Carrier’s OptiClean among TIME’s 100 Best Inventions of 2020

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 29 -- Carrier’s OptiClean™ Dual-Mode Air Scrubber & Negative Air Machine has been named as one of TIME’s 100 Best Inventions of 2020.

Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a leading global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions.

According to a statement, the OptiClean was developed through rapid innovation early this year to help support infectious isolation rooms in hospitals.

TIME featured OptiClean in the Medical Care category of its prestigious annual list that recognises 100 ground-breaking inventions that are making the world better and smarter.

“We are honoured the OptiClean is being recognised by TIME for a product we developed and brought to market in record time while maintaining strict standards to ensure the highest quality,” said Carrier Senior Vice President, Engineering, Chris Kmetz.

At the onset of the pandemic, Carrier invented the OptiClean as a negative air machine for hospitals treating COVID-19 patients to help hospitals protect caregivers, workers and patients.

OptiClean can improve the indoor air quality including classrooms, restaurants, dental offices and commercial buildings, by pulling in air, scrubbing it using a HEPA filter, and then exhausting cleaner air back into the room, reducing contaminants in the air and offering further protection.

OptiClean is one of the solutions offered through Carrier's Healthy Buildings Program, an expanded suite of advanced solutions to help deliver healthier, safer, more efficient and productive indoor environments, and is expected to be available in Singapore market in early January. 

-- BERNAMA

Zynga, Black Eyed Peas collaborate in holiday-season social campaign

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 28 -- Zynga Inc, a global leader in interactive entertainment, is collaborating with internationally renowned recording artist – the Black Eyed Peas – to share positivity, encouragement and hope for the holidays.

As a continuation of the award-winning gaming industry initiative, #PlayApartTogether, the Black Eyed Peas have recorded words of encouragement and hope for a healthy, safe holiday season.

“We’re so thankful that the Black Eyed Peas, whose impact on culture and music is immeasurable, are bringing their words of strength and inspiration to the movement so we can head to a new year on a high note. Stay strong, stay safe and stay upbeat, and remember that we’re all in this fight together,” said Zynga’s President of Publishing, Bernard Kim.

Founding member of the Grammy award-winning group, Taboo, has created personal videos that will be shared through the #PlayApartTogether network of over 80 video game companies worldwide, bringing light, warmth and signature Black Eyed Peas style to this unprecedented holiday season.

According to  a statement, #PlayApartTogether is a global games industry initiative that encourages physical distancing and other powerful preventive measures in the fight against COVID-19 to the massive global audience of gamers.

Spearheaded by Zynga and growing to more than 60 participating companies, #PlayApartTogether has provided vital information, entertainment, and physically distanced connection to players globally.

More details at www.zynga.com.

-- BERNAMA

BRANCH ANNOUNCES THE 2020 MOBILE GROWTH AWARDS FINALISTS

Mobile Innovators from Shopify, Fave and OVO are top contenders for the most innovative campaigns of 2020.

SINGAPORE, Dec 24 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Branch, the leading cross-platform solution for linking and measurement, has announced the finalists for its first-annual Mobile Growth Awards.

The program includes multiple award categories — here are the finalists across them.

• Best Mobile Viral Campaign:
  • Saurabh Gupta, Wynk Music Limited
  • Sam Levy, Hinge
  • Varun Ganjoo
  • Shivgangi Gupta, Limeroad.com
  • Inge Konther, Stadium Goods
  • Vane Georgiev, OneFootball

• Best Overall Growth Campaign:
  • John Ostrowski, Brainly
  • Abhishek Khandelwal, Licious
  • Sayantan Pan, Pratilipi
  • Sen Woo, CATCH
  • Luke Calavassy
  • Beth Halon, Woolworths Group Limited
  • Pulkit Agarwal, Trell

• Best Phygital Experience
  • Nicolai Schnack, Joe & The Juice
  • Brita Voris
  • Sara Patterson, Belk
  • Sarha Arcand, Cadillac Fairview
  • Siddarth Barman, Affle for PROTON
  • Jason LaRose, Equinox Media

• Best Digital Transformation:
  • Aik-Phong Ng, Fave
  • Ershad Ahamed, OVO (PT Visionet Internasional)
  • Jon Wirt, NHL
  • Tyler Munson, Goldman Sachs
  • Michael Woods, ExxonMobil
  • David Grelpois, L’Oreal France

• Best COVID Adaptation campaign:
  • Brianna Severson, TodayTix
  • Matt Hudson, Belk
  • Jenna De Marco, Planet Fitness
  • Deepika Prakash, YUM Brands (KFC)
  • Kaori Frank, JOANN
  • Saurabh Gupta, Wynk Music Limited
  • Marisa Johnson, Sanvello Health

• Best COVID Retention Campaign:
  • Mohit Poddar, Myntra Designs
  • Rajesh Pantina, InMobi for Unilever Wall’s
  • Audrey Grossman, QuickTrip
  • Dharmesh Gandhi, RentoMojo
  • Nicole Ferreira, Shopify
  • Joshua D’Alvise, Checkout51

• Best Onboarding Activation Campaign:
  • Jeff Zakrzewski, Ritual
  • Jessica Miano
  • James Stolp, CSC Service Works
  • Birk Jernstrom, Shopify
  • John Dickson, Hibbett Sports
  • Laura Reurich, BNext
  • Victor Camargo, Wannalisn

• Best Mobile Innovation:
  • Ratnesh Neema, Lenskart
  • Rupanshi Guliani, Bobble AI
  • Sibi Verghese, Reliance Jio Information Limited
  • Ioana Acsinia, Orange (Yoxo)
  • Mustafa Zubair Ahmed, Lock & Stock

The Awards will be held on Friday, January 29, 2021 at 5 PM SGT.

More information at Mobilegrowth.org/awards.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=39019

Gravity Neocyon’s 'Action RO2: Spear of Odin' reaches Southeast Asia region

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 -- Gravity Neocyon Inc, a subsidiary of Gravity, has announced the official launch of its new RPG 'Action RO2: Spear of Odin' recently in Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.

Action RO2: Spear of Odin, a game developed and serviced by Gravity Neocyon, is the first Action RPG using the Ragnarok IP, characterised by fascinating action scenes.

A Gravity Neocyon insider said: “As many users expressed their expectations, we will provide them with high quality fun expected of games using the Ragnarok IP.

“Along with magnificent action scenes; this game offers a raid system that enables users to enjoy playing the game with their friends.”

According to a statement, this game has become a centre of attention with over 230,000 pre-registration since Dec 8, from the Indonesian, Philippine, Malaysian, Singaporean and Australian markets.

To celebrate the launch, Gravity Neocyon holds a number of in-game and community events including a special log-in event, which is to present the users with rewards for playing the game on a daily basis, as well as the ‘Hot Time’ event and the ‘Push’ event offering benefits relating to the game cards.

In addition, a Christmas event will be held from Dec 23 to Dec 28 and gifts will be presented randomly to the players.

-- BERNAMA

Seoul Fintech Meet helps domestic startups on global market entry

 


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 -- Through collaboration between Seoul Fintech Lab (SFL) and Singapore Fintech Association (SFA), Korea’s fintech startups met up for exchange with investors and the related industry workers in Southeast Asia.

SFL hosted the online 'Seoul Fintech Meet' as part of the 10X Extension in Singapore held recently. The event was promoted to introduce Seoul to the world as an emerging global fintech city, and help domestic fintech startups in their global market entry.

An online ceremony for the MOU signing between SFL and SFA was held with both parties agreeing on cooperation to develop the fintech industry and foster fintech startups, raising expectations to play important roles in shared growth of both cities.

In their welcoming speeches, SFL Managing Director, HoHyun Ko and SFA President, Chia Hock Lai promised to provide every support necessary in the information exchange and growth of fintech startups in Seoul and Singapore.

Through close cooperation with SFA, Seoul Fintech Meet was made within the Singapore Pavilion of Singapore Fintech Festival, resulting in over 110 Singaporean local investors, accelerators, and fintech companies pre-registered for the event.

SFL supports a business space for up to two years to startups and provides the ‘Accelerating’ programmes according to the growth stage of each startup, such as on mentorship and educational and marketing support.

It organises online meet-ups to help the startups in their global network expansion along with several programmes to assist in overseas market entry including support for participation in leading fintech exhibitions and conferences abroad and preparation for IR, marketing, and PR.

SFL startups which participated in Seoul Fintech Meet include SBCN, XQuant, Finhaven, Fin2B and 800m.

-- BERNAMA

Aptorum Group submits ALS-4 Clinical Trial Application for infection treatment

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 -- Biopharmaceutical company, Aptorum Group Limited (Aptorum Group or Aptorum) has announced the company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Aptorum International Limited, submitted a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) with the Public Health Agency of Canada (Health Canada) to conduct a Phase 1 clinical trial of ALS-4.

According to a statement, ALS-4 is an orally administered small molecule drug for the treatment of infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Pending Health Canada’s approval, the Phase 1 trial is designed to test the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of ALS-4 in healthy volunteers.

Aptorum Group Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director, Dr Clark Cheng said: “Further to our previous update in September 2020, we are pleased to announce this CTA submission which represents a major development milestone for our ALS-4 antimicrobial programme.

“As shown in our internal preclinical data and subject to further clinical trials, ALS-4 can be potentially used on a standalone basis or in combination with existing antibiotics (for example, vancomycin) with the aim to reduce mortality and morbidity of the infected patients especially in severe cases.”

The Phase 1 clinical trial is planned to be conducted in Canada and targeted to recruit up to 48 and 32 healthy volunteers for the single-ascending dose (SAD) and multiple- ascending dose (MAD) cohorts, respectively.

The primary objective of the trial is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of SAD and MAD of ALS-4 administered orally to healthy subjects. The secondary objective is to assess the pharmacokinetic profile of SAD and MAD of ALS-4 administered orally to healthy subjects.

For details, visit www.aptorumgroup.com.

-- BERNAMA

Zeek secures US$10 million funding for further Southeast Asia market expansion

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 21 -- Southeast Asia-focused logistics technology startup, Zeek recently secured approximately US$10 million in Series Pre-A financing from regional strategic investors and investment funds. (US$1 = RM4.043)

The company will use the new funding for further expansion in Southeast Asia markets, enhancement and refinement of logistics management technology and data analytics applications, according to a statement.

The latest round of financing takes Zeek’s total funding raised to around US$15 million up to date from investors including SF Holding; Chinachem Group; Philippines KHO Group family; and Dr Lee Ka Kit, Chairman and Managing Director of Henderson Land in private investment.

“This round of financing will help our extension of intelligent logistics applications to more industries and fuel our expansion in Southeast Asia where Internet penetration and young consumers are massive and exponential growth of online consumption is underway,” said Zeek Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, KK Chiu.

Established by Kin Shun Information Technology Limited in 2017, Zeek has been focusing on the provision of data-driven intelligent logistics technology to Southeast Asian merchants with solutions spanning across online order management, delivery capacities management, big data analytics and O2O operations enhancement for an array of industries.

Zeek’s leveraged intelligent logistics technology was trusted by global merchants and Southeast Asian brands which have established strategic partnerships with Zeek in the application of intelligent logistics to digital transformation.

The company’s revenue has exceeded US$28 million this year, and is estimated to grow by at least 100 per cent next year. Zeek is confident to become one of the leading intra-city intelligent logistics players in F&B and lifestyle sectors in Southeast Asia.

More details at https://www.zeek.one.

-- BERNAMA

Tricor Leads Corporate Governance Digitalization And Innovation In Malaysia With The Launch Of Boardfolio, A Virtual Board Meeting Solution

 KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec 17 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Tricor Group (Tricor), Asia's leading business expansion specialist providing integrated business, corporate, investor, human resources and payroll, corporate trust and debt services, announced today the Malaysia launch of its Boardfolio platform, a secure and easy-to-use, virtual board portal that manages the full lifecycle of board and committee operations digitally.

The launch of Boardfolio in Malaysia marks the next phase of a strategic partnership that Tricor formed with leading board portal provider Praxonomy in November 2019, which paired Tricor’s corporate governance suite with Praxonomy's secure digital board portal. Anchored by two technology solutions, including EZBoard and the SPOT collaboration between 3 Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Microsoft and TFI Digital Media Limited, the launch of Boardfolio in Malaysia and across key markets in ASEAN.

Gary Tok, Tricor Group Chief Commercial Officer, said: “A commitment to corporate governance and board excellence is a vision that Tricor shares with regulators and our clients alike. Amid business disruptions, lockdowns, travel restrictions and health concerns around gathering in groups, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced companies to reconsider board engagement. After seeing significant traction and success with our Boardfolio solution in Hong Kong, where Tricor serves more than 50% of all listed companies, we have now launched the offering in Malaysia and look forward to delivering the best and most innovative digital-led corporate governance solutions available to today’s board leaders.”

Yeap Kok Leong, CEO and Managing Director, Tricor Malaysia, said: "Now more than ever, companies in Malaysia and their governing bodies are benefiting from solutions that allow them to rapidly assess, respond, and circumvent the widespread disruptions of COVID-19. Tricor serves over 40% of all listed companies in Malaysia and Boardfolio empowers a swift digital transformation of the boardroom and the benefits will reverberate long after the pandemic, enhancing shareholder participation, reducing the company secretary’s workload, driving collaboration, strengthening data security and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements in the long term.”

Annie Wong, Senior Executive Director and Head of Corporate Services, Tricor Malaysia, said: “In these times of uncertainty, digital transformation can mean the difference between businesses surviving, thriving or shuttering. And with scrutiny of board practices on the rise, companies are left particularly vulnerable in the area of board governance and compliance. Boardfolio enables immediate and seamless collaboration between the Board of Directors and management, helping companies stay ahead of changes and achieve board excellence. By driving end-to-end digitization of board operations, our end-goal with Boardfolio is to ultimately raise the performance level for our clients.”

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=38971

Cloudflare unveils next generation website development platform to businesses, developers

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 -- Cloudflare Inc, the security, performance, and reliability company has announced the release of Cloudflare Pages, the next generation website development platform with exceptional performance, security, scalability, and pricing. 

Cloudflare Pages is JAMstack-compatible and offers exceptional security, scalability, pricing, and performance — up to twice as fast as other platforms, providing developers a simpler, faster and more collaborative way to build websites for free.

Cloudflare co-founder & chief executive officer, Matthew Prince said with Cloudflare Pages, the company now provided developers with a scalable, fast, secure, cost-effective platform to build next generation applications that they could deploy globally.

Cloudflare Pages is the next breakthrough in the web performance battle, building entire sites directly onto the edge of the Internet, and closer to the end-users. 

According to a statement, with Cloudflare Pages, developers can focus on building brilliant websites rather than spending time on integrating disparate systems.

Pages automatically generates preview links for every commit, allowing all stakeholders to easily provide feedback. Users can add an unlimited number of collaborators for free to each project, making Pages ideal for teams of every size.

More details at www.cloudflare.com.

-- BERNAMA

LeddarTech-Renesas collaboration accelerates autonomous driving, ADAS development

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 -- LeddarTech®, a global leader in Level 1-5 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving (AD) sensing technology, has announced a strengthened collaboration with Renesas.

This is via joining the R-Car Consortium, and with a new collaboration on the development and promotion of an automotive ADAS reference platform, according to a statement.

This platform combines LeddarTech’s industry-leading raw data sensor fusion stack and LiDAR technology with Renesas’ newly launched R-Car V3U – a best-in-class ASIL D system-on-chip (SoC) for ADAS and AD systems.

According to LeddarTech Chief Executive Officer, Charles Boulanger, Renesas is the market leader in automotive processors.

“Our collaboration on this project accelerates the market introduction of a safer and cost-efficient ADAS system that offers an improved user experience. The solution also enables software for extensible and upgradable ADAS & AD platforms, accelerating subsequent innovation and development cycles.”

Renesas is already investing in LeddarTech SoC development and production for the LeddarEngine™, consisting of the world’s most advanced and integrated LiDAR SoCs, the LCA2 and LCA3, and accompanying LiDAR measurement software.

This automotive ADAS reference platform expands the companies’ collaboration to the system level with a sensor fusion solution applicable to the camera and RADAR sensor-based systems plus systems that add LiDAR to deliver higher safety and performance.

More details at www.LeddarTech.com.

-- BERNAMA

AM Best affirms Peak Re, subsidiary Credit Ratings

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘a-’ of Peak Reinsurance Company Limited (Peak Re) Hong Kong and its subsidiary, Peak Reinsurance AG, Switzerland.

The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable, according to a statement.

The ratings reflect Peak Re’s balance sheet strength, which the global credit rating agency, AM Best categorises as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

Peak Re’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its robust level of risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio.

The company’s capital and surplus reported a compounded average growth rate of 9.7 per cent during the five-year period from 2015 to 2019, mainly attributable to capital injections from its shareholders and the full retention of earnings.

The company has also demonstrated favourable financial flexibility, having completed, in October, an issuance of perpetual subordinated guaranteed capital securities of US$250 million. (US$1 = RM4.047)

Given the expanded balance sheet from the hybrid capital issuance, AM Best expects Peak Re will continue to uphold a prudent approach toward business expansion and maintain a robust level of risk-adjusted capitalisation, while gradually refining its underwriting and investment portfolios to strengthen operating performance over the short to intermediate term.

Positive rating actions are unlikely over the near term. Negative rating actions may occur if there is a material deterioration in the company’s risk-adjusted capitalisation, or if there is a deteriorating trend in its operating results.

-- BERNAMA

Garth Lund on board Flair Airlines as Chief Commercial Officer

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 -- Canada’s only independent Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC), Flair Airlines has announced the appointment of Garth Lund as Chief Commercial Officer. 

Lund will join Flair from Europe’s highest-performing airline, Wizz Air, whereby at Wizz Air, he was most recently the Head of Financial Planning and Controlling, with previous roles including Head of Pricing and Revenue Management and Head of Network Development.

The appointment continues the strengthening of the executive team which began in October with the appointment of new Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Jones, also from Wizz Air.

As Chief Commercial Officer, Lund will be responsible for all of Flair Airlines commercial functions including network planning, scheduling, pricing and revenue management, ancillary revenue, sales and distribution, mobile and web channels, marketing and branding.

“Garth’s experience at the forefront of the extremely competitive European ULCC market will ensure that we bring the best possible products and pricing to Canadian customers, which will underpin Flair Airlines’ rapid growth in this market,” said Jones in a statement.

Meanwhile, Lund said: “Canadian customers have long been denied the benefits of a real ULCC and Flair Airlines has a compelling mission to fill this gap. I look forward to being a part of helping Flair Airlines reach its full potential.”  

More details at www.flyflair.com.

-- BERNAMA

Mongolia’s Mandal Daatgal JSC Credit Ratings assigned - AM Best

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of B (Fair) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘bb+’ to Mandal Daatgal JSC (Mandal) Mongolia.

The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable, according to a statement.

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

Mandal’s strong balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, albeit the absolute size of its capital and surplus (C&S) remains small.

Mandal was the first insurance company to be listed on the Mongolia stock exchange through an initial public offering in 2018. The company’s C&S grew by 160 per cent in 2018, supported by both the capital raised from its IPO and profit retention during the year.

The company’s capital continued to grow organically from retained earnings over the past few years and amounted to MNT 20.7 billion (US$7.9 million) as of year-end 2019. (US$1 = RM4.058)

The company’s investment portfolio mainly consists of short-term fixed-income investments including bonds and cash deposits, with a small exposure to equities.

Mandal’s strong operating performance is supported by positive operating results in recent years with a strong return on equity of above 30 per cent in 2019, while profit was largely retained with its first dividend paid during the same year. 

The company’s business has expanded rapidly in recent years. Last year, it was the second largest player out of 14 non-life insurance companies in Mongolia’s non-life insurance market, based on gross premium written.

-- BERNAMA

BEST'S MARKET SEGMENT REPORT: AM BEST MAINTAINS NEGATIVE OUTLOOK ON CHINA'S NON-LIFE INSURANCE INDUSTRY

HONG KONG, Dec 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best is maintaining its negative market segment outlook on China’s non-life insurance segment, citing underwriting profitability that is under pressure amid market reform.

A new Best’s Market Segment Report, titled, “Market Segment Outlook: China Non-Life Insurance,” states that pressure on premium growth and underwriting performance due to comprehensive reform of motor insurance; execution risks and negative profitability impact arising from expansion of non-motor lines; and potential rise in impairment losses from fixed income investments are key supporting factors for the negative outlook.

China’s non-life insurance market registered a year-over-year increase of 7.2% in direct premium written (DPW) in the first 10 months of 2020, following a solid 10.7% expansion in DPW in 2019. Notably, this growth was steered by non-motor lines of business, particularly health, which grew by 35.8%, agriculture (21.8%), engineering (19.2%) and liability (18.1%). The market’s largest business segment, motor, continued to grow, albeit at a slower rate and now makes up slightly less than 60% as of October 2020, versus over 70% of industry DPW five years ago. Credit and surety, which has historically been a strong driver of growth among non-motor segments, was the only line of business to record a contraction in premiums.


http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=38926

NIPPON EXPRESS (CHINA) PARTICIPATES IN WORLD INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDERS ANNUAL CONVENTION

TOKYO, Dec. 11, 2020 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --


Nippon Express (China) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "NE China"), a local subsidiary of Nippon Express Co., Ltd., participated in the 9th World International Freight Forwarders Annual Convention, the 4th Cargo Freight Fair and the 1st Global Freight Cloud Expo organized by ShippingChina.com and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, and held concurrently in the Chinese city of Dalian (Liaoning Province) from Sunday, November 1, to Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202012088274-O1-ll6XNQ3V

Photo1: Senior Managing Executive Officer Sugiyama giving keynote address
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202012088274/_prw_PI2fl_YipW8T0C.jpg


Photo2: Senior Managing Executive Officer Sugiyama giving keynote address
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202012088274/_prw_PI3fl_22v1fRn5.jpg


The World International Freight Forwarders Annual Convention brings leaders of industries connected with international freight forwarding together once a year to promote technological innovation in logistics and facilitate personal exchanges. This year's Convention took place in parallel with a fair and an expo, and NE China was the only Japanese logistics company among the 600 or so Chinese and foreign companies representing the shipping, airline, railway, port, financial and other industries that took part.

Online participation was also permitted, and the proceedings were streamed worldwide. Senior Managing Executive Officer Tatsuo Sugiyama, Regional General Manager for Nippon Express' East Asia Region, presented a keynote address on behalf of corporate participants during which he discussed Nippon Express's China-Europe cross-border rail transport services and other logistics services, its efforts during the coronavirus pandemic, and its plans for the future.

Nippon Express will continue contributing to society through logistics as a global logistics company.

Nippon Express website: http://www.nipponexpress.com/

Official LinkedIn Account: NIPPON EXPRESS GROUP
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/


Source: Nippon Express Co., Ltd.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=38918

HYPERLOOP TECHNOLOGY INCLUDED IN EUROPEAN UNION SUSTAINABLE AND SMART MOBILITY STRATEGY

Hyperloop can help achieve ambitious 2050 goal to reduce transit related greenhouse gas emissions by 90%

BRUSSELS, Belgium, Dec 10 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The European Commission (EC) has just released the European Union (EU) Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy and hyperloop is explicitly identified as a game-changing mobility technology.

“As the backbone that connects European citizens and business, transport matters to us all,” said Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean. “We have no time to lose in getting it fit for the future.”

The strategy and action plan outline how the EU will reduce transit-related greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2050 as part of the Green Deal and ensure that the EU has clean, fast, smart, and accessible mobility systems for all.


http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=38894

Pickering Electronics inks distributor partnership with Wiselink in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 -- Pickering Electronics, the reed relay company which has pioneered miniaturisation and high performance for over 50 years, has signed a distributor partnership agreement with Wiselink, covering Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Wiselink places strong emphasis on delivering the best to its customers. The company acts as a supply channel partner for over 35 suppliers and more than 2,500 OEM and CEM customers in various industries.

“Wiselink is a proactive partner for us in this important region, dedicated to excellence and customer satisfaction,” said Pickering Chief Executive Officer, Keith Moore, in a statement.

Pickering is known for its innovation in reed relays which use instrumentation-grade reed switches with vacuum-sputtered ruthenium plating to ensure stable, long life up to 5x10⁹ operations.

Formerless coil construction and SoftCenter™ technology also help to increase reliability and robustness, while the use of Mu-metal magnetic screening (either external or internal), enables ultra-high PCB side-by-side packing densities with minimal magnetic interaction, saving significant cost and space.

In addition, Pickering’s reed relays are 100 per cent tested for all operating parameters including dynamic contact wave-shape analysis with full data scrutiny to maintain consistency.

More details at www.pickeringrelay.com.

-- BERNAMA

Uniphore-Tech Mahindra partnership optimises contact centre operations, improves business outcomes

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 -- Uniphore has entered into a multi-year, multi-million dollar strategic agreement with Tech Mahindra to expand its global reach and drive IT innovation in the contact centre as the industry adapts to an increasingly digitalised and remote work friendly environment.

As part of the agreement, Tech Mahindra and Uniphore will offer joint customers access to Uniphore’s cutting-edge CSA platform and Tech Mahindra’s data and analytics expertise across multiple industries and verticals.

This will bring the next generation of Customer Experience to enterprise businesses and consumers worldwide, according to a statement.

“By joining forces with one of the world’s largest BPOs, we’re able (to) not only expand our reach, but also leverage the innovations Tech Mahindra’s team have developed as a result of their unique expertise,” said Uniphore chief executive officer and co-founder, Umesh Sachdev.

The partnership will have far reaching benefits for customers that will impact not only how they do business now as they continue to adjust to the current global situation, but also in the long term.

These significant benefits include reduced costs, improved customer satisfaction and better security for work from home agents.

Uniphore is an early leader in Conversational Service Automation (CSA), while Tech Mahindra is a leading provider of digital transformation, consulting, and business re-engineering services and solutions.

More details at www.uniphore.com.

-- BERNAMA

Fusionex, PIKOM to introduce AI-powered digital engagement platform for tech industry

Fusionex Group CEO Dato’ Seri Ivan Teh (right) exchanging a MoU with PIKOM Chairman Danny Lee (Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 -- Multi-award-winning AI and Big Data technology market leader, Fusionex has collaborated with PIKOM, the National Tech Association of Malaysia to increase engagement with the tech industry by introducing a new flagship platform for its members.

At the MoU signing ceremony between PIKOM and Fusionex, this collaboration marked the envisioning of a digital interactive space that includes an ecommerce marketplace, an exhibition showcase and a B2B meeting space, all in a single platform.

“Fusionex is proud to take our partnership with PIKOM to a new level. This platform will provide the impetus towards digital transformation,” said Fusionex Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Seri Ivan Teh, in a statement.

“Those who utilise it can look forward to enjoying increased exposure and opportunities via the platform’s embedded digital and performance-based marketing as well as AI and data analytics capabilities.”

Following the MoU signing, PIKOM will roll out the platform for its members to exhibit and offer their products and services, organise B2B meetings and conduct webinars online, with a soft launch for the platform scheduled for Q1 2021.

PIKOM, which represents over 1,000 members, remains focused in driving the move towards a digital economy. Anyone interested to be part of the platform is welcome to contact PIKOM at info@pikom.org.my.

More details at www.fusionex-international.com.

-- BERNAMA

Singapore-based Claritas HealthTech acquires Integrated Health Ventures

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 -- Singapore-based Claritas HealthTech Pte Ltd (Claritas) has acquired Integrated Health Ventures Pte Ltd (IHV) in Singapore and its associated company in India.

“Having worked with both teams in IHV and Claritas, I am confident we will have a slew of combined products that will delight our provider clients with a robust and yet affordable solution to extend clinical images at their fingertips, for effective diagnosis,” said Claritas CIO, Dr Vas Metupalle.

IHV has an extensive network of hundreds of hospital and diagnostic centre clients for their proprietary teleradiology platform in several developing regions including India, Africa and Southeast Asia.

According to a statement, CMIE healthcare platform from IHV is a well architected teleradiology platform with several use cases in diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine. 

This includes a patented lossless image compression algorithm (Adaptive Binary Optimization, ‘ABO’ ), which allows for advanced AES 256 bit encryption on all types of images.

Claritas has been working on a complimentary platform to add value to radiology centres with an easy booking solution for physicians to send imaging requests to these centres and gain access to images and reports with a web and mobile friendly viewer.

Together with IHV’s platform, the overall solution will be promoted as tRAD. The scalable, end to end medical imaging offering also leverages google health api for interoperability with hospital platforms.

More details at www.claritashealthtech.com.

-- BERNAMA

Research: 57 per cent Southeast Asia viewers streaming more OTT video content amidst pandemic

 KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 8 -- The Trade Desk has announced new, first-of-its-kind research in the Southeast Asia market, showing that 180 million consumers stream eight billion hours of over-the-top (OTT) content per month across Southeast Asia.

This makes OTT one of the fastest growing media channels in the region, according to a statement.

The study, which surveyed usage and viewing habits on OTT platforms in Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, showed that COVID-19 accelerated OTT adoption.

More than half (57 per cent) of OTT users say they are streaming more OTT content during the pandemic and these habits are likely to continue even after COVID-19 with 73 per cent planning to maintain or increase OTT consumption after the pandemic ends.

OTT services enable viewers to stream professionally-produced video content over the internet on demand, from any device including smart TVs, personal computers or mobile devices.

The study also showed that OTT has the potential to seriously disrupt traditional primetime TV as the majority of OTT viewers (70 per cent) prefer to tune in between the hours of 8pm-12am, bringing streaming into direct competition with traditional TV for valuable primetime audiences.

In addition, Southeast Asian viewers are also looking to OTT for their favourite content, with 58 per cent tuning in to OTT to watch their favourite programming versus just 48 per cent on traditional broadcast.

As part of this shift, Southeast Asian viewers are willing to embrace ads for free content. Regionally, over 100 million people use ad-supported OTT platforms, with the vast majority of viewers (89 per cent) willing to watch ads in exchange for free programming.

The report was commissioned by The Trade Desk and carried out by the world’s leading marketing data, insight, and consultancy, Kantar. Kantar conducted a survey among 4,500 consumers, aged 16+ in September this year.

-- BERNAMA

Cloudflare’s Data Localization Suite gives global companies tools needed to control data

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 8 -- Cloudflare Inc has released Data Localization Suite to give global businesses tools to address their data locality, privacy, and compliance needs.

With Data Localization Suite, businesses can use Cloudflare’s global cloud network to control where their data goes and who has access to it –– no matter what countries they operate in, their industry, or their specific data protection obligations.

According to a statement, the Data Localization Suite helps businesses get the performance and security benefits of Cloudflare’s global network, while making it easy to set rules and controls at the edge about where their data is stored and protected.

Cloudflare’s Data Localization Suite gives global companies tools needed to control data: Cloudflare’s Data Localization Suite gives globa

TACONIC BIOSCIENCES EXPANDS INNOVATIVE EXPRESSMODEL® PORTFOLIO

 New Random Integration Transgenic Animal Model Generation Solution Available

RENSSELAER, New York, Dec 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Taconic Biosciences, a global leader in providing drug discovery animal model solutions, announces the launch of the new ExpressMODEL®: Random Integration Transgenic (RITg) service, which reduces animal model generation costs and timeline.

Many gene editing technologies are used to generate animal models for drug discovery, each with unique considerations but with the shared goal of creating specific genetic profiles. The technique used to generate RITg models produces an initial litter where the individual founder animals may or may not carry and/or express the intended genetic feature. Traditionally, each animal must be bred for several generations to determine which one(s) produce the desired outcome. This process adds considerable time and money to a project. In an industry compelled to reduce the timeline and cost of bringing new therapeutics to the world, ExpressMODEL®: RITg alleviates this burden.

Instead of breeding each founder animal and characterizing its offspring, ExpressMODEL®: RITg analyzes transgene expression and animal fertility in the first litter. This approach mitigates several risks inherent to RITg model generation. First, recognizing the successful animals earlier means resources are not wasted breeding animals with the incorrect genetic profiles. Second, obtaining the correct animals early in the process provides predictability for downstream activities. Since projects require intense coordination with other stakeholders and resources, this is extremely valuable. Third, customers can customize the final cohort size and animal health standard. Fourth, pursuing a smaller number of animals upfront reduces the overall number required for the project.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=38862

LEDDARTECH, A KEY SPONSOR AT THE SENSOR & IOT VIRTUAL WORLD WEEK IN DECEMBER, EXPLORES SENSING MODALITIES AND ACTIONABLE DATA FOR AUTOMATED DRIVING

QUEBEC CITY, Dec 2 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LeddarTech^®, a global leader in Level 1-5 ADAS and AD sensing technology, is pleased to announce its participation at this year’s Sensor & IoT Virtual World Week event occurring between December 7-11, 2020.

This live streaming event provides an exciting forum for delegates to interact and learn from technology and innovation leaders from across the globe through keynote events, panels sessions, and roundtable discussions.

“We look forward to joining Sensor & IoT Week in both a speaking capacity and as an exhibitor to share our insights, to collaborate, and to exchange ideas and concepts that shape the future of this industry,” stated Pierre Olivier, Chief Technology Officer of LeddarTech. “In the case study, I will present how different sensing modalities contribute to object and event detection and response (OEDR), and how a sensor fusion and perception stack is critical in providing the high-quality, actionable data necessary to autonomous vehicle performance,” Mr. Olivier concluded.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=38841

Curo Fund Services goes live via SmartStream's post trade processing solution

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 -- SmartStream Technologies, the financial Transaction Lifecycle Management (TLM®) solutions provider, has announced that Curo Fund Services in South Africa, has gone live with TLM Aurora Trade Process Control.

This consolidates infrastructures across asset classes and business lines, ensuring all trade processing, proactive executions management, through to settlement, are based on verified data, thus enhancing cost efficiencies and regulatory compliance.

According to a statement, Curo Fund Services required a solution to further control and provide visibility of its trade processing requirements and to replace multiple silos for a structured end-to-end solution.

SmartStream’s TLM Aurora Trade Process Control will support the entire transaction lifecycle from the point of deal capture through to allocation, confirmation and settlement.

By introducing greater automation and enhancing control, the product will assist in lowering operational risk and cost, as well as managing market volatility and meeting buy-side regulatory requirements.

SmartStream EVP Product Management, Vincent Kilcoyne said: “As the industry adapts to changes, we look forward to working with Curo to assist them in their growth goals and to further strengthen their position as leaders in investment administration for their clients.”

A key aspect of TLM Aurora Trade Process Control is the proactive exception management capability which will pre-empt issues at the earliest possible stage, ensuring exceptions are picked up and resolved as early as possible.

-- BERNAMA

DAWEX ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF THE JAPAN DATA EXCHANGE (JDEX) TO FOSTER A NEW DATA COMMUNITY

JDEX data marketplace unlocks the full potential of data and promotes the transition towards a data driven economy.

PARIS, Nov 30 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Dawex, the leading data exchange technology company, today announced with Kanematsu Corporation and Japan Data Exchange Inc. the launch of JDEX, a Data Exchange Platform to create a large data trading community in Japan, spanning across industry, academia, and government, and contribute to the promotion of a cross-industry and cross-border data exchange environment. The platform, relying on Dawex Data Exchange technology and operated by Kanematsu, will serve the multinational trading corporation’s domestic and foreign network. JDEX platform enables the sourcing, exchange, sharing and commercialization of data products leveraging the platform's advanced features and capabilities.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201130005371/en/

 

Emerging as a key component of the data economy, Data Exchanges are now clearly top of the agenda of an increasing number of corporations, public institutions and governments around the world. With new initiatives on frameworks and policies multiplying everywhere such as GAIA-X in Europe, Data Trading Alliance in Japan, the World Economic Forum or the Data Exchange Association (DXA), the market is increasingly being regulated and standardized encouraging the development of trusted cross-border, cross-industry data ecosystems such as JDEX.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=38821

NIPPON EXPRESS INDONESIA ACQUIRES GDP CERTIFICATION FOR FACILITY NEAR SOEKARNO-HATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

TOKYO, Dec. 1, 2020 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --

PT. Nippon Express Indonesia (hereinafter, "NE Indonesia"), a local subsidiary of Nippon Express Co., Ltd., acquired Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certification, indicating compliance with quality standards established for the proper distribution of pharmaceuticals, effective Sunday, October 4, for the air transport services offered by its facility in Soewarna Business Park in Jakarta.   Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202011197348-O1-79dR1Lz3   Photo: Exterior view of facility https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202011197348/_prw_PI2fl_iUlAN319.jpg     Given Indonesia's notable population growth, the pharmaceutical industry there is expected to grow increasingly. While the share of pharmaceutical products manufactured within the country is still high, both imports and exports are likely to rise due to the expansion of markets and the diversification of needs, and this in turn should push up demand for air transport services offering proper handling of pharmaceuticals.   The recent acquisition of GDP certification means that NE Indonesia has in place a system capable of providing safe and high-quality GDP-compliant air transport services, enabling it to meet the logistics needs of customers in Indonesia's pharmaceutical industry by utilizing Nippon Express's global network and transport solutions.   Going forward, Nippon Express will continue enhancing its services to satisfy the increasingly sophisticated and diverse needs of the pharmaceutical industry and stepping up its efforts on behalf of the industry, which has been positioned as a priority industry in the Nippon Express Group's Medium-term Management Plan. http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=38832