SDC LAUNCHES CLEARCHOICE™ INTERACTIVE PRODUCT SELECTOR GUIDE

Interactive product selector guides coating users to the most appropriate coating technologies


IRVINE, Calif., July 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SDC Technologies, Inc. (SDC), the recognized global leader in premium, high performance abrasion resistant coating solutions, has launched a new interactive product selector tool called ClearChoice Coatings in conjunction with its FSI Coating Technologies subsidiary. The tool allows product engineers to easily search for the best coating solution for any need by selecting product characteristics such as coating type, substrate, feature, cure and application method and chemistry, as well as use parameters such as industry and market, and application method. The tool enables users to compare up to three products at a time and generate a PDF for future reference.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29702

IIOT WORLD TOUR TO STOP IN SINGAPORE ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2017, HOSTED BY THE INDUSTRIAL INTERNET CONSORTIUM AND PLATTFORM INDUSTRIE 4.0

SINGAPORE, July 31 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) and Plattform Industrie 4.0 have announced a stop in Singapore on their IIoT World Tour, which brings together industry leaders from both organizations and local organizations to accelerate the digitalization of industrial production. The two organizations have partnered with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), to co-host an event in Singapore, held in conjunction with A*STAR’s Future of Manufacturing Singapore, a series of events related to advanced manufacturing. The Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce will serve as a further local partner for the event.
 
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies will dramatically improve productivity and efficiencies throughout the entire manufacturing supply chain, with processes governing intelligent machines to improve production and even take corrective action to avoid unscheduled downtime. A thriving manufacturing sector helps strengthen the global economy.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29713

EZAKI GLICO CO., LTD. LAUNCHES ENGLISH VERSION OF POPULAR EDUCATIONAL APP GLICODE (TM)

OSAKA, Japan, July 31 (Bernama-AsiaNet) --
 

Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. (Ezaki Glico: https://www.glico.com/global/), is pleased to announce the launch of an English version of GLICODE (TM) -- a fun-educational programming app that allows kids as young as six to learn the basics of programming using Ezaki Glico's popular confectionary "Pocky." (Photo: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/img/201707274144-O1-pdO74vV8) (Image1: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/img/201707274144-O2-2sC8395m) (Image2: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/img/201707274144-O3-xFyX68vZ) Download URL: http://cp.glico.jp/glicode/app-global/ Since its initial launch in Japan 2016, Ezaki Glico has organized and facilitated various GLICODE (TM) workshops across Japan and also participated in national programming events as well as overseas. GLICODE (TM) has also been recognized at many award shows like Cannes Lions, One Show and more. Through our efforts and recognition, Ezaki Glico has received many requests to localize the app for a larger market. In response to this, Ezaki Glico has decided to release an English version of GLICODE (TM). GLICODE (TM) webpage: http://cp.glico.jp/glicode/en/ GLICODE (TM) Youtube: https://youtu.be/UiWkUqKif6o Ezaki Glico believes GLICODE (TM) will benefit children everywhere, helping them learn the basics of programming and algorithmic thinking in a hands-on and engaging way. By lining up physical "Pocky", kids can build a coding sequence that controls the game's character. The app's UI, levels and gameplay are specifically designed to make learning simple, fun and interactive, and teaches the three basic fundamentals of programming: Basic Syntax, Loops and IF Statements. "Ever since its establishment, the business activities of Ezaki Glico have adhered to the corporate philosophy of 'Enhancing Public Health through Food.' This is the reason why Ezaki Glico launched this GLICODE (TM). GLICODE (TM) makes it possible for kids to learn programming easily in an enjoyable way by using our confectionary 'Pocky'," says Hirohisa Tamai, Assistant Global Brand Manager, Advertisement Division, Creative Team, Ezaki Glico. For over 95 years, Ezaki Glico has always believed that eating and playing are the two most important parts of a child's healthy growth and development. That's exactly why in 1922 the company founder, Mr. Ri-ichi Ezaki, launched Glico's first ever confectionary as a heart-shaped caramel with a toy. The iconic Glico caramel and its toy are loved by many Japanese and represent this very belief. As culture and technology change, Ezaki Glico has the opportunity to redefine what fun is and how Ezaki Glico as a company can better contribute to a child's growth and development. Ezaki Glico hopes GLICODE(TM) can act as a next-generation Glico caramel toy (Omo-cha), one that is just as educational as it is fun and that benefits a much larger community of children, not only in Japan but around the world. Reference: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/opn/release/201707274144/ SOURCE: Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. --BERNAMA

NTT COMMUNICATIONS EXPANDS PRESENCE IN INDIA TO MEET GROWING DIGITAL DEMAND

Company launches international data network services and plans to invest more than 160 million USD for data center expansion in India. 

 

MUMBAI, India, July 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), the ICT solutions and international communications business within the NTT Group (TOKYO:9432), today announced the launch of international data network services in India through its affiliate NTT Communications India Network Services (NTTCINS). The acquisition of this licence in India follows the initiation of construction of the Company’s two new data centers in Mumbai and Bangalore, through Netmagic, a subsidiary of NTT Com and one of the leading managed hosting and cloud service providers in India.
This reinforces the Company’s commitment to enable customers with high-quality infrastructure services as well as the management and security services to meet their Information and Communications Technology (ICT) outsourcing needs.

NTT Com acquired Virtual Network Operator - International Long Distance (VNO-ILD) network licence in March this year. NTT Com has been providing Arcstar Universal One services as its international network services, by partnering with local carriers. The Company implements its own value-added services such as Network Virtualization Functions (NVF), while utilizing the infrastructure of its partner carriers in India.

NTT Com is the first Japanese ICT provider of VNO-ILD network licence in India.

On top of this move, NTT Com has decided to invest more than 160 million USD on the two data centers, which will become operational by April 2018. These data centers will add nearly 500,000 square feet of gross floor space at full build. This brings NTT Com’s total gross footprint to 1,100,000 square feet in India.
“India has been a key strategic market for us with the accelerating shift of IT services from traditional enterprise data centres into the cloud-based services,” said NTT Com President and CEO Tetsuya Shoji. “For the past few years, our business in India has consistently grown over 35 percent annually. With further expansion of data center foot print and addition of international data network services to our service portfolio, we aim to meet the growing market needs for Mobility, e-Commerce, Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud and Big Data.”  

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29687

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF PROVIDENT INSURANCE CORPORATION LIMITED

SINGAPORE, July 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb” of Provident Insurance Corporation Limited (PICL) (New Zealand). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.
 
The ratings reflect PICL’s adequate risk-adjusted capitalization, prudent reserving and conservative investment portfolio. Moreover, despite the company’s start-up nature, its operating performance and claims experience during its first four years of operations have been largely consistent with initial projections.
 
Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are the company’s increasing underwriting leverage and a high expense ratio. Due to the delayed premium recognition of its core motor warranty products, growth in earned premium and underwriting profits tend to lag behind growth in incurred expenses. Hence, increased underwriting leverage from above-target premium growth over the short term could result in additional pressure on the company’s risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR).
 
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29700

TGS Q2 2017 WEBCAST AND TELECONFERENCE

ASKER, Norway, July 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TGS will release its Q2 2017 results at approximately 07:00 CEST on 3 August 2017. CEO Kristian Johansen and CFO Sven Børre Larsen will present the results at 09:00 CEST at the Hotel Continental, Stortingsgata 24/26 in Oslo, Norway. The presentation is open to the public and can be followed live on the internet at www.tgs.com.
 
The slides from the presentation will also be available in PDF format at both the TGS and Oslo Stock Exchange websites.
 
CEO Kristian Johansen and CFO Sven Børre Larsen will host a conference call on 3 August 2017 at 15:00 CEST (09:00 EDT). Attendees may want to call 5-10 minutes before to ensure registration and access.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29697

AMAZON INTRODUCES PRIME NOW IN SINGAPORE: FREE TWO-HOUR DELIVERY ON TENS OF THOUSANDS OF ITEMS

Prime Now is the first Amazon retail service to launch in Singapore, offering free two-hour delivery on grocery items, local favorites and name-brand goods
 
SEATTLE, July 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced the launch of Prime Now in Singapore, which offers free two-hour delivery on tens of thousands of items right from your phone. Customers can shop on the Prime Now app for everything on their list from eggs, cold beverages and ice cream to baby strollers, toys, and consumer electronics. Local favorites such as Tiger Balm, Milo, Scotch-Brite and MamyPoko diapers as well as products from iconic brands including L’Oreal, Pampers, and Samsung are also available for ultra-fast delivery right to your door with free two-hour delivery on orders of S$40 or more.
 
“We are excited to introduce the busy people in Singapore to this convenient, ultra-fast delivery solution to get more time back to do the things they love,” said Aarif Nakhooda, Director of Prime Now Asia-Pacific. “Prime Now is powered by Amazon’s more than 20 years of operational and technological excellence and hundreds of Singapore’s talented and skilled associates.”
 
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29691

ACAPTURE AND BOATSTERS LAUNCH THE FIRST, END-TO-END VR WEBSHOP

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, July 27 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acapture, a global, data-driven omnichannel PSP, together with Boatsters, a world leading rental platform for yachts and boats, have launched a Virtual Reality (VR) webshop pilot project.
 
Available as a white label application, Acapture’s VR webshop solution can be utilized and personalized by any merchant looking to add VR to their offering. The application covers the entire customer journey, from selection to payment. When consumers are ready to make a purchase, the payment is supported by Acapture’s award winning payment platform and completed entirely within the VR environment. Webshops created with this application can be accessed by consumers via their smartphone at the lowest-priced headsets available.
 
Moreover, the webshop solution unifies the consumer touch points, gathering the shopping journey data from all online, offline, mobile and virtual channels, and creating a complete overview of the consumer shopping patterns meant to optimize the ecommerce solutions available for merchants.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29676

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF YOUI NZ PTY LIMITED

SINGAPORE, July 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb” of Youi NZ Pty Limited (Youi NZ) (New Zealand). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.
 
The ratings reflect Youi NZ’s strong balance sheet, which is due to the company’s low underwriting leverage, as well as its prudent reinsurance program and conservative investment approach. In addition, actual claims experience during the company’s first three years of operation were largely consistent with the assumptions used in pricing its policies.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29670

NASDAQ ANNOUNCES QUARTERLY DIVIDEND OF $0.38 PER SHARE

NEW YORK, July 27 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors of Nasdaq, Inc (Nasdaq:NDAQ) has declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.38 per share on the company's outstanding common stock.  The dividend is payable on September 29, 2017 to shareowners of record at the close of business on September 15, 2017.  Future declarations of quarterly dividends and the establishment of future record and payment dates are subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29675

CARBON BLACK NAMED 'ASIA-PACIFIC EMERGING CYBERSECURITY VENDOR OF THE YEAR' BY FROST & SULLIVAN

SINGAPORE, July 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Carbon Black, the leader in next-generation endpoint security, today announced the company was named “Asia-Pacific Emerging Cyber Security Vendor of the Year” by Frost & Sullivan at the annual ICT awards ceremony in Singapore.
 
The contenders for the Frost & Sullivan Asia-Pacific ICT Awards were evaluated on a variety of market performance indicators which include revenue growth, market share and growth in market share, leadership in product innovation, breadth of products and solutions, major customer acquisitions, and business and market strategy as well as other category-specific criteria.
 
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29673

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF CENTRAL REINSURANCE CORPORATION

HONG KONG, July 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” of Central Reinsurance Corporation (Central Re) (Taiwan). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

 

The ratings reflect Central Re’s strong risk-adjusted capitalization, favorable operating results and solid presence in Taiwan’s reinsurance market as the sole domestic reinsurer.

Central Re maintains strong risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). Its favorable earnings are underpinned by positive underwriting and investment income. The company’s life portfolio has delivered a track record of stable underwriting profit, which over the years has reduced earnings volatility from its non-life business.

Offsetting rating factors include the challenges Central Re faces in the current soft reinsurance market conditions and its potential earnings and capital volatility in light of its catastrophe exposures. Compared with its regional peers, Central Re has high net catastrophe loss retention relative to its total capital and surplus.

Positive rating actions are unlikely in the near term. Negative rating actions could result from material decreases in the company’s risk-adjusted capitalization or from sustained deterioration in its operating performance. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29664

WIPRO AND HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE PARTNER TO OFFER CONSUMPTION-BASED IT INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J., & BANGALORE, India, July 25 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company, today announced a partnership with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to offer IT infrastructure solutions in a consumption-based or pay-per-use business model for enterprises. This model for IT infrastructure procurement and provisioning will be offered to both Wipro and HPE’s customers, globally.
 
As a part of this alliance, Wipro will leverage HPE Flexible Capacity to offer flexible and scalable IT infrastructure services in a consumption-based IT model, accelerate growth and enable digital transformation for its customers. HPE’s scalable, consumption-based IT model of provisioning and procurement coupled with Wipro’s industry-proven end-to-end suite of IT infrastructure services, and global delivery capabilities will enhance the security, agility, scalability of customers’ IT infrastructure, and help them ascertain and regulate the public cloud economics of their data centers.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29657

CALVIN KLEIN, INC. ANNOUNCES FALL 2017 CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC GLOBAL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

NEW YORK, July 25 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Calvin Klein, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PVH Corp. [NYSE: PVH], today announced the Fall 2017 CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC global multi-media advertising campaign. The campaign features the debut CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC collection by Chief Creative Officer Raf Simons.

Shot by photographer Willy Vanderperre, the visually striking campaign presents a cast of 22 models shot against a series of billboards that feature images from last season’s CALVIN KLEIN: American Classics campaign. The billboards of the previous campaign – which include works by artist Andy Warhol – were erected in the California desert in the days leading up to the shoot. The campaign is a study in art and artifice, of the real and the imagined, the mannered world of high fashion combined with a sense of the everyday. Ultimately, the campaign explores the cinematic and romantic outsider’s view of America, something of a dream world that has become concrete for Chief Creative Officer Raf Simons and Creative Director Pieter Mulier.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29651

PROFICIO EXPANDS ASIA FOOTPRINT WITH NEW HONG KONG PRESENCE

Award-winning managed security services provider continues to drive global expansion efforts in Asia-Pacific
 
SINGAPORE, July 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Proficio, one of the fastest growing managed security service providers (MSSPs) delivering managed detection and response (MDR), today announced its newly expanded Asia presence in Hong Kong. Following quickly on the launch of its security operations center (SOC) in Barcelona, Spain, this expansion enables Proficio to broaden its presence in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and service more clients globally.
 
Overseeing the Hong Kong area for Proficio is David Cheng, the regional director for security consulting.  Cheng has over a decade of experience in the IT security and software industry across corporate lines, including business development and solution selling. He has extensive cybersecurity experience in the banking, government, insurance, telecommunications, hospitality, retail and manufacturing industries.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29648

QNB GROUP COMMENCES OPERATIONS IN INDIA

DOHA, Qatar, July 24 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has recently commenced operations in the city of Mumbai, the economic capital of the Republic of India.

The start of the Group’s operations in the Republic of India comes in support of its vision to become a leading bank in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia by 2020, in addition to establishing a foothold in highly competitive markets.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29638

MEDIBIO BUILDING CREDENTIALS TO "SCALE" VIA APPOINTMENT OF HEALTHCARE & TELEHEALTH ICON TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SYDNEY, Australia and MINNEAPOLIS, July 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medibio Limited (MEB or the Company) (ASX:MEB) (OTCQB:MDBIF), a digital health company that has developed an objective testing system to assist in the screening, diagnosis and treatment effectiveness of depression, chronic stress and other mental health disorders, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Adam Darkins, MB, ChB., MPHM, M.D., FRCS to the Board of Directors as Deputy Chairman. Dr Darkins has unique experience in taking national and trans-national virtual care delivery systems to scale.

Medibio Board member and fellow physician, Dr Frank Prendergast, M.D. said, “Adam is a wonderful addition to the Medibio Board. He complements our team, drawing on a wealth of experience gained from the practice of medicine, health care management, and having built one of the world’s largest, telehealth programs. His proven track-record in tackling one of the current greatest healthcare challenges – how to introduce transformational new technologies that demonstrably increase access to care and reduce its cost – is what makes him so unique. His creativity and rigour, in design, and continuing development, of innovative care systems will help guide Medibio to meet anticipated milestones in our growth trajectory as we transition from clinical validation to regulatory approval, and then commence broader implementations. Adam will help us to lay the strategic foundations for large-scale operations in the pre-eminent health care systems of the future.”  

Dr Darkins developed an extensive understanding of patient care, clinical processes, and outcomes measurement from his physician training at Manchester University Medical School, UK, and further training/accreditation as a neurosurgeon and researcher at UCLA. Studying public health medicine at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and pioneering shared patient decision-making programs at the King’s Fund, London, grounded him in leading transformative change with a particular talent for safely and effectively taking long-established hospital-based practice into primary care, community care and non-traditional settings. Thereafter, already renowned for his ability to utilise new information and telecommunication technologies to empower patients, increase access to care and reduce cost, he gained widespread US and international recognition for his leadership of telehealth programs at the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). At VA he developed health informatics, telehealth and disease management technologies to enhance and extend care and case management. Together with his team, Dr Darkins created a capacity that delivered virtual services to more than 480,000 Veteran patients each year via 1.4 million episodes of care. On any given day, 83,000 Veteran patients were using home-telehealth technologies to live independently at home and avoid institutional care.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29620

MEDIBIO BUILDING CREDENTIALS TO "SCALE" VIA APPOINTMENT OF HEALTHCARE & TELEHEALTH ICON TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SYDNEY, Australia and MINNEAPOLIS, July 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medibio Limited (MEB or the Company) (ASX:MEB) (OTCQB:MDBIF), a digital health company that has developed an objective testing system to assist in the screening, diagnosis and treatment effectiveness of depression, chronic stress and other mental health disorders, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Adam Darkins, MB, ChB., MPHM, M.D., FRCS to the Board of Directors as Deputy Chairman. Dr Darkins has unique experience in taking national and trans-national virtual care delivery systems to scale.

Medibio Board member and fellow physician, Dr Frank Prendergast, M.D. said, “Adam is a wonderful addition to the Medibio Board. He complements our team, drawing on a wealth of experience gained from the practice of medicine, health care management, and having built one of the world’s largest, telehealth programs. His proven track-record in tackling one of the current greatest healthcare challenges – how to introduce transformational new technologies that demonstrably increase access to care and reduce its cost – is what makes him so unique. His creativity and rigour, in design, and continuing development, of innovative care systems will help guide Medibio to meet anticipated milestones in our growth trajectory as we transition from clinical validation to regulatory approval, and then commence broader implementations. Adam will help us to lay the strategic foundations for large-scale operations in the pre-eminent health care systems of the future.”  

Dr Darkins developed an extensive understanding of patient care, clinical processes, and outcomes measurement from his physician training at Manchester University Medical School, UK, and further training/accreditation as a neurosurgeon and researcher at UCLA. Studying public health medicine at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and pioneering shared patient decision-making programs at the King’s Fund, London, grounded him in leading transformative change with a particular talent for safely and effectively taking long-established hospital-based practice into primary care, community care and non-traditional settings. Thereafter, already renowned for his ability to utilise new information and telecommunication technologies to empower patients, increase access to care and reduce cost, he gained widespread US and international recognition for his leadership of telehealth programs at the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). At VA he developed health informatics, telehealth and disease management technologies to enhance and extend care and case management. Together with his team, Dr Darkins created a capacity that delivered virtual services to more than 480,000 Veteran patients each year via 1.4 million episodes of care. On any given day, 83,000 Veteran patients were using home-telehealth technologies to live independently at home and avoid institutional care. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29620

NRI SECURE LAUNCHES JAPAN'S FIRST "BLOCKCHAIN ASSESSMENT" SERVICE

- First Step Designed for Smart Contract Security -
 
TOKYO, July 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- NRI SecureTechnologies, Ltd. (President: Jun Odashima; hereinafter NRI Secure), a leading provider of information security solutions in Japan, has begun providing Japan’s first-ever^*1 “Blockchain Assessment,” a security Assessment service designed for systems and services which use blockchain technology^*2.
 
As the blockchain technology has become more widespread, the presence of security-related vulnerabilities has also become increasingly apparent. In particular, with regard to smart contracts, ^*3 one of a constituent element of services using the blockchain, a cyberattack carried out on any vulnerable programs could lead to major threats or even to actual damage^*4 by causing services to behave differently than originally intended.
 
In response to these issues, NRI Secure has systematized its accumulated knowledge and insights in the form of the “Blockchain Assessment” service. As its first step, NRI Secure will be launching the security assessment service for smart contracts. The service performs assessment from the dual perspectives of static analysis, which carefully analyzes a program, and dynamic analysis, which involves simulating a real attack, in order to identify vulnerabilities.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29631

MYCC'S FIRST SPECIAL COMMITTEE MEETING ON COMPETITION FOR 2017

KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 (Bernama) -- The Special Committee on Competition gathered for the first meeting for 2017, led by the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC). This Special Committee on Competition was formed fundamentally to discuss related issues on competition law as well as to ensure there is consistency in the application of the law between sector regulators.

Apart from the MyCC, other members on the Special Committee are representatives from the sectoral regulators, namely the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Energy Commission (EC), the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), the Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM), the Securities Commission (SC) and the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM).

BNM updated that Phase II of the Liberalisation of the Motor and Fire Tariffs have commenced on 1 July 2017. The pricing for Comprehensive motor cover and Third Party, fire theft cover will be determined by the insurance market and no longer guided by the tariffs. 

Meanwhile, SPAD informed that it continues to monitor the working environment especially at various airports in ensuring the quality of taxi services as well as
assessing the quantity sufficiency of taxis servicing passengers from airports.

SC informed the meeting that it launched a new “Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance” which is a set of corporate governance best practices for listed
companies in the country.

EC briefed that the Electricity Supply Act 1990 [Act 447] has been amended in 2015 and the amendments came into force on 1 January 2016. This amendment has not included any new provisions on competition and may be considered in the future. In addition, the Gas Supply Act 1993 [Act 501] has been amended in 2016 and the new amendments came into force on 16 January 2017. The amendments have incorporated a new chapter on competition into Act 501.

MAVCOM on the other hand has published mergers and acquisition notification thresholds which is currently accessible from its website. MAVCOM is also
participating in the Air Transport Agreement negotiation with the European Union (EU) as part of the delegation under the Ministry of Transport. 

SPAN in the meeting reported they are in the midst of amending the Water Services Industry Act and Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara Act. The amendments is targeted to be gazetted in October 2017.

In line with MyCC's continuous initiative towards enhancement of its enforcement, MyCC has also extended an invitation to the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) as a new member of the Special Committee on Competition. MyCC strongly believes in the significance of MyIPO participation with an aim to streamline the laws and policies relating to competition and intellectual property. MyCC hopes by providing a platform for discussion, there will be increased transparency and motivation for businesses to continue providing consumers with the best products and services in a competitive environment.

The MyCC was represented by its Chairman, Tuan Che Mohamad Zulkifly B. Jusoh and the other Commission Members namely YBhg. Dato’ Ahmad Hisham B. Kamaruddin, YBhg. Dato’ Jagjit Singh A/L Bant Singh, YBhg. Datin Seri Ruzaina Bt. Wan Haniff and YBrs. Dr. Zakariah B. Abdul Rashid together with YBhg. Dato’ Abu Samah B. Shabudin, MyCC’s Chief Executive Officer.

About Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC)

Established in June 2011, MyCC is an independent body responsible for enforcing the Competition Act 2010, which was implemented to create healthy competition which would in turn stimulate productivity and innovation, thus creating wider choices of products for consumers with better quality at reasonable prices. The Act applies to all commercial activities undertaken within and outside Malaysia that affect competition in the Malaysian market. It provides a regulatory framework including powers to investigate, adjudicate and impose penalties on the perpetrators of anticompetitive practices/ conduct under the competition laws. For more information on the Act and the MyCC’s activities, log on to www.mycc.gov.my.

SOURCE : Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Corporate Affairs Division
Malaysia Competition Commission
Tel : +603 2273 2277

--BERNAMA

SOLARWINDS AND SOVLABS EMPOWER IT PROFESSIONALS TO FULLY AUTOMATE IP ADDRESS MANAGEMENT IN VIRTUAL AND CLOUD ENVIRONMENTS

SovLabs leverages enhanced SolarWinds API to deliver feature-rich integration between VMware’s vRealize Automation and SolarWinds IP Address Manager

SINGAPORE, July 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SolarWinds, a leading provider of powerful and affordable IT management software, today announced the latest edition of SolarWinds® IP Address Manager (IPAM), which now includes API support to provide two-way integration with third-party software. In conjunction with this news, SovLabs, a leading provider of integration software for cloud management platforms, announced its SovLabs® vRA Integration Pack for SolarWinds, consisting of IPAM and DNS integration modules for VMware® vRealize® Automation based on the new API.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29618

JENNIFER POWERS TO JOIN GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERS AS A PARTNER AND CHAIR OF GIP'S CREDIT BUSINESS

New York, July 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), the leading, independent global infrastructure investment firm, announced today that Jennifer Powers will join GIP in September as a Partner and Chair of GIP's Credit Business. Ms. Powers will work closely with GIP Partner Jon Bram and GIP CAPS Fund Managing Partners Reiner Boehning and Steve Cheng to build out and expand GIP's Credit Business into a market leader in providing financing for infrastructure assets and projects.

Ms. Powers joins GIP from Mizuho Bank where she was co-head of Investment Grade Debt Capital Markets. Prior to Mizuho, she was a founding member of the Royal Bank of Scotland's Credit Markets Business. Ms. Powers also spent 12 years in the energy investment banking and capital markets departments of Credit Suisse.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29621

WEBEMOBILE OFFERS FREE 10GB LTE HOTSPOTS TO NEW AND EXISTING MEMBERS

KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 (Bernama) -- webe, Telekom Malaysia Bhd’s digital mobility services centre of excellence and one of Malaysia’s most exciting digital lifestyle and telecommunications companies, is giving out 10GB LTE Hotspot to all existing webe mobile and webe mobile SME members. New members can also enjoy this offer if they join before 1st October 2017. 

 

The 10GB LTE Hotspot pass will be renewed every month till December 2017. Additionally, to fully enjoy the LTE hotspot experience, ensure the LTE settings on your mobile is turned on. 

 

For more information, do checkout the blogpost here or visit webe.com.my for information on all the qualifying products and services available.

 

SOURCE : Arcis Communication

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 

Name : Adam
Tel :  016 210 5412
Email : adam@arciscommuncations.com​

Name : Aditi
Tel : 011 2412 0807
Email : aditi@arciscommunications.com 

--BERNAMA

The invest.com Group Announces Token Generation Event for Stox, A New Prediction Market Platform

The Bancor-Based Platform Will Allow Anyone to Predict Events Using the Wisdom of the Crowd

TEL AVIV, Israel, July 19 (BUSINESS WIRE)-- Continuing its quest to democratize investing for all, The invest.com Group is today announcing an upcoming token generation event for Stox, a new prediction-based trading platform.

invest.com was founded in 2014, employs a team of 200 across five countries, has 3M registered clients, and generated $50M in annual revenue for 2016.

Stox will be issued as a smart token using the Bancor protocol, which the team has evaluated to be the best blockchain based liquidity solution.

STX will hold BNT in its reserve which would guarantee continuous and high liquidity, enabling anyone to purchase STX directly through the smart token with Ether, as well as liquidate STX back to Ether — notably, with low slippage and no spread.

“We are excited to collaborate with Stox and support their effort to become a pioneer member in the Bancor network. We believe that the guaranteed liquidity and the stability of STX will benefit token holders, the Stox project at large and provide a strong case study for the Bancor protocol,” said Eyal Hertzog, Chief of Product, Bancor.

This token generation event will allow Stox to develop a prediction market trading platform that allows STX holders to use crowdsourced information and their own predictions to forecast the outcome of any event, across a wide range of categories. Smart contracts will manage the reconciliation based on the probability of outcomes, crowd sizes participating in the prediction events, as well as initial pledges.

Among its features, the blockchain-based platform will be fluid, meaning, prediction patterns and assessments will change upon daily occurring events. Users will also be able to create prediction polls, allowing them to take positions on specific events at any time. Entry prices, for example, for any specific poll, will be able to change and fluctuate based on the predicted values.

“Stox is a transformative step in our journey, as it allows us to combine the power of blockchain with the array of infrastructure, technical, sales and marketing assets that are currently powering invest.com,” said Ophir Gertner, Founder of The invest.com Group.

For further information and the official Stox whitepaper, go to: http://www.stox.com

About invest.com:

Founded in 2014, invest.com is an online financial service provider that combines financial expertise with groundbreaking technology to make smart investing simple and affordable for both novice and professional traders alike. Regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, the company currently employs over 200 employees across 5 countries. Learn more at: www.invest.com

Contacts

Blonde 2.0 for invest.com
Molly Winik, +972 58-4433219
molly@blonde20.com

Source: The invest.com Group

View this news release online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170718005916/en

PERSONAL ACCESSORIES TO RECORD US$530 BILLION SALES IN 2017 DRIVEN BY AFFORDABLE LUXURY

LONDON, July 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Global market research company Euromonitor International released today 2017 personal accessories data.

According to the new research, the global personal accessories market is set to record 4 percent growth to reach US$530 billion sales in 2017, driven by the rise in affordable luxury in the jewellery and bags market. Being the two largest categories, jewellery is set to account for over 50 percent of personal accessories sales in 2017 and bags 20 percent.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29599

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF SOMPO JAPAN NIPPONKOA INSURANCE INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

HONG KONG, July 17 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “aa-” of Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance Inc. (SJNK) (Japan). A.M. Best also has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of “a-” of SJNK’s subsidiary, NIPPONKOA Insurance Company (China) Limited (NKC) (China). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) remains stable.

Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICRs of “aa-” of Sompo America Insurance Company (SAIC) and its reinsured affiliate, Sompo America Fire & Marine Insurance Company (SAFM), collectively knownas Sompo Japan US Group (both domiciled in New York, NY). The outlook for each of these ratings remains stable. Additionally, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of “a-” of Canopius US Insurance, Inc. (Canopius US) (Wilmington DE). The outlook of each of these ratings remains negative.

Furthermore, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICRs of “aa-” of Endurance Specialty Insurance Ltd. (Endurance) (Bermuda) and its subsidiaries. A.M. Best also has affirmed the Long-Term ICR of “a-” and the Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IRs) of Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd. (Bermuda). The outlook of these ratings is stable. (See below for a detailed list of the companies and the Long-Term IRs.)

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29591

UNILEVER FOUNDRY LAUNCHES IN IRELAND IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DOGPATCH LABS

Partnership to launch a collaborative workspace for Irish startups and innovators to engage and explore business ideas with Unilever Foundry

LONDON, July 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Unilever Foundry today launches in Ireland, in partnership with leading startup hub, Dogpatch Labs, bringing together startups and entrepreneurs to fuel innovation and create new partnerships that deliver real and meaningful business impact.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29574

FIRST WORLD COFFEE PRODUCERS FORUM PLOTS ROADMAP TO DEAL WITH COMMON CHALLENGES

An Action Plan to be developed with specific goals, the conduction of an independent study, and the formation of a Committee with wide representation of different links of the global coffee chain stand out among the final resolutions adopted by the Forum, which ended Wednesday

MEDELLIN, Colombia, July 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The first World Coffee Producers Forum, which brought together representatives of the whole coffee value chain, concluded this Wednesday with a Final Declaration that includes an Action Plan to face common challenges, among other specific measures.

The Action Plan, to be developed co-responsibly by stakeholders of the global value chain and with the support of the International Coffee Organization (ICO), must set concrete goals, the time period to meet them, and the required funding.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29578

RedHill Biopharma Announces Expected Timeline for DSMB meeting and Provides Update on Enrollment in the RHB-104 Phase III Study for Crohn’s Disease

- The second independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) meeting of the RHB-104 Phase III study for Crohn’s disease (MAP US study) is planned to be held in late July 2017 and will assess the safety and efficacy of RHB-104 in the first 222 subjects who have completed week 26 assessments

- The DSMB meeting will include an interim efficacy analysis and an evaluation of an option for early stop for success for overwhelming efficacy; its recommendation is planned to be announced by early August 2017

- To date, approximately 300 patients of the planned total of 410 patients have been enrolled in the ongoing Phase III MAP US study

- The MAP US study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III study evaluating the safety and efficacy of RHB-104 in patients with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease, with a primary endpoint of remission at week 26

- An ongoing open-label extension Phase III study (MAP US2 study) is evaluating the safety and efficacy of RHB-104 in patients who have completed 26 weeks of treatment in the Phase III MAP US study and remain with active Crohn’s disease; these patients have the opportunity to receive treatment with RHB-104 for a 52-week period in the Phase III open-label extension study

TEL-AVIV, Israel and RALEIGH, N.C., July 13 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (NASDAQ:RDHL) (Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange:RDHL) (“RedHill” or the “Company”), a specialty biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on the development and commercialization of late clinical-stage, proprietary, orally-administered, small molecule drugs for gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases and cancer, today announced that the second independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) meeting of the RHB-104 Phase III study for Crohn’s disease (the MAP US study) is expected to convene in late July 2017 and will assess the safety and efficacy of RHB-104 in the first 222 subjects who have completed week 26 assessments. RedHill expects to announce the recommendation of the DSMB meeting by early August 2017.

Source : RedHill Biopharma Ltd.

FUSIONEX EYES GREATER HEIGHTS WITH DELISTING

LONDON, July 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Fusionex has successfully withdrawn the listing of its shares from London Stock Exchange AIM to be a private company, less than 5 years after its significantly oversubscribed initial public offering.

The Company, the largest and most established Data Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) specialist in the ASEAN region, completed its privatization on June 27th following a successful extraordinary general meeting (EGM) where more than 89% votes were in favour of the decision to go private.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29548

MURATA LAUNCHES SURFACE MOUNT TYPE Y1 CLASS SAFETY CERTIFIED CAPACITOR

KYOTO, Japan, July 10 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:6981) (ISIN:JP3914400001) has launched a surface mount type IEC 60384-14*1 Y1*2 class safety certified ceramic capacitor for low-profile power supplies. This capacitor is ideal for all AC-DC switching power supplies where a low-profile is sought for compact AV equipment, LED illumination, or 1U*3 rack mounted equipment.

Detail
Safety certified capacitors are placed at a power line input side in order to eliminate noise that builds up primarily in commercial AC power lines.
Safety certified capacitors are usually of the lead type, but the mounted height above the board surface is a problem because it hinders efforts to make low-profile devices and it limits component layout. In addition, because lead type capacitors are through-hole mounted, the lead wires are exposed on the underside of the circuit board. A fixed amount of insulating distance between the exposed lead wires and the metal components of the device is required by safety standards, so this complicates spatial layout within a device. The new Murata capacitor uses a structure of plate-shaped terminals on a disc-shaped ceramic dielectric placed within a plastic mold to reduce the terminal thickness that is present with lead type capacitors, and this results in a mounted height of 2.5mm or less for the product. Furthermore, the component format enables reflow surface mount, and there is no longer a need to assure insulating distance at the underside of the board. This advances profile reduction for power supply devices subject to size limitations in compact AV equipment, LED illumination and 1U rack mounted equipment, for which spatial design has been difficult.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29541

A.M. BEST REVISES OUTLOOKS TO STABLE FOR FOUNDATION LIFE (NZ) LIMITED

SINGAPORE, July 10 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to stable from negative and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” of Foundation Life (NZ) Limited (FLNZ) (New Zealand).

The revised outlooks reflect the improved credit profile of FLNZ’s immediate holding company, Foundation Life (NZ) Holdings Limited.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29540

MERCHANTS' INSIGHT: GEN Z TO SHOP IN-STORE AS MUCH AS ONLINE

Latest Acapture research confirms that retail MUST become more personalized, interactive and omnichannel by 2020

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, July 6 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acapture, a global, data-driven omnichannel PSP, has revealed the findings of a new white paper; Future Trends in Consumer Behavior. The report explores the preferences of the youngest and largest set of digital native consumers – millennials and generation Z, and it confirms that retail MUST become more personalized, interactive and omnichannel by 2020.

Both consumer groups were born or raised with constant Internet connectivity, and are competent cross-border online shoppers. The research has revealed, however, generation Z consumers value face-to-face interaction as much as digital, and prefer to combine all platforms and channels, from mobiles, wearables and in-store experiences. Over half choose to communicate in-person despite their flawless use of connected technology, and over two thirds prefer to shop in-store.

“We are witnessing full-circle consumer behavior,” explains Gijs op de Weegh, Chief Operating Officer at Acapture. “While millennials prefer to communicate entirely online, our youngest generation is returning to traditional shopping channels, preferring real-life interactions and developing their interpersonal skills.”

This renewed focus on offline experiences will be very important to retailers when planning for the future. Gen Z appreciates quality and brand ethics over price, and expects personalized interactions. This research has shown that omnichannel is certainly more than just a buzzword, so that should be the primary focus for merchants, today.

The research has revealed that 40 percent of consumers will make an additional purchase when they visit a store for a click and collect order. So, click and collect remains one of the most efficient means for a merchant to unite their online and offline channels, and increase their conversion rates. Physical presence provides an opportunity to build a memorable face-to-face service, gives consumers an added layer of convenience, and facilitates 360 degrees brand experience.

The report continues to explain that, for retailers to offer personalized, interactive experiences, the answer is data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Intelligent data analysis can be used to forecast future trends, probabilities and buying habits, to allow for targeted marketing. Businesses are utilizing data science as their core means for innovation, production, customer centricity and growth.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29513

Suria KLCC Group of Malls hand over RM13,409 to TV3's Tabung Bersamamu

PUTRAJAYA: As part of its annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, the Suria KLCC Group of Malls, comprising Alamanda, Suria KLCC and Mesra Mall, Genting Highlands collectively donated RM13,409.60 to TV3's Tabung Bersamamu.

"We chose Tabung Bersamamu as it is an established charity fund that provides financial assistance to chronically ill, handicapped, abused or underprivileged individuals," said the group's public relations & communications manager, Fartini Zaharuddin.

The money was collected throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Half of the contributions came from generous shoppers.

"Even though times are bad, we are fortunate that we still get the support from our loyal shoppers. So we matched every Ringgit that they contributed."

Fartini presented the mock cheque to the general manager of Media Prima TV Networks consumer communications group, Desmond Cheng.

Also present was the general manager of Alamanda, Balder Singh.

Established in 2003, Tabung Bersamamu has assisted thousands of individuals across the country through its highly rated TV programme, which featured the needy and helped them change their lives for the better.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2017/07/254519/suria-klcc-group-malls-hand-over-rm13409-tv3s-tabung-bersamamu

--New Straits Times

A.M. BEST REVISES OUTLOOKS TO NEGATIVE FOR HYUNDAI MARINE & FIRE INSURANCE CO., LTD.

HONG KONG, July 3 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to negative from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” of Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (HMF) (South Korea).

The revised rating outlook reflects HMF’s increased asset leverage over the past five years, leaving the company’s capitalization more susceptible to asset value fluctuation. This is also reflected by lower risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and relatively higher level of underwriting leverage when compared with its peer group.

The ratings reflect HMF’s well-established market presence as the second-largest non-life insurer in South Korea by direct premiums written and its conservative investment portfolio.

Positive rating actions could occur if HMF can achieve sustainable improvement in its risk-adjusted capitalization while continuing to strengthen its profitability.

Negative rating actions could occur if the company’s risk-adjusted capitalization deteriorates substantially or if there is a sustained deterioration in profitability. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29497