NX EUROPE, LUFTHANSA CARGO COMPLETE SAF AGREEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) -- A group company of Nippon Express Holdings Inc, Nippon Express Europe GmbH (NX Europe) and Lufthansa Cargo AG (Lufthansa Cargo) contractually agreed on June 20, to advocate the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) when transporting airfreight shipments.

NX Europe Managing Director, Shinichi Kakiyama said this agreement to advocate using SAF represents a step in the right direction on the way to a greener future.

“Together with Lufthansa Cargo, we are honoured to embark on this journey to meet our sustainability goals and fulfil our ongoing commitment to combat climate change,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Lufthansa Cargo Chief Executive Officer, Ashwin Bhat said: “The more Sustainable Aviation Fuel is used in the transportation of goods by air freight, the more likely we are to succeed in moving away from fossil fuels, making the entire air freight industry more sustainable.”

The environmentally friendly aviation fuel will enable the Nippon Express Group to achieve emission savings of approximately 3,150 tonnes within one year.

Furthermore, the agreement reached with Lufthansa Cargo includes contributing to high-quality and certified climate protection projects for the so-called well-to-tank emissions that arise during the production and supply of SAF.

The Nippon Express Group has set the goal of a 50 per cent reduction in SCOPE 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 compared to 2013 as a response to climate change, and of contributing to the realisation of a carbon-neutral society by 2050.

Nippon Express Co Ltd aims to reduce emissions by 350,000 tonnes by 2023, equivalent to a 30 per cent reduction from 2013 levels. In May 2023, Nippon Express Holdings Inc submitted a Letter of Commitment to be certified as a Science Based Targets (SBT) company, and the entire group is working together to achieve a carbon neutral society by 2050.

-- BERNAMA

QUANT TECHNOLOGY USED IN BANK OF ENGLAND'S CBDC PROJECT NOW AVAILABLE TO ANY BUSINESS

LONDON, June 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Quant, the blockchain for finance pioneer, today unveiled Overledger Platform: the infrastructure used in Project Rosalind - the Bank of England and Bank for International Settlements’ retail CBDC project – available to all via software-as-a-service. Overledger Platform makes the same enterprise-grade technology, the same interoperability core, the same secure smart contracts and the same issuance, secure bridging and atomic settlement functionality that have underpinned Quant’s projects with institutional and central bank customers to-date, accessible to large enterprises, SMEs and developers for the first time.

Overledger Platform establishes a new benchmark for enterprise blockchain, universal interoperability and ease of use. It’s a low code SaaS that allows customers to issue digital money and interoperable assets with just a few clicks, move them from one blockchain network to another, write new apps that will run on any network, create secure smart contracts that will execute on any blockchain, and use simple APIs to integrate with their existing systems. With Overledger, this can take a developer minutes, rather than being a months-long project that can only be delivered by specialised blockchain experts.

The launch of Overledger Platform comes at a critical time for the financial services industry. Although the unregulated crypto experiment has failed, blockchain-based infrastructure and systems, regulated tokenised money and digital assets are still central to innovation. In tandem, it is expected that the value of tokenised assets will reach $4 trillion by 2030 but businesses are scrambling to hire the right expertise or a plethora of developers to capitalise on the opportunity presented by this new technology.

Quant’s platform solves this problem by allowing any business to access blockchain and unlock its benefits. As Quant continues to work on projects with financial institutions worldwide, its platform is updated regularly, ensuring that all Overledger customers, big or small, benefit from new innovations as they are developed.

“From central banks to their commercial counterparts, from issuers to asset managers, the financial world is now wise to the transformational value of blockchain. Already used in some of the most demanding use cases in finance, Overledger is the grown-up approach to implementing this technology, one that any developer or business can now use to expand their offering, getting to market at speed and with ease,” comments Gilbert Verdian, founder and CEO. “We think this is a game-changer for anyone that wants to build a business in the blockchain economy.”

Martin Hargreaves, Chief Product Officer, says: “Until now, businesses have struggled to capitalise on the benefits provided by blockchain because it’s a complex technology requiring specialist skills. Overledger Platform changes all that. It’s simple to use, continually updated, and integrates seamlessly with your existing systems. That’s how it unlocks the power of blockchain for everyone.”

Notes to editors

About Quant

Quant is the foundation of the blockchain economy.

Assets of all kinds, from currencies to carbon credits, are being tokenised on blockchain, making their ownership immutable, their provenance traceable and their use easy to manage. Our patent-pending technology makes this simple, trusted and future-proof.

We work with financial institutions and other enterprises to dramatically reduce their time-to-market, create new revenue lines, and mitigate risk by delivering enterprise-grade solutions built with security and compliance front of mind.

Founded in 2018, Quant is UK-based with a US presence. We spearheaded the Blockchain ISO Standard TC307 adopted by 57 countries and solved interoperability with the creation of the world’s first interoperable blockchain platform, Overledger.

To find out more, visit quant.network.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230627582803/en/

Contact

Media contact
Andrew Carrier
Chief Marketing Officer
Quant
andrew.carrier@quant.network
@andrewcarrier

Source : Quant

IIJ LAUNCHES API SECURITY PROTECTION AS PART OF ITS "SAFOUS" ZERO-TRUST SECURITY SERVICE SUITE

TOKYO, June 26, 2023 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --

- "Safous WAAP" Eliminates API Endpoint Vulnerabilities with Zero-Trust Access Technology -
 
Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (hereinafter "IIJ," TSE Prime:3774), one of Japan's leading internet access and network solutions providers, announced on
June 26, 2023, the launch of its new application programming interface (API) security service, Safous WAAP (
https://www.safous.com/services/web-application-and-api-protection ), as part of its zero-trust security service suite, Safous ( https://www.safous.com/ ).
 
Safous WAAP is the world's first API protection designed to eliminate vulnerabilities using zero-trust access technology. Its initial release will focus on securing API connections from mobile apps, and IIJ's ultimate goal for the service is to eliminate API endpoint vulnerabilities with complete protection against zero-day attacks that are inevitable with existing WAAPs.
 
"We're thrilled to announce our first-of-its-kind security service, Safous WAAP," said Miki Tanaka, Global Service Director, IIJ. "The reliance on APIs for collaboration between workplace applications and devices has led to an uptick in API-based attacks targeting businesses every year, which causes damage such as data leakage and unauthorized application access. Safous WAAP combines our expertise in developing DDoS protection and WAF services with zero-trust access technology to protect customers' APIs in a way never seen before."
 
APIs that substantially contribute to businesses' digital transformation are exposed to malicious parties, resulting in a 400% increase in attacks targeting APIs over the past six months (*). Many businesses have had to slow the rollout of new applications due to API security concerns, highlighting the need for developers to implement more robust application access controls and risk mitigation measures.
 
Safous WAAP hides API endpoints from the public internet using an authentication-based, zero-trust access approach with DDoS protection and WAF functionality, freeing developers from vulnerability risks and zero-day attacks for less than half the price of a full WAAP from other companies.
 
IIJ plans to extend use cases to general-purpose API and IoT applications by providing a wide variety of SDKs and will also add general web application protection for complete WAAP coverage.
 
Note:
(*) Reference:
https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/api-attacks-increase-400-last-six/
 
About Internet Initiative Japan Inc.
Founded in 1992, IIJ is one of Japan's leading internet access and comprehensive network solutions providers. IIJ and its subsidiary companies provide total network solutions that mainly cater to high-end corporate customers. IIJ's services include high-quality internet connectivity, system integration, cloud computing, security, and mobile services. IIJ has built one of the largest internet backbone networks in Japan that is connected to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Asia. IIJ was listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2022.
For more information about IIJ, visit the official website:
https://www.iij.ad.jp/en/
 
The statements within this release contain forward-looking statements about IIJ's future plans that involve risk and uncertainty. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results.
 
*All company, product, and service names used in this press release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
 
 
Source: Internet Initiative Japan Inc.

ROBERT YUSIN IS OPTOMEC NEW CEO

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 (Bernama) -- The Board of Directors at Optomec, a leading manufacturer of Digital Manufacturing solutions has announced Robert Yusin as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

“We are delighted that Robert Yusin has accepted the position. The timing is perfect for a person like Robert to take Optomec’s proven technology and solutions successes to the next level for our customers,” said interim CEO and Board Member, Mike Barry.

According to a statement, the Board is confident that the timing is right for Optomec in entering its next phase of growth to add Yusin’s proven skillset to advance the company’s position in the market.

Yusin has achieved a string of successes in bringing innovative companies with solid technology to the next level of revenue growth through strategic investments and creative go-to-market strategies that have transformed their outcomes.

Previously, Yusin was CEO at ParaMatters, a software company providing end to end manufacturing software. He re-visioned the company to serve a broader base of manufacturing processes, which ultimately led to the purchase by Carbon.

Prior to that, Yusin co-founded Oqton, which delivered cloud-based, artificial intelligence-powered manufacturing solutions for factory operations.

-- BERNAMA

Smartly.io’s Innovation Hub To Turn Marketers' Ideas Into Ads With Intelligence

KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- Smartly.io, one of the world’s largest Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) digital advertising platforms, has launched Smartly.io AI Lab, an innovation hub which serves as a meeting point for artificial intelligence (AI) and marketing expertise.

This hub drives advancements in Generative AI and other AI technologies to simplify campaign management and enhance creative scalability without compromising marketers’ brand governance.

“What Smartly.io AI Lab is building is already feeding the infrastructure that marketers, creators and even designers use, and increasing simplicity without sacrificing ideas and quality.

“The companies that seamlessly adopt generative AI into their platforms will be the early winners in a decades-long race. Smartly.io is poised to be among them,” said Smartly.io Chief Executive Officer, Laura Desmond in a statement.

Meanwhile, Head of Smartly.io AI Lab, Arto Tolonen said: “Our mission is to empower marketers to take ideas to ads with intelligence while maximising their return on investment.”

The Smartly.io AI Lab launch represents the company's commitment to empowering marketers to unlock greater value from their digital investments without sacrificing their brand governance.

By advancing the state-of-the-art in Generative AI and other AI areas, the company is poised to provide marketers with a significant advantage, simplifying creative scale while enabling agile campaigns and unified workflows across the evolving social and digital advertising landscape.

From scene generation that enhances a brand's product photos to image generation from scratch and video ad assembly and iteration, the Smartly.io AI Lab is equipping marketers with the tools to get to use cases faster and transform their creative quality and time to campaign.

-- BERNAMA

NIPPON EXPRESS EUROPE PARTICIPATES IN "TRANSPORT LOGISTIC 2023"

TOKYO, June 21, 2023 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --

Nippon Express Europe GmbH (hereinafter "NX Europe"), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., participated for the second time in "transport logistic 2023" held in Munich, Germany, from Tuesday, May 9, to Friday, May 12.   Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202306136300-O1-VS0Q9pbS   Photo: Inside NX Europe booth https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202306136300/_prw_PI2fl_7lnV7TjL.jpg?_ga=2.106673859.1997240702.1686531031-1438572707.1685531252 transport logistic 2023 is the world's largest international exhibition dedicated to introducing the latest products, services, and innovations in logistics, transport, information technology, and supply chain management. This year's event attracted 2,320 exhibitors from more than 120 countries and regions, with over 75,000 visitors attending the exhibition. NX Europe's booth showcased the strengths of the Nippon Express Group's global network and logistics services while also underscoring sustainability as one of its themes by utilizing environmentally friendly promotional items, such as bamboo business cards, wild flower seed bags, re-usable water bottles and pencils with plant seeds, as gifts to highlight the Group's efforts to realize a sustainable society. During the four days of the exhibition, Nippon Express Group staff and clients actively exchanged views on new ideas, technologies and business solutions, and discussed possibilities for the near future. The Nippon Express Group will continue meeting the logistics expectation of its customers in Europe and supporting their business expansion through its global network and accumulated advanced logistics know-how.   Nippon Express website: https://www.nipponexpress.com/ Nippon Express Group's official LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/ Source: NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. --BERNAMA

U.S. POLO ASSN. ANNOUNCED AS FINALIST FOR BEST SPORTS LICENSED BRAND AT 2023 LICENSING INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS IN LAS VEGAS

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, June 21, 2023 / ACCESSWIRE - AsiaNet / --

U.S. Polo Assn. (https://pr.report/hp1M9blk), the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), is pleased to announce the brand's nomination as a finalist for the prestigious 2023 Licensing International Excellence Awards for Best Sports Licensed Brand. The Licensing International Excellence Awards honor the way brands use licensing in innovative and creative methods to further their goals, products, and marketing around the globe. https://pr.report/t4GqBR9p Related Image: https://cdn.newswire.com/files/x/6e/4f/3ff14d91d22d1dbacdc2785f3672.png Winners in 30 categories were selected by an expert global judging panel and voted on by members of the licensing industry at large from more than 200 finalists around the world. With more than 850 entries received, U.S. Polo Assn. was among notable brands, such as Formula 1, Head, The NFL Players Association (NFLPA), Starting Lineup, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Yale University. Ultimately, the NFLPA was recognized as the finalist in the category for Best Sports Licensed Brand. The multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand continued to enhance its authentic connection to the sport of polo in 2022 through outstanding storytelling, partnerships, sponsorships, and philanthropic endeavors. The Licensing International nomination acknowledged U.S. Polo Assn.'s growth and achievements, which include delivering a record $2.3 billion in global retail sales spanning 190 countries in over 1,100 retail stores, as well as department stores, sporting goods stores, and e-commerce. "We are honored that U.S. Polo Assn. was nominated for the Best Sports Licensed Brand alongside other industry-leading organizations for the 2023 Licensing International Excellence Awards," says J. Michael Prince, CEO & President of USPA Global Licensing, the company that oversees the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. "Our global team alongside our licensing and retail partners work tirelessly to bring the spirit of the sport of polo to life in our brand around the world. Receiving this nomination is recognition for this global effort." Prince also wishes to congratulate The NFLPA for their performances this year and their win. The brand also built on its successful digital strategies to generate record growth with some 50 brand sites in 20 languages and over 7 million social media followers in 2022. Moreover, U.S. Polo Assn. signed a global partnership with ESPN to air some of the top polo championships in the world, including the XII Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship, the prestigious Westchester Cup, and the U.S. Open Polo Championship(R) for sports fans and consumers to enjoy. This year's Excellence Awards were held at The Luxor on June 12, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to celebrate the best of the global licensing industry. Attending the event this year on behalf of U.S. Polo Assn. was Chris Affolter, VP of Global Operations, and Jeff Nichols, Senior Director of Finance & Strategy.  http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=46432