APE Proposed Listing on the Growth Enterprise Market of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited

October 30, 2017, 12:35 am

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From left to right: Mr. Herman Ng,Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director,Asia Pioneer Entertainment Holdings Limited; Mr. Allen Hui,Chairman, Executive Director & Compliance Officer ,Asia Pioneer Entertainment Holdings Limited; Mr. Ernest Tse,Managing Director & Head of Equity Capital Markets,Southwest Securities (HK) Capital Limited

Offering Total of 250,000,000 Shares;
Price Set between HK$0.24 and HK$0.36 Per Offer Share

HONG KONG, Oct 30, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Asia Pioneer Entertainment Holdings Limited ("APE" or the "Company"), announced today the details of the proposed listing of its shares by way of Share Offer on the Growth Enterprise Market ("GEM") of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ("HKEx").

APE plans to offer a total of 250,000,000 Shares, comprising 25,000,000 Public Offer Shares and 225,000,000 Placing Shares, at an Offer Price between HK$0.24 and HK$0.36 per Offer Share. The Public Offer will open at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 31 October 2017 and close at 12:00 noon on Friday, 3 November 2017. The allotment results will be announced on Tuesday, 14 November 2017. Dealings in the Company's shares on GEM are expected to commence at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 15 November 2017 under the stock code 8400. Shares of the Company will be traded in board lots of 10,000 shares each.

Southwest Securities (HK) Capital Limited is the Sole Sponsor. Southwest Securities (HK) Brokerage Limited and Supreme China Securities Limited act as the Joint Bookrunners and Joint Lead Managers in relation to the Share Offer.

APE is the fourth largest Electronic Gaming Equipment supplier by revenue in Macau in 2016. Out of the two types of equipment categorised under Electronic Gaming Equipment, namely ETGs and EGMs, APE provides a full range of integrated services to its customers with the core business including: (1) the technical sales and distribution of Electronic Gaming Equipment to casino operators; (2) the provision of consulting services to manufacturers of Electronic Gaming Equipment and technical services to manufacturers and casino operators; and (3) the provision of repair services to casino operators. During the Track Record Period, APE is the largest ETG supplier in Macau in 2016 by revenue with a market share of approximately 30.4%.

For FY2015 and FY2016, its revenue was approximately HK$48.17 million and HK$52.58 million, respectively. Its net profit excluding listing expenses was approximately HK$12.76 million and HK$13.89 million, respectively. Net profit margin excluding listing expenses was 26.5% and 26.4%, respectively.

During the Track Record Period, APE has focused on the technical sales and distribution of ETGs in response to the rise in demand for ETGs. The Company has exclusive distribution rights with five Electronic Gaming Equipment manufacturers with the distribution agreements with these manufacturers ranging from one to five years. The strong and stable business relationships with Company's major suppliers allow APE to offer casino operators a wide range of Electronic Gaming Equipment, which will be able to drive growth in Company's consulting and technical services business.

Leveraging on its deep local knowledge of the regulatory requirements for introducing Electronic Gaming Equipment to the Macau gaming market and the preferences of the end-users of Electronic Gaming Equipment in Macau, APE is able to assist Electronic Gaming Equipment manufacturers, which are corporations operating outside of Macau, in successfully introducing different brands of Electronic Gaming Equipment.

APE, being a gaming machine agent independent of any Electronic Gaming Equipment manufacturers, is able to offer its customers with a diversified range of products manufactured by different manufacturers. Unlike Electronic Gaming Equipment manufacturers which may have preference with their own Electronic Gaming Equipment over those manufactured by other manufacturers, APE is able to introduce and recommend to casino operators different products based on their business needs so as to enhance its market competitiveness. APE's business model to operate as a gaming machine agent also allows it to keep capital expenditure at a lower level compared to Electronic Gaming Equipment manufacturers as production of Electronic Gaming Equipment generally requires high committed capital investment.

Moreover, APE has an experienced, dedicated and able management team with in-depth industry knowledge and experience. The Company is led by its executive Directors, Mr. Allen Huie, Chairman, Executive Director & Compliance Officer, who is responsible for the strategic planning and financial supervision of the Company and Mr. Herman Ng, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, who is responsible for overall business development, sales and marketing, each having more than 10 years of expereince in the Macau gaming industry. Over the years, the manageent team has built close relationships with the Company's key principal suppliers and customers, accumulated in-depth knowledge of the industry such that APE could stay abreast of industry development and market trends.

Mr. Allen Huie, Chairman, Executive Director & Compliance Officer of APE says, "We are pleased to witness this significant milestone in the Company's history. Through our listing on GEM of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, we will tap into the international capital markets, which will not only broaden our capital and shareholder base, but also provide us with capital to fund our expansion plan to continue strengthening our leading position in the industry and further enhancing our competitive advantages, thereby driving the Company's long-term development."

Mr. Herman Ng, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director of APE added, "Being one of the first approved gaming machine agents in Macau, we have formed our particular expertise in localisation and customisation of Electronic Gaming Equipment and have established a solid customer base as well as a leading position in the industry over the past decade. Looking forward, with the proceeds from the Share Offer, we are poised to leverage on our leading position in Macau to continue to capitalize on the potential growth of the gaming market in Macau. With our competitive edges and business plans in place, we are well-positioned to benefit from the enormous market opportunities."

For further enquiries, please contact Frement Financial Relations Limited:

Betty Dong
Tel: (852) 2890 8262
Mob: (852) 9666 8657
Email: betty@frement.com

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WARC Prize for Asian Strategy 2017 - Winners announced

October 30, 2017, 3:17 am

≫ Next: Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Realized Stable Results In the Third Quarter

≪ Previous: APE Proposed Listing on the Growth Enterprise Market of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited

The Marriage Market Takeover for P&G's SK-II by Forsman & Bodenfors wins Grand Prix

LONDON, Oct 30, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - WARC, the global authority on advertising and media effectiveness, today announced the winners of the WARC Prize for Asian Strategy 2017, a search for the best strategic ideas that have driven business results in Asia.

Close to 200 submissions from 17 countries across Asia were judged by a panel (www.warc.com/asiaprize.prize) of 25 agency- and client-side professionals. 16 campaigns for global and local brands have been selected as winners, showcasing the region's smartest thinking and highlighting breakthrough ideas. The jury awarded one Grand Prix, five Golds, five Silvers and five Bronzes.

India leads the way with 10 awards, including a Gold, which also ran in Pakistan. China won three awards; and Hong Kong, Japan, and The Philippines earned one each.

Additionally, five special awards were given honouring specific areas of excellence: The Market Pioneer Award, The Research Excellence Award, The Channel Thinking Award, The Local Hero Award and The Asia First Award.

Forsman & Bodenfors Sweden took top honours by winning both The Grand Prix and The Research Special Award for their emotional multichannel campaign 'The Marriage Market Takeover' for Japanese prestige skincare brand SK-II which allied itself to unmarried women to raise awareness and boost sales in China.

Commenting on the Grand Prix winning campaign, jury chair Nicole McMillan, Vice-President, Marketing of The Wrigley Company, Asia-Pacific says: "The boldness of SK-II in taking a position very distinct from a market saturated with defined category norms is what made their strategy stand out amongst some very strong peer entries. Taking a taboo subject can be fraught with danger, however SK-II managed to navigate these complexities to construct a strategy and narrative that has struck accord with consumers and judges alike."

The winners are:

Grand Prix

- The Marriage Market Takeover - SK-II - China - Forsman & Bodenfors + Research Excellence Special Award

Gold

- The next-gen is ready - Vodafone Business Services - India - Ogilvy & Mather + Market Pioneer Special Award
- Making shampoos an office supply in Japan - Clear - Japan - ADK Tokyo + Asia First Special Award
- When embracing dirt became an act of faith - Surf Excel - India, Pakistan - MullenLowe Lintas Group
- The First Hello - Elevit - China - PHD China
- The Job Switch - The Akanksha Foundation - India - Ogilvy & Mather + Local Hero Special Award

Silver

- Use Dipper at Night - Tata Motors - India - Rediffusion Y&R + Channel Thinking Special Award
- Winning the 4G race without 4G - Vodafone India - India - Ogilvy & Mather
- The Levi's Campaign that Levi's didn't create - Levi's - China - OMD China
- ManulifeMOVE Launch - ManulifeMOVE - Hong Kong - mcgarrybowen, Dentsu
- Launching Jeans in India - Durex - India - Havas Worldwide

Bronze

- Roads that honk - HP Lubricants - India - Leo Burnett India
- From Anonymous Call To Eponymous Glory - Premier Futsal - India - DDB Mudra Group
- Saroj, The Leader - Colour Academy - India - Ogilvy & Mather, Asian Paints
- IsThereAProblemOfficer.ph - Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) - Philippines - McCann Worldgroup Philippines
- Deliver the love - Amazon - India - Ogilvy & Mather

Visit www.warc.com/asiaprize.prize to view all the winners and their case studies.

The winners of the seventh annual WARC Prize for Asian Strategy were revealed at an awards and insights event in Singapore this evening. The winners of the Grand Prix and Special Awards also share a prize fund of $10,000.

About WARC

- your global authority on advertising and media effectiveness

warc.com is an online service offering advertising best practice, evidence and insights from the world's leading brands. WARC helps clients grow their businesses by using proven approaches to maximise advertising effectiveness. WARC's clients include the world's largest advertising and media agencies, research companies, universities and advertisers.

WARC hosts four global and two regional case study competitions: WARC Awards, WARC Innovation Awards, WARC Media Awards, The Admap prize, WARC Prize for Asian Strategy and WARC Prize for MENA Strategy.

WARC also publishes leading journals including Admap, Market Leader, the Journal of Advertising Research and the International Journal of Market Research. In addition to its own content, WARC features advertising case studies and best practices from more than 50 respected industry sources, including: ARF, Effies, Cannes Lions, ESOMAR and IPA.

Founded in 1985, WARC is privately owned and has offices in the UK, U.S. and Singapore.

Contact:
Amanda Benfell
PR Manager, WARC
Email: amanda.benfell@warc.com
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7467 8125

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Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Realized Stable Results In the Third Quarter

October 30, 2017, 3:54 am

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≪ Previous: WARC Prize for Asian Strategy 2017 - Winners announced

Industrial Income Sustained High and Stable Growth; Research and Development Capabilities Reaffirmed

HONG KONG, Oct 30, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd. ("Shanghai Pharmaceuticals" or the "Company" and, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"; stock code: 601607.SH; 2607.HK), the integrated pharmaceutical company in the PRC that has leading positions in both pharmaceutical products and service markets, today announced its results for the third quarter of 2017. During the period under review, the Company's operating income was RMB99.031 billion, up by 9.41% on a YOY basis. The net profit attributable to the shareholders of the listed company was RMB2.689 billion, representing an increase of 9.42% on a YOY basis. The slowdown was mainly due to the impact of a decrease in profit contribution by associates and joint ventures. Disregarding its impact, net profit attributable to the shareholders of the listed company increased by 14.26% on a YOY basis. In the period under review, the Company maintained good operation quality. The net cash inflow from operating activities amounted to RMB1.846 billion, representing a YOY increase of 40.93%.

In respect of pharmaceutical manufacturing business, Shanghai Pharmaceuticals achieved operating revenue of RMB11.153 billion in the third quarter of 2017, representing an increase of 18.70% on a YOY basis, and with the profit contributed by the industry and services sectors up by 15.51%. During the period under review, the Company's manufacturing business maintained high growth. A number of products realized faster growth than the industry average, which is mainly due to good performance in the Company's key product sales. The sales revenue of 60 key species was RMB5.864 billion, representing an increase of 12.16% on a YOY basis. Sales revenue from key species accounted for 56.32% of the industrial sales income. The average gross profit margin of key products was 70.60%, up by 1.62 percentage points as compared with the previous year. The Company achieved a number of milestones for R&D projects in the period under review. The application of class-1 innovative drugs - "SPH3348 active pharmaceutical ingredients and its tablet" for clinical trials was approved; class-1 new biological products for treatment purpose - "recombinant anti HER2 humanized monoclonal antibody composition" used for injection purpose obtained clinical approval. The Company received various R&D awards including the "Top 10 R&D Innovative Pharmaceutical Listed Companies in China in 2017" elected by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Enterprises Association, and once against being selected as the Best Industrial Enterprise with Drug R&D Product Pipeline in China in 2017 by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China ("MIIT").

For pharmaceutical services, Shanghai Pharmaceuticals recorded revenue of RMB87.878 billion in the first three quarters, representing 8.33% YOY growth. Profit contributed by the industry and services sectors grew 11.38%. The growth of revenue from this sector slowed down as the implementation of the two-invoice system had an impact on the sales to other distributors, but it had limited influence on profit. In the long term, the two-invoice system will help hasten integration of the industry and enhance the circulation efficiency, so as to boost the sustaining growth of large distribution enterprises.

Recently, world renowned investment bank, Goldman Sachs, identified 50 global stocks for "long-term growth" based on sales, profit growth, market value, evaluation level, and other criteria. Shanghai Pharma was named in the list. Shanghai Pharmaceuticals regard it as a confirmation from overseas capital market in its future development. As an integrated pharmaceutical company in the PRC that has leading positions in both pharmaceutical products and service markets, it will continue to adhere to intensive development, innovative development, international development and integration of financial development. It will further optimize the R&D model and mechanism, adhere to the strategy of focusing on key products, strengthen its academic marketing-oriented strategy, build a professional marketing team and channel management team, and enhance product sales and market share. The Company will also grasp the opportunities of industry consolidation, speed up the implementation of key merger and acquisition projects, continue to improve the national network layout, as well as continue to focus on the opportunities of merger and acquisitions of overseas high-quality assets.

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Eisai to Present Latest Data at 10th Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Diesase

October 31, 2017, 3:27 am

≫ Next: Bortex Global Limited Announces Details of Proposed Listing on the GEM of SEHK

≪ Previous: Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Realized Stable Results In the Third Quarter

TOKYO, Oct 31, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. announced today that the latest data on its oral dual orexin receptor antagonist lemborexant and its oral beta secretase cleaving enzyme (BACE) inhibitor elenbecestat(1) will be presented at the 10th Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD), taking place in Boston, the United States, from November 1 to 4.

At the CTAD meeting, there will be a poster presentation on the characteristics of sleep and wakefulness measured by actigraphy(2) in patients with Irregular Sleep-Wake Rhythm Disorder (ISWRD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. This is the first clinical study of lemborexant to assess the circadian rhythm of sleep-wake patterns in this patient population. ISWRD is a type of circadian rhythm sleep disorder where the pattern of sleep and wakefulness that repeats itself over a 24-hour period in healthy individuals is broken down, and sleeping and waking occur instead at various times during the day and night. It is a common comorbid condition in AD, appears early in the course of disease, and is associated with many of the behavioral disturbances in AD patients such as agitation, restlessness and wandering. For elenbecestat, there are two poster presentations scheduled, including a presentation on the use of the International Shopping List Test as the objective assessment of cognitive impairment to identify subjects with early Alzheimer's disease in the phase 3 clinical trials.

Lemborexant, a dual orexin receptor antagonist, is an in-house discovered novel small molecule which inhibits orexin by binding competitively to two subtypes of orexin receptors (orexin receptor 1 and 2). Lemborexant is being jointly developed by Eisai and Purdue Pharma L.P. Elenbecestat, its in-house discovered BACE inhibitor, is being jointly developed by Eisai and Biogen Inc. Two global Phase 3 clinical studies (known as MISSIONAD1 and MISSIONAD2) are ongoing in patients with early AD. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation for the development of elenbecestat, a process allowing priority reviews by the FDA for drugs deemed as having potential to treat serious conditions and tackle key unmet medical needs.

Furthermore, there will be several oral presentations for anti-A beta antibody aducanumab. Eisai has exercised its option to jointly develop and commercialize aducanumab with Biogen.

Eisai considers dementia a therapeutic area of focus and is committed to new drug development in this field. Eisai strives to bring promising therapies to patients worldwide as early as possible.

(1) The generic name is not yet fixed at this time.
(2) Actigraphy is a non-invasive method for measuring and assessing the circadian rhythm of sleep-wake patterns continuously over several weeks through a device worn on the wrist.

About Eisai

Eisai Co., Ltd. (TSE:4523; ADR:ESALY) is a research-based human health care (hhc) company that discovers, develops and markets products throughout the world. Eisai focuses its efforts in three therapeutic areas: integrative neuroscience, including neurology and psychiatric medicines; integrative oncology, which encompasses oncotherapy and supportive-care treatments; and vascular/immunological reaction. Through a global network of research facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, Eisai actively participates in all aspects of the worldwide healthcare system. For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visit www.eisai.com.

Contact:
Public Relations Department,
Eisai Co., Ltd.
+81-3-3817-5120

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Bortex Global Limited Announces Details of Proposed Listing on the GEM of SEHK

October 31, 2017, 4:05 am

≫ Next: Mitsubishi Motors Announces Production, Sales and Export Figures for Sep 2017 and First Half of Fiscal 2017

≪ Previous: Eisai to Present Latest Data at 10th Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Diesase

Share Offer of 200,000,000 Shares;
Offer Price Ranges from HK$0.3 to HK$0.5 per Offer Share

HONG KONG, Oct 31, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Bortex Global Limited ("Bortex") (the "Group"), a developing manufacturer and exporter of LED lighting products, has announced the details of its proposed listing of its shares (the "Listing") on the Growth Enterprise Market ("GEM") of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ("SEHK").

Details of the Offer

The Group intends to issue a total of 200,000,000 Shares (subject to the Adjustment Options), of which 180,000,000 Shares (subject to reallocation and the Adjustment Options) are for Placing; and 20,000,000 Shares (subject to reallocation) are for Public Offer (collectively the "Share Offer"). The indicative Offer Price ranges from HK$0.3 to HK$0.5 per Share. After deducting related underwriting fees and listing expenses and assuming the Adjustment Options are not exercised at all and the Offer Price is fixed at HK$0.4 (being the mid-point of the indicative Offer Price range), the net proceeds of the Share Offer are estimated to be approximately HK$48.9 million.

The Public Offer commenced from 9:00 am today (31 October 2017) and will end at 12:00 noon on 3 November 2017 (Friday). The final Offer Price and allotment results are expected to be announced on 15 November 2017 (Wednesday). Dealing of Shares is expected to commence on the GEM of SEHK on 16 November 2017 (Thursday) under the stock code 8118. The Shares are to be traded in board lots of 8,000 Shares. Ample Capital Limited is the Sponsor of the Listing.

Investment Highlights and Future Strategies

The Group's major customers have an extensive coverage in worldwide market ranging from countries in Asia Pacific to North America. While it derived over 60% of its total revenue during the Track Record Period from its export sales to overseas countries, the Group significantly increased its sales in Asia mainly including the PRC and Taiwan for the two years ended 30 April 2017. Its well-established worldwide sales network is one of its competitive strengths which enabled the Group to have a broad customer base.

The Group's product development team possesses the requisite expertise and experience to facilitate its business development, expand its product portfolio at the request of its customers and respond quickly to any change in customers' preferences. It also places considerable emphasis on the consistent quality of its products and have therefore implemented a stringent quality control system to ensure its products meet the quality standards. Its strong emphasis on product quality and great efforts in ensuring the quality of products is the key to maintain customer confidence and crucial to its success.

In order to cope with the expected increasing demand for LED decorative lighting products and the increasing total revenue of the Christmas lighting manufacturing industry, the Group plans to increase the level of automation and efficiency for the production of its LED decorative lighting products by continuing to upgrade its existing production facilities through purchasing more equipment and machinery. The Group also wishes to purchase additional facilities for better quality control and enhancing the stability and reliability of its LED luminaire lighting series.

The Group plans to further sustain this advantage and strengthen its product development capability by hiring additional personnel for production with appropriate qualifications and providing training to its design and technical personnel in order to better serve customers' needs and to enable them to keep abreast of the latest production and management practices in the manufacturing industry. Further, the Group will also apply for patents for its product designs to protect its intellectual property rights.

To explore new business opportunities, the Group intends to expand the existing sales and marketing department and strengthen its recognition in the LED lighting industry through various media.

Use of Proceeds

Assuming the Offer Price of HK$0.4 (being the mid-point of the indicative Offer Price range) and the Adjustment Options are not exercised at all, the Group estimates that the aggregate net proceeds from the Share Offer will be approximately HK$48.9million after deducting related underwriting fees and listing expenses. The Group intends to apply such net proceeds in the following manner:

Items / Percentage
Upgrade Production Facilities: 55%
Repay Short-term Loans: 25%
Improve Working Capital: 10%
Expand Product Portfolio and Strengthen Product Development Capability: 5%
Expand Sales Force and Sales Channel: 5%
Total: 100%

About Bortex Global Limited
Bortex Global Limited (the "Group") is a developing manufacturer and exporter of LED lighting products with a production plant located in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, the PRC. The Group principally engages in the manufacturing and sale of quality LED lighting products to its customers in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. With over 10 years of operations in the LED lighting product industry, the Group offers a range of LED lighting product series with different designs and features and is able to handle one-stop production process by offering prototyping, sampling, manufacturing, assembling, and packaging of LED lighting products in accordance with the specification of its customers on a mix of ODM and OEM bases.

Media Enquiries:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Vicky Lee Tel:(852) 2864 4834 Email: vicky.lee@sprg.com.hk
Isabel Kwok Tel:(852) 2864 4824 Email: isabel.kwok@sprg.com.hk
Elaine Wang Tel:(852) 2114 2821 Email: elaine.wang@sprg.com.hk
Website: http://www.sprg.com.hk

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Mitsubishi Motors Announces Production, Sales and Export Figures for Sep 2017 and First Half of Fiscal 2017

October 31, 2017, 4:24 am

≫ Next: JCB Makes an Alliance for Mobile Payment with TWMP, a Major Payment Service Operator in Taiwan

≪ Previous: Bortex Global Limited Announces Details of Proposed Listing on the GEM of SEHK

TOKYO, Oct 31, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) -

Summary: September 2017

Domestic Production
- Fourth consecutive monthly year-on-year increase since May, 2017 (112.5% year-on-year)
Overseas Production
- Fourth consecutive monthly year-on-year increase since May, 2017 (151.0% year-on-year)
Total Production
- Fourth consecutive monthly year-on-year increase since May, 2017 (130.3% year-on-year)
Domestic Sales
- Fifth consecutive monthly year-on-year increase since April, 2017 (149.1% year-on-year)
Exports
- Seventeenth consecutive monthly year-on-year decrease since April, 2016 (95.0% year-on-year)

(Supplemental Information)

Overseas Production
- Asia (59,746 units: 148.8% year-on-year )
Exports
- Asia (756 units: 44.5% year-on-year)
- North America (13,617 units: 226.7% year-on-year)
- Europe (9,537 units: 63.3% year-on-year)

Summary: First Half of Fiscal 2017 (April 2017 - September 2017)

Domestic Production
- First half of fiscal year 2017 : First year-on-year increase in three years since first half of fiscal year 2014 ( 116.8% year-on-year )
Overseas Production
- First half of fiscal year 2017: First year-on-year increase in four years since first half of fiscal year 2013 (123.7% year-on-year)
Total Production
- First half of fiscal year 2017: First year-on-year increase in three years since first half of fiscal year 2014 (120.4% year-on-year)
Domestic Sales
- First half of fiscal year 2017: First year-on-year increase in four years since first half of fiscal year 2013 (148.5% year-on-year)
Exports
- First half of fiscal year 2017: First consecutive year-on-year decrease since first half of fiscal year 2016 (86.3% year-on-year)

(Supplemental Information)

Overseas Production
- Asia (296,362 units: 122.9% year-on-year)
Exports
- Asia (5,794 units: 53.8% year-on-year)
- North America (48,773 units: 105.8% year-on-year)
- Europe (49,635 units: 79.7% year-on-year)

About Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is the sixth largest automaker in Japan and the sixteenth largest in the world. It is part of the Mitsubishi keiretsu, formerly the biggest industrial group in Japan, and was formed in 1970 from the automotive division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. From October 2016, Mitsubishi is one-third owned by Nissan, and a part of the Renault - Nissan - Mitsubishi Alliance. For more information, please visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/index.html.

Contact:
Mitsubishi Motors
Public Relations Department
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com 
+81-3-6852-4275

↧

JCB Makes an Alliance for Mobile Payment with TWMP, a Major Payment Service Operator in Taiwan

October 31, 2017, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Eisai's New Drug Application of Anticancer Agent Lenvatinib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Accepted in China

≪ Previous: Mitsubishi Motors Announces Production, Sales and Export Figures for Sep 2017 and First Half of Fiscal 2017

TOKYO, Oct 31, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd, the only international payment brand based in Japan has concluded an agreement with Taiwan Mobile Payment Co. (TWMP), a major mobile payment service provider, to accept JCB Card in Taiwan Pay twallet+, an HCE mobile payment platform *1.

Both parties see business opportunities in Taiwan's mobile payment industry. TWMP has been strengthening its service in alliance with international card brands, and JCB aims to enhance the convenience of mobile payment. The JCB-TWMP partnership enables registration of JCB Card in Taiwan Pay twallet+ provided by TWMP, allowing mobile payment at J/Speedy*2 terminals. They are planning to provide services for general consumers in the first quarter of 2018.

Daisuke Sakurai, Executive Vice President, Business Development & Coordination Headquarters I, said: "This is the first time in the world that JCB's J/Speedy, a contactless payment solution, has been rolled out as an HCE mobile payment service. The reason why we chose Taiwan as the first market is because it is a very important market, and the contactless infrastructure is so well placed that mobile payment business can be expected to expand greatly. Nowadays, a myriad of diversified mobile payment services are out in the market, and JCB will also be phased in. We selected Taiwan Pay twallet+, a high quality service, which has already been adopted by many issuers, as our first partner. We would like to work to provide this payment solution to many consumers in Taiwan in collaboration with TWMP and issuing banks."

TWMP Chairperson Yang-Ching Chao said: "We are delighted that JCB, the major payment brand, selected Taiwan Pay mobile payment as the first JCB HCE mobile payment service in the world. The Taiwan credit card issuing banks will be able to serve their JCB cardholders with Taiwan Pay. Taiwan Pay is now the only platform to provide mobile payment service with 3 major payment brands, JCB, Visa and Mastercard in Taiwan. We will do our best to provide convenience and secure mobile payment service to our customers."

*1 HCE mobile payment: Mobile payment using HCE (Host Card Emulation) by storing card information in the cloud and using NFC, the near field communication international standard. HCE mobiles can be used at J/Speedy merchants.
*2 J/Speedy: JCB brand contactless payment solution that is compliant with NFC and EMV(R) Contactless Communication Protocol Specifications. (EMV(R) is a registered trademark in the U.S. and other countries and an unregistered trademark elsewhere. The EMV trademark is owned by EMVCo.)

About JCB

JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading payment card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. 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 card member base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to provide responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. Currently, JCB cards are accepted globally and issued in 23 countries and territories. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/

Note: Statistics about JCB are as of March 2017.

About TWMP

Taiwan Mobile Payment Co. (TWMP) was established in 2014 by three switching/settlement institutions and 32 banks in Taiwan. TWMP launched its PSP TSM platform with "t wallet" app in 2014 and HCE & Tokenization with Taiwan Pay twallet+ app in 2016. As major Taiwan mobile payment infrastructure for financial institutions of Taiwan, TWMP platforms provide smart, efficient and secure tools to support Contactless Credit card and Contactless/QR Code Debit card. At present, 16 credit card issuing banks and 7 debit card issuing banks participate in Taiwan Pay platform. For more information, please visit: www.twmp.com.tw

Contact
JCB Co., Ltd.
Kumiko Kida
Corporate Communications
Tel: +81-3-5778-8353
Email: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jp

Taiwan Mobile Payment Co., LTD
En-Ching Chien
Senior Vice President
Tel: +886-2630-8181 Ext.200
Email: enching_chien@twmp.com.tw

↧

Eisai's New Drug Application of Anticancer Agent Lenvatinib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Accepted in China

October 31, 2017, 5:05 am

≫ Next: Tianyun International (6836.HK) Participated at Anuga International Food Fair at Cologne, Germany

≪ Previous: JCB Makes an Alliance for Mobile Payment with TWMP, a Major Payment Service Operator in Taiwan

TOKYO, Oct 31, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. announced that the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) has accepted for review a New Drug Application (NDA) submitted for Eisai's in-house discovered and developed anticancer agent lenvatinib mesylate (product names: Lenvima / Kisplyx, "lenvatinib") for use in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in China.

The NDA was based on the results of the REFLECT study (Study 304), a multicenter, open-label, randomized, global Phase III trial comparing the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib versus sorafenib, a standard treatment for HCC, as a first-line treatment for the patients with unresectable HCC.(1)

In the REFLECT study, lenvatinib demonstrated a treatment effect on the primary endpoint of Overall Survival (OS) by the statistical confirmation of non-inferiority to sorafenib. Additionally, lenvatinib showed highly statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements compared to sorafenib in the secondary endpoints of Progression Free Survival (PFS), Time To Progression (TTP), and Objective Response Rate (ORR). In this study, the five most common adverse events observed in the lenvatinib arm were hypertension, diarrhea, decreased appetite, weight loss and fatigue, which is consistent with the known side-effect profile of lenvatinib.

Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths and is estimated to be responsible for approximately 750,000 deaths per year globally. Additionally, approximately 780,000 cases are newly diagnosed each year, about 80% of which occur in Asian regions. Specifically, in China, there are approximately 395,000 new cases and 380,000 deaths per year, accounting for approximately 50% of cases worldwide.2 HCC accounts for 85% to 90% of primary liver cancer cases. Treatment options for unresectable HCC are limited. Therefore, HCC is extremely difficult to treat, and the development of new treatments is necessary.

Eisai submitted applications for an additional indication for lenvatinib for the treatment of HCC in Japan (June 2017), the United States and Europe (July 2017).

Eisai positions oncology as a key therapeutic area, and is aiming to discover revolutionary new medicines with the potential to cure cancer. Eisai is committed to exploring the potential clinical benefits of lenvatinib as it seeks to contribute further to addressing the diverse needs of, and increasing the benefits provided to patients with cancer, their families, and healthcare providers.

About lenvatinib mesylate (generic name, "lenvatinib", product name: Lenvima / Kisplyx)

Discovered and developed in-house, lenvatinib is an orally administered multiple receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor with a novel binding mode that selectively inhibits the kinase activities of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors (FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4) in addition to other proangiogenic and oncogenic pathway-related RTKs (including the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor PDGFRalpha; KIT; and RET) involved in tumor proliferation. Currently, Eisai has obtained approval for lenvatinib as a treatment for refractory thyroid cancer in over 50 countries, including the United States, Japan, and in Europe, under the brand name Lenvima. Additionally, Eisai has obtained approval for the agent in combination with everolimus as a treatment for renal cell carcinoma (second-line) in over 40 countries, including the United States and in Europe. In Europe, the agent was launched under the brand name Kisplyx for renal cell carcinoma. A Phase III study of lenvatinib in separate combinations with everolimus and pembrolizumab in renal cell carcinoma (first-line) is underway. A Phase Ib/II study to investigate the agent in combination with pembrolizumab in select solid tumors (endometrial cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, urothelial cancer, head and neck cancer, and melanoma) and a Phase Ib study in HCC are also underway. Additionally, a Phase Ib study to investigate the agent in combination with nivolumab in HCC are initiated in Japan.

About the RELECT study (Study 304)(1)

The REFLECT is a multicenter, open-label, randomized, global Phase III study comparing the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib versus sorafenib. In the study, 954 patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive lenvatinib 12 mg (>/=60 kg) or 8 mg (
(1) Cheng A et al. "Phase 3 trial of lenvatinib vs sorafenib in first-line treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma", the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), (June 2017), Abstract No: 4001
(2) GLOBOCAN2012: Estimated Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence Worldwide in 2012. http://globocan.iarc.fr/

About Eisai

Eisai Co., Ltd. (TSE:4523; ADR:ESALY) is a research-based human health care (hhc) company that discovers, develops and markets products throughout the world. Eisai focuses its efforts in three therapeutic areas: integrative neuroscience, including neurology and psychiatric medicines; integrative oncology, which encompasses oncotherapy and supportive-care treatments; and vascular/immunological reaction. Through a global network of research facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, Eisai actively participates in all aspects of the worldwide healthcare system. For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visit www.eisai.com.

Contact:
Public Relations Department,
Eisai Co., Ltd.
+81-3-3817-5120

↧

Tianyun International (6836.HK) Participated at Anuga International Food Fair at Cologne, Germany

October 30, 2017, 9:13 pm

≫ Next: UK advertising delivers strongest H1 on record

≪ Previous: Eisai's New Drug Application of Anticancer Agent Lenvatinib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Accepted in China

Active interaction with potential customers at the Food Fair

Meeting with buyers for more business opportunities;
Signed Strategic Cooperation Agreement for Expansion into German Retail Market

HONG KONG, Oct 31, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - 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 the Group's subsidiary Shandong Tiantong Food Co.,Ltd.'s ("Shandong Tiantong") processed fruit products under its own-brands "Tiantong Times", "Bingo Time" and "Fruit zZ" were showcased at Anuga International Food Fair in Cologne, Germany. Shandong Tiantong has also signed a strategic cooperation agreement with a well reputed German corporation for capitalizing its advantages in terms of retail sales channels and customer services, for expansion into German retail market and for achieving win-win for both parties.

Anuga International Food Fair was founded in 1922 and is a bi-annual event. Anuga is the world's largest and most important food and beverage Expo, and is also the key platform for world's new product market exploration and overseas market expansion. This year, the event attracted more than 7,400 exhibitors from 107 countries and visitors from various sectors including retail, industrial, public catering, import, service industries, technology and other industries participated at the food fair, with a total of 16 million people, of which more than 65% were from outside Germany. Anuga International Food Fair once again proved that it is the trading hub for international food and beverage. The Group exhibited fruit purees, fruit jellies, fruit ice and other new products at the food fair, and had active interactions with over 80 potential customers including buyers, merchandizers, supermarket representatives from Germany, France, Turkey, Belgium and other European countries as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa and other countries. The event helped customers gain understanding about the Group's new products and new concepts, which act as the good referencing base for upcoming products creation and upgrade. Potential customers also expressed keen order-placing and cooperation intention which proves that the Group's brand and product quality has received high recognition from the world's food industry.

Mr. Yang Ziyuan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tianyun International, said, "As a renowned food processor and seller in China, the Group has been actively involving in overseas food trade fairs and is committed to bringing natural, delicious, safety and healthy processed fruits products to merchandizers and representatives around the world. We are honoured to have signed a strategic cooperation agreement with a well reputed German corporation. We expect this new cooperation will, not only boost the Group's revenue from own brand and OEM businesses, but also enhances the international influential power of the Group's products. Apart from Anuga International Food Fair, the Group also participated in the 2017 China Food and Drinks Fair and PLMA's 2017 "World of Private Label" International Trade Show, which helped promoting the Group's brand and products in the domestic and overseas markets. Looking ahead, we will continue to supply consumers with natural, healthy and safety processed fruit products based on our highest mission of safe and healthy food production. The Group will adopt parallel development of its own brand business and OEM business, to further enhance the brand awareness and influence by grasping the business opportunities from the fast-growing own brand business, and to continue developing new products for the Group's sustainable business growth and to consolidate the Group's market leadership position."

↧

UK advertising delivers strongest H1 on record

October 30, 2017, 9:30 pm

≫ Next: HKTDC Event Ponders Future of Outdoor Lighting

≪ Previous: Tianyun International (6836.HK) Participated at Anuga International Food Fair at Cologne, Germany

LONDON, Oct 31, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - UK advertising expenditure grew 3.7% to GBP 10.8bn during the first six months of 2017, the largest H1 total of any year since monitoring began in 1982. The record investment highlighted in Advertising Association/WARC Expenditure Report data, published today, has led to an upgraded forecast for 2017 of 3.1% growth, which indicates annual spend in excess of GBP 22bn.

Overall market growth is being driven by increased spend on digital advertising. Digital - defined as internet and digital out of home (DOOH) - accounted for 54% of all advertising spend in the first half of the year, some GBP 5.8bn of a total GBP 10.8bn committed by advertisers.

The first half growth was boosted by a 4.0% year-on-year rise during Q2. This was the 16th consecutive quarter of market growth, and the strongest rate since Q4 2015.

Mobile growth of 36.1% was the main contributor to a 13.0% rise in internet spend during the quarter. Other digital formats are also performing strongly, including national newsbrands (+7.9%), regional newsbrands (+10.4%), TV broadcaster video-on-demand (+10.6%), digital out of home (+30.4%) and digital advertising formats for radio (+38.9%).

Other media - cinema (+14.4%) and direct mail (+0.8%) - also recorded growth during the second quarter of 2017.

Stephen Woodford, Chief Executive at the Advertising Association said:

"Spend on advertising is showing strong resilience, at a time of real uncertainty for UK business. We know advertising has a positive effect on the economy, with every pound spent generating six pounds of GDP, so it is good to see steady, sustained growth. The upgrade of our 2017 forecast by a further one percent, the equivalent of an additional investment of GBP 190M, should be seen as a cautious indicator for continued growth in the UK economy."

James McDonald, Senior Data Analyst at WARC commented:

"The latest data highlight the importance of mobile to advertisers in the UK - spend on mobile ads accounted for the entirety of internet growth during the second quarter of 2017 and 97% over the first six months of the year. As mobile usage and credit-fueled consumer spending continue to rise, investment in mobile advertising will track ahead of other platforms this year."

The Advertising Association/WARC Expenditure Report is the definitive measure of advertising activity in the UK. It is the only source that uses advertising expenditure gathered from across the entire media landscape, rather than relying on estimated or modelled data.

About WARC

- your global authority on advertising and media effectiveness

warc.com is an online service offering advertising best practice, evidence and insights from the world's leading brands. WARC helps clients grow their businesses by using proven approaches to maximise advertising effectiveness. WARC's clients include the world's largest advertising and media agencies, research companies, universities and advertisers.

WARC hosts four global and two regional case study competitions: WARC Awards, WARC Innovation Awards, WARC Media Awards, The Admap prize, WARC Prize for Asian Strategy and WARC Prize for MENA Strategy.

WARC also publishes leading journals including Admap, Market Leader, the Journal of Advertising Research and the International Journal of Market Research. In addition to its own content, WARC features advertising case studies and best practices from more than 50 respected industry sources, including: ARF, Effies, Cannes Lions, ESOMAR and IPA.

Founded in 1985, WARC is privately owned and has offices in the UK, U.S. and Singapore.

Contact:
Amanda Benfell
PR Manager, WARC
Email: amanda.benfell@warc.com
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7467 8125

↧

HKTDC Event Ponders Future of Outdoor Lighting

October 30, 2017, 11:30 pm

≫ Next: IR Magazine Awards - Greater China 2017

≪ Previous: UK advertising delivers strongest H1 on record

Markus Helle, the Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of Germany's Highlight Magazine, gave a comprehensive overview of German lighting technologies.

Leading Industry Players Exchange Latest Technologies and Innovative Ideas in Outdoor Lighting

HONG KONG, Oct 31, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - A highlight event, the "Future Way of Outdoor Lighting" seminar of the second Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), was held on 26th October 2017. The seminar attracted around 200 key industry players to participate and exchange innovative ideas on cutting-edge outdoor lighting technologies.

Held at the AsiaWorld-Expo, three international outdoor lighting experts were invited to share their knowledge and insights at the seminar - Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of Highlight Magazine Markus Helle, Co-founder of Illumination Physics Simon McCartney, and Senior Manager (Product Management) of Zumtobel Group Asia Pacific Tung Wong. The content of the seminar was as wide-ranging as the industry itself from market demand and trends in outdoor lighting, opportunities and challenges in facade lighting design to stadium lighting.

Smart lighting to enhance the quality of life

As the Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of Germany's leading lighting magazine Highlight, Markus Helle is familiar with the latest innovations and developments in outdoor lighting. During the presentation, he gave participants a comprehensive overview of German lighting technologies, focusing on outdoor lighting and the key future trends for public and private lighting.

"There are 9.5 million street lights in Germany, and more and more of them have been switched to LEDs, whose higher energy efficiency, greater durability and lower exchange rates save both capital and recurrent costs. Moreover, with environmental champions encouraging stakeholders to replace current public lights by LEDs, the LED market is growing rapidly," Helle said.

Nevertheless, Helle pointed out that it takes a long time to go through the decision-making process for procurement of public street lighting, since the mechanism is sophisticated and the composition of decision makers, including town administrations, municipalities and government officials, is complex and lengthy. Introducing the smart city concept, he explained that Germany is not only centralising the control of street lights by connected computer systems, but it has also installed sensors on some public lights to gather data on the environment and people. For instance, if there is a midnight event in a part of the city, the lights can be programmed to function in designated area.

He highlighted that the same, sensor-detect technology has also been applied to smart car headlights of leading automakers in Germany, "The technology is getting smarter and smarter, which enables the headlights of automobiles to detect a person easily to prevent road accidents." Helle shared.

Driven by rapid advances in the technology of lighting, lighting intelligence now runs from the city to every home, with LED outdoor lights for private homes becoming more popular due to low energy consumption and smart sensor controls. LEDs and integrated sensors have enhanced people's quality of life, and can assist in a wide range of applications, such as adjusting the brightness and other controls of light on surveillance cameras outside homes. Such functions can also be seamlessly synchronised with mobile devices. In addition, some households are even installing solar panels in the open space outside their homes to generate green energy to power their smart outdoor lighting.

From evolution to revolution in outdoor lighting -- communicating to viewers

Simon McCartney, the laser show designer for "A Symphony of Lights" - a popular nightly light show at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, delivered his presentation on the key trends in facade lighting at the seminar. He and his team have recently designed, manufactured and installed facade lighting for buildings, such as malls, casinos, hotels and residential apartments. Other than providing safety and energy-saving lights, McCartney revealed that they are also working on many projects to revitalise older buildings to make them look more modern, artistic, and at the same time adding character and ambiance to an outdoor space through creative outdoor illumination. "It is important to add unique character to the lighting of buildings, as it can make a building stand out clearly and elegantly at night from the concrete forest," he added.

McCartney noted that the outdoor light revolution has begun but "inauspiciously, as the product designers were not the installers", and while the architects are the ones to design and structure the buildings, they are not obligated to cater the needs for outdoor illumination instalment. "Therefore, the outdoor lighting industry is facing many challenges and needs to develop innovative and creative solutions when it comes to the projects of 'lighting up' or 're-lighting' older buildings, which were not designated for outdoor lighting."

According to McCartney, lights were traditionally used to fit the facade and were designed to reduce energy consumption, mitigate sky glow and yet be bright enough to be spotted. Nevertheless, new innovations and products have sprung up throughout the industry, even a "media wall" with practically transparent material can now be "invisibly" installed on the facade of buildings. McCartney cited HSBC's main building in Central as a successful example, with its media wall, which he and his team described, "truly communicating with its viewers."

Evolution of stadium lighting -- towards enchantment of audiences and broadcasting perfection

The last presentation of the seminar was given by Senior Manager (Product Management) of Zumtobel Group Asia Pacific Tung Wong, an expert in lighting and telecommunications, who has been engaged in the outdoor and stadium lighting industry for over 16 years. He shared the evolution he had witnessed over the years with regard to stadium lighting.

According to Tung Wong, nearly 95 per cent of the stadiums and arenas around the world are still using conventional lighting modules, which take 20-30 minutes to run and warm up for maximum system brightness. He highlighted that a new high-tech illumination system has recently been developed, which could reach its optimum effect immediately when it is switched on, even just right before kick-offs of sports matches and celebrity shows.

"I would say we are now so near to a lighting revolution of sports and stadium lighting. A new generation of lighting system has truly emerged." Mr Wong said, with excitement, to a captivated audience of outdoor lighting industry professionals.

Mr Wong then explained the key major advantages of the new generation of lighting systems over conventional systems. For instance, innovative new systems can provide a pleasant and unique visual experience to audiences, create atmosphere in the stadium and enhance the safety, sophistication and reliability of the overall lighting system. With the above strengths, he was sure that the new generation of lighting systems being introduced would genuinely enhance audience experience. "It's all about users' experiences - can you imagine sports stadiums transforming into theatres and giving a fantastic event experience and entertainment to audiences? Can you feel how fantastic and transformative that will be?" Mr Wong explained, in praise of high-tech systems for stadium lighting.

In sharing his views on the latest developments in broadcasting technology, Mr Wong emphasised the important role of a new generation of smart and digitally connected LED lighting systems to create the "perfect broadcasting experience" in stadiums and sports arenas.

Gathering close to 3,100 exhibitors and nearly 55,000 buyers this year, the HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and the HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo formed the world's largest lighting marketplace.

The Autumn Lighting Fair was held from 27-30 October at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), while the Outdoor and Tech Light Expo was held at the AsiaWorld-Expo from 26-29 October.

Fair Websites:
Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition): hklightingfairae.hktdc.com
Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo: hkotlexpo.hktdc.com
Photo Download: http://bit.ly/2zSzgYG

About HKTDC

Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong's businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Google+, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.
- Google+: https://plus.google.com/+hktdc
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/hktdc
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-trade-development-council

Contact:
HKTDC
Communication and Public Affairs Department
Banbi Chen
Tel: +852 2584 4525
Email: banbi.yc.chen@hktdc.org

↧

IR Magazine Awards - Greater China 2017

November 1, 2017, 2:50 am

≫ Next: Bortex Global Limited Share Offer of 200,000,000 Shares; Offer Price Ranges from HK$0.3 to HK$0.5 per Offer Share

≪ Previous: HKTDC Event Ponders Future of Outdoor Lighting

New self-nomination awards introduced for this year's IR Magazine Awards - Greater China 2017

HONG KONG, Nov 1, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - The upcoming IR Magazine Awards - Greater China 2017 will take place at the Conrad in Hong Kong on 7 December, 2017. Following the prestigious event last year in which IR professionals from across the region gathered to recognize IR Excellence, this year's nominations are highly anticipated and will be announced on 7 November, 2017.

Due to popular demand, two types of awards categories will be presented this year - researched and self-nominated - both celebrating the success of those individuals and companies that are leading the way in the IR community. For our researched categories, the winners are determined by a comprehensive and independent survey of investors and analysts, that identifies the best corporate IR teams across a range of categories. In our self-nominated categories, we offer companies the opportunity to nominate themselves, free of charge, for aspects of IR that complement our researched categories. Find out more about the awards being presented this year here: http://events.irmagazine.com/greaterchina/#/home/researched-awards/

For our researched awards, the latest rankings will be revealed in the IR Magazine Investor Perception Study - Asia 2017/2018, which will be published soon after the IR Magazine Awards & Conference - Greater China 2017 on December 7.

Strategic Public Relations Group is proud to be the Official Public Relations Partner for the IR Magazine Awards & Conference - Greater China 2017.

About IR Magazine
Launched in 1988, IR Magazine is the only global publication that focuses on the interactions between companies and their investors.

IR Magazine helps investor relations professionals achieve more in their IR programs, benchmark their efforts and connect to the global IR community. In addition to producing articles, research reports and investor perception studies, IR Magazine also hosts events such as awards, think tanks and conferences around the world.

To learn more, please visit our website at www.irmagazine.com or connect with us via Twitter @IRMagazine and the LinkedIn group: IR Magazine.

About the IR Magazine Awards & Conference - Greater China 2017
The IR Magazine Awards & Conference - Greater China is among the most anticipated events of the year for the IR industry in Asia. IROs from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan get the unique opportunity to gather and discuss pressing issues, hear real-life examples and best practices from senior IR professionals, and celebrate their achievements at the awards ceremony.

The event is co-sponsored by Arkadin, Citigate Dewe Rogerson, EQS Group, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Hilton, Instinctif Partners, Ipreo, Nasdaq, Orient Capital/ DF King, Strategic Public Relations Group and Wells Fargo. The event is also supported by IRPAS.

Strategic Public Relations Group is proud to be the Official Public Relations Partner for the IR Magazine Awards & Conference - Greater China 2017.

For more information, please visit http://events.irmagazine.com/greaterchina/ .

Media enquiries
Strategic Public Relations Group
Cindy Lung / Davis Li
Tel: +852 2864 4867 / 2864 4892
Email: cindy.lung@sprg.com.hk / davis.li@sprg.com.hk
Website: www.sprg.asia

LAST YEAR'S 2016 AWARDS SHORTLISTS (Listed alphabetically by company)

BEST FINANCIAL REPORTING
Cathay Pacific Airways
China Telecom
China Vanke
Fubon Financial
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company
Tencent Holdings

BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY
China State Construction Engineering Corporation
China Telecom
China Unicom
China Vanke
Far East Consortium International
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company
Tencent Holdings

BEST INVESTOR MEETINGS
Cathay Financial Holdings
China State Construction Engineering Corporation
China Telecom
China Unicom
Fubon Financial
MediaTek
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company

BEST CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
China Mobile
China Telecom
China Vanke
Delta Electronics
Far East Consortium International
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company
Tencent Holdings

MOST PROGRESS IN IR
Cathay Financial Holdings
China Mobile
China Telecom
China Unicom
Far East Consortium International
BEST SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICE
AAC Technologies
China Mobile
China Telecom
Far East Consortium International
Largan Precision
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company

BEST IR BY A SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM
Best Pacific International Holdings
China Telecom
China Unicom
Far East Consortium International
MediaTek
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company

BEST INVESTOR RELATIONS OFFICER (LARGE CAP)
AIA Group
Cathay Financial Holdings
China Mobile
China Telecom
China Unicom
Delta Electronics

BEST INVESTOR RELATIONS OFFICER (SMALL & MID-CAP)
Anta Sports
Far East Consortium International
Kerry Logistics
MINTH Group

BEST OVERALL INVESTOR RELATIONS (LARGE CAP)
Cathay Financial Holdings
China Mobile
China Telecom
China Unicom
China Vanke
MediaTek
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company

BEST OVERALL INVESTOR RELATIONS (SMALL & MID-CAP)
Anta Sports
China Metal International
Far East Consortium International
Kerry Logistics
Sa Sa International
TCL Communication Technology Holdings

BEST IN SECTOR: COMMUNICATIONS
China Mobile
China Telecom
China Unicom
Tencent Holdings

BEST IN SECTOR: CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY & CONSUMER STAPLES
Anta Sports
Chow Tai Fook
Emperor Watch & Jewellery
Hengan International
MGM China Holdings
MINTH Group
Sa Sa International

BEST IN SECTOR: ENERGY, INDUSTRIALS & MATERIALS
China Metal International
China Resources Cement
China State Construction Engineering Corporation
CTCI
Kerry Logistics
PetroChina
Voltronic Power Technology

BEST IN SECTOR: FINANCIALS
AIA Group
Cathay Financial Holdings
Fubon Financial
Hang Seng Bank
Shui On Land
Value Partners

BEST IN SECTOR: REAL ESTATE
China Resources Land
China Vanke
Far East Consortium International

BEST IN SECTOR: TECHNOLOGY
AAC Technologies
Delta Electronics
Lenovo
MediaTek
Sunny Optical Technology
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company
TCL Communication Technology Holdings

↧

Bortex Global Limited Share Offer of 200,000,000 Shares; Offer Price Ranges from HK$0.3 to HK$0.5 per Offer Share

October 31, 2017, 8:51 pm

≫ Next: BDO Survey: Despite perceived benefits from issuing ESG report, 54% of respondents will not increase budget for ESG report in the coming year

≪ Previous: IR Magazine Awards - Greater China 2017

HONG KONG, Nov 1, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Bortex Global Limited ("Bortex") (the "Group"), a developing manufacturer and exporter of LED lighting products. The details of its proposed listing of its shares (the "Listing") on the Growth Enterprise Market ("GEM") of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ("SEHK") are as follows: .

Details of the Offer

The Group intends to issue a total of 200,000,000 Shares (subject to the Adjustment Options), of which 180,000,000 Shares (subject to reallocation and the Adjustment Options) are for Placing; and 20,000,000 Shares (subject to reallocation) are for Public Offer (collectively the "Share Offer"). The indicative Offer Price ranges from HK$0.3 to HK$0.5 per Share. After deducting related underwriting fees and listing expenses and assuming the Adjustment Options are not exercised at all and the Offer Price is fixed at HK$0.4 (being the mid-point of the indicative Offer Price range), the net proceeds of the Share Offer are estimated to be approximately HK$48.9 million.

The Public Offer commenced from 9:00 am yesterday (31 October 2017) and will end at 12:00 noon on 3 November 2017 (Friday). The final Offer Price and allotment results are expected to be announced on 15 November 2017 (Wednesday). Dealing of Shares is expected to commence on the GEM of SEHK on 16 November 2017 (Thursday) under the stock code 8118. The Shares are to be traded in board lots of 8,000 Shares. Ample Capital Limited is the Sponsor of the Listing.

Investment Highlights and Future Strategies

The Group's major customers have an extensive coverage in worldwide market ranging from countries in Asia Pacific to North America. While it derived over 60% of its total revenue during the Track Record Period from its export sales to overseas countries, the Group significantly increased its sales in Asia mainly including the PRC and Taiwan for the two years ended 30 April 2017. Its well-established worldwide sales network is one of its competitive strengths which enabled the Group to have a broad customer base.

The Group's product development team possesses the requisite expertise and experience to facilitate its business development, expand its product portfolio at the request of its customers and respond quickly to any change in customers' preferences. It also places considerable emphasis on the consistent quality of its products and have therefore implemented a stringent quality control system to ensure its products meet the quality standards. Its strong emphasis on product quality and great efforts in ensuring the quality of products is the key to maintain customer confidence and crucial to its success.

In order to cope with the expected increasing demand for LED decorative lighting products and the increasing total revenue of the Christmas lighting manufacturing industry, the Group plans to increase the level of automation and efficiency for the production of its LED decorative lighting products by continuing to upgrade its existing production facilities through purchasing more equipment and machinery. The Group also wishes to purchase additional facilities for better quality control and enhancing the stability and reliability of its LED luminaire lighting series.

The Group plans to further sustain this advantage and strengthen its product development capability by hiring additional personnel for production with appropriate qualifications and providing training to its design and technical personnel in order to better serve customers' needs and to enable them to keep abreast of the latest production and management practices in the manufacturing industry. Further, the Group will also apply for patents for its product designs to protect its intellectual property rights.

To explore new business opportunities, the Group intends to expand the existing sales and marketing department and strengthen its recognition in the LED lighting industry through various media.

Use of Proceeds

Assuming the Offer Price of HK$0.4 (being the mid-point of the indicative Offer Price range) and the Adjustment Options are not exercised at all, the Group estimates that the aggregate net proceeds from the Share Offer will be approximately HK$48.9million after deducting related underwriting fees and listing expenses. The Group intends to apply such net proceeds in the following manner:

Items/Percentage
- Upgrade Production Facilities: 55%
- Repay Short-term Loans: 25%
- Improve Working Capital: 10%
- Expand Product Portfolio and Strengthen Product Development Capability: 5%
- Expand Sales Force and Sales Channel: 5%
Total: 100%

About Bortex Global Limited
Bortex Global Limited (the "Group") is a developing manufacturer and exporter of LED lighting products with a production plant located in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, the PRC. The Group principally engages in the manufacturing and sale of quality LED lighting products to its customers in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. With over 10 years of operations in the LED lighting product industry, the Group offers a range of LED lighting product series with different designs and features and is able to handle one-stop production process by offering prototyping, sampling, manufacturing, assembling, and packaging of LED lighting products in accordance with the specification of its customers on a mix of ODM and OEM bases.

Media Enquiries:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Vicky Lee Tel:(852) 2864 4834 Email: vicky.lee@sprg.com.hk
Isabel Kwok Tel:(852) 2864 4824 Email: isabel.kwok@sprg.com.hk
Elaine Wang Tel:(852) 2114 2821 Email: elaine.wang@sprg.com.hk
Website: http://www.sprg.com.hk

↧

BDO Survey: Despite perceived benefits from issuing ESG report, 54% of respondents will not increase budget for ESG report in the coming year

October 31, 2017, 10:04 pm

≫ Next: Singapore eDevelopment's Biomedical Subsidiary Confirms 100% Repellency of 3F Mosquito Fragrance

≪ Previous: Bortex Global Limited Share Offer of 200,000,000 Shares; Offer Price Ranges from HK$0.3 to HK$0.5 per Offer Share

From Right to Left: Mr Clement Chan, Managing Director - Assurance International Liaison Partner, BDO Limited; Mr Ricky Cheng, Director - Head of Risk Advisory, BDO Limited

Most small- and mid-cap companies spend HK$100,000 or less preparing ESG Report in FY2016/2017 and 80% of respondents believe that ESG Report could facilitate better internal control and risk management, or enhance investment value of the company

HONG KONG, Nov 1, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - BDO Limited ("BDO", "The Group"), the world's fifth largest accountancy network, has announced today the survey findings of its "Review on ESG Report Compilation by Hong Kong-Listed Companies" (the "Survey") following its "ESG Reporting Performance Survey" announced in July 2017. The main purpose of the latest survey is to better understand the challenges that Hong Kong-listed companies1 encounter when compiling their FY2016/2017 ESG reports (the "ESG Report") required after implementation of the new regulation (effective 1 January 2016). The findings are to be used to determine and analyse the challenges companies face and to facilitate improvements and develop recommendations for future initiatives.

Mr Ricky Cheng, Director and Head of Risk Advisory of BDO, said, "Our survey findings in July 2017 discovered that the majority of Hong Kong-listed companies went beyond meeting the minimum disclosure requirement in their first report after the introduction of the new ESG reporting regulation. Therefore we conducted an in-depth survey to understand the reasons behind this behaviour and the challenges encountered when compiling the ESG report. The latest survey also revealed that more than half of responding companies do not plan to increase their ESG reporting budget in the coming year."

Key findings:
- 80% of respondents believe that the ESG report enables better internal control and risk management, or enhances the investment value of the company
- Amongst the 60% of companies who invested additional resources, 88% hired an external consultant
- Although all respondents see benefits from issuing an ESG report, 54% have no plans to increase budget for ESG reporting in the coming year
- Most small- and mid-cap companies spent HK$100,000 or less when preparing for the ESG report
- Collection of data and analysis from subsidiaries is the most difficult challenge when preparing this year's ESG Report, according to 62% of respondents; lack of resources is the second most difficult challenge according to 32% of respondents
- 70% of respondents expressed that collection and analysis of new compulsory data disclosure is their largest concern in preparing for next year's ESG report
- More than half of the respondents disagreed that the ESG Report could mitigate the negative impact of malicious market rumours or attacks on the company

Although respondents see benefits from issuing an ESG report, most have no plans to increase budget for ESG reporting in the coming year

Although 80% of Hong Kong-listed companies who responded to the survey ("respondents") believe that ESG reporting facilitates better internal control and risk management, could result in a more positive perception by potential or existing investors and/or enhance investment value of the company, 54% of respondents do not foresee changes in their expenditure for their ESG report in the coming year.

Amongst this 80% of respondents, 46% believe that filing of the ESG report could help improve internal control and risk management (representing 51% of surveyed small- and mid-cap companies); and 34% believe that it could generate positive feedback from investors or potential investors, or enhance investment value (representing 27% of surveyed small- and mid-cap companies).

Hiring external consultant is most preferred as additional resources investment for ESG Reporting to meet new ESG requirements

Amongst the 60% of companies who allocated additional resources, 88% hired an external consultant (representing 58% of surveyed small- and mid-cap size companies). This means that independent third party consultation is preferred by a majority of respondents for compliance and assurance under the new ESG reporting requirements.

Most small- and mid-cap companies spend HK$100,000 or less when preparing for the ESG report

48% of the respondents spent HK$100,000 or less when preparing for the ESG report, which represents 64% of surveyed small- or mid-cap companies; meanwhile, 40% of respondents spent HK$50,000 or less when preparing the ESG report.

Collection of data and analysis from subsidiaries is the most difficult area when preparing this year's ESG Report

Data collection and analysis from subsidiaries is the biggest difficulty faced, according to 62% of respondents (representing 61% of surveyed small- and mid-cap companies). This is consistent with the finding that nearly 75% of respondents (representing 76% of surveyed small- and mid-cap companies) believe that collection and analysis of new compulsory data disclosure required is their greatest concern in preparing the next ESG Report for FY2017/18.
Some 32% of the respondents (representing 32% of surveyed small- and mid-cap companies) think that the lack of resources (e.g., budget or staff) to compile an ESG report that meets the latest regulation presented the greatest difficulty.

More than half of the respondents disagreed that ESG reporting could mitigate negative impact of malicious market rumours or attacks on the company

Although 46% of respondents think that issuing an ESG report can facilitate better internal control and risk management, 56% of respondents disagreed that meeting minimum ESG reporting requirement could mitigate the negative impact of malicious market rumours or attacks on the company.

BDO recommends the following measures for companies to follow and make the compilation of ESG report easier:

1. Data collection made easy
It is understood that some of the listed companies are entities within the same group. By establishing a centralised ESG function/team, resources can be better utilised to handle ESG data collection of different group entities in a consistent and efficient manner. Besides, it is suggested that listed companies seek assistance from consultants in establishing a data collection model for future consistent application unless there are significant changes in operation.

2. Derive ESG value from reducing carbon footprint
Small- and mid-cap companies often face the difficulty of limited resources for operations and expansion of business. Tightened regulatory and disclosure requirements further divert resources. With reference to our earlier ESG survey results, some listed companies achieved cost-savings from reducing carbon footprint such as adoption of energy-efficient equipments. It is suggested that small- and mid-cap companies consider starting initiation of ESG practices with small pilot projects such as replacement of an energy-efficient lighting system, streamlining logistics and transportation practices, evaluating equipment utilisation patterns, implementing paperless operations, etc.

3. Enhance operational efficiency through engagement of suppliers
Supply chain management is important to every business organisation. Hiccups or breakdown in the supply chain may lead to temporary stoppage of production, failure to fulfill customers' orders, etc. It is suggested that listed companies conduct a comprehensive supply chain risk assessment and identify possible events that could trigger a supply chain breakdown. Management should then engage with relevant vendors in formulating strategies to mitigate possible risk factors, streamlining supply chain procedures, identifying alternatives, routinely obtaining feedback from suppliers, etc.

4. Constantly revisit ESG practice and strategy
With the experience on first year reporting, listed companies have gained basic knowledge of ESG reporting and may have identified the direction and goals which ESG practices should strive to follow and achieve. It is suggested that listed companies constantly be aware of the latest ESG best-practices and energy-saving technologies as well as options to enhance or refine their ESG strategy.

Mr Cheng continued, "Hong Kong-listed companies need to act fast to raise their ESG reporting and quality of disclosure to match international standards in order to attract global investors and maintain the city's status as a leading global financial hub. For small- and mid-cap companies with limited resources, we recommend starting off with small pilot projects and eventually setting up centralised ESG functions within the company to keep abreast with ESG best practices and energy-saving technologies.

"We hope that, through our recommendations, Hong Kong-listed companies, especially small- and mid-cap companies, are able to overcome common difficulties they face when compiling ESG reports, and can enhance their operational efficiency as well as refine their ESG strategy and eventually boost the company's investment value and inspire the confidence of investors."

The inaugural BDO ESG Awards
To recognise the efforts and positive impact contributed by Hong Kong-listed companies in the areas of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), BDO is organising the inaugural BDO ESG Awards, with the presentation ceremony to be held in Hong Kong on 25 January 2018. The Awards aim to encourage companies to be more aware of their social responsibility to incorporate sustainability into their business model.

The top three companies from each of the large market capitalisation, middle market capitalisation and small market capitalisation of Main Board companies as well as companies from the Growth Enterprise Market will be selected as winners in each of the three award categories: (1) Best in ESG Awards; (2) Best in Reporting Awards; and (3) ESG Report of the Year Awards. For details, visit: http://www.bdoesgawards.com

About the Survey
The BDO ESG Survey covers both Main Board- and GEM-listed companies based in Hong Kong on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. A total of 68 Hong Kong listed companies across different industries have completed phone interview surveys or written multiple choice surveys between August and October 2017. Market capitalisation of companies ranges from small (below HK$5 billion) to large market capitalisation (larger than HK$30 billion).

About BDO Limited
BDO Limited in Hong Kong is a member firm of the international BDO network of independent member firms. BDO is a global accountancy network with over 1,400 offices in more than 155 countries and over 67,700 people providing advisory services throughout the world.
BDO Limited was established in Hong Kong in 1981 and is committed to facilitating the growth of businesses by advising the people behind them. BDO Limited provides an extensive range of professional services including assurance services, business services & outsourcing, risk advisory services, specialist advisory services and tax services. For more details, visit www.bdo.com.hk.

Contacts
BDO Limited
Sala Lo
Senior Marketing Manager, BDO
Hong Kong
Tel +852 2218 3042
Mobile +852 9613 5175
salalo@bdo.com.hk

Heidi Lau
Marketing Manager, BDO
Hong Kong
Tel +852 2218 2325
Mobile +852 9285 4151
heidilau@bdo.com.hk

Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Vicky Lee
Tel +852 2864 4834
vicky.lee@sprg.com.hk

Angela Ng
Tel: +852 2864 4885
angela.ng@sprg.com.hk

↧

Singapore eDevelopment's Biomedical Subsidiary Confirms 100% Repellency of 3F Mosquito Fragrance

October 31, 2017, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: Ingredion Incorporated Reports Solid Third Quarter 2017 Results

≪ Previous: BDO Survey: Despite perceived benefits from issuing ESG report, 54% of respondents will not increase budget for ESG report in the coming year

SINGAPORE, Nov 1, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Singapore Exchange-listed Singapore eDevelopment Limited ("SeD") announced today that its U.S. biomedical subsidiary, Global BioLife Inc. ("Global BioLife") has completed development and testing of mosquito deterring technologies including fragrances, paints, and fabric.

In August 2017 SeD announced that Global BioLife was collaborating with U.S.-based Chemia Corporation ("Chemia") to develop a suite of fragrances for medical applications, referred to as 3F (Functional Fragrance Formulation). In addition to 3F, the two companies have also worked together to create photonic mosquito deterring paints and fabric.

3F Mosquito Fragrance ("3F Mosquito"), which is made up of specialized oils sourced from botanicals that mosquitoes avoid, has shown 100% repellency against mosquitoes in laboratory testing. Global BioLife contracted U.S.-based Snell Scientifics, LLC ("Snell") in Meansville, Georgia to conduct the mosquito studies for the mosquito deterring technologies.

Global BioLife has entered into further collaboration with Chemia to co-develop 3F Mosquito into laundry detergents, shampoos, and lotions to provide a revolutionary alternative to traditional mosquito repellents. The two companies plan to license 3F products globally to manufacturers and distributers. The 3F Mosquito product is based on extensive research of botanical oils which possess mosquito repelling properties. When 3F is infused into products such as detergents, shampoos, and lotions, consumers will be provided with multiple layers of protection against mosquito bites.

"Chemia is very excited to introduce these sustainable and tested fragrances to provide natural alternatives to protecting consumers from the risk of mosquito transmitted diseases," said Mr. Thomas A. Meyer, Chemia's Vice-President of Innovation and Sustainability.

Developed by natural products scientist Mr. Daryl Thompson and formulated by Chemia, the uniquely-designed mosquito deterring paints and functional fabric both deter mosquitoes by chemical-free photonic means; a wavelength of light is emitted that mosquitoes avoid. Snell reported that Global BioLife's photonic mosquito paints and mosquito fabric both exhibit degrees of repellency effective against mosquitoes.

Global BioLife and Chemia have designed the mosquito deterring fabric for use in outdoor apparel, hats, tents, and other camping gear. The mosquito deterring paints were designed as exterior paints for homes as well as commercial applications. These new mosquito deterring technologies are non-chemical methods of repelling mosquitoes for consumers.

The market for safe mosquito repellents and deterrents is growing as the risk of Zika grows. The most vulnerable group of our population at highest risk for Zika infection may be pregnant women, because of their avoidance and dislike of Deet containing products. Although studies regarding the safety of Deet have been conducted, pregnant women continue to be hesitant to use Deet-containing products. The Center for Disease Control of the United States has released multiple statements attempting to convince pregnant women that the use of Deet is safe.

Dr. Peggy Tang, Global BioLife's CEO, commented: "We expect that these new techniques for fighting mosquito bites will be very appealing to consumers. We are providing unique and useful products, free of harsh chemicals. Due to the perceived toxicity of Deet and the avoidance of chemicals by consumers, Global BioLife's chemical-free products will have a direct advantage over traditional mosquito repellents."

"The objective in the design of 3F Mosquito was to identify and create a suitable formula that was both pleasant and would excel in protective abilities against mosquitoes. We have achieved that goal," Mr. Daryl Thompson, Global BioLife's Director of Scientific Initiatives, said of 3F Mosquito. "These oils are scientifically proven to affect mosquitoes' receptors, essentially making the mosquito blind to your presence. 3F offers a pleasant scent while providing layers of protection to keep people safe from mosquito bites."

"Biomedical science has become increasingly vital. Global BioLife is proud to be taking steps to provide solutions to issues that have been plaguing the biomedical field for decades. This collaboration marks one of the first steps in actively changing the game of healthcare," said SeD and Global BioLife Executive Chairman Mr. Chan Heng Fai.

In addition to 3F Mosquito, Global BioLife is working with Chemia on the formulation of additional 3F fragrances to fight stress and anxiety and 3F for anti-viral medical applications.

Mr. Thomas Meyer added: "This groundbreaking partnership with Global BioLife sets the stage for a steady stream of innovative fragrances that feature functional properties in various consumer product applications."

About Singapore eDevelopment Limited

Incorporated on 9 September 2009 and listed on the Singapore Exchange in July 2010, Singapore eDevelopment Limited is involved in (i) property development and investments primarily in the United States and Western Australia; (ii) information technology-related businesses; (iii) development, research, testing, manufacturing, licensing and distribution of biomedical products; and (iv) investment activities. For more information, please visit: www.SeD.com.sg or email contact@sed.com.sg

About Global BioLife Inc.

Global BioLife Inc. ("GBLI") is a 80%-held direct subsidiary of Global BioMedical Inc., which is a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of Singapore BioMedical Pte. Ltd., which in turn is a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of Singapore eDevelopment Limited, a company listed on the Singapore Exchange. The remaining shareholding of Global BioLife Inc. is held by Global Research and Discovery Group Scientific LLC ("GRDGS") and Australian Exchange-listed Holista CollTech Limited ("Holista") in equal proportions of 10% each.

With an aging population and a growing focus in healthcare issues, biomedical science has become increasingly vital. GBLI strives to leverage its scientific know-how and intellectual property rights to provide solutions that have been plaguing the biomedical field for decades. By tapping into the scientific expertise of GRDGS and Holista, GBLI pledges to undertake a concerted effort in the R&D, drug discovery and development for the prevention, inhibition and treatment of neurological, oncology and immuno-related diseases. GBLI is also collaborating with its partners to develop second generation mosquito defence technologies, which are DEET alternatives, to protect against mosquito transmitted diseases such as Zika and Dengue. For more information, please visit: http://www.globalbiolife.com

About Chemia Corporation

Chemia Fragrance and Flavor provides high quality, cost effective fragrances to the manufacturers of personal care, household and industrial & institutional products. For more information, please visit: http://www.chemiacorp.com

↧

Ingredion Incorporated Reports Solid Third Quarter 2017 Results

November 1, 2017, 12:00 am

≫ Next: MHPS Ships Two Gas Turbines for 880 MW Class Indonesian GTCC Power Generation System

≪ Previous: Singapore eDevelopment's Biomedical Subsidiary Confirms 100% Repellency of 3F Mosquito Fragrance

- Third quarter 2017 reported and adjusted EPS were $2.26 and $2.21, respectively, up from third quarter 2016 reported and adjusted EPS of $1.93 and $1.96, respectively
- Year-to-date 2017 reported and adjusted EPS were $5.72 and $5.98, respectively, up from $5.29 of reported EPS and $5.46 adjusted EPS in the year-ago period
- Company narrows 2017 adjusted EPS guidance range to $7.65-$7.80 from $7.50-$7.80

WESTCHESTER, Ill., Nov 1, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to diversified industries, today reported results for the third quarter 2017. The results reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for 2017 and 2016 include items which are excluded from the non-GAAP financial measures which we present*.

"We continue to successfully leverage our business model and execute our strategic blueprint for growth. Good operating efficiency, the impact of acquisitions, and higher specialty volumes drove solid operating income and earnings per share growth," said Ilene Gordon, chairman, president and chief executive officer.

"With this year's strategic actions, which include deploying capital for growth, organizational restructuring in South America, enhancing our portfolio, and raising our dividend, we expect another solid year and anticipate 2017 adjusted EPS to be in the range of $7.65-$7.80," Gordon added.

Full release can be viewed at http://hugin.info/147221/R/2146290/822974.pdf

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR) is a leading global ingredient solutions provider. We turn grains, fruits, vegetables and other plant materials into value-added ingredients and biomaterial solutions for the food, beverage, paper and corrugating, brewing and other industries. Serving customers in over 100 countries, our ingredients make crackers crunchy, yogurts creamy, candy sweet, paper stronger and add fiber to nutrition bars. Visit www.ingredion.com to learn more.

CONTACT:
Investors: Heather Kos, 708-551-2592
Media: Claire Regan, 708-551-2602

###

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Ingredion Incorporated via Globenewswire

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MHPS Ships Two Gas Turbines for 880 MW Class Indonesian GTCC Power Generation System

November 1, 2017, 12:04 am

≫ Next: Sun Hing Printing Holdings Limited Announces Details of Proposed Listing on the Main Board of SEHK

≪ Previous: Ingredion Incorporated Reports Solid Third Quarter 2017 Results

- Further Strengthens 50-Year Relationship with Indonesian Electricity Sector -

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Nov 1, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) has shipped the second M701F gas turbines ordered by PT.PLN(Persero), Indonesia's state owned electricity company. The turbines will be the core components for an 880 MW natural-gas-fired gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) facility that PLN is constructing on Jawa Island on the premises of Tanjung Priok Power Plant, known as the "Jawa-2 Project." The gas turbines will begin commercial operation in 2018.

A ceremony was held at MHPS's facility in Takasago, marking the shipment and MHPS's history providing steam turbines for the Indonesian market since 1971. The company has maintained close relations with Indonesia for almost 50 years, and helped to develop the country's electricity supply. The ceremony reaffirmed this history, with pledges to further strengthen the cooperative relationship in future.

Attendees at the ceremony included Director W.S. Haryanto, who oversees the West Jawa region including the Jawa-2 Project for PLN. From MHPS, Managing Executive Officer, Masao Ishikawa, and Executive Officer, Katsuya Nakamura, attended.

In November 2016, MHPS started a full turnkey contract with Mitsubishi Corporation and local construction and engineering firm Wasa Mitra Engineering for the GTCC power generation equipment. Civil engineering work and construction work are underway in Tanjung Priok, a port city 10 km northeast of the center of the capital Jakarta. In addition to the two gas turbines, MHPS will supply two exhaust heat recovery boilers, one steam turbine, and other supplementary equipment.

MHPS delivered two M701F gas turbines to the Cilegon Power Plant in 2005, as Indonesia's first introduction of the F-type gas turbine. Since then, MHPS has supplied two M701F gas turbines to the Muara Karang Power Plant in 2008, and two turbines to the Tanjung Priok Power Plant in 2010. Further, in 2016 MHPS received an order for a GTCC power generation system with one M701F gas turbine as the core component of a full turnkey contract for the Muara Karang Power Plant. All of these orders have and will contributed to the expansion of the Jawa-Bali power network, which is the most important network in PLN's national power supply equipment plan.

MHPS presently holds the highest share in the Indonesian market for large-scale gas turbines, including in GTCC power generation systems. Through its gas turbine technology, the company will continue to contribute to global economic development and the pursuit of a sustainable society through the spread of high-efficiency thermal power generation facilities.

About Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd.

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) was formed on February 1 2014, integrating the thermal power generation systems businesses of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Hitachi, Ltd. in a quest to further enhance their social response capabilities in all respects. These include the technological strength to create new products of outstanding quality and reliability, the comprehensive strength in engineering to oversee projects in regions across the globe, and finely honed sales and after-sale servicing capabilities. MHPS aims to come out a winner in global competition and achieve a solid position as a world leader in thermal power generation systems and environmental technologies. For more information, please visit www.mhps.com.

Contact:
Joseph Hood, PR Manager
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Email: mhi-pr@mhi.co.jp
Tel: +81-(0)3-6716-2168
Fax: +81-(0)3-6716-5860

↧

Sun Hing Printing Holdings Limited Announces Details of Proposed Listing on the Main Board of SEHK

November 1, 2017, 12:28 am

≫ Next: Hitachi Power Solutions Launches "Prognostic Solution" to Improve the Prognostic Accuracy of Predictive Diagnostics

≪ Previous: MHPS Ships Two Gas Turbines for 880 MW Class Indonesian GTCC Power Generation System

From left to right: Mr. Stanley Lau, Senior Account Manager; Mr. Alan Chan, Executive Director; Mr. Peter Chan, Chairman & Executive Director; Mr. Kenneth Chan, CEO & Executive Director; Ms. Lorna Cheung, Financial Controller

Offering of 120,000,000 Shares through Public Offer and Placing;
Price Ranges from HK$1.05 to HK$1.45 per Share

HONG KONG, Nov 1, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Sun Hing Printing Holdings Limited ("Sun Hing" or the "Group"), a one-stop printing services provider in Hong Kong, today announced the details of its proposed listing on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ("SEHK").

Offering Details
Sun Hing intends to offer a total of 120,000,000 shares. The Share Offer comprises an offer of 12,000,000 shares under the Public Offer (subject to reallocation) and 108,000,000 shares under the Placing (subject to reallocation and the Over-allotment Option) at an indicative Offer Price ranging from HK$1.05 and HK$1.45 per Offer Share. After deducting relevant expenses, and assuming an Offer Price of HK$1.25 per Share (being the mid-point of the indicative Offer Price range) and the Over-allotment Option is not exercised, net proceeds from the Share Offer are estimated to be approximately HK$120 million.

Within the Placing, Deputada Leong On Kei, Angela has agreed to subscribe for 24,000,000 shares, representing 5% of shares in issue upon completion of the Share Offer (assuming the Over-allotment Option is not exercised).

The Public Offering will commence on 2 November 2017 (Thursday) and end at noon on 9 November 2017 (Thursday). The final Offer Price and results of allocation will be announced on 15 November 2017 (Wednesday). Trading of Sun Hing's shares will commence on the Main Board of SEHK on 16 November 2017 (Thursday) under the stock code 1975. Shares will be traded in board lots of 4,000 shares each.

Kingsway Capital Limited is the Sponsor while Great Roc Capital Securities Limited and Kingsway Financial Services Group Limited are the Joint Bookrunners and Joint Lead Managers of the listing.

Investment Highlights
Top five printing services provider in Hong Kong with well-established history and reputation
With a long and well-established operating history that can be traced back to the late 1970s, the Group ranked fifth in terms of market share of total industry revenue in Hong Kong in 2016 with a proven track record of providing timely and quality printing services. The Group has attained a number of international standards and qualifications in relation to the printing industry including the ISO 9001:2008, standard under Frost Stewardship Council, ISO 14001:2015, G7 certification of qualification, Intertek GMP and Intertek HACCP.

Comprehensive, attentive and high quality printing services
The Group's printing services range from printing solution consultation, pre-press, offset printing, post-press to delivery. Its printing services focus on paper-related printing products and can cater for customers' diversified needs on design complexity, size, quality and quantity of printing products to be used in different areas. Sun Hing owns more than 600 production machines and equipment to maintain production capacity and keep pace with fast technological development. The enterprise resources planning (ERP) system also facilitates the Group's production scheduling and enables real-time tracking of the production progress.

Established stable relationship with top five customers and suppliers
Capable of meeting the high standards of audit inspections across various aspects, such as health and safety and environmental protection, the Group is familiar with the requirements of its existing customers and has been working with its top five customers for periods ranging 3-18 years. The stable relationships enable the Group to take up further purchase orders of varying scale and service scope from its existing customers. The well-established relationship with the top five suppliers also enables the Group to ensure timely delivery of raw materials in line with its high quality requirements.

Experience and dedicated management team
Sun Hing's management team has extensive knowledge and experience in the printing industry. Most integral to the success of the Group is Mr. Peter Chan, Founder, Chairman and Executive Director, and Mr. Desmond Chan, Executive Director, who both have accumulated more than 35 years of experience in the industry and have built Sun Hing's reputation in the printing industry as well as facilitated long term relationships with customers and suppliers. In addition, Mr. Kenneth Chan, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director; and Mr. Chan Chi Ming, Executive Director of the Group, have more than 13 and 35 years of experience in the printing industry respectively. The Group's management strives to keep track with the rapid technological development of printing equipment and products and has continued to expand its scope of services to enhance its market presence.

Future Strategies
Expand scope of printing services
According to Frost & Sullivan Report, the CAGR of revenue in the global package printing market is expected to be 3.5% between 2017 and 2021 reaching US$377.5 billion; while the CAGR of the revenue derived from the Hong Kong package printing market is anticipated to be 3.6% between 2017 and 2021 to reach US$1,056.9 million. The growth is to be driven by the continuous innovation or improvement in technology and increasing demand for packaging.

The Group plans to expand its scope of printing services from providing printing products currently used in various consumer product market segments as well as for promotion, advertising and education ("existing markets"), to also cover the market sectors of food, cosmetic and medical ("new markets").

Increase categories of value-added information technology-related services
According to Frost & Sullivan Report, due to the supportive policies of the PRC government, rapid urbanisation and trend towards smart devices, the Industry of Things ("IoT") market size in terms of value in the PRC is expected to increase at a CAGR of 21.7%, reaching RMB2,570.9 billion by 2021 due to further penetration of IoT-related technology in various sectors and higher user acceptance.

To capture the enormous market opportunities presented by this trend, the Group plans to expand the categories of value-added information technology-related services on its printing products such as the inclusion of RFID labels, NFC tags and/or audioposter technology. The Group also plans to enhance existing customers' loyalty and differentiate itself from traditional printing factories in order to drive revenue growth in the future by providing more categories of value-added information-technology-related services.

Use of Proceeds
Assuming an Offer Price of HK$1.25 per share (being the mid-point of the indicative Offer Price range) and that the Over-allotment Option is not exercised, net proceeds from the Share Offer are estimated to be approximately HK$120 million and will be applied as follows:

Item / HK$'000 / Percentage
Purchase four presses to maintain and enhance production capacity: 78,000 / 65.0%
Relocate Shenzhen Factory: 30,000 / 25.0%
Upgrade enterprise resources planning (ERP) system: 4,000 / 3.3%
General working capital: 8,000 / 6.7%
Total: 120,000 / 100%

Financial Highlights
(HK$'000) For the Year Ended 30 June
2015 / 2016 / 2017
Revenue: 289,413 / 291,207 / 302,987
Gross profit: 68,800 / 100,107 / 111,133
Gross profit margin: 23.8% / 34.4% / 36.7%
Profit for the year: 16,816 / 43,270 / 48,911*
Net profit margin: 5.8% / 14.9% / 16.1%*
*Before listing expenses of HK$12.1 million

About Sun Hing Printing Holdings Limited
Sun Hing Printing Holdings Limited a leading one-stop printing services provider in Hong Kong that has obtained a number of international printing industry-related standards and qualifications. The Group ranked fifth in terms of market share of total industry revenue in Hong Kong in 2016 according to Frost & Sullivan Report. The Group currently serves worldwide customers in various industries and provides a wide range of printing services from printing solution consultation, pre-press, offset printing, post-press to delivery services of customised paper-related printing products that are used in the markets of various consumer products for promotion, advertising and education purposes. For more information about Sun Hing, please visit the company website: http://www.sunhingprinting.com/

Media Enquiries:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Heidi So Tel: (852) 2864 4826 Email: heidi.so@sprg.com.hk
Keris Leung Tel: (852) 2864 4863 Email: keris.leung@sprg.com.hk
Janet Fong Tel: (852) 2864 4817 Email: janet.fong@sprg.com.hk
Website: www.sprg.com.hk

↧

Hitachi Power Solutions Launches "Prognostic Solution" to Improve the Prognostic Accuracy of Predictive Diagnostics

November 1, 2017, 12:35 am

≫ Next: Fujitsu Field Trials Ship Performance Estimation Technology with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Ube Shipping & Logistics

≪ Previous: Sun Hing Printing Holdings Limited Announces Details of Proposed Listing on the Main Board of SEHK

- By utilizing the advanced prognostic algorithms of Cassantec AG, which allow to optimize the Remaining Useful Life of assets -

TOKYO, Nov 1, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi Power Solutions Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), today announced that it launches "Prognostic Version" to help equipment operators optimize the Remaining Useful Life of their assets. The predictive diagnostic and prognostic solution helps improve production efficiency, stable operation of machinery, maintenance and asset management. The new product will be launched both in Japan and worldwide on December 1st, 2017. The system is based on the IoT Platform "Lumada" and is the result of a series of developments; Predictive Analytic System has provided leading technologies since June 2013. Its next generation "Edge Version" runs the same predictive algorithms on edge computing systems. Cassantec AG (Cassantec) is a software company with its main office in Switzerland. It has developed prognostic algorithms in-house using Artificial Intelligence and expert knowledge on equipment behavior. By utilizing this advanced technology, Hitachi Power Solutions improves its prognostic accuracy compared to conventional systems, specifically through calculating the explicit future time window until malfunction.

Cassantec's prognostic solution has started to spread worldwide in order to increase customers' equipment utilization and to decrease customers' maintenance costs, while avoiding failure. The bases of these benefits are condition-based forecasts of the equipment condition. Consequently, there is a growing need for such Remaining Useful Life prognoses for individual components and entire facilities.

Since June 2013, Hitachi Power Solutions has built its experience and know-how on various industrial facilities and on data mining technologies(1) in the IT industry. It has developed the practical application that supports the prevention of unexpected or unplanned outages of critical assets by predicting malfunctions. As a next step, "Edge Version" was implemented since October 2016. It enables Hitachi Power Solutions to perform predictive diagnostics on edge computing systems. Also, a simplified predictive diagnostics solution was launched to be deployed at the gateway on-site. Finally, "malfunction forecasts" and "Prognostics" were added since April 2017. Hence, Hitachi Power Solutions has continuously improved its predictive diagnostics solutions to help increase asset utilization and production efficiency by decreasing maintenance cost through better timing of maintenance and through avoiding major malfunction events that result in equipment damage and extended periods of outage.

Now Hitachi Power Solutions launches "Prognostic Version" by utilizing Cassantec's algorithms. On the basis of stochastic algorithms and machine leaning concepts that analyze collected historical sensor data the Remaining Useful Life of equipment is prognosticated. In addition to failure forecasts on the bases of conventional polynomial approximation, we can now determine when a malfunction will occur with at a higher accuracy than ever before, thereby helping to further increase the utilization of customers' assets and to further decrease their maintenance and management cost.

This system will be displayed at an energy booth in Hitachi Social Innovation Forum 2017 TOKYO, which is to be held from November 1 to 2.

Prognostic Version features
- It analyzes data with stochastic algorithms and machine learning, and evaluates the malfunction risk at any point in the future.
- It analyzes asset information and historical sensor data, and provides high-accuracy malfunction prognostics.
- It can simulate different load scenarios.

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System Block Diagram

Hitachi Power Solutions comments from Managing Director and General Manager of Public Industrial I&C Business Management Division, Katsuyoshi Murakami

"We are also delighted to promote developed Prognostic solution owing Cassantec. By combining predictive diagnostic solution of Hitachi Power Solutions, we will address more advanced maintenance solutions to our customers in Japan and abroad."

Cassantec AG comment from CEO Moritz von Plate

"We are delighted to have won Hitachi Power Solutions as a strategic partner. Based on the combination of the deep industry expertise of our partner with our unique Prognostic solution we are looking forward to a global roll-out of the joint Prognostic offering across various markets and industries."

(1) Data mining technology: the process of analyzing big data mathematically and of finding (mining) new knowledge based on multivariate data analysis.

About Cassantec AG

Cassantec offers a Prognostic solution to calculate the explicit future time window until malfunction by combining advanced stochastic algorithms and machine learning concepts. These have been developed in-house with expert knowledge on equipment behavior. Founded and incorporated in Switzerland in 2007 with branch offices in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A., and Berlin, Germany, Cassantec has a team of highly talented and experienced engineers. It is promoted by the Swiss government's CTI program, and collaborates with leading international research institutions, including Stanford University, RWTH in Aachen, Germany, and EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland.

About Hitachi Power Solutions Co., Ltd.

Since its establishment in 1960 as a member of the Hitachi Group, Hitachi Power Solutions Co., Ltd. has been providing various technologies, products, systems, and services to meet customer requests and the demands of society in such social infrastructure fields as energy, industry, and information systems. Fiscal 2016 revenues totaled 146.0 billion yen. For more information on Hitachi Power Solutions Co., Ltd., please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi-power-solutions.com/en/index.html.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer society's challenges with our talented team and proven experience in global markets. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal 2014 (ended March 31, 2015) totaled 9,761 billion yen ($81.3 billion). Hitachi is focusing more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes power & infrastructure systems, information & telecommunication systems, construction machinery, high functional materials & components, automotive systems, healthcare and others. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.

Contact:
Hitachi Ltd
Corporate Communications
Tel: +81-3-3258-1111

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Fujitsu Field Trials Ship Performance Estimation Technology with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Ube Shipping & Logistics

November 2, 2017, 1:43 am

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Figure 1: Illustration of weather routing (Light blue color indicates regions with moderate waves, orange denotes regions with somewhat high waves, and pink shows regions with high waves)

Figure 2: Example of a predicted ship speed against main engine rpm and wind speed applying high-dimensional statistical analysis technology (Light blue dots indicate actual values)

Figure 3: Example of trial results (ship speed)

Figure 4: Example of trial results (fuel consumption)

Successfully predicts ship performance at high accuracy; margin of error under 1.5%, according to trial with ship's operational data in actual sea conditions

TOKYO, Nov 2, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. today announced that it has conducted a trial of a ship performance estimation technology(1) together with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Ube Shipping & Logistics, Ltd. Developed by Fujitsu Laboratories and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT), the technology can predict figures such as ship speed and fuel consumption. The results of the trial showed that the technology is capable of estimating ship performance with an estimated margin of error under 1.5%, both on the ocean and near the coast, and in a variety of weather and wave conditions. With this technology, it is possible for operators to accurately predict ship courses that will reduce fuel consumption, leading to lower fuel costs.

Fujitsu Limited will include this technology as an option in Fujitsu Mobility Solution SPATIOWL, a cloud service that utilizes location information, aiming to offer the service in 2018.

Details of this trial will be exhibited at the 2017 Fujitsu Forum Munich, to be held November 8-9.

Background

If maritime companies can get an accurate handle on ship performance, including changes to ship speed and fuel consumption due to weather and ocean conditions, they can plot optimal ship courses in response to such conditions along the route (this technique is called "weather routing"). For example, companies can know in advance if a slight deviation from the shortest route could actually improve fuel consumption as it avoids strong wind and waves (figure 1). In May 2016, Fujitsu Laboratories worked with TUMSAT to jointly develop technology that could estimate a ship's performance with high accuracy. Fujitsu Laboratories' proprietary high-dimensional statistical analysis technology utilizes Fujitsu Human Centric AI Zinrai, Fujitsu's AI technology, to produce highly accurate estimates.

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Figure 1: Illustration of weather routing (Light blue color indicates regions with moderate waves, orange denotes regions with somewhat high waves, and pink shows regions with high waves)

Issues

Fujitsu Laboratories confirmed that this technology was highly accurate with estimating ship performance, through trials using operational data collected by TUMSAT's small training vessels in Japanese waters. As part of commercializing this technology, however, it was necessary to test estimation accuracy against operational data from actual commercial ships at sea, in more varied weather and ocean conditions.

Details of the Technology Trial

Now, with technical assistance from TUMSAT, Fujitsu Laboratories' high-dimensional statistical analysis, using operational data collected from commercial vessels in actual operation by MOL and Ube Shipping & Logistics, was the basis for prediction of speed and fuel consumption of the vessels, and testing performed for the margin of error compared to actual results (Figure 2).

The operational data used in this trial is as follows.

1. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.

Ship type: Oceangoing vessel
Data: 30 data items, including wind direction, wind speed, main engine rpm, and fuel consumption
Time period: October 12, 2015 through December 13, 2015

2. Ube Shipping & Logistics

Ship type: Domestic vessel
Data: 14 data items, including wind direction, wind speed, main engine rpm, and fuel consumption
Time period: July 29, 2016 through August 22, 2016

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Figure 2: Example of a predicted ship speed against main engine rpm and wind speed applying high-dimensional statistical analysis technology (Light blue dots indicate actual values)

Methodology of the Technology Trial

A total of 90% of the sample data was selected at random from the total amount of operational data used in the trial as training data. The remaining sample data was used as test data to calculate the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), an index of error calculated using the formula below. In this evaluation, T refers to the number of samples of the test data, and t shows the number of the given individual sample within T, xt gives the value of the input data used to make prediction number t in the sample, while f(xt) gives the predicted value for ship speed or fuel consumption based on xt, and yt gives the actual value for ship speed or fuel consumption for sample number t. This error evaluation was repeated ten times, and the average of those results was taken as the estimated error rate compared to actual results.

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When performing this error evaluation for ship speed, the model learned the relationship between ship speed data and non-ship speed data, and then the results of this learning and the non-ship speed data were used to predict ship speed. A similar error evaluation was performed for fuel consumption.

Results of the Technology Trial

The results of this trial confirm that this technology can predict ship performance with an estimated margin of error under 1.5% (table).

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A portion of the trial results for ship speed and fuel consumption are shown in figures 3 and 4. Figures 3(a) and 4(a) are time-series graphs of actual values and predicted values, showing them as almost identical, confirming high prediction accuracy. In addition, figures 3(b) and 4(b) show the distribution of actual values and predicted values. As shown in the figures, most of the data points are clustered near the red line, confirming that this technology provides stable prediction accuracy.

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Figure 3: Example of trial results (ship speed)

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_FujitsuMitsui11217Fig4.jpg
Figure 4: Example of trial results (fuel consumption)

By using this technology to accurately comprehend the ship's performance in actual sea conditions, users can improve weather routing precision and contribute to lower fuel consumption.

Future Plans

Fujitsu Limited will include this technology as an option in Fujitsu Mobility Solution SPATIOWL, a cloud service that utilizes location information, aiming to offer the service in 2018.

(1) Ship performance estimation technology
Fujitsu develops High-Accuracy Fuel Efficiency Estimates through a ship's operational data (press release, May 10, 2016)
(2) Accuracy of ship speed
Percentage of the difference between ship speed estimated using this technology and actual ship speed measured at one minute increments
(3) Accuracy of fuel consumption
Percentage of the difference between fuel consumption estimated using this technology and actual amount of fuel used during one journey

About Fujitsu Ltd

Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 155,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.5 trillion yen (US$40 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. For more information, please see http://www.fujitsu.com.

* Please see this press release, with images, at:
http://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/

Contact:
Fujitsu Limited
Public and Investor Relations
Tel: +81-3-6252-2176
URL: www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/

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