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