Nanobiotix Partners with the Providence Cancer Institute to Run Immunotherapeutic Preclinical Research in Pancreatic Cancers

January 10, 2018, 7:00 pm

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Paris, France and Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, Jan 11, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - NANOBIOTIX (Euronext: NANO - ISIN: FR0011341205), a late clinical-stage nanomedicine company pioneering new approaches to the treatment of cancer, today announced it will begin a pre-clinical collaboration with Providence Cancer Institute to study Nanobiotix's lead product, NBTXR3, a first-in-class nanoparticle designed for direct injection into cancerous tumors and activation by radiotherapy.

The collaboration with Providence Cancer Institute, located at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Center in Portland, Ore., one of the world's leading oncological research centers, will provide essential preclinical data on the ability of NBTXR3 activated by radiotherapy to induce an antitumoral immune response. This is an in-depth study into the early immunologic mechanisms, triggered by nanoparticles activated by radiotherapy compared to radiotherapy alone, and their impact on tumor control, survival and metastasis spreading.

Marka R. Crittenden, M.D., Ph.D., radiation oncologist and director of Translational Radiation Research at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Center will lead the program. "Promising pre-clinical data suggests that nanoparticles combined with radiotherapy enhance tumor-specific immune responses and lead to an abscopal response, priming a patient's immune system to attack cancer cells outside of the radiotherapy target area," she said. "Furthermore, we are absolutely delighted to partner with Nanobiotix to advance our research on this phenomenon and the role NBTXR3 can play in immuno-oncology."

The collaboration between Providence and Nanobiotix will take place over the course of one year, and will evaluate the use of NBTXR3 activated by radiotherapy in pancreatic cancer models (in vitro and in vivo). Pancreatic cancer is a disease with a substantial unmet medical need, poor response to standard of care and is the third leading cause of cancer mortality in both men and women in the United State. Pancreatic cancers have a non-immunogenic tumor microenvironnement, known as "cold tumors", and often have a poor response rate to immunotherapies.

The results of this joint program will enable the potential to explore future use of NBTXR3 in immuno-oncology as well as its potential to control metastatic disease.

In parallel, the Company has received the approval of its Investigational New Drug (IND) and will launch its first clinical trial combining NBTXR3 with immune checkpoint inhibitors in the U.S. with a multi-arm trial targeting a sub-population of advanced lung cancer patients and head and neck cancer patients. Nanobiotix's immuno-oncology combination program opens the door to new developments, potential new indications and important value creation opportunities.

About Providence Cancer Institute

Providence Cancer Institute, a part of Providence Health & Services, offers the latest in cancer services, including diagnostic, treatment, prevention, education, support and internationally-renowned research. Located within the Robert W. Franz Cancer Center in Portland, Ore., Providence Cancer Institute is home to the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, a world-class research facility for cancer immunotherapy, a specialized field of study focused on triggering the immune system to fight cancer. Visit www.providenceoregon.org/cancer to learn more.

About NBTXR3

NBTXR3 is an injectable aqueous suspension of hafnium oxide nanoparticles designed as an innovative therapeutic agent for the treatment of solid tumors, currently in clinical development by Nanobiotix.

Once injected intratumorally, NBTXR3 can deposit high energy within tumors only when activated by an ionizing radiation source, notably radiotherapy. Upon activation, the high energy radiation is physically designed to kill the tumor cells by triggering DNA damage and cell destruction and improve clinical outcomes.

Promising results indicate that NBTXR3 activity could be applicable across solid tumors triggering immunogenic cell death, leading to an immune response, reinforcing a local and potentially systemic effect, and contributing to transform "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors. NBTXR3's major characteristics are represented by a high degree of biocompatibility, one single administration before and during the whole therapy and the ability to fit into current standards of radiotherapy care.

NBTXR3 entered clinical development in 2011 in a Phase I/II with patients suffering from advanced soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities and is currently in the final stages of its subsequent phase II/III. In parallel, it is currently being tested in numerous Phase I/II clinical trials with patients suffering from locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity or oropharynx (head and neck), liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastasis), locally advanced or unresectable rectal cancer in combination with chemotherapy, head and neck cancer in combination with concurrent chemotherapy, and prostate adenocarcinoma.

About NANOBIOTIX: www.nanobiotix.com

Nanobiotix (Euronext: NANO / ISIN: FR0011341205) is a late clinical-stage nanomedicine company pioneering novel approaches for the treatment of cancer. The Company's first-in-class, proprietary technology, NanoXray, enhances radiotherapy energy with a view to providing a new, more efficient treatment for cancer patients.

NanoXray products are compatible with current radiotherapy treatments and are meant to treat potentially a wide variety of solid tumors including soft tissue sarcoma, head and neck cancers, liver cancers, prostate cancer, breast cancer, glioblastoma, etc., via multiple routes of administration.

NBTXR3 is being evaluated in: soft tissue sarcoma (STS), head and neck cancers, prostate cancer, and liver cancers (primary and metastases). Additionally, head and neck cancer and rectal cancer trials led by Nanobiotix's Taiwanese partner, PharmaEngine, are underway in the Asia Pacific region.

The Company started a new preclinical research program in Immuno-oncology with its lead product NBTXR3, which could have the potential to bring a new dimension to cancer immunotherapies.

Nanobiotix is listed on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (ISIN: FR0011341205, Euronext ticker: NANO, Bloomberg: NANO: FP). The Company's Headquarters is based in Paris, France, with a U.S. affiliate in Cambridge, MA.

Contact
Nanobiotix
Sarah Gaubert
Director, Communications & Public Affairs
+33 (0)1 40 26 07 55
sarah.gaubert@nanobiotix.com / contact@nanobiotix.com

Noel Kurdi
Director, Investor Relations
+1 (646) 241-4400
noel.kurdi@nanobiotix.com / investors@nanobiotix.com

Media relations
Nanobiotix
France - Springbok Consultants
Marina Rosoff
+33 (0)6 71 58 00 34
marina@springbok.fr

United States - RooneyPartners
Marion Janic
+1 (212) 223-4017
mjanic@rooneyco.com

Providence Cancer Institute
Jean Powell Marks
+1 (503) 215-6433
jean.marks@providence.org

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Nanobiotix and its business. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Nanobiotix considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, which estimates are subject to numerous risks including the risks set forth in the reference document of Nanobiotix filed with the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des Marches Financiers) under number D.17-0470 on April 28, 2017 (a copy of which is available on www.nanobiotix.com) and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Nanobiotix operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Nanobiotix or not currently considered material by Nanobiotix. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance or achievements of Nanobiotix to be materially different from such forward-looking statements.

This press release and the information that it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for, Nanobiotix shares in any country. At the moment NBTXR3 does not bear a CE mark and is not permitted to be placed on the market or put into service until NBTXR3 has obtained a CE mark.

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World's First Connected Car Cyber-Security Service - Trillium@Tokyo

January 11, 2018, 12:00 am

≫ Next: Toyota C-HR Leads the Pack as the Top-Selling New SUV in 2017

≪ Previous: Nanobiotix Partners with the Providence Cancer Institute to Run Immunotherapeutic Preclinical Research in Pancreatic Cancers

CES 2018, Las Vegas, Jan 11, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Trillium Secure, Inc. has announced the April deployment of SecureIoT in Tokyo, Japan. This represents the world's first 24/7/365 connected car Cyber-Security as a Service (C-SaaS) platform. The project brings together strategic go-to-market partners including automotive manufacturers, electronic component suppliers, insurance providers and commercial fleet owners. Identical C-SaaS deployments are scheduled for North America and Europe in Q3 and Q4, respectively.

"This marks the first time that petabytes of real world data, collected from commercial and public vehicle fleets, will be used to train machine learning cyber-security "agents" to protect vehicles deployed worldwide. These "agents" become the sleepless AI sentinels protecting connected and autonomous vehicles from malicious eavesdropping, theft or far worse, life threatening remote control." - Ross Hirschi, Director of Global Engineering, Research & Development, Trillium Secure.

The 18-month pilot project in Japan is purposed to provide for critical learning cycles necessary to optimize the SecureIoT platform, its machine learning algorithms and analytics engine. Simultaneous commercial deployment in January 2020 is planned for the Japan and US markets, combined protecting a fleet of as many as 3.5 million vehicles.

"Our C-SaaS business model solves three major problems cybersecurity poses for auto makers; 1) provides the requisite security R&D know-how to harden vehicles against hacking, including a counter measure arsenal to respond to zero-day exploits in real-time, 2) transforms automotive security and safety, a high cost to auto manufacturers, into a compelling source of long-tail recurring revenue, 3) buffers auto makers from liability associated with a zero-day attack.

"For the end-customers, commercial and public fleet owners, SecureIoT provides the rapid OTA update response capability vital to safeguarding drivers, vehicles, cargo, and public safety against cyber-attacks for the lifecycle of their vehicles." - David Uze, President, Trillium Secure.

About Trillium Secure, Inc.

Trillium Secure, Inc. is the world's largest independent automotive IoT cybersecurity provider. Trillium's multi-layered offering includes lightweight encryption, authentication, cryptographic key management, IDS/IPS and secure over-the-air software update technology. The company operates design & fleet security operation centers in Silicon Valley, Detroit, Brno (CZ), Ho Chi Min City and Tokyo. For further information, please visit www.trilliumcyber.com.

Trillium Secure, Inc. products are marketed under the Trillium, SecureIoT, SecureCAR, SecureIXS, SecureOTA, and SecureSKYE trademarks.

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Toyota C-HR Leads the Pack as the Top-Selling New SUV in 2017

January 11, 2018, 12:42 am

≫ Next: TOYOTA GAZOO Racing launches 2018 Yaris WRC

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Toyota City, Japan, Jan 11, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation today revealed strong results for its C-HR model in 2017(Jan.-Dec.), with sales topping 117,299 units(1), earning the top spot among all automakers in the number of new SUVs sold in Japan in 2017.

The C-HR debuted in December 2016 as an SUV that reflects Toyota's commitment to design and a quality driving experience. The C-HR is popular with its sleek cabin profile and diamond architectural theme exuding a bold and daring personality, combined with the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA)(2) platform that enhances driving performance through a low center of gravity and top-class fuel economy of 30.2 km/L(3). A two-tone exterior color version was added in August, 2017 and a special edition equipped with sequential turning indicator lamps was launched in November, 2017.

(1) According to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association
(2) Toyota New Global Architecture: Toyota's company-wide program to structurally transform automobile design. The goal of TNGA is to dramatically improve the basic performance and marketability of Toyota vehicles by reforming and integrally developing new powertrain components, vehicle platforms, and parts.
(3) JC08 fuel economy rating as evaluated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism

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

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TOYOTA GAZOO Racing launches 2018 Yaris WRC

January 11, 2018, 12:57 am

≫ Next: Vobile Group Wins China Financial Market Awards 2017

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Toyota City, Japan, Jan 11, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team has launched its 2018 World Rally Championship campaign at the Autosport International show in Birmingham, England, where it has taken the wraps off the latest version of the Toyota Yaris WRC.

2018 Yaris WRC

This year will be the second season of Toyota's journey on making ever-better cars through the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), after a successful debut for the Yaris WRC in 2017 that included victories on Rally Sweden and Rally Finland, as well as fourth in the drivers' championship for Jari-Matti Latvala and third in the manufacturers' championship.

All of the WRC teams have gathered this week for the official 2018 season launch at the Autosport International show: a popular curtain-raiser for the motorsport season. Toyota has taken the opportunity to present the latest version of the Yaris WRC, which features a number of developments based upon the lessons that were learned during last season.

A new upgraded aerodynamics package has been developed for the front of the car, including a new front bumper and fenders. These changes aim to even out the aerodynamic balance of the car by adding more front downforce. There are also updates to the cooling system that will be of benefit in some of the WRC's hotter events.

These developments have been tested over the final months of 2017, in preparation for the first round of the season at Rallye Monte-Carlo on January 25-28.

Quotes:

Tommi Makinen (Team Principal)

"It's great to launch the 2018 season at the Autosport International show in front of so many motorsport fans. After a very pleasing first season in 2017 we are excited to build on that in the year ahead. We saw last year that the Toyota Yaris WRC was already capable of winning rallies, which was a great achievement by the team, but the competition also allowed us to discover areas that we can improve. With more time and more learning, we have been able to update the front end of the car to give us better aerodynamic performance, and we also have improvements to the cooling. I'm very excited that we're going to keep on learning this year, as part of our mission to make ever-better cars."

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

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Vobile Group Wins China Financial Market Awards 2017

January 11, 2018, 1:34 am

≫ Next: Chanhigh Signs Strategic Cooperation Agreements

≪ Previous: TOYOTA GAZOO Racing launches 2018 Yaris WRC

Mr. Yangbin WANG, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vobile Group (second from the right) on behalf of the Company accepted the award in the ceremony.

HONG KONG, Jan 11, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Vobile Group Limited ("Vobile Group" or the Company, Stock Code: 3738), the worldwide leading provider of online video content protection services and a Technology and Engineering Emmy Winner, was recognized with "Outstanding Technology Company Award for the Year" - China Financial Market Awards 2017.

China Financial Market Awards is given by China Financial Market, a renowned financial magazine in Hong Kong, and determined by a panel composed of eight authoritative organizations in the Asian financial powerhouse including the Listed Company Committee of Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, Hong Kong Mergers & Acquisitions Association, the Hong Kong China Financial Association, the Chinese Asset Management Association of Hong Kong, the Chinese Asset Management Association of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries, Hong Kong Institute of Financial Analysts and Professional Commentators, and Top 100 HK-listed Companies Association as accolades for China and Hong Kong listed companies with outstanding performance.

"Outstanding Technology Company Award for the Year" is a timely recognition on Vobile Group's technology achievements. Vobile will capitalize on its new access to global funds to accelerate the Company's business development. Founded in 2005 in Silicon Valley, USA., Vobile Group listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on January 4, 2018 as the first new stock issue this year.

About Vobile Group Limited
Vobile Group Limited ("Vobile Group" or the "Company"), is the worldwide leading provider of online video content protection services, ranking first in the world's online video content protection market in terms of revenue in 2016. Founded in 2005, its headquarters is located in Silicon Valley, with additional offices in Portland, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

Leveraging on its core content identification technology and propriety software platforms, Vobile Group provides its customers with video content technology solutions, including content protection, content monetization and content measurement. Vobile Group's customers include some of the world's largest film studios, including the top seven global film studios, and many other film studios, TV networks and other content owners. In addition, as a reflection of the Company's engineering creativity in "Video Identification Technology to Protect Content Value and Copyright", Vobile Group was a winner of the 69th annual Emmy Awards for Technology and Engineering in 2017.

For more information, please visit http://ir.vobilegroup.com/ .

For enquiries:
Crystal Liu
Tel: (852) 2880 9828
Email : crystal.liu@vobile.hk

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Chanhigh Signs Strategic Cooperation Agreements

January 11, 2018, 3:53 am

≫ Next: Eastman Schedules Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2017 Financial Results News Release and SEC Form 8-K Filing, Teleconference and Webcast

≪ Previous: Vobile Group Wins China Financial Market Awards 2017

Boosts Financial and Technical Strengths for Participating in PPP Projects in the PRC

HONG KONG, Jan 11, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Chanhigh Holdings Limited ("Chanhigh" or "the Group"; stock code: 2017) signed two strategic cooperation agreements ("agreements") today with (i) Shanghai AijianTrust Co., Ltd.* ("Aijian Trust") and the Faculty of Architectural, Civil Engineering and Environment of Ningbo University* (the "University"), and (ii) Shanghai International Trust Co., Ltd.* ("Shanghai Trust") and the University.

Pursuant to the agreements, Aijian Trust and Shanghai Trust will provide comprehensive financial services relevant to Chanhigh to meet its financial needs, including but not limited to, provision of financial products and solutions. Aijian Trust and Shanghai Trust have agreed to provide to the Group with a comprehensive credit and financing line not exceeding RMB5 billion and RMB10 billion respectively.

Established in 1986, Ningbo University is in the first batch of "Double First Class University Plan" and "Plan 111" universities in Zhejiang Province. It will, as stated in the agreements, provide comprehensive Public-Private-Partnership ("PPP") technical advice and support, and relevant business resources to the Group.

According to the Notice on Rectifying of Management of PPP Integrated Information Platform (Cai Ban Jin [2017] No. 92) issued by the Ministry of Finance on 10 November 2017 and the Notice on Enhancing Risk Management of Central Enterprises PPP Business (Guo Zi Fa Cai Guan [2017] No. 192) issued by the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council on 17 November 2017, state-owned enterprises are restricted from participating in PPP projects. In other words, non-state-owned enterprises like the Group have enormous opportunities to participate in new PPP projects. The management believes the cooperation agreements signed between Aijian Trust, Shanghai Trust and the University will help diversify the Group's financing channels and provide the Group with strong financial and technical supports to take part in new PPP projects.

Moreover, the Group is armed with various professional qualifications, such as four first-grade qualifications, namely First-Grade General Contractor for Municipal Public Works, First-Grade Professional Contractor for Urban and Street Lighting Projects, First-Grade Professional Contractor for Building Renovation Projects and First-Grade Professional Contractor for Historic Building Projects, among others. These qualifications give the Group advantages in capturing business opportunities in relation to PPP projects in China. The management is confident that, with the support of its latest cooperative partners, the Group will be able to strengthen its competitiveness and in turn enhance business performance in the long run.

About Chanhigh Holdings Limited (stock code: 2017)
Founded in 2001, the Group primarily undertakes municipal construction works, as well as water conservancy and hydropower projects, urban lighting, housing construction and historic building works. The Group possesses four first-grade qualifications, namely First-Grade General Contractor for Municipal Public Works, First-Grade Professional Contractor for Urban and Street Lighting Projects, First-Grade Professional Contractor for Building Renovation Projects and First-Grade Professional Contractor for Historic Building Projects, as well as other qualifications, including Second-Grade General Contractor for Housing Construction Projects, Third-Grade General Contractor for Water Supply and Drainage and Electrical Projects, Third-Grade Professional Contractor for Environmental Projects and Second-Grade Contractor for Afforestation.

About Shanghai International Trust Co., Ltd.*
Shanghai Trust was established in 1981 by the Shanghai Municipal Finance Bureau* at a registered capital of RMB5 billion. Among the first batch of trust companies established in mainland China, Shanghai Trust enjoys a good reputation and affords significant influence in the financial market of mainland China.

About Shanghai AijianTrust Co., Ltd.*
Aijian Trust is a professional trust financial institution approved by the People's Bank of China and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. It has a registered capital of RMB3 billion, a strong market reputation and significant influence in the financial market of mainland China.

About Ningbo University
Established in 1986, Ningbo University is a comprehensive university and is among in the first batch of "Double First Class University Plan" and "Plan 111" universities in Zhejiang Province. The university focuses on the Research and Development and aims to become a teaching and research orientated comprehensive university. It ranked among the top 100 institutions of higher education in China with a wide range of disciplines covering economics, law, liberal arts, history, and etc.

Enquiries:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Vicky Lee Tel: (852) 2864 4834 Email: vicky.lee@sprg.com.hk
Becky Liu Tel: (852) 2864 4864 Email: becky.liu@sprg.com.hk
Jeffrey Tam Tel: (852) 2864 4858 Email: jeffrey.tam@sprg.com.hk
Fax: (852) 2527 1196

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Eastman Schedules Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2017 Financial Results News Release and SEC Form 8-K Filing, Teleconference and Webcast

January 12, 2018, 12:00 am

≫ Next: AIR Worldwide Estimates Insured Losses from Winter Storm Eleanor/Burglind Will Be Between EUR 1.1 Billion and EUR 1.6 Billion

≪ Previous: Chanhigh Signs Strategic Cooperation Agreements

Kingsport, Tenn., USA, Jan 12, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Financial Results Release: Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018
Approximately 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Via wire distribution and www.eastman.com,
News Center and SEC Form 8-K filing.

Teleconference: Friday, Feb. 2, 2018 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Via listen-only live webcast and teleconference.

Live webcast: www.investors.eastman.com for link to the live webcast and to view the accompanying slides.

Teleconference: Dial-in number 719-457-1036
Passcode: 8130386

Replay: A webcast replay, as well as a replay in downloadable MP3 format, will be available at www.investors.eastman.com.

Telephone replay available continuously beginning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, Feb. 2, 2018 through 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, Feb. 12, 2018 at 888-203-1112 or 719-457-0820, passcode 8130386.

Investor Contact: Greg Riddle, 212-835-1620, griddle@eastman.com
Media Contact: Tracy Kilgore Addington, 423-224-0498, tracy@eastman.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: Eastman Chemical Company via Globenewswire

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AIR Worldwide Estimates Insured Losses from Winter Storm Eleanor/Burglind Will Be Between EUR 1.1 Billion and EUR 1.6 Billion

January 12, 2018, 12:00 am

≫ Next: TOYOTA GAZOO Racing: Lexus LC to Compete in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring 2018

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BOSTON, Jan 12, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide estimates that insured losses due to wind from Winter Storm Eleanor/Burglind will range between EUR 1.1 billion and EUR 1.6 billion. The majority of losses are expected in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Lower levels of loss are also expected in Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, and Sweden. AIR Worldwide is a Verisk (Nasdaq:VRSK) business.

Winter Storm Eleanor, known as Burglind in Germany, was the fifth named European winter storm of the season and fourth major storm to make landfall since December. It brought wind gusts of up to 100 mph (160 km/h) to Ireland early last week, causing damaging flooding along the Atlantic coast. The system then passed across the UK, where the Met Office reported wind gusts of 100 mph (160 km/h) in Cumbria in the north of England and 89 mph (143 km/h) on the Isle of Wight off the South Coast; massive waves of 26 feet (8 meters) were recorded in Devon. Eleanor/Burglind then made its way through Europe, bringing wind gusts of 91 mph (147 km/h) to Cambrai in northern France and 67 mph (108 km/h) to Paris - the strongest winds since storm Xynthia in 2010; gusts were recorded in Switzerland at 75 mph (120 km/h), 87 mph (140 km/h) in the Netherlands, and 98 mph (158 km/h) in Germany, and flooding was reported in impacted countries including Germany and France.

Structural damage due to strong winds was reported in Ireland, the UK, France, and Germany, where roofs were damaged or blown off, scaffolding was stripped from buildings, and signage was destroyed. Trees were blown down across continental Europe and the UK, and transportation disruption was rampant: a train car was blown off the tracks in Switzerland; train and ferry services were suspended in multiple countries; and hundreds of flights were canceled at Europe's busiest airports, including Charles de Gaulle in France, Schiphol in Amsterdam, Frankfurt International in Germany, and Zurich and Basel in Switzerland. Power outages were widespread across the impacted countries.

In addition to the widespread damage caused by wind, extensive flooding inundated streets and structures across Europe and in the UK, mainly in Ireland, where the River Shannon overflowed its banks in Limerick, and in England, where a seawall collapsed in Cornwall. In Germany, river levels in the Rhine area rose over the weekend, and overflow was observed in Bonn, Cologne, and Dusseldorf, and some street flooding was reported.

Note that AIR's estimates reflect wind damage only to onshore residential, commercial, and industrial properties; agricultural properties (and their contents); automobiles; and forestry in Finland, Norway, and Sweden.

AIR's modeled insured loss estimates include:

- Insured physical damage from wind to property (residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and auto), both structures and their contents
- Losses to insured forestry in Finland, Norway, and Sweden

AIR's modeled insured loss estimates do not include:

- Losses due to coastal or inland flooding
- Business interruption and additional living expenses (ALE) for residential claims for all modeled countries, except the UK
- Losses to uninsured properties
- Losses to infrastructure
- Demand surge (AIR's demand surge function is not triggered by this event)

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

↧

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing: Lexus LC to Compete in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring 2018

January 12, 2018, 1:16 am

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Lexus LC

Vehicle Exhibited and Drivers Announced at Tokyo Auto Salon

Toyota City, Japan, Jan 12, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has announced that the Lexus LC is to compete in the 46th 24 Hours of Nurburgring endurance race (official name: ADAC Zurich 24h-Rennen, hereafter Nurburgring 24 Hours race), held in Germany from Saturday May 12th through Sunday May 13th, 2018.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_LexusLC11218.jpg
Lexus LC

Nurburgring 24 Hours race is held yearly at the Nurburgring in central Germany--known as the world's most grueling course--and 2018 sees the final of this 46th race taking place from May 12th through May 13th. Competing in the Nuburgring 24 Hours race is the starting point for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's activities aimed at "making ever-better cars". This year marks the twelfth consecutive year since TOYOTA GAZOO Racing began competing in 2007, using race cars built by Toyota employees and raced by a team of Toyota's mechanics and engineers.

In 2018, the Lexus LC will be competing for the first time. This car has been refined to race specifications by Toyota's mechanics and engineers, and incorporates advanced development technologies(1) destined for future production vehicles such as sports cars. It's all part of our efforts towards "making ever-better cars" through activities aimed at "refining people, refining cars".

The four drivers for this race will be Takeshi Tsuchiya, as the chief driver, along with young drivers Takamitsu Matsui, Naoya Gamo, and Yuichi Nakayama. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will push the limits for better cars and refine young drivers so that the whole team can pull together and complete the Nurburgring 24 Hours race.

(1) Competing in the Nurburgring 24 Hours race with the Lexus LC will enable us to introduce the following advanced development technologies destined for future production vehicles.
- Body technology development (reducing weight, increasing rigidity)
- Driver assistance technology (enhancing visibility, etc.)
- Aerodynamics development
- Engine development (increasing power by reducing friction, enhancing fuel economy, etc.)
- Suspension technology (reducing weight, increasing rigidity, enhancing responsiveness, etc.)

About LEXUS

Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a worldwide reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service. Lexus is the hybrid leader among luxury brands, offering hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and premier luxury. The evolution of Lexus is reflected in the progressive designs of its new vehicles. The grille, dynamic light treatments, and sculptured lines create a distinctive look of luxury for Lexus. For more information, please visit www.lexus-int.com and www.lexus-int.com/news/.

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

↧

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Unveils GR Super Sport Concept at Tokyo Auto Salon 2018

January 12, 2018, 1:39 am

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≪ Previous: TOYOTA GAZOO Racing: Lexus LC to Compete in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring 2018

GR Super Sport Concept

Toyota City, Japan, Jan 12, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - TOYOTA GAZOO Racing unveils the GR Super Sport Concept, a concept car that incorporates hybrid technology honed through participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), along with its test car, to the world today at Tokyo Auto Salon 2018.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_GRSuperSportConcept.jpg
GR Super Sport Concept

GR Super SpoTOYOTA GAZOO Racing aims to refine its cars and people toward the goal of making ever-better cars through participation in motorsport activities, including global and national races and rallies. The technologies and know-how acquired through such activities are subsequently fed back into new production vehicles. In Japan, orders for the Vitz GRMN, a limited edition model that stands at the pinnacle of the GR sports car series, are scheduled to be taken starting in April. It was developed by incorporating learnings from the Vitz as it underwent road testing at Nurburgring, which is said to be the world's most grueling course, and through its tackling of the Japanese Rally Championship.

Furthermore, Toyota's continued participation in the WEC is seen as a highly beneficial and necessary project in terms of developing cutting-edge hybrid systems and electrified vehicle (EV) systems. Fuel economy-enhancing technologies and other developments gained through such tough technological competitions are already being fed back into production vehicles. The newly revealed GR Super Sport Concept is composed of mostly the same main parts as the TS050 Hybrid race car that competes in the WEC. Beneath the beautifully flowing and original form are a V6 twin turbocharger and a Toyota Hybrid System-Racing (THS-R) powertrain, which have been honed through actual racing. With its high-efficiency EV system and lean-burn engine, this next-generation super sports car is set to deliver both ultimate power and environmental performance.

Shigeki Tomoyama (President, GAZOO Racing Company)

"Rather than developing production cars into sports cars, we aim to work out how to incorporate the know-how developed through races and rallies into production cars amid various restrictions, and this is how competing contributes to TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's efforts toward making ever-better cars. Thus, this is the starting point for Toyota's completely new challenge to develop sports cars from active race cars. Although it will be some time before you all have the opportunity to get behind the wheel, I hope that the GR Super Sport Concept will give you a taste of what we aim to achieve with our next-generation sports cars.

At the end of last year, following the announcement that Toyota would continue competing in the WEC, President Akio Toyoda commented that 'more than 100 years have passed since the birth of the automobile. As the industry approaches times of tremendous change, I am strongly determined to make sure that cars will be fun for the next 100 years.' At CES 2018, held in the United States at the beginning of the year, the e-Palette Concept was revealed as a new shared mobility model for communities. If the e-Palette Concept is the next generation of the horse-drawn carriage, the GR Super Sport Concept would be the polar opposite as the next-generation racehorse. Its appeal is more personal, like that of a much-loved horse to its owner. Despite the differences between the two concept models, both are electrified vehicles equipped with the latest IT technologies and are set to become safe and environmentally friendly connected cars.

Even as electrification and IT techonologies accelerate, the availability of different types of cars, including polar opposite models like the GR Super Sport Concept and the e-Palette Concept, means that they will never become a commodity. Furthermore, it is an unchanging fact that people want to travel freely, access distant places, and to get there quicker than everyone else in attractive vehicles. The feelings that one has for a car that can do all this are rich and heart-pounding.

Although our challenge to make 'cars that will be fun' for the next 100 years has just begun, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing aims to continue making exciting cars to bring smiles to our customers' faces and to contribute to the future of the automobile industry. We look forward to your continued support in achieving this aim."

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

↧

Leading Automotive, Telecom and ITS Companies Unveil First Announced Cellular V2X Trials in Japan

January 12, 2018, 3:02 am

≫ Next: First Four HKTDC Fairs of the Year Attracted 6% More Visitors Than Last Year

≪ Previous: TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Unveils GR Super Sport Concept at Tokyo Auto Salon 2018

- Continental, Ericsson, Nissan, NTT DOCOMO, OKI and Qualcomm Technologies join forces to host C-V2X trials in Japan in 2018 to validate and demonstrate C-V2X benefits -

TOKYO, Jan 12, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Continental, Ericsson, Nissan, NTT DOCOMO, INC., OKI and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM), announced today plans to carry out their first Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) trials in Japan. The objective is to validate and demonstrate the benefits of C-V2X using direct communication technology defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) in their Release 14 specifications. The trials are designed to show the enhanced range, reliability and latency benefits of C-V2X direct communications operated in 5 GHz band. Additionally, the C-V2X Trials are designed to demonstrate the complementary benefits of network-based communications utilizing LTE-Advanced (LTE-A). The trial results will help develop the ecosystem by providing inputs to the relevant stakeholders, including ITS-related organizations and government agencies, as we prepare for the connected car of the future and the industry's evolutionary transition towards 5G New Radio (NR), the new global cellular standard being defined in 3GPP.

While complementing other Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) sensors, such as radar, lidar, and camera systems, C-V2X provides non-line-of-sight (NLOS) low latency awareness with longer range and cloud capabilities, and is designed to extend a vehicle's ability to see, hear and communicate further down the road, even at blind intersections.

C-V2X radio technology is state-of-the-art cellular technology that is being validated for global deployments, and leverages the upper layer protocols developed by the automotive industry over years of research to support new advanced end-to-end use cases. C-V2X direct communications provides enhanced range and reliability without relying on cellular network assistance or coverage.

Preparation work is well underway with the trial expected to begin in 2018 and the use cases are designed to focus on Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) and Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) direct communications, as well as Vehicle-to-Network (V2N) operations over cellular network-based wide area communications with cloud access.

For the field trials, Continental will utilize the Qualcomm C-V2X Reference Design, which features the Qualcomm 9150 C-V2X chipset with integrated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capability to build connected car systems and integrate the systems into Nissan vehicles. Nissan will perform V2X use case selection and develop test scenarios with key performance indicators (KPIs) for C-V2X technology validation. OKI, one of the leading companies in ITS, will bring their expertise in roadside unit (RSU) infrastructure and applications to demonstrate V2I as a viable technology for advanced traffic applications by integrating the Qualcomm 9150 C-V2X chipset into their RSU. Ericsson as one of the leading companies in the technology and service for telecommunication will join to the V2N use case discussion considering combination of direct communication and LTE-A network technologies. NTT DOCOMO will provide LTE-A network and V2N applications to demonstrate the benefits of complementary use of network-based communications for a variety of advanced automotive informational safety use cases.

"Connecting vehicles is at the top of our agenda and with more than 20 years of competence in the development of telematics and over 30 million units shipped, and years of V2V safety product development culminating in available V2V communications offerings, we are ready to fully exploit the potential of cellular connectivity to provide advanced vehicle functionalities. Along with Nissan, we plan to show that close cooperation between automotive suppliers, OEMs, mobile operators, infrastructure and chipset suppliers is of high importance to further advance and develop Cellular V2X," says Lars Schultheiss, vice president and head of business unit Infotainment & Connectivity at Continental in Japan.

"The C-V2X solution is unique in that it, within a common technology and eco-system, offers both network-based and direct communication for V2X services. With the network-based communication, there is a possibility to provide traffic safety and traffic efficiency services utilizing already existing coverage and penetration of cellular modems and smartphones. It also provides connectivity to various cloud-based services, providing a range of applications and value-added services. In these trials, all stakeholders are present to showcase the strength of the complete solution covering both connectivity and different applications. Ericsson is contributing with leading 4G, 5G radio, and network expertise and by leveraging our understanding of the IoT ecosystem," said Erik Ekudden, chief technology officer at Ericsson.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to participate in this C-V2X trial; we expect this new communication technology is designed to assist us to offer new safety and convenience features. With the data made available by this real-world trial, we will be able to accelerate our development to offer new services in a timely manner, once the 5G technology is available," said Tetsuo Sasaki, general manager, connected car and services engineering department, Nissan.

"This collaborative project will bring together the invaluable knowledge and experience of world leaders in the automotive and telecom domains, and will it be imperative for all parties to underpin their roles in the era of connected cars toward improved road safety and comfort. NTT DOCOMO is determined that our experience in telecommunications systems will be indispensable to maximize the values of C-V2X. This project will set a clear path toward connected cars and roads of the future that materialize the power of C-V2X," said Hiroshi Nakamura, Chief Technology Officer at NTT DOCOMO.

"Towards the realization of a connected car society, the functionalities of network infrastructure for V2X must be much more intelligent. With OKI's strong track record of ITS infrastructure deployment, we expect to achieve great results through this trial regarding the applicability of V2X for ITS with a view to the evolution towards 5G in conjunction with other member companies," said Yukio Kato, general manager, Social Infrastructure Solutions Division, ICT Business Division of OKI.

"We are pleased to be working alongside such a dynamic group of forward-thinking companies to demonstrate the capabilities of C-V2X technology in the first announced Japanese trials. With its direct communications capabilities, C-V2X is expected to be an important factor in facilitating enhanced safety consciousness and driver assistance. This Japan trial is a milestone in the global deployment of C-V2X technology which is expected to be featured in production vehicles by 2020," said Nakul Duggal, vice president of product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

About Continental

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2017, Continental generated preliminary sales of around Euro44 billion and currently employs more than 233,000 people in 56 countries.

For more information, please visit our websites wwww.continental-press.com and wwww.continental-automotive.com.

About Ericsson

Ericsson is a world leader in communications technology and services with headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. Our organization consists of more than 111,000 experts who have provided customers in 180 countries with innovative solutions and services. Together we are building a more connected future where anyone and any industry is empowered to reach their full potential. Net sales in 2016 were SEK 222.6 billion (USD 24.5 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX stock exchange in Stockholm and the NASDAQ in New York. wwww.ericsson.com.

About Nissan

Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, INFINITI and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2016, the company sold 5.63 million vehicles globally, generating revenues of 11.72 trillion yen. In fiscal 2017, the company embarked on Nissan M.OV.E. to 2022, a six-year plan targeting a 30% increase in annualized revenues to 16.5 trillion yen by the end of fiscal 2022, along with a core operating profit margin of 8% and cumulative free cash flow of 2.5 trillion yen. As part of Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, the company plans to extend its leadership in electric vehicles, symbolized by the world's best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: Asia & Oceania; Africa, the Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America; and North America. Nissan has a global workforce of 247,500 and has been partnered with French manufacturer Renault since 1999. In 2016, Nissan acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors. Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi is today the world's largest automotive partnership, with combined annual sales of more than 10 million vehicles a year. For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit www.nissan-global.com.

About OKI

Founded in 1881, OKI Electric Industry is Japan's leading telecommunications manufacturer in the Info-telecom field. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, OKI provides top-quality products, technologies, and solutions to customers through its info-telecom systems and printer operations. Its various business divisions function synergistically to bring to market exciting new products and technologies that meet a wide range of customer needs in various sectors. Visit OKI's global website at http://www.oki.com/.

About Qualcomm

Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) is a world leader in 3G, 4G and next-generation wireless technologies. Qualcomm Incorporated includes Qualcomm's licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of its patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, substantially all of Qualcomm's engineering, research and development functions, and substantially all of its products and services businesses, including its semiconductor business, QCT. For more than 30 years, Qualcomm ideas and inventions have driven the evolution of digital communications, linking people everywhere more closely to information, entertainment and each other. For more information, visit Qualcomms website, OnQ blog, Twitter and Facebook pages.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO provides innovative, convenient and secure mobile services that enable smarter living for each customer. The company serves over 65 million mobile customers in Japan via advanced wireless networks, including a nationwide 3G network and one of the world's first commercial LTE networks. Leveraging its unique capabilities as a mobile operator, DOCOMO is a leading developer of cutting-edge technologies for NFC mobile payments, mobile GPS, mobile TV, intuitive mobile assistance, environmental monitoring, smart grids and much more. Overseas, the company provides technical and operational expertise to eight mobile operators and other partner companies. NTT DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo (9437) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. Please visit https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/ for more information.

Contact:
NTT DOCOMO
International PR
Public Relations Department
Tel: +81-3-5156-1366    
Fax: +81-3-5501-3408
URL: www.nttdocomo.com
Contact: https://nes.nttdocomo.co.jp/PINQ01/showinquiry.do

↧

First Four HKTDC Fairs of the Year Attracted 6% More Visitors Than Last Year

January 11, 2018, 5:00 pm

≫ Next: Honor Delivers The Future Of Mobile Technology With The AI-Powered Honor View10

≪ Previous: Leading Automotive, Telecom and ITS Companies Unveil First Announced Cellular V2X Trials in Japan

The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, organised by the HKTDC, and the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, together with the Hong Kong International Licensing Show which closed on Wednesday attracted around 126,000 buyers.

During the Fairs, a number of seminars, buyer forums and product demo and launch pad were held to provide an exchange platform for global industry professionals to examine the latest industry developments.

Events included the Hong Kong Toys Industry Conference 2018 and thematic seminars on such topics as STEAM toys, digital marketing strategies and design trends.

HONG KONG, Jan 12, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Featuring more than 2,940 exhibitors from around the world, the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and Hong Kong International Stationery Fair concluded successfully yesterday. Together with the Hong Kong International Licensing Show, which closed on Wednesday, the first four fairs organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) this year attracted around 126,000 buyers, up around six per cent over the previous year.

More than 49,000 buyers went to the Toys & Games Fair, while close to 33,000 and around 21,000 buyers visited the Baby Products Fair and Stationery Fair respectively. In addition, more than 22,000 visitors attended the Licensing Show.

Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said the four fairs have successfully attracted buyers and suppliers from around the world and further bolstered Hong Kong's role as an international exhibition and sourcing hub. He said: "As the global economy stabilises, the four fairs have achieved satisfactory results. Buyers from such emerging markets as India, Malaysia, Russia, Poland and Turkey, and those from developed markets including the US, Canada, Netherlands and Sweden recorded satisfactory growth. Besides, there was a double-digit percentage increase in the number of buyers from the Chinese mainland. The HKTDC will continue to provide an international trade and exchange platform for industry professionals to generate more business opportunities for all."

This year's Toys & Games Fair, Baby Products Fair and Stationery Fair featured an assortment of new products, designs and educational toys, as well as smart baby products and creative and eco-friendly stationery to cater to the buyers' different needs.

Johnny Sze, Director & Vice General Manager, Eastcolight (Hong Kong) Limited, a Toys & Games Fair exhibitor from Hong Kong, said his company started producing STEAM toys, which strengthens the learning of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, four years ago. The toys are designed to improve children's logical thinking, observation and concentration skills and nurture their creativity. He said the Fair is an important platform for the company which had generated 70 per cent of the annual sales turnover. The company is keen to develop emerging markets. On the first day of the fair, he met with several buyers from India with strong purchasing power. One of the buyers, representing an amusement park in India, was interested in setting up a shop there to sell Eastcolight's products. There was also a Thai buyer who expressed interest in bringing the brand's products to his market.

Italian exhibitor Pali S.p.A. joined the Baby Products Fair for the second consecutive year. Claudio Biferali, the company's Research & Development Manager, said Pali is a leading baby products brand in Italy that provides a wide range of quality wooden cots, strollers and highchairs. He said the company doubled its booth size this year with more products on offer, and the response was better than last year. It attracted strong interest from existing customers and new buyers from different markets, like Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Ukraine. He expected to conclude more business deals this year.

At the concurrent Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, a buyer from a Thai book store Asia Books found three new vendors that include a Japanese stationery brand Kokuyo and sourced some licensed stationery items by famous brands. Gesarin Anek, the company's Marketing Manager, said the Stationery Fair is a place for sourcing high quality, innovative and unique products. Also, the concurrent Toys & Games Fair offered additional business connections.

During the Fairs, multiple thematic seminars, talks and a large-scale conference were held to facilitate industry exchange. Events included the Hong Kong Toys Industry Conference 2018, where global industry experts examined such topics as the future development of toys retailing, the opportunities brought by e-commerce, big data applications and toys licensing.

To encourage suppliers to leverage online-to-offline (O2O) promotional opportunities, 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. In addition to featuring fair updates and the latest industry sourcing information, the platform allows suppliers to connect with global buyers anytime and buyers to source industry-specific products from dedicated fair websites.

Also, with the prevalence of mobile technologies, the HKTDC has launched the e-Badge for buyers to enhance their fair experience.

For more comments from exhibitors and buyers: http://bit.ly/2mgyIqk

- 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/2ARlhCE

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

↧

Honor Delivers The Future Of Mobile Technology With The AI-Powered Honor View10

January 11, 2018, 8:00 pm

≫ Next: Three Key Components for Educational Toys: New Experience, Exploring the World and Self-experimentation

≪ Previous: First Four HKTDC Fairs of the Year Attracted 6% More Visitors Than Last Year

Honor 7X Red with Honor-Monster AM15

LAS VEGAS, NV, Jan 12, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Honor, a leading smartphone e-brand from the Huawei Group, announced on the eve of CES2018 that the AI-powered Honor View10 would go on sale in overseas markets from January 8th, and released a limited edition Honor 7X Red. This follows on the successful launch of the Honor View10 and Honor 7X in London last month.

"As a leading e-brand, Honor aims to become the most loved smartphone brand for people young and the young at heart," said Mr. George Zhao, President of Honor. "With a unique Internet-powered business model, unrivalled product and unbeatable value, we are taking our successful business model from China to the global market. Our aim is to become a top-five smartphone brand by 2020."

As part of the strategy to bring a better experience to users, Honor works with partners such as Microsoft, Monster and Snapchat to optimize applications and services for its smartphones.

- Honor View10: Revolutionary AI and ultimate performance

As part of a drive to make AI technology accessible to consumers worldwide, Honor is among the first to power a smartphone with a Neural-Network Processing Unit (NPU) to deliver AI features and performance that far surpasses any CPU/GPU powered architecture. Integrating with the dedicated NPU, Kirin 970 chipset enables Honor View10 to deliver up to 25 times better performance and 50 times greater efficiency.

For the Honor View10, Honor worked closely with Microsoft to optimize Microsoft Translator. The AI Accelerated Translator software in Honor View10 delivers instantaneous translation without the need for an internet connection. The new Kirin 970's powerful NPU makes the translation 500 percent faster than other smartphones running the same app.

Mr. Xuedong Huang, Microsoft Technical Fellow in AI and Research said, "Microsoft is thrilled to be collaborating with Honor to bring the benefits of AI, through Microsoft Translator, to more users through the Honor View10. Together, we will continue to work towards building a more integrated and connected world."

Consumers in India and Western Europe (UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain) can purchase the Honor View10 from January 8th online at: http://www.hihonor.com/global/index.html. The new smartphone will also be available in Malaysia and Russia later this month.

- Honor 7X: Unmatched price-performance

As the first smartphone to feature the Honor FullView Display, the Honor 7X 18:9 screen delivers an impressive visual experience, especially to the gamers in the midst of the action. The smartphone also doubles the efficiency and fun with its Screen Split function.

The dual-lens 16MP + 2MP rear camera with large aperture (F/0.95 - F/16) and Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) ensures professional photo quality and a professional shooting experience. Users in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and India have given the Honor 7X a 4.2+ star review on Amazon.com since its global launch in London on December 5th, 2017.

In addition to black, blue and gold phones, a new limited edition Honor 7X Red of 20,000 units will be available for Valentine's Day in the United States, Russia, India and Western Europe (United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain). Honor 7X Red can be ordered soon at the Honor online store: http://www.hihonor.com/global/index.html.

Honor is partnering with Monster, one of the world's largest headphone manufacturers, to give the first 100 purchasers of Honor 7X Red in each country/region the red co-branded Honor-Monster AM15 headphones as a special gift. In addition, from this year, Honor is bringing the partnership with Monster to a new strategic level.

About Honor
Honor is a leading smartphone e-brand under the Huawei Group. In line with its slogan, "For the Brave", the brand was created to meet the needs of digital natives through internet-optimized products that offer superior user experiences, inspire action, foster creativity and empower the young to achieve their dreams. In doing this, Honor has set itself apart by showcasing its own bravery to do things differently and to take the steps needed to usher in the latest technologies and innovations for its customers.

Please visit Honor online at www.hihonor.com or follow us on:
https://www.facebook.com/honorglobal/
https://twitter.com/Honorglobal
https://www.instagram.com/honorglobal/
https://www.youtube.com/honorglobal

Walter Lee
FleishmanHillard
+852 2586 7831
walter.lee@fleishman.com

↧

Three Key Components for Educational Toys: New Experience, Exploring the World and Self-experimentation

January 11, 2018, 9:30 pm

≫ Next: Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited Commences Trading on the Growth Enterprise Market of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited

≪ Previous: Honor Delivers The Future Of Mobile Technology With The AI-Powered Honor View10

Toy industry experts share their insights on STEAM toys at the "STEM and STEAM Toys - More than a Buzzword" seminar during the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair.

HONG KONG, Jan 12, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair closed yesterday with a record attendance of more than 49,000 visitors. Among the series of seminars organised during the four-day fair was "STEM and STEAM Toys - More than a Buzzword," moderated by industry veteran Christopher Byrne, EVP, Content Director of TTPM, who joined five other experts in sharing their insights on STEM toys.

Helping children learn about science, technology, engineering and math in response to today's tech-centric world, STEM toys has been a key industry trend that has recently expanded to STEAM, which incorporates art.

Unlocking creativity is the key

At the seminar, Mr Byrne asked Kelly Toy, Head of Marketing of Woobleworks, how educators can integrate STEAM toy design with STEM. "Art in STEM and STEM in art. Waking up kid's creative thinking and problem-solving skills is STEAM-based, which has been used a lot in art projects," said Ms Toy.

She cited the example of the company's 3D printing pen. "STEAM thinking is using kids' imagination help think what they want to create, then plan to execute and sketch with the 3D pen. That 3D structure is spatial thinking, and kids are learning skills from trial and error, from concept to translating it into a 3D model. Ultimately, the 3D pen becomes a STEAM tool and is now used by 3,000 schools from all over the world. The pen has undergone changes in application for various subjects, from mathematics to art and history classes. It serves to unlock kids' creativity where they can have fun. In short, it helps to engage minds and create fun," she added.

Engaging kids to learn among themselves

Engaging kids is key and new technology that might look complicated to adults could be an effective tool to engage kids in learning, said Josh Loerzel, VP of Sales & Marketing of Zing, who elaborated by citing his company's stop-motion filmmaking mobile app. "Today, kids even as young as three-years-old are given smartphones, which should be used smarter," he said. "We designed an app to make movies. Kids can download the app and make the stop-motion movie themselves. In order to engage kids in learning, we teach kids daily use of this app."

Mr Loerzel pointed out that accessibility is key. "We need at least 30 pictures to make a second's long movie and so it's about how to engage kids to get excited spending a few hours to make a film." The company has enlisted a group of children to produce movies by offering online tutorials on filmmaking. "Once done, the film can be uploaded and shared. The app is easy to dive in to make the movie," he said.

Sunny Lauridsen, VP of Licensing of JustPlay, advised engaging kids with STEM play patterns from a young age, including using licensed characters with STEM focus and good storytelling. "For example, we once had a licensed character that was a scientist taking over the world in his lab. Kids could look at his creativity, his lab and read his story."

Nora Yeung, Creator of Creative Coding HK Ltd, noted that kids can learn science or mathematics from five to eight years of age with smart robots. "Lego compatible with robot technology would be more economical. Give kids rescue missions to learn about engineering by attaching Lego pieces to the robot," she said, adding that older children can learn the mechanics of a robot using simple programming. "Robots can turn out to be anything the kids like."

Job landscape is changing

Educators play an important role in introducing STEM or STEAM tools into the curriculum. Douglas Moore, Principal of The English Castle Language School, said that educators should take advantage of new technology to make learning fun. "Kids should be allowed to play, create the world they narrate and to have more fun. For example, they can use robots to quickly learn mathematics or they can make stop-motion films by using the mobile app," he said.

Ms Toy pointed out that current curriculum are preparing kids for jobs that may not exist in the future. "The job landscape is changing. Learning to learn is the key thing. Kids should be allowed to develop skills for the future job market," she stressed.

Developing collaborative skills

Mr Byrne added that more and more jobs are collaborative in nature, which makes preparing kids to develop collaboration and socialisation skills crucial. Mr Moore cited one of his school's activity as an example, "We allow kids to construct a paper bridge together and take it outside to create a stop-motion movie. They could work together on this kind of project, which is not necessarily inside the classroom," he said. "Kids love competition. When they are asked to design a maze with paper building, one would do the design, another would hold the paper building. They help each other and learn collaborative skills and giving feedback."

Mr Loerzel said Zing uses social media to market STEM/STEAM toys. "Kids are watching YouTube and other social media platforms. We identify where kids are going to build a sharing community. Kids will figure out for themselves how to do it and teach each other. They will be immersed in this community, where they are able to share, get feedback and likes."

In order to make effective STEM or STEAM toys, Mr Loerzel said making the toy fun in itself is essential. "Like our mobile app, it is a gadget even without the movie-making function. It could still be fun in itself," he said.

Let kids decide

Mr Moore added that to keep children engaged in learning, "don't push the kids to play this or that STEM or STEAM toys, this will not succeed. Let them decide. Keep things simple and let them play because these are what kids need," Mr Moore stressed.

Mr Byrne concluded that new experiences, exploring the world and self-experimentation are three key components of good STEAM toys. "Let kids have their individual experiences and letting them decide on their own are the key process of learning. No one knows how the future will change and what the future jobs are, just like no one could have predicted that we have artificial intelligent robots in this era."

- 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/2mvBpoI

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

↧

Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited Commences Trading on the Growth Enterprise Market of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited

January 11, 2018, 10:30 pm

≫ Next: DENSO, Toshiba Digital Solutions, and Toshiba Information Systems Conclude a Capital Alliance Agreement

≪ Previous: Three Key Components for Educational Toys: New Experience, Exploring the World and Self-experimentation

Mr. Poon Kwok Wah, Chairman, CEO & Executive Director of Excalibur and Mr. Chan Ying Leung, Executive Director of Excalibur strike the ceremonial gong to celebrate the commencement of trading of the Group's shares on the GEM of the SEHK.

HONG KONG, Jan 12, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited ("Excalibur" or the "Group"), a futures brokerage services provider in Hong Kong, commenced trading on the Growth Enterprise Market ("GEM") of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "SEHK") today under the stock code 8350.

Photo Caption
Photo2:
(From left to right)

1. Mr. Eugene Yeoh Senior Vice President, Listing Department, HKEX
2. Mr. David Tsang Managing Director, Alliance Capital Partners Limited
3. Miss Grace Chairman's friend, Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited
4. Miss Feng Lili Chairman's friend, Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited
5. Mr. Patrick Lo Financial Controller & Company Secretary, Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited
6. Mr. Siu Miu Man Independent Non-Executive Director, Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited
7. Mr. Allan Poon Chairman, CEO & Executive Director, Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited
8. Miss Clara Chan Listing Committee Member, HKEX
9. Mr. Chan Ying Leung Executive Director, Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited
10. Mr. Kwok Shu Tin Marketing Manager, Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited
11. Mr. Choi Chiu Fai Stanley Chairman, International Entertainment Corporation
12. Miss Julia Charlton Principal Partner, Charltons
13. Miss Shirley Chui Partner , TC & Co.
14. Miss Bonnie Chan Head, Events Management, HKEX

About Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited
Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited is a provider of futures brokerage services in Hong Kong to its clients since 1994 and the Group currently provides its clients with access to locally and globally traded futures and options products. The Group's business is carried out through the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Excalibur Global HK, which is a corporation licensed with the SFC to carry out type 2 (dealing in futures contracts) and type 5 (advising on futures contract) regulated activities in Hong Kong. Excalibur Global HK is also licensed with the SFC to carry out type 1 (dealing in securities) regulated activity in Hong Kong while currently the licence allows the Group to introduce its clients to other licensed securities brokerages in Hong Kong.

Media Enquiries:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Mandy Go Tel: (852) 2864 4812 Email: mandy.go@sprg.com.hk
Keris Leung Tel: (852) 2864 4863 Email: keris.leung@sprg.com.hk
Antonio Yu Tel: (852) 2114 4319 Email: antonio.yu@sprg.com.hk
Website: www.sprg.com.hk

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DENSO, Toshiba Digital Solutions, and Toshiba Information Systems Conclude a Capital Alliance Agreement

January 14, 2018, 6:54 pm

≫ Next: Taking control of customer data - WARC Toolkit 2018

≪ Previous: Excalibur Global Financial Holdings Limited Commences Trading on the Growth Enterprise Market of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited

To Enhance Development of Embedded Software for In-vehicle Products

TOKYO, Jan 15, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - DENSO Corporation, Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation, and Toshiba Information Systems (Japan) Corporation have concluded a capital alliance agreement in which DENSO acquires 20% of the total number of shares issued by Toshiba Information Systems.

The auto industry is changing in a way that requires ever-more complicated and advanced technologies, such as connectivity, autonomous driving, shared mobility, and electric mobility. There is a growing need to enhance the capability to develop vehicle control software. Toshiba Information Systems is skilled at developing embedded software and has a track record with in-vehicle electrification technology such as for EVs and advanced driver assistance and automated driving technologies that have been developing rapidly. The capital alliance will help DENSO work with Toshiba Information Systems as a strategic partner to develop embedded software and enhance the capability to develop vehicle control software.

In April 2017, DENSO and the Toshiba Group including Toshiba Digital Solutions and Toshiba Information Systems started to enhance collaboration in IoT-based manufacturing, advanced driver assistance, and automated driving. The three companies will continue to work more closely as strategic partners in the embedded software business and IoT-based manufacturing, in order to help build a safe and secure automotive society for all people around the world.

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

↧

Taking control of customer data - WARC Toolkit 2018

January 14, 2018, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Hong Kong Fashion Week Opens with Some 1,400 Exhibitors

≪ Previous: DENSO, Toshiba Digital Solutions, and Toshiba Information Systems Conclude a Capital Alliance Agreement

Only 22% of brands and 18% of agencies believe they are prepared for GDPR

LONDON, Jan 15, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Managing data more effectively is a key priority for brands in 2018, according to WARC, the global marketing intelligence service, following a survey with 600 plus marketing and advertising professionals around the world for its Toolkit 2018 report.

Brands will need to take a more disciplined, proactive approach to data management. The upcoming European Union's General Data Protection (GDPR), which comes into effect on 25 May 2018, is likely to have a profound impact on the ways in which businesses store and use consumer data. Under GDPR, any company - no matter where they are based or headquartered - holding information about European Union citizens will be subject to strict new legislation around the use of personal data.

Ominously, the Toolkit 2018 survey reveals an industry largely unprepared for the new ways of working under GDPR. At a global level, only a small minority of respondents - 22% of brands and 18% of agencies - say they are ready for the change.

Ardi Kolah, Executive Fellow and Programme Director, GDPR Transition Programme, Henley Business School, advises: "Take a step back, and think what this is really about: this is about reputation, not regulation. It's about doing the right thing. This is all about protecting reputation."

In addition to the new regulations coming into force, there is a broader push by brands to take control of their many data sources to improve customer experience and introduce new marketing approaches.

For example, data will be key to delivering the 'mass one-to-one marketing', which will fuel the next wave of digital growth, according to Marc Pritchard, Procter & Gamble's Chief Brand Officer. He comments: "Looking ahead, this new transition to one-to-one marketing is going to be a big shift. It will move into data management, and we need to think through what are the data standards and what are the ways we operate."

Verity Gill, Digital Director, Ebiquity, added: "Until now the challenge with big data has been simply coping with its sheer volume. However, now that we are getting to grips with building storage and manipulation capabilities, our attention in 2018 will definitely turn to making data work harder for us. Perhaps 2018 will be the year of 'Data Effectiveness'."

Other key findings from WARC's Toolkit survey show that:

- 55% of brands and 59% of agencies will be prioritising an increased focus on drawing insights from 'big data'
- In Europe, only 25% of the Toolkit 2018 survey respondents agree they are ready for GDPR. For the rest of the world, only 12% say they are ready, despite the fact that all companies with EU consumers will be affected

Taking control of customer data is one of five key brand concern in the year ahead, outlined in Toolkit 2018, which also includes a guide to best practice, potential pitfalls and video interviews with industry leaders to help overcome the challenges.

For more information and insights on Toolkit 2018, visit www.warc.com/Topics/Toolkit.topic.

About WARC

- your global authority on advertising and media effectiveness

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

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

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

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

Contact:
Amanda Benfell
PR Manager
+44 20 7467 8125
amanda.benfell@warc.com

↧

Hong Kong Fashion Week Opens with Some 1,400 Exhibitors

January 14, 2018, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: Asian Financial Forum 2018 Opens in Hong Kong

≪ Previous: Taking control of customer data - WARC Toolkit 2018

Celine Dion Brand 2018 F/W Accessory Collection Makes World Debut

HONG KONG, Jan 15, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 49th edition of Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter started its four-day run today and continues through 18 January at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Featuring some 1,400 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions, the fair showcases the latest fashion designs, garments, fashion accessories, fabrics and clothing accessories.

The theme of this year's Hong Kong Fashion Week is "New-World Explorers". Responding to the growing demand for workplace uniforms, especially on the Chinese mainland, the fair introduces the new Corporate Fashion and Uniforms zone. A fashion parade and seminar will be organised on 17 January, where representatives from the garment, construction and fashion design industries will share development opportunities for workplace uniforms.

Another new feature, the World of Fashion Accessories, spotlights the latest designs in bags, footwear, legging, socks, gloves, scarves and shawls. The Fashionable Sportswear and Urban Clothing zones return after their successful debut last year, while the International Fashion Designers' Showcase presents fashion design talents such as Mim Mak and Mountain Yam. The fair welcomes new exhibitors from Malaysia. Five group pavilions represent the Chinese mainland, India, Indonesia, Japan and Pakistan.

- Celine Dion 2018 F/W accessory collection makes world debut

Hong Kong exhibitor Innee-Sedona International Ltd showcases 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 celebrated diva. In 2017, Celine Dion launched her eponymous label, which includes handbags, luggage and other fashion accessories. Each piece reflects the singer's penchant for aesthetics, lifestyle and attention to detail combined with quality and craftsmanship. The brand's 2018 fall/winter (F/W) collection is now making its world debut at Hong Kong Fashion Week, showcasing a range of products including handbags, luggage and small leather accessories.

With growing awareness towards physical health and quality of life, demand for functional clothing has been on the rise. At the fair, the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) showcases a range of creative fashion technologies. These include: 1) a new wearable textile with temperature control functions jointly developed by HKRITA and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Institute of Textile and Clothing; 2) high-performance uniforms - next-to-the-skin thermal wear, designed for the Hong Kong Marine Police, with fabrics offering excellent performance in flame resistance, thermal insulation, moisture management, air permeability, drying time, durability, and easy care and 3) high-performance rowing suits developed for the Hong Kong Rowing Team, designed with specific needs of the sport in mind, such as the level of comfort and the functionality of the fabric that suits the rowing posture and body movement.

As a major fashion sourcing hub in Asia, Hong Kong is a hotspot for many international trading houses and premier retailers. The annual Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter is an important platform for buyers to discover the latest products and accessories. To create more business opportunities for exhibitors, the HKTDC has arranged 90 buying missions from 43 countries and regions, bringing more than 3,800 companies to the show. Among the participants are representatives of fashion brands, major chain stores and distributors from both traditional and emerging markets, including the Czech Republic's ZOOT, Japan's Mark's, Korea's Fashion Group Hyungji, Russia's Melon Fashion Group and Spain's Intropia.

- Unique fashion show "FASHIONALLY Presentation"

More than 20 fashion activities are being staged during the four-day fair, including trend-forecasting seminars, buyer forums and a networking reception, as well as 13 fashion parades and presentations. Hong Kong Fashion Week has long been a launch pad for up-and-coming local young designers. Local fashion website FASHIONALLY stages four performances at this year's fair, including today's FASHIONALLY COLLECTION #11, presenting the 2018 F/W womenswear collections of YEUNG CHIN, phenotypsetter (designer: Jane Ng), 112 mountainyam (designer: Mountain Yam), FromClothingOf (designer: Shirley Wong) and KEVIN HO. Being held today and tomorrow, the unique "FASHIONALLY Presentation", unlike conventional runway shows, is showcasing the design concepts and 2018 F/W 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 orchestrated by the designers themselves, bringing a unique experience to both buyers and visitors.

Two local creative units, The Spring is Here and Start from Zero, will hold workshops on making Japanese "moss balls" (also known as "kokedama", referring to moss-covered balls of soil on which ornamental plants grow), brooches and wooden tool boxes. For enrolment details, please refer to the FASHIONALLY Facebook page: (https://www.facebook.com/fashionally/).

- Forums and seminars on market trends

Buyer forums, trend-forecasting seminars and networking receptions are effective platforms for the industry to gather market information and exchange ideas. Leading international fashion forecaster Fashion Snoops shared "The Key Trend Stories for Men's and Women's Wear S/S 2019". Other seminars explore issues including cleaner production, footwear design and innovation, and growth opportunities in workplace uniforms. Experts from the Hong Kong Woollen & Synthetic Knitting Manufacturers' Association, Clothing Industry Training Authority and Belle International will share their insights. This evening's networking reception provided the industry with additional networking opportunities.

- YDC 2018 opens for application

Since 1977, The HKTDC has been organising the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) to unearth talented local designers. This year's competition will be held during CENTRESTAGE in September, and is now open for applications. (http://fashionally.com/ydc_application)

- e-Badge enhances buyers' sourcing experiences

The HKTDC launched the e-Badge initiative at this year's Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter. Buyers can register for the environmentally friendly e-Badge via the HKTDC Marketplace mobile app 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
Photo download: http://bit.ly/2DjknEg
Other Downloads: http://bit.ly/2CDKtCi

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

↧

Asian Financial Forum 2018 Opens in Hong Kong

January 15, 2018, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Fujitsu and The Shinano Mainichi Shimbun Create AI-Based System to Automate Article Summaries for Range of Media

≪ Previous: Hong Kong Fashion Week Opens with Some 1,400 Exhibitors

Policymakers, Business Leaders Explore Innovation & Technology in New Economy

HONG KONG, Jan 15, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 11th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) opened today and will run for two days (15-16 January) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Under the theme "Steering Growth and Pioneering Innovation: Asia and Beyond," this year's AFF features more than a hundred financial policymakers, business leaders and heavyweight investors, to examine the latest economic trends and offer insights for investment planning in the coming year. The speakers will also examine a series of topics pertinent to innovation and technology and will identify opportunities presented by the new economy.

- Vincent HS Lo: Investment and Innovation is the key for growth

Vincent HS Lo, Chairman of the HKTDC, and Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, officiated at the opening ceremony. In his welcome remarks, Mr Lo said: "Driven by synchronised growth across trade, investment and industry, the markets have been on a bull run for a long stretch. Added to this had been low inflation and monetary policies that have helped businesses, markets and investors alike. Advances in technology have also brought fresh impetus to growth. I believe the key to sustaining the momentum for growth lies in investment and innovation."

- Driving global growth with innovation

On the first day of AFF, David Lipton, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), delivered a keynote speech on "Asian Economic Outlook," followed by the plenary session "Steering Growth and Pioneering Innovation: Asia and Beyond," chaired by James Lau, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government. Panel speakers: Jiang Yang, Vice Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission; Takehiko Nakao, President of the Asian Development Bank; Pierre Gramegna, Finance Minister of Luxembourg; and Kelly O'Dwyer, Minister for Revenue and Financial Services of Australia; offered insights on how Asia can leverage innovation to maintain growth and drive the global economy.

As the world's second-largest economy, China's financial and economic policies hold sway over the global economy, which was the theme of this year's Policy Dialogue "Impact of China Policies on Global Economic Development." Chaired by Norman Chan, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the session featured speakers David Lipton, First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF; Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Hu Huaibang, Chairman of the China Development Bank; Andreas Dombret, Member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Bundesbank and Stuart Gulliver, Group Chief Executive of HSBC Holdings plc. Panellists offered their views on China's economic and financial policies and how they impact the global economy and financial markets.

- Former US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew on the global and US economy

Among the highlights of this year's AFF is the keynote luncheon speech by former US Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J Lew. With the US economy performing strongly and the trade policies of the current US administration stirring protectionism concerns, Mr Lew offered his views on the global and US economic outlook. In addition to examining US trade policies and their impact on global trade, Mr Lew touched on issues related to his term as Treasury chief, including the debt ceiling, tax reforms and regulatory policies. Mr Lew addressed other topical issues during a dialogue session in the afternoon.

- Analysing the outlook of the global and mainland economy and examining the future of financial regulations

In a panel discussion on the global economy, Inga Beale, CEO of Lloyd's; Stuart Gulliver, Group Chief Executive of HSBC Holdings plc; and Tu Guangshao, Vice Chairman & President of China Investment Corporation, discussed the opportunities and challenges in the current global economic environment from the Chinese and European perspectives.

In another panel discussion, Raymund Chao, Asia Pacific and Greater China Chairman of PwC, joined star investors, Fang Fenglei, founder and Chairman of Hopu Investment Management Co, Neil Shen, Founding and Managing Partner of Sequoia China, and Zhang Yichen, Chairman and CEO, CITIC Capital Holdings Limited to explore "China Opportunities" offered by various national strategies in different industries.

Technology and innovation are bringing about revolutionary changes to the market, while posing new regulatory challenges. During the afternoon plenary session, Steven Maijoor, Chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority, Sergey Shvetsov, First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Russia; Ashley Ian Alder, CEO of Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission, Peter Kazimir, Minister of Finance of Slovak Republic and Robert San Pe, Senior Adviser On Legal Affairs To H. E. of The State Counsellor of Myanmar, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, discussed how regulators can strike a balance between facilitating market innovation and protecting investors and consumers in these fast-changing times.

- Thematic workshops uncover business opportunities in various domains

The AFF continues tomorrow Tuesday with a Breakfast Panel, sponsored by the Financial Services Development Council, Hong Kong, which will examine the links between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland as well as with global markets. Christine Tsai, Founding Partner and CEO of 500 Startups, will hold a Fireside Chat session on technology and entrepreneurship.

In addition, with innovation and technology being the prioritised components of this year's AFF, there will be several InnoTalks workshops on such topics as FinTech, innovations in banking and big data. At a workshop co-organised by the HKTDC and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), speakers will examine how technological developments will influence future labour demand and foster a new generation of entrepreneurs. Other workshops will discuss the Belt and Road Initiative, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, and investment strategies of private investors.

Tomorrow's keynote luncheon will feature Professor Daniela Rus, Director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She will speak about the latest developments in artificial intelligence and robotics and the impact these technologies may have on the finance and business industries.

Wrapping up this year's AFF, a keynote address by FinTech opinion leader JP Nicols, who is the Managing Director of FinTech Forge and Chairman of NextMoney.org, will offer insights on financial innovation and technology development. Mr Nicols will also discuss how financial enterprises and businesses can leverage innovation to succeed and to stay ahead in the rapidly changing global market.

- Fostering cooperation and start-up development

The HKTDC has again joined forces with the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association to co-organise the AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session. The event tomorrow will provide pre-arranged one-to-one deal-sourcing and matchmaking meetings for project owners and investors. More than 350 investment projects have been submitted, covering digital technology, FinTech, environment and energy, healthcare technology and infrastructure and real estate services.

The new InnoVenture Salon will be held tomorrow, connecting start-ups with potential investors and partners. The programme includes a Start-up Showcase, Investors Meet-up, Start-up Project Presentations, as well as Mentor Hours, where seasoned investors and experts will offer practical advice on setting up and operation, financing, marketing strategies for the Chinese and Asian markets, and pitching. Participating investors and mentors include the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Beyond Ventures, Cocoon Ignite Ventures, Hong Kong X-Tech Startup, MindWorks Ventures, Nest Ventures, VC Growth Partners and Vectr Ventures.

For the third consecutive year, PwC is AFF's official Knowledge Partner. The company has set up a PwC Knowledge Cafe and a satellite booth at AFF to showcase a variety of digital experiences. They include using the latest interactive object-recognition projection to present an ideal smart city. Using smart glasses, visitors can learn about PwC's views on artificial intelligence, automation technologies, digital leadership and FinTech in a mixed-reality environment. Visitors can also go on a virtual tour of a showroom to pick out their dream car. In addition, interactive tools are available at the booth for visitors to understand how big data can help companies stay competitive amid constantly changing markets.

Websites:
Asian Financial Forum Website: http://www.asianfinancialforum.com
International Financial Week Website: http://www.internationalfinancialweek.com
Photo download: http://bit.ly/2FDBX3P

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
Billy Ng
Tel: +852 2584 4393
Email: billy.km.ng@hktdc.org

↧

Fujitsu and The Shinano Mainichi Shimbun Create AI-Based System to Automate Article Summaries for Range of Media

January 16, 2018, 12:02 am

≫ Next: Ulferts Announces Proposed Listing on the Main Board of HKEx

≪ Previous: Asian Financial Forum 2018 Opens in Hong Kong

TOKYO, Jan 16, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Limited and The Shinano Mainichi Shimbun, a regional newspaper in Japan, today announced that they have created an artificial intelligence-based automated article summarization system. In a field trial to summarize articles utilizing Fujitsu Human Centric AI Zinrai, Fujitsu's approach to AI, the system was capable of being used on a variety of media distribution formats.

The Shinano Mainichi Shimbun will deploy this system in its news distribution service for cable TV, with full-scale operations beginning in April 2018. This will accelerate news delivery for cable TV.

This system uses automated summarization technology developed by Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., combining natural language processing technology with machine learning technology. In the trial, it was shown that the system could not only summarize an article instantaneously, a task that previously would have taken up to five minutes per article to do by hand, but also that it could summarize articles with greater accuracy-closer to what would be done by hand-than the existing lead method(1).

Fujitsu is making this system available through a web API(2) that can be easily used by The Shinano Mainichi Shimbun without change to its existing workflow.

Background

In recent years, newspaper companies have been moving beyond delivery of the news via paper and have diversified to web news, SNS and other media formats. Because different media have different limits on the number of words or characters, newspaper companies have had to summarize articles to suit those requirements. As this task previously had to be done manually, it was difficult to increase work efficiency and reduce costs.

In light of this situation, The Shinano Mainichi Shimbun worked with Fujitsu to conduct a field trial of an automated article summarization system using AI in order to improve work efficiency for its cable TV news report service. Because the results of this trial showed that the system could instantaneously summarize an article with the same high accuracy as when done by hand, The Shinano Mainichi Shimbun has now decided to deploy this system for actual operations.

Automated Article Summarization System Overview

Fujitsu created a model by applying machine learning and natural language processing to a total of about 2,500 sets of past articles from The Shinano Mainichi Shimbun and the summaries of those articles that had been made by hand, and built an automated article summarization system that automatically creates summarized articles optimized for the cable TV news delivery service. By using this system to automatically summarize articles, it has become possible to summarize in an instant what had previously taken up to five minutes per article to summarize manually. In addition, compared with the lead method, a previous article summarization method that summarized articles by mechanically extracting sentences starting from the top of the article up to the word or character limit, this system extracts important sentences from parts of the article beyond the lead, enabling it to create summarized articles with the same accuracy as the manual process. After this system was completed, it was used to summarize previously delivered "News Packs"(3) from Kyodo News, and it was able to produce similar results.

In addition, because this system was created with a web API, it can easily be implemented without impacting the existing the workflow of the cable TV news service.

Expected Benefits of Implementation

The Shinano Mainichi Shimbun's news distribution service for cable TV had previously involved a five-step process, from deciding which articles to deliver, to sending them to a media editing system, summarizing the article, creating a headline, and proofreading. The step that took the most time was summarizing the articles, which could take between 3 and 5 minutes per article. By utilizing the automated article summarization system, this step can be eliminated, which is expected to reduce the time required for the entire process by about half, accelerating the operations of the service.

Future Plans

Going forward, Fujitsu will build summarization models optimized for a variety of different media with restrictions on word or character count, including news distribution for cable TV, news tickers on electronic billboards and social media, creating an automated article summary system that supports a variety of media. In addition, in order to make this technology easy to utilize in a variety of industries outside media, Fujitsu aims to make this technology available as a general-purpose AI function in the form of an API offered on the Fujitsu Cloud Service K5 Zinrai Platform Service.

(1) Lead method
A method that extracts sentences starting from the top of the article, or the lead, and continuing in order until it reaches the word or character count limit.
(2) Web API
Application programming interface. Technology used to efficiently develop websites and other online tools.
(3) News Packs
A digital wire report service offered by Kyodo News to participating companies and other customers.

About Fujitsu Ltd

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

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

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

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