Sunday 31 July 2016

BOLSA DE VALORES DE COLOMBIA (BVC) EXTENDS TRADING TECHNOLOGY CONTRACT WITH NASDAQ

BVC marketplace to implement major modifications to trading engine, which operates multi-asset classes and multi-currency trading

NEW YORK and BOGOTÁ, Colombia, July 29 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq, Inc. (Nasdaq:NDAQ) and the Bolsa de Valores de Colombia (BVC) today announced the extension of their current trading technology contract for an additional seven years. This extension is part of BVC’s ongoing initiative to continue strengthening its position in both the regional and international exchange arena.

The upgraded Nasdaq matching engine, X-stream INET Trading, further enhances the Colombian capital market by supporting new asset classes and providing more efficient MILA connectivity, which integrates the stock exchange markets of Chile, Colombia, México and Perú, as well as the throughput needed to manage the increase in volumes. X-stream Trading is deployed in more than 35 markets, making it the most widely used marketplace system in the world. 

Friday 29 July 2016

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

SINGAPORE, July 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of B++ (Good) and the issuer credit rating of “bbb” of Youi NZ Pty Limited (Youi NZ) (New Zealand). The outlook for each rating remains stable.
 
The rating affirmations reflect Youi NZ’s strong risk-adjusted capitalization, resulting from the company’s low underwriting leverage, its prudent reinsurance program and conservative investments. In addition, actual claims experience during the company’s first two years of operation has been largely consistent with the assumptions it uses in pricing its policies.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27232

A.M. BEST REVISES OUTLOOKS TO POSITIVE FOR BIDV INSURANCE CORPORATION

SINGAPORE, July 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to positive from stable and affirmed the financial strength rating of B+ (Good) and the issuer credit rating of “bbb-” of BIDV Insurance Corporation(BIC) (Vietnam). BIC is majority owned by the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam JSC (BIDV), one of the largest banks in Vietnam.
 
The revised outlooks reflect BIC’s strengthened risk-adjusted capitalization, following support from Fairfax Asia Limited (Fairfax Asia) as a strategic investor.



Thursday 28 July 2016

​TOSHIBA TO START MASS PRODUCTION OF BIPOLAR 2-CHANNEL STEPPING MOTOR DRIVER WITH MAXIMUM RATING OF 40V AND 2.0A

TOKYO, July 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Corporation's (TOKYO:6502) Storage & Electronic Devices Solutions Company today announced that mass production of "TC78S122FNG," a bipolar 2-channel stepping motor driver offering a maximum output withstand voltage of 40V and output current of 2.0A, will start on August 5. The company also added "TC78S122FTG" to its stepping motor driver line-up as a package variation housed in more compact QFN package, with mass production set to start at the end of August.
 
High speed, high performance motor drives are required for applications that include printers, surveillance cameras, office automation equipment, banking terminals such as ATMs, banknote identification machines, amusement machines, and home appliances. In parallel, the downsizing of equipment is being accelerated by customer demand for space-saving products with excellent design. Measures to reduce heat generated inside equipment and low power consumption of the overall unit are also growing in importance.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27230

PITNEY BOWES EXPANDS BUSINESS IN AUSTRALIA WITH GLOBAL RETAIL ECOMMERCE SOLUTIONS

Australian retailers and brands will sell across borders with the Pitney Bowes Borderfree Retail Platform
 
SYDNEY, July 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE:PBI), a global technology company that provides innovative products and solutions to power commerce, today announced that it is expanding its business in Australia to provide global ecommerce solutions to retailers looking to sell their goods across international borders. With the Pitney Bowes Borderfree Retail solution, Australian retailers will reach consumers in 220 countries and territories.
 
For nearly 40 years, clients in Australia have turned to Pitney Bowes for solutions that provide simplicity and remove complexities across the physical and digital worlds of commerce. Pitney Bowes solutions help clients identify customers, locate opportunities, enable communications, power shipping from anywhere to everywhere, and manage payments.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27227

MH370 PLUNGED INTO SEA AT ALMOST 400KM/HR

PERTH, Australia, July 28, 2016 /Medianet International-AsiaNet/ --
 
Australia's crash investigator has revealed to AirlineRatings.com (http://www.airlineratings.com/news.php?s&id=739) that data indicates that MH370 could have been descending at up to 20,000ft (6700m) a minute in the moments just before it smashed into the sea with 239 passengers and crew.
  
In his first interview after taking over as Chief Commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), Greg Hood told AirlineRatings.com in Perth, Western Australia, that the automated satellite communication with the Boeing 777 in its final minutes showed that its descent increased dramatically from about 5,400ft (1200m) a minute to up to 20,000ft (6700m) a minute.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27226

Wednesday 27 July 2016

GLOBAL SURVEY RELEASED BY ISAPS REPORTS INCREASE OF OVER ONE MILLION COSMETIC AND AESTHETIC PROCEDURES PERFORMED IN 2015


The world continues to find value in aesthetic plastic surgery as indicated by growing numbers of procedures.

NEW YORK, July 26 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The worldwide reach of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) is well known to the global plastic and aesthetic surgery community.  Now the release of eagerly awaited procedural survey results shows an increase of over one million reported procedures from 2014 to 2015.

The data on surgical and non-surgical treatments performed in 2015 was tabulated from a questionnaire sent to approximately 35,000 plastic surgeons in the proprietary ISAPS database. ISAPS is the only organization that collects this type of data on a global scale and the study is viewed as a valuable resource in the field of aesthetics.

Tuesday 26 July 2016

ASIAN BANKING SCHOOL AND OCBC BANK TEAM UP TO RAISE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS IN WEALTH MANAGEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 July (Bernama) -- The Asian Banking School (ABS) and OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (OCBC Bank) have teamed up to raise the bar on bankers’ mastery of the complexities of wealth management through a 13-module training programme that kicks off next month (August).
 
The unprecedented collaborative effort equips OCBC Bank’s relationship managers with best-in-class wealth management knowledge both for customers as well as their own benefit through a sustainable career-defining and perspective-enhancing programme. The ABS-OCBC Wealth Management Programme will prominently feature insights into the trends, challenges and opportunities in the industry.


Monday 25 July 2016

VERMILION SECURES MAJOR ASSET MANAGER IN AUSTRALIA FOR REPORTING

SYDNEY, July 25 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Vermilion Software (‘Vermilion’), the leading global supplier of client reporting and communications software, is delighted to announce that its reporting suite has been selected by one of the largest investment managers in Australia, Challenger.
 
Vermilion Reporting Suite was selected by Challenger Limited following a rigorous market selection process. The Vermilion solution will primarily be used in delivering reporting to Challenger’s institutional client base.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27215

Saturday 23 July 2016

AG&P INTRODUCES VIRTUAL LNG PIPELINE TO MEET DEMAND FOR CLEANER, MORE EFFICIENT POWER

MANILA, Philippines, July 22 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AG&P (Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Company), the leading infrastructure solutions provider, has announced it will be introducing a virtual LNG pipeline to bridge the capacity demands for power in Southeast Asia. The announcement was made by Albert Altura, President, AG&P, in his keynote address at the fourth annual Power and Electricity Philippines conference in Manila.

According to AG&P, the Philippines provides a unique challenge for the distribution of energy to 100 million people living across 7,000 islands. Traditional power delivery models are often too bulky to be viable to meet relatively smaller-scale energy requirements. Small-scale LNG solutions, including floating storage, regasification and power, provide power plants tailored to the archipelago, from even 5MW all the way up to traditionally-sized plants.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27206

Friday 22 July 2016

UNIONPAY INTERNATIONAL ACCELERATES THE LOCALIZATION OF ITS OVERSEAS BUSINESS--UNIONPAY CARDS ARE GAINING POPULARITY AMONG OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS

SHANGHAI, China, July 20, 2016 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--
 

UnionPay International is accelerating its localization overseas by enlarging card-issuing scale abroad, and by supporting overseas cardholders' card-using in the local market, China and other countries and regions. Latest data show that, by this June, the transaction volume of overseas-issued UnionPay cards has grown by about 40% year-on-year, well above that of domestically-issued UnionPay cards in overseas markets. The transaction volume of overseas-issued UnionPay cards takes up about half of UnionPay's international business.

Around 58 million UnionPay cards have been issued in 40 countries and regions overseas. This year, more markets issued UnionPay cards: Lebanon, Jordan and Qatar for the first time; US issued its first UnionPay credit card, and DBS in Singapore issued its first UnionPay card. UnionPay International also issued Thailand's first local-brand debit card with Bangkok Bank. Countries along the "Belt and Road" including Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also issued UnionPay products extensively.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27194

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS RATINGS OF SOMPO JAPAN NIPPONKOA INS. INC., ITS SUBSIDIARY, NIPPONKOA INSURANCE COMPANY (CHINA) LIMITED AND ITS U.S. SUBSIDIARIES

HONG KONG, July 22 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of “aa-” of Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance Inc. (SJNK) (Japan). A.M. Best also has affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the ICR of “a-” of SJNK’s subsidiary, NIPPONKOA Insurance Company (China) Limited (NKC) (China). The outlook for each rating remains stable. Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of A+ (Superior) and the ICRs of “aa-” of Sompo Japan Insurance Company of America (SJA) and its reinsured affiliate, Sompo Japan Fire and Marine Insurance Company of America(SJFM), collectively known as Sompo Japan US Group (both domiciled in New York, NY). The outlook for each of these ratings remains stable. Additionally, A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to negative from stable and affirmed the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the ICR of “a-” of Canopius US Insurance, Inc. (Canopius US) (Wilmington DE).


8X8 EXPANDS INTERNATIONAL FOOTPRINT WITH INVESTMENTS IN EUROPE, ASIA PACIFIC, AND LATAM TO SUPPORT MID-MARKET AND ENTERPRISE CUSTOMER GROWTH

Announces New Global Data Centers, Localization Capabilities, and Customer Support Centers
 

SAN JOSE, Calif., July 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- 8x8, Inc. (Nasdaq:EGHT), the leading provider of global Enterprise Communications as a Service (ECaaS), today announced that the company is expanding its international footprint with new investments in Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America (LATAM) to support growing demand from global and distributed mid-market and enterprise customers. This will include the addition of three new data centers in Singapore, The Netherlands and Brazil; full localization capabilities (end user application and portal localization) for an additional six languages – French (two dialects), German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese; and new support centers in the Philippines and Romania delivering 24 x 7 follow-the-sun support.

With this expansion, 8x8 will have a total of 12 data centers in eight regions of the world and will be one of the first global cloud communications providers with a presence in LATAM. From a localization perspective, 8x8 will support a total of 13 languages in addition to English, for its desktop interactive voice response (IVR) services by the end of this calendar year, including Japanese. The company is also supplementing its global customer success network in the United States and United Kingdom with its new support centers in the Philippines and Romania, bringing the total number of centers to seven. In addition 8x8 continues to make key investments in technology, quality of service, security, and reliability to support customers. 

EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS BERHAD DECLARES INCOME DISTRIBUTION FOR THE EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS ASIAN HIGH YIELD BOND MY FUND

KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- Eastspring Investments Berhad today announced the first income distribution for its Eastspring Investments Asian High Yield Bond MY Fund (“Fund”). The Fund is a wholesale feeder fund which aims to maximise income and capital appreciation by investing in the Eastspring Investments-Asian High Yield Bond Fund (“Target Fund”), which invests primarily^ in Asian high yield bonds.


Thursday 21 July 2016

JOY GLOBAL ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO BE ACQUIRED BY KOMATSU IN $3.7 BILLION ALL-CASH TRANSACTION

Delivers substantial all-cash premium to Joy Global stockholders

Komatsu committed to long-term growth of Joy Global, which will operate as a separate subsidiary of Komatsu

MILWAUKEE, July 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Joy Global Inc. (NYSE: JOY) (“Joy Global”), a worldwide leader in high-productivity mining solutions, today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which Komatsu America Corp., a subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd. (TYO: 6301) (“Komatsu”), will acquire Joy Global in a transaction valued at approximately $3.7 billion, including Joy Global’s outstanding indebtedness. Under the terms of the agreement, Joy Global stockholders will receive $28.30 per share in cash for each outstanding share of common stock held, representing a 48% premium to the volume weighted average closing price of Joy Global’s common stock for the 90 trading days and a 41% premium to the volume weighted average closing price of Joy Global’s common stock for the 60 trading days prior to July 21, 2016.



CONSUMERS IN SINGAPORE WANT SELF-DIRECTED HEALTHCARE ENABLED BY DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, ACCORDING TO ACCENTURE REPORT

Majority willing to replace face-to-face doctor visit with digitally enabled “virtual” visit
 
SINGAPORE, July 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Consumers in Singapore are ready to accept self-directed healthcare driven by digital technologies, with more than half of them willing to use virtual-care technologies as a replacement for a face-to-face healthcare visit, according to a new report by Accenture (NYSE:ACN).

The report, titled Innovation-Powered Healthcare in Asia Pacific, is based on a three-country survey of 2,250 citizens – 750 each in Australia, Japan and Singapore. According to the report, 54 per cent of Singaporean consumers said they would forego a face-to-face visit with a physician in lieu of a virtual visit if that would enable them to be seen sooner. 

RANGE INTERNATIONAL TO LIST ON ASX FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL IPO

SYDNEY, Australia, July 21 (Bernama-AsiaNet) -- Recycled plastic pallet manufacturer Range International (ASX: RAN) will list on the Australian Securities Exchange on Friday July 22, following a successful IPO.

Range International produces Re>Pal(TM) pallets, an affordable durable and sustainable product made from 100% recycled waste plastic.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27199

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS RATINGS OF CENTURY INSURANCE COMPANY (GUAM) LIMITED

HONG KONG, July 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of “bbb+” of Century Insurance Company (Guam) Limited (CIC Guam) (Guam). The outlook for the FSR remains stable, while the outlook for the ICR remains negative.
 
The ratings reflect CIC Guam’s improved underwriting performance and sound reinsurance program. The negative outlook for the ICR reflects the company’s declining risk-adjusted capitalization and a significant proportion of overdue premium receivables. New management discarded its initial plan to merge the insurance book of an affiliated company, Century Insurance Company Ltd., into CIC Guam, which would have placed material negative pressure on the company’s risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio. However, A.M. Best expects CIC Guam’s risk-adjusted capitalization to continue declining based on its business plan. This decrease is mainly due to higher growth in underwriting risk relative to statutory capital and surplus, historically and prospectively. In addition, the decline in statutory capital and surplus since 2013 was mainly due to the increase in non-admitted assets (primarily composed of overdue premium receivables), which was deducted from statutory surplus. CIC Guam’s management will continue to work with its designated managing general agency to reduce the size of overdue receivables going forward.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27196

Wednesday 20 July 2016

NOXOPHARM LIMITED CLOSES OVERSUBSCRIBED IPO

SYDNEY, Australia, July 20, 2016 /Medianet International-AsiaNet/--

* Noxopharm is a clinic-ready Australian biotech with a current focus on a drug product technology offering the possibility of less-damaging chemotherapy for cancer patients and those who are unable to tolerate standard treatments, and also for patients with cancers such as pancreatic cancer where survival prospects remain poor.

* IPO raised $A6 million - strongly supported by institutional, retail and high net worth investors along with general public investors with an interest to see a change in current standard of-care cancer treatments * ASX - Listing date to be advised

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27188

JEWELLERY RECORDS US$ 316 BILLION SALES IN 2016, WITH 15 PERCENT INTERNET RETAILING GROWTH

SINGAPORE, July 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Global Market Research Company Euromonitor International released today 2016 personal accessories data.

According to the new research, jewellery is the best performing personal accessories category with sales worth US$ 316 billion in 2016. It is also the fastest growing segment within the personal accessories industry with 3 percent growth between 2015 and 2016. Jewellery, that includes both costume and fine jewellery, experienced 15 percent year-on-year growth of internet retail sales, reaching US$ 19 billion in 2016, up from US$ 9 billion in 2011. Interestingly, the 16 percent growth of internet retailing for fine jewellery is higher than the growth of internet retailing for costume jewellery at 12 percent, as more fine jewellery players go online.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27183

HELIOS AND MATHESON ANALYTICS FILES $50 MILLION UNIVERSAL SHELF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Shelf Registration Follows Recently Announced Merger Agreement With Zone Technologies, Inc.

NEW YORK, July 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helios and Matheson Analytics Inc. (Nasdaq:HMNY) announced today that it has filed a universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Under the shelf registration, once it is declared effective by the SEC, HMNY may offer and sell, from time to time, up to $50 million of a variety of its securities over the next three years.

Under the shelf registration statement, HMNY will have the flexibility to publicly offer and sell from time to time, common stock, preferred stock, warrants or any combination of such securities. HMNY may periodically offer one or more of these securities in amounts, at prices and on terms announced, if and when the securities are ever offered. The terms of any potential future offerings, along with the intended use of proceeds from the sale of any such securities offered by HMNY, will be described in detail in a prospectus supplement at the time of any such offering.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27176

NRI ADDS NEW FUNCTIONALITY TO ITS I-STAR SUITE

- New feature will allow increased engagement in post-trade activities and respond to JPX’s derivatives trading system -

TOKYO, July 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. (NRI, TOKYO:4307), a leading provider of consulting services and system solutions, today announced it has added new functionality to I-STAR, NRI’s securities back-office solution for wholesale brokerage firms. The new feature adapts to the Next Generation Derivatives Trading System (Next J-GATE) of Osaka Exchange Inc., which is Japan Exchange Group subsidiary. Next J-GATE went live today.


TRAVELSKY MIGRATES TO UNISYS AIRCORE TO MODERNISE AIRLINE PASSENGER SALES AND SERVICE FOR CHINA'S AIRLINES

BEIJING, China, July 20, 2016/Medianet International-AsiaNet/ --

China's leading aviation IT solutions provider streamlines and enhances passenger sales and service applications via modular open systems solution

Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) (http://www.unisys.com/) today announced that TravelSky (http://www.travelsky.net/publish/english/index.html) has successfully cut over to the Unisys AirCore next-generation passenger system to streamline and modernise passenger sales and service (PSS) applications for its airline clients.
http://www.unisys.com/offerings/industry-solutions/transportation-industry-solutions/aircore-airline-passenger-services

TravelSky is the leading provider of information technology solutions for China's air travel and tourism industry and provides the reservations, inventory and departure control systems used by China's air carriers. The migration of its inventory and schedule management systems marks the completion of key components in the modernisation of TravelSky's next generation PSS.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27191

JAPAN EXCHANGE GROUP (JPX) LAUNCHES NEXT GENERATION TECHNOLOGY SUITE POWERED BY NASDAQ

NEW YORK and TOKYO, July 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Japan Exchange Group (JPX) and Nasdaq have officially announced that JPX has gone live with their new next-generation derivatives trading system for the JPX subsidiary, Osaka Exchange. This is a milestone in the relationship between Nasdaq and JPX, who have been working together since 2011.

“We are proud to be supporting JPX as they successfully launch their new trading system on the Osaka Exchange,” said Lars Ottersgård, Executive Vice President, Market Technology, Nasdaq. "As JPX continues to expand its business both regionally and globally, the technology they’ve implemented will provide the flexibility and performance capabilities, as well as the risk and surveillance solutions, to help the exchange group meet and exceed their growth plans.” 

Tuesday 19 July 2016

NASDAQ WINS 'BEST MARKET SURVEILLANCE PROVIDER'

2016 marks 4th consecutive win for Nasdaq SMARTS Trade Surveillance in Waters Rankings

NEW YORK, July 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq (Nasdaq:NDAQ), the world's leading provider of market technology, was recently selected as 'Best Market Surveillance Provider' by Waters Technology's 2016 Waters Rankings. This is the fourth consecutive win for Nasdaq’s SMARTS Trade Surveillance product, which is currently used by over 120 market participants across 139 global markets and across all asset classes.

Each year, Waters Rankings awards 30 winners in five sections: Trading Services; Trading Tools; Data Management; Compliance, Risk Management and the Back Office; and Infrastructure and Connectivity. Waters Rankings is the only awards program offered by Waters Technology where the category winners are determined exclusively by the readers. 

TOSHIBA LAUNCHES PHOTORELAYS IN DIP8 PACKAGES WITH INDUSTRY-LEADING 5A DRIVE CURRENT

Line-up of large-current products enhanced for replacement of mechanical relays in industrial applications
 
TOKYO, July 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Corporation’s (TOKYO: 6502) Storage & Electronic Devices Solutions Company today announced the addition of three new products to its line-up of photorelays that can replace mechanical relays in industrial applications, including an industry-leading[1] 5A large drive current for DIP8 package photorelays. Shipments of the new products, “TLP3547”, “TLP3548” and “TLP3549”, start from today.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27184

BARRY CALLEBAUT SELECTS DESCARTES TO ENHANCE GLOBAL TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

WATERLOO, Ontario, July 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that Barry Callebaut Group, a world leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, has selected Descartes’ cloud-based transportation management solution to enhance its global shipping processes, performance, and visibility.
“Barry Callebaut operates 52 factories across four continents and serves customers in more than 100 countries. We needed a transportation management solution to automate existing manual processes in order to operate more efficiently and better track the thousands of containers we ship annually,” said Martin Kaeshammer, Cocoa Planner - Global Planning Cocoa at Barry Callebaut Group. “Descartes’ solution helps us improve supply chain transparency, reduce stock-in-transit and transportation costs, better manage carrier rates and performance, and improve delivery reliability for our factories and end customers.”

INCREASE OF MYOPIA AND AGEING POPULATION WILL BOOST GLOBAL EYEWEAR SALES TO US$136 BILLION BY 2021

SINGAPORE, July 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Market Research Company Euromonitor International released today new data on the global eyewear industry. According to the new research, global sales of eyewear are forecast to reach US$136 billion by 2021, up from US$121 billion in 2016.
“The increasing prevalence of myopia globally and the growing ageing population are major contributors to the continuous growth in demand for eyewear,” said Eyewear Industry Analyst, Anna Cheng. “With higher demands for functional eyewear, such as office lenses, progressive lenses and digital devices lenses, competition is toughening for the leading players as more low-cost providers are introducing lower quality products marketed to provide similar functions at a much lower price,” she added.


A.M. BEST AFFIRMS RATINGS OF TOWER LIMITED AND TOWER INSURANCE LIMITED

SINGAPORE, July 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of “a-” of TOWER Insurance Limited (TIL). A.M. Best also has affirmed the ICR of “bbb-” of the ultimate parent, TOWER Limited (TL). The outlook for each rating remains negative. Both companies are domiciled in New Zealand.
The ratings reflect TIL’s adequate risk-adjusted capitalization, which results from the company’s moderate underwriting leverage, prudent reinsurance arrangement and conservative investments. In addition, over the past four accident years, the company continues to report favorable underwriting results, with combined ratios consistently below 95%. 


A.M. BEST AFFIRMS RATINGS OF FOUNDATION LIFE (NZ) LIMITED

SINGAPORE, July 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of “a-” of Foundation Life (NZ) Limited (FLNZ) (New Zealand). The outlook for each rating remains negative.
The ratings reflect FLNZ’s strong risk-adjusted capitalization, consistently positive operating performance, high quality investment assets and adequate liquidity to meet its expected claims and expenses. Moreover, a significant buffer in the form of excess assets over guaranteed liabilities is available to absorb potential unfavorable experiences through adjusting future bonus declarations of its participating policies. 


Monday 18 July 2016

HERTZ ASIA PACIFIC LAUNCHES 2016 / 2017 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND VALUE VOUCHERS PROGRAMME

MELBOURNE, Australia, July 18 (Bernama-AsiaNet) -- The Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HTZ) https://www.hertz.com, the world's largest airport general use car rental company, has released its 2016-2017 Value Vouchers programme, offering car rental customers visiting Australia and New Zealand a wide range of bonus deals on attractions and activities including accommodation, theme parks and sightseeing.

Customers from the Asia Pacific region are eligible for their complementary Value Vouchers with every holiday rental made online or through a reservation centre. These special offers include two-for-one deals, 20 per cent off scenic cruises, free add-ons as well as cash vouchers for accommodation.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27166

Saturday 16 July 2016

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS RATINGS OF TUNE PROTECT RE LTD

SINGAPORE, July 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of B (Good) and the issuer credit rating of "bbb " of Tune Protect Re Ltd (TPR) (Malaysia). The outlook for each rating remains stable.

The ratings reflect TPR's favorable business profile and strong operating performance. As a subsidiary of Tune Protect Group Berhad (TPG) and an affiliate of AirAsia Berhad and its associates (AirAsia Group), TPR has exclusive access to a profitable travel insurance portfolio derived primarily from the AirAsia Group via its partnership with cedents and distribution partners. This competitive advantage has allowed TPR to achieve strong and stable combined ratios of below 50% between 2012 and 2015, while growing revenue and profits.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27152

Friday 15 July 2016

TOSHIBA LAUNCHES NEW ICS FOR BLUETOOTH® SMART DEVICES WITH INDUSTRY-LEADING-CLASS LOW CURRENT CONSUMPTION

TOKYO, July 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Corporation's (TOKYO: 6502) Storage & Electronic Devices Solutions Company today announced the launch of three new ICs "TC35678FSG", "TC35678FXG" and "TC35679FSG" as additions to its line-up of ICs that support Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)[1] ver.4.1 communications. At 3V supply voltage, the new ICs consume just under half the power of Toshiba's previous products[2], and realize current consumption on par with the lowest in the industry[3]. Sample shipments start today, with mass production scheduled to start by the end of 2016 for "TC35678FXG" and in early 2017 for the other two ICs.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27151

MEDIA PARTNERS ASIA: ASIA PACIFIC PAY-TV INDUSTRY FACES SLOWING GROWTH

HONG KONG & SINGAPORE, July 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Asia-Pacific pay-TV industry will grow at a 5.8% average annual rate from 2016 to 2021, according to a new report, Asia Pacific Pay-TV & Broadband Markets, published by leading industry analysts Media Partners Asia (MPA).
 
MPA projects pay-TV industry sales across 18 major markets in Asia Pacific to climb from US$54 billion in 2016 to US$72 billion by 2021, rising thereafter to US$81 billion by 2025. The pace of pay-TV subscriber and revenue growth is slowing however, weakened by an economic slowdown and increasing competition from both legal and illegal alternatives. Pay-TV subscriber growth declined or substantially decelerated in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in particular.


AFLES 2016 Aims To Enrich ASEAN Students With Leadership Capabilities

NILAI, July 15 (Bernama) -- The 4th ASEAN Future Leaders Summit, which was officially opened here today, aims to enrich participating students from the ASEAN universities and other universities with leadership capabilities.

The 10-day AFLES 2016, which began last Wednesday with 170 delegates from the 10 ASEAN countries and Pakistan, aspires to nurture, train and educate the leaders of tomorrow in higher learning institutions towards better interdependence, policy making and a sustainable future.

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS RATINGS OF DONGBU INSURANCE CO., LTD.

HONG KONG, July 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and the issuer credit rating of “a+” of Dongbu Insurance Co., Ltd. (Dongbu) (South Korea). The outlook for each rating remains stable.
 
The rating affirmations reflect Dongbu’s very strong risk-adjusted capitalization, favorable operating performance and sound market profile. Dongbu’s risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), remains at a very strong level and supportive of the current ratings. Although profitability has remained stagnant in recent years primarily due to the deterioration in medical indemnity and auto insurance lines, the company’s five-year results outperformed the industry in several key financial measures as evidenced by the profitable level of its operating ratio. Profitability was mainly supported by strong net investment income and an efficient cost structure. Moreover, Dongbu continued to gradually increase its domestic market share across all three major product lines of auto, commercial and long-term insurance during the period.


NASDAQ LAUNCHES POWERFUL NEW TOOL FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING PROFESSIONALS TO SEAMLESSLY LEVERAGE INDUSTRY INFLUENCERS

Industry Influencers Essential to Credibility of Integrated Marketing Efforts and Successful Digital and Social Campaigns

NEW YORK, July 15 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq’s Corporate Solutions business (Nasdaq:NDAQ), has launched Nasdaq Influencers, a new solution designed specifically for communications and marketing professionals to discover and connect with the most relevant thought leaders in their industry and uncover new opportunities to share their news and information, insights and recommendations as well as drive brand identity and awareness.


Thursday 14 July 2016

NRI PRODUCT UPGRADE FOR BASEL COMMITTEE'S NEW SA-CCR REGULATION

TOKYO, July 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. (NRI, TOKYO:4307), a leading provider of consulting services and system solutions, today announced that T-STAR/GX, NRI's solution for asset managers' securities operation management, will be upgraded to respond to the new standardized approach for measuring counterparty credit risk exposures (SA-CCR) under Basel III which takes effect in January 2017. The new function will be available in April 2017 and be used by multiple financial institutions in Japan including major asset managers.

The Basel Committee's final standard on the SA-CCR includes a comprehensive, non-modelled approach for measuring counterparty credit risk associated with OTC derivatives, exchange-traded derivatives, and long settlement transactions. The new standardized approach (SA-CCR) takes effect on January 1st, 2017.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27145

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY LAUNCHES PUBLIC OFFERING OF SECURITIES & EXCESS SIDE A DIC INSURANCE IN ASIA

BOSTON, July 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (BHSI) today announced that it is expanding its Executive & Professional Lines capabilities with the introduction of Executive FirstTM Public Offering of Securities Insurance (POSI) and Executive FirstTM Side A Difference In Conditions (DIC) Liability Insurance in Asia.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27141

MINUTE MEDIA HIRES MARK MCFARLANE AS GENERAL MANAGER, ASIA-PACIFIC AND OPENS SINGAPORE OFFICE

McFarlane to focus on growing Minute Media brands and commercial platforms throughout the region

LONDON, July 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Minute Media, parent company of 90min and 12up, today announced the appointment of Mark McFarlane as General Manager, Asia Pacific. A seasoned media professional, McFarlane will be responsible for growing the company's publisher relationships, engagements with brands and agencies and broader business development and strategy throughout APAC. With McFarlane's appointment, Minute Media has also opened a Singapore office, in addition to its existing office in Manila, to serve its growing brands.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27137

NORSK TITANIUM RECEIVES BOEING ENGINEERING TEST ARTICLE ORDER

Titanium RPD™ Components to Enable Flight Certification for Boeing Commercial Airplanes

FARNBOROUGH, U.K., July 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Norsk Titanium AS, the world's pioneering supplier of aerospace-grade, additive manufactured, structural titanium components today announced it has received an order for titanium engineering test articles from The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) produced by Norsk's proprietary Rapid Plasma Deposition™ (RPD™) process. Terms of the purchase order were not released.

"We are pleased with Boeing's thoughtful review of structural titanium components made by our RPD™ process," said Norsk Titanium President & Chief Executive Officer Warren M. Boley, Jr. "Together, we seek to create significant customer value by reducing cost and lead time from their premier commercial airplane platforms."
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27135

NRI TO UPGRADE SMARTBRIDGE SOLUTION TO CONNECT TO JASDEC

Upgrade will enable the integration of ISO 20022 messaging standards

TOKYO, July 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. (NRI, TOKYO:4307), a leading provider of consulting services and system solutions, has today announced it is upgrading its SmartBridge solution to connect to Japan's Securities Depository Center, Inc. (JASDEC) new settlement system. SmartBridge, a solution for asset managers, brokerage firms, trust banks and life insurance companies, enables external straight-through processing (STP) for securities trading by allowing clients to electronically exchange messages related to all trading activity.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27133

HUNTER ULTRASONICS CALLS FOR A GREENER WAY TO CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE FILTERS

Environmental regulations miss the mark on reducing diesel engines' carbon emissions

TORONTO, July 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Regulations, ranging from the 2015 Paris Agreement's wide ranging guidelines to mandates on nonroad vehicles, have all aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

But as Ken Hunter, Founder and CEO of Hunter Ultrasonics, points out in a recent article, the measures to reduce pollution exclude a key part of the process - regular, thorough cleaning of engine filters.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27130

NASDAQ WELCOMES IHS MARKIT LTD. TO THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET

Commences Trading Under New Ticker Symbol “INFO”

NEW YORK, July 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq (Nasdaq:NDAQ) announced that trading of IHS Markit Ltd. (Nasdaq:INFO) commenced on The Nasdaq Stock Market on July 13, 2016.  This marks the successful merger of two companies – IHS (formerly NYSE:IHS) and Markit (formerly Nasdaq:MRKT) – creating a global leader in financial and corporate information. 


Wednesday 13 July 2016

INTL FCSTONE HIRES JASON BRAY TO LEAD ASIA-PACIFIC DAIRY PRACTICE

Move Demonstrates INTL’s Commitment to Serving its Customers and Growing its Market Presence in Region

NEW YORK, July 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- INTL FCStone Inc. (NASDAQ:INTL), a diversified global financial services organization delivering execution and advisory services in commodities, currencies, and securities, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, INTL FCStone Pte Ltd., has hired Jason Bray to lead its dairy practice in the Asia-Pacific region. Bray will work from INTL FCStone’s office in Singapore.


ENTEGRIS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Company traces its roots to the 1966 founding of Fluoroware
 
BILLERICA, Mass., July 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Entegris Inc. (NASDAQ:ENTG), a leader in specialty chemicals and advanced materials solutions for the microelectronics industry, is proudly celebrating its 50th year of helping customers solve their critical materials challenges and enhance their manufacturing yields.


NTT COMMUNICATIONS LAUNCHES DIGI-PATH PREMIER INTERNET SERVICE FOR ENTERPRISES IN YANGON, MYANMAR

Obtains communication service license to deliver one-stop ICT solutions
 
TOKYO, July 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), the ICT solutions and international communications business within the NTT (NYSE: NTT) Group, announced today that it has received a network service license from Myanmar’s Ministry of Transport and Communications and has begun offering reliable, high-speed internet connections for enterprises throughout the Yangon area as a first phase, effective immediately.


A.M. BEST BRIEFING: TAIWAN COMMERCIAL FIRE RATE ADEQUACY EXPECTED TO IMPROVE

HONG KONG, July 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Rate increases in the Taiwan commercial fire insurance line of business is expected as a result of recent regulatory changes intended to address inadequate pricing, particularly on mega-risks, according to a new A.M. Best briefing.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27114

KEIO PLAZA HOTEL TOKYO WILL OPEN NEW CLUB FLOORS "PREMIER GRAND" IN DECEMBER, 2016

Strengthening the Lineup of High End Facilities and Services

TOKYO, July 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (KPH), one of Japan's most prestigious international hotels located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, will begin renovation of 11 suite rooms and 100 club rooms. At the same time, a special Club Lounge will be opened on the upper level 45th floor of the main tower and begin operating from December, 2016. Special attention will be paid to making significant upgrades to amenities and facilities to make guest experiences at our hotel more comfortable and enjoyable. A total of JPY 2.5 billion will be spent on these renovations.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27124

BENTLEY ANNOUNCES AUTODESK LICENSE UPGRADE PROGRAM

Evergreen Bentley Licenses Recover Forfeited Investment in Orphaned Autodesk Licenses
 
EXTON, Pa., July 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Bentley Systems, Incorporated, a leading global provider of comprehensive software solutions for advancing infrastructure, today announced its Autodesk License Upgrade Program. For consideration by owners of Autodesk perpetual licenses facing Autodesk’s imminent deadline for the write-off of the future value of their investment, Bentley Systems is offering recovery of the value otherwise subject to forfeit. Bentley Systems will credit the net value of Autodesk licenses towards upgraded “evergreen” perpetual licenses of Bentley’s applications. These perpetual licenses never depreciate, as (for instance) Bentley’s SELECT’s annual “portfolio balancing” permits exchanges among Bentley’s comprehensive application portfolio.


FOLEY HOAG WINS HISTORIC VICTORY FOR THE PHILIPPINES IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA

Arbitral Tribunal Condemns China’s “9-Dash Line” And Upholds the Philippines’ Maritime Rights
 
WASHINGTON, July 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- An international arbitral tribunal today unanimously upheld the Philippines’ claims in a much-watched arbitration against China. The Tribunal rejected China’s claim to “historic rights” in the maritime areas encompassed by its so-called “nine-dashed line” as inconsistent with the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.


C.H. ROBINSON VOTED #1 3PL BY INBOUND LOGISTICS READERS FOR SIXTH YEAR

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., July 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- C.H. Robinson, a global leader in third party logistics (3PL), was named the #1 3PL by readers of Inbound Logistics magazine for the sixth consecutive year.

"Our people are dedicated to providing our customers, contract carriers, suppliers, and growers with solutions and services to make their supply chain a competitive advantage," said John Wiehoff, chief executive officer at C.H. Robinson. "This honor is for our people-our 13,000 employees around the globe that demonstrate daily how C.H. Robinson believes in helping our customers work smarter, not harder."
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27129

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN CITIES' USD$197 BILLION MARKET: THE NEW INVESTMENT FRONTIER FOR MULTINATIONALS

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Global Market Research Company Euromonitor International released today its new white paper: "Sub-Saharan African Cities of Opportunity: Expanding Business Horizons Beyond South Africa."

According to the white paper, Sub-Saharan African cities represent the new frontier for multinational businesses. Richly gifted with natural resources, Sub-Saharan Africa has profited from surging global raw material demand. The region is seeing a growing proportion of foreign direct investments into the manufacturing and services sectors, with investment inflows amounting to US$41 billion in 2014. Furthermore, Sub-Saharan Africa has a young expanding population - it surged by 31 percent to 957 million during 2005-2015, with a median age of 18.2 years in 2015.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27126

Tuesday 12 July 2016

TOURISM EXPECTED TO GROW BY 4% BY 2020, DESPITE ADVERSE EXTERNAL SHOCKWAVES

LONDON, July 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Market Research Company Euromonitor International released today its latest travel research, providing the latest insights on the industry performance.

According to Euromonitor's new research, global travel and tourism sales grew consistently despite high external shockwaves. Geopolitical tensions, whether terrorism or political concerns, have impacted the traditional sun and sea destinations in locations such as the Mediterranean Sea, with safer destinations winning out. "The substitution effect, where tour operators shift capacity away from troubled hotspots to more stable countries, is visible" says Caroline Bremner, Head of Travel Research at Euromonitor International. International arrivals declined in Egypt and Tunisia, suffering a negative growth of 25 percent and 5 percent respectively, as the travel industry and consumers shun trouble for the safer shores of Spain, Portugal and Croatia.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27121

XYLEM EXECUTIVES TO COLLABORATE WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS TO ADDRESS GLOBAL WATER CHALLENGES AND WORK TOWARD A SECURE WATER FUTURE AT SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK 2016

RYE BROOK, N.Y., July 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Executives from Xylem Inc. (NYSE: XYL), a leading global water technology company dedicated to solving the world's most challenging water issues will participate in key industry meetings and panel discussions on water management and innovative technology at Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) 2016. The five-day event will take place from July 10 - 15, in conjunction with the World Cities Summit (WCS) and CleanEnviro Summit Singapore (CESS).
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27115

NASDAQ IS GLOBAL LEADER FOR NEW LISTINGS IN FIRST HALF OF 2016

NEW YORK and STOCKHOLM, Sweden, July 11 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq (Nasdaq:NDAQ) announced today that it welcomed a combined 176 new listings - including 68 initial public offerings (IPOs) - in the first half of 2016 to its U.S. and Nordic exchanges, maintaining its position as the leading global exchange venue. This includes DONG Energy - the largest IPO of 2016 YTD across global exchanges - and a record number of 13 company listing transfers from NYSE. Despite a global market under pressure from a combination of economic and political uncertainty, companies from a diverse range of industries and geographies successfully launched their IPOs on Nasdaq's U.S. and Nordic exchanges, raising $3.8 billion and €4.2 billion, respectively.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27113

ACQUIRO OPENS SINGAPORE OFFICE TO ENHANCE ITS PRESENCE ACROSS THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

New Location Represents Additional Investment by Selling Simplified Group to Capitalize on Growing Opportunity in Marketing Data Quality Segment
 
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., July 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- With its charter and focus of improving marketing data quality for today’s sales and marketing teams, Acquiro, a marketing technology solutions vendor launched earlier this year, announced today the opening of its Singapore office. Acquiro – part of the Selling Simplified Group (SSG) – was formed with the mission of bringing to market data quality solutions engineered to dramatically increase a company’s revenue by validating and enriching lead contact data.


NORSK TITANIUM TO BUILD WORLD'S FIRST INDUSTRIAL-SCALE AEROSPACE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PLANT IN NEW YORK

State Releases First Funds for Signature Economic Development Project for Initial Lot of 20 Norsk Titanium MERKE IV™ Rapid Plasma Deposition™ Machines to Launch Aerospace Factory of the Future
 
FARNBOROUGH, England, July 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Norsk Titanium AS, the world’s pioneering supplier of aerospace-grade, additive manufactured, structural titanium components announced today the State of New York, in partnership with SUNY Polytechnic Institute, has placed an order for an initial lot of 20 of Norsk Titanium’s patented MERKE IV™ Rapid Plasma Deposition™ (“RPD™”) machines. The order is in accordance with an approved state budget allocation to facilitate Norsk Titanium’s US subsidiary building and operating the world’s first industrial-scale metal additive manufacturing plant in New York with the following details:


THE 13TH CHINA-ASEAN EXPO TO BOOST CHINESE ENTERPRISES' INVESTMENT IN ASEAN

NANNING, China, July 12 (Bernama-AsiaNet) -- The China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) Secretariat announced the trade and investment promotion program to be launched during this year's Expo on July 5th , so as to promote the "going global" strategy and investment of Chinese enterprises in ASEAN countries. The high-profile investment promotion conference on ASEAN's industrial parks and China-ASEAN matchmaking symposia on investment and financing projects will be given high priority during the Expo.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=27127