Second Edition Of International Film Criticism Conference Concludes In Riyadh

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- The second edition of the International Film Criticism Conference, organised by the Saudi Film Commission, kicked off recently for five days beginning Nov 6, in Riyadh.

Held under the theme "Sound in Cinema", this year’s conference explored the various impacts of sound on the film experience and its influence on the film industry, with the discussions covering different elements such as film scores, sound effects, and nature sounds.

According to a statement, with activities such as workshops, film screenings, and interactive exhibits, the conference is distinguished by a vast presence of international filmmakers, critics, as well as cinephiles.

The opening ceremony started with an introductory video about the conference, its objectives, and past achievements, followed by a speech from Saudi Film Commission Chief Executive Officer, Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Qahtani.

He said the Saudi Film Commission is dedicated to establishing, developing, and sustaining a strong and vibrant film industry, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

“The Film Commission focuses on empowering criticism as an intellectual and artistic tool that illuminates the path of cinema and opens new prospects for it,” he added.

The ceremony also included a speech by prominent Saudi director, Abdullah Al-Mohaisen, followed by a screening of the film “Assassination of a City”, a pioneering Saudi documentary that won several international awards.

Moreover, a follow-up discussion was held between the director and moderated by film critics Ahmad Shawqi and Ahmad Alayyad.

-- BERNAMA

LANTRONIX ACCELERATES IOT LEADERSHIP WITH STRATEGIC ACQUISITION OF DZS'S NETCOMM ENTERPRISE IOT PORTFOLIO

• Expands Lantronix’s IoT Wireless Connect Portfolio With Cutting-Edge 5G Technology
• Strengthens Competitive Offering, Adds New Blue-Chip Customers

IRVINE, Calif., Nov 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX), a global leader in IoT compute and connectivity IoT solutions, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire from NetComm Wireless Pty Ltd (“NetComm”), a subsidiary of DZS, Inc., all of the assets of its enterprise Internet of Things (IoT) business for $6.5 million in cash together with assumptions of certain liabilities. The acquisition complements Lantronix’s focus on the Enterprise and Smart City vertical markets and expands its next-generation 5G capabilities.

“The strategic acquisition of Netcomm’s IoT portfolio strengthens our Compute and Connect offerings by providing our customers with leading-edge IoT solutions,” stated Saleel Awsare, president and CEO of Lantronix. “The acquisition expands our portfolio in Gateway, Routers and Modems, including the latest 5G products, which enhances our Edge Compute solutions. It also adds new blue-chip Enterprise customers for additional cross-selling opportunities and opens our products to target-rich unserved geographic markets, such as Australia and New Zealand.”

The closing of the acquisition is subject to certain conditions. Lantronix believes that the transaction will close during the second quarter of fiscal 2025. Lantronix expects the acquisition to be accretive upon closing and will accelerate the company’s strategic focus on innovative Industrial IoT solutions at scale. By integrating this new IoT portfolio, Lantronix will enhance its connectivity solutions in mission-critical areas, such as critical infrastructure, asset monitoring and telecommunications.

At the core of this acquisition are 4G and 5G solutions that enable ultra-fast Ethernet-to-Cellular and Wi-Fi^® connectivity for machines in the most demanding environments. Designed for industries that require rugged, reliable connectivity, these products deliver low-latency performance and superior remote management capabilities. This IoT suite is trusted by some of the world’s most prominent companies. Lantronix expects DSZ’s NetComm enterprise portfolio to generate between $6 million and $7 million in revenue during calendar year 2024.

About Lantronix

Lantronix Inc. is a global leader of compute and connectivity IoT solutions that target high-growth industries including Smart Cities, Automotive and Enterprise. Lantronix’s products and services empower companies to succeed in the growing IoT markets by delivering customizable solutions that address each layer of the IoT Stack. Lantronix’s leading-edge solutions include Intelligent Substations infrastructure, Infotainment systems and Video Surveillance, supplemented with advanced Out-of-Band Management (OOB) for Cloud and Edge Computing. 

For more information, visit the Lantronix website.

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about our expectations concerning the benefits of our acquisition of DSZ’s NetComm enterprise IoT portfolio such as strengthening our competitive offering, bringing new blue-chip names to our customer base and unlocking growth opportunities for our IoT customers, as well as the anticipated completion of the proposed acquisition or the timing thereof and the accretive nature of the proposed acquisition. These forward-looking statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We have based our forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about trends affecting our business and industry and other future events. Although we do not make forward-looking statements unless we believe we have a reasonable basis for doing so, we cannot guarantee their accuracy. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our results or experiences, or future business, financial condition, results of operations or performance, to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this news release. Other factors which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future prospects or which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to: the ability to complete the proposed acquisition on anticipated terms and timetable; our ability to integrate the acquired assets successfully after the closing and achieve anticipated benefits from them; the possibility that various closing conditions for the acquisition may not be satisfied or waived; risks relating to any unforeseen liabilities assumed with the acquired assets; the effects of negative or worsening regional and worldwide economic conditions or market instability on our business, including effects on purchasing decisions by our customers; our ability to mitigate any disruption in our and our suppliers’ and vendors’ supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other outbreaks, wars and recent conflicts in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, hostilities in the Red Sea, or other causes; our ability to successfully convert our backlog and current demand; our ability to successfully implement our acquisitions strategy or integrate acquired companies; uncertainty as to the future profitability of acquired businesses, and delays in the realization of, or the failure to realize, any accretion from acquisition transactions; acquiring, managing and integrating new operations, businesses or assets, and the associated diversion of management attention or other related costs or difficulties; our ability to continue to generate revenue from products sold into mature markets; our ability to develop, market, and sell new products; our ability to succeed with our new software offerings; fluctuations in our revenue due to the project-based timing of orders from certain customers; unpredictable timing of our revenues due to the lengthy sales cycle for our products and services and potential delays in customer completion of projects; our ability to accurately forecast future demand for our products; delays in qualifying revisions of existing products; constraints or delays in the supply of, or quality control issues with, certain materials or components; difficulties associated with the delivery, quality or cost of our products from our contract manufacturers or suppliers; risks related to the outsourcing of manufacturing and international operations; difficulties associated with our distributors or resellers; intense competition in our industry and resultant downward price pressure; rises in inventory levels and inventory obsolescence; undetected software or hardware errors or defects in our products; cybersecurity risks; our ability to obtain appropriate industry certifications or approvals from governmental regulatory bodies; changes in applicable U.S. and foreign government laws, regulations, and tariffs; our ability to protect patents and other proprietary rights and avoid infringement of others’ proprietary technology rights; issues relating to the stability of our financial and banking institutions and relationships; the level of our indebtedness, our ability to service our indebtedness and the restrictions in our debt agreements; the impact of rising interest rates; our ability to attract and retain qualified management; and any additional factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Sept. 9, 2024, including in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of that report; and in our other public filings with the SEC. In addition, actual results may differ as a result of additional risks and uncertainties of which we are currently unaware or which we do not currently view as material to our business. For these reasons, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements we make speak only as of the date on which they are made. We expressly disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our opinions or expectations, except as required by applicable law or the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. If we do update or correct any forward-looking statements, investors should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections.© 2024 Lantronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Lantronix is a registered trademark. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. 

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ATNI LAUNCHES 5TH GLOBAL ACCESS TO NUTRITION INDEX AS INDUSTRY AND POLICY MAKERS GRAPPLE WITH FOOD POLYCRISIS

UTRECHT, The Netherlands, Nov 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, ATNi launches the 5^th edition of the Global Access to Nutrition Index, the largest yet, assessing the world’s 30 largest food and beverage manufacturers and over 52,000 products, representing 23% global market share.

One in five deaths globally is associated with a poor diet. One out of eight adults are affected by obesity, 150 million children are too short for their age because of poor nutrition, and close to a third of women of reproductive age, and half of children, consume inadequate micronutrients.

The Index reveals some important progress. More companies are setting targets to improve their portfolio healthiness, now using internationally recognized Nutrient Profiling Models (NPMs) to classify products as ‘healthier’.

However, overall, there have been only marginal improvements in key metrics such as healthiness of product portfolios. Concurrently, the estimated sales values of company’s healthier products have increased, showing consumers are increasingly purchasing healthier products. Worryingly, product portfolio healthiness was found to be lowest in low-income countries, highlighting disparities in product offerings across different markets and income groups.

Global Index 2024 – key findings

Product Healthiness

Among the 52,414 products analyzed from 30 companies using the Health Star Rating (HSR) system, 31%—a total of 16,467 products—met the healthier threshold (3.5 stars and above out of 5), representing an estimated 34% of the companies' combined sales in 2022. ATNi challenges companies to derive at least half their sales from healthy products by 2030. Today only 30% of companies are meeting this target.

Differences by market and income

Overall food product healthiness in low- and lower middle-income countries scored much lower (mean HSR 1.8) than in high-income countries (mean HSR 2.3). At the aggregate level, the share of ‘less healthy’ products which the 30 assessed companies are marketing is higher in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. 

Reporting and disclosures

30% of companies assessed, now use an internationally recognized Nutrient Profiling Model to report on portfolio healthiness, with 20% doing so to report on overall percentages of global sales. While the quality, coverage, and transparency of this reporting varies significantly, this shift reflects the growing appetite for reporting against (inter-)national standards.

Marketing

No company has a policy to fully prohibit marketing unhealthy foods to children under 18 across all marketing channels and techniques, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Four companies have taken positive steps, raising their age thresholds to 16 years while only two are marketing ‘healthier’ products defined by a government-endorsed model.   

ATNi calls on

Companies: voluntarily stop marketing to under 18s, improve product portfolio healthiness and fully disclose sales from healthy and unhealthy products using an internationally recognised Nutrient Profiling Model.

Governments: regulate and build an enabling environment that helps companies protect public health. Well-designed fiscal policies to make healthier foods more affordable and less healthy foods more expensive are also needed. 

Responsible investors: help hold the companies to account by investing in those acting responsibly, considering the financial costs of long-term ill health caused by current food environment and products.

“'Health is wealth.' We know this is true, but most food companies have not yet placed nutrition as core to their business. There is progress, but our findings show overall subpar performance and weaknesses in the market.”

Greg S. Garrett, Executive Director, ATNi

“Only 31% of the 52,000+ food products assessed by ATNi meet the health criteria. This is not good enough. Companies need to start doing better demonstrating that they care about the public health of their consumer base.”

Jessica Fanzo, Professor of Climate and Director of the Food for Humanity Initiative, Columbia University 

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CHINA-VIETNAM CROSS-BORDER TOURISM COOPERATION ZONE OPENS

KUALA LUMPUR, NOV 8 (Bernama) -- China and Vietnam issued a joint statement to announce the official operation of the China-Vietnam Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall Cross-Border Tourism Cooperation Zone on Oct 14.

Meanwhile, the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China and the People's Council of Cao Bằng Province jointly hosted a ceremony for the official operation of the cooperation zone on Oct 15.

The cooperation zone started trial operation on Sept 15, 2023. Through tour group reservation, fixed travel route, limited time spent across the border, limited number of cross-border visitors, as well as entry and exit only in tour groups, tourists from both China and Vietnam can visit each other's country.

As of Oct 10, the cooperation zone has received 1,232 China-Vietnam cross-border tour groups, totalling 17,991 visitors, and after said zone goes into official operation, the Publicity Department of Daxin County said in a statement it will further optimise the aforesaid cross-border travel model .

The first is to expand the scale of the cross-border visitor limit from 500 to 1,000 persons from each side, and adjustments will be made accordingly based on the number of such one-day cross-border tourists, while the second is to extend opening hours, allowing tour groups to spend a maximum of six hours instead of five hours across the border.

The third is to optimise border entry and exit procedures. For instance, the country's first "face-scan" permit application model allows visitors to use the Guijing Tongban WeChat Mini Program to realise identity verification and visit registration, as well as "processing in one window" services related to organs in charge of entry and exit, household administration, and traffic police.

Meanwhile, visitors holding valid passports won't need to acquire other documents, and they can travel in the cooperation zone via tour groups arranged by authorised operating parties.

The fourth is to simplify the declaration of belongings, in which new technologies and techniques will be employed to inspect visitors and their belongings so as to simplify procedures for the declaration of personal items like camera and camcorder commonly carried by tourists, providing a new experience in touch-free customs clearance.

The fifth is to quicken the inspection process whereby Vietnamese visitors who book to travel in and entering and exiting China with tour groups are entitled to the "three exemption" (exempt from fingerprint collection, border control stamping, and filling alien entry card) policy for improved convenience.

On the other hand, Chinese visitors are given "manual + express" dual customs clearance mode and border control stamp-free customs clearance convenience. These measures represent a new height in service quality.

-- BERNAMA

UTILIZING MILBROS UV GRAPHS IMPROVES CHEMICAL TANK CLEANING SAFETY AND TURNAROUND

Digital solution can limit time at port and maximise cost savings

 

BOSTON and LONDON, Nov 7 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Milbros, a Veson Nautical solution and the industry’s most reliable and extensive database of liquid bulk products, has launched Milbros UV Graphs, a product aimed at revolutionizing traditional tank cleaning practices across fleets worldwide.

Milbros UV Graphs have been developed to work with a spectrophotometer, a machine now being installed on ships that accepts a sample of the residue, or wash water from the tank. The machine measures the absorbance of light at different wavelengths, including the ultraviolet (UV) range.

Partnered with a UV graph, the data shows how much UV light is absorbed at specific wavelengths, helping you identify any remaining tank contaminants. At present, Milbros offers at least 250 of these UV graphs with the number expected to rise.

Clients can download the required chemical chart and use the onboard spectrophotometer to create a graph. If the graph’s reading is below 100 parts per million (ppm), the tank is clean. If not, the graph will indicate how much contaminant could still be present, allowing the cleaning team to accurately calculate how much more cleaning needs to be done.

“Maritime shipping companies are facing increased pressure to limit their time at port and maximize cost savings,” Capt. Caspar Lavall, Principal Product Manager at Milbros says. “Milbros UV Graphs offers charterers, shipowners, and surveyors a safer, more efficient approach which maintains compliance while growing their bottom line.”

Capt. Lavall adds that chemical tanker cleaning is a rigorous component of safe cargo handling, and if not done correctly, can lead to environmental safety hazards, ruined cargoes, delays, and unnecessary costs.

These costs can include both recleaning of tanks that remain contaminated as well as over cleaning tanks when it is not required. UV Graphs can ensure that neither scenario affects the turnaround time of vessels whilst in port.

The use of UV Graphs complements traditional chemical tanker cleaning methods which require crews to enter confined spaces to sample various sections of the tank, exposing them to harmful chemicals. Using a UV Graph reduces the number of tank entries by allowing operators and crew to perform most of the inspections remotely.

UV Graphs are also trusted by many surveyors as a valid proof of tanker inspection and are speeding up the approval processes by allowing operations teams to submit results via email.

“The chemical tanker sector is facing new and complex challenges and having the right digital tools in place to successfully manage the risks that come with preparing vessels for volatile cargoes is vital,” Capt. Lavall concludes. “Milbros UV Graphs is a digital solution that can help establish a competitive advantage in the market.”

Editor’s Notes

• Milbros UV Graphs are streamlining chemical tank cleaning and offer a safer more cost-effective solution. To learn more about how you can safely clean cargo tanks while minimizing port congestion and growing your cost savings please click here.

About Veson Nautical

Veson Nautical empowers the global maritime industry to navigate compounding complexity on all sides of the trade. Multi-jurisdictional regulations, geopolitical disruptions, decarbonization, cybersecurity threats, and more are forcing industry participants to recalibrate their risk tolerance. By combining trusted maritime data with built-for-purpose workflows, Veson gives clients the decision-making confidence to manage risk and maximize profit. With a heritage of innovation and expertise across all maritime related contracts, Veson serves more than 38,000 users across 2,400 companies in more than 100 countries and is uniquely positioned to enable a decision advantage. Learn more at www.veson.com. 

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35 WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS FROM ASEAN AND JAPAN DISCUSS ECONOMIC RESILIENCE, INNOVATION, AND SUSTAINABILITY IN VIENTIANE

VIENTIANE, Laos, Nov 7 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Thirty-five (35) young women entrepreneurs from across the 10 ASEAN Member States and Japan convened in Lao PDR to discuss challenges and opportunities related to innovation and sustainability in their enterprises. The Roundtable Discussion of Young Women Entrepreneurs in ASEAN and Japan, held on November 5-6 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, was organized by the ASEAN-Japan Centre in partnership with the ASEAN Youth Organization, with support from the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSMEs, ASEAN ACCESS, the East Asia Business Advisory Council, and the Lao Businesswomen Association.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241106324591/en/

 

The discussions at the Roundtable served as a pivotal platform for addressing the key barriers young women entrepreneurs face in today’s fast-evolving business landscape, particularly in achieving both innovation and sustainability in their ventures. The program aims to identify practical solutions to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of women-led enterprises, paving the way for greater economic empowerment and collaboration between ASEAN and Japan.

The discussions centred on two key themes: Enhancing Connectivity and Enhancing Resilience. For connectivity, participants explored ways to improve financial inclusion, encourage gender-smart investments, and build digital skills and financial literacy to ensure safe participation in the digital economy. Under resilience, they addressed closing the gender divide in MSME ownership and promoting sustainability practices that empower women to lead socially and environmentally responsible businesses.

The participants also joined site visits to two leading women-owned enterprises in Lao PDR: Enterprise & Development Consultants Co., Ltd. (EDC) and Leuxay Construction Co., Ltd. These visits offered invaluable insights into the operational strategies and best practices of successful women-owned businesses in Lao PDR, facilitating knowledge exchange and opening potential avenues for future collaboration.

The event raised the challenges of accessing grants and loans for women entrepreneurs due to administrative regulations, competition against bigger companies, and lack of flexibility of funding solutions. They also raised the challenges of establishing basic cybersecurity hygiene, identifying digital solutions that are appropriate for their needs and ensuring that employees have the necessary skill that can respond to the rapid evolution of technology, and ability to protect their customers. The participants also called for more resilient women entrepreneur networks to support each other as a key strategy to close the gender gap towards women business ownership.

The full findings of the discussions will be launched in a report at the ASEAN-Japan Young Women Entrepreneurs’ Summit to be held in Kuala Lumpur, on February 13, 2025.

The ASEAN-Japan Centre is an intergovernmental organization established in 1981 dedicated to promoting trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between ASEAN and Japan. 

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DUCK CREEK TECHNOLOGIES SELECTED TO DELIVER MDA NATIONAL'S NEW POLICY ADMIN, BILLING AND DATA SOLUTIONS

The partnership will help MDA National increase the support offered to their members, strengthening the medical care available to communities

SYDNEY, Nov 7 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, has been selected by MDA National (MDAN), an Australia-wide medical defence organisation providing support and protection to over 50,000 members, to deliver their new policy administration, policyholder portal, billing and next-gen analytics and insights solutions. Duck Creek’s platform will help MDAN develop and provide innovative new services, improved member self-service and enhanced data-driven risk management capabilities, allowing them to increase the support and protection offered to their growing medical practitioner member base, in turn strengthening the medical care available to communities.  Duck Creek’s cloud-based OnDemand platform will replace MDAN’s legacy system to improve the ease of doing business for both members and staff, increase speed of change, and help create a more agile and innovative service-led model. Duck Creek’s solutions were preferred due to their out-of-the-box capabilities, re-usable, and customisable modular architecture, user-experience led design, configurability, automation and future-proof capacity. Duck Creek’s extensive experience serving the local, and international, medical indemnity markets was also a significant influencing factor.  “Transforming our technological capability through our partnership with Duck Creek will significantly enhance our ability to deliver on our purpose of supporting and protecting members whilst promoting good medical practice, leading to a successful and sustainable future,” said Ian Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of MDA National.   “Apart from enabling growth in membership, the program will allow the agility to create new services that support members’ everchanging needs, enable access to data that gives us enhanced ability to capture opportunities and proactively manage risk,” he said. “The increase in automation will improve productivity and keep costs low for members, whilst freeing up our dedicated team of staff to continue to provide the personalised guidance and care that our members need.”  “We look forward to being a strategic technology partner to MDAN as they deliver new and innovative offerings that meet and surpass the evolving needs of Australia’s medical professionals,” said Christian Erickson, Managing Director of APAC of Duck Creek Technologies. “Duck Creek continues to meet the needs of our partners and customers by delivering mission critical insurance SaaS technology to key medical indemnity and general insurers in Australia and the rest of the world.”   About MDA National  MDA National is a Member-owned, Australia-wide Medical Defence Organisation (MDO) providing medico-legal support and comprehensive protection to over 50,000 Members and Insureds. Operating since 1925, our sole purpose is to provide the support and protection that our Members need, so that they can continue to provide quality medical care, benefiting the communities in which we all live.   We have a team of dedicated in-house medico-legal advisers and case managers providing personalised, timely medico-legal advice and unwavering care. We remain committed to being a financially strong and sustainable organisation that supports our Members throughout every stage of their professional career, with access to additional resources such as CPD accredited (on-demand) education, professional development training and health and wellbeing support.  About Duck Creek Technologies  Duck Creek Technologies is the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and X.  Media Contact  Chris Hamilton  Head of Marketing & Communications (APAC)  E: Chris.hamilton@duckcreek.com  SOURCE : Duck Creek Technologies

SMART UNVEILS LATEST EVOLUTION OF RUGGEDISED FLASH-BASED STORAGE PRODUCTS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- SMART Modular Technologies Inc (SMART), a Penguin Solutions Inc brand and a global leader in integrated memory solutions, solid-state drives (SSDs), and hybrid storage products, announced its new ruggedised T6EN PCIe/NVMe flash drives for aerospace, defence, and industrial applications.

This new family of SSDs is available in U.2, E1.S and M.2 2280 form factors, enabling flexibility for end users based on their specific application and configuration needs, according to a statement.

“Our new T6EN SSDs deliver a rich, ruggedised feature set coupled with our proprietary security algorithms, erase trigger, and hardware write-protection,” said SMART RUGGED line of flash products senior director, Mike Guzzo.

These T6EN SSDs offer capacities up to 15 terabytes (TB) for the U.2 version and up to 8TB for the E1.S and M.2 2280 versions. All three versions utilised 3D TLC flash memory.

Delivering a more robust SSD starts at the design stage, where SMART specifies higher margins for routing signals, thicker printed circuit boards (PCBs), and more durable enclosures.

During the engineering and development process, SMART selectively sources only the highest reliability components and performs deep integration testing, including eight-hour burn-in testing under wide degrees of temperature variation, to ensure conformance with all requirements for secure, ruggedised storage.

All versions of the T6EN SSDs feature AES-XTS 256-bit encryption that automatically protects data written to the drive. They are also OPAL 2.0 compliant, providing an industry-standard security protocol to protect data on the SSDs from being accessed by unauthorised users.

From an operating environment perspective, SMART’s T6EN SSDs are designed to ensure operation under extreme temperature and operating conditions in support of applications that require reliability, durability and secure memory storage.

For an additional layer of protection against environmental issues, conformal coating is an available option for all versions to provide even further protection against moisture, thermal shock, static, vibration, and contamination.

-- BERNAMA

ABU DHABI UNVEILS STEERAI, NEW TECH VENTURE SET TO TRANSFORM INDUSTRIAL VEHICLES INTO AUTONOMOUS POWERHOUSES

 

• SteerAI’s advanced software stack and hardware kit make industrial vehicles autonomous
• New venture, powered by VentureOne, the ATRC’s commercialization arm, will begin with ground vehicles and expand to sea

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Nov 5 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Advanced Technology Research Council’s (ATRC) commercialization arm, VentureOne, has launched SteerAI, which offers an advanced mobility system powered by AI that can transform standard industrial vehicles into autonomous powerhouses.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241103552019/en/

 

Catering to both the logistics and defense sectors to begin, SteerAI uses a hardware kit, software stack, and fleet management system to allow autonomous ground vehicles to tackle complex missions with high precision and efficiency, saving time and resources while protecting human workforces. SteerAI’s technology was developed by experts from the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the ATRC’s applied research arm.

H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President and Secretary General of ATRC, said, “The launch of SteerAI is a significant milestone in solidifying the UAE’s leadership in autonomous technology. At ATRC, our vision is to continuously push the boundaries of innovation, and SteerAI exemplifies how we are turning groundbreaking research into real-world solutions that drive tangible impact.”

“We have not simply created an autonomous vehicle—we have created an autonomous vehicle’s ‘brain,’” said Dr. Najwa Aaraj, the CEO of TII. “The advanced navigation algorithms work with cutting-edge sensors as part of an efficient, modular system that can work on any vehicle, and that has the potential to transform the way we move.”

Autonomous vehicles powered by SteerAI’s system will be able to run consistently and precisely between navigation points with minimal downtime. The software stack works together with corresponding sensors to allow vehicles to respond swiftly to potential hazards, maneuver around obstacles, and operate seamlessly even in challenging environmental conditions and unmapped areas.

In addition to enabling fully autonomous mobility, SteerAI’s software also facilitates remote fleet management, providing mission planning and monitoring as well as data-driven analytics to ensure optimal vehicle deployment and performance.

"SteerAI launch represents a major milestone in our journey of driving positive impact through the use of advanced technologies,” said Reda Nidhakou, the Acting CEO of VentureOne. “The mobility needs in logistics and defense are intense, complex, and costly. Our vehicle-agnostic autonomous system redefines operational efficiency and precision while protecting companies’ most valuable assets—their people. Our mission is to leverage technology to help our partners transform the way they operate.”

SteerAI is the second venture launched by VentureOne. AI71, which launched in November 2023, creates business solutions using TII’s Falcon generative AI models.

*Source: AETOSWire


View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241103552019/en/

Contact

Audrey Fernandes
Audrey.fernandes@edelman.com

Source : Advanced Technology Research Council  

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KKV BRINGS 100 LIFESTYLES TO MALAYSIA

 

_{KKV Malaysia Flagship Store at Bukit Bintang (Photo: Business Wire)} 

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov 5 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- KKV, the comprehensive lifestyle trend retail brand under KK Group, makes significant strides in the Malaysian market this year, driven by its strong consumer reputation and impressive market performance. The brand’s success is highlighted by monthly sales exceeding 5,000,000 MYR, establishing a solid foundation in the local market. 
 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241103414708/en/ 

Following the successful launch of its first global flagship store in Kuala Lumpur on January 30, 2024, KKV has now strengthened its market presence with the additional stores in key cities, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Malacca, and Johor Bahru. This strategic expansion showcases KKV’s rapid scalability and deep understanding of local consumer needs, reinforcing the brand’s confidence in the Malaysian market. As part of its long-term vision, KKV plans to expand to 10 stores in Malaysia by the end of 2024 and introduce its sister brands THE COLORIST and X11 to the local market, aiming to reach 200 stores across Southeast Asia within the next three years.

“KKV’s expansion in Malaysia is not just about opening new stores,” said Rojen Wu, International project operation leader of KKV. “It’s about bringing innovative design, superior shopping experience and diverse products to local consumers, making KKV a trend leader in diverse lifestyles.”

KKV’s approach goes beyond traditional retail by introducing 100 lifestyles to consumers through its extensive collection of over 20,000 SKUs, including trendy toys, foods, daily necessities, stationery, home furnishing, clothing & accessories, skincare, makeup and beauty tools. Thanks to the brand’s wide range of products, it is true for many of its customers that no one can leave without nothing. In addition to its unique product offerings, KKV employs a self-developed retail system that enhances internal efficiency, outperforming traditional retail companies. The brand also incorporates a variety of design elements within its stores, creating distinct, immersive spaces that make customers feel as if they are stepping into real-life scenarios. This blend of aesthetics and technology sets KKV apart in the market, while its “100 lifestyles” philosophy underscores the brand’s commitment to offering more products, better designs, and enhanced shopping experiences.

KKV’s journey in Malaysia is a testament to the brand’s belief in the potential of the market and its dedication to building lasting connections with local consumers. As KKV continues to grow, it remains committed to its mission of enhancing consumers’ everyday life through trend-setting, high-quality products and an immersive shopping experience.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241103414708/en/ 

Contact

globalmarketing@kkgroup.cn 

Source : KKV

--BERNAMA

SHANGHAI VOLUNTARY LOCAL REVIEW SHARES CHINESE SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES WITH WORLD

SHANGHAI, Nov. 5, 2024 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

The 2024 Shanghai Voluntary Local Review to mark the World Cities Day shares practices and experiences of mega and super-sized cities in promoting sustainable development with the world.

Themed "Inclusiveness · Low-carbon · Growth," the 2024 Shanghai Voluntary Local Review undertakes a comprehensive assessment of eight priority review targets, namely "Zero Hunger," "Gender Equality," "Clean Water and Sanitation," "Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure," "Sustainable Cities and Communities," "Climate Action," "Life Below Water," and "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions", according to Shanghai Coordination Center of World Cities Day.

The report presents key initiatives and exemplary cases of Shanghai's practices in the field of sustainable development from various perspectives.

On September 25, 2015, during the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit, all 193 member states signed the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which outlined 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) covering the economic, social, and environmental aspects.

In response to the invitation from UN-Habitat, Shanghai initiated its voluntary local review in 2021. Up to now, the Shanghai Voluntary Local Review has achieved comprehensive review covering all 17 SDGs.

The compilation of the Shanghai Voluntary Local Review has now become a regular practice for Shanghai in promoting sustainable development.

The local review offers a logical framework for the strategic vision for urban development and the sustainable development goals of Shanghai. It systematically reviews the measures and progress made in various areas of promoting urban sustainability in Shanghai, and consistently introduces local cases of sustainable development.

Source: Shanghai Coordination Center of World Cities Day 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=49681

Steen Lomholt-Thomsen Joins NIQ As CCO To Focus On Global Growth, Client Strategy

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- NielsenIQ (NIQ), the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, has appointed Steen Lomholt-Thomsen as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), based in NIQ’s Geneva, Switzerland office, effective Nov 1.

According to a statement, Lomholt-Thomsen will drive client strategy and enhance global growth as the company expands its capabilities to deliver mission-critical insights into the most holistic view of consumer shopping behaviour.

“NIQ operates in more than 90 countries globally. Steen is a proven leader with a track record of success across industries.

“His experience in operational excellence and building client relationships makes him a perfect fit to advance our strategic goals,” said NIQ Chief Operating Officer, Tracey Massey.

Meanwhile, Lomholt-Thomsen said: “I am incredibly excited to join NIQ and help deliver the industry’s most advanced consumer insights and analytics to the market.

“I am equally looking forward to partnering with our fantastic clients and helping them reach new heights as we further harness the power of NIQ’s data and capabilities.”

Lomholt-Thomsen brings extensive experience leading revenue growth and operational excellence in complex global organisations, including BullWall, Clarivate, and Aveva, and has held leadership roles in companies including IBM, HP, and IHS (now S&P Global).

He brings a deep understanding of global markets, client engagement, software, and technology, and will further NIQ’s mission of empowering businesses to make the right strategic decisions.

NIQ’s artificial intelligence capabilities, together with its core data assets and unmatched global footprint, are uniquely positioned to give clients the Full View, a holistic view of shopper behaviour.

-- BERNAMA

NEW NAME AND LOGO UNVEILED FOR ALKALI-RESISTANT GLASS FIBER PRODUCT RANGE BY NIPPON ELECTRIC GLASS

AsiaNet 0200498

OTSU, Japan, Nov. 5, 2024 /Kyodo JBN/ --

Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd., "NEG," headquartered in Otsu, Japan, announced a new name and logo for its alkali-resistant glass fiber (ARG Fiber) product range. This represents a new stage in the over 40-year history of ARG Fiber, which during this time has contributed to many architectural and civil engineering projects.
 
Logo: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106496/202410258779/_prw_PI2fl_lp9uq331.jpg
 
Image: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106496/202410258779/_prw_PI1fl_472YDyr2.jpeg
 
About the new name "WizARG (TM)" and the brand concept
WizARG (TM) is coined from "Wizard" and "ARG Fiber." It conveys the sense of freedom to create magically. NEG will continue to protect the creativity and value of architecture, civil engineering, and a wide variety of other sculptures around the world.
 
The features of WizARG (TM)
- Experience and achievements
For more than 40 years, WizARG (TM) has been widely used in the construction and civil engineering fields.
 
- Made in Japan
WizARG (TM) is developed and produced based in Japan. NEG provides a stable supply from its sales locations around the world.
 
- Extensive product lineup 
NEG develops various shapes and proposes products that suit its customers' applications.
 
- High alkali resistance
WizARG (TM) contains a high percentage of zirconia, which enhances its resistance to alkali in cement composites.
 
- Suggestions for construction methods
In the spray method, NEG can provide optimal specifications by partnering companies.
 
NEG has been manufacturing and selling ARG Fiber for over 40 years. With its achievements and experience, as well as the introduction of a new product name and logo, the company aims to provide customers with products that better meet their needs. Furthermore, NEG will actively expand in the global market and provide product quality and reliability to customers worldwide.
 
The company will continue to strive for sustainable growth while aiming to improve customer satisfaction. Additionally, through the introduction of a new name and logo, it will achieve further expansion and establish itself as a leading company in the global market.
 
For more information about the concept and features: https://info.neg.co.jp/kyjsefaveifao
 
 
Source: Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.

EVERY SECOND THIS PAST YEAR 3 GIRLS AND 2 BOYS EXPERIENCED CHILD SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Together for Girls Launch ‘Break the Record’ in record-breaking attempt to end childhood sexual violence

LONDON, Nov 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Together for Girls, a global partnership working to end violence against children and adolescents, is unveiling the findings of an extensive research effort revealing the global prevalence of childhood sexual violence (CSV) this year, comprising data representing 193 countries and relevant to the experiences of 2.4 billion young people. In the past 12 months, 82 million girls and 69 million boys have experienced some form of sexual violence, approximately 3 girls and 2 boys per second. The data was compiled by Together for Girls in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Georgia State University, China Agricultural University, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and University of Edinburgh.

In a first-of-its-kind approach, Together for Girls has created a book called ‘Break the Record’ to measure and understand childhood sexual violence and offer a practical framework to end it. This effort is part of a wider Break the Record campaign supported by influencers and advocates around the world including the Brave Movement, a survivor-led global advocacy movement to end childhood sexual violence and special initiative of Together for Girls. The campaign will also attempt a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most countries represented at a childhood violence summit at the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children taking place in Bogotá, Colombia on November 7-8, 2024.

The Break the Record book features additional world-first numbers: UNICEF’s first-ever global and regional estimates, which Together for Girls and research partners fed into revealing that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 7 boys will experience some form of sexual violence before their 18th birthday.

Together for Girls CEO and Brave Movement founder, Dr Daniela Ligiero says: “Sexual violence against children (SVAC) is persistent, widespread, and devastating, yet we know there are proven solutions to prevent it. We also know that SVAC happens in the dark. One of the key reasons for its proliferation is the lack of global measurement. While some governments and organizations measure on a national or regional level, we have yet to see rigorous measures on a global scale. This lack of global measurement has meant no effective global solutions. With this world-first effort, measuring the experiences of 1.5 billion young people, we hope to transform people’s understanding of SVAC and spur governments to take action.”

“So today, ahead of the world's first violence against children ministerial, we are calling on governments and individuals to take action, to see that there is hope if we all share a vision for the future – a world in which survivors have a seat at the table, and the collective efforts of governments, civil society, and the private sector combine to ensure that every child grows up safe and free from fear and violence. A world everyone has access to prevention, healing, and justice.”

The book also features the Out of the Shadows Index (OOSI), as well as data from Childlight: Global Child Safety Institute at the University of Edinburgh, which finds that over 300 million children under the age of 18 have been affected by online child and sexual exploitation and abuse in the last 12 months. According to the Into the Light Index, 1 in 8 children globally have been subjected to online solicitation and 1 in 8 children have experienced taking, sharing, and/or exposure to sexual images and videos in the last 12 months. The Into the Light index consolidates data from national surveys, research, and practice to estimate the prevalence of online child sexual abuse and exploitation.

These forms of childhood sexual violence, both contact and non-contact, have serious emotional, health, and psychosocial impacts on children and youth, including into adulthood.

To read a digital version of the book visit
www.BreakTheRecord.org

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/59e87526-9bed-47ea-9a9a-32a12e75aaf8
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0e083d89-366f-4113-adfa-b276e5d669a5
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0b42061-7b34-4ffb-a637-b88af62c6bf2

Press Contacts

Rebecca Ladbury
rebecca@ladburypr.com  
+44 (0) 7941 224 975

Danya Agababian
danya@ladburypr.com
+44 (0) 7779 635 147

SOURCE: Together for Girls

--BERNAMA

WISE PLATFORM PARTNERS STANDARD CHARTERED TO REDEFINE INTERNATIONAL PAYMENTS EXPERIENCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Wise announced its global payments infrastructure for banks, Wise Platform, has partnered with Standard Chartered to power faster and cheaper international payments for the bank’s cross-border payment service, SC Remit.

The partnership will allow Standard Chartered’s SC Remit customers in Asia and in the Middle East to send money in 21 currencies, in a matter of seconds all while being fully transparent on pricing, customers getting the mid-market rate with no markups.

Wise Platform Managing Director, Steve Naudé said the partnership with Standard Chartered marked a significant milestone in financial institutions investing in building better international payment experiences for customers.

“With Wise Platform, Standard Chartered gains access to Wise’s global payments infrastructure, including our extensive licence network, six direct connections, payment operations expertise and proven capabilities in treasury management. All these enable us to deliver fast, secure and transparent payments around the world,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Standard Chartered Chief Client Officer and Global Head, Wealth Solutions, Deposits and Mortgages, Samir Subberwal said: “We chose to partner with Wise Platform due to their extensive currency coverage and stellar cross-border payments experience they are known for.

“This collaboration is a key step in enhancing our international payment services as we offer an even more seamless, faster, and efficient digital global payments experience to our clients.”

Standard Chartered will integrate Wise’s infrastructure through the Wise Platform application programming interface (API) to provide this experience to SC Remit customers over the coming quarters, with a further expansion on the horizon both in the number of currencies supported as well as more markets where the global bank operates.

The bank joins the strong roster of partners choosing Wise Platform to make cross-border payments more efficient and bring convenient, fast, secure and transparent transactions to their customers, improving the end-to-end experience and driving customer loyalty.

With over 65 licences and six direct connections to payment systems, 63 per cent of Wise’s cross-border payments are completed instantly, under 20 seconds.

-- BERNAMA

XPENG Listed On Fortune China’s “Tech 50”, “China 500” For Leading AI Mobility Innovation

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- XPENG, a Chinese high-technology car company, has secured places on both the "Fortune Tech 50" and "Fortune China 500" lists, reaffirming its competitive advantage and status as a leader in technological innovation.

According to the automaker in a statement, the placings were announced during the Fortune China "Tech 50 Innovation Night" and "2024 Fortune China 500 Summit" on Oct 16 and 17, respectively, in Shanghai.

"Fortune Tech 50" is an inaugural list by Fortune China that spotlights Chinese tech companies making a global impact. Companies are judged based on technical innovation as well as their global economic influence and positive social impact.

XPENG was one of only two automotive companies to make the list, attributed to its pioneering artificial intelligence (AI)-defined mobility technology, autonomous driving breakthroughs, and industry-leading AI model applications.

Fortune China praised XPENG for its edge in smart driving technology, following the announcements of the mass production of its end-to-end AI model in May, and, in July, a strategic partnership with Volkswagen to co-develop electronic and electrical architecture technology.

Meanwhile, enlisting the same methodology for its global counterpart, the "2024 Fortune China 500" ranking covers both public and private companies from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. XPENG's inclusion in this list underscores its forward-thinking approach in AI applications and global expansion, setting a milestone for the global smart automotive industry.

The company's self-developed Turing Chip, the world's first AI chip designed for AI-defined vehicles, robots, and flying cars, has been successfully taped out, and pre-orders have commenced for XPENG's AI-powered P7+ car.

Over the next decade, XPENG aims to become a global AI mobility leader and develop an AI ecosystem based on five key pillars, namely high-performance chips, AI models, AI-defined vehicles, robots, and flying cars, where the first two will serve as foundations for the latter three.

Its investments in intelligent driving technology over the past decade are bearing fruit, with XPENG playing a critical role in the ongoing electric vehicle revolution on a global scale. Currently, it has expanded its sales to over 30 countries and regions, and aims for overseas markets to account for half of its total sales, significantly expanding its global user community.

Looking ahead, XPENG remains committed to its global market strategy and is well-positioned to continue spearheading global development towards an era of AI-defined mobility.

-- BERNAMA

MEDIDATA, COGSTATE PARTNER TO TRANSFORM CLINICAL TRIALS IN NEUROLOGY

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- Medidata, a clinical trial solutions provider to the life sciences industry, has partnered with neuroscience solutions leader, Cogstate to reshape clinical trials and outcomes measurement for central nervous system (CNS) diseases across neurodegenerative, psychiatric, motor, and rare neurodevelopmental disorders, among others.

Together, the companies will deliver an improved experience, supported by Medidata electronic clinical outcome assessment (eCOA) that empowers customers through faster trial starts and optimal rater experiences.

This includes a streamlined rater journey through a single mobile device app and a comprehensive suite of data quality assurance solutions for CNS assessments, according to Medidata in a statement.

“Through our joint efforts and drawing on Medidata’s deep expertise in eCOA, AI, and sensors, we are enabling the highest endpoint data quality standard, simplifying CNS trial setup, and running automated checks on patient assessment transcripts to minimise study team burden and mitigate the potential for errors,” said Medidata Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Anthony Costello.

Meanwhile, Cogstate CEO, Brad O’Connor said: “The strategic combination of science and technology available in the Cogstate and Medidata partnership allows us to deliver unique data quality innovations for more informed clinical trial decision-making and better patient outcomes.”

By combining Medidata’s industry-leading Medidata Platform with Cogstate’s validated digital cognitive assessments, expert rater training, and monitoring solutions, this relationship will deliver higher quality data collection with increased efficiency and accuracy.

By leveraging the Medidata App, a powerful mobile, site-based solution, with Medidata Rave EDC and Medidata eCOA features designed for CNS trials, raters will gain greater precision in managing their studies, initiating patient site visits, and completing intricate CNS assessments on the site tablet.

The app will also offer upgraded data capture, including enhanced controls and navigation, uniquely flexible annotation options (keyboard text, handwriting, and image capture of external notes), and embedded audio recording with smart transcription to allow for greater scoring accuracy and reducing rater burden.

Leaders from Medidata and Cogstate will present a keynote and panel session at Medidata NEXT New York, sharing additional details about the partnership as well as the latest advances in CNS clinical trial optimisation.

-- BERNAMA

WATCHTOWR REDEFINES APPROACH ON ATTACK SURFACE MANAGEMENT VIA ORANGE COLLABORATION

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- Cybersecurity company, watchTowr has announced a partnership with Orange Business, a global network and digital integrator, to bring the watchTowr Platform onboard as a key external attack surface management (EASM) solution for strategic customers across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

In a statement, watchTowr said this partnership will reinforce cybersecurity solutions offered through the group’s Orange Cyberdefense subsidiary.

watchTowr Vice President, APAC, Elvina Liow said today's channel excels at providing services that help detect breaches and respond to attacks, but there is significant white space in preventing attacks.

“That's precisely what watchTowr offers: a platform to identify and validate exposures in customers' attack surface before breaches happen. We also work closely with partners to support customers in effective remediation efforts.

“By combining the power of our platform with Orange’s deep expertise in managed security services, we can deliver unmatched value to our customers, helping them strengthen their security postures,” Liow said.

Meanwhile, Orange Business Head of Security, APAC, Philip Lee said: “Unlike legacy approaches that deliver ineffective audits or inaccurate assessments, the watchTowr Platform continuously validates ways hackers can gain access to a company’s systems.”

In addition, the company will work with Orange Business to further expand its presence in the APAC region and globally.

Orange Business will leverage its extensive value-added advisory and managed services in conjunction with its cybersecurity expertise secured by Orange Cyberdefense to accelerate the adoption of the watchTowr platform among its target enterprise customers.

Built by offensive security experts and backed by real-world research, the watchTowr Continuous Automated Red Teaming platform delivers true attack surface visibility across known and unknown assets and helps defenders quickly validate weaknesses and exposures before attacks occur.

-- BERNAMA