Thursday 31 January 2019
Wednesday 30 January 2019
TOMI, Arkema collaborate to address food safety
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) – TOMI Environmental Solutions Inc has entered into an exclusive global co-marketing and supply agreement with Arkema Inc to develop the market for TOMI’s Fogging Technology using the TOMI SteraMist Technology for food safety applications.
Together they will address the need in the industry for a non-bleach, quick and effective food safety process, and bring it to Arkema’s global food clients who currently use its hydrogen peroxide for organic-certified products.
“The expertise of Arkema to produce a food grade hydrogen peroxide solution will enable TOMI to address the food markets’ ever growing need for a quick, efficient broad disinfection which does not injure seeds, sprouts or the mature plants,” said TOMI chief executive officer, Dr Halden Shane, in a statement today.
“We are proud to be involved in the development of TOMI SteraMist Technology, which improves the speed and effectiveness of sanitisation and disinfection solutions. TOMI is an ideal partner and we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship,” said Arkema Inc Oxygenes & Derivatives general manager, Linda Myrick.
For more information, visit http://tomimist.com or https://www.arkema.com.
-- BERNAMA
Together they will address the need in the industry for a non-bleach, quick and effective food safety process, and bring it to Arkema’s global food clients who currently use its hydrogen peroxide for organic-certified products.
“The expertise of Arkema to produce a food grade hydrogen peroxide solution will enable TOMI to address the food markets’ ever growing need for a quick, efficient broad disinfection which does not injure seeds, sprouts or the mature plants,” said TOMI chief executive officer, Dr Halden Shane, in a statement today.
“We are proud to be involved in the development of TOMI SteraMist Technology, which improves the speed and effectiveness of sanitisation and disinfection solutions. TOMI is an ideal partner and we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship,” said Arkema Inc Oxygenes & Derivatives general manager, Linda Myrick.
For more information, visit http://tomimist.com or https://www.arkema.com.
-- BERNAMA
Eyes on World Glaucoma Week through awareness activities
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Osaka-based Santen Pharmaceutical Co Ltd (Santen) will be sponsoring glaucoma awareness-raising activities around the world as part of its efforts to raise public awareness on the eye disease during the World Glaucoma Week from March 10 to 16, 2019.
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, resulting in progressive visual field loss. Early treatment often allows patients to maintain visual field throughout their lifetime, a statement said.
The World Glaucoma Association, of which Santen is an Associate Glaucoma Industry Member, defines a week every March as the World Glaucoma Week and hosts various events globally to encourage people to detect and seek early treatment of glaucoma.
Santen has also implemented various initiatives to increase public awareness of the importance of early detection and continued treatment of glaucoma.
Among the activities held by Santen to this effect was an event billed ‘Recommendations for Continued Treatment and Care’, held in Nagoya on Nov 17 last year, targeting glaucoma patients in the municipality.
The company would also continue to regard the World Glaucoma Week as a period for employees to learn about glaucoma on their own initiative and impart their learning to family members and friends.
The company would devote further efforts to encourage employees, including those working around the world, to deepen their understanding about glaucoma. More details on https://www.santen.com.
-- BERNAMA
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, resulting in progressive visual field loss. Early treatment often allows patients to maintain visual field throughout their lifetime, a statement said.
The World Glaucoma Association, of which Santen is an Associate Glaucoma Industry Member, defines a week every March as the World Glaucoma Week and hosts various events globally to encourage people to detect and seek early treatment of glaucoma.
Santen has also implemented various initiatives to increase public awareness of the importance of early detection and continued treatment of glaucoma.
Among the activities held by Santen to this effect was an event billed ‘Recommendations for Continued Treatment and Care’, held in Nagoya on Nov 17 last year, targeting glaucoma patients in the municipality.
The company would also continue to regard the World Glaucoma Week as a period for employees to learn about glaucoma on their own initiative and impart their learning to family members and friends.
The company would devote further efforts to encourage employees, including those working around the world, to deepen their understanding about glaucoma. More details on https://www.santen.com.
-- BERNAMA
Collibra raises fund to accelerate growth, expand product portfolio
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Data governance and catalogue software leader Collibra has raised $100 million in series E funding at a post-money valuation of more than $1 billion, bringing the company’s total venture funding to $233 million (US$ 1.00 = RM 4.11).
A statement said that Alphabet’s growth equity investment fund CapitalG led the round, with participation from existing investors ICONIQ Capital, Index Ventures, Dawn Capital and Battery Ventures.
The investment is expected to be used to fund the expansion of the product portfolio and to accelerate growth across the business.
Collibra plans to extend its artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities both within its cloud-native platform — building more automation into its smart catalogue product — and in its support of data science teams for their own advanced analytics initiatives.
“This investment is a testament to Collibra’s leadership and our ability to help customers transform their market proposition through data-driven insight,” said chief executive officer and co-founder of Collibra, Felix Van de Maele.
“With this latest round, we are well-positioned to leverage our heritage in understanding data to help our customers utilise the most cutting-edge innovation to power their digital transformation journeys,” he added.
More than 300 global customers in industries ranging from financial services to healthcare, retail and technology have leveraged on Collibra’s platform to bolster their data-driven digital transformations.
For more information, visit https://www.collibra.com.
-- BERNAMA
A statement said that Alphabet’s growth equity investment fund CapitalG led the round, with participation from existing investors ICONIQ Capital, Index Ventures, Dawn Capital and Battery Ventures.
The investment is expected to be used to fund the expansion of the product portfolio and to accelerate growth across the business.
Collibra plans to extend its artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities both within its cloud-native platform — building more automation into its smart catalogue product — and in its support of data science teams for their own advanced analytics initiatives.
“This investment is a testament to Collibra’s leadership and our ability to help customers transform their market proposition through data-driven insight,” said chief executive officer and co-founder of Collibra, Felix Van de Maele.
“With this latest round, we are well-positioned to leverage our heritage in understanding data to help our customers utilise the most cutting-edge innovation to power their digital transformation journeys,” he added.
More than 300 global customers in industries ranging from financial services to healthcare, retail and technology have leveraged on Collibra’s platform to bolster their data-driven digital transformations.
For more information, visit https://www.collibra.com.
-- BERNAMA
Monday 28 January 2019
First end-to-end AI music making platform launched
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- Amper Music launched Amper Score – the world’s first end-to-end artificial intelligence (AI) music composition platform for enterprise content creators – and a developer application programming interface (API), today.
Using the Amper Score platform, content teams can create and edit music to accompany videos, podcasts and many other types of content.
Music created using Amper Score is royalty-free and comes with a global, perpetual license for subscribers when synched to content.
With Score’s fine-grained control, video editors -- who typically work with stock music libraries -- have reported greater than 90 per cent time savings in sourcing and editing music for their projects.
Businesses can also integrate Amper’s API into their own creative tools, distribution platforms and other applications where music is created or consumed.
“The decision to partner with QQ Music was a no-brainer,” said Amper Music Inc chief executive officer, Drew Silverstein, of its API launch partner.
“They are at the very forefront of the music, media and entertainment markets, and their staggering reach will bring our AI composer technology to millions of new users,” he added.
“As a leading online music entertainment platform in China, QQ Music is constantly looking for ways to utilise the most competitive technologies,” said Tencent Music Entertainment Group vice president, Dennis Hau.
“In our collaboration, we are impressed by Amper’s leading technology, speed, quality and user control design,” he added.
For more information, visit https://www.ampermusic.com.
-- BERNAMA
Using the Amper Score platform, content teams can create and edit music to accompany videos, podcasts and many other types of content.
Music created using Amper Score is royalty-free and comes with a global, perpetual license for subscribers when synched to content.
With Score’s fine-grained control, video editors -- who typically work with stock music libraries -- have reported greater than 90 per cent time savings in sourcing and editing music for their projects.
Businesses can also integrate Amper’s API into their own creative tools, distribution platforms and other applications where music is created or consumed.
“The decision to partner with QQ Music was a no-brainer,” said Amper Music Inc chief executive officer, Drew Silverstein, of its API launch partner.
“They are at the very forefront of the music, media and entertainment markets, and their staggering reach will bring our AI composer technology to millions of new users,” he added.
“As a leading online music entertainment platform in China, QQ Music is constantly looking for ways to utilise the most competitive technologies,” said Tencent Music Entertainment Group vice president, Dennis Hau.
“In our collaboration, we are impressed by Amper’s leading technology, speed, quality and user control design,” he added.
For more information, visit https://www.ampermusic.com.
-- BERNAMA
Salihin gets CIBAFI accreditation
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- Salihin Shariah Advisory (Salihin) has become an accredited agent of the General Council for Islamic Banks and Institution (CIBAFI) to promote its professional certifications and training programmes in Malaysia.
An agency agreement signed between CIBAFI and Salihin in Bahrain recently, allowed the latter to promote and market 10 professional certificates, five diplomas and one executive professional master programme.
Salihin's chief executive officer, Assoc. Prof Dr Ahcene Lahsasna, said the collaboration with CIBAFI will contribute significantly to the enrichment of the quality of Islamic finance education in Malaysia.
“The CIBAFI professional certifications and training programmes cover Islamic accounting, auditing, takaful, capital market, trade finance, risk management, governance and compliance.
"These internationally recognised professional certificates will complement the existing Islamic Finance courses offered in Malaysia,” he said in a statement here today.
CIBAFI is an international organisation established in 2001 and headquartered in Bahrain.
Affiliated with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, CIBAFI represents the Islamic financial services industry globally, defending and promoting its role, consolidating co-operation among members, and with other institutions with similar interests and objectives.
With more than 125 members from more than 34 jurisdictions, representing market players, international intergovernmental organisations and professional firms, and industry associations, CIBAFI was recognised as a key piece in the international architecture of Islamic finance.
“Salihin Shariah Advisory, through its education facilities at the headquarters in Malaysia, would like to take this opportunity to invite interested professionals, students and academicians to join CIBAFI programmes and become CIBAFI Certified," said Ahcene.
-- BERNAMA
An agency agreement signed between CIBAFI and Salihin in Bahrain recently, allowed the latter to promote and market 10 professional certificates, five diplomas and one executive professional master programme.
Salihin's chief executive officer, Assoc. Prof Dr Ahcene Lahsasna, said the collaboration with CIBAFI will contribute significantly to the enrichment of the quality of Islamic finance education in Malaysia.
“The CIBAFI professional certifications and training programmes cover Islamic accounting, auditing, takaful, capital market, trade finance, risk management, governance and compliance.
"These internationally recognised professional certificates will complement the existing Islamic Finance courses offered in Malaysia,” he said in a statement here today.
CIBAFI is an international organisation established in 2001 and headquartered in Bahrain.
Affiliated with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, CIBAFI represents the Islamic financial services industry globally, defending and promoting its role, consolidating co-operation among members, and with other institutions with similar interests and objectives.
With more than 125 members from more than 34 jurisdictions, representing market players, international intergovernmental organisations and professional firms, and industry associations, CIBAFI was recognised as a key piece in the international architecture of Islamic finance.
“Salihin Shariah Advisory, through its education facilities at the headquarters in Malaysia, would like to take this opportunity to invite interested professionals, students and academicians to join CIBAFI programmes and become CIBAFI Certified," said Ahcene.
-- BERNAMA
Lay down your nuclear weapons urges Buddhist leader
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) – Soka Gakkai International (SGI) president, Daisaku Ikeda, in his 2019 peace proposal published recently, called for concerted effort in disarmament and for the youth to become agents of contagious change.
Entitled ‘Toward a New Era of Peace and Disarmament: A People-centered Approach’, Ikeda asked for progress in the abolition of nuclear weapons around the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) to be quickened.
According to a statement today, he also stressed the dangers of emerging Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) and proposed the prompt convening of a conference to negotiate a treaty banning these weapons.
He asked for a shift from seeing security solely in terms of state or military, towards one with a human focus in order to build a world with meaningful security.
He acknowledged that the complexity of global challenges can make the youth feel that positive change is impossible, but he wants them to resist feelings of resignation and "meet the severe challenges of our age as agents of proactive and contagious change".
He called for an expansion of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) network of universities committed to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and proposed a world conference of such universities in 2020.
On the abolition of nuclear weapons, he spotlighted the need to expand the ratification of the TPNW to achieve its entry into force, and urged the creation of a group of like-minded states to deepen the debate and promote it.
Looking ahead to the 2020 Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Ikeda called for steps such as the removal of nuclear warheads from high-alert status.
He further proposed that a fourth special session of the UN General Assembly devoted to disarmament (SSOD-IV) be held in 2021.
For more details on Ikeda’s 37th annual peace proposal, visit www.sgi.org.
-- BERNAMA
Entitled ‘Toward a New Era of Peace and Disarmament: A People-centered Approach’, Ikeda asked for progress in the abolition of nuclear weapons around the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) to be quickened.
According to a statement today, he also stressed the dangers of emerging Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) and proposed the prompt convening of a conference to negotiate a treaty banning these weapons.
He asked for a shift from seeing security solely in terms of state or military, towards one with a human focus in order to build a world with meaningful security.
He acknowledged that the complexity of global challenges can make the youth feel that positive change is impossible, but he wants them to resist feelings of resignation and "meet the severe challenges of our age as agents of proactive and contagious change".
He called for an expansion of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) network of universities committed to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and proposed a world conference of such universities in 2020.
On the abolition of nuclear weapons, he spotlighted the need to expand the ratification of the TPNW to achieve its entry into force, and urged the creation of a group of like-minded states to deepen the debate and promote it.
Looking ahead to the 2020 Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Ikeda called for steps such as the removal of nuclear warheads from high-alert status.
He further proposed that a fourth special session of the UN General Assembly devoted to disarmament (SSOD-IV) be held in 2021.
For more details on Ikeda’s 37th annual peace proposal, visit www.sgi.org.
-- BERNAMA
AM Best gives Meiji Yasuda A+ Rating
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (superior) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘aa-’ for Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company (Meiji Yasuda), Japan.
A statement today said Meiji Yasuda’s balance sheet strength assessment mainly reflects its risk-adjusted capitalisation being at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR).
This assessment is also supported by a large adjusted capital base which consists of reported capital, contingency reserves and price fluctuation reserves, as well as some equity credit for subordinated debt.
In addition, while balance sheet debt has grown, the company’s financial leverage ratios remain conservative, with adjusted debt leverage ratios generally under 25 per cent.
Meiji Yasuda’s operating performance has also remained consistently positive, generating ordinary profits in excess of 300 billion yen (1 yen = RM3.75) per annum on a consolidated basis in each of the last five years (fiscal-year ended from 2014-2018).
The stable outlook reflects AM Best’s expectation that Meiji Yasuda will maintain strong and consistent operating performance, supported by an in-force book that the global credit rating agency expects to generate favourable returns on embedded value and a stable economic solvency ratio over the medium and long term.
For more details, visit www.ambest.com.
-- BERNAMA
A statement today said Meiji Yasuda’s balance sheet strength assessment mainly reflects its risk-adjusted capitalisation being at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR).
This assessment is also supported by a large adjusted capital base which consists of reported capital, contingency reserves and price fluctuation reserves, as well as some equity credit for subordinated debt.
In addition, while balance sheet debt has grown, the company’s financial leverage ratios remain conservative, with adjusted debt leverage ratios generally under 25 per cent.
Meiji Yasuda’s operating performance has also remained consistently positive, generating ordinary profits in excess of 300 billion yen (1 yen = RM3.75) per annum on a consolidated basis in each of the last five years (fiscal-year ended from 2014-2018).
The stable outlook reflects AM Best’s expectation that Meiji Yasuda will maintain strong and consistent operating performance, supported by an in-force book that the global credit rating agency expects to generate favourable returns on embedded value and a stable economic solvency ratio over the medium and long term.
For more details, visit www.ambest.com.
-- BERNAMA
AM Best gives New India solid rating
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (excellent) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘a-’ for The New India Assurance Company Ltd (New India), India.
In a statement today, AM Best said the ratings reflect New India’s very strong balance sheet, as well as its adequate operating performance, favourable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
The company’s balance sheet strength reflects solid risk-adjusted capitalisation that is supported by low underwriting leverage and the quality of its investment portfolio.
In addition, the company’s capital and surplus is the largest among all non-life insurers in India, standing at US$5.9 billion (US$1 = RM4.10) as of March 31, 2018.
New India is the largest non-life insurer in India with a 15 per cent share of the market, and is a clear leader in almost every line of business based on gross premium.
It also maintains an underwriting portfolio that is well-diversified by geography and line of business in India and overseas.
Positive rating momentum could result from New India showing a consistent improvement in its underwriting and operating performance, while maintaining its very strong risk-adjusted capitalisation.
For more information, visit www.ambest.com.
-- BERNAMA
In a statement today, AM Best said the ratings reflect New India’s very strong balance sheet, as well as its adequate operating performance, favourable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
The company’s balance sheet strength reflects solid risk-adjusted capitalisation that is supported by low underwriting leverage and the quality of its investment portfolio.
In addition, the company’s capital and surplus is the largest among all non-life insurers in India, standing at US$5.9 billion (US$1 = RM4.10) as of March 31, 2018.
New India is the largest non-life insurer in India with a 15 per cent share of the market, and is a clear leader in almost every line of business based on gross premium.
It also maintains an underwriting portfolio that is well-diversified by geography and line of business in India and overseas.
Positive rating momentum could result from New India showing a consistent improvement in its underwriting and operating performance, while maintaining its very strong risk-adjusted capitalisation.
For more information, visit www.ambest.com.
-- BERNAMA
Credit rating of FMG Insurance Ltd affirmed
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- Insurance industry global credit rating agency, AM Best, has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (excellent) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘a’ for FMG Insurance Ltd (FMGIL), New Zealand.
FMGIL’s strong balance sheet is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), which AM Best expects to remain at the strongest level over the medium term, a statement today said.
AM Best also views FMGIL’s operating performance as adequate, with the company having generated a five-year average return on equity ratio of 4.5 per cent (fiscal years 2014-2018).
Besides this, the rating agency considers FMGIL’s business profile as neutral with the company continuing to benefit from its position as a leading rural insurer in New Zealand, albeit occupying a relatively small overall market share of 5 per cent, based on 2018 non-life gross written premiums.
FMGIL’s enterprise risk management (ERM) framework is deemed to be developed by AM Best, and its approach to managing key risks as appropriate given the size and complexity of the company.
For more details, visit www.ambest.com.
-- BERNAMA
FMGIL’s strong balance sheet is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), which AM Best expects to remain at the strongest level over the medium term, a statement today said.
AM Best also views FMGIL’s operating performance as adequate, with the company having generated a five-year average return on equity ratio of 4.5 per cent (fiscal years 2014-2018).
Besides this, the rating agency considers FMGIL’s business profile as neutral with the company continuing to benefit from its position as a leading rural insurer in New Zealand, albeit occupying a relatively small overall market share of 5 per cent, based on 2018 non-life gross written premiums.
FMGIL’s enterprise risk management (ERM) framework is deemed to be developed by AM Best, and its approach to managing key risks as appropriate given the size and complexity of the company.
For more details, visit www.ambest.com.
-- BERNAMA
Friday 25 January 2019
FACEBOOK CERTIFIES DOUBLEVERIFY TO MANAGE BRAND SAFETY
Gives advertisers streamlined brand safety controls across Facebook inventory
NEW YORK, Jan 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DoubleVerify ("DV") the leading independent provider of marketing measurement software and analytics, today announced that it has been certified for Facebook’s Brand Safety capability within the Facebook Marketing Partners (FMP) program. Certification will expand and deepen DV’s brand safety protection across Facebook’s in-stream video inventory, Instant Articles and Audience Network.
DV clients will benefit from the same comprehensive coverage on Facebook as they do across other buying platforms – including the ability to monitor 75+ content avoidance categories, create site and app override lists, and target away from undesirable apps.
“Protecting brand reputation is critical for large digital advertisers,” said Wayne Gattinella, CEO of DoubleVerify. “We share Facebook’s commitment to maintain a trusted and transparent marketplace, and we’re excited about this new initiative.”
Facebook has developed a unique automation API that will enable deeper integration between Facebook and the DoubleVerify platform, allowing direct, timely access to Facebook’s information. As a result, through the API, DV will be able to centralize brand safety setup and management, and automate blocklist updates to Facebook – providing comprehensive brand safety protection while saving buyers time and administrative effort.
DV has partnered with Facebook since October 2017 for viewability and fraud protection. This deeper integration extends objective, third-party measurement of viewability, brand safety and fraud/SIVT across Facebook ad inventory, giving global advertisers clarity and confidence in their digital investment.
About DoubleVerify
DoubleVerify is the leading independent provider of marketing measurement software, data and analytics that authenticates the quality and effectiveness of digital media for the world's largest brands and media platforms. DV provides media transparency and accountability to deliver the highest level of impression quality for maximum advertising performance. Since 2008, DV has helped hundreds of Fortune 500 companies gain the most from their media spend by delivering best in class solutions across the digital ecosystem, helping to build a better industry. Learn more at www.doubleverify.com
Media Contact
Chris Harihar of Crenshaw Communications, on behalf of DoubleVerify
chris@crenshawcomm.com
212.367.974
SOURCE : DoubleVerify
NEW YORK, Jan 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DoubleVerify ("DV") the leading independent provider of marketing measurement software and analytics, today announced that it has been certified for Facebook’s Brand Safety capability within the Facebook Marketing Partners (FMP) program. Certification will expand and deepen DV’s brand safety protection across Facebook’s in-stream video inventory, Instant Articles and Audience Network.
DV clients will benefit from the same comprehensive coverage on Facebook as they do across other buying platforms – including the ability to monitor 75+ content avoidance categories, create site and app override lists, and target away from undesirable apps.
“Protecting brand reputation is critical for large digital advertisers,” said Wayne Gattinella, CEO of DoubleVerify. “We share Facebook’s commitment to maintain a trusted and transparent marketplace, and we’re excited about this new initiative.”
Facebook has developed a unique automation API that will enable deeper integration between Facebook and the DoubleVerify platform, allowing direct, timely access to Facebook’s information. As a result, through the API, DV will be able to centralize brand safety setup and management, and automate blocklist updates to Facebook – providing comprehensive brand safety protection while saving buyers time and administrative effort.
DV has partnered with Facebook since October 2017 for viewability and fraud protection. This deeper integration extends objective, third-party measurement of viewability, brand safety and fraud/SIVT across Facebook ad inventory, giving global advertisers clarity and confidence in their digital investment.
About DoubleVerify
DoubleVerify is the leading independent provider of marketing measurement software, data and analytics that authenticates the quality and effectiveness of digital media for the world's largest brands and media platforms. DV provides media transparency and accountability to deliver the highest level of impression quality for maximum advertising performance. Since 2008, DV has helped hundreds of Fortune 500 companies gain the most from their media spend by delivering best in class solutions across the digital ecosystem, helping to build a better industry. Learn more at www.doubleverify.com
Media Contact
Chris Harihar of Crenshaw Communications, on behalf of DoubleVerify
chris@crenshawcomm.com
212.367.974
SOURCE : DoubleVerify
AM Best affirms credit ratings of Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co Ltd
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘aa-’ of The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Ltd (DL) of Japan.
The outlook of these credit ratings is stable, and the ratings reflect DL’s balance sheet strength – which AM Best categorised as very strong – as well as its strong operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
It also reflects AM Best’s expectation that DL will maintain strong and consistent operating performance, supported by an in-force book that is expected to generate favorable returns on embedded value and a stable economic solvency ratio over the medium and long term.
DL’s balance sheet strength is due in part to its risk-adjusted capitalisation being at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio.
In addition, financial leverage ratios at its holding company remain conservative, with adjusted debt leverage ratios generally under 25 per cent on a consolidated basis, a statement said.
DL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc, which is one of Japan’s largest life insurance groups in terms of premium income.
AM Best is a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry. More details at www.ambest.com.
-- BERNAMA
The outlook of these credit ratings is stable, and the ratings reflect DL’s balance sheet strength – which AM Best categorised as very strong – as well as its strong operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
It also reflects AM Best’s expectation that DL will maintain strong and consistent operating performance, supported by an in-force book that is expected to generate favorable returns on embedded value and a stable economic solvency ratio over the medium and long term.
DL’s balance sheet strength is due in part to its risk-adjusted capitalisation being at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio.
In addition, financial leverage ratios at its holding company remain conservative, with adjusted debt leverage ratios generally under 25 per cent on a consolidated basis, a statement said.
DL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc, which is one of Japan’s largest life insurance groups in terms of premium income.
AM Best is a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry. More details at www.ambest.com.
-- BERNAMA
Mary Kay announces executive appointments
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- Mary Kay Inc announced the appointments of Chaun Harper as senior vice president-chief manufacturing officer and Dr Lucy Gildea as senior vice president-chief scientific officer.
“We are proud to appoint Chaun and Lucy to these executive positions knowing their leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we build on our efforts to enrich women’s lives worldwide,” said Mary Kay chief operating officer, Deborah Gibbins, in a statement today.
Harper will assume responsibility for global manufacturing operations, global inventory control, supply planning, transportation and global quality, while Dr Gildea will continue to lead the company’s research and development operations.
Prior to joining the iconic beauty brand in 2014, Harper worked for L’Oréal where he held several positions within both the operations and quality functions.
Dr Gildea, on the other hand, spent 15 years at Procter and Gamble, working in healthcare, oral care, beauty technology and beauty/skin development before joining Mary Kay in 2017.
For details, visit www.marykay.com.
-- BERNAMA
“We are proud to appoint Chaun and Lucy to these executive positions knowing their leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we build on our efforts to enrich women’s lives worldwide,” said Mary Kay chief operating officer, Deborah Gibbins, in a statement today.
Harper will assume responsibility for global manufacturing operations, global inventory control, supply planning, transportation and global quality, while Dr Gildea will continue to lead the company’s research and development operations.
Prior to joining the iconic beauty brand in 2014, Harper worked for L’Oréal where he held several positions within both the operations and quality functions.
Dr Gildea, on the other hand, spent 15 years at Procter and Gamble, working in healthcare, oral care, beauty technology and beauty/skin development before joining Mary Kay in 2017.
For details, visit www.marykay.com.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday 24 January 2019
Kyriba purchases FiREapps to help CFOs and treasury executives
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 (Bernama) -- Kyriba has reached a deal to acquire FiREapps which would lead to the creation of the most advanced and effective solution for seamlessly managing the entire lifecycle of global foreign exchange (FX) risk.
“The acquisition of FiREapps deepens our commitment to helping senior financial executives be more agile and efficient in managing all types of risk, including FX exposures,” said Kyriba chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), Jean-Luc Robert, in a statement today.
“The market has been asking for a single-vendor solution to manage the entire breadth of FX currency exposure …. We fill that gap with a highly-differentiated solution,” said FiREapps founder and CEO, Wolfgang Koester.
According to FiREapps data, global corporations lost at least US$39 billion (US$1 = RM4.13) during the first half of 2018, up from US$14 billion during the same period the year before.
The analysis from FiREapps’ Q2 2018 Currency Impact Report sampled data from 1,200 publicly-held multinational companies worldwide.
“FX volatility is a major strategic challenge for treasury organisations,” said International Data Corporation (IDC) enterprise applications senior research analyst, Kevin Permenter.
“Financial leaders doing business in multiple countries should be looking to adopt a more holistic approach to their global risk management strategies,” he added
The combined results from two global leaders in cloud treasury and risk management should result in a faster, more efficient way to manage FX exposures than using old school processes involving spreadsheets and manual data gathering across multiple systems.
For details, visit https://www.kyriba.com.
-- BERNAMA
“The acquisition of FiREapps deepens our commitment to helping senior financial executives be more agile and efficient in managing all types of risk, including FX exposures,” said Kyriba chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), Jean-Luc Robert, in a statement today.
“The market has been asking for a single-vendor solution to manage the entire breadth of FX currency exposure …. We fill that gap with a highly-differentiated solution,” said FiREapps founder and CEO, Wolfgang Koester.
According to FiREapps data, global corporations lost at least US$39 billion (US$1 = RM4.13) during the first half of 2018, up from US$14 billion during the same period the year before.
The analysis from FiREapps’ Q2 2018 Currency Impact Report sampled data from 1,200 publicly-held multinational companies worldwide.
“FX volatility is a major strategic challenge for treasury organisations,” said International Data Corporation (IDC) enterprise applications senior research analyst, Kevin Permenter.
“Financial leaders doing business in multiple countries should be looking to adopt a more holistic approach to their global risk management strategies,” he added
The combined results from two global leaders in cloud treasury and risk management should result in a faster, more efficient way to manage FX exposures than using old school processes involving spreadsheets and manual data gathering across multiple systems.
For details, visit https://www.kyriba.com.
-- BERNAMA
PAPA JOHN'S APPOINTS MARVIN BOAKYE AS FIRST CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER
LOUISVILLE, Ky, Jan 24 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Papa John’s International, Inc., (NASDAQ: PZZA) one of the world’s largest pizza delivery companies, announced today the appointment of Marvin Boakye as its first Chief People Officer. He will serve as a member of the Papa John’s Executive Leadership Team and report to President and CEO Steve Ritchie.
Boakye has more than 20 years of human resources experience, as well as expertise in change management and culture transformation. He has held human resources leadership roles for organizations across the United States, Canada and Latin America. Boakye joins Papa John’s after serving as vice president of human resources at petroleum company Andeavor in San Antonio, Texas, which was recently acquired by Marathon Petroleum. Prior to Andeavor, he was chief human resources officer for MTS Allstream, a telecommunications company now part of Bell Canada, and held senior human resources positions at Goodyear, Pulte Group and The Home Depot.
“Boakye’s expertise will help us to continue to push Papa John’s forward in our transformation to become a better place to work for our 120,000 corporate and franchise team members,” said Papa John’s President and CEO Steve Ritchie. “In our search for a Chief People Officer, our goal was to identify a proven talent development leader with expertise in driving organizational change. Boakye’s impressive background will be an important asset to Papa John’s growth strategy, especially as we continue to focus on our business outside of North America.”
Boakye will play a critical leadership role in implementing the company’s talent management strategy, which includes overseeing people operations; compensation and benefits; and learning and development. He replaces Senior Vice President of People Operations Bob Smith, who retired from Papa John’s in August 2018 after serving 15 years with the company.
About Papa John's
Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) is the world's third-largest pizza delivery company. In 2018, consumers rated Papa John’s No. 1 in product and service quality among national pizza chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). For 17 of the past 19 years, consumers have rated Papa John's No. 1 in customer satisfaction among national pizza chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).
For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John's at www.papajohns.com.
Boakye has more than 20 years of human resources experience, as well as expertise in change management and culture transformation. He has held human resources leadership roles for organizations across the United States, Canada and Latin America. Boakye joins Papa John’s after serving as vice president of human resources at petroleum company Andeavor in San Antonio, Texas, which was recently acquired by Marathon Petroleum. Prior to Andeavor, he was chief human resources officer for MTS Allstream, a telecommunications company now part of Bell Canada, and held senior human resources positions at Goodyear, Pulte Group and The Home Depot.
“Boakye’s expertise will help us to continue to push Papa John’s forward in our transformation to become a better place to work for our 120,000 corporate and franchise team members,” said Papa John’s President and CEO Steve Ritchie. “In our search for a Chief People Officer, our goal was to identify a proven talent development leader with expertise in driving organizational change. Boakye’s impressive background will be an important asset to Papa John’s growth strategy, especially as we continue to focus on our business outside of North America.”
Boakye will play a critical leadership role in implementing the company’s talent management strategy, which includes overseeing people operations; compensation and benefits; and learning and development. He replaces Senior Vice President of People Operations Bob Smith, who retired from Papa John’s in August 2018 after serving 15 years with the company.
About Papa John's
Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) is the world's third-largest pizza delivery company. In 2018, consumers rated Papa John’s No. 1 in product and service quality among national pizza chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). For 17 of the past 19 years, consumers have rated Papa John's No. 1 in customer satisfaction among national pizza chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).
For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John's at www.papajohns.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190123005518/en/
Contact
Madeline Chadwick
Vice President of Communications
(O) 502.261.4189
Madeline_Chadwick@papajohns.com
Source : Papa John’s International, Inc.
Contact
Madeline Chadwick
Vice President of Communications
(O) 502.261.4189
Madeline_Chadwick@papajohns.com
Source : Papa John’s International, Inc.
V-CAT TO BEGIN A NEW TYPE OF CROWDFUNDING, USING DIGITAL CURRENCY
Enabling Global Exchanges for Personal Assets
HO CHI MINH, Vietnam, Jan 23 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- V-CAT Vietnam will develop a new type of crowdfunding services that uses digital currency. A platform that uses the JC-coin digital currency will be built, and all data involved in transactions will be safely protected with leading-edge blockchain technology. Any user with JC-coins can exchange any physical or digital assets they might own on the platform for more JC-coins. This will provide the funding needed to develop revolutionary new products and services, together with users worldwide, and will enable new investments in all kinds of different businesses.
V-CAT is proceeding with development of the MALLLESS platform in advance of an April 2019 launch of services. The goal is to host 10 million users worldwide by 2020. What makes MALLLESS unique is that businesses and individuals can take advantage of the point-transfer transaction model website and the proprietary wallet mechanism, both of which enable any selling of new or used goods, or of intangibles. There is also conversions possible for key virtual currencies like Bitcoin, and for real world currencies like dollars and euros. There will also be compatibility with the JAM point system (http://ogb-jam.com/merit/) that V-CAT already offers.
Work is also underway to launch services with a crowdfunding app, Raudo, in August of 2020. The goal is to engage 10 million users worldwide by 2021 which would not only allow anyone, anywhere in the world, to easily participate in crowdfunding and would also make the provisioning of that funding possible without requiring additional development work for currency encryption.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=33668
HO CHI MINH, Vietnam, Jan 23 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- V-CAT Vietnam will develop a new type of crowdfunding services that uses digital currency. A platform that uses the JC-coin digital currency will be built, and all data involved in transactions will be safely protected with leading-edge blockchain technology. Any user with JC-coins can exchange any physical or digital assets they might own on the platform for more JC-coins. This will provide the funding needed to develop revolutionary new products and services, together with users worldwide, and will enable new investments in all kinds of different businesses.
V-CAT is proceeding with development of the MALLLESS platform in advance of an April 2019 launch of services. The goal is to host 10 million users worldwide by 2020. What makes MALLLESS unique is that businesses and individuals can take advantage of the point-transfer transaction model website and the proprietary wallet mechanism, both of which enable any selling of new or used goods, or of intangibles. There is also conversions possible for key virtual currencies like Bitcoin, and for real world currencies like dollars and euros. There will also be compatibility with the JAM point system (http://ogb-jam.com/merit/) that V-CAT already offers.
Work is also underway to launch services with a crowdfunding app, Raudo, in August of 2020. The goal is to engage 10 million users worldwide by 2021 which would not only allow anyone, anywhere in the world, to easily participate in crowdfunding and would also make the provisioning of that funding possible without requiring additional development work for currency encryption.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=33668
Wednesday 23 January 2019
Capital allocators to benefit from launch of Y Analytics
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- Y Analytics, a new and independent organisation, has been launched to drive increased and more effective investment in creating social and environmental good by equipping capital allocators with the research basis to effectively understand the impact of their decisions.
An outgrowth of The Rise Fund, Y Analytics – headquartered in Washington, D.C. and led by its chief executive officer (CEO) Maryanne Hancock – will help bridge the divide between the research community and capital allocators.
“Y Analytics is built on the premise of learning from their work, utilising research to understand what creates impact, building effective tools to predict, underwrite, and manage it, and sharing that work with others to drive better decision-making,” said Hancock in a statement.
Co-founder and CEO of The Rise Fund, Bill McGlashan added Y Analytics will help inform capital in pursuit of change, ensuring that every dollar is used most effectively and providing a common language to pursue positive impact.
Building on the work of The Rise Fund – in partnership with Bridgespan and KPMG – and staffed by a team of economists and researchers, Y Analytics will seek to translate research to help decision-makers evaluate impact at the front-end of the capital allocation process and manage impact rigorously thereafter.
Y Analytics will partner with and serve a variety of organisations and industries over time. It will also collaborate with other organisations working creatively and share its learnings to help advance knowledge in the field.
-- BERNAMA
An outgrowth of The Rise Fund, Y Analytics – headquartered in Washington, D.C. and led by its chief executive officer (CEO) Maryanne Hancock – will help bridge the divide between the research community and capital allocators.
“Y Analytics is built on the premise of learning from their work, utilising research to understand what creates impact, building effective tools to predict, underwrite, and manage it, and sharing that work with others to drive better decision-making,” said Hancock in a statement.
Co-founder and CEO of The Rise Fund, Bill McGlashan added Y Analytics will help inform capital in pursuit of change, ensuring that every dollar is used most effectively and providing a common language to pursue positive impact.
Building on the work of The Rise Fund – in partnership with Bridgespan and KPMG – and staffed by a team of economists and researchers, Y Analytics will seek to translate research to help decision-makers evaluate impact at the front-end of the capital allocation process and manage impact rigorously thereafter.
Y Analytics will partner with and serve a variety of organisations and industries over time. It will also collaborate with other organisations working creatively and share its learnings to help advance knowledge in the field.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday 22 January 2019
Nestlé Skin Health opens office in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- Nestlé Skin Health, a global leader focused on enhancing quality of life by delivering science-based solutions for skin health, announced the opening of a new office in Malaysia to accelerate the company’s growth in the region.
The Malaysia affiliate is evidence of the company’s commitment to better serve the needs of its customers and consumers while at the same time more effectively tapping the ever-growing potential of the market.
“With the company making its debut in Kuala Lumpur, consumers and healthcare professionals in the country can now expect an even broader range of innovative skin health solutions developed to protect, serve and enhance skin health,” said Nestlé Skin Health S.A vice president and head of International Markets, Can Ongen, in a statement.
With a population of over 30 million, Malaysia has a dynamic and diversified economy and continues to enjoy robust growth in consumer spending.
Sensitive skin care products are experiencing particularly favourable category growth, thus confirming the strong market potential for Nestlé Skin Health.
Cetaphil, a product in the company’s dermatologically-formulated consumer skincare range, was recently awarded ‘Consumers’ Most Wanted Brand’ by health and beauty care chain Watson’s.
Cetaphil Baby, another product in the range, was conferred the ‘Most Voted Brand of the Year’ award in the baby skin care category by personal care product chain Guardian last year.
General manager of Indonesia and South-East Asia Export Markets, Nael Itani, will guide the new affiliate under the stewardship of South-East Asia Hub head Fraser Halscheid. The Kuala Lumpur office will be staffed by a local team, led by commercial director Cindy Tiu.
More details at https://www.nestleskinhealth.com.
-- BERNAMA
The Malaysia affiliate is evidence of the company’s commitment to better serve the needs of its customers and consumers while at the same time more effectively tapping the ever-growing potential of the market.
“With the company making its debut in Kuala Lumpur, consumers and healthcare professionals in the country can now expect an even broader range of innovative skin health solutions developed to protect, serve and enhance skin health,” said Nestlé Skin Health S.A vice president and head of International Markets, Can Ongen, in a statement.
With a population of over 30 million, Malaysia has a dynamic and diversified economy and continues to enjoy robust growth in consumer spending.
Sensitive skin care products are experiencing particularly favourable category growth, thus confirming the strong market potential for Nestlé Skin Health.
Cetaphil, a product in the company’s dermatologically-formulated consumer skincare range, was recently awarded ‘Consumers’ Most Wanted Brand’ by health and beauty care chain Watson’s.
Cetaphil Baby, another product in the range, was conferred the ‘Most Voted Brand of the Year’ award in the baby skin care category by personal care product chain Guardian last year.
General manager of Indonesia and South-East Asia Export Markets, Nael Itani, will guide the new affiliate under the stewardship of South-East Asia Hub head Fraser Halscheid. The Kuala Lumpur office will be staffed by a local team, led by commercial director Cindy Tiu.
More details at https://www.nestleskinhealth.com.
-- BERNAMA
Saturday 19 January 2019
TACONIC BIOSCIENCES' ANIMALS COMPLETE MOST RECENT MISSION TO THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
RENSSELAER, N.Y., Jan 18 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Taconic Biosciences, a global leader in providing genetically engineered rodent model solutions, announces the completion of a recent mission to the International Space Station.
This project represents a collaboration between the International Space Station (ISS) National Lab, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Bioserve Space Technologies with support from the Leidos Corporation, and Taconic. Taconic has participated in several spaceflight missions with NASA since 1985. Most recently, as part of the science and research investigation payloads supported by the SpaceX Commercial Resupply Services missions, Taconic prepared mice to live aboard the International Space Station for extended periods.
Previous spaceflight studies demonstrated that mice undergo rapid loss of muscle and bone mass, resembling accelerated aging. Therefore, mice exposed to microgravity via spaceflight are a valuable model to understand and develop new therapies for aging-related immune, bone, and muscle disease processes. The Rodent Research 8 (RR-8) mission, also referred to as Rodent Research Reference mission 1 (RRR-1), studies the microgravity effects on groups of young and old BALB/cAnTac mice flown on the same mission. Information gathered from this project will prove invaluable as control data for past and future missions.
“Participation in the Rodent Research missions is both exciting and inspiring, as the research advances our understanding of how microgravity conditions impact mammalian biology. Over a year of planning and effort goes into preparing animal cohorts to ensure all animals are within the mission specs at the time of launch, so seeing the project through to completion is very rewarding,” shared Dr. Gretchen Kusek, associate director of scientific services with Taconic.
“Taconic has been a valued partner for many rodent research missions to the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory and on the shuttle before that,” said Dr. Michael Roberts, deputy chief scientist for the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory. “We believe that the knowledge gained from this unique and exciting rodent research reference mission will have the ability to bring insight to improve patient care here on Earth.”
In September 2018, ISS National Lab issued a request for proposal (RFP) for investigators to access the information generated from this study. Those selected will receive funding to carry out additional research.
To learn more about how Taconic’s animal model solutions can progress your research, please call 1-888-TACONIC (888-822-6642) in the US, +45 70 23 04 05 in Europe, or email info@taconic.com.
About Taconic Biosciences, Inc.
Taconic Biosciences is a fully-licensed, global leader in genetically engineered rodent models and services. Founded in 1952, Taconic provides the best animal solutions so that customers can acquire, custom generate, breed, precondition, test, and distribute valuable research models worldwide. Specialists in genetically engineered mouse and rat models, precision research mouse models, and integrated model design and breeding services, Taconic operates three service laboratories and six breeding facilities in the U.S. and Europe, maintains distributor relationships in Asia and has global shipping capabilities to provide animal models almost anywhere in the world.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=33648
This project represents a collaboration between the International Space Station (ISS) National Lab, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Bioserve Space Technologies with support from the Leidos Corporation, and Taconic. Taconic has participated in several spaceflight missions with NASA since 1985. Most recently, as part of the science and research investigation payloads supported by the SpaceX Commercial Resupply Services missions, Taconic prepared mice to live aboard the International Space Station for extended periods.
Previous spaceflight studies demonstrated that mice undergo rapid loss of muscle and bone mass, resembling accelerated aging. Therefore, mice exposed to microgravity via spaceflight are a valuable model to understand and develop new therapies for aging-related immune, bone, and muscle disease processes. The Rodent Research 8 (RR-8) mission, also referred to as Rodent Research Reference mission 1 (RRR-1), studies the microgravity effects on groups of young and old BALB/cAnTac mice flown on the same mission. Information gathered from this project will prove invaluable as control data for past and future missions.
“Participation in the Rodent Research missions is both exciting and inspiring, as the research advances our understanding of how microgravity conditions impact mammalian biology. Over a year of planning and effort goes into preparing animal cohorts to ensure all animals are within the mission specs at the time of launch, so seeing the project through to completion is very rewarding,” shared Dr. Gretchen Kusek, associate director of scientific services with Taconic.
“Taconic has been a valued partner for many rodent research missions to the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory and on the shuttle before that,” said Dr. Michael Roberts, deputy chief scientist for the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory. “We believe that the knowledge gained from this unique and exciting rodent research reference mission will have the ability to bring insight to improve patient care here on Earth.”
In September 2018, ISS National Lab issued a request for proposal (RFP) for investigators to access the information generated from this study. Those selected will receive funding to carry out additional research.
To learn more about how Taconic’s animal model solutions can progress your research, please call 1-888-TACONIC (888-822-6642) in the US, +45 70 23 04 05 in Europe, or email info@taconic.com.
About Taconic Biosciences, Inc.
Taconic Biosciences is a fully-licensed, global leader in genetically engineered rodent models and services. Founded in 1952, Taconic provides the best animal solutions so that customers can acquire, custom generate, breed, precondition, test, and distribute valuable research models worldwide. Specialists in genetically engineered mouse and rat models, precision research mouse models, and integrated model design and breeding services, Taconic operates three service laboratories and six breeding facilities in the U.S. and Europe, maintains distributor relationships in Asia and has global shipping capabilities to provide animal models almost anywhere in the world.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=33648
Friday 18 January 2019
Terns Pharmaceuticals appoints new chief medical officer
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- Global biopharmaceutical company Terns Pharmaceuticals Inc (Terns) has appointed Erin Quirk, M.D. as chief medical officer.
The company, in a statement, said Dr Quirk brings more than two decades of clinical medicine and drug development experience, most recently serving as vice president of Clinical Research at Gilead Sciences.
She oversaw all phases of clinical development for Gilead’s HIV treatment, prevention and cure franchise and was responsible for strategy and life-cycle maintenance for the company’s HIV portfolio, advancing multiple compounds and combination products into clinical development and through the approval process.
“We are delighted to have Erin join us at this critical time in our company’s growth, as her proven leadership and background in both early and late-stage drug development make her well suited to lead the growing Terns clinical development team,” said president and chief executive officer of Terns, Weidong Zhong, Ph.D.
Terns is based in San Mateo, California, and Shanghai, China. The company is committed to discover and develop molecularly targeted, oral, small molecule drugs to treat liver disease and cancer. More details at https://ternspharma.com.
-- BERNAMA
The company, in a statement, said Dr Quirk brings more than two decades of clinical medicine and drug development experience, most recently serving as vice president of Clinical Research at Gilead Sciences.
She oversaw all phases of clinical development for Gilead’s HIV treatment, prevention and cure franchise and was responsible for strategy and life-cycle maintenance for the company’s HIV portfolio, advancing multiple compounds and combination products into clinical development and through the approval process.
“We are delighted to have Erin join us at this critical time in our company’s growth, as her proven leadership and background in both early and late-stage drug development make her well suited to lead the growing Terns clinical development team,” said president and chief executive officer of Terns, Weidong Zhong, Ph.D.
Terns is based in San Mateo, California, and Shanghai, China. The company is committed to discover and develop molecularly targeted, oral, small molecule drugs to treat liver disease and cancer. More details at https://ternspharma.com.
-- BERNAMA
PMC GROUP INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF PRODUCT LINE FROM SOLVAY, SA
MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., Jan 16 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- PMC Ouvrie SAS, France, a wholly owned subsidiary of PMC Group International Inc., which is an independent arm of PMC Group Inc., announced the acquisition of a hydrocolloid product line from the Belgium based Solvay, SA. These products will be sold globally to the home and personal care (HPC), industrial and coatings markets under the trade names Rhodicare CFT, Rhodicare D, Rhodicare H, Rhodicare S, Rhodicare T, Rhodicare XC, Rhodopol 23, Rhodopol G, Rhodopol T, Rhodopol TG, Rhodopol Extra 2, and Rhodopol Extra 2 Clear.
“The acquisition of these products made by fermentation processes emphasizes our increasing interest in products made by green chemistry and biological processes,” said Dr. Raj Chakrabarti, Head of PMC Group International. “The acquired hydrocolloids fit synergistically with the functional product lines of PMC Ouvrie, which has long been a leading supplier of defoamers to bio-based process technologies,” he added.
ABOUT PMC
PMC Group is a US based growth oriented, diversified, global chemicals and pharmaceuticals company dedicated to innovative solutions to every need in a broad range of end markets including, plastics, consumer products, electronics, coatings, packaging, mining, personal care, food, automotive and pharmaceuticals. The Company was built on a sustainable model of growth through innovation while promoting social good. PMC operates from a global manufacturing, innovation, and marketing platform with facilities in the Americas, Europe and Asia. More information about PMC and its activities around the world can be found at www.pmc-group.com.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=33631
“The acquisition of these products made by fermentation processes emphasizes our increasing interest in products made by green chemistry and biological processes,” said Dr. Raj Chakrabarti, Head of PMC Group International. “The acquired hydrocolloids fit synergistically with the functional product lines of PMC Ouvrie, which has long been a leading supplier of defoamers to bio-based process technologies,” he added.
ABOUT PMC
PMC Group is a US based growth oriented, diversified, global chemicals and pharmaceuticals company dedicated to innovative solutions to every need in a broad range of end markets including, plastics, consumer products, electronics, coatings, packaging, mining, personal care, food, automotive and pharmaceuticals. The Company was built on a sustainable model of growth through innovation while promoting social good. PMC operates from a global manufacturing, innovation, and marketing platform with facilities in the Americas, Europe and Asia. More information about PMC and its activities around the world can be found at www.pmc-group.com.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=33631
Thursday 17 January 2019
Singapore´s Space Executive among best workplaces for 2019
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- Space Executive, a boutique executive search business, has been certified as one of the best places to work in Singapore for 2019.
The company received outstanding scores across several aspects of its workplace such as leadership, compensation and benefits, recognition, teamwork and opportunities for employee growth.
“Space has a fantastic culture. We set the bar very high in terms of the quality of individuals that we offer roles to and once they are part of the family, we do everything we can to incentivise them as well as listen to them as to what we can positively influence and change in the organisation,” said Space Executive general manager, Marek Danyluk, in a statement.
The Best Places to Work program is an international program providing employers in different countries the opportunity to learn more about the engagement and satisfaction of their employees and honour those who deliver an outstanding work experience.
It focuses on eight Workplace factors including workplace culture, recognition and reward programs, wellness support and work-life balance, and overall employee satisfaction with the company's people practices.
More details at http://www.bestplacestoworkfor.org.
-- BERNAMA
The company received outstanding scores across several aspects of its workplace such as leadership, compensation and benefits, recognition, teamwork and opportunities for employee growth.
“Space has a fantastic culture. We set the bar very high in terms of the quality of individuals that we offer roles to and once they are part of the family, we do everything we can to incentivise them as well as listen to them as to what we can positively influence and change in the organisation,” said Space Executive general manager, Marek Danyluk, in a statement.
The Best Places to Work program is an international program providing employers in different countries the opportunity to learn more about the engagement and satisfaction of their employees and honour those who deliver an outstanding work experience.
It focuses on eight Workplace factors including workplace culture, recognition and reward programs, wellness support and work-life balance, and overall employee satisfaction with the company's people practices.
More details at http://www.bestplacestoworkfor.org.
-- BERNAMA
Thomas Cheong to lead Principal Asia
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) – President of Principal North Asia, Thomas Cheong has been promoted to be the president of Principal Asia, effective March 2.
According to a statement, he will also assume the leadership for South Asia in addition to his current role.
President and chief executive officer, Principal International, Luis Valdés said Cheong’s extensive experience in asset management, pension and life insurance businesses made him ideal to lead and reinforce Principal’s long-term commitment to its Asia markets.
Meanwhile, president of Principal South Asia and India, Pedro Borda is being promoted to senior vice president and chief operating officer of Principal International.
In his new role, Borda will play an integral role in partnering with the company’s global leadership teams to develop and implement business development and digital transformation strategies.
“Asia represents the fastest-growing region for Principal International and is essential to our long-term strategy,” said Valdés.
Borda replaces Renee Schaaf, who is assuming the role of president of Principal Retirement and Income Solutions in March.
Principal helps people and companies worldwide to build, protect and advance their financial well-being through retirement, insurance and asset management solutions. More details at principal.com
-- BERNAMA
According to a statement, he will also assume the leadership for South Asia in addition to his current role.
President and chief executive officer, Principal International, Luis Valdés said Cheong’s extensive experience in asset management, pension and life insurance businesses made him ideal to lead and reinforce Principal’s long-term commitment to its Asia markets.
Meanwhile, president of Principal South Asia and India, Pedro Borda is being promoted to senior vice president and chief operating officer of Principal International.
In his new role, Borda will play an integral role in partnering with the company’s global leadership teams to develop and implement business development and digital transformation strategies.
“Asia represents the fastest-growing region for Principal International and is essential to our long-term strategy,” said Valdés.
Borda replaces Renee Schaaf, who is assuming the role of president of Principal Retirement and Income Solutions in March.
Principal helps people and companies worldwide to build, protect and advance their financial well-being through retirement, insurance and asset management solutions. More details at principal.com
-- BERNAMA
TCL flagship TV product honoured at CES 2019
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- Global television brand and consumer electronics company TCL has been honoured with multiple awards at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
Notable accolades won by the company include ‘8K TV Gold Award of the Year’ for its TCL X10 QLED 8K TV and ‘2018-2019 Global CE Brands Top 50’ by the International Data Group (IDG).
The 75-inch TCL X10 QLED 8K television features world-class picture quality and theatre-level sound, and supports various smart functions powered by Android TV™ with the Google Assistant built-in, a statement said.
Other awards won by TCL at the event include ‘2018-2019 Global Smart Connected Device Top 15’ and ‘Global Security Smartphone Innovation Award of the Year’.
“We are thrilled to receive these awards in recognition of our continuous efforts in driving brand innovation and offering consumers diversified, industry-leading smart products that inspire a creative life,” said general manager of Product Centre at TCL Electronics, Shaoyong Zhang.
Headquartered in China, TCL Electronics Holdings Ltd is committed to making lives more intelligent with the goal of delivering an ultimate entertainment experience to consumers.
-- BERNAMA
-- BERNAMA
PSAV to acquire Encore Event Technologies
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- PSAV and The Freeman Company have entered into a purchase agreement for PSAV to acquire Encore Event Technologies, with the deal expected to be finalised later this year.
Encore, an audio-visual and production company, has a long and distinguished history dedicated to organising high-impact meetings and live events for the hospitality industry.
PSAV, too, is a global leader in event experiences, providing creative, production, advanced technology and staging services to help professionals deliver more dynamic and impactful experiences at their events.
“Encore is an ideal partner for the PSAV family of companies given its shared commitment to meeting and event planners, and strong alignment with our purpose and mission,” said PSAV chief executive officer (CEO), Mike McIlwain, in a statement today.
“We’re extremely proud of the success everyone at Encore – including our FAV Canada operations – has created in building one of the world’s leading in-house hospitality, event technology and production service businesses,” said The Freeman Company CEO, Joe Popolo.
Family-owned firm, The Freeman Company, is comprised of leading brand experience company, Freeman, Encore and premier event technology specialist, Alford Media.
This transaction reinforces PSAV’s mission of connecting and inspiring people by expanding the breadth of its capabilities throughout North America and the Asia-Pacific.
For details, visit www.psav.com and http://www.freeman.com.
-- BERNAMA
Encore, an audio-visual and production company, has a long and distinguished history dedicated to organising high-impact meetings and live events for the hospitality industry.
PSAV, too, is a global leader in event experiences, providing creative, production, advanced technology and staging services to help professionals deliver more dynamic and impactful experiences at their events.
“Encore is an ideal partner for the PSAV family of companies given its shared commitment to meeting and event planners, and strong alignment with our purpose and mission,” said PSAV chief executive officer (CEO), Mike McIlwain, in a statement today.
“We’re extremely proud of the success everyone at Encore – including our FAV Canada operations – has created in building one of the world’s leading in-house hospitality, event technology and production service businesses,” said The Freeman Company CEO, Joe Popolo.
Family-owned firm, The Freeman Company, is comprised of leading brand experience company, Freeman, Encore and premier event technology specialist, Alford Media.
This transaction reinforces PSAV’s mission of connecting and inspiring people by expanding the breadth of its capabilities throughout North America and the Asia-Pacific.
For details, visit www.psav.com and http://www.freeman.com.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday 16 January 2019
iCar Asia grew by 36 pct in cash receipts for Q4 of 2018
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- ASEAN's number one network of automotive portals, iCar Asia Ltd (iCar Asia), had a very strong finish to 2018 with both its Malaysian and Thailand businesses becoming EBITDA positive.
Its Indonesian business, meanwhile, was taking a big step forward in monetisation, according to iCar Asia’s published Appendix 4C for the final quarter of 2018.
“We remain committed to our vision of driving the digital transformation in the automotive industry in the ASEAN region and see 2019 as a year to confirm iCar Asia’s position in the region as the catalyst for this change,” said chief executive officer of iCar Asia, Hamish Stone, in a statement.
iCar Asia’s Malaysian business had its first quarter of positive EBITDA and cash flow in Q4 following its move to breakeven in September. The Group remains on track to reach breakeven by end of 2019.
Meanwhile, iCar Asia’s Thailand operations have also achieved EBITDA and cash flow positive from December. This is expected to continue on a quarterly basis and is in line with iCar Asia’s original guidance.
Cash receipts from customers in Q4 grew 36 per cent year on year to A$3 million (A$1 = RM 2.96). The growth represents a fourth consecutive quarterly cash collections of over A$3 million.
The auction business, launched in 2H 2018, continues to gather momentum. The gross market value of cars sold through the platform has now reached A$2.3 million since its inception.
The company’s audience also grew by 17 per cent versus the corresponding quarter in 2017 with an average audience of approximately 12 million per month. It is focused on developing and operating leading automotive portals in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.
For more information, visit https://www.icarasia.com.
-- BERNAMA
BlinQ sees untapped potential in SEA
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- Asia’s booming luxury fashion e-commerce space is a hugely untapped market according to BlinQ founder and chief executive office, Bob Chua.
The personal luxury market is currently estimated to be worth US$300 billion (US$1 = RM4.09) and will grow to US$500 billion by 2020, with close to 44 per cent deriving from Asia, according to McKinsey’s global fashion report.
“BlinQ uses augmented reality (AR) and algorithmic patterns to provide users with the latest trends and personalised fittings from their digital devices.
“It also allows users to choose how they would like to consume fashion, which may not necessarily be to buy, but to also rent, subscribe or pay later for the latest luxury designs from major and upcoming brands across Southeast Asia (SEA),” said Chua in a statement today.
“The multi-brand and multi-mode platform allows for a wider audience to be able to enjoy luxury … especially among the millennials,” added the entrepreneur who has had two successful Big Data exits and an IPO on the London Stock Exchange.
From a business-to-business (B2B) aspect, BlinQ plans to monetise its platform by white-labelling the virtual changing room to other e-commerce sites.
BlinQ also envisions powering the back-end logistics and fulfilment of goods via fully automated warehousing to meet the demand for speed, scope and scale in the region, while optimising the customer experience.
For details, visit https://blinq.fashion.
-- BERNAMA
The personal luxury market is currently estimated to be worth US$300 billion (US$1 = RM4.09) and will grow to US$500 billion by 2020, with close to 44 per cent deriving from Asia, according to McKinsey’s global fashion report.
“BlinQ uses augmented reality (AR) and algorithmic patterns to provide users with the latest trends and personalised fittings from their digital devices.
“It also allows users to choose how they would like to consume fashion, which may not necessarily be to buy, but to also rent, subscribe or pay later for the latest luxury designs from major and upcoming brands across Southeast Asia (SEA),” said Chua in a statement today.
“The multi-brand and multi-mode platform allows for a wider audience to be able to enjoy luxury … especially among the millennials,” added the entrepreneur who has had two successful Big Data exits and an IPO on the London Stock Exchange.
From a business-to-business (B2B) aspect, BlinQ plans to monetise its platform by white-labelling the virtual changing room to other e-commerce sites.
BlinQ also envisions powering the back-end logistics and fulfilment of goods via fully automated warehousing to meet the demand for speed, scope and scale in the region, while optimising the customer experience.
For details, visit https://blinq.fashion.
-- BERNAMA
TRA picks TISS for traction system electrical equipment
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) – Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation (TISS) has received an order for traction system electrical equipment for 520 commuter train cars from the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA).
The order is for complete sets of equipment like transformers, power converters and traction motors for commuter trains that will run along the west coast of Taiwan for about 430km, a statement today informed.
TISS plans to start making some deliveries to the rolling stock manufacturer, Hyundai Rotem Company, in 2019, with commercial operations beginning from the end of 2020.
Starting in 2000 with deliveries of electrical equipment to TRA for rolling stock in the commuter train EMU600 series, TISS has now provided TRA with electrical equipment for more than 700 rolling stock units, as well as for the Taiwan High Speed Rail.
This latest order indicates the recognition that TISS has gained for its extensive experience in the Taiwan market.
It plans to focus on Taiwan as a major market for railway business operations and will continue to carry out marketing activities in Taiwan.
-- BERNAMA
The order is for complete sets of equipment like transformers, power converters and traction motors for commuter trains that will run along the west coast of Taiwan for about 430km, a statement today informed.
TISS plans to start making some deliveries to the rolling stock manufacturer, Hyundai Rotem Company, in 2019, with commercial operations beginning from the end of 2020.
Starting in 2000 with deliveries of electrical equipment to TRA for rolling stock in the commuter train EMU600 series, TISS has now provided TRA with electrical equipment for more than 700 rolling stock units, as well as for the Taiwan High Speed Rail.
This latest order indicates the recognition that TISS has gained for its extensive experience in the Taiwan market.
It plans to focus on Taiwan as a major market for railway business operations and will continue to carry out marketing activities in Taiwan.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday 15 January 2019
GMAC acquires The MBA Tour
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a global association of leading graduate business schools, acquired The MBA Tour on Jan 10, 2019.
The MBA Tour, which was started in 1993, hosts over 60 business education events each year across six continents and connects candidates with business schools from North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and South America.
GMAC will add value by integrating its market intelligence and digital assets to create a richer event experience and attract prospective students through comprehensive recruiting solutions that align its data, reach and presence along multiple candidate touchpoints.
“The acquisition of The MBA Tour is part of an ongoing effort to develop smarter, more innovative ways to help business schools grow their candidate pipeline while providing programmes with more intuitive, data-driven solutions to meet their recruiting needs.
“Building a robust and diverse pipeline is a critical issue facing business schools around the world, and GMAC recognises the important role it plays in connecting schools and candidates,” said GMAC president and chief executive officer (CEO), Sangeet Chowfla, in a statement today.
The MBA Tour CEO and managing director, Peter von Loesecke, said: “GMAC is well-positioned to make these events more compelling for schools and candidates … (and) for more meaningful discourse.”
More details at www.gmac.com.
-- BERNAMA
Jones Day announces partner´s move
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Global law firm, Jones Day, announced in a statement today its Global Disputes Practice partner, Simon Bellas, will be moving to the Singapore office.
Bellas will join Singapore-based partners, Matt Skinner and Zachary Sharpe, in expanding the firm's arbitration practice in the country and Hong Kong, while continuing to contribute to the firm's considerable Australian litigation and arbitration practice.
He will advise clients on construction claims and disputes, with a particular focus on large-scale energy and resources projects and related infrastructure matters.
He represents both owners and major contractors across industry sectors, including oil and gas, mining and infrastructure construction.
Admitted to the Supreme Courts of Queensland and Western Australia, as well as High Court of Australia, Bellas has been recognised for his work on behalf of clients by The AFR's Best Lawyers(c) in Australia; The Legal 500, Australia; Chambers Asia Pacific (Construction); and Doyle's Guide.
Jones Day has more than 2,500 lawyers in 43 offices across five continents.
-- BERNAMA
Bellas will join Singapore-based partners, Matt Skinner and Zachary Sharpe, in expanding the firm's arbitration practice in the country and Hong Kong, while continuing to contribute to the firm's considerable Australian litigation and arbitration practice.
He will advise clients on construction claims and disputes, with a particular focus on large-scale energy and resources projects and related infrastructure matters.
He represents both owners and major contractors across industry sectors, including oil and gas, mining and infrastructure construction.
Admitted to the Supreme Courts of Queensland and Western Australia, as well as High Court of Australia, Bellas has been recognised for his work on behalf of clients by The AFR's Best Lawyers(c) in Australia; The Legal 500, Australia; Chambers Asia Pacific (Construction); and Doyle's Guide.
Jones Day has more than 2,500 lawyers in 43 offices across five continents.
-- BERNAMA
Covetrus board of directors announced
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Henry Schein Inc. and Vets First Choice announced their 11-member board of directors for Covetrus with David E. Shaw as chairman and Philip A. Laskawy as lead independent director.
Covetrus is the new standalone public company that will result from the planned spin-off of the Henry Schein Animal Health business and the subsequent merger with Vets First Choice. The merger is expected to be completed on or about Feb 4.
“Our intention has been to create a board that reflects the expansive and transformative nature of the Covetrus opportunity, and we believe that this slate of nominees achieves that in terms of calibre, diversity, independence and other qualities.
“This group has a strong mix of relevant experience, global domain knowledge and extensive capabilities across keyboard functions that will help Covetrus scale its technology-enabled services platform across the globe and deliver upon its mission of advancing the world of veterinary medicine,” said Shaw in a statement.
Another nine individuals are expected to be appointed to the Covetrus board of directors.
Henry Schein is a solutions company for healthcare professionals powered by a network of people and technology, while Vets First Choice is an innovator in technology-enabled services.
For more information, visit www.henryschein.com or www.vetsfirstchoice.com.
-- BERNAMA
Covetrus is the new standalone public company that will result from the planned spin-off of the Henry Schein Animal Health business and the subsequent merger with Vets First Choice. The merger is expected to be completed on or about Feb 4.
“Our intention has been to create a board that reflects the expansive and transformative nature of the Covetrus opportunity, and we believe that this slate of nominees achieves that in terms of calibre, diversity, independence and other qualities.
“This group has a strong mix of relevant experience, global domain knowledge and extensive capabilities across keyboard functions that will help Covetrus scale its technology-enabled services platform across the globe and deliver upon its mission of advancing the world of veterinary medicine,” said Shaw in a statement.
Another nine individuals are expected to be appointed to the Covetrus board of directors.
Henry Schein is a solutions company for healthcare professionals powered by a network of people and technology, while Vets First Choice is an innovator in technology-enabled services.
For more information, visit www.henryschein.com or www.vetsfirstchoice.com.
-- BERNAMA
Monday 14 January 2019
Friday 11 January 2019
Sharp is changing the way we view the world
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 11 (Bernama) -- Sharp Corporation returned to CES 2019 (Jan 8-11) with its first full-scale exhibit in over four years to showcase a fast-growing portfolio of offerings.
“As infrastructure expands to keep pace with the ever-increasing volume of information that surrounds us, we see 8K as an area with massive potential.
“Here at CES, we have a variety of 8K devices and solutions that showcase our position as a leader in this exciting field,” said Sharp executive vice president and AIoT business strategy office head, Bob Ishida, in a statement today.
8K World is the name of Sharp’s constantly expanding 8K line-up. As well as the groundbreaking 8C-B60A camcorder and the world’s first 8K TV monitors, the company’s comprehensive 8K ecosystem encompasses peripherals, editing systems and 8K visual solutions aimed at diverse sectors.
“Our 8K ecosystem is ready to revolutionise each field, benefit our partners and enrich people’s personal and social lives through images of unparalleled realism,” he added.
Another featured line-up is AIoT World, centred around Sharp’s unique synthesis of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of things (IoT).
“In Japan, Sharp’s vision of people-oriented IoT is already exemplified by over 150 products in 10 categories, including kitchen, pet care and audiovisual solutions. And we plan to roll out such items to other markets according to local needs, lifestyles and culture,” Ishida said.
Alongside this, Sharp will showcase the recently acquired Dynabook brand of notebook computers.
“Combining the Dynabook brand with our AIoT and 8K solutions, we will explore new possibilities for computers,” said Ishida.
More details available at http://sharp-world.com/.
-- BERNAMA
“As infrastructure expands to keep pace with the ever-increasing volume of information that surrounds us, we see 8K as an area with massive potential.
“Here at CES, we have a variety of 8K devices and solutions that showcase our position as a leader in this exciting field,” said Sharp executive vice president and AIoT business strategy office head, Bob Ishida, in a statement today.
8K World is the name of Sharp’s constantly expanding 8K line-up. As well as the groundbreaking 8C-B60A camcorder and the world’s first 8K TV monitors, the company’s comprehensive 8K ecosystem encompasses peripherals, editing systems and 8K visual solutions aimed at diverse sectors.
“Our 8K ecosystem is ready to revolutionise each field, benefit our partners and enrich people’s personal and social lives through images of unparalleled realism,” he added.
Another featured line-up is AIoT World, centred around Sharp’s unique synthesis of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of things (IoT).
“In Japan, Sharp’s vision of people-oriented IoT is already exemplified by over 150 products in 10 categories, including kitchen, pet care and audiovisual solutions. And we plan to roll out such items to other markets according to local needs, lifestyles and culture,” Ishida said.
Alongside this, Sharp will showcase the recently acquired Dynabook brand of notebook computers.
“Combining the Dynabook brand with our AIoT and 8K solutions, we will explore new possibilities for computers,” said Ishida.
More details available at http://sharp-world.com/.
-- BERNAMA
MK FOOD VALLEY EXPORTS KOREAN OMIJA DRINKS THAT CAPTIVATE WORLDWIDE CONSUMERS' TASTE BUDS WITH DISTINCTIVE FLAVOR
MUNGYEONG, South Korea, Jan 9 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- MK Food Valley Corp. is expanding exports of its high-quality Omija beverages made with berries of Omija plants (Maximowiczia chinensis) it grows in an area with very clean air and water.
The company won two Superior Taste Awards from iTQi in 2016 and an Innovation Award at SIAL Middle East Abu Dhabi in 2018. ITQi is the International Taste & Quality Institute, an organization dedicated to certifying the taste of food and drink products. SIAL Middle East Abu Dhabi is an international trade fair for food that takes place once a year in Abu Dhabi.
Omija are reddish berries of Omija plants, with a berry being about one centimeter in diameter. They are in season in September in Korea. Omi in Korean means five tastes. The berries are so called, because they taste sweet, sour, bitter, salty and spicy hot all at the same time. Among the five, the sour taste is the strongest. Compared with Noni (Morinda citrifolia), Acai and Aronia berries, Omija contain calcium, potassium and magnesium 30 times, 5 to 30 times and more than 10 times as much as them, respectively.
MK Food Valley produces Omija Syrup, Omija Redcho and Omija Juice Series, all made with Omija harvested in Mungyeong, North Gyeongsang Province. Omija Syrup was supplied to Starbucks Korea and Tom N Toms coffee franchises in Thailand. Omija Juice Series are exported to 13 countries.
Mungyeong Omija Fizzio, a Starbucks Korea drink made with Omija Syrup of MK Food Valley, gained sensational popularity among consumers. Tom N Toms in Thailand introduced a menu of beverages of Omija supplied by the corporation. Though the berries were unfamiliar to the Thais, the menu received enthusiastic response.
“Our Omija Syrup is the only Korean syrup to have won innovation contests in two major food & beverage trade shows -- Gulfood Dubai and SIAL Paris,” MK Food Valley official said. “Taking international fairs’ certification of our products as a momentum for further growth, we will step up R&D to increase our exports with a wider array of products.”
More information on MK Food Valley is available at http://www.omijamall.co.kr/ or https://www.facebook.com/omijamall.
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