SINGAPORE - In a landmark feat, Singapore has tied for first place with London as the top seat of arbitration in the world, based on a well-regarded survey. It is also the preferred seat of arbitration in the Asia-Pacific region and among the top four worldwide, with its standing improving even in the Caribbean/Latin America region, where it was previously unranked. The 2021 international arbitration survey by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and global law firm White & Case published last month also ranked the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) as the most preferred arbitral institution in the Asia-Pacific and second in the world. "It is one of the most comprehensive empirical studies on international arbitration and is well-regarded globally. We have done well in the survey and our rankings have improved over the years," commented a Ministry of Law (MinLaw) spokesman when contacted. In the 2018 QMUL survey, Singapore was ranked third most popular seat for arbitration, behind London and Paris, and in 2015 it was fourth, behind London, Paris and Hong Kong. The survey explored how international arbitration has adapted to changing demands and circumstances such as the Covid-19 pandemic and also probed trends in user preferences and perceptions, say its authors. This edition saw the "widest-ever pool of respondents" with 1,218 questionnaire responses received and 198 interviews conducted from a diverse group in the international arbitration sphere. "The results reflect an interesting snapshot of change in arbitral practice during a time of global upheaval. The arbitration community had to adapt quickly, and some of these changes will remain after the pandemic recedes. "Virtual hearings and increased reliance on technology are clear examples of changes that will persist. It has been a challenging yet rewarding process, but we are pleased with the interesting results," said QMUL's Ms Norah Gallagher. The report noted the "interesting movement within the top-five rankings. While London once again stands at the top of the charts, for the first time, it shares this position with Singapore". It added: "Interestingly, some interviewees mentioned the presence of well-established arbitration institutions, such as SIAC in Singapore, as an additional factor they consider when choosing the seat." MinLaw said Singapore's top standing is a result of efforts over several years, such as providing an "arbitration friendly" legal framework where legislation is regularly reviewed and updated. Among other things, aside from world-class facilities, there is also deep professional expertise in international dispute resolution based in Singapore, which includes SIAC's international panel comprising over 500 experienced arbitrators from more than 40 jurisdictions. More on this topic Related Story Singapore arbitration centre hits record high of 1,080 cases Related Story Amendments passed to make Singapore more attractive for international arbitration Senior Counsel and former London-based Chartered Institute of Arbitrators president Francis Xavier lists the following two most important ingredients for Singapore's prominence: first, its highly evolved arbitration law framework that is quick to adapt to the changing needs of arbitration users, and second, its firm pro-arbitration commitment on the part of the judiciary. WongPartnership's head of litigation and dispute resolution, Mr Chou Sean Yu, said: "Singapore's rise reflects the continued recognition by global businesses and the international legal community of Singapore's excellence as one of the world's leading dispute resolution hubs. The survey also shows SIAC's increased reputation as a global arbitration institution and is no longer just a regional player." Mr Gary Born, president of the SIAC Court of Arbitration, commented on the "exceptional results" and said: "SIAC will continue to enhance and innovate its services in order better to serve our increasingly diverse and global users." SIAC chairman and Senior Counsel Davinder Singh said: "We are very grateful to the international community for their trust in Singapore and SIAC." More on this topic Related Story Maritime arbitration body in S'pore aims to be Asia's go-to venue for shipping users Related Story Arbitration cases continue to grow amid pandemic
HONG KONG, Jun 3, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - On June 2, S&P Global Ratings announced that it would keep its 'BBB+' long-term and 'A-2' short-term issuer credit ratings on China Huarong Asset Management Co. Ltd. (CHAMC) and its subsidiaries, China Huarong Financial Leasing Co. Ltd. (HRFL) and China Huarong International Holdings Ltd. (Huarong International) on CreditWatch with negative implications. The 'BBB+' long-term issue rating on the notes that Huarong International guarantees also remained on CreditWatch with negative implications. S&P continues to view CHAMC as a government-related entity, with a very high likelihood of extraordinary government support. The CreditWatch extension reflects continued uncertainties over CHAMC's core credit risk metrics and how the relevant transaction would affect the group following the prolonged delay in the release of its 2020 earnings.S&P believes that the authorities could be taking steps to mitigate relevant systemic risks. This includes the plausible reported development of Chinese banks maintaining their funding facilities with CHAMC, and further government efforts are possible. As Reuters reported earlier that Chinese regulators had coordinated a number of banks "not to rescind loans" on related loans of CHAMC and prepared well to support.Regarding its overseas bond issuer Huarong International, S&P continues to view Huarong International as a core subsidiary of CHAMC and that any potential extraordinary support from the government will be indirectly available to the company if needed. S&P expects the CHAMC may extend direct liquidity support or indirect liquidity support to Huarong International through the group's relationships with Chinese financial institutions.So far, CHAMC has maintained its domestic and overseas public debt payments on schedule. CHAMC previously announced that from April 1 to May 20, the company and its subsidiaries had accumulatively redeemed 25 domestic and foreign bonds due on schedule and in full, of which: 2 overseas bonds with an amount of S$600 million and US$300 million respectively, and 23 domestic bonds (including deposit certificates of Huarong Xiangjiang Bank) with a total amount of RMB18.866 billion. It was reported recently that the principal and interest funds of the US$900 million bond with a coupon of 3.25% of Huarong International due on June 3 had been transferred to designated accounts in full. Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
SINGAPORE, May 5, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited (CITIC Telecom CPC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (SEHK: 1883), is honored to announce that its innovative product, DataHOUSE™ AR Remote Hand, bagged the Augmented & Virtual Reality - Telecommunications Award during Singapore Business Review's (SBR) recently concluded Technology Excellence Awards (TEA).DataHOUSE™ AR Remote Hand is a highly practical, productive, and effective tool for field engineers that allows them to do virtual collaborations with offsite members whilst streaming data in real-time. The technology employs AR glasses to allow field engineers to conveniently retrieve encrypted backend data from backend systems, so that they can conduct maintenance, troubleshooting, and field operations speedily. With virtual access to equipment history or status, service manuals, complicated technical procedures, troubleshooting logs, and graphics via a designated QR code for each device, they can utilise hand gestures to review a device's historical record to speed up analysis and troubleshooting, minimising downtime and costs whilst boosting field engineer productivity by up to 50%.Traditionally, field engineers communicated with back-end support using email or phone. This makes it challenging to describe a troubleshooting situation. The AR Remote Hand solves this problem by allowing back-end engineers to view real-time images streamed via AR glasses through an AR operations console. Its powerful video conferencing feature also offers engineers instant support and fosters off-site collaboration between global operations and maintenance teams. It also overcomes the challenges of time zone, languages, distance barriers, and professional skill sets in multi-technology environments.On the customer side, the current pandemic has made it difficult for enterprises' IT staff to travel to data centres and manage their equipment. Through its AR glasses, CITIC Telecom CPC's DataHOUSE AR Remote Hand can serve as the customers' remote hands. Not only does it show the status of on-site equipment as customers watch in real-time from offices or other locations through the AR operations console, but it also lets customers provide live instructions to CITIC Telecom CPC's on-site engineers as they troubleshoot equipment issues without customers being physically in the data centre.AR Remote Hand solution is the brainchild of CITIC Telecom CPC's professional teams of data scientists and research and development experts. Combining their knowledge with experts from the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI), which was founded by the Hong Kong government to enhance the city's competitiveness in technology-based industries through applied research, this collaboration has been very successful in creating a groundbreaking technology to revolutionize management and maintenance in data center scenarios.CITIC Telecom CPC is now building additional enhancements in the new version of AR Remote Hand by expanding its range of supported vendor equipment and adding on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to extend more service coverage. As one of the trusted partners of leading multinational and business enterprises in the Asia-Pacific region, it maintains its integrity as the premier connectivity, cloud services, information security, and data centre provider in the world.The Technology Excellence Awards was presented by Singapore Business Review via video conferencing throughout the second and third week of April. This year's nominations were judged by of Daryl Pereira, Head of Cyber at KPMG; Cheang Wai Keat, Partner, Consultant at Ernst & Young Advisory Pte. Ltd.; Henry Tan, Group Chief Executive Officer and Chief Innovation Officer at Nexia TS; Sivakumar Saravan, Senior Partner at Crowe Singapore; Cecil Su, Director, Head of Cybersecurity of BDO Singapore.About CITIC Telecom CPCWe are CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited (CITIC Telecom CPC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (SEHK: 1883), serving multinational enterprises the world over by addressing their ICT requirements with integrated digitalisation solutions built upon our flagship technology suites, comprising TrueCONNECT™ private network solutions, TrustCSI™ information security solutions, DataHOUSE™ cloud data center solutions, and SmartCLOUD™ cloud computing solutions.With the motto "Innovation Never Stops", we leverage innovative technologies, embracing AI, AR, Big Data, IoT, and other cutting-edge emerging technologies to transform technical potential into business value for our customers. As enterprises digital transformation partner, we strive to help our customers achieving industry-leading position, high agility and cost-efficiency through digitalisation.Bringing with our Global-Local capabilities, we are committed to providing our customers with one-stop-shop ICT solutions with superior quality. Having a worldwide footprint across 160 countries, including Asia, Europe and America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, our global network resources connect over 160 points of presence (POPs), 18 Cloud service centers, 30+ data centers, and two dedicated 24x7 Security Operations Centers (SOCs). As one of the first managed service providers in Hong Kong to achieve multiple ICT-related certifications, including ISO 9001, 14001, 20000, 27001, and 27017, we have been offering professional local services, superior delivery capabilities as well as exceptional customer experience and best practices through our global presence and extensive industry know-how, becoming a leading integrated intelligent ICT service provider to enterprise customers. For more information please visit www.citictel-cpc.com.About Singapore Business ReviewThe SBR Technology Excellence Awards is organised by Singapore Business Review (SBR), the definitive magazine for Singapore's business elite. Not only has it built its reputation and credibility as a publication, but it has also become a recognised symbol of excellence for multinational companies with offices in Singapore. Since then, SBR continuously strives to provide a platform where companies can showcase and celebrate their growth and success. SBR.com.sg.Media Contact:June TayCITIC Telecom International CPC Limited+65 6692 8357Email: june.tay@citictel-cpc.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
LAMPUNG, Indonesia, Apr 18, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister Erick Thohir was at the Port of Semangka Bay, Kota Agung, Tanggamus Regency to inaugurate the PERTAMINA PRIDE, the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) commissioned by Pertamina International Shipping (PIS), the shipping sub-holding of PT Pertamina.Handover of PERTAMINA PRIDE VLCC model replica to SOE Minister Erick Thohir with PT Pertamina President Director Nicke Widyawati and Board of Directors of Pertamina and Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) at the inauguration, Semangka Bay, Lampung (4/15).The ceremony was held onboard, the Minister joined by Pertamina President Director Nicke Widyawati and Director of Logistics and Infrastructure Mulyono, PIS President Director Erry Widiastono and PIS President Commissioner A. Junaedy Ganieand, and representatives of Pertamina management in Lampung.Minister Erick said state-owned enterprises must contribute to maintaining Indonesia's energy security, with its natural wealth and natural products, while Pertamina was expected to help transform its units amid rapid ongoing changes, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Pertamina must remember its heyday in the 70s, become a global player and be ready to compete based on good corporate governance," said the Minister.As a consumer-oriented shipping company, PIS continues to strive to meet energy needs by continuing to produce various breakthroughs. One of these is the PERTAMINA PRIDE. Built at the Japan Marine United (JMU) Shipyard since 2018 and sailing since February 9, 2021, this giant tanker was handed over, able to carry out its duties to distribute energy in Indonesian waters.The tanker, which has a capacity of 2 million barrels, is a tangible form of PIS's commitment to improving quality and service. The PERTAMINA PRIDE aims to simplify the flow of energy distribution and secure the supply of captive crude to the Pertamina refinery FOB Ras Tanura to Cilacap more efficiently so that it is ready to become the lifeblood of the national energy distribution.PIS also supports ambitions to become the leading integrated logistics company in Asia, centred on petroleum with new growth industries, integrated logistics and services, and green energy business segments. PIS formed a roadmap strategy of 3 phases, emphasizing the integration of PIS with other Pertamina subsidiaries, becoming an integrated logistics company in Indonesia, and becoming a sustainable and leading energy transportation company in the region.President Director Nicke said investment in the two new vessels, PERTAMINA PRIDE and the PERTAMINA PRIME (under construction), were in line with shareholder directives to 'go global'. As a shipping company, Nicke continued, PIS was transforming into a globally integrated logistics solution provider as it not only had the ships, but facilities and storage at the port as well. "Thus, the value chain managed by PIS will also get larger," she said.Energy Needs in IndonesiaThere is an upward trend in consumption of the various energy and fuels, with Indonesia's total energy consumption increasing by a 3.5% CAGR from 100.1 million mtoe in 2000 to 185.5 million mtoe in 2018. PIS sees this energy consumption growing each year, from increasing demand for transport fuel to the widespread use of LPG for household needs."We see a significant increase in energy consumption in Indonesia, but we are optimistic that we can continue to meet energy needs for the country. The presence of PRIDE in Indonesian waters shows our determination to be a leading shipping company, regionally and internationally. Let's move towards the future together, 'Shipping The Energy Worldwide, Energizing The Nation With Pride, PT PIS Delivering Promises,'" said PIS President Director Erry Widiastono.About PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS)PT PIS, a sub-holding company of PT Pertamina (Persero), was established with a vision of becoming the leading shipping company in Asia, and driving economic growth in Indonesia. To realize this vision, PIS is aiming to be an agent of Indonesia's economic development with safe and sustainable operations, to become a trusted and reliable maritime partner, as well as creating value for stakeholders in running their business.Media contact:Roberth MV DumatubunE: roberth@pertamina.comManager, Stakeholder RelationsPertamina International Shipping (PIS)https://www.pertamina-pis.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
Singapore, Apr 14, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Infocus International Group has launched the Public-Private Partnerships online course and it will be commencing live on 5th May 2021. Throughout the eight sessions, you will be mastering PPP project analysis, financing, contracts & transaction management techniques.We need new infrastructure. Roads, airports, schools, hospitals and housing: the list is enormous and growing. Yet severely limited budgets, economic uncertainty caused by volatile commodity prices, and deficits continue to prevent government at all levels from delivering the kinds of structural change that has always been needed. In response, some countries have developed successful PPP programmes. Merely grasping the concepts of PPP does not do justice to our great responsibility of having an ownership in the country's future. We already know what we need to do, now is the time to really discover HOW.Course Highlights- PPP policies, strategies, laws & units for implementing successful PPP transactions- Identifying & selecting appropriate projects for PPPs- Models for analyzing PPP projects- Managing & completing PPP feasibility studies- Financing techniques for PPP to ensure long-term PPP bankability and affordability- Managing and overseeing PPP procurements & achieving transaction closure- PPP stakeholder management & sustainability techniques- Managing long-term PPP contracts for ensuring service delivery, price regulation, and dispute resolutionThis online workshop features rigorous new interactive methodology that require attendees to demonstrate their understanding with each module's practical techniques and learning outcomes. Every 10-15 minutes throughout each session, you will be required to complete either focused review questions for selecting among a range of PPP decisions, or brief group exercise assignments. You should be prepared to actively participate, and not merely to "watch & listen" video presentations.As a result of actively engaging in this program's methodology, you will be able to make practical decisions on PPP strategies, projects, and transactions for your organizations following the workshop's completion.Want to learn more?Simply email to weslyn@infocusint.com or call +65 6325 0351 to obtain your FREE COPY of event brochure. For more information, please visit www.infocusinternational.com/ppp-online .About Infocus International GroupInfocus International is a global business intelligence provider of strategic information and professional services for diverse business communities.Infocus International recognises clients' needs and responds with innovative and result oriented programmes. All products are founded on high value content in diverse subject areas, and the highest level of quality is ensured through intensive and in-depth market research from local and international insights.Weslyn LeeTel: +65 6325 0351 Email: weslyn@infocusinternational.com Web: www.infocusinternational.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
BEIJING, Apr 12, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Since the reform and opening-up, more than 770 million of China's rural population living below the poverty line have been raised out of poverty, accounting for more than 70% of the global total over the same period by the World Bank's international poverty standard, a white paper on poverty alleviation reads.The white paper was released Tuesday morning by China's State Council Information Office.Against the backdrop of severe global poverty and a widening gap between the rich and the poor in some countries, China has won the battle against extreme poverty and achieved the poverty alleviation goal set on the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule.This has significantly reduced the world's poor population and contributed greatly to "realizing a better and more prosperous world," as envisioned by the Agenda.- International support and assistanceIn the early years after the founding of People's Republic of China (PRC), China used to benefit from the support of the international community.By cooperating with the UN and the World Bank, the country accepted assistance from some developed countries and carried out cooperation projects in financial input, knowledge transfer, and technical assistance while learning from the advanced concepts and methods.Those efforts improved China's institutional innovation and management and laid a foundation for sustainable development in certain areas.- China's role in global poverty managementIn return, China has been providing support and assistance to the world. President Xi Jinping has announced on many major international occasions that China's practical measures for international development cooperation have been implemented on schedule or are progressing in an orderly manner.Firstly, China has supported other developing countries in poverty alleviation since the founding of the country.For instance, China has launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to expand deep and high-level regional cooperation on economic and social development and to help eligible countries better achieve poverty alleviation.According to a World Bank study, the initiative will help 7.6 million people out of extreme poverty and 32 million out of moderate poverty in these countries.Over the past 70 years and more, China has provided assistance in various forms to over 160 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Oceania, and Europe, and international organizations, reduced or exempted the debts of eligible countries, and helped developing countries in their efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, the paper says.Secondly, China has launched international poverty alleviation cooperation projects for the benefit of all. In Africa, China has helped countries build facilities including water conservancy infrastructure, vocational and technical schools, government-subsidized housing, set up demonstration zones for agricultural cooperation, and carried out China-Africa cooperation projects such as China-Africa friendship hospitals and the headquarters of the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Thirdly, China has also shared its experience on poverty reduction. It has carried out exchanges and cooperation, including building platforms, organizing training, and conducting think tank exchanges.Together with UN agencies in China, the Chinese government has convened sessions of the Global Poverty Reduction and Development Forum on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.With the COVID-19 pandemic still spreading around the world, and poverty, hunger and disease undermining people's pursuit of a better life, China says it stands ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with other countries on poverty reduction and make a greater contribution to building a global community of shared future that is free from poverty and blessed with common prosperity.Media contact:Xiaonan Ma, CGTNEmail: cgtn@cgtn.comPhone: +86-10-85061422SOURCE: CGTN, https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-04-06/How-China-s-poverty-eradication-work-contributes-to-the-world-ZeVWiOgAlW/index.html Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
SINGAPORE - Singapore and the United States will deepen bilateral cooperation in the transport sector, working together in areas such as reviving international air travel in a safe manner amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The two countries will also strengthen cooperation in multilateral organisations such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the Ministry of Transport and the US Department of Transport said in a joint statement on Friday (April 9). The statement, which followed an introductory virtual meeting between Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung and his US counterpart Pete Buttigieg on Thursday, said the countries will build on the excellent cooperation established over the years by agencies and officials on both sides, including in areas such as the exchange of best practices on urban transport systems. In a Facebook post on Friday morning, Mr Ong said he had a fruitful discussion with Mr Buttigieg despite the 12-hour time difference between Singapore and the US. It was 8pm in Singapore and 8am in Washington when they met virtually. "Secretary Buttigieg and I are in full agreement on the need to safely restore international air travel and to strengthen our collaboration on climate action and sustainability, including at the International Civil Aviation Organisation and International Maritime Organisation (IMO)," said Mr Ong. The statement also reaffirmed that both countries are parties to the Paris Agreement - a 2016 international agreement on climate change action, which former president Donald Trump withdrew the US from in 2017. The US re-entered the agreement hours after President Joe Biden's inauguration, with former secretary of state John Kerry - who helped broker the Paris Agreement - appointed as climate envoy. Areas of possible collaboration on climate action in transportation that the two countries are exploring include alternative fuels, electrification, market-based measures and technological advancement. Singapore and the US can work together on advancing the development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels and other clean technologies; identifying new climate-related innovations such as electric vehicles and related infrastructure; and exploring climate-friendly practices in urban transport planning, including reducing unnecessary trips and encouraging low-emission options such as cycling, said the statement. Both sides also intend to strengthen cooperation at the ICAO and the IMO to keep aviation and maritime transport open, efficient, reliable, safe, sustainable and resilient. This would include actions like pushing for the decarbonisation of the aviation sector, and reducing emissions from ships. "We will continue our engagement at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (Apec), specifically through the Transportation Working Group and Transport Ministers' Meetings, supporting the goals of the Apec Putrajaya Vision 2040," the statement added. Travel between the US and Singapore has yet to fully reopen. Singapore has said that it will accept the International Air Transport Association's travel pass from May 1 where passengers will be able to share their pre-departure Covid-19 test results with their airline, while the US is still weighing its options on that front. There are no restrictions on passengers flying to the US from Singapore, aside from on-arrival testing and self-quarantine. However, only those holding permanent residency or other forms of long-term passes are allowed to fly to Singapore from the US. More on this topic Related Story Singapore, US reaffirm strong bilateral defence ties Related Story Talks on Covid-19 passport a first step towards quarantine-free travel, says S'pore
HONG KONG, Apr 8, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The HKTDC International Sourcing Show is the first online-and-offline trade exhibition organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The online section of the show, the HKTDC International Sourcing Show | ONLINE, which opened on 17 March, featured more than 1,400 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, attracting some 23,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions. The show drew buyers from Hong Kong and around the world, including India, Indonesia, Japan, Mainland China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.The HKTDC International Sourcing Show | ONLINE featured more than 1,400 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions and 19 pavilions, attracting some 23,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions to source online.More than 7,000 video meetings were conducted during the online fair, allowing buyers and exhibitors to make business deals amid the pandemic.A series of webinars was hosted during the online fair, including "International Sourcing Outlook", "Survive and Thrive: Leveraging End-to-end E-commerce Solutions" and "Utilising Licensing to Expand Your Business". The webinars recorded more than 44,000 views in total, equipping companies with up-to-date insights on the latest trends in sourcing and marketing.To help businesses capture new opportunities, the HKTDC mobilised its network of 50 offices worldwide together with its artificial intelligence-powered online business matching platform, Click2Match, to connect exhibitors with buyers. As of 31 March, more than 7,000 online business matching meetings had been successfully conducted, facilitating buyers and sellers to capture new business opportunities and help them overcome the impact of the pandemic.Following a successful debut at HKTDC Autumn Sourcing Week | ONLINE last year, the HKTDC once again offered 3D virtual booths at the International Sourcing Show | ONLINE. It also launched a product video production service to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) design and produce promotional videos, facilitating them to showcase their products in a more eye-catching way and get better prepared for the era of digitalised sourcing. Both the 3D booths and the video service were well received by exhibitors.Exhibitors and buyers positive about hybrid exhibition formatEven though the global pandemic situation is showing signs of improvement in some regions, its impact continues to be profound. Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, believes that global sourcing will become increasingly digitalised and that future trade fairs will be more likely to offer a hybrid model of online and offline sourcing to reap the benefits of both formats. "When physical fairs resume, the HKTDC will continue to organise regular online sourcing events that will feature different themes and will align with the sourcing cycles of different industries. Our goal is to generate even more business opportunities for suppliers and buyers globally," Mr Chau said.As the trend for combining online and offline sourcing gains traction, the HKTDC conducted an online survey to gauge the views of exhibitors and buyers joining the International Sourcing Show. The survey found that the majority of exhibitors surveyed (80%) considered that trade fairs with online elements will become their major promotional channel in the future, while 96% said they would participate in the HKTDC's online and physical exhibitions again. According to the survey results, most buyers (82%) indicated an intention to participate in trade fairs offering online and physical elements to develop both online and offline business opportunities.Regarding business results, more than 80% of exhibitors said they had achieved one of the following objectives through the event, including generating new sales leads, meeting new customers, promoting their company's brands and products, and launching and promoting new products. Over 90% of buyers agreed that the show helped them seek out new products and new suppliers and get a better understanding of market trends.Click2Match helps facilitate business discussions and dealsMany companies taking part in the show were successful in finding either buyers or suppliers through the Click2Match platform. Rachel Chan, Business Development Specialist at Avery Dennison (Hong Kong) Ltd, said the online fair offered her company a good opportunity to introduce its total printing solutions and RFID labels to buyers from different industries. "We are very happy to have video meetings with more than 10 new buyers from different places including Mainland China, India, Malaysia and Thailand. The buyers are keen to develop cooperation opportunities with us, and we hope to continue receiving new sales leads or enquiries. The online show also helped to increase our company's exposure."Atitaya Dechboon, a representative of Fashion Hometex Co Ltd in Thailand, said "We have made four new contacts with buyers from Mainland China, Brazil, Poland and Saudi Arabia. We expect potential orders worth US$100,000 from three new buyers. We are very satisfied with the Click2Match service which allowed us to arrange video meetings as frequently as we liked without any time conflicts."Artem Mykhailyk, Chief Operational Officer at Micon Trade LLC in Ukraine, was interested in sourcing smart wearable devices and DVR cameras. "Through the International Sourcing Show | ONLINE, we have found three potential suppliers from Mainland China and Taiwan. We plan to place orders worth US$280,000 with these suppliers. The show provided a unique and well-arranged online sourcing platform that offered an alternative to physical exhibitions amid the pandemic. I found it easy and convenient to find suitable products and make appointments with potential suppliers."Hanna Touma Bechara, Manager at Modern Electronics Co in Lebanon, found two potential suppliers from Hong Kong and Mainland China through the online fair. "Our budget for buying audio systems is US$30,000. Due to travel restrictions under the global pandemic, online trade shows like this are the only way we can find new suppliers for the time being."Intelligence Hub webinars let companies feel the market's pulseThe Intelligence Hub set up during the online fair hosted 17 webinars which featured more than 60 industry experts sharing the latest industry developments and trends, attracting more than 44,000 views in total. The most popular webinars include "International Sourcing Outlook", "Survive and Thrive: Leveraging End-to-end E-commerce Solutions", "Utilising Licensing to Expand Your Business" and "Toys & Children's Products Safety & Regulations Updates". In addition, the HKTDC launched the "Let's Go Phygital: Power Up for the New Normal" seminar series, helping SMEs adapt to the hybrid online and offline sourcing model, with the first round of webinars held during the online show. The videos of the webinars have been uploaded to the Intelligence Hub webpage (https://isshow-online.hktdc.com/en/intelligence-hub), enabling companies to review insights from industry luminaries anytime, anywhere.The International Sourcing Show is first HKTDC exhibition to adopt an online-and-offline format, integrating the seven HKTDC trade fairs* that were originally scheduled to run in spring 2021. The online part of the show is available from 17 March to 29 July, while the physical exhibition will be staged from 26 to 29 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. While the Click2Match business matching service for the online show has concluded, buyers can continue sourcing with exhibitors through the upgraded hktdc.com Sourcing platform (http://sourcing.hktdc.com) until the end of July 2021.*The seven fairs are: the HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Houseware Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong International Home Textiles & Furnishing Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week, HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, and the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair. The latter event is co-organised by the HKTDC and CIEC Exhibition Co (HK) Ltd.Websites:HKTDC International Sourcing Show: https://isshow.hktdc.com/online/en/Intelligence Hub: https://isshow-online.hktdc.com/en/intelligence-hubMedia Centre: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/Photo download: https://bit.ly/3msyefrAbout the HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs, in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedInMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.orgAgnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 31, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Widad Business Group Sdn Bhd (WBG), an integrated facility management, property and construction conglomerate, has signed a Collaboration Agreement with Bin Zayed International LLC (BZI) to jointly develop the RM40 billion mixed-development project known as Widad@Langkasuka in Langkawi.The signing ceremony held yesterday at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur was witnessed by Prime Minister Y.A.B. Tan Sri Dato' Haji Muhyiddin Bin Haji Mohd Yassin, Chief Minister of Kedah Y.A.B. Tuan Haji Muhammad Sanusi Bin Md Noor, Y.B. Senior Minister and International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, and Y.B. Widad Business Group founder and group executive chairman Tan Sri Muhammad Ikmal.The agreement was signed by Widad Business Group executive director Dato' Dr Rizal and Bin Zayed International Group Managing Director Sheikh Midhat Kidwai, paving the way for both parties to jointly develop and construct Widad@Langkasuka. They will also be working together to coordinate with the state government and relevant contractors and consultants concerning the infrastructural development, construction and other works comprised in the project.BZI is part of the Bin Zayed Group of Companies, a Dubai-based conglomerate that specialises in construction and energy, trading and industry, real estate, technology and financial services. The company was first established in 1988 by Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a senior member of the Abu Dhabi royal family as well as a prominent business leader and philanthropist in the Gulf states.Sheikh Khaled holds pivotal positions in several private and public organizations. Currently, he is Chairman of Injaz, a youth-centred non-profit organization, as well as President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation. He previously served as Chairman of Tamweel, a Shariah-compliant property mortgage and finance corporation and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Islamic Bank.Meanwhile, Widad Business Group is a wholly Bumiputera private company owned by Kedah-born Tan Sri Muhammad Ikmal Opat bin Abdullah, who is also a majority stakeholder of Bursa-listed Widad Group Berhad and Dataprep Holdings Berhad. Tan Sri Muhammad Ikmal said: "Widad@Langkasuka is a development that is set to transform the landscape of Langkawi and the state of Kedah. For a project of such size and significance, it is important that we collaborate with a partner that possesses the necessary technical expertise and shares the same vision as we do. Therefore, WBG is honoured for the opportunity to work with Bin Zayed Group and Sheikh Khaled, and we look forward to combining our strengths to ensure its successful completion."The WBG-BZI strategic partnership demonstrates the great confidence in this high impact project, which will put Langkawi on the global map and transform it into a centre of regional and worldwide attractions," he added.To recap, the announcement of the project commencement was made in Kedah by Menteri Besar of Kedah Y.A.B. Tuan Haji Muhammad Sanusi bin Md Nor on January 20, 2021. It is expected to be completed within 15 to 20 years.Worth an estimated gross development value of RM40 billion, Widad@Langkasuka is a modern development with an Islamic and tropical vernacular concept that will change the landscape of Pulau Langkawi and become the main attraction of the island. Currently, almost 90% of the 1,979 acre site consists of the ocean, therefore WBG intends to erect a man-made island which will eventually span approximately 1,000 acres or 50% of the entire area.Once completed, Widad@Langkasuka will comprise tourism components such as five and six star hotel & resorts, an international golf course located beside the 'Marina Yacht Club', an international business and office complex, shopping malls, higher learning institutions, healthcare facilities and luxury residences. The Group also plans to organise annual events such as "Redbull Air Race", "Power Boat Race", "Jet Ski Race", international fireworks festivals and other culture & art showcases to promote tourism here.Issued by: Sense Consultancy on behalf of Widad Business GroupFor further media enquiries please contact:Jaz NgTel: +6012 202 0096Email: jaz@leesense.comAnthony LeeTel: +6012 338 3705Email: anthony@leesense.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
HONG KONG, Mar 23, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The ability to harness big data and leverage e-commerce opportunities has become key to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to make breakthroughs under the new normal. To help SMEs adapt to the changing landscape and adopt online-to-offline/offline-to-online (O2O) strategies, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has launched the "Let's Go Phygital: Power Up for the New Normal" seminar series with the support of AsiaWorld-Expo and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The first round of webinars was held as part of the HKTDC International Sourcing Show with sessions including "International Sourcing Outlook", "Survive and Thrive: Leveraging End-to-end E-commerce Solutions" and "Utilising Licensing to Expand Your Business". Speakers used insights derived from big data and e-commerce solutions to identify some of the paths to business success in 2021.At the Plenary Session of the HKTDC International Sourcing Show, industry leaders shared on the latest market trends at a webinar titled "International Sourcing Outlook". Speakers included (L-R) Benson Ng, Hong Kong Business Consulting Leader at EY; Shinya Hisanaga, Director at AEON Stores (HK); Flavien Serra, Founder at DTL Sourcing; and Fione Tan, Co-founder at 28Mall.comPlato Wai, General Manager Hong Kong at SHOPLINE, shared his experience helping brands open their online stores at the "Survive and Thrive: Leveraging End-to-end E-commerce Solutions" webinarRyan Lee, Co-founder and EVP of SmartStudy, shared his insights and experiences from the perspective of a licensor at the "Utilising Licensing to Expand Your Business" webinarThree product categories with big prospectsDuring the webinar titled "International Sourcing Outlook", Benson Ng, Hong Kong Business Consulting Leader at consulting group EY, reviewed World Trade Organisation (WTO) statistics showing that the volume of world merchandise trade shrank 9.2% in 2020. Asia experienced a lesser decline, however, with imports falling 7.1% and exports dipping 3.9%. Following a challenging 2020, Mr Ng expressed a degree of optimism for the year ahead. "The anticipation for 2021 is that we will all start to see the light at the end of the tunnel," he said. The WTO projects that global merchandise trade will grow by 7.2% during the first quarter of 2021 and could "recover a significant portion of what was lost in 2020".To spur trade, Mr Ng suggested that businesses focus on three major themes for corporate development. First, they need to pay attention to the changing global supply chain, which saw more customers sourcing within the region during the pandemic. Second, they must be willing to adopt digitisation - an area on which EY is placing considerable emphasis, "not just for content, but also for electronic transactions and insights for automation". Third, they should focus on sustainable products, plant-based nutrition and electric vehicles. In the next 10 to 20 years, these three themes will be highly influential and "enterprises will find tremendous opportunities by focusing on these areas," Mr Ng explained.Devin Dai, Director of Category Management at Alibaba.com, identified the sales trends of 2021 by deciphering the market data collected by his company. He said that casual is the most popular style for fashion, while for home furnishings the keywords are "transitional, modern luxury, glam and minimalist". In the beauty products arena, home-use beauty equipment is a breakout category while the market for natural and organic products is growing substantially with a loyal customer base. In addition, the printing and packaging market is growing at a blistering pace, in part because beauty products need reliable packaging when they are sold overseas, and also because brands are increasingly looking for environmentally friendly biodegradable packaging materials to enhance their branding power.Livestreaming and KOC marketing yield remarkable resultsAlthough many SMEs recognise the power of e-commerce, few have the capabilities to follow it through. At the "Survive and Thrive: Leveraging End-to-end E-commerce Solutions" webinar, Plato Wai, General Manager Hong Kong of SHOPLINE, spotlighted three smart commerce trends that his company observed after helping brands open online stores. The first is O2O data synchronisation. Many companies operate both physical and online shops yet keep sales data and customer information separate. To improve administration, SHOPLINE provides an iPad point of sale system that helps merchants synchronise their online and offline data. Secondly, SHOPLINE's Smart Ads system uses artificial intelligence to measure the performance of online ads. When an ad underperforms, the system will reallocate the budget to better-performing ads so that merchants can deploy their advertising budget more effectively.Mr Wai also suggested that Hong Kong businesses be aware of the potential of social commerce - a form of sales using livestreaming to showcase and sell products that has become particularly popular in Mainland China and some Southeast Asian countries. "Many brands that focus on selling through livestreaming do not even have an online storefront," Mr Wai said, noting that some social media platforms do not include a sales function. In response, SHOPLINE offers a convenient service to partner brands. When a customer types in a keyword while watching livestreaming on Facebook, for example, he or she will receive a link via Messenger. Clicking on the link will lead the customer directly to the store's checkout page with the product already in the shopping cart.Elijah Whaley, VP of Marketing, APAC, at PARKLU by Launchmetrics, is an expert on key opinion leader (KOL) management and marketing strategies in Mainland China. He said that the customer acquisition cost of online advertising in the mainland is rising continually, which is leading to Chinese brands developing new collaboration models with their KOCs - key opinion consumers. KOCs are new customers who become return customers and then promote the products to family and friends to turn them into loyal customers. The KOC market is expanding rapidly and Whaley cited the example of Wang Liao Ji, which created a marketing campaign that fused celebrities and KOCs and generated 362 million impressions. "This was much more than any KOL could have achieved and created a community around the product itself," Mr Whaley said.Prospective licensing agents must "do their homework"At the "Utilising Licensing to Expand Your Business" webinar, Marilu Corpus, Managing Director for Asia at MDR Brand Management, offered what was essentially an introductory course in brand licensing. She went over the responsibilities of stakeholders and the preparations and considerations that prospective brand licensees need to make. She also reminded those interested in becoming licensing agents to "do their homework", such as finding out whether a brand already has other licensing agents to avoid potential problems. They should also consider cultural differences and whether the products they represent are incompatible with certain religions. Ms Corpus added that licensed products are all competing for shelf space. "Since the stockpiles of 2020 are still unresolved, department stores and physical stores may not be keen to bring in new products. As a result, online sales become a key channel."Speaking from the perspective of a licensor, Ryan Lee, Co-founder and EVP of SmartStudy, explained how Pinkfong and Baby Shark evolved from a nursery rhyme into a global brand and generated impressive returns for the licensing agents. For example, after WowWee, a toy brand, was granted the license to produce Baby Shark dolls, it created a product that at one point became the world's best-selling toy. And, after releasing Pinkfong Baby Shark ice-cream, Nestle Malaysia attracted more than 15,000 participants to related events and sold 12,000 ice-creams in four days. "The partner companies achieved remarkable results, and the customers were happy. It was fantastic," said Mr Lee.The International Sourcing Show is the first online-and-offline exhibition organised by the HKTDC. The event runs from 17 March to 29 July under the theme "Your Source of Inspiration" and showcases a spectrum of quality lifestyle products and solutions under four main categories. The show is hosting a total of 17 webinars with more than 60 industry luminaries invited to share their insights and ideas. A number of highlighted webinars were held during the first three days of the online show (17 to 19 March), to allow buyers and exhibitors more time to focus on making business connections on subsequent days up until 31 March. These highlighted webinars are available for viewing now at the International Sourcing Show's Intelligence Hub website.Websites:International Sourcing Show: https://isshow.hktdc.com/online/en/Intelligence Hub: https://isshow.hktdc.com/tc/intelligence-hubPhoto download: https://bit.ly/2PmqzmdAbout HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedInMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.orgAgnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
MELAKA, Mar 18, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Award-winning property company, Sheng Tai International Sdn Bhd (Sheng Tai International), continues to catalyse Malaysia's, particularly Melaka, economic growth by signing a landmark agreement with the world's largest global workspace provider, International Workplace Group plc (IWG) with brands including Regus and Spaces.The franchise agreement includes Sheng Tai International and IWG collaborating to open flexible workspace in Malaysia. With the agreement, Sheng Tai International becomes IWG's first partner since it opened up franchise opportunities in 2019 in the country.Sheng Tai International has invested approximately RM8 million to begin this partnership with three centres in the company's commercial properties in Melaka. The first centre, which will be developed under Regus, will open in Metrasquare, Melaka, by the end of the second quarter (Q2) 2021. While the second centre, under Spaces, will open at The Sail in 2025.Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Melaka, was present to witness the signing ceremony. Representing Sheng Tai International in the signing event and exchange of documents was Dato' Leong Sir Ley, Founder and Chairman of Sheng Tai International and Collin Tan, Director. While IWG was represented by Vijayakumar Tangarasan, Country Head for Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei as well as Premita Dhaliwal, Head of Partnership Growth - Malaysia.Dato' Leong Sir Ley, Founder and Chairman of Sheng Tai International, said, "We are delighted to work with IWG to expand Malaysia's flexible workspace industry.""We believe this is the right time to invest in the flexible workspace industry in Malaysia, especially in Melaka, in line with the optimistic outlook post-COVID-19 for the state and country. The pandemic has provided Melaka as well as flexible workspace industry an additional edge.""More and more people and global brands are looking at strategic locations that are beyond the city centre. In addition, the pandemic has accelerated the growth of flexible workspace trends around the world.""With our unique establishments in Malaysia coupled with IWG's modern and world-class amenities, we are poised to appeal to discerning entrepreneurs, SMEs and multinational corporations, re-energising the economy in and around Melaka," added Dato' Leong."We also look forward to opening more flexible workspaces throughout Malaysia in the next five years."Gareth Haver, Regional Chief Executive Officer of IWG, said, "When we decided to open up franchising opportunities, we knew we needed strong partners, but more importantly, people who share our vision and values.""So we are thrilled to open a new chapter with Sheng Tai International. They have ambition and a solid track record that goes beyond the property. I believe their ability to draw global brands here during the pandemic is a testament to this," Premita Dhaliwal from IWG Malaysia added.Melaka Trade Square (Metrasquare) is a 6-acre commercial development comprising a residential component called the Metrasquare Serviced Suites, a three-star premium hotel called Hotel Metrasquare, a five-star hotel called Ames Hotel as well as retail lots, meeting and conference facilities, F&B amenities, as well as an upcoming Melaka historical gallery and art social space.Located just five minutes drive away from the Ayer Keroh toll off the North-South Expressway, Metrasquare is also close to the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), government offices, hypermarkets and a host of tourist attractions such as Melaka Zoo and Night Safari; Melaka Bird Park; Wonderland Theme Park; Melaka Planetarium, World's Bees Museum and Melaka International Trade Centre.Flexible workspaces are due to grow exponentially in Malaysia as companies of all sizes adopt progressive hybrid work patterns. Businesses have realised that a hybrid model not only means happier and more engaged employees, but also a significant saving for the bottom line. A study reported by EY shows that companies can save about $11,000 for each employee that works in a hybrid manner.Earlier this month, IWG announced a record start to 2021, adding half a million users to its network so far this year as well as penning its largest ever deal with NTT, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation. The deal will provide NTT's 300,000 employees across its portfolio of companies and global network with access to IWG's more than 3,500 workspaces globally.For more information about Regus in Melaka, kindly contact Sheng Tai International at +6011 3737 3399.About Sheng Tai International Sdn BhdSheng Tai International Sdn. Bhd., formerly known as Sheng Tai Realty Sdn Bhd., is a diversified property development, real estate, investment management and hospitality company with specialised expertise in the area of property tourism. The company was founded by Dato' Leong Sir Ley ("Dato SL Leong"), one of Malaysia's very first businesswomen who single-handedly venture out of the country by setting up a significant network of real estate investment platform overseas. The company offers various categories of quality investment grade products with professional services and a warm, humanistic attitude. We welcome productive collaboration and corporate partnerships with the focal point of providing our foreign and local guests with comprehensive solutions and tailored experience.Established in 2012 amid the storm of global economic turbulence, our continuing success owes to our ability to swim against the tide and see opportunity in every challenge. Our commitment to growth and quality excellence is an approach that has changed little since our emergence as a budding enterprise.Locally, Sheng Tai International Sdn. Bhd. is well known in the industry through its subsidiaries such as Plentifield Marketing Sdn. Bhd., and Sheng Tai Impression Sdn. Bhd. At the international front, our presence is currently marked through our overseas arm called Sheng Tai International (HK) Limited, which has been operating since 2012 and served as an important gateway to the Hong Kong and Chinese markets. The company also recently opened its China's flagship branch in Shanghai in September 2019; Tokyo in May 2020 and Beijing in October 2020. Today, Sheng Tai International is an award-winning developer who has branched out across various parts of Asia, offering an extensive range of real property products, services and brands that cater to the luxury, upscale, and economy markets.Sheng Tai International now has more than 500 personnel who are highly passionate and energetic, ensuring top quality services to our customers. The team is driven by strong corporate values that emphasise on integrity, professionalism and trustworthiness. Continuing our ethos of passionate expansion and conscientious innovation, Sheng Tai International aims to set a benchmark as the curator of contemporary living and the leading influence in inventive real estate business models. For more information about Sheng Tai International, please visit http://shengtaiinternational.com. About IWG PlcIWG is the world's largest provider of flexible workspaces and has remained at the forefront of enabling and providing flexible workspaces. It offers a wide variety of flexible office options around the world, including Regus, Spaces, HQ, and Signature. IWG helps millions of people and their businesses to work more productively by providing a choice of professional, inspiring and collaborative workspaces, communities and services. IWG operates in over 1,100 towns and cities in more than 120 countries. For more information about becoming an IWG franchise partner visit: https://franchise.iwgplc.comThis press release is issued on behalf of: Sheng Tai International Sdn BhdFor further enquiries, please contact:I-Mae LiewTel: +6012 383 5688 Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
HONG KONG AND SAN MATEO, Calif., Mar 18, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited ("CITIC Telecom CPC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (SEHK:1883), and Cloudian today announced that CITIC Telecom CPC is introducing SmartCLOUD(TM) Object Storage solution based on Cloudian's HyperStore object storage platform. The offering, which will be part of CITIC Telecom CPC's SmartCLOUD(TM) solutions portfolio, includes backup with ransomware protection, archiving and big data management. As a VMware Cloud Provider Principal Partner with VMware Cloud Verified status, CITIC Telecom CPC's SmartCLOUD(TM) Object Storage solution further extends the array of service offerings running on a VMware-managed environment. CITIC Telecom CPC's customers will also benefit from Cloudian's limitlessly scalability, industry-leading security and cost effectiveness.Enterprises face a growing challenge of efficiently storing and managing large volumes of unstructured data, including video and other multimedia content. At the same time, as data has become an increasingly strategic asset, it is also increasingly vulnerable to ransomware and other cyber attacks. As a result, CITIC Telecom CPC turned to Cloudian - via the VMware Cloud Provider Program - to provide a robust, modern storage foundation that would enable the company to continue delivering value-added services that address its customers' evolving data protection and management needs, including meeting various regulatory and compliance requirements. CITIC Telecom CPC's SmartCLOUD(TM) Object Storage solution includes:Ultra-secure data protection - Offsite data backup with Object Lock for ransomware protection that creates an immutable data copy for fast, easy recovery of data in the event of an attack.Data archive for compliance needs- Addresses customers' regulatory and compliance requirements, including audits, with the ability to make data unchangeable for a set period of time.Seamless accessibility - Customers gain multi-cloud accessibility to datasets running on S3-based applications for greater convenience with lower overhead.Scalable big data management- Provides highly scalable, cost-effective storage for large datasets, with advanced metadata that facilitates artificial intelligence, machine learning and other analytics applications.Great variety of connectivity options- Supports connection with Internet, VPN (such as MPLS), point-to-point leased line and cross-connection within the same datacenter and SmartCLOUD(TM) Cloud Services Centers.Simple billing model - Basically only includes storage and data transfer out; API call for data access is free of charge.In addition to limitless scalability, benefits of Cloudian's award-winning HyperStore object storage include:Fully native S3 compatibility - Ensures seamless integration with the expanding ecosystem of S3-based applications.Advanced security- Including Object Lock-based data immutability, secure shell, RBAC/IAM access controls, AES-256 server-side encryption for data at rest and SSL for data in transit, as well as certification with the most rigorous international security requirements.Multi-tenancy - Supports for secure, self-managed storage within a shared platform.Geo-distribution - Easy to manage storage across multiple locations, all from a single pane of glass."After considering various object storage solutions, we selected Cloudian for its rich feature set-particularly its geo-distribution, multi-tenancy and security-and its seamless integration with VMware," said Taylor Lam, Senior Vice President, Product Development & Management at CITIC Telecom CPC. "With the rising regulatory and compliance stringency on data management, we're excited about the new SmartCLOUD(TM) Object Storage solution for delivering a cost-effective storage service with enhanced data protection and management to our customers.""CITIC Telecom CPC has been at the forefront in enabling enterprises to leverage new technologies to drive greater competitive advantage, strategic agility, and faster time to market," said Brian Burns, Vice President, Asia Pacific, at Cloudian. "We look forward to helping CITIC Telecom CPC continue to deliver on this strong customer commitment and further grow its business."About CITIC Telecom CPCWe are CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited ("CITIC Telecom CPC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (SEHK: 1883), serving multinational enterprises the world over by addressing their specific ICT requirements with highly scalable tailored solutions built upon our flagship technology suites, comprising TrueCONNECT(TM) private network solutions, TrustCSI(TM) information security solutions, DataHOUSE(TM) cloud data center solutions, and SmartCLOUD(TM) cloud computing solutions.As a leading Global Local ICT Solutions Partner with worldwide footprint across East to West and native presence, we truly live our motto, "Innovation Never Stops." Being a preferred Digital Society Enabler, we lead our key markets at the forefront of pioneering ICT development, embracing AI, AR, Big Data, IoT, and other cutting-edge emerging technologies to transform technical potential into real-world value for our customers, helping them achieve higher productivity, agility, cost-efficiency, and ultimately, Digital Globalization.As one of the first managed service providers in Hong Kong to achieve ISO 9001, 14001, 20000, 27001, and 27017 ICT-related certifications, CITIC Telecom CPC delivers on our superior quality commitment through a broad global self-managed infrastructure encompassing some of the highest growth markets in Asia, Europe and Africa, with over 160 points of presence, 18 Cloud service centers, 30+ data centers, and two dedicated 24x7 Security Operations Centers.For more information please visit www.citictel-cpc.com.About CloudianCloudian is the most widely deployed independent provider of object storage systems, with the industry's most advanced S3 compatibility and an extensive partnership ecosystem. Its award-winning flagship solution, HyperStore, provides limitless scalability and cloud-like technology, flexibility, and economics in the data center. Cloudian's global data fabric architecture enables enterprises to store, find and protect object and file data seamlessly across sites, both on-premises and in public clouds, within a single, unified platform. Learn more at cloudian.com.CITIC Telecom CPC Media ContactRowena LeungCITIC Telecom International CPC Limitedrowena.leung@citictel-cpc.com+852-2170-7536Cloudian Media ContactJordan Tewell10Fold Communicationscloudian@10fold.com+1-415-666-6066 Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
HONG KONG, Mar 16, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - As global sourcing becomes increasingly digitalised in the wake of the pandemic, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is debuting the HKTDC International Sourcing Show, a trade exhibition held in both online and physical formats, to help businesses adjust to the new sourcing model. The online section of the show begins tomorrow (17 March) and will enable buyers and suppliers to engage through a dedicated online exhibition platform that also features business matching and video conferencing tools. Once the pandemic situation eases, businesses can join the physical show at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 26 to 29 July to explore further opportunities.In response to the pandemic's impact on trade exhibitions globally, the HKTDC is debuting the HKTDC International Sourcing Show that will be held in both online and physical formats. The online section of the show begins tomorrow (17 March). At an online media briefing held today to introduce the event, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau gave an overview of the show's highlights.As the pandemic continues to keep people apart, the online International Sourcing Show enables buyers and suppliers to conduct meetings and stay connected through an exclusive online exhibition platform that offers business matching and video conferencing functions. Once the pandemic situation has eased, businesses can join the physical show at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 26 to 29 July to explore further opportunities.In addition to exhibiting in the usual formats, some exhibitors have opted to use 3D virtual booths to promote their brands and products in more eye-catching ways.Hybrid sourcing model to become standard under new normalOver the past year, numerous physical exhibitions around the world have been cancelled or rescheduled due to the pandemic. The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) estimates that the industry contracted by 68% globally in 2020 compared to the previous year, affecting deals worth around US$370 billion. Despite this challenging environment, many Hong Kong businesses reacted quickly, beginning to promote their products through online platforms to gain new customers and orders. The HKTDC reacted to the situation with a flexible and innovative approach, strengthening its online services and migrating physical fairs online. It also launched an upgraded hktdc.com Sourcing platform that has won the support of suppliers and buyers alike.Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "Although the global pandemic situation remains volatile, the release of COVID-19 vaccines and the commencement of mass vaccination programmes make us optimistic that trade activities can begin to return to normal. However, we believe that international trade exhibitions will continue to be held online through the first half of 2021. Even when the pandemic eases, we expect a hybrid model of online and offline sourcing to become a dominant trend."He added: "To help Hong Kong businesses adapt to an increasingly digitalised sourcing model, the HKTDC has set up quality online platforms and support services and has leveraged e-commerce capabilities and new technologies to provide a seamless online-to-offline (O2O) experience for suppliers and buyers. The online-and-offline model of the International Sourcing Show will create synergy between the two exhibition formats. We will also mobilise the HKTDC's network of 50 offices worldwide to help exhibitors and buyers make the best possible preparations."Four themed categories highlight quality lifestyle products and solutionsThe International Sourcing Show is the first online-and-offline exhibition organised by the HKTDC. With the theme "Your Source of Inspiration", the show integrates the seven HKTDC trade fairs* that were originally scheduled to run in spring 2021. From tomorrow (17 March) to 29 July, the show will highlight a broad range of quality lifestyle products and solutions under four main categories:- Smart Home: Featuring an extensive selection of houseware, home textiles and furnishings, including household and furniture items.- Smart Play: Showcasing a range of baby products and toys and games, spanning baby care, nursery products and interactive and educational games.- Smart Style: Highlighting an eclectic mix of fashion products, gifts and premiums as well as printing and packaging solutions.- Smart Tech: Displaying a wide variety of tech products, including electronics, lighting and medical and healthcare products employing the latest technologies.Businesses offered new product video production serviceMore than 1,400 companies from 20 countries and regions will exhibit at the show. Among them are 19 group pavilions, including the Department of Commerce of Jiangsu, Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and the Taiwan Toy & Children's Article Manufacturers Association. In addition to exhibiting in the usual formats, some exhibitors have opted to use 3D virtual booths to promote their brands and products in more eye-catching ways. The HKTDC has also launched a product video production service to enable resource-strapped SMEs to design and produce videos to promote their products and help them catch the attention of buyers.Webinars to help enhance marketing skillsThe HKTDC has invited more than 60 industry luminaries to share their insights in 17 webinars. A number of highlighted webinars will be held during the first three days of the online show (17 to 19 March), including "International Sourcing Outlook", "Survive and Thrive: Leveraging End-to-end E-commerce Solutions" and "Utilising Licensing to Expand Your Business". This arrangement will allow buyers and exhibitors more time to focus on business matching on subsequent days of the online show (that is, from 22 to 31 March).Highlighted speakers include Devin Dai, Director of Category Management at Alibaba.com, Shinya Hisanaga, Director of Buying and Logistics at AEON Stores (Hong Kong), Flavien Serra, Founder of DTL Sourcing, Fione Tan, Co-founder of 28Mall.com, and Benson Ng, Hong Kong Business Consulting Leader at EY.To help SMEs gear up for the new O2O hybrid sourcing model, the HKTDC is also launching the "Let's Go Phygital: Power Up for the New Normal" seminar series with the support of AsiaWorld-Expo and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The first round of seminars will be held in March during the International Sourcing Show and will include sessions such as "International Sourcing Outlook" and "Survive and Thrive: Leveraging End-to-end E-commerce Solutions".Furthermore, the show will continue to feature Click2Match, an AI-powered online business matching platform. Buyers and suppliers can use the tool to enjoy functions such as a meeting planner, video meetings, live chat and e-business card exchange, helping them to overcome barriers under the pandemic and build business connections around the world.* The seven fairs are: the HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Houseware Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong International Home Textiles & Furnishing Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week, HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, and the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair. The latter event is co-organised by the HKTDC and CIEC Exhibition Co (HK) Ltd.Websites:International Sourcing Show: https://isshow.hktdc.com/online/en/hktdc.com Sourcing: https://sourcing.hktdc.com/Photo download: https://bit.ly/3lf9iHEAbout the HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs, in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedInMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.orgAgnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
HONG KONG, Mar 15, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 25th Hong Kong International Film and TV Market | Online (FILMART Online) opened today and continues through 18 March, bringing together nearly 7,000 industry participants, including representatives of more than 670 exhibitors, from 81 countries and regions. The event will see the release and promotion of over 2,000 film and television productions to potential buyers from around the world.Hong Kong International Film and TV Market | Online (FILMART Online) opened today (15 March), creating business opportunities for the global film and TV industry. The four-day event brings together more than 670 exhibitors and sees the release or promotion of about 2,000 film and television productions.Industry players from across the globe join online exhibitionFILMART Online has received strong support from production companies from Hong Kong, Mainland China and across the globe. Participating Hong Kong companies include Edko Films Limited, Emperor Motion Pictures, Golden Scene Company Limited, Mandarin Entertainment, Media Asia Film, Mega-Vision Project Workshop, Mei Ah Entertainment Group, One Cool Film Production, PCCW Media Limited, Sil-Metropole Organisation, Sun Entertainment, TVBI, and Universe Films Distribution.Film companies from the mainland actively participating in the online exhibition include China International Television Corporation (CITVC), iQiyi Pictures and Bilibili Inc. Regional exhibitors include Beijing, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Jiangsu, Ningbo, Shandong, Shaanxi, Shanghai, Wenzhou, Haining from the mainland, along with Taiwan, Canada, the European Union, Finland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and the United States. This year a number of regions, including Fiji, Jordan and Portugal, are introducing their hottest film-shooting locations along with policies that are preferential to filmmakers.The Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), a respected Asian film financing platform, will continue its efforts to create business exchange opportunities for film workers by exhibiting 28 HAF film projects in the development stage and 20 work-in-progress film projects.Online conferences discuss latest industry trends and technologiesIn addition to the exhibition, FILMART Online will also host a number of online conferences. Earlier today, business leaders from Facebook, Tencent's WeTV and iflix, and Eros Now discussed the latest film and TV viewing trends in the Asia market and introduced their companies' key growth markets and business strategies. An afternoon session featured a distinguished panel of speakers from Hunan TV, Muhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and Fremantle Indonesia, who discussed how to create popular programme formats through co-production and export innovative TV programmes to the global market.In the first morning session, Saurabh Doshi, Director Entertainment Partnerships, Asia-Pacific at Facebook, said the company had seen a massive increase in video consumption, whether through live or video-on-demand feeds, and that such behaviour will continue even after the pandemic is over. Mr Doshi also shared numbers for Facebook Watch. "We now have more than 1.25 billion people visit Watch every month since its launch in 2018, with close to half a billion people using Watch each month in the Southeast Asia region."As the industry gets ready to recover from the impact of the pandemic, filmmakers and visual effects (VFX) veterans have been breaking new ground in filmmaking during the lockdown. The "Digital Entertainment Summit" on the morning of 17 March, with the theme "Virtual Production: Immersive Pathway to Future-Proofing Filmmaking", will invite VFX experts from Disguise, Reel FX and Lux Machina Consulting to share insights on how innovative technologies can open up new pathways for film production. In addition, representatives from Discovery Inc., Hulu Japan, iQIYI and WarnerMedia will be exploring post-pandemic opportunities in the film and TV industry over the next three days.FILMART OnlineDate: 15-18 March 2021Website: https://event.hktdc.com/fair/hkfilmart-enSchedule of seminars and special events: https://bit.ly/30Nkn9iPhoto download: https://bit.ly/3qOIBKWAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedInMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Angel Tang, Tel: +852 2584 4544, Email: angel.hc.tang@hktdc.orgClayton Lauw, Tel: +852 2584 4472, Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
SINGAPORE - The People's Action Party (PAP) women's wing will be setting up two new groups to look into research and policy to help it better address the issues faced by women in Singapore, Manpower Minister Josephine Teo said on Saturday (March 6). The research group, led by Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Yeo Wan Ling, will look into emerging trends - such as remote working - and their impact on women, said Mrs Teo, who is also chairman of the PAP women's wing. "For example, how can remote working help women juggle their roles as caregivers, and yet not become marginalised when it comes to career progression?" said Mrs Teo during an event in Punggol held ahead of International Women's Day on Monday. This group will also sharpen its sensing of women's views, on topical issues such as Primary 1 registration rules and the new sentencing framework Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam spoke about in Parliament on Friday. Mr Shanmugam had said that the maximum penalties for three sexual offences are set to be raised following a review of penalties for hurt and sexual offences. The PAP women's wing had in July last year expressed its serious concerns about the apparent inadequate sentences meted out in several cases, Mrs Teo said. The second group, focusing on policy, will be led by Ms Hany Soh, an MP for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC. Mrs Teo said: "With 24 women in Parliament, the (PAP women's wing) can give voice to concerns of women through the questions they file, the Bills, motions and debates they speak on." As an extension of the research work, the women's wing can also advocate for improvements and set out recommendations through position papers, she added. The women's wing has, since 2012, put out six position papers on issues such as marriage, parenthood, seniors in Singapore, and strengthening gender diversity in corporate leadership. "Our vision has been to empower every woman in Singapore," said Mrs Teo. She added that understanding how other nations approach women's issues and providing policy inputs to the Government are two areas of growing interest among party activists. "This is a natural progression from our ground activism and also reflects the evolving profile of our women activists," she added during Saturday's event, a fashion show of "re-imagined" work outfits made from recycled material for women in various occupations, from gardener to plumber and harbour pilot. The event, jointly organised by the PAP's women's wing and the National Trades Union Congress' (NTUC) Women and Family Unit, also kick-started a month-long series of events on women's issues, including webinars and a career fair featuring jobs specially curated for women that offer flexibility for caregiving responsibilities. Mrs Teo was joined by NTUC president Mary Liew; Ms Yeo, who is director of the NTUC Women and Family Unit as well as Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and National Development. A fashion show was selected to mark the day because it was visual. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO A fashion show was selected to mark the day because it was visual. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Ms Sim is also organising chairman of the PAP Women's Wing International Women's Day 2021. Ms Yeo said a fashion show was selected to mark the day because it was visual. The show was an opportunity to let people see how job pathways and livelihoods can be re-imagined in a very visual way, she said. "It's actually to touch the hearts and imaginations of all our young females who are wanting to return to work... whether or not it is a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)... or the types of work that we think right only men could do previously but actually right now, there's no gender bias," Ms Yeo added. The Punggol fashion show was part of a slew of other International Women's Day events that took place on Saturday islandwide, all of which featured a strong sustainability element. More on this topic Related Story Quest for equality: What ought to be relooked amid review of issues concerning S'pore women? Related Story Quest for equality: Call to recognise women's caregiving load, provide more support networks For instance, in central Singapore, Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Nadia Samdin was joined by other party activists on a tour of Sprout Hub, one of Singapore's largest urban farms growing strawberries, and rearing chickens and black soldier flies. They also attended a composting workshop. Meanwhile, West Coast GRC MP Rachel Ong led women in upcycling unused clothes into mask straps that were later distributed to members of the public. MP for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC Hany Soh at Woodgrove Recycling Point. PHOTO: NTUC MP for West Coast GRC Rachel Ong taking part in the South West District's mask-strap making Zoom workshop. PHOTO: NTUC
HONG KONG, Mar 5, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Tianyun International Holdings Limited ("Tianyun International", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") (Stock code: 6836.HK), a leading seller and manufacturer of processed fruits products in China is pleased to announce that Rainbow Lead Ventures Limited has become a new substantial shareholder of the Group. Sichuan Development International Holding Company Limited ("Sichuan Development International") adjusted its overall investment strategy and agreed to sell all the ordinary shares of Tianyun International to Rainbow Lead Ventures Limited at a price of HK$1.58 per share, involving 263,914,740 shares and 27.0% of total issued share capital. The total consideration is approximately HK$417.0 million. The transaction price is at a premium of approximately 2.6% to the closing price on 4 March 2021.The Group believes that the new strategic shareholder will create new opportunities for the Group's future development and lead the Group to a new phase of its swift development cycle. Mr. Yang Ziyuan, Chairman and CEO of the Group and the key senior management team will remain in the Group and continue to perform their important roles. The Group would like to express its gratitude to Sichuan Development International for their continuous cooperation in exploring the establishment of a fruit and vegetable processing base in Sichuan Province in the past two years. However, under the impact of the pandemic, the Group and Sichuan Development International decided to look for a more suitable strategic shareholder for the Group via mutual efforts after considering each other's long-term plans and strategies.In the future, the Group will continue to develop its core business with competitive advantages, so as to create more returns for all stakeholders and shareholders by expanding into the energy drink market, developing and launching more new products, accelerating the establishment of a new production base for fruit processing and beverages in the tropical climate zone, as well as actively engaging in mergers and acquisitions and strategic cooperation. We sincerely thank the two former directors of our Group, Mr. Wang Hu and Mr. Liu Zhumeng, for their guidance and contribution to the Group in the past. In the near future, the Group will actively look for experienced personnel in the areas of research and development, and sales of innovative food and beverages, to join and lead the Group to expand into more new market segments in order to create better return to our stakeholders and shareholders.About Tianyun International Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 6836.HK)Tianyun International Holdings Limited (the "Company") and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Group") are principally engaged in (i) the research and development, production and sales of processed fruit packaged in metal containers, plastic cups, glass containers and aluminium foil bags and beverages ii) trading of fresh fruit. Processed fruit products are sold both under its own brands "Bingo Times", "fruit zz" and "Tiantong Times" and on an OEM basis. The beverages are sold under its own brand Shiok Party.The Group has been consistently committed to provide healthy and safe products to its customers. As one of the food enterprises with the most complete quality certifications, we have been continuously dedicated to adhering to stringent international production standards and are accredited with BRC (A), IFS Food (High), FDA(FSMA), HALAL, SC, KOSHER, BSCI and ISO22000, etc. in respect of our production facilities, quality control and management. The Group has also passed the internal food production standard reviews and audits from several the UK and US supermarket chains. At the same time, as a Chinese "Equal production line; Equal standard; Equal quality" food production and export enterprise, the Group has been supplying products of equivalent quality to domestic and international markets. Since 2016, the Group's own brand processed fruit products have continued to obtain a high degree of market recognition and became the first fruit processor in China's fruit processing industry to place the "Zero Added Preservatives" label on its products.The Group was awarded respectively the China's Most Promising Listed Companies by the internationally renowned financial magazine Forbes, and the "2017 Linyi Mayor Quality Award" as an integrated food production and sales enterprise by the government of the Linyi City of the Shandong Province. The Group's newly and proprietary researched, developed and produced pure fruit snack food also received a "Certificate of Invention Patent" from the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China in 2018. The Group and its own brand "Bingo Times" were awarded as China Canned Food Leading Enterprise and China Canned Food Leading Brand by national institutions respectively in 2019.For more information, please visit www.tianyuninternational.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
UK, Mar 2, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - A highly popular international competition for composers and filmmakers has launched a countdown to the global start and opening of the registration.FMC-Film Music Contest concluded several months of preparations and began the countdown to the start of the new edition. It will be expanded in new categories, exclusive content, with a strengthened prestigious international jury, attractive prizes and many surprises.FMC currently presents all the news related to the competition. It revealed new members of the prestigious international jury and so far the largest package of prizes with a total value of more than 58,000 Euros. It is thanks to this year's exclusive partners: PSPaudioware, Native Instruments, D16 Group Audio Software as well as Event Partners: Best Service, Meze Audio, UJAM and others. More about Prizes here: https://www.fmcontest.com/prizes-2/ It also revealed completely new competition categories, which were brought at the request of musicians. For all the current info and news is ideally to subscribe to the official FMC mailing list.FMC 2021 will open its online registration on March 28, 2021. It will be possible to register from this date into all competition categories. Competitors will be able to do so online from the comfort of their homes, recording and production studios directly on the competition page, where they will find all the information about the individual categories together with the registration form.More info about the jury, competition categories, testimonials, FAQ, can be found on the official website at www.fmcontest.com About FMC-Film Music ContestFMC-Film Music Contest is a unique international contest and music awards for composers of original music for Film, TV, Ads, Videogames, for sound designers, bands, musicians, producers, soloists in instrumental, theatre, electronic music, with no age limits and irrespective of nationality or country of origin. FMC rewards films, TV series, or videos with original music in a separate category which is designed for independent film producers, production companies, video creators, composers, or directors. FMC is regularly represented at the most famous film, TV and music international events, festivals and markets such as: Cannes Film Festival, March' du Film, Berlinale, NATPE, Musikmesse, etc. For more information, please visit: https://www.fmcontest.com/ About the Main Organizer, The GONG Art CompanyThe GONG Art Company as the main organizer has been working on cultural activities for nearly 30 years. Its portfolio includes organising many different cultural events. It has been cooperating with different Radios and TV stations in Europe. GONG has produced more than 500 tv episodes and music video clips. It has also produced just as many compositions in its own studio, the most successful of them being released on CD and receiving numerous gold and platinum awards. Follow FMC-Film Music Contest on Social Media:Facebook: facebook.com/FilmMusicContest Instagram: instagram.com/fmcontest YouTube: http://bit.ly/3oOaG48 #fmcfilmmusiccontest Media Contact:Mgr. Vlado Zeleznak Jr.Director, FMC-Film Music Contest, PRESS FMCE: press@fmcontest.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
HONG KONG, Jan 20, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - The 19th HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), drew to a successful close last Friday. The five-day online event (11 to 15 January) attracted over 250 exhibitors from around the globe and drew an attendance of more than 6,200 buyers from 47 countries and regions. In addition to buyers from Hong Kong and Mainland China, strong participation from key Asia markets including Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam was recorded. About 1,200 online business matching meetings were arranged during the show to connect global licensing players with new business opportunities.The 19th HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) drew an attendance of more than 6,200 buyers from 47 countries and regions. About 1,200 virtual business matching meetings were arranged to connect global licensing players with new business opportunities.The 10th Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) featured some 40 speakers from top global brands along with renowned industry elites, attracting more than 20,000 viewers to join.Art-Zoo is developing content and animations to expand his licensing portfolio and the online platform allowed them to effectively explore licensing opportunities amid the pandemic.The 10th Asian Licensing Conference (ALC), which ran concurrently with the HKILS, featured some 40 speakers from top global brands along with renowned industry elites. The conference attracted more than 20,000 viewers to join the event, highlighting how the online format was able to offer networking opportunities spanning the globe. Licensing Academy was among the most popular programme channel in the conference, and participants who were interested in learning the know-how and practical tips in managing IPs and licensing business shared very positive feedback of the programme.HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong said: "Under the impact of the pandemic, the business environment in 2021 remains very challenging. Nevertheless, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference were able to attract a wide range of leading international brands and licensing industry elites to participate and explore licensing opportunities with brands, including personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning and hygiene products, and stay-at-home products and services, to help create new licensing opportunities amid the current volatility."Ms Fong explained that the licensing business can bring high-end value to companies and boost their competitiveness. Global retail sales of licensed merchandise reached US$293 billion in 2019, showing annual growth of 4.4%, and it is expected that the Asian and mainland markets will continue to be growth engines for the licensing industry. She added that the online business matching service offered through HKILS digital platform successfully connected buyers and intellectual property (IP) owners to help forge valuable partnerships.Hong Kong's homegrown IPs strive for growth amid pandemicExhibitors at HKILS Online were pleased to get the chance to reach out to international buyers during the pandemic through the show's virtual platform. Many individual artists and young brands in Hong Kong who exhibited at the Show managed to meet both local and international buyers and solicit promising leads.Stella Cheung, General Manager of Art Cycle Group, said she had met a mega retail group and a famous fast-food chain from Hong Kong during the show and hoped to explore further cooperation with both companies. Ms Cheung realised the good potential of her IP, Robot Nick, to be licensed to dramas and musicals for children to cultivate positive values among the new generation. Wing Y. Li, founder of SHIBAINC, was thrilled to meet licensees and licensing agents from various countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia at the Show this time. She also met a number of Hong Kong buyers, including a famous Hong Kong F&B brand, and she expected potential partnership to be concluded after the show.Among the international participants, Perfect Drink Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian fast-food restaurant, was impressed by Hong Kong's creativity and had positive discussions with numerous Hong Kong companies exhibited under the Design Licensing and Business (DLAB HK) pavilion to develop its souvenirs and gifts for its customers.Digital becomes the growth engine for lP licensingDigital IPs were a popular category sought after during the show despite the ongoing global pandemic. Quillo Entertainment, a first-time DLAB HK exhibitor focusing on gaming production and animation, has recently ventured into licensing to extend its animated adventure game character, Apopia. The company met numerous international licensees at the show and decided to develop more animation content to cater for its expansion of the company's licensing portfolio sought by the market.Art and creative IPs show versatility on licensing cooperationArt licensing remained a hot area for licensing buyers who attended the HKILS this year. Jackson Tan, founder of Art-Zoo, shared that the pandemic had disruptive impact on its fast-growing creative art business. While Art-Zoo Inflatable Parks launched in Singapore, Mainland China, UAE and Taiwan were hit with a significant drop in the number of visitors, Jackson made the best out of the year in developing content and animations to expand his licensing portfolio. It was the second time for Art-Zoo to join HKILS and Jackson remarked that the online platform allowed them to effectively explore licensing opportunities amid the pandemic.Another exhibitor, Japan's CATART, used HKILS Online to arrange fruitful meetings with buyers from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan. The company had already engaged its Taiwan partner to follow up with those buyers interested in merchandising and licensing its art exhibitions and campaigns.Conference examines market trends and industry outlookA total of 40 heavyweight speakers addressed viewers during the Asian Licensing Conference. ALC Online offered four video-on-demand viewing channels including "Expert Sharing: Culture and Arts", "Expert Sharing: Digital Entertainment", "Entrepreneur Dialogue" and "Licensing Academy", with participants able to view the full conference programme at their own convenience.Photo download: https://bit.ly/3oZP4TfAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedInMedia enquiries:HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs DepartmentChristine Kam, Tel: +852 2584 4514, Email: christine.kam@hktdc.orgJanet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
TOKYO & TASHKENT, Jan 12, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., Japan's only international payment brand, and JSCB "Uzbek Industrial and Construction bank" are pleased to announce the start of JCB merchant acquiring operations across the Republic of Uzbekistan.The introduction of a visa-free regime in 2018 with Japan, as well as the cooperation of Uzpromstroybank with JCB International Co., Ltd. (Japan) will expand the tourism potential of Uzbekistan, increase cashless money circulation and improve the quality of customer service.In 2019, JSCB "Uzpromstroybank" launched a project to modernize card processing, the goals of which were the issuance of international cards with an electronic PIN code, multicurrency accounts and a credit limit on the card, and provision of service using international contactless card systems including JCB and the expansion of the acquiring network. As for today, the project has been implemented and testing and customization of new card products are underway.In January 2021, a new processing "WAY4" has been launched in a productive environment, where all JCB cardholders will be able to withdraw cash from ATMs of Uzpromstroybank and pay for purchases in the network of the Bank's partners.Takashi Suetsugu, the General Director of JCB International (Eurasia) LLC commented: "We are pleased to announce that JSCB "Uzpromstroybank", one of the largest and most reliable banks in the region with a high business reputation, has started to accept JCB Cards across the Republic of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is a popular tourist destination with an ancient history, rich cuisine, hospitable people. Uzbekistan attracts not only Russian tourists, but also tourists from Japan and other Asian countries and regions, where there are traditionally many JCB cardholders. The introduction of a visa-free regime in 2018, as well as our cooperation with JSCB "Uzpromstroybank" will definitely contribute to an increase in the flow of tourists, as well as creation of even more comfortable conditions for paying for purchases and withdrawing cash for JCB cardholders when traveling to the Republic."Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSCB Uzpromstroybank Tavakkalov Ulugbek commented that the bank's ATM and terminal network serving Humo will simultaneously serve the cards of JCB international payment system. Now there are 150 of such ATMs and 16,000 of such terminals. About JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 35 million merchants in the world. JCB Cards are now issued in over 20 countries and territories, with more than 140 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/About JSCB "Uzpromstroybank"JSCB "Uzpromstroybank" is the largest bank in the Republic of Uzbekistan, whose history is inextricably linked with the development of the economy, actively contributes to the implementation of structural reforms and liberalization of the economy, consistently implements a set of programs for the development of basic industries and modern infrastructure. Adhering to the strategy of intensive growth, Uzpromstroybank is implementing a set of measures aimed at increasing its authorized capital, issuing shares and actively placing them on the stock market to attract free funds from the population, business entities and potential investors. More information is available at https://sqb.uz/ContactsJCBKumiko Kida, Ayaka NakajimaCorporate CommunicationsTel: +81-3-5778-8353Email: jcb-pr@jcb.co.jpJSCB "Uzbek Industrial and Construction bank"Bekhzod BozorovInformation serviceTel: +998 78 1204500 (1311)Email: press_service@uzpsb.uz Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
MOSCOW • Umar Kremlev, the new president of the International Boxing Association (Aiba), plans to implement reforms over the next six months that could help restore its status with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), he told Reuters. Elected to head amateur boxing's governing body earlier this month, the Russian has been given the task of implementing sweeping reforms in order for it to be recognised by the IOC in time for the Paris Olympics in 2024. The IOC suspended Aiba last year, stripping it of any involvement in Olympic qualifiers and this year's Tokyo Games over a string of governance, finance and ethical issues. "I have planned that it would take around six or seven months to implement the reforms," said Kremlev, who also serves as secretary-general of the Russian Boxing Federation. "It's an ambitious plan. This will not be easy to do." Kremlev, named chairman of the Aiba marketing commission last year, has pledged to attract US$50 million (S$66.4 million) in funding over the next two years to rebuild the troubled organisation. He added that he was already holding talks with international companies - the names of which he would not disclose - to secure potential advertisement and sponsorship deals. "I think we will soon announce our sponsors and make the signing of any deals public," he said. The IOC has said the status of Aiba would be reviewed after the Tokyo Games, which have been postponed by one year to next July because of the coronavirus pandemic. Kremlev is hoping to bring transparency to the body before the 2024 Olympics, with the IOC overseeing the delivery of the boxing competition in Tokyo. "The Aiba we see now has debts and practically no interaction with the federations," he said. $66m Funding Aiba's new president Umar Kremlev has pledged to find to give the boxing organisation a clean slate. "By the 2024 Olympic Games, you will see an independent Aiba able to attract funds... and help national federations hold tournaments. "By 2024, we need to make Aiba the cleanest organisation, make it transparent for it to shine." REUTERS