Wemade Tackles World Fishing Championship Global Pre-registration

 

World Fishing Championship, the first fishing game on WEMIX PLAY, started its global pre-registration on May 25th (Graphic: Wemade) 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- South Korean online game developer, Wemade Co Ltd has started global pre-registration of World Fishing Championship, a new fishing game developed by Wemade Plus.

As the first fishing game on WEMIX PLAY, a blockchain game platform by Wemade, World Fishing Championship will officially launch in 170 countries (excluding Korea and China) on May 25.

According to Wemade in a statement, pre-registration is available on Google Play.

For one month after the launch, all users including those that have pre-registered will receive special items, such as Fishing Gear Box and 10 Platinum Lucky Box Tickets. Users can collect around 500 species of fish ranging from tropical to prehistoric by travelling worldwide.

Through character growth and improvement of skills, users can engage in strategic and exciting battles with various kinds of fish in addition to a diverse range of contents, such as PvP and championship matches will also be available.

Fish collected in the aquarium can be viewed in various ways, by using a 360-degree camera, or through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. Users can also observe the food chain that was created using artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

-- BERNAMA

WHR GLOBAL RELEASES "ASK THE EXPERT" 2023 DESTINATION SERVICES BENCHMARK REPORT

MILWAUKEE, April 26 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHR Global (WHR), a leader in the global employee relocation industry, announced the release of its international 2023 Destination Services Benchmark Report called “Ask the Expert.” WHR surveyed 32 companies from its trusted destination services provider network, covering 56 countries worldwide. WHR believes its Benchmark report will help current and future clients compare their global mobility programs to other companies’ destination service offerings for relocating employees and assignees. As companies continue to compete for talent, relocation benefits must be competitive.

Destination services help relocating employees get settled in their new location and can include the following: Area Orientation; Local Registration; Tenancy Management, Lease Check Out and Property Management; Home Search; Mortgage Counseling; Temporary Housing; Spousal and Partner Career Assistance; Help with Immigration (Visa and Immigration Regulations); School Search for Children; Moving Pets; Language and Cultural Training; and Other Settling-In Services.

WHR’s Benchmark data includes the following for 56 countries:

· The average number of days companies offer destination services and days recommended, by country (by entry-level, mid-level and executive-level employees; and by varying family sizes).
· The most common leasing arrangement for expats, by country.
· Destination services presenting the most difficulty, by country.
· Departure services offered for employees leaving a location, by country.
· Ease or difficulty getting security deposits back and timeline, by country.
· Additional recommended destination services, by country. 

According to WHR Strategic Initiatives Manager, Sean Thrun, “Benchmarking destination services helps answer key questions that are critical to employee engagement and retention: Am I offering my employees enough support? Should we provide departure services, or are employees capable of handling on their own? What should my employees be aware of when they move to this country? If your employees are highly specialized and difficult to replace, this Benchmark will guide the service level you provide, and help your employees relocate eyes wide open."

Findings from the comprehensive Benchmark include:

· In Germany, a security deposit can take up to 11 months to be returned because the tenant must wait until the end of the year for utility company calculations.
· In the Philippines, a destination service provider recommended at least two days support for entry-level employees (with family sizes of one) and five days of support for executive-level employees (with family sizes of three). 

See more data and download the complete 2023 Destination Services Benchmark Report “Ask the Expert” here.

About WHR Global
WHR Global (WHR) is a private, client-driven global relocation management company distinguished by its best-in-class service delivery and cutting-edge, proprietary technology. WHR has offices in Milwaukee, Wis., Basel, Switzerland, and Singapore. With its 100% client retention rate for the past decade, WHR continues to position itself as the trusted leader in global employee relocation. WHR lives by its vision and passion for Advancing Lives Forward^® and Making the Complex Simple. To learn more about WHR, visit http://www.whrg.com, or follow on LinkedIn or Twitter.

Media Contact: Mindy Stroiman, Corporate Writer
Mindy.Stroiman@whrg.com
262.523.7510  

SOURCE: WHR Group

--BERNAMA

TRAVELLERS DESTINATION "MOVING INN TOKACHI KITANOMORI" OPENS IN HOKKAIDO

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Moving Inn Inc has opened "Moving Inn Tokachi Kitanomori (Forest-of-the-North in English)" on April 28, in Hokkaido, Japan, which is fast becoming a destination spot for international travellers.

According to a statement, Moving Inn Tokachi Kitanomori delivers luxurious accommodations in breathtaking natural surroundings at four secluded spots within more than 16 acres of virgin forest.

Moving Inn provides a unique travel and camping experience that allows guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the forest and waterways while staying in a cozy trailer home.

The individual lodging sites are isolated within the premises, and guests can choose between two styles, namely the "Grand Suite" sites, "NAGAME" and "AWASE", and the "Nature Suite" sites, "KODACHI" and "HOTORI”.

Each "Grand Suite" consists of a guest room trailer and a dining trailer, both fully equipped with hotel-like accommodations, which commands beautiful views that bring guests closer to the nature of Hokkaido.

Meanwhile, the "Nature Suite" is designed to be used with a campervan that connects to the on-site deck which is equipped with a shower, toilet, wood-burning sauna, open-air bath, outdoor kitchen and fireplace, whereby guests can choose to stay in a tent at this site.

Guests can rent a high-class camper such as a Hiace or Land Cruiser that has been customised by Moving Inn for camping. It can be used as lodging or guests can drive their vans to their site.

All sites have an enclosed wood-fired sauna and open-air baths. Creative cuisine which is made from local wild ingredients and supervised by Kan Morieda, a well-known Tokyo-based chef from Hokkaido, is available.

Guests can enjoy delicious meals using wild local ingredients from Hokkaido, especially Tokachi, while relaxing under the shade trees. There are a total of five to six courses when people choose the dining trailer hearth.

-- BERNAMA

PIE SYSTEMS OFFERS "PIE VAT" APP USERS VISITING JAPAN FREE INTERNET SERVICE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) – Pie Systems Japan Co Ltd, a leading travel tech company which provides the VAT refund solution "PIE VAT" and a subsidiary of Pie Systems Inc, has started providing 5G eSIM for free to PIE VAT app users visiting Japan.

According to Pie Systems in a statement, users can access the service by downloading tax-free shopping app PIE VAT.

Pie Systems Japan Chief Executive Officer, Hiroaki Mizuno said with the eSIM free internet service provided by Pie Systems, users can set up eSIM easily and quickly and access the internet via PIE VAT.

“We provide users with a high-speed and stress-free communications environment through the eSIM that supports 5G. Users can easily claim their VAT refunds with the PIE VAT app at PIE VAT partner stores and shopping malls.

“PIE VAT is a travel platform to connect travellers with retailers/merchants. The app serves as a bridge between them to eliminate various inconveniences during trips. We will continue launching new services to support travellers' wonderful trips,” he said.

PIE VAT is a digital platform delivering delightful tourism, starting with digitising tax-free shopping for merchants and tourists as well as reducing the operational burden for merchants and improving shopping experience for tourists.

Merchants can set up PIE VAT on their personal computers (PCs) or tablets without hardware integration while tourists can easily claim their VAT refunds when travelling abroad with the PIE VAT app.

Users can easily and quickly set up the eSIM via PIE VAT. The eSIM allows them to access the internet and complete VAT refund procedures using the free internet service.

In addition, users can enjoy a high-speed, stress-free communications environment with the eSIM that supports 5G, and can use 1 gigabyte (GB) of data free for a maximum of 30 days.

--  BERNAMA 

Carrier Billing Spend Reaches Us$122 Bln By 2027 - Juniper Research

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- A new study from Juniper Research, foremost experts in payments, revealed that carrier billing spend will reach US$122 billion globally by 2027, rising from US$70 billion in 2023. (US$1=RM4.42)

In a statement, Juniper Research said this growth of 74 per cent over the next four years will be driven by carrier billing expanding beyond content and into physical goods and ticketing.

The market-leading report assesses key verticals across digital content, physical goods and services, and ranks carrier billing spend by the following top verticals, in 2027 which are Digital Games (34 per cent); Digital Videos (25 per cent); Physical Goods (21 per cent); Ticketing (seven per cent); Digital Music (six per cent) and Other (seven per cent).

Carrier billing is a mobile payment method which allows users to make purchases by charging payments to their mobile phone carrier bill.

Whilst digital games and video will account for almost 60 per cent of global carrier billing spend by 2027, the report identified digital ticketing as the fastest-growing area, a key focus for carrier billing platforms and operators over the next four years driven by Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) subscription platforms.

The report identified Japan as being a market of particular interest. Whilst accounting for only two per cent of global mobile subscribers, it will represent 12 per cent of global carrier billing spend by 2027.

A preference for cash amongst consumers and concerns about using payment cards online will drive users to increasingly adopt carrier billing.

As such, the report urged carrier billing platforms to accelerate their partnerships with online retail merchants, enabling retailers to offer carrier billing payment solutions, and additionally benefit from Japan’s higher-than-average carrier billing spend.

--  BERNAMA

A Majestic Celebration For Li, Miao Traditional "san Yue San" Festival In Ledong, China

 

The Opening Ceremony and the Variety Show of the 2023 Hainan Li and Miao Traditional "San Yue San" Festival at the main venue of the festival activity. ​

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- Ledong Li autonomous county located in the southwest of Hainan Free Trade Port held a grand celebration for the annual traditional Sanyuesan Festival of the Li and Miao ethnic groups, on the third day of the third lunar month, which falls on April 22.

Since ancient times, the "San Yue San" has been a traditional festival for Li and Miao people to mourn their ancestors, praise life and eulogise heroes as well as for their young men and women to find love.

Ledong county launched more than 10 events including the Opening Ceremony and the Variety Show of the 2023 Hainan Li and Miao Traditional "San Yue San" Festival; the Li Brocade Fashion and Culture Show; Traditional Sports Competition; and Hainan Displays of World Heritage in China, according to the Publicity Department of Ledong County Party Committee in a statement.

During the celebration, Ledong also launched a quality tourist route that connects Jianfengling, Longmuwan, Yingge Salt Field and other special tourist resources to give visitors an experience of the unique fascination of Ledong with its mountain and sea as well as the ocean of flowers.

The ancestors of Ledong, flourishing in this magical land since the Neolithic era, created a splendid civilisation that connects the ancient and modern times spanning thousands of years.

According to a local official in Ledong, the "San Yue San" Festival has become an important platform to showcase the ethos of ethnic group people and to pass on and promote the excellent tradition and culture of the Li and Miao ethnic groups.

The official said that through these festival activities, the achievements made by the flourishing Ledong as well as the positive changes in the construction of Hainan Free Trade Port were being demonstrated.

--  BERNAMA

ROBOT++ TO SAIL INTO SOUTHEAST ASIA SHIPPING INDUSTRY WITH SINGAPORE OFFICE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- Robot++, a leading supplier of work-at-height robots, strategically established its Singapore office to tap into Southeast Asia's thriving shipping industry and expand its business throughout the region.

Marking its entrance into the market, the company recently showcased its advanced solutions at SEA Asia and joined the Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers Singapore (SNAMES), according to a statement.

At the SEA Asia Exhibition, Robot++ showcased its safety, efficiency and versatility in various ship-related scenarios, with focus on eco-friendly solutions for surface preparation in ship repair and storage tank surface preparation in the chemical industry.

The company's standout offerings include the HighMate V40 hydroblasting robot and the vacuum recycling pump. Using the UHP pump, the HighMate V40 ultra-pressurises water to effectively remove rust and paint from ship hulls, while the vacuum pump collects wastewater, achieving an impressive 99 per cent recovery rate.

With a 20 per cent increase in efficiency compared to the HighMate V30, autonomous navigation, and an easy-to-maintain modular design, Robot++ looks set to deliver its competitive solutions to the maritime market in Southeast Asia.

In a recent interview after joining SNAMES, Robot++ Singapore General Manager, Si-di Liu said: “Singapore is a developed, politically stable country with a thriving economy.”

“As a world shipping centre, Singapore is an ideal starting point for supporting distributors and expanding our business throughout Southeast Asia. We are truly excited to bring our robot-based solutions to the region and make a significant impact here.”

Speaking on Robot++’s future goals for the region, Liu added: “We are looking to keep growing and developing innovative solutions in Southeast Asia and beyond, making the most of our expanding magnetic and non-magnetic mobile platforms for a wide range of applications in the maritime field and other industries.”

Founded in 2015, Robot++ focuses on the independent research and development of intelligent specialisd robots, and is the first company in China to realise the industrialisation of aerial work robots.

Through in-depth exploration of ship, chemical, energy and other industries, its products have been successfully applied in inspection, flaw detection, cleaning, de-rusting, spraying and polishing, among others.

-- BERNAMA

Uniphore Accessible In Amazon Web Services Marketplace

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- Uniphore, the conversational artificial intelligence (AI) and automation platform, has announced its availability in Amazon Web Services (AWS) Marketplace, a digital catalogue that customers can use to find, buy, deploy and manage third-party software, data, and services to build solutions and run their businesses.

According to a statement, Uniphore is an AWS Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Accelerate Partner, and participates in a co-sell programme for AWS Partners that provide software solutions that run on or with AWS.

Uniphore’s comprehensive AI and automation platform helps businesses efficiently resolve customer queries using a combination of self-serve and agent-assist solutions that are fully customisable to the needs of businesses.

“Today, we are delighted to expand and extend our collaboration with AWS. We look forward to making it easy for global AWS customers and partners to access our leading conversational AI and automation platform to improve the way they engage with their customers,” said Uniphore Vice President, Partnerships, Alliances and Ecosystem, Kennedy Pereira.

Meanwhile, AWS Head of Automations Business, Madhu Raman said: “Uniphore’s solutions on AWS Marketplace are now a key part of our Automations on AWS business portfolio and makes it easy for customers to buy and deploy conversational agents which drive reduction in manual hours of effort.

“Cross-industry customers on AWS benefit from this combination of our broad and deep services including a joint pathway to support conversations with rapidly advancing Natural Language Understanding (NLU) and generative AI capabilities.”

Uniphore believes that conversations are an organisation’s most important asset. With X platform as its foundation of AI, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), natural language processing (NLP), knowledge management (KM), and automation, Uniphore offers comprehensive portfolios to address various enterprise needs.

Its U portfolio helps companies in industries like financial services, healthcare, travel & tourism, and telecom to analyse every customer interaction across all channels to reduce friction and improve customer experience (CX) and employee experience (EX) while saving costs.

Listing in AWS Marketplace allows AWS & Uniphore customers and prospects to easily purchase and manage the right product within the U portfolio from the AWS Marketplace that fits their needs right.

--  BERNAMA

DUCK CREEK TECHNOLOGIES UNVEILS A "WHO'S WHO" PARTICIPATING IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY'S LEADING CONFERENCE FOR TECH DECISION MAKERS, FORMATION '23

The world’s leading insurance industry and technology minds gather in Orlando, FL, May 8-10, 2023

Boston, April 26 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, announces major sponsors, partners, and presenters joining the leading insurance technology decision makers for its upcoming marquee customer conference, Formation ’23. The event is being held May 8 through May 10, 2023, at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida.

With a focus on cultivating a world-class event experience filled with rich content, industry networking opportunities and unforgettable activities, Formation ‘23 is all about “BUILDING TOGETHER.” Duck Creek will welcome the leading insurtech minds and industry professionals of all levels from across the globe in a high-energy environment with ample educational and networking opportunities focused on the latest trends and innovations empowering the insurance industry. Duck Creek is delighted to be joined on stage and in sessions by customers who will share their personal stories and first-hand experiences implementing Duck Creek and partner ecosystem innovations. Notable carriers presenting include Australia-based general insurers Argyle and Hollard, as well as Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, EMC Insurance Companies, GAINSCO Auto Insurance® (GAINSCO), Great American Insurance Group, Indigo Insurance Ltd., and Munich Reinsurance America, Inc.

“This year we have a record number of sponsorship commitments from more than 60 members of our partner ecosystem, including diamond sponsors Glia and LTIMindtree; platinum sponsors Coforge and EY; and gold sponsors Accenture, Aggne Global, Capgemini, Cognizant and Quadient,” said Rohit Bedi, Chief Revenue Officer, Duck Creek Technologies. “This is a testimony to the robust partner ecosystem Duck Creek has built to benefit our customers worldwide. We maintain strong relationships with industry leaders to provide complementary, distinct solutions and services to get our joint customers to market quickly.”

Notably, several influential industry analysts from Aite-Novarica Group (Aite-Novarica), Celent, Everest Group, Forrester, International Data Corporation (IDC) and ReSource Pro Consulting, will participate in various sessions as guest speakers. In particular, Aite-Novarica, Celent, and Forrester will come together to speak in a panel, “Building the future together,” to share how insurers must utilize technology to win in today’s market.

Attendees will get first look at Duck Creek’s latest product vision, strategy, and roadmap. “Duck Creek is committed to providing great products that enable insurers and their customers to thrive,” said Chief Product & Technology Officer Jess Keeney. “We believe great products are personal – delivered and supported through the research and development of humanized experiences. Insurance is more complex with more regulations than ever, and we provide our customers with better data and more technology to manage increased distribution channels and shifting demographics.”

The agenda and speaker line-up are now available on the conference website. For more information on Formation ‘23 or to register now for the year’s must-attend event, please visit https://www.duckcreek.com/formation/.

About Duck Creek Technologies

Duck Creek Technologies is the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and Twitter. 

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SMES LEVERAGE TECH PROVIDERS TO ACCELERATE DIGITAL AMBITIONS - TDCX REPORT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in ASEAN have set their sights on leveraging external tech providers as a way of accelerating their digital ambitions, according to TDCX latest report.

In a statement, TDCX said SMEs are looking to tech providers such as cloud providers, system integrators, cybersecurity specialists, as well as digital platforms for the expertise they require as they grow their businesses.

Across the five ASEAN countries surveyed, more than 84 per cent of SMEs see value in working with an external tech provider.

Titled ASEAN SMEs: Small Business, Big Opportunity for Tech Providers, the report aims to help tech providers globally understand the approach that ASEAN SMEs are taking to grow their business in the digital economy and their expectations of tech providers.

TDCX Chief Executive Officer, Laurent Junique said: “What was once a nice-to-have is now a must-have and SMEs are making up for lost time by tapping the expertise of digital solution providers. Hence, the time is also ripe for digital solution providers to engage with SMEs to support their digital transformation.”

There are more than 70 million SMEs across ASEAN which make up about 97 per cent of all businesses in the region. ASEAN SMEs have signalled their strong commitment to digitalising through their investments.

Over the last three years, they have invested more than US$78 billion on such initiatives and do not plan to slow down, with a further US$130 billion planned for investment over the next three years. (US$1=RM4.46)

The study revealed that close to half (49 per cent) have only digitalised a few functions across their business. On average, ASEAN SMEs are currently using three tech solutions to support their business needs, with digital marketing being the top area of focus.

While the pandemic has expedited the speed of digitalisation among ASEAN SMEs, the rate of advancement is uneven across the region. One-fifth (20 per cent) of the region’s SMEs only took the plunge to digitalise in the last two years and those in the Consumer Goods, Retail and Food and Beverage (F&B) sectors lag behind their peers in their digitalisation journey.

The study found that SMEs top priority over the next two years is to enhance their data analytics and innovation capabilities. To support their digitalisation push, SMEs are looking to work with tech providers that have strong technical skills (76 per cent), industry knowledge (69 per cent), and speedy response times (65 per cent).

The report was conducted by Intuit Research from Sept to Dec 2022, to understand SMEs' mindset toward digitalisation. A total of 750 SMEs were interviewed in five countries, namely, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, with an equal number of participants from each country.

-- BERNAMA

ROCK ON WITH LEGENDARY ICONS IN HONG KONG'S UNIQUE POP CULTURE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- Hongkongers are in for a treat as the city hosts its first-ever Pop Culture Festival through the rich pop culture of Hong Kong with over 20 exciting events scheduled throughout the year.

Hong Kong has one of the most influential pop cultures among Asian cities, especially its pervasive Cantopop and movies from the 1980s to the 1990s, which gave birth to a lot of superstars who were well-known internationally.

According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board in a statement, the timeless influence of those masterpieces can still be found in the pop culture of Hong Kong and even the rest of Asia.

An array of experiences await visitors to relive the golden age of Hong Kong superstars, including the late Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui, who reigned in the music and movie industries.

Some pop culture classics will be reinterpreted with unconventional modern elements, including makeovers of some one-of-a-kind melodies with new components, like jazz and a cappella.

Visitors can savour and reminisce the old days, paying tribute to the legends including, Miss You Much Leslie Exhibition at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum to commemorate the 20th death anniversary of the passing of Cheung (“Gor-gor”) this year.

In addition, the festival will present “Movie Tram” tours, in which the participants will take a walking tour around film locations in Central & Western District before hopping onto a tram, where famous filmmakers will share behind-the-scenes stories and inspirations for cinematic creativity, uncovering the gems of the city’s moving pictures.

The qipao (cheongsam) is a fashion symbol of Chinese culture, as well as a key styling element for female leads in a lot of Hong Kong movies. Therefore, The Cinderella and Her Qipao Exhibition organised by the Hong Kong Film Archive, with over 30 qipaos from a selection of films spanning different eras will be on display, recreating the cultural landscapes of the past with pieces worn by iconic actresses such as Maggie Cheung and Brigitte Lin.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and Hong Kong Film Arts Association will jointly present the Hong Kong Film Arts & Costumes Exhibition displaying iconic costumes, props, sets, paraphernalia and workshop scenes.

For more information about the “Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival”, visit https://www.pcf.gov.hk/en/.

--  BERNAMA

NIPPON EXPRESS (UK) BAGS IATA CERTIFICATION FOR FACILITY IN HEATHROW AIRPORT SUBURBS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- Nippon Express (UK) Ltd (NXUK), a group company of Nippon Express Holdings, Inc, has been awarded IATA CEIV Pharma certification, a quality certificate for pharmaceutical transport established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), for its facility in the suburbs of Heathrow Airport, effective Feb 28.

According to a statement, NXUK was awarded Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certification and Wholesale Distribution Authorisation (WDA) from the United Kingdom (UK) Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in April 2020.

This evidenced its compliance with internationally recognised standards for the proper distribution of pharmaceuticals, and with the acquisition of CEIV Pharma certification, will now be able to provide safer and higher-quality pharmaceutical transportation services using the UK, an important hub for the pharmaceutical industry, as a nodal point

The Nippon Express Group has positioned the pharmaceutical industry as a key industry in its "Nippon Express Group Business Plan 2023 -- Dynamic Growth," and is pursuing the global development of a safe and secure pharmaceutical logistics platform to meet the ever more sophisticated and diverse needs of pharmaceutical logistics.

The group is committed to contributing to the health of people around the world by supporting its customers in the global pharmaceutical industry from a logistics perspective through the establishment of a reliable and safe global pharmaceutical logistics platform.

In addition to major global pharmaceutical companies, the UK is home to numerous small and medium-sized biopharmaceutical companies as well as world-class universities and research institutes, making it a hub for pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.

Demand for vaccines and therapeutics has increased in recent years along with the COVID-19 pandemic, and imports and exports of pharmaceutical products via Heathrow Airport are expected to continue rising in future.

--  BERNAMA

TDCX FILES ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 20-F FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING 2022

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- TDCX Inc (TDCX or the Company) has announced the filing of its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended Dec 31, 2022 with the United States (US) Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).

According to TDCX in a statement, shareholders, owners and holders of the Company’s American Depositary Shares (ADSs) may request a hard copy of the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F containing the audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge.

Singapore-headquartered TDCX is an award-winning digital customer experience (CX) solutions provider for technology and blue-chip companies.

The company provides transformative digital CX solutions, enabling world-leading and disruptive brands to acquire new customers, to build customer loyalty and to protect their online communities.

The annual report on Form 20-F can be accessed on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at investors.tdcx.com or on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

-- BERNAMA

LG U+ MODERNISES NETWORK, GIVING NEW SERVICES WITH CASA SYSTEMS' CLOUD-NATIVE SOLUTIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- Casa Systems has announced that LG U+ selected its virtualised Home eNodeB Gateway solution to help the South Korean operator modernise its network infrastructure and unlock new services and revenue streams as part of its broader network and service strategy.

Casa Systems worked with distribution partner, E-Tech System, a leading provider of information technology (IT) infrastructure and Mobile solutions and services in South Korea.

"As LG U+ looked to scale the reach, performance and security of its corporate services, it recognisd the value of Casa Systems’ fully virtualised HeNB GW and SeGW solution featuring unmatched performance from a small footprint, enabling them to cost-effectively scale services.

“E-Tech System is a leader in the industry with a long history of delivering innovative software-based solutions and services to its customers. We look forward to working with E-Tech System on this and opening new doors for other deployments in Korea that would benefit from our 4G/5G cloud-native solutions,” said Casa Systems Vice President of Technology, Gibson Ang.

With nearly 20 million subscribers on wired and wireless services, LG U+ is one of the largest mobile operators in South Korea with a clear focus on differentiating through modern network infrastructure and advanced services.

Featuring operational simplicity and the ability to quickly add new node deployment, Casa Systems’ virtualised HeNB-GW and SeGW solution will enable LG U+ to simplify its network, improve the 4G service coverage and service quality, and more easily capitalise on the growing market opportunity.

“We believe that the next generation of network services will be transformational for small and medium businesses and enterprise customers through new reach, performance, and capabilities. LG U+ will keep investment into small cells teaming up with Casa Systems and E-Tech System.

“The virtualised solution of Casa’s HeNB-GW and SeGW has the advantage of providing operational agility by requiring less space and power,” said LG U+ Access Team Leader, Jonghyuk Lee.

Based in South Korea, E-Tech System provides optimised IT solutions and professional technical services designed to improve the competitiveness and value of customers’ businesses.

The company has expertise with a wide range of network hardware and software vendors and recognised that Casa Systems’ innovative software design addressed both the service flexibility and network operational requirements of LG U+. Casa Systems and E-Tech System are working on new opportunities to serve operators in the region and expect the LG U+ deployment to be the first of many engagements.

-- BERNAMA

NIPPON EXPRESS GROUP'S MD LOGISTICS LAUNCHES PHARMACEUTICAL WAREHOUSE IN NORTH CAROLINA

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- MD Logistics, LLC (MD), a group company of Nippon Express Holdings, Inc recently held an opening ceremony for the Garner 2000 Pharmaceutical Logistics Center, a dedicated pharmaceutical warehouse established in Garner, North Carolina in January.

North Carolina is a key hub for the pharmaceutical industry in the United States (US), with numerous major pharmaceutical manufacturers and life science companies having expanded into the state, as well as home to many research institutes and universities that have amassed significant medical knowledge and technologies.

The Nippon Express Group has positioned the pharmaceutical industry as a key industry in its "Nippon Express Group Business Plan 2023 -- Dynamic Growth," and is pursuing the global development of a safe and secure pharmaceutical logistics platform to meet increasingly sophisticated and diverse pharmaceutical logistics needs.

According to a statement, MD has four warehouses in Indiana and one in Nevada, and has located its sixth US warehouse in North Carolina, where pharmaceutical logistics needs are high and expected to grow further.

The group will continue supporting customers in the pharmaceutical industry worldwide by building a reliable and secure global pharmaceutical logistics platform, aiming to contribute to the health of people around the world.

--  BERNAMA

BEAR ROBOTICS INVESTMENT IN M2MTECH TO EXTEND FAMED ELEVATOR DELIVERY ROBOT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 (Bernama) -- Bear Robotics, a Silicon Valley-based innovator of indoor service robots, announced a strategic investment to fund its Korea-based partner, M2MTech, which specialises in Internet of Things (IoT) convergence for smart remote and predictive systems with elevators.

This investment comes as Bear Robotics now extends their world-renowned Servi robot line with a fully integrated elevator delivery robot, Servi Lift, which is capable of completing last-mile deliveries inside of multi-story buildings such as hotels, hospitals, corporate campuses, as well as other high-rise commercial and residential real estate properties.

In a statement, Bear Robotics co-founder and chief executive officer, John Ha said, the firm believes this investment will truly maximise facility efficiencies and minimise user inconvenience.

“The ELSA convergence platform developed by M2MTech provides strong security, interoperability and connectivity advantages that will set the stage for us to scale our last-mile mobility solutions,” Ha added.

Meanwhile, its co-founder and chief operating officer, Juan Higueros said: “With the global IoT elevator market forecasted to grow to US$64 billion by 2030, it was imperative for us to invest into our close partnership with M2MTech, and to realise the synergies we believe will advance our last-mile aspirations.

“We are confident that this collaborative approach will generate more efficient operations for many of our existing customers and open a broad array of new opportunities that will place Bear Robotics in a position to be the world’s leading multi-story robot delivery solutions provider.”

In engineering Servi Lift, Bear Robotics sought interoperability as its absolute competitive advantage to be applied with major players in the smart elevator market such as OTIS, TKE, Mitsubishi, KONE, Hyundai and Schindler.

With the expansion of urbanisation, the tech pioneer is bullish on the “smart city” shift to robot-friendly buildings, enhanced access security, and the penetration of smart elevators in smart buildings with strong linkages between systems.

Servi Lift will undergo 100 trials in 2023 and broader rollouts lined up across the world in 2024.

--  BERNAMA

Bold And Beautiful: Rock Space Releases 2 Products For Phone Customisation

 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (Bernama) -- Professional solution provider, rock space has launched two innovative new products for “Cellphone Beautify Customization”, a phone skin printer for customising phone back films and a heat transfer machine for customising phone cases.

In a statement, rock space said both products are worked with its film cutting machine to help consumers achieve on-site customisation and help stores attract customers, in which the machine has provided protective film customisation services for 55,000 stores globally.

Users only need to scan the QR code on the machine to select the model and pattern for customisation, and they can choose from rock space’s official image library or upload their own favourite images to easily achieve personalisation.

The company’s phone skin printer can print exclusive patterns in 79 seconds, and the back film can be cutting on-demand per model by rock space’s film cutting machine.

The printer adopts thermal sublimation printing technology with high image restoration, and the back film is treated with matte finish to be scratch-resistant and waterproof.

Meanwhile, rock space’s heat transfer machine adopts 3D vacuum sublimation technology to transfer the printed film pattern onto a blank case, making the entire pattern more stereoscopic and beautiful with high-definition (HD) images and delicate details.

With the increasing frequency of replacing phone cases by customers, many brands have taken advantage of this trend and launched customised products and services related to phone cases and films.

Under the business model of “Cellphone Beautify Customization”, retail stores only need to stock consumables, and the patterns are customised on site by consumers, which is undoubtedly a good helper for attracting customers.

-- BERNAMA

PAID COMPETITIVE GAMING GROWING 6X FASTER THAN OVERALL GAMING MARKET

KUALA LUMPUR, April 19 (Bernama) -- The Paid Competitive Gaming (PCG) market is expected to reach US$16 billion by 2024, according to a new report titled "Global Paid Competitive Gaming Report 2023". (US$1=RM4.42)

With a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.9 per cent from 2021 to 2024, this new gaming segment is growing six times faster than the overall global mobile games market, which is forecast to reach US$223 billion by 2024 at a 4.9 per cent CAGR.

The gaming industry has undergone a paradigm shift since the introduction of the pay-to-play model in the 1970s and the subsequent free-to-play model in the 2000s. Currently, there are four distinct ways to monetise games: Subscription Services, Rewarded Ads, Play & Earn and PCG.

“This shift highlights that publishers are embracing new and innovative models, while players are expecting new and inventive forms of interaction with their favourite games,” says Newzoo Head of Consulting, Tony Habschmidt.

According to a statement, PCG represents a novel competitive experience for everyday gamers, offering them myriad of opportunities to compete in low to high stakes skill-based games against other players worldwide, beyond traditional games.

Real money prize pools allow players to monetise their gaming abilities, and effective skill-matching ensures a fair and competitive playing field for all participants.

Mobile is gaming’s biggest, fastest-growing segment, by player numbers and revenues. In 2021, the industry saw 2.8 billion mobile gamers contributing over 50 per cent of the global gaming revenue and is forecasted to grow to US$113.0 billion by 2024 with 3.1 billion players.

PC gaming had 1.4 billion players in 2021, expected to rise to 1.5 billion by 2024, and console gaming had 871 million players in 2021, projected to increase to 943 million in 2024.

The report also revealed that the United States (US), India, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Germany are forecast to be the top markets for PCG with the US, currently the largest gaming market in the world, is also leading the way in PCG, with an estimated value of US$3 billion in 2021.

A collaborative effort between Mobile Premier League (MPL), mobile eSports and digital gaming platform and Newzoo, leader in video game and gamer data, the report is based on a consulting analysis by Newzoo and a customised research conducted by the company in 2022 on 24,562 respondents across 12 of the largest gaming markets.

-- BERNAMA

FPT Business Directions Highlighting Strategy To Create A Happier Future

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- FPT Corporation (FPT) a globally leading technology and information technology (IT) services provider has announced its business directions for this year onwards at the 2023 Annual General Meeting, highlighting a strategy to build a happier future via technological innovations.

The strategy, titled Digital Conglomerate 5.0, aims at creating a happier future for people, success for organisations and prosperity for the nation, according to FPT in a statement.

To achieve this ambition, FPT plans to have a workforce of one million by 2035, dedicated to accelerating its domestic and global digital transformation efforts and utilising in-depth knowledge and insights across different industries and geographical markets.

The best, most true-to-life products, services and experiences will be delivered via a digital conglomerate backed by artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled solutions and integrated, interconnected data across the FPT ecosystem and network of partners.

Its Chairman Truong Gia Binh said at the 35th year of development, FPT will seize the unprecedented opportunity to be the pioneer in the global scene of digital transformation.

“Digital transformation used to focus on automating enterprise operations. Now, we are taking it to the next level by optimising the entire ecosystem and automating touchpoints between citizens, authorities and businesses. FPT will lead the way in building a happier future for millions of end customers,” he added.

Despite the anticipated slowing growth of the global economy, FPT also announced its prospect increase of 18.8 per cent in revenue and 18.2 per cent in profit before tax in 2023 as it supports a larger and more diverse client base worldwide, in which its subsidiary, FPT Software, contributes greatly to this sustainable growth.

With strengths in speed and scalability, FPT Software is accelerating its growth as one of the world’s contenders in digital transformation, as well as creating more values for customers and partners worldwide.

Following this direction, the company has been investing in developing new products, platforms and solutions based on core technologies such as AI, Blockchain, Cloud, Big Data, Hyperautomation and Internet of Things (IoT), among others, while expanding its global presence.

-- BERNAMA

FUSIONEX, IMU PARTNERSHIP TO OFFER PERSONALISED LEARNING VIA CUTTING-EDGE ANALYTICS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- Fusionex has partnered with International Medical University (IMU) in a mutual collaborative programme known as Personalised Learning Analytics to improve student learning experiences and teaching effectiveness by leveraging breakthrough digital technologies.

In a statement, Fusionex said this partnership opened up avenues for both organisations to create a differentiated, next generation edutech learning platform for future students.

“Fusionex is proud and honoured to be collaborating with IMU to create tailored learning experiences for students and provide educators with the digital tools needed to guide their students.

“We look forward to working alongside what is clearly a very committed and driven partner in IMU, to help students transform into the leading doctors, surgeons, pharmacists and healthcare professionals of tomorrow," said Fusionex Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Seri Ivan Teh.

Meanwhile, IMU Deputy Vice Chancellor, Institutional Development and International, Professor Vishna Devi Nadarajah said IMU has always prioritised their students’ success and learning experience; this innovation and partnership will enhance ongoing initiatives.

Powered by cutting-edge big data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), this programme will identify student learning behaviour and performance, based on which personalised feedback and support can be provided to students to help them achieve their learning goals.

This initiative aspires to empower students with insights into their progress as a means of encouraging autonomous academic motivation and bolstering engagement with the teaching faculty.

The programme produces insights and foresights garnered from metrics and patterns in students’ professionalism, learning engagement, assignments and other benchmarks, enabling IMU to gain a deeper understanding of overall academic performances and facilitate the development of learning strategies and targeted interventions to improve grades.

Fusionex is an established multi-award-winning data technology market leader specialising in Analytics, Big Data Management, IR 4.0, Internet of Things, Machine Learning and AI.

-- BERNAMA

Globe Partners Proxtera, PTTC-GMEA To Champion Financial Literacy Among MSMEs

 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- The Philippines’ digital solutions platform Globe has partnered with Singapore-based Proxtera, lead operator of the SME Financial Empowerment (SFE) programme, and the Philippine Trade Training Center - Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA), the training arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, to champion the SFE programme.

The programme provides online courses designed to equip micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide with financial literacy and skills they need to succeed in the digital economy.

Globe's partnership with the SFE programme involves supporting the production of localised content for Philippine MSMEs and extending free passes to its network of MSMEs. Last month, the free passes were also extended to women-owned businesses in celebration of National Women’s Month.

By investing in the SFE programme, Globe is committed to supporting the growth and development of MSMEs in the Philippines, regardless of their location.

“Through this partnership, we aim to empower local MSMEs with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive and succeed.

“We believe that this programme can make a significant impact on the lives of Filipino entrepreneurs and contribute to economic development as a whole,” said Globe Business MSME Group Head, KD Dizon in a statement.

SFE is a comprehensive and globally focused initiative by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, International Finance Corporation and United Nations Development Program aiming to build foundational digital literacy and a good understanding of cross-border financial services relevant to MSMEs.

PTTC-GMEA is the official training partner of the SFE programme in the Philippines with the Global Fintech Institute as the academic partner.

The SFE programme in the Philippines currently provides three courses that cater to MSMEs seeking to expand their businesses and benefit from digital marketplaces and the network effect.

These courses offer valuable financial literacy insights and decision-making skills, allowing MSMEs to make informed decisions and achieve their business goals. The courses include a series of modules with videos by industry experts explaining different concepts followed by a short quiz.

-- BERNAMA

CHITOSE GROUP SECURES FUNDING FOR GREEN INNOVATION FUND PROJECT WORTH US$400 MLN

KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 (Bernama) -- Chitose Laboratory Corp, the core company of the CHITOSE Group (CHITOSE), has won funding from a Japanese government-affiliated entity for the "Green Innovation Fund Project (GI Fund): Promotion of Carbon Recycling Using CO2 from Biomanufacturing Technology as a Direct Raw Material".

In a statement, CHITOSE said the total project cost is approximately US$400 million, and the implementation period is scheduled from fiscal year (FY) 2023 to FY2030. (US$1=RM4.41)

A project on the self-proposed theme of "Building a global industry originating in Japan based on the direct use of CO2 through photosynthesis", CHITOSE has been selected as a prospective implementing agency for this theme by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization.

Under the GI Fund project theme, CHITOSE will develop the algae production technology on a 100-hectare production scale with focus on both economic rationality and environmental sustainability, and on the development of a wide range of applications.

The applications such as chemical products, toiletry, fuels, feeds and foods use microalgal biomass produced directly from carbon dioxide (CO2) as a raw material.

CHITOSE will promote the establishment of a global algae-based industry originating from Japan, and contribute to the realisation of zero carbon emission by 2050 as advocated by the Japanese government, via these business activities.

This project will be implemented with 34 partner companies of the MATSURI (meaning festival in Japanese) project operated by CHITOSE, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Hiroshima University, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagoya University and Institute of Microalgal Technology, Japan.

In addition, CHITOSE will start raising private funds in order to accelerate this project through the GI Fund.

CHITOSE is collaborating with other companies/organisations in various positions and industries through the MATSURI project to build a new algae-based industry to replace the petroleum-based industry.

-- BERNAMA

ROBOTPLUSPLUS TO UNVEIL INNOVATIVE HYDROBLASTING ROBOT AT SEA ASIA 2023 IN SINGAPORE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 (Bernama) -- RobotPlusPlus, a prominent provider of robots designed for work-at-height, will showcase its Hydroblasting Robot - the HighMate V40 at Sea Asia, a distinguished maritime and offshore event in Singapore from April 25-27.

The first Chinese company to specialise in the design and manufacture of such robots, RobotPlusPlus’ HighMate V40 is equipped with a wastewater recovery system that can recycle up to 99.99 per cent of the wastewater used during its operations.

The HighMate V40 offers several features including autonomous hydroblasting and automatic lane change, making it a preferred option for surface preparation.

“Our HighMate robots comply with European standards and have successfully passed both the Machinery Directive and Radio Equipment Directive tests. Moreover, TÜV Rheinland has granted us CE certification,” said RobotPlusPlus Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Huanyang Xu in a statement.

RobotPlusPlus’ office in Singapore offers round-the-clock technical consulting and customer service to its clients, showcasing commitment to providing safe, environmentally-friendly and quality robotic solutions for work-at-height.

RobotPlusPlus not only provides robots but also a comprehensive package solution for hydroblasting including UHP pumps, vacuum recovery pumps, filtration units, and other necessary equipment, helping clients decrease costs, increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

With its mission to enhance human capabilities with the help of robots, RobotPlusPlus will continue offering the latest technological advancements in robotic solutions for work-at-height, to clients worldwide.

Founded in 2015, RobotPlusPlus focuses on the independent research and development of intelligent specialised robots, and is the first company in China to realise the industrialisation of aerial work robots.

-- BERNAMA

CELLEBRITE TO RELEASE FIRST-QUARTER 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS ON MAY 10, 2023

PETAH TIKVA, Israel and TYSONS CORNER, Va., April 12 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cellebrite (NASDAQ: CLBT), a global leader in Digital Intelligence (“DI”) solutions for the public and private sectors, today announced it will report its first-quarter 2023 financial results before market open on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

Later that same morning, Cellebrite will host a live conference call and webcast to review the Company's financial results for the first quarter of 2023 and discuss its full-year 2023 outlook. Pertinent details include:


Date: Wednesday, May 10, 2023


Time: 8:30 a.m. ET


Call-In Number: 203-518-9814


Conference ID: CLBTQ123


Event URL:

https://investors.cellebrite.com/events/event-details/cellebrite-q1-23-earnings


Live Webcast URL:

https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/u58372yq

In conjunction with the conference call and webcast, historical financial tables and supplemental data will be available on the quarterly results section of Company’s investor relations website at https://investors.cellebrite.com/financial-information/quarterly-results. A transcript of the call will be added to this page along with access to the replay of the call.

About Cellebrite
Cellebrite’s (NASDAQ: CLBT) mission is to enable its customers to protect and save lives, accelerate justice, and preserve privacy in communities around the world. We are a global leader in Digital Intelligence solutions for the public and private sectors, empowering organizations in mastering the complexities of legally sanctioned digital investigations by streamlining intelligence processes. Trusted by thousands of leading agencies and companies worldwide, Cellebrite’s Digital Intelligence platform and solutions transform how customers collect, review, analyze and manage data in legally sanctioned investigations. To learn more, visit us at www.cellebrite.com and https://investors.cellebrite.com.

Media
Victor Cooper
Sr. Director of Corporate Communications + Content Operations
Victor.cooper@cellebrite.com
+1 404.804.5910

Investor Relations
Andrew Kramer
nvestors@cellebrite.com

SOURCE: Cellebrite Inc.

AM BEST REMOVES FROM UNDER REVIEW WITH POSITIVE IMPLICATIONS, UPGRADES CMBWLI CREDIT RATINGS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Bernama) -- United States-headquartered AM Best has removed from under review with positive implications and upgraded the credit ratings of Hong Kong’s CMB Wing Lung Insurance Company Limited (CMBWLI).

In a statement, AM Best said CMBWLI’s Financial Strength Rating was upgraded to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to “a” (Excellent) from “a-” (Excellent). The outlook assigned to these credit ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings of CMBWLI were placed under review with positive implications in October 2022, following an announcement on Sept 28, 2022 by China Merchants Bank Co Ltd (CMB) that CMBWLI would acquire the general insurance business of China Merchants Insurance Company Limited (CMI).

According to the business transfer agreement, CMI would transfer its general insurance business (including assets and liabilities related to the business) to CMBWLI, which would then issue 9,856,066 of its shares to CMI.

Subsequently, CMI will distribute all of its shares in CMBWLI to China Merchants Insurance Holdings (CMIH) and apply to the Hong Kong Insurance Authority (IA) to withdraw its authorisation to carry on general insurance business.

In addition, CMIH entered into a share subscription agreement with CMBWLI on Sept 28, 2022, to acquire 25,590,806 of CMBWLI’s new shares at a cash amount of HK$1,171 million. (HK$100=RM56.07)

Upon completion of the above transactions, CMIH will become the majority shareholder of CMBWLI by directly holding 55 per cent of its enlarged share capital, while CMB will indirectly own the remaining 45 per cent of the shares.

The ultimate parent of CMBWLI will change to China Merchants Group Limited (CMG) from CMB. The aforementioned change in shareholders has been approved by IA and the capital injection will take place in the foreseeable future.

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

CMBWLI’s overall operating performance has been consistently strong and better than average. Its five-year average return on equity was 7.6 per cent (2017–2021).

As a medium-size, non-life insurer in Hong Kong, and one of the major market players in its domestic market’s employees’ compensation segment, CMBWLI continues to demonstrate its capability to acquire insurance business with better-than-average loss experience.

-- BERNAMA

4TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT IN BERMUDA KICKS OFF APRIL 11

KUALA LUMPUR, April 5 (Bernama) -- Penrose Partners, a global blockchain advisory firm, unveiled the agenda for the 4th Annual International Technology Summit, taking place April 11—14 at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess in Hamilton, Bermuda.

The event will be hosted in partnership with 3iQ Corp, a Canadian digital asset investment firm that launched the world’s first publicly traded Bitcoin investment fund and the Government of Bermuda’s Economic Development Department, according to a statement.

Penrose Partners, Sean Stapley said attendees and speakers will discuss how the digital asset industry can move forward by building stronger and more resilient ecosystems.

“We are navigating uncharted waters right now with increased regulatory oversight, and this presents an opportunity to build bridges between a new generation of infrastructure and traditional financial institutions," he said.

Featured speakers include 3iQ Corp President, Pascal St-Jean; Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Commodity Strategist, Mike McGlone; Elliptic Director of Global Policy and Regulation, Liat Shetret; and many more of the world’s leading innovators.

The summit will bring together innovators, regulators, and executives from Canada, the United States, Bermuda, India, and the United Kingdom, among others, to explore the latest breakthroughs in blockchain, artificial intelligence and fintech.

This year’s event includes numerous interactive panel discussions that will address key elements across building core infrastructure through bear markets, the regulation and evolution of decentralised finance (DeFi) and digital assets, and what the future of insurance will look like.

On April 12, the Government of Bermuda’s Economic Development Department and the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation will co-host a career fair and community education day alongside Penrose Partners.

Meanwhile, a virtual startup pitch competition globally connecting founders and investors will be featured on April 13, followed by leisure activities, networking and an outdoor afterparty on the 14th.

-- BERNAMA

THE RAINE GROUP ACQUIRES CODE ADVISORS

Quincy Smith (Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 (Bernama) -- The Raine Group, a global merchant bank announced it is acquiring Code Advisors, an independent merchant bank specialising in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and capital raising for technology and media companies.

According to a statement, Code Advisors co-founders Quincy Smith and Michael Marquez will join Raine’s San Francisco office as a Partner and Special Advisor, respectively.

Smith will expand Raine’s coverage, advising on M&A and financings for technology and media clients, while Marquez will focus on managing Code’s existing investment portfolio while exploring potential new investment initiatives with The Raine Group.

“We built Raine to be true thought partners for our portfolio companies and clients, always focusing only on deals where we believe our involvement can maximise meaningful outcomes.

“Code Advisors shares that commitment, so we are thrilled to combine our networks and tap into the incredible energy, expertise and creativity Quincy brings to deal-making,” said The Raine Group co-founder and President, Brandon Gardner.

Meanwhile Smith said: “Raine’s global merchant banking model and extensive resources uniquely position them at the epicentre of technology, media and telecom, and combining Code into Raine gives us a larger platform at exactly the time when clients need a trusted Advisor.”

With over 90 completed M&A transactions and nearly 65 primarily equity financings, Code Advisors has steadily grown its technology and media client base since inception in 2010. Its notable clients include Twitter, Spotify, Vox and Warner Bros Discovery.

Since its founding in 2009, The Raine Group has emerged as a leader in technology, media and telecom deal-making with offices in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Paris, London, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mumbai.

Currently, the firm oversees approximately US$4 billion in global growth equity and venture capital investments, with an entertainment and technology portfolio including DraftKings, SoundCloud and Imagine Entertainment. (US$1=RM4.40)

-- BERNAMA

2023 Digital Therapeutics Alliance Inaugural Summit June 7-9

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- The Digital Therapeutics Alliance (DTA), a global non-profit trade association is hosting its three-day Inaugural Summit at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center, beginning June 7.

Leaders from all facets of the digital therapeutics (DTx) ecosystem, including policymakers, clinicians and payors, will join DTA members to discuss the challenges and opportunities of DTx integration into the healthcare system and identify optimised policy, reimbursement and regulatory pathways to accelerate adoption.

The Summit programming will be facilitated by DTA Chief Executive Officer, Andy Molnar and feature keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions covering the advancement of DTx, the impact of healthcare policy, reimbursement and regulatory pathways, clinical evidence requirements, as well as patient access optimisation.

“We are here to transform healthcare and deliver a new category of medicine to patients to improve their lives. The 2023 DTA Inaugural Summit brings together the leaders in healthcare innovation that are making these monumental changes.

“We are building viable frameworks with partners from Capitol Hill, the investment ecosystem, clinicians, health plans, patients and caregivers,” said Molnar in a statement.

DTx products use evidence-based, clinically evaluated technologies to optimise clinical and health economic outcomes, deliver high quality therapies to underserved populations and transform how patients understand, manage and engage in their healthcare.

Leading into the Summit, US-focused DTA members and staff will convene in Washington D.C. to meet with congressional members and other influential parties to advocate for the Access to Prescription Digital Therapeutics Act (S. 723 and H.R. 1458).

This bill seeks to create a new benefit category for digital therapeutics and ensure permanent coverage and reimbursement of DTx products by Medicare and Medicaid.

-- BERNAMA

PAYMENT CARDS VIA DIGITAL PLATFORMS HITS 1.3 BLN ANNUALLY BY 2027 - JUNIPER RESEARCH STUDY

Juniper Research Competitor Leaderboard - Modern Card Issuing Platforms (Graphic: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- A new study from Juniper Research, foremost experts in the payments market, found the number of payment cards issued via digital platforms will reach 1.3 billion annually by 2027, from just 500 million in 2023.

This growth of 170 per cent reflects strong interest in improving the way users access and replace cards from issuers. This is in context of strong competition between issuers from digital-only banks and new fintechs offering card services.

Modern card issuing platforms, also known as digital card issuing platforms, allow card issuers to create cards using an API (Application Programming Interface)-driven approach; enabling cards to be delivered instantly to digital wallets, with the option for a physical card, boosting flexibility, transparency and speed significantly.

As part of the study, Juniper Research released its latest Competitor Leaderboard for 2023. Underpinned by a robust scoring methodology, the new Competitor Leaderboard ranked the top 16 leading modern card issuing platforms, using criteria such as the completeness of their solutions and their future business prospects.

The top five vendors for 2023 are Thales, G+D, FIS, Fiserv and Marqeta.

The research found the leading players scored well based on their breadth of customisation options and the large number of customers and capabilities, such as personalisation and tracking available.

To stay ahead of the competition, modern card issuing platform vendors must develop solutions easily adopted and deployed; ensuring these features can integrate with existing bank IT systems and bypass them where necessary.

According to a statement, Report co-author Nick Maynard explained: “For issuers, staying relevant in an increasingly tech‑enabled banking market is challenging. Improving the flexibility, transparency and personalisation of the card issuing process is an important way issuers can increase the user experience.

“As such, issuers should look to design superior user experiences, leveraging the capabilities that digital card issuing platforms can provide.”

-- BERNAMA

 

TOSHIBA RELEASES 150V N-CHANNEL POWER MOSFET WITH INDUSTRY-LEADING[1] LOW ON-RESISTANCE AND IMPROVED REVERSE RECOVERY CHARACTERISTICS THAT HELP INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF POWER SUPPLIES

 

Toshiba: TPH9R00CQ5, a 150V N-channel power MOSFET that helps increase the efficiency of power supplies. (Graphic: Business Wire)

KAWASAKI, Japan, March 30 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation ("Toshiba") has launched a 150V N-channel power MOSFET “TPH9R00CQ5,” which uses the latest^[²] generation U-MOSX-H process, for switching power supplies of industrial equipment, such as that used in data centers and communications base stations. Shipments start today.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230329005462/en/ 

TPH9R00CQ5 features an industry-leading^[¹] low drain-source On-resistance of 9.0mΩ (max), approximately a 42% reduction from Toshiba’s existing product, “TPH1500CNH1^[³].” Compared with Toshiba’s existing product “TPH9R00CQH^[⁴],” the reverse recovery charge is reduced by about 74% and the reverse recovery^[⁵]  time by about 44%, both key reverse recovery characteristics for synchronous rectification applications. Used in synchronous rectification applications^[⁶], the new product reduces the power loss of switching power supplies and helps improve efficiency. Furthermore, compared to TPH9R00CQH, the new product reduces spike voltage generated during switching, helping lower the EMI of power supplies.
The product uses the popular, surface-mount-type SOP Advance(N) package.

Toshiba also offers tools that support circuit design for switching power supplies. Alongside the G0 SPICE model, which verifies circuit function in a short time, highly accurate G2 SPICE models, which accurately reproduce transient characteristics, are now available.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=45782