BEST'S MARKET SEGMENT REPORT: ADOPTION OF NEW INDUSTRY ACCOUNTING STANDARD FORCES CHANGE IN AM BEST'S ANNUAL RANKING OF TOP REINSURERS

OLDWICK, N.J., Aug 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The implementation of IFRS 17 accounting standards in the insurance industry has forced a modification to AM Best’s annual ranking of top reinsurance groups for 2023.

The re-engineering of this highly watched industry ranking has been necessitated by the lack of comparability created through the adoption of IFRS 17, which shifts the traditional focus from premiums written and earned to one based on insurance revenue that gauges the amount an insurer has earned for service rendered.

In this year’s ranking, companies that report under IFRS 17 are ranked 1 to 15 based on gross reinsurance revenue; companies that report under non-IFRS 17 are ranked 1 to 35 based on the more-traditional gross written reinsurance premium.

Under this approach, Munich Reinsurance Co. is the largest IFRS 17 reporting reinsurer based on nearly USD 32.9 billion in 2023 reinsurance revenue, followed by Hannover Rück SE (USD 27.0 billion) and SCOR SE (USD 17.6 billion). Swiss Re Ltd. is the largest non-IFRS 17 reporting reinsurer with USD 40.5 billion in 2023 gross premium written, followed by Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (USD 27.5 billion) and Lloyd’s (USD 22.1 billion).

The Best’s Market Segment Report, “World’s 50 Largest Reinsurers,” is a highly recognized part of AM Best’s overall look at the global reinsurance industry ahead of the Rendez-Vous de Septembre in Monte Carlo. Other reports, including AM Best’s in-depth looks at the insurance-linked securities, Lloyd’s, health and regional reinsurance markets, will be available during August and September.

This report notes that over the past two decades, AM Best’s annual global reinsurance report has outlined major developments in the segment, as well as ranking the players in the market. Most years, changes in the ranking have been modest. “This year’s list of the top reinsurers looks different than it has in prior years, as the analysis has evolved to provide the most relevant rankings possible,” said Carlos Wong-Fupuy, senior director, AM Best.

To access the full copy of this market segment report, please visit
http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=346088.

For all other global reinsurance reports ahead of Rendez-Vous de Septembre, please visit Best’s Research.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2024 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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Contact

Christopher Pennings, CPCU
Financial Analyst
+1 908 882 2237
christopher.pennings@ambest.com

Edem Kuenyehia
Director, Market Development
& Communications
+44 20 7397 0280
edem.kuenyehia@ambest.com

Dan Hofmeister, CFA, FRM, CAIA, CPCU
Associate Director
+1 908 882 1893
dan.hofmeister@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Associate Director, Public Relations
+1 908 882 2310
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Carlos Wong-Fupuy, FIA, FRM
Senior Director
+1 908 882 2438
carlos.wong-fupuy@ambest.com

Source : AM Best

--BERNAMA

BDX INDONESIA AND NEUTRADC UNVEIL PHASE I OF INTERCONNECTED DATA CENTER ECOSYSTEM: DRIVING AI INNOVATION THROUGH STRATEGIC COLLABORATION

^{Mayank Srivastava, CEO BDx Data Centers, and Andreuw Th.A.F, CEO NeutraDC, when unveiling Phase 1 of the Strategic Alliance collaboration in Bali, Monday, 26 August 2024. (Photo: Business Wire)}


JAKARTA, Indonesia, Aug 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- BDx Indonesia, a joint venture between BDx Data Centers, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), and Lintasarta, along with NeutraDC, a subsidiary of Telkom Indonesia, is thrilled to announce the launch of the first phase of their interconnected Internet Exchange (IX) ecosystem in Indonesia.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240824300099/en/

 

The initiative, first revealed at a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony at the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) 2024 conference in January, will result in the establishment of a portfolio of 108 interconnected colocation and edge sites across Indonesia. Phase-1 includes the operational launch of BDx's CGK3 & 3A campus in Jakarta and NeutraDC's Cikarang facility. These sites will serve as internet aggregation points, creating a hyperconnected and resilient internet backbone that will support Indonesia's digital transformation.

NeutraDC and BDx Indonesia will operate independent Internet Exchanges (IXs) that are interconnected to each other’s data center ecosystem, offering a seamless customer experience. The BDx IX PoP is live at CGK3A and set to launch at NeutraDC’s Cikarang facility in September 2024. The NeutraDC and BDx IXs will be connected on a multi-terabit fiber ecosystem, creating high speed resilient network on IOH and Telkom networks.

"BDx is proud to collaborate with NeutraDC in the spirit of Gotong Royong to advance Indonesia’s digital infrastructure," said Mayank Srivastava, CEO of BDx Data Centers. "This initiative will go a long way in enhancing the quality of internet infrastructure, enhancing the user experience for all customer segments."

At the launch event for the first phase of the interconnected Internet Exchange (IX) ecosystem in Indonesia, NeutraDC’s CEO, Andreuw Th.A.F, emphasized the importance of the partnership in advancing the nation’s digital landscape. He highlighted that this collaboration is not just about enhancing infrastructure, but also about setting a new standard for digital connectivity across the country.

"Our strategic partnership with BDx Indonesia marks a significant milestone in supporting Indonesia's digital transformation. This collaboration is designed to democratize internet access, ensuring that even the most remote areas are connected to a resilient and robust digital network. By working together, we will democratize internet access and foster a transformative digital landscape," said Andreuw Th.A.F.

This initiative will significantly advance internet connectivity across the region, benefiting businesses, driving economic growth, and enhancing digital inclusion. With 108 interconnected sites, it offers improved resilience, faster access, scalability, and robust disaster recovery. BDx’s specialized AI data centers are designed to meet the demanding requirements of AI training, while the interconnected infrastructure mesh supports inference at the edge, creating a future-proof distributed AI model. Additionally, customers not hosted at BDx or NeutraDC facilities can connect to the ecosystem from anywhere in the country by setting up a backhaul to the nearest BDx or NeutraDC telco-neutral site, ensuring seamless regional integration and connectivity.

Key cities like Batam, Surabaya, Medan, Makassar, Bandung, and Semarang are part of the phase 2 of the expansion plan.

About BDx Data Centers https://www.bdxworld.com/
About NeutraDC https://www.neutradc.com/

View source version on businesswire.com: 
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Contact

Richa Babbar
richa.babbar@bdxworld.com 

Source : BDx Data Centers

HEMOHIM'S GLOBAL MARKET SUCCESS ROOTED IN RIGOROUS QUALITY CONTROL

^{HemoHim G, produced by Kolmar BNH and distributed by Atomy is gaining a great popularity around the world (Image: Kolmar BNH)}


SEOUL, South Korea, Aug 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- HemoHim, a health functional food developed by Kolmar BNH (KRX: 200130), is garnering significant attention in the global market thanks to its meticulous quality control measures throughout the entire process, starting with the stringent management of raw material origins.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240823112347/en/ 

HemoHim is Korea's first individually-approved health functional food designed to enhance immune function and alleviate fatigue. Developed by Kolmar BNH in 2006, it is formulated with domestic natural ingredients such as angelica gigas, cnidium officinale, and paeonia japonica. Distributed by Atomy, HemoHim is exported to about 20 countries, including the United States and China. Since its launch, it has generated over KRW 2 trillion in cumulative domestic and international sales, with exports surpassing USD 200 million.

HemoHim's nearly 20-year consumer preference is highly attributed to the "trust earned through rigorous quality control." Kolmar BNH, the manufacturer of HemoHim, maintains strict oversight over the cultivation of its primary raw materials—Korean angelica gigas Nakai, cnidium officinale, paeonia japonica—ensuring their safety. The company has established a dedicated food safety team to continuously share technology and provide education to raw material cultivating farms, while rigorously inspecting the safety, stability, and efficacy of these ingredients.

Furthermore, Kolmar BNH has enhanced its quality competitiveness by developing genetic testing methods to verify the country of origin, ensuring the prevention of contamination of primary raw materials with other species. In July, Kolmar BNH patented a genetic analysis method (SCAR Marker) that identifies the origin of Korean angelica gigas by recognizing specific genetic regions. Moreover, Kolmar BNH developed a genetic analysis method using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis for cnidium officinalea and paeonia japonica and completed the patent registration process two years ago.

Safety was also the top priority for HemoHim G, a latest product targeting the global market. In April, Kolmar BNH published a study on HemoHim G in the SCIE-ranked journal ‘Toxicological Research,’ demonstrating its safety. Conducted according to OECD guidelines, the study holds significance not only in facilitating safety approvals in other countries but also in securing intellectual property rights with reliable results.

HemoHim G (Global) is the international version of HemoHim, Korea’s first individually-approved immune-boosting health supplement developed by Kolmar BNH over an eight-year period. The formulation has been tailored to comply with the food regulations of various countries, with adjustments made to raw materials and ingredient ratios. The product features angelica sinensis, ligusticum chuanxiong, paeonia lactiflora, all selected through rigorous provenance and quality control processes. Enhanced taste and aroma also make HemoHim G more appealing to a broader audience.

Kolmar BNH plans to continuously improve quality through ongoing research and development to support HemoHim's growth as a globally recognized brand.

"HemoHim, now established as a leading K-health functional food brand in the global market, is manufactured through an exhaustive quality control process,” A Kolmar BNH official said. “We will continue to conduct extensive research and development to further enhance product reliability.”

View source version on businesswire.com: 
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Contact

Kolmar BNH
Jang Woo Lee
Jay.lee@kolmar.co.kr

Source : Kolmar BNH

AM Best Gears Up To Celebrate APAC Operations' 25 Years With Hong Kong Reception

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- AM Best will host a reception to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the launch of its Asia Pacific (APAC) operations on Sept 25 at the Renaissance Hong Kong Harbor View Hotel.

In a statement, the credit rating agency said the event will be held in the Oasis Room at the hotel during the East Asia Insurance Congress (EAIC) and coincides with AM Best’s 125th anniversary.

AM Best Asia Pacific (Singapore) Pte Ltd chief executive officer, and managing director of market development, Rob Curtis said the credit rating agency looks forward to the next 25 years as it celebrates its remarkable milestone.

AM Best’s connection to the APAC region’s insurance markets dates to 1991, when officials from the People’s Republic of China were invited to visit the company’s United States headquarters in Oldwick, New Jersey.

This was followed by a visit from Japan’s largest brokerage firm, which involved discussion of AM Best’s rating system and Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio model.

Shortly after, AM Best began issuing credit ratings for insurers in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Korea from its office in Hong Kong to become the largest credit rating agency specialising in insurance across the region.

To continue serving a growing client base in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the credit rating agency established its Singapore office in 2015 in the heart of the city’s financial district.

-- BERNAMA

IMPACT ANALYTICS AI-POWERED PLATFORM TO HELP FUTURE-PROOF BRISCOE GROUP'S BUSINESS

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Impact Analytics, the pioneer in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered planning, merchandising and pricing solutions, has partnered with Briscoe Group, New Zealand’s retail conglomerate, to power data-driven retail operations.

Under the terms of the partnership, Briscoe Group will implement the Impact Analytics AI-Merchandising & Supply Chain platform, including PlanSmart, AssortSmart, InventorySmart, and AttributeSmart, to make data-driven decisions, improve forecasting accuracy, enhance inventory management, and ultimately deliver a superior customer experience.

“We are proud to partner with Briscoe Group on this incredible business transformation. The Briscoe Group team's dedication to retail excellence and innovation is truly inspiring.

“We are confident that our AI-powered platform will enable them to achieve their strategic goals and drive sustainable growth,” said Impact Analytics Chief Executive Officer, Prashant Agrawal in a statement.

Meanwhile, Briscoe Group Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Scott said: “After thoroughly evaluating opportunities to integrate advanced AI capabilities into our operations, we selected Impact Analytics for their exceptional retail-focused platform and team of seasoned experts.

“The platform's ability to deliver rapid value through dynamic module interaction and sophisticated AI forecasting will future-proof our business, ensuring we remain at the cutting edge of retail innovation.”

The Impact Analytics PlanSmart module is designed to help retailers optimise merchandise financial planning and manage open-to-buy budgets effectively, while AssortSmart is an AI-powered assortment planning software that enables retail companies to create customer-centric, profitable, and localised assortments across multiple locations.

In addition, InventorySmart is an AI-powered forecasting engine that enables retailers to accurately predict inventory needs and drive profitability by reducing overstocks and optimising assortments and distribution, whereas AttributeSmart is an AI-powered automated product tagging software that helps retailers improve product discoverability and merchandising.

Offering a holistic suite of AI-powered solutions to help brands future-proof their businesses using predictive analytics, Impact Analytics has been pioneering and perfecting the use of AI in forecasting, planning and operations for nearly a decade, serving the retail, grocery, manufacturing and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries.

-- BERNAMA

SPACE INTELLIGENCE SECURES FUNDING FROM AZURX SPACE VENTURES, INTERCONTINENTAL EXCHANGE

 

Dr. Murray Collins, Space Intelligence Co-Founder & CEO (Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Space Intelligence, a provider of high-accuracy nature mapping derived from satellite data, has raised Series A funding round, led by new investor AzurX Space Ventures (ASV) with participation from Intercontinental Exchange Inc.

The funding will be used to expand Space Intelligence’s catalogue of mapping data across the world’s forests to support the development and financing of forest carbon projects, as well as nature impact monitoring across corporate supply chains.

“To address the dual climate and biodiversity crises, it is critical that investment in forest conservation and restoration scales through mechanisms such as the carbon markets and that compliance with legislation like the EU Deforestation Regulation is ensured.

“We have built an audit-grade dataset by taking a science-led approach to mapping the world’s forests, and this funding will help us accelerate the production of datasets across more regions and time periods,” said Space Intelligence co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO), Dr Murray Collins in a statement.

Meanwhile, ASV co-founder and CEO, Anna Hazlett said: “Investing in space-based technologies, particularly through innovative companies like Space Intelligence, is essential for harnessing the full potential of satellite data in addressing global environmental challenges.”

Space Intelligence’s nature data catalogue currently spans 640 million hectares across seven countries, providing information on land cover, deforestation, and regrowth.

By the end of 2025’s second quarter, the company’s dataset will expand to cover more than 35 additional countries, becoming the largest audit-grade nature mapping dataset available. This expansion is driven by the company’s integrated process of geospatial analysis and ecological expertise, leveraging artificial intelligence.

The company is also set to release new data products in the fourth quarter of this year for near real-time monitoring of deforestation and degradation, enhancing risk management and monitoring.

Space Intelligence co-founders Dr Collins and Professor Ed Mitchard have nearly 40 combined years of academic and on-the-ground research in remote sensing using satellite data, employing more than 50 staff members, including 20 mapping scientists and ecologists.

-- BERNAMA

INSTAGRAM STILL SINGAPORE'S PUBLIC SECTOR PREFERRED PLATFORM - EMPLIFI

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Emplifi, a customer engagement platform, in its latest report analyses how 42 statutory boards, and 16 ministries are using Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube to connect with Singaporeans on key issues like healthcare, education, and national defence.

The ‘Singapore Government Social Media Report, first half (H1) 2024’ revealed that statutory boards are significantly more active than ministries, producing triple the content.

Both groups saw increased engagement compared to the previous year, with statutory boards and ministries experiencing 6.6 per cent and 13.4 per cent growth, respectively. However, overall content creation dropped by 42.5 per cent from H1 2023, with X experiencing the largest decline (from 13,751 to 2,956 posts).

Despite this decrease, interactions grew by seven per cent, reaching over 3.5 million in H1 2024 compared with around 3.3 million in H1 2023, while Instagram reigned supreme as the most engaging platform, capturing 61.4 per cent of interactions, outperforming Facebook's 36.5 per cent.

Emplifi Senior Vice President and General Manager for EMEA and APJ, Varun Sharma said social media is the heartbeat of modern communication and it is no longer just a platform but a critical channel for building trust, transparency, and engagement.

“This report delves deep into the Singapore government's digital footprint, we provide insights into the government's social media strategy by analysing key metrics and understanding public sentiment to see how well it is engaging citizens.

“The key takeaway is that Instagram continues to be a dominant force in Singapore's social media landscape, boasting a substantial user base, particularly among young demographics,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Singapore Army’s hashtag #AnythingButRegular campaign was the standout performer on social media during H1 2024, generating 331,224 interactions across Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Instagram proved to be the driving force behind the campaign's success, contributing to 72.67 per cent of total interactions.

Singaporean ministers are utilising social media to build stronger relationships with citizens, comprising nearly 90 per cent of their content, while in terms of audience engagement, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong boasted the highest interactions with 66.53 per cent of engagement attributable to Instagram.

Emplifi analysed social media performance across Singapore’s public sector, reviewing over 200 social media profiles across Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube on content, engagement, and sentiment, between Jan 1 to June 30, 2024.

-- BERNAMA

HERE Technologies To Enhance Safety Features In Mibro Kids Watch Phones

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- HERE Technologies, a location data and technology platform, has been chosen by Mibro, an international smartwatch brand of ZhenShi Information Technology (Shenzhen) Co Ltd to enhance tracking and safety features in smartwatches for kids.

The new upcoming Mibro kids watch phones available in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Southeast Asia are designed with a seven-system positioning feature that offers exceptional accuracy in tracking the location of children, including real-time view of a child's location and journey.

“Ensuring the safety of children is paramount in today's interconnected age. We are excited to partner with Mibro to enhance the safety and user experience of their kids watch phones.

“We are dedicated to supporting Mibro with location intelligence as they introduce newer smartwatch models for the international audience,” said HERE Technologies Director and Head of Business for Greater China, Sammie Xi in a statement.

Meanwhile, Zhenshi Information Technology Company Vice President, Ian Ying said: “By integrating HERE  location services into our kids watch phones, we offer parents peace of mind knowing they can accurately track and communicate with their children.”

The positioning feature is powered by HERE Location Services, where Mibro utilises the HERE Network Positioning application programming interface (API) to retrieve the geo-location of the watch phone.

The HERE Reverse Geocoder API then translates these locations into precise addresses, which are then sent to parents via the Mibro Kids mobile app.

Through the app, parents are not only able to access the location of their children in real-time, they can also obtain historical location data of up to 90 days, even in challenging environments where traditional GPS signals may be limited.

To prioritise safety and privacy, HERE Technologies does not collect or sell any personal information related to children in which parents can choose to share data with the company, but all child-related data remains anonymous and is solely utilised to enhance location tracking services.

-- BERNAMA

SPACE TECH STARTUP METAKOSMOS TAKING OFF TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH AUD$2 MLN PRE-SEED FUNDING

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Metakosmos, a pioneering space technology startup, has raised a AUD$2 million Pre-Seed round, enabling it to accelerate the delivery of milestones that will revolutionise human space flight. (AUD$1 = RM2.94)

Led by Saudi Arabian technology group, Alzadhar Al-Sanai, this strategic investment aims to accelerate the innovation pipeline, advance spacesuit technology and launch spin-off applications in multiple industries for new markets.

"We are thrilled to have the support of such esteemed investors who share our vision for the company, by enabling new markets for human spaceflight services," said Metakosmos Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Kiriti Rambhatla in a statement.

Meanwhile, Alzadhar Al-Sanai Chief Executive Officer, Aziz AlOthman said: “We are excited to support Metakosmos’s journey through this investment and help them expand their capabilities in global markets such as Australia, USA, India and emerging space economies like Saudi Arabia.

“Their visionary approach and cutting-edge solutions have the potential to make a significant impact on the future of human spaceflight across the globe.”

Based in Sydney, Australia, Metakosmos is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of space technology, focusing on developing innovative solutions and extreme environment suits that address the most pressing challenges in human spaceflight.

-- BERNAMA

ASIAN WOMEN FEEL POWERLESS IN PEACE, SECURITY DISCUSSIONS - OSF POLL

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Our Secure Future (OSF) in its new findings on women’s perspectives on security, found that 82 per cent of the women surveyed said that security discussions in their country do not represent them, and 80 per cent do not feel adequately represented among security actors.

Conducted with the Women’s Alliance for Security Leadership/International Civil Society Action Network, the poll revealed that in countries like South Korea, Japan, and China, women often face significant barriers to participating in peace and security efforts, despite their critical perspectives and contributions in the workplace, political spaces, and even at the home front.

However, across Asia, societies are paving the way for a more equitable future for everyone, according to a statement.

One significant development is the growing number of Asian countries adopting National Action Plans (NAPs) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), with at least 16 Asian nations, including Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and South Korea, have developed NAPs to integrate gender perspectives into their peace and security policies, as of 2023.

NAPs serve as crucial roadmaps for governments to address the unique challenges faced by women in conflict and post-conflict situations and to promote their meaningful participation in security and peacebuilding processes.

Currently, Japan has taken a leading role in advancing the WPS agenda in Asia, in which the country’s new WPS framework was inspired by the WPS Caucus model originated by the United States Congress.

Adoption of a similar "WPS Caucus Model" across other national legislatures can ensure accountability in implementing WPS National Action Plans and policies, while Japan's proactive approach to the WPS agenda can inspire other Asian countries, particularly those in the ASEAN region.

ASEAN countries can prioritise the appointment of women in key leadership positions within their governments, especially in ministries and agencies related to peace and security. This step promotes gender equality and ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.

ASEAN nations can also establish cross-ministerial task forces or working groups dedicated to the WPS agenda, similar to Japan's Taskforce on WPS. These entities can facilitate better coordination and collaboration among various government bodies, organisations, and external experts, leading to the implementation of more effective WPS policies and initiatives.

Moreover, establishing a regional WPS network within ASEAN could enhance collaboration and support sharing resources and expertise. This network would also serve as a platform for advocacy to raise awareness of the WPS agenda.

Asia has a unique opportunity to become a champion in advancing the WPS agenda. As the region faces various security threats, from armed conflicts to climate change-related disasters, prioritising women's participation and leadership in decision-making is more crucial than ever.

-- BERNAMA

UPCOMING ICEF2024 TO PROMOTE INNOVATION, KEY TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- The 11th Annual Meeting of the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF) is set to take place on Oct 9 to 10 with three segments, namely Plenary Sessions, Technology Sessions, and Special Sessions.

According to a statement, the three segments will be held under the main theme of "How to Live within the Planetary Boundaries through Green Innovation”.

At this year’s ICEF conference, participants will discuss a wide range of challenges, including Planetary Boundaries, Food and Agriculture, Hydrogen Readiness, and Sustainable Marine Transport, based on a shared recognition that "Diversity is the origin of innovation".

It will focus on the innovations necessary to move ahead toward the achievement of carbon neutrality, even as the world continues to confront a variety of other difficulties.

Keynote sessions will feature Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research Director, Johan Fredrik Rockstrom; Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar, Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah; and TotalEnergies President of Asia and member of the Executive Committee, Helle Kristoffersen, among others.

Under Plenary Session, the "Planetary Boundaries and the Energy Transition" session aims to evaluate the current condition of the planet, identify existing challenges, and deliberate on the requisite policies and innovations to construct a sustainable future, while the "Innovative Finance" session will explore innovative financing methods for emerging markets, green innovation, and decarbonisation.

Meanwhile, there will be five sessions on "Climate Stabilization Technologies", "Hydrogen Readiness", "Food and Agriculture", "Future of Nuclear Energy", and "Sustainable Marine Transport" under Technology Session.

Special Session will feature discussions on "ICEF Roadmap Project: Artificial Intelligence for Climate Change Mitigation 2.0", "Special Dialogue on Net-Zero", and “Young Innovators”.

Sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, the event has been held every year since 2014 as an international conference where the world’s leaders in industry, academia and government come together under one roof to promote "innovation", the key to solving global warming.

-- BERNAMA

COMMUNIFY, STELLEX CAPITAL ACQUIRE FINCENTRIC FROM S&P GLOBAL

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- Communify, a company owned by Just Build It (JBI), in partnership with Stellex Capital Management, have acquired S&P Global’s Fincentric (formerly known as Markit On Demand) to provide digital experiences, financial data distribution and other solutions.

The acquisition integrates Fincentric with Communify's existing client communication, automation, and management business for the global wealth and asset management industries to form Communify Fincentric.

Communify Fincentric Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, John Wise said unifying Fincentric's market data capabilities with Communify's expertise in client data created a strong digital partner for the financial markets.

“Our shared client-centric, design-centric mindset will be pivotal as we look to grow Communify Fincentric domestically and worldwide,” he said in a statement.

The newly formed Communify Fincentric represents a significant leap forward in financial technology, addressing the industry’s long-standing challenge of disjointed data sources and subpar digital user experiences.

By unifying market and client data communication, Communify Fincentric offers a comprehensive, on-brand, digital platform for any financial institution through an immediately available Software as a Service (SaaS)-based product suite.

Building on Fincentric's strong presence in the United States (US) brokerage and self-directed investor markets, Communify Fincentric is poised for both domestic and international expansion, with a focus on serving the broader wealth and asset management industries.

The company's reach is made possible by a flexible delivery model, offering both off-the-shelf products and customised solutions for large organisations worldwide.

Communify Fincentric will combine Fincentric's 30-year legacy, which includes serving more than half of the top online brokerages in the US, with Communify's cutting-edge design & technology expertise, in an effort to create a powerhouse in financial data communication and management.

-- BERNAMA

Guidepoint Hires Chris Bonsi As Head Of North Asia, Based In Tokyo

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- Global information service company, Guidepoint has appointed Chris Bonsi as Head of North Asia and will be based in its Tokyo office.

With over 25 years of accomplished leadership in commercial and operational functions across Asia Pacific (APAC) and the United States, Bonsi brings to the role a wealth of experience driving and implementing growth strategies across Asia.

Guidepoint Director and Head of International, Jon Adkins in a statement said Bonsi's remarkable background and valuable expertise will undoubtedly add tremendous value as the company continues to expand its presence in APAC, a key growth market for Guidepoint.

Meanwhile, Bonsi said: “I am thrilled to embark on this critical role while working alongside Guidepoint’s distinguished executive team. I am eager to drive strategic advancements throughout the region and elevate our clients’ research experience to the next level.”

Bonsi’s strategic guidance will further fortify Guidepoint’s commitment in the region, which is to deliver exceptional client service and empower strategic decision-making for their clients.

He was most recently Chief Client Officer at Ipsos, a global leader in market research, where he led cross-functional teams to support several of the leading technology clients by introducing new innovations and solutions for their information and decision making needs.

Prior to that, Bonsi worked at Kantar for more than 14 years in various regional and country leadership roles in Singapore, Japan and Greater China.

Guidepoint is a research enablement platform designed to accelerate understanding and empower decision‑making through real-time access to data and hard-to-source knowledge.

-- BERNAMA

Udemy, Republic Polytechnic Partner To Offer Singaporeans Lifelong Learning, Skills Mastery

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- Udemy, an online skills marketplace and learning platform, announced a collaboration with Republic Polytechnic to provide millions of Singaporeans with flexible and continuous skills development, and validation opportunities to optimise their career journeys in addition to helping future-proof the nation’s workforce.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Republic Polytechnic to bring accessible, high-quality upskilling opportunities to Singaporeans, making our courses eligible for SkillsFuture Credit.

“This collaboration aligns with our mission to transform lives through learning and provide an environment where everyone, everywhere has access to the skills they need to unlock their potential and create opportunities for themselves and others,” said Udemy President and Chief Executive Officer, Greg Brown.

Currently, Singaporeans will be able to use their SkillsFuture Credit for a 12-month subscription plan for Udemy Business via the MySkillsFuture portal, which offers individuals access to 27,000 online courses in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, language learning, and marketing.

In addition, Singaporeans will be able to access bite-sized courses on critical skills and acquire knowledge at their own convenience, according to a statement.

To access Udemy Business, Singaporeans will subscribe to “Udemy Business – RepublicPolytechnic” to explore the complete catalogue of curated learning paths and high-demand courses across critical business, technical, and professional skills.

Learners will also have the opportunity to leverage Udemy’s Intelligent Skills Platform, gaining access to a diverse range of upskilling opportunities.

This is Udemy’s first collaboration with a local polytechnic in Singapore to offer subscriptions, and the company plans to expand its offerings in the region over time.


-- BERNAMA

EZVIZ Green Initiative Wins 2024 Sustainability Award

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- EZVIZ, a global leader in smart home technology, celebrated its successful endeavour to environmental protection by winning the 2024 Sustainability Award for its EZVIZ Green initiative.

This initiative combines EZVIZ’s mission to develop next-generation eco-friendly consumer technologies with its awareness campaigns led by a tree planting project, the EZVIZ Global Forest Plan. The latter uses the proceeds of the green products to continuously grow locally beneficial tree species worldwide.

Its branding director, Wade Wang said EZVIZ Green is visionary when representing a future-oriented, smart lifestyle while setting its foot on the ground with solid, tangible actions.

“With our products and projects, we are not only making the initiative a shared value within EZVIZ but also engaging partners and users to make a bigger impact,” Wang said in a statement.

The Sustainability Awards by the Business Intelligence Group is an annual programme that honours organisations, products, people and initiatives across industries that have prioritised sustainability as a core element of their business practices.

EZVIZ Green is one of the top 20 projects named as the “Initiatives of the Year”. Innovation-driven, EZVIZ has integrated solar energy into its renowned home security solutions.

The company now offers a wide range of battery-powered outdoor cameras and video doorbells that use compatible solar panels, reducing reliance on traditional power sources with long-lasting performance.

Furthermore, its latest 4K solar camera series even features built-in solar panels to minimise installation waste and additional equipment.

From 2023 to 2024, EZVIZ has financed the seeding of 1,460 trees in 10 countries, which are expected to absorb approximately 245.20 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) during the trees' first 10 years of life.

-- BERNAMA

Kape Technologies Hires Ankit Khemka As CMO To Fast Track Privacy Products Growth

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- Kape Technologies has appointed Ankit Khemka as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), strengthening the group’s senior leadership team and bolstering the company’s commitment to building a safer, freer internet with its industry-leading privacy and security technology.

In his new position, Khemka will leverage his global experience in fast-growing companies to accelerate the growth of Kape’s privacy products, including its flagship privacy brand, ExpressVPN, as well as lead marketing activities, reinforcing the company’s strong customer-centric culture and driving initiatives to maximise growth opportunities.

Kape Technologies Chief Executive Officer, Charles Butler said he is delighted Khemka’s appointment is able to propel the next chapter of growth and innovation for the company and its brands.

“Together we remain laser-focused on our mission to establish Kape as the world’s leading privacy-first digital security provider, empowering customers to take control of their privacy and security,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Khemka said: “Kape Technologies’ flagship brand, ExpressVPN, has been at the forefront of the VPN industry for over a decade, thanks to its dedication to technical excellence, innovation, and customer-centricity.

“With our shared vision and the combined strength of our team, I am confident that we will take the company to new heights, setting the standard for the privacy and security industry.”

Khemka is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in brand building, growth marketing and strategic business development, having served as Global General Manager and Head of Marketing at Revolut most recently.

Prior to this, he worked at HelloFresh and Rocket Internet Group, building and scaling businesses across the United States, India, Europe, and Latin America.

A privacy-first digital security software provider to consumers, with over seven million paying subscribers, Kape Technologies has a proven track record of growth, underpinned by a strong business model and expert digital marketing.

-- BERNAMA

NX Group Unveils Reports On Growth, Sustainability Efforts

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- The Nippon Express (NX) Group, one of the world’s leading logistics providers, has published its Integrated Report 2024 and its Sustainability Data Book 2024, detailing initiatives to make the group’s businesses even more global, profitable, and sustainable.

The Integrated Report focuses on three key points from the group’s latest five-year management plan, namely to improve global competitiveness and achieve business growth; enhance corporate value by increasing business competitiveness and profitability; as well as promote sustainability management as the foundation for all its business activities.

The report provides updates on policies and strategies of the NX Group under new Nippon Express Holdings President Satoshi Horikiri; the five-year management plan (NX Group Management Plan 2028: Dynamic Growth 2.0 - Accelerating Global Growth); and the transition to an Audit Committee structure.

Global-growth initiatives described in the report include the smooth integration of cargo-partner, the Austrian logistics company whose acquisition by the NX Group was completed in January, according to a statement.

Horikiri in the report said the group will further grow its global business by increasing its customer base and expanding the range of services it offers.

The combination is creating value for stakeholders and helping to transform the NX Group into a truly global forwarder.

Meanwhile, the Sustainability Data Book explains in detail how the group aims to address important issues such as climate change; contribute to global prosperity; and enhance corporate value by addressing the needs of people, businesses, and society.

The data book outlines the NX Group's efforts to address major sustainability issues from the perspectives of "environmental value", "social value", "economic value", and "governance".

In addition, the Sustainability page on the group website has been revamped to provide information in an easy-to-understand manner.

-- BERNAMA