REVITALISE MIND, BODY AND SOUL IN HONG KONG THIS AUTUMN

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Cosy weather combines with Hong Kong’s majestic natural landscape offered all manner of ways to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul during the autumn season.

The city is inviting tourists to embark on a revitalising journey where they can enhance their physical and mental wellbeing while uncovering the hidden gems of this world-class wellness paradise.

Taking place on Oct 13, the 2024 Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon, Hong Kong’s largest cycling event and carnival, promises new excitement which will feature 6,000 global cyclists race for glory, backdropped by the city’s incredible natural and man-made scenery.

According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in a statement, this year’s edition will be bigger and better than ever, with new elements including enhanced routes through four tunnels and three bridges that take in incredible views of Hong Kong’s natural landscape and the spectacular Victoria Harbour.

Meanwhile, in November, the TransLantau by UTMB invites long-distance runners of all experience levels to explore the rugged landscapes and untamed beauty of Lantau Island, Hong Kong’s largest island, presenting four races of varying levels of difficulty.

Adding to the excitement, as the largest hiking fundraising event in Hong Kong, Oxfam Trailwalker promises adventure seekers an extraordinary journey up the city’s tallest peak, Tai Mo Shan, providing spectacular views of the city’s singular juxtaposition of natural and urban landscape from 957 metres high.

Besides sports activities, Hong Kong is also home to a number of world-class day spas, perfect for an afternoon of pampered relaxation, as well as a diverse natural ecosystem within easy access of urban centres for those looking to take a beat away from the hustle and bustle of the city, achieve mental relaxation and alleviate stress.

There are many therapeutic ways to experience Hong Kong’s rich green landscape, including forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) and hiking on one of its myriad trails, which offer the opportunity to slow down the pace of the everyday and be immersed in nature.

For individuals or couples seeking pampering and wellness experiences, they can take a break at a five-star urban spa retreat where sky-high views await on the 116th floor of the International Commerce Centre at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Hong Kong. The top-tier spa boasts floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline, creating the perfect backdrop.

-- BERNAMA

EIG’S MIDOCEAN RAISES STAKE IN PERU LNG TO 35 PCT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- MidOcean Energy (MidOcean), a liquefied natural gas (LNG) company formed and managed by EIG, and Hunt Oil Company (Hunt) announced they have entered into a definitive agreement for MidOcean to acquire an additional 15 per cent interest in Peru LNG (PLNG) from Hunt.

Following the closing of the deal, MidOcean’s interest in PLNG will rise from 20 per cent to 35 per cent, according to a statement.

“Our belief in the long-term fundamentals of the LNG market and in the strength of PLNG’s unique position as the only LNG export facility in South America remains steadfast.

“We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Hunt Oil and the other PLNG co-venturers and continuing to support the project’s positive impact on the Peruvian energy market,” said MidOcean chief executive officer (CEO), De la Rey Venter.

Meanwhile, Hunt CEO, Mark Gunnin said: “We are focused on positioning the PLNG project for the future, and the opportunity to bring in MidOcean as a partner was a great strategic fit to make that happen.”

Aramco played a pivotal role in the transaction, including undertaking key technical and commercial due diligence as well as engaging with key stakeholders for transaction approval. The transaction will be funded entirely by Aramco, which will increase its interest in MidOcean to 49 per cent.

This further investment strengthens MidOcean and Aramco’s position in the global LNG market and will provide both parties exposure to South America’s only LNG export project, with Aramco’s indirect stake of 17.2 per cent in PLNG.

Hunt’s interest in PLNG will decrease from 50 per cent to 35 per cent, though it will remain the operator of the project. Hunt continues to own a 25.2 per cent interest in the Camisea upstream project in Peru.

Located in Pampa Melchorita, 170 kilometres (km) south of Lima, Peru, PLNG owns and operates the only LNG export facility in South America. The facility is operated by Hunt and is one of only two LNG production facilities in Latin America.

-- BERNAMA

OTC Markets Group To Connect East And West With OTC Overnight

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- OTC Markets Group Inc has officially launched over-the-counter (OTC) Overnight, enabling a select group of active securities to be traded from Sunday through Thursday.

“OTC Overnight will provide a transparent, competitive, and cost-effective market to support the growing needs of investors, broker-dealers, and issuers.

“It is an important step in furthering our company’s mission to create better informed and more efficient markets,” said OTC Markets Group Executive Vice President of Market Data, Matt Fuchs in a statement.

OTC Overnight provides trading capabilities that will significantly expand market accessibility, transparency, and comprehensive data coverage by using existing infrastructure and connectivity, allowing broker-dealer subscribers to efficiently meet their customer demand.

With OTC Overnight trading and reporting functionality now live on OTC Link NQB, an Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-regulated Alternative Trading System, a select group of active securities are now eligible for trading in overnight sessions by broker-dealer subscribers in the US dollars.

While the initial launch applies to a limited group of securities, the operator of regulated financial markets for over 12,000 United States (US) and global securities, plans to expand the offering to additional securities over the near term.

The company first announced OTC Overnight in May, noting proposed market hours and the type of securities to be eligible at launch.

OTC Overnight signifies an evolution of the company’s service, launched at a critical moment as innovative broker-dealers seek to enhance the trading experience for investors in the US and Asia.

-- BERNAMA

FRUITFUL OUTCOMES AT 24TH CHINA INTERNATIONAL FAIR FOR INVESTMENT & TRADE

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- The 24th China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT), staged successfully in Xiamen, Fujian Province, saw 688 cooperation agreements signed with a total planned investment of 488.92 billion Chinese yuan. (100 Chinese yuan = RM60.67)

Ended on Sept 11, the four-day event was attended by nearly 80,000 guests from 120 countries and regions as well as 18 international organisations, according to a statement.

Several important activities were rolled out, including the seventh Belt and Road High-quality Development Conference, and the third Annual Conference of the Global Alliance of Special Economic Zones, to facilitate various countries to expand openness and share opportunities on the CIFIT platform.

This CIFIT has some new highlights in the exhibitions, such as setting up the "Global Development", as well as the "China's Outward Investment and Cooperation" areas, to showcase the achievements of Chinese investment and construction overseas.

Moreover, the "Silk Road Maritime" area and the 10,000 square metres "BRICS Exhibition on New Industrial Revolution" have injected new momentum into international investment and cooperation.

A number of authoritative reports on foreign investment were released, including the World Investment Report 2024 (Chinese Edition), Statistical Bulletin of FDI in China 2024, and Foreign Investment Guide of the People's Republic of China 2024, which would help participants grasp the global investment landscape and market dynamics and make sound decisions.

The event was sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and co-organised by the Fujian Provincial People's Government, the Xiamen Municipal People's Government, and the Investment Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Commerce.

-- BERNAMA

CRACKLE TECHNOLOGIES RAISES US$1.7 MLN TO REVOLUTIONISE ADTECH VIA AI-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Singapore-based publishers focussed startup Crackle Technologies has raised a US$1.7 million pre-seed round to build artificial intelligence (AI)-based products tailored for publishers, maximising their adtech earnings. (US$1=RM4.32)

The round is led by We Founder Circle & AC Ventures with participation from other investors, including founders of Impetus Technologies, Sunicon Ventures, Global DeVC and Misfits Capital.

It also attracted investment from founders of prominent publishers like Ludo King, Dainik Jagran and Amar Ujala and others who have bestowed their faith in the Crackle team.

According to Crackle in a statement, the company is also expanding across Southeast Asia with a focus on Vietnam and Indonesia.

Crackle Co-Founder, Jaivir Singh Nagi, expressed his gratitude towards the investors for their trust and support, stating that this funding will be instrumental in advancing its mission to maximise publisher revenue and fuel a thriving ecosystem of diverse content to keep the internet relevant and useful for all.

Meanwhile, on the Southeast Asia expansion, its Co-Founder, Harsh Mittal said: “Southeast Asia's booming tech scene is ripe for innovation. We are eager to partner with gaming and app developers to fuel their growth with our adtech solutions.”

The funding will be largely deployed in product & technology and to scale operations globally to support publishers across gaming, apps, news, and over-the-top (OTT) by addressing key pain points, including low fill rates and effective cost per thousand impressions (eCPMs).

Founded by three ex-Google executives, Harsh, Shashank Dudeja and Jaivir, who have a combined experience of 18 years in the publisher monetisation industry, Crackle’s mission is to enable publishers to maximise their earning potential and build sustainable businesses.

Since its launch in 2023, Crackle has gained significant traction, generating significant returns for publishers impacted by lower monetisation and the dominance of major tech platforms.

-- BERNAMA

MTC TEAMS UP WITH FDPM, SCHOOL TO GREEN MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) organised a tree-planting programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pandan Jaya, here yesterday, planting 100 saplings of eight different species on the school grounds.

The tree-planting programme was sponsored by MTC as part of the Council’s CSR initiative in collaboration with the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia (FDPM) and the school. The event was officiated by the Director-General of FDPM, Dato’ Haji Zahari Ibrahim, who also serves as a member of MTC’s Board of Trustees.
 
The CSR initiative supports the Green Malaysia Programme, which is part of the National 100 Million Tree-Planting campaign running from 2021 to 2025. To date, 95.9 million trees have been planted under the campaign aiming to raise public awareness of the importance of green cover, improve the ecosystem and boost biodiversity.
 
In his speech, Dato’ Haji Zahari emphasised that tree planting is not only about beautifying the environment, but also about maintaining ecological balance. “The trees planted today will thrive for hundreds of years, providing oxygen, cooling the atmosphere, and serving as habitats for various wildlife species. This effort will have a lasting impact on future generations,” he said.
 
Also present at the event were MTC CEO Madam Noraihan Abdul Rahman, members of MTC’s Board of Trustees, Deputy District Education Officer Mr. Mohd Fadli Abu Bakar and the Senior Assistant of Administration SK Pandan Jaya Tuan Haji Baharudin Yasir, along with officers from the FDPM. Headmasters from eight neighbouring schools were also invited to join the event.
 
In her welcoming remarks, MTC CEO Madam Noraihan Abdul Rahman highlighted that since the launch of MTC’s tree-planting project in January 2022, a total of 880 saplings have been planted at various locations, including mangrove areas, schools, and parks across Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Melaka.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=49303
 

AVNET TO SUPPORT SOUTH EAST WATER'S MASS DIGITAL METER DEPLOYMENT

To support South East Water’s mass rollout, Avnet has set up a water meter test lab at its Bayswater facility in Melbourne for verification testing.

MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Avnet (Nasdaq: AVT), a leading global technology solutions company, has been awarded a contract to supply Huizhong’s SCL61H-100 smart ultrasonic water meters to South East Water’s Digital Meters program.

South East Water is undertaking the largest rollout of smart meters in Australia. The deployment of Huizhong’s smart water meters aligns with the water utility’s aim to significantly reduce water wastage, a critical issue as non-revenue water—water lost to leaks and bursts in distribution systems—represents a substantial operational cost for water utilities as well as an environmental issue.

South East Water have pioneered the integration of sensors into smart meters. By integrating a proprietary vibration sensor, developed and patented by South East Water, these smart meters will facilitate accurate network leak detection. As data is ingested into South East Water’s Lentic IoT platform, the vibration strength is triangulated thereby pinpointing the exact location of leaks in the network, the type of leak and potentially whether it is escalating into a burst. This helps South East Water reduce non-revenue water, lower operational costs, and ultimately provide cost savings to consumers.

Aik Hoon, Regional President, South Asia, Korea and Avnet United said this partnership perfectly embodies our commitment to sustainability.

“By collaborating with South East Water and Huizhong, we’re not only advancing pioneering technology but also making meaningful strides to reduce water waste and enhance resource management. It’s deeply rewarding to see our efforts contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for the communities we serve,” said Aik Hoon.

South East Water General Manager, Digital Utility, Mark Elvins said, following a rigorous tender process, the organisation is excited to realise the cost savings and sustainability benefits the digital water meters will deliver for customers, the community and the environment.

“We are excited to partner with Avnet. As we look to the future, we need to build resilience into Australia’s water network to continue to respond to the challenges of water scarcity, a changing climate and growing population,” said Mr Elvins.

To support South East Water’s mass rollout, Avnet has established a dedicated water meter test lab at its Bayswater facility in Melbourne for thorough verification testing. These advanced meters will offer consumers near real-time data on water usage for improved management and conservation.

South East Water’s customer leak notifications saved around 683 million litres and customers $2.9 million (during 2023–24) through the identification of potential leaks on customer properties in near real time. The network leak monitoring program, using data from digital meters, enabled over 140 million litres of drinking water to be saved through the early identification and repair of water leaks in South East Water’s network.

Over the years, Avnet has been instrumental in providing South East Water with smart water meters and advanced solutions for remote telemetry trials, as well as tackling technical challenges associated with the integration of new technologies.

Avnet’s comprehensive support covers every step of the product lifecycle, from design to delivery, with deep technical and supply chain expertise. This collaboration with South East Water marks a significant step in Avnet’s journey in the smart water meter sector. It aligns with the company’s broader Internet of Things (IoT) strategy, advancing efforts to create a fully interconnected and sustainable world.

About Avnet

As a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, Avnet has served customers’ evolving needs for an entire century. We support customers at each stage of a product’s lifecycle, from idea to design and from prototype to production. Our unique position at the center of the technology value chain enables us to accelerate the design and supply stages of product development so customers can realize revenue faster. Decade after decade, Avnet helps its customers and suppliers around the world realize the transformative possibilities of technology. Learn more about Avnet at https://www.avnet.com/wps/portal/apac/. 

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EKIMETRICS APPOINTS CHRISTINA CEN AS GENERAL MANAGER, CHINA TO LEAD THE SHANGHAI OFFICE AND SUPPORT ITS STRATEGIC EXPANSION IN THE APAC REGION

Alongside its Hong Kong office which has been operational since 2015, Ekimetrics furthers its strategic expansion in the APAC region as new Shanghai office will drive growth opportunities in Mainland China and beyond

PARIS & SHANGHAI, Sept 10 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ekimetrics, a global leader in data science and AI-powered solutions, announces the appointment of Christina Cen as General Manager of Ekimetrics in China to drive growth and operations in the region. Operational since the beginning of 2024, the Shanghai office opening is part of Ekimetrics’ strategic expansion in APAC, alongside the Hong Kong office that has been operational since 2015.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240901003407/en/

 

Christina brings nearly 20 years of experience in business strategy, marketing, sales, and digital transformation. Her extensive background includes roles at leading global professional service firms such as McKinsey, Bain, and Deloitte. She has also led strategy and innovation at McDonald’s and Cargill and served as the APAC Clients & Industries COO at Deloitte Asia-Pacific. Additionally, Christina successfully founded and grew a startup in China’s internet industry to become a market leader. In her new role, Christina Cen will focus on tailoring client strategies to meet the specific and fast-changing needs, trends, and regulations of the China market. She will build and strengthen client relationships to drive growth opportunities and shape key partnerships for market development. Christina will also lead and inspire the Ekimetrics China team, fostering a culture of success and innovation.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the venture of Ekimetrics in China. Since my years as Deloitte APAC Clients & Industries COO, I have witnessed the increasing demand for and the impact of solution-based consultative service and become a firm believer in it,” says Christina Cen, General Manager China, Ekimetrics. “Ekimetrics, as a global leader in data science and AI-powered solutions, can bring significant value to clients when combined with consultative services which I have been working on for the majority part of my career. I wish to leverage my hybrid experience in consulting, in-house and startup to build an ecosystem to enhance our capabilities and offer the best value-creating services to our clients.”

“I am very excited to welcome Christina Cen, as our new China General Manager to lead our expansion in China,” says Olivier Kuziner, Partner and Managing Director, APAC, Ekimetrics. “Christina brings close to 20 years of business strategy, marketing & sales plans, and digital transformation experience, dedicated to consumer & retail, TMT, Financial services and automotive sectors. She will be helping clients achieve high impact with long-term business purposes, thanks to her great understanding of the China market, data ecosystem and expertise in data & AI-enabled solutions with Ekimetrics.”

“The potential for AI and data science-powered solutions in China is immense, and we are excited to have Christina Cen onboard to lead our China market expansion, drive regional growth and better serve our clients,” says Jean-Baptiste Bouzige, CEO of Ekimetrics. “With most of our clients being global brands with multiple offices around the world, the Shanghai office is also paramount in helping accelerate time to value for our clients and prospects, as well as reinforcing Ekimetrics’ local footprint in APAC.”

The establishment of the Shanghai office marks a significant step in Ekimetrics' plan to accelerate business growth in the APAC region. The company’s ambition is to generate a turnover of over 100 million RMB within the next five years, leveraging its existing footprint in the region with the Hong Kong office serving as Ekimetrics’ APAC hub and its collaborations with other global offices based in Paris, London, and New York.

Ekimetrics' expansion into China is driven by several key factors. China is one of the largest economies in the world, with immense market potential that requires large-scale AI-enabled transformations. With 30% of Ekimetrics’ APAC revenue already coming from China, the launch of the China operations and appointment of Christina Cen demonstrates Ekimetrics’ commitment to the Chinese market, with the aim to offer better service and increased impact to clients. Furthermore, the opening of the Shanghai office will allow Ekimetrics to effectively meet market demands due to China’s specific digital ecosystems and data regulations.

The new office will focus on key industries such as Consumer & Retail, Financial Services, Technology, and Automotive, which align closely with Christina Cen’s extensive experience. Christina Cen’s appointment will also contribute to enhancing Ekimetrics’ ability to better serve its clients, delivering tailored, high-value solutions based services and helping them navigate the complexities of the Chinese market while achieving their business objectives.

About Ekimetrics

Ekimetrics helps organizations be future proof through transformational AI solutions. We deliver AI products and platforms built to optimize revenue, profit and grow our clients’ AI capabilities in a sustainable way. We specialize in Marketing and Commercial effectiveness, Customer Analytics, Operational excellence, and ESG transformation. Ekimetrics is a global leader in data science and AI-powered solutions, with offices on 3 continents and +500 data & AI experts. Since 2006, we have led more than a thousand MMM and data science projects in over 50 countries, generating more than €1bn in profit for our customers. 

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THE NEXT STEP IN THE EVOLUTION OF THE DORMER PRAMET BRAND

CHICAGO, Sept 10 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dormer Pramet is proud to announce the unveiling of our redefined brand identity at IMTS 2024, marking the beginning of a new era for our company. Visitors to our booth will experience first-hand the fresh visual identity and innovative products that reflect our commitment to simplifying messages and enhancing user experiences.

Certainty at Every Turn: Our new brand promise underscores our dedication to delivering reliable product performance and simple, easy experiences for our customers. This theme resonates through our entire repositioning effort, ensuring that every interaction with Dormer Pramet is dependable and trustworthy.

Key Highlights of the New Brand Identity:

• Unified Global Master Brand: Dormer and Pramet brands are now united under the global master brand, Dormer Pramet, to create a clearly defined space in the market, simplifying product groupings and enhancing customer value. Miranda and Precision will remain within the Dormer Pramet’s portfolio as national hero brands.
• New Visual Identity: Our updated corporate identity, includes a refreshed visual style that will be rolled out across our website, packaging, and various touchpoints.
• New packaging: Starting January 2025, all packaging will transition to grey, with our new brand identity. By making our packaging grey, it means that it can be more easily recycled at the end of life.
• Our commitment: Reflecting our core values, we are dedicated to being collaboratively curious, activating ideas, doing the right thing, and going the extra mile for our customers.

At Dormer Pramet, we care deeply about the manufacturing community. This dedication to supporting our growth and resilience is embedded in our brand values and is reflected in our commitments.

Visitors at IMTS 2024 Can Expect:

• Innovative Product Displays: Experience our latest cutting tools and solutions designed to improve performance and reduce operational costs.
• Interactive Demonstrations: Engage with our experts to understand how our products and solutions can benefit your specific applications.
• Storytelling and Engagement: Learn about our brand values and behaviors through powerful storytelling that highlights our dedication to collaboration, innovation, and customer success.

During this new era of Dormer Pramet we are focused on delivering certainty to our customers. We want customers to be certain they will get a quality tool, certain they can get the information they need quickly, and certain that we will be there for them to find a solution to their tooling problem.

About Dormer Pramet:  
Dormer Pramet is a global manufacturer and supplier of tools for the metal cutting industry. It is a part of the Sandvik Group, a global, high-tech engineering group providing solutions that enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability for the manufacturing, mining, and infrastructure industries. Dormer Pramet’s comprehensive product program encompasses both rotary and indexable drilling, milling, threading, and turning tools for use in a wide variety of production environments. An extensive sales and technical support service operates from 20 offices, serving more than 100 markets worldwide. These are assisted by dedicated production facilities in Europe, Americas and Asia, along with an advanced distribution and logistics network. 

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QUANTEXA NAMED CATEGORY LEADER IN CHARTIS' REPORT FOR ENTERPRISE FRAUD SOLUTIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Quantexa announced it has been recognised as a Category Leader in the RiskTech Quadrant for Enterprise Fraud Solutions in Chartis Research’s Enterprise and Payment Fraud Solutions, 2024 Market Update and Vendor Landscape report.

In a statement, Quantexa said the positioning as a leader reflects its strong performance across multiple key criteria, particularly in advanced fraud detection techniques and its robust platform for fraud analytics.

Its Global Head of Fraud Solutions, Ivan Heard said being ranked among other category change-makers by Chartis inspires the company to continue exceeding in advanced, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven fraud detection techniques.

“The recognition that we are a best-in-class solution validates that we are providing our customers with some of the strongest capabilities in emerging fraud types like APP and mule detection,” said Heard.

The annual Chartis Market Update and Vendor Landscape report notes several key themes in the market for anti-fraud solutions which include the growing role of generative AI in automation and the co-piloting of fraud solutions.

In addition, the report explains how vendors are using new cutting-edge technology to address their clients’ evolving needs in the fraud landscape.

Quantexa’s inclusion as a Category Leader recognises its innovative and comprehensive platform approach, integrating workflow with knowledge graph analytics and addressing the constant evolution of challenges in identity risk and application fraud.

The company has also been recognised as one of the top vendors in the inaugural Chartis RiskTechAI 50 2024 ranking and research report, whereby Quantexa technology has been commended in two categories, namely ‘Advanced tax fraud capabilities’ and ‘AI for government applications’.

This recognition underlines Quantexa's industry leading expertise in leveraging AI for specialised applications in tax fraud detection and government use cases.

-- BERNAMA

CHINA KICKS OFF INTERNATIONAL FAIR TO ELEVATE INVESTMENT, TRADE

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- The 24th China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT), which kicked off in Xiamen, Fujian Province, was participated by 119 countries and regions and 18 international organisations, of which about 80 per cent are in the joint pursuit of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The event was sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and co-organised by the Fujian Provincial People's Government, the Xiamen Municipal People's Government, and the Investment Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Commerce.

Themed "Investment Linking the World", this year's CIFIT has a total exhibition area of 120,000 square metres with new highlights, namely "Invest in China" and "China's Outward Investment and Cooperation" areas, showcasing the achievements of foreign investment in China and vice versa.

The event has set up a 47,000 square metres Industrial Innovation and Development Pavilion, focusing on fields such as BRICS cooperation, supply chain innovation, new quality productive forces, as well as green and low-carbon, according to a statement.

Its five areas, namely the BRICS Exhibition on New Industrial Revolution, Digital Economy, China Supply Chain Innovation, New Energy and Green Innovation, and the 2024 China (Xiamen) International Technology Expo for Public Security and Legal Services are geared up to demonstrate regional investment and cooperation achievements, new technologies and products in industrial innovation and development, as well as trends in strategic emerging industries and future-oriented industries.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Hungary, and Hungary is the guest of honour at this year’s CIFIT.

As the barometer and weather vane of China's inbound and outbound investment, CIFIT has been successfully held for 23 sessions since it was founded in 1997.

More than 30,000 projects have been signed, a great number of signature foreign-funded projects have been implemented in China, and numerous Chinese enterprises have reached the global market.

-- BERNAMA

NEPAL'S DISHHOME ENHANCES CUSTOMER OFFERS AND EXPERIENCES WITH HANSEN

MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept 10 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Hansen Technologies (ASX:HSN), a leading global provider of software and services to the communications, energy, and water industries, is pleased to announce that DishHome, the leading communications services provider (CSP) in Nepal, has upgraded its version of Hansen CCB, part of the Hansen Suite for Communications, Technology & Media. The company will also leverage Hansen’s unified customer care and billing system for broadband and cable, as the company seeks to deliver a more enhanced degree of service to its growing customer base nationwide.

Prior to this implementation, DishHome’s direct-to-home television and fibernet customers would be billed separately for various subscribed products. Today, with the latest Hansen products, DishHome customers can make a single payment for connectivity and entertainment, reducing the burden of having to pay multiple bills and vendors.

For DishHome, efficiencies and cost savings are just a small part of the business case behind this upgrade. More innovative bundles and offers are now easier for the company to launch in the market; customers can also use different discounts and vouchers, as well as leverage additional features within the Wallet offering.

Sudeep Acharya, Director of Dish Media Network Limited, commented: “Hansen has been a core technology partner to DishHome since 2016. This most recent technology upgrade is testament not just to the leadership of Hansen’s products but also the true collaboration and partnership of our respective teams. Their ability to have the finger on the pulse of the customer and market opportunities, which enable us to bring our customers modern and flexible experiences, demonstrates their immense value as a partner. We look forward to unlocking even more opportunities together, to further expand what DishHome can offer its customers in the future.”

Scott Weir, President, Communications Division at Hansen, commented: “The rapid modernisation of Nepal has driven not just the increase in demand for faster connectivity and seamless entertainment offerings, but also accelerated customer expectations. We are delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with DishHome and to introduce enhanced flexibility in bundles and offers, the ability to reduce payable bills, as well as new discounts and vouchers. These enhancements deliver savings and efficiencies to our customer, particularly around maintenance of databases, security and privacy.”

For further information about Hansen Technologies, please visit www.hansencx.com.

About Hansen

Hansen Technologies (ASX: HSN) is a leading global provider of software and services to the energy, water, and communications industries. With its award-winning software portfolio, Hansen serves customers in over 80 countries, helping them create, sell, and deliver new products and services, manage and analyse customer data, and control critical revenue management and customer support processes.

For more information, visit www.hansencx.com

DishHome

Dish Media Network Limited ‘DishHome’ is one of the fastest growing companies in Nepal’s broadcast and internet service industry. DMN was established in 2009 as Nepal’s first and only Direct-To-Home (DTH) television service provider. The company is directly connected to 2 million-plus households from multiple platforms like Satellite TV & Fibernet (Dish Media Network), Cable TV (SIM TV), T2 TV & IPTV (Prabhu Digital). One of the major strengths of DMN is its expansive network of over 5000+ dealers, sub dealers and service franchises who provide immediate service to our customers.

After a long and successful experience of over 13 years in pay-TV service, DishHome launched its FTTH Internet service under the brand name ‘DishHome Fibernet’ in 2020. As of now, DishHome Fibernet provides internet service to over 300,000 satisfied retail customers through certified and experienced engineers and technicians.

For more information, visit www.dishhome.com.np/

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240910956430/en/

Contact

Adnan Bashir
Global Lead, External Communications
Hansen Technologies
+1 647-204-0999

Source : Hansen Technologies

LANTRONIX ANNOUNCES 2024 SMARTEDGE CHANNEL PARTNER PROGRAM AWARD WINNERS

Representing Lantronix’s Global and Diverse Partner Ecosystem, SmartEdge Winners Deliver Lantronix’s Award-Winning Solutions to the World

IRVINE, Calif., Sept 5 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX), a global leader of compute and connectivity IoT solutions, today announced the winners of its 2024 SmartEdge™ Partner Program Awards, highlighting its top channel partners in North America; Asia Pacific; and Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“This year’s SmartEdge Partner Program winners are driving worldwide sales and developing relationships with our mutual customers, contributing to Lantronix’s position as a global compute and connect leader that is enabling edge intelligence with award-winning solutions for AI, Embedded, IoT and IT applications,” said Kurt Hoff, VP of Worldwide Sales at Lantronix. “We applaud their efforts and look forward to many more years of continued mutual success.”

Lantronix’s 2024 SmartEdge award winners are:

North America
SmartEdge Partner of the Year: TD Synnex
SmartEdge Innovation Partner: WWT
SmartEdge Software & Services Partner: Charter

Asia Pacific (APAC)
SmartEdge Partner of the Year: Nexty
SmartEdge Innovation Partner: Shanghai Scopecon Technology Co., Ltd.
SmartEdge Software & Services Partner: Sheeltron Digital Pvt. Ltd.
SmartEdge Newcomer: EDOM

Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA)
SmartEdge Partner of the Year: Atlantik Elektronik GmbH
SmartEdge Innovation Partner: Linkwave
SmartEdge Software & Services Partner: SOL
SmartEdge Newcomer: Netsecurity

For over two decades Lantronix has been providing its channel partners with a suite of reliable, secure and easy-to-deploy solutions, including out-of-band management, switches, system of modules (SoM) and trackers. As a global leader, Lantronix helps its customers increase productivity, all while supported by the exceptional Lantronix service team. Lantronix’s channel partners serve as an important part of the Lantronix customer support ecosystem. 

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PAUL KNIGHT RETURNS AS CNE DIRECT (ILLUMYNT) CEO

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- CNE Direct Inc (doing business as illumynt) has announced the return of Paul Knight as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the global ITAD trading, services and solutions company.

Now in its 23rd year of business, this change comes about as part of a restructuring for illumynt to kick off its next phase of strategic growth initiatives, according to the company in a statement.

“I am excited to be returning as CEO and look forward to working with our world class team and getting the chance to spend more time with our customers and partners around the world to execute our new strategic growth plans,” said Knight.

Knight co-founded the business in 2002 and was the company’s CEO for most of its history while serving continuously as Chairman since inception.

He is making his return as the company pivots towards further global expansion, new service offerings, and a focus on delivering market leading results for its customers and partners.

In addition to Knight’s return, the company also announced other initiatives, including the hiring of a new Vice President (VP) of Engineering, Gavin Wilson, who brings over 20-years’ experience of developing sophisticated testing, repair, and value recovery solutions for customers globally.

Correspondingly, Joe Conway has been promoted to the role of VP of Solutions, to which he has provided strong leadership in analysing, pricing, and onboarding large global programmes for illumynt, managing cross-functional teams to deliver targeted results.

In other respects, there was also the signing of a strategic engagement with ITAD advisory firm Circular Integrity, led by Founder & CEO Todd Zegers, former ITAD and Reverse Logistics for Ingram Micro Global VP. Circular Integrity will work closely with CNE’s senior management team to accelerate growth and diversification.

Expanding its global footprint, illumynt is in the process of opening three new facilities in Franklin, Massachusetts, United States; Cork, Ireland; and Thailand.

-- BERNAMA

Tianjin High-tech Area On Rapid Path To Create First-Class Sci-Tech City In Northern China

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- Established in 1988, Tianjin Binhai High-tech Industrial Development Area (Tianjin High-tech Area) was approved by the State Council as one of the first national high-tech industrial development areas in 1991 and was nodded to set up a national independent innovation demonstration zone in 2014.

Currently, a high-end industrial system called "113X" has been formed, with the new generation information technology industry as the leading sector, and supported by the new economy services, biopharmaceuticals, new energy, and high-end equipment manufacturing sectors.

Tianjin High-tech Area has maintained its leading position in Tianjin in terms of key technological innovation indicators, according to a statement.

Leveraging the advantages of being a national independent innovation demonstration zone, a free trade zone and the synergy between the two, the area has become a region with abundant innovation resources, the highest number of independent intellectual property rights, and the greatest potential for economic growth.

Efforts are currently underway to turn the area into an upgraded version of national independent innovation demonstration zone and establish a first-class science and technology (sci-tech) innovation city in northern China.

Tianjin High-tech Area has gathered a group of strategic emerging industries to develop three core chains, namely basic hardware, system software, and new generation information technology and services, as well as information security and all-field applications.

Meanwhile, Tianjin High-tech Area has also gathered the sub-industry chains of marine equipment, rail transit sub-industry chain, and new energy vehicles and intelligent manufacturing sub-industry chain.

Tianjin High-tech Area has a forward-looking layout for future industries, including quantum communication, third-generation semiconductors, and digital twins.

-- BERNAMA

ELEVATING CANCER CARE: THOMSON HOSPITAL AND ONCOCARE MEDICAL MALAYSIA ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE FOR EXCELLENCE IN ONCOLOGY

KOTA DAMANSARA, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara (Thomson Hospital) is pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with OncoCare Medical Malaysia Sdn Bhd (OncoCare), a move which stands to elevate the standards of cancer care in Malaysia and the region.

Under this partnership, the strength of both entities will be combined, bringing together leading Oncologists and Supportive Care Specialists under one state-of-the-art cancer care facility.

Sharing on the natural fit of the partnership, given Thomson and OncoCare’s shared values and vision, Dr Melvin Heng Jun Li, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of TMC Life Sciences, highlighted that, “Thomson Hospital and OncoCare both prioritise excellence in patient care, innovation, and the continuous pursuit of medical advancements. Our shared values in delivering positive healthcare outcomes make this partnership a powerful alliance that will significantly benefit our patients. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this collaboration presents and firmly believe it will establish a new standard in oncology care.”
 
Thomson is the first hospital in Malaysia to receive accreditation for its Core and Ambulatory - Cancer Services under the Evaluation & Quality Improvement Programme (EQuIP7) from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) International, demonstrating commitment to providing quality care.
 
Dr. John Low, Chief Executive Officer of OncoCare Medical Malaysia, sharing his enthusiasm for the partnership, commented, “Our partnership is poised to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer, offering hope and a path forward for all those affected by this challenging disease. Helmed by highly trained oncologists and supported by a team dedicated to providing personalised care with a human touch, this affiliation is a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing patient outcomes and advancing cancer treatment while upholding the highest standards of quality and sustainability.”
 
Through this partnership, Thomson OncoCare will provide comprehensive, patient-centered treatment options through a tumour site-specific approach based on the specialty and clinical interests of the oncologists. This includes innovative oncology clinical trials, that grant patients access to the latest breakthroughs in cancer treatment, along with alternative therapies aimed at significantly enhancing their outcome and quality of life. Regular international tumour board comprised of leading oncology experts and healthcare specialist from across Asia will be held to discuss new and complex cases. This collaborative model aims to improve patient outcomes by leveraging the expertise of various specialists to provide a comprehensive and personalised treatment plan.

The Thomson OncoCare partnership exemplifies the power of strategic collaboration, with the new cancer center emerging as a beacon of hope and innovation in cancer care. Visit www.thomsonhospitals.com. 

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Nikkiso CE&IG Partners GTT To Boost LNG-Fuelled Shipping Market

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group (CE&IG), part of Nikkiso Co Ltd’s Industrial Business segment, has entered into a partnership with GTT to support the liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fuelled cargo shipping market.

The partnership between Nikkiso CE&IG and GTT brings together cutting-edge engineering and technology for LNG membrane containment and process systems and best-in-class hardware, global manufacturing and technical integration competencies.

“Our partnership with GTT and complementary expertise advances the growth of both companies in the LNG-fuelled shipping market.

“This strength is evidenced by the first large order for 10 container ships, and we expect more awards in the future,” said Nikkiso CE&IG Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Adrian Ridge in a statement.

Meanwhile, GTT CEO, Jean-Baptiste Choimet said: “With GTT’s expertise in reducing boil-off rates through our membrane technology, the Recycool system now provides LNG-fuelled vessels with effective solutions for managing boil-off and lowering their carbon footprint.

“The adoption of Recycool by leading Chinese and Korean shipyards reflects the industry's trust in this solution,” he added.

GTT’s patented Recycool technology ensures boil-off gas (BOG) is recovered and managed safely to avoid unwanted emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

Integrated with Nikkiso’s high-pressure fuel gas pump skids, the partnership provides ship owners with enhanced performance by maintaining reliability, durability and efficiency to give customers a competitive edge in the market.

The value of this partnership has already been recognised by large ship owners with a recent award from a leading shipping operator and numerous projects under negotiation for a variety of ship types.

-- BERNAMA

BEEWORKS GAMES: MOBILE GAME "EVERYONE'S MUSHROOM GARDEN" RELEASED IN ENGLISH FOR IOS/ANDROID

^{New Mushroom Garden appeared! (Graphic: Business Wire)}


The Popular Mushroom Farming Simulation App Expands Reach Globally


TOKYO, Sept 5 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Tokyo-based mobile game developer Beeworks Games has announced the release of the English version of "Everyone's Mushroom Garden" on Google Play and the App Store. The decision was made following the incredible support shown to "Mushroom Garden Prime", the previous game in the series, which reached 500,000 downloads in just 2 months.
"We were overwhelmed by the amount of positive support our first app received," said Takahiro Kono of Beeworks Games. "We look forward to providing our global users even more fun content going forward."

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240904918028/en/

 

What is "Everyone's Mushroom Garden"?
"Everyone's Mushroom Garden" is a casual farming simulation game featuring a host of cute and quirky mushroom characters. Place food on your log with a single tap, then wait for your funghi to grow. When your log is covered in funghi, swipe your finger across the screen to pick them. The gameplay is so simple. It takes seconds to complete, making this the perfect game to pick up during brief moments of downtime during a busy day.
In the Group Garden, a mode where you work together with up to 100 other players, you will be able to pick more funghi than ever before, and compete with other players in rankings to see who has the biggest harvest. Plus, Group Garden Events are held monthly!

Fans of the "Mushroom Garden" series will be glad to know that the Library feature is still included. There are tons of funghi to collect, including Special Funghi, also known as "SP Funghi", which have slightly different looks than regular funghi. Find them all to complete your Library!

App Store URL

• Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.beeworks.nameko.minnano
• App Store https://apps.apple.com/app/id1586292669

App Details

Title: Everyone's Mushroom Garden
Genre: Casual Farming Simulation
Compatibility: Android 5.0/iOS 12.0 or greater
Availability: Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines
Price: Free (In-App Purchases available)
Developer: Beeworks Games

About the “Mushroom Garden” Series

First released in 2011, the mushroom farming simulator with its loveable Funghi character has accumulated over 60 million downloads worldwide. The series is particularly popular in Japan, with many goods and events being held to this day.

The series has also found success globally, particularly in South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States.

About Beeworks Games

Beeworks Games values originality, providing unique and enjoyable experiences through their games. Their mission is to create games and characters loved by fans of all ages.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240904918028/en/


Contact

Beeworks Co., Ltd.
Takahiro Kono
t_kono@beeworks.co.jp
+81-50-3095-6158
https://beeworksgames.com/en/

Source : Beeworks Co., Ltd.

AI-MEDIA TO UNVEIL ALTA PLATFORM GROUNDBREAKING INNOVATIONS AT IBC 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- AI-Media, the leader in live video captioning and subtitling solutions, is set to unveil a suite of groundbreaking updates to its Alta platform at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2024 from Sept 13 to 16, in Amsterdam.

In a statement, AI-Media said as broadcasters across the globe seek to modernise workflows and improve accessibility, the company continues to deliver innovative solutions that address the industry's most pressing challenges.

At IBC 2024, AI-Media will focus on expanding its footprint in the European market with its LEXI broadcast workflow, emphasising solutions that deliver cost savings and workflow efficiencies.

The primary highlights of the event will include LEXI Live artificial intelligence (AI)-Powered Captions which offer hands-on trials to demonstrate the power, low-latency and accuracy of AI-Media's automated captioning; and gold standard SDI and video IP caption encoder tech trusted by major global broadcasters.

Also, the company will promote new solutions for video-on-demand captioning workflows; showcase solutions that support multiple languages to cater to diverse audiences; and new tech on the horizon including LEXI Live Voice dubbing, LEXI automated audio description, generative AI topic modelling, and automated sound effects recognition, among others.

For EMEA broadcasters, AI-Media offers turnkey subtitling solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing workflows, backed by over 20 years of in-field experience and a proven track record of delivering cost savings and workflow efficiencies for their customers.

AI-Media's latest updates to the Alta platform underscore the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology for live video captioning and subtitling includes SMPTE ST 2110-43 support; audio dubbing capabilities; SCTE trigger automation; DVB subs customisation; and Google Cloud deployment.

The latest updates to the Alta platform are game-changers for broadcasters, offering unparalleled automation, flexibility, efficiency, and accessibility enhancements that meet the demands of modern media environments, from cloud-native deployments to advanced automation and multilingual support.

Founded in Australia in 2003, AI-Media is a pioneering technology company specialising in AI language and captioning workflow solutions.

-- BERNAMA

EBC FINANCIAL GROUP MAKES A MARK ON LALIGA STAGE WITH FC BARCELONA PARTNERSHIP

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5 (Bernama) -- EBC Financial Group (EBC), a global leader in financial brokerage, continued to strengthen its three and a half years strategic partnership with FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most iconic multi-sports clubs.

This collaboration, which began in April 2024, has not only elevated EBC’s global presence but also marked a significant chapter in the integration of finance and sports, according to a statement.

EBC Financial Group’s presence on the LaLiga stage is a testament to the strength of this partnership, which not only enhances EBC’s brand visibility but also reinforces the shared values and goals between the two organisations.

For financial institutions like EBC, football offers an unparalleled platform to connect with diverse global audiences, tapping into the passion and loyalty that sports inspire.

FC Barcelona, with its rich history and global fanbase, represents more than just a football club, it embodies a set of values that resonate worldwide, in which these values align perfectly with EBC’s principles, making this partnership a natural fit.

By leveraging the global reach of FC Barcelona, EBC is strategically positioning itself to deepen its market presence in Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

Both institutions share a commitment to excellence, discipline, and innovation, which forms the basis for a partnership that extends beyond traditional sponsorship.

For EBC, by partnering with a club as renowned as FC Barcelona, EBC connects with a vast and engaged audience, providing an opportunity to promote financial literacy and introduce tailored financial products to football fans worldwide, reaching a younger, more diverse audience, aligning its services with their interests and needs.

FC Barcelona, on the other hand, gains a partner with deep financial knowledge and a commitment to excellence, that supports the club’s global expansion strategy, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of football both on and off the pitch.

Looking ahead, the partnership between EBC and FC Barcelona is poised to grow even stronger, representing their shared values of determination, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.

-- BERNAMA

SHOHEI OHTANI BECOMES NEW BEATS BRAND AMBASSADOR

CULVER CITY, Calif., Sept 5 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Beats by Dr. Dre (Beats) announced today that it has appointed Major League Baseball and Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani as an official brand ambassador. With the appointment, Ohtani is set to appear in Beats marketing campaigns that spotlight the brand’s dynamic product lineup.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240904057029/en/

 

“As a Beats ambassador, I am truly honored to work with such incredible athletes such as Lebron James and Lionel Messi,” said Shohei Ohtani. “I am excited at the new opportunities this partnership will bring.”

About Beats

Beats by Dr. Dre (Beats) is a leading audio brand founded in 2006 by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine. Through its family of premium consumer headphones, earphones, and speakers, Beats has introduced an entirely new generation to the possibilities of premium sound entertainment. The brand’s continued success helps bring the energy, emotion and excitement of playback in the recording studio back to the listening experience for music lovers worldwide. Beats was acquired by Apple Inc. in July 2014. 

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Recursion's Phase 2 Trial For CCM Treatment Meets Primary Endpoint

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- Recursion, a clinical stage TechBio company, announced top-line results of the SYCAMORE trial, a 12-month Phase 2 randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled, safety, tolerability and exploratory efficacy study for REC-994 in symptomatic Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM) patients.

“We are encouraged by the recent data from our signal-finding Phase 2 study in CCM, where the trial successfully met its primary safety endpoint and became the first investigational therapy to demonstrate safety alongside some promising trends in exploratory efficacy endpoints.

“These results provide critical insights that will inform our next study design, including exploring study duration, higher doses, and a larger cohort of patients,” said Recursion Chief R&D Officer and Chief Commercial Officer, Najat Khan.

Meanwhile, University of Pennsylvania Division Head, Cerebrovascular Surgery, and Principal Investigator of the study, Dr Jan-Karl Burkhardt said the data from this readout is an impressive start and will provide a valuable contribution to the existing CCM literature and strongly supports the need for a future study, with a longer duration and a larger patient cohort.

REC-994 met its primary endpoint of safety and tolerability, demonstrating a similar profile across placebo and both 200 milligramme (mg) and 400 mg dosage-arms with regard to the frequency and severity of adverse events after 12 months of treatment.

Magnetic resonance imaging-based secondary efficacy endpoints showed a trend towards reduced lesion volume and hemosiderin ring size in patients at the highest dose (400mg) as compared to placebo.

Time-dependent improvement in these trends at the 400mg dose was also observed in this signal-finding study, with improvements in either patient or physician-reported outcomes were not yet seen at the 12 months time point.

A meeting with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is anticipated as soon as practical to discuss plans for an additional clinical study. Recursion plans to present data from this trial at a forthcoming medical conference and intends to submit these data for publication in a peer reviewed scientific journal.

REC-994 is an orally bioavailable, superoxide scavenger small molecule under development for the treatment of symptomatic CCM. The potential of REC-994 in CCM was demonstrated using the earliest version of what would become the foundational technology underlying the Recursion OS.

Subsequently, REC-994 demonstrated preclinical activity in models for CCM and tolerability and suitability for chronic dosing in Phase 1 single ascending dose escalation (SAD) and multiple ascending dose escalation (MAD) trials in healthy volunteers directed and executed by Recursion.

-- BERNAMA