ACN Newswire

Total Offering of 200 Million New Shares at between HK$0.38 and HK$0.62 per Share

HONG KONG, Jan 16, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Ulferts International Limited ("Ulferts" or "the Group", Stock Code: 1711.HK), a well-known furniture retailer in Hong Kong, today announced the details of its share offering (the "Share Offering") and proposed listing on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ("HKEx").

A total of 200 million new shares are being offered under the Share Offering, comprising 180 million placing shares for subscription by investors and 20 million shares for subscription by the public in Hong Kong (the "Allocation"), representing 90.0% and 10.0% of the total number of the offer shares, respectively. The Allocation of the offer shares is subject to re-allocation, whereby part of the placing shares will be re-allocated to the public offer in case of a certain level of over-subscription in the public offering.

Emperor Capital Limited and OCTAL Capital Limited are the Joint Sponsors of the Group's listing. Emperor Securities Limited is the Sole Bookrunner and Lead Manager. The Bank of East Asia, Limited and Taiping Securities (HK) Company Limited are the Co-Lead Managers.

The offer price (the "Offer Price") is expected to be between HK$0.38 and HK$0.62 per share. Assuming the offer price of HK$0.50 per share, being the mid-point of the indicative Offer Price range, the net proceeds after deducting related expenses payables for the offer shares is estimated to be approximately HK$81.3 million. The net proceeds of the offer shares will be mainly used for 1) paying the capital expenditure, rental deposits and overhead expenses for opening at least three retail stores in Hong Kong for mid-range customer segment; 2) strengthening the product portfolio and brand mix by introducing new models and new brands; 3) Enhancing "Ulfenbo" sales channels and brand awareness; 4) paying the capital expenditure and rental deposits for opening one more "Ulferts" retail store or any merger and acquisition opportunities to be identified; 5) upgrading the information technology system; and 6) general working capital.

The public offer will open on 16 January 2018 (Tuesday) and close on 19 January 2018 (Friday). The allotment results will be announced on 26 January 2018 (Friday). Dealings in the shares of the Group will commence on the Main Board of HKEx on 29 January 2018 (Monday) under the stock code 1711. Shares will be traded in board lots of 10,000 shares each.

Mr. Ricky Ng, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer of Ulferts, said, "We believe that our long operating history with strong brand recognition distinguish ourselves in the marketplace. We are dedicated to supply high quality, stylish and affordable luxury furniture for our customers. Having been a retailer of contemporary style imported furniture over 40 years, we understand the needs and preferences of customers in Hong Kong. With our strong brand recognition, a diversified product portfolio, strategic location of retail stores and long-standing relationship with various furniture brands, we are poised to build our past success and continue to grow. The listing on the HKEx will provide Ulferts with financial resources for the execution of our business strategies and strengthen our competitiveness in the market."

Retail sales of furniture is the Group's major source of revenue and accounted for 92.6% of the total revenue in the year ended 31 March 2017, with sofa contributed 63.0% of the Group's retail sales. The Group runs 6 showrooms under the "Ulferts" and one store under the "Eurodecor" for retail of furniture, as well as 7 specialty stores under "Dormire" for retail of "Ulfenbo" products. The "Ulferts" showrooms are strategically situated in Kowloon Bay, Shatin, Tin Hau, Whampoa, Yuen Long and Kornhill, which are all conveniently located in mature markets of the Group's target customer base of the mid to high income group. Meanwhile, the "Eurodecor" shop is located in Happy Valley, the area known for concentration of high-end furniture shops. The Group offers a wide variety of furniture products, from leather sofas, dining tables and chairs, wardrobes and cabinets to beds, which are imported from different suppliers in Europe and Asia. The Group carries around 50 furniture brands in "Ulferts" and "Eurodecor" stores, including international brands such as Domicil, Himolla, Gamma, Kristalia and Nicolettihome.

The expansive space of the "Ulferts" showrooms enables the Group to display a wide spectrum of products, and enhance the customers' shopping experience. The salesforce is well-trained and offers customers advice on their purchasing needs. The Group's efforts in service excellence have received public recognition in the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Service and Courtesy Awards organized by the Hong Kong Retail Management Association.

Since May 2014, the Group started operating "Dormire" specialty stores for retail of "Ulfenbo" products. The "Dormire" stores are typically compact in size and is designed to create a more casual and relaxing environment.

Other than retail sales, the Group also operates wholesale business of some models of mattresses and sofas under its self-owned label "Ulfenbo" through about 250 dealers in Hong Kong and Macau.

Complementary to its retail business, the Group has a special projects division which takes on furniture related projects primarily for corporate customers. Special projects provide services from planning, design, procuring custom-made furniture to final installation for corporate customers, as well as consultation and liaison services with furniture manufacturers.

With the new residential developments in Hong Kong, and consumers who are increasingly conscious of quality and status, the Group believes the demand for quality furniture will continue to grow. Looking ahead, the Group aims to consolidate its market position in the furniture retail business in Hong Kong and strengthen its competitiveness to strive for sustainable growth. To achieve this, the Group will seek to expand its retail network targeting the mid-range customer segment, strengthen its product portfolio by introducing new models and new brands, and enhance sales channels and brand awareness of "Ulfenbo".

It is expected that the shrinking of home size will boost the demand for small and compact furniture by new families in Hong Kong. The Group intends to diversify into furniture more catered to apartments which are below 500 square feet to capture such market opportunity. In this regard, the Group plans to open at least three stores targeting mid-range segment by the end of 2019.

Mr. Ng concluded, "Although the furniture retailing industry in Hong Kong is fragmented, we are confident to gain a foothold in this segment by leveraging on the "Ulferts" reputation and our committed management team. Apart from expanding our retail network, we will further reinforce our brand recognition by conducting marketing strategies and promotional activities. With steady growth in number of mid-range domestic households, we stay positive towards the home furniture market. Following the Share Offering, we will pursue proactive expansion strategy, as well as explore value-enhancing opportunities while optimising our overall capital structure, in order to seize the opportunities and strengthen our market position."

Offering Details
Number of offer shares: 200,000,000 new shares
Number of public offer shares: 20,000,000 new shares
Number of placing shares: 180,000,000 new shares
Offer Price: HK$0.38 - HK$0.62 per share
Market capitalisation: HK$304,000,000 - HK$496,000,000
Estimated net proceeds* : HK$81,300,000
Price/earnings multiple*: 13.3x
Stock code: 1711.HK
*Based on the mid-point of the indicative Offer Price range as HK$0.50 per share

Financial Highlights
HK$' 000
(Audited) For the year ended 31 March 3-year CAGR
2015 2016 2017
Revenue 181,347 210,070 224,331 + 11.2%
Gross profit 109,932 135,579 145,304 + 15.0%
Gross profit margin 60.6% 64.5% 64.8% N/A
Net profit 23,288 22,353 30,145 + 13.8%
Net profit margin 12.8% 10.6% 13.4% N/A

About Ulferts International Limited
Established for over 40 years, Ulferts is a well-known furniture retailer and currently operates "Ulferts", "Eurodecor" and "Dormire" retail stores in Hong Kong. Dedicated to supply high quality and affordable luxury furniture for its customers to build their ideal home, Ulferts carries around 50 furniture brands (some of which are international brands) imported from different suppliers in Europe and Asia. It offers a wide variety of contemporary style furniture products targeted for middle to high income group. Meanwhile, its self-owned brand, "Ulfenbo", mainly offers mattresses and sofas through wholesaling to dealers and retailing under "Dormire" retail stores. In recognition of Ulferts' commitment to service excellence, its staff was awarded with "Outstanding Performance Awards" in 2017 Service & Courtesy Award programme organised by Hong Kong Retail Management Association. For more information, please visit its website: www.ulferts.com.hk .

Investor/ Financial Media Enquiries
Ms. Anna Luk
Investor Relations Director
Emperor Group
Tel: +852 2835 6783
Email: annaluk@emperorgroup.com

Ms. Winnie Kwong
Investor Relations Manager
Emperor Group
Tel: +852 2835 6791
Email: winniekwong@emperorgroup.com

ARROWS Tab Q738/SE Q738/SB

ARROWS Tab V727/S

LIFEBOOK E558/S E548/S

ESPRIMO D Series

Enhancing mobility and security that accelerates workstyle transformations

TOKYO, Jan 16, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Limited and Fujitsu Client Computing Limited today announced the release of three new enterprise tablet models from two product series, 14 models of notebooks from five product series, and three new models of desktop PCs from a single product series. The new models are being rolled out in stages from the end of January in Japan.

For its Fujitsu Tablet ARROWS Tab lineup of Windows tablets, Fujitsu is launching two new models of the large screen 13.3" ARROWS Tab Q738, featuring high performance CPUs, and the new ARROWS Tab V727/S, featuring a 12.3" panel with a 3:2 aspect ratio capable of displaying A4-sized content.

For the Fujitsu Notebook LIFEBOOK lineup, the 14 models of notebooks from five product series will feature the latest 8th generation Intel Core processor family(1) and the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. Furthermore, for its Fujitsu Desktop ESPRIMO lineup of desktop PCs, Fujitsu is adding three new models to its D series. The Fujitsu Workstation CELSIUS lineup of workstations is also enhanced, as the company is introducing the 17.3" widescreen mobile model CELSIUS H970 with the optional addition of an NVIDIA Quadro P5000 high performance graphics card.

In addition, the Portshutter Premium Attachecase software is now available as an option for custom orders of notebooks and tablets. This is a confidential data distribution software that works by converting the data so that it becomes unrecoverable, and storing it in a dispersed state using confidential distribution technology, preventing information leaks even when a PC is stolen or lost. This software can be easily deployed by setting up a file server, and it can be used on PCs, even when the user is out of the office without access to the network environment.

The Fujitsu Group is supporting customers in their workstyle transformations by expanding the functionality of its various product lineups in ways such as mobility and security enhancement.

Main Features of the New Products

1. Three lighter and thinner models with improved mobility in two ARROWS Tab series

In the ARROWS Tab Q series of high performance large screen tablets with 13.3" LCDs, Fujitsu is launching the Q738/SE model for educational institutions and the Q738/SB model for enterprises, which maintain the high performance of the previous models while featuring a chassis design that is about 20% lighter and thinner(2).

The Q738/SB supports state-of-the-art technologies, such as the latest 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor and the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_ARROWSTabQ738SEQ738SB.jpg
ARROWS Tab Q738/SE Q738/SB

The lightweight, high legibility tablet ARROWS Tab V727/S features a high luminance 12.3" LCD optimal for giving presentations using the device. This model is the only tablet made by the Fujitsu Group to feature a 3:2 aspect ratio LCD, enabling it to display A4-sized materials in the correct proportions as-is. In addition, the new models are easier to maintain as customers can replace their batteries, thereby improving work efficiency. Accessories are also available to serve as tablet stands, including both a portfolio cover that can hold the tablet at an easy to use angle, and a cover keyboard that can be attached and removed easily with magnets.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_ARROWSTabV727S.jpg
ARROWS Tab V727/S

These three models all feature a full suite of ports, including three USB ports including one Type-C, and a microHDMI (3) port, as well as offering a number of security options, including built-in smart card or fingerprint touch sensor options, enabling them to be used as notebook replacements. The included pen can be charged almost instantly, gaining about 90 minutes of use from a 15 second charge in the pen slot in the main body of the tablet.

2. Enhanced LIFEBOOK notebook lineup

The global models of LIFEBOOK E558/S and E548/S, featuring 15.6" and 14.0" LCDs respectively, have been reduced in weight by approximately 20%(4) while maintaining the same high performance and expandability.

These models feature a wide variety of ports, including an HDMI port, an analog RGB port, three USB ports including one Type-C, as well as a wired Ethernet port, and they can be configured to equip a number of highly reliable security devices, including a touch fingerprint sensor and a built-in smart card reader.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_LIFEBOOKE558SE548S.jpg
LIFEBOOK E558/S E548/S

3. Enhanced lineup for both the ESPRIMO desktop PCs and the CELSIUS workstations

The ESPRIMO lineup has been enhanced with the ESPRIMO D957/S high-end model, the ESPRIMO D587/S multifunction model, and the ESPRIMO D556/S entry model, all featuring the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.

The CELSIUS lineup has been enhanced with the 17.3" widescreen CELSIUS H970 mobile model, which can be custom built to include the NVIDIA Quadro P5000 high performance graphics card, delivering a an improved VR environment.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_ESPRIMODSeries.jpg
ESPRIMO D Series

4. Confidential data distribution software Portshutter Premium Attachecase in a custom option

Fujitsu has now made the confidential data distribution software Attachecase, which can greatly enhance the security level of notebooks and tablets, available as a customization option. As newly created files are converted into unrecoverable data and automatically distributed across the PC (the large portion) and the file server (the small portion) to be stored, the data can only be restored and read/edited when both of the dispersed portions are available. When the user is out of the office, the distributed small portion saved on the server can be stored in a Bluetooth-connected smartphone(5) or other option, preventing information leaks when a PC is lost or stolen, as the PC itself has only the large portion of the dispersed data, which cannot be recovered without the other small portion. In addition, users can access the data even when users are out of the office or when they cannot connect to the network. Because a secure environment can be easily set up by deploying a file server without large-scale system improvements, Fujitsu can also contribute to reducing operating costs for customers.

(1) The latest 8th generation Intel Core processor family
Specifically, the P728/S, S938/S, U758/S, U748/S, U728/S, U938/S, E558/S, E548/S, and A748/S models.
(2) About 20% lighter and thinner
Compared to the Q737/R model
(3) microHDMI
Only installed in the Q738/SE and Q738/SB models
(4) Reduced in weight by approximately 20%
Compared to the E557/R model
(5) Smartphone

This software supports both Android 6.0/7.1 and iOS 10

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/

TOKYO, Jan 16, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Vietnam under which they plan to explore how best to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country.

Mitsubishi Motors will work with Vietnam Industry Agency (VIA) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) to conduct a joint study of efficient EV usage and the public policy programs and incentives that could support the accelerated adoption of sustainable automotive technology.

An Outlander PHEV, a Mitsubishi Motors' market-leading plug-in hybrid EV, and one unit of quick battery charger have been delivered to VIA - MOIT as part of the agreement. The announcement took place during a ceremony at the MOIT headquarters in Hanoi today, attended by the MOIT Minister, VIA General Director and the government officials.

Commenting on the MOU, Mr. Tran Tuan Anh, the Minister of Industry and Trade:

"We are delighted to conclude the MOU with Mitsubishi Motors as our important partner. This joint study is very important milestone to promote the transition of a low carbon ecnomy."

Kozo Shiraji, Mitsubishi Motors' executive vice president, said:

"We are very pleased to be able to work with the Vietnamese government to embrace cleaner automotive fuels. We look forward to sharing Mitsubishi Motors' pioneering expertise in electric vehicles and exploring how government policy can support the adoption of this transformative technology.

"This important initiative demonstrates Mitsubishi Motors' strong commitment to accelerating the a
doption of sustainable automotive technologies across rapidly developing markets such as
Vietnam. We hope to make a great contribution towards the environmental conservation of Vietnam."

Vietnam is seeking ways to reduce CO2 emissions and to produce cleaner air and greener cities. Mitsubishi Motors is considering another joint EV study in other cities in Vietnam as a test bed for environmentally conscious policies. Since Mitsubishi Motors first entered Vietnam in 1994, the company has been committed to the development of the domestic auto market, and this Memorandum of Understanding represents the latest important milestone.

Mitsubishi Motors, a global leader in plug-in hybrid EVs, continues to work to expand the use of EVs across the ASEAN region and support its transition to a low carbon economy.

About Mitsubishi Motors

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

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

Home-grown mobile game developer launches talent competition in search of Singapore's top mobile developers and illustrators, while introducing three new mobile games

SINGAPORE, Jan 16, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Homegrown mobile game developer, Miiny Mobile Gaming Network has announced its inaugural Mobile Game Development and Illustration Talent Competition today, at the company's launch and networking event, a platform for aspiring game developers and illustrators. Through the seven-month competition, Miiny aims to discover and recognise aspiring mobile game developers and illustrators in Singapore, while providing them an opportunity to collaborate with Miiny on top quality mobile games across the globe.

"We are constantly on the lookout for collaborative opportunities, said Kenneth Tham, Founder of Miiny. "Our first ever Mobile Game Development and Illustration Talent Competition is the perfect avenue for us to reach out to undiscovered local talents who have a passion for the gaming industry, especially within Singapore. Through this initiative, we also aim to develop a stable community of homegrown game developers, while providing global collaborative opportunities."

Winners of the competition will be invited to join Miiny's development team and publish their prize-winning games on Miiny's platform. Winning game developers will also receive up to S$5,000 worth of prizes, while winning illustrators will receive up to S$3,000 worth of prizes. Opened to all Singaporean citizens and permanent residents, judges will focus on participants originality, creativity, design and interface as judging criteria.

Also debuting at the event are three mobile games uniquely developed by Miiny. Available for download on the Google Play and Apple App Store, these games include:

- Miiny Landlord Fight - A card game based on the hugely popular game from China, Dou Di Zhu. In this game, two Farmers challenge one Landlord, the side that plays all of his/her cards first wins the game.

- Egg Legend - A three-match game that requires different strategies to arrange three to five eggs in a row or column (horizontally or vertically). l You are part of the mighty King Eggzian army and their quest to reclaim the baby Eggzians, outplaying and outwitting the Dragon that has stolen the baby Eggzians.

- Miiny Poker - Designed based on the world's most popular poker game, "Texas Hold 'Em", the rules are simple: Place your bets, pick your cards and play. Players can showcase their skills against the best poker players from all over the world.

Mobile Game Development and Illustration Talent Competition Details

The official competition's official website www.miinycontest.com will go live on 16 January 2018. Interested participants can register by 15 March, and submit their games through the portal by 9 August. Judging will commence from 10 August to 9 October, and winners will be publicly announced by the end of October.

About Miiny Holdings

Miiny Mobile Gaming Network is a Singapore start-up that specialises in mobile game development and aims to be the first Singapore company to have a strong presence in the global gaming industry. Spearheaded by Kenneth Tham, who has been in the IT and games development industry for 15 years, Miiny conceptualises and develops mobile games based on the foundations of being "fun, futuristic, tech and educational". www.miiny.com

Media Contacts
Miiny Holdings
Nicholas Yong
Email: nicholasyong@miiny.com
Tel: +65 6718 6720

Ooffle Pte. Ltd. (Events)
Elaine Lor
Email: support@ooffle.com
Tel: +65 9720 1509

PRecious Communications (Media)
Darren Beck and Gabriella Teo
Email: ooffle@preciouscomms.com
Tel: +65 6303 0567

Ho Chi Minh City, Jan 16, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Nam A Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Nam A Bank) and JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCBI) , the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd. (JCB) signed a cooperation contract to license the issuance of JCB Cards and acquisition of JCB merchants in Vietnam. The ceremony was attended by representative leaders of JCBI and representative leaders of Nam A Bank.

According to the contract, Nam A Bank becomes an official licensee of JCB and has the right to issue all types of cards, including: Credit Cards, Debit Cards and Prepaid Cards. At the same time, the cardholders will be eligible for promotional offers, incentives from JCB, and many other benefits from Nam A Bank.

During the deployment, Nam A Bank and JCB jointly developed and perfected credit card products, diversified product portfolio and financial services, and created more tools to access, maintain and develop Nam A Bank's customers in order to consolidate market share for both Nam A Bank and JCB. This cooperation brings added value to Nam A Bank's customers in addition to current banking products as well as convenient global payment facilities.

About Nam A Bank

Nam A Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Nam A Bank) was officially established on 21 October, 1992 as one of the first commercial joint stock banks established after the restructure regulation in Vietnam when the economy was reformed. After 25 years of operation, Nam A Bank's facilities and technology have been growing faster. Compared to the beginning with only three branches and nearly 50 employees with charter capital of USD 200,000, now Nam A Bank has expanded its network to 69 transaction points across the country, and the charter capital increased more than 600 times and the number of employees increased 30 times. The sales points of Nam A Bank cover major economic centers such as Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Binh Duong, Can Tho, Long An, Vung Tau, Dong Nai, and Daklak. The current goal of Nam A Bank is to become one of Vietnam's most modern banks with stable, safe and effective development and become one of the leading commercial banks in Vietnam. Currently, Nam A Bank possesses the financial capacity, advanced technology and flexible services which can satisfy the demands of customers from various sectors, including individuals, corporations and investors. The bank has standardized its branch model and been creating professional and friendly standards for its customer service to realize its mission "Best in appearance - best in performance". For these activities, Nam A Bank has received many awards, domestic prizes and many international honors, such as "Asean well-known brand". With a recent burst of growth, the bank has been able to build momentum and lay the foundation to rise to new heights.

About JCB

JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading payment card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and card member base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to provide responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/

Contact
Nam A Bank
Customer Service Center
Tel: 19006679
Email: dichvukhachhang@namabank.com.vn

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

Multi-Faceted Relationship to Enter Seventh Season with Championship INDYCAR Program

TOKYO, Jan 16, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Team Penske and Hitachi Group today announced an extension of their partnership for the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series season.

After a productive five-year relationship working with three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves of Team Penske, the familiar Hitachi branding will transition to the No. 1 Dallara/Chevrolet of reigning INDYCAR champion Josef Newgarden for eight races in the 2018 season. Additionally, Hitachi will continue as an associate sponsor on Team Penske's other Verizon IndyCar Series entries - the Dallara/Chevrolets driven by Simon Pagenaud, the 2016 series champion and Will Power, the 2014 title winner, along with a return to Castroneves' No. 3 car for the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500.

"Our partnership with Hitachi continues to deliver for both organizations across a wide variety of business platforms," said Roger Penske. "Hitachi is deeply involved in our on-track performance as they continue to collaborate with Chevrolet on its winning INDYCAR engine program. Away from the race track, our relationship continues to reach new heights with shared success through various automotive and technology projects, along with joint marketing and promotional initiatives. We are excited to build on this success in 2018."

Hitachi and Team Penske began their partnership in 2012 and it has evolved into one of the successful pairings in the INDYCAR paddock. The industry leaders have aligned for race wins, podium finishes and pole positions and the future is bright with Newgarden, one of the fastest rising stars in motorsports.

"Over the course of my first season with Team Penske, I was able to witness this great partnership firsthand," said Newgarden, who earned four wins, one pole and nine podium finishes en route to his first series championship in 2017. "I look forward to working with all of the Hitachi employees and partners as we try and build on the tremendous framework of success already in place."

The activation strategy around the Hitachi Team Penske partnership includes event marketing and execution at key automotive events and industry shows across the globe, to go along with unique at-track experiences and creative social media integration with Hitachi and its partners.

"The sponsorship with Team Penske continues to provide the Hitachi Group with a tremendous opportunity to leverage the success of a great IndyCar racing team, as well as to partner with a global leader in transportation and logistics - Penske Corporation," said Toshiaki Higashihara, President & CEO, Hitachi, Ltd. "Since 2012, Hitachi has been able to leverage its technology and applications experience, along with data analytics expertise to help Penske build a successful racing team and also optimize other aspects of their business." "Partnering with Penske puts Hitachi in a strong position to continue to build our global brand around Hitachi's Social Innovation Business," he continued.

"We are very excited to continue our partnership with Team Penske in 2018," said Hideaki Seki, President & CEO for Hitachi Automotive Systems Ltd., . "Finishing in four of the top five positions in the 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series final standings and earning a 15th series championship illustrates Team Penske's commitment to excellence. Hitachi shares the same drive and determination to be the best."

The full calendar of 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series events, and the specific races where Hitachi will be featured as the primary sponsor of the No. 1 Team Penske Chevy and Newgarden, will be announced at a later date.

About Team Penske

Team Penske is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports and celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2016. Cars owned and prepared by Team Penske have produced more than 440 major race wins, over 500 pole positions and 29 National Championships across open-wheel, stock car and sports car racing competition. In its storied history, the team has also earned 16 Indianapolis 500 victories, two Daytona 500 Championships, a Formula 1 win and overall victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Team Penske currently competes in the Verizon IndyCar Series, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series. The team also races in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, in a partnership with Dick Johnson Racing, as DJR Team Penske. For more information about Team Penske, please visit www.teampenske.com.

About Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.

Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is engaged in the development, manufacture, sales and services of automotive components, transportation related components, industrial machines and systems, and offers a wide range of automotive systems including engine management systems, electric power train systems, drive control systems and car information systems. For more information, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi-automotive.co.jp/en/.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

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

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

- Study reveals regional disparities in adoption of cloud security: German businesses almost twice as likely to secure confidential or sensitive information in the cloud (61%) than British (35%), Brazilian (34%) and Japanese (31%) organizations
- Half of global organizations believe that payment information (54%) and customer data (49%) is at risk in the cloud
- Over half (57%) think using the cloud increases compliance risk

AMSTERDAM, Jan 16, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Gemalto, the world leader in digital security, can today reveal that while the vast majority of global companies (95%) have adopted cloud services[1], there is a wide gap in the level of security precautions applied by companies in different markets. Organizations admitted that on average, only two-fifths (40%) of the data stored in the cloud is secured with encryption and key management solutions.

The findings - part of a Gemalto commissioned Ponemon Institute "2018 Global Cloud Data Security Study" - found that organizations in the UK (35%), Brazil (34%) and Japan (31%) are less cautious than those in Germany (61%) when sharing sensitive and confidential information stored in the cloud with third parties. The study surveyed more than 3,200 IT and IT security practitioners worldwide to gain a better understanding of the key trends in data governance and security practices for cloud-based services.

Germany's lead in cloud security extends to its application of controls such as encryption and tokenization. The majority (61%) of German organizations revealed they secure sensitive or confidential information while being stored in the cloud environment, ahead of the US (51%) and Japan (50%). The level or security applied increases further still when data is sent and received by the business, rising to 67% for Germany, with Japan (62%) and India (61%) the next highest.

Crucially, however, over three quarters (77%) of organizations across the globe recognize the importance of having the ability to implement cryptologic solutions, such as encryption. This is only set to increase, with nine in 10 (91%) believing this ability will become more important over the next two years - an increase from 86% last year.

Managing privacy and regulation in the cloud

Despite the growing adoption of cloud computing and the benefits that it brings, it seems that global organizations are still wary. Worryingly, half report that payment information (54%) and customer data (49%) are at risk when stored in the cloud. Over half (57%) of global organizations also believe that using the cloud makes them more likely to fall foul of privacy and data protection regulations, slightly down from 62% in 2016.

Due to this perceived risk, almost all (88%) believe that the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), will require changes in cloud governance, with two in five (37%) stating it would require significant changes. As well as difficulty in meeting regulatory requirements, three-quarters of global respondents (75%) also reported that it is more complex to manage privacy and data protection regulations in a cloud environment than on premise networks, with France (97%) and the US (87%) finding this the most complex, just ahead of India (83%).

Head in the clouds

Despite the prevalence of cloud usage, the study found that there is a gap in awareness within businesses about the services being used. Only a quarter (25%) of IT and IT security practitioners revealed they are very confident they know all the cloud services their business is using, with a third (31%) confident they know.

Looking more closely, shadow IT may be continuing to cause challenges. Over half of Australian (61%), Brazilian (59%) and British (56%) organizations are not confident they know all the cloud computing apps, platform or infrastructure services their organization is using. Confidence is higher elsewhere, with only around a quarter in Germany (27%), Japan (27%) and France (25%) not confident.

Fortunately, the vast majority (81%) believe that having the ability to use strong authentication methods to access data and applications in the cloud is essential or very important. Businesses in Australia are the keenest to see authentications put in place, with 92% agreeing it would help ensure only authorised people could access certain data and applications in the cloud, ahead of India (85%) and Japan (84%).

"While it's good to see some countries like Germany taking the issue of cloud security seriously, there is a worrying attitude emerging elsewhere," said Jason Hart, CTO, Data Protection at Gemalto. "This may be down to nearly half believing the cloud makes it more difficult to protect data, when the opposite is true."

"The benefit of the cloud is its convenience, scalability and cost control in offering options to businesses that they would not be able to access or afford on their own, particularly when it comes to security. However, while securing data is easier, there should never be an assumption that cloud adoption means information is automatically secure. Just look at the recent Accenture and Uber breaches as examples of data in the cloud that has been left exposed. No matter where data is, the appropriate controls like encryption and tokenization need to be placed at the source of the data. Once these are in place, any issues of compliance should be resolved."

Research methodology

This research was conducted by the Ponemon Institute on behalf of Gemalto with 3,285 IT and IT security practitioners surveyed across the US (575), UK (405), Australia (244), Germany (492), France (293), Japan (424), India (497) and Brazil (355).

Resources
- Visit the 2018 Global Cloud Data Security Study website to explore regional differences in more detail or download the report. http://www2.gemalto.com/cloud-security-research/
- Join Gemalto and the Ponemon Institute for a "Top Trends in Cloud Security" webinar on February 27th - click here to register. http://bit.ly/2DghoNi
- Learn more about Gemalto's Cloud Data Security solutions. https://safenet.gemalto.com/cloud-data-security/
- For more Gemalto research on data security. http://bit.ly/2jqEGna

About Gemalto

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[1] http://bit.ly/2s9C5ku

Press release (PDF): http://hugin.info/159293/R/2161393/831333.pdf
Picture: http://hugin.info/159293/R/2161393/831334.JPG

TOKYO, Jan 16, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Vestas Wind Systems (Vestas) are pleased to appoint Philippe Kavafyan to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Lars Bondo Krogsgaard to Co-Chief Executive Officer (Co-CEO) of MHI Vestas Offshore Wind. The appointments will take effect on 1 April, 2018, and are made in accordance with the joint venture agreement's principle of changing its leadership every four years.

Under the leadership of out-going CEO Jens Tommerup and Co-CEO Tetsushi Mizuno, MHI Vestas Offshore Wind has established itself as a leading player in offshore, with orders from the UK, Germany, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands. With the outlook for offshore wind energy looking positive through the opening of new markets and further reductions in the cost of energy, MHI Vestas Offshore is now increasing its strategic focus on expanding into new markets and further consolidating its position in core markets. Accordingly, as joint venture shareholders, MHI and Vestas sought new leaders, outside of either parent company, with extensive wind experience and knowledge from and familiarity with diverse markets. The joint venture shareholders have found strong profiles in Philippe Kavafyan and Lars Bondo Krogsgaard.

Philippe Kavafyan has more than 25 years of experience in the broader energy and technology industries and 12 years in the wind sector, including roles in business development, technical, asset and risk management in Electricite de France, GE and Areva. During the past six years in offshore wind energy, Philippe has successfully worked with offshore wind tenders in France, the first commercial projects in Germany and held the position as Chair of the Board of Adwen Offshore.

Lars Bondo Krogsgaard also has extensive wind management experience with DONG Energy (now Orsted) and Siemens Wind Power. In 2010, he joined Nordex as Chief Sales Officer and was promoted to CEO, growing the company profitably while expanding its global reach.

The appointment of a new CEO is in accordance with the terms of the original Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between MHI and Vestas, which stipulates that after four years there shall be a change in the Joint Venture's Board of Management and Board of Directors. The terms set out in the JVA mean that MHI now appoints the CEO and Vestas appoints the Co-CEO. Additionally, the terms now cede the leadership of the Board of Directors to Vestas.

Vestas has appointed its President and CEO, Anders Runevad, as Chair of the Board, while MHI has appointed its Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer and current Chair of MHI Vestas Offshore, Michisuke Nayama, as the Deputy Chair of the Board as of 1 April.

"Both Philippe Kavafyan and Lars Bondo Krogsgaard possess deep knowledge of the industry and major markets, and MHI and Vestas strongly believe that their combined expertise and leadership within the wind industry is precisely what the joint venture requires to be successful in the future", said Anders Runevad, incoming Chair of MHI Vestas Offshore Wind's Board.

After four years leading MHI Vestas Offshore Wind, current CEO Jens Tommerup and Co-CEO Tetsushi Mizuno have decided to leave the organisation.

"On behalf of the shareholders, MHI and Vestas would like to thank both Jens Tommerup and Tetsushi Mizuno for their hard work and dedication in starting up MHI Vestas Offshore Wind and introducing a new turbine that earned the market's confidence", said outgoing Chair Michisuke Nayama. "They leave behind a company that is a strong player in the offshore wind market, with a robust brand and a solid order book".

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

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

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

Minsk and Tokyo, Jan 16, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Belinvestbank JSC ("Belinvestbank"), a leading bank in Belarus, and JCB International Co., Ltd. ("JCBI"), the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., launch acceptance of JCB Cards at ATMs and POS terminals.

Belinvestbank is the first bank in Belarus to start acceptance of JCB card. Belinvestbank's wide acquiring network has 500 ATMs and 7,300 merchants that will accept JCB Card for cash withdrawals and payments in Belarus.

Takashi Suetsugu, General Director of JCB International Eurasia: "We are pleased that today JCB Card acceptance in Belarus is being enabled. In February 2017, citizens of Japan and 79 more countries became eligible for visa-free entry. Visitors can spend now up to 5 days in Belarus without any visa or registration formalities. In addition to Japan, these countries include China, Korea, and Taiwan where JCB has a large number of card members. We are sure that JCB Cardmembers from these countries will be pleased with the wider acceptance of JCB Cards. Today's launch is also a crucial step for our issuance projects in Russia where JCB Cards and co-badged Mir-JCB Cards have been issued since 2015. Belarus is one of the main routes for business people and tourists from Russia".

Andrey Brishtelev, Chairman of the Board of Belinvestbank: "We are glad that Belinvestbank helps to establish comfortable conditions for staying in Belarus for JCB Cardholders who are visiting our country. Furthermore, we are expanding opportunities for cardholders of the Russian national payment system MIR as co-badged Mir-JCB cards will be accepted in Belarus via acquiring network of Belinvestbank. Payments for goods and services with payment card eliminate the need of foreign currency exchange for Belarusian rubles. Thus, our guests will have additional time to see and learn about Belarus as much as possible. In addition, the acquiring network of Belinvestbank has been one of the largest for several years and it continues to evolve actively throughout the country. That means that you will be able to use JCB Cards almost everywhere in Belarus. We strive to satisfy the needs of business people coming to Belarus from all over the world. The launch of JCB payment system will speed up and simplify their payments and will strengthen the image of Belinvestbank and Belarus in the international financial market".

About Belinvestbank

Belinvestbank OJSC is one of the largest financial and credit institutions of Belarus. For many years Belinvestbank has been maintaining its presence in the top six largest banks of the country in terms of volume of assets, credit and settlement operations and customer accounts, has one of the most extensive regional networks (about 130 banking units) and is one of the largest card issuers in the country's bank payment cards market. Belinvestbank successfully combines huge experience and traditions accumulated for the quarter-century history of development with the implementation of modern world business practices. Starting from 2015, Bank implements a program to increase its efficiency and commercialization. This program is being implemented with the support of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Contact
Ivan Karpenko
Belinvestbank OJSC
Marketing and Advertising Department
Tel: +375 29 632 79 97
E-mail: karpenko_is@belinvestbank.by

About JCB

JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading payment card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and card member base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to provide responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.ru.jcb/ru/ or www.global.jcb/en/

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

Fashion Shows Spotlight New Young Hong Kong Talent

HONG KONG, Jan 16, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The 49th Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter is underway at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The four-day show (15 to 18 January), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), features global exhibitors which showcase the latest fashion designs and accessories.

FASHIONALLY Presentation was launched yesterday for the first time by the Hong Kong fashion website FASHIONALLY.com. Unlike conventional runway shows, the unique presentation showcase the design concepts and 2018 FW works of local fashion designers Derek Chan, Aries Sin and Mim Mak, in the form of storytelling set in a theatre-like stage. The stage design, props and story sequence of the FASHIONALLY Presentations are all orchestrated by the designers themselves.

FASHIONALLY COLLECTION #11, also staged yesterday, presented the 2018 FW Women's Wear collections of YEUNG CHIN, phenotypsetter (designer: Jane Ng), 112 mountainyam (designer: Mountain Yam), FromClothingOf (designer: Shirley Wong) and KEVIN HO.

Full release: http://bit.ly/2mDhhQZ

Fair Websites:
Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter: http://www.hktdc.com/fair/hkfashionweekfw-en/
Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC): http://www.fashionally.com/en/YDC/about

Media Registration:
Media representatives wishing to cover the event may register on-site with their business cards and/or media identification.

About HKTDC

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

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

HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong and the Governor of Hokkaido Harumi Takahashi signed a MoU yesterday (15 January) to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.

- Strengthening Bilateral Business Ties
- Consolidating Hong Kong's Role as Regional Trading Hub

HONG KONG, Jan 16, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hokkaido Government yesterday to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and assist Hong Kong and Hokkaido enterprises in exploring overseas markets. The MoU was signed by HKTDC Executive Director Margaret Fong and the Governor of Hokkaido Harumi Takahashi.

- Leveraging Hong Kong's role as an international trading platform

Hong Kong and Japan enjoy close economic relations. As the regional trading hub in Asia, Hong Kong's favourable geographic location attracts a large number of Japanese trading companies and manufacturers to set up purchasing and distribution offices in Hong Kong. We hope to encourage more Hokkaido companies to make use of Hong Kong as an effective platform for promoting trade and investment in various sectors, in particular tourism, food and agriculture, as well as manufacturing," said Margaret Fong.

Margaret Fong added: "Through signing the MoU, we seek to strengthen the ties between Hong Kong and Hokkaido, and connect Hokkaido companies with counterparts from Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and Southeast Asia. Hokkaido could also ride on other lifestyle-related trade fairs organised by the HKTDC, such as FILMART, to promote Hokkaido as the ideal shooting location for the entertainment industry, which will help boost inbound tourism at the same time."

The Governor of Hokkaido Harumi Takahashi expressed that the exchanges between Hokkaido and Hong Kong are very active. "Each year, Hokkaido welcomes around 170,000 people from Hong Kong, and that Hong Kong is the second largest trading partner for the food exports from Hokkaido. In addition, Hong Kong companies have been proactively investing in facilities in resort areas of Hokkaido. These make Hong Kong a very important partner for Hokkaido. Through signing the MoU, we hope to build an even stronger relationship with the HKTDC, so as to broaden the economic exchanges between Hokkaido and Hong Kong, together with the business community of Hokkaido".

According to the agreement, the HKTDC and the Hokkaido Government will cooperate through information exchange to foster bilateral economic relations. Both parties also agreed to support economic exchange programmes, such as business seminars, business meetings and trade fairs, as well as to introduce business and trade missions organised by either party to relevant companies and organisations to strengthen bilateral business ties. The two parties will also identify projects and investment opportunities for enterprises from Hong Kong and Hokkaido.

- A close trade tie between Hong Kong and Japan

Japan is Hong Kong's fourth largest export market and fourth largest source of imports. From January to November 2017, Hong Kong's exports to Japan reached US$14.9 billion, while Hong Kong's imports from Japan amounted to US$29.4 billion.

Major export items from Hong Kong to Japan included telecom equipment & parts (18.9% share), semi-conductors, electronic valves & tubes, etc. (9.3%), toys, games & sporting goods (7.7%), computers (7.3%), and watches and clocks (4.2%).

Hong Kong is the largest export destination for Japanese foodstuff. In the first eleven months of 2017, Japan's exports of food amounted to US$1 billion, accounting for over 23.1% of Japan's exports under the category.

As of 2017, a total of 233 Japanese companies had set up regional headquarters in Hong Kong, while another 428 had regional offices here. In addition, Japan was the ninth largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Hong Kong, with a total stock of HK$220.7 billion as at end-2016.

Photo download link: http://bit.ly/2mzkuRu

About HKTDC

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

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

Figure 1. New technology (SuPR-NaP method) manufacturing processes and printing reaction mechanism

Figure 2. Metal mesh electrostatic capacity touch panel structure

Figure 3. Sensor film continuously manufactured with the roll-to-roll method (7-inch pattern)

(A Result of NexTEP: Joint Industry-Academia Practical Application Development Project)
Key Points
- Problems with sensor electrode materials in electrostatic capacity-type touch panels used in smartphones resulted in difficulties responding to increasing trends for three-dimensional curves, flexibility, and larger screens on displays.
- Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo constructed a system for manufacturing an almost invisible ultrafine wire metal mesh (MM) sensor film at a low cost, utilizing roll-to-roll process printing using silver nano ink.
- This means that touch panel functions can be added evenly to bendable displays and can be used in OLED displays. It is also anticipated that films with antibacterial, catalyst and thermal insulation functions will come into use.

TOKYO, Jan 17, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - JST (President, Michinari Hamaguchi) has recognized the results of NexTEP's project, "A Sensor Film for Touch Panels*1 Using Thin Metallic Wire" as a success.

This development task was based on the research of Professor Tatsuo Hasegawa, Principal Research Manager at the Flexible Electronics Research Center of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, and was consigned to Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo (Representative Director & CEO, Akira Tanae, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) from April 2014 through September 2017. The research proceeded with the aim of practical application through Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo's Global Marketing/R&D Division.

In conventional electrostatic capacity-type touch panels*2, indium tin oxide (ITO) is used for the sensor. However, because of its high electrical resistivity and weakness upon bending, companies faced difficulties in increasing the size of such sensors and making them more flexible. Metal mesh*3 (MM) solves these problems, but it is difficult to make thinner than 4 um, and no technology existed to manufacture the mesh via printing.

To apply the new technology (SuPR-NaP method*4), which fabricates wiring through an adsorption reaction between special silver ink and an activated fluororesin surface, at a suitable speed for commercial manufacturing, the project clarified the reaction mechanism and researched the development of manufacturing equipment as well as the conditions for each process. As a result, the project constructed a system for manufacturing MM film (line width: 2-4 um) with the full process roll-to-roll method*5. In a 200,000-frequency (radius: 2 mm) bending test, this MM film exhibits hardly any changes in resistance values, and it has cleared general reliability testing.

This success in manufacturing the world's first micro-wiring film with a full process roll-to-roll method is an important technological innovation in printed electronics for the flexible electronic device market. It is also anticipated that the technology could be applied and used for applications requiring metal patterns on resin film (function films e.g. antibacterial, catalyst, thermal insulating).

Context
With the increased use of information technology in society, people are demanding access to information in various locations, at various times and in various situations. Touch panels that are integrated with the display are used in many devices, from smartphones, notebooks, large panel to automotive displays.

Moreover, touch sensors now need to be compatible with not only flat panel displays, but also recently-announced three-dimensional curved and bendable displays. Transparent (conducting) electrodes using ITO are mainly used for current touch sensors. However, physical problems such as high electrical resistivity and weakness upon bending imposed limitations on responding to needs for flexibility and increasingly large screen sizes. Metal mesh(MM), in which thin metallic wire is used as the electrode, is being applied on as a material that could solve these problems. However, as the line width and pitch of current MM is thick, the wiring is visible on smartphones, which are used at a short distance. Therefore, it has only come into popular use for large displays.

Development Details
With this new printing technology, a film to which liquid-repelling fluororesin is applied undergoes pattern exposure through a photo mask. Metal ink is then scanned onto it to form the wiring. This technology means that metal wiring with a fixed film thickness can be formed by means of the chemisorption of metal nanoparticles on the fluororesin surface activated by light.

The following technology has been developed to make it possible to manufacture MM film with micro wiring that can also be used for smartphones at a low cost. The project constructed a roll-to-roll production system that has not been available with existing manufacturing methods.

- The reaction mechanism for printing was elucidated, ink and fluororesin which was investigated and a method of even printing on large areas was developed. This made it possible to fabricate a 7- to 8-inch sensor film with micro wiring (line width: 2-4 um).

- Invisible wiring was developed by postprocessing the sensor pattern design (line width and shape) to respond to market needs. As a result, a MM film that could also be used for smartphones was able to be developed. The ability of this film to withstand 200,000-frequency (radius: 2 mm) bending test was also confirmed.

- Equipment for each process was developed and a manufacturing method with the roll-to-roll process was established. In a manufacturing experiment for the line width 4 um MM film, the 10m roll length achieved more than a 95% yield rate was achieved.

Anticipated Effects
This successful development is expected to enable the low-cost manufacturing of high-functioning touch panel sensor films that can be used for three-dimensional curved or bendable displays.

This manufacturing of a micro wiring film with full process roll-to-roll process is the first of its kind in the world. It is a breakthrough technological innovation for printed electronics used in the flexible electronic device market. It is anticipated that this technology can be not only applied and used in electronics fields such as OLED*6 displays, IoT device wiring and electrodes, but also in the manufacturing of functional films such as antibacterial films, films for catalysts and thermal insulation films.

Reference
Figure 1. New technology (SuPR-NaP method) manufacturing processes and printing reaction mechanism
https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Figure1.jpg
1) Fluororesin application: Fluororesin that can repel silver ink is used to coat the base (PET film).
2) Exposure: When VUV*7 light is applied to the fluororesin surface, a carboxy group is formed. This property is used to form a carboxy group on the film in accordance with the photo mask pattern.
3) Silver nanoparticle printing: When the film is coated with silver ink after exposure, the silver nanoparticles undergo chemisorption onto the carboxy group alone. Excessive silver ink is removed by the coater (equipment used to spread out the applied liquid with a blade and scrape off excess liquid). Alkylamine, which had inhibited the aggregation of silver nanoparticles in the silver ink, is completely removed from the silver surface by postprocessing so that silver nanoparticles can fuse to each other. This makes it possible to form silver wiring with regular thickness.

Figure 2. Metal mesh electrostatic capacity touch panel structure
https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Figure2.jpg
When a finger approaches the touch panel, electrostatic capacity created between vertical and horizontal sensor wiring and the finger is detected and the finger position coordinate is identified. Simultaneous detection of multiple points is also possible. With this technology, metal mesh is used in the sensor wiring. Normally, ITO is used.

Figure 3. Sensor film continuously manufactured with the roll-to-roll method (7-inch pattern)
https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Figure3.jpg

Keywords
*1 Sensor film for touch panels
As shown in Figure 2, this is a film in which the mesh wiring is in strip form. Each piece of strip form mesh wiring is connected with the peripheral casing wiring and, the casing wiring is connected by the FPC cable.

*2 Electrostatic capacity-type touch panels
As shown in Figure 2, an electrostatic capacity touch panel is composed of two sensor films and a transparent adhesive sheet adhered on top of each other to form a layered structure. Because voltage is applied to the two sensors, the transparent adhesive layer between the sensor films has electrostatic capacity as a dielectric substance. Touch location sensing involves the detection of minute changes in electrostatic capacity that arise through finger proximity and contact. Simultaneous detection at multiple points is also possible. Although the principle upon which this is based is simple, the wiring pattern shape and controller IC detection algorithm have been adjusted in order to eliminate unintentional touches, noise, and temperature drift.

*3 Metal mesh
With this method, the wiring is composed of silver or copper wiring, rather than an ITO film. Because photolithography technology is used in the formation of um level wiring, low-cost manufacturing was considered to be difficult.

*4 SuPR-NaP method
In a substrate coated with liquid-repellant fluororesin, special silver nano ink reacts to a part that was modified with deep ultraviolet light. Then, silver nanoparticles undergo chemisorption so that the silver nanoparticles fuse to each other and form wiring.

*5 Full process roll-to-roll method
This refers to converting all manufacturing processes to roll-to-roll (print formation of circuits on rolled film substrates for production in roll format, allowing for the efficient production of electronic devices).

*6 OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)
This refers to an organic EL diode. Devices use the phenomenon whereby light is emitted when voltage is applied to certain types of organic compounds. Usage is expanding to lighting and displays.

*7 VUV (Vacuum Ultra Violet)
Vacuum ultraviolet light refers to using light with short wavelengths in region close to 10-200 nm in a vacuum atmosphere. Because light with wavelengths of 200 nm or below is absorbed by oxygen, etc., in the air, the optical path needs to be made into a vacuum during use.

Press release (PDF): http://www.acnnewswire.com/clientreports/598/201801.pdf

Press inquiries
Tanaka Holdings Co., Ltd.
https://www.tanaka.co.jp/en/protanaka/inquiry/index.php

HONG KONG, Jan 17, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Self-sovereign identity solution Blockpass has announced two new key memberships cementing its preparations for the public release of its application at the end of March this year. These memberships support the Blockpass mission of providing users with a blockchain based self-sovereign identity solution to better interact with regulated industries and the connected world.

The first membership is with the Decentralized Identity Foundation (DIF), a group of leading industrial identity and technology experts, aims to establish how best to manage the future of distributed identity solutions and how the industry can focus on the development of standards. As a DIF member, Blockpass joins a large number of organisations, from enterprises to start ups, committed to the creation of an interoperable ecosystem of decentralised identities.

"Through DIF's broader network, Blockpass can engage in high level conversations regarding the immediate real world application potential for emergent object and device identity profiles," stated Hans Lombardo, CMO of Blockpass. "We have been looking for a foundation that aligns with our core pillars of creating a blockchain identity protocol for the connected world, and it's obvious to us that DIF is the right fit to continue to grow and nurture our business."

The second membership is with the Trusted IOT Alliance, a consortium whose focus is 'Powering A Hyper Connected World' by connecting and securing the next generation of smart IoT products with blockchain technology for a more trusted, secure and scalable Internet of Things. This membership will allow Blockpass to engage with industrial leaders and leading blockchain startups to determine key layers of a baseline identity standard for all connected devices.

The memberships will create a collaborative environment in which foundational identity protocols can be developed and tested, enabling a new generation of highly efficient decentralized autonomous utilities. With the use of blockchain, Blockpass is in a position where it can propose alternative solutions to centralized data storage that will provide two huge benefits to consumers and service providers alike. Firstly, users will be in control of their identity and only they can decide who can access it, and secondly that no centralized server stores sensitive personal data.

About Blockpass IDN
The goal of Blockpass IDN (http://www.blockpass.org/) is global realization of identity for the Internet of Everything. Through the use of blockchain technology and smart contracts, Blockpass is a production ready Regtech platform offering shared regulatory and compliance services for humans, businesses, objects and devices. As this identity system supports verification of humans (KYC), objects (KYO) and connected devices (KYD), it will enable the development of new applications that rely on a trusted connection between human, corporate, and device identities. Registered in Hong Kong, Blockpass IDN is a joint venture of Infinity Blockchain Labs and Chain of Things. Blockpass IDN licenses its technology from the non-profit Blockpass Foundation, registered in the Isle of Man.

For more information and updates, please visit and sign up to the following:
Promotional video: https://youtu.be/SvO2cw3e-SI
Website: http://www.blockpass.org
Medium: https://medium.com/@blockpass
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Media Contact:
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Email: press@blockpass.org
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TOKYO, Jan 17, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) and NEC Asia Pacific today announced the successful completion of three Safety and Security test bed projects, held in and near Jurong Island, under the Safety and Security Industry Programme (SSIP) 2020. The SSIP 2020 is led by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and done in collaboration with JTC.

The three trials were conducted over a period of 12 months from September 2016, and are aimed at using data analytics and security insights to address Singapore's safety and security needs. The trials involved early detection of suspicious behaviour, off-site security clearance of authorised personnel and on-the-spot enrolment for first-time visitor access to controlled areas.

In the first trial, NEC provided and tested a system that utilised its high performance NeoFace Facial Recognition software together with the Intelligent Complex Event Processing engine which correlates audio and video analytics, to detect suspicious behaviour and identify Persons of Interest (POIs) in both indoor and outdoor areas.

The second trial facilitated off-site security clearance for entry of authorised personnel into Jurong Island, thus reducing congestion at checkpoints. NEC provided and tested a Bus Sensors Monitoring Management System using customised tamper-proof security sensors to prevent unauthorised opening of vehicle doors during bus journeys.

The third trial tested the feasibility of an automated system to provide a more efficient method of enrolling first-time visitors for entry into Jurong Island. The system leveraged NEC's world-leading(1) biometric solution to expedite clearance of such visitors via on-the-spot facial and fingerprint recognition enrolment at car inspection bays.

For all the 3 trials, the technologies provided real-time monitoring and alerts to the simulated Command Centre, to inform the authorities of activities which may require law enforcement action.

As one of the world leaders in ICT and Public Safety solutions, NEC hopes to further collaborate with the government to address heightened security threats in the areas of critical infrastructure, border control and city surveillance for a safer and more secure Singapore.

MHA Quote
"Our safety and security agencies are continuously seeking to make use of new technologies and innovation to keep up with challenges and maintain our operational excellence. Testing innovative solutions through the SSIP provides a useful platform to do so, and we look forward to more collaboration with solutions providers to address safety and security challenges, and to serve the public better," said Mr Ng Yeow Boon, Senior Director of MHA's Ops-Tech Group.

JTC quote
"JTC is always on the lookout for new solutions to ensure a safer environment in our industrial space. A key example is how we achieved better security operations by improving biometric access control at Jurong Island. We are pleased to support these latest efforts to test bed new security innovations," said Heah Soon Poh, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Engineering and Operations Group, JTC.

NEC quote
"NEC is pleased to be part of the SSIP 2020 initiative to utilise Singapore as a test bed to develop and deploy advanced next generation security solutions that can be scaled for use globally. We are committed to working closely with the authorities and corporations to create a safer and more secure environment for citizens and communities," said Lim Kok Quee, Managing Director and Deputy CEO (ASEAN Sub-Region) of NEC Asia Pacific.

In June 2014, an NEC-led consortium completed the first phase of the Safe City Test Bed initiative at Orchard Road for the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Economic Development Board.

(1)NEC's Video Face Recognition Technology Ranks First in NIST Testing
http://www.nec.com/en/press/201703/global_20170316_01.html
NEC's Fingerprint Identification Technology Ranks First Again in NIST Testing
http://www.nec.com/en/press/201503/global_20150309_01.html

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company's experience and global resources, NEC's advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society. For more information, visit NEC at http://www.nec.com.

Based on its Mid-term Management Plan 2015, the NEC Group globally provides "Solutions for Society" that promote the safety, security, efficiency and equality of society. Under the company's corporate message of "Orchestrating a brighter world," NEC aims to help solve a wide range of challenging issues and to create new social value for the changing world of tomorrow. For more information, please visit http://www.nec.com/en/global/about/solutionsforsociety/message.html.

Contact:
NEC 
Seiichiro Toda         
s-toda@cj.jp.nec.com 
+81-3-3798-6511

M&M's wins Grand Prix. The LEGO Batman Movie and Suzuki Cars win Golds

LONDON, Jan 17, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Campaigns for brands including BiP - Turkcell's messaging and content app, chocolate brand M&M's(R), supermarket chain Sainsbury's, powdered drink brand Tang and pre-mixed/ready-to-drink Vodka Cruiser are amongst the winners of the Effective Use of Partnerships & Sponsorships category of the global WARC Media Awards 2017, recognising communications planning which has made a positive impact on business results.

One Grand Prix, two Golds, three Silvers and three Bronzes as well as three Special Awards for particular areas of expertise, have been awarded in the Effective Use of Partnerships & Sponsorships category, which sets out to show how collaborations with third parties, including native advertising and sponsorships, have helped brands meet business goals.

Brazilian agency Almap BBDO is the Grand Prix winner for their 'Do not watch Game of Thrones!' campaign for which chocolate brand M&M's(R) used sponsorship of Game of Thrones and amusing posts on social media to increase sales in Brazil.

M&M's(R) wanted to increase its association with entertainment snacking, and especially 'watching moments'. Its enormous popularity made TV show 'Game of Thrones' the ultimate 'watching moment', and so M&M's(R) decided to sponsor the new series.

A mobile-first strategy saw M&M's(R) characters declare war against Game of Thrones, urging people to avoid the show and save M&M's(R). Every week the characters went online to suggest things people could do instead of watching the show and shared fake spoilers to discourage fans.

People got into the spirit of the campaign, interacting with M&M's(R) on social media, increasing M&M's(R) association with watching movies and series, and increasing the brand's value share to 3.3%.

Commenting on the Grand Prix winner, jury chair Jerry Daykin, Head of Global Digital Media Partnerships at Diageo, commented: "The M&M's(R) activity pushed Game of Thrones with strong integration. So the two partners worked together to help each other's objectives very strongly."

A Gold has been awarded to PHD, United Kingdom, for 'Batman Barges In', whereby Warner Bros promoted its 'The LEGO Batman Movie' to people aged 16-34 in the UK by partnering with broadcaster Channel 4 to take over continuity announcements.

A second Gold has been won by independent media agency the7stars and Suzuki for '#SuzukiSaturdays'. Suzuki Cars UK achieved sales growth and brand recognition by partnering with UK broadcasting channel ITV's Saturday Night Show.

All winners of WARC's Media Awards 2017 - Effective Use of Partnerships & Sponsorships category are:

Grand Prix

- Do not watch Game of Thrones! - M&M's(R) - Mars - Almap BBDO - Brazil

Gold

- Batman Barges In - The LEGO Batman Movie - Warner Bros. - PHD - United Kingdom
- #SuzukiSaturdays - Suzuki Cars - Suzuki GB - the7stars, Suzuki - United Kingdom + Successful Sponsorship Award

Silver

- Getting Gogglebox animated about Sainsbury's Christmas food - Sainsbury's - PHD - United Kingdom
- Touch of Magic - Tang - Mondelez International - Starcom Mediavest Pakistan - Pakistan
- Live on Facebook - Vodka Cruiser - Asahi Premium Beverages - Vizeum, The Story Lab - Australia + Collaboration with an Influencer Award

Bronze

- Ultimate Badger Beer Sheds - Badger Ales - Hall & Woodhouse - Joint, UNILAD - United Kingdom
- Reimagining "My Job, Your Job" - Petplan Insurance & The Secret Life of Pets - Allianz Insurance & Universal -
Pictures - Brand Culture, NOW - United Kingdom
- Habit Injection - BiP - Tukcell - BPN Istanbul - Turkey + Successful Sponsorship Award

To see the winning case studies or for more information on the global WARC Media Awards please view at www.warc.com/mediaawards.prize.

The winners of the Effective Use of Tech and Best Use of Data categories will be announced shortly.

WARC will be holding a free-to-attend 'Lessons from the WARC Media Awards' event in London on 6 February, where attendees can hear from winners and judges. Register at content.warc.com/warc-event-lessons-from-the-warc-media-awards-registration to attend.

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

2016 Mazda CX-9 (with U.S. specifications)

HIROSHIMA, Japan, Jan 17, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the Light Duty Fuel Economy Trends Report,(1) released by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on January 12, 2018, lists the company as having the highest overall Manufacturer Adjusted Fuel Economy for the 2016 model year.(2) Mazda receives the first-place ranking for the fifth year in a row.

The EPA's report summarizes fuel economy trends by model year for vehicles sold in the U.S. and ranks automakers by Manufacturer Adjusted Fuel Economy. Mazda's overall average fuel economy was 29.6 miles per gallon, improved 0.4 mpg over the previous year.

Mazda's mission is to enrich people's lives and society as a whole while helping to preserve the beauty of the earth. The company developed SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY; an innovative range of engines, transmissions, bodies and chassis; and deployed them throughout the lineup to provide all customers with both driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance. These continuing efforts have played a key role in allowing Mazda to record the highest overall average fuel economy five years in a row.

Moving forward Mazda hopes to help create a future in which people, the earth and society can coexist with cars, to enrich people's lives through a car ownership experience that celebrates driving, and to become a brand with which customers feel a strong emotional connection.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_2016MazdaCX9.jpg
2016 Mazda CX-9 (with U.S. specifications)

(1) An annual report published by the EPA which summarizes the fuel economy trends of new passenger vehicles and light trucks since 1975.
http://www3.epa.gov/otaq/fetrends-complete.htm
(2) Manufacturer Adjusted Fuel Economy: The average fuel economy of all vehicles sold by a manufacturer over a one year period. In the Fuel Economy Trends Report, the EPA uses adjusted combined city and highway fuel economy figures for each model by model year, and the average is weighted for sales volume.

About Mazda

Mazda Motor Corporation (TSE: 7261) started manufacturing tools in 1929 and soon branched out into production of trucks for commercial use. In the early 1960s, Mazda launched its first passenger car models and began developing rotary engines. Still headquartered in Hiroshima in western Japan, Mazda today ranks as one of Japan's leading automakers, and exports cars to the United States and Europe for over 30 years. For more information, please visit www.mazda.com

Contact:
Corporate Communications Division
Mazda Motor Corporation, Japan
+81-3-3508-5056 [Tokyo]
+81-82-282-5253 [Hiroshima]
mailto: media@mazda.co.jp

The 11th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) welcomed more than 3,000 financial policymakers, financial elites and business leaders to the two-day Forum.

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

JP Nicols, Managing Director of FinTech Forge and Chairman of NextMoney.org

Survey finds majority of respondents upbeat about economic prospects in 2018; AI, other technologies pose biggest disruption to financial industry

HONG KONG, Jan 17, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - More than 3,000 financial policymakers, financial elites and business leaders attended the two-day 11th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), which concluded yesterday. Co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), AFF 2018 was held under the theme "Steering Growth and Pioneering Innovation: Asia and Beyond," which examined the latest economic trends, industries with the greatest growth potential and investment opportunities presented by technology and innovation. More than 670 one-on-one meetings were arranged during the AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session, to help participants explore business and investment opportunities.

- Over half of the respondents optimistic about the Chinese market

On-site real-time surveys conducted during AFF sought to gauge the views of participants on such issues as the economy, business development and technology. The survey suggests general optimism among the business community about this year's global economic prospects, with 58 per cent of the respondents saying they were positive about the outlook, while 36 per cent said they were neutral, and only six per cent expressing pessimism about the economy. On global economic risks in 2018, respondents said they were most concerned about the policy direction of the United States administration (25 per cent), the escalation of trade protectionism (19 per cent), and heightened geopolitical tensions (19 per cent).

More than half of the respondents (55 per cent) believed that China will offer the best investment returns in 2018, with telecommunications, media, technology sector (27 per cent), healthcare (22 per cent) and green industries (19 per cent) viewed the most favourably. Respondents also considered economic liberalisation and structural reforms (32 per cent) and the Belt and Road Initiative (19 per cent) to be China's main growth engines in 2018.

The Chinese mainland continues to be the market most favoured by AFF participants, and Hong Kong's cooperation with mainland financial industries received much attention during the Forum. Sponsored by the Financial Services Development Council, Hong Kong, the Breakfast Panel "Hong Kong Connects: Mainland China and Beyond: Stock, Bond, Mutual Recognition and more......" was moderated by Benjamin Hung, CEO of Retail Banking and Regional CEO, Greater China & North Asia, of Standard Chartered Bank. The panel featured speakers Dr Zhu Min, former Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund and President of the National Institute of Finance Research of Tsinghua University; Norman Chan, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority; and Charles Li, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd, who discussed future prospects of growing links between the financial markets of Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.

- Technology disrupts financial ecosystems and gives rise to start-ups

Technology and innovation were prioritised components at this year's AFF. When asked about technologies that could pose the biggest disruption to the financial industry in 2018, most respondents chose artificial intelligence (30 per cent), followed by big data analytics (21 per cent) and blockchain (15 per cent). As for the factors that would pose the greatest challenge to financial innovation, most respondents perceived over-regulation (29 per cent), incumbents' conservatism (21 per cent) and lack of talent (15 per cent) presenting the biggest hurdles. On financial development, some 33 per cent of the respondents considered cybersecurity a top regulatory concern, ahead of customer privacy and protection (23 per cent) and systematic risks (23 per cent).

Experts in the areas of artificial intelligence and Fintech were among the highlights on the last day of AFF. At yesterday's keynote luncheon, 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, spoke about the latest developments in artificial intelligence and robotics and the impact these technologies may have on the financial and business industries. A keynote address by FinTech opinion leader JP Nicols, Managing Director of FinTech Forge and Chairman of NextMoney.org, offered insights on financial innovation and technology development. Mr Nicols also discussed how financial enterprises and businesses can leverage innovation to thrive in the shifting global market.

With technology opening unprecedented entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for the younger generation and inspiring many start-ups, the Fireside Chat yesterday morning featured 500 Startups's Founding Partner and CEO, Christine Tsai, who shared secrets to the success of many start-ups.

Co-organised by the HKTDC and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the workshop examined how technological developments will influence future labour demand and foster a new generation of entrepreneurs. A number of InnoTalks workshops also tackled such topics as Fintech, innovations in banking and big data.

- All-new InnoVenture Salon offers a stage for start-ups to shine

This year's Forum once again featured the AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session to provide one-to-one deal-sourcing and matchmaking meetings for project owners and investors. More than 670 meetings were held yesterday, covering more than 500 investment projects in digital technology, including Fintech, environment and energy, healthcare technology and infrastructure and real estate services. The sessions sought to foster more concrete cooperation between participants.

The inaugural InnoVenture Salon featured about 20 start-ups to showcase their solutions at the Start-up zone and pitch their projects at the Project Presentation session. It also featured Investors Meet-ups, connecting start-ups with potential venture capital and private equity investors. In addition, representatives of venture capital funds, incubators and start-up experts offered practical advice about setting up and operation, financing, marketing strategies and pitching during Mentor Hours, to help start-ups enhance their competiveness.

Asian Financial Forum: http://www.asianfinancialforum.com
International Financial Week: http://www.internationalfinancialweek.com
Photo download: http://bit.ly/2reyvK9

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

TOKYO, Jan 18, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai has announced today that the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, in the patent infringement lawsuit for antiemetic agent ALOXI (palonosetron hydrochloride) injection brought by Helsinn Healthcare S.A. against Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. in the United States, has denied Helsinn's petition for rehearing en banc, which if granted would have allowed the full court to review a panel decision issued in May 2017, that certain formulation patent claims covering ALOXI are not valid and are therefore not infringed by Teva's generic palonosetron product.

On May 1, 2017, a panel of the Federal Circuit issued a decision that reversed the opinion of the District Court for the District of New Jersey and held that the asserted claims for the ALOXI formulation patents are not valid and therefore not infringed by Teva's generic palonosetron product. In response to this decision, Helsinn filed a petition for rehearing en banc, asking for a review of the panel decision by all eligible judges. During this process, amicus briefs (opinions from third parties) supporting the position of Helsinn and Eisai were submitted to the Federal Circuit by Congressman Lamar Smith, who co-drafted the America Invents Act, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the Boston Patent Law Association (BPLA) and the Intellectual Property Owners /Association (IPO).

However, Helsinn's petition was denied. Helsinn will file for a stay of the mandate at the Federal Circuit and, if necessary, at the Supreme Court. Furthermore, Helsinn will continue to explore all legal options available to protect the ALOXI patents, including requesting review by the US Supreme Court. Additional patents covering the product exist, which were not included in the Federal Circuit's prior decision and which will continue to be litigated at the New Jersey District Court.

Teva will not be able to launch a generic version of ALOXI until additional steps are taken by the Federal Circuit, the District Court for the District of New Jersey and the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) allowing such a launch.

Helsinn and Eisai are disappointed with the court's ruling. Protecting intellectual property is vital to a company's ability to continue developing innovative medicines. Helsinn and Eisai maintain their position that the patents protecting ALOXI are valid and will pursue further legal options to protect and enforce such patents.

About the Helsinn Group

Helsinn is a privately owned pharmaceutical group with an extensive portfolio of marketed cancer care products and a robust drug development pipeline. Since 1976, Helsinn has been improving the everyday lives of patients, guided by core family values of respect, integrity and quality. The Group works across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices and nutritional supplements and has expertise in research, development, manufacture and the commercialization of therapeutic and supportive care products for cancer, pain and inflammation and gastroenterology.

In 2016, Helsinn created the Helsinn Investment Fund to support early-stage investment opportunities in areas of unmet patient need. The company is headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland, with operating subsidiaries in Switzerland, Ireland, and the U.S., and China, as well as a product presence in approximately 190 countries globally.

To learn more about Helsinn Group please visit www.helsinn.com

About Eisai and the Helsinn Group

Eisai Inc. gained exclusive marketing rights to ALOXI in the United States and Canada from Helsinn Healthcare S.A. through its acquisition of MGI Pharma, Inc. in 2008. Under the terms of the agreement, Helsinn Healthcare S.A. is responsible for conducting all development activities (Chemistry and Manufacturing Controls (CMC), preclinical and clinical), obtaining regulatory approvals and holding the New Drug Application (NDA). ALOXI is co-promoted in the United States by Eisai Inc. and Helsinn Therapeutics U.S. Inc., while sales of the product in the United States are booked by Eisai Inc.

About Eisai

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

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

Photo 1: Login authentication for a virtual desktop

Photo 2: Authentication at an entry-control gate

Applied to employee virtual desktop logins and entry-control gates

TOKYO, Jan 18, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu today announced that this year it will steadily roll out a large-scale deployment of its palm vein authentication technology within the company.

The password-based authentication that approximately 80,000 employees in Japan currently use to access their virtual desktops as part of Fujitsu's workstyle transformation efforts will be replaced with palm vein authentication. Additionally, the smartcard-based authentication installed at the entrances to workplaces at two offices in Japan (Fujitsu Solution Square and the Tokai Branch Office) will make the switch over to palm vein authentication, and a field trial covering some 5,200 employees working at these locations will take place over the course of approximately one year. In both cases, identity authentication and integrated operations and management will be performed on a cloud based platform.

Based on this initiative Fujitsu will drive forward enhanced security and streamlined operations companywide.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_FujitsuLoginAuthentication.jpg
Photo 1: Login authentication for a virtual desktop

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_FujitsuAuthentication.jpg
Photo 2: Authentication at an entry-control gate

Background

1. Applications

1) Virtual desktop login authentication for 80,000 employees in Japan

Without the hassle of entering a password, employees will be able to instantly and accurately log in by simply waving their palms over Fujitsu Frontech Limited-made PalmSecure biometric authorization sensors built in to PCs or standalone PalmSecure peripherals. By making use of difficult-to-duplicate palm vein recognition, Fujitsu can work toward the increased security and convenience necessary for the modern work styles that it promotes, such as teleworking. Deploying palm vein authentication, not just for logins to the virtual desktop, but in a wide variety of forthcoming business applications will further improve operating efficiency.

2) Employee identification authentication at entry-control gates to workplaces

Fujitsu is conducting a field trial of palm vein authentication in entry-control gates at its locations in the Solution Square office in Tokyo and its branch office in the Tokai region of Japan, which together have some 5,200 employees. By having employees simply wave their palms and be quickly authenticated, Fujitsu aims to realize a process that is more convenient and secure than the conventional waving of an employee badge. Based on the results of this trial, the company will examine extending use to gates and doorways throughout other offices in the company.

2. System Overview

Both deployments of palm vein authentication, including the login to virtual desktops and worksite entry authentication, will use PalmSecure as authentication devices, creating a system on the company's Fujitsu Cloud Service K5.

Fujitsu Security Solution Personal Authentication Platform AuthConductor Server will provide the palm vein authentication and management platform for both, and will compare data captured using PalmSecure with an employee's previously stored palm vein data. Thanks to high-precision image correction technology from Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., data for an individual can be found instantly from a large database of palm vein data, and can be quickly and accurately authenticated.(1)

Furthermore, logins to virtual desktops will use the K5 Authentication Service/Biometric Authentication Option, which enables a PC's biometric authentication features. Authentication at entry-control gates will be implemented by adding a palm vein authentication function to Stronguard, a room entry management system made by Fujitsu Network Solutions Limited.

Future Plans

Fujitsu looks forward to building on the knowhow it acquires through this internal deployment, and intends to further expand its range of palm vein authentication solutions for customers.

For More Information

Palm Vein Authentication

(1) Regarding the management of biometric information
In markets outside of Japan, the flexibility of Fujitsu's palm vein authentication technology makes various implementations possible for the management of biometric information that adhere to the rules and regulations regarding data privacy of the countries in which the solution is deployed. For more information, please contact your local Fujitsu representative.

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/

TOKYO, Jan 18, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) today announced the presentation of technologies and solutions for working together with telecom carriers in the co-creation of new business models and the implementation of 5G solutions at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2018 at the Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, from February 26 to March 1, in Hall 3, stand #3M30.

In today's business and social climate, telecom carriers are constantly being required to process greater volumes of data at increasingly faster speeds, while also ensuring that transmissions are secure. At the same time, the rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are placing even greater demand on carrier resources.

At MWC 2018, NEC is demonstrating solutions and technologies that help address the needs of both telecom carriers and businesses alike through its "5G. A Future Beyond Imagination," concept, which positions NEC and telecom carriers as service enablers for the co-creation of new business models for a wide variety of vertical industries, including the security, agriculture and transportation fields, that maximize resources and reinforce earnings.

At the NEC booth, the company's cutting-edge portfolio of AI technologies, "NEC the WISE," will be introduced, as well as NEC's series of biometric authentication solutions, "Bio-IDiom," which includes some of the world's fastest and most accurate facial and fingerprint authentication technologies. This is in addition to highlighting NEC's participation in the FIDO Alliance, which aims to standardize Fast IDentity Online (FIDO).

Moreover, NEC will demonstrate its advanced solutions for being a leader in mobile backhaul, network optimization through traffic management solutions (TMS) and edge computing, as well as software-defined networking (SDN) / network functions virtualization (NFV) that contribute to the growth of telecom carriers.

For more detail on NEC's participation in Mobile World Congress 2017, please visit
http://www.nec.com/en/event/mwc/index.html.

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company's experience and global resources, NEC's advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society. For more information, visit NEC at http://www.nec.com.

Based on its Mid-term Management Plan 2015, the NEC Group globally provides "Solutions for Society" that promote the safety, security, efficiency and equality of society. Under the company's corporate message of "Orchestrating a brighter world," NEC aims to help solve a wide range of challenging issues and to create new social value for the changing world of tomorrow. For more information, please visit http://www.nec.com/en/global/about/solutionsforsociety/message.html.

Contact:
NEC 
Seiichiro Toda         
s-toda@cj.jp.nec.com 
+81-3-3798-6511

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