MAJOR ASIA-PACIFIC REINSURERS DELIVER STABLE PERFORMANCES IN 2021, ACCORDING TO AM BEST REPORT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- Major Asia-Pacific reinsurers have sustained the ability to deliver stable operating and return on equity ratios in 2021 with average annual net premium growth of nearly 10 per cent in the most recent five-year period, according to a new AM Best report.

In a statement today, the global credit rating agency said the Best’s Market Segment Report, titled “Asia-Pacific’s Major Reinsurers Deliver Stable Performances Amid Growing Competition and Uncertainty”, is part of AM Best’s month-long look at the global reinsurance industry ahead of Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo. 

It said based on the operating performance of a group of selected Asia-Pacific domiciled reinsurers that ranked among the top 50 largest reinsurance groups globally as calculated by AM Best, 2022 is shaping up to be another profitable year thanks to benign natural catastrophe activity in the region in the first half of the year.

AM Best said pricing momentum in most Asia-Pacific markets is also expected to firmly support premium rate increases for the 2023 renewal seasons given the recent years of underperformance and retrocession capacity reduction in the global reinsurance market.

It said the Asia-Pacific composite’s five-year average return on equity from 2017 to 2021 is 5.8 per cent.

“While the loss ratio shows an increasing trend, it is offset by a decreasing expense ratio, resulting in a stable combined ratio that has hovered around the break-even point,” it said.

It said investment returns have also remained stable.

AM Best said the accumulation of natural catastrophe risks in Asia-Pacific reinsurers’ home markets remained a significant risk.

However, it said reinsurers in the region have put in years of effort to diversify growth and now are reaping the benefits from business profiles that are more balanced between domestic and overseas contributions as well as life and non-life business.

It added that the capacity in the insurance-linked securities (ILS) market could also support regional reinsurers in capturing rate hardening opportunities.

More details at www.ambest.com.

-- BERNAMA

TAYLOR'S LAUNCHES VORTEX; TRANSFORMS CURRICULUM THROUGH IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGIES

 

CAPTION: “A student uses the hololens, a mixed reality device, to explore the human anatomy.”

SUBANG JAYA, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- Taylor’s University launched its VORTEX XR Lab, equipped with augmented, virtual, and extended reality software and hardware, in its effort to drive a university-wide adoption of XR and immersive technologies in teaching, learning, and research.

Taylor’s University Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer, Professor Dr Pradeep Nair, said the university has invested more than RM1 million in the lab to enable the creation of XR content and facilitate XR research, allowing students to engage and experience their learning in a 360⁰ immersive manner, and providing them the exposure needed to meet the demands of the XR job market.

VORTEX XR Lab, which features facilities such as a Green Screen Studio, XR applications and LED stage powered by Zero Density’s Reality Ecosystem, Mixed Reality Immersive rooms, VR Head Mounted Displays powered by Meta Quest and HTC, and a HoloLens 2 station, will support all Faculties, from hospitality and architecture, to medicine and culinary arts.

“Students are no longer satisfied with just an information download from lecturers, and sitting in a class for hours. They want to see, feel, touch, and experience. We are witnessing a shift in learner expectations, where they expect learning to be flexible, on demand, personalised, engaging and immersive,” said Professor Dr Pradeep.

“With VORTEX, all students across the university and college will be exposed to some form of immersive technology. This is part of our journey in transforming the curriculum and pedagogy to embed tech skills and modules into our degrees, in order to prepare our graduates to work in jobs of the future.”

During the launch of the lab, the public was allowed to immerse in various experiences such as virtual welding and woodworking, kayaking in Antartica as a virtual tourist, attending a virtual moot court simulation, viewing augmented reality Barbie dolls donning fashion designed by Taylor’s Fashion Design Technology students, and exploring the human anatomy through a hololens.

Dr Charles Sharma Naidu, Director of VORTEX XR Lab and a Senior Lecturer at The Design School, Taylor’s University added that apart from creating immersive educational content, the lab will also function as an XR Incubation Centre, divided into three components – XR Services that provides technical support and training for academics; XR Action that facilitates XR projects and also seeks funding for XR products, as well as commercialisation; and XR Advocacy and Research that conducts research and awareness relating to XR technologies.

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Mary Kay participates in The Nature Conservancy virtual panel

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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- Mary Kay Inc, a global advocate for corporate sustainability and stewardship, recently participated in Making Waves: Women Leaders in Ocean Conservation, a virtual panel hosted by the global environmental non-profit The Nature Conservancy.

According to a statement, Mary Kay said any threat to the health of oceans is an existential global threat and the company is committed to working with other leaders in this space to make a difference.

Key panellists from The Nature Conservancy were Global Reefs lead Dr Lizzie Mcleod, Eastern Caribbean programme director Dr Sherry Constantine, and chief executive officer Jennifer Morris.

“Elevating and supporting ocean and climate champions globally is an essential way we tackle the dual biodiversity and climate crisis.

“Additionally, increasing women’s ability to participate in and lead ocean conservation and climate action ensures projects better address the needs of communities, are more sustainable and more equitable, and create a win-win for people and nature,” said Mcleod.

Panellists discussed how women leaders from across the globe are spearheading efforts to restore the health of oceans with key themes such as empowerment, education, and motivation of the next generation, as well as the importance of local leadership.

-- BERNAMA

TOSHIBA LAUNCHES STEPPING MOTOR DRIVER IC SUITED FOR INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (Toshiba) has expanded its lineup of stepping motor driver ICs with the launch of “TB67S549FTG”.

TB67S549FTG is a stepping motor driver IC housed in a small package, with built-in constant-current control that does not require external circuit components. 

According to a statement, the new driver contributes to saving space on circuit boards and is suited for industrial equipment such as office automation and financial equipment. 

In addition, the new driver incorporates a current detection part for constant-current motor control, and requires no external capacitor for a charge pump circuit. This will reduce external circuit components, thereby saving space on circuit boards.

Toshiba will continue to develop products for a wide range of applications, and to provide total solutions that contribute to user design simplification, board area reduction, and total cost reduction.

Toshiba is a leading supplier of advanced semiconductor and storage solutions, and draws on over half a century of experience and innovation to offer customers and business partners outstanding discrete semiconductors, system LSIs and HDD products.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST REVISES OUTLOOK ON TAIWAN'S NON-LIFE INSURANCE MARKET TO 'NEGATIVE'

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has revised its market segment outlook on Taiwan’s non-life insurance segment to ‘negative’ from ‘stable’, citing that the resurgence of COVID-19 cases has led to significant losses in pandemic-related insurance policies.

In its “Market Segment Outlook: Taiwan Non-Life Insurance,” AM Best noted that impacts on companies vary, depending on their pandemic insurance exposures and policy expiration patterns.

“AM Best expects that the total claims from the pandemic policies will continue to rise and put material pressure on the non-life segment’s underwriting performance for full-year 2022.

“However, over the intermediate term, insurers that were less impacted are likely to recoup such losses from their non-pandemic-related traditional underwriting portfolios, which have a track record of favourable technical results,” said associate director, James Chan in a statement today.

The prolonged low-interest rate environment in Taiwan, as well as heightened capital market volatility during the first half of 2022 (1H2022), also continued to challenge non-life insurers. 

Its stock market index declined by nearly 20 per cent in 1H2022, creating volatility in carriers’ capitalisation and operating results through capital gains and losses. 

Moving forward, AM Best expects the market to maintain its focus on profitability and achieve operating margins for non-pandemic lines of business in 2022, similar to levels prior to the surge of COVID-19 infections.

-- BERNAMA

BOOMI, RED CROSS RAISE OVER AUD$27 MLN FOR FLOOD-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- Boomi, the intelligent connectivity and automation leader, successfully supported the Australian Red Cross to raise over AUD$27 million (AUD$1=RM3.11) by enabling real-time data access throughout the Australia Unites Telethon flood relief initiative.

Head of business development, Australia and New Zealand Nathan Gower said the applications and systems that make up the Red Cross donations process were put to the test during the telethon.

“The AUD$27 million raised is a testament to the connectivity and accuracy of data stitched into the charity’s technology outfit.

“Boomi’s role of integrating data to better connect people and donations will become more and more pronounced as the Red Cross focuses its support on helping Australian communities be better prepared for climate adaptation,” he said in a statement.

In February, communities in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland were hit by severe flooding that devastated thousands of people’s homes and livelihoods. 

All three major Australian commercial television networks subsequently hosted a live telethon to raise money for Red Cross’ work with affected households. 

With four days to prepare, the Red Cross teamed with Boomi to ensure its technology infrastructure could handle the magnitude of anticipated supporter engagement during the five-hour national broadcast.

For the Australia Unites Telethon, Red Cross rapidly scaled its Boomi services to focus on priority systems, including the MyRedCross portal, customer relationship management system Pivotal, financial application Technology 1, and other internal cloud services, to maintain seamless connections for the duration of the live event.

Boomi’s local support team assisted with the preparation and remained on standby to ensure the technology performed as intended.

-- BERNAMA

YUM INITIATES WORLD'S FIRST FOOTBALL, AND HOLLYWOOD MEMORABILIA SHOWCASE TO CELEBRATE MALAYSIA'S 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE AND THE ROAD TO WORLD CUP 2022 IN MALAYSIA

 

(From Left to Right) : YBhg. Dato' Ahmad Feisal Bin Ahmad Tajuddin, Vice Chairman, Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia, Dr Kamaljeet Singh, Project Director, Nitesh Malani, Chairman, Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia, Wong Jin Zhen, Owner & Curator, Studio Hollywood Treasures. 

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia (YUM) has collaborated with a consortium of entrepreneurs, private collectors, and Studio Hollywood Treasures to showcase and promote the World's First ever Football and Hollywood Memorabilia showcase to celebrate Malaysia’s 65^th anniversary of Independence and Road to World Cup 2022 in Malaysia.
 
The showcase will feature prominent Football and famous Hollywood memorabilia, including the renowned Jules Rimet World Cup trophy mould, the Brazilian jersey signed by Pele and Neymar Jr, Pele's commemorative plaque, and many more football memorabilia in celebrating the World Cup 2022.

Other items owned by these Malaysian-based private collectors are eight World Cup footballs from 1930 to 1966, more than fifty jerseys from various clubs and international teams, medals, and soccer shoes. The total value of the available memorabilia is estimated at more than RM150 million. The World Cup trophy mould is considered rare, according to Wong Jin Zhen, the curator and owner of Studio Hollywood Treasures.

YUM is the first NGO globally to have unprecedented access to this new private collection of memorabilia.
 
“Who would have thought that the World Cup trophy and various authentic collections of the world-class football team are owned by a private collector from Malaysia? YUM is always looking for innovative ways to bring the community together, and we are open to collaborations. A hobby such as collecting memorabilia is a good way to unite people and presents many opportunities for entrepreneurship. YUM believes a hobby like this can unite people of the same interest and draw international attention to tourism, which will boost the Malaysian economy and place Malaysia on the world map,” says Nitesh Malani, Founder and Chairman of Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia.

“We want to partner with reputable organisations, and we believe YUM understands the value in this hobby and the memorabilia, and it has a deeper meaning.  There are only three moulds of the cup in the world, and one of them is in Malaysia. All these items have never been exhibited anywhere in the country except recently in Thailand.”, says Wong Jin Zhen, owner of Studio Hollywood Treasures.

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NIKKISO CLEAN ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL GASES GROUP WINS MULTIPLE HYDROGEN FUELLING STATION CONTRACTS

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group (CE&IG), a part of the Nikkiso Co Ltd (Japan) group of companies, has won multiple contracts to provide over a dozen hydrogen fuelling stations (HFS) to customers in California and South Korea. 

These stations, intended to be operational between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the second quarter of 2024, cover fuelling stations for light-duty, heavy-duty, and transit fuel cell vehicles that need H35 and H70 dispensing, according to a statement.

“As an ambassador member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) and core leader of cryogenic technology, Nikkiso is key in connecting the hydrogen ecosystem to advance the clean energy agenda,” said the chief executive officer of Nikkiso CE&IG Peter Wagner.

The purchase orders have a combined value of almost US$60 million. Nikkiso has dedicated over 150,000 ft2 (14,000 m2) square feet of floor space to mass-produce hydrogen fueling stations in Murrieta, CA, Escondido, CA, Busan, S. Korea, and Neuenbürg, Germany. (US$1 = RM 4.485)

Every station will be manufactured to comply with the local content requirements, including the Buy America Act for the US Hydrogen Hub market.

Starting with these hydrogen station projects, the Nikkiso Group aims to further expand its hydrogen-related business by strengthening its participation in the hydrogen supply chain and expanding into the global market.

-- BERNAMA

AMBANK BOOSTS SUPPORT FOR MALAYSIAN DESIGNERS AT KUALA LUMPUR FASHION WEEK 2022

 

Caption : (In the front row, from Left) Ms Shirley Tan, Head SME & Strategic Partnership AmBank Group, Mr Voon Seng Chuan, Chairman AmBank (M) Berhad, Ms Linda Wong, Head, Retail Distribution, AmBank Group and Mr Andrew Tan, Founder of KLFW at the launch AmBank's SIGNATURE Priority Banking New Pillars : Lifestyle - Legacy - Community, ahead of Alia Bastamam's Private Fashion Show at KL Fashion Week 2022.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- AmBank ties up with Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2022 (KLFW 2022) as the Official Banking Partner for the second consecutive year. The KLFW 2022 this year is held during the month of Merdeka and it is set to attract more than 150,000 people while showcasing the strength and creativity of Malaysia’s fashion industry.

Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group Chief Executive Officer of AmBank Group said, “Every year, KLFW brings a sense of pride and honour to be a Malaysian, as we witness the culture of Malaysia being displayed through the kaleidoscope of creativity and innovation of our homegrown fashion designers. It is imperative for banks to play a role in supporting the local fashion industry, as it acts as a catalyst to spur growth in the retail sector for nation-building. Our enthusiasm towards encouraging the growth of Malaysia’s SME is clear, as we continue to lay a strong foundation in providing opportunities for these businesses to thrive in challenging landscapes.”

“Fashion is not just about what you see being paraded on the runway. It’s about ensuring that the fashion economy’s heartbeat remains steadfast and benefits all parties along the value and supply chain, from the cotton farmers, fabric manufacturers, tailors, distributors and retailers. The faster the latest fashions are moved from the runway to shop shelves, the faster everyone along the value and supply chain benefits, and we in the banking industry actually plays a pivotal role in providing the necessary financial solutions and support to keep the fashion industry thriving,” he added.

As part of the collaboration, AmBank will also be hosting the inaugural Fashion Connect.22, a Business Fashion symposium, in September 2022. This is a meet, greet and networking platform whereby various industry experts will cover a range of topics from how entrepreneurs grow their business, sharing of success stories by key speakers to the different end-to-end financial and digital solutions available to support homegrown designers. Fashion Connect.22 is co-organised by AmBank and KLFW.

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CELEBRATE A FUN-PACKED MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL AT CHERAS LEISUREMALL!

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Celebrate the auspicious Mid-Autumn Festival with your family at Cheras LeisureMall today, with exciting activities every weekend throughout August and September 2022.

This year’s décor and festivities carry a unique Japanese or ‘Otsukimi’ theme, offering shoppers a one-of-a-kind experience to celebrate this auspicious festival.  

All our exciting Mid-Autumn-themed events are perfect for the entire family! The events’ details are as follows:

• Mid-Autumn lantern display [19 August 2022 – 11 September 2022]
Venue: Level 2 Concourse

• Mid-Autumn Fair [12 August 2022 – 10 September 2022]
Venue: Lower Ground Concourse
Vendors include: Hong Kong Bay, First Class Durian, Oversea, Casahana, Yu-Ai, Duria, Yong Sheng, Milky Way, JDX.

• Japanese Mini Drum Design Contest [19 August 2022 – 11 September 2022]
Spend RM30 and above in a single receipt at Cheras LeisureMall for an entry to the Contest.
Category A: 5-11 years old
Category B: 12-18 years old
Each category will award 5 winners with RM100 Cheras LeisureMall cash vouchers.

• Otsukimi Japanese Photo Booth [21 & 27 August | 3 & 11 September | 12pm – 4pm]
Dress up in traditional Japanese costumes & have fun at the photo booth with a minimum spend of RM5 in a single receipt on the same day.

• Mid-Autumn Dance Performance [20 August | 3 & 10 September | 5pm]

• Mid-Autumn Kids Talent Performance by The Beatz Studio [27 August | 5pm]

• Sweet Treats Giveaway
Ding Ding Candy Giveaway | 20 August | 3pm
Muah Chee Giveaway | 10 September | 3pm
With a min spending of RM5 in a single receipt on the same day, it is limited to the first 100 shoppers and only one unit per shopper.

• Merdeka Day flag giveaway [31 August | 12pm, 2pm & 4pm]
 
Unleash your inner artist with our various Mid-Autumn-themed arts and crafts workshops! With a minimum spend of RM30 in a single receipt on the same day, shoppers can participate in the following workshops for free. Limited slots are available, and each workshop is held at Level 2, Leisureplex at the following times:
 
• Origami Hina Doll Workshop | 20 & 21 August | 12pm
• Japanese Paper Cutting Lantern Workshop | 27 & 28 August | 12pm
• Snowskin Mooncake Workshop | 3 & 4 September | 12pm
• Calligraphy Lantern Workshop | 10 & 11 September | 12pm


For more information, visit Cheras LeisureMall’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

About Cheras LeisureMall

Since opening its doors in December 1994, Cheras LeisureMall has become a beloved landmark and a popular destination in Cheras. Located strategically along Jalan Cheras, it provides a host of integrated retail, F&B and leisure activities for the entire family.

Cheras LeisureMall is owned and managed by PPB Properties - the property division of PPB Group Berhad, which is an investment holding and property investment company listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad.
 
Source: PPB Properties 

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TESSA THERAPEUTICS HIRES THOMAS WILLEMSEN AS PRESIDENT AND CEO

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Tessa Therapeutics Ltd (Tessa), a clinical-stage cell therapy company, has announced the appointment of Thomas Willemsen as its president and chief executive officer (CEO) effective Oct 1, 2022. 

Bringing more than 25 years of experience to Tessa with extensive international management and leadership experience in the pharmaceuticals industry, Willemsen has also been named as a member of Tessa’s board of directors, according to a statement.

He joins Tessa from Takeda Pharmaceuticals, where he served as senior vice-president, Asia Pacific, leading the transformation of Takeda across 10 markets and enhancing its focus on rare and genetic diseases, oncology, and vaccines.

“Tessa is extremely pleased to add an executive of Thomas’ calibre as our new president and CEO, coming at a time of significant optimism at the company as we pursue a multi-tier development strategy built around our proprietary CAR-T technologies and fuelled by the recently completed US$126 million financing.

“His combination of executive experience at global pharma companies and deep understanding of commercialisation and oncology makes Thomas an ideal executive to lead Tessa’s next stage of growth,” said Göran Ando, M.D., chairman of the board of Tessa Therapeutics.

As president and CEO, Willemsen will lead Tessa’s corporate, business and development strategy focused on maximising the value potential of the company’s proprietary autologous and allogeneic CAR-T platforms.

He will lead Tessa from its global headquarters in Singapore.

John Ng, who had served as Tessa’s acting CEO since November 2021, will continue as the company’s chief technical officer.

Willemsen graduated with an MBA from Trier University, Germany, and attained a Chinese language degree from Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.

-- BERNAMA 

TOP NFT SPEAKERS AND PARTNERS TO TAKE THE STAGE AT M1NTED

 

Connect With Leading Experts And Thought Leaders At Malaysia's Biggest NFT Event

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- A dozen of the world’s best minds are set to convene at Malaysia’s first-ever NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens) conference and festival; M1NTED, happening from August 22 to August 28. Headliners include Animoca, Decentraland, and Sandbox, who are among the biggest names in the Web3 world, as they lead the full lineup of local and international speakers, with their live talk sessions, panel discussions, and keynote speeches. 
 
Combining the best of both worlds, namely a festival showcase and a conference, M1NTED will feature specially-curated experiences between August 22 and August 26, before culminating with the conference on August 27 and August 28. Event organizer The Livescape Group has been instrumental in its collective effort to secure the most reputed names in the Web3 world, with the intention of empowering attendees with the right understanding and knowledge of the space to make more informed decisions for themselves when entering into the Web3 world.
 
The Livescape Group CEO Iqbal Ameer said he is humbled by the presence of these high-profile and international speakers to Malaysian shores to meet local NFT heroes. “We are thrilled and privileged to have in attendance some of the biggest names in the industry at M1NTED. As leading lights of the Web3 world, audiences would find their insights and experience indelible to understanding the potential of the space and the freedom it provides,” said Iqbal.

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HONEYWELL FOCUSES ON RETAIL & SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS IN SUPPORTING BUSINESSES POST PANDEMIC

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Honeywell has been proactively supporting businesses and our customers during the unprecedented circumstances in the last two years. During the pandemic, most industries went through severe challenges turbulent phase. Retail is one vertical which saw a massive disruption, on the one side online sales had unimaginable adoption levels, at the same time it exposed their respective supply chain bottlenecks, and on the other hand, offline retail saw a downward trend due to the lockdowns.

“Over the last couple of years, Honeywell continues to innovate and focus on products, tools, software, and solutions that help connect supply chains, have end-to-end inventory visibility, increase worker efficiency and satisfaction, above all save costs, and deliver exceptional and seamless retail experience to the customers,” said Vikas Wadhwa, APAC Retail Leader, APACI of Honeywell.
 
Amongst the products offered which have benefitted the community and the Company target segment at large are Disinfectant Ready Housings (DRH), which was used for sanitization purposes. Besides that, in digitizing the way the Company operates, Honeywell’s hardware and software solutions have ensured social distancing between employees, which include scanners which helped customer quickly adapt to the digital world by effortlessly scanning payment QR codes, creating a true frictionless and touch free world.
 
In addition, Honeywell Smart Talk has helped team and workers connected, inside and outside the four walls and Honeywell Voice also assisted worker in the improvement of safety, productivity, efficiency and throughput by handsfree and eyes-up working environments during the most crucial times.
 
“We look forward to continuing to create groundbreaking technologies that transform the way the world works. At Honeywell, our products and solutions are critical enablers in the journey of production to consumption. We help organizations answer supply chain and omnichannel challenges by shortening fulfillment times, improving efficiency, accuracy and productivity, lowering costs, and elevating the customer experience,” added Vikas.

Vikas also added, It is imperative that there is product availability, end-to-end visibility, no supply chain leakages, no wastages and the products are delivered to the right people, at the right time, every time.”
 
Beyond business, Honeywell also focuses on areas of vital importance to the communities it serves. Together with leading public and non-profit institutions, Honeywell has held various programs which have directly benefitted the community at large, besides other initiatives which include efforts focused on humanitarian relief, habitat, conservation, family safety and security.

For more information about Honeywell’s retail and supply chain solutions, visit https://sps.honeywell.com/us/en/industries/retail   

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3 indexes relating to shipping, port and seaborne trade were launched at 2022 Qingdao Land-Sea Linkage Seminar

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- The International Shipping Hub Development Index (ISHDI)-RCEP Regional Report (2022), Xinhua-SPG Port Commodity Index Report (2022) and RCEP Seaborne Trade Index Report 2022 were released at the 2022 Qingdao Land-Sea Linkage Seminar held on August 15.

According to a statement by the China Economic Information Service, experts believed that the high-standard interconnection infrastructure for the industrial chain and supply chain could be provided by accurately depicting the changes in port commodity trade as well as achieving the efficient linkage among port shipping, commodities and trade.

It said the ISHDI-RCEP Regional Report (2022) compiled by China Economic Information Service was another world-class port and shipping evaluation index launched globally with a focus on the competitiveness elements of shipping hubs based on the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Center Development Index.

“It aims to facilitate smooth cooperation and coordinated development of hub ports,” it said.

It said the Xinhua-SPG Port Commodity Index was jointly developed and compiled by Shandong Port Group and China Economic Information Service.

“It was first released in Qingdao in October 2021,” it said.

Meanwhile, it said the RCEP Seaborne Trade Index Report 2022 took the 14 member countries of the RCEP, except for Laos, as the research objects and selected six major categories of cargo, including container cargo, iron ore, coal, petroleum products, liquefied natural gas and automobiles.

Huang Youfang, council chairman of the 8th China Institute of Navigation and vice chairman of China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, said as the digital information link, the release of the three upgraded indexes would enhance the status of ports, including becoming international shipping hubs and guide the hub ports to achieve smooth cooperation.

-- BERNAMA

BLACK & VEATCH COMPLETES WORLD'S FIRST COMMERCIAL-SCALE ALTERNATIVE ANIMAL FEED PRODUCTION FACILITY

Using less land, water and energy than other protein producers, Calysseo’s bio-fermentation facility will produce 20,000 tons of FeedKind^® annually

BEIJING, Aug 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- With demand for protein from the world’s rapidly growing population expected to rise, commissioning is now underway at the world’s first industrial-scale FeedKind^® facility in Chongqing, China.

The facility, designed and built ahead-of-schedule by a consortium of Black & Veatch and Shanghai LBT Engineering & Technology Co. Ltd., will produce 20,000 tons of low carbon animal feed annually.

The facility was developed by Calysseo Chongqing Co Ltd., a joint venture between worldwide animal nutrition leader Adisseo and protein innovator Calysta.

FeedKind^® is an alternative feed ingredient for the aquaculture and animal feed industry produced via natural fermentation that does not use arable land, animal or plant ingredients, and uses very little water in its production. 

“Without innovating and producing alternative proteins, the world’s ever-growing population and appetite for protein-rich diets will place unsustainable pressure on our existing food chains,” says Graham Aylen, Project Director, Calysseo. “Having Black & Veatch in our corner allowed us to deliver this new technology at commercial scale confidently, safely and to schedule, helping us achieve an important milestone in humanity’s race to create tomorrow’s more sustainable and secure food supply.”
 

The consortium executed the full engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) scope for the facility located in the Changshou Economic and Technological Development Area (CETDA), Chongqing Province, China. 

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AllianceBernstein shares insights on low volatility investment opportunities

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Equity markets are facing heightened uncertainty stemming from rising inflation, slowing growth, the prospects of higher interest rates and geopolitical tensions, according to AllianceBernstein.

Amidst this unsettling shifting backdrop, investors may be wondering how to manage the resulting volatility within their portfolios or whether they should remain invested.

The global investment management and research firm, in a statement, said that exiting a rocky market instead of sticking it out may lead to worse results for nervous investors.

The firm’s approach to low-volatility investing targets companies with three fundamental characteristics: quality, stability and price, in order to help mitigate downside risks and generate greater returns for investors when markets recover.

AllianceBernstein finds that stocks of quality companies with stable performance patterns, and that are trading at attractive prices are a good way to navigate volatility.

“Rather than pull money out of the market, investors could take a low-volatility approach to build a resilient portfolio that can weather different market conditions, one that can reduce losses in market declines, while capturing most of the upside in a rising market to deliver a smoother pattern of returns,” said Southeast Asia client group managing director Karen Lim.

While most sectors have not been spared from the widespread market selloff this year, certain sectors have turned out less volatile than others. The broad technology sector, for example, was one of the worst-hit sectors, the statement said.

Some healthcare and consumer companies have also remained resilient, despite the market turbulence, it added.

Within each of these sectors, there will be winners and losers, but AllianceBernstein has found that companies with strong cash flows and business models are likely to withstand market pressures and thrive in subsequent recoveries.

-- BERNAMA

TOKIO MARINE ASIA PARTNERS ARBOR VENTURES TO ACCELERATE INSURANCE INDUSTRY'S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Tokio Marine Asia Pte Ltd has partnered with Arbor Ventures, a leading global financial and insurance technology-focused venture capital (VC) firm, to accelerate the digital transformation of the global insurance industry.

The Tokyo-headquartered insurance group has been promoting transformational digital initiatives on a global basis, leveraging on collaborations with startups and service providers with key strategic capabilities.

“Tokio Marine Asia is a world-renowned leader that Arbor Ventures is proud to add as a strategic partner in building the future of FinTech/InsurTech.

“Arbor Ventures looks forward to building the next generation of transformational InsurTech startups together,” Arbor Ventures managing partner Melissa Guzy said in a statement today.

To accelerate the identification and development of new business models, Tokio Marine Holdings Inc has announced the launch of its corporate venture capital (CVC) fund, Tokio Marine Future Fund, earlier in April 2022, partnering with World Innovation Lab to invest in early-stage startups.

Tokio Marine Asia will identify and invest directly in high-growth potential startups through the CVC fund in addition to partnering with Arbor Ventures and other leading VCs for unique insights and access to promising startups leading the digital transformation in Insurance. 

Arbor Ventures’ addition to Tokio Marine Asia’s group of collaborative VCs significantly heightens its future opportunities.

Arbor Ventures’ global connectivity and portfolio as well as its engagement in local markets will further enable Tokio Marine Asia group’s innovation labs, spread across seven cities, including Singapore, to collaborate broadly with synergy beyond borders.

-- BERNAMA

JAPAN-BASED LOG BUILD PICKS VONAGE TO ENHANCE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Vonage, a global leader in cloud communications, is enabling Japan-based construction tech company, Log Build, to seamlessly engage with its customers via high-quality live video calls that encourage collaboration on operations and services to enhance the customer experience.

“With the Vonage Communications Platform, we are happy to support innovative businesses like Log Build as they build the future of immersive engagement,” said Vonage vice president of product, platform services, artificial intelligence and video, Amitha Pulijala, in a statement.

Meanwhile, Log Build chief executive officer Kenichi Nakabori said: “Powered by the Vonage Video API, Log Build apps allow contractors and other customers to inspect construction sites remotely, from any location, on their preferred device, more smoothly, quickly and safely.”

By integrating the Vonage Video API directly into the Log Build software, the company is able to connect with carpenters and other tradespeople via highly reliable, interactive live video calls, enabling them to reduce the time and expense associated with physical travel to the site.

Log Build was founded with the aim of bringing to the world a service that enables truly necessary remote construction management.

It has established new forms of remote site visualisation apps, such as video communication apps, that enable remote on-site inspections of construction sites (Log Meet); and 24-hour site patrols by avatar robots (Log Kun), among others.

The Vonage Communications Platform has more than one million registered developers and offers a full suite of programmable voice, video, messaging, and email services to forward-thinking businesses throughout the Asia-Pacific market and worldwide.

More details at www.vonage.com.

-- BERNAMA

BLACK & VEATCH COMPLETES WORLD'S FIRST COMMERCIAL-SCALE ALTERNATIVE ANIMAL FEED PRODUCTION FACILITY

Using less land, water and energy than other protein producers, Calysseo’s bio-fermentation facility will produce 20,000 tons of FeedKind^® annually

BEIJING, Aug 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- With demand for protein from the world’s rapidly growing population expected to rise, commissioning is now underway at the world’s first industrial-scale FeedKind^® facility in Chongqing, China.

The facility, designed and built ahead-of-schedule by a consortium of Black & Veatch and Shanghai LBT Engineering & Technology Co. Ltd., will produce 20,000 tons of low carbon animal feed annually.

The facility was developed by Calysseo Chongqing Co Ltd., a joint venture between worldwide animal nutrition leader Adisseo and protein innovator Calysta.

FeedKind^® is an alternative feed ingredient for the aquaculture and animal feed industry produced via natural fermentation that does not use arable land, animal or plant ingredients, and uses very little water in its production. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=43922

TESSA THERAPEUTICS DOSES FIRST PATIENT IN PHASE 1B CLINICAL TRIAL INVESTIGATING TT11

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Tessa Therapeutics Ltd (Tessa) has announced the dosing of the first patient in a Phase 1b clinical trial investigating TT11, in combination with Bristol Myers Squibb’s nivolumab as a potential second-line treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-positive classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL).

According to a statement, TT11 is the company’s autologous CD30 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy.

“Initiation of this Phase 1b clinical trial marks an important milestone for our autologous CD30.CAR-T programme as we now have the opportunity to evaluate TT11 in combination with nivolumab as a potential second-line treatment for relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma,” said CTO and Acting CEO of Tessa Therapeutics, John Ng.

“We now welcome the opportunity to capitalise on this clinical progress by investigating TT11 as a second-line combination therapy, which offers the opportunity to greatly increase the patient population who could potentially benefit from this course of care.”

The Phase 1b open-label trial will enroll up to 14 patients with CD30+ cHL with relapsed or refractory disease after front-line therapy combining PD-1 antibody and CAR-T therapy in a “sandwich” study design.

Patients will initially receive two cycles of nivolumab dosed at four-week intervals followed by lymphocyte depleting treatment with fludarabine/bendamustine chemotherapy. Patients will then receive a single infusion of TT11, followed by two additional cycles of nivolumab.

The primary endpoint of the trial is safety and tolerability of the combination regimen. Secondary endpoints will evaluate key efficacy indicators including overall response rate, duration of response, and progression-free survival.

Tessa Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation cell therapies for the treatment of hematological cancers and solid tumours.

More details at www.tessacell.com.

-- BERNAMA

MARY KAY INC. CONTINUES ITS SUPPORT OF WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT AT THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S FORUM CORNERSTONE CONFERENCE IN CHILE

 

IWF Latinobarómetro MKI Latin American Women Democracy & Society from a Gender Perspective Research (Graphic: Mary Kay Inc.) 

Exclusive Research on Gender Equality Progress over the past 25 Years in 18 Latin American Countries Unveiled

DALLAS, Aug 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Mary Kay Inc. continues its support of women’s entrepreneurship, empowerment and thought leadership as a sponsor of the 2022 International Women’s Forum (IWF) Cornerstone Conference. Taking place on 17-18 May in Santiago, the Conference convened global decision makers who explored the most pressing challenges to progress on gender equality for the Latin American region.
 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220812005257/en/

For the first time ever, IWF commissioned groundbreaking research as part of its annual conference programming with funding by Mary Kay. Conducted by the Latinobarómetro founded by Marta Lagos, this research, titled “Latin American Women: Democracy & Society from a Gender Perspective,” is the first-ever analysis of a quarter of a century (1995-2020) of public opinion and attitudes towards and by women on gender equality issues in 18 Latin American countries.

“Marta Lagos, one of the world’s foremost pollsters, revealed key findings from over 25 years of gender research by her firm Latinobarómetro. For decades she has had her finger on the pulse of Latin America, tracking shifts in attitudes on politics, society and culture,” said Stephanie O’Keefe, CEO of International Women’s Forum. “We are truly proud to share these important findings with the world thanks to our partnership with Mary Kay.”

“Now, more than ever, the collection of gender data is crucial to inform advocacy and policy work. I am so pleased for Mary Kay to support this impressive compilation of research, ‘Latin American Women: Democracy and Society from a Gender Perspective.’ It is our collective and individual responsibility to learn from the experiences of women in Latin America and to use this data to keep pushing the needle to achieve gender equality in the region and around the world,” said Deborah Gibbins, Chief Operating Officer at Mary Kay Inc.

Not only does this research reveal the most important changes in the opinions, attitudes, and behaviors of Latin American women over the last 25 years, but it also looks at the barriers to change. The latest data was gathered in October 2020 at the end of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and, therefore, reflects the initial impact of the pandemic and the rollback on gender equality progress which we have witnessed globally.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=43898

APPROACHING 40 YEARS, RIMKUS CONSULTING GROUP, INC. REBRANDS AS RIMKUS

The change signals the consulting firm’s continued growth and global leadership position

HOUSTON, Aug 17 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc., a worldwide provider of engineering and technical consulting services, today announced a historic milestone as the company rebrands to Rimkus. The change reflects the company’s commitment to evolving its service offerings to meet the shifting needs of its global clients.

“We are incredibly proud of the legacy Rimkus has built over nearly four decades. In 2020, we introduced an aggressive growth strategy for our company and have successfully acquired and partnered with other top consulting firms around the globe, expanding our geographical footprint and our leading team of experts. United under a common purpose and vision, our team will continue to draw on the rich heritage of the company while delivering innovative and forward-thinking solutions for our clients well into the future,” said Curtis Brown, Chairman and Executive Director, Rimkus.

Founded in 1983 in Houston, Texas, Rimkus has transformed into one of the premier forensic engineering and technical consulting companies in the world, growing its network to more than 1,400 employees globally. Its bench of industry-leading experts spans nearly all engineering and scientific disciplines.

“Rimkus has built a foundation of trust and shared success with our clients, and this next chapter will be no different. We understand the importance of growth, and as we continue to build toward our future, we need to evolve with our clients. This transformation represents our commitment to expanding capabilities and finding new ways to solve problems while staying true to the legacy everyone has come to know and expect,” said Robert Kocher, Chief Executive Officer, Rimkus.

Alongside the new company name, Rimkus unveiled a corporate brand refresh, including a new corporate logo and soon-to-launch website. The logo commemorates and signifies the new direction for the company, retaining the heritage Rimkus ‘R’, iconic since the inception in 1983 and serving as a nod to the company’s roots.

Since 2020, Rimkus has completed 14 acquisitions worldwide. Through the acquisitions, Rimkus has enhanced its existing practice areas to stay ahead of its global customers’ requirements and invested in solutions that enable the company to remain a leader.

About Rimkus

Rimkus is a worldwide provider of engineering and technical consulting to corporations, insurance companies, law firms, and government agencies. Rimkus experts specialize in forensic consulting, dispute resolution and construction management services, solutions for the built environment, and human factors support for the consumer, industrial, and healthcare industries. For almost 40 years, the company’s professional engineers, architects, scientists, and technical specialists have been recognized for their commitment to service excellence by local, national, and international business communities. Rimkus operates more than 110 offices worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.rimkus.com. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=43914

BUSAN IT INDUSTRY PROMOTION AGENCY SELECTS 2022 KOREA-ASEAN XR JOINT PROJECT AS BRIDGEHEAD TO ENTER ASEAN MARKET

National Museum Bangkok, Thailand will exhibit its cultural heritage using Korea's XR content creation technology

A selection of 9 projects amounting to about 2.3 million USD will be demonstrated and commercialized

Competitive Korean XR companies are expected to enter the global market and pioneer export channels

BUSAN, South Korea, Aug 16 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Busan IT Industry Promotion Agency (President & CEO Mun-Seob Jeong), through the ASEAN-ROK ICT Convergence Village, announced the selection of nine new projects for the 2022 Korea-ASEAN XR Joint Project to demonstrate and to establish competitive Korean XR companies, and to expand advanced XR and Metaverse technology into the ASEAN market.

Following the 2019 ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit held in Busan, ASEAN-ROK ICT Convergence Village was first implemented in 2020. The project with its purpose of expanding ICT exchange and mutual growth in Korea and ASEAN is under the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) and Busan IT Industry Promotion Agency (BIPA), hosted by the Korean Ministry of Science and ICT, and Busan Metropolitan City.

The nine selected projects are as follows:

1. XR museum contents and exhibition platform for National Museum Bangkok, Thailand (Fun it Co., Ltd.)

2. Indonesia virtual avatar full body motion capture live interaction project (Kovee Co., Ltd., Filder tax Co., Ltd.)

3. XR Convergence Sports Contents and Experience Center Demonstration Project in Myanmar (Insol M&T Co., Ltd., KMPI Consortium Co., Ltd.)

4. Korea and ASEAN virtual exhibition platform based on 3D immersive metaverse gallery in Myanmar (GD Communication & Asian Arts Cooperation)

5. Metaverse exercise solution customized for Vietnamese body types using body recognition technology and kiosk (Tiger AI, RH-Tech Co., Ltd., Industrial-Academic Cooperation Group of Dongmyeong University)

6. Police taser gun training system in Indonesia using VR (Jacob System Co., Ltd., Premoem Co., Ltd.)

7. Total golf training system using XR technology in Malaysia (Smile Square, Hello Studio Co., Ltd.)

8. AR-based telemedicine and collaboration system in Indonesia (Pusan National University Hospital, ITIZ, ION-M Solution Co., Ltd.)

9. XR safety education and training contents production in Brunei (Safety XR) (YST Co., Ltd.)

BIPA plans to finance the aforementioned projects totaling about 2.3 million USD for its demonstration and commercialization in the ASEAN market, slated to support the application of XR content to various business fields in the ASEAN region.

In 2021 alone, BIPA funded about 2.5 million USD for six projects, including the XR tourism platform construction project for the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, resulting in the launch of tourism products.

Mun-Seob Jeong, President & CEO of BIPA, said, “I hope that the 2022 Korea-ASEAN XR Joint Project becomes a good opportunity for ASEAN and ROK to start collaborating on various projects. BIPA will continue to discover and support designated projects according to the demands of the ASEAN region.” 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=43903