Hoiana Resort & Golf bags "Best Golf Resort in Asia Pacific"

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Hoiana Resort & Golf and Hoiana Shores Golf Club (Hoiana Shores) have garnered prestigious accolades from the recent Asian Golf Awards 2022 and Vietnam Golf and Leisure Awards 2022 events in Vietnam.

Highly regarded as the “Oscars” of the global golf club industry, the Asian Golf Awards honoured Hoiana Resort & Golf as the “Best Golf Resort in Asia Pacific” and awarded Hoiana Shores as the “Best Golf Course in Vietnam” this month.

In a statement, it said in October, the Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards ranked Hoiana Shores as the “Best Golf Course in Vietnam” and also among the “Top 10 Best Courses in Vietnam”.

President and chief executive officer of Hoiana Resort & Golf, Steven Wolstenholme said the company is honoured that Hoiana Resort & Golf and Hoiana Shores Golf Club have received recognition from the prestigious Asian Golf Awards and the Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards this year. 

“These highly coveted honours are a testament to our continued commitment toward offering exceptional golf experiences for new and returning golfers, and for promoting Vietnam as an attractive golf destination across the Asia Pacific region and around the world.” 

Hoiana Resort & Golf is home to four leading luxury hotels managed by the Rosewood Hotel Group and one luxury residences, where guests can enjoy a truly seamless golf experience with lavish accommodation, world-class restaurants, thrilling entertainment and the Hoiana Shores Golf Club – all in one exciting destination. 

Meanwhile, Hoiana Shores, masterfully designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Jr., is an 18-hole coastal links land course, which features dramatic sand dunes, multiple playing options, windy playing conditions and some quirky bounces from fast fairway surfaces, giving golfers of all skill levels the chance to face a good challenge.

Hoiana Resort & Golf, Vietnam’s pre-eminent luxurious integrated resort, is located on the pristine coastline near the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hoi An, Vietnam.

-- BERNAMA

Kyriba, J.P. Morgan payments unveil new real-time treasury solution

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Cloud-based finance and IT solutions provider Kyriba have partnered J.P. Morgan Payments to offer real-time payments and bank reporting with a new application programming interface (API).

The end-to-end process automation uses J.P. Morgan’s open banking API capabilities and enhances existing API-based connectivity, enabling more frequent data retrieval and status updates to power real-time decision-making on investing cash balances.

“A mutual client, Hunt Companies has already gained efficiencies and value from having these enhanced capabilities,” Kyriba, headquartered in San Diego, said in a statement.

Kyriba global head of market strategy Bob Stark said the company is excited to deliver real-time payments and bank reporting through a deep integration with J.P. Morgan Payments.

“The new API integration empowers our mutual clients with real-time treasury and rapid decision support to improve financial resilience through accelerated investments, reduced borrowing and more effective hedging,” Stark said.

J.P. Morgan Payments digital channels head of partnership and integrations Santiago Alcaraz said they are thrilled to work with Kyriba to unlock value for our mutual treasury clients.

“Using this solution, early adopters can leap ahead with real-time treasury technology as they navigate increased volatility and fragmented processes.”

The statement said real-time payments reduce costs by up to 83 per cent and real-time bank reporting accelerates cash positioning and liquidity planning. The end-to-end automation also improves governance and fraud detection to reduce operational risks, the statement said.

Kyriba has 2,500 customers worldwide, 20 per cent of whom are Fortune 500 companies.

-- BERNAMA

CONAGEN DEVELOPS HIGH-PURITY NON-GMO SULFORAPHANE BY BIOCONVERSION

Commercial production is underway for 2023.


Bedford, Mass., Nov 30 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Expanding on its portfolio of innovative nutritional products through biotechnology, Conagen, announced the development of its 99% high-purity sulforaphane. Made by a proprietary bioconversion technology, the company plans to begin the commercialization path in 2023. Conagen’s bioconversion methods enable the production of sustainable products from many naturally occurring compounds regardless of rarity or small quantities occurring in nature.

“As a supplement product, Conagen’s high-purity sulforaphane is appealing to consumers as the levels found in raw vegetables are too low to realize many of its promising health benefits,” said Casey Lippmeier, Ph.D., senior vice president of innovation. “We’re looking forward to expanding the nutritional market by commercializing sulforaphane in 2023.”

Sulforaphane has been associated with supporting health benefits against cancer, diabetes, digestion, and heart disease and promoting cognition. With biotechnology and biomanufacturing advancements, much like Conagen’s bioconversion technology, more nutritional offerings are produced at a high-quality and global scale.

Sulforaphane is found in cruciferous vegetables such as arugula, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, radish, and more. In these vegetables, the inactive form of glucoraphanin belongs to the glucosinolate family of plant compounds. The sulfur-rich sulforaphane is activated only when vegetables are chewed or chopped to release myrosinase, a class of enzymes that play a role in the defense response of plants.

“Through Conagen’s bioconversion technology, we’re uncovering the great potential in sulforaphane as a powerful active health ingredient for consumers who are personalizing nutrition to support health functions,” said Lippmeier. “We can make safe and high-quality nutritional ingredients from natural sources and offer it at a global-scale cost-competitively so that brands may pass on the good health and savings to their consumers.”

Conagen’s sulforaphane is ideal for non-GMO supplement solutions to formulate products with a sustainable and natural consumer appeal. More research is emerging for understanding the optimistic effects on multiple health functions. As one example of many, biotechnology and biomanufacturing will continue to harness the power of biology and nature to develop and deliver solutions for better nutrition, health, and wellness. Conagen is expanding its sustainable, nutritional products portfolio to better humankind and the planet. 

###

About Conagen
Conagen is making the impossible possible. Our scientists and engineers use modern synthetic biology tools to program micro-organisms and enzymes on a molecular level to produce high-quality, sustainable, natural products manufactured worldwide via precision fermentation and bioconversion. We focus on the bioproduction of high-value ingredients for food, nutrition, flavors and fragrances, pharmaceuticals, and renewable materials.

Attachments

• Sulforaphane is found in cruciferous vegetables
• Sulforaphane has been associated with supporting health benefits.

Ana Arakelian, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Conagen
+1-781-271-1588
ana.arakelian@conagen.com

SOURCE : Conagen

Smart grid cost savings to exceed US$125 bln by 2027 - Juniper Research

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Cost savings from smart grid deployments will exceed US$125 billion globally in 2027, increasing from just over US$33 billion in 2022, according to a new Juniper Research study. (US$1=RM4.50)

In a statement, Juniper Research said this 279 per cent growth will be driven by rising energy prices, with smart grid technologies playing a critical role in increasing network efficiency and optimising resource management.

Smart grids are electricity networks using advanced technologies to monitor and manage transport of electricity from all generation sources to meet varying electricity demands of end users.

The research identified smart grid deployments as key to decarbonisation of electricity production.

Smart grids will enable energy sources that produce electricity based on external elements, such as solar and wind power, to meet energy requirements more effectively, by actively balancing load and predicting surges in demand and production.

“By leveraging artificial intelligent, electricity networks can ensure spikes in demand are predicted and mitigated. Smart grid vendors must focus on enhancing their models to more accurately predict usage patterns to maximise these benefits,” said research co-author Nick Maynard.

Juniper Research provides research and analytical services to the global hi-tech communications sector, providing consultancy, analyst reports and industry commentary.

-- BERNAMA

NIPPON EXPRESS SHOWCASES RANGE OF SERVICES, PRODUCTS AT CIIE IN SHANGHAI

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Japan’s logistics services company Nippon Express Holdings Inc showcased its range of services and products at the recently concluded fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, China.

According to a statement, the company’s booth promoted its long-established strengths including its global network, air and ocean cargo forwarding services, and business-continuity-plan-compatible intermodal transport services utilising the China Railway Express.

It said that initiatives for automation through the use of automatic guided vehicles in the logistics business as well as the actual cold storage containers and cooling agents used in its temperature-controlled transportation services for pharmaceutical products were also on display at the six-day exhibition from Nov 5 to 10, 2022.

“Through its participation in this expo, the group seeks to support the business expansion of its customers in the East Asia region by deepening relationships with these customers, strengthening ties with other relevant organisations, and forming new partnerships,” it said.

Founded in 1937, Nippon Express is a leading logistics and transportation services provider with a global network in over 739 locations around the world.

More details at https://www.nipponexpress.com/

-- BERNAMA

TATE CORPORATION TO PRESENT SPECIAL NIGHT TRIBUTE TO LUCIANO PAVAROTTI BY PLACIDO DOMINGO & JOSE CARRERAS IN TOKYO ON JANUARY 26, 2023

AsiaNet 99017

TOKYO, Nov. 30, 2022 /Kyodo JBN-Asianet/ -
 
A special night tribute to Luciano Pavarotti by Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras, presented by Tate Corporation Co., Ltd., will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. (JST) at Tokyo Garden Theater.
 
Image1:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/
M107443/202211220146/_prw_PI1fl_A1Br3a5K.jpg
 
 
Image2:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/
M107443/202211220146/_prw_PI6fl_oENByrVW.png
 
 
A Special night tribute to Luciano Pavarotti Placido Domingo & Jose Carreras:
Two legendary superstars will be on stage for a dream-come-true performance in Japan. It was on the eve of the world-famous soccer event in 1990 at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome that the first joint performance by the three world-renowned tenors, Domingo, Carreras and Pavarotti, took place. The tenor trio then went on a world tour, which ended in 2003. And now, 20 years later in Tokyo, Japan, Domingo and Carreras will once again have a miraculous collaboration in a concert dedicated to Pavarotti.
 
Message from Placido Domingo
"I would like to tell the audience that I am waiting for everyone to spend an evening of music together with Jose Carreras and with the extraordinary Armenian soprano Nina Minasyan, remembering with great affection and enormous admiration our dear Luciano."
 
Message video:
https://videos.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/
M107443/202211220146/_prw_PM1fl_41rxc44z.mp4
 
 
Concert overview
- Cast:
Placido Domingo / Jose Carreras
Special guest: Nina Minasyan (soprano)
Conductor: Marco Boemi
Orchestra: Tokyo 21c Philharmonic
Cooperation: Embassy of Spain in Japan / Embassy of Italy in Japan
 
- When: Thursday, January 26, 2023
Doors opening at 5:00 p.m. (JST)
Show starting at 6:30 p.m. (JST)
 
- Venue information: Tokyo Garden Theater
https://www.shopping-sumitomo-rd.com/tokyo_garden_theater/
 
- Ticket prices: SS 68,000 JPY / S 58,000 JPY / AA 48,000 JPY / A 38,000 JPY /
BB 28,000 JPY
 
Photo1: Placido Domingo
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107443/202211220146/_prw_PI3fl_Ri89Wb2n.jpg
 
 
Photo2: Jose Carreras
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107443/202211220146/_prw_PI4fl_XjJsHDW3.jpg
 
 
Photo3: Nina Minasyan
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107443/202211220146/_prw_PI5fl_l6Lam1bF.jpg
 
 
Official site: http://www.tate.jp/concert2020/Domingoeng.html
 
 
Source: Tate Corporation Co., Ltd.

MSCI upgrades GTJAI’s ESG rating to reflect excellent ESG management performance

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) has upgraded the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating of Guotai Junan International Holdings Limited (GTJAI) to "BBB", a leading rating for securities firms in Hong Kong, referring to its excellent ESG management performance.

MSCI, an international authoritative indexing organisation in its latest annual ESG rating stated that GTJAI’s improved responsible investment practices and strengthened ethics policies are the primary drivers of the upgrade.

In the assessment of the overall strengths of GTJAI, MSCI said the company leads global peers in corporate governance and in business ethics framework.

GTJAI’s fully independent audit committee helps provide financial and risk control oversight. In addition, the company has a disclosure of its anti-corruption policies and a whistleblowing mechanism.

According to a statement, GTJAI has expanded its involvement in underwriting green/sustainable bonds, which amounted to US$10.9 billion (US$1=RM4.50) as of 2021.

ESG performance of listed companies around the world is increasingly valued by financial regulations and international investors. High ESG ratings reflect stronger business management and corporate governance.

With ESG-oriented investments becoming an important investment strategy in global financial markets, ESG ratings have become an important basis for measuring the value of investments in listed companies in the international market.

The upgraded rating is a high recognition and full acknowledgment of GTJAl's ESG management achievements by international authorities and the international capital market.

In the future, GTJAI will continue to strengthen the implementation of its sustainable development strategy, and increase investment in environmental protection (including the impact of climate change), corporate governance, employee care, and social contribution.

-- BERNAMA

2022 CHUNGBUK BEST PRODUCT PROMOTION KICKS OFF IN SINGAPORE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Korea’s Chungcheongbuk-do province and Chungbuk Business Agency are showcasing their products for exports at the 2022 Chungbuk Best Product Promotion currently held from Nov 28 to 30 in Jurong West Central, Singapore.

The Chungbuk Business Agency in a statement said that through this exhibition, the province will secure export channels for promising exporters from the North Chungcheong province to the Singapore market.

“Some 32 companies from Chungcheongbuk-do province will introduce excellent products to local citizens in Singapore through the event.

“About 83 types of excellent quality products such as food, cosmetics, quarantine products, and pet products of companies in Chungcheongbuk-do province will be showcased and sold at the promotion,” it said.

The major companies promoting their products in this event include Biopolytech, fromthenature, CoreGreen Co Ltd, Chowol Red Ginseng, Haesarang, AK21, and HighBoss.

The agency said the showcase is organised in various ways such as tasting events and surveys to promote and sell Chungbuk products to consumers, adding that corporate visitors can hold one-on-one business meetings at the site.

-- BERNAMA

AMPLITUDE APPOINTS MARK VELTHUIS AS VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES, ASIA PACIFIC AND JAPAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Leading digital analytics platform Amplitude Inc has appointed Mark Velthuis as vice president of sales for Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ).

With a track record of driving growth in the region and building high-performing teams, Velthuis will lead business development and oversee sales and revenue growth. He reports to Amplitude’s chief revenue officer Matt Heinz.

“Velthuis deeply understands the complex business problems faced by companies in APJ and has first-hand experience helping companies at Amplitude’s stage scale.

“Under his leadership, Amplitude will be ready to capture the growing demand for digital analytics in the region,”  Heinz said in a statement.

An accomplished market development leader in the technology industry, Velthuis was most recently president of Asia Pacific at Jedox, an enterprise performance management platform.

“I’ve spent more than 15 years watching companies in Asia digitally transform, and there is a massive need for a product like Amplitude.

“Combined with the #1-ranked product analytics solution, I’m confident we have all the right ingredients to make Amplitude the essential platform for APJ’s product, data, engineering, and growth leaders,”  Velthuis said.

Amplitude’s APJ headquarters is in Singapore, but it also has employees based in Australia, Japan and across the region.

-- BERNAMA

COUNTRY GARDEN FOREST CITY BOOSTS LOCAL TOURISM

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) --  Country Garden Forest City said it has fully resumed operations with Malaysia recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic following the successful vaccination efforts and the  lifting of movement restrictions.

Launched by the Country Garden Group in 2015, Forest City is a smart green city of the future integrating the environment, cutting-edge technology with housing, business, and tourism with a goal to attract 9.2 million tourists, the statement said.  

Country Garden Group hired global consulting firm McKinsey for the project in its planning stage and this has resulted in Forest City having eight industries at its doorstep which besides tourism-related activities, also includes medical care services, education and training, emerging technologies, and green and smart industries.

The statement said its Forest City Water Park has opened its surf slides and other water-related activities.

“In addition, the shuttle bus service is now operational, with stops at Shattuck St Mary's School, Forest City Golf Hotel, LegoLand, and Bukit Indah Aeon,” the statement said.

The integrated development has also contributed to the local tourism industry with its hotel construction and golf resort.

Forest City Golf Hotel and Forest City Marina Hotel both provide hundreds of luxurious rooms and are equipped with lobby bars, restaurants, fitness centres, and other facilities. 

-- BERNAMA

TDCX REPORTS STRONG REVENUE GROWTH FOR Q3 2022; REITERATES 2022 GUIDANCE

SINGAPORE, Nov 23 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- TDCX Inc. (NYSE: TDCX) (“TDCX” or the “Company”), an award-winning digital customer experience (CX) solutions provider for technology and blue-chip companies, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022.

Third Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights

· Total revenue of US$120.5 million, up 16.1% year-on-year
· Profit for the period was US$21.6 million, up 2.3% year-on-year
· Adjusted Net Income⁴, which excludes the impact of share-based compensation for a like-for-like comparison, was US$24.2 million, up 15.0% year-on-year
· Year-to-date Net Cash from Operating Activities of US$90.8 million, up 53.1% year-on-year 

 

Mr. Laurent Junique, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of TDCX, said, “We rounded off this quarter with a strong set of results, fueled by our solid execution capabilities. Our global expansion plans continue unabated with the addition of two new campuses, one in Iloilo, Philippines and another in Istanbul, Türkiye. This brings us to a total of 27 campuses globally as we continue building our network. We also see greater contribution from our four newer geographies, namely Colombia, India, Romania and South Korea, making up close to 10 per cent of the year-on-year growth in revenue for Q3 2022 against Q3 2021.

“This quarter, we are proud to have had our industry-leading practices recognized. We were named a leader by global technology research and advisory firm, ISG, in their ISG Provider Lens™ Contact Center – Customer Experience Services Singapore/Malaysia 2022 report. The report acknowledged our capabilities, positioning us at the top of the quadrant.

“On the ESG front, we deepened our commitment to bringing positive transformation to the community with the launch of the TDCX Foundation. Through the Foundation, we will be able to help drive greater social impact for disadvantaged communities.” 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=44805

KLASJET ADDS BOEING 737 BBJ2 TO ITS EXCLUSIVE FLEET

LONDON, Nov 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In 2021, the global business jet market was USD 25.87bn and is expected to reach USD 38.34bn by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.06 %. Business jets flew 3.3 million flights worldwide in 2021, the most on record for a single year and 7 % more than the previous high point in 2019. Private jet statistics show a global fleet of 21,929 registered aircraft. 

To expand KlasJet's products portfolio, an EU-based corporate charter and ACMI services provider is adding Boeing BBJ2, MSN 32971 jet to its fleet. The aircraft is set to begin operations in mid-April 2023 and will be based in Dubai. The general sales agent for this aircraft will be Chapman Freeborn UAE Dubai office.

The Boeing 737 BBJ2 is a splendid addition to KlasJet’s exclusive private aircraft fleet as it is set to cater to the specific needs of high-ranking clients travelling in smaller groups. “While our other 56-68 seats VIP Boeing 737 uniquely designed jets are great for larger groups, such as sports teams, business and political delegations, the B737 BBJ2 will serve as an amazing choice for affluent families, government representatives, presidents, royal families, important business delegations. Currently, the aircraft is at Avia Solutions Group completion centre JetMS Completion, where the interior of the jet will be fully renewed,” explains Rita Domkute, CEO of KlasJet.

Corporate business jet charter services are in great demand all over the world, as big groups can travel enjoying all the perks of business aviation: flexible flight time, luxury service on board, special seats and price per seat similar to business class seats at regular airline companies. “We plan that the newly added B737 BBJ2 will allow us to strengthen our positions in the rapidly growing Middle East market as the jet is a perfect option for high-ranking individuals who are living in or visiting the region on regular basis,” she shares.

The 23-seat aircraft is a truly exquisite project, with a spacious lounge area, an on-board bedroom and a shower. “The jet is designed to meet even the most sophisticated needs of our clients. It is planned with convenience and comfort of passengers in mind, the design is created using high-quality materials,” KlasJet’s CEO shares.

Earlier this year, the airline added passenger ACMI services list, adding to its parent company Avia Solutions Group's ever-growing line-up of capacity providers.     

If you would like more information or would like to schedule an interview with one of our KlasJet representatives, please contact Vilma Vaitiekunaite at vilma.vaitiekunaite@aviasg.com or +37061112789

About KlasJet  
KlasJet is an exlusive private and corporate jet charter company, renowned as a leader in the provision of bespoke group flights worldwide. Operating a fleet of uniquely designed jets based in Vilnius, Lithuania, as well as airports across Western and Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, KlasJet provides comfort, safety, and attention to detail from the ground up.

KlasJet operates 7 corporate and BBJ Boeing 737 from 23 to 68 seats. Also offers ACMI lease services to airlines and tour operators around the world who face challenges with flight schedules, expansion plans, and the supply of backup aircraft. The company’s fleet available for ACMI lease services comprises 6 units of Boeing 737-800 — each with a capacity for 189 passengers.

KlasJet is a family member of Avia Solutions Group, leaders in end-to-end capacity solutions for passenger and cargo airlines worldwide. Its vast portfolio of services to clients includes ACMI, charter and cargo aviation, aircraft leasing and trading, MRO services, business aviation and VIP airline procurement, pilot and crew training, recruitment services, together with multiple complementary services spanning a wide range of associated operations. The Group manages over 100 offices and production facilities globally.

For more information, please visit: www.klasjet.aero and www.aviasg.com  

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ce2e4a06-4419-49c1-ba90-28dbffcb8dc8

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5b1ba671-7e18-4a06-accd-41f4e6ca73f6

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ea7cb8e9-3448-413a-954b-d25d02a70909

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4cef370a-1de1-4531-a17d-46b92282ef95

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/67654115-fab4-422c-afd3-42548cabab14

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1a69f9ae-5ade-4675-9940-6d6e6bec2414 

SOURCE : KlasJet

REAL ESTATE MARKET IN ASIA EMBRACES HOPE AMID LACKLUSTRE SENTIMENTS - REPORT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- The 17th edition of the Emerging Trends in Real Estate Asia Pacific Report highlighted a downtick in investor sentiment due to concerns over rising cost of debt, higher inflation, and a looming global recession.

The persistence of global inflationary trends, a recessionary economy, and deterioration of global indicators saw investors opting to suspend buying until the fallout from synchronised global rate hikes becomes clearer.

A dip in regional transaction volumes is apparent, with third-quarter deal count in Asia Pacific slipping 38 per cent year-on-year to US$32.6 billion (US$1=RM4.50), recording the lowest third-quarter volumes for a decade in the region.

“Mainland China accounted for the biggest decline with a fall of 23 per cent year-on-year,” it said in a statement.

Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia Pacific president David Faulkner said the rising interest rates and slowing global economy are beginning to impact regional asset valuations and changing the way investors assess potential deals. 

“As a long-term inflation hedge, real estate will continue to draw capital, but the industry is also likely to undergo significant change over the coming years, due to the evolving economic environment and changes in the ways that people use the built environment.”

The top markets for investment prospects in the region were characterised by deep, liquid markets and a flight-to-safety approach. Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney continued to rank as the top three markets. 

Investors have begun to realign strategies towards defensive properties more resilient to unusual economic pressures, and towards assets that can offer features such as rent indexation, shorter lease term and reliable recurrent incomes.

New economic sub-sectors such as data centres, cold storage infrastructure, life science facilities, and self-storage space have had increasing attention as recession-resistant investment vehicles, owing to a confluence of factors: growing 5G takeup, structural undersupply to meet demand, and the evolution of more sophisticated supply chains.

Based on a survey of 233 real estate professionals and 101 interviews with investors, developers, property company representatives, and lender brokers, the report is the regional real estate forecast jointly published by ULI and PwC.

-- BERNAMA

FPT SOFTWARE OPENS NEW OFFICE IN THAILAND

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- FPT Software, Vietnam’s leading information technology (IT) solutions provider, has set up a new office in Bangkok, Thailand.

In a statement today, it said the branch is part of the company’s strategic move to expand its global footprint, adding that the Bangkok branch is expected to address the increasing demand for digital transformation in Thailand.

“We aim to grow our local workforce to 500 high-quality IT engineers in the next three years.

“The new office allows FPT Software to work closely with Thailand’s leading enterprises on digital transformation projects, enabling us to serve them faster and more effectively,” said FPT Greater Bay Indochina (FPT GBI) chief executive officer, Levi Nguyen.

FPT GBI is a subsidiary of FPT Software.

According to the statement, Vietnam and Thailand are transitioning into a digital economy, with both governments introducing various frameworks and projects, unlocking collaboration potentials between both countries' firms, especially in the information and communication technology sector.

Over the last decade, FPT Software has established a strong presence in seven countries in the Asia Pacific region, namely Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and China (including Hong Kong), providing end-to-end IT services to businesses of all sectors. 

The firm aims to become one of the top 50 global digital transformation service providers by 2030.

-- BERNAMA

FUJITEC SINGAPORE SECURES MAJOR BULK ORDER FROM HDB

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- Fujitec Singapore Corp Ltd has won a major bulk order for about 300 residential lifts from the Housing & Development Board of Singapore (HDB) for the 33rd Term Housing project.

The company said the HDB 33rd Term Housing project was for new homes across the public housing estates island-wide and was to be completed in the next four to five years.

“The order covers about 300 elevators, including high-speed models, to be installed in high-rise residential buildings with 30 floors or more.

“Through this project, Fujitec Singapore will contribute to the urban development of Singapore,” it said in a statement.

Fujitec Singapore said the company had delivered a cumulative total of about 20,000 units to the HDB, consisting of new installations and replacement projects, since the first order for 2,000 lifts in 1972.

The company said recently it had been actively involved in the Lift Enhancement Programme with HDB and the town councils to provide additional safety features such as double brakes on existing elevators.

Fujitec Singapore focuses on the development of services that utilise digital technology, moving forward with transformational steps toward the next 50 years.

Fujitec Singapore is the third overseas subsidiary of Japan’s Fujitec Group.

-- BERNAMA

9TH NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL HELD FROM NOVEMBER 3 TO 6

AsiaNet 98932

CHITOSE, Japan, Nov. 24, 2022 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ -  

The New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival was held at New Chitose Airport and online for four days, from November 3 (Thursday) to 6 (Sunday), 2022.
 
Image:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M102801/202211180037/_prw_PI1fl_FqO15a5y.jpg
 
 
NEW CHITOSE 2022 Signal Film: https://youtu.be/9tcWWQiV4Bg
 
The competition screening, which is the main event of the festival, showed 76 films selected from over 2,100 submissions. An award ceremony was held on November 6 at the Portom Hall located in the international terminal building of New Chitose Airport.
 
Awards
Grand Prix for Short Films: "Backflip"
Nikita Diakur, Germany & France
 
Japan Grand Prix: "Lawless Love"
Ryuya Suzuki, Japan
 
New Talent Award: "Space"
Zhong Xian, United Kingdom & Taiwan
 
Grand Prix for Feature Films: "My Love Affair with Marriage"
Signe Baumane, Latvia, United States & Luxembourg
 
Best Student Film: "Mom, What's Up with the Dog?"
Lola Lefevre, France
 
Best Music Animation: "Sliver Cave"
Caibei Cai, mainland China
 
Kids Award & Audience Award: "A Town Called Panic: The Summer Holidays"
Vincent Patar & Stephane Aubier, France
 
All winning works can be found on the official festival website:
https://airport-anifes.jp/en
 
The festival held the "NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT PITCH 2022" where eight Japanese animation filmmakers made short presentations on their upcoming projects, with the festival office commending the following project.
 
NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT PITCH Award: "Poproy Broadcasting Station"
Project by Poproy
 
The archive movie of NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT PITCH 2022 will be available on the festival's official YouTube channel until December 10.
NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT PITCH 2022: https://youtu.be/jkvOolzEXSU
 
See more details at the official website of the festival:
https://airport-anifes.jp/en
 
 
Source: New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival Executive Committee

OneStream partners with Temus to drive financial transformation in Singapore

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- United States-based corporate performance management solutions provider OneStream Software has announced a strategic partnership with Temus to transform financial processes for organisations in Singapore and around the globe.

“This new partnership will provide industry-leading software and implementation expertise while driving efficiency in the Office of Finance for some of the most future-forward government agencies and large enterprises in Singapore and beyond,” it said in a statement.

OneStream Software senior vice-president of global strategic alliances, Stephanie Cramp, said the company is thrilled to announce its partnership with Temus and extend its presence around the globe.

“We believe that a strategic partnership with Temus is ideal for the evolving needs of our customers on a global scale, and together, we will provide our shared customers with an intelligent finance platform that allows the Office of Finance to lead at speed,” she said.

Meanwhile, Temus managing director of strategic accounts and platforms, Shridar Jayakumar, said Temus is delighted to embark on this journey with OneStream to unlock economic and societal value for our customers in government agencies and large enterprises.

Temus was established in April 2021 by Singapore state-owned investment firm Temasek, in partnership with American digital services company UST, to accelerate the digital transformation of leading enterprises and public sector agencies in Singapore and beyond.

OneStream provides a unified intelligent finance platform that simplifies and aligns financial consolidation, planning, reporting, analytics and financial data quality.

-- BERNAMA

Wings completes aircraft delivery to Air Serbia

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- Wings Capital Partners LLC (Wings) has recently completed the delivery of one Airbus A320-200 aircraft to Air Serbia (a joint stock company for Air Traffic-Air Serbia, Belgrade).

In a statement, it said the A320-200 aircraft provides an additional lift for Air Serbia’s growing fleet.

“Wings’ delivery of this A320 aircraft to Air Serbia is the start of our relationship with the airline.

“We are very proud to support Air Serbia’s growing fleet needs with the delivery of this aircraft and look forward to a long relationship with the airline,” said Wings’marketing vice-president, Gerry Burke.

Meanwhile, Air Serbia’s supply chain general manager, Zoran Ekmeščić said the fleet renewal was one of the most significant strategic activities for Air Serbia in the recent period.

Wings is a private, full-service aircraft leasing platform, primarily investing in single-aisle, in-production commercial jet aircraft on lease to airlines around the world.

-- BERNAMA

MARY KAY HIGHLIGHTS EFFORTS TO ADVANCE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT AROUND THE WORLD THROUGH IMPACT PARTNERSHIPS

^{Deborah Gibbins, Mary Kay’s Chief Operating Officer (Photo courtesy: Mary Kay Inc.)}


In Recognition of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, Mary Kay Shares External Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts to Unlock the Potential of Women Entrepreneurs Everywhere.

DALLAS, Nov 23 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Mary Kay Inc., an ardent advocate of women’s economic empowerment and gender equality, marks Women’s Entrepreneurship Day today by reaffirming its global commitment to women entrepreneurs through external efforts and partnerships focused on elevating and advancing women entrepreneurship.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221122005723/en/

 

An entrepreneurship development company operating in nearly 35 countries, Mary Kay has empowered women and supported their entrepreneurial aspirations for almost 60 years. The company has collaborated with change makers through impact-focused partnerships around the world to help dismantle barriers to women’s economic empowerment and accelerate women’s inclusion in the entrepreneurship eco-system.

VALUE POTENTIAL AND CHALLENGES TO WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP:

Expanding women’s economic inclusion lifts families up, strengthens communities, and makes societies more resilient. Data shows that women tend to reinvest up to 90% of their earnings in their families and local communities.¹ Research also shows that women-owned businesses, while disproportionately impacted by economic downturns are resilient, agile, and sustainable.² Women-owned businesses often respond to crises through innovation tackling the most urgent global challenges including climate change and biodiversity loss.

Despite the evidence of the multiplier effect of women’s entrepreneurship, women in business continue to face obstacles worldwide resulting from unequal access to capital, professional education, inclusion in the global value chain, and access to markets for their products and services. Compounding these barriers are unequal laws. The 2022 Women, Business and the Law Report found that nearly 2.4 billion women of working age still do not enjoy the same economic rights as men.³

The challenges are so great that the 2022 Global Gender Gap Report indicated that it will take a staggering 151 years to close the economic participation and opportunity gender gap.⁴

When women are excluded from the entrepreneurship eco-system, it means companies and investors are missing out on a huge investment opportunity. In Europe, for example, studies show that even though women get half the investment capital compared to men, their companies deliver twice as much revenue for each dollar invested.⁵

Aligned with its mission to enrich women’s lives, Mary Kay and its partners are focused on advancing women entrepreneurship and supporting established or aspiring women entrepreneurs wherever they live.

Recognizing that women’s empowerment and gender equality are critical enablers and accelerators in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mary Kay’s 10-year sustainability strategy, launched in 2021 - Enriching Lives Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow - is underpinned by a strong gender equality lens and a key commitment to empower 5 million women worldwide by 2030 through key initiatives and partnerships. Advancing women’s economic participation is not only good for sustainable growth but also ensures that no-one is left behind – a key principle of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“Inspired by our mission as an entrepreneurship development company founded by a woman for women, we believe we must invest in and empower women to realize the full benefits of their economic participation not only on the economy but on society at large. We are transforming the landscape for women entrepreneurs by addressing the barriers they face through key partnerships aimed at disrupting the status quo,” said Deborah Gibbins, Chief Operating Officer at Mary Kay Inc.

NOTABLE ONGOING PARTNERSHIPS TO ADVANCE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AROUND THE WORLD INCLUDE:

• The SDG Pilot Village Project in China - A Women-focused Poverty Reduction Development Project
  • Recognizing that improving the lives of rural women is key to fighting poverty and achieving sustainable development, UNDP China and Mary Kay, in collaboration with the Chinese government, the public sector and NGO partners, launched the SDG Pilot Village Project in Waipula, Yunnan Province, China in 2017.⁶ The joint project dismantled the barriers to women’s entrepreneurship through the provision of social protection and the creation of green entrepreneurial opportunities supported by efforts to enhance women’s leadership in community decision-making fora.
  • As a result of this gender focused project (Phase I: 2017-2021):
    • The local poverty rate in the village fell from 28% in 2017 to 0% in 2020.
    • Through training and capacity-building, 60 households and 193 individuals living under the poverty line were lifted out of poverty by 2020.
    • 210 seasonal migrant workers and 120 long-term migrant workers, the majority of which comprised women, were able to return home to a job or start their own business and be reunited with their children and families.
    • 607 local women found employment and raised their income with some emerging as community leaders, taking up roles as members of the village committee and managers in local hospitality and the arts.
    • People’s per capita income grew to be RMB 14,128/$2,107 in 2021.
    • The project advanced 12 of the 17 SDGs.
• The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge - Supporting Women Social Entrepreneurs
  • Since 2019, Mary Kay has been a core partner of The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge. An initiative co-led by Vital Voices and the Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University, the annual competition recognizes 5 women entrepreneurs advancing the SDGs in their communities and provides awardees with capacity-building training sessions and connections with business experts from around the world.
• The Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator
  • In 2019, together with 6 UN agencies, Mary Kay incepted the Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator (WEA) with a mission to create an enabling eco-system that works for women entrepreneurs.
  • The 6 UN Agencies comprising WEA are: International Labour Organization (ILO), International Trade Centre (ITC), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UN Global Compact (UNGC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS THROUGH THE WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACCELERATOR INCLUDE:

• Entrepreneurship Policy Development in Mexico and Brazil
  • Over the course of 2020 and 2021, ILO conducted and released a Women’s Entrepreneurship Development (WED) assessment of policy conditions that impact women’s entrepreneurship focused on the commerce and industry sectors in Mexico City in support of WEA. The assessment included a series of 19 actionable recommendations to address the institutional gaps that exist for women entrepreneurs. In Brazil, ILO worked with Serviçio Nacional de Aprendizagem Industrial (SENAI) to advocate for women’s entrepreneurship development through a package of communication and awareness-raising campaigns, capacity-building workshops and events.
• Launch of the Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO
  • In 2021, the first Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO led by UN Women with the support of Mary Kay organized a bootcamp across the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region to increase the capacities of women entrepreneurs to attract investment. This culminated in an Investors Pitch Finale in April 2022 where 25 women entrepreneurs from 9 countries (Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, Moldova, and Serbia) pitched their early-stage startups and business plans to address one of the biggest challenges women entrepreneurs face in growing their businesses – access to capital. Following their pitches, investors offered financial support, mentorship and networking opportunities to women entrepreneurs to help scale their businesses.
  • This month, the second live Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO, in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Yildiz Holding, as part of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator and supported by Mary Kay, brought women entrepreneurs and business partners together to mobilize and take forward specific action to advance the landscape for women’s entrepreneurship development.
• Business Skills Development for Aspiring & Established Entrepreneurs
  • The first-ever free online Entrepreneurship Certificate Programme developed by ITC SheTrades in support of WEA was launched in January 2022. Powered by Mary Kay, the 27 module-digital curriculum covers the 7 key stages of the entrepreneurial journey. Available in English, Spanish, French - and soon Arabic, Russian and Chinese – the curriculum is enriched with 200 videos and aims to teach aspiring and established entrepreneurs the skills to design and set up their businesses. Participants learn how to adopt an entrepreneurship culture, develop business ideas and learn start-up methodologies, prepare a business model, design a pitch, identify sources of funding, find the right partners and mentors, and build a team.
  • In 2022, ITU developed a project to address the gender digital skills gap by providing women and girls access to free, high-quality learning modules required to advance in the digital economy. Rolled out over the course of 2023, the initiative will be translated into several languages. Supported by Mary Kay, the project includes 17 online modules such as general digital skills training for aspiring and experienced women entrepreneurs; digital skills for women entrepreneurs in the textiles and apparel sector, and management skills for women entrepreneurs in technology. These learning modules provide broad professional training for any woman entrepreneur regardless of her location or business focus.
• Release of a Global Advocacy Brief to Engage the Private Sector on Gender-Responsive Procurement (GRP)
  • In 2022, UN Women released an Advocacy Brief in support of WEA titled Procurement’s Strategic Value. Why gender-responsive procurement makes business sense and included a foreword by Deb Gibbins, Chief Operating Officer at Mary Kay. The Brief highlights how economies have better opportunities to grow and are more resilient to crises if women and men have equal rights. It also presents compelling evidence of the benefits for strengthening the participation of women in private sector supply chains to bring about inclusive growth and sustainable development. A broad consultation with 374 stakeholders was conducted to create an evidence base for why businesses should adopt GRP.
• Launch of an Innovation Competition to Create a More Gender-Inclusive Digital Eco-System
  • Supported by Mary Kay, ITU will hold an open innovation competition next month where an expert jury will select 10 digital best practices and digital solutions to create a more gender-inclusive eco-system for start-ups and scale-ups to address the many obstacles women entrepreneurs face in developing technologies. The winners will gain access to the Digital Innovation Eco-System Program where they will receive capacity-building and specialized mentorship.

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty company in 1963 with one goal: enriching women’s lives. That dream has blossomed into a multibillion-dollar company with millions of independent sales force members in nearly 40 countries. As an entrepreneurship development company, Mary Kay is committed to empowering women on their journey through education, mentorship, advocacy, networking, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in enriching lives today for a sustainable tomorrow, partnering with organizations from around the world focusing on promoting business excellence, supporting cancer research, advancing gender equality, protecting survivors of domestic abuse, beautifying our communities, and encouraging children to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com, find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on Twitter.
________________
¹ Harvard Business Review. 2013. “The Global Rise of Female Entrepreneurs.”
² BNP Paribas Wealth Management. 2020. “2020 Global Entrepreneur Report.” According to the 2020 Report, 54% of women entrepreneurs noted that beyond income, reducing their carbon footprint is their top measure of success in investing, compared to just 41 percent of men.
³ World Bank. 2022. “Women, Business and the Law 2022.”
⁴ World Economic Forum. 2022. “Global Gender Gap Report 2022.”
⁵ European Investment Bank. 2020. “Funding women entrepreneurs: How to empower growth.”
⁶ Partners include: The China Women’s Development Foundation, the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges, the Women’s Federation of Yunnan Province and Yongren County Government.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221122005723/en/

Contact

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications
marykay.com/newsroom
972.687.5332 or media@mkcorp.com 

Source : Mary Kay Inc.

JUNIPER RESEARCH: EMBEDDED FINANCE MARKET TO EXCEED $183 BILLION GLOBALLY BY 2027, AS BUSINESSES SEEK TO DIVERSIFY THROUGH THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

BASINGSTOKE, England, Nov 22 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A new study from Juniper Research has found revenue from embedded financial services will exceed $183 billion globally in 2027; increasing from just under $65 billion in 2022. Growing by 182% over the period, the report found this expansion will be largely driven by non-financial businesses incorporating embedded finance options into their product offer. These options will usually be introduced within the checkout process of an eCommerce transaction or incorporated seamlessly within a mobile app; resulting in enhanced financial options for the consumer and potential new revenue streams for vendors.

The report emphasised that it will be crucial for businesses to identify which financial services work best within their customer environment, whether B2B or consumer. Choosing products that align with target demographics and offer genuine consumer benefits will be most successful.

Embedded Finance occurs when financial services, such as banking, insurance or lending, are integrated into non-financial user experiences.

• To find out more, see the new report: Embedded Finance: Key Trends, Segment Analysis & Market Forecasts 2022-2027
• Download the free whitepaper: Revolutionising Fintech with Embedded Finance

B2B Embedded Finance – The Next Big Opportunity

The research identified financial services currently less well saturated within B2B markets; resulting in a significant untapped opportunity for B2B businesses to augment their revenue streams by incorporating embedded finance solutions.

Research author Dominique Tetnowski explained further: “Bringing innovations seen within the consumer environment, such as Banking-as-a-Service, to a B2B environment is a powerful, underserved opportunity. Businesses wishing to offer embedded finance must choose the right offerings, that solve genuine challenges targeted specifically at their customers, or they will lose out to better-targeted competitors.”

Embedded Investments – The Fastest-growing Segment

Additionally, the research found embedded investments, where stock trading and investment products are integrated within other apps, will be the fastest-growing segment. It will increase by 421% over the next 5 years; accounting for almost $11 billion revenue globally by 2027. It recommends brands serving high-net-worth individuals pursue embedded investment strategies, in order to broaden their appeal to premium users.

View the Embedded Finance market research: https://www.juniperresearch.com/researchstore/fintech-payments/embedded-finance-research-report

Download the whitepaper: https://www.juniperresearch.com/whitepapers/revolutionising-fintech-with-embedded-finance

Juniper Research provides research and analytical services to the global hi-tech communications sector; providing consultancy, analyst reports, and industry commentary.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221121005759/en/

Contact

Sam Smith
Press Relations
T: +44(0)1256 830002
E: sam.smith@juniperresearch.com

Source : Juniper Research

AI-ENABLED FINANCIAL FRAUD DETECTION SPENDING TO EXCEED US$10 BLN BY 2027 - ​JUNIPER RESEARCH

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Global business spending on artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled financial fraud detection and prevention strategy platforms will exceed US$10 billion in 2027 from just over US$6.5 billion in 2022, according to a Juniper Research study. (US$1=RM4.58)

Growing at 57 per cent over the period, the study predicts that as fraudsters become more sophisticated in their attacks, merchants and issuers will become more adept at utilising highly advanced AI-enabled fraud detection methods to combat crime.

According to a statement, the study identified the ability of AI to recognise fraudulent payment trends at scale as being critical to provide improved fraud prevention.

The research analysis predicts cost savings from AI deployment will be critical to take system use beyond regulatory compliance. 

The research predicts that the use of AI will result in cost savings and this is critical because it goes beyond meeting regulatory compliance. Instead, it will provide a genuine return on investment in fraud prevention services. Improving models and greater data access will create a virtuous circle of improvement.

Additionally, the fraud detection report also found that AI is increasingly standard within financial fraud prevention services, making differentiation a challenge.

The research recommends vendors focus on access to transaction and trends data, as gaining the best level of network intelligence will allow businesses to benefit from fraud information beyond just their own transactions, significantly improving fraud prevention.

It also recommends vendors form partnerships with third parties, such as credit bureaus and payment networks, to improve data coverage.

Juniper Research provides research and analytical services to the global hi-tech communications sector,  providing consultancy, analyst reports, and industry commentaries.

-- BERNAMA

Cloudflare's Workers Launchpad funding programme grows to US$2bln

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Cloudflare Inc, the security, performance, and reliability company helping to build a better Internet, announced that the Workers Launchpad funding programme has grown to US$2 billion for potential investment in startups building on Cloudfl are Workers. (US$1=RM4.578)

This shows an increase of 14 partners and US$750 million in less than two months, according to a statement.

The Cloudflare Workers Launchpad funding programme initially launched in September 2022 to provide up to US$1.25 billion of financing to startups building applications on Cloudfl are Workers, a highly-scalable serverless computing platform allowing developers to build or augment apps without configuring or maintaining infrastructure.

In the days and weeks following, Cloudflare received a surge in interest globally from venture capitalists interested in joining the programme.

Cloudflare are now welcomed 14 additional venture capital (VC) partners into the programme, adding regional expertise in Australia and Latin America to the pool of partners which include 8VC, AirTree, Alumni Ventures, B Capital, and Chamaeleon.

Additionally, Cloudflare are is announcing the Fall 2022 cohort of 25 entrepreneurs from around the world, chosen from hundreds of applicants from over 30 countries. Cohort finalists include Apyfy, working on data privacy, and Grafbase, accelerating backend software development.

The cohort includes startups from Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The cohort will have the opportunity to pitch VC partners for investment, receive technical advice and support, participate in a virtual boot camp featuring sessions led by Cloudflare leaders and VC partners, and showcase their businesses during Demo Day.

-- BERNAMA

ADAGENE APPOINTS CUONG DO TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND AUDIT COMMITTEE

SAN DIEGO and SUZHOU, China, Nov 22 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Adagene Inc. (“Adagene”) (Nasdaq: ADAG), a company transforming the discovery and development of antibody-based therapies, today announced the appointment of Cuong Do, MBA, to Adagene’s board of directors (the “Board”) as an independent director. He will also serve as an audit committee member.

Mr. Do is President and CEO of BioVie Inc., a clinical-stage company developing innovative therapies for Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s disease and refractory Ascites. Prior to BioVie, Mr. Do was President of Samsung’s Global Strategy Group where he helped to set the strategic direction for Samsung Group’s diverse business portfolio, including the growth of its biologics businesses. He was previously the Chief Strategy Officer for Merck, a leading global pharmaceuticals company, where he played a key role in defining the company’s strategy, including the focus on oncology and creating its leading position with the anti-PD-1 therapy, pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA^®). Mr. Do was also a senior partner at McKinsey & Company, where he spent 17 years helping to build the healthcare, high technology, and corporate finance practices. He holds a BA from Dartmouth College and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.

“I’m very excited to join the Adagene board and do what I can to help advance our programs to help our patients,” commented Mr. Do. “Adagene has ground-breaking innovations that can improve the efficacy and safety of immunotherapies. I look forward to working with the company and our partners to advance the programs and benefit patients.”

“On the heels of data presented at the recent ESMO and SITC conferences showcasing the enhanced therapeutic index of our anti-CTLA-4 programs, I am delighted to welcome Cuong to our board as we approach significant milestones in our pipeline and engage in business development activities with major strategic considerations,” said Peter Luo, Ph.D., Co-Founder, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Adagene. “Cuong’s history of strategic leadership roles in healthcare, particularly for the pembrolizumab franchise at Merck, will help us position our highly differentiated anti-CTLA-4 clinical programs for partnership with leading anti-PD-1/PD-L1 players to develop safer and more efficacious combination therapies for proven and difficult-to-treat tumor types such as MSS CRC and others.”

About Adagene
Adagene Inc. (Nasdaq: ADAG) is a platform-driven, clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to transforming the discovery and development of novel antibody-based cancer immunotherapies. Adagene combines computational biology and artificial intelligence to design novel antibodies that address unmet patient needs. Powered by its proprietary Dynamic Precision Library (DPL) platform, composed of NEObody™, SAFEbody^®, and POWERbody™ technologies, Adagene’s highly differentiated pipeline features novel immunotherapy programs. Adagene has forged strategic collaborations with reputable global partners that leverage its technology in multiple approaches at the vanguard of science.

For more information, please visit: https://investor.adagene.com. Follow Adagene on WeChat, LinkedIn and Twitter.

SAFEbody^® is a registered trademark in the United States, China, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the European Union.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the potential implications of clinical data for patients, and Adagene’s advancement of, and anticipated preclinical activities, clinical development, regulatory milestones, and commercialization of its product candidates. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including but not limited to Adagene’s ability to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of its drug candidates; the clinical results for its drug candidates, which may not support further development or regulatory approval; the content and timing of decisions made by the relevant regulatory authorities regarding regulatory approval of Adagene’s drug candidates; Adagene’s ability to achieve commercial success for its drug candidates, if approved; Adagene’s ability to obtain and maintain protection of intellectual property for its technology and drugs; Adagene’s reliance on third parties to conduct drug development, manufacturing and other services; Adagene’s limited operating history and Adagene’s ability to obtain additional funding for operations and to complete the development and commercialization of its drug candidates; Adagene’s ability to enter into additional collaboration agreements beyond its existing strategic partnerships or collaborations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Adagene’s clinical development, commercial and other operations, as well as those risks more fully discussed in the “Risk Factors” section in Adagene’s annual report for the year of 2021 on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Adagene, and Adagene undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Investor & Media Contact:
Ami Knoefler
Adagene
650-739-9952

SOURCE : Adagene Inc.

Trial run of Jakarta-Bandung HSR a success

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- The trial run of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway (HSR) line between Tegalluar station and Casting Yard No. 4 was successfully conducted on Nov 16.

According to a statement today, the HSR line is a landmark project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and represents the first overseas application of a full Chinese high-speed railway system.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Chinese President Xi Jinping witnessed the occasion on the sidelines of a bilateral meeting following the G20 Summit in Bali.

It said that in addition to offering more commuting convenience to the local people, the project is expected to deliver a huge boost to Indonesia's economic development and social progress, and help upgrade the country's railway technology and related industries, which is a win-win situation for both sides.

During the trial run, the high-speed railway comprehensive inspection trains conducted comprehensive inspections on subgrade, track, communication, signal, traction power supply and other systems.

“All obtained indicators suggested good performance, marking the success of the first trial operation of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway jointly developed by China and Indonesia,” it said.

With a designed speed of 350 km per hour, the line will cut the journey time between Jakarta and Bandung, Indonesia's fourth-largest city, from over three hours to around 40 minutes.

It said that China's energy infrastructure giant PowerChina - one of the developers of the HSR that undertook the laying of 279.4 km main track - revealed that its total contract value under construction in Indonesia has exceeded US$3 billion. (US$1=RM4.58)

It added that the company is also committed to the development and construction of local green energy projects in Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines and other regions and countries.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF GUAM’S FIRST NET INSURANCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of B++ (Good) and the long-term issuer credit rating of bbb+ (Good) of Guam’s First Net Insurance Company (First Net).

The credit ratings, which have a stable outlook, reflect the domestic property/casualty insurer’s balance sheet strength -- which AM Best has assessed as strong -- as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

In a statement, AM Best said First Net’s risk-adjusted capitalisation is assessed at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, and supported by its relatively low net underwriting leverage and conservative and liquid investment portfolio, both of which partially offset its small absolute capital base.

The rating agency said First Net’s reinsurance dependency is relatively high for catastrophe protection, and it has risen in recent years due to an increase in fronting-type business.

“However, credit risk is limited by its stable and high-quality reinsurer panel,” it added.

AM Best said First Net’s adequate operating performance is underpinned by positive underwriting results and stable investment returns from its fixed-income portfolio.

“Its combined ratios mostly outperformed its composite’s average over the past years, supported by disciplined underwriting, but the company’s small net premium base has led to moderate volatility arising from claims experience and expenses,” it said.

In addition, AM Best said, the company’s underwriting performance was favourable in 2020/2021 mainly due to reduced claims in key business lines as economic activities decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

First Net’s main lines of business include fire, auto and workers’ compensation.

-- BERNAMA