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MHI Thermal Systems to Launch 23 Models of Residential-use Room Air Conditioners for the Japanese Market in 2022

TOKYO, Feb 28, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, will successively launch 23 new models of residential-use air conditioners for the Japanese market starting April 1. The 2022 lineup comprises six models in the top-of-the-line S Series, featuring outstanding energy efficiency backed by a high Annual Performance Factor (APF), four models in the high-spec SK Series specifically engineered for use in cold regions, six models in the high-performance R Series incorporating an automatic filter cleaning function, and seven models in the standard T Series. Together the 23 new models in four series provide comfortable living spaces for diverse lifestyles.The latest R Series and T Series models feature new "Direct" buttons on the remote control for improved operability. Previously, users needed to use both the "ON/OFF" button to start the air conditioner, and the "MODE" button to select the operation mode. With the new remote control, users can start the air conditioner simply by pressing any of the Direct buttons (HEAT, COOL, AUTO, FAN, DRY). The temperature adjustment setting has also been improved to allow for greater precision, with the temperature displayed in increments of half a degree Celsius rather than a whole degree as before. The indoor units in the R Series and T Series are of compact dimensions, with a height of only 25cm, allowing for installation even in tight spaces such as above tall windows or below clipped ceilings. The R Series is also equipped with a function allowing linked and synchronized operation with three models of the "roomist" SHK Series of hybrid evaporative warm-mist humidifiers sold by MHI Group firm Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Corporation.As with the 2021 models, all units in all series can be easily controlled remotely from a smartphone through connection to a wireless LAN interface (sold separately). These models also continue to incorporate filter holders made from a synthetic resin containing recycled tea leaves, a feature first introduced in the 2018 models, and supporting a major advancement in the effective use of resources. The filter holders are mass-produced at the MHI Thermal Systems factory in Thailand using this unique resin, developed by the Japanese beverage company ITO EN, Ltd. as a means of recycling used tea leaves.Other notable features of the new models include a "bio-clear" operating mode in which enzymes and urea suppress pollutants trapped by a specially developed filter, an extra-powerful "JET Airflow" operating mode, and a "WARP" operating mode enabling rapid cooling or heating. The S Series and SK Series models feature a fully automatic airflow mode in which sensors control air volume and direction to ensure efficient, uniform room cooling or heating, while the R Series and T Series have a fully automatic airflow operating mode.MHI Thermal Systems' 2022 lineup of 23 air conditioner models have been developed to meet a wide range of user needs.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, logistics & infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Football: Covid-hit Chelsea frustrated in Everton draw

LONDON (AFP) - Thomas Tuchel admitted Chelsea's coronavirus outbreak had taken a toll on his Premier League title chasers as Everton snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw on Thursday (Dec 16). Tuchel's side were without Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi after the latest Covid-19 blow to rock the Premier League. Ben Chilwell, currently injured, also tested positive, while Kai Havertz was unable to play after feeling ill before the match. The Blues were already without Mateo Kovacic as the Croatia midfielder recovers having contracted the virus earlier in December. Shorn of so many key players, Chelsea laboured to break down stubborn Everton until Mason Mount netted midway through the second half at Stamford Bridge. Despite dominating from start to finish, Chelsea were punished for switching off at the back when teenage defender Jarrad Branthwaite grabbed his first Everton goal with 16 minutes left. Failing to beat a struggling Everton side decimated by injuries and illness was a hammer blow on a difficult day for Chelsea. "It is hard to swallow. We missed big chances to get the result in the first half and second half we did not find the rhythm," Tuchel said. "One big reason is for sure the chances we missed. We could have been two or three up and were playing with fire. "We didn't have anyone on the bench. We put the last guys in that we available and we are missing big personalities and quality." Having led the table for several weeks, Tuchel's third placed team are now four points behind leaders Manchester City. Chelsea have won only two of their last five league games as they lost ground on City and second placed Liverpool. With five games scheduled for this weekend called off due to Covid cases, and four others postponed at various times in the last week, Tuchel refused to say if he believed the Premier League should temporarily halt the season. "I don't want to get involved in the political stuff. If they decide we have to play we play," he said. "We are all worried about Covid. It's close to us, we had four positives. Other games get cancelled, ours didn't." More on this topic   Related Story Football: Four Chelsea players including Lukaku, Werner test positive for Covid-19   Related Story Football: Premier League fixtures hit by Covid-19 as postponements rise The battling draw was a welcome sight for under-fire Everton boss Rafael Benitez, whose team have won only one of their last 11 league games. A banner reading "Benitez - get out of our club" was unfurled by Everton fans before kick-off. But it was the Chelsea supporters who were booing at full-time after their side's latest frustrating result. Over-worked Pickford Reece James should have put Chelsea ahead in the opening minutes, but the defender blasted over after sprinting onto Jorginho's pass. Jordan Pickford repelled James' free-kick before Mount had a golden opportunity to reward Chelsea's blistering start. Mount collected Antonio Rudiger's pass six yards from goal, yet once again Pickford came to Everton's rescue as he saved with his out-stretched foot. Chelsea finished the half with 81 percent of the possession and it was a similar story after the interval. Mount's deflected effort was clawed to safety by the over-worked Pickford. Tuchel sent on Ross Barkley and Saul Niguez and the changes reaped an immediate reward in the 70th minute. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Man United's EPL match against Brighton postponed due to Covid-19   Related Story Football: Brentford boss calls for Premier League pause as Covid-19 cases surge In a flash, Barkley found James and he slipped a deft pass to Mount, who timed his run into the area perfectly before planting a composed finish past Pickford at the near post. The 22-year-old's seventh goal this season was his fourth in his last four Premier League appearances. That should have been the spark for Chelsea to finish the job but a lapse in concentration allowed Everton to equalise against the run of play four minutes later. Anthony Gordon's free-kick looped towards the far post and Branthwaite sneaked in behind the dozing Chelsea defence to poke home from close range. Pickford ensured Everton held on as the man of the match made a brilliant stop from Thiago Silva's header.

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Football: McTominay gives Scotland dramatic win, England thrash Andorra

PARIS (AFP) - Scott McTominay scored an injury-time winner as Scotland came from behind to claim a crucial 3-2 victory over Israel in World Cup qualifying on Saturday (Oct 9), while England thrashed Andorra 5-0 to stay on track to reach next year's global showpiece. The win takes Scotland four points clear of Israel in second place in Group F with three matches remaining as they bid to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Group winners qualify automatically for next year's finals in Qatar, with the runners-up heading into the playoffs. Scotland trailed twice in the first half at Hampden Park to goals from PSV Eindhoven forward Eran Zahavi and Mu'nas Dabbur. John McGinn levelled once, but home striker Lyndon Dykes missed a penalty on the stroke of half-time. He made amends before the hour mark with an equaliser, awarded after a VAR review after the referee initially disallowed it for a high boot. A point would have been a decent result for Steve Clarke's men, but the hosts pushed for a winner which arrived in the 94th minute as Manchester United midfielder McTominay bundled in at the back post. The Scots still hold a slim chance of topping the group, trailing leaders Denmark, who cruised past Moldova 4-0 in Chisinau, by seven points. "We've got a few games left and we have to just remain focused. We wanted a win tonight and we got it," Dykes told Sky Sports. Much-changed England score five England manager Gareth Southgate rested key players including Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling as his second string impressed in a 5-0 thumping of Andorra. Ben Chilwell opened the scoring in the 17th minute, with the goal awarded by VAR after initially being disallowed for offside against Jadon Sancho. Bukayo Saka made the points safe before half-time and Roma striker Tammy Abraham made the most of a rare start by scoring in the 59th minute. Jack Grealish came off the bench and won a penalty which James Ward-Prowse saw saved, before turning in the rebound. Grealish rounded off the scoring with a fine individual effort for his first international goal after collecting goalkeeper Sam Johnstone's long kick. It was a busy night for Kateryna Monzul, the first female official to referee an England match, with five yellow cards as well as the penalty award. England remain four points clear at the top of Group I after second-placed Albania won 1-0 against Hungary in Budapest. Poland are a point further back in third after seeing off San Marino 5-0 and next face Albania in Tirana on Tuesday. Sweden maintain chase of Spain Sweden moved within a point of Group B leaders Spain thanks to a 3-0 win over Kosovo in Solna. Alexander Isak scored a magnificent goal to cap a brilliant individual display, with Robin Quaison and Emil Forsberg also on the scoresheet. Sweden also have a game in hand on Spain, who they visit in their final qualifier next month. Greece kept their hopes of pushing into the top two themselves alive as two late goals secured a 2-0 win in Georgia. The Greeks remain unbeaten and are three points behind Sweden and also have a game in hand on Spain. Switzerland remain close on the coattails of European champions Italy after edging out 10-man Northern Ireland 2-0 in Geneva. The Swiss are three points behind Italy in Group C with a game in hand and lead third-placed Northern Ireland by six points. Elsewhere, the Republic of Ireland finally won for the first time in Group A by brushing aside Azerbaijan 3-0 in Baku. Serbia moved above Portugal to the top of the table with a 1-0 win over Luxembourg. Ukraine ended a run of five straight draws with a 2-1 victory in Finland to consolidate their grip on second place in Group D. The Euro 2020 quarter-finalists are two points ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who beat Kazakhstan 2-0, and four points behind France.

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Football: Sane inspires Germany to big win over Iceland in World Cup qualifier

REYKJAVIK (REUTERS) - Winger Leroy Sane scored one goal and made another as Germany made it three wins in a row with a resounding 4-0 victory over Iceland in World Cup qualifying Group J on Wednesday (Sept 8). The Germans took the lead in the fifth minute when Sane played in Serge Gnabry to score, and after a lengthy VAR review for a possible offside, the goal stood. The visitors added a second 20 minutes later when Antonio Rudiger was left unmarked to score with a header from a Joshua Kimmich free kick. Iceland almost pulled one back at the start of the second half when Johann Berg Gudmundsson’s curled effort hit the post and Albert Gudmundsson fired home the rebound, but he was offside in the build-up and the goal was chalked off. A constant threat with his quick dribbling and precise passing, Sane effectively killed the game off when he rifled the ball into the roof of the net after another flowing German attack 11 minutes into the second half. After a shaky start to qualifying including a shock 2-1 loss to North Macedonia in March, the Germans have rediscovered their scoring touch, but were still guilty of a few glaring misses. Kai Havertz wasted a three-on-one opportunity by firing narrowly wide with the goal at his mercy and Timo Werner somehow failed to put Lukas Klostermann’s pass into an empty net. Werner made amends by adding a late fourth that hit the left-hand post and bounced out before spinning back across the line to round off an encouraging team performance. The Germans have taken a maximum nine points from their first three games under new coach Hansi Flick, scoring 12 goals and conceding none. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Italy return to winning ways with rout of Lithuania   Related Story Football: Poland strike late to end England's perfect record “We only had a few training sessions. Our goal was to win the three games, and we achieved that. We have taken a step forward,” Flick said. “We’re not at 100 per cent yet, but the team is on the right track. The guys are implementing things the way we imagine.” Flick added that there was room for improvement. “(Too often) the last decisive pass was not correct, The timing wasn’t right, these are things we have to do better,” he said. Germany top the group on 15 points, four ahead of Armenia. Romania are third on 10 points with four games left to play, with Iceland fifth on four points. More on this topic   Related Story Football: Fornals, Torres goals give Spain victory over Kosovo   Related Story Football: Praet scores for Belgium in a narrow win over Belarus

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Golf: Americans storm back into contention at Solheim Cup

TOLEDO (REUTERS) - The United States won three of its four matches during Sunday's (Sept 5) early session of foursomes to pull within one point of Europe at the Solheim Cup at Inverness Club in Toledo. The home side's nightmare start to Saturday's first round looked like it would repeat itself on Sunday as the Europeans jumped out to an early lead in all four matches on the front nine. But the United States got hot on the back nine and Jennifer Kupcho drilled a series of clutch putts to secure the win with Lizette Salas, giving the throngs of enthusiastic US golf fans something to cheer about. "I definitely live for this," Kupcho said. "It's super fun to hear the crowd roar. It's super exciting for me and I love the sound of it. "So I'll keep doing it, hopefully," she said with a laugh. Four ball matches are underway in the afternoon session. The three-day competition is expected to draw more than 100,000 fans and is scheduled to wrap up on Monday, the Labour Day holiday in the United States. The Americans lead the overall series 10-6. More on this topic   Related Story Golf: Europe take early lead over US at the Solheim Cup   Related Story Golf: Nelly Korda, women's Open winner Anna Nordqvist qualify for Solheim Cup

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Golf: Cantlay stays one in front of Rahm in US PGA Tour Championship

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Patrick Cantlay rolled in an eight-foot birdie putt at the final hole on Friday (Sept 3) to stay one stroke in front of top-ranked Jon Rahm in the US PGA Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta. Cantlay started the day two shots in front of Rahm and had four birdies without a blemish in his four-under 64. That included a 15-footer at the 17th and his testing effort at 18 that preserved his lead on 17-under after Rahm had closed with three straight birdies. Rahm finished with six birdies against one bogey in his five-under 65. That put him at 16-under in the tournament that features a staggered start in which players were staked to strokes based on their spot in the playoff standings. After his victory in the BMW Championship last week, Cantlay was ranked first and had a two-stroke lead, on 10-under, heading to the very first tee on Thursday. Rahm started the tournament four off the pace, but has steadily eaten into that deficit, and Cantlay said it was "definitely" important to drain that final birdie. "I think I've gotten all the par-fives so far, four birdies on the four par-fives I've played, and it's important around this golf course because the fives are gettable. "But every putt out there is important and I know they will be important when I get there later on the weekend. "It was nice to finish with a couple birdies and kind of validate the patience that I had all day," Cantlay added. Rahm had four birdies on the back nine, including a 36-footer from off the green at the 13th. He bogeyed 14 after hitting into the trees off the tee and missing the green with his third shot. "I hit some really good shots (to) make the birdies," he said. "At the same time, there were some bad shots out there. I didn't play 10 or 11 good at all. "I made a great save for bogey on 14, a great up-and-down as well at 15. "So I think that's the key and that's been the key all week. I've been able to get a lot of good up-and-downs, and avoiding those mistakes is what allows me to keep going," added Rahm, whose five-under round matched the lowest of the day, also shot by Japan's Hideki Matsuyama. After his nine-foot birdie at 16, Rahm rolled in a 15-footer at 17 and at 18 his shot from a greenside bunker landed inches from the cup. DeChambeau six adrift Rahm said he and playing partner Cantlay fed off each other as they separated themselves from the field. "Even though I want to focus on myself, every time you see a score, you know he's not going to let up and he keeps putting it in the fairway and on the green and in the fairway and on the green - it can raise your playing level a little bit as well as much as me raising his level when I'm making birdies," Rahm said. "So we definitely feed off each other and that's probably why you see the difference in the scoreboard right now." Bryson DeChambeau was alone in third on 11-under. The big-hitting American chipped in on 17 and saved birdie from a greenside bunker at 18, rebounding from back-to-back bogeys at 13 and 14 to post a three-under par 67. More on this topic   Related Story Golf: Cantlay leads Rahm by two at PGA Tour Championship   Related Story Golf: Cantlay edges DeChambeau in epic playoff for BMW Championship crown He was one stroke in front of American Justin Thomas with another five-players at nine-under. Rahm and Cantlay both said they were trying to focus only on their games and put the staggered start out of their minds, and even with a $15 million bonus on offer to the winner of the playoff race, Rahm said he'd be approaching the weekend like any other. "I'm just going to keep doing exactly what I've been doing this week, nothing special," he said. "Again, just trying to hit the best shot I can at each moment. That's it."

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4 new SkillsFuture work-study programmes to be launched by Jan 2022

SINGAPORE - Four new SkillsFuture work-study programmes, offering a total of about 300 places over the next three years, are in the pipeline to meet manpower needs in emerging and growth sectors. Three of these new programmes will be rolled out in October. The schemes, which allow working adults to pursue higher qualifications while working, will also rope in more than 32,000 firms - mostly local Small and Medium Enterprises - in tie ups with higher learning institutes and business associations. Second Minister for Education Maliki Osman said at a virtual SkillsFuture Work-Study Fair on Friday (Aug 13) that two memoranda of understanding have been signed between the higher learning institutes and the Singapore Business Federation and Singapore Manufacturing Federation respectively. The expansion of the work-study programmes builds on their success, said Dr Maliki. For instance, 96 per cent of those trained were employed six months after completion of their work-study programmes according to a survey last year. Since the launch of the programmes in 2015, over 7,000 trainees and more than 1,600 companies have benefited from them. "One example of a company that has benefited from the Work-Study Programme is Raffles Hotel Singapore of the Accor Group," said Dr Maliki, citing how the hotel has recruited a total of 14 people from the programme, of whom five are still being trained. Among them is Nitec graduate Mr Benjamin Tong, who enrolled in the Institute of Education's (ITE) Work-Study Diploma in Security Systems Engineering course as an Assistant Engineer with NEC Asia Pacific. Upon completion of the course as part of ITE's pioneer cohort, he was given a pay increment and entrusted with additional responsibilities, said Dr Maliki. With the addition of the four new work-study programmes, there are now 187 such programmes in total. One of the three schemes offered in October is the Work-Study Post-Diploma (Specialist Diploma in AgriTechnology and AgriBusiness) co-developed and co-delivered by Republic Polytechnic and Ngee Ann Polytechnic. The SkillsFuture WorkStudy Post-Diploma (WSQ Specialist Diploma in Aerospace) will be the fourth and last to be rolled out in January. It will equip those who wish to pursue a career as a licensed aircraft engineer. The scheme includes live aircraft access practical training in performing aircraft technical faults recovery through system-approach troubleshooting techniques and preparatory examinations to prepare participants for modular examinations conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. More on this topic   Related Story Two new SGUnited courses to help job seekers upgrade digitalisation skills   Related Story Firms that send workers for training see revenue rise, higher productivity: SkillsFuture-MTI study

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Tennis: Italian Berrettini powers into Wimbledon semi-finals

LONDON (REUTERS) - Matteo Berrettini became only the second Italian man to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals after powering past Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 5-7 7-5 6-3 on Wednesday (July 7). The big-serving seventh seed has flown somewhat under the radar throughout the Championships, but is now eyeing a place in Sunday's final after another impressive display. In truth, the 25-year-old could have claimed a fourth successive straight-sets win but for a counter-attack by 20-year-old Auger-Aliassime in the second set. But his mighty first serve, scorching the No.1 Court turf at an average of 127mph, and a thunderous forehand eventually helped Berrettini overwhelm the 20-year-old. In his second Grand Slam semi-final, following a run to the last four at the 2019 US Open, Berrettini will face Poland's Hubert Hurkacz who took out eight-times champion Roger Federer. Victory would see him contest the Wimbledon final on the same day that Italy play in the Euro 2020 soccer final a few miles down the road at Wembley. The only other Italian man to reach the last four at Wimbledon was Nicola Pietrangeli in 1960. Berrettini's run should surprise no one as the Roman displayed his grasscourt weapons to devastating effect to win the Queen's Club title on debut in the build-up to Wimbledon. Prestigious title He was the first Italian to win that prestigious title and the first player to win it at the first attempt since Germany's Boris Becker in 1985, who won Wimbledon a few weeks later. Berrettini's serve had been broken only twice in his run to the last eight, so Auger-Aliassime gave himself a mountain to climb when he dropped his own delivery twice to trail 5-1. Serving at 5-2 Berrettini led 40-0 but a loss of focus saw him broken for the first time. It was a temporary blip, though, as he broke Auger-Aliassime for the third time in the next game to take the opener. More on this topic   Related Story Tennis: Federer crashes out at Wimbledon to cast doubt on future   Related Story Tennis: 'My last Wimbledon? I don't know,' says Federer after crashing out Berrettini showed he is not just a power merchant when he saved a break point with a deft dropshot at 3-3 in the second set and looked poised to seize control in the next game when he had Auger-Aliassime 0-40 down on serve. The Canadian dug deep to get out of trouble, however, and stole the Berrettini serve at 5-5 as the Italian netted a backhand. Auger-Aliassime, playing his first Grand Slam quarter-final and bidding to join compatriot Denis Shapovalov in the last four, then banged down an ace in the next game to level the match. There were few opportunities for either player in a tight third set but that went with serve until Auger-Aliassime cracked at 5-6, Berrettini earning a set point with a forehand pass that the diving Canadian could not control. More on this topic   Related Story Tennis: Djokovic into 10th Wimbledon semi-final after straight-sets win   Related Story Tennis: Shapovalov into Wimbledon semis after outlasting Khachanov Auger-Aliassime missed an attempted backhand pass to give Berrettini the set and from there the Italian took charge. "I think the end of the third and the beginning of the fourth is where I lost the match for me," said Auger-Aliassime, a close friend of Berrettini's. "Credit to him because I think he really deserves it. He's shown how consistent he is over the last few weeks."

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Football: Belgium’s 8-0 rout of Belarus in World Cup qualifiers puts reserves in the spotlight

LEUVEN, BELGIUM (REUTERS) - Belgium’s second-string used the opportunity of a rare start to impress coach Roberto Martinez as they thumped Belarus 8-0 in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday (March 30). With Martinez warning players were under scrutiny for places in the Euro 2020 squad, Michy Batshuayi, Hans Vanaken (2), Leandro Trossard (2), Jeremy Doku, Denis Praet and Christian Benteke all scored as the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens were given the night off. It lifted Belgium to seven points from three games in Group E, while Belarus suffered a first defeat after starting with a 4-2 win over Estonia. Czech Republic are second on four points after a 1-0 loss to Wales who are level on three with Belarus. Belgium, top of the Fifa rankings, were 4-0 up at halftime at Den Dreef as they inflicted Belarus’ heaviest ever defeat. Batshuayi lashed home the opener from a tight angle in the 14th minute, followed three minutes later by Vanenken’s first international goal as he poked home from close range. Trossard opened his national team account with a powerful shot into the far corner in the 38th. Four minutes later a breakaway by Jeremy Doku was finished with aplomb by the young striker. Praet made it 5-0 four minutes into the second half with a shot from outside the penalty area before substitute Benteke swivelled to slam home on the volley after long pass out of defence from Toby Alderweireld. That 70th minute strike was followed by a second for Trossard five minutes afterwards. With two minutes left, Vanaken was set up by Adnan Januzaj for his second of the night to complete the rout, easily surpassing Belarus’ previous heaviest loss, 5-0 to Austria.

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MHI Thermal Systems to Launch 23 Models of Residential-use Room Air Conditioners for the Japanese Market in 2021

TOKYO, Mar 19, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, will successively launch 23 new models of residential-use air conditioners for the Japanese market starting April 1. The 2021 lineup comprises six models in the top-of-the-line S Series, featuring outstanding energy efficiency backed by a high Annual Performance Factor (APF); four models in the high-spec SK Series specifically engineered for use in cold regions; six models in the highperformance R Series, which can operate in synchronization with a humidifier; and seven models in the standard T Series. Together the 23 new models in four series provide comfortable living spaces for diverse lifestyles.All models in all series can be easily controlled remotely from a smartphone through connection to a wireless LAN interface (sold separately). They continue to incorporate filter holders made from a synthetic resin containing recycled tea leaves, a feature first introduced in the 2018 models. The filter holders are mass-produced at MHI Thermal Systems' factory in Thailand using this special resin, which was developed by the Japanese beverage company ITO EN, Ltd. This production system achieves a major advance in making effective use of resources.Other significant features of the new models include a "bio-clear" operating mode, in which enzymes and urea suppress pollutants trapped by a specially developed filter; an extra-powerful "JET airflow" operating mode; a "WARP" operating mode enabling rapid cooling or heating; a fully automatic airflow mode in which sensors control air volume and direction to ensure efficient, uniform room cooling or heating (S and SK Series); and a fully automatic airflow operating mode (R and T Series).The S and SK Series also come equipped with a motion sensor function that detects human movement and automatically adjusts the room temperature accordingly. These models reduce output when no one is present in order to avoid excessive cooling or heating, and stop automatically when the room has been unoccupied for a fixed period, helping to save energy. Air conditioners in the S and SK Series can also be Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Marunouchi Nijubashi Bldg., 3-2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-8332, Japan Email: mediacontact_global@mhi.co.jp Brand Magazine: spectra.mhi.com linked and synchronized for use with three models of the SHK Series of hybrid evaporative warm-mist humidifiers sold by MHI Group firm Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Corporation. The air conditioner sends a control signal to the humidifier based on information from its humidity sensor, and the humidifier starts and stops automatically according to its humidity setting.The indoor units in the R and T Series are of compact dimensions, with a height of only 25cm, allowing for installation even in tight spaces such as above tall windows or below clipped ceilings. The exterior units for the smallest air conditioners are lighter in weight than previous models. The R Series comes equipped with the same hybrid evaporative warm-mist humidifier synchronization function as the S and SK Series.MHI Thermal Systems' 2021 lineup of 23 air conditioner models have been created to meet a wide range of user needs. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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MHI Selected for Inclusion in All Four ESG Investment Indices Adopted by GPIF

TOKYO, Mar 9, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has been selected as a constituent of all four indices used by Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), the world's largest pension fund, as references for making ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investments into the country's corporate sector. This is the third consecutive year for MHI to be included in all four indices. The Company's selection reflects the high acclaim accorded to MHI Group's ESG-related initiatives, specifically its response to environmental issues and social challenges, and its bolstering of corporate governance.The four ESG investment indices referenced by GPIF are the following:- FTSE Blossom Japan Index: A broad index incorporating overall ESG considerations based on FTSE Russell, an investment index calculator wholly owned by the London Stock Exchange.- MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index: A similar broad index based on MSCI, a U.S. provider of investment indices.- MSCI Japan Empowering Women Index (WIN): An MSCI index monitoring companies? gender diversity performance.- S&P/JPX Carbon Efficient Index: An index used to evaluate corporate performance in terms of carbon efficiency, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices.MHI proactively undertakes diverse initiatives in each aspect of ESG in pursuit of sustainable social development; these include reducing environmental burdens both internally and at customer sites, promoting diversity, conducting CSR (corporate social responsibility) focused procurement, and strengthening corporate governance and information disclosure. In addition, in its 2021 Medium-Term Business Plan (MTBP) spanning the 2021 through 2023 fiscal years, the Company has newly identified materiality it should address in order to enhance its corporate value and grow in the medium to long term through solutions to social issues. Acclaim for these initiatives led to MHI?s selection for inclusion in the four indices cited above and also, for a fourth straight year, inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia/Pacific Index, one of the world?s leading ESG investment indices.Going forward, MHI Group will continue to monitor social trends, strive for enhanced initiatives addressing ESG and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and ensure proper information disclosures. Through its business activities, the Company will make ongoing contributions to the building of a sustainable society. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Fewer blood donors in Singapore in 2020, but collection at 5-year high

SINGAPORE - Since he was seven, Mr Jack Goh, 33, has been visiting hospitals every three weeks to receive blood transfusions, and he has to do this for life. The private-hire driver has thalassaemia major, a blood disorder in which the body does not produce enough haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. According to the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention's website, when there are not enough healthy red blood cells in the body, not enough oxygen is delivered to all the other cells. This may cause a person to feel tired, weak or short of breath. This condition is called anaemia, and those with thalassaemia may have mild or severe anaemia. Severe anaemia can damage organs and lead to death. Mr Goh, who is single, said that without regular blood transfusions, he will fall sick, lose his appetite and feel fatigued. He said: "I cannot continue with daily activities without enough blood. I feel very fortunate there are these blood donors. If not, I won't be alive today." In 2017, about 116,000 units of blood were collected, which benefited more than 32,000 patients in Singapore. Last year saw more than 117,000 units of blood collected - the highest in five years, despite a fall in the total number of donors, said the Singapore Red Cross (SRC). From more than 75,000 donors in 2019, the number fell to around 72,000 last year, the lowest in five years. The SRC said the amount of blood collected last year could be because of an increase in the percentage of donors who donated more than once. This rose from 37 per cent in 2019 to 42 per cent last year, the highest since 2016. Donors can donate blood up to four times a year. The number of new donors last year also increased to 28 per cent from 23 per cent in 2019. While SRC saw a dip in blood collection at the start of the circuit breaker period last year, it said more donors came forward after media reports on the low daily blood collection and SRC's consistent calls for action on social media. Mr Benjamin William, SRC's secretary general and chief executive, said: "Our donors responded quickly, and this was very heartening to us." Mr Teo Zhen Ren, 26, a management consultant, donated for the first time last May, when he heard that the blood banks were struggling to find donors. Mr Jack Goh, 33, receiving a blood transfusion a few years ago. PHOTO: SINGAPORE RED CROSS More on this topic   Related Story Stocks of blood type AB-, AB+ and A+ at critical levels   Related Story The Lives They Live: Now 69, he's donated blood since he was 18 In all, he has donated blood four times. He also asked two friends who had never donated before to join him. "Now, we make it a nice tri-monthly activity to catch up and help out the blood banks," he said. Ms Vanessa Mostafa, 35, a freelance writer and photographer, has donated blood about two to four times a year since 2009. She said: "I'm not rich, so I cannot donate in monetary terms. I figured blood is something that I have a lot of, so if someone needs it more than I do, why not?" But while SRC was able to meet the nation's blood needs last year, more needs to be done to ensure a sufficient and sustainable supply of safe blood for Singapore, said Mr William. Each person donates one unit of blood each time. To meet daily needs, 400 units of blood are needed every day. And blood has a short shelf life - six weeks for red cells and five days for platelets. Thus, there is a need for a constant stream of blood donors. Mr Teo Zhen Ren (right) donating blood for the second time with his sister Ms Teo Ling Li in August 2020. PHOTO: TEO ZHEN REN SRC said that currently, only about 1.8 per cent of Singapore's population are blood donors, and only about two-fifths of them donate more than twice a year. Mr William said: "These donors alone carry the burden of the national blood transfusion needs. Blood donation must be recognised as a national responsibility by the general public." Donors are advised to check HSA's website for blood donation criteria and precautionary measures. They are also encouraged to make an appointment and fill in the online health questionnaire via giveblood.sg, to shorten the time spent at the blood banks. Mr William added: "We urge all healthy blood donors, especially rare-blood donors, to donate regularly, at least twice every year, to ensure there is a stable blood supply for our patients." Ms Vanessa Mostafa donating blood for the 23rd time in May 2020. PHOTO: VANESSA MOSTAFA Where to donate: You can make a blood donation at any of the four blood banks: 1. Bloodbank @ HSA Health Sciences Authority (Opposite Outram Park MRT station) 11 Outram Road Singapore 169078 2. Bloodbank @ Dhoby Ghaut Dhoby Xchange #B1-05 to 10 11 Orchard Road Singapore 238826 3. Bloodbank @ Woodlands Woodlands Civic Centre 900 South Woodlands Drive #05-07 Singapore 730900 4. Bloodbank @ Westgate Tower Westgate Tower 1 Gateway Drive #10-01 to 05 Singapore 608531 To find community blood drives near your area, visit this website.

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Cup win keeps season going for Everton

LONDON • Everton are in the hunt to reach the Champions League for the first time but their main aim is to end 26 years of hurt. The 1995 FA Cup was the last trophy the Toffees lifted but Carlo Ancelotti's men sense this could be their year after advancing to the competition's quarter-finals with a thrilling 5-4 victory over Tottenham on Wednesday. Substitute Bernard's strike in extra time settled a see-saw tie that saw Davinson Sanchez (two), Erik Lamela and Harry Kane reply for Spurs, while Richarlison (two), Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Gylfi Sigurdsson also netted for the hosts. Afterwards, Everton assistant manager Duncan Ferguson, who was part of the 1995 team, declared that the Cup was their primary goal this season. "It's 25 years since we won the FA Cup. It would be great to get to the final," the Toffees legend said. "It keeps your season going. We want to do well in the Premier League but the FA Cup is the one we want. "It was an exciting game. Tottenham started better than us and got the lead, but we got ourselves back into the game." While Everton can dream of silverware, Spurs' wait for a first FA Cup triumph since 1991 goes on. The visitors, who battled back from 3-1 and 4-3 down after taking the lead in the third minute, have now lost four of their last five games in all competitions and despite playing some admirable attacking football, they were undone by defensive frailties. The way Tottenham were opened up by the hosts was uncharacteristic of a Jose Mourinho-managed team. This was the first time since 2015 that the Portuguese had overseen a game that saw his side ship five goals. It was also the first time a Mourinho side had both scored and conceded at least four goals in a single game. LEAGUE GOOD, CUP BETTER It would be great to get to the final... We want to do well in the Premier League but the FA Cup is the one we want. DUNCAN FERGUSON,   Everton assistant manager, on their main goal. On the breathless tie at Goodison Park, he said: "If you say it was fantastic, it was fantastic. I'm not a neutral. When you score four goals, you have to win. "We scored goals, created more chances, great character to fight against incredible mistakes. "But attacking football only wins matches when you don't make more defensive mistakes than what you create." Mourinho also could not call on Gareth Bale after the forward was left out of his match-day squad amid increasing belief that the Real Madrid loanee's high-profile return has not provided value for money. Spurs are covering £250,000 (S$459,000) of his £600,000-a-week salary yet Bale has made just two starts in the Premier League this season with only four goals in all competitions. Hinting at a fractious relationship with the Welshman, Mourinho said: "Gareth is not on the bench as he wasn't happy with his training session. "I wouldn't say an injury, not at all, but some feelings he wasn't happy with, so it was better for him to stay back and to be working with the sports science guys." REUTERS

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Football: Phil Foden grabs winner as Man City edge out dogged Brighton

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND (REUTERS) - Manchester City moved to within four points of the Premier League summit as Phil Foden's goal earned them a nervy 1-0 victory over struggling Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday (Jan 13). Foden's clinical finish just before halftime on a sodden night at the Etihad Stadium proved enough for City to claim a fourth successive league win, but it was far from comfortable. City had chances in the second half to stretch their lead with keeper Robert Sanchez and the woodwork coming to Brighton's rescue but the visitors finished strongly. The hosts could have eased the tension in stoppage time but substitute Raheem Sterling lashed a penalty over the crossbar. City held on, however, to move into the top four with 32 points from 16 games, four behind leaders Manchester United and one behind champions Liverpool having played one match less. Brighton's winless league run now extends to nine and they are perched one place above the relegation zone. After a slow start to the season Pep Guardiola's side initially made steady progress up the table but are now accelerating and are in the thick of the title race. "It definitely feels like we're back to our best. We've taken confidence from the last few results," Foden, who has scored four goals in his last six games, said. "We could have done better today but overall I'm very proud of the team. It's a great result." At times on Wednesday they were at their slick best with Kevin de Bruyne once again pulling the strings. The Belgian teed up Riyad Mahrez for a far-post volley but Mahrez failed to make proper contact and he forced a great save by keeper Sanchez after a lightning break. Superb goal Brighton, tidy in possession and solid at the back, were close to reaching the interval on level terms but were undone by a superb City goal. De Bruyne slipped a pass to Foden whose first touch left two defenders for dead before the England international dispatched a slide rule low shot inside the post and beyond the dive of Sanchez. City turned the screws after the break and Mahrez again wasted a good opportunity, shooting wide after going clear. Sanchez made a superb stop from Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva fired a shot against the goal frame. Surprisingly, City lost their grip of the game in the final 20 minutes and Brighton sensed an opportunity. Alex Mac Allister curled one effort just wide and Bernardo's low ball across the area was agonisingly just out of reach of the sliding Davy Propper. When Sanchez fouled De Bruyne it gave Sterling the opportunity to boost his meagre tally of four league goals this season but his kick cleared the bar. There was a degree of relief for City at the final whistle but with seven successive wins in all competitions and comfortable fixtures ahead, they are looking ominous.

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Golf: Top-ranked Ko Jin-young grabs LPGA Tour Championship lead

MIAMI (AFP) - World number one Ko Jin-young fired five birdies in a five-under-par 67 on Friday (Dec 18) to seize a one-stroke lead over Kim Sei-young and Lexi Thompson in the LPGA Tour Championship. South Korea's Ko, playing just her fourth LPGA event of the pandemic-disrupted season, had a 36-hole total of nine-under par 135. With a US$1.1 million (S$1.4 million) winner's prize on offer, Ko could end up topping the 2020 money list with a victory despite making so few starts. She wasn't even assured a place in the Tour Championship until she tied for second in the US Women's Open last week. However, she was trying to focus on her game, rather than the trophy or the fact that one of her closest pursuers, Kim, is also chasing her for the world number one ranking. "World ranking, my opinion is it's just (doing) little things to play golf," she said. "So if I play good I can do world ranking No. 1 still. If not and then she plays good she can do it ... it doesn't really matter." The second-placed duo comprised the last two winners of the season-ending event at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida: 2019 champion Kim and 2018 winner Thompson. Kim signed for a second-round 69 while overnight leader Thompson, seeking a first victory of 2020, carded a 71. Ko, three adrift to start the day, gained steam with birdies at the sixth and 10th, then picked up three strokes in the space of four holes with birdies at the 14th, 15th and 17th. She drained a birdie bomb at the 15th for a share of the lead and was alone in front after a birdie at the par-five 17th. "I want to go bogey-free (the) next two days, so I'm looking forward the weekend," she said. Kim got off to a sizzling start, with four birdies in the first five holes pushing her to nine-under before bogeys at the seventh and ninth. She tapped in a birdie putt at 14 that briefly gave her the solo lead on eight-under, but she couldn't find another birdie as Ko edged ahead. Thompson, seven-under to start the day, made a promising start with a birdie at the second, but stalled with bogeys at the third and ninth. She was back in contention with birdies at 14 and 15, and maintained her momentum with a superb up and down from a tough lie in the bunker at 17. Australian Hannah Green, whose two LPGA titles include the 2019 Women's PGA Championship, fired five birdies with one bogey in a four-under 67 that put her in solo fourth on 137. "I did hole a really nice putt on the first, which is always nice," Green said. "Over the last couple weeks I've kind of struggled with my consistency in putting, so I made a birdie on four and then five and holed some long putts - which kind of felt like it's been a while since I holed that length of putt," added the Aussie, who watched one from 35 feet fall in. Half a dozen players shared fifth on 138, a group headed by American Nelly Korda who notched seven birdies in a six-under 66. New Zealand's Lydia Ko fired the round of the day with a bogey-free seven-under 65 for 139.

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Stay solid and City stay in the hunt: Pep

LONDON • Pep Guardiola called on Manchester City's defenders to keep up their mean streak as his side closed in on the Premier League top four with a 2-0 win over Fulham on Saturday. Raheem Sterling's first goal in seven games and a Kevin de Bruyne penalty inside the first 26 minutes ensured a comfortable afternoon, as City recorded back-to-back wins in the league for the first time this season. After a difficult start to the campaign caused by injuries, Covid-19 cases and a short pre-season, City trail Chelsea, who went top on Saturday provisionally with 22 points, by just four points and with a game in hand. On the lack of a clear favourite, City manager Guardiola said: "This season looks like there will be a lot of teams in contention. "We struggled at the beginning of the season for many reasons. "Now four games, four clean sheets. It's so important for us to maintain this solidity." Sterling had not scored in the league for nearly two months and had been left out by Guardiola in recent weeks. But he looked more like his old self, getting in behind Fulham's defence to provide some much-needed penetration for a City side who have struggled to score goals this season, with 10 strikes in their first eight league games. Fellow England international John Stones, who in the summer was tipped to leave the Etihad after losing his place last term, has also regained Guardiola's favour, starting his second league game in a row ahead of Aymeric Laporte in defence. "We need to keep this streak going, keep these clean sheets going too," said the centre-back. "I think every game we play in, we could always score more. I'm sure the strikers will be frustrated but it's just good to get the three points." AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

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Football: Youthful Barca, Juventus seal knockout places in Champions League

KYIV/TURIN (REUTERS) - An inexperienced Barcelona side missing Lionel Messi and many other first-team regulars eventually cruised to a 4-0 win away to Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday (Nov 24) to reach the Champions League knockout stages for the 17th consecutive season. After a sluggish first half, the Catalans took the lead early in the second half as US international Sergino Dest completed a flowing move with a near-post finish, scoring his first goal for the club since joining from Ajax Amsterdam. Danish forward Martin Braithwaite soon doubled their lead with his first goal in Europe's top competition at the age of 29, diving in from close range to turn in a flicked header from debutant defender Oscar Mingueza. Braithwaite struck again in the 70th minute from the penalty spot while substitute Antoine Griezmann added a fourth goal in added time, rounding off a victory which took Group G leaders Barca on to 12 points from four games and clinched their place in the last 16. Meanwhile, Juventus progressed to the Champions League last 16 after a Cristiano Ronaldo goal and a stoppage-time header from substitute Alvaro Morata gave them a comeback 2-1 home win over Hungarians Ferencvaros on Tuesday. The result left Juve second in Group G on nine points from four games, three behind leaders Barcelona. Ferencvaros and Dynamo are level on one point and will vie for the consolation prize of joining the Europa League round of 32 after the winter break. The Hungarian side took a shock 19th-minute lead through Myrto Uzuni before Ronaldo equalised in the 35th with a sweet, left-foot shot from 20 metres moments after he had a goal scrapped for offside. Juventus twice hit the woodwork in the second half before Morata’s late header squeezed under visiting goalkeeper Denes Dibusz’s body and over the line after a fine cross from the right by Juan Cuadrado.

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