KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- Managed by Lendlease Global Commercial Trust Management Pte Ltd (Manager), Lendlease Global Commercial REIT (LREIT), has posted a positive rental reversion of 11.4 per cent in its first quarter (1Q) business update for fiscal year 2025 (FY2025).
LREIT, in a statement, said its portfolio committed occupancy continued to improve in 1Q FY2025 to 89.5 per cent from 89.1 per cent in the fourth quarter for fiscal 2024 (FY2024).
In the first three months of FY2025, the lease expiry profile remained well-staggered, with 6.4 per cent by net lettable area (NLA) and 12.1 per cent by gross rental income (GRI) due for renewal in FY2025.
LREIT has maintained a long portfolio weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of approximately 7.4 years by NLA and 4.7 years by GRI, respectively.
The committed occupancy for its retail portfolio remained high at 99.9 per cent, with a positive rental reversion of 11.4 per cent and a healthy tenant retention rate of 90.0 per cent as at Sept 30. Tenant sales in 1Q FY2025 continued to trend above pre-COVID-19 average levels.
Notwithstanding the high occupancy rate, the Manager stays focused on strengthening the tenancy mix and bringing in new offerings to rejuvenate the malls. New tenants brought onboard include Tims Signature, Eclaire & Savoir Cafe and Slow Green.
As at Sept 30, office tenants accounted for approximately 21 per cent of portfolio GRI with a long WALE of 12.2 years by NLA and 14.5 years by GRI.
The Manager continues to see good leasing interests for Building 3 of Sky Complex. For the quarter, committed occupancy rate for Sky Complex improved to 75.0 per cent and the Manager is in advanced negotiations with potential tenants as it continues to drive leasing of Building 3 at market rental.
Meanwhile, interest coverage ratio (ICR) as at the period end was 2.9 times, providing a sufficient buffer from its debt covenants of 2.0 times. Approximately 70 per cent of borrowings are hedged to fixed rates as at Sept 30 with a weighted average cost of debt of 3.74 per cent per annum, mainly due to the replacement of EURIBOR interest rate hedge at a higher rate in October 2023.
Moreover, LREIT achieved first position in GRESB Asia Retail (Listed) category for five consecutive years since listing for its environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and strong leadership in sustainability.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday 12 November 2024
Tuesday 5 November 2024
HCLTECH ANNOUNCES NEW AI/CLOUD NATIVE LAB IN SINGAPORE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SINGAPORE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD
SINGAPORE & NOIDA, India, Nov 5 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- HCLTech, a leading global technology company, today announced the creation of a new Singapore-based AI/Cloud Native Lab. HCLTech’s Lab in Singapore will be the company’s fifth in its global network, expected to open in 2025.
The Lab, joining others in the US, UK, Germany and India, will be supported by EDB and assist enterprises in the region in accelerating their AI initiatives through HCLTech’s comprehensive suite of integrated AI and GenAI offerings, including AI Force and AI Foundry. The Lab in Singapore will also partner with Nanyang Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic to collaborate on transferring knowledge and nurturing young talent and mid-career individuals In AI.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson, HCLTech, made the announcement today at an event with the Ministry of Digital Development and Information of Singapore and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). Senior academic members from Nanyang Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic also attended the event.
“Our Labs are a conducive starting point for enterprises that want to embark on a collaborative journey to develop blueprints for AI and GenAI-led efficiencies, new business capabilities, skilling roadmaps and overall organizational competitive advantage with a pragmatic approach,” said Vijay Guntur, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Ecosystems, HCLTech. “We are very excited to add Singapore to our network, which will go a long way in further strengthening Singapore’s position as a regional hub for AI innovation,” he added.
Singapore has made significant strides in helping companies adopt and innovate with AI across sectors including financial services, manufacturing and SMEs. In 2023, the Singapore government launched the Singapore National AI Strategy 2.0, highlighting its commitment to leading global AI innovation. This strategy aims to build a trusted and responsible AI ecosystem.
“DISG has been driving the adoption of AI across key industries and Singapore-based corporates, and HCLTech’s AI Lab supports this mission,” said Mr Philbert Gomez, Executive Director, Digital Industry Singapore (DISG). “We are pleased to partner with HCLTech for the launch of its AI Lab in Singapore, which provides enterprises with the tools to rapidly experiment with and scale AI solutions to unlock new business value from Singapore.”
HCLTech has been operating in Singapore for over four decades, building a strong technology presence and working with many notable clients. Singapore is the hub for HCLTech's Southeast Asia operations and has led technological advancements, including Asia's first Wi-Fi-based patient tracking system and various projects for the Singapore government.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241103302706/en/
Contact
For further details, please contact:
James Galvin, ANZ
james.galvin@hcltech.com
Meredith Bucaro, Americas
meredith-bucaro@hcltech.com
Elka Ghudial, EMEA
elka.ghudial@hcltech.com
Nitin Shukla, India
nitin-shukla@hcltech.com
Source : HCLTech
The Lab, joining others in the US, UK, Germany and India, will be supported by EDB and assist enterprises in the region in accelerating their AI initiatives through HCLTech’s comprehensive suite of integrated AI and GenAI offerings, including AI Force and AI Foundry. The Lab in Singapore will also partner with Nanyang Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic to collaborate on transferring knowledge and nurturing young talent and mid-career individuals In AI.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson, HCLTech, made the announcement today at an event with the Ministry of Digital Development and Information of Singapore and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). Senior academic members from Nanyang Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic also attended the event.
“Our Labs are a conducive starting point for enterprises that want to embark on a collaborative journey to develop blueprints for AI and GenAI-led efficiencies, new business capabilities, skilling roadmaps and overall organizational competitive advantage with a pragmatic approach,” said Vijay Guntur, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Ecosystems, HCLTech. “We are very excited to add Singapore to our network, which will go a long way in further strengthening Singapore’s position as a regional hub for AI innovation,” he added.
Singapore has made significant strides in helping companies adopt and innovate with AI across sectors including financial services, manufacturing and SMEs. In 2023, the Singapore government launched the Singapore National AI Strategy 2.0, highlighting its commitment to leading global AI innovation. This strategy aims to build a trusted and responsible AI ecosystem.
“DISG has been driving the adoption of AI across key industries and Singapore-based corporates, and HCLTech’s AI Lab supports this mission,” said Mr Philbert Gomez, Executive Director, Digital Industry Singapore (DISG). “We are pleased to partner with HCLTech for the launch of its AI Lab in Singapore, which provides enterprises with the tools to rapidly experiment with and scale AI solutions to unlock new business value from Singapore.”
HCLTech has been operating in Singapore for over four decades, building a strong technology presence and working with many notable clients. Singapore is the hub for HCLTech's Southeast Asia operations and has led technological advancements, including Asia's first Wi-Fi-based patient tracking system and various projects for the Singapore government.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241103302706/en/
Contact
For further details, please contact:
James Galvin, ANZ
james.galvin@hcltech.com
Meredith Bucaro, Americas
meredith-bucaro@hcltech.com
Elka Ghudial, EMEA
elka.ghudial@hcltech.com
Nitin Shukla, India
nitin-shukla@hcltech.com
Source : HCLTech
Monday 4 November 2024
PAKISTAN SEES MAIDEN ISLAMIC NANO FINANCING PRODUCT BY WALEE FINANCIAL SERVICES
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Walee Financial Services Pvt Ltd has introduced Pakistan’s first Islamic nano-financing product, offering interest-free (riba-free) nano-finance through a unique commodity-based trade structure under its fintech brand Hakeem.
With this powerful message, Walee aims to provide accessible financial solutions that empower individuals and promote sustainable economic growth, with the goal of providing an ethical financial alternative to individuals, promoting equitable financial inclusion in Pakistan.
Walee Financial Services, Head of Shariah, Dr Rashid Mansoor said this is a momentous achievement in rolling out Islamic Nano-Finance.
“It has been made possible through the grit, passion, and unwavering faith of our founding team in Islamic finance, highlighting the benefits to society at large. True Shariah compliance has been achieved through cutting-edge technology, supported by esteemed Muftis and Shariah scholars,” he said a statement.
At the heart of Walee Financial Services’ Islamic nano-financing product lies a Tawarruq-based structure that is executed in an unorganised form. In this model, customers participate in a commodity trade process to secure financing without the involvement of interest.
This innovative product ensures that all transactions are free from riba, aligning with the principles of fairness and transparency advocated by Islam, as the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2024, sets a clear deadline of Jan 1, 2028, for the complete elimination of riba in Pakistan’s financial system.
By offering Shariah-compliant financing facilities, Walee Financial Services is actively contributing to the country's mission to transition toward a Shariah-compliant economy, aligning with the Federal Shariat Court’s ruling that abolishing riba is fundamental for an Islamic financial system, and supporting the State Bank of Pakistan’s efforts to promote Islamic finance across the country.
As Pakistan moves towards a riba-free economy, Walee Financial Services leads this transformation. With Hakeem, Walee offers a groundbreaking financial solution while actively supporting the government's agenda to eliminate interest-based financial practices.
By fostering ethical, Shariah-compliant finance, Walee contributes to sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion, ensuring that Islamic finance serves the needs of Pakistan's diverse population.
-- BERNAMA
With this powerful message, Walee aims to provide accessible financial solutions that empower individuals and promote sustainable economic growth, with the goal of providing an ethical financial alternative to individuals, promoting equitable financial inclusion in Pakistan.
Walee Financial Services, Head of Shariah, Dr Rashid Mansoor said this is a momentous achievement in rolling out Islamic Nano-Finance.
“It has been made possible through the grit, passion, and unwavering faith of our founding team in Islamic finance, highlighting the benefits to society at large. True Shariah compliance has been achieved through cutting-edge technology, supported by esteemed Muftis and Shariah scholars,” he said a statement.
At the heart of Walee Financial Services’ Islamic nano-financing product lies a Tawarruq-based structure that is executed in an unorganised form. In this model, customers participate in a commodity trade process to secure financing without the involvement of interest.
This innovative product ensures that all transactions are free from riba, aligning with the principles of fairness and transparency advocated by Islam, as the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2024, sets a clear deadline of Jan 1, 2028, for the complete elimination of riba in Pakistan’s financial system.
By offering Shariah-compliant financing facilities, Walee Financial Services is actively contributing to the country's mission to transition toward a Shariah-compliant economy, aligning with the Federal Shariat Court’s ruling that abolishing riba is fundamental for an Islamic financial system, and supporting the State Bank of Pakistan’s efforts to promote Islamic finance across the country.
As Pakistan moves towards a riba-free economy, Walee Financial Services leads this transformation. With Hakeem, Walee offers a groundbreaking financial solution while actively supporting the government's agenda to eliminate interest-based financial practices.
By fostering ethical, Shariah-compliant finance, Walee contributes to sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion, ensuring that Islamic finance serves the needs of Pakistan's diverse population.
-- BERNAMA
MELTWATER, CYABRA JOIN FORCES TO TACKLE DIS- AND MISINFORMATION THREATS TO BRANDS
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Meltwater, a media, social, and consumer intelligence global provider, announced a new strategic partnership with Cyabra, whose AI shields companies and government agencies from dis- and misinformation by uncovering fake profiles, harmful narratives, and generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) content.
Together, Cyabra and Meltwater will enable customers with a powerful solution to protect brand reputation from online disinformation attacks, manage crises effectively, and enhance the quality of insights on genuine consumer sentiment.
This holistic framework complements Meltwater’s existing social intelligence solutions and allows for a deeper understanding of dis- and misinformation amplified by malicious actors through fake accounts, according to a statement.
“Cyabra’s leading technology gives teams advanced tools to be able to detect, manage, and counter harmful narratives in real time and protect brand reputation, and we are proud they have chosen to partner with Meltwater to advance this mission,” said Meltwater senior vice president (SVP) of Global Alliances and Partnerships, Doug Balut.
Meanwhile, Cyabra SVP of Revenue, Emmanuel Heymann said: “By joining forces with Meltwater, we are extending our capabilities to offer a comprehensive solution to a wider audience.
“Meltwater’s suite of tools, combined with Cyabra’s advanced technology, empowers businesses to better identify and counter online threats. Together, we provide a powerful solution for safeguarding brand reputation and building consumer trust in the digital age.”
Through this partnership, joint customers of Meltwater and Cyabra will receive real-time alerts about emerging threats in order to improve decision-making and strategic planning.
With this partnership, Cyabra has joined the Meltwater Partner Program, a fast-growing ecosystem of top technology and services providers. By joining the programme, Meltwater partners gain access to a broad range of programmes, including access to innovative technologies and exclusive co-marketing opportunities to amplify their brand and accelerate revenue growth.
-- BERNAMA
Together, Cyabra and Meltwater will enable customers with a powerful solution to protect brand reputation from online disinformation attacks, manage crises effectively, and enhance the quality of insights on genuine consumer sentiment.
This holistic framework complements Meltwater’s existing social intelligence solutions and allows for a deeper understanding of dis- and misinformation amplified by malicious actors through fake accounts, according to a statement.
“Cyabra’s leading technology gives teams advanced tools to be able to detect, manage, and counter harmful narratives in real time and protect brand reputation, and we are proud they have chosen to partner with Meltwater to advance this mission,” said Meltwater senior vice president (SVP) of Global Alliances and Partnerships, Doug Balut.
Meanwhile, Cyabra SVP of Revenue, Emmanuel Heymann said: “By joining forces with Meltwater, we are extending our capabilities to offer a comprehensive solution to a wider audience.
“Meltwater’s suite of tools, combined with Cyabra’s advanced technology, empowers businesses to better identify and counter online threats. Together, we provide a powerful solution for safeguarding brand reputation and building consumer trust in the digital age.”
Through this partnership, joint customers of Meltwater and Cyabra will receive real-time alerts about emerging threats in order to improve decision-making and strategic planning.
With this partnership, Cyabra has joined the Meltwater Partner Program, a fast-growing ecosystem of top technology and services providers. By joining the programme, Meltwater partners gain access to a broad range of programmes, including access to innovative technologies and exclusive co-marketing opportunities to amplify their brand and accelerate revenue growth.
-- BERNAMA
Friday 1 November 2024
Kioxia's QLC UFS Ver. 4.0 Devices Suitable For Applications With Higher Storage Capacity
 |
| QLC UFS Ver. 4.0 Embedded Flash Memory Devices (Photo: Business Wire) |
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- Kioxia Corporation, a world leader in memory solutions, announced it has begun mass production of the industry’s first Universal Flash Storage (UFS) Ver. 4.0 embedded flash memory devices with four-bit-per-cell, quadruple-level cell (QLC) technology.
In a statement, Kioxia said QLC UFS offered a higher bit density than traditional triple-level cell (TLC) UFS, making it suitable for mobile applications that require higher storage capacities.
Advancements in controller technology and error correction have enabled QLC technology to achieve this while maintaining competitive performance.
Kioxia’s new 512 gigabytes (GB) QLC UFS achieves sequential read speeds of up to 4,200 megabytes per second (MB/s) and sequential write speeds of up to 3,200 MB/s, taking full advantage of the UFS 4.0 interface speed.
Its QLC UFS is well-suited for smartphones and tablets, as well as other next-generation applications where higher storage capacity and performance are key considerations, including personal computers (PCs), networking, augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI).
Kioxia was the first to introduce UFS technology and continues to develop new products. The new QLC UFS Ver. 4.0 device integrates the company’s innovative BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory and a controller in a global industry group that develops open standards for microelectronics, namely the JEDEC standard package.
Key features of KIOXIA's QLC UFS 4.0 include support for high-speed link startup sequence (HS-LSS), which can be performed at a faster rate, significantly reducing the time by approximately 70 per cent compared to conventional methods.
In addition, the security enhancement is also notable aspect of these devices. By utilising Advanced Replay Protected Memory Block (RPMB) for secure read and write access to sensitive data, such as user credentials in the RPMB area.
The device also supports Extended Initiator ID (Ext-IID), which is intended to be used with Multi Circular Queue (MCQ) at the UFS 4.0 host controller for improved random performance.
-- BERNAMA
Mavenir Supports O-RAN ALLIANCE Report On Spectrum Aggregation In Multi-vendor Deployments
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider building the future of networks, announced the publication of a new technical report by the O-RAN ALLIANCE, ‘Spectrum Aggregation for Multi-Vendor Deployments’.
The report evaluates multiple spectrum aggregation techniques and proposes an open interface specification support between Distributed Units (DUs) for carrier aggregation in multi-vendor deployments, according to a statement.
Mavenir Senior Vice President, Access Technologies and rapporteur for the technical report, Dr Sridhar Rajagopal said this report, with its welcome set of recommendations on multi-vendor carrier aggregation, could not come at a more pivotal time for the Open radio access network (RAN) as spectrum discussions continue for expanding 5G deployments and with 6G on the horizon.
“Standardising the interface between DUs for multi-vendor carrier aggregation will remove single vendor stickiness and will be a game changer for Open RAN,” he said.
The O-RAN ALLIANCE report, which was initiated and led by Mavenir, sets out the practical scenarios for spectrum aggregation across equipment from multiple network equipment vendors comparing different approaches and includes a recommendation for specification development for carrier aggregation in multi-vendor RAN deployment.
The carrier aggregation solution using an open interface between DUs has gathered significant support from operators and vendors to pursue specification development within the O-RAN ALLIANCE.
Carrier aggregation across available spectrum is one of the key considerations by operators to maximise bandwidth, boost throughput, and improve network performance. An operator obtains new spectrum during regulatory spectrum sale over time.
In such a situation, there is a strong desire by the operator to combine the new spectrum with their existing spectrum using carrier aggregation. However, there is no open standardised interface that exists today for carrier aggregation between two vendors, creating vendor stickiness to operators for all future spectrum expansions.
Thus, operators are forced to rely on their incumbents for spectrum expansion, losing negotiating power and control over network evolution while becoming dependent on features, performance and timelines as dictated by their incumbents.
An open specification for multi-vendor carrier aggregation support will openup the 5G eco-system further and provide a pathway for new low-latency features and services for 6G by enabling real-time communication between DUs that does not exist today.
-- BERNAMA
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