Singapore Management University, Emeritus launch CEO programme

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Singapore Management University (SMU), along with online education provider – Emeritus, has rolled out a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) programme that has been curated with a strong emphasis on real-world relevance for CXOs to meet the challenging times and rapidly evolving business needs and trends.

According to a statement, the CEO programme will start on March 27 and the application deadline is Jan 30.

The programme is designed for business leaders with 10 or more years of experience who want to develop a clearer vision with respect to the future of company and re-align the resources and approach towards the long-term directions, capitalise on technology and talent to spearhead the journey of their company in alignment with the global trends, among others.

The programme offers leaders the guidance of eminent Singapore Management University’s faculty with decades of research knowledge and experience that will provide cutting-edge insights and perspectives into the changing market landscape and pertinent business issues.

Blended asynchronous learning via video lectures without disruptions interspersed with live lectures from Ang Ser-Keng (Faculty at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University), Markus Karner, (Academic Director and Executive Development), David Gomulya (Professor of Strategic Management, Master of Science in Innovation), Terence Fan (Professor of Strategic Management), Patricia Lui (Senior Lecturer of Marketing) will be available for the participants.

Through the nine to 10 months of the CEO programme, industry leaders will go through a combination of in-depth core and elective modules that focus on key areas such as Strategic Thinking, Innovation Management, Data Driven Approaches, and Executive/Leadership Presence.

Participants who successfully complete the programme will be issued a verified digital certificate by Singapore Management University.

Eddie Tritton, Executive Director, SMU ExD, said: “We are very excited about launching this comprehensive Chief Executive Officer programme. It is a fantastic opportunity for senior business leaders in the region and elsewhere to broaden their capabilities while learning from our best faculty and industry subject matter experts.”

Meanwhile, Mohan Kannegal, CEO, India and APAC, Emeritus, said: “The Chief Executive Officer programme offered by Singapore Management University and Emeritus will develop one to become a leader with vision, purpose and passion.”

Candidates with a minimum 10 years of work experience with minimum of five years of management experience are eligible to apply.

-- BERNAMA

KOVERNOW APPOINTS MARKETING, DATA SCIENCE EXPERT AS NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- KoverNow, an insurtech start-up company based in Singapore, has announced the appointment of National University of Singapore (NUS) Associate Professor of Marketing, Juin-Kuan Chong as non-executive director.

Chong, who is a behavioural scientist and data scientist by training, currently carries out research focusing on the challenges of nudging people to adopt useful technology.

Chong’s expertise is in using behavioural and economic principles and data analytics and AI tools. His work has included studies into how people search for the best deal, decide who and what to trust and how they make decisions in strategic situations.

His appointment at KoverNow, which has developed a unique mobile insurance app, is intended to help the company adopt mechanisms to gain a more in-depth understanding of today’s consumers and their buying patterns.

Chong’s experience working with public agencies and companies across multiple industries and locations, gives him a unique perspective which KoverNow is keen to tap into.

In a statement, KoverNow Chief Executive Officer, Stephan Kaiser said: “Professor Chong has a rich history of advising start-ups in the application of big data and artificial intelligence to their marketing strategies.

“His appointment as a director will help us to identify solutions to the key challenges we are coming up against as a disruptor in the digital insurance market. We are excited to have him on board.”

Prior to Chong’s current tenure at NUS, he was Assistant Professor of Decision Science and Marketing, and a Senior tutor in Decision Science at the university. He also spent two years as Associate Professor of Marketing at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, Korea.

He has held research appointments for the Center for Behavioral Economics and the Institute of Data Science at NUS and has published research and reports which have been featured in more than 60 news outlets globally.  

-- BERNAMA

J-LEC BITES INTO PROFOUND WORLD OF WAGYU BEEF ON NHK WORLD-JAPAN, FEB 1

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- The Japan Livestock Products Export Promotion Council (J-LEC) has announced the production and broadcast of a programme titled "The Masterfully Marbled World of Japanese Wagyu Beef" on NHK WORLD-JAPAN on Feb 1.

According to a statement, the NHK programme introduces the profound world of Wagyu beef and its global appeal from the stage at the "Wagyu Olympics”, one of Japan's largest food-related exhibitions.

In 2022, Kagoshima Prefecture hosted the 12th National Competitive Exhibition of Wagyu, also known as the Wagyu Olympics, the largest Wagyu beef competition in Japan, and 438 cattle qualified from 41 prefectures in Japan gathered for the breeding cattle division.

This competition is held once every five years in different locations in Japan to determine which Wagyu production farm is leading the continued pursuit of the world's highest-quality beef.

Tracing the history of the Wagyu Olympics over the past 50 years reveals a transformation of working cattle in rural areas that were selected to be genetically improved into beef of the highest quality, subsequently becoming one of Japan's major exports.

In 2021, Japanese beef export value exceeded 50 billion yen (approximately US$500 million according to the exchange rate at the time) and the Japanese government has set a goal of tripling that value by 2025. (US$1=RM4.245)

Wagyu is expected to set a new standard for increasing exports of other Japanese products related to agriculture, forestry and fisheries, as well as Japanese food and culinary exports.

J-LEC is a Japanese organisation consisting of multiple local municipal representatives and sharing information with the world about Japanese livestock farming and the meat and egg production industries.

-- BERNAMA

PLANVIEW ANNUAL RECURRING REVENUE EXCEEDED US$380 MLN IN 2022

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- Planview, the platform for connected work from portfolio planning to delivery, saw its total annual recurring revenue (ARR) for fiscal year 2022 exceeded US$380 million, representing 17 per cent growth year-over-year (yoy). (US$1=RM4.245)

“It was another record year for Planview, underpinned by our commitment to build the digital future of connected work through product innovation and customer success.

“Our global customer base relies on our solutions to help them achieve productivity, efficiency and positive business outcomes from transformation initiatives across the enterprise,” said its Chief Executive Officer, Razat Gaurav in a statement.

For the full fiscal year ending 2022, the company’s total revenue surpassed US$410 million, while monthly active users for leading products increased by 25 per cent yoy and customer retention rates were up to six per cent yoy.

In 2022, Planview added 482 net new customers with new and notable customers who selected or expanded their footprint with Planview including Builders FirstSource Inc, Delta Dental of California, DS Smith, Fonterra, General Motors, and Maximus Inc.

This growth was accelerated by the success of Planview’s connected platform of solutions, which helps organisations improve time-to-value, do more with the teams and resources allocated, and de-risk strategic investment decisions.

Planview’s innovation over the past year continued to drive desired business outcomes for customers with enhancements that include expanding Objective and Key Results capabilities and introducing Time-to-Market dependency and outlier analytics.

Additionally, the strategic acquisitions of Tasktop and Enrich in the first half of 2022 fuelled Planview’s data science, planning, connectivity and transformation offering.

Offering additional support for a more global customer base, Planview made strategic hires across its product development, customer success, sales and marketing functions as well as scaling up its global operations.

-- BERNAMA

Boyden Japan achieves robust growth via sector specialisation, professional rigour

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Boyden has recorded an impressive growth over the last 18 months, led by Boyden Japan Managing Partner, Stephen Irish, despite global political instability and economic uncertainty.

“Our strategy of providing deeper sector expertise to clients in Japan and global organisations investing in the region has seen Boyden thrive in recent years and enabled our business to achieve growth in key sectors in the Japanese economy.

“We have a very experienced and growing team in Tokyo and a high degree of trust among global colleagues. This has enabled us to deliver exceptional results for global companies, particularly those headquartered in Europe and the United States (US), who are expanding in Japan,” said Irish.

Boyden Japan provides significant expertise to clients in healthcare and life sciences, particularly medical devices, biotechnology and medical technology, and has further growth plans to support financial services, technology and industrial manufacturing in the country.

In a statement, Irish said the pandemic has had an impact on priorities.

“We have seen compensation become a stronger incentive in the US and parts of Europe, and countries in Asia such as Japan, China and India. Executives are increasingly more focused on better work-life balance and pay-for-performance,” he added.

A premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 70 offices in over 45 countries, Boyden connects great companies with great leaders through executive search, interim management and leadership consulting solutions.

-- BERNAMA

JETEX LONDON TAKES OFF FOR FULL COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Jetex London which located at Hangar 510 at Biggin Hill Airport has commenced full commercial operations, welcoming international private jet flyers to the United Kingdom (U.K.) capital.

“We are pleased with our arrival in London. Jetex already has a strong presence in Europe with a flagship private jet terminal at Paris Le Bourget, and the new flagship Jetex London is a natural evolution of our operations.

“Private flyers will enjoy a seamless travel experience complemented by the greatest levels of luxury hospitality, while employing the latest technology will allow us to minimise carbon footprint,” said Jetex founder and chief executive officer, Adel Mardini in a statement.

London Biggin Hill is a private airport which caters exclusively for aircraft in business and private aviation in which 2022 was the strongest year ever for the airport, with more than 26,000 movements, an increase from 18,900 in 2021.

The airport typically connects flights to more than 750 destinations across over 70 countries.

Jetex London is conveniently located just nine miles from Canary Wharf and 15 miles from Central London, with helicopter transfers taking passengers to and from the heart of the British capital in just six minutes, and with limousine transfers taking less than 50 minutes.

The on-site U.K. Border Force and customs control will ensure that passengers and crew enjoy an efficient ground experience, while Jetex will also offer assistance with ground transport, hotel accommodation, catering and concierge services, among others.

With natural materials, soft lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows, Jetex London is designed to feel like a warm, contemporary space.

The 1,900 square metre private terminal will include several supremely comfortable lounges of understated luxury designed with passenger privacy in mind, retail and entertainment areas, fully equipped boardrooms, shower suites and much more.

Jetex London marks the company’s first entry into the U.K. as it looks forward to growing its operations in the market.

-- BERNAMA

FION AVATAR HANDBAG: TURN MOVIE MAGIC INTO HIGH FASHION

^{FION Avatar handbag: Large Tote Bag, Medium Tote Bag, Crossbody & Shoulder Bag. (Photo: Business Wire)}


SINGAPORE, Jan 30 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- In December 2022, FION launched the year's hottest IP "Avatar" series of products. According to James Cameron, director of Avatar: An Activist Survival Guide, animals and plants on Pandora are huge and glow in the dark because they have developed gigantism and luminescence due to air pollution. A gorgeous world of Avatar is woven with yarns of eight different colors. 3D aquatic plants on the front are created with time-honored Horsetail Embroidery skills. Horsetail Embroidery, a special craft that has been passed down for thousands of years by generations of Shui women in China. The process of making a horsetail embroidery work is very complex. It takes a skillful embroiderer with 20 years of experience over 10 hours to finish a piece as small as a child’s palm. FION Avatar series are all from FION Art Studio, and each FION Avatar handbag is created by skilled craftsmen with great patience and dexterity using at least 24 hours. Established by the first generation of shoemakers in Hong Kong 40 years ago, the FION Art Studio gathers outstanding craftsmen who love leather art and have 20 years of professional experience. FION has adhered to exquisite craftsmanship since its founding. Ingenious designers at the FION Art Studio–an independent leather factory owned by FION–deliver surprise after surprise to customers.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230117005536/en/

 

Whether it is the eco-friendly message sent by ‘Avatar’ or director James Cameron’s personal efforts on ecological sustainability, they are in line with our brand spirit of "Conservation, Nature, Fashion and Sustainable Development". As a well-known handbag brand in Asia, FION has been exploring sustainable fashion and collaborating with suppliers to use environmentally friendly raw materials. After three years of discussions and repeated trials on what materials and colors to apply and how to weave yarns, we introduced FION Eco-Friendly Jacquard Denim in 2020. The jacquard denim is made with blue, white, gray and light blue yarns, non-water washed and environmentally friendly. In December of the same year, FION launched the Oil Painting Series based on this fabric, which is widely loved by consumers. In 2021, FION introduced its representative series “Sustainable Project -JIN”, which not only demonstrates the brand’s superb craftsmanship, but also presents more possibilities for sustainable fashion. In 2022, FION Avatar series uses eco-friendly leathers and yarn as well as non-water washed denim and eco-friendly jacquard denim. FION Avatar Series as part of JIN Series combines nature, fashion and sustainable development.

FION founded in 1979, as a fashion and premium brand of women’s handbags in the Asia-Pacific region. Its product designs are inspired by fashion and art, adding diversity and creativity to consumers’ life. In the future, FION will continue to create every detail with ingenuity and inject art into product design. Efforts will be made to present aesthetic styles around the world with exquisite craftsmanship to increase the charm of the brand. FION, a fashion brand dedicated to bringing women happiness and a high-quality lifestyle, will launch more handbags worth expecting. Please stay tuned.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230117005536/en/

Contact

FION
Fiona Long
fiona.l@fion.com.cn

Source : FION

PERMIRA TO BUY ACUITY KNOWLEDGE PARTNERS FROM EQUISTONE

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity) announced that funds advised by Permira, the global private equity firm, have acquired a majority stake in the business from Equistone Partners Europe (Equistone), one of Europe’s leading mid-market private equity investors.

According to Acuity in a statement, Equistone will reinvest as a minority shareholder in Acuity whilst Acuity’s management team will remain significantly invested in and committed to the business.

“We are now driving numerous strategies for developing our offerings, with the support from Permira and Equistone, who both have significant experience of investing in and growing first-class businesses in our sector.

“Given the significant demand within the financial services sector for value-added research and analytics, and the need for operational efficiency, with Permira’s deep experience in tech-enabled services and its global network, I am confident the business will continue to flourish,” said Acuity chief executive officer, Robert King.

Acuity has recorded strong organic growth since it was established as an independent business in 2019 via a management buyout from Moody’s Corporation supported by Equistone.

Under the Permira funds’ ownership, and with Equistone’s continued support, Acuity will invest further in its teams, services and technology, positioning the business to best support its clients worldwide.

The deal, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2023.

Headquartered in London, Acuity, a provider of high-value research, analytics and business intelligence to the financial services sector, serves a global client base of over 500 financial services firms, including banks, asset managers, advisory firms, private equity houses and consultants.

Its diverse team of analysts, industry experts, developers and data scientists work as an extension of clients’ teams and combined with its proprietary technology solutions, allow clients to transform their practices and processes, increase revenues and maximise operational efficiency.

-- BERNAMA

TDCX ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF DIGITAL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN SINGAPORE TO PIONEER NEW CX SOLUTIONS

^{TDCX's Digital Customer Experience Center of Excellence is located at its headquarters in Singapore and is led by Ms Angie Tay, Group Chief Operating Officer. (Photo: Business Wire)}


Center will focus on CX solutions that enable hyper personalized and seamless customer engagement physically and in the metaverse

SINGAPORE, Jan 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- TDCX Inc. (“TDCX” or the “Company”) (NYSE: TDCX), an award-winning digital customer experience (CX) solutions provider for innovative technology and other blue-chip companies, announced today the launch of its first Digital CX Center of Excellence in Singapore.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230125005321/en/

 

The Center will focus on leveraging technology to develop CX solutions that enable hyper personalized, seamless and secure customer engagement in both physical and virtual environments, such as in the metaverse. Through the Center, TDCX will pilot and validate new CX models and the supporting emerging technology architecture, to develop practical real-world applications and use cases.

Mr Laurent Junique, Founder and CEO of TDCX, said, “CX has become a strategic differentiator for businesses and a key enabler for the growth of the digital economy in today’s experience-driven marketplace. As digital and physical experiences continue to blur, we want to pioneer customer engagement strategies that continue to deliver a human touch during those critical moments that matter most. The launch of our Digital CX Center of Excellence is the convergence of our digital innovation and consulting capabilities as well as operational mastery through talent leadership in Singapore. Over time, we have grown our client relationships at a global level. These clients are now looking for global strategic support.”

The Center is located at TDCX’s headquarters in Singapore and is led by Ms Angie Tay, Group Chief Operating Officer.

In addition to percolating new CX strategies and acting as a global command center, TDCX Singapore will also develop best practices in data science and analytics to help businesses enhance cost efficiency in areas such as quality assurance automation. These best practices will be developed into playbooks to help businesses drive and deliver customer value and retention.

Ms Angie Tay, said, “Our clients are in a constant pursuit of optimization to maximize their finite resources. Amid the recent tech shake up, we see more clients coming to us to understand how they can enhance their CX strategy and standardize their operations globally. Our digital CX Center of Excellence will enable us to continue developing transformative CX solutions for our clients and further entrench our leadership in this market.”

Mr Ben Sun who heads TDCX’s Advisory and Transformation programs said, “The increasing complexity of the business landscape means that brands are constantly juggling multiple competing priorities. They are looking for trusted partners who understand their needs and can continually add value to the relationship. We have been advising our clients on a range of issues, such as benchmarking their CX approach against best practices and determining the optimal balance between technology and the human touch to drive the best CX outcomes. The launch of our digital CX Center of Excellence is timely as it enables us to address a vacuum in the market and establish ourselves as the partner of choice for brands looking to deliver great CX.”

Corporate Venture Capital arm to invest in promising technologies

To support the Center, TDCX has also set up a new Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) arm to invest in the technologies needed to drive CX innovation. The CVC will enable TDCX to take advantage of the innovative solutions that are already being incubated and developed in Singapore and South-East Asia.

Some of the technology that TDCX is looking into includes artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation and natural language processing.

TDCX’s Digital CX Center of Excellence is the company’s latest initiative to help businesses leverage innovative CX solutions to win new customers, build customer loyalty and achieve their CX outcomes. It adds to TDCX’s existing capabilities through its Digital Innovation Lab based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia which has been focused on developing new technology applications for the Group.

Since its 1995 launch in Singapore, TDCX has grown rapidly and is present in 16 countries across the globe. In October 2021, TDCX became the second home-grown company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

TDCX was also recognized by leading global technology research and advisory firm, ISG, as the top provider for CX services in Singapore in its latest Customer Experience Services report for Singapore and Malaysia¹.

About TDCX

Singapore-headquartered TDCX provides transformative digital CX solutions, enabling world-leading and disruptive brands to acquire new customers, to build customer loyalty and to protect their online communities.

TDCX helps clients achieve their customer experience aspirations by harnessing technology, human intelligence and its global footprint. It serves clients in fintech, gaming, technology, home sharing and travel, digital advertising and social media, streaming and e-commerce. TDCX’s expertise and strong footprint in Asia has made it a trusted partner for clients, particularly high-growth, new economy companies, looking to tap the region’s growth potential.

TDCX’s commitment to delivering positive outcomes for our clients extends to its role as a responsible corporate citizen. Its Corporate Social Responsibility program focuses on positively transforming the lives of its people, its communities and the environment.

TDCX employs more than 17,000 employees across 27 campuses globally, specifically Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, India, Romania, Spain, Colombia and Türkiye. For more information, please visit www.tdcx.com.

¹ Please refer to TDCX named a Leader in ISG Provider Lens™ Contact Center – Customer Experience Services SG/MY 2022 report for more information.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230125005321/en/

Contact

For enquiries, please contact:
Eunice Seow, eunice.seow@tdcx.com

Source : TDCX

METADREAM’S NEXT-GEN SOCIAL APP OFFERS NOVEL INTERACTIVE FEATURES

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Singapore-based tech startup Metadream’s recently launched next-gen social app Bondee, offers diverse and trendy avatars as well as novel interactive features.

According to Metadream in a statement, last week, Bondee was ranked as the #1 free app in the App Store.

“Founded by investors from the United States (US) and Australia, Metadream acquired the intellectual property rights of the app True.ly in May 2022 and made a creative and international transformation and gradually launched the app worldwide by the end of 2022,” it said.

In addition to Japan and South Korea as the product, R&D, and operational bases, there are three independent data centres in Singapore, Japan, and the US that were set up to ensure the safe use of products and meet the data security requirements of regional markets.

Metadream also plans to set up regional operation centres in Thailand, the Philippines, and other countries to meet the immediate demands of local users.

In Bondee, users can create trendy avatars and keep their friends posted on what they are up to, while also being able to express themselves freely by sharing their mood and status.

The social app also allows users to personalise their space, visit friends, and post comments as if they were actually living with them.

-- BERNAMA

Saint Lucia makes tremendous progress offering alternative investment option

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Saint Lucia, one of the youngest Citizenship by Investment (CBI) products in the market, has made tremendous progress in offering an alternative investment option in one of the Caribbean’s most developed and diverse economies.

The island state is emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies in the Caribbean region and the nation is well-known for offering various investment and business opportunities for those looking for options to plan their wealth and diversify their portfolios.

According to a statement, St Lucia has been praised for its advanced and modernised infrastructure and offers one of the most modernised education and healthcare systems in the region.

The country’s CBI Unit has introduced a new investment option for its CBI offerings following approvals from the CBI Board and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Ernest Hilaire.

To participate in the CBI programme of St Lucia, applicants must choose one of four investment options, one of which is the National Action Bond, a new non-interest-bearing Government bond, that has been available since Jan 1, 2023.

There are many benefits obtaining citizenship via investment, especially in St Lucia, as it attracts Foreign Direct Investment for the nation which is used for advancing various projects such as the development of infrastructure, advancement of real estate, business expansion and job innovation.

“A paradise for nature seekers, history buffs, and relaxation-seekers, St Lucia also offers citizens all of the tropical benefits of the Caribbean,” said the statement.

-- BERNAMA

2023 JAPAN PRIZE LAUREATES ANNOUNCED

 TOKYO, Jan 25, 2023 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --

The Japan Prize Foundation announced the winners of the 2023 Japan Prize on January 24, 2023. Prof. Masataka Nakazawa and Mr. Kazuo Hagimoto, both of Japan, are co-winners of the Japan Prize in the fields of Electronics, Information, and Communication, and Prof. Gero Miesenboeck of Austria and Prof. Karl Deisseroth of the United States are co-winners of the Japan Prize in the field of Life Science.
 
- Fields of Electronics, Information, and Communication
 
Prof. Masataka Nakazawa
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M000319/202301122017/
_prw_PI1fl_6Rl1J1P6.jpg

 
Mr. Kazuo Hagimoto
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M000319/202301122017/
_prw_PI2fl_92oy84V5.jpg

 
- Field of Life Science
 
Prof. Gero Miesenboeck
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M000319/202301122017/
_prw_PI3fl_umu1Iz4Y.jpg

 
Prof. Karl Deisseroth
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M000319/202301122017/
_prw_PI4fl_NHukgJH3.jpg

 
For this year's Japan Prize, Prof. Nakazawa and Mr. Hagimoto are being recognized for their distinguished contributions to global long-distance, high-capacity optical fiber network through the development of semiconductor laser pumped optical amplifier, while Prof. Miesenboeck and Prof. Deisseroth are being recognized for their development of methods that use genetically addressable light-sensitive membrane proteins to unravel neural circuit functions.
 
For the 2023 Japan Prize, the Foundation asked approximately 15,500 prominent scientists and engineers from around the world to nominate researchers working in this year's fields. It received 123 nominations in the fields of Electronics, Information, and Communication, and 204 nominations for the field of Life Science. This year's winners were selected from that total of 327 candidates.
 
About the Japan Prize
The establishment of the Japan Prize in 1981 was motivated by the Japanese government's desire to create an internationally recognized award that would contribute to scientific and technological development around the world. With the support of numerous donations, the Japan Prize Foundation received endorsement from the Cabinet Office in 1983.
 
The Japan Prize is awarded to scientists and engineers from around the world, who have made creative and dramatic achievements that help progress their fields and contribute significantly to realizing peace and prosperity for all humanity. Researchers in all fields of science and technology are eligible for the award, with two fields selected each year in consideration of current trends in scientific and technological development. In principle, one individual in each field is recognized with the award, and receives a certificate, a medal, and a monetary prize. Each Award Ceremony is attended by the current Emperor and Empress, heads of the three branches of government and other related officials, and representatives from various other elements of society.
 
SOURCE: Japan Prize Foundation

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=45280

OTT business messaging traffic exceeds 93 bln in 2023 - Juniper Research

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- Global Over the Top (OTT) business messaging traffic will rise from 93 billion in 2023 to 254 billion by 2027, according to a new Juniper Research study.

In a statement, Juniper Research said this growth of 172 per cent will be driven by increased availability of open OTT messaging APIs and competitive pricing models, creating a viable rich media alternative to established operator-led channels, such as SMS.

OTT business messaging enables brands and enterprises to communicate with customers via the use of third-party messaging applications, such as WhatsApp and WeChat.

The research identified consistently low OTT business messaging pricing as a key driver of adoption by Communications Platforms-as-a-Service (CPaaS) platforms.

As OTT messaging pricing is set by the platform itself rather than operators, this provides a far less volatile pricing model compared to SMS.

The research predicted that the advanced security and rich media properties of OTT business messaging will attract high-spending enterprise users to leverage these services.

It also identified that the increased processing and strict channel verification systems of OTT messaging applications will be key to ensuring OTT communications are not susceptible to the same fraudulent activity found on channels such as SMS.

Additionally, it urged CPaaS platforms to develop advanced security features, including artificial intelligence (AI)-based fraud prevention, that go beyond the capabilities of the OTT messaging channel to provide value-added services for enterprises.

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

-- BERNAMA

Genesis obtains court approval for first day motions

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- Genesis Global Holdco LLC (GGH) has received approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the court) for all the first day motions related to its Chapter 11 filed on Jan 19, 2023.

As previously announced, the Chapter 11 filing includes GGH and two of its lending business subsidiaries, Genesis Global Capital LLC (GGC) and Genesis Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (GAP).

Genesis’s other subsidiaries involved in the derivatives and spot trading and custody businesses and Genesis Global Trading are not included in the filing and continue client trading operations.

“We commenced an in-court restructuring after thoroughly evaluating all potential options with our advisers.

“We firmly believe that this process represents the best path to continue advancing the ongoing, productive conversations with our stakeholders to identify an equitable solution.

“We are pleased by the court’s approval of our first day motions, which enable Genesis to continue serving our trading clients while we move through our restructuring on a parallel track,” said its interim chief executive officer Derar Islim, in a statement.

All aspects of the restructuring process are being overseen by an independent special committee of the company’s board of directors with ongoing executive leadership from Islim.

Genesis is a full-service digital currency prime brokerage providing a single point of access for select qualified individuals and global institutional investors.

-- BERNAMA

Duck Creek recognised for commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- Duck Creek Technologies has earned recognition from Insurance Business America as its 2023 5-Star Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion winner for its strong programmes and values around diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I).

Chief executive officer at Duck Creek, Mike Jackowski said it was an honour for the company to be recognised as a leader of diversity, equity and inclusion in the insurance industry.

“Our people are our greatest asset and they are central to creating a community of belonging and helping us transform the future of insurance through purpose, technology and data.

“The different backgrounds, experiences and ideas of our employees enable our customers’ success and bring value to our entire ecosystem,” added Jackowski in a statement.

Meanwhile, global director – DE&I, Engagement and Culture, Amy Bayer said: “We are dedicated to continuously strengthening our winning culture and expanding our DE&I initiatives to remain a community where employees feel a true sense of belonging and experience opportunities for long-term personal and professional growth.”

As the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) insurance, Duck Creek is inherently people-focused and proudly made up of diverse individuals and global teams.

The company’s culture and DE&I programmes are a central part of its strategic global vision and it has five dedicated Employee Resource Groups focused on race, ethnicity, gender, military service and career level, and two councils focused on diversity and employee experience.

Duck Creek has championed a workplace that values and celebrates individuals and differences while encouraging and enabling collaboration.

-- BERNAMA

Capital Square, Basil Technology Set Up Technology Services Dedicated Funds In Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- Capital Square Partners (CSP) and Basil Technology Partners (BTP) (collectively known as GP or the Team), two Singapore-based private equity firms, have collaborated and successfully closed an approximately US$700 million CSP Fund II. (US$1=RM4.29)

In likely a first-of-its-kind transaction in Asia, CSP Fund II raised capital from funds managed by HarbourVest Partners (HarbourVest), TPG NewQuest and Committed Advisors, as well as other institutional investors (Investors), to acquire a portfolio of companies from the GP’s existing funds under management as well as provide the enlarged platform with capital for follow-ons and new investments (Transaction).

The Team will operate under the existing CSP platform whilst HarbourVest and TPG NewQuest co-led the deal in which HarbourVest led the structuring of the transaction.

The Transaction is believed to have established one of the largest technology services dedicated funds in Asia and the combination of the teams at CSP and BTP will significantly augment the platform’s execution capabilities.

“We are excited to be joined by the BTP team in building a leading regional technology investment platform, focused on leveraging our expertise in technology services and the emerging Software as a Service (SaaS), artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and digital sub-sectors.

“We believe these sectors will continue to show strength and resilience through economic cycles, and yield compelling investment opportunities for CSP Fund II,” said its partner, Sanjay Chakrabarty in a statement.

Meanwhile, its co-partner, Rajeev Srivastava said: “We are thrilled to be growing our capabilities under the CSP platform and appreciate the guidance from UBS Private Funds Group in structuring this highly complex transaction.”

“We are grateful for having HarbourVest as a capital partner as we embark on a new phase of growth for our portfolio companies and appreciate the strong endorsement from TPG NewQuest and Committed Advisors. We look forward to executing on an exciting pipeline of opportunities with CSP Fund II.”

-- BERNAMA

NEW LOYALTY PROGRAM: GMO RESEARCH INC. LAUNCHES SERVICE WEBSITE -- "Z.COM ENGAGEMENT LAB"

 

TOKYO, Jan 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- GMO Research Inc. (TOKYO: 3695), a part of Japan's GMO Internet Group, has launched a new service website -- "Z.com Engagement Lab", [URL: https://engagement.z.com/], aimed at providing marketing services in Asia.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230118005462/en/

Z.com Engagement Lab offers businesses a unique loyalty program solution that is based on the concept of Engagement as a Service (EaaS) to improve consumer commitment, which is a challenge for many membership-based businesses.
 

Z.com Engagement Lab by GMO Research

Z.com Engagement Lab is a loyalty program operated by GMO Research, a leading marketing research company in Asia. For over 20 years, GMO Research has been providing online research services to support the marketing challenges of companies globally. The focus of the business is proposing new marketing solutions to enhance the relationships between companies and consumers.

We are able to conduct online research by utilising our ASIA Cloud Panel¹, one of the largest panel² networks in Asia, with approximately 50 million³ survey monitors from 170 partners across 16 Asian countries and regions.

Services provided by Z.com Engagement Lab

Z.com Engagement Lab offers a new type of loyalty program service that can be provided by integrating a membership system with GMO Research's market research platform. This service operates by consumer members receiving enticing rewards through survey participations. Consumer members are at liberty to select the types of surveys they would like to complete from the list that GMO Research and the respective companies have agreed upon. This will increase customer engagement and revenue for membership-based businesses.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=45250

GENESIS STRATEGIC ACTIONS TO MAXIMISE VALUE FOR CLIENTS, FORTIFY FUTURE BUSINESS

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- Genesis Global Holdco, LLC (‘Genesis’ ‘GGH’ or the ‘company’, an industry pioneer and digital currency prime brokerage, has announced strategic actions to achieve a global resolution to maximize value for all clients and stakeholders and strengthen its future business.

As previously announced, Genesis and its advisers have been engaged in ongoing, productive discussions with advisers to its creditors and corporate parent Digital Currency Group (’DCG’) to evaluate the most effective path to preserve assets and move the business forward.

Genesis has now commenced a court-supervised restructuring process to further advance these discussions and reach a holistic solution for its lending business, which, if achieved, would provide an optimal outcome for Genesis clients and Gemini Earn users.

Genesis Global Holdco, LLC and two of its lending business subsidiaries, Genesis Global Capital, LLC (‘GGC’) and Genesis Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (‘GAP’), filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the ‘court’). Genesis’s other subsidiaries involved in the derivatives and spot trading and custody businesses and Genesis Global Trading are not included in the filing and continue client trading operations.

As part of its Chapter 11 filing, Genesis has proposed a roadmap to an exit including a Chapter 11 plan (the ‘plan’) that calls for a framework for a global resolution of all claims through, and the creation of, a trust that will distribute assets to creditors.

The company will initiate a marketing and sale process to monetise GGH’s assets or otherwise raise capital, using the transaction proceeds to pay creditors fairly and equitably. If the marketing process does not result in a sale or capital raise, creditors will receive ownership interests in Reorganized GGH.

All aspects of the restructuring process will be overseen by an independent special committee of the company’s board of directors.

“While we have made significant progress refining our business plans to remedy liquidity issues caused by the recent extraordinary challenges in our industry, including the default of Three Arrows Capital and the bankruptcy of FTX, an in-court restructuring presents the most effective avenue through which to preserve assets and create the best possible outcome for all Genesis stakeholders,” said Derar Islim, Interim CEO, Genesis in a statement.

Genesis has more than US$150 million in cash on hand which will provide ample liquidity to support its ongoing business operations and facilitate the restructuring process. (US$1 = RM4.297)

For more information, visit genesistrading.com.

-- BERNAMA

INTER MILAN CROWNED ITALIAN SUPER CUP CHAMPIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- Inter Milan won the Italian Super Cup as they defended the title with a 3-0 win over arch rivals AC Milan to lift the trophy in front of over 50,000 spectators at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

According to a statement, Deputy Minister of Sports, Badr Abdulrahman Al-Qadi and the President of the Italian Football League, Lorenzo Cassini, crowned Inter Milan with the Italian Super Cup title.

Federico Dimarco scored the first goal at the beginning of the first half, before Edin Džeko fortified Inter's lead with the second goal.

In the second half, Lautaro Martínez confirmed his team's victory by scoring the third goal and won the Super Cup title for the second time in a row, and the seventh in Inter Milan history.

Inter Milan is the third team to be crowned the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, after Juventus and Lazio who had won the cup previously in Jeddah and Riyadh, respectively.

Brought by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Sport, the event is hosted with the aim to achieve the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and as one of the “Quality of Life” Programme’s initiatives, by hosting the most spectacular and largest international sporting events, to ensure a great experience for the visitors of Diriyah Season.

-- BERNAMA

JUMIO, FIRST IDENTITY PROOFING VENDOR SURPASSES US$200 MLN IN BOOKINGS

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- Jumio, the provider of automated, end-to-end identity proofing, risk assessment and eKYC (Know Your Customer) solutions, became the first identity company to clear well over US$200 million in bookings which saw the completion of both the largest new deal and the largest total deal in the fourth quarter of 2022.  (US$1 = RM4.32)

This record-breaking close to a successful 2022 speaks to the sophistication of online business and the growing need for modern enterprises across all industries and geographies to truly know and trust their end users online.

“Despite the extremely daunting global environment, we continue to manage our business closely and focus on execution so we can evolve with the climate, and it continues to pay off.

“This allows us to further accelerate our investment in Jumio’s core technology and innovation in our ongoing mission to eradicate online fraud worldwide,” said Jumio Chief Executive Officer, Robert Prigge in a statement.

Jumio’s other notable achievements last year include the unveiling of its extended KYX platform, with an integrated orchestration hub benefiting from the company’s acquisition of 4Stop and hiring of key executives in which Susan Walker was appointed as Chief Financial Officer in May, while Stuart Wells joined in April as Chief Technology Officer.

Additionally, Jumio was recognised as a representative vendor for the fourth consecutive time in the latest Gartner Market Guide for Identity Proofing and Affirmation, published in March.

The Guide also lists Jumio among orchestration vendors that “connect to a range of identity proofing and affirmation vendors, as well as vendors focusing on fraud detection and user authentication.”

-- BERNAMA

GUUD SINGAPORE LAUNCHES NEW DIGITAL LOGISTICS PLATFORM CLICKARGOSG

And signs MoU with strategic partners – Shell, Yinson GreenTech, Assure Insurance and CO2 Connect to promote green initiatives via programmes and exclusive deals on the platform

SINGAPORE, Jan 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Singapore-headquartered trade technology company GUUD Pte Ltd (“GUUD”) has today announced the launch of ClickargoSG, a new digital logistics platform by GUUD Singapore designed to promote the digitalisation of the logistics sector and to create greener supply chains using technology.

The launch event and Memorandum of Signing ceremony was held at the Singapore Turf Club and was graced by Senior Minister of State for Transport, and Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Amy Khor, who delivered the opening remarks.

The ClickargoSG platform currently provides GUUD’s pilot freight forwarder users such as DSV Air & Sea (Singapore) Pte Ltd and Crane Worldwide Logistics Singapore Pte Ltd with convenient access to the use of electric vehicles for their trucking and transportation needs, as well as track-and-trace, route optimisation and digital proofs of delivery. This helps streamline processes creating efficient workflows, real-time access to the truck driver’s location as well as updates on which deliveries have been made. With route planning optimisation, this also means that energy consumption is reduced, and this provides cost and time savings for the businesses as well as helps the companies meet their environmental, social and governance goals.

Mr Siva Gunesparan, General Manager of GUUD Singapore shared, “ClickargoSG was launched to help the logistics community kickstart their sustainability journey. While we’re promoting digitalisation and the adoption of electric vehicles, we also understand that much of the industry still utilises diesel or fuel-powered vehicles, and making a complete change will take time. With these in mind, we’ve brought on board with us, like-minded partners who are willing to walk this journey with us, to encourage our digital platform usage which helps logistics providers to track their carbon emissions, optimise their fuel efficiency, and work slowly but surely towards having greener supply chains.”
GUUD SINGAPORE LAUNCHES NEW DIGITAL LOGISTICS PLATFORM CLICKARGOSG

​BANUBA TINT, A VIRTUAL TRY-ON FOR COSMETICS, IMPROVES SEASONAL COLOR ANALYSIS

​· Tint is a new augmented reality software for cosmetic businesses
· Tests have shown improvements in conversion rates, average order value, and engagement

HONG KONG, Jan 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- In 2022, Banuba added a new product called Tint to its software offerings. This now includes an automated system for AI seasonal color analysis and a recommendation engine that helps people determine their color profile and receive suggestions for the most suitable beauty products and combinations. This is currently the only available solution of its kind on the market.

The lifelike quality of the products are in line with the needs of the most demanding companies and can realistically offer the following benefits:
· over 200% better conversion rate;
· over 30% higher average order value;
· a more than 300% increase in website engagement.

Artificial intelligence technology allows Tint to provide accurate personalized recommendations. People admire products that the AI mechanism recommends and thus this boosts conversions and decreases returns by up to 60%. Even if the person doesn’t know what will fit, the software will make sure they are only shown the products that are guaranteed to look good on them.

BANUBA TINT, A VIRTUAL TRY-ON FOR COSMETICS, IMPROVES SEASONAL COLOR ANALYSIS

Abdul Malik designated CT Group Managing Director, Singapore to lead new office

Abdul Malik has been appointed to the role of Managing Director, Singapore, for C|T Group. (Photo: Business Wire)


KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- CT Group has appointed Abdul Malik as Managing Director, Singapore to lead its new office in the island republic, further establishing their vastly growing presence in the region.

He was born and resides in Singapore, and brings a wealth of experience in professional services to his new role at the CT Group.

Most recently, Malik was Chief Operating Officer at the law firm Oon & Bazul LLP, where he was responsible for setting the firm’s commercial and financial strategies, managing a team of 65 lawyers. He was the first non-legal professional to be awarded equity in a law firm in Singapore

Earlier in his career, Malik held Business Development Manager roles at various organisations, including the Energy Market Authority, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and British Council Singapore.

In a statement, Executive Chairman and CEO, Lynton Crosby said: “I am delighted Malik is joining us. His sector-leading experience and track record across Southeast Asia will expand CT’s presence, insight and expertise in this crucial region.

“His appointment is a real statement of intent and recognition of the importance and the growing potential of the region.”

Malik added: “Singapore is a natural hub in SEA and this exciting development will complement the great work that is currently undertaken by a group of talented professionals globally. This office will bring us closer, both geographically and relationship-wise to our valued Asian clients.”

“My appointment as Managing Director Singapore is an enormous privilege and I am determined to work with decision makers in this part of the world as their trusted independent adviser of choice and reinforce C|T Group’s position as a leading trusted adviser to businesses, political leaders, private family offices and corporations.”

-- BERNAMA

NEW RESEARCH REVEALS SHIFTING IDENTITIES OF GLOBAL FISHING FLEET TO HELP BOLSTER FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

Scientific study fuses multiple data sources to advance global understanding of vessel identity and behavior


WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new study published today in Science Advances combines a decade’s worth of satellite vessel tracking data with identification information from more than 40 public registries to determine where and when vessels responsible for most of the world’s industrial fishing change their country of registration, a practice known as “reflagging”, and identify hotspots of potential unauthorized fishing and activity of foreign-owned vessels.   

Using big data processing and a compilation of global datasets, researchers from Global Fishing Watch, the Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab from Duke University, and Stockholm Resilience Centre were able to track and analyze 35,000 commercial fishing and support vessels to reveal their changing identities and enable the reconstruction of vessel histories to demonstrate reflagging patterns. 

The study, “Tracking Elusive and Shifting Identities of the Global Fishing Fleet'' found that close to 20 percent of high seas fishing is carried out by vessels that are either internationally unregulated or not publicly authorized, with large concentrations of these ships operating in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean and the western Indian Ocean.

The data used in the study is intended to complement the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ Global Record of Fishing Vessels, Refrigerated Transport Vessels and Supply Vessels, a flagship transparency initiative which serves as the official database of information on vessels used for fishing and fishing-related activities. Together with the International Maritime Organization’s ship identification number scheme, these resources can provide fisheries authorities with the information needed to adequately monitor vessel activity, implement flag State responsibilities, and inform responsible fisheries management. 

“Until now, we’ve had limited information linking together the identity and activity of specific vessels,” said Jaeyoon Park, senior data scientist at Global Fishing Watch and lead author of the study. “When a vessel’s identity is changed, it makes tracking them all the more difficult, allowing bad actors the opportunity to take advantage of information gaps and avoid oversight. We need to close that loophole.” 

Of the 116 States involved in reflagging, the study found that one-fifth of them were responsible for about 80 percent of this practice over the past decade, with most reflagging occurring in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. The study found that reflagging takes place in just a few ports—Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Busan, Zhoushan, and Kaohsiung have the highest activity. Vessels are often reflagged to States that are unrelated to the ports in which they are changing their registrations. This means that a vessel can change its flag from one country to another without ever having to enter port in either of those countries.

While there are legitimate reasons for a vessel to change its identity, abusive reflagging, or “flag hopping,” is one way that operators avoid oversight. The study found that fleets with prevalent reflagging are over five times more likely to be composed of vessels under foreign ownership which are often registered to “flags of convenience,” defined by the International Transport Workers' Federation as countries that offer foreign shipowners the ability to register, or fly the flag, of their own State. 

While reflagging and foreign ownership are lawful, when not properly regulated and monitored, they can indicate a risk of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. IUU fishing accounts for as much as 20 percent of the global seafood catch with annual losses valued at up to $23.5 billion.

“Knowing the identities of vessels fishing the high seas is critical for uncovering the connection between the potential IUU fishing behavior and vessels that repeatedly change their name, flag State or registered owner,” said co-author Gabrielle Carmine, a doctoral candidate at Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment. “This analysis could be used to help monitor fisheries more effectively and for accountability in the use and protection of marine biodiversity."

The study also identified concentrations of fishing activity by foreign-owned vessels, which are focused in parts of the high seas and certain national waters, including the southwest Pacific, the northwest Indian Ocean, Argentina and the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), and West Africa where vessels are typically owned by China, Chinese Taipei, and Spain. The hotspots in this study correspond to the areas in which multiple nongovernmental organizations have called for better governance systems. 

“By synthesizing more than 100 billion GPS positions with consolidated identity information from 200,000 vessels, we were able to reveal patterns about vessel activity from the past decade,” added Park. “This study represents a major step forward in our ability to enhance monitoring efforts and help authorities direct enforcement resources.” 

The data used in this study will be periodically updated and shared publicly to help enable better understanding of vessel behavior and bolster international fisheries management. 

Notes to the editor:

• Download data visualizations, video, and figures from the paper here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11T-UNkRQmlktINuTw5ufurNFuzAIxTu8?usp=share_link 
• Data visualization caption: Data analysis in this study’s assessment of fishing compliance revealed hotspots of fishing activity by foreign-owned vessels in the southwest Pacific, the west Indian oceans, and certain national waters.
• About vessel identity data: The data used to determine vessel identities in this study were based on public registries. A lack of vessel identity information exists at the national level, while the high seas are predominantly covered by registries published by regional fisheries management organizations. The identity data used in this study has more extensive coverage for vessels that are 24 meters and longer, as these vessels are more likely to be registered to national or international public registries than smaller ones.
• About AIS data: First developed as a collision-avoidance system, AIS is essential to vessel and crew safety. But AIS is easily manipulated, as it can simply be switched off or allow the transmission of false information, such as a vessel’s name, type or location. Currently there is no global mandate for all fishing vessels to broadcast on AIS. And due to the varying quality of satellite reception by region, there is also unequal coverage of AIS data throughout the world. Most vessels larger than 24 meters are equipped with AIS while only a small fraction of vessels smaller than 24 meters use AIS, resulting in limitations in AIS data. 
• Paper citation: J. Park, J. Van Osdel, J. Turner, C. M. Farthing, N. A. Miller, H. L. Linder, G. Ortuño Crespo, G. Carmine, D. A. Kroodsma, Tracking elusive and shifting identities of the global fishing fleet. Sci. Adv. 9, eabp8200 (2023).
• Download the data at: https://globalfishingwatch.org/data-download/datasets/public-vessel-identity:v20230118 

 
Global Fishing Watch is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency of human activity at sea. By creating and publicly sharing map visualizations, data and analysis tools, we aim to enable scientific research and transform the way our ocean is managed. We believe human activity at sea should be public knowledge in order to safeguard the global ocean for the common good of all.

Attachment

• Fishing effort by foreign-owned fishing vessels, 2012-2020

Lisa Tossey
Global Fishing Watch
+1-302-448-6638
lisa.tossey@globalfishingwatch.org

SOURCE : Global Fishing Watch

CORRE ENERGY EXPANDS ENERGY STORAGE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS TO NORTH AMERICA

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- The Netherlands-headquartered, Corre Energy B.V. has expanded its energy storage project development operations in the United States (US) and Canada via its subsidiary, Corre Energy US Development Company LLC to source and develop utility-scale compressed air energy storage (CAES) projects across North America.

“CAES is a commercially proven technology that can use renewable energy to compress air into underground salt caverns when power demand and prices are low, also ranked as the lowest cost long duration energy storage technology by the US Department of Energy.

“This energy is later released to the grid to increase supply when demand and prices are higher, enhancing the stability, reliability and security of the network,” said Corre Energy in a statement.

Corre Energy chief executive officer, Keith McGrane said as the market leader for long duration energy storage projects in Europe, the company looks forward to transferring its know-how into the US and Canada.

“Our North American operations will also provide opportunities for investors mainly focused on the North American market to participate in financing the debt and equity requirements of our North American subsidiary and its CAES projects,” added McGrane.

In return for allowing renewable generators to store energy in its CAES plants and discharge that energy when its value is highest, Corre Energy will typically charge a set fee and share in the upside revenue earned by its customers, under an “offtake agreement”.

The company has also named Chet Lyons, a pioneer in the energy storage industry, as president of Corre Energy US Development Company LLC.

Lyons played an instrumental role in developing and commercialising merchant-based energy storage projects to perform frequency regulation ancillary services in the US, Canada and globally.

Through its project development activities, Corre Energy is working to accelerate the global transition to net zero, while enhancing the security and flexibility of large-scale energy systems.

-- BERNAMA

HOP ON BOARD VISTAJET TO EXPERIENCE LUNAR NEW YEAR GASTRONOMY

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- VistaJet, a global business aviation company has partnered with its gastronomy partners to provide unique Lunar New Year Experiences, including tossing of the auspicious Lo Hei on board a private jet while cruising at 45,000 feet.

VistaJet gastronomy partners include Shangri-La Singapore and The Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong in which partnerships with Shangri-La Hotel are for flights leaving Singapore while flights out of the territory with The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong’s Michelin-star restaurant Tin Lung Heen.

“With the Chinese border now open, families can go back to China for reunions and corporations can send executives for business again. We are optimistic about the growth prospects for the region in 2023,” said VistaJet chief commercial officer, Ian Moore in a statement.

Lo Hei, which means ‘prosperity toss’ in Cantonese is a popular custom during Lunar New Year in Southeast Asia involving the festive Chinese dish Yu Sheng.

Shangri-La’s Michelin-star Shang Palace has created special Lunar New Year menus for VistaJet flights from Singapore, selecting the freshest and finest ingredients used in Chinese cuisine, such as abalone, scallops, lobster and coral trout.

Meanwhile, for flights from Hong Kong, treat yourself to a traditional ‘Yum Cha’ (tea and dim sum), on the world’s highest dining table served by restaurant partner Tin Lung Heen, at The Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong.

‘Yum Cha’ on board a VistaJet flight from Hong Kong includes options such as the shrimp dumplings with scallops and steamed Alaskan crab meat dumplings topped with Salmon Roe.

“Give the ‘Yum Cha’ a sweet ending with a double-boiled superior Bird’s Nest served with coconut milk, almond cream and syrup,” said VistaJet.

VistaJet’s unique Lunar New Year gastronomy experiences are further enhanced by unparalleled onboard service in which its international Cabin Hosts are trained by the British Butler Institute.

The company has already experienced a large year-on-year increase in passenger traffic in Asia Pacific, with its flight traffic across Asia-Pacific grew 65 per cent year-on-year for the first nine months of 2022, driven partly by growth in Southeast Asia.

-- BERNAMA

SAUDI ARABIA TO HOST ITALIAN SUPER CUP BETWEEN INTER MILAN AND AC MILAN TOMORROW

^{Saudi Arabia to host Italian Super Cup between Inter Milan and AC Milan tomorrow (Photo: AETOSWire)}


RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, will host tomorrow at 10:00pm (local time) The Italian Super Cup match between league champions AC Milan and cup winners Inter Milan, at Riyadh’s King Fahd Stadium, brought by Ministry of Sport as part of the sporting events in Diriyah’s 2^nd Season.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230117005762/en/

 

The long-awaited tournament for football fans in Saudi Arabia and the world will enjoy a thrilling match between two of Milan’s giants, Inter, the current Coppa Italia holders, and AC Milan, for the Italian Super Cup. Both clubs will go head-to-head in an epic derby showdown.

Previously, Saudi Arabia hosted the Italian Super Cup in 2018 and 2019, where the first edition was held in Jeddah between Juventus and Milan, at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, while the second edition was held at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, between Juventus and Lazio.

The Kingdom’s hosting of this major event comes as part of international sporting tournaments and events taking place in the 2022 Diriyah Season which are brought by Ministry of Sport, with the aim to achieve the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and as one of the “Quality of Life” Program’s initiatives, by hosting the most spectacular and largest international sporting events, to ensure a great experience for the visitors of Diriyah Season through amazing activities.

*Source: AETOSWire

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230117005762/en/

Contact

Dany Abadie – Managing Director
dany.abadie@squidnomad.com

Source : Saudi Arabia Ministry of Sport

METALPHA TO EXPAND IN DIGITAL ASSET WEALTH MANAGEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- Dragon Victory International Limited has announced officially changing its name to Metalpha Technology Holding Limited (the Company). The Company has also successfully completed restructuring with Antalpha Technologies Limited (Antalpha).

Upon completion of the reorganisation, Metalpha Limited (Metalpha) will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Established in 2021, Metalpha is a leading digital assets wealth management company headquartered in Hong Kong.

The company works with clients to create tailor-made instruments that enable sophisticated investors to establish or liquidate investment positions or undertake hedging strategies.

This reorganisation demonstrates a high level of confidence that the Company’s management team has in Metalpha's ability to increase its presence and develop a competitive advantage under the current market conditions and is intended to pave the way for new opportunities for Metalpha to become a global leader in digital asset wealth management.

Metalpha employs finance talents with deep experience in derivatives and structured products, many of whom formerly worked at industry-leading banks such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and UBS.

“The crypto industry continues to have room for growth, despite its challenges this year. We are looking very closely at how to build a stronger and healthier global market for digital assets, which we are doing together with our partners, such as Antalpha, and many others,” said founder and chief executive officer, Adrian Wang in a statement.

Metalpha aims to provide customers with high-quality product design and trading capabilities in the industry and is committed to delivering the best structured derivative products to cryptocurrency market participants. The company does not offer services to Mainland China and pursues the highest level of compliance standards in every jurisdiction it operates in.

Looking ahead, the Company will actively work with regulators on various compliance measures and plans to invest in supporting public education in blockchain technology and hiring more personnel at its headquarters in Hong Kong.

-- BERNAMA

FREEDOMPAY, ELO INK PARTNERSHIP FOR DIGITAL IN-STORE EXPERIENCE TRANSFORMATION

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- FreedomPay, the global leader in Next Level Commerce and Elo, a global provider of interactive solutions and interactive display solutions, announced the integration of Elo’s M60 Pay handheld computer with FreedomPay’s secure commerce technology.

“The partnership with Elo will give customers the secure and seamless checkout experience expected with FreedomPay coupled with the innovative and modular designed solutions from Elo,” said FreedomPay founder and chief executive officer (CEO), Tom Durovsik.

Meanwhile, Elo CEO, Craig Witsoe said the partnership with FreedomPay would bring enhanced functionality and security to create a more personalised experience for consumers.

Built to accept today’s popular payment and loyalty cards, the M60 Pay has a built-in Europay, MasterCard and Visa (EMV), magnetic stripe reader and near-field communication (NFC) for cards with either chips or strips and digital contactless payments.

The Android-based M60 Pay computer can transform from a mobile to a fixed point of sales (POS) solution with the optional docking station, expansion module and Elo touchscreen monitor, said FreedomPay in a statement.

FreedomPay and Elo are reinventing the digital in-store experience by uniting Elo’s innovative and interactive solutions with FreedomPay’s industry-leading commerce technology platform to create a secure, frictionless, unified shopping experience for global consumers while supporting merchants with robust loyalty and data analytics capabilities.

FreedomPay’s Next Level Commerce platform offers many benefits to merchants and customers, including the ability to unify commerce across properties, channels and regions within a single open, fully agnostic, flexible platform.

Other benefits from the platform also consist of a touchless ecosystem that supports contactless payments, QR technology, Apple Pay and Google Pay; and a fully integrated end-to-end solution enabling secure payments, identity-as-a-service, loyalty and business intelligence.

-- BERNAMA