Japan's non-life insurance sector is stable - A.M. Best

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- Japan’s non-life insurance sector has a stable outlook by A.M. Best, despite the elevated risks of catastrophe losses and modest economic expansion in the country.

The market has also demonstrated stable pricing conditions, according to a new Best’s Market Segment Report - “Market Segment Outlook: Japan Non-Life”.

A.M. Best said in a statement, two main factors will continue to foster stable pricing conditions among the non-life insurers in Japan – the presence of an effective reference rate system and an oligopolistic industry structure.

Additionally, in spite of the performance pressures arising from recent weather-related events, A.M. Best expects the industry to maintain very strong risk-adjusted capital positions.

Private companies operating in the sector also held solid risk-adjusted capital positions and profitable underwriting results despite economic- and weather-related pressures.

Japan’s overall market performance has remained quite profitable. The weighted average combined ratios for the private insurance segment generally remained under 95 per cent over the most recent five-year period.

However, the industry has been facing medium- to long-term challenges to grow its premium base, due to modest economic growth, falling accident rates resulting from advanced driver-assistance systems and the gradual shift in population demographics.

Despite these challenges, most private non-life insurers have continued to grow premium revenue, generate underwriting profits and maintain solid risk-adjusted capital positions that are supportive of their risk profiles.

A.M. Best is a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry. More details at www.ambest.com

-- BERNAMA

Impact of government and regulatory support for local reinsurers varies in Asia's markets

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Government intervention and regulatory support can influence the development of insurance and reinsurance markets but the actual impact varies across markets in Asia, according to Best’s Special Report.

The report -- “Impact of Government and Regulatory Support for Local Reinsurers Varies in Asian Markets” -- stated that the desire to support social stability with a greater level of fiscal certainty is one key motivation for using (re)insurance as a policy tool.

“The impact of government initiatives can vary significantly by country and over time,” A.M. Best -- a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry – said in a statement.

The report stated government intervention does accelerate premium growth and it needs to be matched by strengthened enterprise risk management capabilities or else there could be a higher risk of earnings and capital volatility.

More details on www.ambest.com.

-- BERNAMA

'Sharjah Declaration for Youth Empowerment' launched to face youth challenges in MENA region

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Sharjah -- the third largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates -- called on MENA member states and international community to collectively adopt and implement the ‘Sharjah Declaration for Youth Empowerment’ in response to the challenges facing Youth in the MENA region.

The declaration is a nine-point action agenda to empower youth and save their futures from the dangers of extremism. It is the outcome of a full day of discussions at the Investing in the Future Conference (IIFMENA), organised by global humanitarian organisation, TBHF.

Among the content are to put the acquisition of life skills at the centre of youth policy decision-making to prepare children and youth to leap into the future and promote policies that foster an enabling environment and recognise the important role of young women as agents of economic stabilisation and growth.

It also wanted to mainstream gender in all plans, policies and programmes aimed at empowering, protecting and supporting youth. It will utilise existing endeavors towards education reforms and the changing demographics as a window of opportunity to translate investment in human capital.

The region will coordinate efforts of governments, UN agencies, NGOs, academics and the private sector to transform education to enable flexible learning opportunities beyond schooling and to create conditions conducive to youth entrepreneurs.

All refugee youth are also ensured to be protected against violence, abuse and exploitation, and to have access healthcare and psychosocial support as well as taking the best interests of refugee youth as a primary consideration in all matters affecting their future.

The IIFMENA with themed ‘Youth – Crisis Challenges and Development Opportunities’ offered its global platform once every two years to address a pressing humanitarian problem in the MENA region, the statement said.


-- BERNAMA

Partnership to automate employees verification process in UK

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) – As right to work checks are a compulsory step in the UK recruitment process, Jumio has partnered with Engage Technology Partners Ltd. to automate the employees verification.

According to a statement, employers are required to see the applicant’s original identity documents, check the documents validity with the applicant present, make and retain copies of the documents and record the date the check was made.

Under the partnership, Jumio’s online identity verification technologies will be integrated into Engage’s cloud-based recruitment solutions – to help end-hirers, agencies, payrolls and workers navigate and simplify the recruitment process.

The integration will enable Engage to verify passports, ID cards, biometric residence permits and other forms of identification from over 200 countries automatically to verify workers’ eligibility and actual identity.

Workers will receive an email or text message invitation to provide their ID and right to work documentation via unique URLs, linking them to the Engage platform, where they can upload or use a camera to take pictures of their documents and of themselves.

The automated verification process is then run by Jumio’s Netverify solution, while workers are kept in the loop via notifications.

Chief Executive Officer of Jumio, Stephen Stuut said: “Our leading identity verification solutions, which leverage biometrics, AI, machine learning, liveness detection and verification experts are designed to definitively assess whether someone is who they claim to be.

“Integrating this technology for right to work checks and Engage’s end-to-end recruitment software will help Engage vet new workers quickly, securely and compliantly,” he added.

Marketing Director at Engage, Alex Fraser said the partnership allows them to provide instant verification to prove that employees are who they say they are and can now offer the necessary compliance with right to work regulation to clients, especially in the contingency staffing market.

More details at www.jumio.com and https://www.engagetech.com/

-- BERNAMA

MOU SIGNED TO ENERGISE LOCAL TEXTILE INDUSTRY

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) – NanoTextile Sdn Bhd and the Malaysian Textile and Apparel Centre (Matac) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today to gear up the development, advancement and commercialisation of nanotechnology in Malaysia’s textile industry.

The ceremony was held in conjunction with the Technical Textiles and Smart Apparel National Seminar 2018 in Swiss Garden Hotel, Melaka.

NanoTextile chief executive officer, Dr Thomas Ong Poh Shing, said: “Nanotechnology makes possible the collaboration between NanoTextile with upstream and downstream textile players, without disrupting the supply chain.

“We believe this partnership will increase the competitive value of Malaysia’s textile industry through greater deployment of technical textile products locally and internationally, strengthening the entire textile ecosystem.”

Matac president, Regina Leong, said: “Matac is working very closely with the government, industry players, universities and technology partners to provide solutions to key challenges faced by the textile/apparel industry in Malaysia, particularly in the areas of automation and product development.

“Matac is currently undertaking projects to drive the textile/apparel industry in Malaysia towards Industry 4.0 and the development of technical textile/smart apparels in Malaysia.”

-- BERNAMA 

MSR EXPO RADIATES WITH FRESH VITALITY ON THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF BRI

DONGGUAN, China, Oct. 26, 2018 /Xinhua-AsiaNet /--

The 2018 Guangdong 21st Century Maritime Silk Road International Expo (MSR Expo) opened on October 25 at the Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Center in Dongguan, the world-renowned manufacturing city in south China, and lasts for four days till October 28.

As Chen Liangxian, vice governor of Guangdong Province, addressed at the opening ceremony, this year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up and the fifth anniversary of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Guangdong, a pioneer in promoting reform and opening up, has increased cooperation with the Belt and Road countries and regions in all respects. The MSR Expo, inaugurated in 2014, has welcomed 694.5 thousand attendees in the past four years and gained recognition from all sectors, both domestic and international. The event now represents a critical platform for Guangdong and the Belt and Road countries and regions to strengthen exchanges and cooperation.

According to the Expo's organizing committee, the event this year will host 1,732 companies from 57 countries and regions, including 1,221 from overseas, about 70.5% of the total. To meet the needs of exhibitors and buyers more precisely, the Secretariat signed the investment promotion and cooperation agreements with 14 national-level, provincial-level and foreign business associations, respectively. The figure of professional buyers to participate in the Expo is expected to increase from 31,000 last year to 34,000, registering a 9% growth.

South African businesswoman of skin care products Usha Hunsraj said it's the third time that she had attended the MSR Expo. The market reaction to the previous two editions was so positive that she had forged business relationships with many clients around the world.

The tourism and culture exhibition section at the MSR Expo will help expand exchanges and cooperation in tourism between Thailand and the MSR countries and regions, said Ye Hu from the Guangzhou Office of Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The MSR Expo will continue to feature an exhibition in Dongguan and a themed forum in Guangzhou. On October 26, former members of state government and ministers from 15 Belt and Road countries, heads of important business associations and international organizations, world-famous economists and business leaders attended the MSR Expo forum.

The Blue Paper on the Participation of Guangdong in the Construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (2013-2018), which was contributed by Sun Yat-sen University, will be released for the first time during the forum.

Source: The Organizing Committee of Guangdong 21st Century Maritime Silk Road International Expo

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Kyriba in Fintech 250 list by CB Insights

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) – CB Insights has named Kyriba, a provider of cloud treasury and financial management solutions, to the second annual Fintech 250 list.

Kyriba said in a statement the Fintech 250 list contains a prestigious group of emerging, private companies working on groundbreaking financial technology.

The New York headquartered Kyriba is listed in top Fintech solution providers, including AvidExchange, Betterment, Coinbase, Etoro, Kabbage, Payoneer, Revolut, Ripple, Robinhood and Stripe Transferwise.

“Kyriba is honored to be named among the Fintech 250 by CB Insights for the second year in a row,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Kyriba, Jean-Luc Robert.

“In today’s complex, global business environment, disruptive Fintechs like Kyriba are helping empower senior financial executives to make faster business decisions, modernize key processes, and capitalize on growth opportunities,” Robert added.

The CB Insights research team selected the Fintech 250 companies based on several factors, including data submitted by each company and their Mosaic Score.

The Mosaic Score measures the overall health and growth potential of private companies. Through the evidence-based, statistically-driven approach, the Mosaic Score can help predict a company’s momentum, market health and financial viability.

For this year’s list, 113 new companies were introduced and 44 per cent from the listed companies are based outside the United States, representing 31 countries. More details at www.kyriba.com

-- BERNAMA

PMI search for new President and Chief Executive Officer

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- Project Management Institute (PMI) -- the world’s leading professional membership organization for project managers -- has retained Heidrick & Struggles to help find its next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The appointed candidate will oversee the implementation of a new strategic plan and guide the organization toward a future designed to help thousands of project professionals around the world accelerate their careers and make ideas a reality, a statement said.

PMI will conduct a comprehensive global review of both internal and external candidates for the position. The selected candidate will embody PMI’s core values and possess the skillsets necessary to advance the organization’s key goals.

The next President and CEO will help to execute a bold new multi-year initiative designed to sharpen its strategic direction, enhance its technological capabilities to embrace shifting workplace trends and streamline its daily operational activities.

The search process is intended to ensure a smooth transition to the next President and CEO and continue the Institute’s mission of advocacy for the profession, its members and certification holders. PMI’s Board of Directors will select the final candidate.

Interested parties should email resume suggestions and questions to PMI-CEO@Heidrick.com. Heidrick & Struggles is a premier provider of executive search, leadership assessment and development, organization and team effectiveness and culture shaping services globally.

PMI is the largest professional membership association in the world, serving more than three million stakeholders through its professional certifications along with 300+ chapters in nearly every country in the world. More details on www.PMI.org.


-- BERNAMA

CORONATION FUND MANAGERS GOES LIVE WITH SMARTSTREAM'S CORPORATE ACTIONS SOLUTION

LONDON, Oct 24 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- SmartStream Technologies, the financial Transaction Lifecycle Management (TLM®) solutions provider, today announced that Coronation Fund Managers, one of the largest independent fund managers in South Africa, has gone live with TLM Corporate Actions OnDemand – automating the complete corporate actions lifecycle. Llewellyn Smith, COO at Coronation states: “We continue to make investments in our business, specifically in technology that enhances our clients’ service experience, and which allows us to achieve greater operational efficiencies. Through SmartStream’s tailored solution, we achieve automation of our corporate actions operational processes. Given that this project ran in parallel with a number of strategic initiatives, its successful implementation was essential. We value SmartStream’s corporate actions expertise which guided us through the procedure in less than four months”. Coronation is using the TLM® Corporate Actions OnDemand solution to process mandatory and voluntary events, including proxy voting for their domestic and international markets. Adam Cottingham, Product Manager, states: “Working in partnership with Coronation has made this project a success. The team adopted our Model Client Configuration to accelerate delivery and achieve a rapid return on investment for the business. It’s great that Coronation has become the first TLM Corporate Actions client in South Africa”. About SmartStream Technologies SmartStream Technologies is a recognised leader in financial transaction management software that enables firms to overcome critical transaction processing issues through increased automation. SmartStream’s industry-leading automated match rates create more proactive, exceptions-based processes that lower the cost per transaction while enabling firms to reduce operational risk, strengthen compliance and controls, and improve customer service. http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=33041

ME BOOKS ASIA LAUNCHES FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING APP IN MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- Me Books Asia announced the launch of their interactive storytelling app on The App Store and Google Play Store recommended for children aged two to nine years old. The launch of the Me Books app comes at a time when the number of young readers has been continually dwindling since the advent of the Internet. Children in the digital age are simply not reading, and Me Books Asia hopes to rekindle society’s love of reading and storytelling through their new app.

“Our mission is grounded in our firm belief that every child deserves equal access to the best educational content, regardless of where they live. There simply should not be such an enormous barrier to entry to reading and learning because English literacy is one of the defining challenges facing Southeast Asia for the current and future generations. Growing up, I was always laughed at by my schoolmates for not being able to speak proper English, hence why I made it a mission of mine to change that for every other kid out there,” said Hao Jin, CEO and founder of Me Books Asia.

Other app highlights include:

● Over 400 children’s books from the best publishers around the world including Oxford Reading Tree, Andersen Press, and ELI Publishing, as well as local publishers like Magicbird Publishing and Oyez.
● Built-in narration with accurate pronunciation and intonation by Benedict Cumberbatch, Sir David Jason, Rik Mayall, Adam Buxton and many other world-class narrators.
● Customisable audio for interactive and collaborative storytelling using the app’s patented draw-and-record feature.
● Offline reading available.
● Supports up to three compatible devices under one user.
● Immersive sound effects to stir the imagination.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=33021

BEAUTRIO HELPS WOMEN TO SHINE, ENHANCING SINO-FRENCH COOPERATION

PARIS, Oct. 23, 2018 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

As the Paris Fashion Week just came to a close, a Sino-French fashion talk on Oriental Beauty took place in Xinhua Gallery Media France.

In this event, professionals in the fashion circle from both countries discussed the fashion aesthetics of the East and West, and explored the trend of skincare and makeup in the world. Also, the Beautrio 2019 Oriental Makeup Looks were released.

As another example to enhance the cooperation between China and France, Beautrio, an Infinitus upmarket skincare brand featuring Chinese herbs, has partnered with top research institutions and established the CNRS - Paris Diderot University Beautrio International Collaboration Skincare Research Centre.

Beautrio works with the French National Centre for Scientific Research (Centre national de la recherche scientifique, CNRS) to discover the anti-aging and moisturising effects of the Chinese herbs.

Beautrio has also teamed up with Ashland, a Fortune 500 chemical R&D company in Sophia Antipolis, the acclaimed technology park in France, in pursuit of the premium raw materials.

"Beautrio carries forward the time-honoured oriental skincare wisdom and integrates western technologies with traditional Chinese herbs." Infinitus Promotion Director Wang Jian stressed that, "We strive to improve our product quality and safety and work right from the source of our products. Offering premium contemporary skincare solutions that features Chinese herbs has always been our essential aspiration."

The cooperation between Chinese and French enterprises has allowed Beautrio to adopt the growth model that harnesses strengths from both the East and the West. In this way, Beautrio has not only enhanced itself, but also contributed a new force from China to the world skincare industry.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=33026

SolarWinds announces IPO pricing

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- SolarWinds announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 25,000,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of US$15.00 (RM62.4) per share. (US$1 = RM4.16)

SolarWinds is a leading provider of powerful and affordable IT management software.

According to a statement, the shares are expected to begin trading on October 19 on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “SWI,” and the offering is expected to close on October 23, subject to customary closing conditions.

In addition, SolarWinds has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 3,750,000 shares.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC are acting as joint lead book-running managers for the offering.

BofA Merrill Lynch, Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Evercore Group L.L.C., Jefferies LLC, Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc., Nomura Securities International, Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC are acting as joint book-running managers.

JMP Securities LLC, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., Mischler Financial Group, Inc., Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, Samuel A. Ramirez & Company, Inc. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. are acting as co-managers.

-- BERNAMA

Cloudflare new Munich office to help grow brand awareness

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- Cloudflare Inc -- a leading Internet performance and security company -- opened an office in Munich, Germany to help the company grow brand awareness, acquire customers and recruit new talent.

The new office is its first office in the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland). It marks Cloudflare’s second office in Europe, following the company’s European headquarters in London, a statement said.

Cloudflare’s first head of DACH, Stefan Henke, will oversee and lead the company’s sales in Germany and the broader DACH region.

“As Cloudflare considered locations for its second European office, Munich, a hub of technology innovation and business, seemed like an obvious choice,” said co-founder & CEO of Cloudflare, Matthew Prince.

Cloudflare’s network is already spread across the DACH region with presence in Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Munich, Zurich and Vienna. It is planning further expansion in the region as it continues to grow its network beyond 150+ data centers globally.

The new office presents a unique opportunity to be closer to customers in the fast-growing DACH market. With more than 10 million domains on Cloudflare’s network, the company already has many customers across the DACH region.

Cloudflare Inc is on a mission to help build a better Internet. The company runs one of the world’s largest networks that powers more than 10 trillion requests per month, which is nearly 10 percent of all Internet requests. More details on www.cloudflare.com.


-- BERNAMA

AXA merchantrade insure protects over 13,000 migrant workers

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) – AXA Affin General Insurance Bhd  in partnership with Merchantrade Asia Sdn Bhd have insured more than 13,000 migrant workers with Merchantrade Insure plan.

This insurance protection plan for migrant workers, launched last May, offers a claims payout directly to their beneficiaries.

AXA chief executive officer, Emmanuel Nivet said within five months from its launch, the corresponding total sum insured had already exceeded RM100 million.

“This milestone speaks volume about our purpose to empower people to live a better life via financial inclusion, but more importantly, it exemplifies our ongoing commitment in bridging the protection gap among the underserved.

“We at AXA hope to do our part by raising awareness of the importance of protection, and ensuring adequate protection for the migrants and their loved ones. Together with our strong partner Merchantrade, we will remain committed to extending protection to this segment.” Nivet said in a statement today.

Merchantrade Insure is underwritten by AXA and distributed exclusively by Merchantrade. The benefits include a payout of RM9,000 for accidental death or total permanent disability, and RM50 per day (for a total of RM1,000) for hospitalisation due to an accident.

Merchantrade Insure is now available at 83 Merchantrade branches nationwide. For details, visit www.mtradeasia.com or contact a nearby branch.

-- BERNAMA

Meizu launches five new products for Indonesian market

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Meizu Technology Ltd recently launched five products produced in and sold in the Indonesian market including three smartphone models -- iconic flagship 16th, M6T, C9, and POP true wireless earphones and EP52 Lite earphones.

The product launch on Oct 15 at the Pullman hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia lined up speakers including Meizu’s Co-Founder and Overseas President, Guo and overseas Head of Marketing. Over 150 of Indonesia’s top media, bloggers and fans also attended the event.

The products were released with two years warranty for the smartphones in the Indonesian market, compared with other smartphone manufacturers who only offer a one year warranty, a statement said.

The company also joined forces exclusively with JD.id to offer their products online, at a great price. With the first set of POP to hit the market on the 16th, while other products to be introduced around Oct 23, Meizu is set for rapid growth over the coming year.

The Meizu 16th series has the latest Flagship phone features super linear speakers that provide satisfaction in producing clear and maximum sound, supported with a 12 MP + 20 MP camera while Meizu M6T combines classic touches with a lightweight polycarbonate body weighing only 145g wrapped in three color variants, Ochre Black, Sky Blue and Coral Red.

Not much different from the M6T, the Meizu C9 also includes the face recognition unlock feature, which is fantastic for a phone at this price range. The Meizu EP52 Lite is a Bluetooth earphone accessory that is great for sports lovers and Meizu POP is a wireless Bluetooth earphone accessory which each earbud weighs only 5.8g, lighter than a metal coin.

Meizu is one of the world’s leading smartphone and accessories designers and manufacturers. Its mission is to deliver great phones and accessories to people who love them and increasing its Meizu fan base in Indonesia.

-- BERNAMA

CHIBA PROMOTION TEAM LAUNCHES FACEBOOK PAGE TO SPREAD CHARMS OF CHIBA

CHIBA, Japan, Oct. 19, 2018 /Kyodo JBN- AsiaNet/--

The Chiba Prefectural Government has launched a Facebook page run by its publicity team to deliver the charms of Chiba across the nation in the run-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Members of the "Chiba Promotion Team," numbering more than 100, are posting on a wide range of topics about the charms of Chiba, possibly helping you discover hitherto unknown attractions.

(Photos: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/201810179273?p=images)

Chiba Prefecture kindly welcomes you to visit and follow the page.

The Chiba Promotion Team is also recruiting people to newly join, encouraging one and all to spread information about the attractions of Chiba, including delicious food, beautiful scenery and warm hospitality encountered in the prefecture.

*About the Chiba Promotion Team
It consists of people who disseminate through posts on Facebook the attractions of Chiba such as delicious food, beautiful scenery and warm hospitality they have encountered in the region.

1. Facebook page
Please visit https://www.facebook.com/introchiba/
(Japanese)

2. Recruitment of Team members
(1) Recruitment period
Now recruiting (no set deadline)

(2) How to apply
Please fill out the required fields in the application form on the Chiba Prefecture website (URL below).
https://www.pref.chiba.lg.jp/kouhou/miryoku/hasshintai/official.html
(Japanese)

(3) Application requirements
- 18 years or older at the time of application
- Not a member of an "antisocial (organized crime)" organization, etc.
- A person who already has or plans to have a Facebook account
- Ready to actively spread information about the charms of Chiba

 *Applications from both residents and non-residents of the prefecture are accepted.

(4) Others
Team members who have proved excellent in spreading information about the attractions of Chiba, as measured by results such as robust feedback from browsers of the page, will be awarded. (Scheduled for early March 2019)


Source: Chiba Prefectural Government

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=33007

Sixty hectares battery gigafactory to be built in China

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) – A sixty hectares battery gigafactory will be constructed in the Yangtze river Delta, China with estimated total investments at €1.6 billion (RM7.68 billion). (€1 = RM4.80)

Dutch energy storage and battery company, Lithium Werks B.V. and Chinese Zhejiang Jiashan Economic and Technological Development Zone Industry Corporation have signed a framework agreement to construct the gigafactory.

According to a statement, the agreement was signed in the presence of the Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang and Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte recently.

It marks Lithium Werks’ plan to build multiple gigafactories across the world as part of a 15-to-20-year program that mirrors the long-term business models of the wind and solar industry.

The Lithium Werks factory and related facilities will produce battery cells for lithium-ion batteries, enabling the energy transition from fossil fuels to clean energy in order to reduce CO2 emissions.

The company expects to have installed production capacity of 500 GWh per annum by 2030 as it continues to contribute to shift to a carbon neutral world.

Lithium Werks said during the next decade alone, the demand for lithium-ion batteries will grow tenfold – industry will need to respond by constructing factories to deliver capacity in excess of 10,000 GWh in the next three decades.

“We are grateful and happy to work with our Chinese partners, the first to support our strategy to have a factory in their country. Speed of execution is key as is evidenced by building permit and other regulatory processes in China being completed within 100 days,” said chairman of the board, Lithium Werks, Kees Koolen.

Koolen added that other countries and partners are invited to take up the dialogue in order to accelerate the roll out in other locations.

Lithium Werks is committed to providing energy storage solutions that make electricity generated from renewable energy available when consumers need it, thus facilitating the global transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. More details on www.lithiumwerks.com

-- BERNAMA

Danajamin Mighty Run returns for the third year

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The Danajamin Mighty Run 2018, a charity run in support of autism awareness, is returning for the third year on Nov 24. 

Danajamin Nasional Berhad (Danajamin) managing director/chief executive officer Mohamed Nazri Omar, in a statement, said: “In line with Danajamin’s mandate to help underserved companies grow, the Danajamin Mighty Run 2018 aims to assist the underserved community by providing them with opportunities to grow within the wider community.

“Prior to Danajamin Mighty Run, we have always been supporting The National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) and championing autism awareness. Through Danajamin Mighty Run, we hope to continue our role to support the autism community by nurturing their growth and enabling them to thrive within our society.”

This year’s run, themed ‘Feel the Spectrum’, will be held at the Perdana Botanical Garden, Kuala Lumpur. There will be three main categories, namely the 1km Autism Family Walk for RM35, the 5km Fun Run (RM50), and the 10km competitive run (RM70).

The event will incorporate several multisensory activities along the participants’ route for a heightened sensory experience to mimic the challenges often faced by people on the spectrum, who are highly sensitive to their environments.

In addition, Danajamin is also partnering with Art Jamila, a painter who was diagnosed as autistic at the age of four, by featuring her painting titled ‘Unity in Diversity’ in all Danajamin Mighty Run’s collaterals.

As in previous years, part of the proceeds from the Danajamin Mighty Run will go to NASOM. The fund has since benefited NASOM and its students with an upgraded Vocational Centre in Bandar Puteri in Klang, and a newly-created Snoezelen Room in Gombak.

To register for the event, visit https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/11944 or follow Danajamin Mighty Run 2018 Facebook page to get the latest updates.

Registration is open till Nov 10, 2018. For enquiries, email the organiser at communications@danajaminmightyrun.com.

-- BERNAMA

China´s SMEs improve availability, quality of financial services

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) – China's small-and micro-sized enterprises (SME) showed improved availability and quality of financial services in the second quarter of 2018, according to the CCB-Xinhua Inclusive Finance-SME Index.

The index was inaugurated in Beijing recently and is jointly compiled by the China Construction Bank (CCB) and China Economic Information Service (CEIS) under Xinhua News Agency.

It includes four sub-indices; financing index, service index, development index and business index.

According to CEIS in a statement, the index reflects the capability of Chinese financial system to provide convenient service at reasonable prices for SMEs and depicts the running situation and development status of inclusive finance for SMEs.

In the second quarter of 2018, the development index and the business index for SMEs stayed at 55.41 and 54.80, respectively – both higher than the critical threshold of 50 and indicating the booming situation in the two fields.

Vice president and secretary general of Xinhua News Agency, Liu Zhengrong said Xinhua will continue to report China's policies and measures for developing inclusive finance and local experience and achievements in practice all over the country.

Xinhua will also integrate all of its media resources and specialized think-tank teams to provide services for financial institutions like CCB and contribute to China's inclusive finance development.

Chairman of CCB, Tian Guoli said that in the area of inclusive finance, there are still many theoretical and practical problems to be solved and the CCB-Xinhua Inclusive Finance-SME Index gives full play to the strength of all sectors of society.

-- BERNAMA

LEDDARTECH EXPANDS ITS ENGINEERING EXPERTISE AND ACCELERATES ITS DESIGN ROADMAP TO MEET MARKET DEMAND

LeddarTech accelerates the development of its automotive LiDAR development platform, through organizational enhancements and the investment in two new engineering facilities in Toronto, Canada, and in Linz, Austria.

QUEBEC CITY, Oct 16 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LeddarTech, which develops a high-performance, cost-efficient solid-state LiDAR development platform for the automotive industry, is pleased to announce that it has greatly increased its automotive and semiconductor expertise through the hiring of two groups of world-class engineers to complement the existing engineering division. The company has recently expanded its operations to accommodate this growth in its new research and development office in Linz, Austria, as well as in its new Automotive Center of Excellence in Toronto, Canada.

This key expansion brings to the Linz research and development office highly specialized engineering resources focused in microelectronic activities in support of the company’s LeddarCore systems-on-chip (SoC) integration programs.

In Toronto, the Automotive Center of Excellence (opening on October 29, 2018) will accommodate a team of automotive industry experts entirely dedicated to enabling active safety and autonomous driving solutions, with core expertise that includes, namely, vision sensors and fusion, machine learning and deep learning, software development, system engineering and ISO 26262 compliance.

“LeddarTech is proud to attract top talent and our investment in world-class technical expertise in Linz and Toronto is a testament to our commitment to delivering the most versatile, flexible and architecturally scalable LiDAR development platform in the industry to our customers,” stated Charles Boulanger, CEO of LeddarTech. Mr. Boulanger added, “We are excited to have these experienced engineers on board and are confident that these highly skilled and qualified technical individuals will take LeddarTech’s automotive LiDAR development platform solutions to the next level by accelerating design and time to market.”

“These senior automotive and semiconductor experts bring with them valuable experience and know-how in developing automotive-grade solutions that meet the industry’s stringent FUSA requirements,” stated Antonio Polo, LeddarTech’s Vice-President of Engineering. Mr. Polo continued, “This new expertise also supports our long-term technology development roadmap and enhances the organization’s capability to support our customers’ LiDAR solutions through the integration of our unique Leddar Engine for autonomous driving applications.”

About LeddarTech
LeddarTech is an industry leader in the development of the most versatile and easy-to-use automotive LiDAR development platform based on the unique Leddar Engine, which consists of a suite of automotive-grade and functional safety certified SoCs working in tandem with Leddar SP software. The company is responsible for several technological innovations in cutting-edge mobility remote-sensing applications. Automotive active safety, autonomous driving, intelligent transportation, inner-city fleet vehicles, and more, are being enhanced using patented LeddarTech technologies.

Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.LeddarTech.com, and on LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.

Contact: Daniel Aitken, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, LeddarTech
Tel.: +1-418-653-9000 ext. 232 Daniel.Aitken@Leddartech.com

LeddarTech, Leddar, LeddarCore Leddar Engine and LeddarTech logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Inc. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

Source : LeddarTech Inc.

--BERNAMA

TEDXWEEKEND 2019 TO TAIPEI, TAIWAN

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Oct 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE)-- TED, an organization that seeks to change the world with ideas under the slogan “ideas worth spreading,” has selected Taipei, Taiwan as one of the five cities to hold TEDxWeekend in 2019 to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181010006043/en/

Over the past years, TED has connected communities across the world through holding TEDx events, establishing an online platform that has captured over billions of views.

Dr. Luke Lee, TEDx Ambassador and Organizer of TEDxWeekend noted that TED has utilized the power of decentralized web to develop citizen participation through bottom-up approach, making it an example of the best practice of digital innovation. Taiwan, meanwhile, has become a facilitator and place where ideas are turned into action.

The upcoming TEDxWeekend has received positive responses from enterprises and public sectors. Hochen Tan, former Minister of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, said Taiwan society, which allows openness and diversity, has helped enriched and promoted TED.

The geographical competitiveness also allows Taiwan to bridge the information, communication, and technology of Northeast Asia as well as economic benefit generated by the ethnically diverse population in Southeast Asia. Taiwan looks forward to diverse conversations through combining civilization of Asia continent and Taiwan’s oceanic culture, added Hochen.

Chairman Jan Hung-tze of PChome Online Inc. and the Digital and Innovation Working Group of APEC Business Advisory Council pointed out TED demonstrates knowledge sharing, collaboration, and participation through cross-field sharing, enabling ideas, thoughts to be heard and practiced, and creates chance and space for minority to achieve equality. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=32934

GVIDO MUSIC at Asia´s largest music trade fair in Shanghai, China

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- GVIDO MUSIC Co Ltd will exhibit and promote its digital music score device GVIDO at Asia’s largest music trade fair -- ‘Music China’ -- from Oct 10 to 13 in Shanghai, China.

Music China generally attracts more than 100,000 visitors and more than 2,000 exhibitors from around the world.

As the music education market in China expands rapidly on a world scale, the company has been receiving an increasing number of inquiries from China, reflecting the growing interest of GVIDO in China.

The sales of GVIDO is also growing in Japan, North America and Europe. The company plans to launch its products in the Chinese market from mid-2019, a statement said.

Details about the music trade fair at https://music-china.hk.messefrankfurt.com.

-- BERNAMA

Record 800 participants from 20 countries in Hong Kong Optical Fair

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- A record number of 800 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and regions including new exhibitor from Argentina will participate in Asia’s premier Hong Kong Optical Fair from Nov 7 to 9 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 26th edition of the fair will also launch “IT Solutions & Shop Fittings” zone to showcase latest technologies and products.

The fair will include group pavilions representing France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Visionaries of Style from Italy and the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA) all offering boundless business opportunities, a statement said.

More than 220 well-known global brands worldwide will be gathered during the fair including new exhibiting brands such as CHARMANT, Daniel Klein, GEORGESBAND, Oscar Eide, WILLIAM MORRIS and others.

A Hong Kong exhibitor, 3DNA Eyewear will launch its unique retail-tech and customised eyewear platform, turning buying eyewear into an interactive experience as optical retailers are able to operate face scan and select precise eyewear for customers.

The 16th Hong Kong Optometric Conference will also be staged during the fair. It will brings overseas experts to discuss the topic of The Contemporary Role of Optometrists in Primary Care.

More details about the optical fair on www.hktdc.com/hkopticalfair.

-- BERNAMA  

HOW TECH WILL TRANSFORM COMMERCE AND CONSUMER EXPERIENCES BY 2040

HOW TECH WILL TRANSFORM COMMERCE AND CONSUMER EXPERIENCES BY 2040

METRO IVF TO HOLD PUBLIC FORUM ON FERTILITY TREATMENTS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) – Metro IVF Sdn Bhd, a renowned fertility centre and a subsidiary of Metro Healthcare Bhd, will be organising a public forum on fertility treatments at Aloft, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, on Oct 28.

Specialists in the field of fertility as well as obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) will share their expertise on topics such as conception and in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Metro Healthcare Bhd’s executive chairman, Dr Tee Swi Peng, said in a statement, “Our success rate is our achievement since operating in 1999, and when the patients smile while holding their bundle of joy – those precious moments shared with us are always treasured.

“We always strive hard to improve our success rate using the latest technology while maintaining our patients’ satisfaction.”

Dr Tee will be one of the speakers who will elaborate on the latest technology in IVF to increase the success rate using the next generation DNA sequencing.  

There will also be consultations with fertility specialists, and screening programmes such as pelvis scan, Vitamin D test, body mass index (BMI) test, and blood test. Attractive giveaways await participants.

To register, visit https://form.jotform.me/82741656223457 or WhatsApp https://wa.me/60149256228.

-- BERNAMA

Carrier Singapore wins Environmental Innovation Award

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 (Bernama) – Carrier Singapore (Pte) Limited has won the 2018 SEC-Senoko Energy Green Innovation Award at the Singapore Environmental Achievement Awards (SEAA).

Awarded by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC), the award recognizes the company’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship with breakthrough products such as the AquaEdge® 19DV centrifugal chiller.

According to a statement, Carrier is a world leader in high-technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions and it is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security – a unit of United Technologies Corp.

The award focuses on innovative developments and design of both existing and newly introduced technologies, which honors companies that reduce the environmental impact of products, improve resource efficiency and/ or promote the use of alternate technologies and processes.

The AquaEdge® 19DV centrifugal chiller, with its advanced two-stage compressor and Greenspeed® intelligence, has more than 40 per cent higher efficiency than American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE®) 2016 guidelines.

"We are honored to be recognized in the prestigious SEC-Senoko Green Innovation award category,” said managing director, Carrier Singapore, Chong Wai Yen.

Chong said: “As a leading heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) manufacturer, Carrier continues to innovate and invest in the delivery of new, sustainable technologies to help our customers reduce their energy consumption."

More details on www.CCS.UTC.com

--BERNAMA

Daniel Aitken is LeddarTech new VP of Corporate Marketing and Communications

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- LeddarTech, a Quebec City-based technology company has appointed Daniel Aitken as Vice-President of Corporate Marketing and Communications.

President and COO, Frantz Saintellemy said Aitken’s experience and success in the development of sound and innovative marketing, branding and communications strategies and leadership abilities which will have a great impact to position the company’s automotive LiDAR development platform and value proposition to the industry.

Aitken has more than 20 years’ technology-industry experience including strategic business development and marketing. He spent most of his career working in multinational corporations in Canada, Europe and the United States.

“The unique business model of LeddarTech makes for an exciting marketing opportunity. I am very pleased to have joined LeddarTech, and I look forward to building upon the tremendous momentum that already exists” said Aitken.

Prior to joining LeddarTech, Aitken held a variety of senior positions at high-profile technology companies including Integrated Device Technology, ZMDI and Future Electronics, a statement said.

LeddarTech is a specialist in the development of high-performance, automotive grade solid-state LiDAR sensors and ensuring that these revolutionary products are commercially viable for use in high volume passenger vehicles. More details on www.LeddarTech.com.

-- BERNAMA

Seaborn Networks celebrates success in global communications industry

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- Seaborn Networks (Seaborn) celebrates its US-Brazil Seabras-1 first year anniversary as the company success in redefining the definition of Quality of Service in the global communications industry.

Seaborn’s Chief Sales Officer, David Zimmer said the company will continue offering unrivaled customer service and setting new standards in the subsea cable industry as its system has become so popular among OTTs, carriers, ISPs, HFTs and other international customers.

With its dedicated Engineering and Operations teams driving a focus around subsea cable service and delivery in the region, Seaborn’s precedent-setting approach to customer service has come across in a number of ways, a statement said.

Approaches includes first ultra-low latency subsea route for international financial markets, uniquely proactive direct customer interface between customers and Seaborn’s proprietary NOC, proprietary SeaCloud offerings, industry-leading system uptime and the most subsea-centric business model in LatAm markets.

Seaborn Networks is a leading developer-owner-operator of submarine fiber optic cable systems including Seabras-1, ARBR and SABR. More details on www.seabornnetworks.com.

-- BERNAMA

ACCA INTERNARY A NEW SPEEDY PATHWAY TO CERTIFICATION

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 10 (Bernama)— The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) today officially launched the ACCA INternary Programme (ACCA INternary), featuring a unique collaboration between the academic industry and the professional body in Malaysia.

ACCA INternary provides undergraduates of Accounting degrees with an accelerated pathway to study for a professional qualification while completing the industrial experience required to qualify as an ACCA Chartered Certified Accountant, all within two years of graduation from the university.

ACCA Malaysia Head of Education, Helmy Mohtar, said the programme allows both employers and public universities to develop well-rounded graduates geared up for the industry and well prepared to qualify as professional accountants. 

“The programme is in fact a ‘3u1i’ mode of learning, whereby the students will study in a campus for three years and one full year of internship in the industry, while also pursuing the ACCA qualification,” he told the media after the programme’s launch, here, today.

The launch was graced by Higher Education Ministry deputy director-general, Prof Dr Noor Azizi Ismail.

Helmy said the initiative is being supported by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) which will work closely with ACCA to educate students for ACCA INternary, while eight employers are also committed to support the programme.

The employers are Baker Tilly Monteiro Heng, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, Grant Thornton Malaysia, KPMG, Maybank, Paramount Corp Bhd and PwC.

Helmy also said the employers’ commitment to support the year-long internship will provide students with the relevant experience needed towards qualifying as ACCA member and potential future employability.

--BERNAMA