AMAZON CELEBRATES BIGGEST HOLIDAY; MORE THAN FOUR MILLION PEOPLE TRIALED PRIME IN ONE WEEK ALONE THIS SEASON

Echo Dot and Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote were the #1 and #2 top-selling products across all categories on Amazon

Items shipped with FREE One-Day Shipping or FREE Same-Day Delivery or Ultra-Fast Delivery with Prime Now more than doubled this holiday season

Small businesses and entrepreneurs had a record-breaking season with more than one billion items ordered worldwide

SEATTLE, Dec 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- (NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon celebrated its biggest holiday season with customers all around the world shopping at record levels. Prime membership continued to grow this holiday – in fact, in one week alone, more than four million people started Prime free trials or began paid memberships, to benefit from free two-day, one-day or same-day shipping, in addition to ultra-fast one and two hour delivery with Prime Now.

Customers shopped from hundreds of millions of products, including a vast selection from small businesses and entrepreneurs. More than one billion items were ordered from small businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide this season – and over just five days, from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, nearly 140 million items were ordered from small businesses and entrepreneurs. Amazon Devices also had its best holiday yet, with tens of millions of Alexa-enabled devices sold worldwide. Echo Dot and Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote were not only the top-selling Amazon devices this holiday season, but they were also the best-selling products from any manufacturer in any category across all of Amazon.

“Since Day One we have obsessed over what we believe our customers care about – incredible deals and low prices, fast and free shipping, and a wide selection of top products – and we continue to provide all three, all the time. We’re excited that people continued to join Prime this holiday, to take advantage of more fast and free shipping options plus new convenient delivery like Amazon Key, as well as early access to Lightning Deals and unlimited streaming of TV shows and movies, including Prime Originals and more,” stated Jeff Wilke, CEO Worldwide Consumer. “Thank you to the millions of customers and hundreds of thousands of Amazon employees all around the world who made this holiday better than ever before. We look forward to another great year ahead.”

​SD-WAN MARKET LEADER, ARYAKA, PARTNERS WITH ZSCALER TO DELIVER BEST-OF-BREED GLOBAL SD-WAN AND CLOUD SECURITY SOLUTION

​SD-WAN MARKET LEADER, ARYAKA, PARTNERS WITH ZSCALER TO DELIVER BEST-OF-BREED GLOBAL SD-WAN AND CLOUD SECURITY SOLUTION

KB ASSET MANAGEMENT SINGAPORE PICKS EZE SOFTWARE

New Offshore Fund Taps Eze Portfolio Management & Accounting For Support
 
SINGAPORE, Dec 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- KB Asset Management Singapore Pte Ltd, the offshore asset management subsidiary of KB Financial Group, has engaged Eze Software to set up its portfolio management and accounting operations infrastructure to support its expansion plans. The firm was set up as an offshore subsidiary of KB Asset Management to attract global investors with international investment strategies. KB Asset Management Singapore Pte Ltd. is in the process of setting up a new offshore long/short fund in the Cayman Islands, set to launch in February 2018. The firm will be using Eze Portfolio Management & Accounting to support its operations.
 
“As we embarked on our aggressive growth plans, we wanted to partner with a reputable technology provider that could support our growth globally,” said BH Chung, CEO and CIO at KB Asset Management Singapore Pte Ltd. “Eze Software has a long history of consistent performance and service in the investment management market, and we are confident that it will provide us with the scalability and flexibility we need to expand.”
 
“We are excited to partner with KB Asset Management to help grow its offshore business,” said R.G. Manalac, Managing Director, APAC, Eze Software. “Asset management in APAC is experiencing tremendous growth, and end investors are increasingly demanding from asset managers a solid technology infrastructure for investment operations. We look forward to supporting KB Asset Management in its efforts to create a scalable technology operation.”
 
Since the beginning of 2016, Eze Software has signed on more than 40 clients in APAC, ranging from start-up managers with less than USD50 million in AUM to multi-billion dollar institutional asset managers. It was also named “Best Technology Provider – Innovation” in the 2016 HFM Asia Hedge Fund Services Awards. The company has also continued to build out client service support in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Hyderabad.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30856

BAGAN INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY HELD "TEZUKA OSAMU MAGAZINE" PROMOTION EVENT

TOKYO, Dec 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Bagan Innovation Technology (Myanmar), of which our company’s subsidiary, Group Lease PCL, holds a stake, held the promotion event of “Tezuka Osamu Magazine” on 23^rd December in Myanmar.

Based off of the license contract our company made with Tezuka Production Co., Ltd. in July, we have made digital books version of Tezuka Osamu’s works in Burmese. This time, we had the launch event of “Tezuka Osamu Magazine”.

We had an introduction session of digital books app, cosplay contest, fan’s singing contest, and dance performances. More than 3000 people have come together.
Our company has promoted the contents business’ foray into Asia region through various means.

We are determined to continue to “Wakudoki” Asian and world’s users, galvanise entertainment industry, and bridge users and contents holders.

CUBE HIGHWAYS TO SELL A MINORITY STAKE TO A CONSORTIUM OF JAPANESE INVESTORS

SINGAPORE, Dec 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Cube Highways has signed definitive agreements for the sale of a minority stake to Japan Highways International (JHI), a Japanese consortium of infrastructure investors led by Mitsubishi Corporation. JHI’s investment reaffirms Cube Highways’ position as a leading owner and operator of highways in India and follows the recent announcement of a minority stake sale to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).
 
Cube Highways is an independent, professionally-managed platform that owns and operates more than 1,700 lane-kilometers of highways in India. Formed by two leading global financial institutions, I Squared Capital and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Cube Highways leverages the extensive transportation experience of its executive and engineering teams to manage a diverse portfolio of toll and annuity roads. Last week the company announced agreements to acquire Salem Tollways and Kumarapalyam Tollways, in the state of Tamil Nadu.
 
“With the entry of JHI, Cube Highways has expanded its set of leading infrastructure investors from across the globe. Our new partners bring world-class technical and engineering capabilities, as well as deep global experience, to help further expand the platform. This new capital also demonstrates investor confidence in the future of Cube Highways and the growth potential of the highways sector in India,” said Gautam Bhandari, Director of Cube Highways and Partner of I Squared Capital.
 
Hyun-Chan Cho, Regional Industry Head, Infrastructure & Natural Resources, IFC, said, “We welcome JHI as our new partner in Cube Highways. As one of the oldest and leading investors in the Indian infrastructure space, IFC is very pleased to see other international investors joining hands to support the growth of the highways sector. High-quality transport and logistics infrastructure is key to sustaining India’s growth and ensuring that economic opportunities are available to communities across urban as well as rural India.”

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30852

STARR COMPANIES ANNOUNCES COOPERATION WITH PICC HEALTH TO PROVIDE INSURANCE TO CHINESE COMPANY EMPLOYEES WORKING IN THE BELT & ROAD INITIATIVE COUNTRIES

NEW YORK, Dec 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Starr Companies today announced a cooperation with PICC Health Insurance Company Limited (PICC Health) to provide industry-leading, innovative insurance for Chinese company employees working overseas in Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) countries.
 
PICC Health, a subsidiary of the People’s Insurance Company (Group) of China Limited, and People's Daily, China’s leading newspaper, held a forum in Beijing on "Innovative Insurance Solutions for the Belt & Road Initiative" in conjunction with the Chinese Ministries of Commerce, Foreign Affairs, Public Health, the China Insurance Regulatory Commission and other Chinese government agencies and academic institutions. At the forum, PICC Health and Starr Companies officially launched a suite of innovative insurance products and services for Chinese company employees working overseas in BRI countries, providing comprehensive coverage and high-quality assistance services for these customers.
 
This industry-leading cooperation combines the domestic strengths of PICC Health, China’s dominant health insurer with a large Chinese corporate client base, and the global experience and expertise of Starr Companies, led by its legendary Chairman & CEO Maurice R. Greenberg.
 
This premier product is a specialty accident and health offering jointly developed by PICC Health, Starr Property & Casualty Insurance (China) Company Limited, and Starr Companies’ Assist Card International subsidiary. In addition to medical and Accidental Death & Dismemberment benefits, the product provides customers with benefits and services including medical evacuation and repatriation, compassionate visit, food poisoning, kidnap and ransom protection, as well as unique solutions such as risk management advice and cashless medical payment services through the Assist Card International network. A dedicated call center has been established to provide global services to Chinese customers including those working in BRI countries.
 
This cooperation between these two parties provides strong support for the employees of Chinese companies active in BRI countries, with the objective of building a “Healthy Silk Road.” For further information, please contact PICC Health in Beijing or Starr Companies in Shanghai.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30848
 

WILLIAMS SCOTSMAN COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF ACTON MOBILE

BALTIMORE, Dec 22 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WillScot Corporation (NASDAQ:WSC) (“Williams Scotsman”) today announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Acton Mobile (ActonMobile.com) for a cash purchase price of approximately $235 million.

Williams Scotsman will have nearly 100,000 modular space and portable storage units serving approximately 35,000 customers from over 100 locations across the United States, Canada and Mexico.  Williams Scotsman will expand the breadth and depth of its Ready to Work services to existing and incremental customers and markets.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30842

STARR COMPANIES ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF STEVE BLAKEY AS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF STARR INSURANCE HOLDINGS, CHARLES DANGELO RETIRES

STARR COMPANIES ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF STEVE BLAKEY AS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF STARR INSURANCE HOLDINGS, CHARLES DANGELO RETIRES

AJWELP EMPOWERS WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN THE ASEAN MEMBER STATES

TOKYO, Dec 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) organized the 2nd ASEAN-Japan Women Entrepreneurs’ Linkage Program (AJWELP), a program to empower start-up women entrepreneurs, in Jakarta, Indonesia on December 3-6, 2017. It was co-hosted by Ministry of Cooperatives and SME of Indonesia and Kamar Dagang dan Industri Indonesia (KADIN: Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry), in cooperation with ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC), and ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN).

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30835

TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATION RELEASES HIGH-CURRENT PHOTORELAYS FOR FACTORY AUTOMATION AND OTHER INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS THAT CAN REPLACE MECHANICAL RELAYS

TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATION RELEASES HIGH-CURRENT PHOTORELAYS FOR FACTORY AUTOMATION AND OTHER INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS THAT CAN REPLACE MECHANICAL RELAYS

STARR COMPANIES APPOINTS AMBASSADOR JOSE L. CUISIA, JR. AS CHAIRMAN OF STARR INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE PHILIPPINES BRANCH

STARR COMPANIES APPOINTS AMBASSADOR JOSE L. CUISIA, JR. AS CHAIRMAN OF STARR INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE PHILIPPINES BRANCH

​CHARTBEAT ANNOUNCES THE 100 MOST ENGAGING STORIES OF 2017

​CHARTBEAT ANNOUNCES THE 100 MOST ENGAGING STORIES OF 2017

KLM ADDS AUTOMATED MESSAGES TO CUSTOMER CONVERSATIONS

Next step in social media service with artificial intelligence from DigitalGenius

AMSTELVEEN, The Netherlands and SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is taking the next step in using artificial intelligence (AI) within its social media service. KLM worked with AI frontrunner, DigitalGenius, to add automated answers to general repetitive questions from customers without the intervention of a human service agent. This gives KLM agents more time to focus on questions in conversations with customers that require a human approach. KLM is the first airline to offer a combination of human agents and artificial intelligence in a single conversation on Twitter, Messenger and WhatsApp.

KLM receives over 130,000 mentions via social media per week. This number has grown since the introduction of WhatsApp as a service channel. A dedicated team of 250 social media service agents personally engages in 30,000 conversations each week. On average, conversations consist of five or six questions and answers between KLM and its customers. Questions that can be answered automatically with the use of artificial intelligence usually come at the beginning of the conversation.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30826

SABINA GOLD & SILVER ANNOUNCES 9.9% STRATEGIC INVESTMENT BY ZHAOJIN INTERNATIONAL MINING CO., LTD.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sabina Gold & Silver Corp (TSX:SBB.T), (“Sabina” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that Zhaojin International Mining Co., Ltd. (“Zhaojin International”) has agreed to purchase 24,930,000 common shares of the Company at a price of $2.65 per share for a total investment of approximately $66,100,000 in a private placement (the “Financing”).  Upon completion of the Financing, Zhaojin International will own approximately 9.9% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares on a non-diluted basis. Zhaojin International is a subsidiary of Zhaojin Mining Industry Co. Ltd. (“Zhaojin”), which is a leading Chinese gold producer and one of China’s largest gold smelting companies.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30830

ANTUIT LAUNCHES CYFIRMA, A CYBERSECURITY DIVISION DELIVERING AI-DRIVEN THREAT INTELLIGENCE

ANTUIT LAUNCHES CYFIRMA, A CYBERSECURITY DIVISION DELIVERING AI-DRIVEN THREAT INTELLIGENCE

EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS BERHAD DECLARES UNIT SPLIT FOR EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS DINASTI EQUITY FUND

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- Eastspring Investments Berhad today announced a 2:1 unit split for existing unit holders of the Eastspring Investments Dinasti Equity Fund (“Fund”). Unit holders who have maintained their holdings up to 19 December 2017 will be entitled for this unit split. This will be the first unit split exercise for the Fund since its inception.

The Fund has demonstrated considerable strength in its performance and a sustainable appreciation in value since its inception in 2009 (please see table below).  As at 30 November 2017, the Fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV) per unit stood at RM1.8985.
 

Period	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	Since Inception 23 November 2009	Volatility Factor (VF)	Volatility Class (VC)
Fund (%)	29.05	72.70	104.37	105.74	12.3	Very high
Benchmark* (%)	25.68	62.54	119.07	113.65

* Dow Jones Islamic Market (DJIM) Greater China Index
Fund performance is sourced from Lipper for Investment Management and the benchmark is from www.djindexes.com, 30 November 2017. Performance is calculated on a Net Asset Value (“NAV”) to NAV to NAV basis with gross income or dividend re-invested. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

This 2:1 unit split would lower the price of the Fund’s NAV per unit, making it more affordable for investors. With this unit split, investors will receive 2 units for every 1 unit held, while maintaining the value of their holdings. Where a unit split is declared, the Fund’s NAV per unit will be reduced from pre-unit split NAV to post-unit split NAV following the issue of additional units. The value of the investment in Malaysian Ringgit will remain unchanged after the unit split. 

The Eastspring Investments Dinasti Equity Fund is a Shariah equity/growth fund that seeks to provide investors with long term capital appreciation from Shariah-compliant investments which have the exposure to the Greater China region. 

ABOUT EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS BERHAD
Established in 2000 and based in Kuala Lumpur, Eastspring Investments Berhad is part of Prudential Corporation Asia, the Asia business of Prudential plc of the United Kingdom. The Prudential Group has been investing in Asia since 1863.  Eastspring Investments Berhad is one of the leading asset management companies in Malaysia in both institutional and retail, with about RM170 billion in assets under management in the country as at 30 June 2017.  It manages unit trust funds, wholesale funds as well as private mandates for institutions.

Source : EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS BERHAD

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name : Judy Yap
Director, Brand and Communications
Tel :  03 - 2170 0290
Fax : 03 - 2170 0399
Email : judy.yap@eastspring.com

--BERNAMA

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30823

NBA AND FANATICS PARTNER TO LAUNCH OFFICIAL ONLINE NBA STORES ACROSS ASIA-PACIFIC

– Fanatics Will Operate Online NBA Stores in 10 Countries Across Asia-Pacific, Offering Fans Comprehensive Collection of NBA Merchandise –

HONG KONG & MANCHESTER, Dec 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Fanatics, the global e-commerce leader in sports merchandise, today announced a partnership to launch official online NBA stores across Asia-Pacific. This partnership expands on the NBA’s existing relationship with Fanatics, which currently operates the flagship NBA Store in New York City, NBAStore.com, the league’s global e-commerce site, and NBAStore.eu, the official online NBA store for Europe.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30812

REBRANDED HOTEL NIKKO BALI TO OPEN IN APRIL 2018

TOKYO, Dec 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Hotel Okura Co., Ltd., announced it has agreed to begin operating one of the Bali, Indonesia hotel properties of P.T. KARYA TEHNIK HOTELINDO from January 1, 2018. The hotel will be rebranded as Hotel Nikko Bali* in April 2018.

The Hotel is located on the coastline of Badung peninsula in south-eastern Bali, within a half-hour drive to Denpasar Airport (Ngurah Rai International Airport). While being close to Bali’s main airport, visitors will also have convenient access to popular coastlines for water sports including parasailing.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30813

FORTUM DEPLOYS DIGITALROUTE TECHNOLOGY TO ENABLE DATA DRIVEN SERVICES SUPPORTING ENERGY SECTOR TRANSFORMATION

European utility Fortum is driving digital transformation within the energy sector, together with DigitalRoute. Starting with a digital solution for energy trading, by deploying machine learning algorithms based on DigitalRoute’s Data Optimization Platform, the companies are now taking the next steps in building data driven services within the energy sector.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Dec 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DigitalRoute, the leading Data Integration and Data Management company, and key European energy provider, Fortum, have jointly announced the completion of a successful Proof of Concept project. Fortum is a leading clean-energy company offering electricity, heating and cooling solutions as well as driving the change for a cleaner world.

Fortum has been looking for an IoT enabling platform to develop data-driven solutions and has now chosen to partner with DigitalRoute. DigitalRoute’s platform allows for real-time communication between assets, plants, data sources and business systems, resulting in optimal quality data, which can be utilized to simplify the deployment of new solutions and optimize key processes.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30818

TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATION RELEASES 100V N-CHANNEL POWER MOSFETS FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS WITH THE INDUSTRY'S LOWEST-IN-CLASS ON-RESISTANCE

Expanding the line-up of the low-voltage U-MOS IX-H power MOSFET series

TOKYO, Dec 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation has today started to ship “TPH3R70APL” and “TPN1200APL,” new 100V additions to its low-voltage U-MOS IX-H N-channel power MOSFET series. The new devices are suitable for power supply applications in industrial equipment.

Fabricated with the company’s latest low-voltage U-MOS IX-H trench process, which optimizes the element structure, the TPH3R70APL and TPN1200APL deliver the industry’s lowest-in-class On-resistance[1]. In addition, compared with the current devices using the U-MOS VIII-H process, the new devices have lower “RDS(ON) × Qoss”, On-resistance times output charge, and “RDS(ON) × QSW”, On-resistance times gate switch charge, key figures of merit for MOSFETs for switching applications[2].

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30808

BEST'S SPECIAL REPORT: CHINA'S REINSURERS OPERATING IN AN INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT MARKET

HONG KONG, Dec 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- China is increasingly becoming a difficult environment for non-life reinsurers, as competition and the regulatory environment are adding to top-line and profitability pressures. The Chinese life reinsurance market, meanwhile, has doubled its premium size since 2012 but must deal with heightened capital pressure, according to a new A.M. Best special report.

The Best’s Special Report, titled, “Reinsurance in China: Underwriting Challenges for Non-Life, Capital Pressure for Life,” states that many of the issues challenging non-life reinsurers have resulted from the implementation of the China Risk-Oriented Solvency System (C-ROSS). A glut of reinsurance capacity and growing retention by the direct industry pose clear threats to reinsurers’ profitability. In addition, the oligopolistic structure of the direct market gives large cedents more bargaining power not only on pricing, but also on terms and conditions, which has squeezed profit margins even further. For growth, non-life reinsurers are looking at Belt and Road initiatives and captive insurers, as well as potential business arising from the second phase of C-ROSS.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30806

MAYO CLINIC TO BEGIN PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL STUDY WITH MEDIBIO TECHNOLOGY FOR EXPANDED MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

- Study designed to determine differential diagnosis in depression patients
- Study designed to monitor patient data following pharmacological treatment

SYDNEY, Australia and MINNEAPOLIS, Dec 15 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medibio Limited (MEB or the Company) (ASX:MEB) (OTCQB:MDBIF), a mental health technology company that has pioneered the use of objective biometrics to assist in the screening, diagnosing, monitoring and management of depression and other mental health conditions,  is pleased to announce the first prospective clinical trial with Mayo Clinic under a 5-year Master Clinical Trial Agreement that was signed in October of this year.  This initial study, undertakes the prospective diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring of both unipolar and bipolar depression, along with the depressive subtypes (melancholic and atypical).

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30794

VANTIS BECOMES FIRST HONG KONG PARTNER FOR NTT COMMUNICATIONS MANAGED SERVICES

VANTIS BECOMES FIRST HONG KONG PARTNER FOR NTT COMMUNICATIONS MANAGED SERVICES

​SEABORN NETWORKS' CEO LARRY SCHWARTZ IS NAMED IN LIST OF 100 MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE IN TELECOMS WORLDWIDE

​SEABORN NETWORKS' CEO LARRY SCHWARTZ IS NAMED IN LIST OF 100 MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE IN TELECOMS WORLDWIDE

STEM DESIGNATION GRANTED FOR SMU COX MASTER OF SCIENCE IN FINANCE

STEM DESIGNATION GRANTED FOR SMU COX MASTER OF SCIENCE IN FINANCE

TYCO RETAIL SOLUTIONS WINS 2017 GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN AWARD FROM SUPPLY & DEMAND CHAIN EXECUTIVE

Tyco’s retail customer Piazza Italia supports sustainability initiatives through innovative hard tag recirculation program

NEUHAUSEN, Switzerland, Dec 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tyco Retail Solutions, part of Johnson Controls, has been recognized for its commitment to promoting and supporting retailers’ sustainability initiatives for the second straight year. The company is the recipient of the 2017 Supply & Demand Chain Executive Green Supply Chain Award, an annual distinction that distinguishes providers of supply chain solutions and services who assist their customers in achieving measurable sustainability goals. Tyco’s 2017 award is in recognition of industry leading green initiatives with its retail customers, including Piazza Italia.

As a recognized leader in fashion, Piazza Italia is committed to delivering the most current styles to its shoppers while maintaining its commitment to sustainability. In 2013, the retailer launched a source tagging program with Sensormatic Acousto-Magnetic (AM) Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) hard tags offering tangible benefits by combining a strong visual theft deterrent with point-of-manufacture source tagging. The retailer has since changed from single use tags to recirculated hard tags, providing an eco-friendly alternative to disposable tags from both an environmental and a business operations standpoint.

Tyco’s global recirculation and source-tagging initiatives provide the green savings and business benefits of recycling and receiving “retail ready” merchandise. Tags are recirculated, recertified and reused through Tyco’s efficient supply chain process which cost effectively moves tags around the globe via strategically located, highly efficient recirculation centers, and offering retailers such as Piazza Italia a buy-back incentive to reduce cost of ownership and deliver impactful savings. Hard tag recirculation provides Piazza Italia with savings by eliminating the manual process of applying tags at the store, improving tagging compliance, reducing shrink and reducing time to the sales floor.

“We believe that environmental responsibility is not only good business but also a social obligation. Today, sustainability is a major focus for our retail customers like Piazza Italia as stores look to provide not only high quality service and security, but also to implement sound green-friendly practices,” said Tony D’Onofrio, chief customer officer, Tyco Retail Solutions.

The Sensormatic apparel tagging recirculation program, the first of its kind, recycled more than a billion tags in 2015 and has recycled nearly seven billion since the program began in 2010, saving a total of 35 million pounds of plastic while reducing waste and costs for customers.  Today, more than half of Sensormatic brand labels are applied by product manufacturers or packaging companies, instead of in store. The program encompasses source application of EAS disposable labels, as well as recirculated AM EAS and RFID hard tags. With over five billion apparel items tagged to date, source tagging is a trusted program for retailers worldwide as the work to remain competitive and green in today’s retail environment.

Last year, the company’s manufacturing facility in Mexico earned recognition as a 2016 S&DCE Green Award winner for its effort to conserve resources through the development of an energy management system, and also nationally with a 2015 Environmental Award from the National Council of the Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry of Mexico. The same facility achieved ISO 50001:2011 certification last year.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30772

​HITACHI VANTARA CONTINUES TO BOLSTER ITS GLOBAL LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH NEW EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Dec 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hitachi Vantara, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501), today announced new appointments to its global leadership team: Mark Ablett has been named senior vice president of global go-to-market (GTM) strategy and Daniel Chong has been named senior vice president of Asia Pacific (APAC). Both will report to the company’s chief revenue officer, Hans-Peter Klaey.
 
Ablett previously served as Hitachi Vantara’s senior vice president (SVP) of APAC, where he helped Hitachi Vantara’s APAC theatre to achieve record growth. In his new role, Ablett will be responsible for developing the company’s global GTM strategy, partnering with Hitachi Vantara’s customers to help them successfully navigate and execute complex digital transformation journeys. Prior to joining Hitachi, Ablett held executive positions with Juniper Networks and SpectraLink, among others.
 
Chong will assume Ablett’s former post as SVP of APAC at Hitachi Vantara. He previously served as the company’s vice president and general manager (GM) of mainland China and Taiwan, where he grew revenue in the region by more than 150%. During Chong’s tenure as GM, the company has been recognized as a “Great Place to Work” in the region for the past five consecutive years. Prior to Hitachi, Chong held senior management positions at Oracle, PeopleSoft, BMC and Informix, where he focused on sales, marketing, business development and company management.
 
Ablett and Chong will further fortify Hitachi Vantara’s executive team, which the company has been aggressively expanding with experienced talent in recent months. The company recently tapped Klaey, an enterprise software industry veteran, to lead global sales and GTM, appointed former GE Digital COO Brad Surak as its Chief Product and Strategy Officer.
  
“Delivering exceptional customer experiences is incredibly important to Hitachi Vantara,” said Klaey. “Mark and Daniel have done exactly that in their time here. They have a deep understanding of our business and the needs of our customers and partners. Their work will be crucial in helping Hitachi customers unlock the full potential and value of their data.”

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30782

PORT OF ANTWERP RENEWS DESCARTES ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS RELATIONSHIP

LIER, Belgium, Dec 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that the Port of Antwerp has renewed its use of the Descartes Global Network™ (Descartes GLN™) for business-to-business electronic communication services to help accelerate the movement of goods across borders. The solution supports the exchange of electronic data and documents between port authorities, freight forwarders, shippers, ocean carriers, shipping agents, terminal operators, and other related companies and government agencies.

“We are honored to continue to help the Port of Antwerp simplify the electronic exchange of data between companies and authorities, and to support the port community with supply chain transparency and efficiency,” said Roy van Aalst, VP Sales Benelux at Descartes. “The extensive capabilities of the Descartes GLN provides ports and other logistics communities with a platform for effective collaboration with all trading partners.”

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30774

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY LAUNCHES FINANCIAL INSTITUTION PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE IN ASIA

BOSTON, Dec 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (BHSI) today announced that it has introduced Professional First Financial Institution Professional Indemnity (FIPI) Insurance in Asia.

“Financial institutions are seeing an increase in both the frequency and severity of professional indemnity claims.” said Scotland Walsh-Riddle, Head of Executive & Professional Lines at BHSI Hong Kong. “To respond to their needs, we’re introducing comprehensive and customizable protection to address the exposures FI professionals face now.”

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30770

SME SECTOR REMAIN BUOYANT IN 2017

Leading SMEs registered 14.54% revenue growth, 6.93% profit growth


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- The small and medium enterprises (SME) sector in Malaysia remain buoyant, with participants of the SME100 survey registering a 14.54 percent growth in revenue and a 6.93 percent growth in profit. This contrasts sharply with the GDP growth projection of 5.2 percent for the country as a whole.
         
The SME100 survey is conducted by SME Magazine, with the top 100 companies by business performance recognised with the SME100 awards. The survey and awards are conducted every year since 2009. This year, the SME100 awards are officiated by Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Minister of International Trade and Industry II.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30767

​WILLIAMS SCOTSMAN TO ACQUIRE ACTON MOBILE

​WILLIAMS SCOTSMAN TO ACQUIRE ACTON MOBILE

ACCA HOSTS WORKSHOP TO ENHANCE GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Malaysia organised its first Talent Development Workshop for ACCA Students in their final year.

The two-part workshop that was held on 2-4 November 2017 (Session 1) and 10-11 November 2017 (Session 2) was conducted by former C-level global finance and industry experts with over 30 years of corporate experience. They shared their corporate expertise and insights designed to help undergraduate students boost their chances of employment.

Forty undergraduate students were selected to attend the workshop after a six step evaluation process by ACCA and the Program Facilitator.

Boonsiri Somchit Ong, Partner and Co-Founder of Xtrategize shares “This was an exceptional opportunity for the ACCA students to gain insights on how best to develop their careers.”

“When we first interviewed the students, many lacked self-confidence and the ability to express themselves properly. However, after spending five days with them in the workshop, they have grown in confidence when they speak, are motivated when given a task and show willingness to learn and accept feedback.”

“We believe that the extra mile ACCA has taken in arranging these workshops will pay dividends in helping them move forward in their careers.”

Globalisation, digital technology, regulatory pressure and social expectation have brought increasing complexity to the workforce. The Talent Development Workshop was designed to equip ACCA graduates with the right mindsets, attitudes and to prepare them to meet the challenges that will be facing them when they enter the workforce as ACCA Professional Accountants.

The workshop emphasised the seven quotients that every graduate needs in becoming a successful professional accountant of the future, which was a result of ACCA’s flagship report on the future challenges and opportunities facing the accountancy profession. The seven quotients include technical skills and ethics, intelligence, creative, digital, emotional intelligence, vision and experience. The profession is evolving rapidly and ACCA”s vision is to be at the forefront of developing the accountancy profession the world needs.

Students that attended the workshop came from different universities and Approved Learning Partners (ALPs). To be selected, students had to undergo a stringent selection process which included being nominated by ACCA’s ALP, writing a 100 word application about why they should be selected, obtaining reference and recommendation letter and undertaking a 360 degree evaluation interview.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30766

GLOBAL SMART LOCK LEADER ASSA ABLOY JOINS Z-WAVE ALLIANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ASSA ABLOY takes a leadership role in the Alliance to help further Z-Wave adoption and to support global sales of Z-Wave Smart Door Locks


FREMONT, Calif., Dec 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Z-Wave Alliance, an open consortium of leading global companies deploying the Z-Wave smart home standard, today announces the addition of ASSA ABLOY to the Alliance Board of Directors. Owner of leading and trusted lock brands such as Yale, Mul-T-Lock and ABLOY, ASSA ABLOY joins principal members ADT, Alarm.com, FIBARO, Huawei, Ingersoll-Rand, Jasco Products, LEEDARSON, LG Uplus, Nortek Security & Control, SmartThings, and Sigma Designs.

“ASSA ABLOY was already a leader in the smart lock industry and is clearly making moves to become a global force in smart security and connected access control,” said Mitchell Klein, Executive Director of the Z-Wave Alliance, “The entire Alliance will benefit from ASSA ABLOY’s contribution to the Board of Directors and leadership in the future.”

The ASSA ABLOY Group is a global leader in door-opening solutions, manufacturing a range of products for commercial and consumer markets. The group has a complete range of door opening products, solutions and services for institutional, commercial and consumer markets, and a worldwide leading position in smart door locks. Currently offering Z-Wave enabled smart door locks, ASSA ABLOY made big news recently with the acquisition of August Home, another Alliance member and manufacturer of Z-Wave smart lock solutions.

“We have strongly supported Z-Wave through our Yale smart locks and plan to play an even bigger role as a decision maker in the growing Z-Wave Alliance,” commented Kevin Kraus, Director Technology and Integration Support for Yale Residential at ASSA ABLOY Americas. “As a Board member, we want to help in developing global Z-Wave product requirements as we build out our smart lock offerings in various regions around the world.” 

As a principal member, ASSA ABLOY will participate in developing global Z-Wave product requirements and in promoting Z-Wave enabled digital smart locks worldwide.

The Z-Wave Alliance has over 600 member companies worldwide and over 2100 certified smart home and IoT devices. For more information on the Z-Wave Alliance, please visit http://z-wavealliance.org. Follow the Z-Wave Alliance on Facebook, Twitter and on LinkedIn for the latest updates.

About Z-Wave

Z-Wave^® technology is an open internationally recognized ITU standard (G.9959). It is the leading wireless home control technology in the market today, with over 2100 certified interoperable products worldwide.  Represented by the Z-Wave Alliance, and supported by more than 600 companies around the world, the standard is a key enabler of smart living solutions for home safety and security, energy, hospitality, office and light commercial applications.

Z-Wave^® is a registered trademark of Sigma Designs (NASDAQ SIGM) and its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

About the Z-Wave Alliance

Formed in January 2005, the Z-Wave Alliance is a consortium of leading companies in the home technology space dedicated to solidifying Z-Wave as the standard for wireless home control products. The principal members include: ADT, Alarm.com, ASSA ABLOY, FIBARO, Huawei, Ingersoll Rand Nexia Intelligence, Jasco Products, Leedarson, LG Uplus, Nortek Security & Control, SmartThings and Sigma Designs. Alliance members lead the home controls market, providing leading edge products and systems that deliver increased comfort, convenience, energy conservation, safety and security.

About ASSA ABLOY

ASSA ABLOY is the global leader in door opening solutions, dedicated to satisfying end‑user needs for security, safety and convenience. Since its formation in 1994, ASSA ABLOY has grown from a regional company into an international group with about 47,000 employees, operations in more than 70 countries and sales of SEK 71 billion. In the fast-growing electromechanical security segment, the Group has a leading position in areas such as access control, identification technology, entrance automation and hotel security.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements about the benefits of Z-Wave Alliance membership, the benefits of the use of Z-Wave in product offerings, including the benefits of certain enhanced features of Z-Wave devices. Actual results may vary materially due to a number of factors including, but not limited to, consumer and customer acceptance of the Z-Wave Alliance (including its membership benefits), and Z-Wave technology in the relevant regions, the ability of the Z-Wave Alliance to compete with similar alliances in the industry and of the Z-Wave technology to compete with other technologies or related products in the market, if any, as well as other risks that are detailed from time to time in our reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, including reports made on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward- looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publically release or otherwise disclose the result of any revision to these forward-looking statements that may be made as a result of events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Press Contact:
Caster Communications, Inc. at 401.792.7080
Ashley Daigneault ashley@castercomm.com
For digital images log on to www.castercomm.com


SOURCE : Z-Wave Alliance

NEATO APPOINTS NEW CEO MATT PETERSEN

NEWARK, Calif., Dec 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Neato Robotics, leader in smart robots for the home, today announced the appointment of new CEO Matt Petersen, effective January 1st, 2018. Petersen has sat on the Neato board since 2014. Petersen currently is the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of JAFRA Cosmetics International, a Vorwerk owned subsidiary.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6271e9c8-ac52-402c-9245-9e05fcb4ca36

Current CEO, Giacomo Marini, will step down after five years. Under his tenure, Neato has grown substantially and has launched innovative products with cutting edge technology, including the full Botvac Connected product line of robot vacuums. The tremendous amount of success during this period led to the acquisition by Vorwerk. Marini has been a Director at Neato since 2006, Chairman since 2007, Executive Chairman 2011-2013, and Chairman and CEO since February 2013.

Marini comments on the appointment, “I’m pleased to hand over this position to Matt to lead the company into its next chapter. I have been thrilled to see the company grow over the last 11 years, and to have recently launched our most powerful, intuitive and connected robot vacuum yet at IFA 2017.”

Petersen adds, “Giacomo has been an outstanding CEO and deserves a wealth of credit for his accomplishments. I’m honored to have been asked to lead this fantastic team at Neato. We will continue to innovate products, and push boundaries in the smart home space.”

In Petersen’s current position and as a member of JAFRA’s Management Board, he leads the Worldwide Marketing and R&D teams in strengthening the JAFRA brand and optimizing business results. After receiving his B.A. degree from Boston College and beginning his career with the Walt Disney Company, Petersen gained extensive leadership experience through diverse marketing roles at Mattel and PepsiCo. Prior to joining JAFRA, Petersen held numerous high-level positions at Mattel and was most recently Vice President of U.S. Marketing, a role in which he was responsible for strategy and marketing programs. Previous roles proved his creativity and passion for marketing while demonstrating his strengths in global branding, consumer-focused creative, portfolio development and product packaging design. Petersen will step down from his roles at JAFRA as part of the transition to CEO at Neato.

This appointment follows the acquisition of Neato Robotics by Vorwerk in September 2017. The goal of the acquisition is to continue the company’s focus on growth, innovation and market expansion. Neato will be attending CES 2018 in Las Vegas, hosting a Neato Smartlife Open House, to showcase the Neato Connected product line.

About Neato

Neato Robotics designs robots for the home to improve people’s lives, allowing them to spend less time doing household chores and more time on the things they love. Neato drives innovation with intelligent laser navigation, smart home connectivity, and superior cleaning technologies. Neato was recently recognized for its leadership, culture and dedication to its employees by being named to the Bay Area News Group’s 2017 list of the “Top 100 Workplaces” in the San Francisco area that is based on employee feedback. Most recently, at IFA Showstoppers 2017, Neato won the Innovation Award for Smart Home & Appliances for new flagship model - Neato Botvac D7™ Connected.

For more information, visit: www.neatorobotics.com.

Please join Neato Robotics on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Media Contact:
Aparna Aswani
Director of Global Communications
+1.415.699.8331
press@neatorobotics.com

SOURCE : Neato Robotics

AMMO INCORPORATED RELEASES STREAK VISUAL AMMUNITION

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMMO, Inc. (OTC:POWW), a technology leader and premier American ammunitions manufacturer, today announced its newest product offering, STREAK Visual Ammunition.  AMMO, Inc. holds the exclusive worldwide rights for the incredible patented technology used to make the STREAK products. STREAK is one of the most technologically advanced ammunition to hit the market in decades.

"We are beyond excited to bring STREAK Visual Ammunition to the market.  Our acquisition of the exclusive rights for the STREAK technology is a game changer for both our company as well as the shooting industry.  Once you shoot with STREAK and you can actually see your projectile travel throughout its path, you will be bored by shooting normal ammunition," said AMMO, Inc.'s CEO, Fred Wagenhals.

Unlike conventional tracers, STREAK rounds are NOT an incendiary, they don't use burning metals to generate light. Replacing fire-hazard burning metals is a non-flammable phosphor material that utilizes the light emitted during the discharging of the round to make STREAK glow.  STREAK does NOT generate heat, making STREAK rounds safe to use in environments where traditional tracers are prohibited and can be a serious fire hazard.

The results are game changing in many aspects for the consumer, law enforcement and military.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a66734a7-55a2-481e-b544-ad0f2213f3fb
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e816bc99-8359-4b54-a89e-adacdd6e2789

A video accompanying this announcement is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3776f659-0969-46f6-9ad7-47b736195026

The glowing material used is applied only to the aft end of the projectile, making it only visible to the shooter and those within a 30-degree viewing window.  Military and law enforcement appreciate that unlike conventional tracers STREAK's glow is not visible to the target.
  
STREAK ammunition is currently available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. The STREAK line will expand to include hollow points, a wider range of calibers and will be available in both red and yellow/green colors.

About Ammo Incorporated

With its corporate offices headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, and a manufacturing facility in Payson, Arizona, AMMO, Inc. (the "Company and/or AMMO") designs and manufactures products for a variety of aptitudes, including law enforcement, military, hunting, sport shooting and self-defense (see www.ammo-inc.com). The Company was founded in 2016 with a vision to change, innovate and invigorate the complacent munitions industry. AMMO promotes branded munitions, including the Jesse James line of munitions and accessories, /stelTH/ subsonic munitions, OPS (One Precise Shot), a lead-free frangible tactical line of munitions for self-defense.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ from those projected due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the possibility that some or all of the matters and transactions considered by the Company may not proceed as contemplated, and by all other matters specified in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements are made based upon current expectations that are subject to risk and uncertainty. Such factors include, among others, the demand for our products; the state of the U.S. economy in general and the ammunition industry in particular; general economic conditions and consumer spending patterns; our competitive environment; the supply, availability, and costs of materials and components; the potential for increased regulation of our products; speculation surrounding fears of terrorism and crime; our anticipated growth and growth opportunities; our strategies; our ability to develop and maintain brand recognition and reputation; our ability to introduce new products; the success of new products; our ability to expand our markets; and other risks. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements in this news release to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking information. Assumptions and other information that could cause results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking information can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (www.sec.gov), including its recent periodic reports.

Media Contact
Griffin Bartman
Griffin@Chevalier-adv.com
(503)-639-9190

Investor Relations Contact
James Palczynski
JP@ICRInc.com
(203)-682-8229


SOURCE : Ammo, Inc

SABINA GOLD & SILVER ANNOUNCES COMMENCEMENT OF THE REVIEW OF ITS WATER LICENSE APPLICATIONS FOR THE BACK RIVER PROJECT

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec 12 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sabina Gold & Silver Corp (TSX:SBB.T), (“Sabina” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the Nunavut Water Board (NWB) has commenced public review of the Type A and Type B water license applications related to initial development, mine construction and operation of the Back River Project (the “Project” or “Back River”).

As announced on December 6, 2017, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, on behalf of the five responsible federal Ministers, accepted Nunavut Impact Review Board’s recommendation for the Project to proceed to the regulatory and licensing phase.  The NIRB has advised that the final Project Certificate will be issued on or before January 4, 2018.

SABINA GOLD

TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION UNVEILS EMBEDDED NAND FLASH MEMORY PRODUCTS FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS COMPLIANT WITH UFS VER. 2.1

- Addresses data storage demands of increasingly complex applications including automotive information & entertainment systems and ADAS -

TOKYO, Dec 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Memory Corporation, the world leader in memory solutions, today announced that it has begun shipping samples of embedded NAND flash memory products for automotive applications that are compliant with JEDEC UFS[1] version 2.1[2]. The new products meet AEC-Q100 Grade2[3] requirements and support a wide temperature range of -40°C to +105°C, offering the enhanced reliability capabilities that are required by increasingly complex automotive applications. The line-up meets a broad range of applications requirements with five different capacities: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30765

-DIALOGUE FOR QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE-

Building Prosperous Future in Vietnam at Vietnam Expo in Ho Chi Minh City
 

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Dec 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) --Believing Japan's quality infrastructure to be essential for achieving sustainable economic growth in Vietnam, the Government of Japan hosted the “Dialogue for Quality Infrastructure – Building Asia’s Future” at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, the venue of Vietnam Expo in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) on Thursday, December 7, 2017. Attended by over one hundred participants, the event promoted active discussions on “Quality Infrastructure” needed for sustainable development in Vietnam and Japan’s role in this development.
 
In opening remarks on behalf of the Government of Japan, H.E. Mr. Junichi Kawaue, Consul General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City stated “Vietnam is taking a leadership role in ASEAN’s growth. To further pursue more sustainable and powerful growth, it is essential to provide an appropriate plan, funds, and technology for infrastructure development. The concept of ‘quality infrastructure’ is the guiding principle for such infrastructure development.” Consul General Kawaue also stated that the Japanese government and Japanese companies are already supporting infrastructure development in Vietnam, including HCMC’s MRT1, which contributes to the quality of life as well as economic growth.
 
Representing Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Le Van Khoa, Vice Chairman, Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee said HCMC strongly agrees with the concept of “Quality Infrastructure.” “We seek to develop this city as a model for the future. We must continuously play a leadership role for the economy and society,” said Mr. Ho.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30756

ALGECO SCOTSMAN ANNOUNCES DEBT PACKAGE FOR REFINANCING, ACQUISITION OF TOUAX SOLUTIONS MODULAIRES SAS AND EXERCISE OF PUT OPTION

BALTIMORE, Md., Dec 11 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algeco/Scotsman Holding S.à r.l. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Algeco Group”) today announced that a finance special purpose vehicle that will be a subsidiary of the Algeco Group has entered into a senior debt package arranged by a syndicate of lending institutions and a preferred stock facility with a group of other financing providers. The proceeds of this financing, or any debt issued in lieu of the loans under the facilities (which replacement debt could be in the form of loans, securities or other debt instruments, may be publicly or privately placed and may be denominated in euros or US dollars), will be used to refinance the existing capital structure of the Algeco Group, including its existing Senior Secured Notes due 2018 and existing Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019. In connection with this refinancing, a lending syndicate will provide a new $400 million senior secured asset backed facility. The debt package is contingent on the satisfaction of customary conditions, including the execution and delivery of definitive documentation and the Algeco Group currently contemplates that the refinancing will be completed in the first quarter of 2018.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30754

SD-WAN MARKET REPORT NAMES ARYAKA A TOP SD-WAN PROVIDER

With 18 percent market share, IHS Markit Report lists Aryaka as one of the leading SD-WAN Vendors

SAN MATEO, Calif., Dec 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aryaka® is the largest independent SD-WAN provider by market share and revenues in calendar Q3 2017, according to IHS Markit’s Data Center Network Equipment Quarterly Market Tracker report.

IHS Markit says Aryaka garnered an 18 percent share of the global SD-WAN market in Q3 2017 (after excluding the company’s connectivity revenue), ranking it second overall, but making it the largest independent SD-WAN vendor (other players have been recently acquired).  Aryaka ranks ahead of companies like Cisco, Viptela, Citrix, and others in the report.

“Aryaka is proud to be recognized as a market leader because it is a testament to the fact that we’ve tripled our business in the last three years,” said Shawn Farshchi, President and CEO of Aryaka. “That growth can be attributed to the fact that we have a cloud-native private network-based global SD-WAN that enables us to deliver significantly better global application performance while other suppliers that rely on internet links cannot commit to SLAs. Delivering SD-WAN as a service also appeals to our global clients because they want to consume SD-WAN instead of constructing networks, much like they are consuming cloud services today. Our solid differentiation is why Aryaka has its sights set on an IPO while the remaining independent SD-WAN players are trying to get acquired.”

Deployed by more than 700 global enterprises, Aryaka is the leading global SD-WAN provider and has the fastest growing global SD-WAN solution in the market today, delivering enhanced performance for cloud and on-premises applications worldwide. Aryaka’s Global SD-WAN has quickly become the only viable MPLS replacement solution for global enterprises requiring alternatives to legacy WAN infrastructures for mission-critical application delivery.
For information about Aryaka, visit www.aryaka.com.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30745

ALPHANOTE, JAPAN-BORN SUPPORT PLATFORM OF INDIE MUSIC, BEING DEPLOYED IN INDIA

TOKYO, Dec. 11, 2017 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --
 
Alphanote, a unit of Senko Group Holdings Co., Ltd., launched in India on December 11 its innovative free music streaming platform to support independent musicians and to serve the growing demand for music in the region. The service will be deployed in other countries in Asia, in Latin America and other parts of the world in the near future.
  
Website: https://alpha-connection.net/?lang=en
 
Alphanote is aiming to rejuvenate the music industry with its new free music stream platform, connecting music creators, listeners and fans with the best music experience. The unique combination of the latest technology and influencer-based marketing strategy is alphanote's key advantage, effectively platforming the influencer model for the music industry for the first time.
  
The alphanote app available both on iOS and Android comes with many useful features such as features that bring monetary benefits to musicians like merchandise stores, event management and social tipping, or enrich their musical experience in any way. Also data collecting such GPS location tracking is an important feature which guarantees the quality of data and analytics.
 
"This Indian launch is part of alphanote's strategy to develop new Indie music streaming services internationally," said alphanote founder Kengo Senuma. "Alphanote will hold a Battle of the Bands at NMIMS in India. We will collaborate with NMIMS University and support young people who dream of succeeding as musicians. During this period, musicians who have registered their songs with alphanote and made their songs available on the platform will be selected as finalists to compete in the final game on stage. The winner will be supported by alphanote in his/her future as a musician. In addition, alphanote is supporting India's largest two-day multi-genre concert 'Comio EVC Mumbai 2017' introduced by Enchanted Valley Carnival. This effort will lead us to collaborations with India's most wonderful Indie musicians and excite the Indie music scene."

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30755

ASIA'S TOP COSMETICS REVIEW SITE @COSME ANNOUNCES "THE BEST COSMETICS AWARDS 2017"

TOKYO, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- istyle Inc. (TSE First Section, Company Code: 3660), a Tokyo-based operator of @cosme, one of Asia's largest beauty information and review sites, announced "@cosme THE BEST COSMETICS AWARDS 2017" on December 7, 2017. The awards reflect Japan's beauty trends of 2017. (Image1: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/img/201712068742-O4-8m5W35Li) About @cosme: @cosme is one of Asia's largest beauty information websites, with a loyal user base of Japanese women. The information and reviews posted on @cosme are useful for women's daily beauty care, earning widespread support. (Image2: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/img/201712068742-O5-RU29yKv8) About the @cosme Best Cosmetics Awards: The awards cover cosmetics and beauty products that have gained the most support from consumers, based on reviews written in 2017 by members of @cosme who have actually used the products. The winners of the awards were selected according to product rankings. The lineup of award-winning products, which reflects the opinions of ordinary consumers, has drawn attention from a wide range of parties from users to officials in the beauty industry. OPERA's "Lip Tint" wins Grand Prize: The 2017 Grand Prize went to "LIP TINT," produced by OPERA, which received the most favorable response from users on @cosme. http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30736

​SILURIA TECHNOLOGIES AND WOOD LAUNCH MODUS™, THE FIRST PROCESS TECHNOLOGY TO CONVERT LOW VALUE OFFGAS INTO REFINERY PRODUCTS

​SILURIA TECHNOLOGIES AND WOOD LAUNCH MODUS™, THE FIRST PROCESS TECHNOLOGY TO CONVERT LOW VALUE OFFGAS INTO REFINERY PRODUCTS

​SOLARWINDS ELEVATES SIMPLICITY IN MANAGEMENT OF HYBRID AND MULTI-CLOUD ENVIRONMENTS ACROSS INFRASTRUCTURE, APPLICATIONS, AND DATABASES

​SOLARWINDS ELEVATES SIMPLICITY IN MANAGEMENT OF HYBRID AND MULTI-CLOUD ENVIRONMENTS ACROSS INFRASTRUCTURE, APPLICATIONS, AND DATABASES

SABINA GOLD & SILVER REACHES MAJOR MILESTONE TO ADVANCE BACK RIVER GOLD PROJECT WITH POSITIVE DECISION FROM MINISTER OF INDIGENOUS AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS CANADA

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec 7 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. (TSX:SBB.T), (“Sabina” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has received a positive decision from the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (the “Minister” or “INAC”) that the Back River Project (the “Project” or “Back River”) may move forward to the regulatory and licensing phase which would include completion of all necessary permits to commence mine construction. 

In July 2017, the Nunavut Impact Review Board (“NIRB”) completed its review of the environmental assessment of the Project and recommended to the Minister that the Project should be given approval to obtain the required permits and licenses for mine construction and operation.  In a letter dated December 5, 2017, the Minister on behalf of the five responsible federal Ministers, accepted NIRB's recommendation. The NIRB will now work towards issuing a Project Certificate for Back River, which will attach the terms and conditions for mine development, construction, operation and eventual closure.

"This letter is a significant milestone event for the Back River Project and for Sabina as it is the most important decision in the permitting process,” said Bruce McLeod, President & CEO.  “After a multi-year environmental assessment, we are extremely pleased that Back River now has the green light to move ahead to the final phase.  The issuance of a Project Certificate for Back River enables us to start preparing in earnest towards our goal of becoming a mid-tier gold producer in one of the world’s best mining jurisdictions, and now enables us to formalize our budget and work plans for 2018.  In addition, the recent execution of a binding term sheet with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association has strengthened our relationship with our stakeholders and we look forward to creating a long-lasting legacy of environmental stewardship and sustainable economic development for the people of the Kitikmeot Region and Nunavut.”

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30735
 

MITSUI CHEMICALS AGRO, INC. (MCAG) AND BASF SIGN COMMERCIALIZATION AGREEMENT FOR NEW INSECTICIDE WITH IRAC NOVEL MODE OF ACTION

TOKYO & LIMBURGERHOF, Germany, Dec 7 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) --Mitsui Chemicals Agro, Inc. (MCAG) and BASF SE announced today the signing of a long-term agreement for the commercialization of Broflanilide, a new insecticide for chewing crop pests and non-crop pests control. This commercialization agreement follows the exclusive global license and development agreement between the two companies that was announced on June 11, 2014.

Under the terms of this agreement, MCAG granted BASF exclusive rights to market and sell Broflanilide products in certain markets worldwide, excluding Japan and certain Asian and other countries where MCAG holds exclusive and/or co-exclusive rights.

Broflanilide is a compound with a novel mode of action, demonstrating excellent efficacy in the control of many problematic chewing insect pests, including caterpillars and beetles in specialty and row crops, and non-crop pests such as termites, ants, cockroaches and flies. It has potential use applications in cereals as a seed treatment for control of wireworms, as well as for foliar use in leafy and fruiting vegetables, potato, soybean, cotton, corn and legumes. The active ingredient was discovered by MCAG and the co-development of the insecticide with BASF began in 2014.

The Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) recently approved the classification of Broflanilide as a compound with a new mode of action in Group 30: GABA-gated Cl^- channel allosteric modulators. As of today, Broflanilide is the only active ingredient in IRAC Group 30. Given its different chemistry, Broflanilide is a highly effective broad-use compound and a valuable new tool in Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM).

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30733
 

THE AMAZON PRIME VIDEO APP IS NOW AVAILABLE ON APPLE TV IN OVER 100 COUNTRIES

Integration with the Apple TV App, Siri Remote and universal search make finding and playing Prime Video favorites remarkably easy for viewers

Prime Video on Apple TV arrives just in time for the premiere of The Grand Tour Season 2 on December 8

SEATTLE, Dec 7 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- (NASDAQ: AMZN) — Amazon today announced the Prime Video app is available on Apple TV 4K and previous generations of Apple TV in over 100 countries. Prime Video members now have even more ways to stream award-winning and critically-acclaimed titles including Amazon Original Movies, Prime Originals and Hollywood blockbusters and TV series and over 140 Channel subscriptions in the US and 95 in the UK, Germany and Austria. Starting tomorrow, customers can enjoy Thursday Night Football live on Apple TV 4K and Apple TV. Amazon’s library of 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) titles are available on Apple TV 4K. Finding content on Prime Video is remarkably easy for Apple TV viewers with the Apple TV App, Siri Remote and universal search in select countries.

“There is nothing that excites us more than delighting our customers, and we are thrilled for them to stream Prime Video on Apple TV,” said Mark Eamer, Vice President of Prime Video. “The app arrives just in time for the highly anticipated new season of The Grand Tour, which launches on December 8^th, and Prime Video members streaming on the Apple TV 4K will have the exceptional viewing experience of 4K HDR.”

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APTEAN FURTHER EXPANDS HEALTHCARE OFFERINGS WITH ACQUISITION OF CONNECT

APTEAN FURTHER EXPANDS HEALTHCARE OFFERINGS WITH ACQUISITION OF CONNECT

TRICENTIS AND SPECTAR UNVEIL THE WORLD'S FIRST S/4HANA TESTING AUTOMATION ACCELERATOR

SYDNEY, Dec 7 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Tricentis APAC (Pty) Ltd in association with Spectar Group now offers a convenient product solution to all SAP customers, called the S/4HANA Testing Automation Accelerator. This is a ground-breaking benefit for S/4HANA projects, since it will assist users to expedite their project delivery and build a test automation framework for post ‘go live’ support.
 
It is an endless challenge which the IT world faces daily to find ways to improve current operational structures and to keep up with innovation. In addition, it must build, test and deploy solutions constantly. To streamline this process, Tricentis APAC has partnered with Spectar Group to deliver an SAP S/4HANA accelerator package to help customers to fast track their test automation efforts and remove expensive technology barriers that have prevented them from using extensive test automation in the past. With little customization effort, customers can add their own business data and adjust individually automated test sequences.
 
Tricentis APAC Co-MDs Dominik Weisboeck and Thomas Hadorn said, “We are very proud of this new product. This pioneering, value added offering is a first in the SAP S/4HANA testing space. Currently Tricentis Tosca provides test automation capabilities from a business perspective, there is no need for programming experience. This is a huge benefit for SAP S/4HANA projects, since business users with little to no technical skills can also productively take part in the test automation process.”

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