TEPCO and Curtiss-Wright Form Strategic Alliance to Boost Efficiency of Thermal Power Plants

February 6, 2018, 9:00 pm

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Deal includes exclusive sale rights in Asia, Mid-East for software used to manage plant efficiency

TOKYO, Feb 7, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. and Curtiss-Wright Corporation have created a strategic alliance designed to boost the efficiency of thermal power plants, an important element in the fight against climate change.

As part of the alliance, TEPCO will supply Curtiss-Wright's industry-leading thermal performance optimization software to power plants in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. The deal marks the first time that TEPCO has agreed to obtain exclusive sales rights for software to power plants. It is also the first time that Curtiss-Wright, a world leader in hardware and software for power plant management, has executed an exclusive sales agreement with an electric operator for its proprietary software.

The alliance extends to two Curtiss-Wright software products, known as PMAX and PEPSE, already in use in more than 500 locations worldwide. The two companies expect that TEPCO's expertise in power station management will add value for software licensees. In addition to acquiring a new revenue stream, TEPCO will be able to enhance the efficiency of thermal power stations across Asia, which is an important public policy goal.

Curtiss-Wright anticipates that TEPCO's strong Asian presence and power generation expertise will enhance its sales and marketing activities in Asia, as well as its ability to support electric companies as customers. By having Curtiss-Wright's software used at thermal power stations operated by the TEPCO Group, and having close interaction between engineers from both companies through intercompany human resource exchange programs, Curtiss-Wright will be able to improve the technical skill of TEPCO Group engineers and develop products and services that better meet the needs of electric operators in Asia.

Kurt Mitchell, Vice President and General Manager of Curtiss-Wright's Nuclear division said, "Curtiss-Wright views this partnership with TEPCO as a critical step towards optimizing thermal power generation performance in the Asia Pacific region by combining our industry leading software technology with TEPCO's world renowned operations excellence and vision for IoT implementation."

Shin-ichiro Kengaku, Managing Executive Officer and Chief of the Global Innovation & Investments at TEPCO, commented, "We believe this new alliance with one of the world's foremost power plant management companies illustrates the commitment TEPCO has made to bringing innovation and fresh thinking to an evolving marketplace, while helping the environment at the same time."

Attachment
Collaboration between TEPCO HD and Curtiss-Wright
www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/corp-com/release/betu18_e/images/180207e0201.pdf

About Curtiss-Wright Corp.
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW) is a global innovative company that delivers highly engineered, critical function products and services to the commercial, industrial, defense and energy markets. Building on the heritage of Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers, Curtiss-Wright has a long tradition of providing reliable solutions through trusted customer relationships. The company employs approximately 8,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit www.curtisswright.com.

About TEPCO
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (TSE: 9501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is the largest utility in Japan, serving millions of homes and businesses. Worldwide the company has more than 34 subsidiaries and 32 affiliates in eight countries and employs approximately 42,060 people. Consolidated revenue for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017, totaled 5.3 trillion Japanese yen. The company was established in 1951 and is listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. For more information, visit http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/corpinfo/index-e.html

Press release: http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/corp-com/release/2018/1476023_15409.html

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Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi and DiDi Chuxing Sign MoU to Explore Car-Sharing Partnership in China

February 6, 2018, 9:04 pm

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World's Leading Automotive Alliance to Explore Future Business Opportunities with Global Transportation Company

TOKYO, Feb 7, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, the world's leading automotive alliance, today announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with DiDi Chuxing (DiDi), the leading Chinese mobile transportation platform, to explore future business cooperation on a new electric vehicle car-sharing program in the People's Republic of China.

The memorandum of understanding signed with DiDi underlines the commitment to new mobility services at the Alliance, including the launch of robo-vehicle ride-hailing services, as part of the Alliance 2022 strategic midterm plan launched last year by Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi.

Ogi Redzic, senior vice president of Connected Vehicles and Mobility Services for Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, said: "The potential business and technology opportunities that we will explore with DiDi are quite promising. This cooperation fits with the Alliance expansion in vehicle electrification, autonomy, connectivity and new mobility services."

Chen Ting, General Manager for the Express Mobility Group of DiDi Chuxing, said, "Strategic partnerships with the world's leading industry players like Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi will enable us to pool our strengths and resources to meet diversified mobility demands and create an open, sharing-based transportation ecosystem, as we innovate vehicles for a future of ride sharing, AI technology and new energy."

As the world's largest automotive group in unit sales, the Alliance is accelerating convergence and synergy initiatives in a range of new automotive technologies. By the end of its strategic plan, the Alliance will launch 12 pure electric models worldwide, utilizing common EV platforms and components, while also bringing to market 40 vehicles worldwide with autonomous drive technology and developing robo-vehicle ride-hailing services.

Under the Alliance 2022 strategic plan, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi is forecasting that the combined revenues of its member companies will reach $240 billion and that annual unit sales will exceed 14 million by the end of 2022, compared with 10.6 million units sold by its member companies in 2017.

About Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi

Groupe Renault, Nissan Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors represent the world's largest automotive alliance. It is the longest-lasting and most productive cross-cultural partnership in the auto industry. Together, the partners more than 10.6 million vehicles in nearly 200 countries in 2017. The member companies are focused on collaboration and maximizing synergies to boost competitiveness. They have strategic collaborations with other automotive groups, including Germany's Daimler and China's Dongfeng. This strategic alliance is the industry leader in zero-emission vehicles and is developing the latest advanced technologies, with plans to offer autonomous drive, connectivity features and services on a wide range of affordable vehicles.

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

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TEPCO Begins Remote Use of 'Internet of Things' to Improve Performance of Thermal Power Stations

February 6, 2018, 11:00 pm

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Data monitoring and Analyzing Center enables increased fuel efficiency and overall operation improvement; expansion planned as service offered to other power producers

TOKYO, Feb 7, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO) and TEPCO Fuel & Power, Inc. are combining a new remote optimization center with the "Internet of Things" (IoT) to increase the fuel efficiency and other operations of its thermal power plants.

The effort is the result of testing that began in 2015, and will be developed into operational support services for the thermal power plants of other electricity producers both in Japan and overseas. The center's projected annual revenue is 5 billion JPY within three years.

"Embracing IoT technology to improve our technological services make it possible to provide value-added services for our customers in terms of maintaining thermal efficiency and improving power generation availability," says Seiji Moriya, President of TEPCO Fuel & Power, Inc. "TEPCO intends to enhance its presence as a global O&M (operation and maintenance) company."

By using IoT technology, the effort has improved power generation efficiency resulting in decreasing fuel costs up to 70 million yen per unit a year. Also, by remotely detecting symptoms of nonconformance, the technology optimizes power station operation and maintenance (reduce outages by 10-20%).

The Data monitoring and Analyzing Center (DAC *1) was added to the trials in January 2017, and has confirmed operational improvements at TEPCO Fuel & Power's thermal power plants at Hitachi-Naka, Chiba, Futtsu, and Shinagawa. In collaboration with some of the world's leading IoT companies, the technologies include:

Category; Product Name; Company Name
- Cloud platform; Amazon Web Service; Amazon Web Service
- Data Infrastructure; PI System; OSIsoft (*2)
- Early Anomaly Detection; Enterprise Impact; GE Energy Japan KK, Bentley Division
- Early Anomaly Detection; Predict-IT; Engineering Consultants Group
- Performance Management; PEPSE, PMAX; Curtiss-Wright

Within the cooperation of domestic and global industry leaders, TEPCO studied software provided by these companies and developed platforms. TEPCO plans to strengthen these tools, and will offer these technologies and services to other power operators overseas.

Both companies will comprehensively provide operational support services and platforms utilizing DAC to international power operators including Southeast Asia.

*1: Abbreviation for "Data monitoring and Analyzing Center", operation data from domestic and overseas power stations is monitored remotely and services provided for visualizing operation status, early anomaly detection, and managing thermal efficiency.
*2: Strategic Alliance Agreement between OSIsoft and TEPCO was concluded in November 2016.

Attachments
1: IoT-based Operation Support Service for Domestic and Overseas Thermal Power Stations
www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/corp-com/release/betu18_e/images/180207e0101.pdf
2: Data monitoring and Analyzing Center (DAC)
www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/corp-com/release/betu18_e/images/180207e0102.pdf

About TEPCO
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (TSE: 9501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is the largest utility in Japan, serving millions of homes and businesses. Worldwide the company has more than 34 subsidiaries and 32 affiliates in eight countries and employs approximately 42,060 people. Consolidated revenue for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017, totaled 5.3 trillion Japanese yen. The company was established in 1951 and is listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. For more information, visit http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/corpinfo/index-e.html

Press release: http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/corp-com/release/2018/1476022_15409.html

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Innovation as the Key to Hotels' Survival

February 7, 2018, 12:00 am

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Hotels form a vital sector of the economy in Mauritius, an African island nation in the Indian Ocean. (Copyright: freeartist/123rf)

Study advises small and medium hotels in Mauritius to embrace new technologies and cultivate new clienteles.

Selangor, Malaysia, Feb 7, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Small and medium sized hotels in Mauritius must adopt innovative business models in order to regain a foothold in the country's changing accommodation marketplace, according to a new study published in the Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Mauritius is an African island nation in the Indian Ocean, more than 1,000 kilometers east of Madagascar. Tourism is expected to grow significantly on the tropical island in 2018, as the government aims for an annual target of 2 million visitors, up from 1.32 million visitors in 2017. Hotels form a vital sector of the economy, with large impacts on business development, job creation and the inflow of foreign currency.

The sector is also exposed to the impacts of transformations in the global travel industry, especially disruptive business models such as Airbnb and advances in communication technologies. For instance, millennials have a greater expectation of high-end technology guest experience in accommodations as compared to repeat tourists. Large hotels have clear innovation strategies to meet modern travelers' expectations, while small and medium hotels have been slow to transform their businesses.

"With an average annual occupancy rate of 48 per cent during the peak season, small and medium hotels are no longer competitive, in comparison with the large hotels in Mauritius," elaborates Vijayelaksmee Goorah of the Open University of Mauritius in Reduit, Moka. Goorah co-authored the paper examining the impacts of business model transformations on the country's smaller hotels with colleague Shireen Panchoo of Mauritius' University of Technology in Pointe aux Sables.

Using literature reviews, structured and semi-structured interviews, as well as questionnaires, the study sought to identify weaknesses in the current business models of small and medium hotels and highlight the innovations necessary to secure a more promising future.

"These hotels are in a good position to rethink their facilities and services to appeal to certain guest demographics, such as older travelers or long-stay business travelers," says Goorah. "And by creating unique offerings targeting new customer segments, such as visitors from China, they can attract a new clientele."

This approach, however, require smaller-scale hoteliers to reach out to potential partner organizations and to consider seeking funding support from government. Digital platforms are also identified as a means of connecting with new clients and strengthening relationships with customers.

For more information about this research, please contact:
Vijayelaksmee GOORAH
Open University of Mauritius,
Reduit, Moka, Mauritius
Email: vgoorah5@gmail.com
Mobile: +230 5759 2877
The original paper is available at: http://bit.ly/2ENGhxx

About Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities (JSSH)
Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities (JSSH) is published by Universiti Putra Malaysia in English and is open to authors around the world regardless of nationality. It is published four times a year in March, June, September and December. Other Pertanika series include Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science (JTAS), and Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology (JST).

JSSH aims to develop as a pioneer journal for the social sciences with a focus on emerging issues pertaining to the social and behavioural sciences as well as the humanities. Areas relevant to the scope of the journal include Social Sciences - Accounting, anthropology, Archaeology and history, Architecture and habitat, Consumer and family economics, Economics, Education, Finance, Geography, Law, Management studies, Media and communication studies, Political sciences and public policy, Population studies, Psychology, Sociology, Technology management, Tourism; Humanities - Arts and culture, Dance, Historical and civilisation studies, Language and Linguistics, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Religious studies, Sports.

The journal publishes original academic articles dealing with research on issues of worldwide relevance. The journals cater for scientists, professors, researchers, post-docs, scholars and students who wish to promote and communicate advances in the fields of Social Sciences & Humanities research. http://www.pertanika.upm.edu.my/

For more information about the journal, contact:
The Chief Executive Editor (UPM Journals)
Head, Journal Division, UPM Press
Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (R&I)
IDEA Tower 2, UPM-MDTC Technology Centre
Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +603 8947 1622, Email: nayan@upm.my

Distributed for Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology by ResearchSEA.

↧

Winson Announces 2017-18 Third Quarter Results

February 7, 2018, 1:32 am

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HONG KONG, Feb 7, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Winson Holdings Hong Kong Limited ("Winson" or the "Group"; stock code: 8421), a Hong Kong-based service provider specialising in environmental hygiene and related services and airline catering support services, has announced its unaudited quarterly results for the nine months ended 31 December 2017 ("Period under Review").

The Group's two principal businesses, consisting of environmental hygiene and related services and airline catering support services, performed stably for the nine months ended 31 December 2017. The operations contributed combined revenue of approximately HK$128.9 million for the three months ended 31 December 2017 and approximately HK$377.1 million for the Period under Review, grew by approximately 9.6% and approximately 8.5% respectively when compared to the corresponding period in last year. Gross profit amounted to approximately HK$19.2 million for the three months ended 31 December 2017and approximately HK$56.6 million for the Period under Review, representing year-on-year increases of approximately 13.6% and approximately 11.1% respectively from the corresponding period of 2016. Furthermore, profit for the Period under Review surged by approximately 37.3% to approximately HK$17.4 million and up by approximately 1.5% to approximately HK$5.7 million during the third quarter of 2017 when compared to the corresponding period in last year. The Group had cash and cash equivalents of approximately HK$57.0 million as at 31 December 2017.

Business Review

Environmental Hygiene and Related Services
Environmental hygiene and related services have traditionally been a major source of revenue for the Group. This has continued for the third quarter of 2017 and the Period under Review, with the business generating revenue of approximately HK$118.7 million and approximately HK$346.7 million respectively, representing corresponding year-on-year increases of approximately 9.0% and approximately 7.8% million respectively. Gross profit has likewise achieved a favourable upswing, amounting to approximately HK$18.0 million for the third quarter of 2017 and approximately HK$53.2 million for the Period under Review, grew by approximately 15.4% and approximately 13.0% respectively when compared to the corresponding period of 2016.

As at 31 December 2017, the estimated total value of environmental hygiene services contracts held by the Group amounted to approximately HK$925.4 million, of which approximately HK$668.0 million was ongoing contracts, approximately HK$572.8 million being contracts won during the Period under Review, and approximately HK$403.0 million secured during the third quarter of 2017. The growth momentum was driven in part by the awarding of a new contract from a major railway operator which covers cleaning services for its tracks, tunnels and plant rooms found along all of its railway lines and some high level cleaning services in areas 3 meters and above.

Airline Catering Support Services
Though the airline catering support services business provides a supplementary source of revenue for the Group, it has nonetheless become an inseparable part of the Group's make up. For the third quarter of 2017 and the Period under Review, the business generated revenue of approximately HK$10.2 million and approximately HK$30.4 million respectively, or corresponding year-on-year increases of approximately 17.3% and approximately 17.2%. In respect of gross profit, approximately HK$1.2 million and approximately HK$3.4 million were recorded for the third quarter of 2017 and the Period under Review respectively.

Prospects

With the ushering of the New Year, the Group expects 2018 to be a period of modest growth as many major contracts for environmental hygiene and related services have either been renewed or awarded to industry players including the Group. As for airline catering support services, demand is expected to be on a growth trend due to well performed tourist industry.

Despite the abovementioned marketprognoses, the management considers the coming year to be an ideal opportunity for the Group to strengthen its capabilities and fortify its position in the respective markets. Towards these objectives, it will continue to examine ways to optimise operations, including the introduction of automation where feasible for allowing it to lessen its labour dependence, particularly given the ongoing labour shortage which has driven associated costs upwards. That being said, the management also recognises that certain services are dependent on the expertise of its workforce, hence training will continue to not only maintain the professionalism of staff, but also to bolster their capabilities.

Madam Ng Sing Mui, Chairperson and Executive Director of Winson, said, "The management will closely examine all avenues where the Group's expertise in environmental hygiene and related services and airline catering support services can be introduced. It will also look to extend business relations with clients by leveraging the experience gained from past projects. By taking a proactive approach, the management trusts that the Group will be able to maintain its competitiveness and growth irrespective of market conditions."

About Winson Holdings Hong Kong Limited (Stock code: 8421)
Winson Holdings Hong Kong Limited is a Hong Kong-based service provider specialising in environmental hygiene services and airline catering support services in Hong Kong. The Group started off as an environmental hygiene service provider in 1983 via the incorporation of Winson Cleaning. In 1993, the Group set up Winson Pest Control as a separate pest management service provider. To diversify the Group's business, the Group has commenced the provision of airline catering support services since 2013.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Vicky Lee Tel: (852) 2864 4834 Email: vicky.lee@sprg.com.hk
Isabel Kwok Tel: (852) 2864 4824 Email: isabel.kwok@sprg.com.hk
Jacky Chiu Tel: (852) 2114 4313 Email: jacky.chiu@sprg.com.hk
Website: www.sprg.com.hk

↧

Well-oiled for 2018 with Young Living Essential Oils

February 8, 2018, 1:00 am

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Young Living Singapore teams up with Feng shui master Stephanie Teo to share their predictions for 2018

SINGAPORE, Feb 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Chinese New Year is the most significant holiday in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Lasting approximately two weeks, the festivities welcoming the Year of the Dog will start on 16 February, all the way through to 2 March.

In addition to preparing for the endless visiting, feasting and celebrations, Singaporeans will also be anxiously reading up on the predictions 2018 will bring. This Lunar New Year, Young Living Singapore has teamed up with Feng shui master, Stephanie Teo to identify essential oils that will best complement each Zodiac, to make this year the best year yet.

Image: https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_YL180208.jpg

CAREERS
According to the predictions shared by Stephanie, those born in the Year of the Rabbit, Snake, Horse and Goat will have extremely positive outlooks in their careers. To further enhance the positive outlook, Stephanie recommends using En-R-Gee, Citrus Fresh, Motivation and Clarity essential oils in the workplace to give yourself an invigorating aromatic boost when you need it most. Simply rub a drop of your favourite essential oil on your wrist for an instant mood lift to increase focus and motivation.

WEALTH
Predictions show that wealth luck will be fairly decent for those born in the Year of the Dog, Rat, Ox, Tiger, Dragon and Monkey. To enhance wealth, money and prosperity, Stephanie recommends diffusing Abundance essential oil at home.

HEALTH
Born in the year of the Dragon, Dog, Horse, Ox, Goat, Tiger, Rooster or Rabbit? Predictions show that it is important for you to safeguard your immunity by watching your diet, having ample rest and de-stress. Use Harmony, Thieves or ImmuPower to protect your body from environmental stressors.

While those born in the Year of the Pig, Monkey, Snake and Rat are predicted to have good health this year, you should not take it for granted. Do maintain a healthy work-life balance, avoid over-stressing yourself, and keep a watchful eye out for indigestion, or stomach issues. Soothe digestive discomforts through topical application of Di-Gize or Ginger essential oil on the tummy.

LOVE
Sparks will fly for those born in the Year of the Pig and the Snake. To amplify the love luck in 2018, Stephanie suggests using Joy or Geranium as cologne or perfume to inspire romance and togetherness to bring joy to the people you meet.

Those born in the Year of the Dog, Ox, Goat, Monkey and Rooster may have to put in extra effort in romantic affairs this year. With challenges ahead, make use of Release, Forgiveness and Harmony essential oils to balance your emotions when tough times roll around.

To find out more about which essential oils best complement your zodiac, kindly refer to the Young Living Zodiac Predictions document.

About Young Living
Young Living is the world leader in essential oils and wellness solutions. Founded in 1994 from humble beginnings with its headquarters in Lehi, Utah, Young Living has farms around the world and offices in Australia, Europe, Canada, Japan and Singapore. Well known for its groundbreaking Seed to Seal(R) process, Young Living proudly retails 100% pure essential oils, inspiring millions of people to experience nature's gift of wellness.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Gabriella Teo
T: +65 9437 6301
E: youngliving@preciouscomms.com

↧

Tanaka to Donate Pure Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals to the Winners of Tokyo Marathon 2018

February 8, 2018, 2:00 am

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Depicting the People and Connections of the Tokyo Marathon with Interwoven Lines and Circles

TOKYO, Feb 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - TANAKA HOLDINGS Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Akira Tanae) will produce and donate gold, silver, and bronze medals to the top three men and women finishers of the marathon and wheelchair marathon events of the Tokyo Marathon 2018 (a total of 12 medals). The Tokyo Marathon 2018, organized by the Tokyo Marathon Foundation, will be held on February 25, 2018. The wheelchair marathon has been officially sanctioned as an international event since 2016. The medals to be presented to the marathon winners are approximately 65 mm in diameter and 3 mm thick. The pure gold medal weighs approximately 200 grams, the pure silver medal 110 grams, and the pure bronze medal 90 grams. TANAKA is also holding a Tokyo Marathon Winner and Finisher Medal Exhibition at its GINZA TANAKA main store in Ginza, Tokyo, from February 2 to 12, 2018. TANAKA HOLDINGS is actively supporting the Tokyo Marathon 2018 with the provision of medals recognizing the efforts of the marathon runners and by holding this exhibition.

The Tokyo Marathon medals provided by TANAKA HOLDINGS are made from pure gold, silver, and bronze, which are extremely rare even among medals presented at sports competitions. They are rarities of considerable value. The medals for the Tokyo Marathon 2018, the 12th Tokyo Marathon, were designed with the "RUN as ONE" event concept as their theme. The overlapping lines represent the runners who compete in the Tokyo Marathon as well as the volunteers who support the event and the spectators who encourage the runners. The lines portray the varied routes (courses) of the many people involved in the Tokyo Marathon, and express their commitment to move forward. The design expresses the 42.195 km of the Tokyo Marathon being created by the interactions of people as a tapestry made of interwoven lines (threads). The circular hole in the center of the medal expresses harmony and signifies looking ahead to the future. The overall round form and hole were designed to convey a hope for a bright future created through the connections between people, seen from the hole (a circle). The reverse sides of the gold, silver and bronze medals that will be presented to the top three winners of each marathon event depict the new course map and the TANAKA KIKINZOKU logo.

The Tokyo Marathon Winner and Finisher Medal Exhibition, to be held at the GINZA TANAKA main store in Ginza, will display the 2018 winner medals as well as replicas of previous winner medals and all finisher medals that the TANAKA KIKINZOKU Group has been involved in producing since 2007. Photo panels of athletes who competed in earlier Tokyo Marathons will also be on display.

The TANAKA KIKINZOKU Group has produced the winner medals and finisher medals for every Tokyo Marathon since the first was held in 2007. The Tokyo Marathon was added to the World Marathon Majors (currently the Abbott World Marathon Majors) in 2013, attracting global attention as one of the world's six premier marathons. The TANAKA KIKINZOKU Group has produced and sold various commemorative medals other than for the Tokyo Marathon, including the official commemorative medals for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. The TANAKA KIKINZOKU Group will continue to produce medals made of precious metals and support various events in a way unique to the Group.

Overview of the Tokyo Marathon 2018 Winner Medals

Material, Weight, and Size (from left)
- Silver Medal: Pure silver, approx. 110 g, approx. 65 mm in diameter, approx. 3 mm thick
- Gold Medal: Pure gold (24K), approx. 200 g, approx. 65 mm in diameter, approx. 3 mm thick
- Bronze Medal: Pure bronze, approx. 90 g, approx. 65 mm in diameter, approx. 3 mm thick
* The weights of the wheelchair marathon medals are gold (pure gold): approx. 160 g, silver (pure silver): approx. 95 g, and bronze (pure bronze): approx. 80 g

Tokyo Marathon 2018 Winner Medal Exhibition Schedule

The winner medals (gold, silver, and bronze) will be displayed according to the following schedule.

February 2-12 * Display of originals
Tokyo Marathon Winner and Finisher Medal Exhibition, GINZA TANAKA Ginza main store,
5th floor, 1-7-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

February 22-24 * Exhibition of replicas
Tokyo Marathon Museum at the Tokyo Marathon EXPO 2018,
Tokyo Big Sight West Exhibition Hall

Press release (PDF): http://www.acnnewswire.com/clientreports/513/180208.pdf

About the Tanaka Precious Metals

Since its foundation in 1885, the Tanaka Precious Metals group has built a diversified range of business activities focused on precious metals. Tanaka is a leader in Japan in terms of the volumes of precious metals handled. Over the course of many years, Tanaka Precious Metals has not only manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry, but also provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and resources. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies within and outside Japan work together with unified cooperation between manufacturing, sales, and technological aspects to offer products and services. In addition, in order to make further progress in globalization, Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo welcomed Metalor Technologies International SA as a member of the Group in 2016.

As precious metal professionals, Tanaka Precious Metals will continue to contribute to the development of an enriching and prosperous society.

The TANAKA KIKINZOKU Group is cooperating with the Tokyo Marathon.

Press Inquiries
Tanaka Holdings Co., Ltd.
E-mail: t-ishibashi@ml.tanaka.co.jp / thdpr@kyodo-pr.co.jp

↧

Extended Application Period for Second Edition of Free Electrons Global Startup Acceleration Program

February 8, 2018, 2:00 am

≫ Next: WARC launches Prize for MENA Strategy 2018

≪ Previous: Tanaka to Donate Pure Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals to the Winners of Tokyo Marathon 2018

TOKYO, Feb 8, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - The application deadline for the second edition of Free Electrons has been extended. This application is a global acceleration program for startups that TEPCO launched with 7 other international utilities in December 2017 to recruit energy startups that will drive the next generation of ideas in clean energy, energy efficiency, e-mobility, digitization and on-demand customer services.

Startups chosen for Free Electrons participate in three separate week-long acceleration modules in the Silicon Valley and two other locations around the world. Free Electrons was initiated by eight international utilities, AusNet Services, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), ESB (Electricity Supply Board), EDP (Energias de Portugal), innogy, Origin Energy, Singapore Power (SP) and TEPCO.

A win-win approach for startups and utilities

The utilities behind the Free Electrons program are committed to a future where energy is smart, clean and accessible to everyone. The global accelerator program is designed for energy startups to further refine their products and services, with the potential of scaling them for a global customer base of 73 million. Industry leaders will offer expertise, resources and access to their customer with opportunities for investment and partnership.

A global calling

Energy startups around the world with a working prototype are encouraged to apply to Free Electrons. The brightest startups will be selected by the eight utility partners to participate in the six-month accelerator program.

About TEPCO

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (TSE: 9501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is the largest utility in Japan serving millions of homes and businesses. Worldwide the company has more than 34 subsidiaries and 32 affiliates in 8 countries and employs approximately 42,060 people. Consolidated revenue for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017, totalled 5.3 trillion Japanese yen. The company was established in 1951 and is listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. For more information, visit http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/corpinfo/index-e.html

↧

WARC launches Prize for MENA Strategy 2018

February 7, 2018, 5:00 pm

≫ Next: CoreNet Global Summit 2018 to Drive the Asia Pacific Corporate Real Estate Sector's Future-Readiness

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WARC Prize for MENA Strategy logo

Wasim Basir of Coca-Cola MENA appointed jury chair. First judges named

LONDON, Feb 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - WARC, the global marketing intelligence service, is today launching the WARC Prize for MENA Strategy 2018, a search for the best strategic marketing thinking that has driven results in the region.

Now in its second year, the Prize is free to enter and is open to agencies and brand owners in any marketing discipline.

As well as Gold, Silver and Bronze accolades, the Grand Prix for the best overall paper will receive USD$7,000 and three Special Awards will be presented with USD$1,000 each in recognition of specific areas of excellence:

- The Research Excellence Award for the best use of research in the development of strategic ideas.
- The Brand Rebel Award for the best example of a campaign departing from category norms.
- The Local Hero Award for the best example of a challenger brand from the MENA region using smart marketing strategy to take on bigger competitors.

Lucy Aitken, WARC's Case Study Editor, says: "Across MENA, new markets and new consumers are demanding new insights, so the onus of these awards is on strategy. Following a successful first year, we want this free-to-enter Prize to again act as a spur for strategic thinking that helps clients solve problems and provide a base for future growth."

The 2018 awards will be chaired by Wasim Basir, Director - Integrated Marketing Communications, Coca-Cola MENA. As part of his 13-year career at the company, he has worked on some of Coca-Cola's most exciting and successful endeavours, including the Beijing Olympic Games, Shanghai World Expo and Coke Studio India.

Commenting on his up-coming role, Basir says: "A great strategy is a cogent and smart distillation of the problem. Once the problem is identified as such, solutions flow. In MENA, when there is so much pressure on business results, it is the right strategy that will separate the winners from the also-rans."

An eminent judging panel of strategy experts and senior marketers from some of the world's biggest brands will join Wasim Basir to judge the entries. In addition to Basir, nine jury members have already been appointed:

- Wasim Basir - Director, Integrated Marketing Communications, Coca-Cola MENA - Chair of the Judges
- Ahmad Abu Zannad - Regional Strategy Director, Leo Burnett MENA
- Ahmed Al Sahhaf - General Manager of Marketing Communication, STC
- Luca Allam - Managing Director, PHD UAE
- Matthew Butterworth - Managing Director, MullenLowe MENA
- Laura Chaibi - Head of Digital Research, MBC
- Habib Daher - Business Unit Director, OMD Egypt
- Mona Elsayed - Regional Planning Director, JWT Gulf
- Naila Fattouh - Head of Strategic Planning, FP7 Cairo
- Maysoun Hanna - Marketing Communications, Apple

Full biographies are available at www.warc.com/menaprize/2018judges.info.

Further judges will be announced shortly. The deadline for entries is 5 April 2018. More information on the WARC Prize for MENA Strategy 2018 can be found at www.warc.com/menaprize.prize.

About WARC

- your global authority on advertising and media effectiveness

warc.com is an online service offering advertising best practice, evidence, insights and data 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 runs 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.

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

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CoreNet Global Summit 2018 to Drive the Asia Pacific Corporate Real Estate Sector's Future-Readiness

February 7, 2018, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: Ultra-high speed Wi-Fi developed for Seoul's subway trains

≪ Previous: WARC launches Prize for MENA Strategy 2018

- Industry gathering to focus on best practices sharing around innovation and corporate real estate strategies, and how to navigate uncertainties brought about by geopolitical and economic risks
- Regular Registration Ends February 12

SINGAPORE, Feb 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - CoreNet Global, the world's leading corporate real estate (CRE) association, will be staging the CoreNet Global Summit 2018 from 12 to 15 March 2018 at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore to discuss global and regional trends impacting the corporate real estate (CRE) profession as well as frontier technologies and business strategies CRE practitioners can leverage to turn uncertainty into opportunity. The summit is expected to tackle developments around regulation, security and innovation. Summit attendees will include senior executives, influential technologists, architects and service providers leading the
global corporate real estate industry.

According to a study, 57 percent of enterprises across Asia Pacific have a digital strategy in place and are actively digitising their business processes, placing them one step ahead of their European and North American counterparts. Throughout the region, enterprises working across borders are starting to decentralise their office functions with multiple regional satellite offices and schemes that support workplace agility and flexibility. Progressive technologies such as Internet-of-Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence are now signalling the dawn of a new era of smart office buildings, presenting organisations with new challenges, including optimising flexible spaces and managing globally dispersed teams.

The growing recognition of CRE as a catalyst for business sustainability and success serves as a timely backdrop for CoreNet Global Summit 2018 whose theme, "What's Next? Exploiting Uncertainty", crystallises the strategic role of CRE amidst enterprises' digital-first approach adoption and Asia Pacific's evolving geopolitical climate.

The summit hopes to help CRE practitioners realign their goals and strategies to cope with broader business implications in light of strengthened intra-regional and inter-regional business relationships stemming from economic initiatives such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and One Belt One Road (OBOR).

"Corporate real estate is increasingly becoming a key strategic resource for enterprises hoping to build smart and sustainable offices. The summit represents an invaluable opportunity for CRE professionals across Asia Pacific to learn how to leverage and integrate progressive technology in office and building designs to optimise innovative thinking and employee satisfaction in the workplace," said Tim Venable, Senior Vice President at CoreNet Global.

Interested parties may view more information about the summit on the event website (http://bit.ly/2nSl1i1), or register their attendance here (http://bit.ly/2EbUTpz).

ABOUT CORENET GLOBAL

CoreNet Global is the world's leading professional association for corporate real estate (CRE) and workplace executives, service providers and economic developers. CoreNet Global's more than 10,000 members, who include 70% of the top 100 U.S. companies and nearly half of the Global 2000, meet locally, globally and virtually to develop networks, share knowledge, learn and thrive professionally. For more information, please visit www.corenetglobal.org.

Contact:
Charlene Pe/Tan Yanchang
PRecious Communications
+65 6303 0567
CoreNetGlobal@preciouscomms.com

Press release (PDF): http://www.acnnewswire.com/clientreports/474/CoreNet_Global_Summit.pdf

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Ultra-high speed Wi-Fi developed for Seoul's subway trains

February 7, 2018, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: Garuda Indonesia maintains its 5-Star Airline Ranking by Skytrax

≪ Previous: CoreNet Global Summit 2018 to Drive the Asia Pacific Corporate Real Estate Sector's Future-Readiness

Conceptual Graphic of MHN technology (Copyright: ETRI)

A mobile hotspot network will enable riders on fast-moving trains to stream HD videos without interruption while underground, thanks in part to a newly-developed mmWave wireless backhaul technology. The first commercial service using this technology will debut later this year.

Daejeon, KOREA, Feb 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - A mobile hot-spot network featuring an extremely fast 1.25 Gbps data transmission has been developed for public transportation systems by ETRI in South Korea. A pilot project featuring the new technology in Seoul's subway lines will begin later this year.

The network is able to provide ultra-fast internet service in high-speed trains by combining two technologies. First, the network transmits data using millimeter waves with a frequency over 20 GHz, which enable data transmission 100 times faster than existing WiBro backhaul networks. Backhaul networks work as intermediaries, linking receivers on the trains with the public Internet, via radio towers along the tracks. The second key part is a fast hand-over technology that seamlessly transfers data transmission from one base station to another; no delay or disconnection like those experienced when a video freezes or a cell phone call is dropped when transitioning between service towers.

"The mobile hot-spot network (MHN) technology can provide high-speed Wi-Fi services even in a fast running subway train, just like home Wi-Fi," said Hyun Kyu Chung, the president of ETRI's 5G Giga Service Research Laboratory. "Our technology will provide the world's first commercial service using millimeter waves as a moving wireless backhaul for subways."

ETRI successfully demonstrated data service up to 500Mbps in 2016, and then up to 1.25Gbps in 2017. The technology may enable a maximum of 550 users to watch a video simultaneously through Wi-Fi in a running subway train. As high speed data communication such as virtual reality and augmented reality are required in the foreseeable future, this technology is likely to become a major need in public spaces. It is also likely that such technology will be recommended as an international standard for 5G networks (the fifth generation of telecommunication networks).

ETRI is currently collaborating with other institutes to develop an enhanced mobile hot-spot network (MHN-E) to provide service up to a whopping 10 Gbps. ETRI also plans to demonstrate various 5G services based on MHN-E on buses during the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.

Please contact:
ETRI
Dr. Il-Gyu Kim
E: igkim@etri.re.kr
T: +82-42-860-5490

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

Photo: https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_ETRI180208.jpg
Conceptual Graphic of MHN technology: High speed Wi-Fi internet service can be provided via the MHN radio network. MHN-Gateway (mGW) is connected with several MHN-Digital Unit (mDU) and works as a gateway between MHN radio network and the public internet. Each mDU communicates with multiple MHN Radio Unit (mRU) by a radio over fiber technology and takes charge of the baseband digital signal processing. mmWave is used for the wireless backhaul communication between mRU and MHN Terminal Equipment (mTE). mTE distributes several Gbps data to Wi-Fi access points in the train. (Copyright: ETRI)

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Garuda Indonesia maintains its 5-Star Airline Ranking by Skytrax

February 8, 2018, 12:00 am

≫ Next: AAG Energy Announces 4th Quarter 2017 Operations Updates

≪ Previous: Ultra-high speed Wi-Fi developed for Seoul's subway trains

SINGAPORE, Feb 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Garuda Indonesia has been Certified as a 5-Star Airline for 2018 by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organisation, during an Award Ceremony held today at the Changi Exhibition Center, Singapore Airshow 2018. This was the fourth consecutive year that Garuda Indonesia has been certified in this elite group of global airlines.

Pahala N Mansury, President & CEO of Garuda Indonesia said, "This 5-Star Airline rating validates the consistency of the service level of Garuda Indonesia. It represents Garuda Indonesia not only as a world class and five star airline, but also represents the achievement of the "Garuda Indonesia Experience" service concept based on "Indonesian Hospitality".

"As one of Indonesia's global brands, this '5-Star' achievement further emphasizes Garuda Indonesia's position as a leading global airline, in terms of enhancing customer experience with the comfort of Five-Star Flight Standardization," said Pahala.

"Attaining a '5-Star' rating has certainly become a major milestone and added significant value not only for us as the national flag carrier, but also for Indonesia and the country's aviation industry as a whole. This certificate renewal validates our continued commitment to maintain a high quality of service. Indeed, we will further improve and innovate to uphold our 5-Star reputation and ensure Garuda Indonesia stays at the forefront of the global airline industry for many years to come," added Pahala.

Pahala said, "I believe that this achievement will further inspire Garuda Indonesia to remain committed and consistently strive to become even better, while it will also mark another historical moment at the beginning of 2018."

The 5-Star certification process is carried out through the "Skytrax Audit" process, with detailed assessment points covering every flight aspect, from pre-flight to in-flight and through to post-flight; such as quality of passenger service at the airport, quality of the waiting room, the comfort of the cabin, the inflight meal, the in-flight entertainment, to the service by the cabin crew.

On the occasion, Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted remarked that Garuda Indonesia's success in maintaining its 5-Star Airline honors was an indication of the hard work that the Garuda Indonesia team invested in maintaining the quality of service.

"In an increasingly competitive airline industry, Garuda Indonesia is able to survive in competition while maintaining and running the values and standards of its service. The fleets operated by Garuda Indonesia currently offer various service classes that conform to the standards of 5-Star airline services," added Edward.

Today, there are only 10 (Ten) Five Star Airliners from a total of 200 airlines worldwide. There are Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Asiana Airlines, All Nippon Airlines (ANA), Hainan Airlines and Lufthansa.

In order to strengthen the company's financial and operational performance, Garuda Indonesia and its subsidiaries work to a long-term business strategy entitled Garuda Indonesia Group, Sky Beyond 3.5, with a goal of being a value-driven aviation group with an achievement of 3.5 billion USD target on 2020 .

Citilink Attains 4-Star Low-Cost Carrier Airline Accolades

In addition, Garuda Indonesia's subsidiary Citilink Indonesia also attained a 4-Star Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) Airline certificate from Skytrax .

The 4-Star Rating has become a major milestone for Citilink Indonesia and the Garuda Indonesia Group, considering Citilink Indonesia is the first Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) Airline in Asia which has successfully attained the certification.

About Garuda Indonesia Group

Presenting a new level of service excellence in air travel, Garuda Indonesia, the national airline of Indonesia, seamlessly connects 83 destinations worldwide, including exotic locations across the beautiful archipelago of Indonesia. With more than 600 daily flights and a fleet of 196 aircrafts by January 2017, Garuda Indonesia proudly serves its passengers with the award-winning distinct service "Garuda Indonesia Experience", highlighting Indonesia's warm hospitality and rich diverse culture.

To provide better and more convenient services, Garuda Indonesia continuously strives through its ongoing transformation program. The progress of the transformation can be seen from the achievement of a Skytrax's 5-star Airline rating as well as the winning of the prestigious "The World's Best Cabin Crew" for four consecutive years in 2014 to 2017 and "The World's Most Loved Airline 2016", also from Skytrax. Please visit www.garuda-indonesia.com.

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AAG Energy Announces 4th Quarter 2017 Operations Updates

February 8, 2018, 12:16 am

≫ Next: Yidan Prize Inaugural Laureates honored at Harvard Graduate School of Education

≪ Previous: Garuda Indonesia maintains its 5-Star Airline Ranking by Skytrax

HONG KONG, Feb 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - On behalf of AAG Energy Holdings (HKEX stock code: 2686), we would like to inform you that AAG Energy is pleased to announce its operations update for 2017Q4, i.e. three months ended December 31, 2017.

Key Quarterly Highlights:

HSE continues to outperform the target with zero injury in Q4
- AAG has achieved 5 million man-hours (3 years and 111 days) without Lost Time Injury on 25th December, 2017

Panzhuang Gas sales price increased by 22% from 1.26 rmb/m3 to 1.54 rmb/m3 for Q4

Panzhuang maintained exceptional utilization rate of 98% in Q4

Gross production surpassed the guidance for Full Year 2017 achieving 629.84 MMCM (Panzhuang 571.56, Mabi 58.28 MMCM), a 16% YoY increase.
- Q4 gross production of 171 MMCM, 18% YoY increase for Panzhuang and 23% YoY increase for Mabi
- Q4 total daily production averaged 1.86 MMCM per day

2017 drilling program exceeded plan, with 46 wells drilled in Q4 and 122 wells drilled for the year
- 55 wells drilled in Panzhuang (45 SLH, 10 PDW), passing full year target of 29 wells and 67 wells drilled in Mabi, completed the target drilling plan.

Excellent performance in cost control for Full Year 2017
- Panzhuang drilling costs reduced by 24% YOY for 45 SLH wells
- Mabi drilling costs 30% under budget and completion costs 25% under budget for 67 PDW wells

For details, please refer to the announcement: http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/SEHK/2018/0208/LTN20180208611.pdf
and you can also find the document on the announcements page of our website:
http://www.aagenergy.com/en-US/file/files/2018-02-08/17491490427.pdf

↧

Yidan Prize Inaugural Laureates honored at Harvard Graduate School of Education

February 8, 2018, 1:30 am

≫ Next: AAG Energy Announces 4th Quarter 2017 Operations Updates

≪ Previous: AAG Energy Announces 4th Quarter 2017 Operations Updates

Opening keynote by Dr Charles Chen Yidan, Founder of the Yidan Prize at Harvard Graduate School of Education

Professor Carol S. Dweck (right), Yidan Prize for Research Education Inaugural Laureate and Ms Vicky Colbert (left), Yidan Prize for Education Development Inaugural Laureate had an in-depth discussion with educators

Dr Charles Chen Yidan led his delegation to meet with Drew Faust, President of Harvard University, Lincoln Professor of History

Cambridge, MA, Feb 8, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Dr Charles Chen Yidan, the Founder of the world's biggest education prize - the Yidan Prize - visited Harvard Graduate School of Education together with the two Yidan Prize inaugural laureates, Professor Carol S. Dweck and Ms Vicky Colbert, to meet with world leading academia and educators on 5-6 February 2018 and address the audience on the role of education in realizing human potential.

Titled "Realizing Human Potential Through Education: A Convening in Honor of the 2017 Yidan Prize Laureates", this conference examined the key drivers for transformational education reform, and the changes that must happen in order for education systems to tap into, develop and fully realize the hidden potentials in our children.

Charles Chen Yidan said: "Education has the power to transform lives and make the world a better place, and this is achievable through uncovering, nurturing and expanding human potential to meet the needs and challenges of an ever-changing world. We must do everything we can to broaden the horizons of our children, so that they can thrive in a world that lives only in our imagination right now.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to join our inaugural laureates Professor Carol S. Dweck and Ms Vicky Colbert, together with many other outstanding educators, to explore the actions that need to be taken as we move forward."

James E. Ryan, Dean of the Faculty and Charles William Eliot Professor of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education, said in his opening remarks: "The Yidan Prize will elevate and celebrate the power and promise of education as the most important tool we have to address our greatest challenges, from national security to economic prosperity. It will shine a light on the power of education to lift people out of poverty, to reduce inequality, and to build a more promising future for the generations that follow."

Following the huge success of the Yidan Prize Summit in Hong Kong in December 2017, which brought together over 350 world leaders on education for an enlightening, interactive dialogue on the topic of "Education Redefined: The Future is Now", the Yidan Prize Foundation took this much needed debate to one of the world's leading universities for another round of thought-provoking discussions at this conference held at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

In addition to celebrating the achievements of the recent Yidan Prize recipients, Professor Carol S. Dweck, Lewis and Virginia Eaton Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, and Ms Vicky Colbert, founder and director of Fundacion Escuela Nueva, this conference brought together leading figures from the worlds of education research, education practice and psychology to debate what future-oriented education looks like and how it can become reality for all children globally.

About the Yidan Prize

The Yidan Prize is founded by Dr Charles Chen Yidan, the core founder of Tencent Holdings Limited. The Prize aims to recognize and support change makers for their most forward looking innovation that can create sustainable impacts on education systems for a better future. The Prize comprises two categories - the Yidan Prize for Education Research and the Yidan Prize for Education Development. The Prize is financed and governed by a HK$2.5 billion (about US$320 million) independent trust. Each prize carries an award of HK$30 million (about US$3.87 million), with a cash award of HK$15 million (about US$1.9 million), a further HK$15 million (about US$1.9 million) project fund, and a gold medal. Through a series of initiatives, the prize serves to provide a platform that allows the global community to engage in conversation around education and to play a role in education philanthropy. For more information, please visit www.yidanprize.org.

Media contacts
Yidan Prize Foundation
Brian Yeung
+852 2155 4892
Email: brian@yidanprize.org

EM Communications
Tom Kiehn
+1-646-384-3361
Email: kiehn@em-comms.com

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AAG Energy Announces 4th Quarter 2017 Operations Updates

February 9, 2018, 1:07 am

≫ Next: Rolling in it: Dung Beetles' Taste Preferences Uncovered

≪ Previous: Yidan Prize Inaugural Laureates honored at Harvard Graduate School of Education

HONG KONG, Feb 9, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - On behalf of AAG Energy Holdings (HKEX stock code: 2686), we would like to inform you that AAG Energy is pleased to announce its operations update for 2017Q4, i.e. three months ended December 31, 2017.

Key Quarterly Highlights:

HSE continues to outperform the target with zero injury in Q4
- AAG has achieved 5 million man-hours (3 years and 111 days) without Lost Time Injury on 25th December, 2017

Panzhuang Gas sales price increased by 22% from 1.26 rmb/m3 to 1.54 rmb/m3 for Q4

Panzhuang maintained exceptional utilization rate of 98% in Q4

Gross production surpassed the guidance for Full Year 2017 achieving 629.84 MMCM (Panzhuang 571.56, Mabi 58.28 MMCM), a 16% YoY increase.
- Q4 gross production of 171 MMCM, 18% YoY increase for Panzhuang and 23% YoY increase for Mabi
- Q4 total daily production averaged 1.86 MMCM per day

2017 drilling program exceeded plan, with 46 wells drilled in Q4 and 122 wells drilled for the year
- 55 wells drilled in Panzhuang (45 SLH, 10 PDW), passing full year target of 29 wells and 67 wells drilled in Mabi, completed the target drilling plan.

Excellent performance in cost control for Full Year 2017
- Panzhuang drilling costs reduced by 24% YOY for 45 SLH wells
- Mabi drilling costs 30% under budget and completion costs 25% under budget for 67 PDW wells

For details, please refer to the announcement: http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/SEHK/2018/0208/LTN20180208611.pdf
and you can also find the document on the announcements page of our website:
http://www.aagenergy.com/en-US/file/files/2018-02-08/17491490427.pdf

↧

Rolling in it: Dung Beetles' Taste Preferences Uncovered

February 9, 2018, 12:00 am

≫ Next: NEC and Tohoku University Succeed in AI-Based New Material Development

≪ Previous: AAG Energy Announces 4th Quarter 2017 Operations Updates

Dung beetles perform many crucial roles in the ecosystem, from soil enrichment and nutrient cycling to seed dispersal and fly control. (Copyright: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Salmah Yaakob)

Selangor, Malaysia, Feb 9, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The first observational study of a dung beetle species on Langkawi Island in the Andaman Sea reveals insights about its tastes and what that means for the ecosystem.

A dung beetle inhabiting the Malaysian island of Langkawi prefers the faeces of an omnivorous long-tailed macaque, and is active only in forest areas, even though they can find the primate dung in other areas, according to research recently published in the journal Tropical Agricultural Science. The study's 'observational' method could also be applied to other species to reveal insights into how they are responding to changing environments.

Dung beetles perform many crucial roles in the ecosystem, from soil enrichment and nutrient cycling to seed dispersal and fly control. They are classified as rollers, tunnelers or dwellers, depending on what they do with the dung. The survival of these creatures is highly dependent on other animals, and affected by the environment. Recent work has shown that their numbers are decreasing in areas of Borneo, another island in Malaysia, where logging has taken place.

Salmah Yaakop and colleagues from the Centre for Insect Systematics at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), observed macaque troops in a tropical mixed rainforest on Langkawi, an island off Malaysia's west coast that is an UNESCO Geopark site and popular tourist destination. When the team spotted the beetles in the act of rolling dung, they collected them, identified the species of beetle and analysed the dung.

Although three species of dung beetle have been identified in Malaysia, the researchers found only one, Paragymnopleurus maurus, on the island that was active during the daytime. They show that these beetles exclusively choose the dung of Macaca fascicularis, which eats both fruit and meat as opposed to that of other macaques in the area which are vegetarian.

Paragymnopleurus maurus is a large dung beetle, and more sensitive to forest disturbances than its smaller cousins because they need a large area with a large mammal population to survive. P. maurus has been seen elsewhere rolling and enjoying dung from other omnivorous animals, including carrion, pigs, cattle and even elephants, so the researchers speculate that it may have expanded its food preferences due to scarcity of usual sources.

Given the importance of dung beetles for ecosystems, further work should be done to understand what about the primate dung attracts the beetles, and how this affects the dispersal of seeds consumed by the macaques. The methodology could be used to study other species interactions and will contribute to our understanding of ecosystem dynamics.

For more information about this research, please contact:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Salmah Yaakop
School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences
Faculty of Science and Technology
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
43600 Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Email: salmah78@ukm.edu.my
Tel: +603 8921 3384
Mobile: +6013 671 3895
The original paper is available at: http://bit.ly/2EdIWDz

About Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science (JTAS)
Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science (JTAS) is published by Universiti Putra Malaysia in English and is open to authors around the world regardless of nationality. Beginning 2012, it would be published four times a year in February, May, August and November. Other Pertanika series include Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology (JST), and Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities (JSSH).

JTAS aims to provide a forum for high quality research related to tropical agricultural research. Areas relevant to the scope of the journal include: agricultural biotechnology, biochemistry, biology, ecology, fisheries, forestry, food sciences, entomology, genetics, microbiology, pathology and management, physiology, plant and animal sciences, production of plants and animals of economic importance, and veterinary medicine. The journal publishes original academic articles dealing with research on issues of worldwide relevance. http://www.pertanika.upm.edu.my/

For more information about the journal, contact:
The Chief Executive Editor (UPM Journals)
Head, Journal Division, UPM Press
Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (R&I)
IDEA Tower 2, UPM-MDTC Technology Centre
Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +603 8947 1622, Email: nayan@upm.my

Distributed for Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology by ResearchSEA.

↧

NEC and Tohoku University Succeed in AI-Based New Material Development

February 12, 2018, 3:42 am

≫ Next: Sumitomo Electric and NEC Collaborate in AI- and IoT-based Mobility Business

≪ Previous: Rolling in it: Dung Beetles' Taste Preferences Uncovered

- Development of spin-current thermoelectric conversion element with 100 times better performance over 1 year -

TOKYO, Feb 12, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation and Tohoku University applied new technologies developed by NEC, which use AI to predict the characteristics of unknown materials, to the joint development of cutting edge thermoelectric conversion technology known as a thermoelectric (TE) device(1) using spin current(2), and achieved 100 times better thermoelectric conversion efficiency over the course of approximately 1 year.

These new technologies consist of a group of AI technologies for material development which incorporate the various types of knowledge required for material development, and technology for the batch acquisition of the large amounts of material data that AI needs to learn material properties.

The AI technologies for material development use heterogeneous mixture learning technology(3) and a number of machine learning technologies specific to material development(4), (5) independently developed by NEC. These technologies were combined with technology for the batch acquisition of material data, which enabled the acquisition and evaluation of data regarding more than 1,000 types of materials with different compositions data and resulted in much more accurate AI learning.

NEC and Tohoku University applied a development technique combining these technologies to the development of a spin-current thermoelectric conversion device, and demonstrated that it is possible to enhance thermoelectric conversion efficiency by designing an actual material in line with AI-derived new material design guidelines.

In the future, NEC and Tohoku University will develop more sophisticated AI-based technologies for predicting the physical properties of new materials and conduct further research and development aimed at the practical application of spin-current thermoelectric conversion device technology and the realization of IoT devices that continue working for years without a power supply.

Background

In recent years, cases in which machine learning technologies and analysis technologies based on informatics are applied to large amounts of data to extract hidden information and predict future trends are becoming increasingly common in a wide range of fields.

In the realm of natural sciences, there has long been research into the use of informatics in the search for new substances and materials and, especially in the biomedical, pharmaceutical and chemical fields, advances in so-called combinatorial technologies(6), which involve acquiring data through comprehensive investigation of search objects, have resulted in the extensive use of informatics in projects such as the human genome project.

Similarly, in fields that deal with solid state materials such as metals, semiconductors and oxides, techniques that make full use of the advantages of machine learning and analysis technologies from the viewpoint of shortening the duration of research and development and reducing costs are attracting attention in recent years as materials informatics (MI). Harnessing knowledge gained over many years of basic research in the natural sciences field using informatics, NEC began conducting research into analysis technologies specifically for solid state materials data more than five years ago. However, it was challenging because it took time and effort to produce and evaluate data in this field, making it difficult to obtain enough groups of data of sufficient quality required for the application of MI.

The initiatives of NEC and Tohoku University have now resulted in NEC's independent development of AI technologies for material development that effectively analyze material data, and technology for the batch acquisition of data about many different types of solid state materials. NEC and Tohoku University have also applied a material development cycle incorporating these two types of technologies to the development of thermoelectric conversion materials using spin currents and considerably shortened the duration of material development.

Features of the new technologies

1. Development of AI technologies for material development
A material development cycle using MI handles an enormous amount of material data and it is, therefore, inevitable that the data processing and classification and the data evaluation that was previously painstakingly performed by specialist researchers can no longer keep up. Also, in the development process, the amount of material candidates is generally greater than the amount of data that can be obtained, and selection of the process for searching these candidates needs to be performed more efficiently than in the past. To address these issues, NEC developed the following AI technologies for material development which correspond to the various characteristics of actual material data.

- AI technology for combinatorial data analysis: Machine learning technology for processing and classifying large amounts of data acquired using combinatorial techniques at high speed. Knowledge of physics/materials science is partially incorporated into existing machine learning algorithms to realize high precision, high speed data processing(4).
- AI technology for physical property modeling: Machine learning technology for evaluating large amounts of material data. Inductive modeling of physical properties using heterogeneous mixture learning with high readability (white-box) and high precision prediction enables researchers and AI to increase their understanding of data in concert. This technology plays a very important part in the extraction of the material parameter candidates that characterize the physical properties model.(3)
- AI technology for materials screening: Machine learning technology for efficiently searching for the target material from among a large amount of materials candidates. On the selection (screening) of materials with reference to the material parameters that characterize the physical properties model, the technology performs high-speed searches of ultra-multi-dimensional systems, which was difficult with existing Bayesian Optimization(7). This is achieved through the application of branch-and-bound type algorithm that predict moves into the future based on Combinatorial Game Theory.(5)

2. Establishment of combinatorial data acquisition platform (batch evaluation and acquisition of large amounts of data)

NEC and Tohoku University developed a combinatorial data acquisition platform that combines theoretical calculation data acquired through material property simulation with test data acquired through proprietary thin film materials preparation/characteristics evaluation technologies, to create enough data groups of sufficient quality.

In one example of composition-spread materials shown in the photograph, thin film material with more than 1,000 different types of composition was produced on a single substrate in one film preparation process. Electrode pads, etc. according to the purpose of measurement are patterned on the evaluation sample and experimental data can be acquired efficiently through an automatic evaluation system, which was also developed independently. The quality and amount of data is vastly improved compared to previous techniques used to produce and evaluate a single material in one experiment.

In the material physical property simulation, various calculation techniques are used according to the purpose, for example, first-principles calculations, and theoretical calculations are performed to ensure correspondence with experimental data. Various types of physical property parameter group, ranging from general physical properties such as electric resistance and thermal conductivity to detailed physical properties relating to electronic state are acquired as theoretical calculation data.

3. Application to the development of a spin-current thermoelectric conversion device
A spin-current thermoelectric conversion device recovers waste heat that exists widely in society by converting it into electricity and will, therefore, enable the countless IoT devices that will be installed in the future to continue working for many years even without a power source.

The main issue with a spin-current thermoelectric conversion device is that the thermoelectric conversion efficiency performance has still not reached a practically applicable level. When the recently established material development cycle combining a combinatorial data acquisition platform and AI technologies for materials development was applied on a trial basis to the search for a new platinum (Pt) alloy, this led to various discoveries, including that the Pt alloy was a magnet and the importance of the Pt itself contained in the alloy being spin polarized.

Evaluation of the characteristics of a new alloy CoPtN that is designed to enhance spin polarization of Pt according to AI-derived knowledge confirmed that thermoelectric conversion efficiency around 100 times higher than that of previous Pt alloy was obtained. This level was also much closer to the output level of commercially available thermoelectric conversion elements that use semiconductors. It was also demonstrated that it was possible to significantly shorten development time to around 1 year.

"We will continue to further expand the search for materials using AI in the future, focusing on further improvement in the thermoelectric conversion efficiency of spin-current thermoelectric conversion elements and the development of new low-cost materials," said Eiji Saitoh, Professor, Tohoku University.

"We aim for the early pranctical application of spin-current thermoelectric conversion elements as power source technology for IoT devices that will continue to work for years without a battery or other power source and as low cost, high performance electronic cooling technology," said Soichi Tsumura, General Manager, NEC IoT Devices Research Laboratories.

These results were achieved as part of the Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO) "SAITOH Spin Quantum Rectification Project" (Research Director: Eiji Saitoh, Professor, Tohoku University; Research Period: 2014 - 2020 fiscal year) of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Promoting Individual Research to Nurture the Seeds of Future Innovation and Organizing Unique, Innovative Network (PRESTO) "Development of Basic Technologies for Advanced Materials Informatics through Comprehensive Integration among Theoretical, Experimental, Computational and Data-Centric Sciences" (Researcher: Yuma Iwasaki, NEC Corporation; Research Period: 2017 -2021 fiscal year) of JST.

NEC plans to exhibit and showcase these research findings at nano tech 2018 - The 17th International Nanotechnology Exhibition & Conference from February 14 (Wed)-16 (Fri), 2018 at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan.

(1) A thermoelectric device is a device which converts thermal energy directly into electricity and vice versa.
(2) The spin current is a flow of a magnetic property of an electron, so-called "spin."
(3) http://jpn.nec.com/ai/analyze/pattern.html
(4) "Comparison of dissimilarity measures for cluster analysis of X-ray diffraction data from combinatorial libraries" Y. Iwasaki et al., nature partner journal Computational Materials 3, 4 (2017).
(5) Proceedings of the 78th JSAP Autumn Meeting 5p-C18-4 (2017) R. Sawada et al.
(6) The combinatorial approach involves comprehensively investigating predicted combinations to gain an understanding of the overall trend of search candidates.
(7) Bayesian Optimization algorithms are stochastic optimization techniques that are used to search for the maximum or minimum value based on observed facts.

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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Sumitomo Electric and NEC Collaborate in AI- and IoT-based Mobility Business

February 12, 2018, 4:03 am

≫ Next: Kingsmen and Hasbro Announce Plans to Open NERF Family Entertainment Center Attractions

≪ Previous: NEC and Tohoku University Succeed in AI-Based New Material Development

- Starting from Vehicle Connectivity Support -

TOKYO, Feb 12, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. and NEC Corporation have begun collaborating in the mobility business, including planning and development of automotive components.

In December 2017, the collaboration started with vehicle connectivity support business using networks. The two companies will now plan, develop, demonstrate, and commercialize hardware and software for in-vehicle and transportation infrastructure systems by capitalizing on their cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, while expanding the business in stages.

Recent advancements in IoT technologies have accelerated the creation of business opportunities by seamlessly connecting networks both in and outside of vehicles. Moreover, autonomous driving and car sharing have increased the demand for safe, secure and efficient services utilizing AI.

Sumitomo Electric has been developing and manufacturing a wide range of products that support an advanced society and its stable growth, such as vehicle mobility, including in-vehicle components and traffic control systems for traffic infrastructure. Sumitomo Electric views its role in connecting these products to the Internet and enhancing thier security as a social responsibility.

NEC has an accomplished history of focusing on the social solutions business while leveraging its portfolio of cutting-edge AI technologies, NEC the WISE*, as well as advanced technologies, products, and services, including its IT infrastructure and cloud platforms. NEC also develops software for these products and services, in addition to technologies and solutions to achieve high levels of security.

The two companies will take full advantage of their strengths to develop AI- and IoT-based connectivity products with advanced security and to expand mobility business.

Details of this collaboration:
1. Planning and development of next-generation connectivity products
The two companies will plan and develop next-generation products and services for connecting networks both in and outside of vehicles in order to cater to the expansion of the connected car market. The collaboration will harness Sumitomo Electric's in-vehicle products/technologies and expertise in traffic infrastructure and NEC's cutting-edge technologies in security, AI, and cloud services to develop high-value-added products.
2. Advanced software development for early commercialization of AI/IoT-based products
In line with increasing vehicle functionality, the development of in-vehicle software has become more sophisticated, expansive, and important than ever before. In the joint development of such software, NEC will flexibly offer large-scale development resources with advanced AI and IoT technologies to quickly meet the needs for the development. This will enable Sumitomo Electric to expedite software development and maximize business opportunities in the rapidly changing automotive industry.

The Sumitomo Electric Group will promote research and development in the mobility business focusing on the interface between people and vehicles to help create a safe, secure and comfortable future.

The NEC Group has been globally advancing the social solutions business to promote the safety, security, efficiency and equality of society. Through the fusion of advanced ICT and know-how, the NEC Group will contribute to the betterment of society and realize a brighter and more prosperous future.

NEC the WISE is a portfolio of cutting-edge AI technologies developed by NEC.
The portfolio represents NEC's strong desire to facilitate cooperation between people and AI as we continue to leverage our advanced wisdom to solve the increasingly complex and sophisticated problems confronting society.

Press release: NEC announces new AI technology brand, "NEC the WISE"
http://www.nec.com/en/press/201607/global_20160719_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

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Kingsmen and Hasbro Announce Plans to Open NERF Family Entertainment Center Attractions

February 11, 2018, 8:30 pm

≫ Next: Gunn 100 revealed - The most creatively awarded campaigns, agencies and brands of 2017

≪ Previous: Sumitomo Electric and NEC Collaborate in AI- and IoT-based Mobility Business

SINGAPORE, Feb 12, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Kingsmen Creatives Ltd. (Kingsmen), and its subsidiaries (the Group), a leading communication design and production group, today announced that Kingsmen Xperience, Inc., its US-based subsidiary, has entered into a licensing agreement with global play and entertainment company Hasbro International, Inc. (Hasbro) to create, build and operate NERF family entertainment center (FEC) attractions across Asia Pacific. A leader in action based performance toys with unparalleled performance, power and popularity, the NERF brand appeals to fans of all ages.

Kingsmen will co-conceptualise, create, build and operate multiple NERF FEC attractions across Asia Pacific, with the first location to open by 2019 in Singapore. This will be the first FEC concept attraction for Hasbro and the NERF brand. Each stand-alone indoor entertainment facility will feature multiple activity zones, merchandising and food & beverage areas that will engage and entrench all family members into the fun and action of the NERF brand. The agreement between Hasbro and Kingsmen marks the start of an inaugural partnership and entry into the development and operation of NERF FEC attractions across Asia Pacific.

Mr. Andrew Cheng, Group Chief Executive Officer of Kingsmen, said, "This new concept attraction and collaboration with Hasbro marks our entry into the development and operating of LBE (location based entertainment), and an expansion of our business portfolio. This exciting new move is an extension of our skillsets built over the years, and expands on our business of creating and building unique experiences."

"In its 45-year history, NERF has transcended the toy aisle to become a lifestyle brand that both kids and adults enjoy. While we have continued success in the blaster category and have grown the sports action, pet, and electronics categories, our research shows that consumers have been looking for even more ways to engage with the NERF brand. We are thrilled to be working with Kingsmen, and view this opportunity as an important evolution for the NERF brand," said Michael Ritchie, VP, Global Brand Marketing, NERF Franchise.

"Our collaboration with Kingsmen will allow us - for the first time ever - to offer a wholly-immersive and true play experience that unlocks a totally new and exciting way to experience the NERF brand for fans of all ages. As fans in our NERF Nation say, it's 'NERF or Nothin.'"

About Kingsmen Creatives Ltd.
Listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Exchange, Kingsmen is a leading communication design and production group. Established in 1976, the Group has a network of 19 offices and full service facilities serving global clients in Exhibitions & Thematic, Retail & Corporate Interiors, Research & Design, and Alternative Marketing.

Kingsmen's seamless end-to-end solutions, through its vertically and horizontally integrated service offerings, coupled with its network of offices and partners, provide clients the benefits of flexibility, speed and value. Building on its design-led, quality and service-driven culture, the Group has established a reputation and visible brand that is synonymous with creative and innovative solutions.

The Group serves a long-standing base of clients from diverse industries including well-known names such as Chanel, Changi Airport Group, DBS, FJ Benjamin Group, Gucci, Hong Kong & Shanghai Disneyland, LVMH Group, Ralph Lauren, Resorts World Sentosa, Robinsons Group, Singapore GP, TAG Heuer, Tax Free World Association, Tiffany & Co., Universal Studios, and Wing Tai Asia.

About Hasbro Inc.
Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, LITTLEST PET SHOP and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands.

The company's Hasbro Studios and its film label, Allspark Pictures, are building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Through its commitment to corporate social responsibility and philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to make the world a better place for children and their families. Hasbro ranked No. 1 on the 2017 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by CR Magazine, and has been named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies(R) by Ethisphere Institute for the past six years. Learn more at www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro & @HasbroNews) and Instagram (@Hasbro).

For more information, please contact:
Sarah Fang
Senior Executive, Corporate Communications
Kingsmen Creatives Ltd.
DID: +65 688 000 29
Fax: +65 688 000 38
Email: sarahfang@kingsmen-int.com

Cheryl Lim
Senior Executive, Corporate Communications
Kingsmen Creatives Ltd.
DID: +65 688 043 05
Fax: +65 688 000 38
Email: cheryllim@kingsmen-int.com

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Gunn 100 revealed - The most creatively awarded campaigns, agencies and brands of 2017

February 11, 2018, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Lubrizol to Exhibit at PaintIndia 2018

≪ Previous: Kingsmen and Hasbro Announce Plans to Open NERF Family Entertainment Center Attractions

Meet Graham

Fearless Girl

Child Replacement Programme

Ad campaign 'Meet Graham', agency AlmapBBDO, network BBDO Worldwide, holding company Omnicom Group, brand Nike, advertiser Volkswagen Group and USA top the rankings

LONDON, Feb 12, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Gunn Report, the global index of creative excellence in advertising, today released the results of the newly launched Gunn 100, a ranking of the top 100 creatively awarded advertising ideas of 2017- regardless of their communication discipline - and the companies behind them.

The rankings, which include the top creative agencies, agency networks, holding companies, brands, advertisers and countries, are compiled by analysing the results of more than 40 of the world's most important international, regional and national creative awards shows.

Ranked the most creative campaign in the world is 'Meet Graham', created by Clemenger BBDO Melbourne for Australia's Transport Accident Commission, depicting what a human would have to look like to withstand a low speed crash.

In second place is McCann New York's 'Fearless Girl'. In honour of International Women's Day, asset management firm State Street Global Advisors installed a bronze statue of a defiant girl staring down the iconic Wall Street's 'Charging Bull' sculpture, which sparked a conversation on women's equality issues in the US.

Ranked third is Pedigree's humorous 'Child Replacement Programme' campaign in New Zealand, created by Colenso BBDO Auckland, which encourages parents to adopt a dog once their children have left home.

Three themes have emerged from the world's most creative campaigns:

- A year of 'purpose': purpose-driven marketing continues to dominate with brands (as opposed to charities or not-for-profit) using social or environmental causes in brand-building activity.
- Creativity meets tech: A number of high-ranking campaigns found innovative ways to use emerging technology.
- Emotion drives film-led work: A combination of emotional engagement and high production values was a recurring theme in film-led campaigns.

BBDO agencies dominate the league tables following an impressive performance around the world with four agencies listed in the top ten. Most notably AlmapBBDO Sao Paulo tops the most creative agencies leader-board for the fourth time in the 19 years of Gunn Report. BBDO New York is ranked second and Dentsu Tokyo third.

BBDO Worldwide heads the networks table, for an impressive twelfth consecutive year with 36 different offices contributing to their total. McCann Worldgroup are in second place and Ogilvy & Mather third.

Andrew Robertson, President and Chief Executive BBDO, comments: "We know that award-winning work works better in the marketplace, so topping the Gunn 100 matters. When we say we're focused on The Work. The Work. The Work, we mean it: winning Gunn for 12 years in a row proves it."

For the first time Gunn Report has included a ranking of holding companies based on their creative output. Omnicom takes poll position followed by WPP in second and Interpublic Group in third place.

Nike has bounced back from 12th position last year to take first place in the brands table for the fifth time. Volkswagen, IKEA, Getty Images and McDonald's follow.

German multinational Volkswagen Group, is the most creative advertiser with both Volkswagen and Audi ranking in the top ten brands. They had two campaigns in the top 100 and a further 30 from across all regions that contributed to their tally. Mars takes second place followed by Nike, Procter & Gamble and Samsung.

Jochen Sengpiehl, Head of Marketing, Volkswagen, says: "We are very pleased that Volkswagen Group has been named best advertiser of the world in 2017. Our campaigns are based on a tremendous passion for the automobile and people. Volkswagen is committed to creative advertising that convinces customers. This honour shows that our campaigns throughout the world have reached a top-class level and will provide the entire team with motivation to do even better and to defend the title."

USA retains its place as the most creatively awarded country in the world by far. United Kingdom and Australia follow.

The most highly ranked ideas and companies in Gunn 100 are:

Top 10 world's most creatively awarded campaigns

Rank    Campaign title            Brand                       Agency                 Points
1       Meet Graham               Transport Accident          Clemenger BBDO
                                  Commission                  Melbourne              684
2       Fearless Girl             State Street Global         McCann
                                  Advisors                    New York               395.6
3       Child Replacement         Pedigree                    Colenso BBDO
        Programme                                             Auckland               302.3
4       Evan                      Sandy Hook Promise          BBDO
                                                              New York               300.7
5       Endless Possibilities     Getty Images                AlmapBBDO
                                                              Sao Paulo              294.4
6       The Field Trip to Mars    Lockheed Martin             McCann
                                                              New York               286.9
7       We're The Superhumans     Channel 4 Paralympics       4Creative
                                                              London                 262.9
8       Landcruiser Emergency     Toyota                      Saatchi & Saatchi
        Network                                               Sydney                 256.3
9       Nike Unlimited Stadium    Nike                        BBH
                                                              Singapore              254.1
10      Like My Addiction         Addict'Aide                 BETC
                                                              Paris                  247.9

Top 10 world's best creative agencies

Rank   Agency          Location                      Points 
1      AlmapBBDO       Sao Paulo, Brazil             786.4
2      BBDO            New York, USA                 688.3 
3      Dentsu          Tokyo, Japan                  651.1
4      adam&eveDDB     London, UK                    615.8
5      McCann          New York, USA                 605.9
6      Wieden+Kennedy  Portland, USA                 603.5
7      Clemenger BBDO  Melbourne, Australia          603.1 
8      BETC            Paris, France                 493.3
9      DAVID           Miami, USA                    488.6
10     Colenso         BBDO Auckland, New Zealand    382.3

Top 10 world's best creative agency networks

Rank   Network              Points 
1      BBDO Worldwide       4256.4 
2      McCann Worldgroup    2940.8 
3      Ogilvy & Mather      2928.5 
4      DDB Worldwide        2344.6 
5      Leo Burnett          1593 
6      TBWA Worldwide       1540.5 
7      J. Walter Thompson   1401.6 
8      Y&R                  1396.7 
9      Saatchi & Saatchi     901.9 
10     Wieden+Kennedy        864

Top 10 world's best creative holding companies

Rank   Holding company               Points 
1      Omnicom Group                 8891.5 
2      WPP                           7062.6 
3      Interpublic Grou              4511 
4      Publicis Groupe               4114.4 
5      Dentsu                        1056.8 
6      Havas Group                    863.3 
7      Hakuhodo DY Group              785.9 
8      MDC Partners                   551.8 
9      BlueFocus Communication Group  331.1 
10     Accenture                       79.6

Top 10 world's best creative brands

Rank   Brand          Sector                   Points 
1      Nike           Clothing & Accessories   820.5 
2      Volkswagen     Automotive               650.3 
3      IKEA           Retail                   639.1 
4      Getty Images   Business & Industrial    503.9 
5      McDonald's     Retail                   469.7 
6      Audi           Automotive               429.2 
7      Burger King    Retail                   422.8 
8      Snickers       Food                     417.1 
9      Adidas         Clothing & Accessories   398.9 
10     Netflix        Media & Publishing       383.6

Top 10 world's best creative advertisers

Rank   Advertiser                          Location        Points 
1      Volkswagen Group                    Germany         1097.3 
2      Mars                                USA             1023.4 
3      Nike                                USA              835 
4      Procter & Gamble                    Germany          759.3 
5      IKEA                                Sweden           743.6 
6      Samsung                             South Korea      606.3 
7      Heineken                            Netherlands      515 
8      The Carlyle Group                   USA              508.5 
9      Alphabet                            USA              489.5 
10     Restaurant Brands International     USA              483.7

Top 10 world's most creative countries

Rank   Country       Points 
1      USA           8657.2 
2      UK            3259.9 
3      Australia     2710.7 
4      Germany       2089.3 
5      France        1978.6 
6      Brazil        1637.0 
7      Japan         1632.4 
8      Argentina     1152.3 
9      Thailand      1045.7 
10     Canada        1033.3

Emma Wilkie, managing director of Gunn Report, says: "Gunn 100 offers an independent and objective overview of the best creative ideas from around the world and the companies behind them providing benchmark rankings that encapsulate and inspire the industry."

The full Gunn 100 rankings - including the world's top 100 creatively awarded campaigns, top 50 creative agencies, agency networks, brands, advertisers, countries and top holding companies as well as commentaries, the work and credits - is available by subscription on www.warc.com/gunnreport.

The WARC 100 effectiveness rankings will be announced on 26 February and the Gunn media rankings are released in March.

About Gunn Report

The global index of creative, effective and media excellence in advertising

Gunn Report celebrates award-winning qualities in advertising. It ranks the world's best creative, effective and media ideas as well as companies and countries based on their performance in the most important international, regional and national creative, media, effective and strategy awards contests to produce Gunn 100, WARC 100 and Gunn Media.

The campaigns it showcases have the power to produce an immediate impact on sales and a longer-term impact on brand building. The Gunn Report's research articles further demonstrate the commercial power of creativity.

As well as the various rankings, Gunn Report offers a library of more than 3,500 award-winning creative campaigns and a series of research studies. The Gunn Report was founded by Donald Gunn in 1999 and was acquired by WARC in 2016. Gunn Report is available online by subscription.

About Gunn 100 & Methodology

The Gunn 100 is an annual ranking of the world's most creative advertising and marketing ideas, along with the best-performing agencies, networks, holding companies, brands, advertisers and countries. Gunn 100 rankings are compiled by analysing the results of over 40 of the world's most important global, regional and national creative awards contests. The awards shows tracked will remain confidential to avoid prejudicing entries to competitions. Points are earned based on the level of the award and are weighted according to the standing of each competition in the global marketing industry, determined in part by a survey of senior advertising management.

About WARC - your global authority on advertising and media effectiveness

warc.com is an online service offering advertising best practice, evidence, insights and data 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 runs 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.

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

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