Smart City Expo Doha 3rd Edition To Foster Sustainable Urban Development

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- The third edition of Smart City Expo (SCE) Doha, the region's leading urban innovation event, is being held within the International Horticulture Exhibition of Qatar, Al Bidda Park from Nov 29 to 30.

Organised by the Qatar Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), SCE Doha is an event of Smart City Expo World Congress and Fira Barcelona International, bringing together 70 local and international speakers from more than 80 countries.

Aimed at fostering innovation and harnessing disruptive technologies to shape the urban future, the event will also be streamed live on the Tomorrow.city platform, according to a statement.

Themed "A World of Data, Connecting People, Elevating Lives", the event will claim the fundamental role of data, connectivity and technology in building smarter, more sustainable and liveable cities for their citizens, with an emphasis on the transformative potential of cutting-edge technologies.

During the two-day event, the 70 speakers will deliver more than 20 sessions on four main themes, namely, Green Urban Environments, Digital Governance, Cognitive Cities and Livable Places.

Some 40 leading companies and organisations will also participate and explain, discuss, inspire and exchange their knowledge and innovative ideas on how to bring smart development to cities, showcasing different projects, initiatives and solutions for a more innovative, sustainable and inclusive urban future.

SCE Doha is part of the internationalisation strategy of Smart City Expo World Congress, the world's leading exhibition on smart cities and urban solutions organised annually by Fira de Barcelona, which held its 13th edition last November.

Along these lines, foreign editions have been held in 2023 in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, the United States, Mexico and China.

-- BERNAMA

GHD ADVISORY RESEARCH IDENTIFY OBSTACLES PREVENTING ORGANISATIONS FROM IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABILITY PLANS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- GHD Advisory, a professional services company, has published the results of its global corporate sustainability research to uncover what is holding organisations back from executing their sustainability strategies, ahead of the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28).

According to a statement, GHD Sustainability Monitor 2024: From Ambition to Action research found that the scale of sustainability ambition is unnerving for most organisations and the gap between intention and action is significant.

While a promising 97 per cent of executives believe that their sustainability agenda is adding commercial value, more than 50 per cent of executives feel that economic uncertainty has reduced or significantly reduced commitments and actions.


“The GHD Sustainability Monitor 2024 reveals the barriers which help to identify practical and tangible ways to overcome challenges and close the gap between ambition to action through new levels of engagement, collaboration and action,” said GHD Advisory Executive General Manager, Richard Fechner.

GHD is attending COP28 with a strong on-the-ground presence and programme of activity across the blue and green zones, as well as Climate Action’s Sustainable Innovation Forum.

Among findings from the research show that 95 per cent of executives said sustainability is central to their organisation’s vision and strategy. Executives cited less confidence in integrating sustainability strategy across internal stakeholders.

In addition, 79 per cent of executives believed a moderate to significant gap exists between what they are trying to achieve and what has been implemented. The need for a step-change in external and internal stakeholder collaboration is seen as a hurdle.

Also highlighted, 75 per cent of executives said there are fundamental contradictions in the sustainability agenda with for-profit companies working towards making a positive impact while furthering the bottom-line.

The report also outlines five ways to expedite immediate sustainability action including actualise sustainability; lead with social engagement; prioritise corporate sustainability regulation; and tackle Scope 3 emissions.

The global research examines the state of corporate sustainability involving 550 executives across the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and India.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST AFFIRMS LONPAC INSURANCE CREDIT RATINGS AS EXCELLENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30  (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency AM Best has affirmed Malaysia’s Lonpac Insurance Bhd (Lonpac) Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” (Excellent).

In a statement, AM Best said these credit ratings which have a stable outlook reflected Lonpac’s balance sheet strength, which was assessed as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

Lonpac’s risk-adjusted capitalisation is at the strongest level at year-end 2022, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, and is expected to remain at this level over the near to medium term.

Despite a high dividend payout ratio over the past five years (2018-2022), the company has demonstrated strong capital growth from retained earnings over this period, in addition to having a generally conservative investment portfolio comprising cash, bonds and debt-focused unit trust funds.

The rating agency views Lonpac’s operating performance as strong, as evidenced by its five-year average return-on-equity ratio of 28.3 per cent and combined ratio of 67.5 per cent (2018-2022).

The company observed an uptick in claims activity in 2022 and the first 10 months of 2023 mainly due to easing of COVID-19-related movement restrictions in Malaysia. As of Oct 31, 2023, its operating performance remains favourable, driven by stable underwriting profit and investment performance.

Whilst AM Best expects Lonpac to maintain its strong operating performance over the medium term, claims normalisation and reinsurance market hardening, as well as the ongoing phased liberalisation of motor and fire insurance pricing in Malaysia may constrain underwriting margins over the near to medium term.

Meanwhile, the company’s business profile was viewed by the rating agency as neutral. Lonpac is a mid-sized non-life insurer in Malaysia, with a market share of approximately eight per cent, based on 2022 gross direct premium.

The company’s underwriting portfolio is diversified moderately by line of business, albeit with the majority of business originating from Malaysia, and benefits from a long-standing relationship with Public Bank Berhad, which provides Lonpac with preferential access to profitable property business via the banking channel.

-- BERNAMA

CHINA’S NON-LIFE INSURANCE SEGMENT OUTLOOK REMAINS STABLE - AM BEST

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency AM Best has maintained a stable outlook on China’s non-life insurance segment given the growth momentum in the motor and non-motor segments, as well as the domestic economic recovery following removal of pandemic-related restrictions, partially offset by a weaker 2024 economic outlook.

The rating agency’s “Market Segment Outlook: China Non-Life Insurance” report also notes the industry’s solvency position remains robust, albeit with higher capital requirements under China Risk-Oriented Solvency System (C-ROSS) Phase II.

According to AM Best in a statement, the recent relaxation of C-ROSS solvency-related investment rules is expected to boost the non-life segment’s solvency position slightly.

China’s non-life market posted a net profit of 44.5 billion Chinese yuan in the first nine months of 2023, down by 7.4 billion Chinese yuan from the same prior-year period, which was attributed to underwriting pressures and catastrophic events; the industry’s investment returns remain the main contributor to overall earnings.

At the same time, total direct premiums written rose by 7.3 per cent, to 1.2 trillion Chinese yuan (US$166.4 billion) in the first nine months of this year. The motor segment has shown strong growth momentum, with premiums expanding by 5.8 per cent in August and by 5.6 per cent in September, compared with the same periods last year. (US$1=RM4.64)

Another significant trend is the exponential growth in electric vehicle sales, which has led to rising demand for motor insurance.

Its senior financial analyst, Lucie Huang said: “While insurers are looking to tap into the opportunities offered by the electric vehicle segment, it should be noted that repair and servicing costs are higher than that of gas-powered vehicles due to expensive parts and a shortage of qualified repair and maintenance technicians.

“Moreover, the lack of claims history, combined with differences among electric vehicle manufacturers, poses a challenge to accurate pricing and risk assessments.”

According to the report, non-motor lines of business will likely be the main drivers of future premium growth, and AM Best expects that non-motor lines will fuel development of China’s non-life market over the medium term.

-- BERNAMA

97 PCT CIOS DISTRESSED BY CYBERSECURITY THREAT - OPENGEAR SURVEY

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- A staggering 97 per cent of United States (US)-based chief information officers (CIOs) surveyed expressed serious concerns about at least one cybersecurity threat to their organisation.

This is according to a new comprehensive research released by Opengear, a Digi International company and provider of secure and Smart Out of Band management solutions.

“The skills shortage and insufficient investment in networks are two factors that have combined to encourage cybercriminals to breach businesses. Smart Out of Band solutions enable organisations to manage their networks at all times from local and remote sites, even during an outage.

“Network engineers can make smarter, real-time decisions to achieve consistent network resilience and unparalleled visibility, with security and encryption features ensuring that management policies remain continually enforced,” said Opengear President, Gary Marks in a statement.

The primary cybersecurity concerns highlighted in the research included malware (42 per cent), spam and phishing (34 per cent), social engineering (31 per cent), and insider threats (30 per cent). Remarkably, malware also emerged as a significant threat for 42 per cent of the surveyed network engineers.

While only 23 per cent of US CIOs reported distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks as a threat, 38 per cent of network engineers reported a higher level of concern for this specific type of attack, most likely due to their close proximity to the network.

To add to these concerns, US engineers said that insufficient investments are enhancing the risk of cyberattacks and/or downtime (59 per cent).

Continued technology investment is essential to enable engineers to safeguard networks during cyberattacks and the latest research further highlights a concerning trend, indicating that 27 per cent of US network engineers are actively contemplating leaving their current roles due to inadequate funding, an alarming contrast to the global average of 21 per cent.

The survey encompassed responses from 502 CIOs and 510 network engineers in the US, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Australia.

-- BERNAMA

AM Best Maintains Stable Outlook On Vietnam's Non-life Insurance Segment

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency AM Best has maintained a stable market outlook on Vietnam’s non-life insurance segment, citing premium growth and regulatory enhancements that strengthen risk management and corporate governance.

In its latest Best’s Market Segment Report, “Market Segment Outlook: Vietnam Non-Life Insurance”, the rating agency notes the government’s relaxation of restrictions on foreign investment in Vietnam’s insurance industry as a positive factor.

AM Best is of the view that this will be a favourable development over the long term; in particular, smaller local players can leverage foreign investors’ experience and expertise to refine their underwriting capability and business strategies.

In a statement, its senior financial analyst, Ken Lau said Vietnam’s non-life insurance market will likely resume its growth momentum as global demand recovers and benefits the domestic economy.

“Vietnam is likely to remain an attractive destination of foreign direct investment on account of the government’s pro-business stance and its position as an alternative for companies seeking to diversify their supply chain operations away from China,” he said.

Vietnam’s non-life gross written premiums grew year over year by 1.3 per cent in the first half of 2023 to 34.9 trillion Vietnamese dong (US$1.4 billion) despite a slowdown in economic growth and issues associated with mis-selling of bancassurance products. (US$1=RM4.67)

The inadequacy of management and supervision of service quality and products sold via the bancassurance channel resulted in heightened regulatory scrutiny and oversight of bancassurance deals by the Ministry of Finance and led to lacklustre growth for some market players, as well as indirectly slowed down growth in individual lines of insurance.

The report notes that the promulgation of the new Insurance Business Law at the start of 2023 will strengthen risk management standards of Vietnam’s non-life insurers, thus enhancing the attractiveness of the market to foreign investors.

At the same time, the cost of compliance will increase for insurers and may become onerous for smaller carriers. The increased regulatory scrutiny on bancassurance is essential for restoring consumer confidence in insurance, following numerous complaints from policyholders about shortcomings and inadequacies in service.

-- BERNAMA

Vietnam's Petrolimex Insurance Credit Ratings Affirmed - AM Best

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency AM Best has affirmed Vietnam's Petrolimex Insurance Corporation (PJICO) Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb” (Good).

Additionally, AM Best has assigned the Vietnam National Scale Rating (NSR) of aaa.VN (Exceptional) to PJICO.

These credit ratings (ratings) which have a stable outlook reflect PJICO’s strong balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

In a statement, AM Best said PJICO’s balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which is expected to remain at the strongest level prospectively, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio.

At the same time, the company’s capital and surplus reported a slight decrease as a result of substantial dividend payments. However, the rating agency expects that future dividend payouts will be moderated over the medium term.

PJICO maintains a conservative investment strategy, with a majority of its investments held in cash and term deposits, in which it has a moderate reliance on reinsurance to support its underwriting capacity for large property and engineering risks, as well as to manage accumulation risks and catastrophe exposure.

AM Best assesses the company’s operating performance as adequate, evidenced by a five-year weighted average return-on-equity ratio and combined ratio of 12.2 per cent and 97.1 per cent (2018-2022), with its overall earnings remain driven by a stable stream of investment income.

Underwriting profits from commercial lines including property and marine cargo businesses have benefitted typically from low net loss ratios and good reinsurance commission income.

Furthermore, AM Best also evaluates the company’s business profile as neutral. A non-life insurer based in Vietnam, PJICO’s premium mix is diversified moderately with key business lines being motor, accident and health, property, and marine cargo.

It has a wide distribution network, whereby its business is mainly sourced directly and through agencies, and the company’s profile benefits from its common branding and preferential access to cargo business arising from its largest non-majority shareholder, Vietnam National Petroleum Group. 

-- BERNAMA

THINGSPIRE TO DEMOCRATIZE SCOPE 3 CARBON ACCOUNTING

^{Thingspire to democratize Scope 3 carbon accounting (Graphic: Thingspire Ltd.)}


SEOUL, South Korea, Nov 24 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Thingspire, a Korean decarbonization startup, today announced the initiation of its research with Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) on environmentally extended input-output (EEIO). Designed to facilitate organizations of varying sizes to effectively measure and report their Scope 3 emissions on purchased goods and services, Thingspire adopted a novel approach of cross-validating Korean Standard Industrial Classification (KSIC) subcategories against physical data.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231123915948/en/

 

Aimed at generating 381 or more emission factors, this research will produce the first set of spend-based emission factors that are uniquely tailored for seamless integration with any existing enterprise resource planner (ERP) in Korea, thereby helping organizations to measure and report Scope 3 emissions at ease. Thingspire’s spend-based emission factors from this ongoing research will complement its existing global emission factors database, which has its core strength in Asia-Pacific coverage. In addition, it can serve as a benchmark for both sustainability and purchasing managers to meet their sustainability KPIs.

Organizations in Korea face mounting pressure and challenges from global regulatory bodies due to their critical position in the upstream of global supply chain. As stricter reporting and reduction standards emerge, the often resource-stricken Korean small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are left to cope with the downstream pressures such as Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act. Offered as both API and cloud-based web service, Thingspire’s carbon accounting software, “Carbonscope,” is already filling this void by onboarding SMEs across major industrial complexes in Korea. Hundreds of SMEs have already begun measuring their carbon footprints to secure their place in the global supply chain, using industry-specific data entry forms prepared by carbon analysts.

Kwangjae Cho, Founder of Thingspire, said, “Carbonscope was designed to exceed sustainability metrics for even the smallest organizations outside the regulatory framework. We aspire to empower SMEs - and multinationals alike – in cementing their place in the market, instead of being baffled by global carbon regulations.” To be showcased at the upcoming ENLIT Europe 2023 in Paris between November 28^th and November 30^th, Carbonscope seeks to establish its presence in the EU market and beyond.

About Thingspire

Since 2014, Thingspire has served Korean manufacturing sector in achieving energy efficiency. Following a 3-dimensional approach in tackling Net-Zero challenges, Thingspire offers carbon accounting, energy management system, and climate AI solutions.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231123915948/en/

Contact

Thingspire Ltd.
Hyejeong Lee
contact@thingspire.com

Source : Thingspire Ltd.

AM Best Affirms NEWGT Reinsurance Credit Ratings

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency AM Best has affirmed Bermuda’s NEWGT Reinsurance Company Ltd (NEWGT) Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” (Excellent).

In a statement, AM Best said the credit ratings (ratings) which have a stable outlook, reflected NEWGT’s balance sheet strength, which was assessed as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

NEWGT’s balance sheet strength is well-supported by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which is assessed at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio.

The company’s capital base, albeit reduced following a sizeable dividend upstream to its parent, ITOCHU Corporation (ITOCHU), in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, is expected to remain sufficient to support its underwriting portfolio over the medium term.

Additionally, NEWGT’s operating performance has been consistently positive during the most recent five-year period, with the company recorded notable growth in both premium income and net profit for the same fiscal year.

This was a result of a strong performance in ITOCHU's trading business, which was attributable to higher commodity prices and foreign exchange benefits from the depreciation of the Japanese yen during that period.

Notwithstanding the moderate volatility in the major lines of marine cargo business due to the impact of commodity price fluctuations, AM Best expects that NEWGT’s operating performance will remain profitable over the intermediate term given the company’s prudent underwriting practices and reinsurance programmes.

As a wholly owned subsidiary and captive insurer of ITOCHU, one of Japan’s largest general trading companies, NEWGT provides reinsurance protection against group-related risks across various regions.

A majority of its business comes from ITOCHU-related marine business, and the remaining portfolio consists of a diverse mix of non-life business lines, including theft insurance, renters’ insurance, and group personal accident.

-- BERNAMA

EXP LUXURY REACHES BEYOND 1,100 MEMBERS DRIVING GLOBAL GROWTH

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- eXp Realty, the core subsidiary of eXp World Holdings Inc, announced eXp Luxury, its forward-thinking luxury real estate programme, has surpassed 1,100 members throughout the United States (US), Puerto Rico and Canada.

According to a statement, the company expects additional countries to launch by the first quarter of 2024.

With the Canadian launch followed in September and Puerto Rico this month, the programme is expected to expand into the United Kingdom, South Africa, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand in the same period.

eXp Realty Chief Growth Officer, Michael Valdes said: “Our agents' strong desire to access the exclusive eXp Luxury community, its world-class resources and support has been instrumental in driving its global expansion.

“With over 1,100 members currently on board, our global presence continues to grow. We take pride in the rapid growth of eXp Luxury and eagerly anticipate offering more agents the opportunity to join our expert community, as we bring the future of luxury real estate to new, exciting markets.”

First launched in the US in October 2022, eXp Luxury leverages eXp Realty’s exclusive resources and innovative technology, and is quickly growing to 700 members in less than a year.

The largest independent real estate company in the world with more than 89,000 agents, eXp Realty continues to scale internationally.

More information on eXp Luxury programme is available at expluxury.com.

-- BERNAMA

AIT WORLDWIDE LOGISTICS TO EXPAND GLOBAL REACH VIA LUBBERS LOGISTICS GROUP ACQUISITION

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- Global supply chain solutions provider, AIT Worldwide Logistics, has entered into a binding purchase agreement to acquire Lubbers Logistics Group, a European logistics company specialising in high-value, complex, and time-sensitive transport services.

The purchase will serve as a significant milestone for AIT as the company continues to expand its global reach and enhance its offerings in road transportation, freight forwarding, and project cargo logistics, particularly in the energy sector.

AIT Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vaughn Moore said this deal will enhance the company’s position in Europe and bolster its presence in the energy sector, allowing it to better serve current customers while creating new opportunities.

“Lubbers’ customer-centric approach to business, as well as their reputation for excellent quality aligns perfectly with AIT’s culture,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Lubbers CEO, Gary Roche said: “Joining forces with AIT Worldwide Logistics is a strategic move that will allow us to continue providing exceptional service to our clients while expanding our reach on a global scale.

“AIT's strong track record and commitment to customer service align with our values, and we look forward to a bright future together”.

AIT's acquisition of Lubbers is expected to be finalised by the end of this year and will be subject to obtaining customary regulatory approvals, however the terms have not been disclosed.

Once the acquisition is finalised, Lubbers' network will add 18 new offices to AIT’s existing global network of more than 125 locations, while expanding AIT’s footprint to four new countries, namely, Denmark, Norway, Romania and Turkey.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP and NautaDutilh N.V. are both serving as legal counsel to AIT on the acquisition. Meanwhile Nielen Schuman B.V. and Loyens & Loeff N.V. are serving as financial advisor and as legal counsel to Lubbers, respectively.

-- BERNAMA

UBX Kicks Off Groundbreaking Development In Boutique Fitness

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- UBX, the Australian boutique fitness innovator renowned for its flexible workout schedules and unique boxing and strength regimens, has announced a groundbreaking development, “Extended Access”, revolutionising the landscape.

According to UBX in a statement, “Extended Access” grants its members unprecedented freedom to train outside traditional hours, transcending the constraints of regular boutique gym schedules.

This feature not only enhances member experience but also significantly bolsters member retention and franchise revenue through increased yield, conversions, capacity and demand.

“Due to high staff costs, most boutique gyms open for a morning and afternoon shift during the week and a Saturday morning shift on the weekend, meaning they are actually shut more than they are open.

“We knew members would train more regularly if they had more access to the gym, so we created a system that can deliver a highly engaging and effective workout even outside of staffed hours,” said UBX co-founder, Tim West.

In addition, the “Coaching Screens” integral to UBX gyms provide members with a seamless workout experience at any time, offering complete workout guidance, from visual exercise demonstrations to reps and heart rate zone indicators, supported by Myzone Heart Rate technology.

UBX allows members to start workouts at any time without pre-booking, challenging the traditional class timetable model.

When unable to visit the gym, members have access to UBX's on-demand workout app, offering a variety of boxing and strength exercises consistent with the in-gym training methodology, in which “Extended Access” also provides round-the-clock fitness flexibility, now.

The “Extended Access” initiative places UBX at the pinnacle of consumer demand in the fitness domain, affirming its pioneering status and commitment to integrating fitness seamlessly into modern, busy lifestyles.

-- BERNAMA

PANTHEON BROADENS WEALTH OFFERING WITH OPEN-ENDED PRIVATE EQUITY FUND

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Pantheon, a global private markets investor, has announced the upcoming launch of the Pantheon Global Private Equity Fund (PGPE), the latest addition to the firm’s growing global private wealth platform.

According to Pantheon in a statement, PGPE is an open-ended, evergreen fund that seeks to provide private and institutional investors with unique exposure to a diversified private equity portfolio through a single investment.

Pantheon Managing Director and PGPE Portfolio Manager, Victor Mayer said Pantheon continued to innovate to meet increasing demand from an array of private and institutional investors to access the best opportunities across private markets.

“PGPE offers a compelling solution that combines diversified access to US and European mid-market private equity and immediate participation to achieve a target allocation through a single investment, without the high investment minimums and long capital lock-ups typical in traditional funds,” he said.

PGPE will soon be available to investors in over 20 countries outside of the United States (US), with a differentiated offering that leverages Pantheon’s established global private equity platform to construct a high-conviction portfolio concentrated in high-quality, hard-to-access assets and fund managers, with a focus on the mid-market.

The fund will harness the firm’s extensive and often-proprietary deal flow in secondaries and co-investments, which are increasingly compelling for investors given potentially attractive secondary pricing and efficiency in fees.

PGPE is managed by Pantheon, which has more than 40 years of experience across private markets, with specialised expertise in private equity, real assets and private credit, among others.

-- BERNAMA

JTB OPENS TOURIST HUB FOR VISITING TOURISTS IN TOWN HOSTING LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO

TOKYO, Nov 14, 2023 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --

JTB Corp. opened a travel center dubbed "Tourist Base Kawaguchiko" in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. Lake Kawaguchiko, with its beautiful view of Mount Fuji, is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Japan. At an opening ceremony, Senior Managing Executive Officer Takayuki Hanasaka gave a greeting.

Photos:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1K9tCuCMrP3WeaVZXr8ETtc2fBtb9MquJ?usp=sharing


About Tourist Base Kawaguchiko and Its Service
While the lake attracts tourists, over-tourism has become a concern. Tourist Base Kawaguchiko is a place created by JTB as part of the "Community Exchange Project" to contribute to the resolution of over-tourism and regional revitalization.

Cafe Business
On the tatami-matted floor, the cafe space provides Japanese food such as rice balls and traditional sweets. Adopting a time-based billing system, it also introduces cashless payments. Additionally, it will have a selection of local souvenirs from Yamanashi.

Optional Tour Sales
The center sells optional tours with Lake Kawaguchiko as a starting point, focusing on tours to visit various locations within Yamanashi, with a "FUJIYAMA Twin Terrace*" visit tour as the centerpiece.

*A scenic spot offering a panoramic view of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. On lucky days, visitors can even witness Mount Fuji floating above the sea of clouds below.

Mobility Business
Rentals of various latest mobility options, including electric scooters are available.

Commemorative Photo Experience
The center provides the experience of dressing in kimono or samurai armor. Additionally, on the rooftop of the Tourist Base Kawaguchiko building, visitors can capture memorable photographs with the magnificent view of Mount Fuji in the foreground.

Future Outlook
JTB will contribute to the resolution of regional issues and the creation of new values in the region by generating more foot traffic, thus contributing to sustainable community development.

Overview of Tourist Base Kawaguchiko
Location: Third and Fourth Floors, Marumune Building, 3636 Funatsu,
Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi-ken 401-0301, Japan
Center area: 303.90 m2
Opening date: Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Operated by: JTB Kofu Branch
Business hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (JST)
Supported languages: English and Japanese
Official website: https://touristbase.jp/en/

Source: JTB Corp.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=47496

DARK HORSE CONSULTING GROUP APPOINTS JOHN NG AS APAC OFFICE GENERAL MANAGER

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Dark Horse Consulting Group (DHC), a global consultancy to the cell and gene therapy (CGT) industry, has established an official foothold in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, an area representing more than one third of CGT globally, by bringing on industry veteran John Ng as General Manager of its new APAC office.

“As Dark Horse Consulting continues to expand, a natural next step was to ensure that we had local expertise and support for our clients in the APAC region, which is the fastest-growing part of the world for CGT.

“John’s extensive experience and impressive track record fits well with our model of accelerating progress for our clients by providing deep and differentiated CGT expertise,” said DHC Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Davies in a statement.

Meanwhile, Ng said: “As a former client myself, I am excited for this opportunity to extend DHC’s exceptional services to a broader group of APAC clients. I look forward to growing DHC's presence in APAC to better serve this important and growing region for the CGT industry.”

Most recently, Ng served as Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Tessa Therapeutics, a Singapore-based clinical-stage biotechnology company that was developing a portfolio of autologous and allogeneic cell therapy assets, and it grew from 30 employees to more than 200 during his seven-year tenure.

As CTO, Ng was responsible for the Operations organisation, which includes Manufacturing, Process Development, Quality, Programme Management, Engineering, and Global Supply Chain.

Before Tessa Therapeutics, he served in various leadership roles in Technical Operations in publicly listed companies, and also spent 10 years in China, responsible for Procurement, Global Supply Chain, and Programme Management.

Ng, a native Singaporean, holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the National University of Singapore, and is fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese.

-- BERNAMA

ALSP ORCHID ACQUISITION CORPORATION I ANNOUNCES IT WILL REDEEM ITS PUBLIC SHARES AND WILL NOT CONSUMMATE AN INITIAL BUSINESS COMBINATION

SEATTLE, Nov 9 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- ALSP Orchid Acquisition Corporation I (Nasdaq: ALOR) (the “Company” or “ALSP Orchid”) announced today that it will redeem all of its outstanding Class A ordinary shares (the “Public Shares”), effective as of the close of business on November 14, 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter because the Company will not consummate an initial business combination within the time period required by its Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association (the “Articles”).

As stated in the Company’s Articles and in the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-260709), as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), declared effective on November 18, 2021, if the Company is unable to complete an initial business combination within 15 months of the Company’s initial public offering (the “IPO”), which deadline was subsequently extended to 21 months at the extraordinary general meeting held by the Company on February 17^th, 2023 (the “Extension meeting”) and then further extended by depositing $0.10 per public share into the trust account on August 17, 2023, in each case in accordance with the Articles, and the expiration date of such period, (the “Deadline”), the Company will: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up; (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the Public Shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Company’s trust account (the “Trust Account”), including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay taxes (less taxes payable and up to US$100,000 of accrued interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then-outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any); and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the Company's remaining shareholders and the Company’s board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in each case to its obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors, and in all cases subject to the other requirements of applicable law.

The per-share redemption price for the Public Shares will be approximately $10.86 (the “Redemption Amount”). The balance of the Trust Account as of October 31, 2023 was approximately $21,784,327, which includes approximately $1,222,159 in interest and dividend income (such amount equal to the excess of the cash held in the Trust Account over (i) $20,362,535.40 in funds deposited into the Trust Account following the IPO in respect of the 1,996,327 Public Shares not redeemed in connection with the Extension Meeting plus $199,632.70 deposited in the Trust Account in connection with the extension of the Deadline from August 23, 2023 to November 23, 2023). In accordance with the terms of the Articles and the investment management trust agreement between the Company and the trustee of the Trust Account, the Company expects to retain $100,000 of the interest and dividend income from the Trust Account to pay dissolution expenses, and any amounts necessary to satisfy our obligations under Cayman Islands law, or other applicable law, to provide for claims of creditors. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=47472

China’s ZhongAn Credit Ratings Affirmed - AM Best

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency AM Best has affirmed China’s ZhongAn Online P&C Insurance Co Ltd (ZhongAn) Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” (Excellent).

In a statement, AM Best said these credit ratings (ratings) which have a stable outlook, reflected ZhongAn’s balance sheet strength which was assessed as very strong, as well as its marginal operating performance, favourable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The very strong balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by the company’s risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, with its capital and surplus including minority interest reaching 17.03 billion Chinese yuan (US$2.46 billion), as of year-end 2022. (US$1=RM4.72)

AM Best assesses ZhongAn’s operating performance as marginal. The company’s non-life underwriting performance has been improving over the past five years, with stabilisation of its loss ratio and expense ratio in 2021 and 2022 and achieving underwriting profit for both years.

Going forward, AM Best expects the company’s earnings will continue to be subject to uncertainties arising from investment volatility, as well as the business execution risk and timeline in the turnaround strategies of the banking and technology segments.

The rating agency views ZhongAn’s business profile as favourable and as of 2022, the company maintained 1.6 per cent market share in terms of direct premium written and was ranked ninth in China’s non-life market.

ZhongAn is the first online-only non-life insurance company in China, in which AM Best views the company as an innovative industry leader, which provides solid support of the rating agency’s business profile assessment.

The company’s revenue from technology has achieved substantial growth over the years with an enlarging client base, and AM Best expects it to continue benefitting from its innovative capability and to integrate such capability into its insurance operations.

-- BERNAMA

INGREDION INCORPORATED REPORTS STRONG THIRD QUARTER RESULTS AND RAISES FULL-YEAR OUTLOOK

 · Third quarter 2023 reported and adjusted operating income* grew 17% and 15%, respectively, compared to PY

· Third quarter 2023 reported and adjusted EPS* were $2.36 and $2.33, an increase of 48% and 35%, respectively
· The Company raises its full year adjusted EPS outlook to $9.05-$9.45, up from $8.80-$9.40 

WESTCHESTER, Ill., Nov 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to the food and beverage manufacturing industry, today reported results for the third quarter of 2023. The results, reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for the third quarter of 2023 and 2022, include items that are excluded from the non-GAAP financial measures that the Company presents.

“We continued to successfully manage our business in the third quarter with our approach to product pricing and customer mix, while also driving operational excellence and productivity to mitigate the impact of cost inflation. This enabled us to deliver 15% adjusted operating income growth for the quarter,” said Jim Zallie, Ingredion’s president and chief executive officer.

“Our business continues to demonstrate resilience, evidenced by the diversity of our markets and product portfolio, and the strength of our business model. For example, our Food Systems business in Europe demonstrated mid-single-digit volume growth from greater penetration into private label. While lower corn costs around the globe contributed to lower net sales growth, we were encouraged by sequential quarterly improvement in sales volumes despite inventory rebalancing by customers that continued to work its way through the supply chain.”

“Our updated full-year guidance reflects our confidence to deliver revenue and profit growth above our four-year growth outlook. We continue to execute against our Driving Growth Roadmap creating long-term value for shareholders, and are committed to total shareholder return as evidenced by the increase in the dividend rate and shares repurchased during the quarter,” Zallie concluded.

^{*Adjusted diluted earnings per share (“adjusted EPS”), adjusted operating income and adjusted effective income tax rate are non-GAAP financial measures. See section II of the Supplemental Financial Information entitled “Non-GAAP Information” following the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this news release for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.}  

^{http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=47464}

TRILLIANT TO ACT AS ENLIT ASIA'S DIAMOND SPONSOR FOCUSING ENERGY TRANSITION

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Trilliant, an international provider of solutions for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), smart grid, smart cities and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), will participate as Diamond Sponsor at Enlit Asia for the fifth consecutive year.

The conference will take place from Nov 14 to 16 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition in Jakarta, according to Trilliant in a statement.

Trilliant Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Andrew C. White will take part in the CEO Dialogue to kick off Enlit Asia 2023/Indonesian Electricity Day Opening Ceremony on Nov 14, and will also make opening remarks at a panel titled Balancing Energy Transition and Security for a Sustainable Future.

“Trilliant’s next generation network technologies along with our device-independent platform are key components to this growth, and we are proud to continue to support customers at every stage of their energy transition journey, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

“We look forward to meeting with energy leaders at the conference and charting a path to success for utilities, smart cities, businesses and other regional stakeholders,” White said.

Concurrently, Trilliant will be presenting at a Knowledge Hub session titled Grid Modernization: Priorities & Strategies for Utilities - AMI Case Study.

Meanwhile, on Nov 15, Trilliant Customer Solutions Director, Vincent Thankachan will join Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and other industry members on a panel titled Unlocking The Full Potential Of AMI.

Enlit Asia is an annual conference and exhibition for the power and energy sector, showcasing expert knowledge, innovative solutions and foresight from industry leaders, aligned with ASEAN's strategy to achieve a smooth transition towards a low-carbon energy future.

-- BERNAMA

H2O.ai Kicks Off Open Source GenAI World Event

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- The open source leader in Generative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, H2O.ai, has responded to the overwhelming community and customer interest in bringing H2O World back to the San Francisco Bay Area.

In a statement, H2O.ai said this year’s gathering is the first in a series of GenAI World events that showcased insights and advancements to further democratise GenAI.

Highlights of the event and announcements include live demonstrations and booths on H2O GenAI App Store and Enterprise h2oGPTe built with the world’s best Retrieval Augmented Generative AI (RAG).

Among other highlights were customer talks from Wells Fargo, Citi, ADT, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and one of the largest consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies worldwide discussing topics ranging from the future of GenAI to leveraging large language models (LLM) to create personal bots.

There were also hands-on workshops to teach users how to make their own generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs) using H2O LLM Studio to fine tune, prompt tune, evaluate, and apply guardrails in making safe GenAI apps.

On the other hand, team H2O LLM Studio won first place in the 2023 Kaggle LLM Science exam competition using RAG.

In the last year, sold-out H2O World events have been held in New York, London and San Francisco and attended by thousands representing over 30 countries and every industry.

Founded in 2012, H2O.ai has a vibrant community of two million data scientists worldwide, and aims to bring together the world’s top data scientists with customers to co-create GenAI applications that are usable and valuable by everyone.

-- BERNAMA

PHARMA LEADER DR. HOLGER ZIMMERMANN JOINS LYSANDO'S ADVISORY BOARD IN PIONEERING FIGHT AGAINST ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT BACTERIA

^{Dr. Holger Zimmermann – Advisory Board Member Lysando AG}


TRIESENBERG, Liechtenstein, Nov 8 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Lysando, a leading innovator in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Holger Zimmermann to its Advisory Board. Dr. Zimmermann's distinguished career in the pharmaceutical sector and healthcare industry brings a wealth of experience, positioning him as a key asset in Lysando's mission to eliminate the fear of harmful bacteria worldwide.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231107814787/en/

 

Currently serving as the Chief Research and Development Officer at AiCuris AG, Dr. Zimmermann has been instrumental in bringing innovative healthcare products to market. His extensive background in human pharmaceutical pre-clinical and clinical research underscores the transformative potential he brings to Lysando.

Count Markus Matuschka de Greiffenclau, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lysando, expresses his enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Holger Zimmermann to our Advisory Board. His profound experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, coupled with a successful track record in product development, makes him a valuable addition to our team. Dr. Zimmermann's unique insights will play a pivotal role in guiding us toward our ultimate goal of bringing life-enhancing solutions to market.”

As a distinguished member of the Advisory Board, Dr. Zimmermann will contribute invaluable knowledge and strategic guidance, particularly in navigating the challenges of the pharmaceutical industry. Expressing his excitement to join Lysando, Dr. Holger Zimmermann states, “Lysando's Artilysin^® technology represents a powerful tool to combat antibiotic-resistant germs. Considering the accelerating spread of Antimicrobial Resistance, I am excited to be able to support Lysando's mission to develop innovative products against disease-causing bacteria.”

Lysando has been a driving force in innovation against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, pioneering the revolutionary Artilysin^® technology, that safeguards individuals from dangerous infections. The company's dedication to curbing the dissemination of Antimicrobial Resistance aligns seamlessly with Dr. Zimmermann's expertise and vision.

With numerous ongoing projects and a commitment to turning innovative ideas into high-performing products, Lysando continues to make significant strides in its mission to bring hope and health to people in need.

About Lysando AG

Lysando AG is the market leader for antimicrobial proteins, so‐called Artilysin^® molecules. They can effectively eliminate problem‐causing bacteria without associated high risk of resistance formation and microbial disbalances. Artilysin^® constitutes an innovative, proprietary, and environmentally friendly technology with a wide range of applications.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231107814787/en/

Contact

Isabella Kattler
+41(0)7932 14884
Isabella.Kattler@lysando.com

Source : Lysando

MARY KAY ASH FOUNDATION HONOURS PARTNERSHIP WITH UTSW IN SHAPING CANCER RESEARCH FUTURE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- The Mary Kay Ash Foundation, and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW), are celebrating five years of collaborative success on the International Postdoctoral Scholars in Cancer Research Fellowship programme.

Hosted at the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the fellowship is a two-year postdoctoral programme sponsored by the Mary Kay Ash Foundation.

Established in 2019, the programme set out to recruit exemplary international researchers in their respective fields, provide them with invaluable experience, mentorship, and a return grant to continue their pursuits in their home country, bringing their knowledge and experience gained with them.

To date, the programme has successfully recruited 13 highly accomplished postdoctoral researchers from Brazil, China, Germany, Mexico, Singapore, Spain and Portugal, in which all have made impactful contributions to notable research publications.

“Our partnership continues to bring pivotal innovations to the cancer research frontlines by removing barriers and encouraging information sharing across borders and the world.

“These findings will be shared on a global level and impact women in every corner of the world,” said Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors President, Michael Lunceford in a statement.

The programme has consistently attracted and recruited exceptional candidates, ensuring the participation of highly qualified individuals from diverse geographic areas, under the expert guidance of Dr Jerry Shay, Professor of Cell Biology and The Southland Financial Corporation Distinguished Chair in Geriatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

In the most recent recruitment efforts, two outstanding scholars were recruited to the programme namely Debora Andrade Silva from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, and Quan Wang from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China.

-- BERNAMA

MARKET SIMPLIFIED LAUNCHES NITRO XP: REVOLUTIONIZING FINANCIAL SERVICES IN APAC

SINGAPORE, Nov 7 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Market Simplified, a leader in advanced enterprise financial solutions, proudly introduces Nitro XP, an innovative Low-Code Application Platform (LCAP) tailored for the dynamic APAC market. The official launch for APAC will be held during the Singapore Fintech Festival 2023 on November 15.

With 18 years of unparalleled expertise in financial applications, Nitro XP signifies Market Simplified's dedication to addressing the intricate needs of the financial sector. Launched successfully in India just six months ago, Nitro XP has gained significant momentum, attracting prominent large enterprises and SMEs looking to develop lending and trading solutions on the platform. For more than a decade, Market Simplified has been operating and managing trading and banking applications to top banks and brokerages in the APAC region.

Nitro XP expedites application development for financial institutions, enhancing efficiency and reducing time-to-market. It's a valuable asset for businesses of all sizes, strengthening digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, and enhancing competitiveness. Nitro XP prioritizes user experience, performance, security, and scalability, enabling the development of robust, adaptable applications that drive business growth.

Nitro XP offers unparalleled benefits to financial institutions like:

Streamlined Development: Nitro XP's drag-and-drop visual interface empowers users to create tailored applications without complex coding, reducing development timelines and costs.

Enhanced Productivity: Nitro XP's library of pre-built components expedites commonly used financial applications, allowing enterprises to optimize resource allocation.

Uncompromised Performance & Scalability: Built on an adaptive architecture, Nitro XP adapts to the requirements of large financial institutions, ensuring smooth operations.

Nitro XP caters to diverse users, offering no-code models for business and product owners, low-code for developers, and pro-code for experts. This framework accelerates the Go-To-Market process, promoting agility and innovation.

Market Simplified invites the financial industry to experience Nitro XP, a significant leap in financial technology. As a trusted partner, Market Simplified continues to provide the tools and solutions needed for success in the evolving financial landscape.

About Market Simplified: Market Simplified is a trailblazing provider of cutting-edge enterprise financial solutions, dedicated to fostering digital transformation within the financial sector. Leveraging over 18 years of unparalleled expertise, the company crafts innovative products to address the evolving demands of the industry. Market Simplified's unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation has positioned it as a vanguard in the financial technology landscape.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
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Contact

Anjali Nair (anjali.n@marketsimplified.com)

Source : Market Simplified

TOMORROW.MOBILITY CHARTS A PATH TO A BETTER FUTURE WITH GREEN AND SMART TRANSPORTATION

BARCELONA, Spain, Nov 3 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Is a shared mobility data space the ultimate enabler of a revolution in global transportation? How can zero-emission vehicles spearhead the fight against climate change? Will public autonomous mobility lead us to the future? These are some of the questions that over 100 international experts will address in Barcelona from November 7 to 9 at Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress (TMWC), an event jointly organized by Fira de Barcelona and EIT Urban Mobility, an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.

The conference program is structured around 8 themes – Data Spaces; Inclusivity, Affordability & Fairness; Connected, Cooperative & Automated Mobility; Sustainable Urban Logistics; Multimodality; Urban Air Mobility; Energy Transition; and Active Mobility – and will focus on some of the key topics, including strategies to support public transport as a crucial element to make cities more liveable and meet ambitious emission reduction targets, the creation of a shared mobility data space to deploy extensive multimodal travel, and overcoming the challenges to fully implement autonomous vehicles.

Among the more than 100 speakers are Timothy Papandreou, former Chief Innovation Officer at San Francisco MTA and advisor for X (Alphabet’s Moonshot Factory); Karima Delli, Chair of the Committee on Transport and Tourism at the European Parliament; Seleta Reynolds, Chief Innovation Officer at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority; Jacob Bangsgaard, Secretary General for Automobile Mobility and Tourism at the FIA; and Jill Warren, CEO of the European Cyclists’ Federation.

Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress will also feature an exhibition space where 130 companies including BSM, Deloitte, KIA, Moventis, PTV Group, PWC, Racc, Renfe, and Sener will showcase their latest products. In addition, many institutions such as Alamys, AMB, FGC, TMB, CARNET, ETRA, and International Road Federation, Polis, will also take part in TMWC.

Global Hub of Innovation
Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress will be held alongside Smart City Expo World Congress, Tomorrow.Building, Tomorrow.BlueEconomy – focusing on the opportunities of the blue economy – and PUZZLE X, setting an unparalleled knowledge platform that strengthens the role of the event as a global hub of urban solutions capable of providing answers to the challenges that our society faces. All together the events will gather over 25,000 visitors, 1,000 exhibitors, over 800 cities and more than 600 speakers in Barcelona.

For media requests please contact:
Salvador Bilurbina
Email: sbilurbina@firabarcelona.com
Phone: +34628162674

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1adfc367-cf03-46b1-98c2-f75f3c8fcc31 

SOURCE : Fira De Barcelona

BOLT.EARTH AND TAIZHOU CHINV SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD STRENGTHEN LONG-STANDING PARTNERSHIP TO REVOLUTIONIZE ELECTRIC VEHICLE ECOSYSTEM

^{Driving Innovation: Bolt.Earth and Chinv Redefine the Future of Electric Mobility at EICMA 2023 (Graphic: Business Wire)}


Drive Smart. Ride Connected. The Future of E-Mobility is Unfolding

SINGAPORE, Nov 3 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Bolt.Earth, a Singapore-based pioneer in the connected EV Operating System market, further strengthens its partnership with Chinv, the renowned designer and manufacturer of EV 2-wheeler bikes. Together, they are set to redefine the future of electric mobility at this year’s EICMA 2023 at Fiera Milano-Rho Milan. Witness the synergy of Chinv’s design mastery and Bolt.Earth’s smart operating stack, merging years of collaborative effort to produce an EV experience like no other.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231101137680/en/

 

Building on their longstanding collaboration, the unveiling of the new Bolt.Earth Blaze at EICMA 2023 is anticipated to mark a pivotal moment in the global EV landscape. Bolt.Earth Blaze is a fast-charging platform conceived to redefine the EV charging paradigm. This innovation significantly trims charging durations, making electric mobility more expedient and accessible.

Jyotiranjan Harichandan, Co-Founder at Bolt.Earth, remarked, “Our journey with Chinv has been truly transformative. This partnership, built on a mutual vision and relentless innovation, is about redefining sustainable transport. Chinv’s exceptional experience in hardware design & development, combined with our charging and vehicle operating stack, is laying the groundwork for the future.”

The convergence of Bolt.Earth’s advanced software solutions and Chinv’s hardware design and development expertise signals a transformative phase for sustainable transportation. This venture aims to elevate electric vehicles, ensuring they are environmentally responsible and technologically superior.

Ms. Xu Duo (Rita), President of Chinv expressed, “Our alliance with Bolt.Earth represents a bold step towards a smarter, more sustainable horizon. The potential to revolutionize the EV sphere is immense, and together, we are poised to lead this change.”

Join us at EICMA 2023, held from November 7th to November 12th at Fiera Milano-Rho Milan, where Bolt.Earth will be showcasing their latest offerings at booth number C-49 in Hall Number 14, in association with Chinv along with an amazing virtual reality experience.

About Chinv

Chinv, founded in Hong Kong in 2006, operates under multiple brands, including "OKLA" for electric vehicles, "Motrac" for gasoline vehicles, "O-Town" for clothing, "OKLATEC" for R&D and "CHINV" for lights and electric parts; redefining the way we move and setting new standards for eco-friendly mobility, with a vision to drive positive change and a goal to develop cleaner and more efficient transportation solutions.

OKLATEC has R&D experience in designing over 50 motorcycles, ranging (from ICE to EV), for customers worldwide. Building on these milestones, Chinv has been successful in supporting the launch of multiple brands at various integration levels for both electrical and mechanical aspects, covering a wide range from low-speed to high-performance EV motorcycles. As a result, Chinv has become a one-stop solution in the EV motorcycle supply chain.

About Bolt.Earth

Bolt.Earth is on a mission to push emerging markets toward cleaner mobility. The company deploys state-of-the-art embedded smart speedometer clusters that redefine your EV riding experiences. Designed for safety and convenience, Bolt.Earth's speedometer clusters and display units use Bolt.Earth’s OS to provide vehicle management tools, crucial data, anti-theft precautions, and customization options for a smart, connected & modern riding experience. Additionally, Bolt.Earth enables India's largest peer-to-peer EV charging network, with 30,000+ charging points across 1,100 cities. They offer charging solutions for individuals, businesses, real estate companies, fleet operators, and the government. For more information about their solutions, visit bolt.earth.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231101137680/en/

Contact

Media Contact: marketing@bolt.earth

Source : Bolt.Earth

H&H GROUP Q3 TOTAL REVENUE RISES BY 11.9 PCT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Global health and wellness company, Health and Happiness (H&H) International Holdings Limited (H&H Group) total revenue increased by 11.9 per cent year-on-year (yoy) on a reported basis (10.9 per cent on a like-for-like (LFL) basis) to 10.2784 billion Chinese yuan. (100 Chinese yuan = RM64.80) for the nine months ending Sept 30.

In a statement, H&H said the solid third quarter (Q3) revenue growth fuelled by nutritional supplements category contributed to the positive overall result.

Staying on course for its full-year 2023 targets, the company’s Q3 progress was primarily fuelled by robust sales in Adult and Pet Nutrition & Care in mainland China, Australia and New Zealand, and North America.

New H&H Group Chief Executive Officer, Camillo Pane said in the first nine months ending September 2023, the group has achieved its targeted LFL net revenue growth and is on track for debt reduction in the short to medium term.

“Our strong mix of iconic brands, a motivated team, a robust innovation pipeline, our sustainability programme and strategic focus on key categories position us well to become a global leader in premium wellness and nutrition, driving long-term profitability,” added Pane.

The group’s nutritional supplements revenue grew by 31.4 per cent year to date (YTD) 2023 on LFL basis and remain its strongest revenue generator, contributing 61.4 per cent to total revenue, a clear endorsement of H&H’s strategic focus on its Baby, Adult and Pet Nutritional supplements.

On the other hand, the Baby Nutrition & Care (BNC) segment experienced a 9.7 per cent decline during this period, largely due to industry challenges in mainland China.

It has been strategically enhancing the international footprint of its infant milk formula (IMF) business by launching innovative products to build recognition and trust, by rolling out 'Inostime' in France, a game-changing IMF series enriched with Lactopontin, a crucial component of breast milk, this quarter.

H&H Group anticipates continued challenges in its BNC segment, while expecting a strong growth trajectory for its Adult Nutrition and Care (ANC) and Pet Nutrition and Care (PNC) segments, which consistently show sustained positive consumer acceptance.

Mainland China continues to be a pivotal market for the group, accounting for 70.7 per cent of overall revenue and marking a 6.9 per cent yoy growth in YTD, while the Australia and New Zealand market posted robust double-digit growth of 25.7 per cent in the first nine months, attributed to its success in both domestic and export channels as well as its innovative approach to product development.

-- BERNAMA

MHTC COMMITS TO PROVIDE BREAST CANCER EARLY DETECTION ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), a government agency under the Ministry of Health Malaysia is encouraging global citizens to practice regular examinations and screenings as a crucial step in preventing breast cancer.

With healthcare facilities that are equipped with innovative screening procedures, MHTC in a statement said it is committed to making breast cancer early detection accessible for global citizens.

In conjunction with the breast cancer awareness month, the government agency shed light on the significance of early diagnosis as well as the cutting-edge screening procedures provided by several of its healthcare facilities.

“Individuals should be cautious about any lump in the breast or underarm (armpit), thickening or swelling on any part of the breast, skin irritation or dimpling, redness or flakiness around the nipple area or the breast, nipple inversion, pain in the nipple area, unusual nipple discharge that may include blood.

“Changes in breast size or shape and unexplained breast pain should also be regarded as warning signs,” said KPJ Perdana Specialist Hospital Consultant Radiologist, Dr Nik Munirah Nik Mahdi.

Meanwhile, Sunway Medical Centre in Sunway City Consultant Breast and Endocrine Surgeon, Dr Normayah Kitan said: “Doing regular breast self-examination is crucial to help you be aware of how your breasts normally look and feel, as well as detect symptoms such as lumps, pain, or abnormal changes in size.

“In addition to this, a clinical breast examination and screening every year should be done even if you do not detect any abnormalities, as breast cancer often does not present any symptoms at its earliest, which is the most treatable stage.”

Since its first cancer treatment centre was established in 1981, Malaysia has achieved international recognition for its quality of care and recently proclaimed as second in the care and delivery of cancer treatment in the Asia Pacific and the third-most prepared country overall by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

With a vast range of oncology services that include ground-breaking imaging and cancer detection technologies on offer, MHTC is moving forward steadily as the Cancer Care Centre of Excellence.

This is further reinforced by the country's excellent healthcare system, which makes it easier for healthcare travellers to obtain comprehensive cancer care promptly in a safe and trusted destination.

-- BERNAMA