Friday 31 March 2017

OPEN CONNECTIVITY FOUNDATION AND SINGAPORE SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION FRAMEWORK IN SINGAPORE



SINGAPORE, March 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The growing billions of connected devices should be able to communicate with one another regardless of manufacturer, operating system, chipset or physical transport. The Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF), a leading Internet of Things standards body, is creating a specification and sponsoring an open source project (IoTivity) to achieve that goal. Today, the OCF is announcing a collaboration with the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) to promote the adoption of this specification to small and medium-sized enterprises and startups in the Singapore Smart Nation ecosystem and to help companies understand and adopt the specifications in their design strategies.
 
The Singapore IoT market is expected to be worth more than $700 million by the year 2020. The Smart Nation Program is Singapore's national effort to create a future of better living for all through tech-enabled solutions. With a program in place and the market poised for success, OCF’s specification will accelerate industry innovation to ensure secure interoperability for consumers, business, and industry. Singapore will be a step closer to its Smart Nation vision through smarter health, transport, living and service sector initiatives. SSIA will promote OCF down its value chain and enable SMEs to explore the applications and potential development of this new collaborative platform.

Richard Brown, Head of OCF Asia Marketing Task Force said, “We are pleased to be working with the SSIA to support the adoption and promotion of OCF specifications in Singapore.” CK Tan, President of the SSIA stated, “Singapore’s Smart Nation program is a strategic initiative for both the government and the tech ecosystem. Having software and hardware systems that are interoperable is key to ensuring the Smart Nation program is a success. We are pleased to be working with OCF to promote the adoption of open standards to support the Internet of Things market in Singapore.”

About Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association

The Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) is the voice of Singapore’s semiconductor industry. SSIA members today include companies and organizations throughout all parts of the complex and comprehensive value chain - IC design companies, Manufacturers, Fabless companies, Equipment suppliers, Photovoltaic companies, EDA and material suppliers, Training and service providers, IP companies, Research institutes and Academia, as well as individual members. The association started in 2005 under the name “MIDAS” and is operating with an extended charter under the new name “SSIA” since early 2010.

Thursday 30 March 2017

MERCEDES-AMG DRIVES PERFORMANCE WITH SAP® SUCCESSFACTORS® SOLUTIONS

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 30 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --SAP SuccessFactors today announced that Mercedes-AMG has selected SAP® SuccessFactors® human capital management (HCM) solutions to help drive the company’s digital HR transformation and optimize talent management. Mercedes-AMG, the world-renowned sports car and performance brand of Mercedes-Benz, chose SAP SuccessFactors solutions to help centralize its global HR processes, streamline HR service delivery and, most important, attract top talent.

Reinhard Breyer, CIO at Mercedes-AMG, said: “As a global leader in the automotive industry, attracting and retaining the best talent is essential to developing some of the most attractive and innovative sports cars and performance vehicles in the market.”

Jürgen Kress, director of HR at Mercedes-AMG, added: “With the rapid pace of change today, our employees are the heart of our business and are critical to delivering state-of-the-art technological developments. Partnering with the leading provider of cloud-based HCM solutions has been an important step in ensuring our workforce remains happy and engaged, and with SAP SuccessFactors solutions, we are better equipped to remain a global employer of choice.”

Mercedes-AMG selected the SAP SuccessFactors Employee CentralSAP SuccessFactors RecruitingSAP SuccessFactors Learning and SAP SuccessFactors Performance & Goals solutions to help consolidate its HR systems, improve the recruiting and performance management processes, and provide leading development programs. With these tools, Mercedes-AMG expects to standardize its HR processes and improve the employee experience by ensuring workers have access to easy-to-use, harmonized solutions.

“As the fight for top talent continues to intensify, businesses require technology to help them find and then retain the best people,” said Mike Ettling, president of SAP SuccessFactors. “Cloud-based HCM solutions deliver today’s expected employee experience. We’re delighted to take this journey with Mercedes-AMG to support its commitment to stay at the forefront of innovation within a highly specialized industry, which starts with its people.”

Mercedes-AMG is one of the latest companies to select SAP SuccessFactors solutions to put people first and help them succeed. As more companies look to transform HR to meet the demands of an increasingly global and digital workforce, they are embracing leading SAP SuccessFactors solutions to help unify and optimize HR processes, while also fostering a mobile, cloud-first philosophy.

For more information, visit the SAP SuccessFactors website or the SAP News Center. Follow SAP SuccessFactors solutions on Twitter at @SuccessFactors and SAP at @sapnews.

Media Contact:
Geraldine Lim, SAP, +1 (415) 418-0945, geraldine.lim@sap.com

SOURCE : SAP Global Marketing

--BERNAMA

EPAM ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

NEWTOWN, Pa., March 30 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EPAM Systems, Inc. (NYSE:EPAM), a leading global provider of product development and software engineering solutions, today announced that Jason Peterson will join EPAM, effective April 5, 2017, and will succeed Anthony Conte as CFO on May 10, 2017. Conte, who previously announced his intention to resign from the company, will remain in an advisory role until on or about August 10, 2017, and will work closely with Peterson to ensure a seamless transition.

"I am pleased that Jason will be joining EPAM as our Chief Financial Officer. Jason brings proven public company finance expertise in the global technology services space and his contributions will be vital in executing our long-term growth strategy,” said Arkadiy Dobkin, CEO and President, EPAM. “Anthony Conte has made tremendous contributions to EPAM over the past 10 years, and on behalf of the company’s Board of Directors, management team and all of our employees, I want to thank Anthony for his leadership in guiding us through a period of exceptional growth and building the financial infrastructure needed to support EPAM’s future.”

Peterson joins EPAM with 25-years of finance experience and, for the last nine years, was employed by Cognizant Technology Solutions. In his most recent role, he was Vice President of Finance, M&A and Due Diligence, which he held while leading a large-scale corporate business process transformation program. Prior to that, he was CFO of the Emerging Business Accelerator and led the Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis function. Prior to joining Cognizant, Peterson was the CFO for E&C Medical Intelligence, and before that, he served as Vice President of ATI Technologies, responsible for the Financial Planning and Analysis and Controllership functions, while also working in M&A and Corporate Strategy. He previously held financial roles at Philips Semiconductors and Hewlett-Packard. He received an MBA from Columbia Business School and a Bachelor's Degree in economics from Claremont McKenna College.

“I am honored to succeed Anthony and look forward to working with the entire EPAM team as we continue to drive long-term value creation for our clients and shareholders,” said Peterson. “This is a very exciting time to be joining the Company, and I believe there are significant opportunities ahead of us as we continue our path to leadership in the technology solutions space.”

About EPAM Systems
Since 1993, EPAM Systems, Inc. (NYSE:EPAM), has leveraged its core engineering expertise to become a leading global product development and digital platform engineering services company. Through its ‘Engineering DNA’ and innovative strategy, consulting, and design capabilities, EPAM works in collaboration with its customers to deliver innovative solutions that turn complex business challenges into real business opportunities. EPAM’s global teams serve customers in over 25 countries across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. EPAM is a recognized market leader among independent research agencies and was ranked #8 in FORBES 25 Fastest Growing Public Tech Companies, as a top information technology services company on FORTUNE’S 100 Fastest Growing Companies, and as a top UK Digital Design & Build Agency. Learn more at http://www.epam.com/ and follow us on Twitter @EPAMSYSTEMS and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements 
This press release includes statements which may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied include general economic conditions and the factors discussed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. EPAM undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities law.                                                                                                                             

CONTACT: Danielle Ruess-Saltz
M: 267.978.7688
danielle_ruess-saltz@epam.com

SOURCE : EPAM

--BERNAMA

PACIFIC MUTUAL INTRODUCES PACIFIC DYNAMIC GLOBAL ISLAMIC FUND

     
    KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 (Bernama) -- Pacific Mutual Fund Bhd, an investment
management company, has launched the Pacific Dynamic Global Islamic Fund.
    It is the first Malaysian Shariah-compliant global fund with a dynamic and
flexible asset allocation.

    In a statement today, Pacific Mutual said the fund aims to provide capital
growth and income in the medium to long term by investing in a global portfolio
of Shariah-compliant equities, sukuk and Islamic money market instruments.

    "Investors can now have access to these global Shariah-compliant asset
classes of equities and sukuk (fixed income).

    "Ranging from 0 per cent to 100 per cent in any of the asset categories, it
can not only potentially profit from market volatilities, but the
combination of equities and fixed income allocation should also reduce overall
portfolio volatility," it said. 

    Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Teh Chi-cheun said there is a
huge universe of Shariah-compliant investments globally, especially in sectors
such as consumer staples, technology, logistics and energy. 

    "Growing populations and increased awareness will also have a great impact
on the growth of Islamic fund assets," he said.

    The fund’s initial offer price is RM0.5 per unit during the initial offer
period of March 28-April 17, 2017.

    -- BERNAMA 

A.M. BEST ASSIGNS CREDIT RATINGS TO NEW ZEALAND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS LIMITED

SINGAPORE, March 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb-” to New Zealand Medical Professionals Limited (NZMPL) (New Zealand). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.
 
NZMPL is a single-line insurer in New Zealand, focused on providing medical malpractice insurance to medical practitioners and health professionals.

The ratings reflect NZMPL’s very strong risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, consistently profitable operating performance and low product risk profile.

NZMPL’s very strong risk-adjusted capitalization reflects mainly the company’s low underwriting leverage, strong quality of capital and favorable liquidity position. In addition, the company has operated profitably within its core market, supported by favorable claims experience and a competitive expense ratio.

Major offsetting factors in NZMPL’s rating assessment are the company’s limited market profile and small capital base.

As a single-line insurer that captures only a very small percentage of industry premiums, NZMPL has a limited market profile. Furthermore, with a capital size of approximately NZD 3.4 million, the company maintains a thin buffer against the minimum capital requirement under the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s non-life solvency standard.

While NZMPL is well-positioned for its current ratings, the ratings could be downgraded if the company’s financial performance deteriorates significantly due to adverse claims experience.

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

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see A.M. Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings.

A.M. Best is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2017 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
 
Contacts
A.M. Best
Jason Shum, +65 6589 8400, ext. 217
Senior Financial Analyst

jason.shum@ambest.com
or
Moungmo Lee, +65 6589 8412
Managing Director, Analytics

moungmo.lee@ambest.com
or
Christopher Sharkey, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5159
Manager, Public Relations

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com
or
Jim Peavy, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5644
Director, Public Relations

james.peavy@ambest.com
 
Source: A.M. Best
 
 
View this news release online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170328006388/en

--BERNAMA

BRAEMAR ENERGY VENTURES PORTFOLIO COMPANY AGREES TO BE ACQUIRED BY NIPPON SHOKUBAI

Braemar Energy Ventures portfolio company, Sirrus, Inc. has agreed to be acquired by Nippon Shokubai, a leading global producer of acrylic acid and superabsorbents
 
NEW YORK, March 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Braemar Energy Ventures, a leading venture capital investor in energy technology companies, today announced Nippon Shokubai’s planned acquisition of one of their portfolio companies, Sirrus, Inc., subject to customary closing conditions. Braemar has been a lead investor in Sirrus, the world’s leading developer of electron deficient monomers and derivatives, since 2011.

Braemar first led Sirrus’ $13.6 million Series A-1 round of funding, and later led the Company’s A-2 and B round financing in 2013 and 2015, respectively.

“We immediately recognized Sirrus’ potential to develop breakthrough chemical technology that enhanced efficiency, improved performance, and reduced energy consumption and costs for customers across multiple manufacturing industries,” said William Lese, Managing Partner of Braemar Energy Ventures and Board Member of Sirrus. “Since our initial investment, Sirrus’ has managed to obtain over 25 global patents. This track record of innovation has driven Braemar’s continuous support of the commercialization plan for Sirrus’ novel platform. In addition to developing and patenting state-of-the-art technologies, Sirrus has had a unique ability to focus on development efforts that provide unique customer solutions, including lower solvent, less toxic formulation ingredients, and energy efficiency.”

Since 2002, industry veterans Bill Lese and Neil Suslak at Braemar Energy Ventures have been focused exclusively on making investments in innovative, transformational energy and energy related technology companies that generate competitive solutions which address the most pressing issues the industry is facing.

“Braemar’s breadth of industry exposure paired with their deep bench of experts and knowledge across energy/chemical industry venture backed businesses has provided us with significant industry access and financial support when most needed,” said Jeff Uhrig, CEO of Sirrus. “Sirrus and Braemar are equally passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, reducing energy consumption, and delivering financial returns to investors. By joining forces, we were able to significantly accelerate these efforts.”

About Sirrus, Inc.

Founded in 2009 and formerly known as Bioformix, Sirrus was founded to commercialize efficient, high-performance monomers and derivatives. Sirrus technologies result in the reduction or elimination of energy consumption and improved product performance for advanced manufacturing and assembly industries. For more information, visit www.sirruschemistry.com.

About Braemar Energy Ventures

Braemar Energy Ventures is a venture capital fund making early- to mid-stage investments in the energy technology sector. The firm's principals have invested in more than 60 companies in the sector and have more than 100 years of combined technical, operational and financial experience in energy and energy-related industries. Braemar partners with exceptional companies and management teams developing next generation technologies for energy and energy related markets, that can contribute to a more profitable and efficient energy landscape through innovation and marketplace expertise. Additional information is available at BraemarEnergy.com or on Twitter at twitter.com/braemarenergy or @BraemarEnergy.
 
Contacts
Sirrus
Mike Powers, 248-760-6598
mikepowers@sirruschemistry.com
or
For Braemar Energy Ventures
Alison McIntyre, 212-279-3115 ext. 269
amcintyre@prosek.com
 
Source: Braemar Energy Ventures
 
View this news release online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170328005853/en

--BERNAMA

Wednesday 29 March 2017

J.D. POWER'S RANKING SEES TOKYO'S IMPERIAL HOTEL HIGHEST IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

TOKYO, March 28 (Bernama-AsiaNet) -- Tokyo's landmark, 126-year-old Imperial Hotel has been ranked the highest luxury-class hotel in Japan for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power's "Japan Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study in 2016." The Imperial was ranked top in the segment of guestroom rates of over 35,000 Japanese yen per night, the first time since the studies began in 2006. Guests identified The Imperial's Front Desk Services and the attention of its staff as favorable points. The quality of staff attention extended to patrons is extremely influential in forming guest evaluations regardless of room rates.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28775

BIOLINE LAUNCHES NEW JETSEQ DNA QUANTIFICATION KITS

CINCINNATI, March 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bioline, The PCR Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meridian Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ:VIVO) today announced the further expansion of the JetSeq™ portfolio for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) sample preparation.

The new JetSeq™ Library Quantification Kit is a qPCR-based assay that provides fast, accurate and sensitive quantification of adaptor-ligated DNA fragments during the preparation of Illumina compatible NGS libraries. The JetSeq™ Library Quantification Kit relies on SYBR®1 Green I for detection and contains all of the components required for library quantification, including dilution buffer, P5 and P7 adapter primers and six pre-diluted DNA standards to minimize pipetting, reduce variability and thereby increase reproducibility. The kit has sufficient standards to quantify eighteen libraries on individual plates or up to seventy-six libraries when multiple libraries are quantified on the same plate.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28773

CHANGCHUN'S ECONOMY THIS YEAR WITNESSED A GOOD START TO CONSOLIDATE THE REVITALIZATION OF CHINA'S NORTHEAST OLD INDUSTRIAL BASE

CHANGCHUN, China, March 28 (Bernama-AsiaNet) -- Well-known as the Auto City of China and one of China's Northeast old industrial bases, Jilin Changchun witnessed a good start supported by its diversified economic development this year. From January to February, the city's fixed asset investment grew by 30.3%, the total industrial output value above scale increased by 11.3%. In this critical period of the Northeast regional economic revitalization and development, through its dramatic change and reform in working style, management mechanism and industrial re-allocation, the city's economic and social situation are showing new trend and new climate, investment potential and environment are improving, a solid foundation for sustainable economic development for the next two years was ready.

Changchun constantly adjusted the industrial organization, from the original solo of automobile industry to a chorus of diversified and thriving development of all economic forms, its plan to build 6 billion-RMB level of strategic emerging industries will provide more impetus for the revitalization of the economy, the proportion of those industries in total economic volume will gradually increase. Those industries includes advanced equipment manufacturing, optoelectronic information, biological and pharmaceutical health, new energy vehicles, new materials and big data industry.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28777

Monday 27 March 2017

POLYPLASTICS RELEASES CONTENTS ABOUT MATERIALS TO HELP YOUR INNOVATION

TOKYO, March 22 (Bernama) -- 
 

- DURANEX(R) PBT Flame Retardant Grades -

Polyplastics Co., Ltd. has released information about its recent development of unique materials that can improve customers' product quality in terms of fire-safety and other additional features.

(Image: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M100475/201703169998/_prw_PI1fl_AE5E79p5.gif)

Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is an engineering resin with well-balanced properties. Different types of PBT can be created through the addition of various additives, allowing it to be used in a variety of applications -- from the electrical/electronic to the automotive fields.

Recent years have seen a real escalation in safety requirements for reducing the risk of fires, and in material requirements for improving the durability of components. At Polyplastics, we develop flame-retardant PBT grades that meet these demands. We are ready to meet your every need.

DURANEX(R) PBT NF Series with Halogen-Free Flame Retardant: The NF Series satisfies the requirement for halogen-free flame-retardant materials derived from corporate policies and environmental protection initiatives. In addition, the drastically improved tracking resistance of the NF Series allows for increased design freedom, including shortening of the creepage distance between terminals.

DURANEX(R) PBT 330GW with High Glow Wire Ignition Temperature: 330GW exhibits outstanding glow wire characteristics, with an ignition temperature (GWIT) of 775 C or above. According to IEC60335-1, an international standard relating to the safety of major household appliances, parts composed of 330GW are exempt from glow wire testing (GWT) regardless of their thickness or shape.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28743

Saturday 25 March 2017

EXPORT DEVELOPMENT CANADA SETS UP NEW AND FIRST FINANCING BRANCH IN SINGAPORE, FORECASTING BILLIONS IN NEW LOANS FOR ASIA, ASEAN AND OCEANIA COMPANIES

- Singapore branch to help EDC grow annual loan bookings to USD 4 billion by 2021


- Potential to partner with commercial banks in syndicated financing facilities for Asian companies to support their trade-focused businesses

- New branch office to support and augment current representations in Jakarta, Mumbai, Delhi, Beijing and Shanghai
 
SINGAPORE, March 24 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Export Development Canada (EDC), Canada’s dynamic export credit agency, today announced its new and first global branch outside of Canada, in Singapore.

EDC’s new branch will bring its global-scale financing business closer to projects and companies across Asia, ASEAN, and Oceania by negotiating and underwriting its financing from Singapore.

The new Singapore branch is expected to play an important role in doubling EDC’s loan bookings by 2021, when it hopes to be providing over USD 4 billion in new commercial financing annually. EDC’s focus will be developing financing relationships with corporations and project owners across the region that may already have Canadian suppliers, or where there is potential for future Canadian supply. EDC can also support Canadian foreign investment and foreign investment into Canada where there is a direct link to Canadian exports.

In addition, EDC will actively pursue opportunities to partner with commercial banks within club and syndicated financing facilities of select corporations across Asia and Oceania. The ASEAN market is of particular interest for EDC’s Singapore branch, with its fast growing economies and more than 625 million people.
“ASEAN is a dynamic region that is growing at a phenomenal rate, and growing ASEAN companies need capital to support their growth aspirations and trade focused business,” said Bill Brown, Regional Vice-President, Asia, EDC. “EDC offers Asian corporations a stable, global-scale financier with a long-term partnership horizon. Not only do we provide financing, but we can help your company reduce costs, be more productive, and more innovative by introducing Canadian technology and expertise.”

Friday 24 March 2017

SPEEDCAST OPENS PAPUA NEW GUINEA OFFICE

SYDNEY, March 23 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- SpeedCast International Ltd (ASX: SDA) has opened an office in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG), to support the company's growing customer base in the energy and enterprise markets. SpeedCast has been operating in the country for more than 10 years with an international gateway and self-sufficient standalone teleport, but this is its first office facility in PNG. The team includes 10 employees who focus on operations, engineering, sales and local support.

"Our new office in Papua New Guinea shows our commitment to investing in the country," said Pierre-Jean Beylier, CEO, SpeedCast. "We are pleased to employ local, highly skilled and trained workers that support our customers in the country."
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28750

A.M. BEST UPGRADES ISSUER CREDIT RATING OF PARTNERS LIFE LIMITED

SINGAPORE, March 23 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has upgraded the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to "bbb " from "bbb" and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B (Good) of Partners Life Limited (Partners Life) (New Zealand). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The rating actions reflect significant improvement in Partners Life's capital position, due to continued strong earnings and significant capital contribution. In addition, the NZD 200 million investment from the Blackstone Group has improved Partners Life's financial flexibility.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28747

Get Aktif With Smurfs! Contest For 7-eleven Customers



KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) -- Loyal customers are in for a treat as 7-Eleven Malaysia's latest initiative involves an online photo contest, "Get Aktif with Smurfs", with RM50,000 worth of prizes up for grabs.

The contest is open to all 7-Eleven customers and submission period begins now till May 1, 2017, according to a statement by RedHot Media Sdn Bhd.

Customers are required to purchase a minimum of RM5 in a single receipt of 7-Eleven's range of Aktif brand labelled water products, be it mineral or drinking water.

Collage the receipt with a creative photograph of anything blue, and post it publicly on personal Facebook or Instagram with the hashtags #AktifSmurfs and #7ElevenMY.

Participants could increase their chances of winning by posting more entries, the statement added.

The most creative entry winner will be rewarded an exciting 7 days 6 nights' trip for two to Belgium and Amsterdam including a visit to Smurfs Museum of Brussels worth up to RM20,000.

The next best 100 entries will each receive a Limited Edition Scooter from Smurfs: The Lost Village worth RM300 each.

"Our loyal customers are a priority and the reason we live up to our tagline, "Always There For You," said Ronan Lee, General Marketing Manager, 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Bhd, who added that the photo contest would view the extent of the fans' creativity which would be interesting to watch.

As for Sony Pictures Malaysia Marketing Manager, Catherine Chai, she said, "We are delighted with our partnership with the number one convenience store chain in the country to celebrate Smurfs: The Lost Village which will be released in cinemas, nationwide, on April 6, 2017".

"The association of our Smurfs with an Aktif lifestyle is spot on as Smurfs are all about being happy and healthy," she added.

For more information and contest terms & conditions, please visit www.7eleven.com.my or Facebook at 7ElevenMalaysia.

--BERNAMA

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v8/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=1340581

Thursday 23 March 2017

MICHAEL KORS ACCESS EXPANDS WITH NEW SMARTWATCHES, NEW APPS, NEW FACES AND NEW MARKETS

LONDON, March 23 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Michael Kors (NYSE:KORS), a global luxury fashion brand, is pleased to announce a host of new products and initiatives designed to further the growth and excitement generated by last fall’s launch of MICHAEL KORS ACCESS, the brand’s line of smartwatches and activity trackers.

“It’s clear to me that the future of fashion will combine great design, personal style and innovative technology,” says Michael Kors, “and the amazing response to MICHAEL KORS ACCESS has confirmed that that future is now. We’re thrilled to be able to offer this next generation of smartwatches and hybrids.”

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28755

SPEEDCAST OPENS THE WORLD TO THE PEOPLE OF RURAL AFGHANISTAN BY PROVIDING SATELLITE AND OFF-GRID SMALL CELL COMMUNICATIONS SOLUTIONS

Successful Proof of Concept Leads to Long-term Collaboration Agreement for 200 Afghan Villages for Fully Managed End-to-End Small Cell Communications Solution

SYDNEY, March 22 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- SpeedCast International Limited (ASX:SDA), a leading global communications and network service provider, today announced that it is connecting residents in remote villages in Afghanistan through a partnership with one of the country's largest CDMA operators, Wasel Telecom. Connectivity is provided through a fully managed, off-grid small cell end-to-end solution that includes satellite communications, solar panels, base transceiver stations (BTS) and accompanying towers.

"The solution SpeedCast is providing here is making a difference in people’s lives," said PJ Beylier, CEO, SpeedCast. "We are enabling the rural population in Afghanistan to gain access to modern communications infrastructure so they can see the world with a new perspective. The arrangement has the potential to bring broadband, cellular services, e-health services, e-learning and telemedicine to the most remote areas of the globe."
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28741

Wednesday 22 March 2017

JNTO LAUNCHES "JAPAN INCENTIVES" WEBSITE IN 4 LANGUAGES TO SHOWCASE JAPAN'S APPEAL AS MICE DESTINATION

TOKYO, March 21 (Bernama-AsiaNet) -- The Japan National Tourism Organization's (JNTO) has launched a specialized website for Japan incentives, featuring information on incentives in the country. The incentives site is hosted within JNTO's Japan MEETINGS & INCENTIVES website for promoting MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions/events).

(Image: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/opn/release/201703169999/?images)
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28733

LE CORDON BLEU JAPAN LAUNCHES JAPANESE CUISINE DIPLOMA, COMMENCES RECRUITMENT FOR 2017 AUTUMN TERM

TOKYO, March 21 (Bernama-AsiaNet) -- In response to the increased international market growth in Japanese cuisine since the UNESCO recognition of 'washoku' as an intangible cultural heritage, Le Cordon Bleu Japan is launching a Japanese cuisine diploma program. As a global leader in culinary and hospitality education, with a network of more than 35 institutions in over 20 countries, Le Cordon Bleu has drawn upon over 120 years of expertise to create this new program.

(Image: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/opn/release/201703159946/?images)

This 4-level program covers a comprehensive range of topics to provide students with a full range of skills and knowledge relating to authentic Japanese cuisine. Students will embark on a journey to discover a whole new world of technical skills, cooking methodologies, specialist ingredients, equipment and tableware applied to over 200 recipes in traditional, regional and modern Japanese cuisine.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28730

3D SYSTEMS' NEW DENTAL MANUFACTURING PLATFORM ACCELERATES SHIFT TO DIGITAL

Revolutionary Figure 4 platform combined with NextDent materials delivers disruptive total cost of operations from chair-side to labs

CHICAGO, March 21 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) today unveiled a next-generation additive manufacturing platform, based on the company's Figure 4 technology and NextDent materials, that delivers better, faster and more predictable patient treatments with disruptive total cost of operations that can revolutionize the multibillion-dollar dental industry.

The company expects the new platform will be able to achieve improvements of up to 10 times in total cost of operations, along with significantly reduced fabrication times and far less material waste.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28726

KEIO PLAZA HOTEL TOKYO HOSTS EXHIBITION OF SPECTACULAR IKEBANA FLOWER ARRANGEMENT BY ARTIST HIROKI MAENO

Decorating Lobby with Beautiful "Sakura" Cherry Blossoms

TOKYO, March 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, one of Japan's most prestigious international hotels located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, will host a special exhibition of "Ikebana" flower arrangement created by the renowned artist Hiroki Maeno from April 1 to 16, 2017. A large 2.7 by 5 meter flower arrangement lavishly adorned with some 200 beautiful "sakura" cherry blossom branches, which are one of the most symbolically important representatives of the Japanese aesthetic beauty during the spring, will be displayed in the third floor main lobby area for hotel guests to enjoy free of charge.

The artist Hiroki Maeno will also provide two Ikebana flower arrangement workshops held on April 6 from 4:00p.m. and 6:30p.m. in front of his beautiful arrangement. Guests will be able to view these workshops as they will be held in the lobby area.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28721

Tuesday 21 March 2017

ZEROSTACK OPENS ASIA/PACIFIC REGION WITH M5 TECHNOLOGIES

Singapore region positioned for strong private cloud growth

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., March 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- ZeroStack, Inc., the leader in making self-driving private cloud affordable for all companies, today announced that it has signed a reseller agreement with M5 Technologies, an IT infrastructure expert headquartered in Singapore, adept at both traditional and cutting edge technologies, with activities currently spanning and increasing across Asia South.

"Our region is going through a rapid economic shift to cloud services, requiring on-premises options that can also be integrated with local hosting, managed services providers and public cloud providers," said Joel Norton, ZeroStack's Regional Manager Asia South at M5 Technologies and assigned to positioning ZeroStack's cloud platform. "This service delivery landscape is an ideal opportunity for M5 to position ZeroStack's leading integrated solutions as fundamental and foundational to a business' digital transformation."
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28717

Monday 20 March 2017

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF STARR PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE (CHINA) COMPANY, LIMITED

HONG KONG, March 17 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a" of Starr Property & Casualty Insurance (China) Company, Limited (Starr China) (China). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The rating affirmations reflect Starr China's supportive risk-adjusted capitalization under a strengthened surplus position, and an improved operating expense ratio. In addition, Starr China receives business and operational support from Starr International Company, Inc. (SICO) and its insurance subsidiaries, as well as a capital commitment from Starr Insurance & Reinsurance Limited (SIRL), a company within SICO that is a 20% shareholder of Starr China. Starr China also assumes overseas treaty business ceded from the group, which has accounted for a substantial portion of the company's total gross premiums written since 2015.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28706

Sunday 19 March 2017

SUNWAY MEDICAL CENTRE LAUNCHES 'IORT' TO FIGHT CANCER


     
KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- The Sunway Medical Centre (SunMed), a
leader in Cancer treatment and care recently launched the Intraoperative
Radiation Therapy System (IORT), an innovative tool in fighting against cancer.

SunMed in a statement today stated the launch of IORT treatment was an
initiative to provide the quality of patient-centered coordinated care for those
undergoing cancer treatment and therapy in Malaysia.

The breakthrough method allows patients to undergo a one-time radiaton
treatment, which is delivered in a single, targeted dose during surgery itself,
and unlike standard radiation treatment as little damage as possible to normal
tissue around where the tumor used to be.

"Despite recent advances, there remains an urgent need for innovative and
effective treatment options for cancer patients in Malaysia. With IORT, SunMed
hopes to provide the patients cutting edge treatment options coupled with expert
services," the statement said.

The statement said the IORT was meant to put less stress on patients'
skin and organs while giving them peace of mind that they could complete
treatment as quickly as possible and return to the family and daily life.

    -- BERNAMA


Saturday 18 March 2017

FOREIGN STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS LIVING IN CHIBA PREFECTURE NAMED "CHI-BA+KUN AMBASSADORS" TO INTRODUCE CHARMS OF CHIBA ABROAD

CHIBA, Japan, Mar. 17, 2017 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --

The Chiba Prefectural Government has appointed foreign students and residents living in the prefecture as "CHI-BA+KUN Ambassadors" since 2011 to offer the charms of Chiba to the rest of the world in association with the prefecture's mascot character CHI-BA+KUN. CHI-BA+KUN Ambassadors have used personal blogs, Facebook and other media to spread information in their native languages on Chiba's charms in such areas as tourism, cuisine and daily life.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28709

Friday 17 March 2017

IMIMOBILE SIGNS GLOBAL FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT WITH TELENOR GROUP

LONDON, March 16 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IMImobile (LSE:IMO), a cloud communications software and solutions provider, today announces that it has signed a Global Framework Agreement with Telenor Group following a competitive tender process.

Under the agreement, IMImobile will supply its cloud Digital Service Delivery Platform, VAS (Value Added Services) Virtualization System and services for Telenor Business Units across the Telenor Group. The platform will be deployed in a secure cloud environment, and will support Telenor’s long term vision to virtualise network capabilities and improve the efficiency of its core business.

Telenor Group is one of the leading mobile operators, providing tele, data and media services for 214 million subscribers in 13 markets across Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe and Asia.

Nitin Gupta, Sr. Group Expert Business Applications, at Telenor Group commented: “Throughout the tender process, IMImobile was able to successfully demonstrate that its Digital Service Delivery Platform and VAS Virtualization products meet our criteria to enhance digital service deployments across the Group. The partnership will enable Telenor Group to respond to the growing demand to digitally transform and optimise our business processes, allowing for faster and more efficient service delivery.”

ANNOUNCING NYIAX, THE WORLD'S FIRST ADVERTISING CONTRACT EXCHANGE

NYIAX aims to transform ad inventory into standardized and durable securities

A blockchain-enabled media trading platform running in the cloud and powered by Nasdaq

NEW YORK, March 15 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the world's first guaranteed advertising contract exchange - NYIAX (New York Interactive Advertising Exchange) - was announced. The new exchange will operate on Nasdaq's world-renowned technology and leverage the Nasdaq Financial Framework architecture. NYIAX will be the first exchange to be deployed in the cloud and also run on blockchain technology.

"NYIAX is a trading platform that brings Wall Street to Madison Avenue through a Nasdaq-powered, seamless global exchange that allows publishers and advertisers to buy, sell and re-trade premium advertising inventory as guaranteed contracts," said NYIAX CEO Lou Severine. "By enabling guaranteed digital media contract trading with efficiency, transparency and ease and providing the proprietary matching engine and trading tools trades require, NYIAX helps advertisers and publishers dominate the $72 billion US digital advertising landscape they command1. Once the exchange achieves critical mass within digital, we will begin supporting TV, print, radio and out-of-home markets."
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28687

Thursday 16 March 2017

DIGITAL RIVER WORLD PAYMENTS ADDS IN-COUNTRY PAYMENT PROCESSING IN HONG KONG, SINGAPORE AND AUSTRALIA; EXPANDS IN EUROPE

Integrates with First Data’s global acquiring platform to advance international growth plans

MINNEAPOLIS, March 16 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Digital River World Payments, a global payments service provider, announced it is working with First Data, a global leader in commerce-enabling technology, to offer online merchants a full-service, turn-key solution for processing in-country payments in Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia. By adopting First Data’s global acquiring platform, Digital River World Payments can now help merchants with local entities in these regions increase their credit card authorization rates and global reach. Digital River World Payments is also expanding its existing in-country payment processing capabilities in Europe by adding First Data to its growing network of payments partners.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28697

SPEEDCAST RETURNS INTERNET SERVICES TO CHRISTMAS ISLAND

SYDNEY, March 16 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- SpeedCast International Ltd (ASX: SDA) has reached an agreement with the Australian Government to deliver Wireless and 4G network services on Christmas Island until June 30, 2017, to allow a transition period for Australia’s National Broadband Network services to be installed more widely on the island.

The local ISP ceased to provide internet services to 1,000 locals and businesses on March 1, 2017, disconnecting one of Australia’s most remote islands. SpeedCast, as a full service communications provider, was notified one week ago and rapidly initiated discussions with partners and the Australian Government to meet the needs of islanders.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28693

BORRELLI WALSH (CAYMAN) LIMITED ANNOUNCES VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC PLACED IN LIQUIDATION AND DELISTING SHARES

GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, March 16 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The following news is being issued by Borrelli Walsh (Cayman) Limited, representatives of VisionChina Media Inc (NASDAQ:VISIN) (“Company”) – the Company announces today that by order of the Grand Court made on 2 March 2017, Margot MacInnis of Borrelli Walsh (Cayman) Limited, G/F Harbour Place, 103 South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Cosimo Borrelli of Borrelli Walsh Limited of Level 17, Tower 1, Admiralty Centre, 18 Harcourt Road, Hong Kong have been appointed as joint official liquidators of the Company (“Liquidators”).

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28695

PAXATA NAMED A LEADER IN DATA PREPARATION TOOLS REPORT BY INDEPENDENT RESEARCH FIRM

Report states, “Customer references gave top scores across all usability and time-to-value features.”

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., March 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Paxata, the pioneer in self-service data preparation, today announced that Forrester Research, Inc., a leading independent technology and market research company, has positioned Paxata as a leader in The Forrester Wave™: Data Preparation Tools, Q1 2017.  Paxata is top ranked in the Current Offering Category.

Within the Current Offering Category, Paxata earned the highest possible scores in 14 out of 15 criteria, which includes Customer Experience, Discover and Blend, Standardize and Enrich, Deliver, Sharing, and Deployment criteria.  Additionally, based on customer references, Paxata received the highest possible scores in usability for business analyst, effectiveness and time to value, and vendor relationship subcriteria. The report also states, “Paxata focuses on usability and fast time-to-insights for business analystsPaxata is powered by a unified set of technologies designed to support and balance data integration, quality, governance, collaboration, and enrichment.” 

ANIMASIA STUDIO (MALAYSIA) AND ZEROONE ANIMATION (CHINA) LAUNCH ANIMATED FILM "CHUCK CHICKEN THE MOVIE"

ANIMASIA STUDIO ALSO ANNOUNCES KEY PARTNERSHIPS WITH THREE CHINESE COMPANIES TO FURTHER EXPAND THE CHUCK CHICKEN BRAND ONLINE AND OFFLINE

HONG KONG, March 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s award-winning animation provider, Animasia Studio and China’s ZeroOne Animation launched the trailer for their upcoming US$ 8.5 Million (RMB60 Million) co-production, Chuck Chicken the Movie (also known as KungFu Chicken in China) at the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) 2017 yesterday.

The brand new 3D CGI animated movie, which just commenced production, is set for China and regional theatrical release by the end of 2018. The story and script development process has started since November 2015 and it was a collaborative effort headed by China’s award-winning scriptwriter; He ZiZhuang (winner of the Best Script award at the 20th China Film Golden Rooster Awards), Helen Dong (Pet Pals) and Malaysia's ahLoong (Bola Kampung the Movie) — who is also the animation director for the movie.

Chuck Chicken the Movie follows Chuck, Flick, and Wing’s new life in the city far from their home in Rocky Perch Island. Chuck begins to start his own ‘Golden Egg Security’ company in the new city but unfortunately the traditional business model does not suit the needs of the modern city. Just when they are getting frustrated, Chuck discovers the “Ultimate Security Combat Competition” which could save their day.

"We are extremely excited to commence the production of Chuck Chicken the Movie with ZeroOne Animation and launch the trailer at HK FILMART 2017. We have also attracted a leading cinema chain and distributor from Malaysia to represent and distribute the movie to key Southeast Asian theatrical markets and we will announce the line-up of our distributors for other key markets soon,” said Edmund Chan, Managing Director of Animasia Studio who is also the Executive Producers of the movie together with Raye Lee and Helen Dong.

Wednesday 15 March 2017

CALLING ALL AUSTRALIAN ENTREPENEURS AND INNOVATORS: HELP SOLVE GLOBAL WATER SCARCITY

SYDNEY, Australia, Mar. 15, 2017/Medianet International-AsiaNet/ --

In partnership with Tata Group and Australian Aid (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's inovationXchange, DFAT iXc), XPRIZE - the world's leader in designing and operating massive incentive competitions to solve humanity's grand challenges - announces the launch of the Water Abundance XPRIZE http://water.xprize.org/), a US$1.75 million global competition aimed at alleviating global water scarcity. This prize will incentivise teams to compete and develop new energy-efficient technologies designed to harvest fresh water from the atmosphere.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28684

UNISYS INTRODUCES DIGISTICS(TM) BY UNISYS, A CARGO MANAGEMENT SOLUTION TO HELP CARRIERS IMPROVE AGILITY, PROCESSES

BLUE BELL, Pa, USA, Mar. 15, 2017/Medianet International-AsiaNet/ --

Users can choose a single, comprehensive solution or pick from specific services based on needs, while built-in analytics drive insight for an improved bottom-line and future top-line growth


Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) (http://www.unisys.com/) today launched Digistics(TM) by Unisys (http://www.unisys.com/digistics), a holistic and integrated cargo logistics solution that allows carriers to streamline freight management and improve their operational efficiencies. Digistics enables air carriers to choose from a comprehensive suite of offerings or select the specific cargo services they need, including inventory management, booking, invoicing, and accounting. The system features cross-platform analytics allowing carriers to view past, present and forecast data for enhanced operations.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28682

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF CHINA TAIPING INSURANCE (MACAU) CO., LTD.

HONG KONG, March 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a" of China Taiping Insurance (Macau) Co., Ltd. (CTIM) (Macau). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect CTIM's strong risk-adjusted capitalization, consistently favorable operating performance and position as the leader in Macau's non-life insurance market.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28672

Tuesday 14 March 2017

TRIPWIRE STUDY: 96 PERCENT OF IT SECURITY PROFESSIONALS EXPECT AN INCREASE IN CYBERSECURITY ATTACKS ON INDUSTRIAL INTERNET OF THINGS

Study reveals most organizations take additional precautions to secure IIoT
 

PORTLAND, Ore., March 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Tripwire, Inc., a leading global provider of security and compliance solutions for enterprises and industrial organizations, today announced the results of a study conducted in partnership with Dimensional Research. The study looked at the rise of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) deployment in organizations, and to what extent it is expected to cause security problems in 2017.

IIoT are the connected devices in critical infrastructure segments such as energy, utilities, government, healthcare and finance. Tripwire’s study revealed that:

- Ninety-six percent of those surveyed expect to see an increase in security attacks on IIoT in 2017.

- Fifty-one percent said they do not feel prepared for security attacks that abuse, exploit or maliciously leverage insecure IIoT devices.

- Sixty-four percent said they already recognize the need to protect against IIoT attacks, as they continue to gain popularity among hackers.

“Industry professionals know that the Industrial Internet of Things security is a problem today. More than half of the respondents said they don’t feel prepared to detect and stop cyber attacks against IIoT,” said David Meltzer, chief technology officer at Tripwire. “There are only two ways this scenario plays out: Either we change our level of preparation or we experience the realization of these risks. The reality is that cyber attacks in the industrial space can have significant consequences in terms of safety and the availability of critical operations.”

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF ENERGAS INSURANCE (L) LIMITED

SINGAPORE, March 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a" of Energas Insurance (L) Limited (Energas) (Malaysia). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. Energas is a sole captive insurer of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), Malaysia's national oil and gas company.

The ratings reflect Energas' strong risk-adjusted capitalization, excellent earnings track record and the position it holds as a key part of Petronas' risk management framework.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28660

Monday 13 March 2017

KEPCO AND KOREAN SMES JOINED 'EPRE MALAYSIA 2017'

"KEPCO and twelve excellent SMEs joined Korean Pavilion at EPRE Malaysia 2017 exhibition held at KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia"

SEOUL, South Korea, March 10 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Korea Pavilion, supported by KEPCO, joins 'EPRE Malaysia 2017' held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from March 15 to 17, for 3 days.

KEPCO is the largest electric utility in Republic of Korea responsible for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity and the development of electric power projects. It has been striving to support SME's mutual growth business and overseas marketing. It also provides various programs and services for developing SMEs and pioneering overseas market.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28654

PACE HOLDINGS CORP. COMPLETES BUSINESS COMBINATION WITH PLAYA HOTELS & RESORTS

Combined company named Playa Hotels & Resorts and will trade on NASDAQ under PLYA

Transaction provides significant capital and complementary capabilities to further Playa’s leading position

FAIRFAX, Va., and FORT WORTH, Texas, March 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pace Holdings Corp. (“Pace”) a special-purpose acquisition company sponsored by an affiliate of TPG, today announced that it has completed its business combination with Playa Hotels & Resorts (“Playa”), a leading owner, operator, and developer of premier all-inclusive resorts. With the closing of this transaction, the combined company is named Playa Hotels & Resorts and its ordinary shares and warrants will trade on NASDAQ under the ticker symbols PLYA and PLYAW respectively beginning on Monday, March 13, 2017.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28666

UN GLOBAL PULSE AND WESTERN DIGITAL ANNOUNCE 'DATA FOR CLIMATE ACTION' CHALLENGE NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES

Challenge Enables Unprecedented Access to Data and Tools from Leading Companies to Generate New Climate Solutions

NEW YORK, March 10 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Global Pulse, the United Nations innovation initiative on big data, and Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ: WDC), a global leader in data storage technologies and solutions, announced a partnership today to launch the "Data for Climate Action" challenge.

Data for Climate Action is an unprecedented open innovation challenge to harness data science and big data from the private sector to fight climate change. Data scientists, researchers, and innovators from around the world are encouraged to apply and submit their proposals at DataForClimateAction.org by 10 April 2017.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28651

Saturday 11 March 2017

ASIAN INSURERS MAXIMIZING GROWTH WITH MOBILE CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT INNOVATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- The digital revolution has started and it has a long way to go. From banking to insurance, 2017 holds a new bundle of opportunities to be explored - for the next phase of technology is dynamic, gigantic and forceful.

Leading Insurers are relying on personalized, rich media mobile video messages platform to acquire and retain customers. Because these high impact messages have easy response capabilities and quickly establishes a two-way brand-to-customer dialogue.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28646

Friday 10 March 2017

WORLD'S LARGEST OIL EXHIBITION CIPPE 2017 TO OPEN IN BEIJING WITH EXPANDED CATEGORIES AND ENHANCED SERVICES


BEIJING, March 7 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- cippe 2017 (the 17th China International Petroleum & Petrochemical Technology and Equipment Exhibition) is set to open on March 20-22, 2017 at New China International Exhibition Center in Beijing featuring a comprehensive display of petroleum & petrochemical products and technologies as well as an increased number of exhibitors from 65 countries and regions, including 50 Fortune Global 500 companies and 18 international pavilions.

As the world’s largest petroleum exhibition, cippe intends to connect more Southeast Asian enterprises to the rest of the world and vice versa. This year, 18 countries and regions, including US, Germany, Canada, UK Scotland, France, Denmark, Italy, Russia, Korea and the Netherlands, will have their own pavilions. International exhibitors will include Exxon Mobil, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, GE, Rosneft, Gazprom, Transneft, TMK, Total, Cameron, ABB, Schneider, Siemens, Caterpillar, NOV, Honeywell, Rockwell, Tyco, SEG, MiltonRoy, 3M, E+H, API, MTU, PPG, KSB, Hempel, JOTUN, Raffles, DOW Chemical and SKF.

Chinese companies, including CNPC, Sinopec, CNOOC, CSSC, CSIC, CASC, Jereh, Kerui, RG Petro-Machinery, Sany Heavy Industry, Northern Heavy Industries Group, CITIC Pacific, HBP, Jerrywon, LandOcean Energy, Anton Oilfield, Shanghai Shenkai, Tiehu Petromachinery, Tidfore, DS Group and Warom Technology, will also take this opportunity to showcase their products and seek international cooperation.

This year will see an expansion of the exhibition categories. Apart from the existing Oil Exploration & Development, Offshore Oil & Gas, Offshore Engineering, Oil & Gas Pipeline, Shale Gas, Natural Gas and Explosion-proof Equipment zones, the event will add professional exhibition zones for more market segments, including Valves, Fire Control, Oilfield & Land Conservation, and Underwater Roberts, in a bid to build a more precise and professional matching platform for buyers. 

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES INSURANCE LIMITED

HONG KONG, March 10 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” of Sun Hung Kai Properties Insurance Limited (SHKPI) (Hong Kong). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The rating affirmations reflect the company’s strong risk-adjusted capitalization, with growth in capital and surplus supported by a consistently favorable operating performance. The company also benefits from the business and investment management support it receives as a wholly owned subsidiary and the sole insurance arm of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited (SHKP), one of the leading property conglomerates based in Hong Kong.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=28652