Lubrizol Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate TPU Expansion in Avon Lake

May 25, 2018, 3:00 am

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Nathan Deutsch, plant manager for the Avon Lake facility, welcomes attendees to the ribbon cutting ceremony and recognizes all who contributed to the successful expansion and start-up.

Jian-Wei Dong, general manager of Lubrizol Engineered Polymers, speaks about the importance of the manufacturing site, which demonstrates a long-term commitment to innovation, world class quality, sustainable manufacturing practices and customer growth.

Mike Vaughn, vice president of operations, HSES and supply chain for The Lubrizol Corporation notes that process automation and operational excellence assures safety, product integrity, reliability and yield at the plant, as well as Lubrizol's contribution to the community.

Jian-Wei Dong, general manager of Lubrizol Engineered Polymers' TPU business, cuts the ribbon alongside company and public officials at the ceremony commemorating the latest thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) capacity expansion at Lubrizol's Avon Lake, Ohio plant.

CLEVELAND, Ohio, May 25, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Lubrizol Corporation announces it held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 24, 2018, celebrating the successful start-up of its latest TPU capacity expansion in Avon Lake, Ohio. The expansion is part of Lubrizol's strategic global capacity expansion program supporting the company's Engineered Polymers business and well-known product lines including Estane(R) thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and others.

- Nearly $30 million investment at Avon Lake site, expected to add 15 local jobs
- Part of Lubrizol's strategic investment in Engineered Polymers, totaling nearly $80 million across the globe
- New state-of-the-art manufacturing assets are custom designed, based on more than 60 years of deep experience in TPU synthesis, process engineering and applications
- Engineered Polymers' new branding, "Advancing Materials. Elevating Performance." premiered at the event

Lubrizol's expansion efforts are a direct result of the company anticipating demand for specialty polymers and compounds to grow at double digit rates. Nathan Deutsch, plant manager for the Avon Lake TPU production facility, notes that the expansion adds significant new capacity. The project was completed on time, on budget and commissioned safely and successfully - all in about 20 months, a remarkable accomplishment.

Bill Snyder, who sponsored the project as global operations director for Lubrizol Engineered Polymers, comments, "I've seen a lot of projects in 30 years and this was, by far, the best, because of the combination of deep experience in process technology, engineering, manufacturing know-how, applications expertise, teamwork, focus and accountability. Today is a fitting celebration for success delivered, without compromise."

Jian-Wei Dong, general manager of Lubrizol Engineered Polymers, remarks, "Lubrizol has been recognized as a market leader since its invention of TPU for commercial use in 1959. Our staged investments, from acquisitions to continued expansion of this important manufacturing site, demonstrate our long-term commitment to innovation, the markets we serve and supporting customer growth. The added capabilities ensure we deliver world class quality and with more sustainable manufacturing practices."

Mike Vaughn, vice president of operations, HSES and supply chain for The Lubrizol Corporation states, "These investments, the new capabilities, our continued focus on process automation and operational excellence ensure the integrity of our products and improve the safety, reliability and yield at our plant and, in turn, our contribution to the community. These are critical components to Lubrizol's core beliefs and philosophy."

Lubrizol has enjoyed excellent community relations with the City of Avon Lake, Lorain County, and the State of Ohio for many years. The ceremony was attended by local community dignitaries and state officials. In attendance were Avon Lake Mayor, Greg Zilka; Avon Lake Economic Development Director, Ted Esborn; Lorain County Commissioner (president), Ted Kalo; Lorain County Commissioner (vice president), Matt Lundy; Ohio State Senator, Gayle Manning; representatives from JobsOhio; and others, including employees, key contractors and the media.

The new branding for the Engineered Polymers business, "Advancing Materials, Elevating Performance" speaks directly to the intentions of the investment and start-up, which is delivering customer success in high value applications through Lubrizol's Estane(R) TPU and other portfolio products.

About Lubrizol Engineered Polymers

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

About The Lubrizol Corporation

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

With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, Lubrizol owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 17 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 8,700 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2017 were $6.3 billion. For more information, visit Lubrizol.com.

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

All marks are owned by The Lubrizol Corporation.

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

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

###

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

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Winson Announces FY2018 Annual Results

May 25, 2018, 4:36 am

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Further Penetrates its Key Markets and Bolsters Market Position

HONG KONG, May 25, 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 audited annual results for the year ended 31 March 2018 ("FY2018" or the "year under review").

During the year under review, the Group recorded total revenue of approximately HK$508.1 million (FY2017: HK$467.5 million), with gross profit rising by 14.2% year-on-year to approximately HK$76.9 million (FY2017: HK$67.3 million). Gross profit margin climbed to 15.1% - up from 14.4% in the preceding year. Profit for the year amounted to approximately HK$21.8 million, compared with approximately HK$8.7 million for the corresponding period last year. Net profit margin reached 4.3% (FY2017: 1.9% and approximately 4.1% excluding listing expenses).

Business Review

Environmental Hygiene and Related Services
Environmental hygiene and related services constituted the primary revenue contributor of the Group, generating revenue of HK$467.7 million (FY2017: HK$432.6 million) for the year, and accounting for 92.1% of the Group's total revenue. Segmental gross profit of HK$72.6 million was recorded as compared with HK$62.4 million for the corresponding period last year, with gross profit margin at 15.5% (FY2017: 14.4%). The estimated total value of contracts in hand as at 31 March 2018 was HK$940 million, HK$581 million of which was ongoing contracts. The Group won 19 new contracts during the year, valued at approximately HK$33.9 million in total.

As one of the significant environmental hygiene services providers in Hong Kong, the Group has leveraged its stature, expertise and dynamic workforce of approximately 1,862 full-time and part-time workers to earn contracts with respectable property owners and management companies, a mass transit transportation operator and the Hong Kong Government. In the past year, the Group has continued to add to its portfolio of upscale residential projects, providing hygiene services to premium properties, which have contract sums of approximately HK$0.5 million and HK$0.4 million per month respectively. In addition, the Group has retained its contract with the aforementioned mass transit transportation operator. The contract - valued at over HK$2 million per month - entails cleaning of tracks, tunnels and plant rooms, including certain high-level cleaning services, i.e. areas that are above three metres.

Airline Catering Support Services
The airline catering support services business has been a welcomed addition to the Group since 2013, providing a steady source of supplemental income. During the year ended 31 March 2018, the business generated revenue of HK$40.4 million (FY2017: HK$34.9 million). However, due to a rise in cost of services, gross profit fell to HK$4.3 million (FY2017: HK$5.0 million), with gross profit margin slipping to 10.7% (FY2017: 14.2%).

The healthy generation of revenue largely reflects income from existing contracts held by the Group, the majority of which will not expire until the 2018 and 2019 financial years. As at 31 March 2018, the estimated total value of contracts in hand amounted to approximately HK$66.6 million, of which HK$16.6 million represented ongoing contracts.

Prospects

Irrespective of market conditions, the management recognises the need to constantly bolster operations in order to maintain the Group's competitiveness and appeal to existing and potential customers. Correspondingly, the Group will continue to adopt and upgrade relevant technologies that aid its ability to monitor all facets of operation, leading to the optimisation of processes. It will also look to lessen its dependence on human labour where feasible in view of escalating costs resulting from the labour shortage, while at the same time enhance training of those workers who are indispensable for certain services, including safety-related training so as to protect the Group's sterling reputation for safety. Such training and safety-mindedness are among the features that have distinguished the Group from its peers, and the management is fully committed to harnessing their associated benefits going forward.

Madam Ng Sing Mui, Chairperson and Executive Director of Winson, said, "Despite the continuous market challenges, we are pleased to see that the Group managed to achieve satisfactory results over last financial year. Going forward, the management will look to strengthen ties with its many customers to realise new business opportunities. At the same time, it will leverage the Group's track record of successfully providing end-to-end services to attract new clients to the fold."

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 and related services and airline catering support services in Hong Kong. The Group started off as an environmental hygiene and related 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
Jacky Chiu Tel: (852) 2114 4313 Email: jacky.chiu@sprg.com.hk
Website: www.sprg.com.hk

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Strengthen Marubeni's Competitive Edge in the Domestic Power Retailing Business by Utilizing Digital Technology

May 31, 2018, 2:04 am

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TOKYO, May 31, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Marubeni Corporation introduced an advanced AI market analysis model with the cooperation of Hitachi, Ltd., which was applied to Japan's electricity retail business. Marubeni developed this Model by utilizing Hitachi's IoT platform "Lumada" with its latest digital technologies, such as AI and big data analysis, in order to upgrade market analysis methods for the domestic electricity retail business.

Along with the full liberalization of the electricity retail market beginning in April 2016, the market size of the new power business continues to expand by 3 to 4% every year. Marubeni considers Japan to be one of the main areas to focus on in terms of electricity supply and delivers approximately 5,000 GWh (FY 2017) to customers through its subsidiary, Marubeni Power Retail Corporation. Recently, as the market has expanded, advanced market analytics has become one of the most important issues.

Marubeni and Hitachi have been studying this Model since August 2017 and have succeeded in developing this unique Model by integrating Marubeni's data analysis method with algorithms and Hitachi's machine learning engine which was developed for the purpose of predicting demand trends in retail and distribution fields. Marubeni first used this Model to conduct a trial verification to analyze and predict the market price and demand trends for electric power (among other things). The trial results proved to be effective on business improvement and cost reduction, so the Model was fully implemented.

On April 1st, 2017 Marubeni reorganized the "IoT - Big Data Strategy Office" and established the new "Digital Innovation Department" on April 1st, 2018. The new department's purpose is the promotion and creation of new business models through the use of digital technology. Marubeni will apply the Model to the power business field in order to further strengthen its competitive edge (which is already strong). Marubeni will continue to contribute to the efficiency of Japan's industrial structure by also applying this Model to other fields.

Hitachi will support efforts to create new business models promoted by Marubeni through the use of digital technology; the support they offer will be based in their achievements and knowledge of the IoT platform "Lumada", a combination of OT (operational technology) and advanced IT, which they have accumulated through experience in a wide range of business fields over the course of many years.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

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

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

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Mitsubishi Corporation Reaches Agreement to Sell Interest in Gregory Crinum Coking Coal Mine in Australia

May 31, 2018, 2:54 am

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TOKYO, May 31, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) has entered into an agreement with Sojitz Corporation (Sojitz) to sell its 50% interest in BMA's Gregory Crinum (GC) coking coal mine, which is currently under care and maintenance. The sale will be executed through Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd (MDP), MC's wholly-owned subsidiary headquartered in Brisbane, Australia.

BHP, the holder of the remaining interest in the GC mine, will also sell their 50% interest to Sojitz. The total sale value of the mine, with interests held by MC and BHP combined, will be A$100 million (ca. YEN8.2B). Completion of the sale will be subject to fulfillment of conditions precedent, including approval from the Australian government.

Based on its "Midterm Strategy 2018," released in May 2016, MC has been taking steps to improve its asset portfolio while maintaining its size, and the divestment of the GC mine is one part of this strategy.

In conjunction with these efforts to optimize its asset portfolio, MC is committed to enhancing the competitiveness of its existing assets through continuous endeavors aimed at reducing cost and improving productivity.

The profit from this sale has been included in the full-year earnings forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019.

About Mitsubishi Corporation

Mitsubishi Corporation (MC; TSE: 8058) is a global integrated business enterprise that develops and operates businesses across virtually every industry, including industrial finance, energy, metals, machinery, chemicals, and daily living essentials. MC's current activities have expanded far beyond its traditional trading operations to include investments and business management in diverse fields including natural resources development, manufacturing of industrial goods, retail, new energy, infrastructure, finance and new technology-related businesses.

With over 200 offices and subsidiaries in 90 countries and regions worldwide and a network of approximately 1,300 group companies, MC employs a multinational workforce of over 70,000 people.

For more information, visit https://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/

Contact:
Mitsubishi Corporation
Telephone: +81 3 3210 2171
Facsimile: +81 3 5252 7705

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Fujitsu Sales of PalmSecure Sensors Hit One Million Mark

May 31, 2018, 3:14 am

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Major previous and current palm vein authentication sensors and equipment

New milestone set for sales of the palm vein authentication sensor units

TOKYO, May 31, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Limited and Fujitsu Frontech Limited today announced that cumulative sales of the Fujitsu Biometric Authentication PalmSecure palm vein authentication sensor series, manufactured and sold by the two companies, has now broken through the one million unit mark. About 73 million people in approximately 60 countries around the world interact with this technology daily as a security measure for a broad range of personal authentication tasks, including for ATMs, PC logins, and room entry management. Palm vein authentication is a biometric verification method that can accurately and instantaneously confirm an individual's identity by reading vein patterns in the palm of the hand without direct contact. This technology was first developed by Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. in 2003, with Fujitsu and Fujitsu Frontech initiating sales in 2004. Since then, Fujitsu has refined the technology in a number of ways, improving the speed and accuracy of the sensor's authentication and reducing the size of the sensor. Fujitsu Group will continue to offer the palm vein authentication sensor, which simultaneously delivers advanced security and convenience, as well as various related solutions and services going forward.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_FujitsuPalmSecure53118.jpg
Major previous and current palm vein authentication sensors and equipment

Features of PalmSecure Palm Vein Authentication

1. Provides personal authentication that can be safely used with a high authentication rate

PalmSecure differentiates and authenticates individuals by their vein patterns, which differ for each individual. The technology takes advantage of a unique characteristic of hemoglobin-its absorption of infrared light and black appearance in infrared imaging-as it returns to the lungs through veins beneath the skin in the palm. Unlike other biometric authentication methods that use information on the outside of the body, this technology makes use of biometric data from inside the body, offering protection from falsification or spoofing. Fujitsu's PalmSecure technology also delivers high authentication accuracy, with a less than 0.01% chance of rejection error (with one retry), and a less than 0.00001% chance of accepting the wrong person(1).

2. Works comfortably by just holding out your hand

Authentication of users takes an instant by merely holding their hand naturally over the sensor, making the technology easy to use. The sensor is also contactless, ensuring that the verification process not only remains sanitary, but also largely avoids the impact of external factors including abrasion or dirt on the skin of the hand, sweat, or dryness. PalmSecure makes verification and registration easy for users-vein patterns do not change after early childhood, meaning that users can continue to utilize this technology indefinitely once registered, eliminating the need for re-registration.

Future Plans

Going forward, Fujitsu and Fujitsu Frontech will continue to enhance the accuracy of its PalmSecure palm vein authentication technology even further. By looking beyond the achievement of this most recent sales milestone, Fujitsu demonstrates its continued commitment to contributing to customer security measures, as well as to expanding the use of palm vein authentication technology around the world in a variety of contexts, including in areas with increasingly high demand, like cashless and cardless payments.

(1) High authentication accuracy: less than 0.01% chance of rejection error (with one retry), and a less than 0.00001% chance of accepting the wrong person In the case of the Fujitsu Biometric Authentication PalmSecure-F Pro, Fujitsu Biometric Authentication PalmSecure-F Pro Embedded, and Fujitsu Biometric Authentication PalmSecure-F Light palm vein authentication sensors.

About Fujitsu Frontech

As part of the Fujitsu Group, Fujitsu Frontech Limited ties people and ICT together through the development, manufacture and sales of front-end technologies such as ATMs, banking terminals, palm vein authentication system, RFID, totalizator terminals, and public display devices. Fujitsu Frontech also offers related software, system integration and services as part of its total solutions. Fujitsu Frontech Limited (FTEC: 6945) reported consolidated revenues of 96 billion yen (US$912 million) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018. For more information, please see http://www.fujitsu.com/jp/frontech/en/.

About Fujitsu Ltd

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

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

Contact:
Fujitsu Limited
Public and Investor Relations
Tel: +81-3-3215-5259
URL: www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/

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Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and MHPS Launch Advanced SOx Abatement System ACTIVE FUNNEL

May 31, 2018, 5:10 am

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TOKYO, May 31, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (Mitsubishi Shipbuilding) and Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) have jointly launched the most advanced SOx abatement system, ACTIVE FUNNEL. It is a funnel which contains an optimally shaped exhaust gas scrubbing structure which reduces sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the exhaust gas of 3.5%-sulfur-content fuels to that of 0.1%-sulfur-content fuels, conforming with newly introduced SOx emissions regulations coming into effect globally as of January 1, 2020.

The new and reliable SOx abatement system was developed by combining MHPS' comprehensive exhaust gas treatment technologies cultivated through providing desulfurization systems for thermal power plants with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding's marine engineering expertise which has been developed through its long shipbuilding experience. MHPS' land-based flue gas desulfurization systems have the capacity to treat the equivalent of 7 to 20 times of the emissions from a large size marine diesel engine.

The ACTIVE FUNNEL is most suitable for very large container ships with high exhaust gas emissions and limited installation space for SOx abatement systems. It can desulfurize large amounts of exhaust gas and its flexible design makes it possible to be installed even in narrow spaces between the container holds, while maintaining a vessel's container capacity. The ACTIVE FUNNEL is also suitable for installation on existing ships since it is provided as one module and has a short retrofitting period.

The ACTIVE FUNNEL which is applicable to both open-loop systems and hybrid systems(1) provides a traditional funnel with advanced SOx removal function.

Going forward, the product lineup will be expanded by applying the new ACTIVE FUNNEL technology to very large crude carriers (VLCC: 200,000-310,000 DWT(2)) and very large ore carriers (VLOC).

When new SOx emissions regulations come into effect, the ACTIVE FUNNEL is expected to contribute to the further development of environmentally-friendly and economic global marine transportation .

(1) In an open-loop system, seawater intake is sprayed directly on the exhaust gas and then discharged from the ship. In a closed-loop system, the exhaust gas is scrubbed using circulating water, after which the circulating water is neutralized for reuse. In a hybrid system, it is possible to switch between the open and closed systems.
(2) DWT = dead weight tonnage

About Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd.

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

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

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U.S. FDA Designates for Priority Review of Eisai's Supplemental New Drug Application for Antiepileptic Drug Fycoma

May 31, 2018, 5:33 am

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As Treatment for Pediatric Patients with Epilepsy

TOKYO, May 31, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. has announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Eisai's antiepileptic drug (AED) Fycompa (perampanel). This application seeks approval for an indication expansion to cover pediatric patients with partial onset seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (PGTC) seizures. Furthermore, Eisai has included a study in this sNDA requested by the FDA in a Pediatric Written Request, and therefore FDA has designated this application for Priority Review, which means the review period will be six months. The FDA has assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date of September 28, 2018.

This sNDA was based on the interim results of a Phase III clinical study (Study 311) as well as the results from a Phase II clinical study (Study 232). Both studies suggested the safety and efficacy of adjunctive treatment with Fycompa was similar between pediatric patients and patients 12 years of age and older. The application aims to expand the indication for Fycompa in the United States, which currently covers monotherapy and adjunctive use in the treatment of partial-onset seizures (with or without secondarily generalized seizures) in patients with epilepsy 12 years of age and older, to the age range down to 2 years of age. Based on data accumulated to date, the sNDA also seeks to expand the pediatric indication to include children 2 years of age and older for the adjunctive treatment of PGTC seizures.

Fycompa is a first-in-class AED discovered at Eisai's Tsukuba Research Laboratories. It is a highly selective, noncompetitive AMPA receptor antagonist that reduces neuronal hyperexcitation associated with seizures by targeting glutamate activity at postsynaptic AMPA receptors. Fycompa has been approved in countries around the world including the United States as an adjunctive treatment for partial-onset seizures (with or without secondarily generalized seizures) as well as PGTC seizures in patients with epilepsy 12 years of age and older. In the United States, Fycompa has also been approved as monotherapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures (with or without secondarily generalized seizures). A new oral suspension formulation has also been approved and is available in the United States.

Epilepsy affects approximately 2.9 million people in the United States, 1 million people in Japan, 6 million people in Europe, and approximately 60 million people worldwide. While epilepsy affects people of all ages, incidence is particularly high among children and the elderly. As approximately 30% of patients with epilepsy are unable to control their seizures with currently available AEDs,(1) this is a disease with significant unmet medical need.

Eisai considers neurology including epilepsy, a therapeutic area of focus, and strives to deliver Fycompa throughout the world in pursuit of our mission to provide "seizure freedom" to a greater number of patients living with epilepsy. Eisai seeks to further contribute to addressing the diverse needs of, as well as increasing the benefits provided to, patients with epilepsy and their families.

About Fycompa (perampanel)

Fycompa is a first-in-class AED discovered and developed by Eisai. With epileptic seizures being mediated by the neurotransmitter glutamate, the agent is a highly selective, noncompetitive AMPA receptor antagonist that reduces neuronal hyperexcitation associated with seizures by targeting glutamate activity at postsynaptic AMPA receptors. Fycompa is available in tablet form to be taken once daily orally at bedtime. In addition, a new oral suspension formulation has been approved and is being marketed in the United States.

Fycompa is currently approved in more than 55 countries and territories, including the United States, Japan, in Europe and in Asia as adjunctive treatment for partial-onset seizures (with or without secondarily generalized seizures) in patients with epilepsy 12 years of age and older. In addition, Fycompa has been approved in more than 45 countries, including the United States, Japan, in Europe and in Asia for treatment as an adjunctive therapy for PGTC seizures in patients with epilepsy 12 years of age and older.

Fycompa is also indicated in the United States for the treatment of partial-onset seizures (with or without secondarily generalized seizures) for monotherapy use in patients with epilepsy aged 12 and older.

Furthermore, Eisai is conducting respective global Phase III studies for the agent in pediatric patients with partial-onset seizures or PGTC seizures (Study 311) and in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (Study 338). Additionally, a Phase III study as monotherapy for partial-onset seizures is being conducted in Japan (Study 342).

About Study 311

Study 311 is a global (United States, Europe, Japan, Asia) multicenter, open-label, single-arm trial with an extension phase to evaluate the safety, tolerability and exposure-efficacy relationship of Fycompa oral suspension when administered as an adjunctive therapy in approximately 160 pediatric patients (ages 4 to less than 12 years) with inadequately controlled partial-onset seizures or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Following the 23 week treatment phase in which patients were titrated to receive 2 to 16 mg of Fycompa orally once-daily, long term safety was assessed during an extension phase. In Japan, pediatric patients with partial-onset seizures were titrated to receive 2 to 12 mg of Fycompa orally once-daily. The adverse events (>/=10% in the perampanel arms) observed in Study 311 at the time of interim analysis were somnolence, nasopharyngitis, dizziness, and irritability.

About Study 232

Study 232 was a global (United States, Europe), multicenter, open-label, long-term administration clinical study in approximately 63 pediatric patients with epilepsy (ages 2 to less than 12). The study evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety, tolerability and efficacy of Fycompa oral suspension taken at the same time as other AEDs. Administration of once-daily Fycompa was titrated from 0.015 mg/kg to 0.18 mg/kg, and long-term safety was confirmed after 11 weeks of treatment and an extension phase (41 weeks). The most common adverse events (>/=10% in the perampanel arms) observed in Study 232 were pyrexia, fatigue, vomiting, irritability, somnolence, dizziness, and upper respiratory tract infection.

About Epilepsy

Epilepsy affects approximately 2.9 million people in the United States, 1 million people in Japan, 6 million people in Europe, and approximately 60 million people worldwide. As approximately 30% of patients with epilepsy are unable to control their seizures with currently available AEDs,(1) this is a disease with significant unmet medical need.

Epilepsy is broadly categorized by seizure type, with partial-onset seizures accounting for approximately 60% of epilepsy cases and generalized seizures accounting for approximately 40%. In a partial-onset seizure, an abnormal electrical disturbance occurs in a limited area of the brain, and may subsequently spread throughout the brain, becoming a generalized seizure (known as a secondarily generalized seizure). In a generalized seizure, abnormal electrical disturbances occur throughout the brain, and can be followed by a loss of consciousness or physical symptoms manifested throughout the whole body.

Accounting for approximately 60% of generalized epilepsy and approximately 20% of all epilepsy cases,(2) generalized tonic-clonic seizures are one of the most common and most severe forms of epileptic seizures as they can cause significant injury to patients from falling down suddenly, and the frequency of these seizures is the most important risk factor associated with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).(3)

For the majority of patients, a generalized tonic-clonic seizure begins with a loss of consciousness without any prior warning symptoms and a sudden contraction of the tonic muscles, causing the patient to fall down (tonic phase). This is followed by violent convulsions (clonic phase) until the muscles finally relax, and the patient is left with a disturbance of consciousness. As this is a serious event, it is seen as a major hindrance on daily life. While the seizure generally only lasts a few minutes, the patient will often feel confused, groggy or drowsy for a short period of time before returning to normal.

(1) "The Epilepsies and Seizures: Hope Through Research. What are the epilepsies?" National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, accessed May 24, 2016.
(2) Hauser WA, et al. Epilepsia, 34(3):453-468, 1993
(3) Shorvon S, Tomson T. "Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy." Lancet, 2011; 378:2028-2038

About Eisai

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

Contact:
Public Relations Department,
Eisai Co., Ltd.
+81-(0)3-3817-5120

↧

Blockpass launches Token Distribution Event

May 30, 2018, 9:30 pm

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HONG KONG, May 31, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Blockpass, the blockchain-based identity application which gives users total control over their own personal data, is pleased to announce that it has today launched its Initial Token Distribution Event (“TDE”) through the sale of tokens (“PASS tokens”) which will be available for purchase from official distributors from 31st May 2018 until 30th November 2018.

Blockpass is an identity application for regulated services and the Internet of Things (IoT). As a self-sovereign identity platform, users can establish, verify, store and manage their identities, maintaining full control over all data involved.
With an initial focus on human identity, Blockpass will provide a reliable and cost-effective Know-Your-Customer (“KYC”) and Anti-Money-Laundering (“AML”) service for regulated industries, blockchain merchants and service providers.
Available on iOS and Android, the Blockpass app is consumer-oriented and will enable users to create a new account (profile), submit documents for verification, submit their digital identity to service providers to pass KYC, log in to Blockpass-enabled services, sign crypto-asset transactions, and access third-party decentralized applications (“Dapps”).
Blockpass has published its White Paper which can be found on the Company’s website at https://www.blockpass.org/token
The PASS token will be an ERC20-based token
Blockpass will issue a finite number of 1 billion PASS tokens of which 250 million PASS tokens will be available for purchase during the Initial TDE from authorised distributors
The PASS tokens available at the Initial TDE will be priced at 0.08 Euro per PASS token

Adam Vaziri, CEO of Blockpass, said: “Blockpass provides an exciting, easy to use, identity verification solution to the proliferating and serious security challenges created by the fast-evolving digital age. By turning personal validation data into an anonymous cryptographic code that is whitelisted on the blockchain, Blockpass gives users back control over their own identities and eliminates the need for painful online validation processes. Businesses will benefit from vastly reduced KYC/AML costs and will no longer have the liability of protecting vast amounts of sensitive personal data in an age of GDPR.

Today represents an exciting milestone for Blockpass as it will allow us to accelerate the development of a differentiated offering that will bring transparency and trust to the blockchain ecosystem where we are already established with a dozen leading suppliers and partner companies. We have an experienced management team with a clear revenue model and strategy for growth and a first mover, patented advantage in the growing regtech market which is expected to reach $118.7 billion USD by 2020. The funds generated from the PASS tokens accelerate awareness through branding and marketing and the tokens themselves will be used to encourage utilisation. Holders of the PASS tokens will also participate in the growing value of Blockpass.

We have numerous opportunities for growth but are prioritising crypto offerings and financial services where the need for identity validation is particularly acute.”

Blockpass

Adam Vaziri, CEO

Hans Lombardo, CMO

Tel: +852 9688 1719

hans.lombardo@blockpass.org

Buchanan (UK Financial PR)

Alex Brown / Chris Lane / Jamie Hooper / Olivia Montefiore-Vita

Tel: +44 (0)20 7466 5000

Blockpass@buchanan.uk.com

The Blockpass Human Identity Solution

Blockpass manifests itself as a user-centric and self-sovereign identity application for regulated services and the Internet of Things. Blockpass offers a next-generation, effective identity creation and storage protocol.

Blockpass is built with self-sovereignty in mind: Blockpass starts from the premise that users need to hold and control their own identifying data - not third parties. So, in Blockpass, online identity data belongs to, and is entirely controlled by, the user. Blockpass does not retain any user data, nor is any raw user data stored on any blockchain - only hashes. Users choose what credentials they want to have verified and signed (such as a proof of address or a government-issued piece of ID), decide where that data is stored (such as on their device or in the cloud), and control who may see it.

Blockpass digital identities have a high degree of utility: As an owner of a Blockpass verified identity, you gain access to a growing ecosystem of Web 3.0 service providers that have chosen to accept Blockpass identities as KYC. For businesses, Blockpass can be seen as a shared KYC platform, where a pool of pre-verified users is shared between businesses thus reducing the cost and time of onboarding new customers.

Blockpass digital identities are underpinned by their reusability: With a Blockpass identity application, the user keeps all their digital KYC in a single place, which they have at their fingertips at any time. Once the user’s credentials have been verified and signed, they may re-use them quickly and simply with any number of services. When a user joins a new regulated service, if their Blockpass identity application is configured, they can prove their identity extremely quickly.

Blockpass offers an onchain identity solution that is easy to combine with other decentralized technologies or processes: Blockpass offers an onchain, immediately available, verified digital identity. For a transaction to be compliant in regulators’ eyes, both transacting parties need to prove the transaction was personally authenticated. With Blockpass, users can transparently sign transactions and Dapp accounts with their compliant digital identity, meaning that buyers and sellers will be able to safely and compliantly complete transactions and that Dapps will seamlessly meet the basic verification requirements for the services they provide. Furthermore, this setup enables the generation of multi-signature smart contracts that require personal authentication with the Blockpass tool.

Blockpass meets GDPR requirements: On 25th May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) went into effect in the European Union. As a user-centric identity application, Blockpass meets GDPR requirements. Blockpass and its suite of products are perfectly situated to enable blockchain business operations in the second largest economy in the world, in addition to other regions.

Benefits for Businesses and Individuals

Businesses

A comprehensive identity verification portal for quick and easy user onboarding for regulated industries.

1. Rapid User Onboarding: The use of blockchain technology and smart contracts eliminates tedious KYC & AML compliance procedures by reducing sign up friction and increasing conversions.

2. Low Cost Pre-verified Compliance: With shared regulatory and compliance services, it becomes possible to onboard users without expensive and duplicative identity verification of the same user multiple times across different services.

3. New Application Potential: A modernized compliance protocol will enable new levels of efficiency and application possibilities for blockchain, fintech, and traditional institutions.

Individuals

A faster, safer, easier way to access regulated industries.

1. Speedy Gateway to Compliant Services: Blockpass provides a secure and rapid gateway to access ICOs, exchanges, and other regulated services without the need to complete redundant compliance requirements.

2. Own your own Data: Blockpass is a self-sovereign identity verification service that only stores a cryptographic representation of your verified identity on a blockchain whitelist. Your data is stored on your mobile device and shared only with those who you choose.

3. Shared Identity Whitelist: The end of multiple KYC identity checks. Blockpass enables users to get approved and whitelisted once for near immediate access to multiple merchants and service providers.

Market Drivers

Self-sovereignty is something people want:

In a study carried out by the Pew Research Centre, 91% of respondents agreed that consumers have lost control over how personal information is collected and used by companies. Decentralized KYC gives users full-control over their data, and this is something people want and are willing to pay for.

Decentralized KYC means more cost-efficiency for businesses:

KYC solutions are prohibitively expensive. In a report, Consult Hyperion estimated that a KYC check can cost 10 to 100 GBP (11 to 114 euros) per customer. In the most extreme example, Thomson-Reuters found that some firms were spending up to 500 million USD (400 million euros) on KYC compliance and customer due diligence. Simply by eliminating data storage costs, decentralized KYC can prove to be cost-efficient to businesses.

Decentralization fosters a better user experience:

Centralized data storage means that a KYC check likely only applies to a single onboarding process. Decentralized data storage enables the possibility of a universal identity gateway. With the Blockpass Identity application, the user keeps all their digital KYC in a single place - on their personal device - which they have at their fingertips at any time. Once the user’s credentials have been verified and signed, they may re-use them quickly and simply with any number of services. When a user joins a new regulated service, if their Blockpass identity application is configured, they can prove their identity extremely quickly.

Web 3.0 developers demand decentralized KYC for their products:

Current online identity services cannot support the burgeoning development of Dapps and crypto-assets. KYC solutions that operate off-chain cannot reconcile users’ digital identities with decentralized applications. Blockchain Dapps currently lack regtech solutions that would enable compliant and secure services. For Dapps to reach their full potential - to be compatible with regulated transactions - they require a method to verify user identities.

Crypto-asset transactions require onchain KYC:

Security tokens, which are currently being issued as ‘meta’ tokens on Ethereum, Neo, and other networks, require KYC of the issuer, sender, and receiver of the asset. Transactions of the assets should be irreversible from a legal and non-technical point of view, which is only possible by proving that the counterparty actually signed a transfer with Blockpass. Additional AML laws are increasingly being enforced for crypto transactions.

Using the Blockpass Identity to Access Services

Within the application, services can be found in the “Services” menu. Services that are listed on the app are listed according to the amount of KYC that is required for user onboarding. Services for which the user has provided enough information to onboard are listed first, while ones for which the user must provide more information are listed later.

Alternatively, services can be accessed through the use of a QR code. Upon scanning a code, Blockpass prompts the user to submit the necessary profile information to access that service.

Service providers may perform additional verification checks before onboarding the user. In some cases, the service provider can issue certificates that the user can choose to add to their profile.

Blockpass Identity Backup and Recovery

It is possible for Blockpass users to backup their identity. As Blockpass is a user-centric solution, the backup process can only be initiated manually - at the request of the user. Backups contain all user-generated content, certificates, and the local key. The backup manifests itself as a binary file, which is encrypted with a password. In version one of the Blockpass user app, users may send the backup file to their email. Other destinations will be integrated in future releases. When a user wishes to recover their identity, they port it into the app that is downloaded to their app by connecting the email address that holds the backup file and entering a pin.

For more information and updates, please visit and sign up to the following:

Promotional video: https://youtu.be/SvO2cw3e-SI
Website: http://www.blockpass.org
Medium: https://medium.com/@blockpass
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlockpassOrg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blockpassorg/
Telegram: https://t.me/blockpass

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Bettium Partners with Polish e-Sports Foundation to Expand Presence in Central and Eastern Europe

May 30, 2018, 9:44 pm

≫ Next: Search now accounts for one in five dollars spent on advertising worldwide. Buoyed by mobile growth, voice and image bring new marketing opportunities

≪ Previous: Blockpass launches Token Distribution Event

The foundation's founder, Tomasz Chojecki, will join Bettium's advisory board and will provide his key insights, knowledge, and expertise in the e-sports and gaming market

HONG KONG, May 31, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Bettium, the peer-to-peer blockchain-based betting firm, today announced a partnership with the Polish e-Sports Foundation, representing one of the fastest-growing e-sports hubs in the world - which provides organizational support, education, and advice to professional e-sports teams and players. With the aim of disrupting the $3 trillion worldwide sports betting market, Bettium will work shoulder-to-shoulder with the foundation to expand its global reach and gain a larger footprint in the European e-sports market.

CEO of Bettium, Nathan Hunt, said, "Professional community management is at the center of innovation in the space and has remained a key focus throughout the development of Bettium. We are delighted to welcome Mr. Chojecki to our Advisory Board and partner with the e-Sports Foundation to further Bettium's growth potential in the EU's vibrant gaming sector and directly connect with the local community - which is stronger in Europe than anywhere else."

"The foundation's team - which includes e-sports enthusiasts, IT experts, and seasoned tech entrepreneurs - has an impressive reputation within the market, and we are unquestionably strengthened by the addition of their management, community, and organizational expertise. In particular, Mr. Chojecki brings a wealth of experience and industry knowledge as a proven manager, e-sports community leader, and an ex-professional player," added Hunt.

Since the very inception of the platform, Bettium has evolved from an entrepreneurial startup to a professionally managed firm. Led by Mr. Hunt, the renowned innovator and entrepreneur, and a team with more than 100 years of combined experience in business, management, finance, blockchain, and IT, Bettium aims to become the next-generation sports betting firm with the aim of transforming the $3 trillion global sports betting market. According to its founders, the firm will introduce a blockchain-based suite of AI services and big-data-enabled tools that will level the playing field between professional and recreational, amateur bettors.

The partnership with the Polish e-Sports Foundation will allow Bettium to expand its presence in the European e-sports and gaming market ahead of the upcoming public crowdsale. Cur-rently, the company is conducting a private fundraiser that will close on June 30, 2018.

For more information, visit https://bettium.com/

To follow the company's latest updates, visit:
Follow Bettium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bettiumcom
Follow Bettium on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bettium
Telegram news:https://t.me/bettium

About Bettium
Bettium is a peer-to-peer, blockchain-based betting platform providing a next-generation P2P betting infrastructure for all types of bettors. The firm is managed by highly experienced, dedicated professionals who have dedicated their careers to developing and sustaining successful businesses on a global scale. The Bettium Advisory Board includes Peiwei Ni (Chairman and CEO of Super Block), Alexandru Radulescu (Crypto Market Advisor), Gary Fowler (Co-Founder and CEO of Findo), Maury G (APAC consultant), Kirsten Roy-Reid (Next Level Consulting Partner, Compliance Executive Director), Ken Cheung (Vice President at Asia-Pacific E-Sports Association & Lollab Ltd), Gi Nam Lee (Legal Advisor, Korea e-Sports Association).

About e-Sports Foundation
Established by Tomasz Chojecki in 2015, the e-Sports Foundation operates on the territory of the Republic of Poland and abroad. The foundation's goal is to promote e-sports through creating conditions for professional education and development in the field, supporting local e-sports players, teams, and initiatives, such as boot camps, tournaments, and e-sports events.

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Search now accounts for one in five dollars spent on advertising worldwide. Buoyed by mobile growth, voice and image bring new marketing opportunities

May 30, 2018, 9:45 pm

≫ Next: Champion REIT wins Three Awards at HKIRA 4th IR Awards; Recognized as Best IR Company

≪ Previous: Bettium Partners with Polish e-Sports Foundation to Expand Presence in Central and Eastern Europe

WARC's Global Ad Trends - A focus on search advertising

LONDON, May 31, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Search advertising is the focus of the latest monthly Global Ad Trends report by WARC, the international authority on advertising and media effectiveness, digesting up-to-date insights and evidenced thinking from the worldwide advertising industry.

Following an analysis of WARC's adspend data for its 12 key markets - Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom and United States - search advertising spend will amount to $100.5bn in 2018, an increase of 11% from $90.5bn in 2017. This equates to one in five dollars spent on advertising worldwide this year.

Mobile is driving growth in the search market, eroding display's share of advertising spend

Mobile search is expected to attract $62.7bn this year - 62.4% of total search spend within WARC's 12 key markets. Mobile's share of total search spend has near doubled since 2015, driving wider sector growth.

Across mobile and desktop, paid search's share of global advertising spend has trebled over the last decade, rising to over a fifth this year. Search's share is expected to reach 22% in the US this year, 26% in China, and near 30% in the UK. Most of these gains have been at the expense of display formats.

James McDonald, Data Editor, WARC, says: "In its function as a pull medium, search has done more than replace classified - it is steadily eating into the share of advertising expenditure going to display. Emerging formats such as mobile voice and image look likely to continue this trend. This may be a sign that brands are shifting budget; though it more likely reflects a multitude of SME advertisers who have started spending due to the accessibility of the format."

The four largest players made $101bn last year

Analysis of company reports shows that the four largest providers - Google, Baidu, Yahoo and Microsoft's Bing - made a combined $101bn from paid search in 2017, of which $10.5bn came from outside WARC's 12 key markets. Google dominates the landscape, drawing an estimated $85.8bn in 2017 (up 20% from 2016). Badiu ($10bn), Yahoo ($3bn) and Microsoft ($1.8bn) follow some way behind, but all saw revenues grow.

Google also dominates user share across desktop and mobile

Google attracts the vast majority of search revenue because it is the dominant player in terms of users. This is particularly true for mobile users, with 89.3% preferring Google's search service.

Figures from April 2018 show that Google's share dips closer to two-thirds (66.8%) in the more mature desktop market. Baidu controls a fifth (20.5%), Bing takes 7.7%, Yahoo 3.5%, and others 1.5%.

Click through and conversion rates for search ads outperform online display across all categories, though costs are often higher as a result

Data for 16 product categories show that paid search routinely outperforms online display advertising in terms of both conversion and click through (CTR) rates. On average, search ads recorded a CTR of 3.3% compared to just 0.57% for online display. With regard to conversion rates, search's average is 4.32% compared to display's 1.09%.

The stronger results from search advertising come at a cost for advertisers. On average, the cost per click (CPC) for search ads is over four times higher than for display, at $3.00.

Voice and image search have room to grow

Smartphones are driving voice search, with data showing that 47% of users utilise voice tech at least once a month on a global level. Of those that use voice tech at least once a week, the top six activities are search related, including online searches (60% of users), finding information on a product (53%), asking questions (50%), asking for directions (42%) and finding information on a brand or company (41%).

Neurological research shows that when people ask a question involving a brand name, their brain activity demonstrates a significantly stronger emotional response compared to people typing that same brand question. This emphasises the need for brands to craft the sound of their own voices.

Image search is also gaining momentum, with half (51%) of UK millennials having used the feature, while almost a fifth (17.6%) already do so regularly. Households with children also demonstrate similar adoption levels to millennials. However, brands looking to advertise against visual search queries may have to wait some time before digital platforms advance inventory beyond basic text-style search terms.

Global media analysis: A round-up of search advertising

- 3.3% average click through rate (CTR) for search ads4.3% average conversion rate for search ads
- 17.2% compound annual growth rate for Google's search revenue
- 17.6% of UK millennials regularly using image search
- 21.9% search's share of global advertising spend this year
- 89.3% Google's share of the mobile search engine market

Other new key media intelligence on WARC Data

- Latest results provide first evidence that younger users are leaving Facebook
- Almost a fifth of US advertisers have fully moved programmatic buying in-house
- China is core to Facebook's ad business as brands target users in the Americas
- Broadcast primetime CPM set to top $30 during this season's upfronts

Global Ad Trends is part of WARC Data, a dedicated online service featuring current advertising benchmarks, data points, ad trends and user-generated expanded databases.

Aimed at media and brand owners, market analysts, media, advertising and research agencies as well as academics, WARC Data provides current advertising and media information, hard facts and figures - essential market intelligence for ad industry related business, strategy and planning required in any decision making process.

WARC Data is available by subscription only. For more information visit www.warc.com/data.

About WARC Data

- a global advertising trends, benchmarks, data points and database service

WARC Data provides current advertising and media information, hard facts and figures - essential market intelligence for ad industry related business, strategy and planning required in any decision making process.

Core features of WARC Data are:
Benchmarks: improve campaign performance using planning and measurement benchmarks
- ROI Calculator: compare campaign ROI with WARC case studies database
- Media Allocation: plan campaign budgets using media splits from successful campaigns
- Ad/Sales Ratios: advertising/sales ratios for 200 SIC-coded US industries

Data Points: Takeaway charts and data on media spend, costs and consumption
- New series of chart-led data articles bringing clients the most reliable stats on a given topic
- Delivered via search results and topic update emails
- Download the chart in PPT and/or the data in Excel directly from the article
- Articles are updated on a rolling basis throughout the year and can be saved in "My WARC"

WARC Reports:
- Global Ad Trends: a monthly report digesting the latest insights and evidenced thinking from the global advertising industry
- The Global Marketing Index (GMI): a monthly barometer of marketer sentiment towards trading conditions, budgets and staffing levels on a global and regional level
- State of The Industry: Mobile Marketing: results from exclusive surveys by WARC and the Mobile Marketing Association into brands' use of mobile around the world
- Media Consumption overviews: market-specific consumption trends for 36 countries

Extensive Databases:
- International adspend forecasts for 12 key markets by medium and ad format
- WARC's adspend database holds advertising spend figures in 96 countries back to 1980
- Media Costs database monitors CPM and cost per 100 GPRs in 68 countries, by medium and target audience

WARC Data is available by subscription only. For more information visit https://www.warc.com/data

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

↧

Champion REIT wins Three Awards at HKIRA 4th IR Awards; Recognized as Best IR Company

May 30, 2018, 11:07 pm

≫ Next: Miricor Announces FY2017/2018 Annual Results; Records Net Profit of HK$26.5 Million

≪ Previous: Search now accounts for one in five dollars spent on advertising worldwide. Buoyed by mobile growth, voice and image bring new marketing opportunities

Chief Executive Officer of Champion REIT, Ms. Ada Wong (left) receives the "Best IR by Chairman / CEO" award at the HKIRA 4th IR Awards

Investment and Investor Relations Director of Champion REIT, Ms. Amy Luk (fourth from right on the first row) receives the "Best IRO" award at the HKIRA 4th IR Awards

HONG KONG, May 31, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Champion Real Estate Investment Trust ("Champion REIT") (Stock Code: 2778), owner of Three Garden Road and Langham Place, was named Best IR Company and has garnered a total of three major accolades at the Hong Kong Investor Relations Association ("HKIRA") 4th Investor Relations ("IR") Awards. The award winners were voted online by members of local and overseas buy-side and sell-side analysts, and fund managers. The awards underscore Champion REIT's excellence in investor relations, and reflect the wider recognition by the investment community.

Champion REIT received the following accolades in the mid cap category:
- Best IR Company
- Best IR by Chairman / CEO - Ms. Ada Wong
- Best IRO - Ms. Amy Luk

Ms. Ada Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Champion REIT, said, "We are truly honoured to receive such prestigious recognition. Winning these accolades once again has acknowledged our contribution in a high level of transparency and commitment to the investment community. Our team has strived to maintain a proactive relationship with investors and to anticipate the ever-changing needs of the investment community. Moving forward, Champion REIT will spare no effort to maintain effective two-way communications with our stakeholders."

The 4th IR Awards presented by HKIRA aims to celebrate excellence in the local IR profession. The IR Awards target to set benchmarks for measuring the standard of investor relations efforts by individuals and listed companies.

About Champion REIT (Stock Code: 2778)
Champion Real Estate Investment Trust is a trust formed to own and invest in income producing office and retail properties. The Trust focuses on Grade-A commercial properties in prime locations. It currently offers investors direct exposure to 2.93 million sq. ft. of prime office and retail properties by way of two landmark properties, Three Garden Road and Langham Place, one on each side of the Victoria Harbour.

Website: www.championreit.com

For press enquiries
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Vicky Lee Tel: 2864 4834 Email: vicky.lee@sprg.com.hk
Adrianna Lau Tel: 2114 4987 Email: adrianna.lau@sprg.com.hk
Christina Cheuk Tel: 2114 4979 Email: christina.cheuk@sprg.com.hk
Website: www.sprg.com.hk

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Miricor Announces FY2017/2018 Annual Results; Records Net Profit of HK$26.5 Million

May 31, 2018, 3:28 am

≫ Next: Third Belt and Road Summit to be Held in Hong Kong Next Month

≪ Previous: Champion REIT wins Three Awards at HKIRA 4th IR Awards; Recognized as Best IR Company

Strategic Expansion Intended to Grasp Increasing Opportunities

HONG KONG, May 31, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Miricor Enterprises Holdings Limited ("Miricor" or the "Group", stock code: 8358), a medical aesthetic services provider in Hong Kong, has today announced its annual results for FY2017/2018.

The Group recorded revenue of approximately HK$127.2 million for the year ended 31 March 2018 (the "Year under Review"), increasing by 27.1% when compared with the year ended 31 March 2017. The rise was primarily attributable to the increase in different marketing channels, such as the telemarketing strategy and active promotional campaigns on various social media platforms, which raised consumer awareness of the "CosMax" brand, and secured more customers. Profit for the Year under Review surged 265 times to HK$26.5 million when compared with last year. It was mainly due to the absence of one-off listing expenses of approximately HK$14.9 million and the forfeited rental-related deposits of HK$2.9 million incurred last year. During the Year under Review, treatment services were the main contributor to the Group's revenue. This sector has generated revenue of HK$112.8 million, increasing by approximately 25.3% over the corresponding period of 2017.

The Group has recently entered into a lease agreement to open a new medical aesthetic centre at Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui. Harbour City is a large-scale shopping complex at a prime location in Kowloon with a high pedestrian flow. The new outlet is to be the Group's first medical aesthetic centre on Kowloon side. The Group is confident that the new centre will attract more customers and effectively cope with the rising customer traffic. Meanwhile, the Group has also decided to move its two Causeway Bay Centres in Soundwill Plaza into a duplex unit in the same building. The Group believes this centre will allow better allocation of resources and reap operational synergies.

The Group has also dedicated unceasing efforts in advancing its product offerings and services. As at 31 March 2018, the Group had 93 treatment modules within which it could perform a range of treatment procedures. During the Year under Review, new treatments including PicoPlus, Ultra Deep, BioEnergetic Therapy and Juvederm Volite were introduced to provide advanced skin and body refinement. Moreover, the Group expanded its "Cospeutic" and "CosMax" product lines, by launching17 and 4 new skincare products respectively during the Year under Review.

The Group believes its recent expansion plan will effectively serve the rising demand for its services and enhance its market share. The Group will also take advantage of its enlarged geographical presence to attract new and more diverse customers. The Group will continue to apply its strengths, build on its solid customer base and good brand reputation to deliver stable business development and generate lucrative returns for shareholders.

About Miricor Enterprises Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 8358)
Miricor Enterprises Holdings Limited is a medical aesthetic service provider in Hong Kong. It currently operates three medical aesthetics centres in the prime locations of Causeway Bay and Central under its brand "CosMax". Miricor offers a broad range of non-surgical medical aesthetic services and skin care products to clients with an aim to improve clients' skin condition as well as to enhance their physical appearance. It provides solutions that are tailored for clients' individual needs and treatments are performed by its doctors and/or trained therapists. Miricor has been added as a constituent stock of Morgan Stanley Capital International ("MSCI") Hong Kong Micro Cap Index in June 2017. For more information about Miricor, please visit: www.miricor.com.

Media enquiries:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Vicky Lee (852) 2864 4834 vicky.lee@sprg.com.hk
Beverly Chiu (852) 2114 4329 beverly.chiu@sprg.com.hk
Fax: (852) 2527 1196
Website: www.sprg.com.hk

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Third Belt and Road Summit to be Held in Hong Kong Next Month

May 30, 2018, 11:30 pm

≫ Next: Flashpoint Expands Presence in Asia-Pacific, Appoints Executive to Oversee Region

≪ Previous: Miricor Announces FY2017/2018 Annual Results; Records Net Profit of HK$26.5 Million

More than 3,000 political and business leaders from around 50 countries and regions participated in the Second Belt and Road Summit last year.

The Belt and Road Summit's Investment and Business Matching Session, including Project Pitching and One-to-one Business Matching Meetings, will be extended to a full day this year.

The Project Pitching this year will cover three main areas: Transport and Logistics Infrastructure; Energy, Natural Resources and Public Utilities; and Rural and Urban Development.

Global Business Leaders, Investors and Project Owners to "Collaborate for Success"

HONG KONG, May 31, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The third Belt and Road Summit, jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and HKTDC, will be held on 28 June (Thursday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme "Collaborate for Success", the Summit will explore the opportunities in different sectors and feature an enhanced investment and business matching session, providing participants from different countries and sectors with more opportunities to identify potential partners and exchange business ideas.

Largest Summit ever highlights Hong Kong's role in the Initiative

Vincent HS Lo, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: "With more and more countries and businesses around the world playing an active role in the Belt and Road Initiative and further promoting global trade and investment connectivity, this year's Summit is going to be much larger in scale. Around 70 government officials, business leaders and representatives of international organisations from Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and countries along the Belt and Road will share their insights and explore collaboration opportunities, reaffirming Hong Kong's role as a facilitator and commercial hub for the Belt and Road."

This year's Summit is expected to attract close to 5,000 business representatives from Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and around the world. In addition to gaining insights from the guest speakers, business representatives can take advantage of the Summit as a platform to learn about the business environment of different Belt and Road markets and the opportunities in various sectors, and to discuss investment and business collaboration on-site.

Promoting an "all-win" model of cooperation

The Belt and Road Initiative aims to promote cross-border investments, provide more outlets for capital, and create opportunities for professional services sectors. The plenary session, entitled "Action through Collaboration: Case Studies on Signature Belt and Road Projects", will be moderated by Bernard Chan, President of Asia Financial Holdings Ltd. Guest speakers including Xu Lejiang, Executive Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of MTR Corporation Ltd, and Manuel V Pangilinan, Chairman of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, will share their first-hand experience and perspectives as investors, project owners and services providers, and discuss the investment opportunities presented by the Initiative and how to achieve an "all-win" outcome through collaboration.

Financial services, green finance and risk management

Joining hands with partners representing various related institutions and professional fields, the Summit will cater to the needs of different business sectors by offering a number of thematic breakout forums. Hong Kong's world-leading financial industry is playing a key role in supporting various Belt and Road projects. A breakout session co-organised with the HKMA Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office (IFFO) will feature industry leaders of the banking, insurance and infrastructure sectors as well as representatives of international infrastructure facilitating organisations. Drawing from their unique perspectives and professional knowledge, the speakers will examine how projects and business plans can fulfil solvency requirements while remaining attractive to investors.

Many Belt and Road projects involve clean energy, eco-friendly transportation networks and waste treatment systems, all of which have the potential to be developed into green financial products, currently much sought after by the international investment community. In the breakout session co-organised with the Hong Kong Financial Services Development Council, Jonathan Drew, Managing Director in Infrastructure and Real Estate Group Global Banking Asia-Pacific at HSBC; Dr Ma Jun, Director of the Center for Finance and Development of Tsinghua University; and David Pang, Treasurer of MTR Corporation Ltd, will analyse how the development of green finance can support Belt and Road projects from the perspectives of banking, academia and corporate financial management.

While the investment returns of Belt and Road projects is a major consideration for investors, asset risks, default risks, political and sovereign risks should also be considered. The breakout session co-organised with the Insurance Authority of Hong Kong will invite experts in the insurance and re-insurance industry to share how insurance plans can be ultilised to manage these risks and ensure more stable investment returns.

Practical issues to be discussed at breakout sessions

Apart from the financial and insurance sectors, the Belt and Road Initiative also presents new opportunities to many other fields. A breakout session co-organised with the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Ltd will focus on technological innovation and explore the development of the Digital Silk Road; another session co-organised with the China International Contractors Association will discuss the opportunities in engineering and project management. The sessions co-organised with the Department of Justice of the HKSAR Government will examine best practices in handling cross-border trade and drafting contracts, and how to resolve disputes through arbitration.

The breakout session "Sharing by Young Business Leaders on Belt and Road Opportunities", supported by Invest Hong Kong, will involve a panel of young business leaders sharing their experience in business development outside Hong Kong and encouraging more young people to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. The session "Women Entrepreneurship on the Belt and Road" presented by the South China Morning Post will invite leading women entrepreneurs to discuss the opportunities for women-led businesses on the Belt and Road, and how the Initiative promotes a culture of inclusion and international exchange.

All-day project pitching and business matching

Owing to popular demand, the Investment and Business Matching Session, comprising Project Pitching and One-to-one Business Matching Meetings, will be extended to a full day this year. Project Pitching will cover three main areas: Transport and Logistics Infrastructure; Energy, Natural Resources and Public Utilities; and Rural and Urban Development. The One-to-one Business Matching Meetings will provide a platform for project owners, investors and services providers to connect and discuss their business and investment needs, and to explore cooperation opportunities.

Over 30 global business leaders serve as honorary advisors of the Belt and Road Summit. China International Capital Corporation Ltd is the Summit's Strategic Partner. Bank of China (Hong Kong) Ltd is the Diamond Sponsor.

Members of the media interested in interviewing the speakers can fill out a form (https://bit.ly/2xbx8Pi) and email it to beltandroadsummit.media@hktdc.org on or before 14 June.

For the latest schedule and full speakers list, please visit the Summit website:
http://www.beltandroadsummit.hk/en/information_centre/programme.html

Belt and Road Summit website: www.beltandroadsummit.hk
HKTDC Belt and Road Portal: www.beltandroad.hk
Photo download: https://bit.ly/2sq1W9m

About HKTDC

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

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

↧

Flashpoint Expands Presence in Asia-Pacific, Appoints Executive to Oversee Region

June 1, 2018, 3:00 am

≫ Next: Toyota to Showcase Travel Simulator at International Tokyo Toy Show 2018

≪ Previous: Third Belt and Road Summit to be Held in Hong Kong Next Month

Company Grows Footprint in Asia-Pacific to Deliver Business Risk Intelligence (BRI) for Combating Insider Threats, Reducing Risk, and Providing a Decision Advantage over Threats and Adversaries

SINGAPORE, Jun 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Flashpoint, the global leader in Business Risk Intelligence (BRI) from the Deep & Dark Web (DDW), has officially announced its expansion in the Asia-Pacific market, with significant focus on Singapore, Japan and Australia. Overseeing operations in the region is security industry veteran Jankang Tao, whose appointment as Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at Flashpoint follows his over 16 years dedicated to spearheading business initiatives throughout the region at global organisations such as Internet Security Systems, IBM, JouleX, and Cisco.

The company's decision to strengthen its presence in Asia-Pacific was fuelled by the ample opportunity for commerce and prosperity the region provides. Home to global leaders in industries such as technology, oil and gas, manufacturing, retail, and financial services, Asia-Pacific is an ideal environment for Flashpoint to continue to innovate and grow in support of its roadmap and mission.

However, as markets and business practices in Asia-Pacific continue to evolve, so do the types of threats and adversaries that organisations in the region are facing. Flashpoint analysts have been monitoring several cybercrime trends specifically in relation to the region's core industries, including:

- Law enforcement action against criminal Bitcoin exchanges and tumbler services
- Cybercriminal groups increasingly seeking and recruiting insiders in financial institutions
- The apparent adoption of financially motivated cybercrime techniques (ransomware and attacks on financial institutions for profit)
- Consistent discussions of, and recruitment for, insider trading schemes leveraging data stolen from financial institutions, news agencies, and law firms

Given the ongoing complexity of the Asia-Pacific threat landscape, Flashpoint's offerings are particularly suitable for the region. Fuelled by the company's unique DDW data, expertise, and technology, BRI empowers organisations with a decision advantage over threats and adversaries. By broadening the scope of intelligence beyond threat detection, BRI provides relevant context to business units not traditionally afforded the benefits of intelligence derived from the Deep & Dark Web.

"We are excited to be ramping up our presence in Asia-Pacific. Not only will this expansion provide Flashpoint with ample opportunity to partner and collaborate with leading experts in the region, it will enable us to provide even more organisations with a decision advantage over a broad spectrum of threats and adversaries," said Josh Lefkowitz, Flashpoint CEO and co-founder.

"Flashpoint's expansion in Asia-Pacific presents a fantastic opportunity for even more organisations to develop and enhance their security and risk postures with Business Risk Intelligence," said Jankang Tao, Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at Flashpoint. "I am excited to collaborate with esteemed experts in all sectors throughout the region to combat insider threats, fight fraud, and mitigate third-party risk, among many other use cases."

For a forward-looking assessment of the 2018 geopolitical landscape, download the Flashpoint Business Risk Intelligence (BRI) Decision Report. https://bit.ly/2snAcTt If you are interested in learning more about Flashpoint and BRI, please request a meeting here. https://go.flashpoint-intel.com/apac/meetingrequest

About Flashpoint

Flashpoint delivers Business Risk Intelligence (BRI) to empower business units and functions across organisations with a decision advantage over potential threats and adversaries. The company's sophisticated technology and human-powered analysis enable enterprises and public sector organisations globally to bolster cybersecurity, confront fraud, detect insider threats, enhance physical security, assess M&A opportunities, and address vendor risk and supply chain integrity. Flashpoint is backed by Georgian Partners, Greycroft Partners, TechOperators, K2 Intelligence, Jump Capital, Leaders Fund, Bloomberg Beta, and Cisco Investments. For more information, visit https://www.flashpoint-intel.com/ or follow us on Twitter at @FlashpointIntel.

Media Contact
PRecious Communications for Flashpoint
Tan Yanchang
Tel: +65 6303 0567 Ext 1001
Email: flashpoint@preciouscomms.com

↧

Toyota to Showcase Travel Simulator at International Tokyo Toy Show 2018

June 1, 2018, 5:34 am

≫ Next: Eight National Banks and WWF-Indonesia Launch the 'Indonesia Sustainable Finance Initiative' (ISFI)

≪ Previous: Flashpoint Expands Presence in Asia-Pacific, Appoints Executive to Oversee Region

Concept image of the Camatte Journey at the Toyota booth

Camatte Petta (travel version)

Let's Experience Travel with Camatte Journey!

TOKYO, Jun 1, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) will exhibit a booth at the International Tokyo Toy Show 2018, where parents and children can gain hands-on experience with travel simulation in the Camatte Journey. The event will be held at Tokyo Big Sight for four days, from June 7 to 10(1).

Toyota has been exhibiting a series of Camatte(2) concepts at the Tokyo Toy Show every year since 2012, to create a sense of joy and excitement around motor vehicles in the next generation, to encourage parents and children to become more familiar with cars, and to demonstrate new values through the craft of making cars.

At this year's show, Toyota will exhibit a travel experience zone. Children will have the opportunity to experience the joy of simulated travel through scenic imagery projected onto a 220-degree surround screen inside the zone.

The car driven(3) inside the Camatte Journey travel experience zone is an adapted travel version of the 2017 "Camatte Petta." Specifically, stickers from various travel destinations will be attached to the outer panels of the car, and a travel bag will be placed on the back of the vehicle.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_CamatteJourneyToyotaBooth.jpg
Concept image of the Camatte Journey at the Toyota booth

This year's booth will also display the "Camatte 57s Sport" (from the 2013 exhibition), and children unable to participate in the travel simulation experience will be able to ride in the Camatte 57s Sport.

Outline of the hands-on experience

Camatte Journey

1. Children learn the position of the accelerator and brake pedals using a tablet.
2. Children drive the Camatte Petta (travel version) on the straight-running course to the travel experience zone (approximately 7 meters).
3. In the travel experience zone, images from various(4) travel destinations are projected onto a 220-degree screen, simulating the experience of travel.
4. After the travel simulation experience, the children return by driving in reverse on the straight-running course.

Overview of the Camatte Petta

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_ToyotaCamattePetta.jpg
Camatte Petta (travel version)

Toyota exhibited the first Camatte vehicle in 2012. The first Camatte Sora could be driven by children, who could also customize its colors and style using easily removable and installable body panels. In 2013, Toyota debuted the Camatte 57s, with the exterior body consisting of 57 detachable small panels that could be assembled like a puzzle. In 2014, Toyota displayed the Camatte Lab, which allowed children to display pictures they had drawn on the hood of the car while getting an up-close look at the inner workings of the car at the booth. In 2015, Toyota exhibited the Camatte Hajime along with the Camatte Vision, which employed AR(5) in order to enable children to enjoy a simulated experience of driving through town in a car specified to their liking. The Camatte Capsule, a trailer with a customizable interior space, was exhibited in 2016. In 2017, a booth where children could experience driving the Camatte Petta that they had decorated in their own style was exhibited for the first time.

(1) Buyer days: June 7-8; Public days: June 9-10
(2) The name Camatte is based on the Japanese word for caring, and is meant to signify "caring for others" and "caring for cars."
(3) Children must be at least 130 cm tall to drive the Camatte Petta.
(4) Cherry blossom lined roads, new spring foliage, snowy roads, and more.
(5) Augmented Reality is technology that displays virtual information in addition to real world imagery.

About Toyota

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

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

↧

Eight National Banks and WWF-Indonesia Launch the 'Indonesia Sustainable Finance Initiative' (ISFI)

May 31, 2018, 6:00 pm

≫ Next: DOCOMO and NEC Achieve 5G Communication with Multiple Mobile Terminals

≪ Previous: Toyota to Showcase Travel Simulator at International Tokyo Toy Show 2018

WWF Indonesia and eight Indonesian banks launch Indonesia Sustainable Finance Initiative (ISFI) in Jakarta, Thursday.

JAKARTA, Jun 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Eight national banks in Indonesia with accumulative assets reaching up to 46 per cent of the country's total banking assets, together with WWF-Indonesia, launched the 'Indonesia Sustainable Finance Initiative' (ISFI) in Jakarta. The initiative which brings together Bank Artha Graha Indonesia, BRI Syariah, Bank Central Asia, Bank Mandiri, Bank Muamalat, Bank Negara Indonesia, Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Barat dan Banten, and Bank Rakyat Indonesia as the 'First Movers on Sustainable Banking' aims to promote and implement inclusive sustainable finance practices. The initiative serves as an open platform for banking and non-banking financial industry, corporate issuers and other relevant industry sectors.

The emergence of ISFI began with the success of 'the First Steps to become Sustainable Bank' pilot project initiated by Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) in 2015 with technical assistances from WWF-Indonesia. From the project the eight 'First Movers' banks acquire assistances related to implementation of environmental and governance risk management. Several concrete outcomes from this pilot project includes policy and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) improvement in each bank as well as financing quality improvement particularly on business sector with high environmental and social risks.

ISFI is a genuine market-led initiative by the financial services industry that aspires to support the implementation of Sustainable Financial Roadmap and OJK's Regulation (POJK) Number 51 and Number 60 Year 2017 on Sustainable Finance Principles Implementation and Green Bond as the underlying regulation. ISFI is envisaged to function as a mean of experience exchange, learnings among actors of financial services industry and expanding knowledge of sustainable finance principles to financial services industry.

Following the First Movers steps, ISFI aims to strengthen organizational capacity, particularly environmental, social and governance risk management. The initiative is also founded to seize business opportunities within Indonesia's climate resilient economy and contribute directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"ISFI is aimed at seizing new business opportunities and driving the implementation of an inclusive sustainable finance aligned with government targets on sustainable development and the Paris Climate Agreement", said Suprajarto, Executive Director of PT BRI Tbk who is currently serving as Chairman of ISFI. "On top of sharing information about ISFI and strengthening ISFI's organization, ISFI's first year program will focus on increasing high quality green portfolio by developing joint pilot projects with members, other strategic partners and regulators", Suprajarto continues.

In a study released by UN Environment and Development Bank Singapore (DBS) on November 2017, green investment opportunities in ASEAN from 2016 to 2030 reach around US$2.3 to 3 trillion with Indonesia as a country with the highest potential to benefit from this green investment. It is identified that Indonesia is likely able to absorb at least 36 percent of total investment potential in infrastructure and renewable energy sectors or around US$8 trillion. Significant factors influencing the increase of green investment opportunities includes incentive-based policies toward private sector to fund SDGs or climate change related projects, technological advancement, and aligning financial product or service development and innovations.

At present, ISFI has already developed a short-term roadmap and in the first year of its establishment, will work toward developing a longer-term roadmap to prioritize strategic programs, expand the initiative, building partnerships and initiate pilot projects on applicable green business model development.

Chairman of WWF-Indonesia Board of Trustee, Kemal Stamboel explains, "Financial service sector holds a key role in enabling its customers to transform toward more sustainable business practices as well as the ability to revive impacted communities welfare through a financial scheme." He further emphasizes that, "The financial service industry needs to set priorities in sectoral policies development to create a significant influence and effectively help achieve the national targets. Aside from that, the development of an innovative new business model needs to be initiated urgently."

Dr. Ida Bagus Putera Prathama, Director General of Climate Change Control of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry commented, "Currently the government is devising dedicated regulations to access climate change funding to increase commercial value of sustainable investment. We sincerely hope that commitments of the finance industry through the Indonesia Sustainable Finance Initiative will serve as a strategic hub to access funding and other incentives scheme."

Establishment of ISFI was made possible with funding support from GIZ and EMSD. The official launch today is followed with a 'CEO Dialogue' session and seminar on sustainable finance to inform leaders and senior staffs of financial service industry about the progress and framework of sustainable finance policy at the global and national level. The sessions will involve strategic personnel and experts on sustainable finance including the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Association, the Investment Coordinating Board of Republic of Indonesia, Ministry of Finance, International Finance Corporation (IFC), PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (SMI) and HSBC Indonesia.

For further information, please contact:
Tria Mutiari Meilan | Enterprise Risk Management Department, BRI | tria_mutiari@bri.co.id | +62 8988400061
Rizkiasari Yudawinata | Sustainable Finance Program, WWF-Indonesia | rjoedawinata@wwf.id | +62 8112344343
Margareth Meutia | Footprint Campaign Coordinator, WWF-Indonesia | mmeutia@wwf.id | +62 8158812844

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DOCOMO and NEC Achieve 5G Communication with Multiple Mobile Terminals

May 31, 2018, 7:07 pm

≫ Next: Sequa Petroleum N.V. (the Company) Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders 31 May 2018 Results

≪ Previous: Eight National Banks and WWF-Indonesia Launch the 'Indonesia Sustainable Finance Initiative' (ISFI)

By Reducing Interference via Beamforming and Inter-base Station Coordination

TOKYO, Jun 1, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. today announced that together with NEC Corporation they have succeeded in what is believed to be the world's first(1) fifth-generation (5G) transmission of a 4.5GHz signal using beamforming and inter-base station coordination to reduce interference for 5.5 Gbps throughput to eight mobile terminals.

The test, conducted in Kawasaki, Japan from May 9 to 11, used digital signal processing between base stations, which were equipped with signal processing units and massive-element antennas, to coordinate beamforming between base stations. Simultaneously, 5G communication with eight mobile terminals was achieved.

The test verified the feasibility of beam forming through coordination of small, optical-feeder-type base stations equipped with 128-element antennas and digital signal processing units, which were connected via optical fiber. Antennas of adjacent base stations sometimes cause large interference and reduce data rate, but this test used beamforming and digital signal processing to mutually cancel out interference. The solution will enable multiple antennas to be installed more flexibly for higher-capacity 5G communications in dense urban areas.

DOCOMO and NEC achieved their test goals for 5G research and development projects commissioned by The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan, including "high data rate and low-power-consumption radio access technology with ultra higher-frequency-bands and wider-bandwidth massive-element antennas." They introduced their test results and other 5G initiatives at the 5G Tokyo Bay Summit held during Wireless Technology Park 2018, which was held at Tokyo Big Sight from May 23 to 25.

Some of the test results include a portion of the results from "The research and development project for realization of the fifth-generation mobile communications system" commissioned by The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan.

(1) According to NTT DOCOMO and NEC as of May 23, 2018

About NTT DOCOMO

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

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

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

↧

Sequa Petroleum N.V. (the Company) Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders 31 May 2018 Results

May 31, 2018, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: JSC Russian Agriculture Bank Enables Acceptance of JCB Cards in Russia

≪ Previous: DOCOMO and NEC Achieve 5G Communication with Multiple Mobile Terminals

LONDON, Jun 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Company confirms that at its Extraordinary General Meeting held on 31 May 2018 in Amsterdam, the resolution to extend the period for preparing the annual accounts for the financial year 2017 by five months was passed. Attending shareholders represented 47% of the issued share capital of the Company.

Contacts:
Jacob Broekhuijsen - CEO
+44(0)203-728-4450 or info@sequa-petroleum.com

###

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

↧

JSC Russian Agriculture Bank Enables Acceptance of JCB Cards in Russia

May 31, 2018, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: VTeam Seizes the Opportunities of Commercial Factoring Brought by the New Economy

≪ Previous: Sequa Petroleum N.V. (the Company) Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders 31 May 2018 Results

Moscow and Tokyo, Jun 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - JSC Russian Agriculture Bank ("RSHB") and JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., are pleased to announce the launch of JCB card acceptance on the RSHB ATM and POS terminal network. RSHB's acquiring network includes 3,800 ATMs, 1,700 info-kiosk terminals and more than 10,500 POS terminals at merchants. Now JCB cardmembers will be able to withdraw cash and check their balance at RSHB ATMs.

Irina Zhachkina, Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC Russian Agriculture Bank noted: "The cooperation between Russian Agriculture Bank and JCB contributes to the development of bilateral trade and economic relations between Russian and Japan. It aims to activate payment flows inside the country and abroad, primarily providing a settlement infrastructure for tourists and business travelers from Japan".

Takashi Suetsugu, General Director of JCB International Eurasia commented: "We welcome this first stage of cooperation with JSC Russian Agriculture Bank, where the team professionally and effectively implemented our new project, providing reliable service to not only foreign JCB cards, but also to JCB cards issued in Russia, in the central as well as the remote areas of Russia through one of the largest banking service network in the Russian Federation. From now using JCB cards will become even more convenient".

About Russian Agriculture Bank

Russian Agriculture Bank is the basis of the national credit and financial system servicing the agro-industrial complex of Russia. The Bank was established in 2000 and today is a key creditor of the country's agribusiness, is among the largest and most stable banks in the country in terms of assets and capital, as well as among the leaders of the reliability rating of the largest Russian banks. 100% of the Bank's voting shares are owned by the Russian Federation.

Contacts
Russian Agriculture Bank
Press office
Tel: (495) 213-08-46
E-mail: press@rshb.ru

About JCB

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

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

↧

VTeam Seizes the Opportunities of Commercial Factoring Brought by the New Economy

June 1, 2018, 12:08 am

≫ Next: TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Targets Sardinia Success

≪ Previous: JSC Russian Agriculture Bank Enables Acceptance of JCB Cards in Russia

HONG KONG, Jun 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - According to an article published on Gelonghui on 16 May, 2018, commercial factoring is the most efficient financing channel for the development of SMEs which is regarded as an important driving force for the future growth of China's economy. At present, commercial factoring business is mainly based on offline acquisition channel. However, the combination of both online and offline customer acquisition will be the future trend. This is especially true for SMEs, whose small and fragmented financing services can be more efficiently addressed by online channel.

Supportive policy for SME financing

SMEs are the key driving force of innovation and entrepreneurship in China. Nowadays, SMEs face a large financing gap as most of their financing needs have yet to be satisfied by traditional banking channels. On the contrary, non-bank financing channels possess more advantages and flexibility. In recent years, thanks to the supportive regulatory policies, the non-bank financing business has grown rapidly, with more diverse business models including trust, commercial factoring and financial leasing.

Among these non-bank financing channels, commercial factoring is one of the fastest growing channels. The main reason behind is that commercial factoring places emphasis on credit assessment on repayment of the buyer company, and therefore help SMEs to overcome the financing barriers due to lack of collateral and low credit rating.

What is factoring service? What can factoring service providers do?

Factoring service is a method of supply chain finance service based on accounts receivable, and its core function is to provide financing. A company may provide financing to a seller who sells accounts receivable through factoring so as to charge interest and handling fees and transfer the receivables to the company. In order to make it easier for SMEs to obtain financing at an affordable price, it is particularly important for the supply chain financing providers to ensure the authenticity of underlying transactions. To encourage supply chain financing, the Chinese government has rolled out a number of supportive policies in recent years.

Factoring assets are high-quality investment assets with relatively low risks and high returns. It is expected that various types of participants such as large financial institutions, large-scale buyer companies and independent commercial factoring providers will gradually increase their investment of the commercial factoring assets.

New economy and new model: O2O is now the dominant trend and online commercial factoring is emerging

With the development of financial technology in China, the commercial factoring industry is also increasingly dependent on digital technology. With the assistance of technology, commercial factors are capable of using online platforms for fund sourcing, and conducting big data analysis for effective risk control.

In addition, online commercial factoring also has the following advantages:

(1) Overcoming information asymmetry: Online factoring platform can be used by a large number of potential borrowers, on which they can register their funding needs. Commercial factoring can have easy access to this kind of information, therefore optimizing the source of assets and expanding asset pools.

(2) Online electronic process: The transaction data collected by the online factoring platform can be subject to centralized and automated processing in order to reduce labor costs and improve the efficiency of new financing.

(3) Market efficiency: Online factoring platform can resolve the information asymmetry between capital supply and demand and match funds with assets, thus creating an efficient market for both parties to identify the optimized risk-pricing for factoring assets.

(4) The cost of factoring is lower: Online factoring platform creates a free competitive market, enabling SME asset suppliers to maintain their bargaining power so that they can request for a fair price upon renewal of factoring contracts. At the same time, the digitalized platform can store corporate data of the SMEs, eliminating the need for duplicated submission of documents and risk assessment processes.

However, if a commercial factoring company has to establish a commercial factoring business with an O2O model, it should possess professional technical and risk control abilities. Besides, sufficient capital for market making would be also fundamental in order to improve the success rate of matching up factoring needs and enhance the activeness of the platform.

Introduction of Vteam Financial Services Group

Vteam Financial Services Group ("VTeam"), a financial technology company invested by Softbank, is a supply chain financial service platform company with strong technical ability and in-depth understanding of the factoring market. Unlike P2P platforms, VTeam is a licensed company that is qualified to engage in commercial factoring and has operated in supply chain finance business for more than 16 years.

Softbank became one of the substantial shareholders of VTeam in 2011. Since then, Softbank has provided support and resources to VTeam in its expansion in the Chinese market. As a sophisticated investor, especially in the technology, media and telecommunication sector, Softbank offers strategic guidance to the development of the technology business of VTeam, laying a foundation for the success of its business.

VTeam's technology hub, Ju Ying Jin Lian, together with its technology-driven online platform that is connected to the hub, is the only open and independent online trading platform focusing on factoring financing among China's top five online factoring platforms (based on the 2017 total transaction volume).

VTeam has submitted A1 prospectus to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Its net profit in 2017 exceeded RMB195 million. Investors who have been keeping a close eye on Softbank's investment, or those who aspire to develop their career in the commercial factoring industry, should pay close attention to this industry leader against the backdrop of "Internet + Finance".

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