Partnership combines breakthrough organoid technology with the world’s largest PDX collection to create a unique patient-derived translational research platform
SAN DIEGO, March 29 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crown Bioscience, a global drug discovery and development services company, providing translational platforms to advance oncology, inflammation and autoimmune, cardiovascular and metabolic disease research announced today that parent company, JSR Corporation, has entered into a strategic partnership with Hubrecht Organoid Technology (HUB).
The agreement provides CrownBio, a wholly owned subsidiary of JSR Corporation, with an exclusive license to provide preclinical oncology drug development and validation services using HUB Organoid Technology, including access to HUB’s highly characterized tumor organoid biobank. CrownBio and HUB will also launch a collaborative research & development program to accelerate further development of Organoid Technology, while CrownBio will establish a new operations center in Utrecht, Netherlands.
HUB’s adult stem cell-derived organoids, developed by Prof. Hans Clevers at the Hubrecht Institute in Utrecht, are generated using highly standardized, proprietary culture methods. The Organoids faithfully recapitulate tumors in patients and are extensively characterized by pathology, genomics, and sensitivity to known and experimental drugs.
“This agreement is a pivotal moment in our growth and the evolution of the company,” said Dr. Jean-Pierre Wery, CEO of CrownBio. “This partnership positions CrownBio at the forefront of global preclinical research by creating an unparalleled translational platform to accelerate drug development and validation.”
Building on a global leadership in Patient-Derived Xenografts (PDX), CrownBio will offer comprehensive pharmacology and translational services based on HUB Organoid Technology, establishing a unique platform that incorporates in vitro screening of Patient-Derived Organoids (PDO) and PDX derived organoids (PDXO), matched to downstream in vivo models.
“We are delighted with the increased access to HUB Organoid Technology for researchers worldwide through CrownBio’s global reach and preclinical service expertise,” said Dr. Robert Vries, Executive Director of HUB. “Our partnership with CrownBio equips the drug development community with powerful new translational tools to guide the creation of novel and improved treatments for cancer.”
About Crown Bioscience Inc.
CrownBio is a global drug discovery and development solutions company providing translational platforms to advance oncology, inflammation, cardiovascular and metabolic disease research. With an extensive portfolio of relevant models and predictive tools, CrownBio enables clients to deliver superior clinical candidates. For more information about CrownBio’s translational oncology platforms visit https://www.crownbio.com
About HUB
Hubrecht Organoid Technology (HUB) is an organization founded by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences and the University Medical Center Utrecht. HUB exploits the pioneering work of Prof. Hans Clevers, who discovered methods to grow stem cell-derived human ‘mini-organs’ (HUB Organoids) from tissues of patients with various diseases. The organoids, which are part of the HUB biobanks, are characterized by genome sequencing, expression profiling and sensitivity to known and experimental drugs to establish a database linking genetic and transcriptional information to drug responsiveness. HUB offers licenses to its patented HUB Organoid Technology and access to organoids from the HUB biobank for preclinical drug screening, discovery, development and validation. In addition, HUB is performing clinical studies to validate the technology’s use as a companion diagnostic. More info at www.hub4organoids.eu.
Media Enquiries:
Jody Barbeau
Crown Bioscience Inc.
marketing@crownbio.com
Source: Crown Bioscience
--BERNAMA
Friday, 29 March 2019
THE CLIBURN NAMES MARIN ALSOP AS 2021 JURY CHAIRMAN
The American luminary will serve as jury chairman and Final Round conductor for the Sixteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, May 28–June 12, 2021, at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas USA
FORT WORTH, Texas, March 29 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Cliburn announces today that Marin Alsop will be the jury chairman for the Sixteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, taking place May 28–June 12, 2021, at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas USA.
Widely considered one of the preeminent international music contests, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition exists to share excellent classical music with the largest international audience possible and to launch the careers of its winners every four years. Building on a rich tradition that began with its 1962 origins in honor of Van Cliburn and his vision for using music to serve audiences and break down boundaries, the Cliburn seeks, with each edition, to achieve the highest artistic standards while utilizing contemporary tools to advance its reach. The world’s top 18- to 30-year-old pianists compete for gold in front of a live audience in Fort Worth, Texas, as well as a global online viewership of over 5 million. Beyond cash prizes, winning a Cliburn medal means comprehensive career management, artistic support, and bolstered publicity efforts for the three years following.
One of the world’s most distinguished and innovative conductors, Marin Alsop holds major appointments on three continents: music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra since 2007; principal conductor and music director of the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra since 2012; and chief conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra beginning September 2019. Among her many awards and academic positions, she is the only conductor to receive the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, is an honorary member of the Royal Academy of Music and Royal Philharmonic Society, is a 2019 recipient of the World Economic Forum Crystal Award, and was recently appointed Director of Graduate Conducting at the Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute.
In addition to her role as jury chairman, she will conduct the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra with the six finalists during the Competition’s Final Round. As chairman, she will oversee the jury selection process, consult on jury rules and procedures, and set the tone and mandate of the jury; but she will abstain from voting throughout the Competition, except in the case of a tie after the Final Round.
Marin Alsop’s ceiling-shattering career launched in 1989, when she was the first woman to be awarded the Koussevitzky Conducting Prize from the Tanglewood Music Center, where she began studying with her mentor, Leonard Bernstein. Over the following three decades, she became the first woman to serve as music director for a major American orchestra, to hold the chief conducting role at each of her three orchestras, and to conduct the Last Night of the Proms. She will be the first woman to serve as jury chairman or to conduct during the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
“We could not be more pleased with this new partnership with Marin Alsop,” said Cliburn President and CEO Jacques Marquis. “Not only is she a powerful voice in classical music internationally and a fantastic conductor, she is also well known for her commitment to reaching new audiences and her encouragement of young artists. Each of these attributes perfectly complements the Cliburn’s mission and the goals of the Cliburn Competition. We look forward to working closely with her to spread classical music around the globe and to launch the careers of our new winners.”
"I’m really looking forward to working with the talented young pianists at the Cliburn Competition,” Alsop said. “Collaborating with this world-class organization that is devoted to nurturing future generations aligns with my commitment to education and passion for mentoring young musicians.”
MARIN ALSOP
Marin Alsop is an inspiring and powerful voice in the international music scene, a music director of vision and distinction who passionately believes that “music has the power to change lives.” She is recognized across the world for her innovative approach to programming and for her deep commitment to education and to the development of audiences of all ages.
Her outstanding success as music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) since 2007 has been recognized by two extensions in her tenure, now confirmed until 2021. As part of her artistic leadership, Alsop has led the orchestra on their first European tour to the BBC Proms and Edinburgh International Festival and created several bold initiatives: ‘OrchKids’, for the city’s most deprived young people, and the BSO Academy and Rusty Musicians for adult amateur musicians. Alsop became principal conductor and music director of the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra (OSESP) in 2012, where she continues to steer highly creative programming and outreach activities, and which she conducts on the international stage: this includes a tour to Asia in 2019 with two concerts at the Hong Kong Arts Festival and three European tours featuring critically acclaimed performances at major summer festivals including the Lucerne Festival and in Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, Salzburg, and Vienna; her contract continues to the end of 2019, when she becomes Conductor of Honour. In September 2019, Alsop becomes chief conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Marin Alsop conducts the world’s major orchestras, with recent and forthcoming European highlights including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Filarmonica della Scala, Budapest Festival Orchestra, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestre de Paris, and long-standing relationships with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) and London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO). In the Unites States, Alsop regularly conducts the Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Chicago Symphony orchestras, including at their summer residencies at Saratoga, Blossom, and Ravinia. Further highlights of the 2018–2019 season include the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Spanish National Orchestra, and the Orchestre National de France, following summer festival debuts at the Grafenegg and MITO festivals with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a second residency with the Britten-Pears Orchestra at the Snape Proms.
At London's Southbank Centre where she is artist-in-residence, this season she conducted Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, following performances with the orchestra at the BBC Proms. In September 2013, Marin Alsop made history as the first female conductor of the BBC’s Last Night of the Proms, which she returned to conduct in 2015.
Her extensive discography has led to multiple Gramophone awards and includes highly praised Naxos cycles of Brahms with the LPO and MDR Leipzig, Dvořák with the BSO, Prokofiev with OSESP, and further recordings for Decca Classics, Harmonia Mundi, and Sony Classical. She is dedicated to new music, demonstrated in her 25-year tenure as Music Director of California’s Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music.
In 2019, Alsop was awarded the prestigious Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum and is the only conductor to receive the distinguished MacArthur Fellowship. Amongst many awards and academic positions, she is an honorary member of the Royal Academy of Music and Royal Philharmonic Society, and was recently appointed director of graduate conducting at the Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute. She attended The Juilliard School and Yale University, who awarded her an Honorary Doctorate in 2017. Her conducting career was launched in 1989, when she was the first woman to be awarded the Koussevitzky Conducting Prize from the Tanglewood Music Center and began studying with her most important mentor, Leonard Bernstein.
ABOUT THE CLIBURN
The Cliburn advances classical piano music throughout the world. Its international competitions, education programs, and concert series embody an enduring commitment to artistic excellence and the discovery of new artists. Established in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1962, the quadrennial Van Cliburn International Piano Competition (sixteenth edition, May 27–June 12, 2021) remains the most visible expression of that mission and is, as always, committed to its original ideals of supporting and launching the careers of emerging artists, ages 18–30. It shares the transformative powers of music with a wide global audience, through fully-produced webcasts and by providing comprehensive career management and concert bookings to its winners. Rounding out its mission, the Cliburn also produces the Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival for exceptional 13 to 17-year-old pianists (second edition, May 31–June 8, 2019), and the Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition for outstanding non-professional pianists age 35 and older (eighth edition, May 24–30, 2020).
Over a four-year cycle, the Cliburn contributes to North Texas’ cultural landscape with over 170 classical music performances for 150,000 attendees, through competitions, free community concerts, and its signature Cliburn Concerts series at Bass Performance Hall, the Kimbell Art Museum Piano Pavilion, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and Scat Jazz Lounge. It presents 1,000 in-school, interactive music education programs for more than 200,000 area elementary students. During the same time period, it garners the world’s attention with over five million visits from 170 nations for live concert and competition webcasts; 300 concerts worldwide booked for competition winners; more than 5,000 news articles about the Cliburn and its winners; and regular national radio broadcasts to 245 public radio stations. Detailed information about the Cliburn and its programs is available at cliburn.org.
CLIBURN SPONSORS
Arts Council of Fort Worth
Mercedes T. Bass Charitable Corporation
Sid W. Richardson Foundation
The Pangburn Foundation
The Walton Family Foundation, Inc.
Exclusive Print Media Sponsor
Star-Telegram
Official Piano of the Cliburn
Steinway & Sons – North Texas / Houston
Contact:
Maggie Estes, director of communications and digital content, mestes@cliburn.org, 817.739.0459
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/32053d53-6fc3-4cf6-bef6-94a3bbe7a3c8
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0beec0e-502f-4a6e-a6f8-8434c815f1b0
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b2e55d09-486c-4254-837e-4d0ae2408368
Source: The Cliburn
--BERNAMA
FORT WORTH, Texas, March 29 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Cliburn announces today that Marin Alsop will be the jury chairman for the Sixteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, taking place May 28–June 12, 2021, at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas USA.
Widely considered one of the preeminent international music contests, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition exists to share excellent classical music with the largest international audience possible and to launch the careers of its winners every four years. Building on a rich tradition that began with its 1962 origins in honor of Van Cliburn and his vision for using music to serve audiences and break down boundaries, the Cliburn seeks, with each edition, to achieve the highest artistic standards while utilizing contemporary tools to advance its reach. The world’s top 18- to 30-year-old pianists compete for gold in front of a live audience in Fort Worth, Texas, as well as a global online viewership of over 5 million. Beyond cash prizes, winning a Cliburn medal means comprehensive career management, artistic support, and bolstered publicity efforts for the three years following.
One of the world’s most distinguished and innovative conductors, Marin Alsop holds major appointments on three continents: music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra since 2007; principal conductor and music director of the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra since 2012; and chief conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra beginning September 2019. Among her many awards and academic positions, she is the only conductor to receive the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, is an honorary member of the Royal Academy of Music and Royal Philharmonic Society, is a 2019 recipient of the World Economic Forum Crystal Award, and was recently appointed Director of Graduate Conducting at the Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute.
In addition to her role as jury chairman, she will conduct the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra with the six finalists during the Competition’s Final Round. As chairman, she will oversee the jury selection process, consult on jury rules and procedures, and set the tone and mandate of the jury; but she will abstain from voting throughout the Competition, except in the case of a tie after the Final Round.
Marin Alsop’s ceiling-shattering career launched in 1989, when she was the first woman to be awarded the Koussevitzky Conducting Prize from the Tanglewood Music Center, where she began studying with her mentor, Leonard Bernstein. Over the following three decades, she became the first woman to serve as music director for a major American orchestra, to hold the chief conducting role at each of her three orchestras, and to conduct the Last Night of the Proms. She will be the first woman to serve as jury chairman or to conduct during the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
“We could not be more pleased with this new partnership with Marin Alsop,” said Cliburn President and CEO Jacques Marquis. “Not only is she a powerful voice in classical music internationally and a fantastic conductor, she is also well known for her commitment to reaching new audiences and her encouragement of young artists. Each of these attributes perfectly complements the Cliburn’s mission and the goals of the Cliburn Competition. We look forward to working closely with her to spread classical music around the globe and to launch the careers of our new winners.”
"I’m really looking forward to working with the talented young pianists at the Cliburn Competition,” Alsop said. “Collaborating with this world-class organization that is devoted to nurturing future generations aligns with my commitment to education and passion for mentoring young musicians.”
MARIN ALSOP
Marin Alsop is an inspiring and powerful voice in the international music scene, a music director of vision and distinction who passionately believes that “music has the power to change lives.” She is recognized across the world for her innovative approach to programming and for her deep commitment to education and to the development of audiences of all ages.
Her outstanding success as music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) since 2007 has been recognized by two extensions in her tenure, now confirmed until 2021. As part of her artistic leadership, Alsop has led the orchestra on their first European tour to the BBC Proms and Edinburgh International Festival and created several bold initiatives: ‘OrchKids’, for the city’s most deprived young people, and the BSO Academy and Rusty Musicians for adult amateur musicians. Alsop became principal conductor and music director of the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra (OSESP) in 2012, where she continues to steer highly creative programming and outreach activities, and which she conducts on the international stage: this includes a tour to Asia in 2019 with two concerts at the Hong Kong Arts Festival and three European tours featuring critically acclaimed performances at major summer festivals including the Lucerne Festival and in Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, Salzburg, and Vienna; her contract continues to the end of 2019, when she becomes Conductor of Honour. In September 2019, Alsop becomes chief conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Marin Alsop conducts the world’s major orchestras, with recent and forthcoming European highlights including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Filarmonica della Scala, Budapest Festival Orchestra, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestre de Paris, and long-standing relationships with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) and London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO). In the Unites States, Alsop regularly conducts the Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Chicago Symphony orchestras, including at their summer residencies at Saratoga, Blossom, and Ravinia. Further highlights of the 2018–2019 season include the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Spanish National Orchestra, and the Orchestre National de France, following summer festival debuts at the Grafenegg and MITO festivals with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a second residency with the Britten-Pears Orchestra at the Snape Proms.
At London's Southbank Centre where she is artist-in-residence, this season she conducted Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, following performances with the orchestra at the BBC Proms. In September 2013, Marin Alsop made history as the first female conductor of the BBC’s Last Night of the Proms, which she returned to conduct in 2015.
Her extensive discography has led to multiple Gramophone awards and includes highly praised Naxos cycles of Brahms with the LPO and MDR Leipzig, Dvořák with the BSO, Prokofiev with OSESP, and further recordings for Decca Classics, Harmonia Mundi, and Sony Classical. She is dedicated to new music, demonstrated in her 25-year tenure as Music Director of California’s Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music.
In 2019, Alsop was awarded the prestigious Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum and is the only conductor to receive the distinguished MacArthur Fellowship. Amongst many awards and academic positions, she is an honorary member of the Royal Academy of Music and Royal Philharmonic Society, and was recently appointed director of graduate conducting at the Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute. She attended The Juilliard School and Yale University, who awarded her an Honorary Doctorate in 2017. Her conducting career was launched in 1989, when she was the first woman to be awarded the Koussevitzky Conducting Prize from the Tanglewood Music Center and began studying with her most important mentor, Leonard Bernstein.
ABOUT THE CLIBURN
The Cliburn advances classical piano music throughout the world. Its international competitions, education programs, and concert series embody an enduring commitment to artistic excellence and the discovery of new artists. Established in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1962, the quadrennial Van Cliburn International Piano Competition (sixteenth edition, May 27–June 12, 2021) remains the most visible expression of that mission and is, as always, committed to its original ideals of supporting and launching the careers of emerging artists, ages 18–30. It shares the transformative powers of music with a wide global audience, through fully-produced webcasts and by providing comprehensive career management and concert bookings to its winners. Rounding out its mission, the Cliburn also produces the Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival for exceptional 13 to 17-year-old pianists (second edition, May 31–June 8, 2019), and the Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition for outstanding non-professional pianists age 35 and older (eighth edition, May 24–30, 2020).
Over a four-year cycle, the Cliburn contributes to North Texas’ cultural landscape with over 170 classical music performances for 150,000 attendees, through competitions, free community concerts, and its signature Cliburn Concerts series at Bass Performance Hall, the Kimbell Art Museum Piano Pavilion, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and Scat Jazz Lounge. It presents 1,000 in-school, interactive music education programs for more than 200,000 area elementary students. During the same time period, it garners the world’s attention with over five million visits from 170 nations for live concert and competition webcasts; 300 concerts worldwide booked for competition winners; more than 5,000 news articles about the Cliburn and its winners; and regular national radio broadcasts to 245 public radio stations. Detailed information about the Cliburn and its programs is available at cliburn.org.
CLIBURN SPONSORS
Arts Council of Fort Worth
Mercedes T. Bass Charitable Corporation
Sid W. Richardson Foundation
The Pangburn Foundation
The Walton Family Foundation, Inc.
Exclusive Print Media Sponsor
Star-Telegram
Official Piano of the Cliburn
Steinway & Sons – North Texas / Houston
Contact:
Maggie Estes, director of communications and digital content, mestes@cliburn.org, 817.739.0459
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/32053d53-6fc3-4cf6-bef6-94a3bbe7a3c8
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0beec0e-502f-4a6e-a6f8-8434c815f1b0
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b2e55d09-486c-4254-837e-4d0ae2408368
Source: The Cliburn
--BERNAMA
Chiba Aqualine Marathon 2020 to be held in autumn
KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 (Bernama) -- Come autumn of 2020, the Chiba Aqualine Marathon 2020, bearing the motto, ‘Run Along the Sea -- Ride like the Aqualine Breeze’, will be held.
The marathon is scheduled for the same year when the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games are held.
Details of the fifth running event, including the date of competition will be decided around this autumn.
The Chiba Aqualine Marathon Planning Committee has also laid down a basic plan for the event, including its logo, during its 13th general meeting recently.
For more information, search ‘Chiba Aqualine Marathon’ on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
-- BERNAMA
-- BERNAMA
AJC awards tour products promoting ASEAN destinations
KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) has awarded 11 tour products in six categories for trips to destinations in the ASEAN Member States as winners of the ASEAN Tourism Awards Japan 2018.
The Member States are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The awards were organised to honour excellent, quality tour products to all ASEAN destinations and aimed at encouraging the Japanese tourism sector to diversify tour products and promote the ASEAN Member States as attractive tourism destinations.
Two Malaysian recipients awarded the tour products were PURPOSE JAPAN CO LTD, Malaysia Airlines (Product: Try being Cabin Attendant at Malaysia Airlines training centres); and, U Tour Service Co Ltd, Ocean Delight Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia (Product: Wildlife sanctuary in the heart of Borneo, Bilit along Kinabatangan river).
The judging committee comprising members of the Japan Association of Travel Agents, Overseas Tour Operators Association of Japan and AJC screened 76 entries to choose the winners.
The award ceremony took place at Tokyo Prince Hotel early this March, participated by some 90 guests from travel agents, land operators and airlines, and representatives of tourism organisations and the governments of the ASEAN Member States and Japan.
AJC is an intergovernmental organisation established by the ASEAN Member States and Japan to promote exports from ASEAN to Japan while revitalising investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges between the Member States and Japan.
Full list of the winners is available at https://www.asean.or.jp/en.
-- BERNAMA
AM BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF LIG INSURANCE (CHINA) CO LTD
HONG KONG, March 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” of LIG Insurance (China) Co Ltd (LIG China) (China). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.
The ratings reflect LIG China’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings also reflect the wide range of support the company receives from its parent, KB Insurance Co., Ltd. (KB Insurance) in areas including business development, reinsurance and investment.
LIG China’s risk-adjusted capitalization remains at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), supported by very low underwriting leverage and a highly conservative investment portfolio. The company has generated positive net profits consistently in the past five years, mainly attributable to a solid stream of interest income and low acquisition costs from its direct distribution channel. Despite having a small market share, LIG China occupies a niche market by focusing on servicing Korean Interests Abroad (KIA) that operate in China, which generate more than 90% of the company’s revenue.
An offsetting rating factor is LIG China’s underwriting of large commercial accounts with potentially large losses, leading to volatility in its underwriting performance. This is mitigated by a comprehensive reinsurance program that lowers the company’s net retention in these risks. However, the high reinsurance dependence also exposes the company to reinsurer credit risk in the event of major losses. As a foreign-owned insurer concentrated on KIA businesses, LIG China is vulnerable to regulatory and political uncertainties in its operating environment.
While positive rating actions are unlikely in the near term, negative rating actions could occur if there is a substantial decline in the company’s risk-adjusted capitalization, a significant deterioration in its operating performance, or reduced support from the parent.
Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.
AM Best is a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry. Visit www.ambest.com for more information.
Copyright © 2019 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190328005717/en/
Contact
Yizhou Hong
Financial Analyst
+852 2827 3426
yizhou.hong@ambest.com
Christie Lee
Director, Analytics
+852 2827 3413
christie.lee@ambest.com
Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com
Jim Peavy
Director, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com
Source : AM Best
--BERNAMA
The ratings reflect LIG China’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings also reflect the wide range of support the company receives from its parent, KB Insurance Co., Ltd. (KB Insurance) in areas including business development, reinsurance and investment.
LIG China’s risk-adjusted capitalization remains at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), supported by very low underwriting leverage and a highly conservative investment portfolio. The company has generated positive net profits consistently in the past five years, mainly attributable to a solid stream of interest income and low acquisition costs from its direct distribution channel. Despite having a small market share, LIG China occupies a niche market by focusing on servicing Korean Interests Abroad (KIA) that operate in China, which generate more than 90% of the company’s revenue.
An offsetting rating factor is LIG China’s underwriting of large commercial accounts with potentially large losses, leading to volatility in its underwriting performance. This is mitigated by a comprehensive reinsurance program that lowers the company’s net retention in these risks. However, the high reinsurance dependence also exposes the company to reinsurer credit risk in the event of major losses. As a foreign-owned insurer concentrated on KIA businesses, LIG China is vulnerable to regulatory and political uncertainties in its operating environment.
While positive rating actions are unlikely in the near term, negative rating actions could occur if there is a substantial decline in the company’s risk-adjusted capitalization, a significant deterioration in its operating performance, or reduced support from the parent.
Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.
AM Best is a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry. Visit www.ambest.com for more information.
Copyright © 2019 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190328005717/en/
Contact
Yizhou Hong
Financial Analyst
+852 2827 3426
yizhou.hong@ambest.com
Christie Lee
Director, Analytics
+852 2827 3413
christie.lee@ambest.com
Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com
Jim Peavy
Director, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com
Source : AM Best
--BERNAMA
Thursday, 28 March 2019
smartTrade is Mizuho Bank´s core technology provider for FX platform
KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 (Bernama) -- Multi asset, end-to-end trading solutions provider, smartTrade Technologies has been chosen by Mizuho Bank Japan to deliver the bank’s next generation e-FX platform.
smartTrade’s LiquidityFX platform provides low latency connectivity combined with sophisticated aggregation, execution, smart order routing, order management, distribution, analytics and risk management.
By selecting the platform, Mizuho Bank will centralise the aggregation process as well as optimise and internalise the management of their very significant FX flows.
This will not only generate considerable cost savings for Mizuho but also create new opportunities for its clients.
Mizuho’s core requirements include an advanced and open out-of-the-box solution, allowing the bank an easy injection of its own intellectual property, advanced algos and AI, while supporting the financial institution in constantly assessing new technologies to obtain further improvements.
“After a thorough review process, we are very pleased that Mizuho has selected our LiquidityFX platform to support their e-FX growth,” said smartTrade Technologies chief executive officer, David Vincent.
“The combination of our low latency connectivity and execution stack combined with sophisticated pricing and distribution functionality will allow them to enhance their execution and risk management efficiency.”
-- BERNAMA
smartTrade’s LiquidityFX platform provides low latency connectivity combined with sophisticated aggregation, execution, smart order routing, order management, distribution, analytics and risk management.
By selecting the platform, Mizuho Bank will centralise the aggregation process as well as optimise and internalise the management of their very significant FX flows.
This will not only generate considerable cost savings for Mizuho but also create new opportunities for its clients.
Mizuho’s core requirements include an advanced and open out-of-the-box solution, allowing the bank an easy injection of its own intellectual property, advanced algos and AI, while supporting the financial institution in constantly assessing new technologies to obtain further improvements.
“After a thorough review process, we are very pleased that Mizuho has selected our LiquidityFX platform to support their e-FX growth,” said smartTrade Technologies chief executive officer, David Vincent.
“The combination of our low latency connectivity and execution stack combined with sophisticated pricing and distribution functionality will allow them to enhance their execution and risk management efficiency.”
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, 27 March 2019
KEIO PLAZA HOTEL TOKYO SWORD, ARMOUR EXHIBITION CUT ABOVE THE REST
KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (Bernama) -- Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, one of Japan’s most prestigious international hotels in Shinjuku city, will display amazing and awe-inspiring Japanese swords and armour at an exhibition from April 25 to June 27.
The exhibition entitled ‘Japan’s Soul and Beauty of Swords and Armor by Legendary Artisans’ will be held at the third floor lobby.
It is part of the hotel’s series of cultural programmes designed to introduce various aspects of Japanese culture to guests from over 100 different countries globally.
Seven swords from various periods in Japanese history dating back to the Heian Period (794-1185) to as recent as the Heisei Period (1989-2019) will be displayed to demonstrate the differing techniques used and improvements made over time.
On May 14, two masters of sword-drawing from the Ryushin Shouchi School will give a live performance in the main lobby.
Visitors will gain a good sense of the aesthetic beauty reflected in patterns left on the swords from tempering as part of the forging process, small one centimetre detailed ornaments, ‘tsuba’ sword handle guards and other aspects of the swords displayed.
Swords have been one of the most important symbolic items reflecting the warrior class spirit in Japanese history, and their relevance as highly revered cultural and art items remains strong in modern-day Japan.
-- BERNAMA
The exhibition entitled ‘Japan’s Soul and Beauty of Swords and Armor by Legendary Artisans’ will be held at the third floor lobby.
It is part of the hotel’s series of cultural programmes designed to introduce various aspects of Japanese culture to guests from over 100 different countries globally.
Seven swords from various periods in Japanese history dating back to the Heian Period (794-1185) to as recent as the Heisei Period (1989-2019) will be displayed to demonstrate the differing techniques used and improvements made over time.
On May 14, two masters of sword-drawing from the Ryushin Shouchi School will give a live performance in the main lobby.
Visitors will gain a good sense of the aesthetic beauty reflected in patterns left on the swords from tempering as part of the forging process, small one centimetre detailed ornaments, ‘tsuba’ sword handle guards and other aspects of the swords displayed.
Swords have been one of the most important symbolic items reflecting the warrior class spirit in Japanese history, and their relevance as highly revered cultural and art items remains strong in modern-day Japan.
-- BERNAMA
Typhoid conference sees experts dedicated to protect communities from disease
KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- More than 450 researchers, policy-makers and advocates gathered at the 11th International Conference on Typhoid and Other Invasive Salmonelloses, beginning today, in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The three-day conference hosted by the Coalition against Typhoid, a programme of the Sabin Vaccine Institute (Sabin) is dedicated to improving the lives of young children and their families suffering from typhoid, paratyphoid and invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella.
From more than 40 countries, attendees discuss the latest research and strategies to take on enteric fever, with the goal of translating recent global advancements into local impact for prevention and control at the community level.
Typhoid continues to cause an estimated 11 million cases and more than 116,000 deaths annually, largely affecting children in low-income communities in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, according to a statement.
“During the next three days, we will lay the groundwork for a coordinated prevention and control strategy to protect the millions of children who are mostly at risk of typhoid,” said Sabin chief executive officer, Amy Finan.
Since the last conference in 2017, significant strides in global policy have paved the way for accelerated progress against enteric fever, beginning with the World Health Organisation pre-qualifying and subsequently, recommending the use of typhoid conjugate vaccines.
Helping to ensure access to these vaccines for low-income countries, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance committed US$85 million (US$1 = RM4.07) in 2018, to support its introduction whereby, countries have begun to submit applications for Gavi support for routine immunisation.
The agenda for the 11th International Conference on Typhoid and Other Invasive Salmonelloses is available at http://www.coalitionagainsttyphoid.org.
-- BERNAMA
The three-day conference hosted by the Coalition against Typhoid, a programme of the Sabin Vaccine Institute (Sabin) is dedicated to improving the lives of young children and their families suffering from typhoid, paratyphoid and invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella.
From more than 40 countries, attendees discuss the latest research and strategies to take on enteric fever, with the goal of translating recent global advancements into local impact for prevention and control at the community level.
Typhoid continues to cause an estimated 11 million cases and more than 116,000 deaths annually, largely affecting children in low-income communities in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, according to a statement.
“During the next three days, we will lay the groundwork for a coordinated prevention and control strategy to protect the millions of children who are mostly at risk of typhoid,” said Sabin chief executive officer, Amy Finan.
Since the last conference in 2017, significant strides in global policy have paved the way for accelerated progress against enteric fever, beginning with the World Health Organisation pre-qualifying and subsequently, recommending the use of typhoid conjugate vaccines.
Helping to ensure access to these vaccines for low-income countries, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance committed US$85 million (US$1 = RM4.07) in 2018, to support its introduction whereby, countries have begun to submit applications for Gavi support for routine immunisation.
The agenda for the 11th International Conference on Typhoid and Other Invasive Salmonelloses is available at http://www.coalitionagainsttyphoid.org.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, 26 March 2019
EUROMONITOR INTERNATIONAL UNVEILS GLOBAL SPORT CLUB ATTRACTIVENESS INDEX
DUSSELDORF, Germany, March 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Global market research company Euromonitor International published the first edition of the Global Club Attractiveness Index today, revealing the world’s top performing sports clubs ranked by their commercial attractiveness in 2018.
Euromonitor International’s new report shows that European football clubs from leagues such as La Liga, the Premier League and the Bundesliga, as well as teams from the major US leagues dominate the ranking.
According to Euromonitor International, the top five sport clubs are:
1. Real Madrid is the most followed sports club globally with over 226 million followers on social media platforms. The club continues to invest heavily in growth markets, inking broadcast deals in India and seven new South Asian countries.
2. FC Barcelona is the runner-up in this ranking with a record total ticket spend of USD91.9 million and one of the highest average attendances in football as well as the second highest social media following globally.
3. Manchester United boasts a history of success both locally and internationally. The Red Devils are one of the strongest professional sports brands globally, ensuring lucrative broadcast and commercial revenues for the club.
4. Arsenal is placed second in the Premier League ranking with a strong performance in total ticket spend and total attendance. In the 2017-2018 season the club managed to rank first in total ticket spend in Premier League as its average price for a home match increased from USD57 to USD74.
5. Bayern Munich has become synonymous with success on the pitch, as well as in the commercial sense. Unlike many of its European peers, the club has generated profits for over 20 consecutive years.
“Football clubs in Europe claim the top spots in the Global Club Attractiveness Index. Those clubs contain the key factors of success, from strong local support to extensive digital media footprint globally, guaranteeing a high return on investment for sponsor companies,” comments Egle Tekutyte, sports analyst at Euromonitor International.
Register now to receive a free copy of the report: https://bit.ly/2Wf74dH
ABOUT EUROMONITOR INTERNATIONAL
Euromonitor International is the world’s leading provider for global business intelligence and strategic market analysis. We have more than 40 years of experience publishing international market reports, business reference books and online databases on consumer markets.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190326005119/en/
Contact
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Soren Buchheister
Communications Associate - Euromonitor International
Tel: +49 211 89094423
soren.buchheister@euromonitor.com
Source : Euromonitor International
--BERNAMA
Euromonitor International’s new report shows that European football clubs from leagues such as La Liga, the Premier League and the Bundesliga, as well as teams from the major US leagues dominate the ranking.
According to Euromonitor International, the top five sport clubs are:
1. Real Madrid is the most followed sports club globally with over 226 million followers on social media platforms. The club continues to invest heavily in growth markets, inking broadcast deals in India and seven new South Asian countries.
2. FC Barcelona is the runner-up in this ranking with a record total ticket spend of USD91.9 million and one of the highest average attendances in football as well as the second highest social media following globally.
3. Manchester United boasts a history of success both locally and internationally. The Red Devils are one of the strongest professional sports brands globally, ensuring lucrative broadcast and commercial revenues for the club.
4. Arsenal is placed second in the Premier League ranking with a strong performance in total ticket spend and total attendance. In the 2017-2018 season the club managed to rank first in total ticket spend in Premier League as its average price for a home match increased from USD57 to USD74.
5. Bayern Munich has become synonymous with success on the pitch, as well as in the commercial sense. Unlike many of its European peers, the club has generated profits for over 20 consecutive years.
“Football clubs in Europe claim the top spots in the Global Club Attractiveness Index. Those clubs contain the key factors of success, from strong local support to extensive digital media footprint globally, guaranteeing a high return on investment for sponsor companies,” comments Egle Tekutyte, sports analyst at Euromonitor International.
Register now to receive a free copy of the report: https://bit.ly/2Wf74dH
ABOUT EUROMONITOR INTERNATIONAL
Euromonitor International is the world’s leading provider for global business intelligence and strategic market analysis. We have more than 40 years of experience publishing international market reports, business reference books and online databases on consumer markets.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190326005119/en/
Contact
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Soren Buchheister
Communications Associate - Euromonitor International
Tel: +49 211 89094423
soren.buchheister@euromonitor.com
Source : Euromonitor International
--BERNAMA
Toshiba Memory adds BiCS FLASH enabled UFS to embedded flash memory products
KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- World leader in memory solutions, Toshiba Memory Corporation has begun sampling new Automotive JEDEC UFS Version 2.1 embedded memory solutions, utilising 3D flash memory.
The new products are embedded flash memory devices that integrate the company’s BiCS FLASH™ 3D flash memory and a controller in a single package.
The sequential read and write performances are improved by approximately six per cent and 33 per cent, respectively, over existing devices.
The company’s Automotive UFS supports a wide temperature range (-40°C to +105°C), meets AEC-Q100 Grade2 requirements and offers the enhanced reliability required by various automotive applications.
The line-up consists of four capacities - 32GB, 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
The new UFS devices feature several functions well-suited to the requirements of automotive applications, including Refresh, Thermal Control and Extended Diagnosis.
Technology advances in automotive information and entertainment systems and ADAS-related products for the realisation of connected cars and autonomous vehicles will continue to push the storage demands in automotive applications ever higher.
As these demands continue to grow, Toshiba Memory Corporation will retain a leadership position in the market by reinforcing its line-up of high-performance, high-capacity memory solutions targeting the sector.
More details on the product on https://business.toshiba-memory.com/en-apac/top.html
-- BERNAMA
The new products are embedded flash memory devices that integrate the company’s BiCS FLASH™ 3D flash memory and a controller in a single package.
The sequential read and write performances are improved by approximately six per cent and 33 per cent, respectively, over existing devices.
The company’s Automotive UFS supports a wide temperature range (-40°C to +105°C), meets AEC-Q100 Grade2 requirements and offers the enhanced reliability required by various automotive applications.
The line-up consists of four capacities - 32GB, 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
The new UFS devices feature several functions well-suited to the requirements of automotive applications, including Refresh, Thermal Control and Extended Diagnosis.
Technology advances in automotive information and entertainment systems and ADAS-related products for the realisation of connected cars and autonomous vehicles will continue to push the storage demands in automotive applications ever higher.
As these demands continue to grow, Toshiba Memory Corporation will retain a leadership position in the market by reinforcing its line-up of high-performance, high-capacity memory solutions targeting the sector.
More details on the product on https://business.toshiba-memory.com/en-apac/top.html
-- BERNAMA
KIRIN BEVERAGE REWRITES OWN NATIONAL RECORD FOR LIGHTEST 2-LITER PLASTIC BOTTLE
TOKYO, Mar. 26, 2019 /Kyodo JBN - AsiaNet / --
- Lighter Bottle Top Helps Further Reduce Environmental Impact –
Kirin Beverage Co., Ltd. has managed to reduce the weight of its 2-liter plastic bottle from 28.9 grams -- the lightest of its kind in Japan as of March 20, 2019 -- to 28.3 grams by making the bottle’s top part lighter. This achievement is a result of the company’s drive to “improve the sustainability of raw materials for plastic bottles” under the “Kirin Group Plastic Policy,” an initiative established by Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd. to promote the sustainable use of plastics and the circulation of resources. The lighter plastic bottle will be used for “Kirin Alkali Ion Water” starting in April this year.
The debuting 2-liter plastic bottle, now the lightest in Japan at 28.3 grams, has been developed in collaboration with the Kirin Group’s Research Laboratories for Packaging Technologies by successfully reducing its weight through modification of the threaded portion of the bottle top with a narrower screw thread and a shorter screw.
By utilizing this plastic bottle, the company will be able to reduce the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin by about 107 tons* per year and cut CO2 emissions by about 375 tons* per year.
*Estimated by the company on the basis of sales results for 2018
(Image: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/201903224551?p=images)
Kirin Beverage has long been pursuing activities to reduce environmental impact. In developing environmentally conscious containers and packaging, the company introduced an ultra-light “pecology bottle” for the 2-liter plastic bottle of “Alkali Ion Water” in June 2003, slashing its weight from the previous 63 grams to 42 grams. The “pecology bottle” was further applied to the 2-liter plastic bottles of “Kirin Nama-cha (green tea)” and “Kirin Amino Supli” in March 2005 and to the 1.5-liter plastic bottle of “Kirin Gogo no Kocha (black tea),” in April 2008.
In November 2010, the weight of the “pecology bottle” was further brought down to 35 grams (38 grams for some products) and a new “pecology bottle” was introduced for all home-use 2-liter plastic bottles with a universal design, making it easier for users to hold them and serve what is inside.
A new design was chosen in March 2015 for the 2-liter bottle of “Alkali Ion Water” as it evolved into a new “pecology bottle” that was easier to hold, handle and discard, weighing 28.9 grams. The company vows to continue making the bottle lighter still while considering convenience for customers.
Source: Kirin Beverage Co., Ltd
--BERNAMA
- Lighter Bottle Top Helps Further Reduce Environmental Impact –
Kirin Beverage Co., Ltd. has managed to reduce the weight of its 2-liter plastic bottle from 28.9 grams -- the lightest of its kind in Japan as of March 20, 2019 -- to 28.3 grams by making the bottle’s top part lighter. This achievement is a result of the company’s drive to “improve the sustainability of raw materials for plastic bottles” under the “Kirin Group Plastic Policy,” an initiative established by Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd. to promote the sustainable use of plastics and the circulation of resources. The lighter plastic bottle will be used for “Kirin Alkali Ion Water” starting in April this year.
The debuting 2-liter plastic bottle, now the lightest in Japan at 28.3 grams, has been developed in collaboration with the Kirin Group’s Research Laboratories for Packaging Technologies by successfully reducing its weight through modification of the threaded portion of the bottle top with a narrower screw thread and a shorter screw.
By utilizing this plastic bottle, the company will be able to reduce the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin by about 107 tons* per year and cut CO2 emissions by about 375 tons* per year.
*Estimated by the company on the basis of sales results for 2018
(Image: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/201903224551?p=images)
Kirin Beverage has long been pursuing activities to reduce environmental impact. In developing environmentally conscious containers and packaging, the company introduced an ultra-light “pecology bottle” for the 2-liter plastic bottle of “Alkali Ion Water” in June 2003, slashing its weight from the previous 63 grams to 42 grams. The “pecology bottle” was further applied to the 2-liter plastic bottles of “Kirin Nama-cha (green tea)” and “Kirin Amino Supli” in March 2005 and to the 1.5-liter plastic bottle of “Kirin Gogo no Kocha (black tea),” in April 2008.
In November 2010, the weight of the “pecology bottle” was further brought down to 35 grams (38 grams for some products) and a new “pecology bottle” was introduced for all home-use 2-liter plastic bottles with a universal design, making it easier for users to hold them and serve what is inside.
A new design was chosen in March 2015 for the 2-liter bottle of “Alkali Ion Water” as it evolved into a new “pecology bottle” that was easier to hold, handle and discard, weighing 28.9 grams. The company vows to continue making the bottle lighter still while considering convenience for customers.
Source: Kirin Beverage Co., Ltd
--BERNAMA
EARTH NETWORKS ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF SEVERE WEATHER EARLY WARNING SYSTEM FOR PAGASA
Collaboration with Philippines’ public weather provider enables faster early warning and new weather data for the country and the broader region
GERMANTOWN, Md., March 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Earth Networks announced today the completion of the Philippines’ first nationwide severe weather monitoring and alerting network with associated software services for the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) agency of the Republic of the Philippines. The announcement was made at the 6th annual InterMET Asia conference in Singapore.
Initiated in 2017, and formally commissioned this week, the technology partnership between PAGASA and Earth Networks is the first of its kind in the Philippines and surrounding regions, powered by a network of total lightning sensors and real-time automatic weather stations for mesoscale monitoring. Installed and operated together with Philippines partner West Point Engineering, the 10-year program includes:
GERMANTOWN, Md., March 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Earth Networks announced today the completion of the Philippines’ first nationwide severe weather monitoring and alerting network with associated software services for the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) agency of the Republic of the Philippines. The announcement was made at the 6th annual InterMET Asia conference in Singapore.
Initiated in 2017, and formally commissioned this week, the technology partnership between PAGASA and Earth Networks is the first of its kind in the Philippines and surrounding regions, powered by a network of total lightning sensors and real-time automatic weather stations for mesoscale monitoring. Installed and operated together with Philippines partner West Point Engineering, the 10-year program includes:
- Real-time lightning detection powered by the Earth Networks Total Lightning Network
- On-the-ground weather monitoring via the Earth Networks Weather Network, integrated with PAGASA’s existing weather data systems
- Sferic Maps, a web-based severe weather monitoring and alerting platform
- Severe weather data and visualization tools such as Dangerous Thunderstorm Alerts and PulseRad, a lightning-derived radar alternative
- Short-range point forecasts powered by ENcast, enabling emergency response planning for specific disaster-prone sites
- Comprehensive training and maintenance for all weather sensors
Data from the collaboration will be commercially available to public and private industries in the region to improve and inform decision-making around severe weather. This will further enable a commercial sustainability model for these severe weather monitoring and alerting systems. Earth Networks has also deployed its first Outdoor Alerting System in the Philippines to provide wide area public alerting.
PAGASA is the Philippines’ public weather service provider, issuing typhoon and flood warnings, public weather forecasts, advisories, meteorological, astronomical, climatological products and other specialized services primarily for the protection of life and property and in support of economic productivity and sustainable development.
Earth Networks is a global provider of weather information services, including the Earth Networks Total Lightning Network, with 1,700 total lightning sensors across 100 countries. Newly expanded in the Philippines, it is the world’s most advanced lightning network technology, featuring comprehensive monitoring of both in-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning, enabling faster localized storm alerts and more accurate weather forecasts.
“Our partnership with Earth Networks is an exciting next step in our commitment to bring the best, most technologically advanced weather information systems to the Philippines.” said the PAGASA Administrator. “We can already see the benefits in improvements to our near-term forecasts, nowcasting and severe weather warning capabilities and look forward to further enhancements as a result of our cooperation.”
“We are delighted to build this innovative partnership model with PAGASA to help further our vision for a safer and more prosperous world,” said Jim Anderson, Senior Vice President, Global Sales at Earth Networks. “In addition to helping PAGASA with more accurate forecasting, severe weather monitoring and alerting, these new sources of data will greatly benefit a wide range of weather-sensitive industries in the Philippines, such as aviation, agriculture, energy and utilities. These commercial partnerships will further help sustain and expand these capacity enhancements for many years to come.”
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=34127
Monday, 25 March 2019
SONITOR TECHNOLOGIES TO EXHIBIT AT 2019 AUSTRALIAN HEALTH CARE WEEK
KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- Sonitor Technologies Inc. will exhibit its products at the 2019 Australian Health Care Week (AHCW) Conference and Exhibition in Sydney, Australia.
The two-day event begins March 27.
Sonitor Technologies is the first and only provider of ultrasound technology for real-time location systems (RTLS) and indoor positioning systems.
AHCW is the largest healthcare event in the Southern Hemisphere and the largest gathering of healthcare professionals in Australia.
Sonitor thrives on RTLS innovation and pushing technology limits. Whether it is consistently and reliably delivering accuracy from zone to chair level with its Sense technology or with its newest breakthrough technology, Forkbeard, Sonitor is at the forefront of innovation.
Compatible with iOS, Android and Windows, Forkbeard transforms smart devices to ‘be the tag’ and delivers 100 times more accuracy than Bluetooth® Low Energy, enabling wayfinding and workflow applications with unprecedented accuracy.
During the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to experience Sonitor’s technologies through live and interactive demonstrations.
“This event will provide us with the opportunity to provide live demonstrations that showcase the positive impact that our unique, ultrasound-based technology will have on both healthcare and aged-care facilities today, and in the future,” said Sonitor Technologies Inc Vice-President (Asia and Pacific), Murray Robinson.
“We have had tremendous response to Forkbeard since our market introduction at HIMMS2018. Healthcare industry leaders confirm that this is a major technology breakthrough that will help transform healthcare and other markets.”
Powered by Sonitor’s open integration RTLS platform, Sense and Forkbeard are complementary technologies that integrate with a wide variety of leading third-party software solutions and smart devices, significantly enhancing used cases such as asset management, patient flow, workflow, nurse call, wayfinding as well as staff and patient assist.
More details at www.sonitor.com
-- BERNAMA
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