WINGS CAPITAL PARTNERS ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL EQUITY COMMITMENTS

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., May 31 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Wings Capital Partners (“Wings”) is pleased to announce that its current shareholders, Corrum Capital and Sightway Capital, have increased their equity commitments to Wings. The additional support from our shareholders positions the company well for the future and provides us with additional resources to execute our business plan and capital to pursue attractive aircraft acquisitions.

“Our strong partnership with our shareholders reflects the continued long-term commitment Sightway and Corrum have to Wings and the customers we serve,” said R Stephen Hannahs, Managing Director and CEO of Wings.

In addition, Wings announced that the company has launched a new operating entity in Singapore, headed by Stephen Lynch, Managing Director of Wings Capital Partners Singapore PTE. LTD. and Vice President, Marketing. Mr. Lynch is responsible for managing airline relationships across the Asia Pacific Region with a particular focus on increasing the company’s commercial jet aircraft on lease to Asian airlines. Prior to joining Wings, Stephen worked in a variety of roles within the aircraft leasing and finance sectors with GECAS, Engine Lease Finance Corporation, and Intrepid Aviation.

Further, the company announced several executive promotions, including

• John Hoopes has been promoted to Head of Technical Services. John has been an effective manager and contributor in directing the technical oversight of the company.
• Gerry Burke has been promoted to Vice President, Marketing – Wings Capital Partners Aviation Ireland Limited. Gerry has made significant contributions to the success of the company during his tenure at Wings.

At press time, Wings Capital Partners’ owned, managed, and committed portfolio was $1.5 billion with 48 aircraft.

About Wings Capital Partners

Wings Capital Partners LLC (Wings) is a private, full-service aircraft leasing platform primarily investing in single-aisle, in-production commercial jet aircraft on lease to airlines around the world. Led by best in class management team with significant aviation leasing experience (30 years average for senior team) and long-standing airline, lessor, banking, investor and legal relationships.

Wings is owned by active investors, Sightway Capital, a Two Sigma Company, Corrum Capital Management and the Wings Management Team.

Wings Capital Partners Aviation Ireland Limited was established in 2017 in Dublin, Ireland.

For more information, please visit wingscap.com

About Corrum Capital Management

Corrum Capital Management LLC is an independent, private investment firm that takes an active and asset-level approach to cashflow-oriented investing. In addition to commercial aviation leasing, Corrum Capital currently has active investments in railcar leasing, and asset- and collateral-backed lending, including lending to the sports and entertainment industries, real estate lending, and trade and receivables finance.

For more information, please visit corrumcapital.com

About Sightway Capital

Sightway Capital is the private equity arm of Two Sigma. Two Sigma began forming a private capital group in 2008 to provide diversifying sources of return for its proprietary capital. In January 2018, Two Sigma launched Sightway Capital, building on and expanding these established private investment capabilities and continuing its differentiated investment approach. Sightway Capital focuses on building companies in asset-intensive and data rich industries, growing those companies significantly in size and scale in partnership with experienced management teams and strategic partners and harnessing Two Sigma’s expertise in data science and technology as well as the firm’s significant relationships to enhance outcomes for our companies.

For more information, please visit sightwaycapital.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190530005242/en/

Contact

Cathy Egan
Wings Capital Partners
Email: cme@wingscap.com

Source : Wings Capital Partners
 
--BERNAMA

Live fire: Milrem Robotics, ST Engineering demonstrate BVLOS combat UGV

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Milrem Robotics and ST Engineering have demonstrated a beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) combat unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) during a live fire exercise held in Tapa, Estonia.

The joint warfare system consists of the THeMIS UGV and the ADDER DM Remote Weapon Station and is intended as a force multiplier for dismounted troops in urban and rural areas.

Milrem Robotics, Defence Programs Department director, Jüri Pajuste said the joint combat UGV was one of the world’s first armoured UGVs, especially well suited for urban conflict areas.

The UGV is also configured for wireless BVLOS control from a distance of 1,000m and 2,500m in urban and rural areas, respectively.

It is a tracked all-terrain system with ground clearance of up to 60cm that can negotiate 60 per cent slopes and pass 61cm-deep water obstacles.

Its top speed is 20km per hour, powered by a diesel-electric drive that depends on the mission which can offer 15 hours of constant operations without refuelling.

The combat UGV can be armoured up to STANAG 4569 level three while keeping all of its dynamic capabilities mentioned above.

Watch the combat UGV capabilities at https://youtu.be/2j2Sbn7Pvts

-- BERNAMA

Efinix, M31 Technology partner to address AI edge computing demand

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- Efinix, an innovator in programmable product platforms and technologies has partnered M31 Technology Corporation to address demand for emerging AI edge computing requirements.

Under the partnership, M31’s MIPI D-PHY RX and TX IP have been integrated successfully into Efinix’s Trion FPGA platform. It provides multiple sets of unidirectional links and delivers a high-bandwidth interface for an array of next-generation AI-driven FPGA markets.

“Thanks to our technology integration, our customers have more usable logic elements for video, camera, and sensor innovations,” said Efinix senior vice-president (operations and application), Ming Ng.

Trion FPGAs with MIPI offer flexibility, low power, small form factor and low cost without compromising performance. With multiple MIPI TX and RX channels, Trion FPGAs can become the hub of a system with multiple cameras and sensors.

The integrated product is being used in a customer application featuring a vision sensor camera with capabilities such as 3D, depth detection, HDR, 180 degree and surround view, according to a statement.

Efinix will showcase its disruptive FPGA platforms at the Design Automation Conference from June 2 to 6. For more information, contact https://www.efinixinc.com.

-- BERNAMA

Japan's centuries-old traditional art comes alive at Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (KPH), one of Japan’s most prestigious international hotels in Shinjuku will host the ‘39th Arita and Imari Porcelain Exhibition – The Old and the New in Harmony’, come July.

The event which begins on July 1, ends on Aug 5.

According to a statement, the exhibition will introduce the Arita and Imari porcelain, the first ceramics made about 400 years ago in the southern island of Kyushu, Japan.

Eight renowned and modern porcelain makers from the Arita and Imari regions of Saga Prefecture in Kyushu will display and sell their products.

The hotel’s restaurants will also serve specially-prepared foods using Arita and Imari porcelain, whereby visitors also can purchase porcelain products after dining at the restaurants.

Space producer and Japan Party Planner Association chairman, Yoko Maruyama and her associates will create special coordinated table settings using porcelain dishes to demonstrate how to beautifully integrate porcelain into daily lifestyles.

This year marks the 39th time of the exhibition, reflecting the strong interest in Arita and Imari porcelain products. The exhibition aims to provide international guests an experience in the beauty of Japan’s traditional Arita and Imari porcelain products.

For more information, contact https://www.keioplaza.com.

-- BERNAMA

Toshiba Memory Corporation's XG6-P SSD Series boost capacity for performance-demanding workloads

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- Toshiba Memory Corporation, the world leader in memory solutions has announced the XG6-P solid state drive (SSD) Series for high-end applications and data centre deployments.

Aiming to boost capacity for performance-demanding workloads, the series offer up to 2,048GB of capacity and over 30 per cent higher sequential write bandwidth than its predecessor.

Sampling to OEM customers will begin from mid-June, according to a statement.

The XG6-P is suited for high-end workstation PCs and gaming systems, as well as cost-optimised data centre and composable infrastructures.

Leveraging Toshiba Memory’s 96-layer BiCS FLASH 3D TLC (3-bit-per-cell), XG6-P SSDs provide high storage capacity, while maintaining the promise of ultra-thin, high-speed storage with exceptional power efficiency.

The 2,048GB XG6-P SSD is available in a single-sided M.2 2280 (22 x 80mm) form factor and offers security options, including TCG Pyrite Version 1.0 support for Non-SED (Self-Encrypting Drive) configurations and TCG Opal Version 2.01 support for SED.

The series will be displayed from June 12 to 14 at Interop Tokyo 2019 in Makuhari Messe, Japan. For more information, contact https://business.toshiba-memory.com.

-- BERNAMA

CHANGCHUN SET TO BECOME MAJOR SPORTS TOURISM DESTINATION IN CHINA

CHANGCHUN SET TO BECOME MAJOR SPORTS TOURISM DESTINATION IN CHINA

Milrem Robotics powers Dutch Army with unmanned ground vehicles

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- Milrem Robotics, an Estonian defence industry company has delivered two THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to the Royal Netherlands Army Robot and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Unit of the 13th Light Brigade.

The THeMIS UGVs was developed for the Dutch Army’s Concept Development and Experimentation Project on how to exploit the possibilities of new unmanned platforms to increase combat power and decrease risk to soldiers.

They were delivered in transport configuration, together with initial spare parts and accessories. Milrem Robotics will also provide operator and maintenance training, tactical deployment know-how and life cycle support and upgrades during a two-year period.

“Rigorous tests and combat exercises held in Europe, US (the United States) and the Middle-East have proven that the THeMIS is an effective tool for dismounted troops, and we have no doubt the Dutch Army will be more than satisfied,” said Milrem Robotics chief executive officer, Kuldar Väärsi.

The capabilities of the THeMIS were put to the test, right after delivery in the tough Scottish landscape during an exercise where the RAS used UGVs for the first time, according to a statement.

It was previously deployed in several military exercises, including Last Mile and Army Warfighting Experiment 2018 in the United Kingdom and recently deployed in Mali, together with soldiers from the Estonian Defence Forces.

-- BERNAMA

Have marketplace will fly: airfree raises € 2.3 million fund from business angels

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- airfree, a French startup has received a €2.3 million support from its first round business angels, Shiseido and the Starburst accelerator. (€1 = RM4.68)

Also referred to as ‘Marketplace of the Sky’, airfree recently took off towards marketing its solution to airline companies, with the validation of a technical Proof of Concept, in partnership with Singapore Airlines' Krislab programme.

airfree, which created the first inflight duty-free product marketplace, has developed an e/m-commerce platform, which deeply transforms the experience of selling products inflight.

By making airport products and services available up in the air, the global offer will boost the sales of airport duty-free retailers, and increase airline revenue with an end-to-end solution by reducing satellite connectivity related costs, with a simple and optimised user experience.

For airline companies, airfree is an all-in-one solution that will allow their investments in connectivity equipment to be profitable, as well as offer a premium service to the passengers - a digital catalogue of more than 10,000 references.

Duty-free retailers receive additional revenue from a targeted and qualified audience for an extended period of time (during the whole flight).

Passengers enjoy a premium experience during flight time that gives access to all available products in duty-free shops, in transit or at the airport of arrival, on a click and collect model.

airfree aims to become the world's leading airline marketplace. More details on the company at www.airfree.aero

-- BERNAMA

PETRONAS BRINGS RAMADAN CHEER TO LESS PRIVILEGED STUDENTS AND FAMILIES IN MELAKA

MELAKA, May 28 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS, through its subsidiary, Malaysian Refining Company Sdn Bhd (MRCSB) contributed RM100,000 worth of cash donations and food hampers to about 332 underprivileged students as well as 130 deserving families in Tangga Batu and Sungai Udang areas.

The contributions were made possible by the efforts of MRCSB staff and contractors who came together to organise a donation drive before and during Ramadan.

About 150 MRCSB volunteers visited houses and schools to distribute the contributions and spend quality time with members of the community, including students, single mothers, senior citizens, orphans and the disabled.

Elaborating on the effort, Chief Executive Officer of MRCSB, Hashim Majid said: “We want to ensure that good flourishes through acts of kindness. It brings me great joy to know that we have staff volunteers who are eager to make this festive season much more meaningful for the communities in need,” he said.

Issued by:
Corporate Affairs
Malaysian Refining Company Sdn Bhd

Source: Malaysian Refining Company Sdn Bhd (MRCSB)

FOR MORE INFORMATION,PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Sheema Rima Nazri

Tel: +60133311982

Email: sheemarima.nazri@petronas.com

--BERNAMA

'Ni Hao Ma?' learn Mandarin in Taiwan while travelling abroad

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- The Mandarin Chinese-language centres of Taiwan’s universities and the tourism industry will offer innovative tours that combine local cultural adventures with language learning for visitors to enjoy trips to Taiwan.

According to a statement from the Office of Global Mandarin Education, the more-than-just-sightseeing trip offers a culinary tour by the Tamkang University. Participants shop for ingredients in a traditional market and participate in a cooking session, guided by a professional language instructor.

Meanwhile, Chung Yuan Christian University offers four different tours consisting of a visit to historical sites; exploration of aesthetics of modern and historical buildings; introduction of the culture of indigenous groups; and, classic cultural activities.

In Southern and Central Taiwan, Feng Chia University combines language learning with themed cultural tours to local attractions such as the Feng Chia Night Market, while Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages offers language learning with delectable Taiwanese cuisine.

For an immersive experience of Taiwan, visitors are recommended to try cultural tours that are immensely more satisfying than standard sightseeing packages, while learning to speak a language that is used by 1.2 billion people worldwide.

For more information, visit https://ogme.edu.tw.

-- BERNAMA

CHINA INTERNATIONAL BIG DATA INDUSTRY EXPO 2019 OPENS IN GUIYANG

CHINA INTERNATIONAL BIG DATA INDUSTRY EXPO 2019 OPENS IN GUIYANG

​AKWEL RECOGNISED BY JAGUAR LAND ROVER AND GENERAL MOTORS

​AKWEL RECOGNISED BY JAGUAR LAND ROVER AND GENERAL MOTORS

FUSIONEX INTERNATIONAL GROUP CEO CONFERRED HONORARY FELLOWSHIP BY MOSTA

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Fusionex Founder and Group CEO Dato’ Seri Ivan Teh has been conferred an Honorary Fellowship of the Malaysian Oil Scientists’ and Technologists’ Association (MOSTA) in recognition of his distinguished contributions to the palm oil industry.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/51985909/en 

Teh received the honor at a presentation ceremony held during the ‘Future of Palm Oil Industry’ event in Kuala Lumpur. Teh was presented the honor by MOSTA President Tan Sri Datuk Dr Augustine Ong Soon Hock and witnessed by the Malaysian Minister of Primary Industries YB Teresa Kok Suh Sim, who presented the keynote address.

The event included knowledge sharing sessions that focused on the digitalization and modernization of the palm oil industry using cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Industry Revolution (IR) 4.0.

Various subject matter experts including those from Fusionex spoke to over 100 palm oil industry players, leaders, researchers, and scientists on how Blockchain, Trade Facilitation, and other such technologies could help revolutionize the palm oil sector.

Fusionex Founder & Group CEO Dato’ Seri Ivan Teh said, “I am honored and grateful for having been conferred this award by MOSTA. The palm oil industry is such a vibrant and growing sector with immense potential. As with any field, there are always challenges and opportunities. We at Fusionex are committed to help the palm oil industry continuously improve and excel through the use of effective technology. To that end, we are truly excited and passionate to be working with great partners like MOSTA as well as many industry players to uplift the standard, quality, productivity, and efficiency of the palm oil industry.”

MOSTA President Tan Sri Datuk Dr Augustine Ong Soon Hock said, “MOSTA appreciates the contribution of Dato' Seri Ivan Teh for initiating the application of AI to the palm oil industry through his invention in the milling process and proposed marketing of palm oil.

His suggestions on a smart plantation, smart milling, and smart down-streaming of palm oil will enhance the future of the palm oil industry. He is blazing these new paths with up-to-date knowledge and facilities coupled with an excellent presentation.”

About Fusionex

Fusionex is an established multi-award winning data technology provider specializing in Analytics, Big Data, IR 4.0, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence. Its offerings are focused on helping clients unlock value and derive insights from data. Featured on Forbes, Bloomberg, Gartner, IDC, Forrester, Edison and Huffington Post, Fusionex is the largest Big Data Analytics company and market leader in ASEAN, bringing state-of-the-art, innovative and breakthrough data-driven platforms to its stable of clientele (including Fortune 500, FTSE companies, large conglomerates as well as a wide array of small and medium enterprises (SMEs)) that spans across the United States, Europe as well as Asia Pacific.

Gartner’s 2018 report on Modern Analytics and Business Intelligence shortlisted and commended Fusionex’s data technology platform. In addition, Fusionex has been as identified as a Major Player in IDC’s MarketScape Report for Big Data & Analytics. Fusionex is the only ASEAN-based company to be featured in both reports, cementing its credentials in the data technology market for this region.

To learn more about Fusionex, visit www.fusionex-international.com

About MOSTA

MOSTA (Malaysian Oil Scientists’ & Technologists’ Association), an NGO (non-profit organization) was inaugurated on 7 September 1989 with aims to promote the advancement in science, technology, and commerce of oils and fats.

MOSTA’s mission is to be the leading non-profit organization in the Asia Pacific region in the advancement of science, technology, quality, and trade matters related to oils and fats including other lipid associated substances.

To learn more about MOSTA, visit http://mosta.org.my/

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/51985909/en 

Contact

Media Contact:
Angie Lim
angie@adv-fusionex.com

Source : Fusionex

​THAI WAH PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED ACQUIRED 33.3% SHARES IN TAPIOCA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LIMITED FROM JAPAN CORN STARCH, TOKYO JAPAN

​THAI WAH PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED ACQUIRED 33.3% SHARES IN TAPIOCA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LIMITED FROM JAPAN CORN STARCH, TOKYO JAPAN

​TOSHIBA STARTS SHIPMENT OF UL 508 CERTIFIED PHOTORELAYS FOR INDUSTRIAL CONTROL EQUIPMENT

​TOSHIBA STARTS SHIPMENT OF UL 508 CERTIFIED PHOTORELAYS FOR INDUSTRIAL CONTROL EQUIPMENT

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR MOBILE MASTERPIECE SAINT SEIYA: AWAKENING BEGINS ON MAY 24TH

Anime-style role-playing game set to arrive this summer, YOOZOO Games opens up on details and pre-registration for the much-anticipated collaboration

SHANGHAI, May 24 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Alongside developer Tencent and renowned Japanese manga artist and writer Masami Kurumada, YOOZOO Games is publishing the forthcoming mobile RPG Saint Seiya: Awakening. Mostly known for his work on fighting manga; featuring bishonen and magical boy, Masami Kurumada is the founder of the manga studio Kurumada Productions.

Saint Seiya: Awakening will look to recreate the classic Japanese comic featuring a group of mystical warriors known as ‘Saints’. It will play out with high definition 3D graphics and, much along the lines of the comics, the narrative lets you play through your favorite Saint Seiya moments. Gameplay will feature combat-based exchanges with other characters. With a roster of hundreds of fighters to choose from, players will have the freedom to create a unique team with a tailored strategy.

With a striking art style that perfectly reflects Kurumada’s original work, characters and their respective skills are all based on the original animation. Some of Japan’s finest character voice artists, from Jun Fukuyama (voice of Lelouch in Code Geass) to Yuki Kaji (Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan), help to complete a package dedicated to doing justice to the original series.

Check out the Saint Seiya: Awakening game introduction and video here:
https://sssea.gtarcade.com/.

Android users, pre-register for the game here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tencent.tmgp.ssksea

iOS users, pre-register for the game here:
https://itunes.apple.com/app/saint-seiya-awakening/id1460638219?l=zh&ls=1&mt=8

YOOZOO Games
Official Site http://www.yoozoo.com/
Global Game Portal https://www.gtarcade.com/

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=34618

​TRADING TECHNOLOGIES LAUNCHES CONNECTIVITY TO COINFLEX, WORLD'S FIRST PHYSICALLY DELIVERED CRYPTO FUTURES EXCHANGE

​TRADING TECHNOLOGIES LAUNCHES CONNECTIVITY TO COINFLEX, WORLD'S FIRST PHYSICALLY DELIVERED CRYPTO FUTURES EXCHANGE

MENICON ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF MENICON BLOOM MYOPIA CONTROL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

NAGOYA, Japan, May 24, 2019 /Kyodo JBN- AsiaNet/ --

- Launch Features Initial Introduction of Menicon Bloom Night, First and Only CE-approved Orthokeratology Contact Lens in Europe for Myopia Control -

Menicon Co., Ltd. announced on May 24 the launch of the Menicon Bloom Myopia Control Management System, a holistic approach for myopia control management. The launch features the initial introduction of Menicon Bloom Night, an orthokeratology contact lens therapy for myopia control management.

(Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/201905216625-O1-4k0Q106r)

Myopia, also known as near- or short-sightedness, is the most common refractive error and the major cause of vision impairment worldwide. It affects approximately 30% of the world's population and its prevalence has been forecast to affect about 50% of the world's population by 2050. The prevalence of myopia in young adolescents has been increasing in recent decades to about 30% in industrialized societies of the West and epidemic levels of over 90% in some parts of Far East Asia. Globally, it is recognized as a significant public health concern associated with increased ocular-related morbidity and considerable healthcare costs.

Menicon Bloom Night therapy involves the overnight wear of a specially designed reverse geometry orthokeratology contact lens, manufactured in hyper oxygen-permeable Menicon Z rigid material that ensures optimal corneal oxygenation for comfortable and safe contact lens wear. The treatment temporarily changes the shape of the cornea, which results in reduction of refractive error, thus eliminating the need to wear contact lenses throughout the waking hours after lenses are removed. The new corneal shape provides a particular optical path for incoming light that counters the ocular growth response associated with myopia development. Through this mechanism, Menicon Bloom Night is indicated for the correction of refractive myopia and for control of myopia when prescribed and managed by a qualified eye care professional.

Menicon Bloom Night contact lenses have been reviewed and validated via numerous comprehensive, peer-reviewed studies related to myopia control management. Menicon Bloom Night therapy has proven to be well accepted by parents and to improve children's self-esteem in terms of physical appearance, participation in activities, academic performance and peer perception. With the accumulation of long-term and comprehensive scientific evidence over the years, Menicon Bloom Night has met the highest standards of safety, efficacy and quality required to grant the treatment CE approval for myopia control management in Europe.

The fitting of Menicon Bloom Night is optimized by the use of Easyfit software, a sophisticated, user-friendly tool which accurately guides the eye care professional through the fitting process. Additionally, a specially designed mobile phone application, Menicon's Virtual Dr., has been developed to enhance the monitoring and communication process between eye care professionals and patients. Menicon Bloom Night is only available for certified eye care professionals. With the launch of this groundbreaking myopia care therapy, Menicon has become one of the few companies to have devices officially approved for myopia control management in Europe and demonstrates the company's continued commitment to the field of myopia control.

Menicon Bloom Night will be launched initially in The Netherlands, followed soon thereafter with launches in other European markets. Further information about the product and availability will be forthcoming soon.

Dr. Hidenari Tanaka, CEO, Menicon Co., Ltd., commented: "We are delighted with the major breakthrough achieved with the approval and launch of our Menicon Bloom Myopia Control Management System. We are confident that our continuing commitment to myopia control management will position Menicon as a key contributor in this field and strengthen our position as a global vision care company. It is our belief that the growing prevalence of worldwide myopia progression requires a comprehensive and educated response and we have identified this as a major initiative within our development programs. As a pioneer of contact lenses, we will develop our myopia control business based on our accumulated technology, products and services and contribute to society by supporting eye care professionals in managing the fast growing incidence of myopia."

About Menicon:
Menicon Co., Ltd. (7780: Tokyo), founded by Mr. Kyoichi Tanaka in 1951, is Japan's first and largest contact lens manufacturer, and now is represented in over 30 countries. Menicon is a manufacturer dedicated to all areas of soft and gas-permeable contact lens-related businesses, including manufacture, sales, export and import of contact lenses and other medical goods; manufacture and sales of medical instruments; sales of medical supplies; and research and development of intraocular lenses. For more information, visit www.menicon.com.

*"Bloom", "Bloom Night", "Menicon Z" and "Easyfit" are trademarks of Menicon Co., Ltd.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=34622

Kuala Lumpur's Hilton, Renaissance, Grand Hyatt named Asia Pacific's Top 50 Meeting Hotels

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- Hyatt Regency Sydney has retained the number one position for the second year running, for the Top 50 Meeting Hotels in Asia Pacific, according to Cvent, a market leader in meetings, events, and hospitality technology.

Following Hyatt Regency Sydney, the top 10 are Grand Hyatt Singapore, Grand Hyatt Seoul, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, Pan Pacific Singapore, InterContinental Sydney, Hilton Tokyo, Singapore’s Shangri-La Hotel, ANA InterContinental Tokyo and Marina Bay Sands Singapore.

Also listed were Kuala Lumpur’s Hilton, Renaissance and Grand Hyatt which clinched the 17th, 23rd and 40th place, respectively.

Hotel properties have been evaluated from January 2018 through December, based on criteria designed to provide the most accurate reflection of the top meeting hotels in the United States, Europe, Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific regions.

The list compiled by analysing meeting and event booking activities through the Cvent Supplier Network (CSN) has ranked the venues based on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), according to various criteria including total requests for proposals and conversion rate.

CSN features more than 260,000 hotels, resorts and special event venues. The platform contains listings of hotels and other venues in more than 175 countries that can be searched and filtered based on approximately 200 meetings and event attributes.

Full list of the winner is available at https://www.cvent.com/microsites/cvents-2019-top-meeting-hotels/cvents-top-50-meeting-hotels-in-apac or visit https://www.cvent.com.

-- BERNAMA

NRI FT INDIA AND DIGITAL ASSET TO DELIVER DAML DRIVEN APPLICATIONS TO CAPITAL MARKETS

KOLKATA, India, May 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nomura Research Institute Financial Technologies India Pvt. Ltd. (NRI FT India), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nomura Research Institute (NRI) (TOKYO: 4307), has partnered with Digital Asset to create innovative capital markets applications using DAML, the open source smart contract language created by Digital Asset to synchronize business processes and make transaction workflow more transparent and efficient.
 
DAML is used to model business processes using smart contracts, capturing the rights and obligations associated with any asset class, business transaction or complex multi-party workflow to drive automation and efficiency. DAML is a core component of a number of Digital Asset projects and proofs of concept, including those with the ASX, HKEX and other market infrastructure providers.
 
Mr. Maulindu Chatterjee, Head of Global Delivery at NRI FT India said, “Our rich domain expertise in capital markets and years of experience delivering mission-critical solutions has helped us rapidly establish competencies with DAML, a technology we find is getting adopted by major markets in the APAC region such as ASX & HKEX.”
 
“Importantly,” Chatterjee added, “DAML has significantly enriched our capabilities as we build out complex enterprise workflows for a range of financial products. NRI FT India was able to develop multiple Proof of Concepts with DAML Smart Contracts within a short span of just five months. NRI FT India is looking forward to expanding the work we’re doing with Digital Asset in the Australian, Hong Kong and Japanese markets. Our collaboration with Digital Asset is a major strategic business opportunity for us.”
 
“We are delighted to partner with NRI FT India - its deep expertise and global delivery capability will help us scale our solutions and meet the rigorous needs of systemically consequential capital market infrastructures and financial institutions in APAC,” said Jon Rout, Business Development Director Asia Pacific for Digital Asset. We look forward to expanding the work we are doing with NRI FT India on significant client engagements and exploring new business opportunities together in the future.”
 
About DAML

DAML is an open source functional programming language designed specifically for use in multi-party business processes. DAML abstracts away the underlying complexities of blockchains and database technologies, allowing developers to focus on the logic of the applications they are building. For more information about DAML, please visit daml.com
 
About Digital Asset

Founded in 2014, Digital Asset is a leading provider of distributed ledger technology (DLT) solutions that solve real-world business challenges. The company combines deep industry expertise with advanced technologies, including DAML, an intuitive smart contract language, to help clients streamline multi-party business processes on distributed platforms. To learn more about Digital Asset, please visit https://www.digitalasset.com. To learn more about DAML, please visit https://www.daml.com.
 
About Nomura Research Institute Financial Technologies India Pvt. Ltd

Founded in 2001, Nomura Research Institute Financial Technologies India Pvt. Ltd. (NRI FT India) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nomura Research Institute (NRI). NRI FT India provides a range of reliable, scalable and adaptable IT Solutions to capital market entities around the world and has established the technical excellence and successful implementation track records in developed markets like Japan, Australia, USA, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, as well as emerging markets like Thailand, Sri Lanka and Mongolia. To learn more about NRI FT India, please visit www.nrifintech.com.
 
About Nomura Research Institute (NRI)

Founded in 1965, NRI is a leading global provider of system solutions and consulting services, including management consulting, system integration, and IT management and solutions for financial, manufacturing, retail and service industries. Clients partner with NRI to expand businesses, design corporate structures and create new business strategies. NRI has about 13,000 employees in more than 50 offices globally including New York, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia. NRI reports annual sales above $4.2 billion. For more information, visit www.nri.com/en

FUSIONEX RAMPS UP YIELD FOR MULTINATIONAL MANUFACTURER WITH IR 4.0 SOLUTIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Fusionex, a leading multi-award-winning data technology provider specializing in Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 has clinched a multimillion-dollar contract to increase the productivity and harvest yield of a large manufacturer through the use of IR 4.0 technologies.
 
Founded 4 decades ago, the client employs 10,000 workers and has a multi-billion dollar annual turnover. In an effort to boost operational productivity and efficiency further, Fusionex will be providing the client with Big Data Analytics, AI and Continuous Intelligence platforms to collect, store, monitor, and take action upon insights gleaned from production data from its factories and plants on a 24/7 basis.
 
By using Fusionex’s cutting-edge solutions, the client will be able to track and analyze parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure fluidity, and input-output, to derive powerful insights embedded within the client’s intelligent processes. As a result, Fusionex expects to increase the client’s yield by millions of dollars per month.
 
Fusionex will be introducing an AI-powered digital platform to help the client further automate its production processes, maintenance activities, and breakdown prevention.
 
Fusionex Founder & Group CEO Dato’ Seri Ivan Teh said, “Our AI-powered, IR 4.0 technology is poised to help the client make their systems smarter as well as increase their production yield. We are excited to be selected by the client, as they embark on a journey to modernize their operations, while increasing their top-line and bottom-line, as well as future-proofing their business.”
 
About Fusionex
 
Fusionex is an established multi-award winning data technology provider specializing in Analytics, Big Data, IR 4.0, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence. Its offerings are focused on helping clients unlock value and derive insights from data. Featured on Forbes, Bloomberg, Gartner, IDC, Forrester, Edison and Huffington Post, Fusionex is the largest Big Data Analytics company and market leader in ASEAN, bringing state-of-the-art, innovative and breakthrough data-driven platforms to its stable of clientele (including Fortune 500, FTSE companies, large conglomerates as well as a wide array of small and medium enterprises (SMEs)) that spans across the United States, Europe as well as Asia Pacific.
 
Gartner’s 2018 report on Modern Analytics and Business Intelligence shortlisted and commended Fusionex’s data technology platform. In addition, Fusionex has been as identified as a Major Player in IDC’s MarketScape Report for Big Data & Analytics. Fusionex is the only ASEAN-based company to be featured in both reports, cementing its credentials in the data technology market for this region.
 
To learn more about Fusionex, visit www.fusionex-international.com.

PEP-THERAPY REPORTS POSITIVE RESULTS FROM GLP-TOXICITY STUDY OF PEP-010 DRUG CANDIDATE

A major step towards clinical trials

PARIS, May 17 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- PEP-Therapy, a biotechnology company developing peptides as targeted therapies for oncology, announces that its first-in-class drug candidate, PEP-010, successfully completed Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) toxicity study, moving towards its first-in-human clinical trial.

PEP-010 was studied in rodent and non-rodent species, in a 4-week toxicity study. The administration schedule was chosen to cover all possible schedules that could be implemented during clinical trial. The study was performed by a world leading CRO specialized in safety and toxicology studies and in accordance with the OECD principles of Good Laboratory Practice as accepted by regulatory authorities.

PEP-010 was well tolerated in rodent and non-rodent species. The study confirmed the absence of systemic toxicity and neuro-behavioural effects, and cardiovascular functions were unaffected by the treatment at all the dose levels. Based on these results, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was defined and the starting dose for the coming phase I clinical trial calculated.

« The PEP-Therapy team is very pleased with the outcome of this study, which represents a key milestone for the company. The results are very encouraging, PEP-010 is safe and well tolerated at doses significantly higher than those intended to be studied in patients » said Antoine Prestat, CEO and co-founder of PEP-Therapy. « We have now gathered all required preclinical data paving the way for the clinical study ».

Based on these positive results, the Phase I clinical batch and the regulatory documents are in preparation for the submission of a Clinical Trial Application in 2019. PEP-Therapy has entered into a collaborative partnership for Phase I clinical trials with Institut Curie and Gustave Roussy, two leading European cancer centres. The synopsis of the clinical study protocol has been drawn-up for advanced solid tumours. Pr Christophe Le Tourneau (Head of the Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i) at Institut Curie) will be the Principal Investigator. « We have been working with PEP-Therapy since the beginning of the project, starting with preclinical work. We are now eager to start the first-in-human clinical trial with a compound that successfully completed GLP-toxicity studies. The Institut Curie is proud to sponsor this clinical trial with such an innovative drug ».

About PEP-Therapy
PEP-Therapy is a medical biotechnology company developing peptides as targeted therapies for oncology.
PEP-Therapy has developed a Cell Penetrating and Interfering Peptide technology (CP&IP) for the development of its therapeutic products. These innovative molecules penetrate cells and then specifically block relevant intracellular protein-protein interactions, thus inhibiting key pathological mechanisms.
Founded in January 2014, PEP-Therapy is building on research from Sorbonne University (formerly Pierre and Marie Curie University, UPMC) and Institut Curie. Since its inception, PEP-Therapy has raised 2,5 M€ from Quadrivium 1 seed fund, managed by Seventure Partners, and from Dr Bernard Majoie, former Chairman and CEO of Laboratoires Fournier, founding Chairman of Fournier-Majoie Foundation for Innovation (FFMI).
For more details: www.pep-therapy.com

About PEP-010
PEP-010 is PEP-Therapy’s first CP&IP-based product and a first-in-class targeted approach to cancer therapy. PEP-010 specifically blocks the intracellular protein-protein interaction between Caspase-9 and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), two major effectors of the apoptosis pathway (programmed cell death).
PEP-010 has completed preclinical proof-of-concept demonstrating significant anti-tumour activity in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Repeated GLP-toxicity studies showed a good tolerance of the product. Phase I clinical regulatory documents are in preparation for submission of a Clinical Trial Application shortly.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=34580

24 per cent global consumers reduce meat intake - survey

KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 (Bernama) -- A total of 24 per cent of global consumers are trying to cut down their meat intake, driving sales of global meat substitutes to reach US$19.5 billion last year. (US$1 = RM4.17)

This is according to global market research company, Euromonitor International which unveiled new research on the impact of climate concerns on dietary habits.

Euromonitor International consultant, David Hedin said according to it’s Lifestyles survey, 41.9 per cent of respondents thought climate change would increasingly impact their life from 2019 to 2024.

The United States, United Kingdom and Russia show the highest increases in the share of consumers worrying about climate change.

In India (77 per cent), Brazil (72 per cent) and China (66 per cent) of respondents try to have a positive environmental impact via their daily chores.

Hedin said despite the global growth of meat substitute sales and consumption, the meat industry was still expected to grow at a faster rate by 2023.

“Pricing and availability of meat substitutes are two key factors that currently hold back its penetration worldwide.”

-- BERNAMA

Dr Deep Saini is Dalhousie University´s 12th President, Vice-Chancellor

KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 (Bernama) -- Dr Deep Saini has been appointed Dalhousie University’s 12th President and Vice-Chancellor, as announced by the university’s Board of Governors.

He will begin his five-year term on Jan 1, 2020 and plans are underway for his first campus visit as President-Elect in early June.

He follows Dalhousie’s 11th president and vice-chancellor, Dr Richard Florizone, who served from 2013 until 2018, and Peter MacKinnon, currently serving in an interim capacity.

Presently, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra in Australia, Saini was the unanimous choice of the search committee.

He is an accomplished leader who combines significant Canadian post-secondary experience with a global outlook and a distinguished scientist who believes in the transformative power of education.

“The university’s singular commitment to its anchor role in the region’s economic and social development is fittingly matched to its lofty national and global aspirations — a balance that I have espoused throughout my career and will form the cornerstone of my leadership at Dal,” said Saini.

Fluent in English, French and three South Asian languages, Saini earned his PhD in Plant Physiology from the University of Adelaide in Australia.

-- BERNAMA

"TOUR AROUND FUJIAN, HAVE ALL BLESSINGS" ACTIVITY SERIES -- THE 1ST CULTURE AND TOURISM INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE OF LONGYAN, FUJIAN TAKES PLACE IN GUTIAN, SHANGHANG COUNTY

GUTIAN, China, May 16, 2019 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

In the warm and beautiful days of May, guests and friends come from around the world to gather in Longyan. Recently the 1st Culture and Tourism Industry Development Conference of Longyan, Fujian was officially unveiled in Gutian, Shanghang, a well-known revolutionary holy land of China. It was sponsored by Fujian Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, CPC Longyan Municipal Committee and Longyan Municipal People's Government, and undertaken by Longyan Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, CPC Shanghang County Committee and the People's Government of Shanghang County.   

The conference's attendees included Huang Qiyu, Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Fujian Province and Chairman of the Provincial Federation of Trade Unions, the relevant leaders of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the relevant leaders of General Office of the Fujian Provincial People's Government and the departments directly under the leadership of the provincial government, the investor representatives of the culture and tourism industry, the important travel agency representatives, representatives of Longyan's Olympic champions, and the representatives of cultural and tourist enterprises from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Wu Xiande, Head of Fujian Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. He pointed out that the cultural tourism is a comprehensive industry which can be an important driver of the economic development. In recent years, the CPC provincial committee and the provincial government have paid high attention to the development of cultural tourism and taken culture and tourism as the key support for Fujian's high-quality growth. Thanks to their frequent adjustments and reforms, a development pattern that underscores the provincial-wide unity has gradually taken shape. The cultural tourism shown good development momentum with optimized environment, quality services, leading brands, and remarkable growth rates. The "Tour around Fujian" brand has drawn wide and active responses, and the "Have all blessings" idea has been well received by the market. With abundant tourist resources, eminent advantages, enormous development potential and broad prospects, Longyan warmly welcomes cultural tourism investors, operators and service providers to build successful businesses by taking advantage of Fujian's and Longyan's cultural tourism resources.

Xu Weize, Secretary of CPC Longyan Municipal Committee, gave a speech and extended a warm welcome to all leaders and guests present on behalf of the CPC Municipal Committee, the Standing Committee of the Municipal People's Congress, the Municipal Government and the Municipal Committee of CPPCC. He indicated that Longyan has thoroughly studied and implemented Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Longyan has put forward an urban development pattern that covers "one city, two districts and three groups" and the general idea for developing the industrial layout of "five bases, six industries and seven tourist attractions". More efforts have been put in formulating the urban development framework, constructing the industrial development platform and facilitating the city-industry integration. In particular, three major cultures respectively concerning the Red revolution, ecology and Hakka have been made part of the plan of the CPC provincial committee and provincial government to build the brand of "Tour around Fujian, Have all Blessings". The Longyan government emphasizes that every county should have its own features, as part of the plan to build a major industry for culture, tourism, health and wellness worth RMB 100 billion. Longyan works to make it a city well known for its "revolutionary holy land, Hakka homeland and wellness resort", an international destination for holistic tourism and a friendlier, more vibrant city featuring cultural tourism. Taking this Culture and Tourism Industry Development Conference as an opportunity, Longyan expects to enhance the communication with others, build the platform for industrial development, deepen the connection among culture and tourism projects and boost the cultural tourism of Longyan, thereby developing the city with better quality and improved efficiency, and making Longyan into an ecological, healthy and livable city and an international destination for holistic tourism.

Other activities at the conference included intangible cultural heritage performances, contract-signing on the cultural tourism projects in Longyan, a presentation of awards for "Top 10 Pioneers in Making a Fortune with Tourism", an awarding ceremony of Tik Tok competitions, an awarding ceremony of "Red Gutian" Longyan National Photography Exhibition, a presentation of the certificate for the tourism ambassador of Longyan, the launch of "Red Gutian" Outdoor Benefit Cards, a launch ceremony of the Culture and Tourism Conference, and others.

Themed by "Revolutionary Holy land, Hakka Homeland and Livable Longyan", this Culture and Tourism Conference is one of the "Tour around Fujian, Have all Blessings "series activities of Fujian Province. This Conference consisted of the four parts, which were revolutionary charm, Hakka culture, touring around Longyan and culture-tourism integration. It included various sub-activities, such as China (Longyan) Red Cultural Tourism Summit, Longyan Folk Performance Carnival, the 1st Culture, Tourism, Health and Wellness Industry Expo of Longyan, Tourism, Food and Culture Festival of Western Fujian, "Red Gutian" Longyan National Photography Exhibition, on-site review on culture, tourism, health and wellness projects and the 1,000 "Red Army Troops" hiking experience.

Source: Longyan Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau

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LeddarTech participates in May´s Canada, Japan automotive events

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 (Bernama) -- LeddarTech, an industry leader providing the most versatile and scalable auto and mobility LiDAR platform will join a panel discussion at the CVCA International: VC & Automotive Technology Event, on May 21 in Toronto, Canada.

LeddarTech president and COO, Frantz Saintellemy will join the panel discussion on the strength of Canada’s auto technology sector, the value of platform technology and investment into the technology sector of Canada’s automotive industry.

The event brings together, Canadian and International VC investors, emerging technology companies, OEMs and Tier-1 automotive suppliers to share insights on new software technologies and business models that are re-shaping the automotive & transportation sectors globally.

“I look forward to sharing my insights on the state of Canada’s automotive technology sector, with particular focus on LiDAR platform technology, and providing my thoughts regarding fundraising challenges and opportunities in the sector to the attendees,” said Saintellemy.

According to a statement, LeddarTech will also participate at the JSAE 2019 Exhibition from May 22 to 24 in Japan. Visitors will be able to meet the company’s LiDAR specialists and discover its ADAS and AD solutions for automotive and mobility applications.

For more information, visit https://leddartech.com.

-- BERNAMA