Asia's Largest Toys & Games Fair Opens Next Week, Along With Baby Products, Stationery Fairs

January 2, 2018, 10:30 pm

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From L: Lawrence Chan, Chairman, HKTDC Toys Advisory Committee; HKTDC Acting Executive Director Benjamin Chau; and Judy Cheung, Deputy General Manager, Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd

Over 2,940 Global Exhibitors to Showcase Latest Products to Kick-start Sourcing in 2018

HONG KONG, Jan 3, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The 44th HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, the ninth HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, and the 18th Hong Kong International Stationery Fair will be held from 8-11 January at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). More than 2,940 international exhibitors will showcase an assortment of innovative and high-tech products.

With global economic growth, commodity prices and overseas demand performing better than expected last year, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) estimated that Hong Kong's total exports in 2017 would rise by eight per cent, with strong performance particularly in toy exports. Benjamin Chau, HKTDC Acting Executive Director, said exports of toy products in the first 11 months of 2017 were encouraging, reaching HK$44.5 billion and increasing 32 per cent year on year. Considerable growth was recorded in multiple markets, including during the recent Christmas purchasing period, when sales were vibrant in key markets including the United States, France, Germany and Japan, as well as the Chinese mainland. According to the HKTDC Export Index for the fourth quarter of 2017, the toy sector was the only group that showed improved sentiment, reflecting stronger industry confidence in 2018.

Mr Chau also anticipated that demand for electronic games, educational STEAM toys and licensed toy products will be keen. "Hong Kong's toys and games industry will continue to achieve steady growth brought by the technological advancement of electronic games, whose sales might outperform that of traditional toys," he said. "With the evolution from STEM to STEAM and even STREAM education, which strengthen the learning of science, technology, robotics, engineering, arts and mathematics, demand for these educational toys is also rising. In addition, blockbuster sequels such as Star Wars, Avengers and the Incredibles series will soon be released, which will drive sales of related licensed products."

Enhanced fair websites to facilitate year-round sourcing

To encourage suppliers to use online-to-offline (O2O) promotion, the HKTDC has enhanced the sourcing function of its trade fair websites by launching the new year-round "Exhibitions Online" platform at the Toys & Games and Baby Products fairs. Apart from featuring fair updates and the latest industry sourcing information, the new initiative also allows suppliers to connect with worldwide buyers anytime, while buyers can source industry-specific products from dedicated fair websites. It extends the exhibition online, to facilitate business discussions between suppliers and buyers beyond the fair period.

The HKTDC's e-Badge initiative, which was well-received when it was launched at last November's Optical Fair, will gradually be introduced to most of the trade fairs this year, including at the Toys & Games Fair, the Baby Products Fair, the International Stationery Fair, and the Licensing Show.

Asia's largest Toys & Games Fair presents the world's latest products

Asia's largest and the world's second-largest trade fair of its kind, this year's Toys & Games Fair will gather 2,100 exhibitors from 45 countries and regions.

Six group pavilions will be set up to showcase the latest toys and games from around the world, including the Chinese mainland, Korea, Spain, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. The "World of Toys" pavilion, featuring mainly European exhibitors, returns for its 10th consecutive year. Another highlight, the Brand Name Gallery, will showcase more than 240 renowned brands from 18 countries and regions, including 4M, Eastcolight, Hape, SOAP STUDIO, WELLY.

The Smart-Tech Toys zone will gather a variety of innovative toys and games that incorporate AR, VR, MR and mobile Apps. In addition, a STEAM Toys Product Display will again be set up to respond to rising demand for STEAM and STREAM educational toys.

Other popular zones include Kidult World, showcasing toys for grown-ups such as magic items, hobby goods, action & war game items, and models & figurines; the Pet Toys zone, featuring toys and daily supplies for pets; and the Fireworks zone, which will return from its successful debut last year with a diverse range of pyrotechnic products, such as toy fireworks, stage fireworks, party fireworks and festive firecrackers suitable for use in various events.

Concurrent Baby Products Fair and Stationery Fair to promote one-stop sourcing

The concurrent Hong Kong Baby Products Fair will welcome more than 580 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions, including first-time exhibitors from Argentina, New Zealand and Portugal. Apart from the returning Korea pavilion, the fair will also welcome new pavilions from Singapore and the Hong Kong Children, Babies, Maternity Industries Association. The Brand Name Gallery will present 51 fine brands from 16 countries and regions, such as BibaToys, Evenflo, La Mascot, Micralite. Other highlight zones include Baby Tech, where exhibitors will display high-tech smart products, and the World of Strollers and Gear II, showcasing award-winning and high-quality strollers.

Organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, this year's Hong Kong International Stationery Fair features some 260 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, including group pavilions representing Korea and Taiwan. A strong range of industry-leading brands will showcase the latest art and craft supplies, back-to-school items, paper packaging and printing goods, office supplies and gift stationery. In addition, the theme display "All for Arts," exhibiting a wide collection of artistically designed stationery and art supplies, will be set up at the entrance of Hall 5B.

Fringe events unveil industry trends

To promote industry exchange, a series of industry events will be held, including the Hong Kong Toys Industry Conference 2018, to be held on 9 January under the theme "Evolving with the industry: Hot Trends in Toys Industry." International industry experts will discuss hot topics, including global industry trends, e-commerce opportunities, big data application and licensing issues. Other thematic seminars include "STEM and STEAM Toys - More than a Buzzword;" "Toys Compliance, Testing & Export Protection;" "The Age of Digital Marketing for Toys and Baby Products;" "Key Apparel Trend for Autumn/Winter 2018/19 for Baby and Kidswear;" and "Marketing Your Stationery Business in the Digital Age."

In addition, there will be multiple Product Demo and Launch sessions, as well as a buyer forum that explores emerging market opportunities. Another highlight event, the Hong Kong Toys and Baby Products Awards 2018 Presentation Ceremony, will be held on the first day of the fairs (8 January), followed by the Winning Products Presentation the next day. The Awards aim to identify toys and baby products that are uniquely designed, creative and high quality, and to recognise outstanding industry achievements. The winning products will be exhibited at Halls 3F-G Concourse during the fairs to showcase the creative designs to international buyers.

The concurrent HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show is Asia's largest and the world's second-largest fair of its kind. The fair will gather more than 380 exhibitors, showcasing over 1,000 brands and properties. The four parallel fairs will create abundant crossover business opportunities among participants from various sectors.

About the Fairs

HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair
Edition: 44th
No of Exhibitors: 2,100 exhibitors from 45 countries and regions
Fair Websites: hktoyfair.hktdc.com
Product Highlights: Click here http://bit.ly/2CeSvxd

HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair
Edition: 9th
No of Exhibitors: Over 580 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions
Fair Websites: hkbabyfair.hktdc.com
Product Highlights: Click here http://bit.ly/2CxQgJy

Hong Kong International Stationery Fair
Edition: 18th
No of Exhibitors: Some 260 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions
Fair Websites: www.hkstationeryfair.com
Product Highlights: Click here http://bit.ly/2iZDyVI

Photo download: http://bit.ly/2lLJuFt

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
Communications & Public Affairs Department
Sam Ho
Tel: +852 2584 4569
Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

Katherine Chan
Tel: +852 2584 4537
Email: katherine.cm.chan@hktdc.org

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Lubrizol Appoints Simko S.A. as New Distributor in Argentina

January 3, 2018, 12:30 am

≫ Next: New Year Message from Kohei Morikawa, Showa Denko President and CEO

≪ Previous: Asia's Largest Toys & Games Fair Opens Next Week, Along With Baby Products, Stationery Fairs

CLEVELAND, Ohio, Jan 3, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Lubrizol Corporation announces it has selected Simko S.A. as the new distributor for the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) portfolio of the company's Engineered Polymers business throughout Argentina. Simko S.A. distributes engineering plastics, synthetic rubbers, rubber chemicals and industrial equipment for rubber and plastic industries in Argentina. They have warehouse and office facilities strategically located in San Martin near the Buenos Aires highway network.

The agreement, which took effect October 15, 2017, includes the following key product lines which are well-suited for today's innovative and demanding applications:

- Estane(R) TPU: Estane TPU products are utilized in film and sheet, extrusion, blow molding, injection molding, over molding, calendaring and solution coating processes.

- Isoplast(R) ETP: Isoplast ETP products are hard and high flexural modulus polyurethane engineering resins with excellent chemical resistance and barrier properties.

- Pearlbond(TM) TPU: The Pearlbond TPU portfolio includes products for Hot Melt Adhesives (HMA) and Reactive Hot Melts (HMPUR), typically used in automotive interior parts, bookbinding, furniture, textile and footwear.

- Pearlstick(TM) TPU: Pearlstick TPU products are designed for use in the manufacture of solvent-based adhesives.

Other products that will also be distributed by Simko S.A are: Pearlcoat(TM) TPU, Pearlthane(TM) TPU, Pearlthane(TM) ECO* TPU and Carbo-Rite(TM) Conductive Compounds and Sheet Products.

Rogerio Colucci, Lubrizol Engineered Polymers business manager for Latin America comments, "It is exciting to work with Simko S.A. as they have excellent in-depth knowledge of the engineering plastics and rubber markets in Argentina. When combined with Lubrizol's innovative and durable TPU solutions for specialized wire and cable, adhesives, consumer and industrial applications, this will further enhance our ability to work closely with customers, helping them solve valuable problems and drive innovation and growth in Argentina."

Eduardo Simko, CEO of Simko S.A., comments "We are proud of having been selected as Lubrizol's new distributor. We are impressed by the wide portfolio of products and the quality of the products, as well as Lubrizol's commitment to market development."

About Lubrizol Engineered Polymers

Lubrizol Engineered Polymers offers one of the broadest portfolios of engineered polymers available today including resins that are bio-based*, recyclable**, light stable, flame retardant, adhesive, chemically resistant, optically clear and fast cycling. Our technology crosses many industries and applications, including surface protection, power and fluid systems, sports and recreation, wearable devices, electronics and automotive. For more information, visit www.lubrizol.com/engineered-polymers or contact engineeredpolymers@lubrizol.com.

About The Lubrizol Corporation

The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a market-driven global company that combines complex, specialty chemicals to optimize the quality, performance and value of customers' products while reducing their environmental impact. It is a leader at combining market insights with chemistry and application capabilities to deliver valuable solutions to customers in the global transportation, industrial and consumer markets. Lubrizol improves lives by acting as an essential partner in our customers' success, delivering efficiency, reliability or wellness to their end users. Technologies include lubricant additives for engine oils, driveline and other transportation-related fluids, industrial lubricants, as well as additives for gasoline and diesel fuel. In addition, Lubrizol makes ingredients and additives for home care, personal care and skin care products and specialty materials encompassing polymer and coatings technologies, along with polymer-based pharmaceutical and medical device solutions.

With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, Lubrizol owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 17 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 8,300 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2016 were $6.5 billion. For more information, visit Lubrizol.com.

*Bio-based content as certified in accordance with ASTM D-6866.
**Recyclability is based on access to a readily available standard recycling program that supports such materials. Products may not be available in all areas.

All marks are owned by The Lubrizol Corporation.

https://hugin.info/143680/I/2108550/118228.jpg

Lubrizol appoints Simko S.A. as new distributor in Argentina for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) portfolio

Media Contacts
Michael Priola
+1 216 447-5697
The Lubrizol Corporation

Web Sites
www.lubrizol.com/engineered-polymers
www.lubrizol.com

###

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: Lubrizol via Globenewswire

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New Year Message from Kohei Morikawa, Showa Denko President and CEO

January 4, 2018, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Gemalto Launches the First Biometric EMV Card for Contactless Payments

≪ Previous: Lubrizol Appoints Simko S.A. as New Distributor in Argentina

Kohei Morikawa, President and CEO

TOKYO, Jan 4, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Kohei Morikawa, president and CEO of Showa Denko ("SDK"; TSE:4004) announced the following New Year message.

Let's Prepare for the Future

We expect that economic growth and recovery of domestic demand in 2018 will be as solid as those in 2017 and continue not only in developed countries but also in China and ASEAN region where the Showa Denko Group accelerates its business expansion. However, we should continue paying close attention to political and economic movements which were conducted in 2017 including introduction of stricter environmental regulation and decisions on policies to promote electric vehicles, since these movements significantly affect global economy. On the one hand, these changes in our business environment will bring the Showa Denko Group various business opportunities. On the other hand, we should recognize that these movements will make it necessary for us to change our business structure.

Let's Establish Individualized Businesses

Our efforts to maximize each business's profit in the existing business framework are now bearing fruit. In addition, favorable winds blew for us in 2017. Under these circumstances, concerning our goal of establishing individualized businesses, now we are confident that we can increase profitability to a certain level. However, we still seem only part way toward achieving certain scale of profit and stabilizing profitability. In order to change the Showa Denko Group into a group which constantly makes certain scale of profit even without favorable winds, we must make our businesses step up from their current positions. Should we increase sales of this business? Should we improve profitability of that business? Conceivable future scenario for stepping up varies from business to business. To make each of our businesses survive and win the fierce global competition, we must grasp in which segment we can survive and win, and continue establishing firm position in the relevant segment.

Let's Keep Searching for New Paths

Business environment changes at a dizzying pace. We must quickly know changes in wind direction and shift gears as quickly as possible. Our objective is clear. We aim to "satisfy all stakeholders" and show them the Showa Denko Group's "firm state at present" and "prospective future." We aim at one goal, establishment of individualized businesses. But there are various paths to the goal. Therefore, let's keep searching for new paths, be unafraid of changes, and take action aiming to have a giant leap as "a company that contribute toward creating a society where affluence an sustainability are harmonized," which is the summit the Showa Denko Group climbs toward.

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. ("SDK"; TSE:4004, US:SHWDF) is a major manufacturer and marketer of chemical products serving a wide range of fields ranging from heavy industry to the electronic and computer industries. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector provides industrial and high-performance gases and chemicals and high-purity gases and chemicals for the semiconductor industry, and the Inorganics Sector provides ceramics products such as alumina, abrasive, refractory and graphite electrodes and fine carbon products. Today, the Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high-bright LEDs and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

Contact:
Public Relations Office
Phone: 81-3-5470-3235

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Gemalto Launches the First Biometric EMV Card for Contactless Payments

January 3, 2018, 6:00 pm

≫ Next: Lubrizol Launches New Breathable, Microbe-resistant Grades

≪ Previous: New Year Message from Kohei Morikawa, Showa Denko President and CEO

- Biometric authentication replaces PIN code facilitating higher value contactless transactions
- Maximum privacy protection ensured by secure in-branch enrolment process and on-card storage of sensitive biometric information
- No battery life issues - the biometric sensor card is powered by the payment terminal

AMSTERDAM, Jan 4, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security, has been selected by Bank of Cyprus to supply the world's first EMV biometric dual interface payment card for both chip and contactless payments. Using fingerprint recognition instead of a PIN code to authenticate the cardholder, the card is compatible with existing payment terminals already installed in the country. When customers place their fingerprint on the sensor, a comparison is performed between the scanned fingerprint and the reference biometric data securely stored in the card. The biometric sensor card is powered by the payment terminal and does not require an embedded battery; this means there is no limit from battery life nor on the number of transactions.

A biometric solution and enrolment process designed to ensure optimal user privacy

Gemalto's biometric sensor payment card is based on the principle that biometric data should always remain in the hands of end users. Bank of Cyprus' customers will complete the swift enrolment process at the bank's branches, using Gemalto's tablet designed for the solution. The biometric personalization and card activation process is designed to avoid transmission of biometric data over the air to ensure that users' data privacy is protected. The fingerprint template captured during the enrolment process is stored only on the card.

"Bank of Cyprus customers will be first in the world to enjoy biometric convenience on a contactless payment card. Gemalto's biometric sensor payment card is designed to provide maximum security and data privacy," said Bertrand Knopf, Gemalto's executive vice president Banking and Payment. "Using biometrics for contactless payments is a natural move as it fits in naturally with the gesture used to pay. It allows a better user experience, enabling higher transaction amounts without entering a PIN while benefiting from the convenience of contactless."

"In order to bring seamless authentication to the banking sector, Gemalto has leveraged its extensive expertise from secure government documents and leadership in biometric applications", said Stelios Trachonitis, Card Centre Manager from BOC. "Our customers will benefit from this innovative payment solution with the peace of mind that their biometric data never leaves their hands."

About Gemalto

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO) is the global leader in digital security, with 2016 annual revenues of EUR 3.1 billion and customers in over 180 countries. We bring trust to an increasingly connected world.

From secure software to biometrics and encryption, our technologies and services enable businesses and governments to authenticate identities and protect data so they stay safe and enable services in personal devices, connected objects, the cloud and in between.

Gemalto's solutions are at the heart of modern life, from payment to enterprise security and the internet of things. We authenticate people, transactions and objects, encrypt data and create value for software - enabling our clients to deliver secure digital services for billions of individuals and things.

Our 15,000+ employees operate out of 112 offices, 43 personalization and data centers, and 30 research and software development centers located in 48 countries.

For more information visit www.gemalto.com, or follow @gemalto on Twitter.

Gemalto media contacts:
Tauri Cox
North America
+1 512 257 3916
tauri.cox@gemalto.com

Sophie Dombres
Europe Middle East & Africa
+33 4 42 55 36 57 38
sophie.dombres@gemalto.com

Jaslin Huang
Asia Pacific
+65 6317 3005
jaslin.huang@gemalto.com

Enriqueta Sedano
Latin America
+52 5521221422
enriqueta.sedano@gemalto.com

Press release (PDF): http://hugin.info/159293/R/2159018/829997.pdf
Picture: http://hugin.info/159293/R/2159018/829998.jpg

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Lubrizol Launches New Breathable, Microbe-resistant Grades

January 3, 2018, 6:30 pm

≫ Next: Hong Kong Fashion Week Opens this Month with Exciting Events

≪ Previous: Gemalto Launches the First Biometric EMV Card for Contactless Payments

CLEVELAND, Ohio, Jan 4, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Lubrizol Corporation's Engineered Polymers business is pleased to announce the launch of two new thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) resins for hot melt adhesives (HMAs). These recent developments belong to the plasticizer-free Pearlbond(TM) 300 TPU series -soft polymer solutions that stand out for their low activation temperature and excellent bonding properties to various substrates.

Lubrizol's innovative offering for HMAs can be found in technical textiles, interlinings, apparel (seam tapes and heat-transfer labels), conveyor belts, footwear and many highly-demanding applications. New Pearlbond 360 and 960 TPU resins perform very well in outdoor applications thanks to their excellent resistance to external agents (humidity and microorganisms). Other key features of these new developments follow below:

- Pearlbond 360 TPU: A breathable, plasticizer-free soft polymer with superior wash resistance and outstanding adhesion to fabrics. This solution bonds very well at a low activation temperature (
- Pearlbond 960 TPU: A light-stable, breathable and plasticizer-free polymer which combines the above-mentioned properties with optimum U.V. resistance. It is a highly durable solution with improved bonding and mechanical properties.

To further highlight the impressive HMA portfolio, Lubrizol Engineered Polymers' has developed a new video that details how high-performing Pearlbond TPU brings things together with its design versatility and the former features. Automotive interiors, life jackets, kitchen furniture, sportswear and other articles subjected to heavy use and hostile environments require adhesive solutions that offer high bonding strength and long-term durability that can withstand impact force and extreme temperature changes.

According to James Ruben, global market segment manager for adhesives, Lubrizol Engineered Polymers: "There is a strong demand from customers around the world to have adhesive solutions that combine softness, low activation temperature and high durability. End-uses such as quality garments, automotive and consumer goods require innovative bonding solutions. An increasing number of customers are in search of such a solution. Lubrizol is listening to those customers and is committed to addressing their needs."

About Lubrizol Engineered Polymers

Lubrizol Engineered Polymers offers one of the broadest portfolios of engineered polymers available today including resins that are bio-based*, recyclable**, light stable, flame retardant, adhesive, chemically resistant, optically clear and fast cycling. Our technology crosses many industries and applications, including surface protection, power and fluid systems, sports and recreation, wearable devices, electronics and automotive. For more information, visit www.lubrizol.com/engineered-polymers or contact engineeredpolymers@lubrizol.com

About The Lubrizol Corporation

The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a market-driven global company that combines complex, specialty chemicals to optimize the quality, performance and value of customers' products while reducing their environmental impact. It is a leader at combining market insights with chemistry and application capabilities to deliver valuable solutions to customers in the global transportation, industrial and consumer markets. Lubrizol improves lives by acting as an essential partner in our customers' success, delivering efficiency, reliability or wellness to their end users. Technologies include lubricant additives for engine oils, driveline and other transportation-related fluids, industrial lubricants, as well as additives for gasoline and diesel fuel. In addition, Lubrizol makes ingredients and additives for home care, personal care and skin care products and specialty materials encompassing polymer and coatings technologies, along with polymer-based pharmaceutical and medical device solutions.

With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, Lubrizol owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 17 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 8,300 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2016 were $6.5 billion. For more information, visit Lubrizol.com.

*Bio-based content as certified in accordance with ASTM D-6866.
**Recyclability is based on access to a readily available standard recycling program that supports such materials. Products may not be available in all areas.

All marks are owned by The Lubrizol Corporation.

Lubrizol offers advancements in hot melt adhesive innovation with new breathable Pearlbond(TM) TPU for heat-transfer labels and other end applications.

Media Contacts
Michael Priola
+1 216 447-5697
The Lubrizol Corporation

Lidia Valcarcel
+34 93 579-9565
Lubrizol Advanced Materials Inc.

Web Sites
www.lubrizol.com/engineered-polymers
www.lubrizol.com

###

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: Lubrizol via Globenewswire

↧

Hong Kong Fashion Week Opens this Month with Exciting Events

January 3, 2018, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: mybitwallet now accepts Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals, 24/7!

≪ Previous: Lubrizol Launches New Breathable, Microbe-resistant Grades

Hong Kong exhibitor Innee-Sedona International Ltd will showcase handbags, luggage and small leather accessories from the brand Celine Dion's 2018 SS collection.

Some 1400 Exhibitors Showcase New Collections, including Celine Dion Brand

HONG KONG, Jan 4, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 49th edition of Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter kicks off on 15-18 January at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Featuring some 1,400 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions, the fair will showcase the latest fashion designs, global brand collections, garments, fashion accessories, fabrics and clothing accessories.

Under the theme "New-World Explorers," this year's Hong Kong Fashion Week features more than 20 exciting events, including fashion parades and presentations, seminars, as well as a buyer forum and networking reception.

New "Corporate Fashion and Uniforms" zone

Responding to growing demand for workplace uniforms, the fair this year will introduce the new "Corporate Fashion and Uniforms" zone. A fashion parade and a related seminar will also be organised, with representatives from the garment, construction and fashion design industry invited to offer a multifaceted view on new growth opportunities in the uniform market.

Another new zone, the World of Fashion Accessories, features the latest designs in bags, footwear, legging & socks, gloves, scarves and shawls. Other thematic zones include the Fashionable Sportswear and Urban Clothing zones, which return after their successful debut last year; and the International Fashion Designers' Showcase, which features fashion design talents from around the globe. The fair also welcomes new exhibitors from Malaysia, while group pavilions from the Chinese mainland, India, Indonesia, Japan and Pakistan will also be featured at the event.

Celine Dion 2018 SS Accessory Collection makes its Asia-Pacific debut

Hong Kong exhibitor Innee-Sedona International Ltd will showcase a range of fashion accessory collections from the Celine Dion brand. Last year, the company was appointed the sole Asia-Pacific distributor of products from the brand curated by the singer and celebrity. In 2017, Celine Dion partnered with the Canadian The Bugatti Group to launch her eponymous label, which includes handbags, luggage and other fashion accessories. Each piece reflects Celine Dion's preferences, lifestyle and attention to detail combined with quality and craftsmanship. The brand's 2018 SS collection will make its Asia-Pacific debut at Hong Kong Fashion Week, showcasing a range of products including handbags, luggage and small leather accessories.

Other featured products at the fair include: the Japanese company Avenir International Co, Ltd's children's wear, featuring tweed fabric made by well-known British brand Linton; the Hong Kong exhibitor Antonhill Co Ltd's chef's uniform, which is 80 per cent stain-resistant and breathable; Hong Kong exhibitor Heltex Ltd's eco cashmere collection, made from undyed and unbleached cashmere; as well as a new textile product featuring temperature-control functions, jointly developed by the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) and the Institute of Textiles and Clothing of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, suitable for both general apparel and specialised medical applications.

Unique fashion show "FASHIONALLY Presentation"

More than 10 fashion parades and presentations will be staged during the four-day fair, including "FASHIONALLY Presentation," launched for the first time by the Hong Kong fashion website FASHIONALLY.com. Unlike conventional runway shows, the unique presentation will showcase the design concepts and 2018 FW works of local fashion designers Derek Chan, Aries Sin and Mim Mak, in the form of storytelling set in a theatre-like stage. The stage design, props and story sequence of the FASHIONALLY Presentations are all orchestrated by the designers themselves.

On the first day of the fair, FASHIONALLY COLLECTION #11 will present the 2018 FW Women's Wear collections of YEUNG CHIN, phenotypsetter (designer: Jane Ng), 112 mountainyam (designer: Mountain Yam), FromClothingOf (designer: Shirley Wong) and KEVIN HO. Two local creative units, The Spring is Here and Start from Zero, will hold workshops on making Japanese moss balls, otherwise known as kokedama, brooches and wooden tool boxes. The DIY workshops aim to promote the message of nurturing young fashion talents through the use of raw materials. For enrolment details, please refer to FASHIONALLY Facebook page: (https://www.facebook.com/fashionally/)

Seminars on market trends and industry developments

A series of seminars and forums will be held during the four-day fair, where industry professionals will offer insights and share the latest market information. Leading international fashion forecaster Fashion Snoops will present its latest forecast and analysis on men's and women's wear for SS2019. Other seminars will discuss issues such as cleaner production, footwear design and innovation. A networking reception will be held on the first day of the fair, providing the industry with networking opportunities.

YDC 2018 opens for application

Apart from FASHIONALLY COLLECTION #11 and the FASHIONALLY Presentation, FASHIONALLY Street (Hall 1C) will also showcase the latest works of local designers participating in this year's Fashion Week. The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC), a springboard for unearthing local design talent, will be held during CENTRESTAGE in September. Applications will open on 15 January (http://fashionally.com/ydc_application).

New measures to enhance buyers' sourcing experiences

With the growing prevalence of mobile communication, the HKTDC will launch the e-Badge initiative at this year's Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter. Buyers can download the environmentally friendly e-Badge from the mobile app HKTDC Marketplace, to access exhibitors and fair information and enjoy a more convenient and comprehensive fair experience.

Fair Websites:
Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter: hkfashionweekfw.hktdc.com
Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC): http://www.fashionally.com/en/YDC/about
Other Downloads:
FASHIONALLY COLLECTION #11 Fashion Parade and FASHIONALLY PRESENTATION http://bit.ly/2CDKtCi
Photo Download Link: http://bit.ly/2E5xVj4

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
Communications & Public Affairs Department
Agnes Wat
Tel: +852 2584 4554
Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

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mybitwallet now accepts Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals, 24/7!

January 5, 2018, 12:30 am

≫ Next: DENSO and Kyoto University Startup FLOSFIA will Develop Next-Gen Power Semiconductor Device for Electrified Vehicles

≪ Previous: Hong Kong Fashion Week Opens this Month with Exciting Events

SINGAPORE, Jan 5, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - mybitwallet users are now able to conduct instant deposits and withdrawals whenever they want, wherever they want. The release of this feature allows bitcoin users to conveniently deposit and withdraw with bitcoin instantly. mybitwallet hopes the release of this feature will increase the numbers of bitcoin enthusiast joining the platform.

mybitwallet promises to keep transaction fees for this feature minimal for its users to conduct bitcoin deposits and withdrawals. The transaction process of this feature is designed to ensure users are able to transact easily at their own fingertips.

How mybitwallet users deposit and withdraw in bitcoin -

Deposit:
1. Select a currency available on the mybitwallet platform to deposit.
2. Enter the quantity of bitcoin you wish to deposit.
3. Complete the transaction by making payment to the bitcoin address shown on the payment page. Alternatively, you may scan the QR code shown on the display screen.
4. Submit deposit request.

Withdrawal:
1. Select one of the currencies available on the mybitwallet platform to withdraw.
2. Enter the Bitcoin address.
3. Enter the amount to withdraw.
4. Submit withdrawal request.

About mybitwallet -

mybitwallet, a leading Wallet payment solution, aims to provide the world's best multi-currency, real-time payment experience for all mybitwallet users - and the world's best payment solution experience across all industries.

Introduced in 2016, mybitwallet is driven by a team of passionate disruptors determined to create a seamless payment platform not only for business owners and merchants around the world - but their clients as well.

mybitwallet by E PROTECTIONS PTE LTD (SG 2012).

Visit mybitwallet at https://mybitwallet.com.

Contact mybitwallet -

Jasmine Chang
T: +65 6221 0111
E: jasminechang@epro.sg

Japan Customer Service
T: +81 3 6893 0958
E: info@mybitwallet.com

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DENSO and Kyoto University Startup FLOSFIA will Develop Next-Gen Power Semiconductor Device for Electrified Vehicles

January 5, 2018, 12:36 am

≫ Next: JCB to Test Multipurpose Biometric Authentication

≪ Previous: mybitwallet now accepts Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals, 24/7!

- DENSO also joins FLOSFIA series C funding round, investing in critical technology for the future of electrified vehicles -

KARIYA, JAPAN, Jan 5, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - DENSO Corporation, one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, and FLOSFIA Inc., a tech startup spun from Kyoto University, are partnering to develop a next-generation power semiconductor device expected to reduce the energy loss, cost, size and weight of inverters used in electrified vehicles (EVs). Through the joint development project, the two companies aim to improve the efficiency of EV power control units, a key to drive widespread EV use, and usher in a future of safer, more sustainable mobility.

In addition to the joint development partnership, DENSO has acquired new shares issued by FLOSFIA in its Series C funding round.

Professor Shizuo Fujita at Kyoto University pioneered the application of corundum structured gallium oxide (alpha-Ga2O3) for use in semiconductors. Alpha-Ga2O3 semiconductors provide superior performance to other semiconductors on the market. These semiconductors have a wide bandgap of 5.3 eV and high electric breakdown field strength, meaning they can better withstand high voltage applications. alpha-Ga2O3 will replace today's current silicon (Si) and silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors and help further develop the technologies that make tomorrow's electrified vehicles a reality.

Originally established at Kyoto University in 2011, FLOSFIA is a world leader in R&D and commercializing alpha-Ga2O3. Aligning with its vision to create the future of mobility through Connected, Automated Drive, and Electrification technologies, DENSO became interested in FLOSFIA's technology. The two will further research and develop technology in high-voltage products for hybrid and electric vehicles, including semiconductors.

Since 2007, DENSO has provided power control units (PCUs) for hybrid and electric vehicles. PCUs use an inverter to control the power supplied from the battery to the motor generator. To use electric energy more efficiently, energy losses during the DC to AC conversion by the inverter must be reduced, and so DENSO is conducting R&D on low-loss power semiconductors.

Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed.

About FLOSFIA Inc.

FLOSFIA Inc., headquartered in Kyoto, Kyoto prefecture, Japan, is a spin-off from a research of Kyoto University, specializing in film-formation by mist chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Making use of physical properties of gallium oxide (Ga2O3), FLOSFIA has devoted to development of low-loss power devices. FLOSFIA succeeded in a development of a Schottky Barrier Diode (SBD) with the lowest specific on-resistance of any SBDs currently available on the market (through an internal investigation), realizing technologies linked to power loss reduction that is reduced up to 90 percent less than before. Flosfia will now develop its own production lines with a view to launching commercial production in 2018.FLOSFIA produces a variety of thin films, enhancing MISTDRY technology, achieving commercialization of power devices, and realizing application of its technology to electrode materials, oxide compounds with functional properties for electronic devices, plating and polymers. For more information, go to http://www.flosfia.com/.

About Denso

DENSO Corporation, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a leading global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electronics and information and safety. Its customers include all the world's major carmakers. Worldwide, the company has more than 200 subsidiaries and affiliates in 38 countries and regions and employs nearly 140,000 people. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, totaled US$39.8 billion. Last fiscal year, DENSO spent 9 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges. For more information, go to www.globaldenso.com, or visit our media website at www.densomediacenter.com.

Contact:
Sadayoshi Yokoyama, Toshiko Watanabe 
DENSO CORPORATION 
Phone: 81-566-25-5594 
Fax: 81-566-25-4509 
sadayoshi_yokoyama@denso.co.jp 
toshiko_watanabe@denso.co.jp

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JCB to Test Multipurpose Biometric Authentication

January 5, 2018, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Toyota Research Institute Introduces Next-Generation Automated Driving Research Vehicle at CES

≪ Previous: DENSO and Kyoto University Startup FLOSFIA will Develop Next-Gen Power Semiconductor Device for Electrified Vehicles

For potential launch of authentication and payment scheme using visible light palm authentication

TOKYO, Jan 5, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - JCB Co., Ltd., announced that JCB will be running a trial of multipurpose server-based visible light palm authentication in February at JCB headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, in collaboration with Universal Robot Co., Ltd. (UR), and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology.

Image 1: https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/jcb_palm_1.jpg

The trial will use UR's visible light palm authentication, using both palm print and vein patterns, which has the world's highest level of accuracy at only 1 in 100 billion false acceptance rate (see note below). The trial will focus on testing technical aspects during the registration and payment flow: capturing customer palm print and vein patterns with a smartphone camera, storing the patterns on a server, performing authentication, and returning the results to the smartphone.

JCB will be studying how to utilize the authentication technology for a wide variety of services while only requiring the customer to register their palm information in the authentication server once using their own smartphone.

About visible light palm authentication:

In contrast to the palm vein technology using near-infrared light currently in general use, Universal Robot has made it possible to capture vein patterns with visible light for authentication purposes. This means that authentication can be done with just a smartphone camera. In addition, the technology is highly accurate, with only a 0.0003% possibility of misidentification. Universal Robot has patented the technology in Japan, the USA, and other countries.

The visible light palm authentication used in this trial actually combines palm vein pattern authentication with palm print search of the data base to find the person's information. This technology boasts the world's highest level of accuracy due to the combination of palm vein pattern and palm print identification.

Note: "1 in 100 billion false acceptance rate" is calculated from 0.0003% rate for palm vein pattern authentication and 0.0003% for palm print authentication.

Image 2: https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/jcb_palm_2.jpg

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. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/

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

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Toyota Research Institute Introduces Next-Generation Automated Driving Research Vehicle at CES

January 5, 2018, 1:09 am

≫ Next: MHI Completes Investment into France's Framatome (formerly "New NP")

≪ Previous: JCB to Test Multipurpose Biometric Authentication

Platform 3.0

- Platform 3.0 features long-range 200-meter perception around 360-degree perimeter of vehicle
- Compact packaging of sensory components accentuated with sleek look from CALTY Design Research
- Research vehicles being created at Toyota's Prototype Development Center

LOS ANGELES, CA, Jan 5, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Research Institute (TRI) will show its next-generation automated driving research vehicle, Platform 3.0, at CES next week in Las Vegas. The new platform, which is built on a Lexus LS 600hL, combines greater technological capabilities with new harmonized styling that integrates the automated vehicle technology into the LS model's design. It will be on display in Toyota's CES exhibit in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center beginning Tues., January 9.

"Our team has once again rapidly advanced our automated vehicle research capabilities," said Dr. Gill Pratt, TRI CEO and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Fellow. "To elevate our test platform to a new level, we tapped Toyota's design and engineering expertise to create an all-new test platform that has the potential to be a benchmark in function and style."

TRI approached development of a new research platform with three core principles: (1) Elevate perception capabilities to be an industry pacesetter among automated vehicles; (2) Blend the sensing equipment into the vehicle design with a distinct appearance that is sleek and elegant; (3) Package the automated vehicle technology in a manner that is easy to reproduce for building a fleet at scale.

PERCEPTION TECHNOLOGY

Platform 3.0 represents maturing of TRI's automated vehicle research. Experimentation has transitioned to narrowing in on a technology package with a more defined sensor configuration and level of performance that helps catapult proficiency in understanding the world around the car.

Platform 3.0 has a very sensor-rich package that makes it one of the most perceptive automated driving test cars on the road. The Luminar LIDAR system with 200-meter range, which had only tracked the forward direction on TRI's previous test platform, now covers the vehicle's complete 360-degree perimeter. This is enabled by four high-resolution LIDAR scanning heads, which precisely detect objects in the environment including notoriously difficult-to-see dark objects.

Shorter-range LIDAR sensors are positioned low on all four sides of the vehicle--one in each front quarter panel and one each on the front and rear bumpers. These can detect low-level and smaller objects near the car like children and debris in the roadway. The new platform remains flexible for incorporating future breakthrough technology as it becomes available.

DESIGN

TRI engaged the expertise of CALTY Design Research in Ann Arbor, Mich. and engineers at Toyota Motor North America Research and Development (TMNA R&D) to compact and conceal the sensors and cameras. They created a new rooftop weather and temperature proof panel, cleverly using available space in the sunroof compartment to minimize the overall height. Their ingenuity eliminates the look of equipment as bolt-on appendages and replaces the "spinning bucket" LIDAR sensor that has historically characterized autonomous test vehicles.

CALTY designed the confident image of the rooftop panel, defined as intelligent minimalism, which is inspired by off-road motorcycle helmets. The forward area has a crisp technical look that becomes more fluid and aerodynamic toward the rear of the car, unifying with the contour lines of the LS. The panel is embellished with chrome trim that runs along the side where it meets the roofline.

"Automotive designers' roles have been pivoting toward thinking deeper and greater on how to design and apply automated driving technology for drivers and passengers," said Scott Roller, Senior Lead Designer at CALTY Design Research who worked on the project. "It's exciting to integrate the components in harmony with the car's design."

The vehicle's computational architecture for operating the automated vehicle components, which previously consumed nearly all trunk space, has also been consolidated. The electronics infrastructure and wiring in condensed into a small box exquisitely adorned with an LED-lit TRI logo.

PRODUCTION

Production of Platform 3.0 vehicles begins this spring. The Prototype Development Center at TMNA R&D headquarters in York Twp., Mich., which has expertise in low volume, specialized production, will create Platform 3.0 cars from stock Lexus LS models.

Production volume is intentionally low to allow for continued flexibility given the quickness with which TRI has progressed in updating its test platform. There have been three major updates, including two new generation test models, in less than a year, and TRI anticipates continued rapid developments.

A share of the new test vehicles will be assembled with the dual cockpit control layout that TRI debuted last summer. This arrangement is for testing TRI's Guardian approach to automated driving, experimenting with effective methods to transfer vehicle control between the human test driver and the automated system while maintaining a safety driver as a backup. Single cockpit vehicles, like the one on display at CES, are used to test Chauffeur, which is TRI's approach to full vehicle automation.

Both Guardian and Chauffeur test vehicles use the same technology stack of sensors and cameras and similar software.

About Toyota Research Institute

Toyota Research Institute is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor North America under the direction of Dr. Gill Pratt. The company, established in 2015, aims to strengthen Toyota's research structure and has four initial mandates: 1) enhance the safety of automobiles, 2) increase access to cars to those who otherwise cannot drive, 3) translate Toyota's expertise in creating products for outdoor mobility into products for indoor mobility, and 4) accelerate scientific discovery by applying techniques from artificial intelligence and machine learning. TRI is based in the United States, with offices in Los Altos, Calif., Cambridge, Mass., and Ann Arbor, Mich. For more information about TRI, please visit http://tri.global.

About Toyota

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is the global mobility company that introduced the Prius hybrid-electric car in 1997 and the first mass-produced fuel cell sedan, Mirai, in 2014. Headquartered in Toyota City, Japan, Toyota has been making cars since 1937. Today, Toyota proudly employs 370,000 employees in communities around the world. Together, they build around 10 million vehicles per year in 29 countries, from mainstream cars and premium vehicles to mini-vehicles and commercial trucks, and sell them in more than 170 countries under the brands Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.

Contact:
Public Affairs Division
Global Communications Department
Toyota Motor Corporation
Tel: +81-3-3817-9926

↧

MHI Completes Investment into France's Framatome (formerly "New NP")

January 4, 2018, 6:44 pm

≫ Next: Northern New Energy Acquires Tianjin Jin Re Natural Gas

≪ Previous: Toyota Research Institute Introduces Next-Generation Automated Driving Research Vehicle at CES

- Pursues Strategic Cooperation with EDF and AREVA Group in Nuclear Energy Technology -

- MHI acquires 19.5 percent stake in Framatome, based on prior agreement from July 2017
- EDF and MHI to collaborate on ATMEA nuclear reactor joint-venture
- MHI acquires 19.5 percent stake in Framatome, based on prior agreement from July 2017
- EDF and MHI to collaborate on ATMEA nuclear reactor joint-venture

TOKYO, Jan 5, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has completed investment into Framatome, a French company that designs and manufactures nuclear power plant (NPP) equipment and systems and renamed from New NP. MHI now holds a 19.5% equity stake in Framatome, an affiliate of Electricite de France (EDF) recently established as part of the reorganization of AREVA Group. The investment is aimed at establishing a global structure for delivering the latest technologies for safe and reliable nuclear power generation through strategic collaboration between MHI, Framatome and EDF. It will also support the promotion of sales of the ATMEA1 reactor through collaboration with EDF.

Framatome evolved from AREVA NP, an AREVA Group company with extensive experience in design and manufacture of NPP equipment, plant construction and fuel supply. Framatome will specialize in after-sale servicing of existing plants as well as fuel supply, and the design, manufacture and sale of reactor equipment for new plants; an area expected to generate stable earnings.

The completion of the investment will also result in a reorganization of ATMEA. ATMEA was formed as a joint venture between MHI and AREVA NP to develop the next-generation ATMEA1 reactor. Under the new structure, there will be fifty-fifty ownership of ATMEA between MHI and EDF, along with a special share owned by Framatome.

Following completion of the investment, MHI President and CEO Shunichi Miyanaga commented, "MHI has been a key player in cooperation between Japan and France in the development of nuclear power generation technologies for many years. With the completion of our investment into Framatome, a new structure has been created that will further strengthen the ties between our nuclear energy industries, and I am confident this new relationship will enable further improvement in technologies to ensure the long-term sustainability and reliability of nuclear energy."

Under the new arrangement, MHI, EDF and Framatome will collaborate in promoting worldwide sales of the ATMEA1 reactor. Further, cooperative ties between France and Japan's nuclear power industries will be strengthened in areas including equipment supply to NPPs, after-sale servicing, and decommissioning work.

Cooperation between MHI and the AREVA Group began in the 1990s with collaboration in the fuel cycle business. In 2006 the two parties concluded a wider cooperation agreement in the nuclear energy field. Following this, integration of the two partners' technologies resulted in development of the ATMEA1; a pressurized water reactor (PWR), in the 1,200 megawatt (MW) class, providing the world's highest levels of safety and reliability. Since that time, prospects for the sale of the ATMEA1 have been expanding worldwide, especially in emerging economies, where new NPP construction plans are moving ahead.

EDF is the world's largest provider of nuclear energy, currently operating a total of 73 NPPs in France and the UK. To date MHI has received orders for 15 replacement steam generators for EDF's plants, and strong ties of cooperation continue to be forged between the two companies. In June 2016 a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was concluded toward MHI and EDF's cooperation in the nuclear energy field; calling for EDF's marketing, technological and other support of ATMEA's business, plus broad-based cooperation across global markets making use of the two companies' respective technological capabilities and strengths.

Going forward, through the increasingly close ties forged with EDF, Framatome and the AREVA Group, MHI will promote the development of global markets for a broad range of nuclear power generation-related technologies. In this way, MHI will contribute to the formation of a worldwide structure enabling stable acquisition and supply of energy with low emission.

MHI is also scheduled to acquire a 5 percent equity stake in New AREVA Holding (formerly referred to as "NewCo"), a company primarily focused on the fuel cycle field business. The investment is due to be completed by the end of January 2018.

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), headquartered in Tokyo, is one of the world's leading industrial firms with 80,000 group employees and annual consolidated revenues of around 38 billion U.S. dollars. For more than 130 years, the company has channeled big thinking into innovative and integrated solutions that move the world forward. MHI owns a unique business portfolio covering land, sea, sky and even space. MHI delivers innovative and integrated solutions across a wide range of industries from commercial aviation and transportation to power plants and gas turbines, and from machinery and infrastructure to integrated defense and space systems.
For more information, please visit the MHI Group website: http://www.mhi-global.com.
For Technology, Trends and Tangents, visit MHI's new online media SPECTRA: http://spectra.mhi.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

↧

Northern New Energy Acquires Tianjin Jin Re Natural Gas

January 5, 2018, 2:06 am

≫ Next: DENSO Leads AI-Powered Fleet Management Technology Company ActiveScaler's Seed Funding Round

≪ Previous: MHI Completes Investment into France's Framatome (formerly "New NP")

Moves full steam ahead to expand new energy business; Hopes to build diversified integrated new energy enterprise

HONG KONG, Jan 5, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Northern New Energy Holdings Limited ("Northern New Energy" / the "Group", stock code: 8246) today announced that it has entered into a sale and purchase agreement in relation to it conditionally agreed to acquire 91% of the registered capital in the amount of RMB18.2 million (approximately HK$21.9 million) of Tianjin Jin Re Natural Gas Sales Company Limited* ("Tianjin Jin Re Natural Gas"), a company engaged in operation of liquefied natural gas ("LNG") stations, including purchase and receipt from third parties, and sale and transmission of natural gas (including LNG). Total consideration of the acquisition is RMB78.4 million (approximately HK$94.4 million). Upon completion, Tianjin Jin Re Natural Gas will become a non-wholly owned subsidiary of the Group and its financial results will be consolidated into those of the Group.

Tianjin Jin Re Natural Gas holds two LNG stations in Tianjin, China and both enjoy geographical advantages, being at the junction of a number of main roads. One of the LNG stations has the largest LNG storage tank in Tianjin, which is located next to the North Outer Ring Line in Beichen District. As for the other LNG station, it is located in Beichen Industrial Park. The Beichen Industrial Park is the only industrial park in Tianjin that focuses on the pharmaceutical and medical sectors and their respective operations. Its tenants include many renowned state-owned enterprises.

By acquiring Tianjin Jin Re Natural Gas, the Group's business will expand at full speed from only undertaking projects in the past to covering also supply of LNG and gasified natural gas, as well as providing technical consultation service in Tianjin. The acquisition does not only broadening the income of the Group, but will also take the Group to new heights, and hence developing into an integrated new energy enterprise engaging in diverse businesses.

The Chinese government unveiled "2017-2021 Winter Clean Heating Plan in Northern China" in December 2017, with one of the key objectives of the "2+26" urban development plan for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and surrounding areas being to replace burning of coal with natural gas and electricity, in agreement with national policy, the Group believes it stands prime to continue to develop its new energy business. In the long run, the Group will be able to expand its business step-by-step from Tianjin to the entire country. The management will also continue to explore suitable acquisition opportunities and team up with strong partners, with the aim of creating greater shareholder value.

Northern New Energy Holdings Limited
Northern New Energy Holdings Limited formerly known as Noble House (China) Holdings Limited, is a company listed on the GEM Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 2011 (stock code: 8246). In 2015, the Group began to develop new energy operations and R&D of related technologies, plus construction engineering business. The Group also operates restaurants, provides management services, and sells processed food and seafood. Also in 2015, the Group further diversified its business to cover also property investment.

Media enquiries
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Keris Leung + 852 2864 4863 keris.leung@sprg.com.hk
Jeffrey Tam +852 2864 4858 jeffrey.tam@sprg.com.hk

↧

DENSO Leads AI-Powered Fleet Management Technology Company ActiveScaler's Seed Funding Round

January 8, 2018, 2:08 am

≫ Next: Automatic language interpretation technology to be piloted at Winter Olympics

≪ Previous: Northern New Energy Acquires Tianjin Jin Re Natural Gas

DENSO investment will accelerate fleet operators' new business opportunities for Mobility as a Service

KARIYA, JAPAN, Jan 8, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - DENSO, one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, announced a significant investment in startup company ActiveScaler, a developer of Managed MaaS (Mobility-as-a-Service) systems powered by artificial intelligence. DENSO's investment will help expand ActiveScaler's platform and technologies, which simplify and better customize shared mobility experiences. The agreement also will help accelerate deployment of Managed MaaS systems for leading mobility operators and fleet service providers.

With the increase in global demand for more scalable and efficient services for moving people and goods, ActiveScaler's technology will help enhance growth and simplify implementation with a modular set of components that enable mobility service providers and fleet managers to tailor MaaS solutions to their specific business needs.

"DENSO's focus is to develop technologies that advance the future of mobility, and enable connected and automated driving," said Yoshifumi Kato, Senior Executive Director at DENSO Corporation. "These technologies directly influence the development of MaaS systems, which will disrupt the future of urban mobility for people and goods by making transportation solutions more seamless and accessible. ActiveScaler will help fleet operators accelerate new business opportunities by integrating the emerging MaaS ecosystem with higher performance and faster time to market."

Tony Cannestra, Director of Corporate Ventures for DENSO, emphasized the importance of collaboration for innovative technology development. "Technologies that simplify and better customize shared mobility experiences are a key focus area for DENSO, and we will strongly support those technologies with strategic investments and boundary-pushing collaborations," said Cannestra. "ActiveScaler's robust platform has the potential to impact how commercial fleets navigate city streets around the world, and we look forward to seeing how our technologies can help."

"We want to be the engine behind the future of MaaS -- hence the term "Managed MaaS", which will transform current fleet businesses to provide next generation mobility services," said Abhay Jain, CEO of ActiveScaler. "Traditional fleet management services and systems are quickly becoming obsolete because of issues like high upfront software and hardware costs, poor ecosystem integration, and lack of flexibility, which are limiting the type and quality of services that can be offered.

"Our new AI-powered technology and fresh approach provides the ability to build end-to-end MaaS businesses featuring advanced analytics and automation, high security, and regulatory compliance while reducing environmental impact. This is essential for current as well as future businesses built around multi-mode transportation and autonomous vehicles," added Jain.

DENSO continues to evaluate technology investment opportunities, including both core automotive solutions and innovative technologies with potentially significant implications for the future of transportation.

About ActiveScaler Inc.

ActiveScaler exponentially improves the flow of people and goods for transportation providers. The company's Managed Mobility-as-a-Service (Managed MaaS) product suite includes FleetFactor, In-Motion global platform and API, and IMBOT that revolutionize mobility by automating operations management with contextual analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Transportation providers can readily improve and expand service offerings while making sense of a growing stream of real-time data. ActiveScaler focuses on serving a range of transportation providers from individual mobility operators to multi-mode integrators and large scale commercial fleets. For more information, please visit www.activescaler.com.

About Denso

DENSO Corporation, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a leading global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electronics and information and safety. Its customers include all the world's major carmakers. Worldwide, the company has more than 200 subsidiaries and affiliates in 38 countries and regions and employs nearly 140,000 people. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, totaled US$39.8 billion. Last fiscal year, DENSO spent 9 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges. For more information, go to www.globaldenso.com, or visit our media website at www.densomediacenter.com.

Contact:
Sadayoshi Yokoyama, Toshiko Watanabe 
DENSO CORPORATION 
Phone: 81-566-25-5594 
Fax: 81-566-25-4509 
sadayoshi_yokoyama@denso.co.jp 
toshiko_watanabe@denso.co.jp

↧

Automatic language interpretation technology to be piloted at Winter Olympics

January 8, 2018, 3:30 am

≫ Next: Asia's Largest Toys & Games Fair Opens with Innovative and High-tech Products

≪ Previous: DENSO Leads AI-Powered Fleet Management Technology Company ActiveScaler's Seed Funding Round

Technology summary of Zero UI automatic interpretation technology.

The hands-free technology automatically translates between participants speaking different languages, allowing natural, uninterrupted conversations. It was adopted as the international standard in 2017.

Daejeon, KOREA, Jan 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The "Zero UI" automatic interpretation technology developed by Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) was approved as the international standard by the International Organization for Standardization in July 2017. ETRI, a Korean non-profit research organization, plans to test drive its language interpretation technology at the upcoming Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Zero UI stands for "zero user interface". In the case of ETRI's automatic interpretation technology, it means that users do not touch their smartphones to begin translation services. Rather, they simply wear a Bluetooth headset and speak into the attached microphone. Their smartphones automatically detect the languages being spoken, then translate and transmit the conversation between participants.

"This is significant in that the new technology brings us a step closer to genuinely lowering the language barrier in the era of globalization," said Sang-hun Kim, a project leader of ETRI.

In recent years, automatic interpretation programs have increasingly been commercialized as performance improved thanks to deep-learning technology. However, most programs required users to touch their smartphone screen before speaking, with the results provided on the screen or through the speaker. This did not enable free conversations due to slow speed and intermittent interruption, preventing the service from being widely employed.

The Zero UI interpreter technology allows users to look at the face of the person they are talking with and to have a natural conversation without looking at or manipulating their smartphones. Communication flows almost as quickly a normal conversation.

To achieve this, ETRI employed two core technologies, which became adopted as the international standard (ISO/IEC 20382-2:2017). The "two-channel voice processing technology" separates the voice detecting channel and the voice input channel, while a "barge-in technology" enables voice recognition anytime even when in the middle of playing a synthesized voice.

These new technologies are expected to have significant value at international events, such as the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. They are also expected to result in fewer interpretation errors, especially in noisy places because each speaker's voice directly goes into his or her own microphone.

Standardizing these technologies is a promising sign that automatic interpretation could become widespread. ETRI plans to conduct additional research on users' habits and technical issues to ensure adaptation to diverse changes.

For more information, please contact
ETRI
Dr. Sang-Hun Kim
e-mail: ksh@etri.re.kr, phone: +82-42-860-5141

About ETRI

Established in 1976, ETRI is a non-profit Korean government-funded research organization that has been at the forefront of technological excellence for about 41 years. In the 1980s, ETRI developed TDX (Time Division Exchange) and 4M DRAM. In the 1990s, ETRI commercialized CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) for the first time in the world. In the 2000s, ETRI developed Terrestrial DMB, WiBro, and 4G LTE Advanced, which became the foundation of mobile communications. Recently, as a global ICT leader, ETRI has been advancing communication and convergence by developing SAN (Ship Area Network) technology, Genie Talk (world class portable automatic interpretation; Korean-English/Japanese/Chinese), and automated valet parking technology. As of 2017, ETRI has about 2,000 employees where about 1,800 of them are researchers. Homepage: https://www.etri.re.kr/eng/main/main.etri

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Asia's Largest Toys & Games Fair Opens with Innovative and High-tech Products

January 7, 2018, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: AIR Worldwide's Fund Designation Strategy Continues Momentum with Crop Insurers

≪ Previous: Automatic language interpretation technology to be piloted at Winter Olympics

Concurrent Baby Products, Stationery Fairs Feature 2,940+ Global Exhibitors

HONG KONG, Jan 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The three fairs feature more than 2,940 global exhibitors, showcasing a broad selection of innovative and high-tech products.

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has organised more than 120 buying missions from 65 countries and regions, inviting some 9,000 buyers from about 6,200 companies to visit and source at the three fairs.

They include department stores, specialty stores and retail chains such as Toys"R"Us from the US, Hamleys from the UK, Tomy and Aeon from Japan, the Reliance Group from India, as well as e-tailers including Walmart E-commerce and Amazon.cn from mainland China, and local enterprises such as AS Watsons Group and Ocean Park.

To facilitate different sourcing requirements, the fairs also feature the hktdc.com Small Orders zone with its online transaction platform (http://smallorders.hktdc.com) and on-site business-matching service.

HKTDC Acting Executive Director Benjamin Chau said the three fairs present a diverse lineup of innovative products, including educational toys that inspire fun learning, toys and baby products that incorporate smart technologies, as well as eco-friendly stationery items that showcase creative designs, meeting the various sourcing needs of global buyers.

"Apart from organising overseas buying missions, the HKTDC has also enhanced the sourcing function of its trade fair websites, launching a new year-round 'Exhibitions Online' platform at the Toys & Games and Baby Products fairs. The platform not only features fair updates and the latest industry sourcing information, it also allows suppliers to connect with worldwide buyers anytime, while buyers can source industry-specific products from dedicated fair websites.

"'Exhibitions Online' extends the exhibition online platform by encouraging suppliers to use online-to-offline (O2O) promotions and facilitating business discussions between suppliers and buyers beyond the fair period," said Mr Chau.

He added that the HKTDC's e-Badge initiative, which was well-received when launched at last November's Optical Fair, will gradually be introduced at most of the HKTDC trade fairs this year, including at the concurrent Toys & Games Fair, the Baby Products Fair, the International Stationery Fair, and the Hong Kong International Licensing Show.

- Creative products showcased at Asia's largest toys & games fair

The 44th edition of the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair features 2,100 exhibitors from 45 countries and regions, with new exhibitors from Estonia, Russia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam, making it the largest event of its kind in Asia, and the second-largest in the world.

Six group pavilions, including the Chinese mainland, Korea, Spain, Taiwan and the UK, are showcasing the latest toys and games from around the world. The "World of Toys" pavilion, featuring mainly European exhibitors, returns for the 10th consecutive year.

A fair highlight, the Brand Name Gallery features more than 240 renowned brands from 18 countries and regions, including 4M, Eastcolight, Hape, MiNG The Minibus, SOAP STUDIO and WELLY.

This year's Smart-Tech Toys zone gathers a myriad of innovative toys and games that incorporate the latest AR/VR/MR technologies, as well as mobile applications. To respond to growing demand for STEAM and STREAM educational toys, a STEAM Toys Product Display has been set up to draw buyers' attention.

Other special zones include Kidult World, showcasing toys for grown-ups such as magic items, hobby goods, action & war game items, and models & figurines; the Pet Toys zone, featuring toys and daily supplies for pets; and the Fireworks zone, which returns from its successful debut last year with a diverse range of pyrotechnic products, such as toy fireworks, stage fireworks, party fireworks and festive firecrackers suitable for use in different events.

- Concurrent fairs to provide one-stop sourcing convenience

The concurrent Hong Kong Baby Products Fair features more than 580 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions, with newcomers from Argentina, New Zealand and Portugal. In addition to the returning Korea pavilion, the fair also welcomes first-time pavilions from Singapore and the Hong Kong Children, Babies, Maternity Industries Association.

The Brand Name Gallery spotlights 51 famous brands from 16 countries and regions, including BibaToys, Evenflo, La Mascot and Micralite. Other highlight zones include Baby Tech, where high-tech smart products are presented, and the World of Strollers and Gear II, showcasing award-winning and high-quality strollers.

Organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, this year's Hong Kong International Stationery Fair welcomes some 260 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, including Korea and Taiwan pavilions.

A strong line-up of leading industry brands, including KOKUYO, M&G, Kiky, O-life and IWI, offers the latest art and craft supplies, back-to-school items, paper packaging and printing goods, office supplies and gift stationery. In addition, a theme display "All for Arts," exhibiting a wide collection of artistically designed stationery and art supplies, has been set up at the entrance of Hall 5B.

- Thematic seminars unveil industry trends

A series of special events will be held throughout the fair period to facilitate market information exchange among industry players. This year's Hong Kong Toys Industry Conference will be held on 9 January under the theme "Evolving with the industry: Hot Trends in Toys Industry," where participants will address hot-button issues in the toy sector.

Representative from Amazon will discuss business opportunities arising from the development of global e-commerce, while a representative from British toy retail giant Hamleys' will offer insights into the future development of the retail toy market. Representative from the United States' toy industry online media and international advisory body will focus on global industry trends in the next five years. Other topics include using big data to formulate market strategies and licensing issues.

Other thematic seminars include "STEM and STEAM Toys - More than a Buzzword;" "Latest Consumer Trends and Quality Control of Baby Products;" "Toys Compliance, Testing & Export Protection;" "The Age of Digital Marketing for Toys and Baby Products;" "Key Apparel Trend for Autumn/Winter 2018/19 for Baby and Kidswear;" and "Marketing Your Stationery Business in the Digital Age."

In addition, several product demo and launch sessions, as well as a buyer forum on business opportunities in emerging markets will be organised during the fairs. Another highlight event, the Hong Kong Toys and Baby Products Awards 2018 Presentation Ceremony, will be held tonight (8 January), followed by the Winning Products Presentation tomorrow.

The Awards aim to identify toys and baby products that are uniquely designed, creative and high quality, and to recognise outstanding industry achievements. The winning products are available at Halls 3F-G Concourse during the fairs to showcase the creative designs to international buyers.

The concurrent HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show is the world's second-largest and Asia's largest event of its kind, featuring more than 1,000 brands and properties from over 380 exhibitors. The parallel fairs generate synergy and provide one-stop sourcing for trade buyers, creating abundant crossover business opportunities among participants from various sectors.

- HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair
Edition: 44th
No of Exhibitors: 2,100 exhibitors from 45 countries and regions
Fair Websites: hktoyfair.hktdc.com
Product Highlights: Click here http://bit.ly/2CeSvxd

- HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair
Edition: 9th
No of Exhibitors: Over 580 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions
Fair Websites: hkbabyfair.hktdc.com
Product Highlights: Click here http://bit.ly/2CxQgJy

- Hong Kong International Stationery Fair
Edition: 18th
No of Exhibitors: Some 260 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions
Fair Websites: www.hkstationeryfair.com
Product Highlights: Click here http://bit.ly/2iZDyVI

Photo download: http://bit.ly/2FantIx

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
Communications & Public Affairs Department
Sam Ho
Tel: +852 2584 4569
Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

Katherine Chan
Tel: +852 2584 4537
Email: katherine.cm.chan@hktdc.org

↧

AIR Worldwide's Fund Designation Strategy Continues Momentum with Crop Insurers

January 7, 2018, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: hktdc.com Small Orders for Chinese Mainland officially opens

≪ Previous: Asia's Largest Toys & Games Fair Opens with Innovative and High-tech Products

BOSTON, Jan 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide announced that Hudson Crop, a unit of Hudson Insurance Group, has selected the AIR Fund Designation Service to enhance its fund designation strategy. AIR's fund designation solution enables insurers to manage their crop portfolio risk and better optimize their company's stakeholder value under current yield, price, and crop insurance program uncertainties. AIR Worldwide is a Verisk (Nasdaq:VRSK) business.

Dan Gasser, president of Hudson Crop Insurance Services, commented, "AIR has a proven track record of providing powerful solutions for agricultural risk management, providing us with more data and analytics to make better allocation decisions."

The AIR Fund Designation Service provides fund designation alternatives, allowing companies to choose the option that best fits their risk-return target and profile. The service uses AIR's leading Multiple Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) Model for the U.S. to rank and sort policies based on their estimated risk level. Several risk metrics, such as probability of loss, mean loss ratio, 100-year return loss ratio, and tail value at risk, can be used for risk assessment of individual insurance policies. AIR can then apply various retention levels to develop multiple fund designation strategies - those giving the highest expected return for a chosen level of risk.

"Because it is unrealistic to accurately forecast weather, yield, and price outcomes for the next growing season at the time of the fund designation deadline, the best approach is often a probabilistic one," said Dr. Oscar Vergara, assistant vice president at AIR Worldwide. "AIR leverages its advanced MPCI model to simulate 10,000 possible yield and price outcomes that are equally likely to occur during the next growing season. The modeled events are based on the current climate, geographically correlated and trended to current levels of crop technological improvements. We couple the power of stochastic modeling with historical producer data through AIR's Insured Producer Performance (IPP) Score(TM), and companies like Hudson Crop are able to use this enhanced optimization service at the time of each fund designation deadline."

As part of this relationship, Hudson Crop has also licensed the recently updated U.S. Multiple Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) Model and the U.S. Crop Hail Model, the leading models for the U.S. crop insurance and reinsurance industry, in AIR's CATRADER(R) software application.

About AIR Worldwide

AIR Worldwide (AIR) provides risk modeling solutions that make individuals, businesses, and society more resilient to extreme events. In 1987, AIR Worldwide founded the catastrophe modeling industry and today models the risk from natural catastrophes, terrorism, pandemics, casualty catastrophes, and cyber attacks globally. Insurance, reinsurance, financial, corporate, and government clients rely on AIR's advanced science, software, and consulting services for catastrophe risk management, insurance-linked securities, site-specific engineering analyses, and agricultural risk management. AIR Worldwide, a Verisk (Nasdaq:VRSK) business, is headquartered in Boston, with additional offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. For more information, please visit www.air-worldwide.com.

For more information, contact:
Kevin Long
AIR Worldwide
+1-617-267-6645
klong@air-worldwide.com

###

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: AIR Worldwide via Globenewswire

↧

hktdc.com Small Orders for Chinese Mainland officially opens

January 8, 2018, 12:00 am

≫ Next: Asia's Largest Licensing Show and Conference Open in Hong Kong

≪ Previous: AIR Worldwide's Fund Designation Strategy Continues Momentum with Crop Insurers

Soft-launched in the middle of last year, the hktdc.com Small Orders (Chinese Mainland) platform is a small-order online transactional platform specifically designed for Chinese mainland buyers. Mainland buyers who place small-orders can settle payments in renminbi using AliPay, TenPay, WeChat Pay or China UnionPay. Hong Kong suppliers can conveniently receive payments in US dollars via PayPal.

Helping Local SMEs Develop Mainland Sales through Baidu Advertising Service

HONG KONG, Jan 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Hong Kong SMEs can tap the rapid growth of the Chinese mainland B2B e-commerce market through a new hktdc.com Small Orders (Chinese Mainland) platform and a new Baidu search advertising service on hktdc.com.

The services were officially launched today at the HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, attended by Loretta Wan, HKTDC Director of Publications & E-Commerce; Kimmie Wong, Manager of the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department; Leone Lau, Associate Sales Director of China Search (Asia) Ltd, authorised Baidu advertising agent in Hong Kong; Kim Lo, Assistant General Manager (Speedpost) of Hongkong Post; and Raymond Yeung, HKTDC Senior Sales Manager of Publications & E-Commerce.

"The HKTDC has been closely monitoring market developments and working with SMEs to capture business opportunities in domestic sales," said Loretta Wan, HKTDC Director of Publications & E-Commerce. "Under the new initiative, Hong Kong SMEs that place search engine advertisements on Baidu through the HKTDC can enjoy a lower entry barrier and simpler procedures.

"At the same time, HKTDC specialists will help companies to edit and localise their product and company listings for the mainland market. Eligible companies can apply for 50 per cent advertising fee subsidies from the Trade and Industry Department's SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF), greatly reducing the promotion cost."

hktdc.com Small Orders (Chinese Mainland) was soft-launched last year, and present HKTDC exhibitors and advertisers can try the new platform for free. Mainland buyers who place small-orders can settle payments in renminbi using AliPay, TenPay, WeChat Pay or China UnionPay.

Hong Kong suppliers can receive payments in US dollars via PayPal and avoid usual foreign currency exchange. Suppliers who use Baidu's search advertising service can link buyers to their hktdc.com webpage or the hktdc.com Small Orders platform to enhance exposure, promotion and generate more business.

An hktdc.com Online Promotions Service has been offering a Simplified Chinese platform for Hong Kong suppliers to display product catalogues and information that includes a service to help suppliers edit product descriptions in Simplified Chinese to tailor to the mainland market.

Baidu search advertising service

According to figures from Baidu, its search engine has a market share of nearly 90 per cent on the mainland and is considered the premier online promotion channel by Chinese mainland and overseas brands. The Baidu search advertising service allows ads from hktdc.com suppliers to be listed among the top search results. Buyers who click on the advertisements will then be directed to the suppliers' hktdc.com webpage, where they can browse for more product information.

Buyers can also enter their contact information into the advertisements and connect directly with the suppliers. In addition, the search engine allows suppliers to specifically target customers in the mainland's first-, second- or third-tier cities.

Website URLs:
- hktdc.come online promotion + Baidu search advertising package: www.hktdc.com/BaiduSEM
- hktdc.com Small Orders (Chinese Mainland): http://xiaopiliang.hktdc.com
- Trade and Industry Department's SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF): www.smefund.tid.gov.hk
- Photo download: http://bit.ly/2CQIee1

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
Communications & Public Affairs Department
Agnes Wat
Tel: +852 2584 4554
Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

↧

Asia's Largest Licensing Show and Conference Open in Hong Kong

January 8, 2018, 1:00 am

≫ Next: CWT INT'L unveils new image bringing together edges in China and Singapore to expand Belt and Road footprint

≪ Previous: hktdc.com Small Orders for Chinese Mainland officially opens

(From L to R in the front): Lawrence Chan, HKTDC Toys Advisory Committee Chairman; Benjamin Chau, Acting Executive Director, HKTDC; Philip Yung, Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism); Li Jiangang, Deputy Director General, Department of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs, Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China; and Tommy Li, HKTDC Design, Marketing and Licensing Services Advisory Committee Chairman

A Wide Variety of Licensing Projects Showcase Hong Kong's Creative Force

HONG KONG, Jan 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The world's second-largest and Asia's largest event of its kind, the 16th Hong Kong International Licensing Show and the 7th Asian Licensing Conference kicked off today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

HKTDC Acting Executive Director Benjamin Chau said the growing use of licensing and the diverse businesses covered by the sector not only help manufacturing and retailing companies increase products and services sales and explore new markets, Hong Kong creative and design talents can also establish cross-sector partnerships and launch overseas by licensing their brands and properties.

In recent years, location-based entertainment licensing has become popular, with many theme parks, hotels and cafes opening in Asia through licensing. In addition, licensing opportunities brought by video gaming and digital entertainment in Asia, especially in the Chinese mainland, should also not be overlooked.

Charles Riotto, President, International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association, said licensing has become a major force in pushing forward the world economy. According to the group's findings, retail sales of global licensed products in 2016 reached US$262.9 billion, up 4.4 per cent over last year, while the growth rate in the Asian market reached 8.8 per cent.

Local creative talents explore licensing opportunities

The Show features more than 380 exhibitors from around the globe, gathering over 1,000 brands and licensed items. Many international licensors and licensing agents choose Hong Kong as a strategic hub to expand their Asian licensing business, especially in the Chinese mainland.

Top international licensors and licensing agents such as CAA-GBG Global Brands, IMG, LMCA, Global Icons, Warner Brothers, Nickelodeon, and Sanrio, which are part of this year's Show, are here to look for more business opportunities.

Home-grown characters and brands created by young Hong Kong designers and illustrators are on display at the Chancellor Room and fourth floor of the HKCEC. They include Plastic Thing, Dustykid, b.wing and Singsing Rabbit, who have strong fan bases, as well as popular brands like McMug and McDull and The Great Detective Sherlock Holmes.

"Hong Kong is Asia's licensing hub as well as a city filled with creativity," said HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Raymond Yip. "The Licensing Show showcases Hong Kong's creative force and connects local design talents with potential with potential partners and transforms their creativity into business opportunities via licensing explore licensing."

Buyer and exhibitor events create more business opportunities

In addition to business-matching services, the licensing show this year also debuts the "Meet the VIP Buyers" sessions, where VIP buyers, including Xiaomi, JD.com, and Kidswant from the Chinese mainland, as well as Sunway Group from Malaysia, can share their business focus and partnership requirements.

Exciting performances, including Kumamon Dance Performance and Puzzle Bear Party, have been organised on-site to raise brand awareness.

Six group pavilions present local brands

Six group pavilions from the Chinese mainland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan have joined this year's show. Thanks to the continuous support of various Asian governments, the scale of these pavilions has also been enlarged.

The Chinese mainland has been striving to make the cultural and creative industry an economic pillar in recent years, encouraging more animation and comics, arts and cultural enterprises to commercialise their creativity and IPs into licensed products and services. Chinese mainland participation is at a record-high this year, with 134 companies attending the fair.

China's Ministry of Culture has again organised the Chinese mainland pavilion, featuring more than 110 companies, gathering well-known cultural, arts, animation and comics branded institutions, including the Palace Museum, Fantawild Animation Inc, and Guangzhou Animation Comic Association.

Asian Licensing Conference explores new opportunities

The concurrent Asian Licensing Conference is being held today and tomorrow (8-9 January), gathering about 30 global licensing experts to explore industry opportunities and challenges.This morning's two plenary sessions focused on location-based entertainment licensing and brand licensing.

In the first session, Charles Riotto of LIMA, Viacom International Media Networks (represented brand: Nickelodeon) and Dream Castle (represented brand: Ali the Fox), shared how location-based entertainment can create unique consumer experiences through licensing.

In the second session, representatives from Electrolux, Brandgenuity (represented brands: BMW, Banana Boat) and Boy Scouts of America discussed how corporate brand licensing has become a core business development strategy to raise brand popularity and expand their customer base.

Licensing industry goes digital through gamification

Two breakout sessions were organised this afternoon, with the first session centering on digital transformation in the licensing industry. Renowned digital and gaming brands, such as Activision Blizzard (represented brand: World of Warcraft), Ubisoft (represented brand: Assassin's Creed) and Microsoft Licensing, shared licensing strategies and success cases of gamification and digitalisation.

To examine opportunities in Japan, Asia's largest and the world's third-largest licensing market, the second breakout session featured discussions, led by Asatsu-DK Inc (represented brand: Kumamon), Tsuburaya (represented brand: Ultraman), Benesse (represented brand: Qiaohu), Ingram Co, Ltd (represented brand: Rilakkuma), on licensing opportunities for animation and comics, games, tourism and sports in Japan.

New licensing area for the Chinese mainland

The increasing use of the Internet, social media, and smartphones in the Chinese mainland has changed mainland's consumption pattern. In tomorrow morning's China Thematic Session, JD.com, iQIYI, China Literature Ltd and Fantawild Animation Inc will unveil the exponential growth of licensing opportunities on the mainland.

Two licensing workshops will be held tomorrow afternoon to introduce the essentials and operating models in the licensing industry. The IP and Legal Fundamentals for Licensing workshop will discuss key legal issues, such as exclusivity, territorial restrictions, royalty calculations, contractual period, renewal options and quality control.

Together with the concurrent Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, the four fairs bring synergy to attract more industry players and buyers.

- Hong Kong International Licensing Show www.hktdc.com/fair/hklicensingshow-en
- Asian Licensing Conference www.hktdc.com/fair/alc-en
- Photo Download http://bit.ly/2ElMdfP

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
Communications and Public Affairs Department
Sunny Ng
Tel: +852 2584 4357
Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

Christine Kam
Tel: +852 2584 4514
Email: christine.kam@hktdc.org

↧

CWT INT'L unveils new image bringing together edges in China and Singapore to expand Belt and Road footprint

January 8, 2018, 1:52 am

≫ Next: Toyota Launches New Mobility Ecosystem and Concept Vehicle at 2018 CES

≪ Previous: Asia's Largest Licensing Show and Conference Open in Hong Kong

CWT INT'L Executive Director and the Chairman of CWT INT'L delivered the speech

SINGAPORE, Jan 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - CWT International Limited ("CWT INT'L" or "Company"; stock code: 521.HK) held a celebration ceremony today at the historic Clifford Pier in Singapore featuring about 300 business partners globally and regionally, the Company's management teams and staff members from Singapore and Hong Kong in the ceremony. The event is to celebrate the completion of the acquisition of Singapore's CWT Limited. The Company also took this opportunity to show gratitude to the support and trust from various parties. At this event, the Company unveiled its new CWT logo which will be applicable to both the Hong Kong listed Company and its subsidiary in Singapore. The new logo signifies the close ties and connections between the commodity trading and logistics industries of the two regions with the aim of the Company to step forward to becoming an international integrated service platform for bulk commodity trading.

CWT INT'L is confident of its prospects and pledges to seek full play of its edges in Hong Kong and Singapore and realize stronger synergies in human resources, technology, capital market and more areas. The brand-new corporate image represents the Company's determination to explore new development opportunities with a new look.

CWT INT'L added that, the Belt and Road Initiative will vitalize infrastructure projects, increase demands for commodity trading and logistics services in Hong Kong, Singapore and other countries and regions alongside the "Belt and Road", which will be expected to bring enormous developing opportunities to the Company. Leveraging its advantage in Hong Kong and Singapore, the Company is striving to continue to develop as an actively player under China's Belt and Road initiative and to facilitate Renminbi's internationalization.

Having established and operated in Singapore for over four decades, CWT Limited concentrates on logistics service and bulk commodity trading with the focus on engineering and financial service businesses. Years' of developments have witnessed its various achievements, including in 2009 building the Singapore Commodity Hub, the largest logistics hub in Singapore and Southeast Asia, and the acquisition in 2011 of MRI, an independent bulk commodity trader in Europe. Nowadays, CWT Limited has extended its service coverage to more than 90 countries, over 200 ports and more than 1,600 regions globally.

↧

Toyota Launches New Mobility Ecosystem and Concept Vehicle at 2018 CES

January 8, 2018, 6:43 pm

≫ Next: Enerkon Solar International (OTCPK:ENKS) Announces Planned $40M+ Asset Acquisition

≪ Previous: CWT INT'L unveils new image bringing together edges in China and Singapore to expand Belt and Road footprint

e-Palette Concept

- e-Palette Alliance will leverage Toyota's Global Mobility Services Platform to develop advanced vehicle and related mobility services for business applications
- e-Palette Concept Vehicle will be fully autonomous, battery-electric vehicle with open control interface to allow partner companies to install their own automated driving system
- Alliance launch partners include Amazon, DiDi, Mazda, Pizza Hut and Uber

LAS VEGAS, NV, Jan 9, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda today announced a new mobility service business alliance and e-Palette Concept Vehicle designed to meet the demands of future multi-mode transportation and business applications.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_ePaletteConcept.jpg
e-Palette Concept

"The automobile industry is clearly amidst its most dramatic period of change as technologies like electrification, connected and automated driving are making significant progress. Toyota remains committed to making ever better cars. Just as important, we are developing mobility solutions to help everyone enjoy their lives, and we are doing our part to create an ever-better society for the next 100 years and beyond. This announcement marks a major step forward in our evolution towards sustainable mobility, demonstrating our continued expansion beyond traditional cars and trucks to the creation of new values including services for customers", said Akio Toyoda.

Unveiled at CES, the new e-Palette Alliance will leverage Toyota's proprietary Mobility Services Platform (MSPF) to develop a suite of connected mobility solutions and a flexible, purpose-built vehicle. The new alliance will create a broad-based ecosystem of hardware and software support designed to help a range of companies utilize advanced mobility technology to better serve customers. Launch partners include Amazon, DiDi, Mazda, Pizza Hut and Uber, who will collaborate on vehicle planning, application concepts and vehicle verification activities.

In the near term, the Alliance will focus on the development of the new e-Palette Concept Vehicle, also unveiled at CES. The concept reflects one of Toyota's visions for Automated Mobility as a Service (Autono-MaaS) applications. It is a fully-automated, next generation battery electric vehicle (BEV) designed to be scalable and customizable for a range of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) businesses. What's more, the e-Palette Concept demonstrates Toyota's continued commitment to partnership and flexibility.

In addition to supporting the services provided through Toyota's MSPF, the e-Palette Concept Vehicle's open vehicle control interface and a set of software tools to allow partner companies to install their own automated driving system and vehicle management technology. When a partner company's automated driving system is installed, Toyota's Guardian technology will act as a safety net to help ensure appropriate operation.

Together, the e-Palette Alliance and e-Palette Concept Vehicle reflect Toyota's continued global momentum in developing and delivering new connected mobility businesses and data services through Toyota Connected, the company's data analysis and services subsidiary.

The e-Palette Alliance: A New Ecosystem for Mobility-Powered Business
As an emerging provider of mobility hardware and services to business, Toyota is focused on creating new and attractive features for partners that help them to expand their value chain and improve customers' lives.

The e-Palette Alliance will leverage the power of Toyota's MSPF to build a new ecosystem for mobility-powered businesses. Announced in 2016, the MSPF is Toyota's framework for a range of connected vehicle applications, providing a full suite of services needed to support MaaS ranging from vehicle leasing and insurance to fleet management and big data.

e-Palette Alliance service provider partners, including Amazon, DiDi, Pizza Hut, and Uber will explore various applications of the e-Palette Concept and the MSPF to support their existing business needs. DiDi, Mazda and Uber will also join as technology partners.

Toyota continues to discuss the creation of new mobility services with other service providers and technology development companies.

e-Palette Concept Vehicle: An Automated, Electric Vehicle Purpose-Built for MaaS
With the e-Palette Concept, Toyota has built a new approach to Autono-MaaS mobility that will empower Alliance partners to support their customers' lifestyles with increased convenience, productivity and efficiency.

With its open interior design layout, the vehicle can be outfitted with purpose-built interiors in accordance with the user's needs, whether it be parcel delivery, ride sharing, or on-the-road e-commerce. Its flexible framework is also designed for usage optimization, allowing the e-Pallet Concept to be shared to support various business needs and transition seamlessly from one application to another. Toyota envisions that the e-Palette Concept will be made available in three sizes, allowing not just need-specific applications, but also right-sized and right-place mobile solutions.

Going forward, e-Palette Alliance partners will be able to leverage the e-Palette Concept in coordination with the full range of MSPF services, or to incorporate the vehicle into their own technology development program. The e-Palette Concept's design reflects this commitment to flexibility and partnership, with an open control interface and a set of software tools to allow partner companies to mount their own automated driving system as desired.

Toyota plans to conduct feasibility testing of the e-Palette Concept in various regions, including the United States, in the early 2020s. It also hopes to contribute to the success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 by providing mobility solutions like the e-Palette and other innovative mobility offerings.

Main Features
- Extensive interior space with a low floor/cube shape design
There are three sizes of e-Palette Concept, with different lengths(1) (depending on the purpose-built specification). Thanks to a flat and extensive barrier free interior space layout designed with a low floor, equipment can be installed in accordance with the user's needs, such as ride sharing specifications, hotel room specifications and retail shopping specifications.

Various specifications of e-Palette Concept Various specifications of e-Palette Concept

- Next-Generation vehicle control interface:
Vehicle control technology is being used as an interface for technology providers. Technology providers can receive open Application Programming Interface (API) such as vehicle state and vehicle control, necessary for development of automated driving systems (automated driving control software and cameras/sensors, etc.). The e-Palette Concept also leverages the power of the MSPF to enable over-the-air updates of the automated driving systems.

MSPF Enabled:
Vehicle information is gathered from the Data Communication Module (DCM) fitted to the e-Palette Concept and accumulated in the Toyota Big Data Center (TBDC) through a global communication platform. The e-Palette Concept will capitalize on this vehicle information to support a variety of finance options, as well as high-level maintenance in cooperation with Toyota dealers. The API required by service providers, like vehicle state and dynamic management, can be viewed on the MSPF.

(1) Lengths vary from 4m to 7m approximately. Dimension of CES 2018 Design model is L 4,800mm, W 2,000mm, H 2,250mm.

About Toyota

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is the global mobility company that introduced the Prius hybrid-electric car in 1997 and the first mass-produced fuel cell sedan, Mirai, in 2014. Headquartered in Toyota City, Japan, Toyota has been making cars since 1937. Today, Toyota proudly employs 370,000 employees in communities around the world. Together, they build around 10 million vehicles per year in 29 countries, from mainstream cars and premium vehicles to mini-vehicles and commercial trucks, and sell them in more than 170 countries under the brands Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.

Contact:
Public Affairs Division
Global Communications Department
Toyota Motor Corporation
Tel: +81-3-3817-9926

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