MOMO MAINTAINS PCI DSS VALIDATION SINCE 2016 WITH CROSSBOW LABS

MoMo the first Vietnamese Fintech company to become PCI DSS v4.0 validated by Crossbow Labs

BENGALURU, India, Dec 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- M_Service Joint Stock Company (MoMo), a leading fintech company in Vietnam, proudly announces its successful achievement of Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) version 4.0 compliance. MoMo stands among the pioneering entities to become PCI DSS v4.0 validated in Vietnam. The certificate was awarded by Crossbow Labs, a PCI QSA company and a GEAR Committee member with PCI SSC, an international council which defines these stringent standards.

MoMo extends heartfelt thanks to their dedicated team, whose unwavering commitment, expertise, and diligence were instrumental in achieving this milestone. Their collective contributions underscore the internal culture of excellence at MoMo, essential for navigating the complexities of information security with precision.

MoMo deeply thanks Crossbow, a crucial partner since 2016, whose collaboration was pivotal in achieving certification. Their enduring partnership strengthened security measures and showcased a joint commitment to excellence. Celebrating this milestone underscores their powerful collaboration and shared dedication. MoMo eagerly anticipates continued success in cybersecurity together.

Mr. Kirubakaran, the lead PCI Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) at Crossbow Labs, highlighted the formidable nature of achieving compliance with the stringent global standard of PCI-DSS v4.0. MoMo, cognizant of the paramount importance of securing their infrastructure for their clientele, demonstrated unwavering commitment by consistently upholding PCI-DSS requirements annually since 2016, with Crossbow Labs. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=47816

KUALA LUMPUR (KUL) TO SINGAPORE CHANGI (SIN) IS THE BUSIEST GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL ROUTE IN THE WORLD, OAG DATA REVEALS

Asia Dominates International and Global Domestic Routes; London Heathrow Among the Top 5 Busiest Global Airports in the World

Key Findings:

• Cairo (CAI) to Jeddah (JED) is the #2 busiest global international route, followed by Hong Kong (HKG) to Taipei (TPE) at #3.
• London Heathrow (LHR) to New York (JFK) is the #8 busiest global international route.
• Dubai (DXB) to London Heathrow (LHR) and Lisbon (LIS) to Madrid (MAD) rank as the #5 and #10 busiest routes in EMEA.

LONDON, Dec 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- OAG, the leading data platform for the global travel industry, today revealed its 2023 Busiest Routes in the world. The analysis is powered by OAG's Global Airline Schedules Data and provides an overview of route performance and trends, both internationally and domestically.

Once again Asia-Pacific has the busiest routes in the world, claiming 7 of the Top 10 global international and 9 global domestic routes. The busiest global international route is Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Singapore Changi (SIN) with 4.9 million seats. Cairo (CAI) to Jeddah (JED) is #2 with 4.8 million seats, up from 3.4 million in 2019.

London Heathrow (LHR) is the #4 Busiest Global Airport in the world this year with 49,370,859 seats. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) ranks #1 and Dubai International Airport (DXB) ranks #2.

Of the busiest domestic routes, Beijing (PEK) to Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) is #1 in China and Honolulu (HNL) to Kahului (OGG) is the busiest in the U.S.

“Asia continues to have the busiest routes in the world due to its popularity as a tourism hotspot,” said John Grant, chief analyst at OAG. “Although capacity is not back to 2019 levels, London Heathrow remains a pivotal hub for global air travel.”

For more insights, view the full analysis here.

About OAG

OAG is the leading data platform for the global travel industry, powering the growth and innovation of the air travel ecosystem since 1929. It has the largest and most established independent network of flight schedules and flight status data in the world. Headquartered in the UK, OAG has operations in the USA, Singapore, Japan, China, and Lithuania. For more information, visit: www.oag.com and follow us on Twitter @OAG Aviation.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220639267/en/

Contact

Press
Chrissy Azevedo, Corporate Ink for OAG
pressoffice@oag.com

Source : OAG

CURIA APPOINTS GERALD AUER AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

ALBANY, N.Y., Dec 18 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Curia, a leading contract research, development and manufacturing organization, today announced that Gerald Auer has been appointed as chief financial officer. He will join the organization effective Jan. 1, 2024.

“I am delighted to welcome Gerald to Curia as we head into the new year," said Curia CEO Philip Macnabb. “Gerald brings extensive experience leading finance divisions with an impressive track record for success. I am confident that he will be an invaluable asset to our team and will help position us for a strong year in 2024.”

Auer most recently served as CFO at Al Dahra, a company specializing in agribusiness. Prior to his time at Al Dahra, Auer was CFO of the EMEA crop science division, a life science company focused on health care and agriculture. He held multiple leadership roles within its finance department, leading finance functions across the global organization in the North and Latin America region as well as Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Auer studied at the University of Marburg in Germany where he earned his master’s degree in business administration.

He currently resides in Basel, Switzerland with his family, but they plan to relocate to Raleigh, North Carolina in 2024.

“Curia is a dynamic company in the CDMO space with an inspirational mission to improve patients’ lives,” said Auer. “I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Curia to help drive that mission for our customers and their patients.”

About Curia

Curia is a leading contract research, development, and manufacturing organization providing products and services from R&D through commercial manufacturing to pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical customers. Curia’s nearly 4,000 employees at 27 locations across the U.S., Europe, and Asia help its customers advance from curiosity to cure. Learn more at CuriaGlobal.com.

Curia Contact Information:
Viana Bhagan
+1 518 512 2111
corporatecommunications@CuriaGlobal.com 

SOURCE : Curia Global, Inc.

MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND MINERAL RESOURCES ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF THIRD EDITION OF FUTURE MINERALS FORUM

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec 12 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At a press conference today, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) announced details of the third edition of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF), to be held in Riyadh 9^th-11^th January at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center.
 

Speaking at the conference, H.E. the Vice Minister for Mining Affairs, Khalid Al-Mudaifer, looked forward to further achievements delivered by the Ministerial Roundtable and FMF 2024. In previous editions, both platforms have seen participation from ministers and a leading group of international speakers to address issues and turn talk into action.

The Vice Minister discussed the unique role of the FMF in hosting the only Ministerial Roundtable of its kind in the industry. He said: "We have succeeded in making this meeting a strategic and influential platform led by governments, providing a voice for many countries and official organizations."

Over 70 countries will be represented by government ministers and high-ranking officials at the Ministerial Roundtable on January 9. For the first time, a Geological Survey Leaders meeting will be held concurrently with the Roundtable, allowing institutions to discuss key mineral issues in the Super Region.

Following the Roundtable, 250 key speakers will participate in 75 sessions over the two-day Forum. Some 90% of them are CEOs of some of the largest companies in the sector.

“We created the FMF to support delivery of the energy transition and create responsible, resilient minerals value chains in the Super Region of Africa, Western and Central Asia. Last week we attended COP and delivered a simple message: without minerals there cannot be an energy transition,” Al-Mudaifer added.

The conference noted the Kingdom’s leadership in supplying the world with energy, and its current substantial role in supporting the development of resilient value chains to deliver clean energy solutions. The Kingdom has the potential to become an international hub for the production and processing of green minerals. This is supported by the Manara Minerals Company, which invests in mining assets globally to help achieve flexibility in global supply chains and accelerate the pace of the energy transition.

For a full list of speakers and more information about FMF 2024 please visit https://www.futuremineralsforum.com/conference-speakers/. 

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AM BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF CHINA TAIPING INSURANCE (HK) COMPANY LIMITED

 

HONG KONG, Dec 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” (Excellent) of China Taiping Insurance (HK) Company Limited [CTPI(HK)] (Hong Kong). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect CTPI(HK)’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). It also incorporates the rating enhancement that CTPI(HK) receives from its parent, China Taiping Insurance Holdings Company Limited (CTIH). The assessment of CTPI(HK)’s balance sheet strength at the very strong level is supported by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), at the strongest level. CTPI(HK)’s capital and surplus (C&S) stayed stable in the year 2022 and arrived at HKD 5.1 billion (USD 647 million) at the end of the year. Furthermore, the company’s C&S increased in the first nine months of 2023, which is attributed to positive investment fair value changes in tandem with capital market recovery. As of year-end 2022 to end-June 2023, the majority of CTPI(HK)’s invested assets were comprised of income-generating securities including bonds and investment properties. Moreover, during this period, the company maintained limited exposure in listed shares and private funds. In addition, CTPI(HK) continued to de-risk its investment portfolio by lowering exposure to non-investment grade or non-rated bonds, as well as private equity funds. Going forward, AM Best expects CTPI(HK) to continue adopting a prudent investment strategy and stringent risk management. Other supporting factors include appropriate reinsurance arrangements and comparatively low underwriting leverage. Over the short to medium term, AM Best expect CTPI(HK) to remain an abundant buffer for its risk-adjusted capitalisation. CTPI(HK) operating performance is assessed at adequate. The company has been profitable over the last decade other than 2020, when a sizable impairment loss from private funds was booked. 2022 net profit was HKD 123.4 million, driven by its net investment income. Its return on equity (ROE) in year 2022 was 2.4%, slightly higher than the last five year (2018-2022) average ROE at 1.7%. CTPI(HK)’s underwriting results have been improving, with steady declining of loss ratios coupled with lowering expense ratios, which have resulted in a better combined ratio when compared with the 2019 experience, albeit its combined ratio has been above 100%. CTPI(HK) has maintained a robust net investment income from its income-generating invested assets with mid-single-digit investment yield not including gains over the last five years. Going forward, AM Best expects investment income to continue being the driver of the bottom line, while its underwriting performance remains marginal. The business profile of CTPI(HK) is assessed at neutral. The company has been a longstanding player in Hong Kong’s non-life market, with market share of 4.2% in terms of onshore gross premiums written in 2022. In 2022, the company’s direct premium growth was driven by a top line increase in motor, ship and accident and health. Over last two years, CTPI(HK) has reduced its reliance on inward business by increasing local direct premium. Going forward, the company expects to maintain its market position in Hong Kong and continue to build a balanced portfolio focusing on direct business over the short to medium term. CTPI(HK) is a strategically important overseas operating subsidiary of China Taiping Insurance Group Ltd (TPG). It plays an important role in TPG’s footprint overseas, as well as its strategy in the Greater Bay Area. CTPI(HK) is integrated in the group’s capital management and ERM. CTPI(HK) also receives a series of implicit support from TPG, including brand recognition, investment, reinsurance and operations. AM Best believes the parental support rendered to CTPI(HK) will remain at a similar level in the short to medium term. Negative rating actions could occur if there is a material decline in CTPI(HK)’s risk-adjusted capitalisation and/or in absolute capital size. Negative rating actions could also occur if there is a sustained deterioration in its operating performance. Negative rating actions also may result if there is a change in the credit profile of CTIH and/or TPG, or from a reduced level of support from either or a reduction in CTPI(HK)’s strategic importance and integration to CTIH or TPG. Albeit less likely in the near term, positive rating actions could occur if CTPI(HK) demonstrates a sustained improvement in its operating performance better than its industry peers, while the credit profile of CTIH and TPG materially strengthens. Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising 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 © 2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com:  https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231208913126/en/ Contact Lucie Huang Senior Financial Analyst +852 2827 3414 lucie.huang@ambest.com James Chan Director, Analytics +852 2827 3418 james.chan@ambest.com Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 christopher.sharkey@ambest.com Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 al.slavin@ambest.com Source : AM Best

THE FUTURE OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE IS GOING GLOBAL! EXP LUXURY LAUNCHES IN AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM

BELLINGHAM, Wash., Dec 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- eXp Realty, "the most agent-centric real estate brokerage on the planet™" and a core subsidiary of eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI), proudly announces the continued expansion of its luxury real estate program, eXp Luxury, into the dynamic international markets of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

Having built an impressive 1,100 members and counting across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico over the last fifteen months, eXp Luxury continues its exponential growth trajectory. The program made its debut in the United States in October 2022, followed by a launch in Canada in September 2023 and most recently, it extended its reach to Puerto Rico, further expanding its presence.

The remarkable success and high demand for eXp Luxury have paved the way for this launch into new international territories, providing eXp Realty Luxury agents unrivaled access to extraordinary investment opportunities. With memberships that provide the ability to showcase remarkable listing campaigns through exclusive partnerships, elevate brand aesthetics through a bespoke design center, and foster growth through robust learning events and vibrant networking opportunities, agents can truly thrive in luxury real estate.

“eXp Luxury represents our dedication to empowering elite real estate professionals with unparalleled tools and resources to enhance production and strengthen their individual brands while elevating their customer service offerings,” says Michael Valdes, Chief Growth Officer at eXp Realty. "This strategic international expansion marks a pivotal moment, showcasing eXp Realty's unwavering commitment to not only revolutionizing the global real estate landscape but setting a new benchmark for excellence in luxury real estate."

For more about the eXp Luxury program, visit expluxury.com.

About eXp World Holdings, Inc.

eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI) is the holding company for eXp Realty^®, Virbela^® and SUCCESS^® Enterprises.

eXp Realty is the largest independent real estate company in the world with more than 89,000 agents in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, India, Mexico, Portugal, France, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Italy, Hong Kong, Colombia, Spain, Panama, Germany, Dominican Republic, Greece, New Zealand, Chile, Poland and Dubai and continues to scale internationally. As a publicly traded company, eXp World Holdings provides real estate professionals the unique opportunity to earn equity awards for production goals and contributions to overall company growth. eXp World Holdings and its businesses offer a full suite of brokerage and real estate tech solutions, including its innovative residential and commercial brokerage model, professional services, collaborative tools and personal development. The cloud-based brokerage is powered by Virbela, an immersive 3D platform that is deeply social and collaborative, enabling agents to be more connected and productive. SUCCESS^® Enterprises, anchored by SUCCESS^® magazine and its related media properties, was established in 1897 and is a leading personal and professional development brand and publication.

For more information, visit https://expworldholdings.com.    

Safe Harbor Statement

The statements contained herein may include statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update them. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in forward-looking statements include changes in business or other market conditions; the difficulty of keeping expense growth at modest levels while increasing revenues; and other risks detailed from time to time in the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

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AM BEST REVISES LONG-TERM ISSUER CREDIT RATING OUTLOOK TO POSITIVE FOR TUNE PROTECT RE LTD.

SINGAPORE, Dec 8 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has revised the outlook to positive from stable for the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “bbb” (Good) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) as well as the Long-Term ICR of Tune Protect Re Ltd. (TPR) (Malaysia). The outlook of the FSR is stable.

The Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect TPR’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The revised Long-Term ICR outlook of positive from stable reflects AM Best’s expectation that TPR’s operating performance metrics will improve over the medium term, predominantly driven by the growth of the travel industry post COVID-19.

TPR’s balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which is expected to remain at the strongest level over the medium term, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). AM Best views the company as having a modest risk investment strategy. Investment assets are predominantly held in unit trust funds, whereby the underlying assets are mainly fixed-income securities with good credit quality. Partial offsetting balance sheet factors include the company’s modest-sized absolute capital base compared with peer reinsurers (USD 31 million at year-end 2022), which increases the volatility of the capital adequacy under stressed scenarios. AM Best’s balance sheet strength analysis also incorporates a neutral holding company’s impact following an assessment of TPR’s parent group, Tune Protect Group Berhad (TPG).

AM Best considers TPR’s operating performance to be adequate, with a five-year average return-on-equity ratio of 16.4% (2018-2022). Over the past three years, the company’s revenue and operating earnings were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as by unrealised fair value investment losses arising from interest rate movements in recent periods. However, the recovery of air travel post COVID-19 is expected to drive an improving trend in TPR’s technical performance due to economies of scale.

AM Best assesses TPR’s business profile as limited given its position as a niche reinsurer with a focus on travel-related insurance products. TPR leverages TPG’s in-house technology platform to support and distribute policies in collaboration with corporate partners including airlines and travel agencies. Over the medium term, the company is expected to accelerate its diversification into new lines of business (including lifestyle and supplemental healthcare products) and new business partners.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising 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 © 2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231207976789/en/

Contact

Yi Ding
Senior Financial Analyst
+65 6303 5021
yi.ding@ambest.com

Michael Dunckley, CFA
Associate Director, Analytics
+44 20 7397 0312
michael.dunckley@ambest.com

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

Al Slavin
Senior Public Relations Specialist
+1 908 882 2318
al.slavin@ambest.com

Source : AM Best

ISF NET ESTABLISHES SINGAPORE OFFICE AS IT SEEKS TO STRENGTHEN IT TALENT IN ASIA

SINGAPORE and TOKYO, Dec. 7, 2023 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --

- GLOBAL ISF PTE. LTD. to Bolster ISF NET, INC's Regional Presence and Support Its Ambitions in Global Expansion - ISF NET, INC., a leading Japanese IT services and staffing company, announced on December 7 the establishment of GLOBAL ISF PTE. LTD. in Singapore as it eyes greater business expansion in the Asian region. Logo: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107946/202312063901/_prw_PI1fl_0ynFt98s.jpg As part of its expansion into Singapore, ISF NET will invest approximately USD13.5 million (2 billion yen) in the venture, setting a sales target of USD20.3 million (3 billion yen) for the global business. The company aims to hire 150 employees by 2030 to bolster its support for clients in Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia. With over two decades of industry experience and with offices in Japan, China and South Korea, ISF NET's entry into Singapore marks a significant step towards strengthening its position in Asia. More significantly, this move represents a strategic shift in ISF NET's focus of services from Japan to the global market. "As a renowned international talent hub, Singapore offers an ideal gateway for multinational companies aiming to grow in Asia," said Yukiyoshi Watanabe, President and CEO, ISF NET, INC. "I am confident that our foray into Singapore will further strengthen our presence in the region and empower clients with tailored IT infrastructure solutions to help them navigate and succeed in a region as diverse as Asia." Business Strategy in Singapore ISF NET's business strategy will focus on providing IT engineering HR support for companies in Singapore and recruiting Japanese-English and Korean-English speaking bilingual IT infrastructure engineers. The engineers will be hired from Singapore and other parts of Asia and will be staffed to IT infrastructure projects in Japan and Korea. "ISF NET's expansion into Singapore underscores our commitment to uplifting engineering talent across Asia through cross-border knowledge sharing. In tandem with this, we aim to foster a globally connected workforce and alleviate the hiring and skills challenges faced by our clients across Asia," said Kohei Wakamoto, Managing Director of GLOBAL ISF PTE. LTD. The company aims to address the increasing scarcity of IT talent in Singapore by growing its IT infrastructure-managed service business, IT talent recruitment and IT talent staffing business. This will connect local engineers eager to enhance their skills through overseas projects with companies which are actively seeking bilingual experts. By fostering collaboration with highly skilled engineers in Singapore and across Asia, ISF NET is committed to delivering advanced projects and cutting-edge technology solutions. As part of future initiatives, ISF NET aims to facilitate remote work for individuals who have relocated from overseas, fostering a flexible and globally connected workforce. In addition, ISF NET will focus on developing key partnerships with Japanese and Korean companies which are looking to expand in Asia but lack the know-how, resources and talent to do so. Leveraging its decades of experience in IT staffing solutions, ISF NET will support these companies in actively recruiting bilingual engineers to strengthen business partnerships within region. This will help solve challenges faced by these companies, namely the increased difficulty in hiring bilingual IT infrastructure engineers and alleviation of the additional burden on current employees. Across Asia, ISF NET will provide IT infrastructure services related to cloud, security, and networking, particularly for businesses facing challenges in their digital transformation journey related to human resources, skills, and environmental improvement.  http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=47723

CLIMATE ACTION FORUM: INDIASPORA CONVENES CLIMATE EXPERTS AT COP 28

The daylong Forum will address critical climate change issues and highlight innovative projects and initiatives by the Indian diaspora that contribute to global sustainability efforts

WASHINGTON and DELHI, India, Dec 5 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Indiaspora, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting the Indian diaspora for a stronger, more interconnected global community, is hosting the Climate Action Forum at COP 28 on December 7th from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM at the Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Climate is the existential issue of our times. The Indian diaspora contains reputed experts contributing to solutions in various areas of environmental sustainability and climate change. Moreover, as evidenced during the recently concluded G20 Summit, India is playing an instrumental role in developing solutions in this realm.

As part of Indiaspora’s mission to inspire and position the global Indian diaspora as a force for good, and to build bridges among diaspora leaders and prominent leading lights resident in India, Indiaspora is privileged to serve as a platform to bring diverse and constructive voices together during COP 28.

Indiaspora will host its daylong Climate Action Forum featuring 28 speakers from 5 countries under the theme of “Empower, Educate, Inspire, Act.” Distinguished speakers from various sectors, including government, industry, and civil society, will participate in engaging panel discussions on topics such as sustainable technology, green finance, renewable energy, and the role of diaspora in climate advocacy. Key speakers include Dominic Waughray (World Business Council for Sustainable Development), Madhav Pai (WRI-India), BK Sister Jayanti (Faith Leader) and Vivek Oberoi (Indian Film Actor). Our partners in this endeavor are Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Dasra, India Climate Collaborative, Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN).

The agenda will be live on December 6th here.

Indiaspora invites members of the media to attend this forum. Please complete the pre-registration here.

MR Rangaswami, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Indiaspora, said, “This Climate Forum represents another step in Indiaspora’s objective of being a convener for the Indian diaspora and leaders in India on some of the most pressing global issues. From our earlier work on climate, it is evident to us that these key stakeholders play an important role in advancing a globally beneficial environmental agenda.”

Sreekumar Nair, CEO of Indiaspora-India, added that “Indiaspora’s Climate Forum builds upon our work over the past 3 years in organizing virtual global Climate Summits. Given the caliber of expertise on stage at our Forum, it promises to be an insightful and impactful dialogue. We are excited to hear from an eclectic group of speakers including policymakers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, academics and nonprofit executives.”

About Indiaspora: Indiaspora (www.indiaspora.org) is a nonprofit community of powerful global Indian leaders from diverse backgrounds and professions who are committed to inspiring the diaspora to be a force for positive impact by providing a platform to collaborate, engage, and catalyze social change. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=47695

WORLD EXCLUSIVE: BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA TO HOST BLUEY'S WORLD IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

BRISBANE, Dec.4, 2023/Medianet-AsiaNet/--

OPENING AUGUST 2024   - Brand new Bluey immersive experience is coming to Brisbane, capital of Queensland, Australia, in August 2024. - Housed in the 4,000 square metre 'Northshore Pavilion', Bluey's World will be a unique experience celebrating the beloved hit TV show Bluey. This is Bluey – for real life. - Fans from around the world will be delighted and captivated as they are invited to step into Bluey's world.   Bluey's World, a ground-breaking immersive experience will open in August 2024, exclusive to Brisbane, Queensland.   Visitors will journey through a recreation of Bluey's renowned home via impressive (for real) life-size sets, interactive play and a mesmerising soundscape, inspired by much-loved Bluey episodes. From Bluey and Bingo’s bedroom to the living room and kitchen, fans will also get to play beneath the shady branches of the Poinciana tree in Bluey's backyard.   There will be so much to love about this one-of-a-kind experience, including the option to book a birthday party at the coolest party venue! Visitors can also explore and enjoy a cafe, gift shop and playground following their interactive guided experience.   Housed in its own purpose-built, state-of-the-art, 4000 square metre venue - 'Northshore Pavilion' - Bluey's World will be located in Brisbane's newest arts and entertainment precinct, Northshore.   Annastacia Palaszczuk, Queensland Premier said "Our Government has backed Bluey from the very beginning. Brisbane is at Bluey's core and now the show is a global sensation, we want to invite fans from around the world to come and experience Bluey's home.   "Queensland is a world-class place to live and play and I truly believe that is a big part of why Bluey has captured fans around the world."   Fiona Lang, General Manager, BBC Studios ANZ, said: "BBC Studios is thrilled to announce the launch of Bluey's World, a groundbreaking immersive experience that will transport fans into the heart of Bluey like never before.   "Bluey's World is not just an experience; it's a celebration of the heartwarming moments that make Bluey so authentically Australian and that bring to life the joyful simplicity that can be found in families around the world. "Join us on this one-of-a-kind adventure, where the world of Bluey comes to life in real life."   Created by Joe Brumm, Bluey is produced by Emmy(R) Award-winning Ludo Studio for ABC KIDS and co-commissioned by ABC Children's and BBC Studios Kids and Family. A global phenomenon, the show follows the adventures of Bluey - a loveable, inexhaustible Blue Heeler dog - who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister Bingo. Bluey uses her limitless energy to play games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways bringing her family and the whole neighbourhood into her world of fun. The show is now broadcasting and streaming in more than 60 countries and is beloved the world over by both parents and kids for its heart, humour and relatable family moments.   Bluey’s World is produced by BBC Studios and HVK Productions, and supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, and Brisbane City Council via Brisbane Economic Development Agency, and features on the It's Live! in Queensland events calendar.   To join the waitlist for Bluey's World tickets visit blueysworld.com   Website: https://www.bluey.tv/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBlueyTV/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialblueytv/ Assets: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ntjv2jho1cotyrxnnmfte/h?rlkey=2dmbjsj0mogs3x4fri96lyvc4&dl=0     #blueysworldbrisbane  http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=47678

AM BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF NONGHYUP PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED

HONG KONG, Dec 4 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” (Excellent) of NongHyup Property and Casualty Insurance Company Limited (NH P&C) (South Korea). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect NH P&C’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings also reflect the implicit and explicit support the company receives from its ultimate parent, National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NACF).

NH P&C’s risk-adjusted capitalisation is assessed at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). The company’s solid expansion of retained earnings in recent periods, backed by its no-dividend policy and improved earnings, provided a partial buffer against the negative capital pressure (under IFRS 4) due to the valuation loss on available-for-sale bonds from rapid interest rate hikes in 2022. NH P&C’s financial flexibility is supported by its good accessibility to the capital market underpinned by its previous issuances of subordinated bonds and additional financial support from its immediate parent, NongHyup Financial Group Inc. (NHFG). The company has a conservative investment portfolio consisting mainly of fixed-income assets, with increased focus on asset-liability management to enhance its capital management.

AM Best assesses NH P&C’s operating performance as adequate, with a weighted five-year average operating ratio of 96.4% (2018-2022) and a return-on-equity ratio of 6.3%. The year-over-year increase in the company’s net income in 2022 was mainly driven by improved investment returns, supported by stable interest income from its bond portfolio amid the elevated interest rate environment and favourable excess return on alternative investments. Albeit moderately volatile depending on weather events, AM Best expects NH P&C’s prospective underwriting performance to remain supported by growing long-term protection products with favourable margins, coupled with improved profitability of government policy insurance lines.

NH P&C is a domestic non-life insurer in South Korea, with a 4.6% market share in terms of gross premiums written in 2022. The company is an exclusive (or major) provider of government policy insurance products for the country’s farmers, such as crop, livestock and agricultural vehicle insurances.

In its largest business line of long-term insurance, which NH P&C maintains a modest market share, the company has been gradually expanding protection-type product sales to secure its profitability and aims to diversify into non-cooperative channels, such as general agent and tied-agent channels. However, overall premium growth of the long-term line has remained limited due to strong market competition. Distribution remains highly concentrated in the cooperative channel, which is a network of NACF’s members.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of NHFG, which is the financial arm of NACF and one of the largest financial groups in South Korea, NH P&C is strategically important to NACF, given its role as the exclusive provider of government policy insurance products to cooperative members. AM Best also recognises various forms of explicit support, such as capital support from NHFG, as well as direct reinsurance support and full expense reimbursement from the government for its crop insurance line.

Negative rating actions could occur if there is a sustained deteriorating trend in NH P&C’s operating performance. Negative rating actions could also arise if the level of support or the company’s strategic importance to NACF is reduced to a degree that no longer supports the current level of enhancement. Positive rating actions could occur if NH P&C’s business profile improves in a sustainable manner, for example, through successful channel diversification that results in a materially enhanced market presence without deterioration in its risk-adjusted capitalisation and operating profitability. Positive rating actions could also occur if the company’s balance sheet strength fundamentals demonstrate sustained improvement.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising 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 © 2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231201720367/en/ 

Contact

Seokjae Lee
Financial Analyst
+852 2827 3407
seokjae.lee@ambest.com

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

Chanyoung Lee
Director, Analytics
+852 2857 3404
chanyoung.lee@ambest.com

Al Slavin
Senior Public Relations Specialist
+1 908 882 2318
al.slavin@ambest.com

Source : AM Best

H2O GENAI DAY COMES TO SINGAPORE, EMPOWERING THE RISE OF GENAI AND DATA SCIENCE TALENT IN THE COUNTRY

H2O.ai to introduce a comprehensive GenAI Masterclass to democratize open source large language models (LLMs) and their applications

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Dec 1 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- H2O.ai, the open source leader in Generative AI and machine learning, is responding to the overwhelming community and customer interest in bringing GenAI Training Days to more countries worldwide. H2O GenAI Singapore will showcase advancements and practical applications that further democratize GenAI.

Event highlights include:

1.  Fireside chat with Agus Sudjianto, EVP, Head of Corporate Model Risk, Wells Fargo, on Managing Opportunity and Risk of AI
2.  GenAI for Social Good with real world examples by Genevieve Richards, Data Scientist, H2O.ai
3.  Hands-on GenAI Masterclass on providing a deep understanding of open source LLMs and their applications. Hands-on labs to dive into foundational models, model evaluation, and advanced concepts such as fine-tuning and prompt engineering. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=47672

CSOP NEW ETF LISTED ON SGX OFFERS INVESTORS ACCESS TO HIGH-DIVIDEND PAYING COMPANIES

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- CSOP Huatai-PineBridge SSE Dividend Index ETF (stock code: SHD) has been listed on Singapore Exchange (SGX Group) with a fixed listing price at SGD1.00 per share, with a trading lot of one share and annual management fee of 0.89 per cent. (SGD1 = RM3.49)

A feeder fund, SHD will invest at least 90 per cent of its Net Asset Value in the Huatai-PineBridge SSE Dividend Index ETF, referred to as the “Underlying Fund”, in which listed in 2006, is currently the largest dividend ETF in mainland China, with assets under management of 16.2 billion Chinese yuan as of Sept 30, 2023.

This investment will be made directly and/or indirectly via the QFI status granted to CSOP Asset Management Pte Ltd (the Manager) and/or through any permissible means available to the fund under the prevailing laws and regulations.

“This signifies the sixth ETF product from CSOP in Singapore, and we extend our appreciation to SGX for their unwavering support. This ETF offers an attractive opportunity for investors to leverage the high dividend-paying stocks in China.

“The successful launch of this ETF will not only expand Singapore's ETF spectrum, but also cater to the requirements of sophisticated investors,” said CSOP Asset Management Chief Executive Officer, Ding Chen in a statement.

The SSE Dividend Index comprises 50 high quality dividend-paying companies listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) as its constituents, and has a total market capitalisation of 129.6 billion Chinese yuan, covering energy, financials, industrials, materials, and various other sectors.

With a current price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of less than six times, its valuation is considerably lower in comparison with other similar dividend indexes and core broad-based A-share indexes.

SSE Dividend Index stands out with a competitive year to date total return of 3.64 per cent with better estimated dividend yield of 6.06 per cent when compared to other stocks listed on SSE, as well as top stocks listed in Singapore and Hong Kong.

The CSOP Huatai-PineBridge SSE Dividend Index ETF is one of the first pair of products under the SSE-SGX ETF link, providing Singapore investors with access to high-quality A-share opportunities.

Concurrently, Huatai-PineBridge Fund Management will also cross-list the CSOP iEdge Southeast Asia+ TECH Index ETF on SSE.

-- BERNAMA

CONTACT IMAGE SENSORS FOR HIGH-SPEED, HIGH-RES LINE SCAN IN PRODUCTION - TELEDYNE

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- Teledyne DALSA, a part of Teledyne’s Vision Solutions group has announced that its AxCIS family of high-speed and high-resolution fully integrated line scan imaging modules are in production.

According to a statement, these easy-to-use Contact Image Sensors (CIS) combine sensors, lenses, and lights all-in-one, offering a lower cost inspection system for many demanding machine vision applications.

Powered by Teledyne’s multiline complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors, AxCIS delivers superior image quality for mono or high dynamic range (HDR) imaging, at a pixel size of 28 micrometres or 900 dpi resolution, so that defects can be detected with unprecedented precision.

Its unique sensor design covers the entire field of view without missing pixels, providing a 100 per cent seamless image without any interpolation.

HDR imaging is achieved using dual rows with independent exposure control, which enables better detectability for highly reflective materials with improved dynamic range. In addition to defect detection, its unique design also supports true metrology applications.

With a small form factor and an optical path with an IP60 dust proof design, AxCIS which was designed with scalability to various fields of view with a single 24 volt power supply, can fit almost anywhere in the user’s system, even with limited vertical clearance.

-- BERNAMA