BOSTON, Jan 31 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anaqua, the leading global innovation and intellectual property (IP) management technology provider, today announced a strategic partnership with pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) application infrastructure company AnyGen AI to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to the IP market, including industry standard large language models (LLMs).
Under the agreement, AnyGen AI will leverage its proprietary AI technology to build IP solutions tailored to specific use cases for Anaqua clients. The initial focus of the collaboration between Anaqua and AnyGen AI is an auto-classifier specifically designed for patents. This new capability, securely maintained for each client, empowers patent holders to efficiently and consistently classify their patent portfolio, including relevant third-party patents, into their company-specific patent taxonomy. After development and joint testing with a set of anchor clients, the patent classifier is now being offered in general release.
The patent auto-classifier marks a significant leap forward in Anaqua's commitment to innovation in utilizing AI technology to help clients streamline their IP workflows. By integrating AnyGen AI's solution into Anaqua’s AQX® and PATTSY WAVE® IPMS platforms and leveraging the AcclaimIP™ patent analytics software and datasets, Anaqua aims to help its clients accelerate R&D, simplify prior art searches, improve competitive analysis, and identify new monetization opportunities from their IP.
“We are excited to partner with AnyGen AI, combining their unique AI capabilities with our domain expertise in IP management to jointly develop the new patent auto-classifier and other IP tools that will bring tangible benefits to our clients in their day-to-day work,” said Bob Romeo, CEO of Anaqua. “AnyGen AI’s expertise and experience in both analytic and generative AI are a powerful addition to Anaqua’s IP offerings, enabling us to transform how our clients organize and leverage their intellectual property.”
“Anaqua has an impressive history of innovation, and we're honored they chose us to support them in delivering AI solutions to their clients,” said Suresh Vallabhaneni, CEO of AnyGen AI. “The patent auto-classifier will increase efficiencies, improve consistency, and lower costs, allowing Anaqua clients to analyze competitive patents from the point of view of their private patent taxonomies.”
Anaqua and AnyGen AI are working on a number of other AI solutions in the IP space, further details of which will be announced in the coming months.
About Anaqua
Anaqua, Inc. is a premier provider of integrated intellectual property (IP) management technology solutions and services for corporations and law firms. Its IP management software solutions, AQX® and PATTSY WAVE®, both offer best practice workflows with big data analytics and tech-enabled services to create an intelligent environment designed to inform IP strategy, enable IP decision-making, and streamline IP operations, tailored to each segment’s need. Today, nearly half of the top 100 U.S. patent filers and global brands, as well as a growing number of law firms worldwide use Anaqua’s solutions. Over one million IP executives, attorneys, paralegals, administrators, and innovators use the platform for their IP management needs. The company’s global operations are headquartered in Boston, with offices across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia. For additional information, please visit anaqua.com, or on Anaqua's LinkedIn.
About AnyGen AI
AnyGen AI is a no-code and comprehensive Generative AI App Lifecycle platform that empowers enterprises to generate LLM AI apps in a unified environment. AnyGen AI empowers diverse industries like construction, legal, and manufacturing to solve their complex problems with its versatile AI solutions. AnyGen AI has offices in Palo Alto, New York, Singapore, and Visakhapatnam, India. For additional information, please visit anygen.ai or on LinkedIn.
Company Contact:
Amanda Glagolev
Director, Communications
Anaqua
617-375-5808
aglagolev@anaqua.com
SOURCE : Anaqua Inc
Wednesday 31 January 2024
ANAQUA AND ANYGEN AI FORM STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVER AI SOLUTIONS TO THE IP MARKET
JAPAN’S NON-LIFE INSURANCE INDUSTRY REMAINS STABLE - AM BEST
The rating agency’s “Market Segment Outlook: Japan Non-Life Insurance” report notes that insurers’ efforts to enhance the profitability of the fire insurance line also is a factor in the stable outlook.
In a statement, AM Best said losses from large-scale historical catastrophe events have strained the underwriting results of the fire insurance line considerably and contributed to heightened reinsurance costs in recent years.
Consequently, most major domestic non-life insurers have recognised the pressing need to address the sustainability of their fire insurance products, while direct premiums in the fire insurance line grew more than 10 per cent in fiscal year 2022, supported by a rise in premium rates.
Most of Japan’s non-life insurance companies have reported an improvement in premium income in most lines of business over the past year.
AM Best expects that the impact of the January 2024 earthquake in Japan will be manageable relative to the non-life segment’s profit base, as most residential losses are supported by the government.
Although premium trends and profitability for Japan’s non-life market are expected to remain largely stable, uncertainty about Japan’s macroeconomic environment could still pressure the domestic insurance market over the next 12 months.
-- BERNAMA
CSOP Nikkei 225 Index ETF Debuts In Hong Kong Stock Exchange
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- CSOP Nikkei 225 Index ETF (3153.HK) has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with a listing price of about HKD78 per unit, making it the first Nikkei 225 Index exchange-traded fund (ETF) in Hong Kong.
In order to track the performance of the Nikkei 225 Index, 3153.HK deploys a full replication strategy, with trading lot of 10, and management fee of 0.99 per cent of the ETF’s net asset value per year, receiving an initial investment of US$13 million. (US$1=RM4.72)
CSOP chief executive officer, Ding Chen said as an ETF issuer trusted by investors in the Asia Pacific region, the company has always been committed to providing comprehensive and diversified investment products.
“At present, we manage 48 ETF and ETP products, asset classes across equity, fixed income, commodity futures, thematic investment, money market, and virtual assets.
“The first Nikkei 225 Index ETF listed in Hong Kong by us will further enrich our product line and provide investors with a flexible and transparent channel to invest in the Japan market,” she said in a statement.
Nikkei 225 Index rose by 30 per cent in 2023, making Japan the highest returning stock market among major global markets, and it surged above 34,000 points, at the beginning of this year, setting a new high since March 1990.
This ETF provides a convenient and low-cost trading tool for Hong Kong investors interested in the Japanese market. Nikkei 225 Index includes the 225 most representative stocks listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
The constituents are selected based on their liquidity in the market and sector balance, including but not limited to industries like technology, consumer goods, industrial materials, and capital goods.
The index is a net total return index, which means that it reflects the reinvestment of dividends or distributions, after deduction of any withholding tax, and is denominated and quoted in Japanese yen.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday 30 January 2024
BOSTON METAL RAISES US$20 MLN IN FUNDING TO BOLSTER INNOVATIVE METALS PRODUCTION
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Boston Metal, a global metals technology solutions company, has announced a US$20 million Series C2 investment from Tokyo-based Marunouchi Innovation Partners, bringing the series total to US$282 million. (US$1=RM4.72)
With this new capital, Boston Metal in a statement said it expands presence in Asia and the funding will accelerate the company’s path to commercialisation and support its ongoing growth by attracting and retaining top industry talent.
Boston Metal Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tadeu Carneiro said the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in metals production remains unwavering and this funding will be instrumental in advancing its long-term goals.
“Despite the challenging market conditions, Boston Metal's valuation continues to increase while our persistent ability to secure funding from top-tier investors demonstrates the robust confidence in our vision and capabilities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Marunouchi Innovation Partners CEO, Ichiro Miyoshi said: “Our investment in Boston Metal is a testament to our belief that their technology represents an innovative, long-term solution for commercial green steel production amid the growing global steel demand.”
Building on its Series C1 funding momentum, Boston Metal is accelerating its mission to commercialise breakthrough green steel technology by 2026 to support the steel industry's 2050 zero-carbon goals and expects to start generating revenue from its high-value metals business as early as this year.
Boston Metal’s Molten Oxide Electrolysis (MOE) technology is a direct, one-step process that can produce high-quality steel from abundant medium- and low-grade iron ores.
This flexibility is unique and positions MOE to meet the growing demand for environmentally sustainable steel in various industries.
This funding announcement follows Boston Metal's recent selection by the United States Department of Energy to establish a chromium metal manufacturing plant in Weirton, West Virginia to onshore production of a material critical to the aerospace, chemical processing and nuclear industries.
-- BERNAMA
Sunday 28 January 2024
KFSH&RC Scientists Recognised In Stanford University’s Prestigious List
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) honoured 25 scientists who joined Stanford University's prestigious list, marking them among the 'top two per cent most-cited scientists' list updated in October 2023.
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition, a testament to our firm commitment to advancing healthcare through cutting-edge research and innovation at home and beyond.
“This new milestone reflects the dedication and expertise of our exceptional team of scientists and medical professionals who continually push the boundaries of knowledge,” said KFSH&RC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Majid Al Fayyadh in a statement.
This recognition celebrates the outstanding contributions and impact of KFSH&RC researchers on the global scientific stage, highlighting the healthcare provider’s steady commitment to advancing healthcare through novel research, in addition to elevating its international reputation as a pioneer hub for innovative research.
Renowned for its annual compilation, Stanford University highlights the remarkable achievements of scientists whose research has reaped the highest citations in international and scientific journals.
The university unveils a list featuring 180,000 researchers representing the top two per cent of most-cited scientists globally each year, in which this compilation covers 22 research fields and 176 subfields, utilising citation metrics from the Scopus database.
This recognition further enhances KFSH&RC's reputation as a holistic healthcare hub, highlighting its dedication to building a resilient healthcare system through continuous research and advancement, in line with Vision 2030.
-- BERNAMA
Friday 26 January 2024
IFE CONFERENCE 10TH EDITION SHARES INSIGHTS ON EDUCATION IN AI ERA
According to a statement, they discussed and shared ideas on the topic of education in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and the technological challenges associated with its use.
During the conference, more than 250 simultaneous activities such as conferences, panels as well as thematic events were held including Artificial Intelligence in Education Summit, the IFE EdTech Summit, and the Cyber-Physical Learning Alliance Summit (CPLAS 2024), which offered opportunities for learning, collaboration and networking.
Additionally, more than 170 educational research and innovation projects from 30 countries were presented, covering the themes of Educational Trends, Technologies for Education, Academic Innovation in Health, Management of Educational Innovation, and Lifelong Learning.
During the closing of the event, associate director of the Institute for the Future of Education, José Escamilla spoke about the lessons in innovation and education that had been shared.
“We hope this congress has been an opportunity to connect and learn. For us, it is a great opportunity to have you here so that we can jointly fulfill our mission of improving the lives of millions of people in the world, by transforming higher education and lifelong learning,” he concluded.
Since its first edition in 2014, the IFE Conference, formerly known as the International Congress of Educational Innovation, has become the most prominent educational innovation congress among Spanish-speaking countries.
This event has opened a range of opportunities for creating networking contacts, allowing interaction among academics, education entrepreneurs, researchers, educational policy makers, as well as civil society organisations to enrich the exchange of ideas and perspectives.
-- BERNAMA
CONSUMERS ADOPT AI FOR IMPROVED EXPERIENCES - VONAGE REPORT
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Vonage, a global leader in cloud communications has revealed that consumers continue to prefer a range of channel options when communicating with businesses, with mobile phone calls (36 per cent), messaging/non-short message service (SMS) apps (31 per cent) and phone calls via apps (29 per cent) ranking high in preference.
However, less than half (42 per cent) indicated they are “very satisfied” when communicating with businesses, according to Vonage's Global Customer Engagement Report 2024.
The 12th annual report outlines data and insights into customer communications preferences with businesses, highlighting emerging trends that emphasise the need to augment these interactions with artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance customer engagement.
In Asia Pacific (APAC), consumers revealed that mobile phone calls (73 per cent) are the most common method used by customers, followed by phone calls via messaging apps (60 per cent), messaging via non-SMS apps (64 per cent), emails (50 per cent) and social media posts (47 per cent).
The report also found that 80 per cent of APAC customers are likely to take their business elsewhere as a result of poor experiences, and 61 per cent of consumers will not tolerate bad experiences and will walk away after just one or two bad encounters.
These findings underscore opportunities to leverage AI. By utilising AI-based virtual assistants, businesses are equipped to provide quick resolution, reduce frustrations and ultimately provide a more targeted and personalised experience for the user.
According to Vonage in a statement, report findings demonstrate that consumers are embracing AI to make their experiences better.
In fact, responses show a likelihood that chatbot and video chat usage will more than double within the next year, with 10 per cent using chatbots currently and 23 per cent expected usage in the next six to 12 months; while 13 per cent indicate using video chat currently, with 26 per cent expected usage in the next six to 12 months.
Furthermore, with 56 per cent of consumers indicating they are likely to offer positive survey feedback after a great experience with a business and 55 per cent noting they would share their experience with friends and family, it is clear that great experiences create valuable brand ambassadors.
The survey was conducted in October 2023, and it is based on nearly 7,000 consumer responses from 17 countries, including Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday 24 January 2024
RELIVE BIOTECHNOLOGIES’ NDA APPROVAL UNDERSCORES DEDICATION TO REVOLUTIONISE PATIENT CARE GLOBALLY
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 (Bernama) -- ReLive announced the Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has granted New Drug Application (NDA) approval for SpheChon 10-70 spheroids/square centimetre (cm²) in December 2023, marking the country’s first cell therapy product for cartilage repair in its history.
According to a statement, this approval is a testament to ReLive's commitment to advancing regenerative cell therapies and marks a significant step in expanding its global reach.
ReLive Chief Executive Officer, Dr Xing Zhao said the approval in Singapore signified ReLive's growing influence and commitment to addressing unmet needs in the areas of orthopaedic sports medicine as well as plastic and reconstructive surgery in Asia.
“This achievement aligns with our strategic vision of expanding our footprint in key markets and underscores our commitment to transforming patient care on a global scale,” he said.
Based on the approval, the indication comprises the repair of symptomatic articular cartilage defects of the femoral condyle and the patella of the knee with defect sizes one cm² to 10 cm² in adults and adolescents with closed epiphyseal growth plate in the affected joint.
SpheChon represents a major advancement in cell therapy for cartilage repair, offering new hope and enhanced treatment options by using the patients’ own cells to regain an active life.
This approval by HSA reflects ReLive’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and quality in its innovative treatment solutions.
Founded in 2021, ReLive strives to make a lasting impact on the field of biotechnology and cell therapy and revolutionise the treatment of orthopaedic and reconstructive conditions.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday 23 January 2024
Taiwan's Taitung County Eyes 1,000 Singaporean Visitors In 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- Taiwanese firm operating in Singapore, Hua Yao International Travel Service Co Ltd and the city state’s largest tour operator, Chan Brothers Travel recently signed a memorandum of cooperation and agreed to bring 1,000 Singaporean visitors to Taitung in 2024.
Witnessed the signing were Magistrate of Taitung County, Yao Ching-ling who led a delegation on a tour to Southeast Asia as part of the Taiwan County of Taitung’s efforts to promote tourism in the overseas market; as well as Taiwan’s envoy to Singapore, Dr Tung Chen-yuan.
In order to attract more overseas travellers, the Taitung County Government has actively worked with domestic and foreign companies to hold promotional events since COVID travel restrictions were lifted in late 2023.
Following a presentation in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 15, the delegation of county officials and business owners went to Singapore, where they called on the country’s top three travel agencies and held another event, attended by Dr Tung and the director of the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s office in the Southeast Asian country, Cheng Chih-hung.
“Taitung looks forward to welcoming friends from Singapore to experience the county’s unique, leisurely tempo. Our land in Taitung is rather clingy and I highly recommend a slow and thorough visit so that you can really feel what it is like to be there,” said Yao in a statement.
In addition to subsidies from the Tourism Administration, Yao announced more incentives, including an extra bonus, which will be effective on Feb 1, for tour groups which stay at least two nights in Taitung.
Furthermore, the first 100 visitors from Singapore who come to Taitung with the help of a travel agency and who are eligible to receive incentives for travel to Taitung in 2024 will receive a gift box of sugar apples.
Meanwhile, Chan Brothers Travel executive director, Chan Guat Cheng said Taitung has been a favourite destination for Singaporean travellers because of its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful scenery and indigenous culture.
Prior to the activities in Singapore, a presentation was held to brief Malaysian tour operators on travel incentives and highlights including leisure farms, Instagram-worthy spots, local festivities, indigenous cuisine and halal-certified restaurants.
-- BERNAMA
Friday 19 January 2024
JAPAN’S PREMIER SKI RESORT NIKKO STYLE NISEKO HANAZONO RESERVATIONS OPEN FOR NEXT WINTER
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO, the second hotel in Japan under the Nikko Style lifestyle-hotel brand of Okura Nikko Hotels, announced it has begun accepting reservations for next winter in advance of the hotel's scheduled opening in December 2024.
Reservations are valid from Jan 19 to March 31 for stays from Jan 20, 2025 until April 6, 2025, according to Okura Nikko Hotel Management in a statement.
Located at Niseko HANAZONO Resort, part of the larger Niseko United ski area at the foot of Mount Annupuri, the hotel, which will be a short walk from the Hanazono Symphony gondola stop, will combine convenient access with beautiful views of the slopes in northern Japan's famous Niseko area, known for its world-class powder snow.
The hotel's 234 guest rooms, including 12 studio suites, will feature large windows offering spectacular views of the area's majestic nature, including the Niseko Volcanic Group and Mount Yotei.
A total of nine types of rooms will cater to virtually every style of accommodation, including spacious rooms over 40 square metres for families and groups such as rooms equipped with kitchens and washer-dryers for longer stays.
In addition, each room on the upper two floors will come with a bathing area where guests can enjoy their own private hot-spring tub, while all the guests will have access to the hotel's large indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths and saunas, and a fitness centre.
Guests in Studio Suites and upper-floor Superior Club and Deluxe rooms will also have access to the Nikko Club Lounge, where they can enjoy complimentary continental breakfast buffets, coffee and tea, for an enhanced après-ski resort experience.
Meanwhile, in the dining room, guests will partake of Japanese and Western breakfast buffets featuring fresh, sumptuous Hokkaido ingredients in which, set against the backdrop of Hanazono's year-round natural beauty.
For lunch and dinner, there will be an option of a la carte or course meals, along with a private space that can be easily configured to accommodate one large group or multiple smaller groups.
-- BERNAMA
NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS TAKES MINORITY STAKE IN WIZ FREIGHT, INDIA'S LEADING DIGITAL FORWARDING SERVICE PROVIDER
AsiaNet 100625
NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. acquired a minority equity stake in Wiz Freight (hereinafter "Wiz"), a leading digital forwarding service provider in India, on January 12 as its third investment made via the NX Global Innovation Fund, a corporate venture capital (CVC) fund established in January 2023.
Logos:
Wiz: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202401155299-O3-27ZY3v6W
NX: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202401155299-O1-UAs7xMsJ
Profile of Wiz
Wiz, founded in India in 2020, addresses rapidly growing needs for digital cross-border supply chain services in emerging countries. The company has more than 900 employees working at over 25 offices in six countries/regions (India, UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and USA). Using cutting-edge technology, the company provides digital forwarding services for the global supply chain sector.
Investment background and objectives
The international logistics industry has been facing major challenges in recent years, among them being the increasing complexity of supply chain and the standardization/streamlining of trade operations due to the expansion of global transactions. It is thus expected that international logistics operations will become ever more digitized to create logistics platforms that optimize logistics by standardizing arrangements and visualizing information such as operational progress and transport status.
In view of these circumstances, the Nippon Express (hereinafter "NX") Group has been pursuing digital transformation (DX) and, in July of last year, it launched e-NX Quote and e-NX Visibility, both digital forwarding services that enable online quotation and tracking. To further promote DX, the Group has been actively exploring the use of external resources, including collaborations with startup companies in Japan and overseas, as one solution.
By investing in Wiz, a company strong in digital forwarding services in India and other emerging markets, the NX Group will bolster its own global forwarding business and accelerate its DX initiatives.
The NX Group will continue co-creating* new business values with promising startups by leveraging its domestic and international networks.
*Co-creation activities refer to collaborations between NX Group companies and CVC to invest in startups that will offer added value to customers and on-site operations, with the NX Group and the startups working together to achieve business growth.
Profile of investee:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202401155299-O1-3WvwmTgz.pdf
Official websites:
Wiz: https://wizfreight.com/
NX: https://www.nipponexpress.com/
NX Group's LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/
Source: NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC.
Thursday 18 January 2024
GTJAI Obtains Signatory Status To Principles For Responsible Investment
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- Guotai Junan International Holdings Limited (GTJAI) announced its parent company, Guotai Junan Securities Co Ltd (Guotai Junan Securities), officially signed the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in the category of "investment manager".
Guotai Junan Securities together with its subsidiaries including GTJAI, became signatories to PRI, according to a statement.
According to PRI, responsible investment involves considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in the investment decision-making process and ownership practice.
PRI believes that ESG issues can affect the performance of investment portfolios, and contribute to an economically efficient and sustainable financial system, which is essential for long-term value creation.
As fiduciaries, institutional investors have the obligation to act in the best long-term interests of their beneficiaries. Therefore, PRI requires signatories to commit to six Principles for Responsible Investment.
The principles include incorporating ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes; seeking appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which they invest; and promoting acceptance and implementation of the Principles within the investment industry.
Obtaining the signatory status signifies GTJAI’s commitment to follow in the footsteps of its parent company and entering a new phase in ESG investment and risk management development.
Looking ahead, GTJAI will continue to uphold its ESG vision, actively respond to the national “dual carbon” goals, adhere to six Principles for Responsible Investment, as well as integrate and deepen ESG concepts into daily business operations and management.
The company will also strive to create a responsible comprehensive financial services platform and make contributions to high-quality socio-economic development.
-- BERNAMA
BITDEFENDER BROADENS MANAGED SECURITY SERVICES IN APAC WITH SINGAPORE CENTRE
According to Bitdefender in a statement, the new SOC enhances its ability to serve clients headquartered in Asia Pacific (APAC), as well as multinational businesses with operations across the region.
Bitdefender Business Solutions Group president and general manager, Andrei Florescu said establishing a SOC in the APAC region was a strategic step in the continued growth and innovation of Bitdefender MDR services and enterprise security solutions as the attack surface expands.
“Our expansion allows us to better serve organisations with an Asia Pacific presence by delivering world-class managed security services led by elite cybersecurity experts adept at understanding evolving threats, regulatory compliance, and other complex challenges specific to the region,” he added.
Bitdefender SOCs are cybersecurity nerve centres operating in the United States, Romania, and Singapore and are seamlessly integrated, in which these facilities share real-time threat intelligence derived from the Bitdefender Global Protective Network.
Each SOC has full capabilities of Level-1 to Level-3 support in a single team to detect, verify, contain, and eradicate threats quickly.
The SOCs also house Bitdefender Offensive Cybersecurity Services designed to assess, identify, and remediate security gaps in an organisation’s environment (on premises, cloud, hybrid) through penetration testing and red team simulated attacks.
Led by CREST-accredited ethical hackers, the services complement the company’s MDR portfolio providing a proactive means to fortify environments, reduce risk, and meet regulatory/compliance mandates.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday 17 January 2024
OCTB, MUIC Kansai To Unveil Bespoke Industrial Tours Platform Ahead Of Expo 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- The Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau (OCTB) has partnered with Kansai Innovation Center (MUIC Kansai) to launch "Tech Tours Kansai", an innovative new platform to develop custom-tailored industrial tours, anticipating opportunities presented by Expo 2025 running from April to October 2025.
Ahead of the event, the Kansai region is rapidly gaining attention from government officials and corporate incentive groups around the world looking to explore Kansai's opportunities in industrial tourism.
According to a statement, the new platform handles a wide range of the Kansai region's prominent industries, including gastronomy, traditional craftwork, manufacturing, and next-generation energy development, among others.
Tours encompass more than just industrial site visits, but include visits to significant cultural properties, unique culinary experiences, first-hand experiences with traditional crafts, and more comprehensive offerings across the Kansai region.
Tech Tours Kansai is a team of travel experts who, while collaborating with financial institutions, coordinates custom-tailored tours that accommodate any group's needs and requests.
The platform also assists in developing new business opportunities in Japan in expert matchmaking, expanding business markets, and connecting with new investments, all while collaborating with financial institutions.
It is also a one-stop service that manages each step of the travel itinerary, from pre-planning to travel follow-up. In addition to coordination with Expo 2025 site visits and other tours, the Tech Tours Kansai team provides support for all travel needs, including accommodations, transportation, and dietary requests as well as coordinating special excursions and spousal programmes.
Tech Tours Kansai emphasises custom-tailored assistance, and support for bespoke industrial and incentive tours on this platform will continue even after the conclusion of Expo 2025.
Expo 2025 is the world's next biggest event, bringing business innovation and major recovery for the tourism industry and will be Japan's first major post-COVID international event, offering an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Osaka and the Kansai region as a premier meeting and event destination.
-- BERNAMA
Friday 12 January 2024
SENSORMATIC SOLUTIONS' OUTCOMES-BASED ANALYTICS SOLUTION OPTIMISES RETAIL EXPERIENCES
Thursday 11 January 2024
FINTECH COMPANY SALMON BECOMES LICENCED BANK IN THE PHILIPPINES
Wednesday 10 January 2024
FUJITEC DEBUTS INTEGRATED REPORT 2023
According to Fujitec in a statement, this is the company’s first integrated report.
The new report expands on financial and non-financial information contained in the annual Fujitec Report to further strengthen the relationship of trust with its customers.
It plainly describes the company’s initiatives and activities aimed at achieving its management philosophy: “Respecting people, technologies, and products, we collaborate with people from nations around the world to develop beautiful and functional cities that meet the needs of a new age.”
The statement added that through this report, Fujitec strives to make its communication with stakeholders even more active.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday 9 January 2024
PUBMATIC DRIVES REVENUE LIFT WITH ADDRESSABILITY ALTERNATIVES
With Connect as a centralised access point for addressability solutions, the company in a statement said it has not only adapted to industry changes but also delivered a quantifiable monetisation lift for publishers.
“Our mission is to fuel the endless potential of internet content creators, and in today’s regulatory and privacy-centric environment, this requires collaborative partnerships and integrated technology.
“Through Connect, we have developed innovative, omnichannel solutions that not only address the challenges posed by the changing digital advertising landscape but also set a new standard for effective and privacy-conscious advertising,” said its senior vice president of addressability and marketplace, Andrew Baron.
PubMatic has expanded its partnerships with leading alternative IDs, audience data partners and contextual providers to ensure publishers and advertisers can continue to deliver relevant, impactful advertising across the open internet.
As a result, over 75 per cent of impressions on the company’s platform have alternative targeting signals attached other than the cookie.
PubMatic is now integrated with nearly 30 alternative IDs, to drive increased return on investment (ROI) for advertisers as well as increased publisher revenue and cost per milles (CPMs).
In addition to alternative IDs, PubMatic supports dozens of global data providers to create robust and effective omnichannel advertising solutions, further extending privacy-safe, targetable data available for buyers.
As PubMatic continues to prioritise partnerships and collaboration, it remains dedicated to driving the future of digital advertising through innovation, strategic alliances, as well as a steadfast commitment to user privacy.
-- BERNAMA
Hong Kong’s Maiden US Treasury 20+ Years ETF Debuts On Jan 10
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- CSOP FTSE US Treasury 20+ Years Index ETF (3433.HK) will be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Jan 10 as Hong Kong’s first United States (US) Treasury 20+ Years exchange-traded fund (ETF).
To capture the performance of FTSE US Treasury 20+ Years Index, 3433.HK adopts a representative sampling strategy, with listing price at around HKD78 per unit, and trading lot of 10 and management fee of 0.20 per cent.
According to a statement, the Unlisted Share Class A of the ETF will be launched on the same day, with minimum initial investment of US$1,000 and 3433.HK has received US$50 million initial investment. (US$1=RM4.64)
CSOP Asset Management chief executive officer, Ding Chen said the company is proud to introduce the first long-term US Treasury Bonds ETF to Hong Kong.
“This allows investors to easily access the US Treasury Bonds market in a flexible and transparent manner,” she said.
Anticipations are high for rate cuts in 2024, whereby US Treasury Bonds often benefit from rate decreases during periods of monetary easing due to the inverse relationship between bond values and rates.
The FTSE US Treasury 20+ Years Index saw a total return of 24.7 per cent, an annualised return of 42.2 per cent, during the rate-cutting periods of July 2019 to March 2020.
CSOP FTSE US Treasury 20+ Years Index ETF emerges as an efficient solution for retail investors seeking to invest in the US Treasury Bonds, in which it offers ease of transaction and high transparency.
FTSE US Treasury 20+ Years Index measures the performance of the US Treasury securities, all rated investment grade, with maturity greater than or equal to 20 years that are in the FTSE World Government Bond Index.
The Index is a total return index, meaning that the performance of the index includes both coupon and principal return derived from US Treasury Bonds, with an average coupon rate of 2.68 per cent, average yield to maturity of 4.63 per cent with effective duration of 16.81.
-- BERNAMA
Friday 5 January 2024
INSURED LOSSES FROM JAPAN EARTHQUAKE TO HAVE LIMITED CREDIT RATINGS IMPACT - AM BEST
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 5 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has expected the earnings impact on the major domestic non-life insurers of losses stemming from Jan 1 earthquake in Japan to be manageable relative to the sector’s net profit.
“While the earthquake losses would drag the proportional treaties results, if losses were to hit individual companies’ earthquake reinsurance excess-of-loss layers, it might fuel rate increases in the upcoming April 1 reinsurance renewal,” said AM Best director, analytics, Chanyoung Lee in a statement.
The Best’s Commentary notes that the Japanese government supports residential earthquake risks via a state-backed reinsurance scheme, so most losses to domestic non-life insurers are expected to come from commercial and industrial risks.
Titled “AM Best Expects Insured Losses from Japan’s January 2024 Earthquake to have Limited Credit Ratings Impact”, the commentary adds that Japan’s insurers’ adoption of generally conservative reinsurance strategies and the low earthquake reinsurance attachment point relative to their capital positions have largely transferred earthquake risks to the international reinsurance market.
Following a fiscal year of sizeable catastrophe losses from Typhoons Nanmadol and Talas in 2022, Japan’s non-life insurance segment had experienced a relatively benign natural catastrophe year in 2023.
AM Best expects the negative impact on profitability for the fire segment, in which most losses from the earthquake are expected, to be offset by profits from other lines of business, while most non-life lines of business have reported growth in premium income in the past 12 months, supported by primary rate increases.
-- BERNAMA