Thursday 28 December 2017

KB ASSET MANAGEMENT SINGAPORE PICKS EZE SOFTWARE

SINGAPORE, Dec 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- KB Asset Management Singapore Pte Ltd, the offshore asset management subsidiary of KB Financial Group, has engaged Eze Software to set up its portfolio management and accounting operations infrastructure to support its expansion plans. The firm was set up as an offshore subsidiary of KB Asset Management to attract global investors with international investment strategies. KB Asset Management Singapore Pte Ltd. is in the process of setting up a new offshore long/short fund in the Cayman Islands, set to launch in February 2018. The firm will be using Eze Portfolio Management & Accounting to support its operations.
 
“As we embarked on our aggressive growth plans, we wanted to partner with a reputable technology provider that could support our growth globally,” said BH Chung, CEO and CIO at KB Asset Management Singapore Pte Ltd. “Eze Software has a long history of consistent performance and service in the investment management market, and we are confident that it will provide us with the scalability and flexibility we need to expand.”
 
“We are excited to partner with KB Asset Management to help grow its offshore business,” said R.G. Manalac, Managing Director, APAC, Eze Software. “Asset management in APAC is experiencing tremendous growth, and end investors are increasingly demanding from asset managers a solid technology infrastructure for investment operations. We look forward to supporting KB Asset Management in its efforts to create a scalable technology operation.”

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30856

SD-WAN MARKET LEADER, ARYAKA, PARTNERS WITH ZSCALER TO DELIVER BEST-OF-BREED GLOBAL SD-WAN AND CLOUD SECURITY SOLUTION

Partnership Enables Global Enterprises to Consume Cloud-Native Private Network Connectivity and Cloud Security in a Unified Solution

SAN MATEO, Calif., Dec 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aryaka®, the leading global SD-WAN provider, today announced a new technology partnership with Zscaler, a leader in cloud security, to deliver a best-of-breed global SD-WAN and cloud security offering. The partnership enables enterprises worldwide to consume cloud-native private connectivity and cloud-delivered security in a unified solution.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30854

BAGAN INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY HELD "TEZUKA OSAMU MAGAZINE" PROMOTION EVENT

TOKYO, Dec 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Bagan Innovation Technology (Myanmar), of which our company’s subsidiary, Group Lease PCL, holds a stake, held the promotion event of “Tezuka Osamu Magazine” on 23rd December in Myanmar.

Based off of the license contract our company made with Tezuka Production Co., Ltd. in July, we have made digital books version of Tezuka Osamu’s works in Burmese. This time, we had the launch event of “Tezuka Osamu Magazine”.

We had an introduction session of digital books app, cosplay contest, fan’s singing contest, and dance performances. More than 3000 people have come together.
Our company has promoted the contents business’ foray into Asia region through various means.

We are determined to continue to “Wakudoki” Asian and world’s users, galvanise entertainment industry, and bridge users and contents holders.

CUBE HIGHWAYS TO SELL A MINORITY STAKE TO A CONSORTIUM OF JAPANESE INVESTORS

SINGAPORE, Dec 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Cube Highways has signed definitive agreements for the sale of a minority stake to Japan Highways International (JHI), a Japanese consortium of infrastructure investors led by Mitsubishi Corporation. JHI’s investment reaffirms Cube Highways’ position as a leading owner and operator of highways in India and follows the recent announcement of a minority stake sale to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).
 
Cube Highways is an independent, professionally-managed platform that owns and operates more than 1,700 lane-kilometers of highways in India. Formed by two leading global financial institutions, I Squared Capital and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Cube Highways leverages the extensive transportation experience of its executive and engineering teams to manage a diverse portfolio of toll and annuity roads. Last week the company announced agreements to acquire Salem Tollways and Kumarapalyam Tollways, in the state of Tamil Nadu.
 
“With the entry of JHI, Cube Highways has expanded its set of leading infrastructure investors from across the globe. Our new partners bring world-class technical and engineering capabilities, as well as deep global experience, to help further expand the platform. This new capital also demonstrates investor confidence in the future of Cube Highways and the growth potential of the highways sector in India,” said Gautam Bhandari, Director of Cube Highways and Partner of I Squared Capital.
 
Hyun-Chan Cho, Regional Industry Head, Infrastructure & Natural Resources, IFC, said, “We welcome JHI as our new partner in Cube Highways. As one of the oldest and leading investors in the Indian infrastructure space, IFC is very pleased to see other international investors joining hands to support the growth of the highways sector. High-quality transport and logistics infrastructure is key to sustaining India’s growth and ensuring that economic opportunities are available to communities across urban as well as rural India.”
 
About Cube Highways: Cube Highways and Infrastructure Pte. Ltd. (Cube Highways) is a Singapore-based company investing in road and highway projects, along with other select infrastructure sectors in India. Cube Highways is an independent, professionally-managed platform that leverages the extensive transportation experience of its management and execution teams. Cube Highways was formed by two leading global financial institutions, I Squared Capital and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). For more information, visit www.cubehighways.com
 
About I Squared Capital: I Squared Capital is an independent global infrastructure investment manager focusing on energy, utilities, telecommunications and transport in the Americas, Europe, and select high growth economies. The Firm has offices in New York, Houston, London, New Delhi, Hong Kong and Singapore.
 
About IFC: IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, IFC uses its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in the toughest areas of the world. In FY17, IFC delivered a record $19.3 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to help end poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
 
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30852

Tuesday 26 December 2017

STARR COMPANIES ANNOUNCES COOPERATION WITH PICC HEALTH TO PROVIDE INSURANCE TO CHINESE COMPANY EMPLOYEES WORKING IN THE BELT & ROAD INITIATIVE COUNTRIES

NEW YORK, Dec 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Starr Companies today announced a cooperation with PICC Health Insurance Company Limited (PICC Health) to provide industry-leading, innovative insurance for Chinese company employees working overseas in Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) countries.
 
PICC Health, a subsidiary of the People’s Insurance Company (Group) of China Limited, and People's Daily, China’s leading newspaper, held a forum in Beijing on "Innovative Insurance Solutions for the Belt & Road Initiative" in conjunction with the Chinese Ministries of Commerce, Foreign Affairs, Public Health, the China Insurance Regulatory Commission and other Chinese government agencies and academic institutions. At the forum, PICC Health and Starr Companies officially launched a suite of innovative insurance products and services for Chinese company employees working overseas in BRI countries, providing comprehensive coverage and high-quality assistance services for these customers.
 
This industry-leading cooperation combines the domestic strengths of PICC Health, China’s dominant health insurer with a large Chinese corporate client base, and the global experience and expertise of Starr Companies, led by its legendary Chairman & CEO Maurice R. Greenberg.
 
This premier product is a specialty accident and health offering jointly developed by PICC Health, Starr Property & Casualty Insurance (China) Company Limited, and Starr Companies’ Assist Card International subsidiary. In addition to medical and Accidental Death & Dismemberment benefits, the product provides customers with benefits and services including medical evacuation and repatriation, compassionate visit, food poisoning, kidnap and ransom protection, as well as unique solutions such as risk management advice and cashless medical payment services through the Assist Card International network. A dedicated call center has been established to provide global services to Chinese customers including those working in BRI countries.
 
This cooperation between these two parties provides strong support for the employees of Chinese companies active in BRI countries, with the objective of building a “Healthy Silk Road.” For further information, please contact PICC Health in Beijing or Starr Companies in Shanghai.
 
About Starr Companies
 
Starr Companies (Starr) is the worldwide marketing name for the operating insurance and travel assistance companies and subsidiaries of Starr International Company, Inc. and for the investment business of C. V. Starr & Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries. Starr is a leading insurance and investment organization with a presence on five continents; through its operating insurance companies, Starr provides property, casualty, and accident and health insurance products as well as a range of specialty coverages including aviation, marine, energy and excess casualty insurance. Starr’s insurance company subsidiaries domiciled in the U.S., Bermuda, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and U.K. each have an A.M. Best rating of “A” (Excellent). Starr’s Lloyd’s syndicate has a Standard & Poor’s rating of “A+” (Strong).
 
Assist Card International, a premier global travel assistance company owned by Starr Companies, has an extensive network with more than 40 years of experience of providing assistance services around the globe. Assist Card has 9 regional alarm centers and more than 50,000 service providers throughout the world, providing direct payment for medical services.
 
About PICC Health Insurance Company Limited
 
PICC Health Insurance Company Limited was established on March 31, 2005. It is the first professional health insurance company approved by the State Council and approved by the China Insurance Regulatory Commission. As a subsidiary of PICC Group, the company is the largest health insurer in Mainland China, with 25 provincial branches, 109 municipality-level agencies, 99 county-level agencies and 97 rep offices. Its distribution network covers nearly all of China and serves more than 100 million customers.
 
For more information visit us at www.starrcompanies.com
 
Contacts
Starr Companies
Paula Negro, 212-884-0561
Director of Content, Communications and Media Relations
paula.negro@starrcompanies.com

Source: Starr Companies
 
View this news release online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171222005015/en
 
--BERNAMA

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30848

Friday 22 December 2017

WILLIAMS SCOTSMAN COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF ACTON MOBILE

BALTIMORE, Dec 22 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WillScot Corporation (NASDAQ:WSC) (“Williams Scotsman”) today announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Acton Mobile (ActonMobile.com) for a cash purchase price of approximately $235 million.

Williams Scotsman will have nearly 100,000 modular space and portable storage units serving approximately 35,000 customers from over 100 locations across the United States, Canada and Mexico.  Williams Scotsman will expand the breadth and depth of its Ready to Work services to existing and incremental customers and markets.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30842

PRESS RELEASE - OLDTOWN DEALINGS DISCLOSURE

OLDTOWN BERHAD ("OLDTOWN")

PRE-CONDITIONAL VOLUNTARY CONDITIONAL OFFER BY JACOBS DOUWE EGBERTS HOLDINGS ASIA NL B.V. ("JDE ASIA" OR "OFFEROR") TO ACQUIRE ALL THE REMAINING ORDINARY SHARES OF OLDTOWN NOT ALREADY HELD BY THE OFFEROR ("PRE-CONDITIONAL VOLUNTARY OFFER")

DISCLOSURE OF DEALINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 19 OF THE RULES ON TAKE-OVERS, MERGERS AND COMPULSORY ACQUISITIONS ("RULES")

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- 
We refer to the announcement dated 11 December 2017 made by OldTown on the Pre-Conditional Voluntary Offer.

Pursuant to Paragraph 19.04(1) of the Rules, we wish to inform that CIMB Investment Bank Berhad, who has been appointed as an adviser to the Offeror in connection with the Pre-Conditional Voluntary Offer has dealt in the securities of OldTown on 21 December 2017 for its discretionary client, details of which are as follows :
 
Own Account/for
Discretionary
Client
Type of SecurityTransactionQuantity
 
Average Price
RM
Discretionary ClientOrdinary Share 
 
Purchase
128, 6003.0900


Please click here for the full press release

Yours faithfully
for CIMB Investment Bank Berhad

Kuan Sook Cheng
Director 
Corporate Finance
Investment Banking Malaysia
 
Deena Elin Binti Che Khalib
Senior Associate
Corporate Finance
Investment Banking Malaysia

SOURCE : CIMB Group 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name : Kuan Sook Cheng
Tel : 03-2261 0328

Name : Deena Elin Binti Che Khalib
Tel : 03-2261 0318

--BERNAMA

AJWELP EMPOWERS WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN THE ASEAN MEMBER STATES

AJWELP EMPOWERS WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN THE ASEAN MEMBER STATES

STARR COMPANIES ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF STEVE BLAKEY AS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF STARR INSURANCE HOLDINGS, CHARLES DANGELO RETIRES

NEW YORK, Dec 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Starr Companies today announced the appointment of Steve Blakey as president and chief executive officer of Starr Insurance Holdings.
 
“We are pleased to introduce Steve as our new Company President. With over 35 years of experience, including establishing Starr’s presence in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe as well as making Starr one of the leading providers of aviation and aerospace insurance in the world, Steve is uniquely qualified to lead the company going forward,” stated Maurice R. Greenberg, chairman, Starr Companies.

Steve Blakey replaces Chuck Dangelo, who has announced his retirement. “After 46 years in the insurance industry, we would like to thank Chuck for his contributions to our company and industry. He has been instrumental in leading Starr’s growth and we wish him well in his retirement.”

About Starr Companies

Starr Companies (Starr) is the worldwide marketing name for the operating insurance and travel assistance companies and subsidiaries of Starr International Company, Inc. and for the investment business of C.V. Starr & Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries. Starr is a leading insurance and investment organization with a presence on five continents; through its operating insurance companies, Starr provides property, casualty, and accident & health insurance products as well as a range of specialty coverages including aviation, marine, energy and excess casualty insurance. The following insurance company subsidiaries each have an A.M. Best rating of “A” (Excellent): Starr Indemnity & Liability Company, Starr Surplus Lines Insurance Company, Starr Syndicate Limited at Lloyd's of London, Starr International Insurance (Asia) Ltd., and Starr Insurance & Reinsurance Limited.

For more information visit us at www.starrcompanies.com
 
Contacts
Starr Companies
Paula Negro, 212-884-0561
Director of Content, Communications and Media Relations
paula.negro@starrcompanies.com
 
Source: Starr Companies
 
View this news release online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171219006237/en

--BERNAMA

Thursday 21 December 2017

SABINA GOLD & SILVER ANNOUNCES 9.9% STRATEGIC INVESTMENT BY ZHAOJIN INTERNATIONAL MINING CO., LTD.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sabina Gold & Silver Corp (TSX:SBB.T), (“Sabina” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that Zhaojin International Mining Co., Ltd. (“Zhaojin International”) has agreed to purchase 24,930,000 common shares of the Company at a price of $2.65 per share for a total investment of approximately $66,100,000 in a private placement (the “Financing”).  Upon completion of the Financing, Zhaojin International will own approximately 9.9% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares on a non-diluted basis. Zhaojin International is a subsidiary of Zhaojin Mining Industry Co. Ltd. (“Zhaojin”), which is a leading Chinese gold producer and one of China’s largest gold smelting companies.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30830

KLM ADDS AUTOMATED MESSAGES TO CUSTOMER CONVERSATIONS

Next step in social media service with artificial intelligence from DigitalGenius

AMSTELVEEN, The Netherlands and SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is taking the next step in using artificial intelligence (AI) within its social media service. KLM worked with AI frontrunner, DigitalGenius, to add automated answers to general repetitive questions from customers without the intervention of a human service agent. This gives KLM agents more time to focus on questions in conversations with customers that require a human approach. KLM is the first airline to offer a combination of human agents and artificial intelligence in a single conversation on Twitter, Messenger and WhatsApp.

KLM receives over 130,000 mentions via social media per week. This number has grown since the introduction of WhatsApp as a service channel. A dedicated team of 250 social media service agents personally engages in 30,000 conversations each week. On average, conversations consist of five or six questions and answers between KLM and its customers. Questions that can be answered automatically with the use of artificial intelligence usually come at the beginning of the conversation.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30826

TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATION RELEASES HIGH-CURRENT PHOTORELAYS FOR FACTORY AUTOMATION AND OTHER INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS THAT CAN REPLACE MECHANICAL RELAYS

TOKYO, Dec 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation has today started to ship five new high-current photorelays in DIP4 and DIP6 packages, additions to its portfolio of photorelays incorporating MOSFETs fabricated with the latest U-MOS VIII process.
 
The new photorelays offer multiple options, with an off-state output terminal voltage ranging from 30 to 200V and a steady on-state current of 0.7 to 5.0A. They can replace 1-Form-A mechanical relays in various DC and AC applications, contributing to improved system reliability and reducing the space needed for relays and relay drivers. They deliver a rated operating temperature of 110°C (max), making it easier to accommodate temperature margins in system designs.

In addition, the new photorelays provide a rated transient on-state current three times larger than the rated steady on-state current, contributing to design safety.

The latest Gartner market report recognizes Toshiba as the leading manufacturer of optocouplers by sales in 2015 and 2016, with 23% sales-based market share in CY2016. (Source: Gartner, Inc. “Market Share: Semiconductor Devices and Applications Worldwide 2016” 30 March, 2017)

Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation will continue to deliver products that meet the needs of customers by promoting the development of a diverse portfolio of photocouplers and photorelays tailored to market trends.

Applications
  • Industrial equipment (PLC, I/O interface, contact output)
  • Building automation systems (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, thermostats, etc.)
  • Semiconductor testers
  • Test boards
  • Security equipment
  • Replacement of mechanical relays
Features
  • High on-state current: TLP3543A delivers a 5A (max.) steady on-state current, the industry’s highest[1] for photorelays in DIP6 package, and a transient on-state current of 15A (max.).
  • Wide range of options for off-state output terminal voltage (30V, 60V, 100V, 200V)
  • Operating temperature: 110°C (max.)

STARR COMPANIES APPOINTS AMBASSADOR JOSE L. CUISIA, JR. AS CHAIRMAN OF STARR INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE PHILIPPINES BRANCH

NEW YORK, Dec 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Starr Companies today announced the appointment of Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. as chairman of Starr International Insurance Philippines Branch, a branch of Starr International Insurance (Asia) Limited, a company established and licensed to write general insurance in Hong Kong. Ambassador Cuisia will be working with local management for the strategic development and growth of the branch and other Starr entities for rapid growth in the region.

"Joey has had a long and distinguished career in both business and public service, including building Philam Life into the largest and most successful life insurer in the Philippines and serving as Ambassador to the country. We have been great friends and colleagues for a very long time and it is wonderful to work with him again at Starr." stated Maurice R. Greenberg, chairman, Starr Companies.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30824

​CHARTBEAT ANNOUNCES THE 100 MOST ENGAGING STORIES OF 2017

The Atlantic’s “My Family’s Slave” is the most engaging article of the year

NEW YORK, Dec 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chartbeat, the leading content intelligence platform for publishers, today announces the 100 Most Engaging Stories of 2017, the articles that were read most this year based on highest Engaged Time. Selected out of over 39 million stories on over 50,000 media sites around the world, the top 100 serve as a snapshot of the year’s major events and highlight the themes that resonated most with readers.

While “Trump” was by far the number-one entity referenced in news stories according to Chartbeat’s global dataset, reader attention was consumed by more than just politics. Authentic, personal accounts of human struggle from The Atlanticand ESPN, breaking news about the Weinstein allegations from The New York Times and political coverage of Trump’s White House from many including The Washington Post topped the list, as well as terror, disaster and health articles from companies including the BBC, CNN and many more.

“Each year the Most Engaging Stories list affirms that readers want compelling journalism and storytelling that reports, educates, informs, and helps them make sense of the world,” said John Saroff, CEO of Chartbeat.

The Atlantic’s “My Family’s Slave” earned the top spot on the list. The piece, written by the late Alex Tizon, gives a truthful, humble account of his life growing up with his caretaker Lola, simultaneously a beloved mother figure and “slave” in his family home. Collecting almost 58 million minutes of Engaged Time — triple of any other article on the list — the story garnered widespread global readership and debate, and is a marquee example of the human-centered stories making their presence strongly known on this year’s list.

“People value story, great writing and honest emotion,” said The Atlantic's editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg. “When we published Alex Tizon's piece, we were at the beginning of the Trump presidency, and Trump was seemingly the only thing on everyone's minds. I had no idea that a tragic, very personal story by an esteemed but not particularly well-known writer would connect in such a dramatic way. But we learned that the marketplace still rewards quality.”

The top ten most engaging stories that follow The Atlantic’s “My Family’s Slave” are:
 
2. ESPN: “I Just Wanted To Survive” by Tisha Thompson and Andy Lockett
5. The Atlantic: Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation? Jean M. Twenge
6. CNNWeapons cache found at Las Vegas shooter's home By Holly Yan, Philip Victor and Darran Simon
7. The New York Times: Harvey Weinstein Paid Off Sexual Harassment Accusers for Decades Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey
8. The New York Times: You May Want to Marry My Husband by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
10. The New York Times: The Lost Children of Tuam by Dan Barry
 
For more information on the 100 Most Engaging Stories of 2017, please visit 2017.chartbeat.com or contact press@chartbeat.com.

ABOUT CHARTBEAT
Chartbeat, the content intelligence platform for publishers, believes that today's content creators need mission-critical insights – in real time and across desktop, social and mobile platforms – to turn visitors into loyal audiences. That's why our software helps content creators understand what, within their content, keeps people engaged. Partnering with over 50,000 sites across 60+ countries, Chartbeat's software and front-line tools help the world's leading media companies harness the truth to measure and value the attention earned by their content.

Terri Walter - terri@chartbeat.com
Lauryn Bennett - lauryn@chartbeat.com

Source : Chartbeat

--BERNAMA

Wednesday 20 December 2017

EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS BERHAD DECLARES UNIT SPLIT FOR EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS DINASTI EQUITY FUND

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- Eastspring Investments Berhad today announced a 2:1 unit split for existing unit holders of the Eastspring Investments Dinasti Equity Fund (“Fund”). Unit holders who have maintained their holdings up to 19 December 2017 will be entitled for this unit split. This will be the first unit split exercise for the Fund since its inception.

The Fund has demonstrated considerable strength in its performance and a sustainable appreciation in value since its inception in 2009 (please see table below).  As at 30 November 2017, the Fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV) per unit stood at RM1.8985.
 
Period1 Year3 Years5 YearsSince Inception
23 November 2009
Volatility Factor (VF)

 
Volatility Class (VC)
Fund (%)29.0572.70104.37105.74    12.3Very high
Benchmark* (%)25.6862.54119.07113.65  

* Dow Jones Islamic Market (DJIM) Greater China Index
Fund performance is sourced from Lipper for Investment Management and the benchmark is from www.djindexes.com, 30 November 2017. Performance is calculated on a Net Asset Value (“NAV”) to NAV to NAV basis with gross income or dividend re-invested. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

This 2:1 unit split would lower the price of the Fund’s NAV per unit, making it more affordable for investors. With this unit split, investors will receive 2 units for every 1 unit held, while maintaining the value of their holdings. Where a unit split is declared, the Fund’s NAV per unit will be reduced from pre-unit split NAV to post-unit split NAV following the issue of additional units. The value of the investment in Malaysian Ringgit will remain unchanged after the unit split. 

The Eastspring Investments Dinasti Equity Fund is a Shariah equity/growth fund that seeks to provide investors with long term capital appreciation from Shariah-compliant investments which have the exposure to the Greater China region.   

Tuesday 19 December 2017

TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATION RELEASES 100V N-CHANNEL POWER MOSFETS FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS WITH THE INDUSTRY'S LOWEST-IN-CLASS ON-RESISTANCE

Expanding the line-up of the low-voltage U-MOS IX-H power MOSFET series

TOKYO, Dec 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation has today started to ship “TPH3R70APL” and “TPN1200APL,” new 100V additions to its low-voltage U-MOS IX-H N-channel power MOSFET series. The new devices are suitable for power supply applications in industrial equipment.

Fabricated with the company’s latest low-voltage U-MOS IX-H trench process, which optimizes the element structure, the TPH3R70APL and TPN1200APL deliver the industry’s lowest-in-class On-resistance[1]. In addition, compared with the current devices using the U-MOS VIII-H process, the new devices have lower “RDS(ON) × Qoss”, On-resistance times output charge, and “RDS(ON) × QSW”, On-resistance times gate switch charge, key figures of merit for MOSFETs for switching applications[2].

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30808

Saturday 16 December 2017

GSV ASSET MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC INVESTMENT FROM HMC CAPITAL-LED GROUP

WOODSIDE, Calif. and NEW YORK, Dec 15 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GSV Asset Management, LLC (“GSV”), a modern merchant bank that identifies, advises, and invests in the fastest growing, most dynamic companies in the world – the Stars of Tomorrow – today announced a strategic investment from a group led by HMC Capital (“HMC”), a leading Latin American advisory and investment firm.

While terms of the deal were not disclosed, the investment will result in a minority ownership interest for the HMC-led group in GSV Asset Management. Proceeds will be used to enhance GSV’s ongoing investment activities, as well as to accelerate its strategic expansion into new business areas and geographies.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30797

Friday 15 December 2017

SUPERNEWSROOM AND CRADLE FORM A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO ACCELERATE STARTUP SUCCESS

A collaborative effort between Malaysia’s leading startup accelerator and Asia’s first media digital platform that focuses on driving startup success through publicity
 
 
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Cradle, a leading startup influencer in Malaysia today announced a strategic partnership with Supernewsroom, Asia’s first media digital platform, in an effort to further drive the growth and propel startups to success. The partnership aims to provide media exposure for startups which in turn will expand market opportunities and improve their businesses.
 
The first of its kind initiative in Malaysia, this strategic partnership merges the expertise and extensive experience of the startup industry that Cradle possesses, with Supernewsroom’s capability and proficiency in maximising media exposure, ultimately generating publicity especially for entrepreneurs.
 
During the MoU signing ceremony, which was held at WORQ, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd, Nazrin Hassan said “We're thrilled to be working with Supernewsroom, a leading digital Public Relations platform in the region, and a company that understands the importance of publicity. The partnership springs from Cradle and Supernewsroom’s shared vision to provide a complete solution to gain media traction and publicity. With more than a decade of experience, Cradle understands the important component of a successful startup, which is publicity. And we also understand that we need to find a cost-effective solution to gain publicity as most startups are bootstrapped for cash.”
 
Nazrin further commented on how the partnership will benefit the startup community and potentially put Malaysia on the map as a startup hub in the region. “While Cradle and Supernewsroom each has its own strengths and capabilities, by combining our complementary skills will enable us to focus on driving the startup ecosystem and assisting aspiring entrepreneurs to gain recognition from the right audience through publicity. With validation from the media, this will create exciting opportunities for these businesses to succeed.”
 
Bringing solutions to all startups and small businesses, Supernewsroom provides an integrated digital Public Relations services. Since its launch in 2015, Supernewsroom has helped many businesses out there to reach out to the right media and for their stories to be heard by millions of readers and audiences by providing cost-effective digital PR services. It offers a complete solution for startups to launch and manage their entire PR campaign through a simplified do-it-yourself (DIY) approach.
 
“Given our diverse expertise in the interconnectedness of the world of PR and media, we understand what it takes to thrive in the business environment and we deeply empathise with what these startups have to go through. Supernewsroom is here to solve their publicity issues,” said the Founder and CEO of Supernewsroom, Manminder Kaur. 
 
Supernewsroom provides an extensive media database of news outlets, editors, journalists, producers and writers into a single powerhouse directory. It offers convenience for startups to connect with the media, where they can access over 25,000 media contacts from 5,000 media organisations across Southeast Asia including Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand.
 
“Most startups are hungry for publicity, yet have no knowledge in getting it. Through this partnership, our aim is to encourage startups to utilise our services in order to grow their businesses. With Supernewsroom, what we are trying to do here is to show them how to get the desired publicity in a single hub and most importantly without the need to break their bank,” explained Manminder.
 
Cradle will support Supernewsroom in terms of its marketing efforts to its approximately 800 startups and partners. Some of the activities that are lined up includes monthly talks on ‘PR for Startups’ and pro bono PR consultancy services which will be provided to startups under Cradle by Supernewsroom.
 
Given the complete suite of media relations services Supernewsroom has to offer, together with Cradle, hundreds to thousands of SMEs across Southeast Asia stand a chance to benefit from it.
 
For more information about Cradle kindly visit https://www.cradle.com.my/
 
For more information about Supernewsroom, kindly visit www.supernewsroom.com
 
 
About Supernewsroom
 
Supernewsroom is Asia’s first DIY digital public relations platform based in Malaysia. Supernewsroom was launched in 2015 and currently has over 100 subscribers, ranging from startups to multinational corporations. It consists of an extensive regional media database of more than 20,000 journalists from over 5,000 media organizations, integrated email blast tool, media RSVP function, media monitoring and more. Supernewsroom allows anyone to manage their entire PR campaign from start to finish in a single hub.  It was awarded the CIP 500 by Cradle Fund, a Malaysian based startup enabler. The press release and content distribution service are its latest product offering. For more information about Supernewsroom, please visit www.supernewsroom.com
 
 
About Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle)
 
Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle) is Malaysia's early stage start-up influencer, incorporated under the Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MOF) in 2003 with a mandate to fund potential and high-calibre tech start-ups through its Cradle Investment Programme (CIP).
 
Throughout its 13-year history, Cradle has helped fund over 700 Malaysian tech start-ups and holds the highest commercialisation rate amongst government grants in the country. Having more than a decade of experience in the nation's grant funding scene, Cradle further expanded its role from grant provider to investor through the establishment of its venture arm, Cradle Seed Ventures in 2015 and following its portfolio expansion to equity investment in early 2017, Cradle now offers both funding and investment assistance through its Cradle Investment Programme 300 (CIP300) and Direct Equity 800 (DEQ800).
 
Cradle also runs a market-driven programme to train entrepreneurs and administers the Angel Tax Incentive (ATIO), designed for angel investors to be accorded a tax deduction of up to RM500, 000 to stimulate and encourage angel investments from private sector into technology based start-up companies in Malaysia.

Cradle's product offerings are not only restricted to monetary aid, but also include commercialisation support, coaching and various other value-added services to cater today's entrepreneurs' diversified needs.
 
For more information on Cradle, please visit www.cradle.com.my
 
 
SOURCE : Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle)
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name : Caroline Jintoni (PR & Media Manager)
Mobile : 019 – 293 9096
Email : caroline@cradle.com.my
 
Name : Shaheera Fauzi (Public Relations Consultant)
Mobile : 012-3606504
Email : shaheera@intelectasia.com  
 
--BERNAMA

VANTIS BECOMES FIRST HONG KONG PARTNER FOR NTT COMMUNICATIONS MANAGED SERVICES

Expanding NTT Com’s managed services footprint across Asia

TOKYO & HONG KONG, Dec 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- NTT Communications (NTT Com), the ICT solutions and international communications business within the NTT Group (TOKYO:9432), announced that Vantis Consulting Group (Vantis) has become the first partner in Hong Kong to join its Global Management One (GMOne) Managed Services Partner Program. The partnership accelerates NTT Com’s momentum to expand GMOne managed services across Asia and empowers enterprises to enjoy end-to-end ICT solutions from a trusted local partner with specialized expertise in cloud and business applications.

The announcement builds on Vantis’ existing partnership with NTT Com for Enterprise Cloud Marketplace, which was launched last year. With the new agreement, Vantis will resell NTT Com GMOne managed services, cloud and hosting solutions, and further integrates with their service offerings to meet enterprises’ growing hybrid ICT needs.

“We are excited to welcome Vantis as our first partner for GMOne in Hong Kong,” said Hirofumi Miyama, Senior Vice President of Managed Services at NTT Com. “By leveraging their strong implementation track record and local expertise for deploying cloud business applications for enterprises, especially SAP applications, we will be able to expand our footprint in Asia and ensure that our end customers get the right services and support they need in their cloud migration journey.”

GMOne managed services was designed to answer calls from enterprises looking to manage an increasingly decentralized and hybrid ICT environment. Research firm Gartner1 forecasted 90% of organizations will adopt hybrid infrastructure management by 2020. Enterprises are also increasingly looking for agile, efficient and cost effective cloud-based and automated managed services to enhance their competitive edge as they transform digitally. In addition, new IT paradigms, such as Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI), are making ICT needs more complex.

GMOne managed services enables Hong Kong-based enterprises to enjoy one-stop, seamless service portfolio, which leverages NTT Com’s global resources for managing entire hybrid ICT ecosystems, from infrastructure, business applications to smart outsourcing.

“We are proud to become the first Hong Kong partner for NTT Com’s GMOne managed services. The partnership cements our business objectives and helps us to better meet the ICT needs of our expanding pool of customers. It will definitely help us to build deeper relationships with our existing customers as they transform their business to become more digital and embrace new technological advances,” said Dr. Rocky Lam, CEO, Vantis.

1 Gartner, Press Release, April 5, 2017 “Gartner Says a Massive Shift to Hybrid Infrastructure Services Is Underway” https://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/3666917

About NTT Communications

NTT Communications provides consultancy, architecture, security and cloud services to optimize the information and communications technology (ICT) environments of many global enterprises. These offerings are backed by the company’s worldwide infrastructure, including the leading global tier-1 IP network, the Arcstar Universal OneTM VPN network reaching over 190 countries/regions, and over 140 secure data centers worldwide. NTT Communications’ solutions leverage the global resources of NTT Group companies including Dimension Data, NTT DOCOMO and NTT DATA.

Please visit www.ntt.com.hk | www.hknet.com | www.facebook.com/nttca | http://www.linkedin.com/company/ntt-com-asia-limited for further information.

About Vantis Consulting Group

Being a leading business, strategy and technology consulting firm in Asia Pacific Region, recognized early the significant impact that cloud computing would have on how business, implement, and manages the IT investments. Vantis Consulting Group is a well-established consulting company provides end-to-end business solutions and Training services throughout Hong Kong, Macau, China, Taiwan and Asia Pacific Region. To help customers sharpen their competitive edge by offering comprehensive implementation services of markets leading business solutions. Please visit www.vantissol.com | www.facebook.com/VantisGroup/ | www.linkedin.com/company/vantis-consulting-group for more information.
 
Contacts
For more information
NTT Communications
Aga Szczesniak
gmone_partners@ntt.com
or
NTT Com Asia Ltd
Elaine Ng / Priscilla Kwok
+852 3793 0228 / +852 3793 0937
elaine.ng@ntt.com.hk / priscilla.kwok@ntt.com.hk
 
Source: NTT Communications Corporation
 
View this news release online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171214006519/en

--BERNAMA

THE 1ST FREE CROSS-BORDER ECOMMERCE LIBRARY AVAILABLE TO ONLINE MERCHANTS

A competitive edge instrumental in succeeding in today’s dynamic retail world

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, Dec 15 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acapture, a global, data-driven omnichannel PSP, has released a complete library of free infographics for merchants, outlining the latest exclusive data for 31 of the world’s most exciting ecommerce markets. Online retailers, marketplaces, and other ecommerce merchants are given a competitive edge, instrumental in succeeding in today’s dynamic retail world.

With each infographic providing actionable stats, facts and figures from a major ecommerce region, illustrated with clear, reader-friendly graphics, the collection is essential reading for all merchants looking to seize current cross-border opportunities. By understanding the preferred local payment methods, the most popular B2B and B2C product categories, top import and export regions, most popular ecommerce sites and much more, merchants can make informed strategic decisions based on the most up-to-date trends and consumer behavior.

As well as key cross-border data from markets such as Australia, Brazil, Belgium, China, Canada, France, Norway, Germany, India, New Zealand, the UK, the USA, Poland and so on, the infographics give clear insight to omnichannel merchants, by presenting the internet, mobile and smartphone penetration, number of online shoppers, mobile payments and preferred mobile OS in each country. This allows merchants to give the appropriate focus on different channels from one cross-border market to the next.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30795

SEABORN NETWORKS' CEO LARRY SCHWARTZ IS NAMED IN LIST OF 100 MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE IN TELECOMS WORLDWIDE

BOSTON, Dec 15 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seaborn Networks ("Seaborn"), a leading developer-owner-operator of submarine fiber optic cable systems, is pleased to announce that Larry Schwartz, Seaborn's Chairman & CEO, has been named one of the 100 most powerful people in the telecoms industry by Global Telecoms Business ("GTB").

The Power 100 List annually identifies the most influential people in telecoms, content and Internet companies, selecting nominations from readers of the publication. Larry is one of only six people included on the list from the global subsea and data center industries. GTB notes that these top 100 were "those the industry felt were the real power, the real influencers, behind the telecoms sector" and were chosen by the editorial team with input from GTB's readers.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30792

STEM DESIGNATION GRANTED FOR SMU COX MASTER OF SCIENCE IN FINANCE

MSF Students Will be Eligible to Apply for STEM OPT Extension

Dallas, Texas (SMU), USA, Dec 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --Beginning in the fall semester of 2018, the SMU Cox Master of Science in Finance degree (MSF) will be STEM-designated. The Board of Trustees of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, at its December meeting, approved changes to the MS in Finance program curriculum and the request to change the classification of instructional programs (CIP) code. Based on these changes, the SMU Cox MSF program now falls under fields of study considered to be science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The government of the United States considers expertise in these fields an important driver of innovation and job creation. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the country is currently facing a shortage of qualified candidates for STEM jobs. As a result, international students completing STEM-designated programs in the U.S. are encouraged to stay after graduation and contribute their knowledge and skill while gaining work experience related to their field of study. 

“The new STEM designation is a clear signal to potential employers of the strong quantitative content of the Cox MSF program,” said Mukunthan Santhanakrishnan, director of the SMU Cox Master of Science in Finance Program. “Furthermore, this makes it easier for international students on student visas to get additional years of work experience in the U.S., making them more well-rounded and potentiallly more valuable employees when they return to their home countries. The net result is that our program will be attractive to prospective students (both domestic and international).”

In order to qualify for the STEM designation, Santhanakrishnan and Cox finance department faculty members worked to bring the MSF curriculum more in line with STEM requirements. The MSF curriculum, which has been taught since 2012, included elements of financial mathematics, but STEM content has now been strengthened with additional math-focused classes and statistics content to better prepare students for careers in the finance profession. The SMU Education Programs Committee and the University provost approved the STEM designation under the financial mathematics category, and the Board of Trustees made it official.  

“The STEM designation helps signal the quantitative rigor of the program to the market,” said SMU Cox Distinguished Chair in Finance James Linck. “It will help us recruit more high-quality students from diverse backgrounds, and will be attractive to potential employers, improving our students' placement prospects.”

International student Jason Panxing Qiao, who plans a career in the financial services industry, completed his BBA with a finance major and a math minor from St. Louis University in May 2017. He will begin pursuing his MSF degree at SMU Cox in Dallas in the fall of 2018. The timing of the new STEM designation is ideal for soon-to-be SMU Cox students like Qiao.

“When I heard the news, it confirmed my feeling that I was making the right business school choice for my graduate work in finance. I’m pleased to have been accepted into the SMU Cox MSF program and I look forward to starting classes in fall 2018.”

International students who begin or continue the SMU Cox MSF program this coming August will be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT Extension through the Department of Homeland Security. This extension allows them to work in the U.S. for an additional 24 months. OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. The standard OPT period is 12 months, which means the STEM extension brings the total length of OPT time such students may be granted to 36 months.

Prospective students interested in applying for the SMU Cox Master of Science in Finance degree program can learn more at www.smu.edu/cox/msdegrees. The Cox School offers scholarships to deserving candidates who are evaluated based on their undergraduate academic background and GMAT scores. 

Additional information about the STEM OPT Extension can be found at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/eligible-cip-codes-for-the-stem-opt-extension.
                                                                                                                                                    
About SMU Cox
The SMU Cox School of Business (www.smu.edu/cox), was originally established in 1920 on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and was named in honor of benefactor Edwin L. Cox in 1978. SMU Cox is a nationally and internationally ranked business school with undergraduate (BBA) majors in accounting, finance, financial consulting, general business, management, marketing, real estate finance and concentrations in energy management, entrepreneurship, real estate finance and risk management and insurance. The Cox School offers four Master of Business Administration programs including the Executive MBA (EMBA) and Full-Time MBA, Fast Track MBA, and Professional MBA (PMBA), with concentrations in accounting, finance, general business, information technology and operations management, management, marketing, real estate and strategy and entrepreneurship. The school also offers the JD/MBA with Dedman School of Law; MA/MBA with Meadows School of the Arts; Specialized Master of Science (MS) programs in Accounting, Business Analytics (Full and Part-Time), Finance, and Management; Sport Management and Health Promotion Management with Simmons School of Education and Human Development; and Engineering/MBA and MS in Engineering Entrepreneurship with the Lyle School of Engineering. For professionals not seeking a degree, SMU Cox Executive Education and multiple certificate programs cover a broad range of disciplines. The Cox School of Business maintains an active alumni network globally.   
                                                          
Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/db2d7896-5089-41a8-8b42-1c0f63e798e2

Anna Martinez
SMU Cox School of Business
214-768-4474
annam@cox.smu.edu

Source : SMU Cox School of Business

--BERNAMA