DELIVERING THE FUTURE: FEDEX UNVEILS AUTONOMOUS DELIVERY ROBOT

FedEx SameDay Bot

FedEx SameDay Bot is an Evolution for Same-Day, Last-Mile E-Commerce Deliveries
 
MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX) announced today a development in cutting-edge delivery solutions to meet the rapidly changing needs of consumers — the FedEx SameDay Bot — an autonomous delivery device designed to help retailers make same-day and last-mile deliveries to their customers.
 
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190227005421/en/
 
With the bot, retailers will be able to accept orders from nearby customers and deliver them by bot directly to customers’ homes or businesses the same day. FedEx is collaborating with companies such as AutoZone, Lowe’s, Pizza Hut, Target, Walgreens and Walmart to help assess retailers’ autonomous delivery needs. On average, more than 60 percent of merchants’ customers live within three miles of a store location, demonstrating the opportunity for on-demand, hyper-local delivery.
 
“The FedEx SameDay Bot is an innovation designed to change the face of local delivery and help retailers efficiently address their customers’ rising expectations,” said Brie Carere, executive vice president and chief marketing and communications officer for FedEx. “The bot represents a milestone in our ongoing mission to solve the complexities and expense of same-day, last-mile delivery for the growing e-commerce market in a manner that is safe and environmentally friendly.”
 
The FedEx bot is being developed in collaboration with DEKA Development & Research Corp. and its founder Dean Kamen, inventor of many life-changing technologies, including the iBot™ Personal Mobility Device and the Segway®.
 
“The bot has unique capabilities that make it unlike other autonomous vehicles,” Kamen said. “We built upon the power base of the iBot, an advanced, FDA-approved, mobility device for the disabled population with more than 10 million hours of reliable, real-world operation. By leveraging this base in an additional application, we hope that the iBot will become even more accessible to those who need it for their own mobility.”
 
The FedEx bot is designed to travel on sidewalks and along roadsides, safely delivering smaller shipments to customers’ homes and businesses. Bot features include pedestrian-safe technology from the iBot, plus advanced technology such as LiDAR and multiple cameras, allowing the zero-emission, battery-powered bot to be aware of its surroundings. These features are coupled with machine-learning algorithms to detect and avoid obstacles, plot a safe path and allow the bot to follow road and safety rules. Proprietary technology makes the bot highly capable, allowing it to navigate unpaved surfaces, curbs, and even steps for an extraordinary door-to-door delivery experience.
 
FedEx plans to test the bot this summer in select markets, including Memphis, Tenn., pending final city approvals.
 
“We couldn’t be more excited that FedEx chose its hometown as one of the pilot cities for this revolutionary innovation,” Mayor Jim Strickland, City of Memphis, said. “We look forward to working with FedEx to continue introducing technologies that will help improve the quality of life in our community.”
 
The initial test will involve deliveries between selected FedEx Office locations. FedEx Office currently offers a SameDay City service that operates in 32 markets and 1,900 cities using branded FedEx vehicles and uniformed FedEx employees. The FedEx bot will complement the FedEx SameDay City service.
 
“The FedEx SameDay Bot represents the next chapter in our long legacy of delivering innovation and outstanding service, supported by an already existing FedEx logistics ecosystem,” said Brian Philips, President and CEO of FedEx Office. “We are excited to bring this technology to address new markets and better support our customers. The companies who have provided feedback on its potential use have been instrumental in ensuring we are looking toward the future of e-commerce.”
 
The FedEx bot will support retailers in several segments, and the first group of retail customers to view the prototype have recognized the value the technology can bring to their industries.
 
“We are thrilled to be working with the talented teams at FedEx and DEKA on this revolutionary innovation,” said Bill Rhodes, Chairman, President and CEO, Customer Satisfaction, AutoZone. “When we saw the FedEx SameDay Bot in action, it confirmed to our team the many ways it can help us improve our service by offering reliable, highly efficient deliveries to our customers.”
 
“The convenience and capability of the FedEx Same Day Bot has the potential to greatly simplify and speed distribution for the full range of our customers. Consider pros who could save time and money by never leaving the job site for the critical tools and supplies they need from Lowe’s,” said Don Frieson, Lowe’s Executive Vice President, Supply Chain. “We look forward to exploring all the possibilities to enhance the service we provide our customers through this innovation.”
 
“Pizza Hut is constantly exploring new technology-based solutions to advance our delivery business as we look to redefine the modern pizza experience for our customers,” said Nicolas Burquier, chief customer and operations officer, Pizza Hut, U.S. “The opportunity to work with a proven innovator in the delivery space like FedEx allows us the opportunity to leverage cutting-edge technology to further optimize our best-in-class delivery experience.”
 
“We continue to invest in new technologies and capabilities that make Target the easiest place to shop – both now and in the future. We’re excited to be collaborating with FedEx to explore how autonomous robots could enhance delivery services and more, ensuring we continue to exceed our guests’ expectations for ease and convenience,” said John Mulligan, chief operating officer, Target.
 
“At Walgreens, we’re on a journey to leverage the latest in innovative technologies to provide a differentiated pharmacy and health care experience, and delivery solutions that bring our services to our customers wherever they are and whenever they need them,” said Alex Gourlay, co-chief operating officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. “With FedEx as a partner, Walgreens has become the fastest choice for next-day prescription delivery in the U.S., and we’re excited that through our growing relationship, the FedEx SameDay Bot is another way we can offer better service and greater convenience to our customers.”
 
The bot made its first public appearance during NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday, Feb. 26. This prototype will be refined to meet safety standards and regulations, and the specific needs of customers. For more information on the FedEx SameDay Bot, please visit thefuturefedex.com. For b-roll, please click here.
 
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LeddarTech to present in 2 European industry events in March

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- Most versatile and scalable auto and mobility LiDAR platform provider, LeddarTech will participate in two European industry events in March, as part of the LeddarTech Mobility Leadership Series.

Product Manager (Automotive Solutions), Pier-Olivier Hamel will take centre stage at Automotive Tech.AD Berlin in Berlin, Germany while Strategic Partnerships Director, Heinz Oyrer will make a presentation at the Sensor Solutions 2019 International Conference in Brussels, Belgium.

On March 11, Hamel will present Demystifying LiDAR Technology for Automotive AD Applications. He will also review the timeline for the integration of automotive LiDAR, including the critical requirements, key building blocks of LiDAR Systems and their impact in fulfilling the needs of mass-market automotive-grade LiDARs.

Automotive Tech.AD Berlin is addressing the challenges of achieving full autonomy. As one of Europe’s leading knowledge exchange events, it brings together over 350 stakeholders in the vehicle automation scene.

Meanwhile on March 26, Oyrer will address leading experts and executives in the sensor industry on how to Leverage Ecosystem Collaboration to Create a Versatile and Scalable LiDAR Solution.

Oyrer will also explain how an ecosystem of world-class automotive suppliers provides pre-qualified sourcing options for components and software to use in the design of solid-state LiDARs, accelerating and simplifying the development and procurement processes, for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Sensor Solutions International is a two-day, high tech event where attendees will gain up-to-date overview of the global sensor industry and related market opportunities.

-- BERNAMA

Hytera showcases latest convergence communication solutions in MWC 2019

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- The next generation of P-LTE convergence communication solutions, including P-LTE Mission Critical Services (MCS) solution and a new Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (PoC) handset have been launched in Barcelona, Spain.

The solutions were unveiled by China-based innovative professional mobile radio (PMR) communications solutions provider, Hytera Communications Corporation Limited (Hytera) at the Mobile World Conference 2019 (MWC 2019) recently.

During the event, Hytera showcased its capability of converging broadband and narrowband, public and private networks to provide next-generation on-demand communication solutions for public safety, emergency response, rail transit, airports and the energy industry.

Visitors were attracted to multiple trunking services, such as MCPTT calls, video uploading and distribution, video conferencing and dynamic regrouping. The visitors also experienced how the Hytera MCS solution could be used in various scenarios.

The company also showcased a complete PoC solution over 2G, 3G, 4G and WiFi networks for customers, who can either buy additional hardware to build their own networks for private management or rent cloud servers for flexible management.

Hytera PoC radios are compatible with most on-market PoC solutions and adaptable to customised software. The solution also interconnects both narrowband and broadband networks for seamless user experience on voice, call control and dispatch services.

Hytera executive vice-president, Yelin Jiang said the company’s solutions could help customers merge with public networks and even the Internet, and enable them to achieve successful business innovation and transformation with a rich set of smart available applications.

Hytera is an innovative PMR communication solutions provider that improves organisational efficiency and makes the world safer. It was founded in Shenzhen, China in 1993. More details at www.hytera.com

-- BERNAMA

Syntonic unveils new mobile services to ring in more revenue

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- Syntonic, a leading mobile technology and service provider has released three new carrier services to generate more revenue from mobile data and the app economy.

“With Syntonic’s new platform services, we can now provide carriers, content providers and advertisers with full out-of-the-box solutions to generate new revenue streams from engaged mobile subscribers,” said Syntonic Chief Executive Officer, Gary Greenbaum.

The services are as follows:

• Syntonic Captive Portal -- This is a complete solution enabling mobile carriers and WiFi providers to generate revenue from customers without data plans, offering ad-supporter access to select Internet apps, websites and content;
• Syntonic Sponsored Web -- This is an innovative technology that enables carriers to zero-rate any third-party website using the standard on-phone browser and facilitates a host of new and interesting sponsorship opportunities such as ad-supported content access; and,
• Syntonic Mobile Commerce Suite -- This is a set of services including direct-carrier billing and integrated wallet that enables flexible payment models such as subscription and single-item transactions and in-app purchases.

Syntonic provides the only end-to-end revenue generation platform that enables app publishers, content providers and advertisers to engage their audience and customers throughout their entire lifecycle.

For more information, contact www.syntonic.com.

-- BERNAMA

Australia´s Guild Insurance Limited has robust Financial Strength Rating - AM Best

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘a-’ of Guild Insurance Limited (GIL) Australia.

The stable outlook of the ratings reflects GIL’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorised as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

According to a statement, GIL’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which AM Best expects to remain at the strongest level over the medium term, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio.

AM Best views GIL’s operating performance as adequate, as evidenced by a five-year average return on equity ratio of six per cent (fiscal years 2014 to 2018).

Historically, GIL’s combined ratio has been maintained at approximately 100 per cent, reflecting a favourable loss ratio, albeit offset by an elevated expense ratio when compared with the industry average.

The company is a leading provider of insurance protection to allied health professional associations. Its presence in this segment is supported by its direct access to members of its parent company, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

AM Best is a global rating agency and information provider with unique focus on the insurance industry. For more information, contact www.ambest.com.

-- BERNAMA

MERCER'S 2019 GLOBAL TALENT TRENDS

Mercer’s 2019 Global Talent Trends study identifies four top trends shaping the future of work
 
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- According to Mercer’s 2019 Global Talent Trends study, nearly three-quarters (73%) of executives predict significant disruption in the next three years, compared to 26% in 2018. As executives focus on making their organizations “future-fit”, significant human capital risks – including the ability to close the skills gap and overcome employee change fatigue – can impede transformation progress. Addressing these concerns is paramount, given that only one in three executives rate their company’s ability to mitigate human capital risks as very effective.
 
“Over the last few years, organizations have moved from anticipation to action in preparing for the future of work. But they risk bewildering people with too much change, ignoring the values individuals admire, and inundating them with endless process,” said Ilya Bonic, President of Mercer’s Career business.
 
In today’s climate of uncertainty, employees seek stability. Mercer’s study finds that job security is one of the top three reasons employees joined their company, and the main reason they stay. Yet, one in three employees are concerned that AI and automation will replace their job. The way to help employees feel secure is to foster the human connections. Thriving employees (those prospering in the areas of health, wealth, and career) are twice as likely to describe their role as “relationship focused” and their work environment as “collaborative.”
 
“The future of work is about connectivity, creating a work environment that appeals to today’s workforce by building a coherent sense of identity, sparking connections, and using data to personalize the experience,” said Kate Bravery, Career Global Solutions Leader at Mercer.
 
Mercer’s study identifies four top trends that leading companies are pursuing in 2019: Aligning Work to Future Value, Building Brand Resonance, Curating the Work Experience, and Delivering Talent-led Change.
 
Aligning Work to Future Value. AI and automation continue to transform the competitive landscape – 60% of companies plan to automate more work in the next 12 months. At the same time, the C-suite names job redesign as the area of talent investment with the highest potential for return on investment, and 65% of employees are asking for more clearly defined responsibilities. The challenge for HR is to build an integrated people strategy (an approach deployed four times more frequently by high-growth companies) and leverage the right talent analytics to inform decisions on the future size and shape of the organization – yet only one-third of companies have good insights into the business impact of their buy, build, borrow, and automate strategies. “The key is aligning jobs and people to where value is being created, and enabling a mechanism to reward future-fit skills and behaviors,” said Ms. Bravery.
 
Building Brand Resonance. What matters to employees and job seekers is the way a company conducts business and upholds the values of its brand. In a social, transparent world, the lines are blurring between a company’s consumer brand and its talent value proposition (TVP). Successful companies ensure that their brand resonates with all workforce segments – 68% of high-growth organizations differentiate their TVP to different groups (such as contingent workers), compared to 47% of modest-growth companies. An organization’s total rewards philosophy is one area where brand values can shine: Thriving employees are four times more likely to work for a company that ensures equity in pay and promotion decisions (78% vs. 18%).
 
Curating the Work Experience. An effective and relevant day-to-day work experience is essential for retaining top talent. According to Mercer’s study, thriving employees are three times more likely to work for an organization that enables quick decision-making (81% vs. 26%) and that provides tools and resources for them to do their job efficiently (82% vs. 30%). Personalized and simplified professional development plans are an ask from employees – more than half (56%) of employees want curated learning to help them evolve their skills and prepare for future jobs. Technology plays a critical role – high-growth firms are twice as likely as moderate-growth firms to provide a fully digital experience for employees.
 
Delivering Talent-led Change. To ensure talent is at the center of change, HR should have a voice in business transformation. This year’s study found 61% of HR leaders involved in planning the rollout of major change projects and 54% involved in executing those plans. But, only two in five HR leaders participated in the idea generation stage of transformation initiatives. HR sees employee morale as a significant barrier to making changes stick: “Employee attrition” and a “decline in employee trust” are two of the top challenges in the year ahead. “These findings point to the need for transformation efforts to focus on people-centered design and better talent metrics to understand how people are experiencing and embracing change,” said Mr. Bonic.
 
Mercer’s 2019 Global Talent Trends study shares insights from over 7,300 senior business executives, HR leaders, and employees from nine key industries and 16 geographies around the world. To download the report, visit https://www.mercer.com/global-talent-trends.
 
About Mercer
 
Mercer delivers advice and technology-driven solutions that help organizations meet the health, wealth and career needs of a changing workforce. Mercer’s more than 23,000 employees are based in 44 countries and the firm operates in over 130 countries. Mercer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE: MMC), the leading global professional services firm in the areas of risk, strategy and people. With nearly 65,000 colleagues and annual revenue over $14 billion, through its market-leading companies including Marsh, Guy Carpenter and Oliver Wyman, Marsh & McLennan helps clients navigate an increasingly dynamic and complex environment. For more information, visit www.mercer.com. Follow Mercer on Twitter @Mercer.
 
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190226005499/en/
 
Contact
Andrew Davy
+65 8163 8511
andrew.davy@mercer.com
 
Source : Mercer
 
--BERNAMA

MHPS fires up global market as share leader for heavy duty gas turbines

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd (MHPS) secured the 2018 market share leadership in global orders for heavy duty gas turbines (100 MW and above), achieving a major milestone in the global power generation sector.

The result is based on data compiled by the premier reporting agency in the gas turbine market, McCoy Reports.

This segment is the most closely watched by industry experts because it represents the most advanced technology and drives energy production globally.

MHPS market leadership is driven by the J-Series gas turbine and its industry-leading over 64 per cent efficiency and 99.5 per cent reliability.

“Being the heavy duty gas turbine leader in this competitive market is validation of both our world-leading turbine technology and of our employees around the world who put our customers first.

“I am proud more customers are choosing us to provide reliable and efficient power,” said MHPS President & Chief Executive Officer, Kenji Ando.

Globally, MHPS’ heavy duty turbines captured 41 per cent global market share. For the largest gas turbines (post F-class and larger), MHPS had 49 per cent global market share.

MHPS is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. For more information, contact https://www.mhps.com.

-- BERNAMA

DTECT DERMA, GENETIC SCREENING FOR AESTHETIC HEALTHCARE

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- Public-listed healthcare company, Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad (MGRC), and its subsidiary, pathology services company Clinipath (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Clinipath) today announced the availability of Dtect Derma, a comprehensive genetic screening test that examines key genes associated with aesthetics and skin health.

Dtect Derma offers an extensive profile of traits related to skin youthfulness and premature ageing. Skin youthfulness is dependent upon many biological factors including nutrient metabolism, cellular ageing, collagen homeostasis (including collagen production, integrity and turnover), hydration, and elasticity. Premature ageing of the skin can be caused by lower collagen production, lower hydration, loss of elasticity, thinning of the skin, and age-related discolouration among many other factors.

Although the environment plays an important role in skin health, genetics are also involved in modulating the body’s response to harmful environmental factors such as protection against UV radiation and photoaging. The results from advanced genetic screening tests such as Dtect Derma can identify predispositions to various causes of premature ageing which may be used by doctors and patients to personalise skin care regimes to prolong health and wellness.

MGRC and Clinipath continue to work together to make comprehensive pathology services, and the latest in genetic testing available to doctors with a view to improving the lives of patients in Malaysia and the region.

About Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad 

MGRC was a pioneer in genome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and genetic screening services. Since 2004, MGRC had developed extensive pipelines in the sequencing and analysis of human, animal, plant and microbial genomes for clients worldwide. Today, MGRC is focused on merging the latest in genetic testing with pathology to enable doctors to provide personalised healthcare for their patients.

About Clinipath (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd 

Clinipath is one of Malaysia’s largest independent pathology service providers with a nationwide network of 18 branches. It offers a complete range of fast, accurate and reliable pathology testing services. It has been ISO 15189 accredited since 2010. Clinipath is a wholly-owned subsidiary of public-listed MGRC.

Source: Clinipath Malaysia Sdn Bhd

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Shawn Keng
Tel: +6014-9685808
Email: enquiries@mgrc.com.my

--BERNAMA

BRANDSAFWAY™ ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF CENTURY ELEVATORS

Enhances motorized access capabilities in industrial and commercial construction markets throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond
 
Kennesaw, Georgia, USA, Feb 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KENNESAW, Georgia; February 25, 2019 – In a move to expand its motorized capabilities and offer a full suite of access technologies throughout the Gulf Coast, BrandSafway is pleased to announce the acquisition of Century Elevators, effective February 22, 2019. The leading rack and pinion elevator specialist in North America, Century Elevators provides construction and industrial elevators, material hoists, and transport platforms in the Gulf Coast region and beyond. Century Elevators is also the exclusive distributor of PEGA Hoist Ltd. products throughout North America and Böcker Maschinenwerke GmbH (Boecker) equipment in the United States.

“Century Elevators is a very welcome addition to BrandSafway,” said Dave Witsken, president of Energy and Industrial at BrandSafway. “With the outstanding experience and expertise Century Elevators offers in custom elevator and motorized access solutions — in both industrial and commercial settings — we can deliver a higher level of excellence to our customers. We will also be able to strengthen our position in the Gulf Coast and enhance our range and delivery of access technologies.”

A full-service company, Century Elevators provides rental, sales, design, engineering, installation, operation, remote troubleshooting, maintenance and 24-hour emergency services. Founded in 2009 by a team of industry veterans, Century Elevators is headquartered in Webster, Texas, located within the southeastern Houston metro area, and has diversified experience in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, mining, power, commercial construction, infrastructure and transportation.

Moving forward, Century Elevators will operate as Century Elevators by BrandSafway, an independent business under the BrandSafway umbrella. “We look forward to joining the BrandSafway family of companies,” said Jim Jensen, president of Century Elevators. “This is an exciting opportunity for our business, our employees and our customers.”

Paula Manning, a former president of the Scaffold and Access Industry Association and director of business development for Century Elevators, sees this acquisition as advantageous for customers of both BrandSafway and Century Elevators. “Century Elevators brings elevator, hoist and transport platform expertise to BrandSafway customers in key markets,” she explained. “At the same time, with the help of the BrandSafway team, we will be able to provide more services and products to Century Elevators’ existing customers. This is an exciting time for our team, and we are eager to join the industry leader.”

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=33860

Women entrepreneurs empowered via ASEAN-Japan Linkage Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 (Bernama) – The ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) recently organised the 3rd ASEAN-Japan Women Entrepreneurs’ Linkage Program (AJWELP), co-hosted by SME Corporation Malaysia here.

The governments of the ASEAN Member States and Japan are committed to promote development of micro, small and medium enterprises, including women entrepreneurs’ empowerment to enhance more gender equality societies.

To boost the effort, AJC launched AJWELP, a support programme for women entrepreneur start-ups in ASEAN Member States to forge linkages among start-ups, companies and mentors.

AJWELP was first held in Manila, the Philippines in 2016, followed by Jakarta, Indonesia in 2017.

Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail delivered a keynote address, sharing facts of women-owned SMEs in Malaysia and how the Malaysian Government supported them.

Dr Wan Azizah, who is also women, family and community development minister, said the programme would have greater success in empowering women within the ASEAN region as it was already in its third consecutive year of implementation.

The programme highlighted a business presentation where start-ups from the 10 ASEAN Member States presented their businesses and challenges. Representatives of companies and mentors, who are also senior entrepreneurs attended the presentation.

After the event, company representatives decided which start-ups they would support, in line with company businesses.

The co-founder of Kloth Malaysia, Nik Suzila Nik Hassan is the finalist for Malaysia. Kloth Malaysia is a textile recycling company.

Meanwhile, Hernan Corporation Sdn Bhd Group Chief Executive Officer, Anna Teo is the Malaysian mentor in the programme.

AJC is an inter-governmental organisation, established by the ASEAN Member States and Japan in 1981. It has been promoting exports from ASEAN to Japan while revitalising investment, tourism as well as people-to-people exchanges.

-- BERNAMA

Strategy implementation firm, BTS named Top 20 Assessment and Evaluation Company

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- BTS, a leading global strategy implementation firm, was named a Top 20 Assessment and Evaluation Company by Training Industry, marking its 32nd award in 2018.

BTS has decades of experience in the assessment and industrial/organisational psychology space. Its wide range of cutting-edge assessments combine traditional techniques with customised leadership and business simulation exercises.

The company has also developed a new approach to situational judgement tests, evaluating an employee’s behavioural judgement during critical moments throughout the day.

“It is an honour to be named as Training Industry’s Top 20 Assessments and Evaluation Companies,” said BTS Assessments Partner and Head, Dr Sandra Hartog.

“BTS has a wide range of solutions that can be used across the employee lifecycle, from selection to development at all levels. We are excited to continue developing new technologies and advancing these capabilities in the future,” she said.

Selection was made based on company’s diversity of assessment capabilities, quality and innovativeness of evaluation techniques, company size and growth potential, quality and number of clients or users, as well as awards, recognition and competitive differentiation.

Full list of the winners is available at https://trainingindustry.com.

-- BERNAMA

SUN LIFE MALAYSIA TAKAFUL JOIN HANDS TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT TAKAFUL

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- Sun Life Malaysia Takaful Bhd has pledged its support to the Race for Cover Towards Takaful 2020 (RFCTT 2020) Programme organised by the Malaysian Takaful Association since July 2018 until Dec 2020.

RFCTT 2020 is aimed at raising awareness about takaful (Islamic insurance) to Malaysians, especially Family Takaful coverage within the community, increasing takaful penetration rate and reducing the protection gap in the country.

“During the tenure of the RFCTT Programme, the key takaful product that will be promoted via our main bank distributor is Takaful Mulia,” Sun Life Malaysia Takaful chief executive officer Muhammad Fikri Mohamad Rawi said in a statement today.

“Takaful Mulia is one of our most innovative products as it provides the right balance between protection, savings and spiritual fulfilment.

“It helps Malaysians to not only leave something for their loved ones upon their demise, but also fulfill their religious obligations of waqf (endowment), zakat (tithe), and sadaqah (charity),” he said.

Based on Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Stability and Payments Report 2016, even among the insured or covered population, there is an estimated average protection gap of RM553,000 to RM723,000 per family, which is the amount needed for them to maintain their existing standard of living if a primary wage earner passed away.

This translates into a shortfall in takaful coverage of RM200,000 per individual.

Muhammad Fikri said Takaful Mulia provides two types of benefits, namely financial and protection, as well as spiritual benefits.

For the former, some of the Takaful Mulia’s benefits are a lump sum amount of 100 per cent of the sum covered plus the value of universal account in the event of death/ total permanent disability (TPD).

An additional lump sum amount of 100 per cent of sum covered will be provided in the event of accidental death/TPD at the mosque/surau or while performing the haj/umrah.

As for the spiritual benefits, among others, Takaful Mulia offers a regular waqf contribution (3.0 per cent from total contribution) payable to the appointed waqf body, an additional 10 per cent of the sum covered payable to the appointed waqf body in the event of death/TPD.

Takaful Mulia is available at all CIMB Bank and CIMB Islamic branches nationwide.

-- BERNAMA

FEATURESPACE LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL BEHAVIOURAL ANALYTICS FRAUD TECHNOLOGY INTO SINGAPORE

• Featurespace’s real-time ARIC™ Adaptive Behavioural Analytics anti-fraud and risk management platform available in Singapore for the first time
• Using world-leading technology first developed at Cambridge University, the firm will work with Singapore financial institutions to outsmart fraud and mitigate risk
• Solution meets the demands of Singapore’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Industry Partnership (ACIP) data analytics initiative
• UK firm realising global expansion after a successful US$32.3m funding round

 
CAMBRIDGE, England, Feb 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Featurespace, a leading international provider of Adaptive Behavioural Analytics for fraud detection and risk management, has launched its ground-breaking anti-fraud technology into the Singapore market.

Its technological platform – which uses machine learning to detect anomalies in individual behaviour for fraud and risk management – was first developed by world-leading computer scientists in the laboratories of Cambridge University. With the rise of more sophisticated fraud schemes, Featurespace uses its decades of experience to get out ahead and outsmart the criminals.

Martina King, Featurespace CEO, commented: “Featurespace is the world leader in Adaptive Behavioural Analytics technology, which helps financial institutions stop fraud faster. Millions of Singapore’s citizens have been victim of many large-scale fraud attacks in the recent past – by implementing machine learning technology, we can help banks and credit card providers outsmart the criminals and build a safer banking infrastructure.

“Our financial services customer base is growing fast, and we are now are working with 17 banks across continental Europe, the UK, US and Latin America. Our technology is also being embedded by payment processors and merchant acquirers who use our real-time fraud prevention technology in their anti-fraud solutions.

"Singapore’s banking community has made it clear to us that it believes that the smart use of data is paramount in combatting and mitigating fraud. We look forward to sharing our proven capabilities and deep knowledge with the financial institutions of Singapore.”

Singapore currently has one of the highest rates of card fraud in the world. To combat this, in 2017 Singapore’s financial industry came together to commit to data analytics as a means of fighting financial crime.

In 2017, a report released by the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Industry Partnership (ACIP), which is made up of Singapore's banks, financial regulator and police, found that lenders are looking at using data analytics to detect suspicious transactions, because current systems mistakenly identify fraud, resulting in declined transactions. Further, DBS Group Holdings, one of Singapore's three major banks, reported in 2018 that the current situation yields a false positive in nine out of 10 cases.¹

Featurespace’s real-time ARIC™ platform uses Adaptive Behavioural Analytics to self-learn and continuously responding to new customer data. By understanding the behaviour of each individual banking and credit card customer, ARIC identifies new and known attacks, and blocks fraud at the moment it occurs while accepting more genuine business. As such, ARIC reduces false positives, by 70%, increasing revenue and reducing customer friction.

Earlier this year, Featurespace raised US$32.3 million from a funding round to support its international expansion and continued development of the company’s software capabilities.

ENDS

Headquartered in the U.K. and U.S. and with offices in Cambridge, London and Atlanta, Featurespace™ is the world-leader in fraud prevention and creator of the ARIC™ platform, a real-time AI machine learning software that risk scores transactions and other events in more than 180 countries.

Featurespace was created out of Cambridge University’s Engineering Department, co-founded by world-renowned experts in applied statistics, the late Professor Bill Fitzgerald and Dave Excell, Featurespace CTO.

The ARIC platform combines adaptive behavioral analytics and anomaly detection to automatically identify risk and catch new attacks as they happen. The increased accuracy of understanding behavior strikes the balance between improving fraud detection and operational efficiencies, while also reducing the number of genuine transactions that would be incorrectly declined due to traditional rules by as much as 70 percent. www.featurespace.com

¹ Adopting Data Analytics Methods for AML CFT;

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005674/en/

Contact

Featurespace
Matt Mills
Chief Commercial Officer
matt.mills@featurespace.co.uk
+44 (0) 1223 345940

Source : Featurespace
 
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Delhi High Court issues injunction against Sinopharm Weiqida Pharmaceuticals

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- Centrient Pharmaceuticals (Centrient) today announced the Delhi High Court in India granted an injunction against Sinopharm Weiqida Pharmaceuticals and Sinopharm India - blocking the export, importation and sale of their amoxicillin active ingredient into India.

Weiqida was also found in contempt of the Delhi High Court’s original preliminary injunction order granted in April 2017, through its continued importation and sale of its amoxicillin trihydrate active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in India.

Centrient will seek monetary compensation for the damage sustained by the illegal shipments, in violation of the preliminary injunction since April 2017.

It wishes to put all buyers of Weiqida’s amoxicillin trihydrate API in India on notice (even if such API transits through India under advanced licence) to be aware of the above orders of the Delhi High Court.

Centrient shall ensure full compliance of the orders of the court and will notify the Indian Customs Authority and other authorities to seize all future Weiqida amoxicillin shipments at the relevant customs facilities.

Centrient Chief Executive Officer, Karl Rotthier said Centrient held world-class intellectual property portfolio relating to its innovative, sustainable and environmentally-friendly amoxicillin technology.

“We will continue to rigorously defend our Intellectual Property assets worldwide as we continue to invest in our innovative R&D programmes directed to enzymatically produce, sustainable antimicrobials and statins,” he said. 

Centrient, the leading manufacturer of beta-lactam antibiotics and provider of next generation statins and anti-fungals, is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. More details at www.centrient.com

-- BERNAMA

DOUBLEVERIFY ACQUIRES DIGITAL VIDEO TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, ZENTRICK

Solving 30% breakage in video ad delivery
 
NEW YORK and GHENT, Belgium, Feb 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --DoubleVerify, the leading independent provider of marketing measurement software and analytics, today announced that it has acquired Zentrick, a digital video technology company that provides middleware solutions to drive the seamless execution and performance of online video advertising for the world’s largest brands, platforms and publishers. The Zentrick engineering teams will continue to operate from offices in Ghent, Belgium. The transaction was completed as an all cash, all stock offer on February 15, 2019.
 
Video advertising spend soared to $28 Billion in 2018. However, the ecosystem necessary to support the growth in video ad delivery has become highly fragmented. Today over 30% of video ads that are sold are unable to be delivered by publishers due to various forms of technical ‘breakage’ in the ad delivery chain – an issue that’s particularly acute in the key areas of mobile app and connected TV. Breakage results from incompatibility of multiple playback standards and latency delays in the video ad load.
 
Zentrick Streamlines Video Ad Delivery and Improves Performance
Zentrick middleware reduces video breakage by more than 50%, by shortening load times and eliminating multiple forms of latency that can prevent a video ad from delivering. Greater ad delivery maximizes performance for advertisers and revenue yield for publishers. Zentrick software further enables publishers to detect and resolve issues behind breakage as they occur.
 
Zentrick Middleware Benefits the Entire Video Advertising Ecosystem 
For media platforms and publishers, Zentrick middleware eliminates the technical overhead and latency associated with supporting multiple third-party data integrations (e.g., measurement, attribution and audience providers). Third-party service providers benefit from seamless platform activation and equal access to the video playback data necessary to power their services.
 
“DV’s mission is to power the new standard of marketing performance, giving advertisers clarity and confidence in their digital investment,” said Wayne Gattinella, DoubleVerify CEO. “Eliminating ad breakage has a direct effect on the performance of online advertising that will resonate throughout the ecosystem.”
 
“The entire Zentrick team is thrilled to join forces with DoubleVerify – a rapidly expanding, global organization with a best-in-class verification offering,” said Pieter Mees, Zentrick Co-Founder. “Integrating Zentrick’s digital video technology and expertise with DV’s industry-wide platform will accelerate our efforts to simplify and streamline ad performance.”
 
“In 2018, Zentrick accelerated the delivery of more than 150 billion video ads,” said Frederik Neus, Zentrick Co-Founder. “Through integration with DoubleVerify, we anticipate scaling our solution to better service both advertisers and publishers, while driving even greater positive impact throughout the ecosystem.”
 
About DoubleVerify
 
DoubleVerify is the leading independent provider of marketing measurement software, data and analytics that authenticates the quality and effectiveness of digital media for the world's largest brands and media platforms. DV provides media transparency and accountability to deliver the highest level of impression quality for maximum advertising performance. Since 2008, DV has helped hundreds of Fortune 500 companies gain the most from their media spend by delivering best in class solutions across the digital ecosystem, helping to build a better industry. Learn more at www.doubleverify.com. 
 
Media Contact
Chris Harihar of Crenshaw Communications, on behalf of DoubleVerify
chris@crenshawcomm.com
212.367.974
 
Source: DoubleVerify
 
--BERNAMA

VISTAJET PARTNERS WITH SCUDERIA FERRARI MISSION WINNOW FOR THE 2019 FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Supporting the team with the most efficient global travel solution
 
LONDON, Feb 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VistaJet, the first and only global business aviation company, announces its partnership with the Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow team as its Official Supplier of private jet travel.
 
With the tight schedule of the race calendar and often only days between Grands Prix, VistaJet will support the team to optimize their travel and transfer times throughout the 2019 Formula One season. In an industry where speed and efficiency are fundamental, the Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow team will further utilize time off track to arrive in optimum condition.   
 
Having raced competitively with Ferrari for many years and as an official driver in the FIA World Endurance Championship, WEC, VistaJet’s Founder and Chairman Thomas Flohr knows the demands of racing and the intense focus required to perform under such pressure. With his Ferrari 488 GTE, Thomas achieved second place at the 24h of Le Mans 2018, alongside his fellow drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Francesco Castellacci.
 
Announcing the partnership, Thomas Flohr said: “I am incredibly proud to support the most iconic and successful racing team in the world. Innovation, technology and a focus on efficiency are values we both share. VistaJet will provide Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow with seamless travel, to ensure their focus is on what is important – the competition on track.”
 
VistaJet places the utmost importance on service and operational excellence. On its owned fleet of over 70 aircraft, VistaJet has completed over 146,000 flights globally, safely flying over 360,000 passengers to more than 1,900 airports worldwide.
 
Thomas Flohr adds: “A new season is starting, a new team will be driving, and we will all be there cheering for Sebastian Vettel, Charles Leclerc and all at Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow.”
 
www.vistajet.com/ferrari
 
Information
Jennifer Farquhar | VistaJet | T: +44 203 617 3077 | jennifer.farquhar@vistajet.com
 
About VistaJet 
VistaJet is the first and only global aviation company. On its fleet of over 70 silver and red business jets, VistaJet has flown corporations, governments and private clients to 187 countries, covering 96% of the world. Founded in 2004 by Thomas Flohr, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers have access to an entire fleet whilst paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership. VistaJet’s signature Program membership offers customers a bespoke subscription of flight hours on its fleet of mid and long-range jets, to fly them anytime, anywhere. Customers can also request Direct one-off flights through the industry’s first end-to-end booking app or a 24/7 global team. 
 
VistaJet is part of Vista Global Holding – the world leader in business flight solutions, integrating a unique portfolio of companies offering asset lite solutions to cover all key aspects of business aviation.
 
More VistaJet information and news at vistajet.com

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