KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- AM Best has placed under review with developing implications the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘a-’ of Singapore Reinsurance Corporation Limited (Singapore Re) Singapore.
This Credit Rating (rating) action follows an announcement made recently on the Singapore Exchange that Fairfax Asia Limited’s (Fairfax Asia) recent voluntary cash offer to purchase all issued and paid-up ordinary shares in the capital of Singapore Re, other than those already held by Fairfax Asia and other Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (Fairfax group) companies, has been declared unconditional.
Fairfax Asia’s voluntary cash offer, dispatched on April 6, was conditional upon receiving valid shareholder acceptances that would result in the Fairfax group holding over 50 per cent of the voting rights attributable to the issued shares of Singapore Re as at the close of the offer.
Whilst the offer period remains open and therefore the overall level of shareholder take-up remains uncertain at this stage, the announcement made on April 21 confirms that the minimum acceptance condition has been satisfied.
Consequently, AM Best expects the transaction to proceed, subject to closing requirements, according to a statement.
The ratings of Singapore Re have been placed under review with developing implications as AM Best needs to assess the impact of the expected change in ownership on Singapore Re’s credit fundamentals.
AM Best will need to consider the planned integration of Singapore Re within the Fairfax group, any expected changes in strategy and any implicit or explicit support to be provided by the Fairfax group.
The ratings will remain under review pending completion of the transaction and until AM Best can fully assess the impact of the change in ownership.
More details at www.ambest.com.
-- BERNAMA
Friday 30 April 2021
PET CARE CONTINUES BENEFITING FROM ONLINE RETAIL SALES - EUROMONITOR INTERNATIONAL
KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- Pet care will continue to benefit from the online retail sales boom during the pandemic, as the industry expects to record a seven per cent growth by 2026, according to global market research company, Euromonitor International.
Pet care sales soared by 8.7 per cent last year with pet food, accessories, beauty and grooming categories benefiting the most from the pandemic with growth of 8.1 per cent, 10.3 per cent and 11.3 per cent, respectively.
According to the new webinar ‘Pet Care Outlook: Which Trends Will Outlast the Pandemic?’, digitalisation is one of the trends that will continue to dominate the pet care market in the next five years.
“The pandemic accelerated ongoing channel shifts to e-commerce as owners avoided unnecessary trips to pet specialty channels,” said senior head of pet care research at Euromonitor International, Jared Koerten in a statement.
The premiumisation trend accelerated in 2020, seeing owners spending more per pet, due to significant spending cuts on travel and dining out. Australasia spent the most on food per dog and cat in 2020 (around US$275), followed by North America (US$211) and Western Europe (US$182). (US$1 = RM4.098)
With remote work policies spreading beyond 2021, it is expected that more people will adopt pets.
Time spent at home will enhance humanisation, as nearly 71 per cent of global respondents from Euromonitor’s Lifestyles survey mentioned viewing their pets as ‘beloved members of the family’ in 2021.
-- BERNAMA
Pet care sales soared by 8.7 per cent last year with pet food, accessories, beauty and grooming categories benefiting the most from the pandemic with growth of 8.1 per cent, 10.3 per cent and 11.3 per cent, respectively.
According to the new webinar ‘Pet Care Outlook: Which Trends Will Outlast the Pandemic?’, digitalisation is one of the trends that will continue to dominate the pet care market in the next five years.
“The pandemic accelerated ongoing channel shifts to e-commerce as owners avoided unnecessary trips to pet specialty channels,” said senior head of pet care research at Euromonitor International, Jared Koerten in a statement.
The premiumisation trend accelerated in 2020, seeing owners spending more per pet, due to significant spending cuts on travel and dining out. Australasia spent the most on food per dog and cat in 2020 (around US$275), followed by North America (US$211) and Western Europe (US$182). (US$1 = RM4.098)
With remote work policies spreading beyond 2021, it is expected that more people will adopt pets.
Time spent at home will enhance humanisation, as nearly 71 per cent of global respondents from Euromonitor’s Lifestyles survey mentioned viewing their pets as ‘beloved members of the family’ in 2021.
-- BERNAMA
FLASHPOINT STRENGTHENS MARKET, BRAND AWARENESS VIA KEY LEADERS ADDITION
KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- Flashpoint, the globally trusted leader in actionable threat intelligence, has announced the addition of key leaders to strengthen its market and brand awareness worldwide and execute on its flourishing public sector business.
The leaders are Christina Cravens, SVP Marketing, and, Steven Cooperman, VP Public Sector Sales, according to a statement.
The additions follow closely on the heels of Flashpoint’s largest FUSE Spring 2021 customer conference, several innovative product releases and enhancements, and strong fiscal Q1 results that push Flashpoint towards its second consecutive year of near 50 per cent growth, all while remaining cash flow positive since 2019.
Cravens is set to lead the company's continued growth efforts and move its vision, strategies, and brand forward while ensuring the company’s offerings deliver on Flashpoint’s mission to help customers identify threats and mitigate security risks.
She is a seasoned CMO, bringing over 25 years of experience building and leading growth marketing functions at SaaS companies, including well-known brands like Sage, OpenText, Software AG, AOL, IBM, and Neustar.
Meanwhile, Cooperman has been tasked with growing the company’s public sector business and the development of a robust partner ecosystem.
He joins Flashpoint with an established and diverse career in the Public Sector, including over 20 years in leadership positions at successful enterprise software companies and Federal System Integrators, including ServiceNow, HP, Oracle, and Northrop Grumman.
News of Flashpoint’s expanded leadership team coincides with other positive business and product momentum including launch of two new products in under two weeks, showcases innovation; new and upcoming tailored event dashboards and UI enhancements; and, rollout of first, native no-code automation use-cases via Flashpoint Flow.
-- BERNAMA
The leaders are Christina Cravens, SVP Marketing, and, Steven Cooperman, VP Public Sector Sales, according to a statement.
The additions follow closely on the heels of Flashpoint’s largest FUSE Spring 2021 customer conference, several innovative product releases and enhancements, and strong fiscal Q1 results that push Flashpoint towards its second consecutive year of near 50 per cent growth, all while remaining cash flow positive since 2019.
Cravens is set to lead the company's continued growth efforts and move its vision, strategies, and brand forward while ensuring the company’s offerings deliver on Flashpoint’s mission to help customers identify threats and mitigate security risks.
She is a seasoned CMO, bringing over 25 years of experience building and leading growth marketing functions at SaaS companies, including well-known brands like Sage, OpenText, Software AG, AOL, IBM, and Neustar.
Meanwhile, Cooperman has been tasked with growing the company’s public sector business and the development of a robust partner ecosystem.
He joins Flashpoint with an established and diverse career in the Public Sector, including over 20 years in leadership positions at successful enterprise software companies and Federal System Integrators, including ServiceNow, HP, Oracle, and Northrop Grumman.
News of Flashpoint’s expanded leadership team coincides with other positive business and product momentum including launch of two new products in under two weeks, showcases innovation; new and upcoming tailored event dashboards and UI enhancements; and, rollout of first, native no-code automation use-cases via Flashpoint Flow.
-- BERNAMA
MESSAGEBIRD ACQUIRES US-BASED SPARKPOST FOR US$600 MILLION
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MessageBird Founder and CEO Robert Vis (Photo: Business Wire) KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- MessageBird, the world’s leading global omnichannel communication platform, has entered into definitive documentation to acquire US-based SparkPost, the world’s largest, first and only predictive email intelligence platform. The deal values SparkPost at US$600 million, and the transaction is expected to close in Q2 following receipt of customary regulatory approvals and satisfaction of customary closing conditions. (US$1 = RM4.098) According to a statement, the acquisition represents another important step for MessageBird in building a global omnichannel platform to make communicating with a business as easy and natural as talking to friends. “Our acquisition of SparkPost will further strengthen our ability to serve customers through email as a powerful value channel, and with the most contextual, relevant information,” said MessageBird Chief Executive Officer, Robert Vis. MessageBird’s market-leading platform allows businesses to communicate seamlessly with customers on the channels they use daily. Options for customers include out-of-the-box ‘lego blocks’ solutions – such as customer service-focussed Inbox, marketing communications tool Campaign Builder, and Video for physical to digital – as well as a full API suite for developer teams. MessageBird’s extended US$1 billion Series C now becomes the largest Series C round in Europe to date and second largest on either side of the Atlantic. The transaction was financed by Eurazeo, Tiger Global, Owl Rock, and funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, with participation from all existing investors. According to the same statement, Nathalie Kornhoff-Brüls from Eurazeo will also join the MessageBird board. More details at www.messagebird.com. -- BERNAMA |
DATASTAX ASTRA AVAILABLE IN MICROSOFT AZURE MARKETPLACE
KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- DataStax recently announced the availability of DataStax Astra, the industry’s first serverless Database-as-a-Service for Apache Cassandra™ running in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace.
Based on a statement, enterprises can now access Astra through Microsoft's online store to quickly take advantage of Astra's global scale and zero downtime on the trusted Azure cloud platform.
With its serverless architecture, Astra is poised to transform the database industry by delivering an unprecedented combination of pay-as-you-go pricing together with the freedom and agility of multi-cloud and open source.
The cost optimisation and operational benefits of Astra serverless can ‘bend the curve’ of escalating data costs, delivering total cost of ownership savings of up to 76 per cent over non-serverless database workloads, according to a recent study by GigaOm.
“Astra on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace is a natural step in this journey as we help all enterprises fuel their digital transformation with a cloud-first strategy and realise ‘true’ cloud economics,” said DataStax Chief Product Officer, Ed Anuff.
The Azure Marketplace, an online market for buying and selling cloud solutions certified to run on Azure, helps connect companies seeking innovative, cloud-based solutions with partners who have developed read-to-use solutions.
-- BERNAMA
Based on a statement, enterprises can now access Astra through Microsoft's online store to quickly take advantage of Astra's global scale and zero downtime on the trusted Azure cloud platform.
With its serverless architecture, Astra is poised to transform the database industry by delivering an unprecedented combination of pay-as-you-go pricing together with the freedom and agility of multi-cloud and open source.
The cost optimisation and operational benefits of Astra serverless can ‘bend the curve’ of escalating data costs, delivering total cost of ownership savings of up to 76 per cent over non-serverless database workloads, according to a recent study by GigaOm.
“Astra on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace is a natural step in this journey as we help all enterprises fuel their digital transformation with a cloud-first strategy and realise ‘true’ cloud economics,” said DataStax Chief Product Officer, Ed Anuff.
The Azure Marketplace, an online market for buying and selling cloud solutions certified to run on Azure, helps connect companies seeking innovative, cloud-based solutions with partners who have developed read-to-use solutions.
-- BERNAMA
YILI GROUP ACHIEVES 2020 REMARKABLE GROWTH, UNVEILS 2021 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS
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Yili Group achieves remarkable growth in 2020 annual report, and announces record first quarter 2021 results. KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- Yili recently released its 2020 annual report with total revenue reaching RMB 96.886 billion and net profit attributable to the parent company was RMB 7.078 billion, highlighting the company's healthy growth trend and excellent profitability. (RMB 100 = RM63.41) The Q1 2021 report released at the same time showed the company's total revenue in the first quarter reaching RMB 27.363 billion, a YOY increase of 32.49 per cent, of which the net profit attributable to the parent company was RMB 2.831 billion, a YOY increase of 147.69 per cent. In terms of products, the Company continued to promote product optimisation, with the sales revenue of key products recording a YOY increase of 9.6 per cent, according to a statement. In addition, Yili has been continuously exploring new growth points through innovation with its sales revenue for new products accounted for 16 per cent of total sales revenue. The Company also actively expanded new retail models on e-commerce platforms, with a YOY growth of 55 per cent. Its market share of retail sales for UHT milk on e-commerce platforms was 28.1 per cent during the same period, ranking first in the UHT milk market segment. The Company has promoted cooperation across the industry chain, continued to invest more in R&D, technology, and innovation, and continuously innovated its product categories and accelerated the layout of health business by relying on a global network connecting Asia, Europe, Oceania and the Americas, and using big data to gain insights of consumers. In the future, Yili will continue to build a ‘global health ecosystem’, take the lead in promoting sustainable development through the common prosperity of both commercial and social value. -- BERNAMA |
Thursday 29 April 2021
Ultivue declares US$50 million Series D financing round completion
KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 -- Ultivue, a leader in advancing precision medicine solutions through a unique approach combining multiplex biomarker analysis with same slide traditional H&E for tissue phenotyping, has announced completion of a US$50 million Series D round of financing. (US$1 = RM4.099)
New investors include Ally Bridge Group, Pura Vida Investments and Tao Capital Partners. Previous venture investors in Ultivue who also participated in the financing include ARCH Ventures, Northpond Ventures and Applied Ventures LLC.
This additional funding will help Ultivue strengthen its position in the market, deliver innovative solutions to address the dynamic nature of tumour biology from precious tissue samples and provide researchers and pathologists with the ability to fully realise the potential of tissue biomarkers within digital pathology workflows.
We’re excited to welcome our newest investors, and greatly appreciate the support from our existing investment partners,” says Ultivue President and Chief Executive Officer, Jacques Corriveau in a statement.
“This funding will allow us to expand our commercial efforts while also increasing the scope of our research and development in order to remain at the forefront of innovation and provide biological insights for our customers as they work to address the challenge of therapeutic response rates in patients using immunotherapy.”
According to ARCH Ventures Co-Founder & Managing Director Keith Crandell, Ultivue provides fast, accurate, previously unattainable multiplexed protein marker information at high resolution and on existing hardware.
--BERNAMA
Wednesday 28 April 2021
TRICOR, FINANCIAL TIMES PROGRAMME REPORT UNCOVERS CORPORATE BOARD SENTIMENTS ON PANDEMIC
KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Tricor Group and the Financial Times Board Director Programme have co-released the inaugural 2021 Asia Pacific Board Director Barometer Report, uncovering corporate board sentiments on COVID-19 disruptions globally with focus on Singapore and other APAC markets.
According to the Report, corporate boards struggle to keep pace with rising digital adoption and transformation pressures against the COVID-19 pandemic turbulent headwinds; business continuity planning (BCP) and corporate governance, risk & compliance (GRC) are weighing on board directors, rising to the top of corporate board priorities;
Corporate boards are not equipped to support effective hybrid meeting models, which are expected be the most favoured operating model post-pandemic; the digital divide continues to widen, and corporate boards are falling behind, highlighting operational and security risks and inefficiencies; and, gaps in cybersecurity threaten corporate board operations and integrity.
The Report reveals sentiments and actions of global board directors in key areas of digital transformation, cybersecurity, board operations, corporate GRC and BCP.
According to a statement, the sampling focuses largely on key markets in APAC (including mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and Australia) and also incorporates comparative samples from the Americas, Europe and Africa.
Overall, confidence on the handling of the crisis is mixed in APAC and there’s significant room for improvement in some markets: 71 per cent of board directors in Singapore said they felt positive about the way their boards responded, compared to mainland China (68 per cent), Malaysia (56 per cent), Thailand (52 per cent), Hong Kong (51 per cent), Australia (50 per cent), Japan (45 per cent) and Vietnam (42 per cent).
Corporate boards are unprepared to meet security and efficiency requirements for virtual meetings – both currently and post-pandemic, with only two per cent of boards in Singapore (vs five per cent globally) are currently meeting fully in-person, and only 11 per cent of boards in Singapore (vs 12 per cent globally) plan to meet fully in-person post-pandemic.
-- BERNAMA
According to the Report, corporate boards struggle to keep pace with rising digital adoption and transformation pressures against the COVID-19 pandemic turbulent headwinds; business continuity planning (BCP) and corporate governance, risk & compliance (GRC) are weighing on board directors, rising to the top of corporate board priorities;
Corporate boards are not equipped to support effective hybrid meeting models, which are expected be the most favoured operating model post-pandemic; the digital divide continues to widen, and corporate boards are falling behind, highlighting operational and security risks and inefficiencies; and, gaps in cybersecurity threaten corporate board operations and integrity.
The Report reveals sentiments and actions of global board directors in key areas of digital transformation, cybersecurity, board operations, corporate GRC and BCP.
According to a statement, the sampling focuses largely on key markets in APAC (including mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and Australia) and also incorporates comparative samples from the Americas, Europe and Africa.
Overall, confidence on the handling of the crisis is mixed in APAC and there’s significant room for improvement in some markets: 71 per cent of board directors in Singapore said they felt positive about the way their boards responded, compared to mainland China (68 per cent), Malaysia (56 per cent), Thailand (52 per cent), Hong Kong (51 per cent), Australia (50 per cent), Japan (45 per cent) and Vietnam (42 per cent).
Corporate boards are unprepared to meet security and efficiency requirements for virtual meetings – both currently and post-pandemic, with only two per cent of boards in Singapore (vs five per cent globally) are currently meeting fully in-person, and only 11 per cent of boards in Singapore (vs 12 per cent globally) plan to meet fully in-person post-pandemic.
-- BERNAMA
CYBER INTELLIGENCE HOUSE-INTERPOL CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT TO CRIPPLE CYBERCRIME BACKBONE
KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- Cyber Intelligence House (CIH) and INTERPOL have inked a contribution agreement aimed at giving more bite in cybercrime investigations.
Under the agreement, CIH will be responsible to provide INTERPOL with resources and services that aid in investigating cybercrime, Virtual Asset crime and combating as well as actively monitoring the dark web.
CIH Chief Executive Officer, Mikko Niemela strongly believes it is a win-win for everyone stating “the partnership with INTERPOL gives us an excellent opportunity to learn from the frontline of investigations, enabling us to enhance our service offering even further.”
“The mutually beneficial partnership will enable CIH to further develop its tools, based on feedback from INTERPOL.”
CIH, a Singapore-based cybersecurity company specialising in cyber exposure monitoring will be responsible for providing technology and services to INTERPOL to help speed up investigations and conduct crime analysis.
Based on a statement, the partnership is intended to further enhance INTERPOL's cybercrime investigation capabilities.
INTERPOL is the world's largest international police organisation, formed by countries worldwide to prevent international crime.
Last November, INTERPOL created The Cybercrime Knowledge Exchange, making it easier for law enforcement, international organisations, and cybersecurity experts to exchange information.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday 27 April 2021
PERFECT CORP-MEIYUME PARTNERSHIP OFFERS BEAUTIFUL INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL MAKEUP TRY-ON EXPERIENCE
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Join Perfect Corp., Meiyume, Collection Cosmetics, and Paragon Technology and Innovation on May 11th at 5PM HKT for an insightful discussion on how beauty brands can use innovative touchless technologies to shape the new consumer shopping experience. (Graphic: Business Wire) KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- Global beauty tech solutions provider and developer of the award-winning YouCam Makeup app, Perfect Corp has partnered global beauty company, Meiyume to expand access to Perfect’s YouCam for Web solution for indie brands in multiple countries. “In today’s world, it’s important for beauty brands to innovate within the digital space to keep up with evolving consumer expectations. We hope our inspiring partnership will make consumer’s beauty shopping journey easier, as well as more enjoyable and accessible,” said Perfect Corp Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Alice Chang. The virtual try-on tool is powered by Perfect Corp’s advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) technologies and patented AgileFace® tracking technology, delivering an unparalleled virtual try-on experience and streamlined consumer beauty journey. AI & AR technologies enhance consumer engagement by providing frictionless ways to interact with brands and products, which increases the likelihood of a purchase, according to a statement. In addition to leveraging Perfect Corp’s YouCam for Web solution for Meiyume’s own Collection Cosmetics brand, Meiyume is ready to offer its customers Perfect Corp’s YouCam for Web solution for their virtual try-on needs. Meiyume is well positioned to integrate Perfect Corp’s virtual try-on services into its portfolio, helping brands connect with their consumers to provide a more seamless product discovery and shopping journey. Join Perfect Corp, Meiyume, Collection Cosmetics, and Paragon Technology and Innovation on May 11 for an insightful discussion on how beauty brands can use innovative touchless technologies to shape the new consumer shopping experience. More details at https://www.perfectcorp.com. -- BERNAMA |
ROYAL REHAB-EKSO BIONICS PARTNERSHIP EXPANDS ASIA PACIFIC ROBOTIC EXOSKELETON ADOPTION
KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- Ekso Bionics, an industry leader in exoskeleton technology, with presence in Malaysia, has announced partnership with Royal Rehab in Australia, further scaling use of its robotic exoskeleton across the Asia Pacific region.
With Ekso Bionics’ recent expansion plan in Asia Pacific, EksoNRs are now in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia.
Ekso is the most clinically-used robotic exoskeleton globally and in Asia and has helped patients take more than 130 million steps globally, according to a statement.
Royal Rehab Chief Executive Officer, Matt Mackay said breakthroughs in technology were driving better and faster outcomes for people living with life-changing conditions and injury; however, these have been unavailable in Australia, until now.
“It is our vision to create a centre of excellence in rehabilitation technology which will empower people with disabilities with an unparalleled level of freedom, choice and independence,’’ said Mackay.
Royal Rehab, Australia’s leading not-for-profit provider of rehabilitation and disability support services, has entered into an agreement with Ekso Bionics to bring its advanced exoskeleton technology to Australia.
Royal Rehab is also in discussions with Ekso Bionics to act as the demonstration site of the EksoNR for other rehabilitation providers in the Australian market in the future.
The EksoNR is set to revolutionise rehabilitation practice in Malaysia and Asia with its ability to help improve patient recovery following stroke, acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury.
More details at www.royalrehab.com.au.
-- BERNAMA
Monday 26 April 2021
EKSO BIONICS, ROYAL REHAB WIDEN ROBOTIC EXOSKELETON ADOPTION IN ASIA PACIFIC
KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- Ekso Bionics, an exoskeleton solutions developer, with its Asia headquarters in Singapore, has announced partnership with Australia’s Royal Rehab, further scaling the use of its robotic exoskeleton across the Asia Pacific region.
According to a statement, Ekso is the most clinically-used robotic exoskeleton in Asia and globally, and has helped patients take over 130 million steps globally.
With Ekso Bionics’ recent expansion plan in Asia Pacific, EksoNRs are already present in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
On the other hand, Royal Rehab, Australia’s leading provider of rehabilitation and disability support services, has entered into an agreement with Ekso Bionics to bring its advanced exoskeleton technology to Australia.
Royal Rehab Chief Executive Officer, Matt Mackay said: “Breakthroughs in technology are driving better and faster outcomes for people living with life-changing conditions and injury; however, these have been unavailable in Australia, until now.
“It is our vision to create a centre of excellence in rehabilitation technology which will empower people with disabilities with an unparalleled level of freedom, choice and independence.”
Royal Rehab is also in discussions with Ekso Bionics to act as the demonstration site of the EksoNR for other rehabilitation providers in the Australian market in the future.
The EksoNR is set to revolutionise rehabilitation practice in Singapore and Asia with its ability to help improve patient recovery following stroke, acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury.
In Singapore, stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability and loss of mobility, especially amongst the seniors. Singapore faces 20 new strokes daily.
-- BERNAMA
According to a statement, Ekso is the most clinically-used robotic exoskeleton in Asia and globally, and has helped patients take over 130 million steps globally.
With Ekso Bionics’ recent expansion plan in Asia Pacific, EksoNRs are already present in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
On the other hand, Royal Rehab, Australia’s leading provider of rehabilitation and disability support services, has entered into an agreement with Ekso Bionics to bring its advanced exoskeleton technology to Australia.
Royal Rehab Chief Executive Officer, Matt Mackay said: “Breakthroughs in technology are driving better and faster outcomes for people living with life-changing conditions and injury; however, these have been unavailable in Australia, until now.
“It is our vision to create a centre of excellence in rehabilitation technology which will empower people with disabilities with an unparalleled level of freedom, choice and independence.”
Royal Rehab is also in discussions with Ekso Bionics to act as the demonstration site of the EksoNR for other rehabilitation providers in the Australian market in the future.
The EksoNR is set to revolutionise rehabilitation practice in Singapore and Asia with its ability to help improve patient recovery following stroke, acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury.
In Singapore, stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability and loss of mobility, especially amongst the seniors. Singapore faces 20 new strokes daily.
-- BERNAMA
Tower Limited Credit Ratings affirmed - AM Best
KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 -- Global credit rating agency AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘a-’ of Tower Limited (Tower) New Zealand, with the outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) being stable.
The ratings reflect Tower’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management, according to a statement.
Tower’s balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, which was at the strongest level in fiscal-year 2020 and is expected to remain at this level over the medium term.
United States-based AM Best views Tower as having robust financial flexibility, a prudent reinsurance programme and a conservative investment strategy. Whilst the company’s balance sheet remains subject to ongoing loss exposure from the Canterbury earthquakes, AM Best views a recent settlement in respect of recoverables due from the Earthquake Commission to have reduced Tower’s risk exposure substantially in this area.
Tower’s strengthened operating performance over recent years was driven primarily by increased stability in Canterbury Earthquake reserves and a largely benign environment for weather-related losses.
AM Best views Tower’s business profile as neutral. The company is a medium-sized non-life insurer that operates predominantly in New Zealand, with some operations based in the Pacific Islands. Tower has a market share of approximately four per cent in New Zealand’s general insurance market and reported gross written premium of NZD 377 million (US$248 million) in fiscal-year 2020. (US$1 = RM4.102)
While the company’s core product offerings are domestic home and motor insurance, typically distributed through direct channels and partnerships, AM Best views Tower’s ERM framework as developed, considering it to be appropriate given the size and complexity of its operations.
For more information, visit www.ambest.com.
-- BERNAMA
Saturday 24 April 2021
OAG METIS TAKES OFF TO FUEL FLIGHT INFORMATION INNOVATION
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- World’s leading provider of travel data and insight, OAG has launched its new game-changing technology platform, OAG Metis to power flight information innovation.
With firm backing by Microsoft Azure and Snowflake, the platform will enable customers to scale confidently, adapt and innovate, according to a statement.
OAG Metis, an open platform with access to a blended and configurable view of high-value flight information, including airline schedules and flight status, is also home to new, unique, and proprietary content.
By blending multiple data sources within a single platform, OAG is enabling the entire travel ecosystem to make better decisions and spark innovation.
The new technology platform gives customers the data they want, when they want it, in their preferred delivery mechanism (Alerts, API and Direct). For the first time, users can directly connect into OAG’s cloud database for instant access to OAG data.
In the backdrop of a tumultuous year, a culture of customer-driven development has resulted in the launch of two new ways to consume OAG data – Flight Info API making the freshest data in the market available, and Flight Info Direct to expedite processing and allow flexible access to raw OAG data.
OAG Chief Executive Officer, Phil Callow said: “Our customers need a new way to consume and analyse data to fuel their road to recovery.”
“Our OAG Metis platform allows them to find clarity in a world of upheaval and paves the way to delivering the intelligence and confidence required to navigate today’s challenges and unlock tomorrow’s opportunities.”
OAG customers, which include leading airlines, airports, technology companies, and travel providers will benefit from a wave of new product innovations over the coming year as future products, content and capabilities are enabled using the OAG Metis platform.
More details at www.oag.com.
-- BERNAMA
VIETNAM’S VINARE CREDIT RATINGS AFFIRMED - AM BEST
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘bbb+’ of Vietnam National Reinsurance Corporation (VINARE) Vietnam.
The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) was stable, said AM Best in a statement.
The ratings reflect VINARE’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assessed as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
VINARE’s balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, which remained at the strongest level in 2020.
The company’s balance sheet strength assessment is also supported by the stability of its capital adequacy, modest underwriting leverage and retrocession counterparties of good credit quality.
In addition, AM Best views the company’s investment portfolio to have moderate risk. While the majority of invested assets are held in cash, deposits and bonds, the company’s investment portfolio also includes private and public equities.
Prospectively, AM Best expects recent portfolio remediation measures taken by the company to support robust underwriting performance over the medium term.
Investment income also remains a significant driver of overall earnings, despite recent headwinds driven by interest rate declines and some capital market volatility as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
AM Best assesses VINARE’s business profile as neutral. The company is the larger of two domestic reinsurers in Vietnam, with gross premium written of VND 2.5 trillion (US$106 million) in 2020. (US$1 = RM4.113)
More details on the ratings at www.ambest.com
-- BERNAMA
MILLIKEN & COMPANY PUBLISHES THIRD ANNUAL CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
SPARTANBURG, S.C., April 23 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Global manufacturer Milliken & Company today released its third annual corporate sustainability report, entitled Together for Tomorrow. This report, which analyzes Milliken’s performance through the lens of its holistic sustainability efforts, highlights its progress towards the 2025 sustainability goals the company set in 2018. Covering people, product and planet, this report creates increased accountability while inviting new conversations and collaborations as the company works to create a positive impact on the world that will last generations.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210422005332/en/
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210422005332/en/
“Together, we met the critical moments from 2020,” shares Halsey Cook, president and CEO for Milliken. “We pivoted production lines, launched new innovations, and rallied our team to improve our sustainability metrics in 10 of 12 strategic categories. Our sustainability initiatives have momentum and are fundamentally changing our business.”
As a material science expert serving the chemical, flooring, textile and healthcare industries, Milliken associates annually review and report on the company’s progress, and their findings shape this report. Completed in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative framework, Together for Tomorrow is available to the public as a digital experience with downloadable content.
In 2020, Milliken made significant progress in its planet, product and people goals, notably:
As a material science expert serving the chemical, flooring, textile and healthcare industries, Milliken associates annually review and report on the company’s progress, and their findings shape this report. Completed in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative framework, Together for Tomorrow is available to the public as a digital experience with downloadable content.
In 2020, Milliken made significant progress in its planet, product and people goals, notably:
- Doubling down on an ongoing commitment to advancing diversity, equality, and inclusion in the face of social unrest;
- Focusing development and manufacturing process on helping fight COVID-19 by producing medical-grade fabric gowns, face shields and flooring that assists with social distancing efforts;
- Prioritizing associate safety, particularly essential workers, by enhancing the company’s safety-first culture during the pandemic;
- Bolstering the plastics circularity discussion by convening thought leaders with a goal to illuminate workable ecosystem solutions hosted by National Geographic Creative Works;
- Continuing to invest capital to eliminate coal as a primary fuel source, thereby reducing GHG emissions and reduce waste;
- Acquiring Borchers—Milliken’s largest acquisition to date—which will scale the company’s coating additives platform in a way that reduces solvents and environmental impact; and
- Launching the Milliken Leadership Model, which will train associates on growth leadership with purpose.
To visit the interactive hub and view the complete report, click here.
About Milliken
Materials science expert Milliken & Company knows that a single molecule has the potential to change the world. With innovative solutions across the textile, flooring, specialty chemical, and healthcare industries, Milliken answers some of the world’s greatest challenges. Named to the World’s Most Ethical Companies list by Ethisphere Institute for 15 straight years, the company meets the moment with an unwavering commitment to delivering sustainable solutions for its customers and communities. Eight thousand associates across 46 locations globally rally behind a common purpose: to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=39892
Friday 23 April 2021
OPUS ONE TO PREPARE SINGAPORE WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY FUTURE FOR LOW CARBON ECONOMY
KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- Opus One Solutions has been contracted by SP Group (SP) to implement its GridOS® software, optimising SP’s existing distributed energy in real time and integrating more renewable energy into the grid.
According to a statement, Opus One is a leading provider of software in distributed energy resource (DER), planning, management and transactive/flexibility energy markets, and a Global Cleantech 100 company.
Building on the company’s existing smart grid initiative, Opus One and SP will undertake a proof-of-concept exercise where Opus One’s GridOS DER management platform will be deployed to enhance DER capabilities for a selected circuit.
Opus One will leverage its GridOS software to simulate scenarios in the future for the users to understand the effects of more DERs on the distribution system and how to enhance grid reliability in the scenarios.
Some specific applications will be tested with the software solution including analysing network constraints, calculating hosting capacity for DER connections and managing DER dispatch with grid constraints.
Through the proof-of-concept exercise, Opus One hopes the results will support SP in preparing Singapore for a low carbon energy future.
To combat climate change and rising electricity demand, Singapore is working to build a more sustainable, reliable and affordable energy supply with the country planning to deploy at least two gigawatt-peak of solar energy by 2030 and 200 megawatts of energy storage beyond 2025.
As a small, low-lying city-state with one of the world’s most open economies, Singapore is particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change and as a result is now working on a US$72 billion plan to safeguard the city against extreme temperatures and flooding. (US$1 = RM4.114)
-- BERNAMA
Thursday 22 April 2021
ASIA PACIFIC EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS CLASH ON IDEAL HYBRID WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE - UNISYS SURVEY
SINGAPORE, April 21,2021/Medianet International-AsiaNet/--
| New white paper: Leaders and employees agree hybrid working is more productive, but are not aligned on what is required to achieve it New data reveals that 64% of Asia Pacific organisations plan to change their operating model by 2022, driven by the desire to improve their employee experience, according to a new survey from Unisys Corporation ( https://www.unisys.com/ ) (NYSE: UIS). However, leaders and employees have different views on the technologies and policies required to achieve greater productivity and an ideal employee experience. The findings are included in a new IDC white paper, sponsored by Unisys, titled "Digital Workplace Insight(TM): Seeking Digital and Experience Parity to Support the Hybrid Workforce." The Unisys-sponsored research surveyed more than 1,100 respondents, including business leaders and employees, across 15 countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK and the U.S., to examine how organisations are transforming their operating models to respond to business disruptions. It found that to do this, business leaders are focused on the employee experience to shape their technology, procedures and policies. However, while aligned in this common objective to provide employee experience parity, there are some gaps between what employees want, and what their employers think they want to achieve it. Results are detailed in the IDC White Paper ( https://digitalworkplaceinsights.unisys.com/home/ ). Hybrid working and the digital workplace are here to stay The survey found that before the pandemic, 5.2% of the workforce across Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore worked remotely - the highest of the four regions surveyed. COVID-19 forced a rapid move to remote working in 2020 with more than one third (36%) of this workforce working remotely by November 2020. Based on this experience, the majority of employers (74%) and employees (70%) agree that working remotely is just as, or more, productive than working in an office. While some roles will return to the office by 2022, business leaders estimate 24% of their workforce will work remotely – more than seven times higher than before the pandemic Forty percent of Asia Pacific employees prefer remote working, higher than North America (34%), Europe (35%) and Latin America (39%). Globally, the highest preference is among Millennials, born 1981-1996 (47%) compared to just 18% of Baby Boomers, born 1946-64. "This shift to a large proportion of employees working remotely, as well as across a hybrid of offices, other facilities and in the field, demands digital parity – where all workers have secure access to the resources required to do their jobs, no matter their preferred device or location. However, the most successful organisations will be those who offer experience parity – this requires thinking beyond just technology and considering the organisational structure, policies, procedures and culture required to ensure an excellent employee experience where people can engage effectively with each other, collaborate and work productively in an agile work environment," said Leon Sayers Advisory Director at Unisys Asia Pacific. Disconnect on what drives a positive employee experience and experience parity The top three reasons given by Asia Pacific business leaders to change their operating model by 2022 are better employee experience (71%), employee productivity (56%) and employee safety (56%). However, the survey revealed a disconnect between Asia Pacific leaders and employees about what technology and policies would improve the remote working experience: - When asked what technology would make remote working more productive leaders want collaboration tools (35%), secure remote access (33%), moving applications to the cloud (33%) and virtual desktop infrastructure (32%). Whereas employees want upgraded laptops (31%), connectivity solutions (27%) and printers or scanners for home use (26%). - Leaders say the greatest challenges to working from home are unreliable connectivity (51%) and difficulty accessing data or systems (48%). However, the majority of employees say there are no challenges (30%), although one in five cite non-work distractions and unreliable connectivity as issues. - When looking at what policy changes would provide a better employee experience Leaders are focused on employee safety wanting commuter benefits to reduce the risk of exposure going to and from the workplace (33%), procedures to identify employees with symptoms (30%), extra security policies for entering facilities (31%) and self-quarantine for workers who had been exposed to COVID-19 (29%). Whereas employees want more liberal remote work from home policies (28%), updated leave options due to COVID-19 (25%) and ways to identify if employees have COVID-19 symptoms (24%). - Leaders and employees agree that ensuring employees are recognised for their accomplishments is the top non-salary or non-benefit criteria for making an ideal employee experience. However, having a work location and schedule that is conducive to family life is more important to employees than leaders. - There are generational differences too: to be more productive Millennials want upgraded laptops while Baby Boomers want better connectivity. Technology used at work is twice as likely to make Millennials feel positive about their job or proud to work for their employer (65% globally) compared to Baby Boomers (34%). It is also important for almost half of Generation X (49%), born 1965-1980. - Forty-seven percent of Asia Pacific employees, and almost half of respondents globally (49%), say that the technology support they receive makes them feel good about their job or proud to work for their employer. But again, it is twice as important for Millennials (66% globally) than for Baby Boomers (32%). And is important for half (50%) of Generation X. "To create a great employee experience, employers need to understand what technology, processes and policies their people require to do their jobs effectively. This requires two-way conversations with their teams and a preparedness to change existing procedures. The right devices and sufficient connectivity are fundamentals for remote workers to create digital parity. However, experience parity is driven by things like equal access to IT support as well as employee recognition for their accomplishments no matter where or when they work – they don't want to be left in a vacuum. They also want to tap into the flexibility of the hybrid work environment to achieve better work-life balance. But they don't want to be lumped with extra costs to work from home. These elements help create employee experience parity and must be factored into an overall organisational change management approach to successfully move to a hybrid work environment," explained Mr Sayers. "In addition, while organisations need to support the breadth of generations they currently employ, Millennials are now aged 25-40 years, accounting for a growing proportion of the workforce, and leadership roles, so their preferences about what makes an excellent employee experience must be given weight in a digital workplace strategy. This includes the quality of the devices they use, IT support they can access and ability to work from home," he added. About Unisys Unisys is a global IT services company that delivers successful outcomes for the most demanding businesses and governments. Unisys offerings include digital workplace services, cloud and infrastructure services and software operating environments for high-intensity enterprise computing. Unisys integrates security into all of its solutions. For more information on how Unisys delivers for its clients across the government, financial services and commercial markets, visit www.unisys.com.au. Follow Unisys on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/UnisysAPAC ) and LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/unisys ). SOURCE: Unisys http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=39866 |
PRA HEALTH SCIENCES EXPANDS ITS RESPONSE TO COVID-19 WITH PHARMACOVIGILANCE SOLUTIONS FOR AUTHORIZED VACCINES AND THERAPEUTICS
PRA offers post-authorization safety solutions to keep up with the speed of COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutic pharmacovigilance requirements
RALEIGH, N.C., April 22 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PRA Health Sciences (NASDAQ: PRAH) announced today the expansion of its pharmacovigilance solution to offer full post-marketing services for authorized COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics, including post-authorization safety studies (PASS) delivered by Real World Solutions. With more than 25 years of experience executing comprehensive pharmacovigilance and patient safety services in all key therapeutic areas including infectious diseases, PRA can work closely with drug developers and manufacturers in ensuring long-term safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.
With thousands of COVID-19 vaccines, therapies, and new and complex modalities under research around the world, drug developers are in an extraordinarily unique environment that requires speed, accuracy, and transparency of pharmacovigilance and safety data monitoring.
“As more COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics are approved, Marketing Authorization Holders will have massive volumes of safety data to review and report in almost real-time,” said Sabine Richter, Ph.D, Vice President, Pharmacovigilance & Patient Safety, PRA Health Sciences. “Our pharmacovigilance solutions enable clients to adhere to regulatory reporting and compliance standards and perform ongoing safety surveillance to ensure the highest level of patient safety.”
With a global team of more than 800 pharmacovigilance and patient safety experts, along with the Center for Vaccines and Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Real World Solutions team, PRA provides a range of services to detect, assess, understand, minimize, and prevent adverse effects or other drug-related risks. PRA continues to invest in novel approaches and technologies, such as artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics that can manage large amounts of pharmacovigilance data and ensure near real-time monitoring of safety information.
In addition, using PRA’s Mobile Health Platform, participants can self-enroll into a PASS at the time of vaccination – providing an easy way to report symptoms and provide access to a nurse-led coordination center to report symptoms that may require follow-up with a healthcare provider.
“The global COVID-19 vaccination and therapeutic response is one of the largest public health programs of our lifetimes. Near real-time safety data and analysis is critical to quickly identifying, assessing and preventing drug-related risks,” said Greg Licholai, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Information Officer, PRA Health Sciences. “PRA’s Mobile Health Platform and pharmacovigilance solutions are examples of PRA’s commitment to patient-first approaches to clinical research and healthcare delivery.”
Since the onset of the pandemic, PRA has launched several initiatives to support the global COVID-19 response. PRA Health Sciences’ leadership in digital health enables us to quickly and proactively manage COVID-19 studies and programs, including:
RALEIGH, N.C., April 22 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PRA Health Sciences (NASDAQ: PRAH) announced today the expansion of its pharmacovigilance solution to offer full post-marketing services for authorized COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics, including post-authorization safety studies (PASS) delivered by Real World Solutions. With more than 25 years of experience executing comprehensive pharmacovigilance and patient safety services in all key therapeutic areas including infectious diseases, PRA can work closely with drug developers and manufacturers in ensuring long-term safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.
With thousands of COVID-19 vaccines, therapies, and new and complex modalities under research around the world, drug developers are in an extraordinarily unique environment that requires speed, accuracy, and transparency of pharmacovigilance and safety data monitoring.
“As more COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics are approved, Marketing Authorization Holders will have massive volumes of safety data to review and report in almost real-time,” said Sabine Richter, Ph.D, Vice President, Pharmacovigilance & Patient Safety, PRA Health Sciences. “Our pharmacovigilance solutions enable clients to adhere to regulatory reporting and compliance standards and perform ongoing safety surveillance to ensure the highest level of patient safety.”
With a global team of more than 800 pharmacovigilance and patient safety experts, along with the Center for Vaccines and Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Real World Solutions team, PRA provides a range of services to detect, assess, understand, minimize, and prevent adverse effects or other drug-related risks. PRA continues to invest in novel approaches and technologies, such as artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics that can manage large amounts of pharmacovigilance data and ensure near real-time monitoring of safety information.
In addition, using PRA’s Mobile Health Platform, participants can self-enroll into a PASS at the time of vaccination – providing an easy way to report symptoms and provide access to a nurse-led coordination center to report symptoms that may require follow-up with a healthcare provider.
“The global COVID-19 vaccination and therapeutic response is one of the largest public health programs of our lifetimes. Near real-time safety data and analysis is critical to quickly identifying, assessing and preventing drug-related risks,” said Greg Licholai, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Information Officer, PRA Health Sciences. “PRA’s Mobile Health Platform and pharmacovigilance solutions are examples of PRA’s commitment to patient-first approaches to clinical research and healthcare delivery.”
Since the onset of the pandemic, PRA has launched several initiatives to support the global COVID-19 response. PRA Health Sciences’ leadership in digital health enables us to quickly and proactively manage COVID-19 studies and programs, including:
- Expanding the Mobile Health Platform, PRA’s decentralized clinical trials platform, to address sponsors’ needs for virtual COVID-19 studies.
- Managing an unprecedented study start-up timeline that was days rather than months. In 2020, PRA took one study from final protocol to first patient dosed for a COVID-19 therapeutic in just five days – a timeline unheard of in the industry. Within 15 days, the trial scope expanded outside the US and ended with 2,000 patients across 280 sites in 35 countries.
- Launching the COVID-19 Monitoring Program, an end-to-end commercial solution that supports patients and administrators in mitigating impacts of COVID-19 – from education, exposure, testing, monitoring and through recovery. Recently, the program was enhanced with at-home COVID-19 testing capabilities and an AI-based bot service to answer patients’ COVID-19-related questions.
- Conducting ongoing, real-world data analysis of more than 26 million patients who have been exposed, tested, diagnosed with COVID-19, or received a COVID-19 vaccination. By using de-identified medical and prescription claims data, PRA longitudinally tracks patients and uses these insights to improve study design, such as validating protocol inclusion/exclusion criteria against real-world care patterns and identifying physicians who manage high volumes of COVID-19 patients for potential investigator sites.
Please visit PRAHS.com for more information about PRA’s pharmacovigilance solutions, patient safety solutions specific to COVID-19, and ways PRA is helping clients navigate COVID-19.
About PRA Health Sciences
PRA Health Sciences is one of the world’s leading global contract research organizations by revenue, providing outsourced clinical development and data solution services to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. PRA’s global clinical development platform includes more than 75 offices across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa, Australia and the Middle East and more than 17,500 employees worldwide. Since 2000, PRA has participated in approximately 4,000 clinical trials worldwide. In addition, PRA has participated in the pivotal or supportive trials that led to U.S. Food and Drug Administration or international regulatory approval of more than 95 drugs. To learn more about PRA, please visit www.prahs.com.
INVESTOR INQUIRIES: InvestorRelations@prahs.com
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Laurie Hurst, Sr. Director, Communications and Public Relations
hurstlaurie@prahs.com | +1 (919) 786-8435
SOURCE : PRA Health Sciences, Inc.
About PRA Health Sciences
PRA Health Sciences is one of the world’s leading global contract research organizations by revenue, providing outsourced clinical development and data solution services to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. PRA’s global clinical development platform includes more than 75 offices across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa, Australia and the Middle East and more than 17,500 employees worldwide. Since 2000, PRA has participated in approximately 4,000 clinical trials worldwide. In addition, PRA has participated in the pivotal or supportive trials that led to U.S. Food and Drug Administration or international regulatory approval of more than 95 drugs. To learn more about PRA, please visit www.prahs.com.
INVESTOR INQUIRIES: InvestorRelations@prahs.com
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Laurie Hurst, Sr. Director, Communications and Public Relations
hurstlaurie@prahs.com | +1 (919) 786-8435
SOURCE : PRA Health Sciences, Inc.
Wednesday 21 April 2021
PRESTIGE BIOPHARMA TO OPERATE NEW VACCINE PRODUCTION CENTRE IN SOUTH KOREA
KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 (Bernama) -- Prestige Biopharma Limited (PBP), a company specialising in antibody therapeutics development, will introduce a vaccine development and production centre into its core business.
PBP is on target to complete the construction of its global-scale vaccine production facility in Osong, South Korea with total area of approximately 8,500 m² inside the Campus 2 facility of its affiliated company Prestige Biologics.
The facility is projected to start operations from August, utilising Prestige Biologics’ unmatched engineering service for expedited establishment with cutting-edge technology.
PBP will utilise Prestige Biologics’ proprietary ALITA Smart BioFactory™, the world’s first smart factory system in biomanufacturing designed based on digital artificial intelligence, reducing human or process related errors.
Based on a statement, the system will also enable fast and convenient change-over to maximise efficiency when catering for multiple products and manufacturing processes.
The total production capacity of the vaccine centre is 100,000 litres, comprising 50 units of 2,000 litre single-use bioreactors with accompanying seed train and downstream purification capacities.
With this global-scale production capacity, the centre will contribute to the growing global demands of vaccine development and production in response to infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
PBP will participate in a consortium led by Huons Global in the production of Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine as the Drug Substance manufacturing centre.
-- BERNAMA
Monday 19 April 2021
Northern Trust to set up electronic foreign exchange pricing engine in Singapore
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 -- Northern Trust has announced that it will set up a new electronic foreign exchange (eFX) pricing engine in Singapore, in partnership with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
According to a statement, this will be Northern Trust’s first eFX engine in Asia-Pacific.
“Establishing a regional eFX pricing engine in Singapore will enhance the service provided by our Singapore-based FX desk and complements our continued expansion of FX solutions across Asia-Pacific including currency management and Complete FX™,” said head of global foreign exchange at Northern Trust Capital Markets, John Turney.
In recent years, Northern Trust has launched a number of innovative FX solutions, and acquired BEx LLC, a platform providing algorithmic FX trading, global liquidity aggregation and transparency in execution and pricing to institutional clients worldwide.
In addition, the company announced a strategic partnership with Lumint Corporation, an innovative provider of currency management services, enhancing Northern Trust’s currency management solutions with machine learning models.
“We are excited to be a part of this joint initiative with MAS which will further develop the FX market ecosystem in Singapore, and Asia as a whole,” said country executive for Southeast Asia at Northern Trust, Yen Leng Ong.
Meanwhile, executive director for Financial Markets Development at MAS, Lim Cheng Khai said: “The addition of Northern Trust to our FX e-trading infrastructure will strengthen our proposition to provide efficient price discovery and trade execution to market participants in the region, and enable Northern Trust to continue to bring market leading capabilities to its clients.”
Northern Trust has an established network of 11 offices across Asia-Pacific in Beijing, Bengaluru, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Melbourne, Pune, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.
-- BERNAMA
STUDIST RAISES OVER 1.85 BILLION YEN FROM INVESTORS INCLUDING MITSUI FUDOSAN'S 31VENTURES GROWTH AND PAVILION CAPITAL IN SINGAPORE
TOKYO, Apr. 19, 2021 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --
| - Expanding Sales and Overseas Business through New Investors and Improving Consulting Business - Studist Corporation, a growing Japan-based SaaS provider of Teachme Biz, a platform for creating and sharing standard operating procedure (SOP) manuals, and Hansoku Cloud, a sales promotion PDCA management platform, announced on April 19 that it has raised a total of 1.85 billion yen through a third-party allocation of new shares. In addition to existing investors DNX Ventures, Nippon Venture Capital Co., Ltd., and Salesforce Ventures, this round also includes three new investors: 31VENTURES -- Global Brain -- Growth I Project, a JPY 30 billion venture investment project jointly managed by Mitsui Fudosan and Global Brain, Pavilion Capital Pte. Ltd., a private equity fund under the Singapore government-owned investment company Temasek, and Hakuhodo DY Ventures Ltd. The two main purposes of this round of fundraising are to expand sales of Teachme Biz and Hansoku Cloud through Mitsui Fudosan and Hakuhodo DY group companies, and to accelerate business development in Southeast Asia through Pavilion Capital. Studist plans to use the funds primarily to improve the functionality of Teachme Biz and Hansoku Cloud and to hire and provide additional training for sales staff. In addition, Studist will expand and improve its consulting business in May 2021 and seek to recruit additional human resources for it. Alliances with the new investors will provide significant support for the expansion of Studist's business, including the following key opportunities. 31VENTURES -- Global Brain -- Growth I Project 31VENTURES is a venture co-creation project operated by Global Brain Corporation and Mitsui Fudosan, which operates commercial facilities such as the Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport complexes and MITSUI OUTLET PARKs. Through this alliance, Studist expects to expand its reach in retail, a major target industry for Teachme Biz. Teachme Biz is already being used by Mitsui Fudosan group company Mitsui Designtec Co., Ltd., and introducing it at additional group companies will contribute to the promotion of digital transformation at the group. Pavilion Capital Pte. Ltd. Studist has been operating in Thailand since February 2018. It has been steadily expanding business there, achieving 70% growth in FY2020 despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2020, it began operating in Malaysia as well, with an eye to further expansion in Southeast Asia. Investment from a private equity fund, Pavilion Capital, is expected to provide support for Studist's ongoing regional expansion. Hakuhodo DY Ventures Ltd. The Hakuhodo DY Group provides integrated marketing solutions that include not only advertising but also in-store sales promotions and other measures that require intra-company information transmission. Studist's sales promotion PDCA management platform Hansoku Cloud and visualization manual Teachme Biz are therefore well-matched to the Hakuhodo DY Group's business, and the collaboration is expected to contribute to the growth of both companies. Additionally, the scheduled expansion of the consulting business in May 2021 will enable Studist to conduct pre-introduction trials, verify the effectiveness of Teachme Biz, organize post-introduction operations, assist in the transfer of existing procedures, and provide support in promoting the use of its services. With this more hands-on approach to implementation, it will be able to provide the best possible solutions for its customers. For comments from officers of the companies involved, please visit: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202104143649-O1-Kq2UrbGy.pdf With the springboard provided by this new funding, Studist plans to expand its sales of Teachme Biz and Hansoku Cloud to accelerate overseas business, especially in Southeast Asia, as well as to expand the consulting business. Studist aims to achieve 300 million yen in overseas sales in the fiscal year ending February 28, 2025, including sales at Studist (Thailand) Co., Ltd. About Studist Established in Tokyo on March 19, 2010, Studist is the growing SaaS provider of Teachme Biz, a visual standard operating procedure (SOP) management platform, and Hansoku Cloud, a sales promotion PDCA management platform. With amassed capital of 2.5 billion yen, Studist is pursuing a mission of "making communication easier" by seeking to eliminate data loss or delay in information delivery for enterprises and to create an intellectually vibrant society filled with the joy of knowing, thinking, and creating. Corporate website: https://studist.jp/ Teachme Biz website: https://teachme-biz.com/en/ Hansoku Cloud website: https://biz.hansoku-cloud.jp/ Source: Studist Corporation http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=39852 |
Saturday 17 April 2021
SHINKONG INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED CREDIT RATINGS AFFIRMED - AM BEST
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘a’ of Shinkong Insurance Company Limited (Shinkong Insurance) Taiwan.
The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable, according to a statement by the United States-headquartered global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry.
The ratings reflect Shinkong Insurance’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
Shinkong Insurance’s risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, remained at the strongest level in 2020.
The company’s investment strategy remains conservative, with a majority of the invested assets in low risk fixed-income assets to generate stable investment income to support the company’s overall operating results. The company’s dependency on reinsurance remains moderate, with the reinsurers panel in good credit quality.
Shinkong Insurance’s operating results remained stable and positive last year, supported by positive underwriting and investment results.
Despite the volatility in the investment market in early 2020, the company’s overall investment results remained positive and stable, attributed to the stable stream of interest, dividend and rental income to support the company’s overall operating results.
Shinkong Insurance remains the third largest insurer in Taiwan’s non-life insurance market in terms of gross premium written, with the company’s underwriting portfolio remaining moderately diversified, with a majority of its business in motor.
For more information, visit www.ambest.com.
-- BERNAMA
Friday 16 April 2021
Crises push leaders to re-examine roles, relationship with stakeholders- WE Communications study
KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 -- WE Communications (WE), a leading global communications firm, has released results from a new Brands in Motion study, ‘Rethinking the Purpose and Meaning of Leadership’.
The research reveals a dramatic shift in executive leadership behaviour, prompted by the global pandemic and ongoing moments of social upheaval, according to a statement.
Citing a year of profound disruption, 86 per cent of brand leaders surveyed say they have become more introspective, while 71 per cent say articulating personal core values and elevating their voice is more important than it was a year ago.
“Our research shows that our collective pandemic experience, along with other recent social upheaval, forever changed how business leaders create impact and communicate with stakeholders. Navigating in this transformed world requires a new level of introspection and vulnerability,” said WE Communications Global Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Melissa Waggener Zorkin.
More than half say they have deepened their awareness of personal fears, limitations, defences and impulses, and are working to identify gaps between their intentions and actions.
This introspection has driven executives to identify new ways to lead their businesses in how they show up and impact the world around them.
New behaviours include tuning in and acting on employee concerns and aspirations, as well as engaging a wider than ever community of stakeholders with 89 per cent saying that engaging with issues that affect their employees is a moral obligation.
The research surveyed more than 300 C-suite executives, senior-level managers and key decision-makers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Singapore.
-- BERNAMA
225-YEAR-OLD SWISS BANK CHOOSES SMARTTRADE TECHNOLOGIES TO ENHANCE FX CAPABILITIES
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- The 225-year-old Swiss Bank Lombard Odier & Co Ltd has integrated LiquidityFX, smartTrade’s inhouse developed FX solution into its banking platform.
In a statement, smartTrade Technologies said LiquidityFX offered enhanced FX trading services to the bank’s clientele.
LiquidityFX is an end-to-end solution with connectivity to over 130 liquidity providers.
Aggregation, pricing, risk management, distribution and post-trade are integral functions of the platform which supports a range of instruments including FX Spot, Forwards, Swaps, NDF, Options and Precious Metals.
As part of a strategic approach to building its proprietary banking technology and fostering innovation, Lombard Odier constantly seeks to strengthen its services.
By integrating a flexible trading services solution into its proprietary wealth management platform G2, it offers a comprehensive set of tailored FX trading functionalities to its private, institutional and third party clients.
According to smartTrade’s Chief Executive Officer David Vincent, LiquidityFX is the perfect fit for Lombard Odier.
“Liquidity FX’s rich functionality will enable Lombard Odier to further expand its FX trading business in line with its growth strategy whilst offering an improved service to both its wealth and institutional clients.”
-- BERNAMA
In a statement, smartTrade Technologies said LiquidityFX offered enhanced FX trading services to the bank’s clientele.
LiquidityFX is an end-to-end solution with connectivity to over 130 liquidity providers.
Aggregation, pricing, risk management, distribution and post-trade are integral functions of the platform which supports a range of instruments including FX Spot, Forwards, Swaps, NDF, Options and Precious Metals.
As part of a strategic approach to building its proprietary banking technology and fostering innovation, Lombard Odier constantly seeks to strengthen its services.
By integrating a flexible trading services solution into its proprietary wealth management platform G2, it offers a comprehensive set of tailored FX trading functionalities to its private, institutional and third party clients.
According to smartTrade’s Chief Executive Officer David Vincent, LiquidityFX is the perfect fit for Lombard Odier.
“Liquidity FX’s rich functionality will enable Lombard Odier to further expand its FX trading business in line with its growth strategy whilst offering an improved service to both its wealth and institutional clients.”
-- BERNAMA
TUGU INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED OUTLOOKS REVISED TO STABLE -- AM BEST
KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- AM Best has revised the outlooks to stable from negative and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘bbb-’ of Tugu Insurance Company Limited (TIC) Hong Kong.
The Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect TIC’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assessed as strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, limited business profile and marginal enterprise risk management.
Based on a statement, the revised outlooks reflect the strategic planning and reduced level of uncertainty over TIC’s capitalisation and business profile over the short to intermediate term.
As TIC has formulated a new business plan, AM Best believes that TIC will continue to be an operating company of PT Asuransi Tugu Pratama Indonesia Tbk, on a going concern basis over the short to medium term.
TIC’s strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, remained supportive of its balance sheet strength in 2019 and 2020.
However, the company’s capital and surplus exhibited volatility over the past five years, driven by revaluation gains and losses arising from its large yet concentrated investment in real estate.
TIC remains a small player in Hong Kong’s highly competitive and fragmented non-life market.
Going forward, TIC aims to diversify its product offerings in Hong Kong’s insurance market, including personal motor and property lines, by strengthening its distribution partnerships with brokers and agents.
AM Best expects the company to benefit from a more stable claims experience and improved management expense efficiency from a growing earned premium base.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday 15 April 2021
AGTHIA BEGINS TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY TO BECOME F&B LEADER BY 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- Agthia Group PJSC revealed its long-term strategy to become an F&B leader in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan (MENAP) region and beyond by 2025.
The strategy is built on three strategic pillars (growth, efficiency and capability) and is designed to extend the Group’s market leadership, provide significant value for all stakeholders and continue to drive profitability growth with a consumer-centric approach.
The Abu Dhabi-based organisation is engaged in manufacturing, distribution and marketing of a wide range of F&B products, including popular regional brands such as Al Ain (water), Al Foah (dates), Al Faysal Bakery & Sweets (bakery) and Grand Mills (flour and bakery).
Agthia Group Chairman, Khalifa Sultan Al Suwaidi said: “The strategy will unleash the full potential of the exceptional capabilities we have built, create greater opportunities for our people, and act as a catalyst for us to again set new benchmarks in the F&B industry.”
In a statement, Agthia Group Chief Executive Officer, Alan Smith, said: “Our strategy stems from an indepth assessment of the business and a clear vision of where we want to go. We will continue to get leaner, protect our core business and ensure that our progress is agile and deliberately paced.”
On growth, Agthia will deliver by upscaling in priority markets, expanding into value-add categories and driving margin improvement by 2025.
“The strategy will generate cost and revenue synergies through cross-selling opportunities and enhancing the Group’s regional brand portfolio,” explained Smith.
Agthia’s key focus for the next five years includes digitalising performance management systems and implementing change initiatives across the board with continued emphasis on sustainability and innovation.
The Group will continue to drive efficiencies in its operations, optimise product portfolio, maintain a principled allocation framework and adopting a best-in-class Environment, Social & Governance agenda to enhance consumer experience and deliver shareholder returns in line with global standards.
For more information, visit www.agthia.com
-- BERNAMA
Agilent one of Singapore’s Best Employers
KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 -- Agilent Technologies Inc has announced that Agilent Singapore is recognised as one of Singapore’s Best Employers in 2021 for the second year running by The Straits Times, a leading Singapore-based newspaper.
Specifically, Agilent is ranked among the top 100 companies and fifth out of eight in the Drugs & Biotechnology category, according to a statement.
“This year, Agilent Singapore is among the top 100 positions compared to our 108th ranking last year, so we’ve continued to excel -- even during COVID,” said Woai-Sheng Chow, Agilent Singapore Vice President and General Manager, Global Instrument Manufacturing.
Rankings were determined on the results of an extensive independent survey conducted by the newspaper and global research firm, Statista, including more than 9,000 employees working at companies with over 200 people.
Employees were consulted anonymously through several online panels and through The Straits Times website.
Agilent Technologies is a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics and applied chemical markets, delivering insight and innovation toward improving the quality of life.
For more information on Agilent, visit www.agilent.com.
-- BERNAMA
547 ENERGY PARTNERS INDUSTRY VETERAN ANDY KINSELLA FOR COMPANY LAUNCH
KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- An affiliate of 547 Energy LLC (547 Energy), the clean energy investment platform of Quantum Energy Partners (Quantum), has partnered with European clean energy industry veteran, Andy Kinsella to launch a new company.
The launch aims at developing, constructing, owning, and operating a multi-gigawatt portfolio of onshore wind, solar and energy storage projects throughout Europe.
According to a statement, the new platform, Aer Soléir, will be headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & President of 547 Energy, Gabriel Alonso said: “The European Green Deal provides the policy roadmap to transition Europe to a clean energy economy and sets into motion Europe’s political ambition to be the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050.”
“We believe there is no better time than now to invest in the accelerating clean energy transition and are thrilled to partner with Andy as he leads the charge in this new venture.”
Meanwhile, Founding Partner and CEO of Aer Soléir, Kinsella said: “We look forward to supplying safe, reliable, and valuable clean energy to our customers and to delivering superior returns for our investors.”
Kinsella brings over 35 years of experience in the international energy sector and has held leadership positions at companies including Ireland’s Electricity Supply Board (ESB), ESB International, GE, Siemens and most recently, Mainstream Renewable Power where he served as CEO.
More details at www.quantumep.com.
-- BERNAMA
GLOBAL EMPLOYEE RELOCATIONS SERVED BY WHR'S INTERNATIONAL OFFICES
MILWAUKEE, Wis., April 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- During 2020, WHR Group, Inc. (WHR) opened international offices in Singapore, and Basel, Switzerland, to support its global employee relocation services. These offices provide a range of services including pre-assignment, transition, on assignment and repatriation services to multi-language expatriate transferees. Along with its U.S. headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis., WHR helps some of the largest organizations in the world and has relocated hundreds of thousands of employees to over 120 countries worldwide.
Solely and independently owned since its inception 26 years ago, WHR specializes in providing each expatriate with a dedicated relocation team, white glove service and 24/7 availability for the entire relocation process – long or short-term assignments.
The Switzerland office supports clients and their transferees in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, while the Singapore office supports the Asia Pacific region. “While Covid-19 dramatically slowed the ability of individuals to cross borders, we persisted in opening these offices to fulfil our client obligations and be prepared to meet future demand,” says WHR President, Paul De Boer. “We anticipate a very healthy rebound once the pandemic ends, and we have our foundation in place to service any global expansion our clients demand.”
About WHR Group, Inc.
WHR Group Inc. (WHR) is a privately owned, client-driven global relocation management company distinguished by its best-in-class service delivery and cutting-edge, proprietary technology. WHR has offices in Milwaukee, Wis., Switzerland, and Singapore. With its 100% client retention rate for the past decade, WHR continues to position itself as the trusted provider in global employee relocation. To learn more about WHR, visit http://www.whrg.com, or follow @WHRGroup on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=39807
PRA’S DIGITAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY TO BENEFIT MARYLAND-BASED PHYSICIANS
KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- PRA Health Sciences company, Care Innovations has been selected by Maryland State Medical Society (MedChi) to be preferred remote patient monitoring, telehealth, and digital health services provider.
According to a statement, the services will benefit MedChi’s network of more than 22,000 licensed physicians who practice across over 50 medical specialties.
Maryland physicians now have a trusted provider to quickly deploy a secure and privacy-compliant system for maintaining patients’ care remotely, including routine visits and chronic disease management.
Remote patient monitoring is an important component of healthcare that contributes to better patient outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.
By capturing medical information automatically and remotely, RPM offers comprehensive, patient-centric care, particularly for elderly and high-risk patients.
By selecting Care Innovations, physicians will receive the physician and patient-facing technology, including the remote patient monitoring platform, Health Harmony mobile app, nurse-led coordinating centre, and internet-connected devices, such as blood pressure cuffs.
Patients can use these medical devices and the mobile app to manage their care at home, while their physicians monitor the data remotely.
In addition, physicians can elect for monthly care management, which allows for billing for services pertaining to Medicare CPT RPM codes for patients that meet the requirements.
More details at www.prahs.com.
-- BERNAMA
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