HAJJ EXPO SLATED FOR JANUARY 2023, UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF MAKKAH GOVERNOR

 

Bringing together +57 international delegations

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Under the patronage of H.R.H Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of Makkah Region, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will be organizing the ‘Hajj Expo 2023’ conference and exhibition, on 9-12 January 2023.
 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221227005098/en/ 

The four-day event is part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to build an innovative ecosystem of services and solutions to better serve pilgrims at the Two Holy Mosques, while enhancing their religious and cultural experiences. It aims to create an integrated and sustainable ecosystem that improves pilgrims’ experiences, anticipate their future trends, and establish opportunities for further collaborations, agreements, and local and international initiatives.

H.E. Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, said: “The conference will allow entrepreneurs, innovators, and researchers from more than 200 global organizations to share successful experiences, and brainstorm sustainable quality solutions designed to cater to pilgrims’ aspirations and needs. This reflects the unrelenting support dedicated by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and HH the Crown Prince to the Hajj and Umrah sector, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.”

With delegations from over 56 countries, ‘Expo Hajj’ is expected to witness the signing of 400 agreements and partnerships. It will feature 10 keynote sessions, 13 panel discussions and ‘Hajj Talks’, as well as 36 workshops and related events and activities, notably the Islamic exposition and the ‘Hajj Hackathon’. 

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ABEL NOSER ENDS 2022 ON A HIGH NOTE

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 (Bernama) -- United States (US)-based Abel Noser Holdings, a market leader in institutional trade analytics and agency-only trading solutions, has notched a number of noteworthy achievements, including new product launches, numerous industry partnerships, and a ramping up of trade surveillance services this year.

In a statement, Abel Noser said its analytics arm, Abel Noser Solutions, began offering a first-of-its-kind global options transaction cost analysis product that covers all options strategies, from covered calls to complex spread strategies.

“The offering enables clients to quantify the transaction costs of options hedging, income and more speculative strategies while evaluating broker performance metrics and execution quality,” it said.

Abel Noser co-chief executive officer (CEO), Peter Weiler said the company expects best execution requirements for brokers and managers to continue to be updated and quantified, including calls for more fixed income transparency, pending updates to SEC Rule 605 and various US Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) directives for the coming year.

“We also expect a continued ramping up of electronic and algorithmic trading, plus a greater emphasis on trading clarity and oversight from all sectors,” he said.

Its subsidiary, Zeno AN Solutions has also launched environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG)-agnostic consensus rating product for asset owners that provides portfolio-level analysis to help assess, measure and monitor the degree to which management practices are consistent with the client’s ESG policies.

The group had also developed a set of new regulatory tools to help brokers identify improper or illegal trading activity while implementing the best execution.

This year, Abel Noser has set up strategic liaisons with major industry players like JP Morgan’s Neovest and partnerships with more niche players, including working with the Hackett Group for minority and/or women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) brokerage programmes, and OWL ESG for consensus ESG data that powers the new fund holdings analysis product.

Co-CEO, Steve Glass said that the management is proud of the many successes that its top-notch team has accomplished this past year and looks forward to applying the firm’s resources and leading position as the overall market matures and becomes more data-driven.

-- BERNAMA

MBC, NAVER CLOUD COLLABORATE ON DOCUMENTARY TO SUPPORT SMES OVERSEAS EXPANSION

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 (Bernama) -- Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) has collaborated with NAVER Cloud to produce Silver Lining, a documentary illustrating South Korean software as a service (SaaS) startups’ overseas entry and growth, in support of the overseas expansion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

In a statement today, MBC said the documentary was released on YouTube, featuring startups such as INBET, ARGOSDYNE, Business Canvas, WayneHills Bryant AI, ichrogene, FutureMain and FOUR GRIT with singer John Park participating as a storyteller

It said INBET, which was founded in 2008, offered a “Real Packing” solution that auto-records the goods’ packaging process in coordination with a management programme and manages claims for marketing use.

“ARGOSDYNE is an unmanned vehicle mobility company founded in 2018, which chiefly develops and sells unmanned mobile mobility integration operations whilst ichrogene is a genetic information-based disease prevention solution provider founded in 2017.

“Other startups, namely Business Canvas develops and services Typed, a SaaS and cooperation tool that offers simultaneous maneuvering of material collection, administration and documentation,” it said.

It said the collaboration panned out as part of the “Large and SMEs Joint Expansion Support Project” supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Foundation for Cooperation of Large and Small Business, Rural Affairs.

NAVER Cloud has provided international networks, cloud server infrastructures and marketing channels.

-- BERNAMA

Cloudflare commits to help build sustainable, accessible Internet in Impact Report

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- Cloudflare Inc, the security, performance, and reliability company helping to build a better Internet, has published its second annual Impact Report showcasing its commitment to helping build an Internet that is principled, accessible for everyone, and sustainable. 

Cloudflare co-founder and chief executive officer Matthew Prince said in a statement that the American company has built a team of employees dedicated to providing a real, positive impact for the millions of users of its services and the billions of Internet users its decisions affect.

“In 2022, the company has jumped into action to help protect people in Ukraine, secure a fair and trusted midterm election so that cyber security was not a headline, and contribute to the development of privacy-enhancing protocols that will ripple far beyond our customers.

“Whatever next year brings, we will be ready to continue ensuring the Internet is accessible, safe, and reliable for all,” Prince added.

Highlights of the 2022 Cloudflare Impact Report include assistance to Ukraine; giving back to the Internet; democratising access to Zero Trust; engineering privacy into the Internet; securing small businesses and Cloudfare services to yield significant emissions savings.

This year, Cloudflare pioneered the implementation of numerous technologies designed to ensure Internet service providers and other network observers cannot track websites their subscribers visit, through its engineering privacy.

As for the aspect for securing small businesses, the company has identified millions of free accounts responsible for roughly 70 trillion requests over the Cloudflare network in 2022, which is a value of US$7 million of content delivery network services that they received at no cost, as of December 2022.

Began publicly reporting information about its environmental, social, and governance impacts in 2021, this year, the company focused on expanding the value and scope of Cloudflare’s Impact programmes; and supporting humanitarian and human rights causes, among others.

-- BERNAMA

90 PCT SINGAPOREANS OPT FOR OVERSEAS OVER DOMESTIC TRAVEL DURING HOLIDAY SEASON - USERTESTING SURVEY

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- UserTesting, a leader in video-based human insight said 70 per cent of Singaporeans have a holiday planned this year-end with the significant drop in COVID-19 cases worldwide based on a survey conducted recently in Singapore.

Ninety per cent of respondents are travelling overseas for their next trip while 10 per cent are travelling internally despite rising costs due to inflation.

However, most Singaporeans are cost-cutting while planning their travels due to rising prices as a result of inflation, a statement said.

The survey revealed that 40 per cent of Singaporeans are now taking fewer trips than before, while 40 per cent are opting for cheaper accommodations rather than luxurious stays.

As for travelling during the holiday season, 80 per cent reported altering their plans and taking an economical route by choosing cheaper destinations to keep expenses in check.

The survey also revealed that 50 per cent of respondents will be travelling with their families instead of friends this year.

“Additionally, in terms of travel priorities in the near future, 50 per cent of Singaporeans are more inclined towards simple, short, and low-key vacations while some are also visiting their families to spend time with loved ones,” it said.

The survey showed that 80 per cent of Singaporeans are willing to plan trips abroad as they want to make up for lost time and move on to explore newer destinations outside of Singapore.

UserTesting has more than 2,500 customers. It is headquartered in San Francisco, USA.

-- BERNAMA

FOURKITES RECORDS STRONG GROWTH, INNOVATION IN APAC

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- Logistics and transportation company FourKites has recorded strong growth in 2022 in its automated, interconnected and collaborative supply chains that span transportation, warehousing, storage.

In a statement today, the company said it has extended its leadership position in the supply chain visibility market with strong growth and innovation in Asia-Pacific (APAC).

The company saw a 91 per cent in new customers growth in the region and more than 240 per cent growth in shipments tracked across 46 APAC countries.

“In 2023, we look forward to helping our APAC customers take the next leap forward in their logistics operations as they expand further. Together, we will build a more resilient and agile supply chain,” said FourKites founder and chief executive officer Mathew Elenjickal.

Its new customers include Mitsui & Co Global Logistics Ltd, Nestlé Japan, Chevron Corporation, Kraft Heinz, SpaceX and QVC.

Globally, the company has recorded nearly 50 per cent year-on-year growth as it continues to connect the supply chains of 50 per cent of the Fortune 500 companies it said.

In addition to strategic investments in 2021 from industry heavyweights Qualcomm Ventures LLC, Volvo Group Venture Capital AB and Zebra Technologies, over the past year, FourKites inked strategic partnerships with a number of industry titans to continue executing its vision for the future of digital supply chains.

These companies include FedEx, Quiet Platforms, Mitsui & Co Ltd, Sony, Microsoft and Narvar.

Among the new solutions released this year include patented ocean shipment innovations that provide international shippers and their partners with complete visibility of all documentation requirements at every leg of the shipment.

Tracking more than three million shipments daily, FourKites combines real-time data and powerful machine learning to help companies digitise their end-to-end supply chains.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST AFFIRMS CHINA’S QIANHAI REINSURANCE CREDIT RATINGS

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- United States-headquartered global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed China’s Qianhai Reinsurance Co Ltd’s (QHR) financial strength rating of A- (excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “a-” (excellent).

The outlook for these credit ratings is stable, reflecting the credit rating agency’s assessment of QHR’s balance sheet strength (very strong), its operating performance (adequate), business profile (neutral) and enterprise risk management (appropriate).

In a statement today, AM Best said QHR’s risk-adjusted capitalisation remained at the strongest level as of end-2021, as measured by its Capital Adequacy Ratio. 

The company’s capital and surplus increased by 7.1 per cent to RMB3.3 billion in 2021, underpinned by full retention of net profit. (RMB100=RM63.33)

Going forward, AM Best expects the company to continue to receive financial support from its major shareholders and explore opportunities in capital markets to enrich its capital structure.

Other supportive factors to the balance sheet strength include the prudent retrocession arrangements and the diversified investment portfolio, focusing on cash and fixed-income securities, albeit with a moderate exposure to debt-type alternative investments.

The company extended its profitable trend in 2021 with a return on equity of 6.5 per cent, compared with the five-year (2017-2021) average of 2.1 per cent.

QHR, a composite reinsurer controlled by three Chinese state-owned enterprises, plays a strategic role in the development of the Qianhai Free Trade Zone, and has continued to strengthen its market presence over the past five years.

-- BERNAMA

MCI Capital extends cash tender offer period for StarTek's common stock

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- MCI Capital LC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of United States (US)-based tech-enabled business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer experience (CX) technology services provider MCI LC, is extending the offer period for its previously announced cash tender offer to purchase up to four million common shares of StarTek Inc at a purchase price of US$4.20 per share (US$1=RM4.41) until Jan 4, 2023.

StarTek is a US-based global provider of tech-enabled BPO solutions.

It said the tender offer was previously scheduled to expire at 12 midnight New York City time on Dec 20, 2022 (1 pm Dec 21, 2022 Malaysian Time) but is now extended to the tenth business day after its previously scheduled expiration.

“To date, no shares of StarTek common stock have been deposited in response to the tender offer,” it said in a statement.

It said as previously announced, if more than four million shares are tendered in the tender offer, then, subject to the terms and conditions of the tender offer, MCI would purchase shares from shareholders who properly tender shares on a pro-rata basis based on the aggregate number of shares tendered.

“The tender offer is conditioned upon, among other things, a minimum of two million shares being validly tendered and not withdrawn in accordance with its terms,” it said.

It added that tenders of the shares in the tender offer must be made prior to its expiration and might be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration in accordance with the terms described in the offer documents.

-- BERNAMA

AM Best upgrades Partners Life’s credit ratings

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- AM Best has removed from under review with positive implications and upgraded the financial strength rating to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating to “a” (Excellent) from “a-” (Excellent) of New Zealand’s Partners Life Ltd (Partners Life).

AM Best said in a statement that the outlook assigned to these credit ratings is stable.

“The ratings reflect Partners Life’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assessed as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.” it said.

These rating actions follow the acquisition of Partners Group Holdings Ltd (PGHL), Partners Life’s parent, by Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc (Dai-ichi group) on Nov 30 this year in line with a previous announcement on Aug 12 that Dai-ichi group had entered into an agreement to buy 100 per cent of PGHL’s shares for approximately NZ$1 billion. (NZ$1=RM2.81)

The rating upgrades factor in rating enhancement from Dai-ichi group following its acquisition of Partners Life. This reflects integration with and ownership by the Dai-ichi group, one of Japan’s largest life insurers.

In addition, AM Best expects Dai-ichi group to provide capital support to Partners Life in the event that the company is unable to maintain an appropriate level of capital adequacy.

“While Partners Life accounts for a small component of Dai-ichi group’s overall revenues and earnings, the acquisition grows the group’s presence notably in New Zealand,” the credit rating agency said.

It said the company’s balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which is expected to remain at the strongest level over the medium term, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio.

Partners Life’s business profile assessment reflects its prominent position in New Zealand’s life insurance industry, with a diversified product range including term life, disability income, trauma, total permanent disability and medical insurance.

-- BERNAMA

Aura Network, VnExpress To co-organise V-Race The Bull Run 2022

V-RACE THE BULL RUN 2022 - The Pioneering Virtual Race To Award NFT Medals (Graphic: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Aura Network and VnExpress will jointly organise V-Race, a pioneering worldwide virtual race.

Officially held for the first time in 2021, V-Race has held six races with a total of nearly 25,000 participants so far.

This year is the first year for V-Race to return with a completely new version called V-Race The Bull Run, which integrates blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFT) technology into the race.

According to a statement, V-Race The Bull Run 2022 is organised to ignite opportunities for the mainstream to approach trending blockchain technology, along with maintaining physical training habits.

The co-organisation of Aura Network will give a much-needed boost to the race to spread positive messages to blockchain and Web3 communities around the world.

“Empowered by blockchain and NFT technology, V-Race The Bull Run 2022 pioneers to break the limits of time and location, and open up a whole new world where the entire community can participate in running,” said Aura Network chief executive officer Giang Tran.

Runners can register for one of the following challenges namely 10 km, 30 km, 50 km, 70 km or 100 km to complete within three weeks, starting from Dec 30, 2022 to Jan 20, 2023.

V-Race The Bull Run 2022 does not limit the number of daily runs or the maximum number of kilometres per day; as long as participants can fulfil the registered distance in the permitted time and speed.

The top 100 runners of each distance will receive an NFT medal powered by Aura Network.

This NFT is distributed randomly with guaranteed uniqueness and privacy.

The V-Race The Bull Run 2022 is open for registration from Dec 15 to Dec 29, 2022.

-- BERNAMA

CSOP'S ETF to become Asia's first listed Bitcoin and Ether futures ETF upon listing on HKEX

CSOP Bitcoin Futures ETF (3066.HK) and CSOP Ether Futures ETF (3068.HK) to List on HKEX (Graphic: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- CSOP Bitcoin Futures ETF and CSOP Ether Futures ETF will become Asia’s first listed Bitcoin and Ether futures ETFs when they make their debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) on Dec 16.

The exchange-traded funds (ETFs) manager, CSOP Asset Management Ltd (CSOP), said both ETFs are actively managed to invest in Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME Group) listed Bitcoin and Ether futures to track their respective prices and capture the performance of Bitcoin and Ether.

“With the same listing price at around 7.75 Hong Kong dollar (HKD) per unit (HKD1=RM0.57), trading lot of 100 and management fee of 1.99 per cent, CSOP Bitcoin Futures ETF and CSOP Ether Futures ETF have received US$53.89 million (US$1=RM4.39) and US$19.74 million initial investment, respectively,” it said in a statement today.

It said CSOP is the first Chinese offshore asset management company established in Hong Kong and since its establishment in 2008, the company has been committed to bringing high-quality and creative investment tools to Hong Kong investors.

“Today we are the first ETF manager to bring the most cutting-edge virtual assets ETF products to Hong Kong and Asian retail investors in a flexible and transparent manner,” CSOP chief executive officer Ding Chen said.

He said investors could easily track Bitcoin and Ether prices with the conventional investment tool of ETFs.

The newly-listed virtual assets futures ETFs are easy for investors to buy and sell through traditional brokerage or investment accounts with a minimum investment of around US$100.

Active investment strategies are adopted to allow flexibility in portfolio composition, rolling strategy and handling of any market disruptions.

Furthermore, fund assets of virtual assets futures ETFs are maintained by an independent custodian with great protection and stringent regulation.

-- BERNAMA

OMRON Healthcare to introduce initiatives to advance its vision at CES 2023 in Las Vegas

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- OMRON Healthcare Co Ltd will showcase the innovative medical devices and digital services that have been introduced over the last 50 years and that have helped it to advance the corporate vision of "Going for Zero" -- the elimination of heart attack and stroke.

According to a statement, the company will exhibit its initiatives at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023, the world's largest consumer technology show in Las Vegas from Jan 5-8.

“These initiatives include the innovative heart health devices such as Complete, the upper-arm blood pressure monitor with built-in electrocardiogram (ECG) technology, and the global remote patient-monitoring services,” it said.

As part of the event, a media-only press conference will take place on Jan 4, next year, with OMRON Healthcare chief executive officer Ranndy Kellogg and other senior executives presenting the initiatives that have propelled the company into a solid leadership position in heart health.

In support of the event, a special website has been launched on Dec 15 to demonstrate the company's business environments, exhibit themes, future vision, and the latest clinical study results.

-- BERNAMA

Odakyu Electric Railway upgrades ticket purchase website

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Odakyu Electric Railway Co Ltd has upgraded its ticket purchase website, offering discounted tickets including “Hakone Freepass” and “Limited Express Romancecar” tickets respectively and allowing passengers to use them in traditional and simplified Chinese.

“The browser-based website allows passengers to purchase Odakyu tickets on their smartphones without downloading a dedicated app by which, passengers can buy tickets wherever and at any time.

“They can board a train and bus by showing digital tickets on their smartphones to attendants or hold a 2D code on a dedicated device without exchanging them for printed tickets,” it said in a statement.

The Tokyo-based railway company said Digital Hakone Freepass allowed unlimited rides on eight transportation services in the Hakone area.

It said the pass included a round-trip discount ticket for the Odakyu Line (between each passenger’s starting station and Odawara Station).

“At the same time, Digital Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass also allows unlimited rides on the Odakyu Line in the Enoshima-Kamakura areas (between Fujisawa Station and Katase-Enoshima Station) and the Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway),” it said.

It said as for Limited Express Romancecar, all seats are reserved, whilst the Enoden 1-day pass ticket “Noriorikun” (digital version) allowed unlimited rides on the Enoden.

It added that tickets could be purchased via the Odakyu Electric Railway official website on a smartphone and tapping the “purchase” button to transition to the ticket purchase website.

More details at https://www.odakyu.jp/english/

-- BERNAMA

AM Best affirms credit ratings of Fubon Insurance Vietnam

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of B++ (Good) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “bbb+” (Good) of Vietnam’s Fubon Insurance Vietnam Co Ltd (Fubon Vietnam).

AM Best said in a statement that the credit ratings (ratings) which have a stable outlook reflect Fubon Vietnam’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assessed as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile, and appropriate enterprise risk management.

“The ratings also factor in the rating enhancement from its parent company, Fubon Insurance Co Ltd (Fubon Insurance), Taiwan,” it said.

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

Other favourable balance sheet strength considerations include a low net underwriting leverage ratio and conservative investment portfolio consisting of cash and term deposits, indicating a strong liquidity position.

In addition, AM Best views Fubon Vietnam as having good financial flexibility, supported by its immediate parent, Fubon Insurance, and considers the company’s high third-party reinsurance usage and dependence as an off-setting balance sheet strength factor, albeit that reinsurance counterparty risks are mitigated by reinsurance assets of typically good credit quality.

AM Best assessed Fubon Vietnam’s business profile as limited. Fubon Vietnam is a small-size, non-life insurer in Vietnam, with a market share of approximately one per cent, as measured by 2021 gross written premium.

Although Fubon Vietnam is considered a small size company within Vietnam, it has a good market position in its core business segment of property insurance.

The company derives a significant proportion of business from Taiwan corporations within its domestic market, with its business profile benefiting from the brand recognition of its parent company.

-- BERNAMA

Osaka Business Development Agency to jointly support startups from Kansai region

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- The Osaka Business Development Agency (OBDA) will be supporting startups from the Kansai region to take on global challenges in an initiative known as “Kansai Startup Mashups”.

It will do so via a joint cooperation with the Keihanshin Startup Ecosystem Consortium and JETRO Osaka, a statement said.

Kansai Startup Mashups will promote various initiatives with the first event to be held on Jan 25, 2023.

The statement said that Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe offer a conducive environment for startups with their concentration on bio- and healthcare-related companies, monozukuri (manufacturing), information and communications technology-related companies, as well as universities and research institutes.

Due to its strong environment, the Osaka-Kyoto-Kobe (Hyogo) consortium was selected in 2020 as global hub cities in the Japanese government's strategy to become a world-class start-up hub. This has resulted in universities, companies, and local governments to come together to form an ecosystem of collaboration.

The newly launched Kansai Startup Mashups aims to create a world-class startup ecosystem in anticipation of the 2025 Kansai Expo and post-expo.

It is also aimed to create a framework that will lead to the birth of unicorn companies from the Kansai region and the creation and support of startups to become major players.

“In this initiative, the three capitals of Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe will collaborate to link the circle of cooperation and support among universities, businesses, and government, and to disseminate Kansai startups both domestically and internationally,” it said.

-- BERNAMA

Arqit joins Fortinet Fabric-Ready Partner Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Arqit, a leader in quantum-safe encryption, has joined the Fortinet Fabric-Ready Partner Programme as a Technology Alliance Partner.

The Fortinet Fabric-Ready Partner Programme provides partners with programme infrastructure, resources, and tools to integrate with the Security Fabric and develop joint solutions as part of the Fortinet Open Ecosystem.

The company has also completed its first integration between Arqit QuantumCloud and Fortinet’s FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs).

Arqit founder, chairman and chief executive officer, David Williams said in a statement that the company is excited to leverage its integration to deliver enhanced protection against sophisticated cyber attacks for customers.

“In conjunction with Fortinet’s industry-leading NGFWs, our strong, simple encryption enables governments and enterprises to realise stronger protection against cyber threats, and take a major step forward in removing the quantum threat from their risk registers,” he added.

Arqit’s QuantumCloud is the world’s first fully scalable cloud-based symmetric key agreement platform, capable of creating zero-trust quantum-safe encryption keys on any device.

By integrating QuantumCloud with NGFWs, the resulting solution enables unbreakable quantum-safe encrypted connectivity between customer locations, keeping safe data both at rest and in transit.

Arqit’s QuantumCloud uses unique symmetric key agreement software to provide quantum-safe keys which are consumed by Fortinet devices during the formation of secure tunnels.

-- BERNAMA

THE 1ST BOAO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON REAL WORLD STUDIES OF MEDICAL PRODUCTS HELD IN HAINAN

HAIKOU, China, Dec. 12, 2022 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

On December 8, the first Boao International Conference on Real World Studies of Medical Products was held in Hainan Province, with the theme of "Real World Data Studies and Innovative Development and Supervision of Medical Products". Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, as the unique "Medical Special Zone" in China, is the only pilot region that makes active use of real data application. In recent years, it has grown into the most important channel for international innovative medical devices to enter China, initially achieving the synchronization with the international advanced level in the three areas of medical technology, equipment and medicines. Feng Fei, Governor of Hainan Province, said in his speech that since 2019 Lecheng Pilot Zone had established in-depth cooperation with more than 80 medical device enterprises in 16 countries and regions. More than 270 kinds of medical products that are in urgent clinical need have been introduced from overseas. A total of nine kinds of products have been approved for listing in China through the use of real-world data from Lecheng to supplement clinical evaluation. "I sincerely hope that experts, scholars, guests and friends attending the meeting will have in-depth discussions and exchanges to promote Lecheng Pilot Zone to become a new highland for real world study and a new engine for the development of China's pharmaceutical industry," Feng Fei said.  http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=44986

FUZHOU SHOWCASED AS A GREEN CITY

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- The promotional video of Fuzhou of Fujian Province, titled "The Fuzhou Waiting for You to Explore -- Green Economy", was recently released through overseas social media accounts including "Paris Oriental Center", "Discover Fujian" and "Discover Fuzhou",

The video showed Fuzhou as a green city with harmonious integration of nature and industry, ecological and modernised development.

In the promotional video, greenness can be seen everywhere across the city, such as in modern high-rise buildings, riverside parks, country footpaths, and ancient towns and houses.

Wind power facilities scattered along its coast steadily bring clean energy to the city. Its e-governance and digital services deliver an efficient, convenient and smart urban life, according to the Publicity Department of the CPC Fuzhou Municipal Committee in a statement.

The committee said, lately, China's "traditional tea-making techniques and related customs" was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 

“The jasmine tea scenting process of Fuzhou is one of the representative programmes of the list, and also a symbolic achievement of Fuzhou's green development,” it added.

Fuzhou is showcasing a green city of business, livability and tourism for people all over the world, from green property to green community.

-- BERNAMA

BEST'S MARKET SEGMENT REPORT: AM BEST REVISES OUTLOOK ON CHINA'S NON-LIFE INSURANCE SEGMENT TO STABLE

HONG KONG, Dec 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has revised its market segment outlook on the China non-life insurance industry to stable from negative due to the segment’s improved underwriting performance and better growth prospects as China eases its zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy.

The Best’s Market Segment Report, “Market Segment Outlook: China Non-Life Insurance,” states that non-life companies’ net profit increased by 20% year over year as of the third quarter of 2022 (2022Q3). As the non-life segment in aggregate has a relatively high net premium leverage (a measure of net premium written to capital level), the improvement in underwriting performance was magnified in the overall net profit, which was more than sufficient to offset the recent less favourable investment returns. AM Best notes that the improvements in the segment’s underwriting performance were attributed to benign catastrophe activity for the year to date, and a slowdown in economic activity given COVID-19 lockdowns, and therefore, a lower accident rate. Most importantly, with the negative impact of the 2019 motor comprehensive reform and financing-type credit insurance fully reflected in recent years’ performance, AM Best notes that this allows the non-life segment to begin 2023 anew in terms of underwriting performance.

“The large insurance companies typically have more favourable operating outlooks given their strong capabilities to source profitable business and manage down acquisition costs amid market reform,” said Christie Lee, senior director, AM Best. “Traditional mid-sized and smaller insurance companies have thus sought to expand into non-motor lines of business or find their own competitive edge to navigate the motor comprehensive reform while pursuing profitability.”

To support the economic growth impacted by pandemic-related lockdowns, China’s central bank set a relatively loose monetary policy that is divergent from the rest of the world. As a result, government bond yields and bank deposit rates have been trending downward, which makes the search for yield more challenging. At the same time, as of 2022Q3, both investment returns from equities and fixed income instruments have recorded worse than historical levels. With a relaxation of several tough COVID-19 restrictions, combined with a change in policy direction to support the struggling real estate sector’s fundraising, the investment outlook for insurance companies in 2023 is expected to be better relative to 2022. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=45007

PAMCO, EFT develop raw material-manufacturing process for lithium-ion batteries

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- Pacific Metals Co Ltd (PAMCO), in collaboration with Emulsion Flow Technologies Ltd (EFT), has developed a process for manufacturing raw materials of lithium-ion battery (LIB) cathodes utilising emulsion-flow technology.

PAMCO has also developed a practical, cost-effective emulsion-flow solvent extraction process applicable to commercial production, the company said in a statement today.

“The rapid migration towards electric vehicles is expected to pave the way towards carbon neutrality, however, in connection with this trend, securing a stable supply of the critical metals necessary for LIB has become a challenge.

“In this context, PAMCO has been developing a manufacturing process utilising hydrometallurgical technology in order to create a business for manufacturing and sales of raw materials for LIB.

“Having focused on emulsion-flow technology to reduce the cost of the solvent extraction process, PAMCO has been working with EFT to develop a manufacturing process that utilises the technology,” it said.

Emulsion-flow technology is an innovative technology enabling the separation of high-purity elements at lower cost and higher efficiency than is attainable with conventional solvent extraction technology, and it is expected to contribute to resolving social issues around critical metals.

Established in April 2021, EFT is a start-up established by researchers from the Japan Atomic Energy Agency that first developed the emulsion flow solvent extraction technology to separate specific elements from spent, or used, nuclear fuel.

“PAMCO has concluded a comprehensive support agreement (EF custom design agreement) with EFT for process development and basic plant design and has been studying the practical application of emulsion-flow solvent extraction to the process of manufacturing raw materials for LIB,” it said.

The company aims to achieve its long-term vision of becoming a comprehensive materials company that co-creates a sustainable, recycling-oriented society by developing and commercialising not only manufacturing processes for LIB raw materials but also low-cost, high-efficiency, high-purity refining processes for other critical metals.

-- BERNAMA

LEADING US BANK SELECTS TEMENOS TO MODERNISE WEALTH MANAGEMENT PLATFORM

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- A leading US financial institution has selected Temenos to modernise its wealth management platform.

The Swiss-based banking software provider said its wealth management platform would support the bank’s strategic transition to a cloud-based core banking system and help drive growth in Europe and the Asia Pacific.

“The bank looks to transform its operations and drive efficiencies at scale while offering first-class services and products to its clients,” Temenos said in a statement.

Temenos serves over 3,000 banks, from the largest to challengers and community banks in 150-plus countries, by helping them build new banking services and state-of-the-art customer experiences.

The Temenos open platform helps its top-performing clients achieve a return on equity three times the industry average and cost-to-income ratios half the industry average.

-- BERNAMA

Cloudflare to provide free security framework for critical infrastructure organisations

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- Cloudflare Inc, the security, performance, and reliability company helping to build a better internet, has recently announced a new impact initiative to provide Zero Trust security at no cost to small and medium critical infrastructure organisations worldwide.

Zero Trust is a security framework requiring all users, whether in or outside the organisation’s network, to be authenticated, authorised, and continuously validated for security configuration before being granted to data or applications.

Cloudflare co-founder and chief executive officer Matthew Prince said in a statement: “Given the success we have had with our critical infrastructure programme in the United States, we are excited to bring it to more countries around the world.

“Cloudflare is the only company ensuring that Zero Trust is accessible to the smaller infrastructure organisations that are most vulnerable, and most relied upon in their communities, the local health clinics, energy providers, or local utilities that keep communities running,” he said.

Named “Project Safekeeping”, this new programme aims to protect under-resourced organisations that provide a critical community benefit but are at high risk for cyberattacks, with initial efforts focused in Australia, Germany, Japan, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.

Eligible entities in these regions will gain access to enterprise-level Zero Trust cybersecurity services, as well as world-class application security products like DDOS protection and Web Application Firewall for free.

To be eligible, Project Safekeeping participants must be nonprofit entities, local government entities, and small and medium-sized private organisations whose primary focus is providing services that are vital to their communities' health, safety and basic economic needs.

-- BERNAMA

LeddarTech Showcasing New Sensor Fusion and Perception Products and CES Award-Winning LeddarVision Software January 5-8 in Las Vegas at CES 2023

QUEBEC, Dec 14 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LeddarTech®, a global leader in providing the most flexible, robust and accurate ADAS and AD software technology, is pleased to announce its participation at CES 2023, January 5-8 in Las Vegas, where it will showcase its automotive-grade software enabling ADAS and AD at booth # 5475, LVCC West Hall.

The theme of LeddarTech’s CES destination booth is: “Accelerating Safer ADAS Deployment With High-Performance Low-Level Fusion and Perception Software.”

Visit the LeddarTech exhibition booth to:

WITNESS A NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTION: The LeddarTech LVF Family of Front-View Solutions for Level 2-2+ ADAS Applications

The LVF family of products is a flexible and scalable, comprehensive front-view fusion and perception stack that supports entry-level to premium ADAS L2/L2+ highway assist and NCAP/GSR applications. LVF product family provides high-end features and performance at the lowest hardware cost.

LVF-E is a front-view fusion and perception stack for entry-level ADAS L2/L2+ highway assist and 5-star NCAP 2025/GSR 2022.

LVF-H is the premium companion fusion and perception stack in the front-view product family featuring extended sensor configuration.

EXPERIENCE: The CES 2023 Innovation Award-Winning LeddarVision Low-Level Data Fusion and Perception Interactive Dashboard Demonstrations

LeddarVision™ is a low-level sensor fusion and perception solution for automotive and off-road industrial ADAS and autonomous L2-L5 driving applications. Various demonstrations will show how the LeddarVision solution outperforms other solutions that enable ADAS and AD applications. LeddarVision technology was awarded the coveted Sensor Perception award at Tech.AD USA last month in Detroit. In early 2022, it was also recognized by the Volkswagen Group Innovation Tel Aviv 2022 Konnect and CARIAD Startup Challenge and the Shenzhen Automotive Electronics Industry Association.

RIDE ALONG LeddarCar Live: Delegates representing Automotive Tier 1-2 suppliers and OEMs are invited to book a real-world on-road demonstration of LeddarTech’s LeddarVision low-level fusion and perception software technology. Space is limited, so reserve your LeddarCar on-road demo now.

CES delegates are invited to pre-arrange a meeting in one of their two “on-location” meeting rooms for product demonstrations, media and industry analyst interviews or investor discussions.

“CES 2023 is the ideal forum for LeddarTech to share our incredibly unique and multiple award-winning low-level sensing and perception software solutions and products for ADAS and AD applications,” stated Mr. Charles Boulanger, CEO of LeddarTech. “I expect automotive Tier 1-2s and OEMs will be impressed with our game-changing technology,” he added.

About LeddarTech

LeddarTech, a global software company founded in 2007, develops and provides comprehensive perception solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS and autonomous driving applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies AI and computer vision algorithms to generate highly accurate 3D models of the environment, allowing for better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is leveraged by OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle solutions.

LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 140 patents granted or applied for that enhance ADAS and AD capabilities. Reliable perception is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.leddartech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Contact:
Daniel Aitken, Vice-President, Global Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations, LeddarTech Inc.
Tel.: + 1-418-653-9000 ext. 232 daniel.aitken@leddartech.com

Investor relations contact and website: InvestorRelations@leddartech.com
https://investors.leddartech.com/

Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarSteer, LeddarEngine, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, LeddarCore, LeddarEcho, VAYADrive, VayaVision, XLRator and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/22263e34-474e-40f9-91d4-0ce7212fab53

SOURCE : LeddarTech inc.

NTHU bags Taiwan University Sustainability Award

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- Taiwan’s National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) has been awarded the Taiwan University Sustainability Award for the second year in a row at the 15th Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards ceremony held by the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy.

According to a statement, standing out amongst the 47 participating universities, NTHU was ranked first in the comprehensive evaluation.

In the individual competitions, it received the University Sustainability Report Gold Award.

NTHU president W. John Kao accepted the award, which was personally conferred by the president of the Legislative Yuan, You Si-kun.

Kao said NTHU is planning to put more emphasis on sponsored research projects reflecting the 17 goals of sustainable development promulgated by the United Nations.

“In terms of education, the school encourages teachers and students to take practical steps with a positive impact on sustainability; at the administrative level, the allocation of school resources takes into consideration energy use and other environmental factors.

“In terms of interaction with the wider society, the school is planning to set up a platform for facilitating innovation cooperation with the corporate and government sectors,” he noted.

The judges cited the exemplary way in which NTHU has adopted an innovative approach to integrating classroom learning, campus activities and social service, thereby enriching students’ education and creating a diverse, flexible and interdisciplinary learning environment in accordance with the principle of “Think locally, act globally”.

In addition, the university’s Sustainability Committee has formulated and implemented a sustainable development strategy which seamlessly integrates resources inside and outside NTHU, so as to bring to realisation the school motto, “Self-discipline and social commitment”.

In its ongoing efforts in the area of sustainability, NTHU has appointed 15 student sustainability ambassadors this year.

-- BERNAMA

ACTYV.AI APPOINTS SANJEEV CHHABRA AS CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER TO DRIVE GLOBAL EXPANSION

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- Singapore-headquartered artificial intelligence (AI)-powered enterprise software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, actyv.ai, has appointed Sanjeev Chhabra as its chief growth officer to drive global expansion.

“Sanjeev brings a strategic mindset and is a business builder known for reliability, integrity and discipline.

“His leadership and experience in driving synergies to deliver exceptional results will accelerate future growth and global expansion of our platform,” founder and global chief executive officer Raghunath Subramanian said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, Chhabra said the appointment is an exciting as well as challenging next step in his career.

“This (appointment) would allow me to build on the significant achievements of actyv.ai in offering technology solutions globally,” he said.

Chhabra is a corporate banker with more than 25 years of experience in client management and credit risk management with extensive international exposure across geographies including South East Asia, Middle East (Gulf Cooperation Council), Africa and India, building and leading teams to drive revenue growth. 

His stints include Standard Chartered Bank (sustainable finance, credit and portfolio management, leveraged finance) across Dubai, UAE, Singapore and India, ING Bank (investment banking) and Bank of America (corporate finance).

Chhabra’s areas of expertise are originating and executing complex transactions across sectors for large corporates, multinationals and private equity funds.

-- BERNAMA

Vonage named Asia-Pacific CPaaS company of the year by Frost & Sullivan

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- Global business cloud communications leader, Vonage has been named Asia-Pacific Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan for a record-breaking fourth consecutive year.

The company said in a statement that it was selected following a rigorous analytical process, involving a detailed evaluation of best practices’ criteria including visionary innovation and performance, and customer impact.

Vonage executive vice president, product and engineering Savinay Berry said this award is a testament to the company's continued leadership, innovation and growth within the industry and especially in the Asia-Pacific region where it is privileged to serve customers across a wide variety of industries, including Razer, WELL ROOM, Monjin, Doctor Anywhere, and Manulife.

Vonage was recognised for its robust Communications API Platform, which allows for the integration of fully programmable application programming interfaces (APIs) into existing products, workflows and systems.

It also provides businesses worldwide with the power and flexibility to integrate multiple communications channels − video, voice, SMS, social chat apps, messaging, email, artificial intelligence (AI), and verification − into their applications, products, and workflows to create new paradigms in their industries.

The Vonage conversational commerce application also enables businesses to create AI-powered omnichannel experiences that boost sales and increase customer satisfaction.

With over one million developers worldwide, Vonage Communications APIs are enabling businesses to build better connections, conversations and engagement with customers and employees.

-- BERNAMA

SaVia Health raises US$8.5 mln seed round to optimise patient care pathways

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- Healthcare technology company, SaVia Health announced it has raised US$8.5 million (US$1=RM4.42) in its seed round funding.

The round was led by Intel Capital with participation from Kickstart, Peterson Ventures, Tom Burton, the founder of Health Catalyst, and Dr Brent James, a professor at Stanford and renowned luminary in the healthcare quality improvement field.

According to a statement, with this funding round, the company will further develop the self-authoring platform, expand its existing library of off-the-shelf applications, and focus on rapidly driving sales.

“When I first saw clinicians using the SaVia tools, I knew the platform was something special. Never in my 21 years of clinical practice have I seen a piece of technology so fiercely embraced by clinicians.

“Clinicians can finally design, implement, and modify care processes in a way that mirrors the rapidly evolving clinical landscape,” said SaVia Health co-founder and chief executive officer Dr Will Caldwell.

Today, SaVia Health provides clinicians and administrators with a versatile software tool that transforms paper-based care processes into digital workflows, embedding them directly into the electronic medical records. As a result, clinicians have real-time clinical advice at their fingertips.

By standardising care along best practice guidelines, mistakes are avoided and patients achieve better outcomes.

SaVia Health, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, was founded by a clinician, Dr Caldwell, and a group of veteran healthcare software engineers led by David Edwards based in Salt Lake City, seeking to provide clinicians with the ability to self-author clinical care pathways and provide clinical advice at the point of care.

-- BERNAMA

AM Best affirms Korean Re’s Credit Ratings

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (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 Korean Reinsurance Company (Korean Re), South Korea.

AM Best said in a statement the outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect Korean Re’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assessed as very strong as well as its adequate operating performance, favourable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

Korean Re’s risk-adjusted capitalisation is assessed at the strongest level as measured by Best’s capital adequacy ratio.The company’s capital showed solid growth in 2022, despite some unrealised losses from its available-for-sale bond holdings, supported by recent issuances of hybrid bonds to prepare for new accounting and solvency regimes (IFRS 17 and K-ICS) as well as to support its growing business.

AM Best notes that the impact of recent rising interest rates on the company’s capital was not material due to relatively short durations of its bond assets and a large share of held-to-maturity securities.

Korean Re’s balance sheet strength is also supported by good accessibility to capital market and a conservative investment strategy.

The company is ranked 13th in the global reinsurance market in terms of gross written premium (GWP) in 2021, supported by its dominant position in South Korea’s reinsurance market and its growing overseas business.

Despite the recent decline in domestic market share following its portfolio restructuring to improve profitability, AM Best believes that Korean Re’s market leadership will remain unchallenged over the medium term.

The company’s overseas business increased gradually and accounted for more than a quarter of its consolidated GWP in recent years, mainly through the company’s continued efforts in global expansion, especially to Europe, and North and Latin America in recent years.

-- BERNAMA

IETA AND FOUNDING PARTNERS ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF CLIMATE ACTION DATA TRUST

·  Global open-source metadata system launches to unify carbon credit registry data
·  Founding Partners IETA, World Bank and Singapore Government announce the CAD Trust Council to provide strategic guidance
·  Major registries will plan to connect during Q1 2023, when the public data layer will go live

SINGAPORE, Dec 8 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Today the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA), the World Bank and the Government of Singapore announced the launch of the Climate Action Data Trust (CAD Trust), and that initial integration and connection with several major registries is underway.

The CAD Trust Founding Partners also announced the governance structure and the composition of the CAD Trust Council that will advise and guide the initiative by setting its strategic direction.

CAD Trust was formed by three Founding Partners, IETA, the World Bank and the Singapore Government. It will engage with a variety of governments and public and private organisations to set the specifications for an open-source metadata system to share information about carbon credits and projects across digital platforms, easing future integration of multiple registry systems.

Major registries, along with other national registries and the wider ecosystem of registries will plan to connect to CAD Trust in early 2023, with the first layer of data to be made publicly available at that point. Many of these registries are already represented via the CAD Trust Council, with integration into the data layer already underway for several of them.

Dirk Forrister, President and CEO, IETA, said: “Today’s launch of the CAD Trust marks a significant step in the evolution of carbon markets. It will lead to the creation of a centralised, accessible and secure digital infrastructure that national governments and private businesses can rely upon as they expand carbon markets to meet their net-zero goals. This system will provide the integrity and public trust necessary for scaling up investment in climate action.” 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=44955

SABIN'S GOLD MEDAL AND RISING STAR AWARDED TO EXTRAORDINARY SCIENTISTS

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- The Sabin Vaccine Institute has awarded 2022 Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal to vaccine research leader Kathrin U. Jansen, PhD, and the Rising Star to immunologist Kizzmekia Corbett, PhD.

“The two extraordinary scientists have been honoured for their breakthrough vaccine research that changed the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, advanced public health, and saved countless lives,” it said in a statement.

The Gold Medal, now in its 29th year, is Sabin’s highest scientific honour, given annually to a distinguished member of the global health community who has made exceptional contributions to vaccinology or a complementary field.

“We are delighted to recognise Dr Jansen with our Gold Medal award for her commitment to furthering vaccines and tackling tough scientific challenges in the interest of benefitting humanity and saving lives.

“Sabin is delighted to name Dr Corbett this year’s Rising Star. Her contributions to vaccine development are matched only by her dedication to shoring up vaccine confidence, especially among skeptics,” said Sabin’s chief executive officer, Amy Finan.

Dr Jansen was selected for her nearly three decades of commitment to advancing vaccine research and development (R&D) for a range of challenging diseases from COVID-19 to HPV and pneumonia, all of which afflict adults and children in low-and middle-income countries with already fragile health care systems.

Meanwhile, Sabin’s Rising Star Dr Corbett is an assistant professor of immunology and infectious diseases at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. 

A viral immunologist by training, Dr Corbett works to advance vaccine development for pandemic preparedness and to build public confidence in vaccines, particularly among communities of colour facing health disparities.

The Sabin Vaccine Institute is a leading advocate for expanding vaccine access and uptake globally, advancing vaccine research and development, and amplifying vaccine knowledge and innovation.

-- BERNAMA

SMART Modular Technologies unveils new family of data centre solid state drives

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- SMART Modular Technologies Inc (SMART), a division of SGH, is now offering a new class of high performance, power efficient, data centre solid state disk drives (SSDs) beginning with the DC4800 PCIe Gen 4 family.

The global leader in memory solutions, solid-state drives and hybrid storage products said that SMART’s DC4800 devices are designed with a specialised hardware-accelerated SSD controller that draws less power without compromising storage input/output (I/O) performance.

“Zero-induced throttling allows these SSDs to perform better under continued duress, even when they are pushed to their performance limit,” it said in a statement.

“Today’s leading-edge servers are not only expected to manage a significant mass of transactions to enable processes like machine learning, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, but they are also expected to be more power efficient.

“Data centres are increasingly challenged by performance and energy demands as they expand to address these new workloads that process data from an ever growing array of intelligent devices at the edge,” said data centre architect for SMART, Andy Mills.

“Initial sampling is already in process with several original equipment manufacturers and system builders,” it added.

SMART has been helping customers around the world to enable high-performance computing through the design, development and advanced packaging of specialty memory solutions.

-- BERNAMA

Stratio obtains ITxPT TiGR industry standards certification

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- Stratio, a leading global provider of predictive maintenance for transport operators, has announced that the Stratio Platform for Public Transport has been certified by ITxPT as compliant with the Telediagnostic for Intelligent Garage in Real-time (TiGR) protocol standards.

The TiGR standardised protocol allows public transport operators to import external data into the Stratio Platform and export Stratio’s vehicle technical data and diagnostic insights into other back office systems.

This protocol facilitates the interoperability of the platform, enabling a fully integrated ecosystem that facilitates seamless maintenance operations, stock management, and reporting, Stratio said in a statement.

Co-founder and chief executive officer, Ricardo Margalho said Stratio’s main objective is to simplify the lives of transport operators, optimise operational efficiency, and give service teams a unified view of the state of their vehicles.

“For this reason, a fully interoperable interface is a key added value for our product, which allows us to work closely with operators and partners to extend the amount of data being shared between different systems and tools,” he added.

The Keolis Group will be the first Stratio customer to take advantage of the recently certified TiGR protocol, with plans for deployment across their electric bus fleet in Blois, France.

-- BERNAMA

TRANSFERJET CONSORTIUM MEMBER CARRIES OUT FIELD TRIAL OF CONTENT DISTRIBUTION SERVICE IN INDIA, DISTRIBUTING MOVIES AND GAMES USING TRANSFERJET X WIRELESS TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY

TOKYO, Dec. 7, 2022 /Kyodo JBN-Asianet/ --

- Touch and Get 2-hour Movie in 2 Seconds - A field trial of high-speed content distribution service was carried out at several subway stations around New Delhi, India, in November 2022 by HRCP Research and Development Partnership (hereinafter "HRCP R&D"), a member of the Tokyo-based TransferJet Consortium (hereinafter "the TJC"). The service enables users to download movies and games at an extremely high speed by just touching the devices used. Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107196/202211290518/_prw_PI1fl_gLth0U1I.jpg Outline of the trial: Given a TransferJet X-installed dongle, attached to an Android smartphone, participants can select their favorite content types on an app developed by HRCP R&D. Then, by touching a Touch Point (transfer device) at a station, the selected content, for example, a 2-hour-long HD movie, is transferred in 2 seconds. The content is protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM). HRCP R&D is developing SoC (System-on-a-Chip) technology of TransferJet X ( https://www.hrcp.jp/en ). Image: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107196/202211290518/_prw_PI2fl_85iBC3Od.jpg Summary of TransferJet X specification: https://www.transferjet.org/tj/tj_spec.html The TJC has led a group at IEEE to successfully develop the IEEE 802.15.3e standard amendment and at ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) to successfully develop the recommendation M.2003-2. Based on both standards, the TJC published the TransferJet X technical standard using 60GHz millimeter wave radio in May 2022. This standard established higher speed data transfer up to 13.1 Gbps while keeping easy operation and realized extreme high-volume content transfer like 4K video or VR. In addition, the required connection setup time has been reduced to 2 msec or less, allowing new usage scenarios such as delivering content while walking through a ticket gate. http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=44945

AIRWALLEX STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP BENCH WITH FIRST C-SUITE EXECUTIVE BASED IN SINGAPORE

Long-term Airwallex senior executive Kai Wu named Chief Revenue Officer and APAC GM, will lead newly-created global revenue function from Singapore

SINGAPORE, Dec 6 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Leading global fintech platform Airwallex is excited to announce that Kai Wu has been jointly appointed as the company’s Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and Asia-Pacific General Manager (APAC GM). Kai has held a number of senior positions at Airwallex for close to five years, including as Chief Financial Officer and Greater China CEO. He will lead the new functions from Singapore, marking the company’s first C-suite executive in the country. These appointments come as Airwallex aims to rapidly accelerate its growth globally and in APAC in 2023.

In the newly created CRO role, Kai is responsible for the company’s global revenue strategy, as well as closer alignment of all revenue-related functions globally, from marketing, sales, customer success to revenue operations. As Airwallex continues to grow and expand, Kai will play a pivotal role to increase revenue growth in a scalable and sustainable manner.

In addition to his responsibility of driving the global revenue strategy, Kai’s role as APAC GM reflects expanded responsibilities for oversight of Airwallex’s business operations across the Asia-Pacific region. Kai will spearhead the company’s growth plans in the region and drive greater efficiency across the markets where Airwallex operates. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=44926

Gigamon is one of Singapore's Top 10 best places to work

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 6 (Bernama) -- Gigamon, the leading deep observability company, has been awarded the Great Place to Work Certification which recognises the company as one of Singapore’s Top 10 best places to work.

Organised by Great Place to Work, winners were chosen based on surveys distributed to 37,000 employees across various industries in the republic.

Among those surveyed, 95 per cent of Gigamon employees say that when they join the company, they are made to feel welcome.

Gigamon vice-president of APAC Simon Lee, in a statement, said: “This recognition reflects our commitment to putting employees first in line with our company core beliefs.

“We are committed to fostering an unparalleled employee experience and it is a privilege to receive this recognition, especially after navigating the pandemic.”

According to the research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a certified great workplace.

Additionally, employees at Certifi ed workplaces are 93 per cent more likely to look forward to coming to work and are twice as likely to be paid well, earn a share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at career advancement.

The Great Place to Work Certification is the only official recognition determined by employees’ real-time reports of their company culture.

“Earning this designation means that Gigamon is one of the best companies to work for in the country,” said Great Place to Work global recognition vice-president Sarah Lewis-Kulin.

To foster a positive working environment, the company’s One Gigamon culture offers initiatives including GigaWomen, a group of women and allies who collaborate to empower all women, and Gigamon Giving, a programme that encourages employees to give back by matching both donations and volunteer hours.

Additionally, in response to the pandemic, Gigamon created resources and virtual opportunities to enable its employees to engage in meaningful ways while working remotely.

This includes ongoing mental health support where Gigamon implemented regular company-wide “down days” and free access to self-development training courses.

-- BERNAMA

AM Best upgrades South Korea’s Meritz Credit Ratings to A (Excellent)

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best, has upgraded South Korea’s Meritz Fire and Marine Insurance Co Ltd (Meritz) Financial Strength Rating to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to “a” (Excellent) from “a-” (Excellent).

In a statement, AM Best said that the outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) has been revised to stable from positive.

It said the ratings reflected Meritz’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assessed as strong, as well as strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

AM Best said the rating upgrade reflected the company’s strong profitability in recent years, which has been supported by consistently superior investment performance and improved underwriting performance.

“The company reported a double-digit return-on-equity ratio in each of the past five years with an average of 17.7 per cent (2017-2021),” it said.

It said while Meritz continued to outperform its domestic peers in terms of loss ratio and investment returns, its expense ratio had increased steeply prior to 2019 driven by strong new business growth.

AM Best said Meritz’s risk-adjusted capitalisation was assessed as very strong, as measured by AM Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, supported by strong internal capital generation and good financial flexibility.

It added that although the general agency channel remained a major distribution channel, Meritz has recently been trying to expand its tied agent channel to strengthen its control over distribution as well as improve overall channel profitability.

Meritz is the fifth-largest non-life insurer in South Korea and its market share has gradually increased over the past five years to 11.3 per cent in 2021 in terms of gross premium written from 8.6 per cent in 2017.

-- BERNAMA

Huawei calls on ICT industry players to level the playing field

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Huawei has called on the information and communications technology (ICT) industry players to create a level playing field for all, and not just their employees.

Huawei, like many other companies within the ICT industry, has advocated fairness, opportunity, and equity within its own operations. 

“Notably, the company has taken measurable steps to increase diversity in its workforce and increase the internal representation of marginalised groups,” it said in a statement.

It is widely understood that significant, tangible results from such programmes are often slow to materialise.

Therefore, Huawei has focused many of its efforts beyond the boundaries of its own talent pool and created dedicated programmes aimed at benefiting the tech sphere as a whole.

With the use of ICT to connect the unconnected, Huawei hopes to give everyone their own path and a fair chance to pursue their dreams.

Huawei’s first “White Paper on Approaches to Fairness, Equity & Opportunity at their Women in Tech event was held at the Peter Drucker Forum last month and was part of the company’s ongoing campaign to increase digital skills education and access for women across the world.

Following a philosophy of “Tech for Her, Tech by Her, Tech with Her”, Huawei officially launched its Women in Tech initiative in 2020.

The company has since worked on developing and using technology that will specifically benefit women, building a more woman-friendly environment within the tech industry, and encouraging more women to take on leadership roles.

Huawei’s Women in Tech carnival brought together renowned female leaders from around the world as well as up-and-coming young talents to inspire more young women to thrive and take leadership roles in various industries.

-- BERNAMA