Hoiana Resort & Golf bags "Best Golf Resort in Asia Pacific"

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Hoiana Resort & Golf and Hoiana Shores Golf Club (Hoiana Shores) have garnered prestigious accolades from the recent Asian Golf Awards 2022 and Vietnam Golf and Leisure Awards 2022 events in Vietnam.

Highly regarded as the “Oscars” of the global golf club industry, the Asian Golf Awards honoured Hoiana Resort & Golf as the “Best Golf Resort in Asia Pacific” and awarded Hoiana Shores as the “Best Golf Course in Vietnam” this month.

In a statement, it said in October, the Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards ranked Hoiana Shores as the “Best Golf Course in Vietnam” and also among the “Top 10 Best Courses in Vietnam”.

President and chief executive officer of Hoiana Resort & Golf, Steven Wolstenholme said the company is honoured that Hoiana Resort & Golf and Hoiana Shores Golf Club have received recognition from the prestigious Asian Golf Awards and the Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards this year. 

“These highly coveted honours are a testament to our continued commitment toward offering exceptional golf experiences for new and returning golfers, and for promoting Vietnam as an attractive golf destination across the Asia Pacific region and around the world.” 

Hoiana Resort & Golf is home to four leading luxury hotels managed by the Rosewood Hotel Group and one luxury residences, where guests can enjoy a truly seamless golf experience with lavish accommodation, world-class restaurants, thrilling entertainment and the Hoiana Shores Golf Club – all in one exciting destination. 

Meanwhile, Hoiana Shores, masterfully designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Jr., is an 18-hole coastal links land course, which features dramatic sand dunes, multiple playing options, windy playing conditions and some quirky bounces from fast fairway surfaces, giving golfers of all skill levels the chance to face a good challenge.

Hoiana Resort & Golf, Vietnam’s pre-eminent luxurious integrated resort, is located on the pristine coastline near the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hoi An, Vietnam.

-- BERNAMA

Kyriba, J.P. Morgan payments unveil new real-time treasury solution

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Cloud-based finance and IT solutions provider Kyriba have partnered J.P. Morgan Payments to offer real-time payments and bank reporting with a new application programming interface (API).

The end-to-end process automation uses J.P. Morgan’s open banking API capabilities and enhances existing API-based connectivity, enabling more frequent data retrieval and status updates to power real-time decision-making on investing cash balances.

“A mutual client, Hunt Companies has already gained efficiencies and value from having these enhanced capabilities,” Kyriba, headquartered in San Diego, said in a statement.

Kyriba global head of market strategy Bob Stark said the company is excited to deliver real-time payments and bank reporting through a deep integration with J.P. Morgan Payments.

“The new API integration empowers our mutual clients with real-time treasury and rapid decision support to improve financial resilience through accelerated investments, reduced borrowing and more effective hedging,” Stark said.

J.P. Morgan Payments digital channels head of partnership and integrations Santiago Alcaraz said they are thrilled to work with Kyriba to unlock value for our mutual treasury clients.

“Using this solution, early adopters can leap ahead with real-time treasury technology as they navigate increased volatility and fragmented processes.”

The statement said real-time payments reduce costs by up to 83 per cent and real-time bank reporting accelerates cash positioning and liquidity planning. The end-to-end automation also improves governance and fraud detection to reduce operational risks, the statement said.

Kyriba has 2,500 customers worldwide, 20 per cent of whom are Fortune 500 companies.

-- BERNAMA

NIPPON EXPRESS SHOWCASES RANGE OF SERVICES, PRODUCTS AT CIIE IN SHANGHAI

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Japan’s logistics services company Nippon Express Holdings Inc showcased its range of services and products at the recently concluded fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, China.

According to a statement, the company’s booth promoted its long-established strengths including its global network, air and ocean cargo forwarding services, and business-continuity-plan-compatible intermodal transport services utilising the China Railway Express.

It said that initiatives for automation through the use of automatic guided vehicles in the logistics business as well as the actual cold storage containers and cooling agents used in its temperature-controlled transportation services for pharmaceutical products were also on display at the six-day exhibition from Nov 5 to 10, 2022.

“Through its participation in this expo, the group seeks to support the business expansion of its customers in the East Asia region by deepening relationships with these customers, strengthening ties with other relevant organisations, and forming new partnerships,” it said.

Founded in 1937, Nippon Express is a leading logistics and transportation services provider with a global network in over 739 locations around the world.

More details at https://www.nipponexpress.com/

-- BERNAMA

MSCI upgrades GTJAI’s ESG rating to reflect excellent ESG management performance

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) has upgraded the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating of Guotai Junan International Holdings Limited (GTJAI) to "BBB", a leading rating for securities firms in Hong Kong, referring to its excellent ESG management performance.

MSCI, an international authoritative indexing organisation in its latest annual ESG rating stated that GTJAI’s improved responsible investment practices and strengthened ethics policies are the primary drivers of the upgrade.

In the assessment of the overall strengths of GTJAI, MSCI said the company leads global peers in corporate governance and in business ethics framework.

GTJAI’s fully independent audit committee helps provide financial and risk control oversight. In addition, the company has a disclosure of its anti-corruption policies and a whistleblowing mechanism.

According to a statement, GTJAI has expanded its involvement in underwriting green/sustainable bonds, which amounted to US$10.9 billion (US$1=RM4.50) as of 2021.

ESG performance of listed companies around the world is increasingly valued by financial regulations and international investors. High ESG ratings reflect stronger business management and corporate governance.

With ESG-oriented investments becoming an important investment strategy in global financial markets, ESG ratings have become an important basis for measuring the value of investments in listed companies in the international market.

The upgraded rating is a high recognition and full acknowledgment of GTJAl's ESG management achievements by international authorities and the international capital market.

In the future, GTJAI will continue to strengthen the implementation of its sustainable development strategy, and increase investment in environmental protection (including the impact of climate change), corporate governance, employee care, and social contribution.

-- BERNAMA

China Eastern Airlines records tremendous progress in high-quality development

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- China Eastern Airlines, which currently has more than 100,000 employees and is the seventh-largest airline in the world, has made tremendous progress in high-quality development with its airlines as the core business, in the past ten years.

In a statement, it said ordinary people in China Eastern from different countries and different types of work, sharing the same blue sky dream, witness and contribute to the growth of the company, and find greatness in everyday work.

These ordinary people shape new momentum for the development of China Eastern with their experience, participation and witness.

Among others, Captain Wang Xiaoyong recalled the chartered intercontinental flight he flew in 2021 for China's first all-cargo aircraft to transport COVID-19 vaccines. 

When the flight carrying 1.05 million COVID-19 vaccines and syringes was about to arrive in Dominica, the Dominica air traffic controller said: "Thank you China, thank the cabin crew, and thank the Chinese vaccine" via the Air-Ground Channel. 

At that moment, he truly felt the lofty mission and responsibility of his career which narrows the distance between mountains and seas around the world.

Meanwhile, Ludwig Strobel from Germany has been the executive chef for many years and in the western food industry for 40 years.

Together with his Chinese colleagues, he created a Chinese-Western in-flight meal, so that both Chinese and Western passengers could enjoy a feast of taste buds on China Eastern flights.

China Eastern has extended its route network to 1062 destinations in 170 countries and regions around the world, which can provide air travel services for 150 million people annually.

-- BERNAMA

CSOP ANNOUNCES LISTING OF O&G LEVERAGED AND INVERSE PRODUCTS ON HKEX

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- CSOP Asset Management Ltd (CSOP) has announced the listing of its CSOP US Large Oil & Gas Companies Daily (2x) Leveraged Product and CSOP US Large Oil & Gas Companies Daily (-2X) Inverse Product on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX).

It said the two products aimed to help investors capture short-term investment opportunities brought by the high volatility of oil and gas (O&G) companies.

"The two products provide investment results closely corresponding to leveraged (2x) daily performance and inverse (-2x) daily performance of Solactive US Large Oil & Gas Companies Index NTR, respectively," the asset manager said in a statement.

CSOP said the leveraged product and inverse product, with listing prices at around HK$7.75 per unit, trading lot of 100 and management fee of 1.60 per cent, have received US$5 million and US$5 million initial investment, respectively. (RM1=HK$1.71, US$1=RM4.57)

"Since the first leveraged & inversed (L&I) product listed in 2016, Hong Kong’s L&I market has seen a continuous growth to HK$14.39 billion in size and HK$2.54 billion of average daily turnover as of the end of October 2022," it said.

CSOP chief executive officer Ding Chen said the two O&G leveraged and inverse products are excellent trading tools that could help investors take advantage of the US O&G sector amid the volatile market.

CSOP was founded in 2008 as the first offshore asset manager set up by a regulated asset management company in China.

-- BERNAMA

DIGITALBRIDGE ACQUIRES STAKE IN AIMS GROUP FROM TIME DOTCOM

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- DigitalBridge Group Inc (DigitalBridge) has acquired an ownership stake in data centre operator AIMS Group (AIMS) from Time dotCom Bhd.

The US-based company said the deal, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close in 2023.

AIMS is a leading operator of highly-connected ecosystem-centric data centres, with its Kuala Lumpur flagship Menara AIMS facility anchoring the Malaysia Internet Exchange (MYIX).

“AIMS’ facilities provide highly inter-connected environments to a diverse customer base, comprising domestic and international telecommunications carriers, major enterprises, hyperscalers and content distribution networks.

“It also operates a state-of-the-art purpose-built data centre campus in Cyberjaya and a new facility in downtown Bangkok,” DigitalBridge said in a statement.

DigitalBridge managing director and head of Asia, Justin Chang, said the group is excited to partner with Time, which has a long heritage of building connectivity-linked businesses across Southeast Asia.

DigitalBridge is a leading global digital infrastructure firm headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, and has key offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Luxembourg and Singapore.

-- BERNAMA 

Wings completes aircraft delivery to Air Serbia

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- Wings Capital Partners LLC (Wings) has recently completed the delivery of one Airbus A320-200 aircraft to Air Serbia (a joint stock company for Air Traffic-Air Serbia, Belgrade).

In a statement, it said the A320-200 aircraft provides an additional lift for Air Serbia’s growing fleet.

“Wings’ delivery of this A320 aircraft to Air Serbia is the start of our relationship with the airline.

“We are very proud to support Air Serbia’s growing fleet needs with the delivery of this aircraft and look forward to a long relationship with the airline,” said Wings’marketing vice-president, Gerry Burke.

Meanwhile, Air Serbia’s supply chain general manager, Zoran Ekmeščić said the fleet renewal was one of the most significant strategic activities for Air Serbia in the recent period.

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.

-- BERNAMA

Cloudflare's Workers Launchpad funding programme grows to US$2bln

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Cloudflare Inc, the security, performance, and reliability company helping to build a better Internet, announced that the Workers Launchpad funding programme has grown to US$2 billion for potential investment in startups building on Cloudfl are Workers. (US$1=RM4.578)

This shows an increase of 14 partners and US$750 million in less than two months, according to a statement.

The Cloudflare Workers Launchpad funding programme initially launched in September 2022 to provide up to US$1.25 billion of financing to startups building applications on Cloudfl are Workers, a highly-scalable serverless computing platform allowing developers to build or augment apps without configuring or maintaining infrastructure.

In the days and weeks following, Cloudflare received a surge in interest globally from venture capitalists interested in joining the programme.

Cloudflare are now welcomed 14 additional venture capital (VC) partners into the programme, adding regional expertise in Australia and Latin America to the pool of partners which include 8VC, AirTree, Alumni Ventures, B Capital, and Chamaeleon.

Additionally, Cloudflare are is announcing the Fall 2022 cohort of 25 entrepreneurs from around the world, chosen from hundreds of applicants from over 30 countries. Cohort finalists include Apyfy, working on data privacy, and Grafbase, accelerating backend software development.

The cohort includes startups from Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The cohort will have the opportunity to pitch VC partners for investment, receive technical advice and support, participate in a virtual boot camp featuring sessions led by Cloudflare leaders and VC partners, and showcase their businesses during Demo Day.

-- BERNAMA

TUSK UNVEILS NEW PRODUCTS FOR BLACK FRIDAY WITH UP TO 30 PCT DISCOUNTS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Tusk Inc Ltd has announced new products for the upcoming Black Friday sale.

The leading electrical solution provider, which produces products for users of mining equipment, solar energy and adapters, has announced discounts of up to 30 per cent for Black Friday on its combo of mining equipment, which combines a solar panel with a bitcoin miner.

With its recent movement from polycrystalline to photovoltaic materials, the company has tested over time the efficiency of combining its solar products with cryptocurrency miners, and this has proven to be the most effective. 

“Investors can now mine their coins without interruptions, lesser risks and maximum profit,” it said in a statement.

Tusk Inc was established in 2012 as a capital management company in Kuala Lumpur with offices around the world. 

More details at www.tusklimited.com.

-- BERNAMA

RESMED OPENS ITS LARGEST ADVANCED MANUFACTURING PLANT IN SINGAPORE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- ResMed has opened its new Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Tuas, Singapore, expanding its manufacturing footprint to support the growth, development, and production of digital health solutions.

The 270,000-square-foot (25,000-square-metre) facility more than doubles the size of ResMed’s footprint in Singapore and serves as ResMed’s key manufacturing hub in Asia-Pacific.

In a statement, ResMed said the facility will account for nearly 1,000 jobs and features smart dashboards that integrate real-time data to monitor the performance of production lines.

“Singapore’s strategic location and support for business investment, coupled with ResMed’s world-leading devices and digital health offerings, provides the perfect opportunity to expand our manufacturing capabilities while supporting local jobs and the region’s economy.

“The opening of this facility supports the continued growth of ResMed’s product portfolio to meet the needs of millions of people across Singapore, Asia-Pacific, and the world,” said ResMed chief executive officer Mick Farrell.

The facility has the manufacturing capacity and footprint to scale production for connected devices and mask systems to help people sleep, breathe and live better lives, particularly people with sleep apnea.

ResMed’s AirSense 11, the company’s latest positive airway pressure (PAP) device that allows users to monitor their own sleep apnea treatment via the myAir app, will be produced in this facility.

ResMed pioneered innovative solutions that treat and keep people out of the hospital, empowering them to live healthier and higher-quality lives.

-- BERNAMA

Impulse Dynamics unveils 100th implant milestone in China

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Impulse Dynamics, a global medical device company has announced the 100th implant in China, signifying the opportunity for its innovative Optimizer® system delivering CCM® therapy in markets around the world.

Cardiologist Prof. Guo Tao, Executive Director of Internal Medicine, Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital, Yunnan Province, performed the 100th procedure and emphasised the role of this therapy in providing an option and hope to patients living with the debilitating reality of heart failure.

“We are proud to see the growing acceptance of this technology in markets around the world. In reaching this milestone, we have connected with physicians, patients, and their families,” said Impulse Dynamics’ Vice President International, Mateusz Zelewski, MD.

“We are inspired by the benefits of this therapy to our patients and continue to reinforce our commitment to address the immense need for advanced heart failure options for patients around the world.”

According to a statement, CCM therapy was approved in China late last year, and the first implant in the country was announced on Nov 1, 2021.

The Optimizer system delivers CCM therapy, which consists of electric pulses applied to the heart between heartbeats and serves to enhance the performance of cardiac muscular contraction, making the heart work more efficiently without increasing the heart rate or the oxygen consumption of the cardiac muscle.

To date, CCM therapy has been used to treat heart failure in more than 7,000 patients worldwide and is available in 44 countries across the globe.

More details at www.ImpulseDynamics.com.

-- BERNAMA

Mitrade unveils global affiliate programme

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- Mitrade, a leading Contract for Difference (CFD) trading platform has launched its in-house affiliate programme and is now offering up to 50 per cent of its profit to affiliate partners.

Mitrade said in a statement that said its affiliate programme aims to promote a long-term collaboration between the brand and affiliates, offering collaborators an attractive and robust platform to introduce customers to Mitrade’s award-winning CFD trading platform.

“The affiliate programme is a new way of doing business with Mitrade, encouraging affiliates to enter a long-term co-operation to educate their users about sustainable and compliant capital market trading practices.

“Full-time affiliate marketers in the industry are encouraged to apply for a rewarding partnership which provides value add through a robust way to drive business growth,” said Mitrade head of Asia-Pacific affiliates, Nitish Nautiyal.

The affiliate programme offers two different schemes to choose from, cost-per-acquisition and revenue share programme.

Both schemes help the affiliate partners access special deals where they can generate income on a continuous basis for every new user they invite to join the platform.

Mitrade is committed to simplifying trading and providing the best user experience through mobile and web platforms.

-- BERNAMA

CONTENTSTACK SECURES US$80 MLN IN SERIES C FUNDING

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- Contentstack, India’s content experience platform category leader and composable architecture pioneer, has raised US$80 million (US$1=RM4.53) in Series C funding. 

The company said it will use the funds to continue supporting enterprise companies on their path to composable, empowering them to meet consumer demand for omnichannel and personalised experiences.

It will also use the funds to continue to grow and recruit in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, and Virar-Mumbai.

Georgian and Insight Partners co-led the round with participation from Illuminate Ventures.

“All three companies continue to grow their investment with Contentstack, contributing to a US$169 million total raised thus far,” it said in a statement. 

Georgian’s lead investor Emily Walsh will join Contentstack’s board along with Contentstack chief financial officer David Overmyer.

“As the only headless content management system (CMS) offering a solution to ‘integration hell’ with Automation Hub, Contentstack delivers a viable path to composable for enterprises.

“By automating and streamlining hundreds of activities across technologies and vendors in real-time, enterprises can now more aggressively retire costly legacy CMS.

“This also allows them to unlock digital experience innovation more broadly and realise a significantly greater return on investment,” it said.

Contentstack is the largest homegrown Indian CMS representing global brands like Chase, Holiday Inn, Levi’s, Mattel, McDonald's, Mitsubishi, and Shell.

-- BERNAMA

Wipro appoints Ankush Saigal as head of telecommunication industry sector for Southeast Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Wipro Ltd, a leading technology services and consulting company based in Bangalore, India, has appointed Ankush Saigal as its new head of telecommunication industry sector for Southeast Asia.

In a statement today, Wipro said Ankush would lead Wipro’s business growth in the telecommunication sector in the region at a time when the overall telecommunication and communications service provider industry is looking to adopt an ecosystem play to reach greater heights and drive sustainable growth.

It said telecommunication companies and communications service providers are growing and expanding as they continue strengthening their underlying information technology infrastructure to drive innovation.

Wipro said Ankush would help clients accelerate their transformation journey and realise their growth ambitions by reimagining operating models and enhancing customer experience.

It said as an industry veteran, Ankush has, in the past, worked with some of the largest brands in the industry including Accenture and Infosys.

“Ankush brings extensive experience in establishing and nurturing long-term strategic client engagements.

“I am looking forward to consolidating Wipro’s leadership positioning in the telecommunication sector further and significantly expanding our existing engagements with telecommunication brands across Southeast Asian countries with Ankush onboard,” managing director, Southeast Asia, Badri Srinivasan said.

-- BERNAMA

Canadian Commercial Corporation paves way for Canadian businesses, signs 2 MoUs in Indonesia

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), a Canadian government-to-government contracting agency, has inked two new memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Indonesian government agencies to enable qualified Canadian businesses secure government contracts in Indonesia.

In a statement today, CCC said it had signed an MoU with the province of North Kalimantan for the development of a green airport, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit 2022 in Bali, Indonesia.

"The airport concept is part of COP21 (21st Conference of the Parties) commitments made by Indonesia to further develop the country’s economy while reducing emissions by 31.9 per cent by 2030.

"The proposed airport will link eight other airports, and provide local aquaculture and agricultural industries with more direct access to major international markets," it said.

Additionally, in the lead-up to the G20 Summit, CCC concluded an MoU with Indonesia's Ministry of State-owned Enterprises concerning food production.

The agency said the MoU seeks to address rising food security concerns resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine by providing access to Canadian commodities, including but not limited to potash, wheat, grains, soybeans, plus other agricultural goods and services which may be appropriate.

CCC president and chief executive officer Bobby Kwon said the agency is proud to advance trade relations between Canada and Indonesia.

“These MOUs will enable CCC to bring Canadian businesses to address the priorities of the Ministry of State-owned Enterprises, and the provincial government of North Kalimantan,” he said.

CCC said, through these two MoUs, the agency will offer a unique Canadian government guarantee.

As part of the international prime contractor programme, CCC signs government-to-government contracts that have the legal effect of being signed in the name of the Canadian government, providing an assurance of contract performance.

CCC has decades of direct experience developing MoUs with government buyers that enable government-to-government contracts in alignment with national procurement laws.

-- BERNAMA

MGA ESTABLISHES MGA STUDIOS WITH $500 MILLION IN CASH AND ASSETS; ACQUIRES PIXEL ZOO ANIMATION

The move signals MGA’s strong commitment to growing its dominance in the rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape by pursuing strategic gaming and tech acquisitions or partners


LOS ANGELES, Nov 15 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MGA Entertainment, Inc. (MGA), one of the world’s largest and fastest growing privately held toy and entertainment companies, announced today the formation of MGA Studios, an independent subsidiary of MGA, backed with more than a half billion dollars in cash and assets. This move underscores MGA’s continued commitment to a rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape.  In fact, more than 35 years ago, when it wasn’t usual in the toy industry to incorporate entertainment, MGA embraced it and changed the company name from Micro Games of America to MGA Entertainment, Inc.

“While continued innovation in the toy category remains a key driver for our business, we understand the world is changing and are fully committed to carrying our winning legacy into this new and evolving digital landscape,” said Isaac Larian, Founder and CEO, MGA Entertainment, Inc. “In addition to growing our large catalogue of television, movie and streaming content, through MGA Studios we aim to create smaller and safer mini universes for our children to grow and develop in a seamless digital and physical entertainment ecosystem.” 

MGA Entertainment also announced today that Pixel Zoo Animation, one of the leading digital animation studios globally, is MGA Studios’ first acquisition. During the past several years, Pixel Zoo has pushed the limits of high-quality animation and content for children and families. Paul Gillett, Founder and CEO of Pixel Zoo, will continue in his role supporting MGA Studios’ growth into a dominant position globally. 

“During the past few years, we have been extremely impressed by MGA’s brands, how they partner with their suppliers, as well as their creative and execution capabilities. Intellectual Property development has always been an important part of our studio and this opportunity allows our team to show the world what we can do,” said Gillett. “Working with MGA has been one of the most rewarding experiences we have had, so partnering with them is the next natural step for us. I am excited for our studio to be the first foundational building block of MGA Studios.” 

MGA Studios will be charged with independently developing and growing a digital presence through acquisitions, partnerships, and in-house development of innovative content and original intellectual property (IP). MGA Studios will leverage MGA Entertainment’s existing and future IP including L.O.L. Surprise!™, Little Tikes® Let’s Go Cozy Coupe®, Rainbow High™, Bratz®, Baby Born®, Mermaze Mermaidz™, Na! Na! Na! Surprise™, and more, with great new content and brands coming soon.  

“MGA Entertainment has demonstrated time and again our ability to create multiple blockbuster brands from the ground up. The purpose of MGA Studios will be to facilitate the expansion of these brands beyond the toy aisle and turn them into true transmedia franchises, including entertainment, gaming, and online experiences,” said MGA Studios President, Jason Larian. “We are committed to bringing new partners into the fold to help realize our vision and the Pixel Zoo acquisition is the first step of many on this journey.”

MGA Entertainment and Pixel Zoo have collaborated on many notable projects during the last several years including L.O.L. Surprise! The Movie, available on Netflix; L.O.L. Surprise! House of Surprises series, available on YouTube and Netflix; Rainbow High series, available on YouTube and Netflix; Mermaze Mermaidz series, available on YouTube; Let’s Go Cozy Coupe series, available on YouTube and Amazon; and more. Their latest project together, L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Fashion Show movie, premiered on Netflix this past October.

About MGA Entertainment

MGA Entertainment is one of the world's fastest growing and largest privately held toy and entertainment companies. Headquartered in Chatsworth, Calif. and with offices globally, the company creates innovative, proprietary, and licensed consumer products and entertainment, including toys, games, dolls, apparel, consumer electronics, home décor, stationery, sporting goods, movies, and television series. The MGA family includes award-winning brands such as L.O.L. Surprise!™, Little Tikes®, Rainbow High™, Shadow High™, Bratz®, MGA’s Miniverse™, Na! Na! Na! Surprise™, Mermaze Mermaidz™ Color Change, Micro Games of America™, Baby Born® Surprise and Zapf Creation®. For more information, please visit us at www.mgae.com or check us out at LinkedIn or Twitter.
 
About MGA Studios

MGA Studios is an independent subsidiary of MGA Entertainment, Inc. and a Delaware C-corp. The company is focused on developing and growing a safe digital environment for children and families to come together and enjoy wholesome entertainment across digital and physical platforms. MGA Studios has rights to more than 7,000 trademarks, patents, and copyrighted works and has financial backing of MGA Entertainment, Inc. For more information, please visit  www.MGAStudios.com

About Pixel Zoo 

Pixel Zoo is a full-service animation studio that has focused on digital content in both short and long forms. Based in Brisbane, Australia, Pixel Zoo is at the cutting edge of animation, pushing the boundaries and developing new techniques that have continually kept them on top as the industry develops and changes around them. Lead by a team of creatives Pixel Zoo prides itself on delivering a product that speaks for itself.

###

NOTE TO EDITOR: Video clips and stills available of animated series and movie on request.

Attachments

• Pixel Zoo Animation Studios Logo
• L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Fashion Show Movie Poster

Alan Hilowitz
MGA Entertainment, Inc.
+1.818.221.4431
news@mgae.com


SOURCE : MGA Entertainment

Northern Trust hires Alvin Chia as head of Digital Assets Innovation for Asia Pacific

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Northern Trust Corporation has hired Alvin Chia as its head of Digital Assets Innovation for Asia Pacific.

Based in Singapore, Chia is responsible for delivering market-leading innovations aligned to Northern Trust’s digital asset strategy to clients across the Asia-Pacific region.

He collaborates closely with industry bodies, fintechs, regulators and government entities to positively influence market change.

According to a statement, Chia reports to global head of Digital Assets and Financial Markets, Justin Chapman.

“We continue to see the pace of innovation continuing across the funds administration and custody sector, with the APAC region experiencing a transformational period of change in light of new technologies,” said Chapman.

“We are pleased to appoint Alvin to this new role, leveraging his deep skills in fintech to help us continue to drive change and support our clients’ requirements.”

Chia was most recently the expert senior manager of Innovation at Bain and Company. Prior to this, he was the vice president of innovation at DBS Bank.

Founded in Chicago in 1889, Northern Trust is a leading provider of wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking to corporations, institutions, affluent families and individuals.

-- BERNAMA

AM Best affirms Tune Protect Re Ltd's credit ratings

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of “B++” (Good) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “bbb” (Good) of Malaysian reinsurer Tune Protect Re Ltd (TPR).

The outlook of these credit ratings is stable, reflecting TPR’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

In a statement, the rating agency said TPR’s balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation that is expected to remain at the strongest level over the medium term, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio.

In AM Best’s view, the reinsurer has a moderate risk investment strategy with investment assets predominantly held in unit trust funds, whereby the underlying assets are mainly fixed-income securities with good credit quality.

AM Best said that its balance sheet strength analysis also incorporates a neutral holding company impact following an assessment of consolidated risk-adjusted capitalisation of TPR’s parent group, Tune Protect Group Bhd (TPG).

Meanwhile, TPR’s operating performance is “adequate,” AM Best said.

“While TPR’s revenue and operating earnings were impacted adversely amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has been able to grow its premium base through geographical expansion and new business partners in recent periods,” it said.

It added that TPR is expected to achieve moderate revenue growth and robust operating earnings over the medium term, driven by the recovery of air travel and new product initiatives.

AM Best assessed TPR’s business profile as limited given its position as a niche reinsurer with a focus on travel-related insurance products.

TPR leverages TPG’s in-house technology platform to support and distribute policies in collaboration with corporate partners including airlines and travel agencies.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF MARBLE REINSURANCE CORPORATION

HONG KONG, Nov 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” (Excellent) of Marble Reinsurance Corporation (Marble Re) (Micronesia). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect Marble Re’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The balance sheet strength is well-supported by Marble Re’s risk-adjusted capitalisation, which is assessed at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). The company’s balance sheet strength also is supported by its favourable balance sheet liquidity with no outstanding debt. While the company has relatively high dependence on reinsurance, the risk is mitigated by its high quality and well-diversified reinsurance panel. Marble Re is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation, one of Japan’s largest general trading companies.

Marble Re’s operating performance has been consistently strong with a five-year average combined ratio of 60% (2017-2021). The company recorded recoveries in both premium incomes and net profit from the COVID-19 pandemic during the fiscal year ended 31 March 2022. Its underwriting results remained strong and stable with a combined ratio below 60%. AM Best expects the company’s cargo business will continue to benefit from Marubeni Corporation’s trading business and higher commodity price in the near future, while its overall combined ratio remains favourable at approximately 60%.

Marble Re continues to benefit from Marubeni Corporation’s global business network, which allows it to maintain a well-diversified business portfolio. As a single-parent captive, Marble Re also is well-integrated within the group and benefits from the parent company’s overall risk management, corporate governance and internal control systems.

Negative rating actions could occur if there are substantial losses caused by a material shift in its risk appetite. Negative rating actions also could arise if there is significant deterioration in Marubeni Corporation’s credit profile, including its operating profitability, financial leverage and interest coverage levels.

AM Best remains the leading rating agency of alternative risk transfer entities, with more than 200 such vehicles rated throughout the world. For current Best’s Credit Ratings and independent data on the captive and alternative risk transfer insurance market, please visit www.ambest.com/captive.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2022 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221111005393/en/ 

Contact

Charles Chiang
Financial Analyst
+852 2827 3427
charles.chiang@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Jason Shum
Associate Director, Analytics
+852 2827 3424
jason.shum@ambest.com

Al Slavin
Communications Specialist
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5098
al.slavin@ambest.com

Source : AM Best

OTT-based conversational commerce spend to breach US$25 billion in 2023 - Juniper Research

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- The global spend for conversational commerce on over-the-top (OTT) channels, including WhatsApp and WeChat, will rise from US$13.3 billion in 2022 to US$25.1 billion in 2023, according to a new Juniper Research study. (US$1=RM4.612)

In a statement, Juniper Research said the growth of 89 per cent will be driven by “verticals” such as retail and e-commerce, which provide increased online presence and product availability as retailers refine their online customer experience.

The new research found that e-commerce and retail will account for over 35 per cent of spend via OTT conversational commerce channels in 2023; accounting for US$9 billion of spending globally.

However, it identified regional fragmentation in the OTT messaging space as a key hurdle to growth. To overcome this, it urges conversational commerce vendors to onboard each messaging app individually, while adhering strictly to varying financial regulations in each country.

Other issues for conversational commerce vendors include the varying types of payment methods in use across countries.

Vendors need to account for these differences and support various digital wallets. This flexibility will enable vendors to offer a complete omnichannel experience by providing payments across OTT apps, chatbots, voicebots, and ‘rich communication services (RCS)’ business messaging.

In addition, to increase market share, conversational commerce platforms must also invest in value-added services to provide differentiation from existing conversational services.

Juniper Research provides research and analytical services to the global hi-tech communications sector, providing consultancy, analyst reports and industry commentary.

-- BERNAMA

AM Best affirms credit ratings of Singapore’s ERGO Insurance

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb+” (Good) of Singapore’s ERGO Insurance Pte Ltd (ERGO Insurance).

In a statement, AM Best said the outlook of these credit ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect ERGO Insurance’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The ratings also factor in rating enhancement from the company’s ultimate parent, Munich Reinsurance Company (Munich Re).

ERGO Insurance is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ERGO Group AG, which is the primary insurance arm of Munich Re.

ERGO Insurance’s strong balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which was at a very strong level in 2021, and is expected to remain at least at this level over the near term, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio.

Despite operating losses over a number of years having materially eroded the shareholders’ equity of the company, financial support from the Munich Re group has helped it to maintain capital adequacy.

AM Best views the company’s operating performance as marginal. Although underwriting losses have contracted in recent years with the company having sought to reprice or non-renew underperforming business, the combined ratio has been pressured by a reduced business scale resulting in a high expense ratio.

In addition, AM Best views ERGO Insurance’s business profile as limited. The company is a non-life insurer in Singapore, with a market share of approximately one per cent, based on 2021 gross written premium.

-- BERNAMA

DONGFENG UNVEILS TWO TRUCK MODELS IN VIETNAM

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Dongfeng, one of China’s largest vehicle manufacturers, has launched two newly-developed truck lines, Dongfeng KL and Dongfeng KR, for the Vietnamese market.

Dongfeng KL and Dongfeng KR trucks are promoted as safe, reliable, economical, efficient, intelligent and comfortable commercial vehicles.

In a statement, China Dongfeng Motor Industry Import & Export Company Ltd said that after the unveiling ceremony in Da Nang, Vietnam, recently, dealers and customers test drove and closely experienced the reliable performance of Dongfeng trucks.

“Through personal experience and feelings, everyone praised the humanised design, operation convenience and driving comfort of the vehicle,” it said.

The company said that after the actual driving experience, dealers doubled their confidence in the future sales of Dongfeng trucks.

“Vietnam is an important partner of the Belt and Road Initiative and an extremely important overseas market for Dongfeng,” it said.

The company said it “will keep strengthening the brand's ‘soft power’ and plan a series of localised brand promotion and publicity activities, including television advertising and road sign advertising.”

Dongfeng said it plans to constantly improve vehicle performance with market changes, and achieve breakthroughs in market segments in Vietnam with advanced products and professional and efficient services.

-- BERNAMA

ZENAS BIOPHARMA SECURES US$118 MILLION TO ADVANCE BROAD PIPELINE OF AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE THERAPEUTICS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Zenas BioPharma, a global biopharmaceutical company, has announced proceeds of US$118 million in connection with the issuance of Series B preferred shares. (US$1=RM4.71)

Proceeds from the financing will support the clinical advancement of the company’s lead product candidate Obexelimab, including a global Phase 3 registration trial in patients with IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), which will be initiated in late 2022.

In addition, the new funding will progress the company’s other global autoimmune disease programmes into clinical development in 2023, according to a statement.

In addition to Enavate Sciences, which led the Series B equity financing, new Zenas shareholders include Longitude Capital, Vivo Capital, Rock Springs Capital, Perceptive Advisors, Agent Capital, Pivotal bioVenture Partners and Superstring Capital.

“We are thrilled to have the support of Enavate and this top-tier group of global investors as we continue to advance our deep and balanced pipeline of clinical stage autoimmune therapeutics and execute our successful business development strategy,” said Founder and Executive Chairman of Zenas BioPharma, Lonnie Moulder.

In connection with the Series B financing, Enavate Sciences Chief Executive Officer, Jim Boylan; Longitude Capital Co-founder and Managing Director, Patrick Enright; and Vivo Capital Managing Partner Hongbo Lu have joined the Zenas Board of Directors.

More details at www.zenasbio.com.

-- BERNAMA

AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS LEADERS ARE CONFIDENT THAT AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENTS ARE MAKING PROGRESS ON CLIMATE POLICIES BUT WANT MORE ON CLIMATE ACTION; FINDS THE INAUGURAL 'SUSTAINABLE FUTURE POLL' FROM CONFIDENT STRATEGY GROUP AND YOUGOV.

- 6 out of 10 Australian leaders were confident that Australia was making meaningful progress on each of the nine levers of climate change/resilience surveyed.- 7 in 10 senior business leaders of medium to large companies believe that the federal and state governments should do more in sustainability and climate action.- In a deep dive, we found agreement across the political divide that solar should be increased as an energy source. While 7 in 10 believe coal as a source should be reduced or kept at the current level.

Canberra, Australia, Nov 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This week, government and climate experts are meeting at the United Nations Conference of Parties, COP27, in Egypt. At COP27, governments will report their progress and make agreements to take further action to achieve the Paris Agreement's outcomes (2015). Confident Strategy Group and YouGov polled over 500 Australian business leaders to determine their confidence level in the Australian Federal and State Government’s sustainability policies. The poll assessed business leaders’ confidence across nine levers of climate change while also considering Australia’s unique environment and biodiversity impacts. This year the poll also did a deep dive into business leaders’ attitudes towards energy sources suitable for Australia. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=44665

Global Innovation Challenge prize money US$1 mln, invites entries for "Living Assistance Robot Contest"

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The Global Innovation Challenge 2023 Living Assistance Robot Contest (GIC Contest) next year will have a total prize money of US$1,000,000. (US$1=RM4.71)

In a statement, the GIC executive committee said the contest will be held in May-June 2023 and entries accepted until March 31, 2023.

This will be the second time the contest is held. The 2021 contest was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic but the 2023 spring contest will be held at the GIC Tsukuba Innovation Centre in Tsukuba City, Japan.

“The committee members are looking forward to seeing what new technologies will be created this time. We look forward to receiving entries from many countries,” said GIC executive committee chairman Tatsufumi Kamimura.

The GIC Contest is being held with the aim of enabling people living in wheelchairs with disabilities, such as paralysis of the lower limbs, to "walk independently" without human assistance, making use of their remaining functions, through the development of innovative tools.

The development of public infrastructure and the promotion of barrier-free accessibility have made it possible for people with limited mobility to live their daily lives alone if they have a wheelchair, but they still face limitations in their activities outside of a well-developed environment.

The organiser believes that a walking support robot that can be used both indoors and outdoors without worrying about barrier-free accessibility would enable people with disabilities to enjoy their lives to a greater extent.

More details available at https://global-innovation-challenge.com/en/

-- BERNAMA

SACOMBANK SELECTS TEMENOS INFINITY TO ELEVATE DIGITAL BANKING AND DELIVER SEAMLESS OMNICHANNEL EXPERIENCE

Leading Vietnam bank will use Temenos to power digital banking for over 15 million retail and business customers 


GENEVA, Nov 10 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Temenos (SIX: TEMN), today announced that Sacombank, one of the largest banks in Vietnam with over 15 million customers, has selected Temenos Infinity to elevate its digital banking and deliver a seamless omnichannel experience to retail and business customers.

Since Kony’s acquisition in 2019, Temenos Infinity has been selected by over 200 new customers and the product's leadership has been cemented with multiple analyst accolades. Temenos has been named a leader in the Forrester Waves™: Digital Banking Engagement Platforms and Digital Banking Engagement Hubs evaluations in 2021. Temenos was also the only vendor rated best-in-class in Aite Matrix Evaluation of US digital banking solutions.

Sacombank has a customer-centric business strategy focused on providing high-quality financial products and services to individual and corporate customers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. Temenos Infinity will enable the bank to reimagine the way it interacts with customers and meet the growing customer demand for digital products and services and fast, frictionless customer experiences.

Vietnam is leading the way in digital banking in Southeast Asia. It has a large younger demographic of digitally savvy consumers and a vibrant local fintech and ecommerce industry. Vietnamese enjoy quick and easy digital experiences for a wide variety of services and expect the same from their banking.

Temenos Infinity is a true omnichannel, multi experience platform-based product that enables a comprehensive 360-degree customer view, helping Sacombank to acquire, service, retain and cross-sell to customers, on multiple channels and devices using native features. Offering pre-composable banking services – built on microservices and accessible via APIs – the platform enables Sacombank to develop innovative products quickly and that bring real benefits to consumers and businesses.

The bank plans to introduce fully digital customer onboarding and origination as well as enhance the service experience for existing customers through digital channels. Additionally, Temenos’ open and composable platform will help Sacombank connect with e-commerce providers, social networks and other online services to accelerate a cashless ecosystem, a priority for the Government of Vietnam.

In selecting a new digital banking platform, Sacombank looked at various leading solutions in the market and after a thorough evaluation decided on Temenos Infinity. Sacombank is a longstanding Temenos customer and will run Temenos Infinity on top of its existing Temenos Transact core, providing complete front-to-back banking capabilities on a single platform.

Temenos Infinity is the world’s best-selling digital banking platform used by over 850 financial institutions, from global tier one banks to digital challengers. It can connect to any core banking system as a standalone solution for larger banks or to Temenos Transact. Temenos Infinity can run on any cloud or as SaaS on the Temenos Banking Cloud.

Bui Van Dung (Mr.), Deputy CEO, Sacombank said: “The omnichannel platform project is an unavoidable step to make a breakthrough in digital business of Sacombank. Sacombank believes that Temenos has the best reputation, capacity, and technology in omnichannel, along with a consultant team experienced in implementing similar projects at the leading banks, financial institutions in area and world-wide, hence, Temenos is able to support Sacombank in implementing its digital business strategy to comprehensively innovate in quality.”

Craig Bennett, Managing Director – APAC, Temenos, said: “Vietnam is a strategic market for Temenos. More than 20 Vietnamese banks run on our core banking technology, and we see growing adoption and interest for our Temenos Infinity digital banking platform. As one of the biggest banks in Vietnam and the Southeast Asia region, we are hugely proud to extend our relationship with Sacombank. Adding Temenos Infinity to the bank’s technology stack will propel the bank forward, opening new opportunities and delivering outstanding customer experiences.” 

About Temenos
Temenos (SIX: TEMN) is the world’s leading open platform for composable banking, creating opportunities for over 1.2 billion people around the world every day. We serve over 3000 banks from the largest to challengers and community banks in 150+ countries by helping them build new banking services and state-of-the-art customer experiences. The Temenos open platform helps our top-performing clients achieve return on equity three times the industry average and cost-to-income ratios half the industry average.

For more information, please visit www.temenos.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/54af5e1a-1e98-4441-897e-7d90b91e8ad4


Media Contacts  

Jessica Wolfe & Scott Rowe
Temenos Global Public Relations
Tel: +1 610 232 2793 & +44 20 7423 3857
Email: press@temenos.com

Alistair Kellie
Newgate Communications on behalf of Temenos
Tel: +44 20 7680 6550
Email: allnewgatetemenos@newgatecomms.com

SOURCE : Temenos

Bermuda's Evergreen Insurance credit ratings affirmed -- AM Best

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of “A” (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “a” (Excellent) of Bermuda’s Evergreen Insurance Company Ltd (EICL).

In a statement, AM Best said the outlook of these ratings is stable, reflecting EICL’s balance sheet strength, assessed as very strong by AM Best, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The company’s risk-adjusted capitalisation remained at the strongest level as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, and is underpinned by low net underwriting leverage, a highly conservative and liquid investment portfolio, and comprehensive reinsurance arrangements.

“EICL has demonstrated a track record of strong underwriting and operating performance, due to its group-related business.

“In view of its high severity, low-frequency risk profile that involves mainly marine and aviation business, the company ceded over half of its premiums to a panel of financially sound reinsurers and maintained a low retention ratio,” AM Best said.

The company’s net claims experience has been highly favourable over the past few years, while gross losses fluctuated due to a few major loss events in marine and aviation hulls.

In 2021, EICL faced investment headwinds from its cash and deposit-only investment portfolio.

Moving forward, AM Best expects that underwriting results, in particular for its marine business, will continue to be the main driver of its bottom-line results.

As a pure captive of Evergreen Group, EICL’s underwriting book primarily consists of marine, aviation and property risks related to the group’s operations.

-- BERNAMA

MARY KAY CELEBRATES REFORESTATION PROJECTS WORLDWIDE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Mary Kay Incorporated, a global advocate for corporate sustainability and stewardship, announced the completion of a 69-acre (27.92 hectares) reforestation project to revitalise Florida’s Econfina Creek Wildlife Management Area.

The reforestation project is in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation.

To date, Mary Kay Inc has planted more than 1.2 million trees with partners across the globe, it said in a statement.

Working alongside the Northwest Florida Water Management District, the Arbor Day Foundation and Mary Kay partnered to plant 43,000 longleaf pine that will help protect critical water resources in Bay County Florida.

“Trees truly are the closest thing our planet has to superheroes,” said Mary Kay Inc chief operating officer Deborah Gibbins.

“They absorb carbon, improve water quality and produce vital oxygen. Their powers are unmatched, which is why Mary Kay Inc invests so heavily in reforestation projects around the globe,” she continued.

Key project environmental and biodiversity benefits include restoring and preserving the primary source of drinking water for Bay County, Florida and replanting native tree species to return this area to its natural state.

The project also improves the habitat for area wildlife including deer, bobwhite quail, Sherman’s fox squirrels and gopher tortoises.

-- BERNAMA

FAIRMONT HOTELS AND RESORTS ANNOUNCES DEBUT OF ‘BEYOND LIMITS’ EXPERIENCES

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Fairmont Hotels and Resorts has announced the official debut of ‘Beyond LIMITS’, an exciting new collection of first-of-their-kind, awe-inspiring experiences available exclusively at iconic Fairmont properties and other ALL-Accor Live Limitless hotels across North and Central America.

Beyond LIMITS kicks off the first week of November 2022 with signature limited-time experiences slated through March 2023, according to a statement today.

Jeff Doane, the chief commercial officer of Accor North and Central America said “with Beyond LIMITS, we are able to redefine luxury, by challenging the norms of what is expected.”

“We pushed ourselves and our teams to go beyond everything that had been done before, and the result is a collection of experiences that are highly inventive and exclusive, that must actually be seen to be believed.

“That is Beyond LIMITS, ” he added.

Beyond LIMITS is designed to defy convention, shatter the boundaries of expectation, and elevate the luxury experience beyond what was previously thought possible, the statement said.

Among the signature, limited-time experience includes Symphony in a Cenote, where Fairmont Mayakoba reimagines one of Riviera Maya’s famed limestone caves as a spectacular candlelit concert hall, it added.

More on ‘Beyond LIMITS’ at https://www.allbeyondlimits.com/.

-- BERNAMA

MORROW SODALI STRENGTHENS ITS MARKET LEADING POSITION WITH NEW AUSTRALIAN ACQUISITION

Acquisition of key Australian financial communications and investor relations player, Citadel-MAGNUS will drive rapid growth and significant expansion

NEW YORK, Nov 7 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Morrow Sodali, the world’s leading shareholder engagement and governance advisory firm, announced today the acquisition of Australian financial communications and investor relations agency, Citadel-MAGNUS, its first since TPG Growth secured a majority stake in April of this year.

The Australian based acquisition represents a significant expansion of Morrow Sodali’s service offering in the APAC region to meet the rapidly growing global demand from corporations for strategic communications and investor engagement services.

The combination of Morrow Sodali and Citadel-MAGNUS brings together two trusted market leading consultancies to provide best in class strategic counsel and support to our clients. Citadel-MAGNUS will be fully integrated into Morrow Sodali enabling the firm to provide a seamless offering and the most comprehensive suite of investor relations and communications solutions to listed and private entities with the intention of rolling out the expanded services to other markets.

The acquisition marks a significant step forward in Morrow Sodali’s strategy to accelerate its growth by investing in services that create value for its clients world-wide.

Alvise Recchi, CEO of Morrow Sodali, commented, “As part of Morrow Sodali’s strategic global growth strategy, the addition of Citadel-MAGNUS will expand our service offering to encompass a broader suite of Board, C-Suite and ESG advisory, Investor Relations and Financial Communications services. We can’t wait to see the potential of this exciting opportunity realised as we continue to grow in new markets around the world.” 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=44645

TESSA THERAPEUTICS, BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE EXECUTE AGREEMENT FOR GLOBAL COMMERCIAL RIGHTS TO 'OFF-THE-SHELF' CAR-T PLATFORM

Tessa’s TT11X utilizes CD30.CAR-modified Allogeneic Epstein-Barr Virus Specific T-Cell (EBVST) to target relapsed or refractory CD30-positive lymphomas

Exploring indications for solid tumors, expanding the potential for CAR-T

SINGAPORE, Nov 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tessa Therapeutics Ltd. (Tessa), a clinical-stage cell therapy company developing next-generation cancer treatments for hematological malignancies and solid tumors, today announced the execution of an exclusive agreement with Baylor College of Medicine for worldwide commercial rights to the allogeneic Epstein-Barr virus specific T-cell (EBVST) technology platform developed jointly by Tessa’s Scientific Co-Founder, Malcolm Brenner, M.D., Ph.D., and his colleagues Cliona Rooney Ph.D. and Helen Heslop M.D., D.Sc. at Baylor College of Medicine. Tessa is currently advancing a pipeline of products that utilize CD30.CAR-modified EBVSTs, including its lead allogeneic cell therapy, TT11X, which is being co-developed for the treatment of relapsed or refractory CD30-positive lymphomas.

CD30.ALLO Virus specific T-cells (VSTs) are highly specialized T cells that can recognize CD30+ tumors. CD30 Allogeneic VSTs without genetic modification have demonstrated a strong safety profile and efficacy in early trials with minimal risk of Graft vs Host Disease (GVHD). During the development of the allogeneic technology platform, Tessa and Baylor College of Medicine had an exclusive option agreement for commercial rights to the technology.

Clinical data from an ongoing Phase 1 study of TT11X in CD30-positive lymphomas (BESTA) has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and encouraging signs of efficacy with clinical responses observed in seven of nine patients, including a complete disappearance of tumors reported in four patients. TT11X was recently recognized in the “Most Promising Off-the-Shelf Therapies” category at the Asia-Pacific Cell & Gene Therapy Excellence Awards (ACGTEA) 2022.

“Allogeneic or ‘off-the-shelf’ CAR-T therapies have the potential to change the paradigm of cancer treatment, and we believe the allogeneic EBVST platform developed at the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, at Baylor College of Medicine places Tessa at the forefront of a very substantial therapeutic and business opportunity,” said Thomas Willemsen, Tessa’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Securing exclusive worldwide commercial rights for therapies developed using the EBVST platform is an important value driver for Tessa as we continue to advance TT11X as a potential treatment for CD30-positive lymphomas, while exploring opportunities to extend the technology to other cancer indications, including solid tumors.”

About Tessa Therapeutics
Tessa Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation cell therapies for the treatment of hematological cancers and solid tumors. Tessa’s lead clinical asset, TT11, is an autologous CD30-CAR-T therapy currently being investigated as a potential treatment for relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma as both a monotherapy (Phase 2) and combination therapy (Phase 1b). TT11 has been granted RMAT designation by the FDA and access to the PRIME scheme by European Medicine Agency. Tessa is also advancing an allogeneic “off-the- shelf” cell therapy platform targeting a broad range of cancers in which Epstein Barr Virus Specific T Cells (EBVSTs) are augmented with CD30-CAR. A therapy using this platform is currently the subject of a Phase 1 clinical trial in CD30-positive lymphomas. Tessa has its global headquarters in Singapore, where the company has built a state of the art, commercial cell therapy manufacturing facility. For more information on Tessa, visit www.tessacell.com.

Cautionary Note on Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, to the fullest extent applicable) including, without limitation, with respect to various regulatory filings or clinical study developments of the Company. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe”, “target”, “may”, “assume” or similar expressions. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and important factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, those related to the Company’s financial results, the ability to raise capital, dependence on strategic partnerships and licensees, the applicability of patents and proprietary technology, the timing for completion of the clinical trials of its product candidates, whether and when, if at all, the Company’s product candidates will receive marketing approval, and competition from other biopharmaceutical companies. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made, and disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent the Company’s views only as of the date hereof and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. The Company’s products are expressly for investigational use pursuant to a relevant investigational device exemption granted by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, or equivalent competent body.

Tessa Therapeutics Investor Contact

Wilson W. Cheung
Chief Financial Officer
wcheung@tessacell.com

Tessa Therapeutics Media Contact

Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
Bill Borden
+1-732-910-1620
bborden@tiberend.com

Dave Schemelia
+1-609-468-9325
dschemelia@tiberend.com 

SOURCE: Tessa Therapeutics Ltd