IIOT WORLD TOUR TO STOP IN SINGAPORE ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2017, HOSTED BY THE INDUSTRIAL INTERNET CONSORTIUM AND PLATTFORM INDUSTRIE 4.0

SINGAPORE, July 31 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) and Plattform Industrie 4.0 have announced a stop in Singapore on their IIoT World Tour, which brings together industry leaders from both organizations and local organizations to accelerate the digitalization of industrial production. The two organizations have partnered with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), to co-host an event in Singapore, held in conjunction with A*STAR’s Future of Manufacturing Singapore, a series of events related to advanced manufacturing. The Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce will serve as a further local partner for the event.
 
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies will dramatically improve productivity and efficiencies throughout the entire manufacturing supply chain, with processes governing intelligent machines to improve production and even take corrective action to avoid unscheduled downtime. A thriving manufacturing sector helps strengthen the global economy.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29713

SDC LAUNCHES CLEARCHOICE™ INTERACTIVE PRODUCT SELECTOR GUIDE

Interactive product selector guides coating users to the most appropriate coating technologies

IRVINE, Calif., July 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SDC Technologies, Inc. (SDC), the recognized global leader in premium, high performance abrasion resistant coating solutions, has launched a new interactive product selector tool called ClearChoice Coatings in conjunction with its FSI Coating Technologiessubsidiary. The tool allows product engineers to easily search for the best coating solution for any need by selecting product characteristics such as coating type, substrate, feature, cure and application method and chemistry, as well as use parameters such as industry and market, and application method. The tool enables users to compare up to three products at a time and generate a PDF for future reference.

Designed to be a game changer for the specialty chemicals industry, the tool allows highly technical and industrial markets to enjoy the kind of convenience that are commonly available on consumer-facing selection sites. It enables users to make smarter decisions faster, with comprehensive digital advice geared to human touch and cognitive reasoning. The tool also contains references to relevant website pages and downloadable product documentation PDF files such as Technical Data Sheets, product highlights and brochures.

In launching the tool, Chief Operating Officer Richard Chang said, “The ClearChoice Coatings product selector represents a great advance in serving industries that are dependent on our categories of coatings.  We already deliver coating solutions to the world’s most recognizable brands, and our guided selection tool increases the likelihood of finding the right coating quickly.”

ABOUT SDC TECHNOLOGIES

SDC is the pioneer of innovative performance-based abrasion resistant coatings used in a variety of applications from aerospace and automotive parts, to vision eyewear. Founded in 1986, SDC Technologies, Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, California. SDC was acquired by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. in 2008.

ABOUT FSI COATING TECHNOLOGIES

FSI Coating Technologies (FSICT), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SDC Technologies, Inc., is a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative commercial industrial coatings and film products. Founded in 1986 and based in Irvine, California, FSICT offers a wide variety of premium, high performance, anti-fog solutions, applications include medical, military, safety and sports eyewear, as well as industrial sheet and PET film for commercial freezer display doors.

Contact information: customercare@sdctech.com

Source : SDC Technologies, Inc.

--BERNAMA

EZAKI GLICO CO., LTD. LAUNCHES ENGLISH VERSION OF POPULAR EDUCATIONAL APP GLICODE (TM)

OSAKA, Japan, July 31 (Bernama-AsiaNet) -- 
 

Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. (Ezaki Glico: https://www.glico.com/global/), is pleased to announce the launch of an English version of GLICODE (TM) -- a fun-educational programming app that allows kids as young as six to learn the basics of programming using Ezaki Glico's popular confectionary "Pocky." (Photo: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/img/201707274144-O1-pdO74vV8) (Image1: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/img/201707274144-O2-2sC8395m) (Image2: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/img/201707274144-O3-xFyX68vZ) Download URL: http://cp.glico.jp/glicode/app-global/ Since its initial launch in Japan 2016, Ezaki Glico has organized and facilitated various GLICODE (TM) workshops across Japan and also participated in national programming events as well as overseas. GLICODE (TM) has also been recognized at many award shows like Cannes Lions, One Show and more. Through our efforts and recognition, Ezaki Glico has received many requests to localize the app for a larger market. In response to this, Ezaki Glico has decided to release an English version of GLICODE (TM). GLICODE (TM) webpage: http://cp.glico.jp/glicode/en/ GLICODE (TM) Youtube: https://youtu.be/UiWkUqKif6o Ezaki Glico believes GLICODE (TM) will benefit children everywhere, helping them learn the basics of programming and algorithmic thinking in a hands-on and engaging way. By lining up physical "Pocky", kids can build a coding sequence that controls the game's character. The app's UI, levels and gameplay are specifically designed to make learning simple, fun and interactive, and teaches the three basic fundamentals of programming: Basic Syntax, Loops and IF Statements. "Ever since its establishment, the business activities of Ezaki Glico have adhered to the corporate philosophy of 'Enhancing Public Health through Food.' This is the reason why Ezaki Glico launched this GLICODE (TM). GLICODE (TM) makes it possible for kids to learn programming easily in an enjoyable way by using our confectionary 'Pocky'," says Hirohisa Tamai, Assistant Global Brand Manager, Advertisement Division, Creative Team, Ezaki Glico. For over 95 years, Ezaki Glico has always believed that eating and playing are the two most important parts of a child's healthy growth and development. That's exactly why in 1922 the company founder, Mr. Ri-ichi Ezaki, launched Glico's first ever confectionary as a heart-shaped caramel with a toy. The iconic Glico caramel and its toy are loved by many Japanese and represent this very belief. As culture and technology change, Ezaki Glico has the opportunity to redefine what fun is and how Ezaki Glico as a company can better contribute to a child's growth and development. Ezaki Glico hopes GLICODE(TM) can act as a next-generation Glico caramel toy (Omo-cha), one that is just as educational as it is fun and that benefits a much larger community of children, not only in Japan but around the world. Reference: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/opn/release/201707274144/ SOURCE: Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. --BERNAMA

AMAZON INTRODUCES PRIME NOW IN SINGAPORE: FREE TWO-HOUR DELIVERY ON TENS OF THOUSANDS OF ITEMS

Prime Now is the first Amazon retail service to launch in Singapore, offering free two-hour delivery on grocery items, local favorites and name-brand goods
 
SEATTLE, July 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced the launch of Prime Now in Singapore, which offers free two-hour delivery on tens of thousands of items right from your phone. Customers can shop on the Prime Now app for everything on their list from eggs, cold beverages and ice cream to baby strollers, toys, and consumer electronics. Local favorites such as Tiger Balm, Milo, Scotch-Brite and MamyPoko diapers as well as products from iconic brands including L’Oreal, Pampers, and Samsung are also available for ultra-fast delivery right to your door with free two-hour delivery on orders of S$40 or more.
 
“We are excited to introduce the busy people in Singapore to this convenient, ultra-fast delivery solution to get more time back to do the things they love,” said Aarif Nakhooda, Director of Prime Now Asia-Pacific. “Prime Now is powered by Amazon’s more than 20 years of operational and technological excellence and hundreds of Singapore’s talented and skilled associates.”
 
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29691

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF PROVIDENT INSURANCE CORPORATION LIMITED

SINGAPORE, July 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb” of Provident Insurance Corporation Limited (PICL) (New Zealand). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.
 
The ratings reflect PICL’s adequate risk-adjusted capitalization, prudent reserving and conservative investment portfolio. Moreover, despite the company’s start-up nature, its operating performance and claims experience during its first four years of operations have been largely consistent with initial projections.
 
Partially offsetting these positive rating factors are the company’s increasing underwriting leverage and a high expense ratio. Due to the delayed premium recognition of its core motor warranty products, growth in earned premium and underwriting profits tend to lag behind growth in incurred expenses. Hence, increased underwriting leverage from above-target premium growth over the short term could result in additional pressure on the company’s risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR).
 
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29700

TGS Q2 2017 WEBCAST AND TELECONFERENCE

ASKER, Norway, July 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TGS will release its Q2 2017 results at approximately 07:00 CEST on 3 August 2017. CEO Kristian Johansen and CFO Sven Børre Larsen will present the results at 09:00 CEST at the Hotel Continental, Stortingsgata 24/26 in Oslo, Norway. The presentation is open to the public and can be followed live on the internet at www.tgs.com.
 
The slides from the presentation will also be available in PDF format at both the TGS and Oslo Stock Exchange websites.
 
CEO Kristian Johansen and CFO Sven Børre Larsen will host a conference call on 3 August 2017 at 15:00 CEST (09:00 EDT). Attendees may want to call 5-10 minutes before to ensure registration and access.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29697

NTT COMMUNICATIONS EXPANDS PRESENCE IN INDIA TO MEET GROWING DIGITAL DEMAND

Company launches international data network services and plans to invest more than 160 million USD for data center expansion in India. 

 

MUMBAI, India, July 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), the ICT solutions and international communications business within the NTT Group (TOKYO:9432), today announced the launch of international data network services in India through its affiliate NTT Communications India Network Services (NTTCINS). The acquisition of this licence in India follows the initiation of construction of the Company’s two new data centers in Mumbai and Bangalore, through Netmagic, a subsidiary of NTT Com and one of the leading managed hosting and cloud service providers in India.
This reinforces the Company’s commitment to enable customers with high-quality infrastructure services as well as the management and security services to meet their Information and Communications Technology (ICT) outsourcing needs.

NTT Com acquired Virtual Network Operator - International Long Distance (VNO-ILD) network licence in March this year. NTT Com has been providing Arcstar Universal One services as its international network services, by partnering with local carriers. The Company implements its own value-added services such as Network Virtualization Functions (NVF), while utilizing the infrastructure of its partner carriers in India.

NTT Com is the first Japanese ICT provider of VNO-ILD network licence in India.

On top of this move, NTT Com has decided to invest more than 160 million USD on the two data centers, which will become operational by April 2018. These data centers will add nearly 500,000 square feet of gross floor space at full build. This brings NTT Com’s total gross footprint to 1,100,000 square feet in India.
“India has been a key strategic market for us with the accelerating shift of IT services from traditional enterprise data centres into the cloud-based services,” said NTT Com President and CEO Tetsuya Shoji. “For the past few years, our business in India has consistently grown over 35 percent annually. With further expansion of data center foot print and addition of international data network services to our service portfolio, we aim to meet the growing market needs for Mobility, e-Commerce, Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud and Big Data.”  

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29687

NASDAQ ANNOUNCES QUARTERLY DIVIDEND OF $0.38 PER SHARE

NEW YORK, July 27 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors of Nasdaq, Inc (Nasdaq:NDAQ) has declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.38 per share on the company's outstanding common stock.  The dividend is payable on September 29, 2017 to shareowners of record at the close of business on September 15, 2017.  Future declarations of quarterly dividends and the establishment of future record and payment dates are subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29675

ACAPTURE AND BOATSTERS LAUNCH THE FIRST, END-TO-END VR WEBSHOP

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, July 27 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acapture, a global, data-driven omnichannel PSP, together with Boatsters, a world leading rental platform for yachts and boats, have launched a Virtual Reality (VR) webshop pilot project.
 
Available as a white label application, Acapture’s VR webshop solution can be utilized and personalized by any merchant looking to add VR to their offering. The application covers the entire customer journey, from selection to payment. When consumers are ready to make a purchase, the payment is supported by Acapture’s award winning payment platform and completed entirely within the VR environment. Webshops created with this application can be accessed by consumers via their smartphone at the lowest-priced headsets available.
 
Moreover, the webshop solution unifies the consumer touch points, gathering the shopping journey data from all online, offline, mobile and virtual channels, and creating a complete overview of the consumer shopping patterns meant to optimize the ecommerce solutions available for merchants.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29676

CARBON BLACK NAMED 'ASIA-PACIFIC EMERGING CYBERSECURITY VENDOR OF THE YEAR' BY FROST & SULLIVAN

SINGAPORE, July 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Carbon Black, the leader in next-generation endpoint security, today announced the company was named “Asia-Pacific Emerging Cyber Security Vendor of the Year” by Frost & Sullivan at the annual ICT awards ceremony in Singapore.
 
The contenders for the Frost & Sullivan Asia-Pacific ICT Awards were evaluated on a variety of market performance indicators which include revenue growth, market share and growth in market share, leadership in product innovation, breadth of products and solutions, major customer acquisitions, and business and market strategy as well as other category-specific criteria.
 
A team of 30 leading Frost & Sullivan analysts and consultants based in the Asia-Pacific were involved in the shortlisting, evaluation and research process, applying the same thorough approach that has been the hallmark of Frost & Sullivan globally.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29673

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF YOUI NZ PTY LIMITED

SINGAPORE, July 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb” of Youi NZ Pty Limited (Youi NZ) (New Zealand). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.
 
The ratings reflect Youi NZ’s strong balance sheet, which is due to the company’s low underwriting leverage, as well as its prudent reinsurance program and conservative investment approach. In addition, actual claims experience during the company’s first three years of operation were largely consistent with the assumptions used in pricing its policies.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29670

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF CENTRAL REINSURANCE CORPORATION

HONG KONG, July 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” of Central Reinsurance Corporation (Central Re) (Taiwan). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

 

The ratings reflect Central Re’s strong risk-adjusted capitalization, favorable operating results and solid presence in Taiwan’s reinsurance market as the sole domestic reinsurer.

Central Re maintains strong risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). Its favorable earnings are underpinned by positive underwriting and investment income. The company’s life portfolio has delivered a track record of stable underwriting profit, which over the years has reduced earnings volatility from its non-life business.

Offsetting rating factors include the challenges Central Re faces in the current soft reinsurance market conditions and its potential earnings and capital volatility in light of its catastrophe exposures. Compared with its regional peers, Central Re has high net catastrophe loss retention relative to its total capital and surplus.

Positive rating actions are unlikely in the near term. Negative rating actions could result from material decreases in the company’s risk-adjusted capitalization or from sustained deterioration in its operating performance. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29664

CALVIN KLEIN, INC. ANNOUNCES FALL 2017 CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC GLOBAL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

NEW YORK, July 25 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Calvin Klein, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PVH Corp. [NYSE: PVH], today announced the Fall 2017 CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC global multi-media advertising campaign. The campaign features the debut CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC collection by Chief Creative Officer Raf Simons.

Shot by photographer Willy Vanderperre, the visually striking campaign presents a cast of 22 models shot against a series of billboards that feature images from last season’s CALVIN KLEIN: American Classics campaign. The billboards of the previous campaign – which include works by artist Andy Warhol – were erected in the California desert in the days leading up to the shoot. The campaign is a study in art and artifice, of the real and the imagined, the mannered world of high fashion combined with a sense of the everyday. Ultimately, the campaign explores the cinematic and romantic outsider’s view of America, something of a dream world that has become concrete for Chief Creative Officer Raf Simons and Creative Director Pieter Mulier.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29651

WIPRO AND HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE PARTNER TO OFFER CONSUMPTION-BASED IT INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J., & BANGALORE, India, July 25 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company, today announced a partnership with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to offer IT infrastructure solutions in a consumption-based or pay-per-use business model for enterprises. This model for IT infrastructure procurement and provisioning will be offered to both Wipro and HPE’s customers, globally.
 
As a part of this alliance, Wipro will leverage HPE Flexible Capacity to offer flexible and scalable IT infrastructure services in a consumption-based IT model, accelerate growth and enable digital transformation for its customers. HPE’s scalable, consumption-based IT model of provisioning and procurement coupled with Wipro’s industry-proven end-to-end suite of IT infrastructure services, and global delivery capabilities will enhance the security, agility, scalability of customers’ IT infrastructure, and help them ascertain and regulate the public cloud economics of their data centers.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29657

PROFICIO EXPANDS ASIA FOOTPRINT WITH NEW HONG KONG PRESENCE

Award-winning managed security services provider continues to drive global expansion efforts in Asia-Pacific
 
SINGAPORE, July 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Proficio, one of the fastest growing managed security service providers (MSSPs) delivering managed detection and response (MDR), today announced its newly expanded Asia presence in Hong Kong. Following quickly on the launch of its security operations center (SOC) in Barcelona, Spain, this expansion enables Proficio to broaden its presence in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and service more clients globally.
 
Overseeing the Hong Kong area for Proficio is David Cheng, the regional director for security consulting.  Cheng has over a decade of experience in the IT security and software industry across corporate lines, including business development and solution selling. He has extensive cybersecurity experience in the banking, government, insurance, telecommunications, hospitality, retail and manufacturing industries.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29648

QNB GROUP COMMENCES OPERATIONS IN INDIA

DOHA, Qatar, July 24 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has recently commenced operations in the city of Mumbai, the economic capital of the Republic of India.

The start of the Group’s operations in the Republic of India comes in support of its vision to become a leading bank in the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia by 2020, in addition to establishing a foothold in highly competitive markets.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29638

NRI SECURE LAUNCHES JAPAN'S FIRST "BLOCKCHAIN ASSESSMENT" SERVICE

- First Step Designed for Smart Contract Security -
 
TOKYO, July 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- NRI SecureTechnologies, Ltd. (President: Jun Odashima; hereinafter NRI Secure), a leading provider of information security solutions in Japan, has begun providing Japan’s first-ever^*1 “Blockchain Assessment,” a security Assessment service designed for systems and services which use blockchain technology^*2.
 
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29631

AGF WELCOMES REGINA CHI AS VICE-PRESIDENT AND PORTFOLIO MANAGER, AGF EMERGING MARKETS

Deepens bench strength and diversity of global equity platform with four new members

TORONTO, July 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AGF Investments Inc. (AGF) (TSX:AGF.B) is pleased to announce the appointment of Regina Chi to the position of Vice-President and lead Portfolio Manager* on AGF’s Emerging Markets strategies, including the AGF Emerging Markets Fund. She joins the organization on August 14, 2017.

“Regina deepens the bench strength of our global equity platform and supports our evolving investment management team,” said Kevin McCreadie, President and Chief Investment Officer, AGF Investments Inc. “With the right people in place, our research analysis, idea sharing and accountability will lead to deep insights and ultimately better investment decisions.”

Regina brings 23 years of emerging markets and international investing experience to this role. She was most recently a partner at DePrince, Race & Zollo Inc. where she was portfolio manager for the Emerging Markets and International Value disciplines. She was also head of portfolio management and research as they related to the Emerging Markets, Global, International and International Small Cap strategies. Prior to this role, she held senior investment management roles at Oppenheimer Capital, Federated Investors and Clay Finlay Inc.

“This is a great opportunity for me to be part of an asset management firm that is focused on investment excellence across multiple platforms, fundamental research analysis and best-in-class risk management,” said Regina Chi. “I am thrilled to be part of a global organization that invests in its people and technology.”

Regina will join AGF’s global equity platform reporting to Stephen Way, one of the longest tenured global equity managers in Canada. Alpha Ba will continue to be Co-Portfolio Manager on the emerging markets strategies working closely with Regina.

The Global Equity Team covers a variety of global and emerging markets mandates using their collective industry experience and globally diversified cultural backgrounds to help locate opportunities unrecognized by the market. Team members hail from 11 countries, speak 16 languages and made approximately 800 company visits last year.

Following an extensive search, Regina was selected for her wealth of knowledge in emerging markets and international equities, her track record and management style.

“We are committed to investing in the Global Equity Team ahead of anticipated growth with new hires and promotions,” said Stephen Way, Senior Vice-President, Portfolio Manager and 30-year AGF veteran. “We are always looking for opportunities to diversify the team, while allocating resources to ensure we have the best people in the place to reflect our capabilities.” 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29619

JENNIFER POWERS TO JOIN GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERS AS A PARTNER AND CHAIR OF GIP'S CREDIT BUSINESS

New York, July 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), the leading, independent global infrastructure investment firm, announced today that Jennifer Powers will join GIP in September as a Partner and Chair of GIP's Credit Business. Ms. Powers will work closely with GIP Partner Jon Bram and GIP CAPS Fund Managing Partners Reiner Boehning and Steve Cheng to build out and expand GIP's Credit Business into a market leader in providing financing for infrastructure assets and projects.

Ms. Powers joins GIP from Mizuho Bank where she was co-head of Investment Grade Debt Capital Markets. Prior to Mizuho, she was a founding member of the Royal Bank of Scotland's Credit Markets Business. Ms. Powers also spent 12 years in the energy investment banking and capital markets departments of Credit Suisse.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29621

SOLARWINDS AND SOVLABS EMPOWER IT PROFESSIONALS TO FULLY AUTOMATE IP ADDRESS MANAGEMENT IN VIRTUAL AND CLOUD ENVIRONMENTS

SovLabs leverages enhanced SolarWinds API to deliver feature-rich integration between VMware’s vRealize Automation and SolarWinds IP Address Manager

SINGAPORE, July 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SolarWinds, a leading provider of powerful and affordable IT management software, today announced the latest edition of SolarWinds® IP Address Manager (IPAM), which now includes API support to provide two-way integration with third-party software. In conjunction with this news, SovLabs, a leading provider of integration software for cloud management platforms, announced its SovLabs® vRA Integration Pack for SolarWinds, consisting of IPAM and DNS integration modules for VMware® vRealize® Automation based on the new API.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29618

The invest.com Group Announces Token Generation Event for Stox, A New Prediction Market Platform

The Bancor-Based Platform Will Allow Anyone to Predict Events Using the Wisdom of the Crowd

TEL AVIV, Israel, July 19 (BUSINESS WIRE)-- Continuing its quest to democratize investing for all, The invest.com Group is today announcing an upcoming token generation event for Stox, a new prediction-based trading platform.

invest.com was founded in 2014, employs a team of 200 across five countries, has 3M registered clients, and generated $50M in annual revenue for 2016.

Stox will be issued as a smart token using the Bancor protocol, which the team has evaluated to be the best blockchain based liquidity solution.

STX will hold BNT in its reserve which would guarantee continuous and high liquidity, enabling anyone to purchase STX directly through the smart token with Ether, as well as liquidate STX back to Ether — notably, with low slippage and no spread.

“We are excited to collaborate with Stox and support their effort to become a pioneer member in the Bancor network. We believe that the guaranteed liquidity and the stability of STX will benefit token holders, the Stox project at large and provide a strong case study for the Bancor protocol,” said Eyal Hertzog, Chief of Product, Bancor.

This token generation event will allow Stox to develop a prediction market trading platform that allows STX holders to use crowdsourced information and their own predictions to forecast the outcome of any event, across a wide range of categories. Smart contracts will manage the reconciliation based on the probability of outcomes, crowd sizes participating in the prediction events, as well as initial pledges.

Among its features, the blockchain-based platform will be fluid, meaning, prediction patterns and assessments will change upon daily occurring events. Users will also be able to create prediction polls, allowing them to take positions on specific events at any time. Entry prices, for example, for any specific poll, will be able to change and fluctuate based on the predicted values.

“Stox is a transformative step in our journey, as it allows us to combine the power of blockchain with the array of infrastructure, technical, sales and marketing assets that are currently powering invest.com,” said Ophir Gertner, Founder of The invest.com Group.

For further information and the official Stox whitepaper, go to: http://www.stox.com

About invest.com:

Founded in 2014, invest.com is an online financial service provider that combines financial expertise with groundbreaking technology to make smart investing simple and affordable for both novice and professional traders alike. Regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, the company currently employs over 200 employees across 5 countries. Learn more at: www.invest.com

Contacts

Blonde 2.0 for invest.com
Molly Winik, +972 58-4433219
molly@blonde20.com

Source: The invest.com Group

View this news release online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170718005916/en

WEBEMOBILE OFFERS FREE 10GB LTE HOTSPOTS TO NEW AND EXISTING MEMBERS

KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 (Bernama) --  Telekom Malaysia Bhd’s digital mobility services centre of excellence, webe Digital, is giving out 10GB LTE Hotspot to all existing webe mobile and webe mobile SME (small and medium enterprise) members.

“New members can also enjoy this offer if they join before Oct 1,  2017,” it said in a statement today.

The 10GB LTE Hotspot pass will be renewed every month until year-end.

For more information on all the qualifying products and services available, visit webe.com.my.

-- BERNAMA

SAISON INFORMATION SYSTEMS: DATASPIDER SERVISTA EMPOWERS IT DEPARTMENTS

New version further enables rapid implementation of large-scale data integration

TOKYO, July 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Saison Information Systems Co., Ltd. (JASDAQ:9640) (Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; CEO: Kazuhiro Uchida; herein, “Saison Information Systems”) will release version 4.1 of DataSpider Servista, the data integration platform developed its wholly owned subsidiary, Appresso Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; CEO: Kazutoshi Ono; herein “Appresso”), on July 31, 2017.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29601

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF DONGBU INSURANCE CO., LTD.

HONG KONG, July 17 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a+” of Dongbu Insurance Co., Ltd. (Dongbu) (South Korea). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) remains stable.

The ratings reflect Dongbu’s strong risk-adjusted capitalization, favorable market profile and improved operating performance.

Dongbu’s risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), remained stable at a strong level in 2016. The company’s BCAR was supported by an increasing capital and surplus, driven mainly by net profit retention. Dongbu controlled its investment risks through a relatively conservative investment strategy, with a focus on asset/liability matching.

The company is the third-largest non-life insurer in South Korea and has seen its market share, in terms of net premium written, continuously increase over the past five years. Notably, this market expansion did not come at the expense of operating performance, which remained profitable and improved over the period.

Partially offsetting these positive rating factors is Dongbu’s high asset leverage, which makes its capitalization more susceptible to asset value fluctuation. A.M. Best will continue to monitor the company’s asset leverage closely.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=29589

UNILEVER FOUNDRY LAUNCHES IN IRELAND IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DOGPATCH LABS

Partnership to launch a collaborative workspace for Irish startups and innovators to engage and explore business ideas with Unilever Foundry

LONDON, July 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Unilever Foundry today launches in Ireland, in partnership with leading startup hub, Dogpatch Labs, bringing together startups and entrepreneurs to fuel innovation and create new partnerships that deliver real and meaningful business impact.

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FIRST WORLD COFFEE PRODUCERS FORUM PLOTS ROADMAP TO DEAL WITH COMMON CHALLENGES

An Action Plan to be developed with specific goals, the conduction of an independent study, and the formation of a Committee with wide representation of different links of the global coffee chain stand out among the final resolutions adopted by the Forum, which ended Wednesday

MEDELLIN, Colombia, July 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The first World Coffee Producers Forum, which brought together representatives of the whole coffee value chain, concluded this Wednesday with a Final Declaration that includes an Action Plan to face common challenges, among other specific measures.

The Action Plan, to be developed co-responsibly by stakeholders of the global value chain and with the support of the International Coffee Organization (ICO), must set concrete goals, the time period to meet them, and the required funding.

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RedHill Biopharma Announces Expected Timeline for DSMB meeting and Provides Update on Enrollment in the RHB-104 Phase III Study for Crohn’s Disease

- The second independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) meeting of the RHB-104 Phase III study for Crohn’s disease (MAP US study) is planned to be held in late July 2017 and will assess the safety and efficacy of RHB-104 in the first 222 subjects who have completed week 26 assessments

- The DSMB meeting will include an interim efficacy analysis and an evaluation of an option for early stop for success for overwhelming efficacy; its recommendation is planned to be announced by early August 2017

- To date, approximately 300 patients of the planned total of 410 patients have been enrolled in the ongoing Phase III MAP US study

- The MAP US study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III study evaluating the safety and efficacy of RHB-104 in patients with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease, with a primary endpoint of remission at week 26

- An ongoing open-label extension Phase III study (MAP US2 study) is evaluating the safety and efficacy of RHB-104 in patients who have completed 26 weeks of treatment in the Phase III MAP US study and remain with active Crohn’s disease; these patients have the opportunity to receive treatment with RHB-104 for a 52-week period in the Phase III open-label extension study

TEL-AVIV, Israel and RALEIGH, N.C., July 13 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RedHill Biopharma Ltd. (NASDAQ:RDHL) (Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange:RDHL) (“RedHill” or the “Company”), a specialty biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on the development and commercialization of late clinical-stage, proprietary, orally-administered, small molecule drugs for gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases and cancer, today announced that the second independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) meeting of the RHB-104 Phase III study for Crohn’s disease (the MAP US study) is expected to convene in late July 2017 and will assess the safety and efficacy of RHB-104 in the first 222 subjects who have completed week 26 assessments. RedHill expects to announce the recommendation of the DSMB meeting by early August 2017.

Source : RedHill Biopharma Ltd.

FUSIONEX EYES GREATER HEIGHTS WITH DELISTING

LONDON, July 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Fusionex has successfully withdrawn the listing of its shares from London Stock Exchange AIM to be a private company, less than 5 years after its significantly oversubscribed initial public offering.

The Company, the largest and most established Data Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) specialist in the ASEAN region, completed its privatization on June 27th following a successful extraordinary general meeting (EGM) where more than 89% votes were in favour of the decision to go private.

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MURATA LAUNCHES SURFACE MOUNT TYPE Y1 CLASS SAFETY CERTIFIED CAPACITOR

KYOTO, Japan, July 10 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:6981) (ISIN:JP3914400001) has launched a surface mount type IEC 60384-14*1 Y1*2 class safety certified ceramic capacitor for low-profile power supplies. This capacitor is ideal for all AC-DC switching power supplies where a low-profile is sought for compact AV equipment, LED illumination, or 1U*3 rack mounted equipment.

Detail
Safety certified capacitors are placed at a power line input side in order to eliminate noise that builds up primarily in commercial AC power lines.
Safety certified capacitors are usually of the lead type, but the mounted height above the board surface is a problem because it hinders efforts to make low-profile devices and it limits component layout. In addition, because lead type capacitors are through-hole mounted, the lead wires are exposed on the underside of the circuit board. A fixed amount of insulating distance between the exposed lead wires and the metal components of the device is required by safety standards, so this complicates spatial layout within a device. The new Murata capacitor uses a structure of plate-shaped terminals on a disc-shaped ceramic dielectric placed within a plastic mold to reduce the terminal thickness that is present with lead type capacitors, and this results in a mounted height of 2.5mm or less for the product. Furthermore, the component format enables reflow surface mount, and there is no longer a need to assure insulating distance at the underside of the board. This advances profile reduction for power supply devices subject to size limitations in compact AV equipment, LED illumination and 1U rack mounted equipment, for which spatial design has been difficult.

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A.M. BEST REVISES OUTLOOKS TO STABLE FOR FOUNDATION LIFE (NZ) LIMITED

SINGAPORE, July 10 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to stable from negative and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” of Foundation Life (NZ) Limited (FLNZ) (New Zealand).

The revised outlooks reflect the improved credit profile of FLNZ’s immediate holding company, Foundation Life (NZ) Holdings Limited.

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MERCHANTS' INSIGHT: GEN Z TO SHOP IN-STORE AS MUCH AS ONLINE

Latest Acapture research confirms that retail MUST become more personalized, interactive and omnichannel by 2020

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, July 6 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acapture, a global, data-driven omnichannel PSP, has revealed the findings of a new white paper; Future Trends in Consumer Behavior. The report explores the preferences of the youngest and largest set of digital native consumers – millennials and generation Z, and it confirms that retail MUST become more personalized, interactive and omnichannel by 2020.

Both consumer groups were born or raised with constant Internet connectivity, and are competent cross-border online shoppers. The research has revealed, however, generation Z consumers value face-to-face interaction as much as digital, and prefer to combine all platforms and channels, from mobiles, wearables and in-store experiences. Over half choose to communicate in-person despite their flawless use of connected technology, and over two thirds prefer to shop in-store.

“We are witnessing full-circle consumer behavior,” explains Gijs op de Weegh, Chief Operating Officer at Acapture. “While millennials prefer to communicate entirely online, our youngest generation is returning to traditional shopping channels, preferring real-life interactions and developing their interpersonal skills.”

This renewed focus on offline experiences will be very important to retailers when planning for the future. Gen Z appreciates quality and brand ethics over price, and expects personalized interactions. This research has shown that omnichannel is certainly more than just a buzzword, so that should be the primary focus for merchants, today.

The research has revealed that 40 percent of consumers will make an additional purchase when they visit a store for a click and collect order. So, click and collect remains one of the most efficient means for a merchant to unite their online and offline channels, and increase their conversion rates. Physical presence provides an opportunity to build a memorable face-to-face service, gives consumers an added layer of convenience, and facilitates 360 degrees brand experience.

The report continues to explain that, for retailers to offer personalized, interactive experiences, the answer is data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Intelligent data analysis can be used to forecast future trends, probabilities and buying habits, to allow for targeted marketing. Businesses are utilizing data science as their core means for innovation, production, customer centricity and growth.

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A.M. BEST REVISES OUTLOOKS TO NEGATIVE FOR HYUNDAI MARINE & FIRE INSURANCE CO., LTD.

HONG KONG, July 3 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to negative from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” of Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (HMF) (South Korea).

The revised rating outlook reflects HMF’s increased asset leverage over the past five years, leaving the company’s capitalization more susceptible to asset value fluctuation. This is also reflected by lower risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and relatively higher level of underwriting leverage when compared with its peer group.

The ratings reflect HMF’s well-established market presence as the second-largest non-life insurer in South Korea by direct premiums written and its conservative investment portfolio.

Positive rating actions could occur if HMF can achieve sustainable improvement in its risk-adjusted capitalization while continuing to strengthen its profitability.

Negative rating actions could occur if the company’s risk-adjusted capitalization deteriorates substantially or if there is a sustained deterioration in profitability. 

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BUTTE ENERGY INC. ANNOUNCES ASSET DISPOSAL

CALGARY, Alberta, July 3 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Butte Energy Inc. (the “Corporation”) (TSXV:BEN.H) announces it has entered into an agreement regarding the sale of its Chigwell properties to RKSmith Energy Corp. for $35,000 (the “Transaction”). The Transaction, if completed, will constitute the final disposition of all the Corporation’s remaining assets and no finders fees will be paid in respect of the Transaction. The closing of the Transaction is contingent upon customary closing conditions, including the Corporation obtaining the applicable regulatory approvals and approval by the Corporation’s shareholders of for the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation.

The Corporation intends to proceed with the Transaction upon receipt of all required regulatory and shareholder approvals. The Corporation intends to use the proceeds from the Transaction for the settlement of obligations and after the payment of its liabilities the Corporation anticipates that there will be no residual for a distribution to shareholders. Upon receipt of the requisite approvals the Corporation plans to cease its operations, delist its common shares from the TSX Venture Exchange and wind itself up.

The Corporation is preparing a management information circular (the “Circular”) for provision to shareholders in respect of an annual and special meeting of shareholders (the “Meeting”) to seek approval for: (i) the Transaction; (ii) the wind up and dissolution of the Corporation; and (iii) annual meeting matters, including the election of the Board and the appointment of an auditor. It is currently anticipated that the Meeting will be held on August 1, 2017.

Information Regarding the Corporation

The Corporation was previously engaged in the exploration for and development and production of oil and natural gas reserves in Western Canada. 

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MYFIZIQ SECURES $5 MILLION JOINT VENTURE WITH GQC SINGAPORE

MELBOURNE, Australia, June 30 (Bernama-AsiaNet) -- MyFiziq Limited (ASX:MYQ) (MyFiziq) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a ground-breaking Joint Venture (JV) with Gold Quay Capital Pte Ltd Singapore (GQC Singapore) worth an initial $5 million.

MyFiziq CEO, Vlado Bosanac will be in Singapore Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th of July and will be available for interview.

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MOODY'S ANALYTICS WINS FOUR RISK TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION AWARDS FROM THE ASIAN BANKER

HONG KONG, June 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Moody’s Analytics today announced that it has won four Risk Technology Implementation awards from The Asian Banker.

Moody’s Analytics won the Compliance Risk Technology Implementation of the Year and Risk Technology Implementation of the Year awards with Standard Chartered Bank. In the Liquidity Risk Technology Implementation of the Year category, Moody’s Analytics shared the top prize with AFFIN Bank Group. Rounding out its wins, Moody’s Analytics won the Enterprise Risk Technology Implementation of the Year award with Bank of Beijing and Jiangsu Hoperun Software Company.

“We are honored to receive these awards from The Asian Banker and to share them with our esteemed partners at Standard Chartered Bank, AFFIN Bank Group, Bank of Beijing and Jiangsu Hoperun,” said Andrew Bockelman, Managing Director at Moody’s Analytics. “Moody’s Analytics solutions help banks throughout the Asia-Pacific region enhance their efficiency, standardize and automate processes, and address other regulatory and operational challenges.”

With the Moody’s Analytics RiskAuthority™ solution in place, Standard Chartered Bank gained deeper insights into its portfolio, enabling the bank to make more informed regulatory and risk management decisions. The implementation significantly reduced the bank’s batch processing time and with a high-performance infrastructure solution in place, the bank achieved significant infrastructure cost savings.

By implementing the Moody’s Analytics RiskAuthority and RiskConfidence™ solutions, AFFIN Bank Group established a consistent and repeatable workflow to produce reliable results quickly. As a direct result, the bank’s operational efficiency, reporting capabilities and risk analysis were enhanced, and the bank achieved its overall objective of better business decision making and risk management.

Jiangsu Hoperun played a critical role in the implementation of the Moody’s Analytics RiskAuthority solution at Bank of Beijing by preparing and executing on the project plan, coordinating across different teams, and reporting on the implementation’s progress. Once the Moody’s Analytics solution was in place, Bank of Beijing improved the accuracy and timeliness of its risk-weighted asset calculations as well as its capital adequacy ratio calculations and reporting. Meanwhile, increased automation as a result of the implementation meant major cost savings for the bank.

“Moody’s Analytics was recognized in a number of risk management awards this year,” said Foo Boon Ping, Managing Editor of The Asian Banker. “The results reflect the breadth and the quality of their solutions, and how successfully these solutions allow financial institutions in the region to manage risk more efficiently, automate previously manual processes, and adapt to ever-changing regulatory conditions.”

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TOSHIBA LAUNCHES GATE DRIVER PHOTOCOUPLER WITH 2.5A PEAK OUTPUT HOUSED IN LOW-HEIGHT PACKAGE

TOKYO, June 30 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Corporation's (TOKYO:6502) Storage & Electronic Devices Solutions Company today announced the launch of "TLP5832," a new gate driver photocoupler housed in a low-height SO8L package. It delivers 2.5A peak output power and can directly drive medium-class IGBTs. Shipments start today.

Adoption of the SO8L package realizes an IC approximately 54% lower in height than Toshiba’s current products in SDIP6 and DIP8 (LF1 option) packages, providing support for mounting on boards with limited mounting height and also contributing to downsizing of sets. In spite of its small size, the IC secures minimum creepage and a clearance distance of at least 8mm, making it suitable for applications requiring high insulation performance.

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