Sunday 31 May 2020

COVID-19: ECVV helps global buyers to purchase industrial, semi-finished products from China

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 -- Global buyers still have to purchase China’s industrial products and semi-finished products to continue production and help their workforce return to work amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a statement, there is global demand for those products and Chinese factories have the adequate production capacity, but buyers cannot visit the country during the pandemic and restrictions on international travel.

However, ECVV.com, a cross-border industrial product sourcing platform can now find qualified suppliers, ensuring the safety of payment and delivery of goods purchased.

ECVV.com offers Safebuy service which is designed to resolve the pain points for global buyers that source products from China.

ECVV’s Safebuy service has been availed by over 3,000 international customers since its launch and has helped global government agencies, manufacturers, wholesale retailers and service centres to source and procure products from China.

As the most reliable e-commerce industrial products sourcing platform, ECVV aims to help more companies to save money and time as well as be worry free to complete sourcing from the country.

-- BERNAMA

Friday 29 May 2020

Crypto.com expands crypto card to 31 European countries via i2c global processing platform

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 -- i2c Inc, a digital payment and open banking technology provider has partnered with Crypto.com as its crypto card product has begun shipping in 31 countries across Europe.

This expansion follows successful and agile integrations between the two companies over the past three years in Singapore, the United States and most recently, the United Kingdom, making Crypto.com’s card programme the most widely available globally.

Consumers now have access to an end-to-end crypto ecosystem comprising a crypto payments card, a wallet app to buy, sell and earn crypto as well as cashback rewards as one spends.

Interest in digital currencies is increasing as the global economic crisis and resulting government stimulus packages push national debt to unprecedented levels, driving a concern around a post-pandemic recession caused by hyper-inflation.

A Crypto.com-sponsored research study from The Economist Intelligence Unit reports, for the first time, mainstream consumers in cryptocurrency, with 20 per cent of respondents who do not use crypto today reporting they plan to begin using it in the next year.

“The current economic climate of uncertainty is only reinforcing the trend among consumers for flexible financial solutions that are accessible and easy to use, and map to their on-demand, digital lives,” said i2c Inc president, Jim McCarthy in a statement.

“The strong enrolment response in Europe to the Crypto.com payments solution indicates consumers are ready for an alternative to traditional money systems that puts them squarely in control of their finances and investments. i2c is proud to be helping Crypto.com bring optional payment solutions to the world.”

-- BERNAMA

ACAMS LAUNCHES GLOBAL 24+ HOUR VIRTUAL SUMMIT

Speakers include officials from IRS-CI, FINTRAC, Moneyval, AUSTRAC, MAS, HKMA, De Nederlandsche Bank, Bank of Lithuania, DEA, DHS and the Malta Gaming Authority

MIAMI, May 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- In response to the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) will host its first-ever, 24-hour online summit offering training to financial crime compliance professionals from more than 70 subject-matter experts across the globe. Beginning June 2, 2020, attendees of the ACAMS24+ summit will be able to livestream panels on the most urgent challenges facing financial crime compliance practitioners today, including emerging threats linked to COVID-19 fraud, the rise of professional money launderers and the evolving political landscape underpinning sanctions compliance.

ACAMS LAUNCHES GLOBAL 24+ HOUR VIRTUAL SUMMIT

SITEL GROUP, UNIPHORE PARTNER TO TRANSFORM THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE INDUSTRY THROUGH AI AND AUTOMATION

Advanced technology from Uniphore combined with decades of exceptional customer service know-how from Sitel Group will deliver new CX capabilities for global brands

PALO ALTO, Calif. & MIAMI, May 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Uniphore, an early market leader in the Conversational Service Automation (CSA) space, and Sitel Group, a leading global customer experience (CX) management provider that delivers more than 3.5 million customer experiences every day, today announced they have partnered to combine Sitel Group’s breadth of industry experience and customer-centric approach with Uniphore’s world-class Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) CSA platform to transform the customer experience and enable tailored and powerful solutions for Sitel Group’s customers around the globe.

More than ever, AI, Machine Learning and Automation play an increasingly critical role in every aspect of business, especially in customer service. Through the partnership, Sitel Group and Uniphore enable more than 80,000 Sitel Group associates to better meet the rapidly changing and unique demands from more than 400 clients, as well as supporting them through challenges they may face through the global pandemic and beyond.

“As a global CX leader, our goal is to continue to redefine what superior customer experiences look like and help our clients deliver those solutions to their customers,” said Ryan Maund, Chief Product & Innovation Officer, Sitel Group. “Through our partnership with Uniphore, Sitel agents will be able to improve productivity in real-time, transforming experiences to adapt to changing needs and keeping the focus on what matters most: the customer.”

SITEL GROUP, UNIPHORE PARTNER TO TRANSFORM THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE INDUSTRY THROUGH AI AND AUTOMATION

Thursday 28 May 2020

NET ONE SYSTEMS ADOPTS JUNIPER NETWORKS' CONTRAIL ENTERPRISE MULTICLOUD AS COMMON SERVICES MANAGEMENT PLATFORM FOR CUSTOMERS

Networking automation and complexity are streamlined, offering the ability to achieve seamless multitenant environments while still ensuring high stability and scalability

TOKYO, May 27 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Juniper Networks (NYSE: JNPR), a leader in secure, AI-driven networks, today announced that Contrail Enterprise Multicloud has been selected as the common services management platform by Net One Systems, one of Japan’s largest network integrators.

With the adoption of Contrail Enterprise Multicloud across its multicloud-ready data centers, Net One Systems can now offer its customers seamless, stable and automated network configuration and multitenant environments, all while allowing for the easy scalability of their platforms. In addition, customers can also enjoy enhanced external connectivity with the ability to offer unified management policies.

Net One Systems offers numerous operational services, including the monitoring and security diagnosis of ICT infrastructure, and since 2016 their services have been integrated through an automated common service platform to accelerate service delivery and increase cost efficiency.

However, the configuration of multitenant environments was limited because Net One Systems managed both OpenStack and VMware environments depending on the services to be provided. This resulted in increased workloads for new additions, an inability to configure tenants across the two environments and the requirement of utilizing a different design for its external connections.

Net One Systems has thus been working on deployment of a new services management platform since 2018 to help alleviate these operational limitations for itself and its customers.

Contrail Enterprise Multicloud was selected for its ability to meet the following requirements and to address previous operational limitations.

1. A network architecture that could implement and increase automation across its multicloud-ready data centers
2. The ability to provision and enable seamless end-to-end multitenancy
3. Easy scalability of service platforms and data centers through open standards
4. The ability to provide external connectivity through unified management policies


The reduced workload required to create new tenants by overlay network was also a key deciding factor, as this allowed for the easier automation of processes.

Contrail Enterprise Multicloud is now deployed for the OpenStack platform, providing disaggregation with an overlay model alongside centralized information management through a controller. It has additionally enabled integration with OpenStack through its support for external connections through open standards and unified policies.

The openness of Contrail Enterprise Multicloud is also strongly valued by Net One Systems, allowing the company to apply it to not just OpenStack, but potentially to other platforms as well, such as VMware and the public cloud, to fulfill a wider range of customer requests.

Net One Systems has found strong success with its reference model of building, testing and operating ICT solutions within its own controlled environments, whereby experience and knowledge is accumulated before being adapted for its customers.

With the deployment of Contrail Enterprise Multicloud, Net One Systems has further strengthened and enhanced its support for customers looking to make the transition toward multicloud environments.

Supporting Quotes
“We want to support our customers across their entire ICT infrastructure lifecycle, from planning, implementation and operation to optimization by enhancing our services management platform. Our company places emphasis on adopting open standards in the systems that we offer our customers. Contrail Enterprise Multicloud is based on open standards and we appreciate that our requirements have been realized by combining various devices."

  - Kunitoshi Hirukawa, General Manager, 2nd Applied Technology Department, Business Development Division, Net One Systems

“Juniper Networks is focused on helping the enterprise transition toward multicloud environments through engineering simplicity. We are very pleased that Net One Systems, the company that has built and operated many ICT environments for its customers based on its renowned technical capabilities, has adopted our Contrail Enterprise Multicloud as its service management platform. Together with Net One Systems, Juniper Networks will continue to support our customers in building and operating secure, automated multi-cloud platforms."

 - Tomohiro Furuya, Japan Country Manager, Juniper Networks

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37425

Crown Bioscience expands organoid platform with new patient-derived models

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 -- Crown Bioscience has announced the expansion of their unique organoid platform with the addition of 130 Hubrecht Organoid Technology (HUB) patient-derived organoids (PDO).

According to a statement, this marks a significant milestone in the development of CrownBio’s innovative organoid platform and the first, large-scale commercial availability of HUB PDO for oncology drug discovery services.

The newly available models join CrownBio’s established and ever-expanding platform of PDX-derived organoids (PDXO).

PDXO are generated using HUB protocols to derive tumour organoids from CrownBio’s PDX collection, which is the world’s largest commercially available panel of PDX.

The complementary panels of patient and PDX-derived organoids, alongside parental PDX models, provide the opportunity to change the way drug discovery is conducted.

The combined collection of in vitro and in vivo patient-derived models are clinically relevant and predictive, and the matched model pairs offer a more efficient and informed transition from in vitro to in vivo studies to help reduce the currently high attrition rates of anticancer agents.

Benefits of the newly available PDO models include the availability of non-malignant, healthy tissue-derived organoids. This enables PDO studies to be well controlled for studying compound toxicity and therapeutic windows, including matched tissue controls.

CrownBio’s organoid platform is available to clients globally. The newly acquired PDO models have completed transfer to CrownBio. They are available for client studies immediately for efficacy and potency evaluation, combination strategy optimisation and lead candidate selection.

-- BERNAMA

SINGAPORE CHOOSES VANTIQ TO SUPPORT DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PROJECTS

VANTIQ joins select group of technology companies to help local government agencies and enterprises build leading-edge tools to accelerate digitization

SAN FRANCISCO and SINGAPORE, May 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
VANTIQ announced today that it was enrolled by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to join a select group of innovative technology companies helping local government agencies and enterprises develop transformative digital tools.

VANTIQ provides a platform that lets customers build next-generation applications that combine real-world data and real-time events. VANTIQ powers a broad array of applications for smart cities, smart buildings, oil and gas, telecom, healthcare and other industries.

SINGAPORE CHOOSES VANTIQ TO SUPPORT DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PROJECTS

Saturday 23 May 2020

NIPPON EXPRESS (UK) RECEIVES WDA AND GDP CERTIFICATION FOR COMPANY WAREHOUSE NEAR LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT

TOKYO, May 22, 2020 /Kyodo JBN/ AsiaNet/ --

Nippon Express (UK) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, "NEUK"), a local subsidiary of Nippon Express Co., Ltd. based in Tokyo, has been officially granted Wholesale Distribution Authorisation (WDA) and Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certification for its warehouse near London Heathrow Airport, both effective Wednesday, April 15, in recognition of the facility's compliance with the standards for proper distribution of pharmaceuticals established by the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).


Photo1: Interior of temperature-controlled warehouse



Photo2: Exterior of NEUK



The UK is home to leading global pharmaceutical companies, and numerous small and medium-sized biopharmaceutical firms as well as world-class universities/research institutions, and has consequently become a major development and manufacturing base for pharmaceuticals.

An air-conditioned facility has been recently installed in this NEUK warehouse, offering temperature-controlled storage in three ranges: frozen (-18C), refrigerated (2C-8C), and room-temperature (15C-25C). NEUK will be combining temporary storage operations using this facility with Nippon Express's temperature-controlled international transport services to meet the logistics needs of customers in the pharmaceutical industry.

Nippon Express will continue enhancing its services to satisfy increasingly sophisticated and diverse needs pertinent to pharmaceuticals, and stepping up its efforts on behalf of the pharmaceutical industry, positioned as a priority industry in its Management Plan.

Profile of facility

Name: Nippon Express (UK) Ltd. London Branch Temperature Controlled Hub

Address: Heathrow 360, 2 Millington Road, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 4AZ, UK


Nippon Express website: http://www.nipponexpress.com/


Official LinkedIn Account: NIPPON EXPRESS GROUP



Source: Nippon Express Co., Ltd.


Friday 22 May 2020

Best's Market Segment Report: AM Best Maintains India Non-life Insurance Market Outlook At Negative

SINGAPORE, May 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best is maintaining a negative market segment outlook on India’s non-life insurance sector. Key factors underpinning the outlook include the sector’s strong competition, poor pricing discipline in core business lines, reliance on investment activities for profitability and the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

A new Best’s Market Segment Report, titled, “Market Segment Outlook: India Non-Life,” states that aside from investment market pressures expected to result from the COVID-19-driven economic turbulence, non-life insurers also face uncertainty and challenges in other areas of their businesses. Although AM Best expects insurance premiums in India to continue to grow in the medium term, recent and further periods of mandatory lockdowns to curb the spread of COVID-19 are likely to drive a slowing and uneven pattern for premium growth in the short term.

Existing pressures on the underwriting performance of non-life insurers–particularly for the health line of business–are likely to be exacerbated by COVID-19-related claims, although the extent of the impact will remain closely tied to the scale and longevity of the pandemic. Nonetheless, AM Best expects that non-life insurers will gain some respite in motor claims experience with reduced road activity during the lockdown period.

The restructuring of several large state-owned non-life insurers has been a plan in the works for many years. Whilst the eventual timing and format of the planned changes remains to be finalised, the resulting insurance operation would be mammoth in terms of size and scale. Consequently, AM Best expects this transaction to create disruption in the non-life market, as the state-owned companies involved in the transaction are likely to face significant integration and business interruption challenges that could persist for a prolonged period.

Overall, AM Best expects the India non-life market to face several headwinds over the medium term. Some of these factors, including an unhealthy reliance on unrealised and realised gains from high-risk investment classes to offset underwriting losses, have been prevalent for a number of years. However, more recent market dynamics, including heightened economic uncertainty and COVID-19 implications, are expected to weigh further on India’s non-life insurance market. Although the segment consists of a diverse range of insurance companies, the general operating environment in India in the short term is likely to present clear challenges for non-life insurers’ earnings and capital positions.


http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37408

Thursday 21 May 2020

SUCCESSFUL DIAGNOSTICS OF ANTIBODIES: OPTICS BALZERS AG HAS FURTHER DEVELOPED OPTICAL DIELECTRIC FILTERS IN THE UV SPECTRUM



UV filter for medical diagnostics and analysis

BALZERS, Liechtenstein, May 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Short-wave light, ranging from 100 to 400nm in the UV spectrum, has the ability to fight pathogens. In medical fields this property is commonly used to combat germs, bacteria and viruses. In fact, studies have shown that when irradiated with short-wave UV-C light more than 95% of viruses become ineffective.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200519005613/en/

Optical filters with transmission of over 95%

Short-wave light is also used in virological diagnostics. Antibodies are marked with a fluorochrome, and when stimulated by a defined UV radiation, can then be visualized. Specially matched optical filters are used to separate excitation and emission wavelengths.

The steepness of the edge found at the transition between these spectral ranges is characteristic of the high quality of our filters. On a spectrum of T < 0.01% to T > 95% an edge steepness of approximately 2 to 5nm is required. To achieve this level of precision the filters at Optics Balzers AG are manufactured using sputtering process technology to create these dielectric coatings. In addition to the spectral accuracy, the environmental stability of the filter is a decisive factor in this coating process.

Specific adaptation of filters possible

The SP270 short pass filter from Optics Balzers shows the characteristic spectral course of a corresponding filter for the excitation of fluorophoric substances. The highest possible transmission rate is guaranteed, with a pass range of around 270nm. In addition, undesired excitations of up to 480nm are suppressed in the long-wave blocking range.

The fluorophoric substances stimulated by UV radiation emit long-wave signals above 275nm. The BP310-390 long-pass filter used here enables the detection of these emitted signals. The BP310-390 filter shown in the image below has an average transmission of > 95% for signal detection, within the range of 330nm to 390nm.

Our optical filters, which enable the excitation and the detection of signals in the UV range, can be adapted to specific substances. Based on the appropriate filters, a wide range of relevant information from the UV spectrum can be obtained for further medical diagnosis.

Additional information: www.opticsbalzers.com

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37397

Wednesday 20 May 2020

TACONIC BIOSCIENCES LAUNCHES RAPID RESTART™ PROGRAM

First Animal Model Provider to Create Program Aiding Researchers Planning for Return

RENSSELAER, N.Y., May 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Taconic Biosciences, a global leader in providing drug discovery animal model solutions, announces the successful implementation of its Rapid Restart™ program.  Launched over a month ago, Taconic was the first animal model provider in the industry to provide researchers with a program specifically designed to aid laboratories transitioning back to increased productivity.

COVID-19 forced many institutions to discontinue critical research programs, and in some cases decrease their animal model use.  As institutions consider ramping research back up, ensuring scientists have access to animal models is paramount.  Taconic launched the Rapid Restart™ program to address this urgent and unique need.  Rapid Restart™ is a planning service that provides customers with a unique blend of flexible scheduling and availability assurances to ensure they have what they need, when they need it.

Scaling production of animal models is a complex process.  With over 65 years of experience, Taconic has sophisticated tools to align supply with demand.  Noting biology plays a large role in establishing timeframes, connecting with customers well-before laboratories considered returning to full capacity has provided Taconic with critical insight for inventory planning.  In turn, Taconic will provide researchers with supply chain continuity, ensuring no momentum is lost as they look to make up for lost time.  Most importantly, the planning precision afforded by the Rapid Restart™ program honors Taconic’s commitment to animal welfare by reducing the gap between supply and demand. 

“Customer feedback on the Rapid Restart™ program has been overwhelmingly positive.  Researchers from academia, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical companies have expressed gratitude for Taconic’s willingness to partner during this unprecedented time,” shares Dr. Michael Seiler, vice president of commercial products at Taconic Biosciences.  “We have always found the greatest value in not thinking like a vendor, but rather a trusted partner for our customers.  That approach is more important now than ever before as we all look to get past the uncertainty and focus on research.”

Beyond commercially available animal models, Taconic also offers custom model generation and colony management solutions, which can play a role in how laboratories ramp back up capabilities.  Outsourced breeding is particularly important in contingency plans for laboratories, providing a consistent supply of animals to labs when their own facilities may be impaired.  The design, breeding, and maintaining of critical animal models is more important than ever to preserve research momentum.

To learn more about Taconic Biosciences' Rapid Restart™ program or other services, please contact Taconic at 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, microbiome, immuno-oncology 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.

Media Contact:
Kelly Owen Grover
Director of Marketing Communications
(518) 697-3824
kelly.grover@taconic.com

Source: Taconic Biosciences

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37382

Toka Selected by Chile and Inter-American Development Bank to Assess and Support Chile’s National Cybersecurity Readiness

The IDB-funded project will help Chile respond to emerging cybersecurity threats

TEL AVIV, Israel, May 20 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toka, the cyber capacity-building company for government agencies, has been selected by the Government of Chile and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to advise Chile on next steps for the country’s national cybersecurity readiness and operational capacity building. Toka will assess current cybersecurity gaps and challenges in Chile and support the IDB project implementation by recommending specific cybersecurity readiness improvements.

The capacity building project, funded by the IDB, will strengthen Chile’s cybersecurity, build the country’s long-term resilience to digital threats, and establish Chile as a cybersecurity leader in South America. Following the May 2018 cyberattack on Banco de Chile, Chilean leaders accelerated the implementation of the national cybersecurity strategy approved in 2017 in order to address these emerging challenges. Toka supports the ongoing implementation of Chile’s national strategy and will suggest improvements to Chile’s technological tools, infrastructure, training programs, and cybersecurity policies.

“In today’s ever-changing landscape of cyber threats, the Inter-American Development Bank understands that countries of all sizes all over the world must be proactive and regularly look for new ways to protect their vital infrastructure and their people,” said Yaron Rosen, CEO and co-founder of Toka. “We’re thankful our trusted partnerships with established organizations like the IDB provided us with this opportunity to work with the Government of Chile on the country’s cybersecurity resilience.”

Toka is the first company to tackle these emerging threats by merging cutting-edge innovation with bold, strategic thinking about national cybersecurity matters. Toka develops high-end intelligence gathering capabilities to strengthen homeland security and can address the full breadth of defensive cybersecurity needs, including developing new technologies when required. Toka also works with other international organizations to offer unique “Cyber Designer Services” to government agencies, advising them on the strategies, processes, technologies, and personnel development needed to keep their critical infrastructure, digital landscape, and government institutions secure.

Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, Toka was founded by leaders with unparalleled experience in the political, military, and corporate worlds. The Toka team includes members who have worked at the highest levels of Israel’s national cybersecurity ecosystem, spearheading the development of Israel’s National Cyber Agency, the first of its kind in the world. Its founding team includes: retired Brig. Gen. Yaron Rosen, former Chief of Israel Defense Forces Cyber Staff; Alon Kantor, former Vice President of Business Development for CheckPoint; Kfir Waldman, former CEO of cyber and mobile companies Kayhut and Go Arc; and Ehud Barak, former Israeli Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

About Toka
A strong national cyber defense and resilience are the keys to protecting any country’s systems, people, and digital economy from dynamic threats. Toka builds targeted and lawful intelligence gathering platforms to effectively gather intelligence from various sensors. These first-of-their-kind software platforms are simple to use, scale quickly, and offer complete operational control to enable smarter, faster, and easier investigations and operations.

Toka’s unique Cyber Designer Services provide agencies with the full-spectrum strategies, customized projects, and technologies needed to keep critical infrastructure, the digital landscape, and government institutions secure and durable, while adhering to leading industry-recognized security standards. Toka helps design, build, and manage a tailored ecosystem of cyber capabilities and software products for governmental, law enforcement, and security agencies.

Founded by leaders with unparalleled experience in the strategic, defense, and corporate worlds, Toka works across the strategic, operational, and tactical levels, and has deep, hands-on technical experience, to address the full breadth of its clients’ cybersecurity needs, including developing new technologies when required. Toka is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, and backed by investors such as: Andreessen Horowitz, Eclipse Ventures, Dell Technologies Capital, Entrée Capital, and Launch Capital. For more information, go to: tokagroup.com.

Contact:
Kenneth Baer, press@tokagroup.com
(202) 792-7200

SOURCE: Toka

INFUSIVE ASSET MANAGEMENT WINS AT UCITS HEDGE AWARDS 2020

LONDON, May 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Infusive Asset Management – investing in brands that people know, love and buy into again and again – was named Best Performing Fund in 2019 for the Equity Long/Short category at the UCITS Hedge Awards 2020.

INFUSIVE ASSET MANAGEMENT WINS AT UCITS HEDGE AWARDS 2020

FUSIONEX ROLLS OUT DATA-DRIVEN DIGITAL PLATFORM FOR LEADING OIL AND GAS GIANT

SINGAPORE, May 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Multi-award-winning AI and Big Data technology leader Fusionex has clinched a contract with one of the region’s largest oil and gas companies to implement a data-driven digital platform to enhance customer experience.

The client is a global energy company, ranked amongst the largest corporations on Fortune Global 500 with over 1,000 gas stations. Known for their oil and gas ventures, their other portfolio includes conventional and unconventional resource exploration and production as well as a diverse range of fuel lubricant and petrochemical products.

FUSIONEX ROLLS OUT DATA-DRIVEN DIGITAL PLATFORM FOR LEADING OIL AND GAS GIANT

Tuesday 19 May 2020

TA Associates makes strategic growth investment in Honan Insurance Group

KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 -- TA Associates, a leading global growth private equity firm, has signed a definitive agreement to make a strategic growth investment in the Honan Insurance Group (Honan), a leading commercial insurance broker.

According to a statement, the financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Honan’s Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Damien Honan; Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Fluitsma; and, Chief Operating Officer, Laurence Basell will continue to lead the business and be shareholders alongside TA.

“In choosing to partner with TA, the Honan team was particularly attracted by the firm’s global presence, long history of investing in the insurance brokerage sector and experience in partnering with growing companies,” said Damien Honan.

“We believe that TA will be a valuable partner as we seek to further grow Honan both in the domestic Australian market and overseas.”

“We have been impressed by Honan’s strong reputation within the commercial insurance brokerage industry and its vibrant corporate culture,” said TA Associates Asia Pacific Ltd, Managing Director and Co-head of Asia operations, Edward Sippel.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half this year, pending customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

-- BERNAMA

Saturday 16 May 2020

CSOP NASDAQ-100 Index Daily (2x) Leveraged Product (stock code: 7266.HK) listed on Hong Kong Stock Exchange

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 -- The CSOP NASDAQ-100 Index Daily (2x) Leveraged Product (stock code: 7266.HK) will be listed today on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to pair with CSOP NASDAQ-100 Index Daily (-2x) Inverse Product (stock code: 7568.HK).

According to a statement, this will help investors to capture the United States (US) stocks’ two-way movement and seize investment opportunities brought by intensifying market volatility.

The listing price of 7266.HK is around HKD 8 per share with a trading lot of 100, and the entry investment is approximately HKD 800. (HKD 1 = RM0.56)

7266.HK aims to provide two times return of the daily performance of the NASDAQ-100 Index (before fees and expenses) by investing in the E-Mini NASDAQ-100 Futures.

Because of the nearly 24-hour tradability of the E-mini NASDAQ-100 Index Futures, the price of 7266.HK will move dynamically during the Hong Kong trading hours despite the trading time difference between the Hong Kong and US stock markets, which may induce price insensitivity.

In the current volatile market circumstances, 7266.HK has attracted an initial investment of US$5 million before listing. (US$1 = RM4.343)

The Nasdaq-100 is known as one of the world’s pre-eminent large-cap growth index. It includes 100 of the largest US and international non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalisation.

Featuring the world's most innovative and prestigious technology companies, the Nasdaq-100 index is universally deemed to define modern day industrials.

CSOP Asset Management, Head of Sales and Product Strategy, Melody He said: “Having successfully launched 7568.HK to help investors hedge the downward risks of Nasdaq-100 index in 2019 September, CSOP brought the 7266.HK to enable investors to deploy their trading strategies in a more diverse way, especially under the current marketing situation with intensifying volatility.”

-- BERNAMA

Friday 15 May 2020

Supreme Court favours Hisky, rules Echosens (Shanghai), Fu-Rui compensate for illegal acts

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 -- Shanghai Echosens Medical Equipment Technology Co Ltd (Echosens (Shanghai)) and Fu-Rui Corporation, parent company of Echosens SAS (Fu-Rui) were recently determined by the Supreme People’s Court of China to have fabricated information to constitute business defaming against their opponent, Wuxi HISKY Medical Technologies Co Ltd.

According to the ruling and judgment, Echosens (Shanghai) and Fu-Rui lost the case and the business defaming acts involved therein included: fabricating information; sending lawyer’s letters and letters of notice containing misleading expressions to the opponent’s target clients and dealers; false statements delivered by senior executives publicly; and, damaging the goodwill of the opponent.

According to a statement, the evidence submitted by both parties showed that Echosens (Shanghai) used to send lawyer’s letters and letters of notice with fabricated information to dealers and hospital clients of Hisky, repeatedly.

In such letters, it was claimed that Hisky’s products had infringed upon some patent rights; there were also some threatening expressions, including that the clients had committed infringement and would be subject to joint liabilities and claims, etc., to mislead the dealers and hospital clients of Hisky.

Previously, employees of Echosens (Shanghai) manipulated Hisky’s products illegally and recorded a false video to defame Hisky, according to the civil judgement.

Subsequently, the video was disseminated via the Internet, causing harmful influence to Hisky's reputation.

Furthermore, on the Internet, senior executives of Fu-Rui also disseminated false information about Hisky for the purpose of their own performance and business defaming, also according to the civil judgement.

Based on the foregoing facts, the Supreme People’s Court of China rejected the appeal for review of Echosens and Fu-Rui, and once again confirmed that Hisky owns the patent rights to the hepatic fibrosis products.

The Court also determined that the relevant acts of Echosens (Shanghai) and Fu-Rui were illegal and constituted business defaming to Hisky; Echosens (Shanghai) and Fu-Rui should stop the relevant defaming actions immediately, and should submit written materials to the over 10 hospitals to eliminate the bad influence and make compensation to Hisky for its losses.

-- BERNAMA

Monsoon Blockchain To Revolutionize Next Generation Of Fin Tech In US And Asia

PALO ALTO, Calif., May 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Monsoon Blockchain Corporation, Asia’s premier blockchain company, has worked with the world’s largest insurance broker and risk adviser, Marsh. This signifies a major move for the blockchain and insurance and risk management sectors globally.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200513005922/en/

Monsoon will work with Marsh to offer a range of risk management and risk transfer solutions for digital assets and investments. With over 35,000 colleagues operating in more than 130 countries, Marsh serves commercial and individual clients with risk solutions and advisory services.

SinChee Saw, Director of Partnerships at Monsoon Blockchain Asia, said: “There has been a net expansion of insurance capacity available for digital asset risks in the past twelve months and the insurance and risk management programs and risk advisory offered with the Monsoon solution is supported by insurance markets with superior financial strength ratings. The amount of overall capacity will depend on a risk-by-risk basis. That said, there is up to $1 billion USD in potential insurance capacity available across the specie, financial institutions, and insurance markets.”

“We are delighted to work with Marsh, who is transforming the Insurance and Risk Management industries using the Blockchain,” Monsoon CEO Dr. Donald Basile added.

Monsoon Blockchain Corporation is focused on innovative cloud solutions in the blockchain ecosystem. Dr. Donald Basile, its CEO and founder, is the former CEO of Fusion IO, a company known for playing a major role in implementing the cloud systems at Apple and Facebook as well as partnerships with HP, IBM, and Dell. Recently, Monsoon Blockchain added advisory board members Ken Goldman, President of Hillspire (Eric Schmidt’s family office), and former CFO of Yahoo and Fortinet, and Xiaoma Lu, former Dalian Wanda Investments CEO and former board member of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange to their team.

Marsh is the world’s leading insurance broker and risk adviser. With over 35,000 colleagues operating in more than 130 countries, Marsh serves commercial and individual clients with data driven risk solutions and advisory services. Marsh is a business of Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE: MMC), the leading global professional services firm in the areas of risk, strategy and people. With annual revenue approaching USD $17 billion and 76,000 colleagues worldwide, MMC is comprised of four market-leading businesses: Marsh, Guy Carpenter, Mercer, and Oliver Wyman.


http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37359

COVID-19 expected to affect Singapore insurers' growth - AM BestTV

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 -- The COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine are expected to impact Singapore insurers' growth in the near term, according to an AM BestTV episode.

These were said by Doniella Pliss, the director of analytics and Trung Tran, financial analyst, both of AM Best Rating Services.

For the first time in a decade, the Singapore non-life insurance segment recorded an underwriting loss in 2019. Tran highlighted the factors that led to this result.

“Even before 2019, AM Best saw a trend that showed a decline in underwriting results for the entire market. The key reason was the increase in loss ratio for motor insurance, as well as a very high loss ratio for health insurance,” said Tran.

“It is very hard in Singapore to raise the price of motor insurance because the number of car sales in Singapore is fairly limited, given the restriction on vehicle licences in Singapore. Furthermore, even after the pandemic, AM Best does not expect that trend to go down.”

Pliss said: “On the medical side, the government covers the bulk of COVID-19 treatment expenses. However, in AM Best’s opinion, the more significant impact will come from the investment side.

“Lower interest rates and dividends, as well as a decline in value of equity holdings, will result in reuse of investment income, and potentially overall balance sheet contraction for the industry.

“Growth may be extremely challenging to achieve for the insurance industry, not only in 2020, but also in subsequent years. It is very likely that the industry will face reductions in premiums in multiple lines of business.”

AM BestTV covers exclusive AM Best and insurance industry information and reports, targeted topics and key developments in the insurance, reinsurance and related sectors daily.

-- BERNAMA

Thursday 14 May 2020

EMQ LAUNCHES ENTERPRISE SETTLEMENT SOLUTION TO SIGNIFICANTLY BOOST INTERNATIONAL PAYMENTS FOR BUSINESSES GLOBALLY

EMQ’s global network infrastructure delivers faster, more transparent cross-border settlements for enterprise customers across the world

HONG KONG & SINGAPORE, May 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) --
EMQ, a global financial settlement network, rolled out its new enterprise payment solution with same day settlement capabilities in local currencies across eight countries – China, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan and the United Kingdom. This major enhancement further extends the speed, transparency and certainty of EMQ’s network infrastructure into domestic markets, enabling global businesses to streamline international mass payments to capture opportunities across strategically important markets and high-growth emerging economies.

EMQ LAUNCHES ENTERPRISE SETTLEMENT SOLUTION TO SIGNIFICANTLY BOOST INTERNATIONAL PAYMENTS FOR BUSINESSES GLOBALLY

Wednesday 13 May 2020

Anaqua’s AQX IP management platform opted by Sumitomo Chemical

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 -- Anaqua, an innovation and intellectual property management solutions provider has announced that Japanese multinational company, Sumitomo Chemical will enhance its IP management system by moving to Anaqua’s AQX platform.

“Sumitomo Chemical has established itself as one of the most innovative companies in its field, and AQX will help IP portfolio managers at Sumitomo Chemical ensure they maximise the value of the organisation’s IP assets,” said Anaqua Chief Executive Officer, Bob Romeo.

Sumitomo Chemical, a manufacturer in petrochemicals, organic chemicals, IT-related chemicals, agro-chemicals and pharmaceuticals, opted for Anaqua when replacing its previous IP management system.

The company will leverage Anaqua’s latest version of AQX software to streamline the entire IP management lifecycle from innovation creation and disclosure to patent annuity payment services, according to a statement.

The platform’s fully integrated software and services will support Sumitomo Chemical in unifying patent and trademark management processes globally, and its real-time IP data analytics and forecasting capability will help the company enhance its IP strategy.

More details at anaqua.com.

-- BERNAMA

Hytera unveils multi-mode advanced radios for PMR industry

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 -- Instead of launching 'smart' devices supporting largely separate broadband and narrowband radio modules, Hytera has introduced truly intelligent multi-mode advanced radios where the two technologies are deeply integrated at all levels to provide mission-critical voice and broadband data on the same device for the first time.

“The broadband and narrowband platforms complement each other through their particular capabilities to provide customers with even greater value,” said head of Hytera Pro. Terminal Product Line, Zheng Xiaohua.

The sophistication of the multi-mode advanced radio poses more stringent requirements on the R&D, product delivery, and service capabilities of radio manufacturers. Therefore, not all manufacturers are able to deliver new products to meet new industry trends.

Hytera has pioneered broadband-narrowband convergence solutions and multi-mode advanced devices based on market research and demand forecasts, according to a statement.

The PTC680 embodies the concept of broadband-narrowband convergence, public and private network collaboration, and multi-purpose design, as it provides mission-critical voice communications and rich multimedia broadband data services on one device.

A different series of multi-mode advanced radios is required to meet the needs of end-users operating in various scenarios and protect their original investment in PMR networks.

Hytera has built up years of in-depth understanding of mission and business critical communications users across many industries and use cases. For example, multi-mode advanced radios can be used across Public safety, Airport and Energy industries.

The company believes that accurate insights into market and customer demands, high R&D investment, and continuous innovation and open ecosystems will be the only effective ways to maintain rapid growth and develop the radio industry into a smart one.

-- BERNAMA

Tuesday 12 May 2020

SMARTSTREAM STRENGTHENS ITS PRESENCE IN ASIA WITH THE SENIOR APPOINTMENT OF VICTORIA HARVERSON

SINGAPORE, May 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- SmartStream Technologies, the financial Transaction Lifecycle Management (TLM®) solutions provider, strengthens its presence in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong with the appointment of Victoria Harverson. In her leadership role she joins the sales team in the regional head office based in Singapore, and reports to Radha Pillay, Head of Sales Apac.

With the advancement of SmartStream’s artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, and the availability of fast onboarding of new solutions as managed services or in the cloud - customers in the region can start to realise the benefits this brings to their middle- and back-office operations. Victoria will be working with the local team to implement account management best practices as well as being responsible for driving and nurturing new opportunities in the adoption of digital strategies within the Asian customer base.

Victoria joins SmartStream from Duco where she served as Business Development Director and Head of Sales Apac. With over 10 years’ experience delivering enterprise solutions to major banks and buy-side institutions across the globe, Victoria brings with her a wealth of experience and existing relationships within many of the world’s leading financial institutions.

SMARTSTREAM STRENGTHENS ITS PRESENCE IN ASIA WITH THE SENIOR APPOINTMENT OF VICTORIA HARVERSON

Sunday 10 May 2020

Willis Lease Finance Corporation records US$8.5 million first quarter pre-tax profit

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 - Willis Lease Finance Corporation has reported first quarter pre-tax profit and total revenues of US$8.5 million and US$81.6 million, respectively. (US$1 = RM4.306)

The Company’s first quarter 2020 pre-tax results were impacted by both lower revenue in the core leasing business, which was influenced by a reduction in reported asset usage and reduced spare parts sales, and the one-time expense associated with Willis Engine Structured Trust II re-financing.

Among highlighted, aggregate lease rent and maintenance reserve revenues were US$66.9 million for the first quarter of 2020, according to a statement.

“The Company experienced another quarter of profitability but on lighter revenues primarily driven by the decline in global flight traffic, which led to lower maintenance revenues and spare parts sales,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Charles F. Willis.

“We recognise that the COVID-19 pandemic is putting a lot of strain on our lessee customer base and we do not see that correcting quickly. We, therefore remain highly focused on protecting our business while continuing to deliver for our customers.”

As of March 31, the Company's US$1.698 billion equipment held for operating lease portfolio consisted of 260 engines, 10 aircraft and 11 other leased assets.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair and overhaul providers in 120 countries.

-- BERNAMA

Saturday 9 May 2020

Ceridian set to acquire Singapore-based Excelity Global

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 -- Ceridian, global leader in human capital management (HCM) technology, has entered into a definitive share purchase agreement to acquire Excelity Global Solutions Pte Ltd (Excelity).

According to a statement, Excelity is an Asia-based HCM service provider from the Everstone Group. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2020.

“Building on our recent investment and expansion in Australia and New Zealand, the acquisition of Excelity will position Ceridian as a leading HCM provider in the Asia-Pacific region and demonstrates our intent to advance our growth globally,” said Ceridian Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, David Ossip.

Founded in 1997, Excelity works with more than 300 customers across the APAC region. It operates its proprietary native payroll platform including in India, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.

In the same statement, Ceridian also announced that Stephen Moore, Ceridian’s Executive Director of Australia and New Zealand, will assume the newly-created position of Head of Asia Pacific Japan, upon closing of the acquisition.

In this expanded role, Moore will have responsibility for Ceridian’s new Asia Pacific Japan region, including the Excelity team. Moore will help Ceridian enhance its world-class service to customers globally.

-- BERNAMA

Prosper Education apps offer guilt-free time to locked down parents

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 -- Aussie start-up, Prosper Education has created the Prosper Education Home App, specifically to let parents gain back valuable guilt-free time without having to think about what they are going to do with their kids. 

The current lockdown saw its own staff wondering what to do with their children while they juggled work and childcare duties.

Being app developers, staff resorted to handing over test devices to keep their kids busy while they worked, even though the apps were originally designed for ESL teachers to use in schools.

Interestingly, much to their surprise, especially being native English speakers, the apps that were originally made for classroom teachers kept their young children busy for hours, and consistently over weeks.

According to Prosper Education chief executive officer, Genevieve Gilmore in a statement, the current lockdown environment has shown parents just how hard it is to manage their children's time and education from home.

"It's a happy accident that our original content designed for ESL students, actually works really well with native speakers. The research suggests that native language learning and second language learning differ, however we've found that for this age group they seem to be learning similarly."

More details at www.prospereducation.com

-- BERNAMA

Friday 8 May 2020

NEARLY HALF OF EXPORT FROM THAILAND UNDERTAKEN THROUGH NEW FORMS OF TRADE, SAYS ASEAN-JAPAN CENTRE

Paper "Non-Equity Modes of Trade in ASEAN: Thailand" is downloadable from the AJC Website. (Graphic: Business Wire)
TOKYO, May 8 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Thailand’s trade is no longer to take place between independent exporters and importers, or between intra-firms of transnational corporations (TNCs), but also through non-equity modes (NEMs) of production. This mode of exports has been increasing, reaching an estimated at least $150 billion in goods and services, or 48% of total exports from Thailand in 2016, according to new findings by the ASEAN-Japan Centre on NEMs in the report (Non-Equity Modes of Trade in ASEAN: Thailand
[https://www.asean.or.jp/en/trade-info/nem_papers/]
), released in April.

NEARLY HALF OF EXPORT FROM THAILAND UNDERTAKEN THROUGH NEW FORMS OF TRADE, SAYS ASEAN-JAPAN CENTRE

Thursday 7 May 2020

Tricor Group Appoints Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh as Non-Executive Chairman of Tricor Malaysia and Mr. Ranjit Singh as Regional Managing Director of Tricor Axcelasia Following Its Recent Acquisition of SGX-listed Axcelasia’s Malaysian Operations

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 6 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Tricor Group (Tricor), Asia's leading business expansion specialist and leading provider of professional services, announced today that Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh has joined the Group’s subsidiary in Malaysia, Tricor Services (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, as a Non-Executive Chairman of the Company, and Mr. Ranjit Singh has been appointed as Regional Managing Director of Tricor Axcelasia, the new Strategic Business Advisory entity in Tricor.

Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh’s tenure at Tricor Malaysia follows Tricor Group’s recent acquisition of the Malaysian operations of Axcelasia Inc. (the "Transaction"), a SGX-listed company, and an integrated professional services firm delivering Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) solutions, corporate, business and tax services.

In his role, Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh will act as an advisor in areas of complex tax advisory, support business development, mentor executives and serve as an ambassador for the Tricor name and brand. A noted authority on Malaysian taxation, he is a frequent speaker on the subject and has authored numerous books and articles in local and international tax law and accounting journals and is quoted prominently by the local business media.

For Tricor, this Transaction represents the launch of a new regional GRC business focused on helping clients manage their increasingly complex regulatory and compliance responsibilities while operating in the emerging and maturing economies of the Asia Pacific region. This investment by Tricor is the first step towards building an integrated suite of GRC solutions that deliver enhanced value by providing deep advisory expertise with client-centric technology. Axcelasia’s tax advisory services and its continuing membership of Taxand Global, a network of tax advisory firms in 50 countries, will enhance Tricor’s existing tax compliance services. In addition, Axcelasia's corporate services and business support services has merged into Tricor Malaysia & Labuan. The Transaction expands Tricor’s suite of services and solidifies Tricor’s dominant market position in Malaysia as one of the largest providers of corporate services to international and Malaysian corporations.

Mr. Ranjit Singh, Regional Managing Director, Tricor Axcelasia, said: “As a major provider of GRC, internal audit and related consulting services, the Axcelasia leadership team is excited to join Tricor. Drawing from Tricor’s broader base of service offerings, we look forward to supporting businesses throughout the region as they navigate the supply and demand shockwaves caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, Non-Executive Chairman of Tricor Services (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, said: “Now more than ever, businesses are demanding integrated services of the highest standard to improve business resiliency and thrive against the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic. I am excited to team up with Tricor because this partnership allows us to bring our services – especially our signature GRC solutions – to a wider client base and also offers our clients in Malaysia and ASEAN access to Tricor’s vast suite of services. The natural synergies of our services and staff will help make this evolution seamless – and together our teams will help more companies steer their business expansion ventures in Asia Pacific and beyond.”

Mr. Yeap Kok Leong, CEO & Managing Director of Tricor Malaysia & Labuan, said: “Under Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh’s guidance, we look forward to strengthening government relations, developing new business, enhancing our Taxation services and elevating the Tricor brand across our global footprint. During this critical moment, as companies face unprecedented business and economic challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Axcelasia’s premier services in enterprise risk management are even more critical to our clients. Under Mr. Ranjit Singh’s leadership of Tricor Axcelasia, the synergies generated by the addition of Axcelasia’s expertise to Tricor’s business in Malaysia will empower us to deliver robust integrated corporate solutions for our clients across Consulting and Governance.”

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37294

Biotalys' first biocontrol proves high efficacy in global fruit, vegetables field trial programme

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 -- Biotalys NV, a transformative food and crop protection company, has announced the results from over 100 field trials with its first, breakthrough biofungicide, BioFun-1.

According to a statement by the Belgium-based company, BioFun-1 is on track to be launched in the United States (US) in 2022, followed by global market introductions.

Developing a new generation of protein-based biocontrol solutions, Biotalys aims to help farmers protect yields and reduce food waste by both preventing crop loss and extending post-harvest protection with sustainable and safe products.

The 2019 field trial programme took place across the US and key European countries and included more than 50 efficacy trials against major pests such as Botrytis cinerea and powdery mildew.

These diseases considerably impact yields and quality in a wide range of fruit and vegetable crops, and are responsible for significant food losses, pre- and post-harvest.

In solo applications, BioFun-1 has provided high protection against multiple pathogens in the majority (over 85 per cent) of the trials compared to the untreated control.

BioFun-1 showed a clean dose response curve, allowing dose rate modulation to adapt to the disease pressure conditions. Under severe disease pressure, a higher dose rate provides comparable protection to the chemical reference without the challenge of residues for the growers.

The next field trial programme is already in process, spanning more than 150 field trials in various crops and different environmental conditions in Europe, South Africa and the US.

The 2020 field trial programme will support the regulatory efficacy data package and focus on the intrinsic activity of the biofungicide, field efficacy validation and characterisation, and the impact of the end-season positioning in harvested fruits and vegetables.

-- BERNAMA

IFG- INTERNATIONAL FRUIT GENETICS COMPANY COMBATS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INFRINGEMENT

BAKERSFIELD, Calif., May 6 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- INTERNATIONAL FRUIT GENETICS, LLC (IFG) has taken steps to protect its intellectual property in China. The California-based company is the sole and unique proprietor of different table grape varieties, such as IFG Six (Sweet Sapphire ™), IFG Eleven (Sugar Crisp ™), IFG Sixteen (Sweet Favors ™), and IFG Seventeen (Sweet Joy ™).

In recent years, IFG has kept a close eye on the Chinese market, and has undertaken a series of activities aimed at combating counterfeiting and other intellectual property infringement acts against IFG grape varieties in grapevine production and trading.

IFG’s goal is to eliminate the illegal plantations and unauthorized trading of IFG varieties in China, so as to protect the legitimate rights and interests of IFG and its licensed manufacturers and distributors around the world.

IFG has appointed the Baker McKenzie FenXun (FTZ) Joint Operation Office to protect its intellectual property rights and carry out enforcement activities against the alleged infringers before the competent authorities in China.

Specifically, IFG has secured registration of trademarks - not only for the English names of its key varieties, but also for their Chinese counterparts, paving the way for trademark enforcement actions in China. This includes the successful protection of the "甜蜜蓝宝石" [Tian Mi Lan Bao Shi] trademark, the Chinese counterpart for Sweet Sapphire ™, a popular IFG variety in China.

IFG also launched a series of evidence preservation and administrative actions against the illegal plantations as well as the unauthorized trading and promotion of IFG varieties, with the objective of obtaining government endorsement of its enforcement actions.

In response to IFG's administrative complaints, a local agriculture authority in Jiangsu Province has imposed administrative fines for the illegal promotion of an IFG variety; and a local natural resources authority in Shaanxi Province has ordered a grower in its jurisdiction to cease the illegal propagation and trading of budwoods of an IFG variety.

IFG intends to continue its efforts in proactively seeking support from and cooperation with competent authorities in China to combat possible infringement activities and safeguard the commercial interests of itself and its licensees.

In light of the frameworks laid down by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants and the existing Chinese law for protection of new plant varieties, IFG is confident of securing positive outcomes through its cooperation with the competent authorities in China to undertake various legal actions. IFG also looks forward to a greater respect of its legitimate rights in China. IFG greatly values the Chinese market and will continue its efforts in providing high-quality fruits to Chinese customers.

For more information, visit www.ifg.world.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37295

Wednesday 6 May 2020

PETRONAS CONTRIBUTES RM50,000 WORTH OF IFTAR MEALS TO COVID-19 FRONT-LINERS

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 6 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS through its subsidiaries, PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd (PCSB) and Vestigo Petroleum Sdn Bhd (VESTIGO) had recently contributed more than RM50,000 worth of packed iftar meals to 243 COVID-19 front-liners from the Malaysian Armed Forces and Royal Malaysia Police in Kuala Terengganu in conjunction with the month of Ramadan.

The meals were prepared by the Paya Bunga Hotel here, and distributed to the front-liners at the hotel lobby by both PCSB and hotel employees from 23 to 30 April 2020.

PCSB’s Senior General Manager of Peninsular Malaysia Assets, Hasliza Othman said: “This is a token of our appreciation to the unsung heroes for their efforts in stopping the spread of the virus throughout the Movement Control Order period. We are truly grateful for their commitment in keeping us safe.”

“In supporting PETRONAS’ CSR initiatives, we hope that this contribution will help ease the burden of our front-liners. We will continue to work closely with the relevant government agencies as part of our commitment to improve the well-being of society, especially during this challenging time,” she added.

This initiative complements PETRONAS’ recent contribution of RM20 million worth of medical equipment and supplies to hospitals and healthcare front-liners in Malaysia through its CSR arm Yayasan PETRONAS, as well as other Group-wide contributions towards the COVID-19 cause.
 
Issued by:
Media Engagement
Group Strategic Communications 
PETRONAS
 
SOURCE : PETRONAS

Indonesia strengthens insurers with holding company establishment - Best's Commentary

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 -- AM Best believes the Indonesia Government’s establishment of an insurance holding company will likely lead to greater corporate governance of government-owned companies in the country’s insurance industry.

According to a statement, Indonesia’s Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises is in the process of establishing an insurance holding company, to be led by state-owned investment holding company, PT Bahana Pembinaan Usaha Indonesia.

A new Best’s Commentary, titled, ‘Indonesia Strengthens State-Owned Insurers with Holding Company Formation’, states that in general, state-owned enterprises form an important pillar of emerging markets, serving as drivers of economic and strategic interests.

The entity aims to improve the efficiency of Indonesia’s state-owned insurers and enhance the quality of risk management and supervision, as well as provide financial support to distressed state-owned life insurer PT Asuransi Jiwasraya (Jiwasraya).

AM Best expects the setup of the new insurance holding company to be a key solution in saving Jiwasraya, given that the funds channelled via the holding entity can help fulfil Jiwasraya’s policyholders’ obligations.

According to the commentary, greater operational scale and business complexity would invariably, require a more coherent and sophisticated approach to risk management.

Better transparency and improvements to financial reporting quality ultimately do not change the underlying fundamentals of an insurer, but a clearer picture of insurance companies’ operations is likely to emerge over time.

AM Best expects the push for improved risk management and corporate governance to pay off over the long term to pave the way for a more resilient insurance industry.

-- BERNAMA

Tuesday 5 May 2020

WESTERN UNION LAUNCHES SINGAPORE LABOUR DAY ZERO-FEE OFFER

Offer Valid During the Month of May on All International Money Transfers from Singapore

SINGAPORE, May 4 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- To celebrate Labour Day and the contribution of the international and national community of workers in Singapore, Western Union, a leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments, has launched a zero-fee1 offer on all international money transfers. The offer is valid until May 31, 2020.

To avail themselves of the offer, customers have the choice to use the following Western Union channels:
  • “Digital Location” – an alternative phone channel for customers to have a personalized money transfer experience from the comfort of their home.
  • Retail locations2
  • WU.com and the Mobile App3
Transactions will be paid out into Western Union’s global network of bank accounts, mobile wallets or Agent retail locations.

“As the COVID-19 crisis continues, Western Union is offering recognition and relief to customers sending money home to provide to their loved ones,” said Sohini Rajola, Head of Network, Middle East and Asia Pacific, Western Union.

TIGER BALM EASES THE PAIN OF TIRED FRONTLINE HEROES


Table
 

Hospital Kuala Lumpur was among the 10 government hospitals that received pain relief products as well as snacks and beverages from Tiger Balm Malaysia 


KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 (Bernama) -- In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tiger Balm Malaysia has extended their support to our Frontline Heroes during this Movement Control Order.
 
“Healthcare workers are working longer hours and extended shifts to attend to patients. The police force together with the army are also going around the affected areas to keep our country safe and in order. Tiger Balm wanted to be part of the solution and help them to make their work a little bit less stressful and painful by providing them our pain relief products.”
 
Working long extensive hours with minimum rest will lead to muscle stiffness and pain especially on their backs, necks and shoulders. Tiger Balm would like to show our appreciation to the front liners and hope that our products can help to give some instant relieve to their muscle aches and pain.
 
As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment and initiative, Tiger Balm Plasters and Tiger Balm Lotion, together with snacks and beverages were distributed to 10 designated COVID-19 treatment government hospitals and 10 roadblock locations in Klang Valley.
 
For more information, please visit https://www.tigerbalm.com/ or Facebook @tigerbalmMY
 
Tiger Balm wishes all Malaysian to stay safe and stay healthy.
 
Tiger Balm Works Where It Hurts.
 
SOURCE : Crayon and  Tiger Balm Malaysia