C., April 9 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PRA Health Sciences (NASDAQ: PRAH) announced today that Symphony Health, a PRA Health Sciences company, will make a 30-day license of its newly released MetysTM COVID-19 Module available to the U.S. life science industry at no charge.

The COVID-19 Module within the Metys platform will provide up to three users per company with access to all drugs and markets within any U.S. geographic region down to CBSA (core-based statistical area). The module will include history back to October 2018 to ensure access to comparative flu season trends in prior years, with March 2020 data becoming available on April 10. Companies may publish or report insights or findings from the data with prior permission from Symphony.

Powered by Symphony’s IDV® (Integrated Dataverse), Metys is the first platform of its kind that delivers pharmaceutical market analytics and intelligence that is both timely and comprehensive. Metys is a web-based tool that intelligently integrates prescription, payer, and anonymized patient data through one single access point — all while delivering insights faster than any other tool in the industry. Metys accesses over 60 terabytes of automatically included weekly and monthly data, reflecting the breadth of data and advancements in machine learning.

“COVID-19 has delivered an unprecedented challenge to the life sciences industry here in the U.S. and beyond,” said Doug Fulling, President, Symphony Health. “As we mobilize to fight COVID-19, those in life sciences can use the data and insights available to see trends, to react quickly and then plan for the future. We are hoping this level of insight from one of the most robust databases in the U.S. market benefits not only our clients and their patients, but also society as a whole.”

Life science organizations that would like to activate this offer can contact Symphony Health at solutions@symphonyhealth.com or by filling out the form: https://symphonyhealth.prahs.com/covid-19.

ABOUT PRA HEALTH SCIENCES

PRA (NASDAQ: PRAH) is one of the world’s leading global contract research organizations by revenue, providing outsourced clinical development and data solution services to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. PRA’s global clinical development platform includes more than 75 offices across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, South Africa, Australia and the Middle East and more than 17,500 employees worldwide. Since 2000, PRA has participated in approximately 4,000 clinical trials worldwide. In addition, PRA has participated in the pivotal or supportive trials that led to U.S. Food and Drug Administration or international regulatory approval of more than 95 drugs. For more information, please visit www.prahs.com.

INVESTOR INQUIRIES: InvestorRelations@prahs.com

MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Laurie Hurst, Director, Communications and Public Relations
HurstLaurie@prahs.com, +1.919.786.8435

ABOUT SYMPHONY HEALTH

A wholly-owned subsidiary of PRA Health Sciences, Symphony Health is a leading provider of high-value data, analytics, and technology solutions for biopharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare providers, and payers. The company helps clients understand disease incidence, prevalence, progression, treatment, and influences along the patient and prescriber journeys by connecting and integrating a broad set of primary and secondary data, and providing health research, analytics, and consulting expertise. Symphony Health derived data improves health management decisions, and helps clients drive revenue growth while providing critical insights on how to effectively adapt to the changing healthcare ecosystem. For more information about Symphony Health, please visit www.symphonyhealth.prahs.com.

Source: PRA Health Sciences, Inc.

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AM BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES INSURANCE LIMITED

HONG KONG, April 8 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” of Sun Hung Kai Properties Insurance Limited (SHKPI) (Hong Kong). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect SHKPI’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorises as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

SHKPI’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation being at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). This result mainly reflects its strong liquidity, high quality of capital and appropriate reinsurance program. However, SHKPI’s investment portfolio shows an appetite to invest in higher-risk assets, which exposes its overall earnings to considerable market and credit risks. These risks are mitigated partially by the company’s significant level of excess capital.

SHKPI’s strong operating performance, demonstrated by a five-year weighted average return on equity of 18%, has been driven by solid underwriting results and consistent investment returns. The company has demonstrated good underwriting performance across its key lines of business, with a five-year average combined ratio under 70%. Operating performance is supported further by stable investment income, with a five-year average net investment return of approximately 4%, excluding capital gains or losses.

SHKPI’s business profile is neutral, due in part to its affiliation with Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited (SHKP), one of the largest and most well-established property development and investment conglomerates in Hong Kong. As a member of the SHKP group, SHKPI benefits from SHKP’s established business profile in Hong Kong, which provides SHKPI with opportunities to underwrite a large volume of business from its group and related parties. The book of business sourced from SHKP and its related entities has provided SHKPI with a stable presence in Hong Kong’s non-life insurance market, particularly in the employees’ compensation segment.

The stable outlooks reflect AM Best’s expectation that SHKPI’s operating performance will remain at a strong level, underpinned mainly by its continued focus on profitable underwriting, low acquisition costs and positive investment returns. Negative rating actions could occur if the company experiences material and continual deterioration in its risk-adjusted capitalisation or experiences an unfavourable trend in operating performance.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

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AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2020 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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Enhancing 5G Security, Onward Security Becomes Asia's Only CTIA Authorized Test Lab for Cybersecurity and Wins Awards for its AI Products

TAIPEI, Taiwan, April 2 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- 5G-based IoT, as the next technology trend, is driving strong demand for communication testing of connected devices. Onward Security, a leader of IoT cybersecurity compliance solutions, announced that it has been authorized by CTIA to become the exclusive CTIA Authorized Test Lab (CATL) for cybersecurity in Asia, which will enable the company to assist manufacturers of IoT and telecommunications devices to carry out cybersecurity testing of connected devices and obtain CTIA certifications. In addition, Onward Security has recently won again Info Security Products Guide-Global Excellence Awards and InfoSec Awards 2020 with its independently developed AI cybersecurity assessment products.
 

The Brookings Institution pointed out that the 5G infrastructure is composed of software-based solutions, and thus has more software and cyber vulnerabilities. Therefore, the real challenge for 5G lies in how to ensure cybersecurity and the information security for connected devices and applications in the entire ecosystem. “5G, IoT and the resulting innovative applications will lead to more frequent cyber attacks. How to raise the awareness of 5G information security and how to institutionalize and standardize it has become a serious issue that governments and companies in all countries must pay attention to. In addition to being Asia’s only CTIA Authorized Test Lab for cybersecurity, Onward Security is also the only Amazon authorized third-party lab in Taiwan for device testing and security assessment for Alexa built-in products. It can assist brands and manufacturers to test connected products and obtain international cybersecurity certifications,” said Morgan Hung, General Manager of Onward Security.

Cybersecurity in the 5G era focuses on how to achieve end-to-end overall security. In addition to learning about international cybersecurity regulations and standards, companies may establish security design and development regulations in the product development life cycle to comply with regulatory requirements and obtain CTIA certifications sooner. Born under this concept, Onward Security’s AI products HERCULES SecFlow and SecDevice (Automated Product Security Assessment Platform) can assist companies to set up security development systems more quickly and start DevSecOps process, effectively meeting international cybersecurity standards and cybersecurity requirements of terminal devices purchasers. SecFlow and SecDevice have won multiple international awards this year, including “IoT Cybersecurity Gold Award”, “Industrial Control Cybersecurity Silver Award”, and “Vulnerability Management and Incident Response Award” of Info Security Products Guide-Global Excellence Awards, InfoSec Awards and Cybersecurity Excellence Awards 2020. Now a CTIA Authorized Test Lab, Onward Security will be able to offer more comprehensive solutions of 5G cybersecurity for customers to seize 5G business opportunities.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200401005236/en/

Contact

Media:
Ginger Chin
ginger@onwardsecurity.com
+886-2-8911-5035
+886-987-193-588

Source : Onward Security Corporation

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ABC Technology among IDC’s 101 fastest growing Asia-Pacific fintech companies

KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 -- Fintech startup, ABC Technology has been recognised by research firm, IDC as among the 101 fastest growing fintech companies in the Asia-Pacific region (excluding Japan).

“We are humbled and honoured to receive this recognition from IDC. It shows that our deep learning-based solution is being embraced and adopted quickly by the market, especially by forward-looking organisations that leverage leading technologies to stride ahead,” said ABC Technology founder and chief executive officer, Mason Yang.

According to a statement, the IDC FinTech Fast 101 List names the fastest growing fintech players based on extensive on-ground analysis of the dominant fintech players within the region.

Fintech companies were evaluated on fintech data across key metrics such as addressable market, customer adoption, investments, chance of survival, innovation and marketing.

The list covers 10 major markets, namely Australia and New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand.

The fintech solution provider lets organisations harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to solve problems. Its machine learning platform automates the entire data processing cycle from collection using optical character recognition, extraction, search, analysis, and visualisation, to reporting from both unstructured and structured data sources.

In the next quarter, ABC Technology plans to roll out ready-made AI solutions for fund management, investment banking, private equities and commercial/retail banking industries in the Asia-Pacific region.

More details at www.abcfintech.com.

-- BERNAMA

CONAGEN RECEIVES A STRATEGIC INVESTMENT FROM SUMITOMO CHEMICAL

CONAGEN RECEIVES A STRATEGIC INVESTMENT FROM SUMITOMO CHEMICAL

SweeGen hastens global expansion with Food and Beverage Application Centers in 4 regions

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 -- Global food and beverage manufacturers can now easily create and collaborate on exploring sugar reduction solutions with SweeGen in its newly-launched Food and Beverage Application Centers located in four global regions.

The centres in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America will create synergy and local interaction with new and existing customers, thereby accelerating new product development reflecting local consumer preferences in taste, flavours and ingredients.

“This expansion on application and technical support into local markets is our continuing commitment to provide a unique sugar reduced solution that rapidly reduces product development time for our customers and delivers a winning product for the region,” said senior vice-president (application technology), Shari Mahon.

The flagship California centre opened first this year. Mexico and Europe to follow, and Asia-Pacific slated to open by year-end. The opening of the European centre will coincide with an anticipated EFSA approval of the company’s Rebaudioside M stevia sweetener in Europe.

Additionally, and planned to open later this year in Europe, the company will produce more than 3,000 metric tonnes of stevia sweeteners annually at its new manufacturing site, according to a statement.

The personalised customer service at the centres is just one of SweeGen’s competitive advantages. It also provides manufacturers access to reliable high purity world-scale supply of best tasting zero-calorie stevia sweeteners.

More details at www.sweegen.com.

-- BERNAMA