KIOXIA HONORED BY FMS WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR 3D NAND FLASH INVENTION

Company’s Development Team Recognized for Creation of Groundbreaking BiCS FLASH 3D Flash Memory Technology


TOKYO, July 25 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Kioxia Corporation, the inventor of NAND flash memory, is the recipient of the FMS: the Future of Memory and Storage Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024. The Kioxia engineering team, consisting of Hideaki Aochi, Ryota Katsumata, Masaru Kito, Masaru Kido, and Hiroyasu Tanaka, will accept this prestigious award for its pioneering work in developing and commercializing 3D flash memory. This breakthrough technology has become fundamental to a wide range of computing applications – including advanced smartphones, PCs, SSDs, data centers, AI, and industrial.

Kioxia presented the concept of BiCS FLASH^TM 3D flash memory technology at the VLSI Symposium in 2007. After announcing the prototype, Kioxia continued development to optimize the technology for mass production, eventually introducing the world’s first 256 gigabit (Gb), 48-layer 3D flash memory in 2015.

"Kioxia’s innovation in 3D flash memory has revolutionized data storage, transforming it from a mere advancement of existing technologies into a groundbreaking solution that meets the demands of modern computing," said Chuck Sobey, FMS General Chair. "We are delighted to showcase this important contribution and look forward to seeing what the future holds."

With a 3D stacked structure that boosts capacity and performance, BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory has been a transformational force in the storage industry. The technology has enabled higher density storage solutions while maintaining reliability and efficiency, significantly enhancing the capabilities of data centers, consumer electronics, and mobile devices – and setting a new standard for flash memory technology. By leveraging vertical stacking, Kioxia’s BiCS FLASH technology addressed the limitations of planar NAND flash, paving the way for future developments in memory storage solutions - and reinforcing Kioxia Corporation as an industry leader.

"Kioxia’s technical innovation in 3D flash memory cannot be overstated,” said Atsushi Inoue, vice president and technology executive for Kioxia Corporation’s Memory Division. “Our technology has created a new paradigm in the industry, enabling flash memory to vastly increase storage density per cell, die and package. I am excited to see our achievements recognized and look forward to witnessing their continued influence in the years to come."

"My fellow Kioxia engineers are an inspiration not only for their technological accomplishments but also for their commitment to advancing the field through continuous innovation and support for the technologists around them,” said Ryota Katsumata, senior fellow of the Advanced Memory Development Center for Kioxia Corporation. “Our contributions have not only made a reverberating impact, but have also fostered a spirit of innovation and collaboration within the community. It is wonderful to see this leadership and vision be acknowledged.”

This 3D flash memory technology has also been recognized with the Imperial Invention Prize from the 2020 National Commendation for Invention in Japan and received the 2023 Award for Science and Technology from The Commendation for Science and Technology by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the 2021 IEEE Andrew S. Grove Award.

Notes:

Company names, product names and service names may be trademarks of third-party companies.

About Kioxia

Kioxia is a world leader in memory solutions, dedicated to the development, production and sale of flash memory and solid-state drives (SSDs). In April 2017, its predecessor Toshiba Memory was spun off from Toshiba Corporation, the company that invented NAND flash memory in 1987. Kioxia is committed to uplifting the world with memory by offering products, services and systems that create choice for customers and memory-based value for society. Kioxia's innovative 3D flash memory technology, BiCS FLASH™, is shaping the future of storage in high-density applications, including advanced smartphones, PCs, SSDs, automotive and data centers.

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Contact

Kota Yamaji
Public Relations
Kioxia Corporation
+81-3-6478-2319
kioxia-hd-pr@kioxia.com

Source : Kioxia Corporation

MILLIMAN STUDY: INCREASE IN EMBEDDED VALUE AND VALUE OF NEW BUSINESS ACROSS MOST ASIAN MARKETS IN 2023

MUMBAI, July 23 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Milliman, a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, today released its annual 2023 embedded value results: Asia report which includes 2023 embedded value (EV) and value of new business (VNB) results disclosed by major multinational and domestic life insurers across Asia Pacific. The report also analyses and discusses the EV methodologies and assumptions used, and the impact of changes to key regulations in the region.

“An overall increase in EV and VNB across the region in 2023 reflects the bounce back of many economies,” said Milliman Principal and Consulting Actuary Heerak Basu. “With the easing of Covid restrictions and the return of Mainland Chinese visitors, Hong Kong’s VNB more than doubled, while India, Japan and Taiwan showed double-digit EV growth in 2023.”

A complimentary copy of the report is available for download here: 2023 embedded value results: Asia (milliman.com)

A few key insights include:

• The majority of insurers in Asia reported EV growth in 2023, with increases ranging from 1% to 24.1%.
• In line with global trends, bond yields decreased during 2023 in most of the Asian markets, which led Chinese insurers to decrease their investment return and discount rate assumptions for 2023, with mixed responses in other markets.
• VNB experienced an overall growth of 9.9% in the Asia region, with double digit growth in Indonesia and Thailand and 102.8% growth in Hong Kong.
• The implementation of IFRS 17 from 1 January 2023 in certain markets has impacted EV reporting. Some European MNCs have shifted towards IFRS 17 and no longer report EV results for their Asian subsidiaries.

About Milliman

Milliman is among the world's largest providers of actuarial and related products and services. The firm has consulting practices in healthcare, property & casualty insurance, life insurance and financial services, and employee benefits. Founded in 1947, Milliman is an independent firm with offices in major cities around the globe including multiple offices in Asia & the Middle East. For further information, visit milliman.com

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Contact

Charles Carneiro
Marketing & PR
Milliman, Inc.
Tel: +65 90175746
charles.carneiro@milliman.com

Source : Milliman

AV Access Showcases Revolutionary eShare W80 Wireless Conferencing System At InfoComm Asia 2024

 

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- AV Access, a professional audio visual (Pro AV) and AV over Internet Protocol (IP) solutions provider has unveiled the highly anticipated eShare W80 wireless conferencing system at InfoComm Asia 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand.

AV Access also showcased its latest lineup of cutting-edge products such as iDock series KVM switch docking stations, and the 4K HDMI over IP solution during the event which was deemed one of the region's most prominent technology exhibitions, taking place from July 17 to 19.

According to a statement, this diverse range of solutions underscores AV Access's commitment to delivering advanced audiovisual technology for various applications.

"The eShare series has demonstrated our commitment to providing innovative and user-friendly solutions for consumers all over the world. It can be an ideal Clickshare alternative in wireless presentation and conferencing.

"The eShare D20 USB-C dongle is an extraordinary Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) device. Remarkably, you can also wirelessly control USB 3.0 peripherals using the dongle's conferencing button once they are connected to the eShare W80," said AV Access Chief Technology Officer, Bill Liao.

The eShare W80 wireless conferencing system revolutionises content sharing in meetings, allowing users to effortlessly project their computer screens onto larger displays using an HDMI connection or wirelessly via AirPlay, Miracast, or the eShare D20 dongle.

Unlike Barco Clickshare, the eShare W80 is a true plug-and-play solution, eliminating the need for software or drivers and ensuring a seamless user experience from start to finish.

Furthermore, eShare W80 can work with AV Access BizEye series webcams and AnyCo series video bars/speakerphones, or third-party USB 3.0 devices from other brands, which ensures businesses could leverage their existing AV investments while enhancing their meeting capabilities with the latest technology.

Equipped with dual HDMI input and output ports, the eShare W80 wireless conferencing system simplifies connections to room personal computers or laptops and supports simultaneous display on two screens, which is particularly advantageous for maintaining clear visibility of remote colleagues while presenting.

Additionally, the multiview display mode allows users to compare and analyse two pieces of content side by side, enhancing collaborative discussions.

-- BERNAMA

XSOLLA EXPANDS GAME REACH, BOOSTS SALES VIA LOCALISED PAYMENT CHANNELS IN ASIA

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Global video game commerce company Xsolla, has announced the further expansion of its payment solution across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Pacific markets.

The entry into markets unlocks new territories and optimises existing payment channels for the most important region for gaming worldwide, representing 46 per cent of global game revenues.

This expansion aims to help developers monetise and distribute their games globally while building a credible local presence in Asia.

With this expansion, game developers can reach over 76 million gamers across these markets and increase conversion rates through localised payment interfaces and local processing.

“We are unlocking access to five new payment channels across four booming Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Pacific markets, providing game developers with the tools to reach more gamers, improve conversion rates, and increase revenue.

“These markets are growing faster than the global average, with an annual growth rate of 9.47 per cent compared to the global rate of 8.76 per cent,” said Xsolla President, David Stelzer in a statement.

Xsolla extends its payment solution by integrating Maya, PayNow, WeChat Pay HK, JazzCash, and Easypaisa for video game developers and gamers in the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Pakistan.

Maya is the Philippines’ fastest-growing digital bank and the top-rated consumer finance app on Google Play Store and Apple Store, whereas PayNow in Singapore is a real-time payment channel that offers universal accessibility through its broad network of banks, stringent security measures, and enhanced payment connectivity for more than five million users.

Meanwhile, JazzCash and Easypaisa are Pakistan's number one digital apps, serving more than 18 million and 15 million users annually, respectively. WeChat Pay HK is a convenient mobile payment channel embraced by more than one million online and offline merchants in Hong Kong and beyond, offering its services to five million residents.

For game publishers, large or small, looking forward to international growth, particularly within Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Pacific regions, Xsolla’s latest move offers them an invaluable resource, that is access not only to advanced technology and local payment solutions but also to deep market insights which come from working closely with local industry experts.

-- BERNAMA

MGA Entertainment Completes Merger With Zapf Creation AG

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- MGA Entertainment Inc (MGA) has completed the merger with Zapf Creation AG (Zapf), Europe’s top nurturing dolls manufacturer, which was first announced in October last year, creating the new wholly-owned subsidiary, MGA Zapf Creation GmbH.

“After more than 20 years working closely as two separate companies, Zapf Creation has joined the MGA family and we welcome them as a part of MGA.

“We look forward to growing both businesses and bringing smiles to children throughout Europe, the United States and the rest of the world as one company,” said MGA Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Isaac Larian in a statement.

The companies will work toward consolidating the businesses, taking advantage of opportunities like unifying their approach with retail partners globally.

No significant organisational or operational changes are expected now or in the near future in Germany post-merger, whereby Thomas Eichhorn will remain as MGA Zapf Creation GmbH President.

Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices globally, MGA is one of the largest privately held toy and entertainment companies in the world, known for its commitment to creativity, quality, and innovation.

-- BERNAMA

NX BANGLADESH CONDUCTS TREE-PLANTING EFFORT AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

TOKYO, July 16, 2024 /Kyodo JBN/ --

Nippon Express Bangladesh Ltd. (hereinafter "NX Bangladesh"), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., carried out a tree-planting project at Jantrail Government Primary School No. 127 in Nawabganj Upazila, Dhaka District on Monday, June 10.
 
NX Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202407083274-O3-I47D09UH
 
Group photo of participants: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/
prwfile/release/M103866/202407083274/_prw_PI1fl_wLhm5jh6.jpg
 
Tree planting: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/
M103866/202407083274/_prw_PI2fl_f8qv8ukg.jpg
 
Bangladesh has been plagued by increasingly serious environmental problems such as air and water pollution due to industrialization as well as by global warming issues. In view of these circumstances, NX Bangladesh brought 250 saplings to Jantrail Government Primary School No. 127 in Nawabganj Upazila, Dhaka District, for the plantation as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Four NX Bangladesh employees and 215 students and teachers participated in this activity, and planted 40 saplings in the schoolyard, with the remaining 210 saplings distributed to the students to be planted at their own homes. The hopes underlying this initiative are that students will become more aware of the importance of environmental protection and that the trees planted will help protect the local ecosystem and improve the environment. Going forward, NX Bangladesh will be pursuing other such CSR activities for a better life of the people of Bangladesh.
 
The NX Group will continue fulfilling its social development responsibilities by connecting people, companies and communities, and actively engaging in global environmental conservation activities to achieve sustainable societies.
 
About the NX Group:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202407083274-O1-r7kU565M.pdf
 
NX Group official website: https://www.nipponexpress.com/
 
NX Group's official LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/
 
 
Source: NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC.  

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CSOP HUATAI-PINEBRIDGE CSI 300 ETF TO LIST ON HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- CSOP Asset Management Limited, an exchange-traded fund (ETF) issuer in Hong Kong is set to list CSOP Huatai-PineBridge CSI 300 ETF (3133.HK) on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on July 16.

In seeking to achieve its investment objective, 3133.HK will invest at least 90 per cent of its net asset value (NAV) in the Huatai-PineBridge CSI 300 Exchange-traded Open-end Index Securities Investment Fund (Master ETF) via the Qualified Foreign Investor (QFI) status granted to the manager and/or the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect.

According to a statement, with a listing price of approximately HKD 7.8 per unit, board lot of 100 units, 3133.HK has received an initial investment of 51.1 million Chinese yuan. (100 Chinese yuan = RM64.32)

“As a widely recognised fund management company, we are delighted to offer Hong Kong investors the opportunity to invest in top-quality assets in China. CSOP Huatai-PineBridge CSI 300 ETF, which tracks the world's largest CSI 300 ETF, is the optimal solution for investing in China A-share.

“CSOP is dedicated to continuous innovation and remains committed to providing our clients with valuable and distinctive ETF products,” said CSOP Asset Management Chief Executive Officer, Ding Chen.

At the beginning of 2024, a slew of foreign financial institutions are bullish on the Chinese stock market and have upgraded their ratings, while the northbound fund flows have been positive for three months in a row since February, hitting a new record high in April, indicating strong overseas investment interest in A-share.

The CSI 300 Index (Index) serves as a benchmark for China's A-share stock market, tracking 300 largest and most liquid companies in China's A-share stock market to comprehensively reflect overall market performance.

The median return on equity (ROE) range of the Index has consistently exceeded 10 per cent over an extended period. Currently, the Index constituents are well-balanced across cyclical industries, technology, large financials, and consumer sectors.

-- BERNAMA

APAC INSURERS ADOPT MODERN CORE PLATFORMS TO TAP INTO GROWTH - ISG REPORT

KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) -- A new research by Information Services Group (ISG) found many insurance companies in Asia Pacific (APAC) are starting to implement advanced technology platforms to better capture additional business in a fast-growing region for the industry.

The global technology research and advisory firm in the 2024 ISG Provider Lens Insurance Platform Solutions report for APAC says that insurers need modern core platforms to remain competitive.

“Companies are eagerly exploring new systems so they can move away from technology environments they have used for decades,” said ISG partner and regional leader of Asia Pacific, Michael Gale.

While insurance is a younger and faster-growing industry across APAC than in North America or Europe, its expansion is fastest where insurance markets are least mature, such as in India, Thailand and Malaysia, according to ISG in a statement.

Insurance companies are upgrading systems most rapidly in these markets, seeking to take advantage of double-digit growth rates in some product categories.

The report shows that many insurers in the region are making new technology investments despite strong headwinds, including tight budgets and often weak balance sheets, in which high cost, a wide range of technology choices and the risks of implementing new systems have slowed the process at some companies.

However, moving from mainframe-based infrastructure to modern digital platforms enables faster time to market and many other benefits, including higher efficiency and scalability, tighter security, better decision-making and improved customer experience.

To get the most benefit from new technologies, especially artificial intelligence platforms that can improve operations and decision-making, many insurers in APAC are recognising the need to modernise their data systems, ISG says.

The report also examines other APAC insurance industry trends, including the growing importance of scalable policy administration systems and the role of low-code/no-code platforms in modernisation projects.

-- BERNAMA

BASF ECMS BUDENHEIM FACILITY TO BEGIN PRODUCTION IN SUMMER 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) has commenced construction of its first state-of-the-art production facility for green hydrogen and fuel cell components in Budenheim, Germany.

The opening of the Budenheim site is planned for the summer of 2025, and the facility is on the premises of an industrial site, situated in the centre of Europe within the Rhein-Main metropolitan area.

ECMS Senior Vice President of Precious Metal Services and Recycling, Tim Ingle said the new site in Budenheim fulfilled a key part of the company’s global strategy for hydrogen.

“As a global leader in precious metals services and catalyst recycling, the investment solidifies our support for the growing hydrogen economy with circular solutions that improve performance and reduce costs for PEM electrolysers and fuel cells,” he said in a statement.

The products produced at this site will include newly developed low-iridium-loaded catalyst coated membranes (CCMs), a key functional part for proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis.

This will complement the Celtec membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), critical components in fuel cells that enable hydrogen together with oxygen from the air to be converted efficiently into electricity, for high-temperature fuel cells, which will also be produced at the facility.

The ECMS hydrogen business operates globally, with activities in Europe, North America and Asia. As the renewable energy ecosystem develops rapidly, the production of green hydrogen from water electrolysis will become a crucial pillar in supporting the global energy transition.

The new facility will enable the commercial launch of newly developed CCMs for PEM electrolysers with multi-gigawatt capacity to serve the global market.

This investment allows ECMS to expand its capabilities in precious metals, catalysts and recycling, positioning itself as an integrated, full-loop, end-to-end solution provider across a range of product lines in the green hydrogen space.

-- BERNAMA

THE 'INSIGHTS 2024: ATTITUDES TOWARD AI' REPORT REVEALS RESEARCHERS AND CLINICIANS BELIEVE IN AI'S POTENTIAL BUT DEMAND TRANSPARENCY IN ORDER TO TRUST TOOLS

AsiaNet 0200259

LONDON, July 10, 2024 / AgilityPR-AsiaNet / --

Elsevier’s survey of 3,000 researchers and clinicians shows willingness to use AI in their daily work, with clear differences in attitude between US, China, and India 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to transform research and healthcare, yet adoption of AI for work use remains low as does use of even the most popular AI platforms like Bard and ChatGPT, according to a new study by Elsevier, a global leader in scientific information and data analytics. The Insights 2024: Attitudes toward AI report, based on a survey of 3,000 researchers and clinicians across 123 countries, reveals that both groups see AI having the greatest potential in accelerating knowledge discovery, increasing work quality and saving costs.

However, to maximize the use of AI, both groups are clear about the specific concerns that need to be addressed: they want assurances of quality content, trust and transparency before integrating AI tools into their daily work. 

Most notably, the majority of clinicians and researchers familiar with AI, said they believe in AI's potential to help them and their organizations in their work: 
• 94% of researchers and 96% of clinicians think AI will help accelerate knowledge discovery
• 92% of researchers and 96% of clinicians think it will help rapidly increase the volume of scholarly and medical research
• 92% of researchers and clinicians foresee cost savings for institutions and businesses
• 87% think it will help increase work quality overall
• 85% of both groups believe AI will free up time to focus on higher value projects.

However, both respondent groups fear further rise in misinformation could impact critical decisions:
• 95% of researchers along with 93% of clinicians believe AI will be used for misinformation
• 86% of researchers and 85% of clinicians believe AI could cause critical errors, while a similar ratio expressed concern about AI leading to weakened critical thinking
• 81% of researchers worry AI will erode critical thinking with 82% of doctors expressing concern that physicians will become over reliant on AI to make clinical decisions
• 79% of clinicians and 80% of researchers believe AI will cause disruption to society.

Researchers and clinicians expect tools to be based on high quality, trusted content and want transparency about the use of generative AI:
• If AI tools are backed by trusted content, quality controls and responsible AI principles, 89% of researchers who expressed belief AI can benefit their work would use it to generate a synthesis of articles, while 94% of clinicians who believe AI can benefit their work said they would employ AI to assess symptoms and identify conditions or diseases. 
• Transparency is key. 81% of researchers and clinicians expect to be told whether the tools they are using depend on generative AI.
• 71% expect generative AI dependent tools’ results to be based on high quality trusted sources only.
• 78% of researchers and 80% of clinicians expect to be informed if the peer-review recommendations they receive about manuscripts utilize generative AI.

The findings also reveal different attitudes amongst researchers and clinicians in the world’s top three research-generating nations, the US, China and India:  
• Of those familiar with AI over half (54%) have actively used AI with just under a third (31%) for a specific work-related purpose. This is higher in China (39%) and lower in India (22%) 
• Only 11% of respondents consider themselves very familiar with AI or use it often. 67% of those who have not used AI expect to in two to five years with China (83%) and India (79%) outpacing the US (53%) significantly
• US respondents are less likely to feel positive about the future impact of AI on their area of work - 28% in the US vs. 46% in China, 41% in India.

Researchers and clinicians in China, India and the US who believe AI would help them in their work are more closely aligned, albeit still with some difference in how likely they are to use a trusted AI assistant to review prior studies, identify gaps in knowledge and generate a new research hypothesis for testing.  Respondents in India stood at 100% likelihood, China at 96%, and the US at 84%. 

Kieran West, Executive Vice President, Strategy, Elsevier, said: “AI has the potential to transform many aspects of our lives, including research, innovation and healthcare, all vital drivers of societal progress. As it becomes more integrated into our everyday lives and continues to advance at a rapid pace, its adoption is expected to rise. Researchers and clinicians worldwide are telling us they have an appetite for adoption to aid their profession and work, but not at the cost of ethics, transparency and accuracy. They have indicated that high quality, verified information, responsible development and transparency are paramount to building trust in AI tools, and alleviating concerns over misinformation and inaccuracy. This report suggests some steps that need to be taken to build confidence and usage in the AI tools of today and tomorrow.”

For more than a decade, Elsevier has been using AI and machine learning technologies in combination with our world-class peer-reviewed content, extensive data sets and expert human oversight to create products that help the research, life sciences and healthcare communities be more effective every day. We do so in line with Elsevier's Responsible AI Principles and Privacy Principles and in collaboration with our communities to ensure our solutions help them achieve their goals. By incorporating generative AI in our offerings, we aim to make it easier and more intuitive for customers to find the information they can trust to accelerate scientific discovery, empower collaboration and transform patient care. 

For the full findings from the Insights 2024: Attitudes toward AI study, including additional insights from researchers and clinicians, please visit elsevier.com/insights/attitudes-toward-ai or contact the media representative at the top of this release.  

About Elsevier

As a global leader in scientific information and analytics, Elsevier helps researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. We do this by facilitating insights and critical decision-making with innovative solutions based on trusted, evidence-based content and advanced AI-enabled digital technologies.

We have supported the work of our research and healthcare communities for more than 140 years. Our 9,500 employees around the world, including 2,500 technologists, are dedicated to supporting researchers, librarians, academic leaders, funders, governments, R&D-intensive companies, doctors, nurses, future healthcare professionals and educators in their critical work. Our 2,900 scientific journals and iconic reference books include the foremost titles in their fields, including Cell Press, The Lancet and Gray’s Anatomy. 
 
Together with the Elsevier Foundation, we work in partnership with the communities we serve to drive inclusive health and research within our own organization and around the world.
 
Elsevier is part of RELX (https://www.relx.com/), a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information on our work, digital solutions and content, visit www.elsevier.com/ 

Media contacts:
Dan DiPietro-James
Global Media Relations Director
dan.james@elsevier.com 

Source: Elsevier

SD NETWORKS SET FRAMEWORK FOR ASIA PACIFIC MODERNIZATION

Companies shift to flexible software-defined systems for tighter security, lower costs, continued cloud migration, ISG Provider Lens™ report says

SYDNEY, July 4 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Enterprises in Asia Pacific are moving toward software-defined networking (SDN) to make communication more secure and resilient and speed up business decision-making, according to a new research report published today by Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a leading global technology research and advisory firm.

The 2024 ISG Provider Lens™ Network — Software-defined Solutions and Services report for Asia Pacific finds that companies in the region (which for this report covers Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and India) are seeking more efficient, secure and flexible networks to address rising business challenges. Many are still adding expensive traditional network links and need to modernize connectivity for cloud migration. Demand for SDN is expected to remain strong in the coming years, especially in high-growth emerging markets such as India.

“Asia Pacific enterprises want to keep growing in the face of new demands to decarbonize and utilize AI in their operations,” said Michael Gale, partner and regional leader, ISG Asia Pacific. “To carry out digital transformation initiatives, they need rapid, cost-efficient network provisioning.”

Software-defined wide-area networks (SD-WANs) have been the preferred infrastructure for remote workforces and cloud-connected applications for several years, but as recently as 2021, companies in Asia Pacific struggled to negotiate SD-WAN carrier contracts, the report says. Since then, service providers and carriers have introduced cost-competitive options with plug-and-play setup. Expanded offerings from system integrators and traditional network service providers have helped to drive SD-WAN growth. 

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AEROSPIKE APPOINTS VENKATESH GUNTUR AS COUNTRY MANAGER FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA

SINGAPORE & MANILA, Philippines, July 4 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Aerospike, Inc. (“Aerospike”), a leading database solutions provider, today announced the appointment of Venkatesh Guntur as the new Country Manager for Southeast Asia (ASEAN). In this strategic role, Venkatesh will spearhead Aerospike's business operations in the region, focusing on elevating the company's presence, driving growth, and delivering exceptional customer service.

Speaking about his appointment, Aveekshith Bushan, Vice President and GM, Asia Pacific and Japan, Aerospike, commented, “With his extensive experience and proven leadership, Venkatesh will be an invaluable addition to our team as we continue to expand our footprint in the enterprise and fast-growing AI-centric business applications segments in the ASEAN region. We are delighted to welcome him aboard.”

Venkatesh brings over 25 years of experience in enterprise IT sales leadership, having driven strategic sales initiatives and fostered innovation in the technology sector for several successful organizations. Before joining Aerospike, he held key leadership positions at companies such as Couchbase, ADP, Blue Prism, and Ramco Systems. Venkatesh is passionate about business outcome-based value selling through technologies like real-time databases, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

“I am honored to join Aerospike and look forward to further building on the company’s reputation as the most scalable, efficient, and cost-effective real-time database solution in the region," said Venkatesh.

Aerospike is a massively scalable, millisecond latency, real-time multi-model database that cost-effectively processes transactions, documents, graphs and vectors for real-time operations and decision making. It enables organizations to feed AI/ML systems high volumes of real-time data faster, with up to 80% less infrastructure than other database providers.

Aerospike is a registered trademark of Aerospike, Inc.

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Contact

Kristle Chia - +65 9756 2004

Source : Aerospike, Inc.

VALVERDE INVESTMENT PARTNERS APPOINTS NORTHERN TRUST TO PROVIDE ASSET SERVICING SOLUTIONS FOR ITS VCC FUND

SINGAPORE, July 2 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) today announced that it has been appointed by Valverde Investment Partners Pte Ltd. (Valverde) to provide custody, fund administration, foreign exchange and cash management services for its newly formed Variable Capital Company (VCC) fund, along with its sub-fund, ASEAN+ Fund (VAPF).

Valverde is a newly established, Singapore-based, independent investment management firm specializing in ASEAN equities. The VCC launch and its sub-fund, Valverde ASEAN+ Fund (VAPF), represent Valverde’s goal of achieving long-term absolute returns, primarily composed of public traded equities within ASEAN companies.

“We have seen VCC funds continue to grow in popularity since the scheme was first launched in 2020, and we are delighted to work with Valverde as they embark on their first VCC,” said Yen Leng Ong, Country Executive, Southeast Asia, Northern Trust. “This appointment helps underline our position as a premier provider of custody and fund services to asset managers in Singapore.”

“Launching a VCC fund comes with inherent complexities, and we were seeking a partner that could help us manage these from both a custodial and fund administration perspective,” said John Foo, Founder and CEO at Valverde. “We were especially impressed by Northern Trust’s global expertise and focus on clients such as ourselves, which aligns with our dedication to providing top-tier investment solutions and client service to our investors.”

Northern Trust’s Global Fund Services business provides services including fund administration, depositary, global custody, investment operations outsourcing and data solutions to global investment managers – supporting a range of complex investment strategies across the full spectrum of asset classes. In Singapore, it includes servicing of VCC fund structures launched as standalone Singapore funds or umbrella structures with Singapore domiciled sub-funds.

Northern Trust has offices across Asia Pacific in Beijing, Bengaluru, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Melbourne, Pune, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo. It has strong relationships with some of the region’s largest asset managers, central banks, sovereign wealth funds, government agencies and corporations.

About Valverde Investment Partners

Valverde is a partner-owned investment management firm specializing in ASEAN equities. Led by a seasoned and dedicated investment team, Valverde is committed to delivering optimal execution outcomes for investors across the 6 ASEAN markets, supported by in-house trading capabilities. As of 1 July 2024, our team comprises of 11 members with coverage spanning Singapore, Ho Chi Minh, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust Corporation (Nasdaq: NTRS) is a leading provider of wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking to corporations, institutions, affluent families and individuals. Founded in Chicago in 1889, Northern Trust has a global presence with offices in 24 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., and across 22 locations in Canada, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. As of March 31, 2024, Northern Trust had assets under custody/administration of US$16.5 trillion, and assets under management of US$1.5 trillion. For more than 130 years, Northern Trust has earned distinction as an industry leader for exceptional service, financial expertise, integrity and innovation. Visit us on northerntrust.com. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @NorthernTrust or Northern Trust Corporation on LinkedIn.

Northern Trust Corporation, Head Office: 50 South La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603 U.S.A., incorporated with limited liability in the U.S. Global legal and regulatory information can be found at https://www.northerntrust.com/terms-and-conditions. 

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