ISACA INTRODUCES 2023-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John De Santis, past chairman and CEO of HyTrust, will serve as board chair

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., July 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Global digital trust association ISACA introduced its 2023-2024 Board of Directors today. Bringing deep tech, finance and business expertise and a strong global perspective, the board—including three new directors and ISACA CEO Erik Prusch—will be helmed by new board chair John De Santis, past ISACA vice chair and a technology executive with more than three decades of experience in software, networking and information security.

De Santis is a technology executive and past chairman and CEO of HyTrust, an IT infrastructure security software company that was acquired by Entrust in January 2021. A company-builder based in New Hampshire, USA, he has more than 30 years of international and US-based experience at venture-backed technology start-ups as well as at large global public companies in the telecom and IT fields. He currently serves on the fiduciary boards of Cequence Security and ValiMail, leading innovators in the cybersecurity space.

Prior to HyTrust, he was vice president, Cloud Services for VMware, chairman & CEO of TriCipher, and entrepreneur-in-residence at Trident Capital, and CEO at Sygate Technologies, where they developed the technical foundation of Symantec’s Enterprise Endpoint Protection suite. In his earlier experience, he led European operations for various software, hardware and telecom networking companies, as well as co-founded and led to exit a start-up that built the first optical fiber networking capability for IBM mainframes.

“Our community faces challenges each day, including keeping pace with rapidly iterating emerging technologies. I am committed to furthering ISACA’s mission to equip digital trust professionals to navigate these challenges and recalibrate for success in this new era,” says De Santis. “My term as board chair comes at an especially promising time for the organization with the recent announcement of ISACA’s new CEO, Erik Prusch. I look forward to supporting him and our dedicated staff team in advancing our professional community.” 

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George Clinical, Omico Landmark Programme Brings Precision Oncology Trials To Australian Community

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- George Clinical recognised and applauded its collaborative partner Omico, with whom it is aligned in a common goal to revolutionise oncology clinical trial access for patients and improve the efficiency of study enrollment, on the launch of their landmark programme PrOSPeCT.

According to George Clinical in a statement, PrOSPeCT is a programme that brings precision oncology trials to the Australian community by linking genomic technology to trials of new therapeutic products.

Omico is an Australian government-backed national network of leading researchers, clinicians and industry partners, including George Clinical, that are using precision medicine to unlock new potential in Australian research and turn the tide on cancer.

With fast-tracked molecular screening, biomarker-led trial set up and patient enrolment across the entire nation, Omico is accelerating access to next-generation treatments and preventive strategies improving outcomes for all Australians affected by cancer.

Through the PrOSPeCT initiative, Omico is further expanding its reach by opening up new treatment paths across Australia for people with difficult-to-treat cancers including those with ovarian cancers, pancreatic cancers, sarcomas, and advanced and metastatic cancers.

PrOSPeCT aims to screen a magnitude of patients that is beneficial to the Australian public and the economy with 23,000 patients to access free, cutting edge genomic screening.

The programme also aims to match patients to precision medicines in clinical trials that are being conducted across Australia and to create a database of real-world data that will be useful in the future for further research.

A global clinical research organisation founded in Asia Pacific, George Clinical’s success with oncology trials has been driven by scientific expertise and operational excellence.

-- BERNAMA

Medisca Drives Patient Access To Critical Medications Via Strategic Partnerships expansion

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- Medisca has announced the expansion of a network of strategic partnerships aimed at securing and stabilising worldwide access to high quality active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for the preparation of essential medications.

In a statement, Medisca said this mission started with the exclusive partnership for Thyroid USP in 2021, and now expanded to include Progesterone USP (Special Micronized), Testosterone USP (Micronized), Diclofenac Sodium USP, and Ketamine Hydrochloride USP.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to promoting pharmaceutical compounding as a legitimate, effective, and essential solution for healthcare providers working to overcome challenges in medication accessibility and looking to provide transformative options for personalised patient care.

“To achieve this, we continue our mission to forge partnerships with leaders in API manufacturing that are unified by a common commitment to quality, consistency and value,” said Medisca Senior Vice President of Global Strategy & Innovation, Panagiota Danopoulos.

In recent years, Medisca has seen significant increases in the demand for these APIs with commercial drug shortages and the need for qualified products and transparency documented as the primary causes.

By actively engaging in strategic partnerships, Medisca reinforces its position as a true Partner In Wellness and driver in securing high-quality product supply for the pharmaceutical compounding and healthcare industries.

In order to vet the right partners, Medisca conducts thorough due diligence to ensure the highest quality measures are met at the source, whereby all partners undergo a rigorous vendor qualification programme with proof of FDA registration, quality agreements in place and testing performed to verify the quality of the product.

Leveraging these strong partnerships in API manufacturing and collaborating closely with government authorities, Medisca is able to support market access to essential APIs and address the critical needs of healthcare providers and patients globally.

-- BERNAMA 

ST KITTS AND NEVIS ANNOUNCES MONUMENTAL CHANGES TO CBI PROGRAMME

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- The Government of St Kitts and Nevis has announced further groundbreaking changes to its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, a move that signals the country’s intention to remain as the reference point for the international investment migration industry.

According to a statement, the monumental changes have been made to ensure that only high net worth investors and persons who value the citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis are attracted to the programme.

The new changes, further to those made in December 2022, are aimed at safeguarding the nation’s integrity, making the programme sustainable and preserving the privileged status of being a citizen of St Kitts and Nevis.

The Government of St Kitts and Nevis has made further sweeping changes to its CBI Programme, which include the introduction of a new investment option called the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC).

The SISC replaces the previous Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) and investors contributing towards this option will be advancing St Kitts and Nevis into a Sustainable Island State based on seven pillars.

The pillars include increasing local food production; transitioning to Green Energy; diversifying the economy; attracting and supporting sustainable industries; evolving the Creative Economy; and recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Investors applying for CBI are now required to have a mandatory interview either virtually or in person at a location specified by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) and approved by the Board of Governors.

Interviews will be conducted by an independent professional firm commissioned by the CIU, who will also perform background due diligence checks, or the unit itself.

The changes aim to boost international investor confidence and bolster the twin federation’s reputation globally as it continues to demonstrate the traits that underpin its resilience, growth ambitions and willingness to cooperate with international counterparts.

St Kitts and Nevis wish to attract distinguished applicants who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments, possess substantial investment capabilities, and are committed to making significant contributions to the country’s growth and development.

-- BERNAMA

JITTERBIT’S CLOUD-BASED EDI SOLUTION DELIVERS ROBUST, USER-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- Jitterbit, a global leader for empowering transformation through automation, announced its self-managed, cloud-based electronic data interchange (EDI) solution that comes fully integrated in the Jitterbit Harmony platform.

“With centralised trading partner management and competitive pricing, Harmony EDI stands tall as the superior choice in the market.

“B2B vendors can say goodbye to limitations and embrace a new era of streamlined processes, automated workflows, and the power to redefine success,” said Jitterbit senior vice president of product management, Vito Salvaggio in a statement.

With Harmony EDI, users can fully self-serve and self-manage EDI processes. Data is automatically transferred between trading partners such as Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes and Walmart, and merchants into the merchant’s enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM) and shipping systems.

This helps to streamline processes and automate workflows, eliminating the manual processing and approvals of EDI transactions, and ensuring the accuracy of information being transmitted between systems.

Additionally, businesses have access to a cloud-based integration platform as a service (iPaaS) solution with a suite of applications that support customised integrations and the ability to easily add and manage systems and applications that integrate with EDI.

It supports businesses of all types, from those with an experienced or dedicated EDI team who want to manage EDI themselves, to businesses with very little or no EDI experience who want a reliable vendor to set up their EDI processes and trading partners.

Harmony EDI gives users full visibility and control, enabling them to manage and configure trading partners; gain full visibility into EDI transactions and documents; integrate with ERP systems; and seamlessly work with Jitterbit’s full iPaaS solution.

-- BERNAMA

WIPRO RECOGNIZED AS 'LEADER' IN ISG PROVIDER LENS™ NETWORK - SOFTWARE DEFINED SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES REPORT FOR SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA

Wipro is leading with its broad range of network offerings related to Software Defined Networking in Singapore & Malaysia

SINGAPORE & KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia & BENGALURU, India, July 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading technology services and consulting company, announced that it has been named as a ‘Leader’ in ISG Provider Lens™ Network - Software Defined Solutions and Services report for Singapore and Malaysia.

ISG evaluated 34 service providers across five quadrants - Managed SD-WAN Services, SDN Transformation Services (Consulting and Implementation), Enterprise Networks Technology and Service Suppliers, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), and Edge Technologies and Services. The report names Wipro as a Leader in five quadrants, noting Wipro has a strong Software Defined Networking (SDN) presence in Singapore & Malaysia.

Wipro’s focus on SDN transformation initiatives, consistent value delivery for clients, backed by a comprehensive portfolio of network offerings, strong industry collaborations, and deep technical expertise are key factors contributing to this recognition. Wipro is the only service provider to be featured as a ‘Leader’ by ISG for Software Defined Solutions and Services in Singapore and Malaysia.

Badri Srinivasan, Business Head – India & Southeast Asia, Wipro Limited said, “It is a privilege for us at Wipro to be exclusively featured in this report. This recognition is a testimony of our leadership in Network offerings and consistent value delivery to our clients. Hyper-connected and data-driven enterprises will be able to meet business and user goals more efficiently and securely. It’s an honour to be recognized for our strong SDN capabilities, associated strategies and technologies in Network. We are excited to serve the industry and transform enterprise network operations leveraging leading technologies.”

Deepraj Emmanuel, Director and Head of Asia at ISG said, "Wipro has taken a differentiated approach in unlocking the true potential of the value that an SD-WAN solution is supposed to deliver. The science and the art behind a successful SD-WAN solution needs to focus on the simplification of network and security operations underpinned by AI and automation, overcoming the limitations created by legacy network ecosystems. Wipro's #WANFreedom, aligned with global standards, is able to effectively deliver this together with value added offerings like MDO, CoDNI, SDX, Insightix and ServiceNXT, while making clients successful using an end-to-end SD-WAN lifecycle optimization framework focused on Consult, Design, Pilot, Migrate and Operate.”

The report further states that there is a rising trend of edge offerings such as IoT and SASE in Asia. This is driving the need for edge computing to analyze data on the network before transferring it to the central data center or cloud. Wipro has been present in Southeast Asia for over two decades, having partnered with leading public and private sector enterprises across multiple industry verticals in their business transformation and digital journeys. Wipro also has a presence in the region through its acquired entities – Capco, Designit, Topcoder and Rizing. 

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MALAYSIA PET, ANIMAL BRANDS TRIUMPH AT 2023 - 2024 WORLD BRANDING AWARDS ANIMALIS EDITION

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- PowerCat, Catzonia, Aquaria KLCC, Aquanice, BACK2NATURE, Cindy's Recipe, Royal Canin, and MSIG were among the winners from Malaysia at the 2023 - 2024 World Branding Awards Animalis Edition in Vienna, Austria.

Other National tier winners include Coo & Riku (Japan); DeliBest (Switzerland); Global Pet Foods (Canada); Halti (United Kingdom); Heads Up For Tails (India); Kelly & Co’s (Thailand); NurturePro (Singapore); TopBreed (The Philippines); and VanCat (Turkey).

Held at the prestigious Hofburg Palace, the third installment welcomed pet and animal brands from around the world, celebrating their achievements as National, Regional, and Global Winners.

According to a statement, the awards ceremony was hosted by Howard Nightingall and welcomed winners across various categories, such as pet food, retail, wellness and aquatic products.

“The Animalis Edition of the Awards are an acknowledgement to the tireless effort of the teams that build and maintain their brand presence in an ever changing market. As winners, these brands have established strong brand recall, top-of-mind awareness, and trust among their consumers.” said World Branding Forum Chairman, Richard Rowles.

Over 100,000 consumers participated in a global online survey and nominated more than 1,500 brands. Of these, only 100 of the best brands from 30 countries were named as winners.

As the 2023 - 2024 World Branding Awards Animalis Edition draws to a close, the eagerly anticipated Global Edition of the World Branding Awards will return to the stage in November in Kensington Palace, London.

-- BERNAMA

CORPAY CROSS-BORDER LAUNCHES NETTING MANAGER TO STREAMLINE AND AUTOMATE INTERNAL INVOICE SETTLEMENT

Netting Manager can help optimize intercompany financial transactions, reducing costs and improving efficiency and cash flow management

TORONTO, July 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Corpay^¹  a FLEETCOR® (NYSE: FLT) brand and global leader in business payments, is pleased to announce that Corpay’s Cross-Border business has launched Netting Manager, a comprehensive solution that streamlines and automates the settlement process of internal invoices for corporations with global subsidiaries.

Netting Manager allows companies to operate seamlessly across the globe by simplifying the process of intercompany netting - a financial practice used by multinational corporations to consolidate transactions in various currencies. It involves offsetting mutual obligations between subsidiaries and centralizing payment flows. This not only reduces the need for multiple payments, but also simplifies the reconciliation process, resulting in both cost and time savings for businesses. Furthermore, it can help create visibility into consolidated foreign exchange exposures, making it easier and less costly to reduce foreign exchange exposure from the parent level.

“It’s simple, and that’s what is great about it. We developed Netting Manager with the intention that it would be easy to use,” said Jim Kessler, Vice President, Currency Risk Analytics at Corpay Cross-Border. “Many of the current netting solutions on the market are complex and require extensive onboarding, which results in higher costs and acts as a barrier for smaller companies with fewer resources. Netting Manager’s streamlined, user-friendly design allows multinational companies of all sizes to have the system up and running within days, compared to other existing systems that can take months to onboard.”

Netting Manager aims to make intercompany netting accessible to more companies by providing access to a low-cost, intuitive solution that is easy to integrate with many core accounting systems. Core benefits of the solution include:

·  Reduction in payment costs due to fewer payments
·  Reduction in the number of banks used, leading to a reduction in float
·  FX is centralized and aggregated, creating larger transactions with lower transaction costs
·  Simplified payment procedures that allow for structure and greater visibility into intercompany settlements across the organization 

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I SQUARED CAPITAL DEVELOPS SOLAR PLANTS UP TO 1 GIGAWATT IN MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Bernama) -- I Squared Capital, a global infrastructure investment manager, announced its portfolio company, HEXA Renewables, has signed a memorandum of understanding to develop up to one gigawatt of hybrid solar photovoltaic projects in the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia.

In a statement, I Squared Capital said the project is the first to be announced under Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap, which targets that 70 per cent of the country’s energy capacity be sourced from renewables by 2050.

The memorandum is signed with UEM Group Berhad (UEM), a wholly owned subsidiary and the green investment platform of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the sovereign wealth fund of the Government of Malaysia; and ITRAMAS Corporation (ITRAMAS), the largest vertically integrated solar power plant developer, EPCC and service provider in Malaysia.

“As a pioneer in investing in the renewable and Energy Transition sector with nearly 5.8 gigawatts of renewable assets around the world, we are excited to bring our expertise in green power generation to help catalyse the energy transition in Malaysia, an IPEF founding member,” said I Squared Capital Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner, Gautam Bhandari.

Meanwhile, I Squared Capital Senior Partner, Harsh Agrawal said: “We will continue to seek out similar climate focused infrastructure projects to support the global energy transition, including in emerging markets and countries party to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, pursuant to our partnership with the DFC.”

HEXA Renewables’ commitment to this project follows I Squared Capital’s agreement with the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to partner in financing sustainable infrastructure projects in emerging markets, including those party to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), such as Malaysia.

The project will advance I Squared Capital and the DFC’s shared ambition to support inclusive economic development through climate change mitigation.

HEXA and UEM-ITRAMAS will collaborate on the planning, structuring, off-take arrangements, construction and operation of the project.

HEXA is also leveraging its established track record in the energy transition space to support the development of Malaysia’s energy transition related sectors including renewable energy, grid stability, battery energy storage system, clean fuels and energy efficiency.

-- BERNAMA

AmbioPharm Aims Global Peptide Cdmo Via China, Us Manufacturing Facilities Expansion

KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 (Bernama) -- AmbioPharm is currently expanding both manufacturing facilities in China and the United States (US), to continue its growth to meet capacity demands for late phase and commercial peptide production.

A reliable peptide contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), AmbioPharm is ready to meet the needs of a global market, according to a statement.

The latest addition to the AmbioPharm Shanghai campus brings a total of approximately 35,354 square metres of manufacturing and administrative space.

The ongoing expansion includes reactors up to 5,000 litres (L) and additional purification suites. A hydrogenation facility for liquid phase peptide synthesis (LPPS) was also recently completed and fully qualified.

An additional building is currently underway featuring state-of-the-art 3,000L solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and 3,000L LPPS systems and is expected to come online as early as the fourth quarter of this year.

Meanwhile, recently inspected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February this year, the AmbioPharm North Augusta campus, located in South Carolina, US, was expanded with a total of 7,670 square metres of administrative and manufacturing space.

Working in close collaboration with its Shanghai campus, it offers end-to-end peptide manufacturing for clinical and commercial applications.

To accommodate and support growth in late phase and commercial production, the company has made recent installations to this campus and also added equipment to increase US production using greener chemistry to support manufacturing.

These upgrades allow AmbioPharm to support its customers from early phase Toxicology batches through large scale commercial manufacturing, with annual production capacity up to a metric tonne.

Further information is available at https://www.ambiopharm.com.

-- BERNAMA

ENOVIX, YBS INTERNATIONAL INK MANUFACTURING AGREEMENT FOR FACILITY IN MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Bernama) -- Enovix Corporation (Enovix), an advanced silicon battery company, announced it has entered into a Master Service Agreement (MSA) with YBS International Berhad (YBS), a Malaysia-based investment holding company.

According to a statement, the agreement secures US$70 million of non-dilutive funding to support Enovix’s Fab2 site at the Penang Science Park, Malaysia, and its first Gen2 high-volume manufacturing line. (US$1=RM4.52)

“We are thrilled to announce this significant milestone in our journey to scale. Finalising the agreement in a short amount of time is a great achievement and I am very proud of the team.

“We are all focused on establishing Fab2 and moving to high-volume manufacturing so we can provide a superior product for our customers and enable a better user experience for consumers,” said Enovix President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Raj Talluri.

Meanwhile, a YBS board member, Datuk Dr Mohd Sofi Osman said: “We are pleased to finalise our manufacturing agreement, opening up tremendous opportunities for growth and success globally. We look forward to a long-term collaboration with Enovix and bringing their leading battery technology to market.”

As part of the MSA, YBS under the direction of Enovix, will provide the building and capital for equipment and labour for Fab2 and the Gen2 Autoline 1.

Earlier this year, Enovix established Enovix Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Enovix Malaysia) in addition to hiring more than 30 people in Malaysia including the two leaders announced in March.

-- BERNAMA

HITACHI ENERGY CHOSEN TO SUPPLY LONGEST HVDC LINK IN THE UK

KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Bernama) -- Hitachi Energy announced it has been selected as preferred technology provider of SSEN Transmission and National Grid, to supply two high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations to interconnect the Scottish and English power grids.

According to Hitachi Energy in a statement, the energy transition requires a collaborative effort that can only be achieved with advanced technologies and new ways of working.

“The UK’s Net Zero Strategy has ambitious targets which will require vast amounts of new renewable generation. Electricity will be the backbone of the entire energy system.

“Our pioneering HVDC technology will ensure that this electricity will reliably and efficiently get where it is needed most,” said Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business Managing Director, Niklas Persson.

In appointing Hitachi Energy as their preferred technology provider, SSEN Transmission and National Grid secure best-in-class technology and future production capacity in a rapidly growing market.

For Hitachi Energy, this enables investment in new production capacity and to undertake large-scale recruitment drives, while also strengthening collaboration, standardisation of solutions, and synergies between projects.

The integration of renewables requires solutions that make the grid resilient, stable and flexible. Hitachi Energy’s innovation and long development of voltage sourced converter (VSC) power electronics and control and protection (MACH) technologies meet the requirements alongside many other landmark grid integration projects.

Eastern Green Link 2 will consist of two 525-kilovolt (kV) bipole VSC converter stations connected by 440 kilometres of subsea cable and 70 kilometres of underground cable, making it the longest HVDC link in the United Kingdom (UK).

The link will help to secure power transmission in the northern UK and support the integration of new renewable electricity generation in Scotland, as part of the UK’s Net Zero Strategy.

Hitachi Energy is collaborating with construction company BAM, to provide the civil and installation scope for the project, in which the collaboration will leverage the core competencies of the two companies to deliver a best-in-class solution for the project.

-- BERNAMA

MALAYSIA INCREASING IT'S CAPABILITIES IN EARLY PHASE CLINICAL RESEARCH

Signing of education scholarship agreement, witnessed by Minster of Health & Director of National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 (Bernama) -- Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) inked an education scholarship agreement with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) earlier today at CRM headquarters. Under the agreement, CRM will be sponsoring two NPRA officers to pursue their Master’s program in Clinical Pharmacology at King's College London.

The initiative is aligned with CRM's Phase 1 Realisation Project (P1RP) 2.0, which focuses on further enhancing Malaysia’s capabilities on early phase/first-in-human trials. The project is an extension of the initial P1RP program launched in 2016 in which three NPRA officers and a Medical Oncologist from Sarawak General Hospital were sponsored for postgraduate studies and fellowship attachment respectively, at renowned global institutions, to build their expertise in early phase trials. Investment in human capital development is a continuous effort taken by CRM, an organization wholly-owned by the MOH, to ensure the country’s readiness for safe and high-quality conduct of clinical trials.

Representing the organisations at the signing ceremony were Deputy Secretary-General Finance of MOH, Dato’ Sri Norazman Ayob, Chief Executive Officer of CRM, Dr. Akhmal Yusof as well as NPRA officers Siti Norhayani Ismail and Fatin Diyana Fauzi. The sponsorship agreement was witnessed by YB Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, the Minister of Health and Rosilawati Ahmad, NPRA Director.

MALAYSIA INCREASING IT'S CAPABILITIES IN EARLY PHASE CLINICAL RESEARCH

MURRAY AITKEN IS AWARDED 'GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR' BY HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL

_{Murray Aitken (General Manager of HRHDC) with his award}

JOHOR, July 26 (Bernama) -- Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, Malaysia is thrilled to announce that their Rockstar General Manager, Murray Aitken, has been crowned ‘Hotel General Manager of the Year’ in the Hotels category of Hard Rock International’s Annual Awards in Atlantic City, USA in May 2023. His legendary performance at the hotel since his appointment in 2020 has propelled Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast to new heights, particularly due to his recognition for integrating sustainable practices.
Armed with his magnetic charisma, visionary approach and 30 years of hotel experience, Aitken is a maestro in the industry who has rocked the stage of world-class green living hospitality. Under his guidance, the hotel struck the right chord by becoming the first of its kind to receive the LEED Silver certification. This recognition showcases their seamless integration of energy-efficient practices while keeping the rocking' comfort of guests intact.

The award not only celebrates Aitken's individual success, but also highlights the collective harmony of the entire Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast team. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and their shared vision of providing unparalleled service to all who walk through their doors have contributed to this well-deserved award.

MURRAY AITKEN IS AWARDED 'GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR' BY HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL

JUNIPER RESEARCH: SHANGHAI RANKED NUMBER 1 SMART CITY FOR ASIA IN 2023, DUE TO COMPREHENSIVE DATA SYSTEMS

Asian Smart City Spend to Exceed $42 Billion in 2028

BASINGSTOKE, England, July 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A new study from Juniper Research, the foremost experts in the sustainability & IoT market, has selected Shanghai as the leading smart city in Asia in 2023.

The top 5 smart cities ranked by Juniper Research are:

1.     Shanghai
2.     Seoul
3.     Shenzhen
4.     Sydney
5.     Beijing

Juniper Research’s ranking of 50 world cities is based on an evaluation of many different smart city aspects, covering transportation and infrastructure, energy and lighting, city management and technology, and urban connectivity.

The research analysed Shanghai as leading due to its strong data platform, comprehensive deployment of 5G, and use of innovative technologies, including digital twins. This comprehensive approach reflects a well-considered and progressive smart city design, which can be seen as an example for other cities to emulate.

Research co-author Nick Maynard explained: “Creating an effective smart city strategy means more than just looking at a technical design – it means developing a comprehensive approach that actively solves challenges that citizens face in their lives. Congestion is a major challenge, and we will see more focus on smart mobility, adapting urban environments for better traffic flow, as environmental concerns become increasingly prominent.”
 

For further details, see the new report, Smart Cities Market: Growth, Trends & Market Forecasts 2023-2028, or download a free sample.  

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PROSPECTIVE RAISES $6M SEED TO ACCESS, ANALYZE AND VISUALIZE LARGE DATASETS IN REAL TIME

NEW YORK, July 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Prospective, an interactive analytics and data visualization tool for large and streaming datasets, announced today that it raised $6M. The Seed round was led by Point72 Ventures with participation from Silicon Badia, Irregular Expressions, Essence Ventures, Giant Machines, and REFASHIOND Ventures.

Traditionally, organizations have struggled to efficiently access and analyze the data necessary for their use cases due to limitations in readily accessible processing power and difficulty in publishing insights. Recognizing this pain point, Prospective has built an interactive tool to facilitate seamless data access, analysis and sharing. With Prospective, users gain intuitive and efficient access to both large and streaming datasets, enabling them to unlock valuable insights in real-time, directly through a user-friendly web browser interface.

Prospective is tailored to handle tasks that demand high-performance, precision and granularity. By streamlining the data retrieval and operationalization processes, Prospective empowers builders, consumers, and analysts to derive actionable insights that were previously inaccessible. With the rise of Large Language Models (LLMs), the gap between model outputs and human understanding is widening. Prospective helps bridge this gap by enabling customers to derive and convey insights in an intuitive way.
 

Prospective was founded by Andrew Stein and Eric Schmalzbauer and is the Enterprise version of the popular open-source data and analytics project Perspective. Parallel to announcing their Seed funding round, Prospective is also launching a private beta for a limited number of firms. Interested teams can join the wait list at https://prospective.co/.

“Across both technology and business, accessing, analyzing, visualizing and sharing data is overly complex, time consuming and costly – both within an organization, as well as with external partners and clients,” says Prospective’s CEO and co-founder, Eric Schmalzbauer. “The evolution toward real time data access whether for customer retention, observability, or transaction analysis is a challenge across all types of teams and enterprises.”

“We see an exciting new space bridging the widening gap between the enterprise data stack and the visualization tools that unlock value and insights. Firms are generating more and more dimensions of data, including streaming & real-time, but non-technical users and data scientists oftentimes don’t have the tools to take advantage of said data,” said Noah Carr, Partner at Point72 Ventures. “We believe the team behind Prospective has deep experience in both the data and infrastructure spaces, and we see an opportunity to build on the success of the strong open source community of Perspective.”

About Prospective:

Prospective seeks to eliminate the friction between data and decisions. We allow builders, consumers, and analysts of large and streaming datasets to deliver and act on insights without the need to understand its complexity. Prospective enables the data curious to turn data into pixels wherever data lives.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230718297076/en/


Contact

Press:
Prospective
Eric Schmalzbauer
hello@prospective.co

Source : Prospective

--BERNAMA

NANOMALAYSIA AND SERDANG PASTE TECH ANNOUNCE DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIC CARBON NANOTUBE (CNT) CONDUCTIVE PASTE

KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- NanoMalaysia Berhad (NMB) and Serdang Paste Technology Sdn Bhd have partnered to announce the successful development of an Organic Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Conductive Paste. This innovative electronic paste offers a solution for painting or screen-printing electronic components, enabling precise designs and patterns. It is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and dries at low temperatures.

The collaboration aims to address the growing demand from the electronic and educational sectors by improving scale-up processes and machinery on the said intermediate advanced materials. The long-term goal involves establishing a new factory to reformulate and investigate the potential of organic conductive paste on a larger scale, focusing on performance and formulation towards a more accessible, affordable, and sustainable local supply chain.

NanoMalaysia Berhad CEO Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad said, "The conductive paste market has showcased remarkable growth and potential, with global market revenue reaching approximately USD 2.5 billion in 2020. The project's impact extends to the public and businesses by providing increased access to affordably localised carbon nanotube-based paste technology thus enhancing societal well-being through high jobs creation and new lifestyle solutions. The environmentally friendly nature of conductive inks or pastes connects to both local CNT production initiative and end-customer solutions venture to complete the value chain, and consequently contributes to sustainability efforts, reduces harmful materials, and creates high-value employment across research and development, manufacturing, and distribution sectors, boosting the economy and society.”

NANOMALAYSIA AND SERDANG PASTE TECH ANNOUNCE DEVELOPMNT OF ORGANIC CARBON NANOTUBE (CNT) CONDUCTIVE PASTE

With Intelligence Secures Majority Investment From Funds Advised By Motive Partners

KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 (Bernama) -- With Intelligence, a provider of investment data and intelligence for allocating, fund-raising and business development announced that it has received a majority investment from funds advised by Motive Partners (Motive), a specialist private equity firm focused on financial technology.

According to a statement, Intermediate Capital Group (ICG), who originally invested in With Intelligence in 2020, will invest further alongside Motive.

The investment is intended to serve as an accelerant for With Intelligence's growth, as the platform focuses on delivering leading connectivity, data and insights solutions to the Limited Partner and General Partner communities.

The investment by Motive and ICG will support With Intelligence to accelerate its data strategy and technology capabilities, continue to develop tailored offerings across various asset classes, grow the private markets offerings, and execute the next phase of the partnership and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) strategies.

Additionally, Motive's integrated operating model (IOI model), combining Investors, Operators and Innovators, will see a number of Motive team members collaborate with the With Intelligence team.

This include Charles Teschner (Industry Partner at Motive and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Data and Analytics Solutions at BNY Mellon); Andy Stewart (Industry Partner at Motive, current CEO of Wilshire, and former Co-Head of Blackrock's Alternative Investment Platform); and a team from Motive's innovation division, Motive Create.

With Intelligence blends data from a variety of the platform’s proprietary brands, delivering insights that include profiles, fund information, performance metrics and analyst perspectives.

As the alternative investment landscape continues to evolve, With Intelligence is positioned to provide solutions that support mission-critical decision making across the fundraising and allocation lifecycle, for all participants in the value-chain.

-- BERNAMA

SALMON NETS US$20 MLN FINANCING TO FURTHER SCALE LENDING OPERATIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES

KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- Consumer fintech, Salmon announced it has secured a US$20 million debt facility from the United States emerging-markets specialist investment firm Argentem Creek Partners, enabling the company to further scale its lending operations across the Philippines. (US$1=RM4.55)

“We are tremendously humbled by the strong investor interest, as well as Argentem Creek’s support for Salmon’s vision to create the best credit-led fintech in Southeast Asia and for making financial services more accessible to all.

“We especially want to highlight Argentem Creek’s focus on building a win-win partnership with Salmon and believe that there will be many options for extending our work together, as Salmon maintains its rapid pace of development in Southeast Asia,” said Salmon Co-founder Raffy Montemayor.

Meanwhile, Argentem Creek Partners Chief Executive Officer and Founder Daniel Chapman said consumer lending is one of the fastest growing segments in Southeast Asia.

“We are convinced that the new generation of credit-focused fintechs like Salmon have a tremendous opportunity and that Argentem Creek could play an important role in driving forward financial inclusion in these exciting markets,” he said.

According to a statement, building on significant investor interest in the debt placement, Salmon will expand its loan book, leveraging existing point-of-sale and cash loan lending, and will launch new disruptive products in the second half of 2023.

The debt transaction, which was completed despite the volatile market environment, sets a new benchmark as the largest ever debt financing for a Series A tech company in the Philippines.

The deal positions Salmon, which was founded less than a year ago in July 2022, as one of the fastest growing fintechs in Southeast Asia. The company was set up by a group of fintech and financial services industry veterans.

-- BERNAMA

AI-MEDIA'S LEXI VIEWER REVOLUTIONISES LIVE EVENTS WITH CUTTING-EDGE CAPTIONING SOLUTION

KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 (Bernama) -- Ai-Media, the industry leader in technology-driven live captioning, transcription and translation solutions, has unveilled the ground-breaking LEXI Viewer, an innovative solution that revolutionises how event organisers captivate audiences.

LEXI Viewer offers a user-friendly and cost-effective solution to enhance inclusivity, catering to diverse audience types. By seamlessly integrating with its flagship LEXI automatic captioning solution, the company can deliver unparalleled captioning quality.

Users can effortlessly click their way to captioning, taking full control of LEXI through the front panel LCD screen or a wireless remote, whereby this ingenious functionality ensures a captivating and dynamic experience for both event organisers and attendees alike.

“Enhancing the live event experience for all individuals is our unwavering commitment, and as pioneers in the industry, we proudly present LEXI Viewer as a groundbreaking solution.

“With the exciting addition of click-to-caption functionality, coupled with cutting-edge technology and our powerful AI-driven captioning solution, we are revolutionising inclusivity and uplifting the engagement of diverse audiences,” said Ai-Media Chief Sales Officer, James Ward in a statement.

LEXI Viewer boasts an array of display modes designed to cater to diverse presentation styles and brand requirements, ensuring optimal visibility of presentation content while delivering crystal-clear captions, which include Full Screen Mode; Background Image Mode; and Caption Decoder Mode.

Furthermore, event organisers can enhance captioning security and retain greater control of their data by pairing LEXI Viewer with LEXI Local, in which this solution provides LEXI automatic captions on-premises, eliminating cloud-related concerns and ensuring complete data privacy.

-- BERNAMA

Ample Solutions Stimulates Business Growth Via Singapore Office Expansion

 

Ample Solutions Celebrates Singapore Office Expansion (Photo: Business Wire) 

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Ample Solutions, an independent electronic component distributor, announced the expansion of its Singapore office, which encompasses over 5,000 square feet of new space, representing nearly 200 per cent growth in office space.

In a statement, Ample Solutions said this expansion reflected the unwavering success of the company and the growing capabilities of its international headquarters to better serve its clients and accommodate its rapidly growing team.

The expanded office introduces new amenities that enhance both productivity and well-being, whereby the expanded space in Singapore features the addition of a third Quality Assurance (QA) facility, complementing the existing QA centres in Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

With this new facility, the Singapore office is targeting to assume direct oversight of the testing process on goods received in the country. This will achieve a heightened level of vigilance regarding quality-related concerns, enabling prompt interventions and the provision of timely information from different touch points.

The operational process will be streamlined, further allowing Ample Solutions to uphold the utmost standards of quality across the entire supply chain, guaranteeing its clients with reliable and top-tier components for their supply chains.

With this strategic move, the company’s capabilities will be further enhanced to meet the diverse business needs of global partners, solidifying its position as Asia's electronic component distributor of choice.

Apart from spacious new meeting and discussion rooms with built-in smart booking systems, another notable feature is the inclusion of phone booths that provide private and sound-proof spaces for important calls and virtual meetings.

Meanwhile, a massage corner has also been added to offer a tranquil space for employees to relax and rejuvenate, promoting employee wellness and work-life balance, reflecting Ample Solutions' commitment to creating a supportive and enjoyable work environment for its valued team members.

-- BERNAMA

Banle Energy Completes Maiden Biofuel Bunkering Operation In Hong Kong

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- Banle Energy International Limited, a subsidiary of CBL International Limited (the Company) announced the completion of its first B24 biofuel bunkering operation in Hong Kong on July 14.

The Company is partnering with ASB Biodiesel (Hong Kong) Limited and Seven Seas Oil (Hong Kong) Limited with Saybolt as an international independent inspection and testing service provider to monitor the whole process in order to ensure both quality and quantity.

“B24 biofuel bunkering operation in Hong Kong is a significant step forward for our contribution of environmental sustainability and for the shipping industry's efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

“This sets the stage for the Hong Kong bunkering industry to use biofuels as a means to play its part for decarbonisation,” said CBL International Limited Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Teck Lim Chia.

According to a statement, the Company has taken the initiative to support its efforts towards the 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy (the Strategy), which was adopted at the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80) in early July.

The Strategy sets ambitious targets for the shipping industry to reduce the total annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping by at least 20 per cent and 70 per cent, with a goal of achieving 30 per cent and 80 per cent by 2030 and 2040 respectively, compared to 2008 levels.

In line with its direction focusing on environmental, social and governance (ESG), the Company is committed to promote biofuel, an ESG related product, in an effort to reduce GHG emissions.

Biofuels are being promoted as one of the low-carbon alternatives to the existing fossil oils as they could help to reduce GHG emissions and the related climate change impact from the shipping industry.

Established in 2015, CBL International Limited is the listing vehicle of Banle Group, an established marine fuel logistics company in Asia Pacific providing customers with one stop solution for vessel refuelling.

-- BERNAMA

GBI FURTHER PROMOTES GREEN BUILDINGS IN SARAWAK

Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government II, YB Michael Tiang Ming Tee (third from left), being presented a souvenir by GBI Accreditation Panel Member, Ar. David Ong, at the GBI booth at SHEDA Property Expo 2023.

KUCHING, July 18 (Bernama) -- Green Building Index (GBI), Malaysia’s pioneer and international green benchmark, is reinforcing its commitment to promoting green and sustainable development in the building and construction industry in Sarawak.

With the aim of enhancing outreach and strengthening its presence in the state, GBI participated in the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers' Association (SHEDA) Property Expo 2023 held on 14-16 July 2023 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.

Assoc. Prof. (Ind.) Ar. Sarly Adre Sarkum, GBI Board Chairman said GBI's participation in the SHEDA Property Expo 2023 is part of its ongoing efforts to complement the Sarawak Government's green and sustainability agenda.

Under the administration of Sarawak Premier YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, the Sarawak Government has shown great resolve in driving the green and sustainability agenda forward.

Sarawak, globally acknowledged for its commitment to conserving its rich natural resources and the environmental, has been making significant strides in implementing green initiatives. One of these is the certification of buildings under GBI’s internationally recognised rating tools.

Spearheaded by the Sarawak Government, there are currently 29 GBI projects registered throughout the state, with 18 projects already certified. These notable GBI-certified projects are the Sarawak Museum Campus and Heritage Trail, Tabung Haji Complex & Convention Hall, Tabung Haji Hotel, UNIFOR Complex, LCDA Tower, Sarawak Energy Berhad Building, Menara SEDC, University of Technology Sarawak, Ibraco & LHS Headquarters, HSL Tower, La Promenade Mall, Miri City Hall, Integrated Energy Hub, Wisma Kalulong, Tegas Digital Village, DCF-DCCI Complex, UNIMAS Student Pavilion and UCSI Hotel.

Ar. Sarly, who is also the Immediate Past President of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), said: “By integrating sustainable principles into the fabric of Sarawak's built environment, GBI is actively complementing the Sarawak Government’s efforts to transform the state into a hub of sustainable development.”

Since its establishment in 2009, GBI has certified more than 650 building projects nationwide covering 296.8 million square feet of total gross floor area. These include projects by federal and state government ministries and agencies, international and national organisations and companies, public and private universities and individual residences.

“In line with Malaysia’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emission by 2050, GBI has reduced the carbon intensity for the nation by 1,736,000 tCO2e/annum through the greening of these projects,” said Ar. Sarly.

GBI Backgrounder

GBI is Malaysia’s leading Green Rating Tool for buildings and townships. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PAM and the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM). For more information, please visit www.greenbuildingindex.org.

SOURCE: Greenbuildingindex Sdn Bhd

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Nur Aqilah Husna
Tel: +6017 9150362
Email: aqilah@greenbuildingindex.org

Name: Andrew Kong
Tel: +6012 6818838
Email: andrew@greenbuildingindex.org

--BERNAMA

WHR GLOBAL PUBLISHES REPORT TO UNDERSTAND TRUE COST OF LIVING IN CITIES

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- WHR Global (WHR), a leader in the global employee relocation industry, has announced the release of its international Ask an Expert 2023 Allowances & Per Diems Benchmark Report.

According to a statement, WHR created the report as a comprehensive guide to understanding the true cost of living in many cities worldwide, in order to provide clients with superior relocation services.

“Drawing from my own personal experience as a former expat residing in Switzerland, and a former relocation coordinator, I bring a deep understanding of the challenges and intricacies of international relocation.

“This benchmark report and firsthand knowledge equips WHR with the ability to provide valuable insights and guidance to mobility teams, enabling them to navigate the complexities of global assignments more effectively,” said WHR Strategic Initiatives Manager, Sean Thrun.

The report includes 8.8 million price submissions from 11,000 cities, and prices benchmarked by country include rental prices for one and three bedrooms both inside and outside of city centres, common utilities costs per month, and local transportation, among others.

Understanding the ground realities of cost of living helps relocation teams create scalable solutions and helps businesses have more productive moves, making the transition for employees smoother than ever.

The report allows businesses to “check the pulse” of their allowances and per diems, whether they choose to administer fixed amounts globally, or variable by location.

Global mobility teams may use this report, which covers 99 countries, to benchmark the monthly housing, utilities and transportation allowances for assignments & commuters as well as transportation and meal per diems for preview and home finding trips.

-- BERNAMA

Valuence Holds 3rd ALLU AUCTION Consisting Rare, Valuable Timepieces On Aug 5

 

Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Rolex and Many More Up for Auction (Graphic: Business Wire) 

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama) -- Valuence Japan Inc has announced a third ALLU AUCTION to be held on Aug 5, with items up for auction consist mainly of rare and valuable timepieces.

ALLU AUCTION is a luxury timepiece auction open to general consumers. Approximately 100 rare luxury watches scheduled for auction are available for view on the official auction website, according to a statement.

Highlighted products include Audemars Piguet (Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon model), with an estimate price between 15 million – 25 million Japanese yen; and Patek Philippe, (Grand Complications model) with an estimate price between 14 million – 27 million Japanese yen. (100 Japanese yen = RM3.29)

Also highlighted is Rolex, (Cosmograph Daytona "Rainbow" model) with an estimate price between 30 million – 60 million Japanese yen.

The pre-auction inspection will be held from Aug 1 to 4, with bidding methods include on-site, online, written and by phone. Participants must register and apply to participate in the auction in advance.

More details at https://www.allu-auction.com/ and https://www.valuence.inc/en/.

-- BERNAMA

Wemade’s MIR4 Kicks Off Summer Event Beginning July 11

 

Wemade announces MIR 4 Sumacheon’s Cool Popsicle Festival on July 11 (Graphic: Wemade)

KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) -- Wemade Co Ltd announced its blockbuster massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) MIR4 is holding the summer event "Sumacheon’s Cool Popsicle Festival", beginning July 11.

The “Summer’s Growth 14-Day Check-in” event will be held until Aug 7, whereby users will be given various items such as the “Cool Popsicle Box” containing “Legendary Precision Potion”; the “Rough Waves Surfboard” costume; and “Dragon Material Summon Ticket”, among others.

In addition, the “Sumacheon’s Cool Popsicle Exchange Shop” will be open until July 31, enabling users to bring “Cool Popsicle” items obtained from hunting monsters to the NPC “Cool Sumacheon” located in each major city to exchange with diverse items such as “Epic Dragon Sphere” and “Epic Dearest Wish Chest”.

Furthermore, “Event Ancient Coin Shop” will be open until July 25. Ancient coins obtained from Portal and Raid content can be used to purchase items such as “Legendary Blue Dragon Statue”; “Legendary Spirit Stone Summon Ticket”; and, “Skill Tome Summon Ticket”.

According to the South Korean online game developer in a statement, MIR4 has added the Unified Market in time for the Grand Unification update.

Unified Market is a gigantic market for items in all servers within the same region whereby users can easily trade items here and this addition will resolve the imbalance of resources by unifying the economies.

Also updated was “Black Dragon Valley”, a new region that can be entered through the Domination Server which consists of four floors. Users can summon “Great Umbra King” by defeating the quest boss on each floor and the field boss “Black Dragon Soul Ripper” on the fourth floor.

Users also can obtain rewards by completing various requests that have been newly added such as “Legendary Dragon Artifact Enhancement Stone” and “Rare Divine Dragon’s Enhancement Stone”.

-- BERNAMA

Smart’s Data Centre SSDs Selected As Open Compute Project Inspired Product

KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 (Bernama) -- SMART Modular Technologies Inc (SMART), announced the Open Compute Project (OCP) has accepted SMART’s DC4800 data centre solid state drives (SSDs) as an OCP Inspired product and will be featured on the OCP website in the Marketplace section.

In a statement, SMART said only products that comply with 100 per cent of OCP’s stringent specifications are selected after a rigorous process that demonstrates the product’s efficiency, openness, impact and scale.

SMART senior director of advanced product development, Andy Mills said OCP-compliant SSDs are becoming the new standard for both data centre and classic enterprise storage applications, which is a testament to how essential the standard has become.

“The Open Compute Project represents a truly cooperative venture in leading innovation within the technology industry and we are proud that our DC4800 product has now joined the ranks of OCP Inspired products,” he said.

By designing to OCP’s standards, an expanding base of enterprise class data centre SSD users are assured that the OCP class DC4800 exceeds basic NVMe standards that further help drive a greater level of standardisation for data centre servers and other equipment utilising OCP class SSDs.

SMART’s DC4800 represents a new class of high performance, power efficient, data centre SSDs, and the devices are manufactured with a specialised hardware-accelerated SSD controller that draws less power without compromising storage input/output (I/O) performance.

This unique new architecture results in near zero thermal induced throttling, enabling these SSDs to perform better under continued duress, even when they are pushed to their performance limit.

A division of SGH and a global leader in memory solutions, SSDs and advanced memory, SMART has been helping customers around the world enable high performance computing through the design, development and advanced packaging of specialty memory solutions.

-- BERNAMA

VYTELLE EXPANDS TO BRISBANE WITH 16TH GLOBAL BOVINE IVF LABORATORY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama) -- Vytelle, a precision livestock company, announced it has expanded to Brisbane, Australia with its sixteenth global laboratory.

In a statement, the company said it is progressing on its five-year plan to provide accessible, hormone-free, bovine in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to producers across the globe.

“Vytelle is the fastest growing bovine IVF company in the world. We are thrilled to open our doors in Brisbane, positioning Vytelle to serve 70 per cent of the total beef herd in Australia from this location,” said Vytelle Chief Executive Officer, Kerryann Kocher.

Vytelle's integrated technology platform combines Vytelle ADVANCE, a breakthrough IVF technology, with Vytelle SENSE, an animal performance data capture system, and Vytelle INSIGHT, an artificial intelligence based genetic analytics engine.

The platform provides progressive cattle producers the technology to make reliable data-driven mating decisions that improve the predictability of genetic progress, replicating the right genetics faster.

The Brisbane-based laboratory brings accessibility to modern reproduction technology like never before to Australia’s eastern states’ beef herds.

Vytelle’s hormone-free IVF process, including their proprietary media, will deliver high-quality embryos to producers allowing them to make more valuable calves, faster to maximise sustainability.

The company has a long history in Australia via its Vytelle SENSE phenotypic data capture technology to measure and select for feed efficiency.

With this investment, Vytelle is positioned to help Australian producers improve efficiencies and make faster genetic progress across the supply chain to consistently market more efficient and sustainable beef.

-- BERNAMA

Toshiba Unveils 3rd Generation SiC Schottky Barrier Diodes For Industrial Equipment

 

Siri TRSxxx65H, diod perintang 650V SiC Schottky generasi ketiga. (Grafik: Business Wire) 

KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 (Bernama) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (Toshiba) has launched the "TRSxxx65H series", its third and latest generation of silicon carbide (SiC) Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) for industrial equipment.

According to Toshiba in a statement, volume shipments of the first 12 products, all 650 volt (V), have started, with seven products housed in TO-220-2L packages and five in DFN8×8 packages.

The new products use a new metal in a third generation SiC SBD chip that optimises the junction barrier Schottky (JBS) structure of the second generation products.

They improve the trade-offs between forward voltage and total capacitive charge, and between forward voltage and reverse current, which reduces power dissipation and contributes to high efficiency of equipment.

The new products target applications such as switching power supplies, electric vehicle charging stations and photovoltaic inverters.

Toshiba, a supplier of advanced semiconductor and storage solutions, draws on over half a century of experience and innovation to offer customers and business partners outstanding discrete semiconductors, system large-scale integrations (LSIs) and hard disk drive (HDD) products.

-- BERNAMA

Recursion To Accelerate AI-enabled Drug Discovery Via NVIDIA’s US$50 Mln Investment

KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 (Bernama) -- Recursion, a clinical stage TechBio company decoding biology to industrialise drug discovery, announced a US$50 million investment by NVIDIA, which was executed as a private investment in public equity (PIPE). (US$1=RM4.61)

According to Recursion in a statement, the company plans to accelerate development of its artificial intelligence (AI) foundation models for biology and chemistry, which, in collaboration with NVIDIA, it intends to optimise and distribute to biotechnology companies using NVIDIA cloud services.

“Our collaboration with NVIDIA represents two best-in-class companies coming together to help solve one of the world’s most difficult challenges, drug discovery.

“With our powerful dataset and NVIDIA’s accelerated computing capabilities, we intend to create groundbreaking foundation models in biology and chemistry at a scale unlike anything that has ever been released in the biological space,”  said Recursion Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chris Gibson.

Meanwhile, NVIDIA founder and CEO, Jensen Huang said: “Generative AI is a revolutionary tool to discover new medicines and treatments.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Recursion’s world-class team, which is doing pioneering work in digital biology and chemistry with NVIDIA DGX and NVIDIA AI software to accelerate the development of the world’s largest biomolecular generative AI models and speed drug discovery for biotech and pharmaceutical companies.”

Recursion plans to utilise its vast proprietary biological and chemical dataset, to accelerate the training of foundation models on NVIDIA DGX Cloud for possible commercial licence/release on BioNeMo, NVIDIA’s cloud service for generative AI in drug discovery.

NVIDIA will also help optimise and scale Recursion foundation models leveraging the NVIDIA AI stack and NVIDIA’s full-stack computing expertise.

Recursion, through its recent acquisition of Valence Discovery, aims to accelerate the development of new technologies to feed the biopharma industry, while simultaneously democratising access to large-scale models that have maximum impact in drug discovery.

-- BERNAMA

World Population Day: Bridge International Academies Emphasises Importance Of Educating Girls

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- Bridge International Academies is drawing attention to the urgency of educating African girls this World Population Day (July 11), the first time Sub-Saharan Africa will have the largest population of children on the planet.

According to a statement, this World Population Day focuses on the theme of ‘gender equality and women's empowerment as a key factor in reducing poverty’.

Bridge Group Managing Director, Reuben Wambugu said by 2050, Africa and Asia will be home to 85 per cent of the world's young people, with the larger proportion in Africa and currently, only 10 per cent of children in sub-Saharan Africa are able to read a simple sentence by the age of 10.

“If these young people are not provided with an adequate education, there will be a global shortage of scientists, doctors and engineers. This could lead to a range of possible global catastrophes.

“While Bridge has seen fantastic improvements in learning outcomes for all those attending our schools, it is particularly heartening that Bridge’s methodology has succeeded in achieving gender parity in the classroom,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bridge Nigeria Managing Director Foyinsola Akinjayeju said: “Bridge’s model focuses on arming teachers with scientifically proven techniques to elevate the learning of girls.

“Through approaches, such as gender sensitive instruction in lesson and textbook materials, expecting equal participation through ‘cold calling’ of boys and girls in the classroom and the use of female school leaders as role models, girls are empowered to succeed.

“By pushing this approach and the importance of women’s empowerment, Bridge Nigeria alone has provided a life-changing education to tens of thousands of girls in underserved communities, helping them complete primary school, do well in secondary school and open up opportunities offering prosperity and success.”

The schools network, which includes Bridge Kenya, Bridge Nigeria and Bridge Uganda, supports children and parents in underserved communities by providing an excellent education.

-- BERNAMA

REDISCOVER YOUR INNER CHILD AT YILAN INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FOLKLORE & FOLKGAME FESTIVAL

 

Inside the Multiverse Pavilion, the facility "MR Car Racing" allows visitors to experience the excitement via immersive MR technology. (Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) -- The Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival (YICFFF) celebrated its 28th anniversary this summer.

Held for the 22nd time, this year’s festival opened on July 1 and will run until Aug 13 at the Dong-Shan River Park, with the theme "Gaming in the Metaverse, Rediscover Your Inner Child" to incorporate technology.

According to YICFFF in a statement, the festival is also introducing other exciting elements such as adventure and Metaverse into its four main axes namely Games, Exhibitions, Performances and Exchanges.

The 2023 YICFFF has also invited 18 international folk art troupes from 13 countries, in addition to the local artists in Yilan, internationally famous teams, and outstanding Taiwanese street performers.

The festival also boasts exciting and challenging facilities, whereby visitors can enjoy the 270-metre "Skydrop Adventure" to slide high above over the pools, try the thrilling 14-metre-high "Soaring Skyslide" to quickly descend to the ground, or challenge the four-storey-high "Skybound Swingtopia", among others.

Meanwhile, at the Multiverse Pavilion, there are a variety of virtual reality (VR)/ mixed reality (MR) interactive games, which allow visitors to freely travel through the multiverse and experience innovative children's games enabled by cutting-edge technology.

Visitors will also be amazed by the "Interstellar Party" carnival parade, with parade floats in the shape of spaceships, UFO dolls, drum teams, and astronauts in LED costumes to present the sense of technology and a joyful atmosphere of party in the outer space.

This summer, Yilan cordially awaits visitors to experience the maximum level of fun as they enter the YICFFF Metaverse and explore the pioneering realms of children's games.

-- BERNAMA

NIQ, GFK COMPLETE STRATEGIC COMBINATION CREATING CONSUMER INTELLIGENCE FUTURE

KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) -- A consumer intelligence company, NielsenIQ (NIQ) and GfK SE (GfK) announced the successful completion of their strategic combination, culminating in forming the world's leading consumer intelligence company.

This transaction combines two industry leaders, consolidating their strengths and complementary capabilities to provide clients with an unmatched suite of comprehensive and innovative solutions.

Accessing the most complete and clear understanding of consumer buying behaviour, delivered through best-in-class technology platforms, will enable the world’s top retailers and brands to uncover new pathways to sustainable growth.

“We are incredibly excited as we combine the strengths of these two great companies to create the future of consumer intelligence.

“Most importantly, we are bringing together innovative industry experts and complementary cultures driven by integrity and the relentless pursuit of delivering the highest quality at all times,” said NIQ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jim Peck in a statement.

Meanwhile, GfK Interim CEO and Chief Financial Officer, Lars Nordmark said existing and future clients can trust that both companies with nearly 200 years of combined experience in the industry will provide an unrivalled view that empowers them to make critical decisions with confidence and drive their business forward.

The combined company unites complementary areas of expertise, fusing NIQ’s leading insights in fast-moving consumer goods and GfK’s deep understanding of consumer technology and durable goods.

The NIQ-GfK combination is the largest part of the company’s strategic efforts to deliver the Full View, the world’s most complete and clear view of consumer buying behaviour combined with unparalleled omnichannel coverage, data platforms and predictive analytics.

The executive leadership team for the company has been carefully selected from both NIQ and GfK with Peck leading the combined company, supported by the industry's most experienced, capable leadership team.

The combined company will maintain key operational footholds in Chicago (the United States), Nuremberg (Germany), and Geneva (Switzerland).

-- BERNAMA

ST KITTS AND NEVIS LIMITED TIME OFFER TO OBTAIN ALTERNATIVE CITIZENSHIP

Basseterre, July 10 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- There are significant numbers of investors seeking economic prospects in other countries that offer alternative citizenship. The investment migration industry offers citizenship by investment programmes that can guide investors in securing their business ventures, wealth management planning, safety and security of their families and assets, and create a foundation for a new home.

There is an increased demand for high-net-worth individuals and investors seeking alternative citizenship in other host countries that offer citizenship by investment programmes that are beneficial for personal and business reasons. 

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme is the pioneer in the investment migration industry that has provided distinguished high-net-worth individuals and investors with a safe haven to improve their quality of life. 

Why St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment is an ideal option?

Business opportunities 

Investors can expand their business ventures or establish new businesses that have favourable tax incentives, as well aid St Kitts and Nevis' socio-economic growth. 

There will be a convenience for investors in international markets and trade. Opportunities to form business partnerships that would not have been possible before, and to access broader international clients. These will ultimately lead to potential business growth, creating employment and increasing revenue.

St Kitts and Nevis have economic and political stability. The twin federation has favourable business legislation with business-minded people. 
 
Ideal ‘Plan B’ for personal lifestyle 

With St Kitts and Nevis alternative citizenship, investors can extend their citizenship to their family members to enjoy the benefits, family members include a spouse, dependant children and or grandparents. Alternative citizenship is permanent for investors and their families. 

The idyllic twin federation has a tropical holiday-type of lifestyle that offers investors and their families quality education, healthcare and tourism opportunities that are aligned with international standards. 

Unrestrictive access to quality healthcare benefits for family dependants that are not typically available in the investors’ home country. 

St Kitts and Nevis offer education with international standards that create access to apply for top tertiary institutions abroad. 

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