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Asian Downstream Summit 2018, Asia's largest Oil & Gastech trade show, to be held in Singapore

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Sourabh Mukherjee, Director of Petrochemicals, Jacobs
Mai Phuong Do, Senior Technology Advisor, Axens
Dr. Steve Matza, Chief Scientist, Zyme-Flow Decon Technology
ADS 2018 is the anchor oil & gas event of the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW)

SINGAPORE, Sep 12, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Asia's largest trade show for refining & petrochemical technologies, Asian Downstream Summit 2018 will be held from 31st Oct. to 1st Nov. at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. ADS is the anchor oil and gas event of the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW), hosted by the Energy Market Authority.

The event will gather 1,000+ industry professionals and oil & gas leaders under one roof to offer insights on the latest innovations in the industry. Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) is expected to attract over 13,000+ energy professionals to Singapore.

Asian Downstream Summit, in its 11th year, remains THE must-attend show for the industry to converge and discuss how these technologies are revolutionizing their operations, maximizing their efficiency and improving their margins. ADS 2018 will focus on core refining technologies with a special focus on the key topic Industry 4.0.

Hosting 80+ speakers, 40+ international sponsors & exhibitors and 1,000+ attendees & Key Government Officials including Ministerial Delegations, Asian Downstream Summit brings together decision makers to address the future of the downstream oil & gas industry.

Over 400+ industry leaders including refiners, petrochemical players, and chemicals manufacturers, EPCS, consultants and leading technology experts have already registered for the Asian Downstream summit this year.

Notable companies in attendance include :

ADNOC Refining
Air Liquide
Aramco Asia Singapore
Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited
Binh Son Refining & Petrochemical
BP Singapore Pte Ltd
Borouge Pte Ltd
COSMO OIL INTERNATIONAL PTE. LTD
Denka Chemicals Holdings Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
ExxonMobil Research and Engineering
Honeywell UOP
KBC (A Yokogawa Company)
MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas PLC
PEMEX
Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore
Pertamina
Petrobras
Petronas Penapisan Terengganu (PPTSB)
Petronas Downstream
PT. KREASINDO RESOURCES INDONESIA
PTT Global Chemical
Reliance Industries Ltd
SABIC Asia Paciifc Pte Ltd
Shell
Singapore Refining Company
S-Oil
SK Global Chemical Singapore Pte Ltd
Thai Oil

Asian Downstream Summit 2018 will feature a Track on Downstream Technologies for Refining & Petrochemicals, showcasing the latest technology applications by leading solution providers.

> Crude-to-Consumables: Transforming the Petrochemical and Refining Sector
> Presentor: Sourabh Mukherjee, Director of Petrochemicals, Jacobs

Around the globe, there is considerable interest in the concept of a Crude-to-Consumables ("C2C") complex where crude oil is converted to consumable products such as petrochemicals instead of into traditional transportation fuels.

There will be a continuing role for new liquid-based steam crackers, and a significant role for heavy naphtha reforming for aromatics to meet growing paraxylene demand. At the same time, the global outlook in demand growth of transportation fuels does not appear to be as strong as the growth story around the petrochemicals world.

Sourabh will describe trends in global crude oil and petrochemical demand growth and discuss the impact of shale gas on the cost of ethylene production versus other global feedstocks as well as on the economics of the C2C configuration and project IRR versus conversion to chemicals.

> Bridging the Refinery-Petrochemical Gap with Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Technologies
> Presentor: Mai Phuong Do, Senior Technology Advisor, Axens

Refinery and Petrochemicals integration is increasingly being viewed in the Oil industry as a way to balance market risks over a wider range of applications. In addition, many long term projections which are developed to assist Oil companies or private companies in decision making in an ever changing business environment, identify Light Olefins and Aromatics as healthy growth markets.

For these reasons, conventional Residue Cat Cracking technology has been used extensively as a solid platform to address the residue conversion maximization into Olefins and Aromatics. Processing heavy feedstocks while achieving high selectivity towards olefins and aromatics requires specific design knowhow, an appropriate selection of specific technology features as well as an optimized recycle management.

Through a selection of case-studies from thenAsian region, Mai Phuong Do will demonstrate the versatility of the R2RTM technology to fit into refinery expansion projects as well as grassroot new refinery & petchem complex.

> Preparing Petchem Equipment for Entry: Can Speed and Safety Co-exist?
> Presentor: Dr. Steve Matza, Chief Scientist, Zyme-Flow Decon Technology

ALL refineries and petrochemical plants must perform some form of decontamination every time a unit is brought down for personnel entry, hot work, and inspection. Industrial equipment must be safe for entry by destroying, neutralizing, making harmless, or removing hazardous unwanted contaminants.

Dr Steve will give an analysis of current options for cleaning and decontaminating plant equipment and share best practice introduction using unique chemistry and application. He will conduct a case study to show the reduction of time and increase in safety using best practices.


Other exciting features at Asian Downstream Summit 2018 include :

1. Digital Transformation Awards : recognizing top enterprising refiners and innovative solution providers across the downstream oil & gas sector for their outstanding commitment to the digital initiative. Categories include :

--> Best digital transformation program (operator - refinery, petrochemical, chemicals)
--> Best innovative technology for improving operational efficiency (digital)
--> Best innovative technology for improving operational efficiency (other technology)
> Voting opens 3rd October 2018.

2. TechTalks @ ExpoHall: Asian Downstream Summit 2018 will also feature an interactive exhibition by top solution providers and technology experts. A purpose-built, FREE-to-attend, technical theatre on the exhibition floor will provide technology companies with the opportunity to host expert talks showcasing their latest innovations. TechTalks are open to all conference delegates and visitors. Topics at the TechTalks include :

- Foundations for Digital Transformation -- Connecting the Workforce to the Operations by Edi Gittenberger, CEO, Rider International
- Connect'IN -- Drive asset performance to optimum with proactive digital advisor by Romain Roux, Advisor to CTO - New Market Development - Technology Development & Innovation, Axens
- SDx -- Smart digital transformation from Hexagon PPM by Adrian Park, Vice President Information Management & Global Business Development, Hexagon PPM
- NaviTrack -- Industry's leading work process deployment system by Daniel Phan, Consultant, AP-Networks
- Digital Plant Optimization by David Turner, Managing Director, Resources2 Energy Pte Ltd
- Enabling the Digital Refinery -- Protecting the Refining & Petrochemical Industry from evolving cyber threats by Amir Grovais, Regional Sales Manager Middle East & APAC, Waterfall Security Solutions Ltd

3. FREE-TO-ATTEND Workshop by KBC (a Yokogawa company) on digital readiness assessment : This workshop will walk people through the process of identifying the gap between their organization and the leaders in the industry; in particular the characteristics behind the digital leadership and change management practices of those leading organizations when it comes to leading a Digital Transformation. To drive this analysis KBC will leverage our Digital Readiness Assessment process; and Operational Efficiency global database

4. VIP Breakfast gathering : This year, Baker Hughes (A GE Company), will host a VIP Breakfast gathering on 31st October from 7.50 am - 8.50 am. Registered conference delegates will be selected for this "VIP invite only" breakfast in an intimate setting for private networking opportunities

5. 1-to-1 private Business Meetings : enhancing the event experience by helping you to connect with the other event attendees who are relevant to you for private networking opportunities. It is provided at complimentary for your use, as part of your participation at the event.

The program is developed by an esteemed Advisory Board consisting of the most respected industry participants who grade abstracts and select the most relevant topics for debate.

Delegates have registered from all over the world including countries like USA, UK, India, Singapore, Hungary, Netherlands, Malaysia, China, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, UAE, Canada, Brunei, Russia and many more.

As the region's largest downstream technology tradeshow, Asian Downstream Summit is the ideal platform for networking, seeking partnerships, and showcasing your technologies.

For more information, Asia Downstream Summit 2018: http://www.downstream-asia.com
2018 Brochure: http://www.clarion-cms.com/uploads/Pages/site277_75181_en_file1.pdf
2018 Speaker eBook: http://www.clarion-cms.com/uploads/Pages/site277_75269_en_file1.pdf

About Asian Downstream Summit
The Asian Downstream Summit is the region's largest conference and exhibition for the downstream refining and petrochemical industries. As one of the world's largest downstream-focused events, the 11th Asian Downstream Summit is an ideal platform for networking, seeking partnerships, and learning the latest technologies.
Asian Downstream Summit is the anchor event of Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW), expected to attract 13,000+ visitors this year to the Sands Expo & Convention Centre from 31st October to 1st November 2018.

For more information, interviews and media accreditation:
Marketing & Communications
Rahmah Ishak
Clarion Events Pte Ltd
E: Rahmah.ishak@clarionevents.com
T: +65 6590 3970 F: +65 6223 9196


 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Lexus Digital Outer Mirror Debuts on the New ES This October

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Lexus ES (prototype)
- Lexus will offer the world's first* Digital Outer Mirrors to be equipped on a mass-produced vehicle.
- The Digital Outer Mirrors show what is on the left, right and rear of the car, displaying the camera's images on a monitor inside the cabin. They provide enhanced views of the area around the car at night and in inclement weather.
- The Digital Outer Mirrors offer an expanded view of the car's surrounding by augmenting the display area during turns or when backing up.
- The system's small cameras result in better forward visibility (no large side mirrors to block the view) and reduction of wind noise.

TOKYO, Sep 12, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Changing lanes is about to become a lot easier and safer because in light of Lexus' announcement today that, starting with the new ES, it will offer the world's first Digital Outer Mirrors on its vehicles.

By installing small exterior cameras on the front doors, Lexus vehicles will provide its drivers with a clearer view of the vehicle's surrounding area. The cameras in the Digital Outer Mirrors transmit the images onto 5-inch display monitors located inside the cabin at the base of the front pillars. Another advantage the Digital Outer Mirrors have over their conventional counterparts is that they are shaped to resist the accumulation of raindrops and snow, leaving the driver's view unaffected.

The system automatically enhances the corresponding area--left, right or behind--when the turn signals are activated, or when the transmission is put into reverse. The view of areas around the car can be manually enhanced by the driver to obtain complete peripheral awareness of the area around the vehicle. By replacing the vehicle's conventional side mirrors with small cameras, side mirrors no longer block the view outside the front windows, resulting in improved visibility. Wind noise has also been reduced, resulting in a quieter cabin.

The digital mirrors will make their debut on the new ES, which will go on sale in late October. At this time, the Digital Outer Mirrors will only be available in Japan.

*Based on Sept 2018 Lexus research

About Toyota Motor Corporation

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Ensuring a Better User Experience in Food Delivery: Why Meituan Dianping is the World's No. 1

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Meituan Dianping has engineered its platform from the beginning to help people both eat better and live better
HONG KONG, Sep 12, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Around the world, food is a central focus of daily life - whether a family meal or a social event like a date, party, or small get together with friends. Nowhere is this truer than in China, where people love not just eating, but eating many different types of foods. There is a saying in China that "food is the most essential part of people's lives."

Meituan Dianping has always operated under this belief, engineering its platform from the beginning to help people both eat better and live better. The dedication to this mission, and a focus on ensuring a better user experience, explain why Meituan Dianping has emerged as the world's largest provider of food delivery services today, seeing over ten times the daily average food delivery transactions of leading international companies like Delivery Hero or GrubHub.

Meituan Dianping's success is deeply rooted in the user focus that shaped its platform. When the company launched its food delivery business in 2013, it was originally a marketplace model. In 2015, however, the company made a strategic decision to build its own delivery network. While this required significant investment in both engineering and offline team management, it allowed Meituan Dianping to ensure the best user experience: one in which orders are delivered reliably and quickly.

This strategic decision made the company unlike U.S. food delivery apps that are either solely marketplace models or provide varying levels of delivery support to restaurants. By building its own network, Meituan Dianping took ownership of the delivery process, rather than placing this burden on restaurants, which may not have the resources to respond to delivery orders in a timely fashion. Indeed, in 2017, more than 70 percent of the orders on Meituan Dianping's platform were completed by the company's own delivery network.

As Meituan Dianping built its food delivery network, it was able to take advantage of numerous positive macro-economic factors unique to China that are conducive to the growth of the consumer service industry.

First is the massive market size. The restaurant business in China was about RMB4 trillion in in 2017, while overall food consumption was about double that, at RMB8.7 trillion. Total food consumption in China will grow to RMB14 trillion by 2023. The company believes food delivery is not just an alternative for restaurant meals, but actually addresses this larger market, reflecting the reality that young people are cooking at home less than ever. In an 82-page report titled "Is the Kitchen Dead?" published in June by investment bank UBS, a survey of 13,000-plus consumers worldwide found that millennials are three times more likely to order in than their parents. Still, the e-commerce penetration rate in China's massive food consumption market remains low, at only 13.4% in 2017. By 2023, it is projected to grow to 29.5%. The combination of the rapid growth of China's food consumption market, and the increasing e-commerce penetration rate, will mean explosive growth in food services e-commerce.

A number of other key factors also make China different from the U.S. The consumer service industry is primarily concentrated in urban areas with high population density. China's massive population and rapid urbanization have led to the emergence of a large number of cities, further accelerating the growth of the consumer service industry across the country. By the end of 2016, China had 156 cities with a population of more than 1 million, compared to just 10 cities with over 1 million population in the U.S., according to an iResearch report. Population density in China's cities was 2,426 people per square kilometer in 2017, more than seven times that in the U.S., according to iResearch.

Likewise, labor supply dynamics are favorable in China, where a large labor force is transitioning from agriculture and manufacturing, into consumer service. Abundant labor supply in China accelerates the development of new business models in the consumer service industry, such as on-demand delivery. For example, the labor cost for each food delivery order in China is approximately US$1, compared to US$5 in the U.S., according to iResearch. In addition, it takes an average of 35 minutes for each delivery order in China, less than half the 75 minutes in the U.S., according to iResearch. Since 2013, labor cost per delivery order in China declined from RMB10.3 to RMB7.6 by 2017, and is forecast to continue declining to about RMB7 by 2019, according to iResearch.

Finally, the high penetration of the mobile internet and availability of online payment infrastructure in China has accelerated the adoption mobile payments, and the growth of e-commerce. Mobile payment penetration among mobile internet users in China was 70% in 2017, yet only about 20% in the U.S., according to iResearch.

All of these factors have helped Meituan Dianping achieve food delivery on a scale unseen in other markets. This scale is crucial as it brings greater order density, which means that delivery riders travel shorter distances to fulfill orders. Shorter distances traveled translate into lower energy costs and shorter delivery times, which lowers labors costs while enhancing user experience.

Meituan Dianping's rise to become the largest food delivery service provider in the world has been built on a commitment to ensuring the best user experience. As the company continues to serve as the super app of choice for food delivery in China, its success will remain rooted in improving people's lives, as embodied by its steadfast mission to help people eat better and live better.


 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

TANAKA Develops 70 degrees C Low-temperature Sintering Technology using Silver Nano Ink and Full-surface Silver Metal Film Forming Technology using Etching Processes

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Low-temperature sintered silver nano ink
Full-surface silver metal film
5 micrometers pattern by photolithography
New technologies expected to reduce thickness, increase flexibility, and enhance image quality for touch panels and organic electroluminescence displays

TOKYO, Sep 12, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - TANAKA Holdings Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & CEO: Akira Tanae) announced today that TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Akira Tanae), which operates TANAKA Precious Metals manufacturing business, has developed a wire forming technology (low-temperature sintered silver nanometal printing technique) capable of sintering at low temperatures of 70°C using the Company's low-temperature sintered silver nano ink, and a full-surface silver metal film forming technology (a full-surface silver metal film forming technique) using existing etching[1] processes.

This technology will contribute to thinner devices, increased flexibility, and higher image quality of smartphone touch panels, organic electroluminescence displays, andother applications.

Low-temperature sintered silver nanometal printing technique: Features

- Previous silver nano ink sintering was only possible at high temperatures of 130-140°C, which made it difficult to print on organic materials such as the comparatively heat-sensitive PET film and other engineering plastic[2] films. However, the newly developed low-temperature sintered silver nanometal printing technique achieves a resistance of 50 micro-ohm centimeters or less, which is equivalent to sintering at high temperatures, even at the low sintering temperature of 70°C. This has dramatically improved the freedom to choose organic materials on which to print.

- Sintering silver nano wire circuitry at the low temperature of 70°C does not damage materials such as organic luminescence elements[3] and contributes to enhanced image quality.

- Patterns formed by low-temperature sintering can consist of several layers to several dozen layers of silver nanoparticles to create multilayer sintered thin film structures, which is expected to provide improved bending strength (flexibility) compared to previous products.

The combination of low-temperature sintered silver nano ink with TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo's SuPR-NaP[4] technique-based metal mesh wiring technology[5] enables fine wires of 4 micrometers or less to be formed on the film.

A full-surface silver metal film forming technology: Features

- By sintering low-temperature sintered silver nano ink at 140°C, it is possible to form full-surface silver metal films capable of etching and with an equivalent or better level of electrical resistance to that achieved by indium tin oxide (ITO), which is commonly used in current touch panels and other devices.

- Capital investment and other costs can be reduced because existing etching processes can be used.

- Silver metal mesh substrates formed with this technology have an equivalent or better level of electrical resistance to that achieved by transparent electrodes[6] made from indium tin oxide (ITO) etched into a glass substrate. With improved bending strength (flexibility) and improved transparency as well, they are expected to enable enhanced image quality.

As a result of the advantages offered by these products, application in high-end smartphone touch panels, which are expected to shift to bendable displays, and uses and applications in the flexible electronic device market, which is projected to grow, and the organic electroluminescence display market, which is looking for thinner products and enhanced image quality, are expected.

[1] Etching: Also referred to as chemical cautery. Two types, wet etching, and dry etching are used, and both are used to remove the unneeded thin film when forming wiring on a printed circuit board.
[2] Engineering plastics: Mainly used in industrial applications, engineering plastics have specific enhanced functionality, such as strength and heat resistance.
[3] Organic luminescence elements: This refers to organic materials that emit light in response to stimulation by certain types of energy. Also referred to as organic electroluminescence elements or organic light-emitting diodes (OLED).
[4] SuPR-NaP technique: On a substrate (PET film, etc.) coated with liquid-repellent fluororesin, silver nano ink reacts to parts that are modified with deep ultraviolet light. Then, silver nanoparticles undergo chemisorption so that the silver nanoparticles fuse to each other and form wiring.
[5] TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo's metal mesh wiring technology: Metal mesh is a wiring format in a grid pattern that uses silver or copper for sensor wires rather than indium tin oxide (ITO). TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo developed this technology under consignment from April 2014 to September 2017 based on the SuPR-Nap fine wire forming technology resulting from research conducted by Professor Tatsuo Hasegawa, Principal Research Manager at the Flexible Electronics Research Center of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, and others. Development was consigned to TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo under the Joint Industry-Academia Practical Application Development Project (NexTEP).
[6] Transparent electrodes: These electrodes are used in electronic display devices such as LCD displays, organic electroluminescence displays, touch panels,and organic photovoltaic displays. In all cases, the use of etched indium tin oxide (ITO) on glass or other substrates is in wide use.

Press release in PDF: http://www.acnnewswire.com/clientreports/598/180912_EN.pdf

TANAKA Holdings Co., Ltd. (Holding company of TANAKA Precious Metals)
Headquarters: 22F, Tokyo Building, 2-7-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Akira Tanae, Representative Director & CEO
Founded: 1885
Incorporated: 1918*
Capital: 500 million yen
Employees in consolidated group: 5,034 (FY2017)
Net sales of consolidated group: 976,613 million yen (FY2017)
Main businesses of the group: Strategic and efficient group management and management guidance to group companies as the holding company at the center of the TANAKA Precious Metals.
Website: http://www.tanaka.co.jp/english (TANAKA Precious Metals), http://pro.tanaka.co.jp/en (Industrial products)
* TANAKA Holdings adopted a holding company structure on April 1, 2010.

TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K.
Headquarters: 22F, Tokyo Building, 2-7-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Akira Tanae, Representative Director & CEO
Founded: 1885
Incorporated: 1918
Capital: 500 million yen
Employees: 2,246 (as of March 31, 2018)
Sales: 827,040.201 million yen (FY2017)
Main businesses: Manufacture, sales, import and export of precious metals (platinum, gold, silver, and others) and various types of industrial precious metals products.
Website: http://pro.tanaka.co.jp/en

About the TANAKA Precious Metals
Since its foundation in 1885, the TANAKA Precious Metals group has built a diversified range of business activities focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volumes of precious metals handled. Over the course of many years, TANAKA Precious Metals has not only manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry but also provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and resources. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies within and outside Japan work together with unified cooperation between manufacturing, sales, and technological aspects to offer products and services. Besides, to make further progress in globalization, TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo welcomed Metalor Technologies International SA as a member of the Group in 2016.
As precious metal professionals, TANAKA Precious Metals will continue to contribute to the development of an enriching and prosperous society.
The five core companies in the TANAKA Precious Metals are as follows.
- TANAKA Holdings Co., Ltd. (pure holding company)
- TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K.
- TANAKA Denshi Kogyo K.K.
- Electroplating Engineers of Japan, Limited
- TANAKA Kikinzoku Jewelry K.K.

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

 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

NEC and Sightline Systems Collect, Analyze and Visualize IIoT Data in Coordination with AI

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Sightline EDM and Invariant Analyzer Structure
TOKYO, Sep 12, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) and Sightline Systems Japan K.K. (Sightline Japan) today announced the launch of a global solution to collect, analyze and visualize Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) data in coordination with Sightline Japan's real-time performance management software and NEC's artificial intelligence (AI) engine.

As the IIoT and digital transformation drive the growth of digitization across a wide array of industries, including the manufacturing field, there is increasing demand for efficient operations and the creation of new value through the analysis of collected data.

Sightline System's Sightline Enterprise Data Manager (EDM)(1) is renowned for its real-time analysis and visualization of the aggregated and stored data that is widely deployed in numerous financial, telecommunication and manufacturing institutes around the globe. The latest solution now comes with NEC's AI engine, the Invariant Analyzer(2), capable of automatically learning system behaviors and detecting unusual activities. This enables the early discovery of potential issues, leading to enhanced performance and capacity management, in addition to increasing the efficiency of IT systems and plant lifecycles.

"Sightline Japan will further strengthen the latest features to support our customers, looking to optimize their system performance and capacity management," said Yusuke Nakagawa, President, Sightline Japan. "Furthermore, we plan to reach out to Sightline Systems HQ with the latest solution with technical transfers in expanding our offering to our global customers as well."

"Our latest work opens up the potential for AI engine usage at the operational level, in addition to allowing customers to track their system activities and convert such data into valuable resources for adjusting their system designs," said Tomoyasu Nishimura, Senior Vice President, NEC Corporation. "Going forward, we plan to further develop and enhance NEC's AI engine availability for enterprises and organizations on a global scale."

(1) Sightline Enterprise Data Manager (EDM)
http://sightline.com/products/edm/
(2) NEC System Invariant Analysis Technology
https://www.nec.com/en/global/solutions/bigdata/technology/index.html#invariant

About Sightline Systems Japan K.K.

Sightline Systems Japan offers IoT/IIoT real-time monitoring, enterprise performance data management, and capacity management solutions as well as related services in Japan.
https://www.sightlinesystems.co.jp/

About Sightline Systems

Sightline Systems offers a real-time operations intelligence solution focused on analytics, root-cause analysis, performance management, correlation of data and predictive analysis from any source -- critical IT systems including mainframes, applications, storage and databases -- as well as manufacturing systems including programmable logic controllers (PLC), microprocessors, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) devices, sensors, actuators and loggers. For more than 12 years, Sightline reports a 98% renewal rate from customers in 15 countries that include many Fortune 50 and Global 100 companies in automotive, packaging, electronics, chemical, pharmaceutical, utility, airlines, finance and telecommunications, as well as federal, state and local governments. http://sightline.com/

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. The NEC Group globally provides "Solutions for Society" that promote the safety, security efficiency and fairness of society. Under the company's corporate message of "Orchestrating a brighter world," NEC aims to help solve a wide range of challenging issues and to create new social value for the changing world of tomorrow. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Vietnamese Government Encouraged to Embrace Agricultural Innovation to Protect Vietnam's Economy & Food Security

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A statement from a coalition of local and international bodies across agriculture, commerce and trade September 11, 2018

HANOI, VIETNAM, Sep 12, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc recently called for Vietnam's agriculture sector to become one of the top 15 most developed in the world in just ten years and utilise scientific and technological advances. His Excellency further emphasized that more innovation is needed to generate new drivers for growth to ensure macroeconomic stability. Such an ambitious agenda can be achieved only if the government embraces agricultural innovation.

Unleashing the possibilities of modern agriculture to support sustainable, inclusive development requires enormous investment, collaboration and a stable policy and regulatory environment. All three factors are critical in the context when Vietnam harnesses cutting-edge technology to accelerate its development.

Putting exciting new technology such as data science in the hands of farmers also relies on allowing them to continue using the tools that have helped to feed billions over recent decades. More people have access to safe, quality food than ever before in Vietnam and worldwide because farmers continue to have access to technology developed over the years.

To this day, crop protection tools such as pesticides play a critical role in producing more food using fewer resources. Without these tools, more than half of the world's crops would be lost to insects, diseases and weeds, leading to enormous economic and environmental damage. To increase the competitiveness of Vietnamese farmers as well as to ensure the future investment in innovation, Vietnamese farmers should be encouraged to have access to safe crop protection products supported by high quality training and education. This will ensure that farmers continue to produce safe, affordable and nutritious food for the community and export.

Against this backdrop, we call on the government to ensure that crop protection tools are properly assessed through a consistent, scientifically rigorous process in line with internationally accepted methods and standards. Such assessments need to be conducted by scientific experts and a suitable timeline should apply to allow for a thorough review. This is consistent with the direction recently set by the Prime Minister when His Excellency called for the removal of unnecessary government procedures that can stifle production and trade while reinforcing the need for transparency.

The industry takes its responsibility seriously and offers its commitment and support to help the Government achieve its food safety objectives. This includes continuing to research the development of alternative natural products, to promote the importance of the responsible use of crop protection products in Vietnam's agricultural sector, as well as providing a scientific and international standards-based approach towards achieving the government's objective of 30% reduction of product registrations by 2021 without sacrificing the sustainability and competitiveness of Vietnam agriculture. Also, it is important that proper police controls are reinforced to prevent illegal imports to Vietnam.

�o Thu Vinh | Coordinator -- CropLife Vietnam | vinh.dao@croplifevietnam.org | Mobile: +84983330209

 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

The 63rd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGIF) - The Biggest Jewellery Marketplace in Asean

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HONG KONG, Sep 13, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - According to the Census & Statistics Department, the value of total retail sales in July 2018 rose by 7.8 percent over the same period last year to 38.9 billion Hong Kong dollars (4.99 billion U.S. dollars). The value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks and valuable gifts increased the most by 16.8 percent.

Apart from local consumers, Hong Kong's jewellery segment is heavily dependent on sales to tourists. The inflow of Mainland tourists are expected to grow under new infrastructure developments such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai Macau Bridge and high-speed link. The opening of shopping malls in these areas along with convenience connection for travelling to Hong Kong will certainly accelerate the jewellery industry in Hong Kong.

In terms of trade as of January - July 2018, Hong Kong imports USD 40,589 Millions value of jewellery products (HS 71 ; Share 11.4%) from the world, which is the 3rd largest imported commodity followed by electrical (HS 85 ; Share 51.3%) and machinery (HS 84 ; Share 11.6%). The top five imported categories include: gold (41.1%), diamonds (30.6%), diamond mounted articles with precious metal (17.2%), platinum (4.6%), and rough stones (1.8%).

In the first seven months this year, Hong Kong had imported USD 330 Millions Thai jewellery, taking up around 7% of the total import from Thailand. For rough stone's supply (HS 7103 such as Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds and Jade, etc.), the recent dominator is India (19.6%), while Thailand is ranking on the 2nd, taking up 16.5% of total supply to Hong Kong.

THE KEY EXPORT DRIVER OF THAILAND

The Thai gems and jewellery segment is not only engaged with the country's economy, it is also in relevant to trade, tourism, employment and creative economy, etc.

Thailand is gifted with rich natural resources and high expertise in cutting, design and exquisite craftsmanship of the industry. In 2017, the gems and jewellery segment was ranked 3rd exporting industry in Thailand. As of January - June of 2018, exports of gems and jewelry had increased by 7.5% compared to the same period last year.

THAI TAX EXEMPTION PRIVILEDGES TO INDUSTRY PLAYERS

In order to showcase the potential of gems & jewellery industry of Thailand, the Royal Thai Government had applied relevant measures to ensure the blossom of this segment, aiming to position the country to become "the World's Jewellery Hub".

One of the key policies is Tax Waiver and Duty Exemption. Gems and jewellery businesses are now exempt from the payment of import duty and VAT on a range of raw materials. Import tariffs on finished products have also been reduced from 20% to now 10%. To promote Thai SMEs to expand their businesses, they may also enjoy reductions in corporate tax and low-interest government loans, etc.

On top of that, to encourage participation of Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF), the one and only Government-oriented jewellery exhibition in Thailand, import duty will be exempted and participants will receive VAT exemption until the jewellery goods are sold on-site.

THE ORGANIZER ENSURES MAXIMUM SECURITY OF BGJF

The Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government (DITP), which is also the Organizer, had held a meeting with representatives from the police force including the Special Operations, Tourist Police, appointed security company and logistics providers in August 2018. It aims to re-assure the security protocol control on-site, allowing the best environment to facilitate participants from all across the world.

THE GLITTERING INDUSTRY EVENT - THE 63RD BANGKOK GEMS & JEWELRY FAIR (THE 63RD BGJF)

The previous edition of BGJF had attracted over 920 quality exhibitors showcasing in over 2,200 booths. Some of the major country's pavilions are from Hong Kong, Turkey, Singapore, Poland, India and ASEAN countries. Over 20,000 international buyers visited the Fair from 130 countries worldwide.

To continue the legend of success from past editions, The 63rd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair 2019 will be held during 20-24 February 2019, at IMPACT Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand.

Some key highlight of Special Zones and activities include: New Faces (showcasing products from over 120 SMEs worldwide), Innovation and Design Zone (displaying innovative techniques and products to inspire jewelry segment), Niche Showcase (featuring the latest trends for niche markets, in particular on five main areas, such as: Heritage & Craftsmanship, Beyond Jewelry, The Moment, Spiritual Power and Metro Men. On top of that, our Fashion Show each year will present the exquisite collections crafted with authentic Thai touches. For further details, please visit www.bkkgems.com

THAI TRADE CENTER HK WELCOMES HK & MACAU BUYERS AS TRADE MISSION

TTCHK, also known as the Office of Thai Trade Commissioner (Royal Thai Consulate General - Commercial Section) in Hong Kong is here to serve entrepreneurs in Hong Kong and Macau regions, aiming to enhance business opportunities and create win-win situation for all parties. We are one of the 62 branches worldwide, under the Department of International Promotion (DITP, The Organizer of BGJF), Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government.

In order to value each chance to meet with potential traders, TTCHK will be faciliting our TRADE MISSION (TM) via two platforms for the 63 edition BGJF in February 2019, offering exclusive benefits to registered Trade Mission members with complimentary lunch coupons, express registration TM counter and buyer's directory, etc.

(1) Come join us at Booth 3C346 (Hall 3), at Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair during 14-18 September 2018 at Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
(2) Contact TTCHK via (Tel) + 852 2525 9716, (E) thaicomm@netvigator.com or follow our latest updates at our FACEBOOK PAGE: Thai Trade Center Hong Kong

We as the Organizer, shall evaluate from our previous experiences and carry BGJF onto the next level that can further fulfill international standards, allowing jewelry industry from worldwide to shine through this international stage.

Event
The 63rd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (The 63rd BGJF)
Venue
IMPACT Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand (www.impact.go.th)
Fair Dates & Opening Hours
Trade Days: 20-22 Feb 19 10:00am - 6:00pm
Public Days: 23 Feb 19 10:00am - 6:30pm / 24 Feb 19 10:00am - 17:00pm

For visiting and media enquiries, please contact:

Thai Trade Center Hong Kong
(Address: 8 Cotton Tree Drive, 8th Floor Fairmont House, Central , HK
Tel: +852 2525 9716 Fax: +852 2868 4927 Email: thaicomm@netvigator.com)
For more information, visit www.thaitrade.com / www.bkkgems.com
Follow our updates at FACEBOOK: Thai Trade Center Hong Kong or
Download our mobile apps via Google Play Store: ThaiTrade.COM


 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

DENSO to Exhibit at the 25th ITS World Congress Copenhagen 2018

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DENSO Booth
KARIYA, JAPAN, Sep 13, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - DENSO Corporation today announced that it will exhibit at the 25th ITS World Congress Copenhagen 2018 in Denmark (September 17-21, 2018) on the theme "DENSO's Technologies and Efforts to Support the Future System of Mobility."

DENSO is committed to providing new values, such as safe, convenient traveling and efficient logistics, toward the future of mobility based on its Long-term Policy 2030. In addition to its sophisticated in-vehicle technologies, DENSO has been developing technologies for the social infrastructure, as well as cloud and data communication technologies for connecting vehicles with other things.

For the cloud, DENSO will exhibit technologies for Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and data analysis technologies using quantum computers. For connecting vehicles with the cloud, DENSO will introduce data communication technologies for efficiently collecting image data captured by dashcams. For inside the vehicle, DENSO will demonstrate its next-generation driver status monitor for detecting potential problems and expressions of the driver, and its blockchain application to prevent hacking of vehicle software and data.

DENSO's technologies and products help reduce traffic accidents. Based on these technologies, DENSO will continue to improve mobility for all people around the world.

About Denso

DENSO Corp., headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan has more than 220 subsidiaries in 35 countries and regions (including Japan) and employs approximately 170,000 people worldwide. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018, totaled US$48.1 billion. Last fiscal year, DENSO spent 8.8% of its global consolidated sales on research and development. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges.

For more information, go to www.denso.com.

Visit our media website at www.denso.com/global/en/news/media-center/.

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

NEXT Future Transportation unveils autonomous Parcel Delivery Solution

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NEXT is introducing the world's first Modular Mobile Parcel Locker.
- Further reveals world's first Modular Mobile Parcel Locker

SAN JOSE, CA, Sep 13, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - NEXT Future Transportation Inc. ('NEXT'), the world's only modular electric vehicle solutions provider, today announced a groundbreaking automated logistics solution for Smart and Connected Cities : https://youtu.be/DZ7QeZAIoOM

NEXT is proud to announce the introduction of its fully automated multiservice 'online-to-offline' (O2O) platform, including a modular vehicle solution and the supporting operating system required to bring an ecosystem of logistics services to market at scale.

"To date NEXT has entirely focused on creating innovative solutions for the municipal mass transportation market. Today NEXT enters the global USD $2.3 trillion e-commerce market, which is driving a rapid transformation of the traditional retail supply chain," said Emmanuele Spera, CEO of NEXT.

Built on NEXT's patented modular transportation platform, the logistics solution is an automated electric vehicle system that is designed to be customizable and scalable for a wide range of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) applications. A fully integrated logistics solution, NEXT compliments warehouse optimization strategies, and workflow environments of Third Party Logistics (3PL), Retailers and Manufacturers. The unique modular platform seamlessly integrates with mixed fleets of autonomous mobile robots existing operating systems.

Upon completion of the automated warehouse loading process, individual vehicles autonomously connect to form a fleet, thus allowing the joint internal space to be utilized. While in route, parcels may autonomously shift amongst vehicles to ensure optimal final delivery.

"NEXT's approach fundamentally differs from all current Autonomous Ground Vehicles or e-Shuttles in that our vehicle's open interior design layout can flexibly adapt to accommodate specific needs. Furthermore, NEXT's fleets may be operated by a human driver, a remote human operator, or autonomously. Therefore we plan to operate on public roadways in the near term," said Tommaso Gecchelin, CTO of NEXT.

To meet the growing global market demands of future multi-mode transportation and business applications, NEXT is introducing the world's first Modular Mobile Parcel Locker.

"Our unique locker solution will provide retailers with more control, while reducing the overall costs of delivery. The public will benefit from superior flexibility and ease of use as delivery locations are determined by customer proximity," said Sven Hackmann, EVP of NEXT.

NEXT believes that the future of innovation is defined by co-innovation and co-ownership. Consequently, it is collaborating with several partners on various developments on a wide range of applications. With offices in Europe and the United States, NEXT has identified China and the Gulf region as its primary growth markets.

"We are encouraged by the lifting of restrictions on the business scope of foreign startups, which is a path to ensure fair competition in China. From 2008 to 2015, China's same-city delivery was the fastest growing sector among various logistics businesses, with a 44% annual growth rate, according to China's State Post Bureau. It is expected the market will reach over RMB200 billion (USD$29 billion) in 2020, and we are excited to participate," said Spera.

NEXT is preparing to announce its formal China market entry.
Learn more at: http://www.next-future-mobility.com.

About:
NEXT Future Transportation is a mass transportation and goods movement startup that is developing a patented modular, autonomous, electric vehicle fleet and the supporting operating system required to bring the systems and services to market at scale. NEXT received seed funding from DP World, the world's largest owner-operator of marine and inland ports.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC44vetBubnOH2iQFBi07DfQ/

Contact:
Emmanuele Spera
CEO
T: +1 408 646 7157
E: mspera@Get-Next.com
NEXT Future Transportation, Inc.


 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Lexus: When Design and Craftsmanship Meet

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Inaho
World Clock
Exclusive "Crafted for Lexus" lifestyle product line to include Lexus Design Award winning works

- Lexus furthers their commitment to nurturing up-and-coming designers under the Lexus Design Award program, by including two of their creations in the Crafted for Lexus Line
- Both creations exemplify Takumi (artisan) craftsmanship and innovative design, which are at the core of what the Lexus brand stands for
- Inaho and World Clock, will soon be available at select locations where guests experience the Lexus brand

TOKYO, Sep 13, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Lexus announced that it is making two of the winning works from its Lexus Design Award exclusively available under its Crafted for Lexus line. An international competition, the program was created to nurture up-and-coming designers who use design to build a better future for individuals and society. Today, Lexus further expands its support to the designers by offering two of their winning works through the exclusive Crafted for Lexus Line. "The Crafted for Lexus line is a curated collection of items that reflects our brand's values of artisan craftsmanship and design innovation. Adding new items that are the outcome of our Lexus Design Award is a great way for us to further support emerging and talented creators." said Spiros Fotinos, Head of Global Branding and Marketing for Lexus.

Inaho Lighting

Inaho, which means "ear of rice" in Japanese, is an interior lighting fixture that mimics the slow, swaying movement of ears of rice swaying with the wind in a rice field. From the pliant, lightweight carbon fiber used for the stems, to the countless perforations precise to the 0.1mm that help produce a warm golden-hued glow, and the wooden panel, from which the stems grow, each component contributes to creating a relaxing atmosphere. To ensure a high level of craftsmanship, the creators of Inaho used the same wood panel material used in Lexus vehicles for its base.

World Clock

The twelve-angle-shaped World Clock displays the local time in twelve different cities across the world each time it is rolled. Its minimalist exterior design, a characteristic inherent in creations from its designer, Masafumi Ishikawa, emphasizes the level of craftsmanship that went into this unique World Clock. To build the clock's face, Ishikawa used the same carbon fiber panel also found in Lexus performance vehicles.

Both products will be made available exclusively at select Lexus outlets starting Fall 2018. Initially, these products will be available at the Intersect by Lexus brand experience space in Tokyo's Aoyama district, and will later be available in other Lexus guest experience spaces across the globe.

Now in its seventh year, Lexus Design Award is accepting submissions for Lexus Design Award 2019. Call for entries ends on October 28, 2018.

About Lexus Design Award - www.lexusdesignaward.com
About Crafted For Lexus - www.craftedforlexus.com
About Intersect By Lexus - www.intersect-by-lexus.com

About Toyota Motor Corporation

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield announces the successful placement of U.S.$1.0 Bn of bonds

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Paris, Amsterdam, Sep 13, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield priced its first Senior Fixed Rate Notes in the United States market. The two-tranche bond issuance is offered and sold in accordance with the Rule 144A and Regulation S of the US Securities Act and comprises the following:

- A $500 Mn bond with a 10-year maturity and a 4.125% fixed coupon;
- A $500 Mn bond with a 30-year maturity and a 4.625% fixed coupon.

The placement is approximately 2x oversubscribed. The proceeds of this issuance will be used to repay outstanding borrowings under the Groups US revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes.

The bonds have been rated A2 (stable) and A (stable) by Moody's and S&P respectively.

For further information, please contact:
Investor Relations
Samuel Warwood
Maarten Otte
+33 1 76 77 58 02
Maarten.otte@urw.com

Media Relations
Nathalie Feld
+33 1 76 77 57 94
Nathalie.feld@ext.urw.com

About Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is the premier global developer and operator of flagship shopping destinations. With a portfolio valued at EUR63.7 Bn as at June 30, 2018, of which 86% in retail, 8% in offices, 5% in convention & exhibition venues and 1% in services. The Group owns and operates 102 shopping centres, of which 56 are flagships in the most dynamic cities in Europe and the United States. Its centres welcome 1.2 billion visits per year. Present on 2 continents and in 13 countries, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield provides a unique platform for retailers and brand events, and offers an exceptional and constantly renewed experience for customers.

With the support of its 3,700 professionals and an unparalleled track-record and know-how, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is ideally positioned to generate superior value and develop world-class projects. The Group has the largest development pipeline in the industry, worth EUR12.5 Bn.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield distinguishes itself by its Better Places 2030 agenda, that sets its ambition to create better places that respect the highest environmental standards and contribute to better cities.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield stapled shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Paris (Euronext ticker: URW), with a secondary listing in Australia through Chess Depositary Interests. The Group benefits from an A rating from Standard & Poor's and from an A2 rating from Moody's.

For more information, please visit www.urw.com
Visit our Media Library at www.mediacentre.urw.com

20180913 URW 144A placement: http://hugin.info/136618/R/2215869/865264.pdf

 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

MobiCom simplifies contracts in Mongolia with fingerprint authentication

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Conceptual image of fingerprint ID system use
Links with KHUR, Mongolia's state information exchange system

TOKYO, Sep 13, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - MobiCom Corporation, a subsidiary of KDDI CORPORATION, has recently introduced fingerprint authentication enabled by compatibility between the KHUR state information exchange system and MobiCom's sales management system.

MobiCom is the first telecommunications service provider to establish compatibility with the KHUR state information exchange system. It enables MobiCom to provide more than 100 service offerings to Mongolians, who are able to complete the personal ID authentication process using fingerprint verification only, without the need to present an ID card.

The KHUR state information exchange system also allows MobiCom to save the time and efforts expended in sales outlets and back-office operations managing customer ID card information, in favour of constructing the necessary data wharehousing facilities.

KHUR state information exchange system was developed as an integrated national population database managed by government authorities for registration, taxation, social insurance, and other services for improved utility and transparency. Use of an open-source platform ensures connectivity for private-sector firms that meet compliance standards.

Issued free of charge, the Mongolian national ID card is required for public procedures, such as voting. The cards include personal information such as digital photograph and fingerprints, which is securely stored to an embedded microprocessor. By linking its sales management system to KHUR, MobiCom can use information integrated with KHUR to enable personal ID authentication through fingerprint verification alone.

By establishing links with KHUR, MobiCom will be able not only to improve its service quality, but also to aspire to provide new telecommunications and finance services, thus contributing to the development of Mongolia.

About MobiCom
MobiCom Corporartion is a total telecommunications service provider, supplying mobile, fixed line and satellite communication services in addition to a wide range of ICT services, and holds the largest market share among Mongolia's mobile subscribers.(12/17).

KDDI has been a shareholder in MobiCom since it was established in 1995 to develop Mongolia's telecommunications industry. KDDI will apply its knowledge and experience to continue powering the growth of MobiCom and Mongolia's telecommunications infrastructure.

History
- Nov 1995 KDDI, Sumitomo Corporation and Newcom LLC enter the Mongolian market, establishing MobiCom, the telecommunications venture.
- Mar 1996 Launched 2G GSM service
- Mar 2009 Launched 3G W-CDMA service
- 2011 Obtained ISO 9001 quality management system certification
- 2012 Obtained ISO 27001 information security management certification
- Aug 2014 Launched Candy loyalty program
- Mar 2016 KDDI took on MobiCom as a consolidated subsidiary
- May 2016 Launched 4G LTE high-speed data communication service in Ulaanbaatar
- Dec 2016 Launched Candy e-money service
- May 2017 Launched Candy Message Loan service
- July 2017 Obtained Mongolia's first international OHSAS18001 certification, for implementation
and operation of the MobiCom Occupational Health and Safety Management System
- Nov 2017 Introduced Mongolia's first carrier aggregation in 4G LTE
- Dec 2017 Received the Grand Prix at the "Entrepreneur Awards"
- Mar 2018 Honored with the prize for "Best Socially Responsible Foreign Company" at the Silk Road Awards
hosted by the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry

About KDDI
KDDI is the second largest telecommunication service provider in Japan, offering both mobile and fixed-line communications. With its well-established base of over 50 million customers, and through mobile services and shops offering its "au" brand, KDDI is expanding its services into the "Life Design" business, which includes fintech, e-commerce and nationwide electric power utility services.

With a 60-year history, KDDI is today focused on creating smart infrastructure through IoT technologies and open innovation with partners and start-up companies in diverse industries. KDDI is accelerating the global growth of its telecommunications consumer business with operations in Myanmar and Mongolia, and in the global ICT business with the TELEHOUSE brand. KDDI (TYO:9433) is listed on the Tokyo stock exchange. http://www.kddi.com/english/.

*This release is an abridged translation of the full announcement:
https://news.kddi.com/kddi/corporate/newsrelease/2018/09/11/3380.html

 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Sparky International, a Wholly-owned Subsidiary of Zhaojin Mining with Shandong Gold Mining Entered into the Cornerstone Investment Agreement

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Accordance with Company's Investment Strategies; Achieving the Value of the Agreement

HONG KONG, Sep 13, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Zhaojin Mining Industry Company Limited ("Zhaojin Mining" or the "Company", stock code: 1818, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"), today announced its Sparky International Company Limited ("Sparky International") a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company as an investor with, amongst other parties, Shandong Gold Mining Co., Ltd. ("Shandong Gold Mining") as the issuer entered into the Cornerstone Investment Agreement.

According to agreement, Sparky International has agreed to subscribe for the Investor Shares at the Offer Price. The Aggregate Subscription Price payable by Sparky International is expected to be no more than US$50 million. Sparky International shares will be acquired on the Listing Date contemporaneously with the closing of the International Offering, or on the Delayed Delivery Date as the Underwriters shall notify Sparky International at such time and in such manner as shall be determined by the Underwriters.

This investment is accordance with the Company's investment strategies, the Company is looking forward in taking advantages and resources from each other, deepening the cooperation and complement, fully achieving the value of the agreement, and actively promoting the healthy and sustainable development of China's gold industry. In the future the company expects to adhere to its strategy in the pure gold field development, strengthens cooperation with various strategic partners, actively promotes the "double H" strategic layout, enlarges and strengthens the mining foundation, and helps to promote the future development of Shandong Gold Mining in bringing greater returns to shareholders.

About Zhaojin Mining Industry Company Limited

Zhaojin Mining Industry Company Limited is a leading gold production enterprise in the PRC. The Group is located in Zhaoyuan City in Shandong Province - the 'Gold Capital' of China, holding 10% of the country's total gold reserves and having the longest history of gold mining in the PRC. The Group is principally engaged in the exploration, mining, ore processing, smelting and sale of gold products, and is the largest gold smelting enterprise in the PRC. The principal products of the Group include the standard Au9999 and Au9995 gold bullion of the Shanghai Gold Exchange. In addition, Zhaojin Mining also owns various gold mines throughout the northern, northwestern, southwestern areas, etc. of China. With its abundant gold resources, advanced technology and strong experience in gold product management, Zhaojin Mining should lead the Group to establish a leading position in the industry.


 
Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Toyota Rolls Out 'Start Your Impossible' Global Corporate Initiative in Asia Region

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- Toyota announces support of 12 athletes from South East Asia, India and Pakistan in their journey to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020
- Athletes to champion social causes in partnership with local community partners
- 'Start Your Impossible' initiative inspired by Toyota's worldwide partnership with the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee

SINGAPORE, Sep 13, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - As interest for the Olympic movement is rapidly rising in Southeast Asia, Toyota announced today at an event in Singapore that it has formed region-wide partnership with 12 Olympic and Paralympic aspirants across Asia, including athletes from eight countries: Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, Vietnam and Pakistan.

At a press conference, Toyota's regional affiliate Toyota Motor Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (TMAP) also announced the Asia roll out of Toyota's first ever global corporate initiative, 'Start Your Impossible'.

"As we roll out the "Start Your Impossible" initiative in Asia, we are excited to begin our countdown to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 along with our Team Toyota athletes who are not only passionate about sports but also desire to be agents of change to create a better world," said Susumu Matsuda, president, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific at the event.

As part of its broader efforts to bring about greater mobility, sustainability and an inclusive society where everyone has the chance to realize their dreams, Toyota will support these athletes not just in their journey to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, but also in their advocacy for social causes close to their hearts.

These 12 athletes make up Team Toyota in Asia, and they are heroes both in the sporting arena as well as in their local communities. Each of them has a compelling story to tell - having challenged and overcome what many thought was impossible to achieve their sporting goals - as well as to take what participation in sports has taught them and their strong desire to address societal challenges to make a difference.

Additionally, TMAP and BMS have both announced plans to start employment of Para athletes from next January onwards as part of Toyota's global efforts to enhance the Para sports movement.

More than eighty years ago, Toyota decided to do what many thought was impossible at that time, to go from building weaving looms to building cars. 'Start Your Impossible' marks Toyota's commitment to transform into a mobility company, supporting the creation of a more inclusive, sustainable and mobile society in which everyone can challenge their impossible. 'Start Your Impossible' is also inspired by Toyota's worldwide partnership with the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee and the fighting spirit of Olympic and Paralympic athletes who are constantly challenging their "impossible".

In spearheading the pursuit of "Mobility for All", Toyota believes that the freedom of being mobile is at the heart of being able to participate in society. "When we are free to move, anything is possible" has been the underlying philosophy behind Toyota's decision to be the first ever mobility partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement.

"We are committed to making "Mobility for All" a reality, as we seize the opportunity through our worldwide partnership to transform ourselves from an automotive company into a mobility company, entering new and exciting territories. This means challenging our own "impossible", and expanding our capability into technologies that can help people move around town or across the room with a better experience," added Matsuda.

About Toyota Motor Corporation

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

FNM and Hitachi Rail Italy sign Framework Agreement for new High Capacity trains

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Agreement, valid for 8 years, for the supply of min 50 to max 120 double deck trains. First firm order signed for 30 four-car trains, to be delivered from 2020

Milan, Italy, Sep 14, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - FNM S.p.A. and Hitachi Rail Italy S.p.A. today signed a Framework Agreement for the supply of High Capacity regional trains.

Hitachi Rail Italy was awarded the tender, originally issued in 2017 by FNM, according to the new train procurement plan, approved by Lombardy Regional Council (Act nos. X/6932 dated 24th July 2017 and the regional law nos. 22 dated 10th August 2017 "Settling of 2017-2019 balance sheet").

TERMS OF FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT - The 8-year valid Framework Agreement provides for the supply of double deck High Capacity trains, destined for high frequency rail lines.

The minimum guaranteed supply quantity is 50 trains: 30 trains in short configuration (4 cars) and 20 trains in long configuration (5 cars); the maximum quantity is 120 trains. The price per train amounts to euro 7,917,000 in short configuration and euro 9,317,000 in long configuration.

The Framework Agreement also includes potential to assign train maintenance services to Hitachi Rail Italy for a period of three years.

FIRST FIRM CONTRACT - In addition to the Framework Agreement, FERROVIENORD, a company 100% controlled by FNM, signed a first firm contract with Hitachi Rail Italy for the supply of 30 trains in short configuration for a total euro 237,510,000. The delivery of the first trains will commence 20 months after the contract signing.

MAIN FEATURES - The agreement provides for double-deck, bi-directional, fixed formation, 3kV electric trains with distributed power.

TECHNOLOGIES AND SAFETY - Technology and safety features include: LED lighting, Wi-Fi, 220V and USB sockets, passenger information system, energy meters, passenger counter, side and front cameras, remote control diagnostics, smart surveillance with "Anomalous Behavior Detection" technology. The trains will be equipped with the most advanced state-of-the-art safety system ERTMS/ETCS which, thanks to the highest safety standards, enable traffic capacity to be enhanced on the rail network.

ACCESSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS - For passengers with reduced mobility, train boarding is assured by mobile door steps to compensate for any gaps between the train and platform. The train is also environmentally-friendly, guaranteeing 30% less energy consumption, lower noise, electricity recovery during braking, use of innovative materials allowing weight reduction and high levels of reusability (96%) and biodegradability (95%). The train is further equipped with bicycle areas and electric sockets for recharging e-bikes.

FLEET RENEWAL - "The fleet renewal that we are carrying out according to the guidelines of Lombardy Region - says FNM Chairman Andrea Gibelli - will enable us to offer a better service to hundreds of thousands passengers travelling every day by train in Lombardy. We know that a good quality service enhances demand; our aim is also to increase the number of people using the train as their means of transport".

"This contract is a great opportunity for us to contribute, with another of our products, to improve mobility in Lombardy - says Maurizio Manfellotto, CEO of Hitachi Rail Italy. The innovation of our new regional trains will provide passengers with the highest levels of reliability and comfort, as well as a reduced impact on the environment of only 5 grams CO2eq, the lowest environmental impact of any means of mass transport in Italy today."

FNM is the first integrated Group for transport and mobility in Lombardy. It is the most important non-Italian investor in the sector. FNM S.p.A. is a joint stock company quoted since 1926. Lombardy Region is the majority shareholder with 57,57% of shares.

FERROVIENORD, 100% controlled by FNM, operates in Lombardy 331 km of rail lines and 124 stations located on five lines of the provinces of Milan, Brescia, Como, Monza-Brianza and Novara. In addition to train operation, FERROVIENORD performs ordinary and extraordinary maintenance of the rail network, as well as adjustment and implementation of new facilities and upgrading activities.

Hitachi Rail Italy is the most important railway vehicle manufacturer in Italy. In November 2015 it was incorporated by Hitachi Rail Europe.

Among the leading products of Hitachi Rail Italy are the ETR1000 high speed train, currently in operation in Italy, the innovative driverless metros for Milan, Rome, Taipei, Riyadh, Copenhagen, Honolulu, Thessaloniki and Lima, and the traditional metros with driver, like those for Milan, Fortaleza, Miami and, very soon, also Baltimore. The Italian factories of the company are presently manufacturing the new regional double deck "Rock" trains (Caravaggio platform) for Trenitalia. A further element of the Hitachi Rail Italy profile is represented by Service activities such as maintenance, spare parts and upgrading. Hitachi Rail Italy has 2,000 employees working in the plants of Naples, Pistoia, Reggio Calabria, Pittsburgh and Miami.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer society's challenges, combining its operational technology, information technology, and products/systems. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal 2017 (ended March 31, 2018) totaled 9,368.6 billion yen ($88.4 billion). The Hitachi Group is an innovation partner for the IoT era, and it has approximately 307,000 employees worldwide. Through collaborative creation with customers, Hitachi is deploying Social Innovation Business using digital technologies in a broad range of sectors, including Power/Energy, Industry/Distribution/Water, Urban Development, and Finance/Social Infrastructure/Healthcare. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

NEC Enhances Cybersecurity for ASEAN-member States with Training System in Thailand

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- Contributing to the capabilities of government and infrastructure company employees -

TOKYO, Sep 14, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) announced the building and operation of a system in cooperation with NEC Thailand for the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre (AJCCBC), which develops cybersecurity human resources for ASEAN-member states at the request of the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (Public Organization) or ETDA, a Thailand government agency.

NEC will hold a variety of cybersecurity exercises at the AJCCBC through May 2019, including incident response exercises for approximately 150 government and critical infrastructure company employees belonging to ASEAN-member states.

This human resource development project is promoted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications as part of a Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) project.

Damage from cyberattacks is already a global issue and the sophistication of attacks is evolving rapidly. Moreover, there is a worldwide shortage of human resources capable of effectively responding to cyberattacks, in addition to a lack of human resource development and enhancement. Under these circumstances, NEC is undertaking the following operations:

1. System building in the AJCCBC
Introducing a variety of IT equipment required to implement cybersecurity exercises in the classroom, server room and offices of the ETDA.

2. Development and provision of cybersecurity exercises
Jointly developing forensic exercises to investigate the content and causes of attacks, including malware analysis exercises to examine computer viruses with LAC Co., Ltd.(1). In addition to development of these cybersecurity exercise environments, an environment of a practical cyber defense exercise is being implemented and provided in the cloud.

3. Holding of cybersecurity exercises
Instructors and tutors will be dispatched from NEC and LAC to periodically hold exercises through May 2019. Approximately 150 employees will participate each time, including two to four employees from the government and critical infrastructure companies of each ASEAN-member state.

Furthermore, a series of "Cyber South East Asia Games" (Cyber SEA Games) will be held, in which young engineers and students selected from each ASEAN-member state compete on cyberattack coping skills.

NEC's focus on the Social Solutions Business includes ongoing development of cybersecurity human resources in the ASEAN region, such as the provision of cybersecurity exercises in the Philippines in October 2017 for employees from the ministries of ASEAN-member states responsible for cybersecurity.

Going forward, NEC will continue to contribute to enhancing cybersecurity capabilities through the provision of cyber-defensive exercises, products and services to domestic and international government agencies and critical infrastructure companies.

(1) LAC Co., Ltd. (http://www.lac.co.jp/)

About ETDA

ETDA was set up as the main agency responsible for developing, promoting and supporting secure online transactions in Thailand. ETDA also provides support to public and private sector organizations which participate in the development, promotion and support of online transactions by establishing the necessary infrastructure, preparing workforce, and advocating for an increase in the volume and value of online transactions. It also provides technical services or other practical services related to Thailand's digital economy and society.

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. The NEC Group globally provides "Solutions for Society" that promote the safety, security efficiency and fairness of society. Under the company's corporate message of "Orchestrating a brighter world," NEC aims to help solve a wide range of challenging issues and to create new social value for the changing world of tomorrow. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Fujitsu Signs IP License Agreements for Green Technologies with Kyushu University and University of the Ryukyus

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TOKYO, Sep 14, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu announced that it has concluded intellectual property (IP) licensing agreements for its technology that visualizes regional characteristics and its technology relating to species identification and population prediction, with Kyushu University and University of the Ryukyus, respectively. Both of these technologies are registered in the WIPO GREEN database, operated by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Kyushu University will utilize Fujitsu's technology for visualizing regional characteristics. This technology calculates and displays the value of a local region based on factors such as "natural capital," including forests and farms, visualizing the characteristics of the region. The university expects the technology to be useful in setting policies to resolve issues in local regions and in promoting regional revitalization. University of the Ryukyus will utilize Fujitsu's technology relating to species identification and population prediction in setting plans for preserving biodiversity, contributing to enhance the effectiveness of the local governments' regional biodiversity strategies. By using Fujitsu's environmental technologies, Kyushu University and University of the Ryukyus will spread these technologies more broadly throughout society, contributing to the achievement of the SDGs.

Background

In order to achieve the SDGs, Fujitsu believes it is important to not only utilize the environmental technologies it owns itself, but also promote them more broadly through society through collaboration with many other players. In light of this belief, Fujitsu joined WIPO GREEN, which is a matching system for the transfer of environmental technology and services, as a partner in September 2017, and has since registered over 200 intellectual property assets related to environmental technology in the WIPO GREEN database. Through the activities of WIPO GREEN, Fujitsu will accelerate the spread of environmental technology and contribute to the achievement of SDGs, resolving social problems as various players use the company's environmental technologies.

Summary of WIPO GREEN

WIPO GREEN is a platform and global network for promoting the spread of, and innovation in, technology in environment-related fields by connecting providers of such technology and services with users seeking groundbreaking solutions. Since beginning operations in 2013, over 3,100 environmental technologies and requests from over 100 countries have been registered in the database, with over 6,000 individuals and organizations from over 170 countries around the world participating in the WIPO GREEN network.

About the Licensed Environmental Technologies

Fujitsu has concluded IP license agreements with Kyushu University and University of the Ryukyus for the following environmental technologies, registered in the WIPO GREEN database. Fujitsu will also be providing technical support going forward. Through these IP licenses, Fujitsu is contributing to the achievement of Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 15 (Life on Land) of the SDGs from the perspective of preserving natural capital and biodiversity.

1. Technology to visualize regional characteristics (IP license agreement with Kyushu University)

This technology, relating to the EvaCva-sustainable information sharing and analysis web app, was developed by Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. It uses open data to compute index values, particularly the natural capital, human capital, and produced capital of all of Japan's 47 prefectures and 1,742 municipalities, as well as the Inclusive Wealth Index(1) derived therefrom, enabling the visualization and analysis of the unique characteristics of each local government region.

2. Technology for species identification, population prediction (IP license with University of the Ryukyus)

In order to support biodiversity conservation, Fujitsu Laboratories has developed a smartphone application to implement a technology to predict the population of an organism from information such as maps of plant growth, topographical maps, and weather information, as well as a technology that combines a database of biogeographical information and a database of species characteristics(2). As a result, the company can identify species from the characteristics of organisms, and create databases of species identification information in the cloud.

Comment from Shunsuke Managi, Distinguished Professor of Technology and Policy & Director of the Urban Institute at Kyushu University

I am currently investigating the possible goals of local governments in achieving the UN's SDGs, and how they should measure indicators. The database system of the EvaCva-sustainable information sharing and analysis web app, which has successfully converted information such as the natural capital of all of Japan's local government areas into data, is very useful in this effort. I hope that the further development of this technology will be useful in promoting the inclusive growth that is so important to the UN's SDGs at the local government level.

Comment from Yasuhiro Kubota, Professor of Biodiversity & Conservation Biogeography, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus

Local natural environments are the mission-critical infrastructure of local societies. Accordingly, preserving local biodiversity and passing it on to the next generation is directly connected with the sustainable development of the local society. At University of the Ryukyus, we will utilize these technologies relating to species identification and population prediction as basic tools for biodiversity monitoring and environmental education. At the same time, by using applications to collect biodiversity information, the university will contribute to the creation of conservation plans to achieve the biodiversity requirements in the Aichi Targets and enhance the effectiveness of the local governments' regional biodiversity strategies.

Comment from Minelik Alemu Getahun, Assistant Director General, Global Issues Sector, World Intellectual Property Organization

WIPO GREEN commends Fujitsu for underlining its commitment to green technology diffusion. We look forward to many fruitful collaborations.

(1) Inclusive Wealth Index An index that can evaluate the sustainability of modern economies, showing the monetary value of the wealth owned by a local society. The computation method was developed by the Urban Institute at Kyushu University.
(2) A database of biogeographical information and a database of species characteristics A database consolidating the results of research by University of the Ryukyus, including survey results that links the organisms in each division of a latitude-longitude mesh with their frequency of occurrence in that division, and a database that examines the characteristics of species.

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 140,000 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 4.1 trillion yen (US $39 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018. For more information, please see http://www.fujitsu.com.

* Please see this press release: 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/

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Fujitsu, SMU, A*STAR, and UrbanFox Launch Field Trial to Enhance Crowdsourced Delivery in Singapore

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Figure 1: Outline of the Joint Trial
Field trial sets out to improve efficiency of e-commerce deliveries with artificial intelligence

TOKYO, Sep 14, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Limited, Singapore Management University (SMU), A*STAR's Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) and UrbanFox Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Keppel Logistics, today announced that they have signed an agreement to collaborate on a field trial which leverages leading edge technologies to resolve manpower shortages in the logistics industry in Singapore. The trial will utilise a dedicated smartphone app that offers AI-driven delivery recommendations to crowdsourced delivery personnel (Delivery Partners). UrbanFox is an end-to-end urban logistics provider whose solutions suite includes dynamic logistics support powered by a unique crowdsourcing model(1) for last-mile deliveries. UrbanFox is committed to developing innovative ways to adapt to Singapore's rapidly changing logistics landscape, characterised by a growing demand for deliveries from e-commerce purchases. At 5.4%, the country has the highest online share of retail sales among Southeast Asia's five top economies(2). The e-commerce trend shows no signs of abating - UrbanFox currently handles thousands of deliveries per day and the number of deliveries more than double during peak seasons like Singles' Day. As delivery volumes continue to grow in tandem with e-commerce, smarter solutions are needed for its crowdsourced delivery personnel (Delivery Partners) to choose optimal delivery jobs from the huge volume of delivery orders available, taking into consideration such factors as efficient delivery routing. With the Asian e-commerce market predicted to expand rapidly in the next five years, one potential solution will be to utilise AI to help keep pace with the expected increase in delivery orders. Fujitsu, SMU and A*STAR's I2R will be collaborating closely with UrbanFox on a joint trial that will test and evaluate technologies which are intended to optimise the assignment of delivery jobs to each Delivery Partner.

Summary of the Joint Trial

In this trial, Fujitsu, SMU and A*STAR's I2R will work together to incorporate AI technology into a system that recommends delivery jobs and delivery routes optimised to Delivery Partners, with the goal of improving the productivity of delivery tasks. During the test bedding phase, which begins in September 2018, the organizations will analyse order data that is managed by UrbanFox, such as the geolocation data of Delivery Partners as well as their past delivery performance. This data will then be matched with the requirements for delivery, and a recommendation of the most efficient Delivery Partner will be given. Ultimately, about 30 Delivery Partners are expected to participate in real world deliveries over the course of the trial. Delivery Partners can choose whether to accept the recommended delivery assignments, and the organisations will conduct machine learning on those decisions, continually improving the accuracy of recommendations.

http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_FujitsuSMUASTAR.jpg
Figure 1: Outline of the Joint Trial

Utilising AI to Enhance Productivity

A*STAR's I2R will incorporate its proprietary AI-enabled descriptive and predictive analysis algorithms into the system to optimise the delivery process. By leveraging AI, the system will also be able to provide insights into delivery trends for an area. This results in the system being able to provide predictions on delivery demands for an area based on past deliveries and events such as sales. When an order is received, the algorithm will first review the delivery requirements, such as size of the item and delivery route. At the same time, a trade-off analysis will also be performed on the data of Delivery Partners with UrbanFox to determine if it is more efficient to use a delivery partner, or the company's own delivery fleet. This will help optimise the delivery process. SMU will conduct research on an AI-based recommendation approach to automatically suggest bundles of delivery tasks that are most suitable for each Delivery Partner. These recommendations will be personalized and dynamic, reflecting personal preferences and real-time status of both the delivery personnel and the delivery demands. Dispatch planning technology developed by Fujitsu over many years will be subsequently leveraged to set delivery plans and calculate efficient delivery routes, notifying Delivery Partners of the recommendations through this app. Integrating the insights and expertise gained through this joint trial, Fujitsu will consider incorporating this job recommendation functionality into a dedicated service for logistics companies in the future.

Future Prospects

The four organisations will use this joint trial as a model case for future expansion in Singapore, as well as to other countries in Asia. Depending on the trial results, UrbanFox will be considering a full-scale implementation of this system for all its Delivery Partners. Fujitsu will develop solutions based on the insights and expertise gained from this trial for use by delivery businesses globally, and will propose those solutions to its customers.

Comments from Partners (Annex):

"UrbanFox harnesses the power of omnichannel logistics to unlock new capabilities for companies big and small. Whether it is streamlining supply chains to integrate offline and online channels, or opening new revenue streams for traditional B2B customers and allowing them to sell and send directly to consumers, our aim is to deliver a one-stop solution for companies to access the digital economy via e-commerce. UrbanFox's partnership with Fujitsu, A*STAR and SMU is in line with this aim. As one of the pioneers of crowdsourcing technology for logistics in Singapore, we are always looking to improve the efficiency of last-mile deliveries for the benefit of customers, end-consumers and our Delivery Partners," said Joe Choa, managing director of UrbanFox.

"At A*STAR's I2R we believe that Artificial Intelligence is a key enabler that will allow us to reach new levels of productivity. By integrating AI into crowdsourcing, we aim to revolutionise the way we handle logistical challenges in Singapore. I2R's AI algorithms can also be leveraged to address challenges in areas such as crowd analytics and precision engineering. These solutions can then be adopted by local companies and will help to better position Singapore for the future economy. We are proud to work with industry leaders such as Fujitsu, UrbanFox and SMU. This collaboration is a prime example of how we can utilise AI to implement real-world solutions to real-world problems," says Professor Dim-Lee Kwong, executive director of A*STAR's Institute for Infocomm Research.

"Last-mile logistics is the most complex and costly part of the supply chain. Crowdsourcing has become a viable and potentially disruptive model for last-mile parcel deliveries, fuelled by the sharing economy and mobile apps. At SMU, we are interested in research on crowdsourcing and last-mile logistics, particularly in the use of AI for planning and scheduling. By partnering with A*STAR and Fujitsu, we aim to develop an integrated platform for context-aware crowdsourced logistics that will benefit logistics operators such as UrbanFox to improve their service efficiency," says Professor Lau Hoong Chuin, director, Fujitsu-SMU Urban Computing & Engineering Corporate Lab

"In light of the drastic expansion of sharing economy business models and the ongoing growth of e-commerce in recent years, we see crowdsourced delivery as a new business opportunity that will spread all over the world. In this field trial, we are very excited to collaborate with UrbanFox, which is one of the pioneers of crowdsourced delivery, and advanced research & development institute A*STAR and SMU. We anticipate that in the future Fujitsu will make significant contributions to logistics industry by improving productivity of crowdsourced delivery," says Toshiya Sato, VP of Co-Creation Business Group of Fujitsu Limited.

(1) A unique crowdsourcing model Crowdsourcing in this case refers to deliveries by private persons
(2) At 5.4%, the country has the highest online share of retail sales among Southeast Asia's five top economies Maybank Kim Eng Research, February 2018

About UrbanFox

UrbanFox was founded in 2009 as Courex, a B2C last-mile fulfilment start-up. Following the acquisition of Courex by Keppel Logistics, UrbanFox was unveiled on 24 October 2017 with additional omnichannel logistics and multi-channel commerce capabilities serving both B2B and B2C customers. As a subsidiary of Keppel Logistics, UrbanFox leverages Keppel's extensive regional network to help brands seamlessly integrate their online and offline channels, warehousing and inventory, as well as last-mile fulfilment requirements to capture opportunities offered by ecommerce. UrbanFox's clients include well-known global brands such as Kao and Mondelez. Find more information about how UrbanFox is shaping the future of logistics at https://www.urbanfox.asia.

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector agency that spearheads economic oriented research to advance scientific discovery and develop innovative technology. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit society.

As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by contributing to societal benefits such as improving outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability.

We play a key role in nurturing and developing a diversity of talent and leaders in our Agency and research entities, the wider research community and industry. A*STAR's R&D activities span biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis.

For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg.

About the Singapore Management University (SMU)

A premier university in Asia, the Singapore Management University (SMU) is internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. Established in 2000, SMU's mission is to generate leading-edge research with global impact and to produce broad-based, creative and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy. SMU's education is known for its highly interactive, collaborative and project-based approach to learning.
Home to over 10,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate professional and postgraduate research programmes, SMU is comprised of six schools: School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Economics, School of Information Systems, School of Law, and School of Social Sciences. SMU offers a wide range of bachelors', masters' and doctoral degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with the six schools, as well as in multidisciplinary combinations of these areas.

SMU emphasises rigorous, high-impact, multi- and interdisciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance. SMU's faculty members collaborate with leading international researchers and universities around the world, as well as with partners in the business community and public sector. SMU's city campus is a modern facility located in the heart of downtown Singapore, fostering strategic linkages with business, government and the wider community. www.smu.edu.sg

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 140,000 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 4.1 trillion yen (US $39 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018. For more information, please see http://www.fujitsu.com.

* Please see this press release: 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/

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Sharp Builds Mega Solar Plant in Zamyn Uud, Mongolia

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Completed solar power plant
Mongolian Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh (4th from left) attends completion ceremony on June 21, 2018
- Output of 16.5 MW-dc will contribute to avoided CO2 (GHG) emissions of 24,836 tons per year -

TOKYO, Sep 14, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Sharp Energy Solutions Corporation (SESJ)(1) announces the completion of a mega solar power plant in Zamyn Uud, Dornogovi Province, Mongolia. The project was a collaboration with Shigemitsu Shoji Co., Ltd.(2) and Mongolian energy company Solar Tech LLC(3).

The new plant has an output of approximately 16.5 MW-dc, with annual power generation capacity estimated at 31,162 MWh/year. The output from this facility is expected to allow avoided greenhouse gas emissions of 24,836 t-CO2 per year.

Mongolia's government is aiming for 25% of its power generation capacity to come from renewable sources. Back in December 2016, Sharp, in collaboration with Shigemitsu Shoji and others, completed a large-scale 10 MW-dc solar power plant. This was the first solar facility of its kind in Mongolia. Sharp remains committed to spreading renewable energy around the world.

(1) SESJ is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, specializing in energy solutions such as the sales of PV systems and the installation of electrical equipment.
Headquarters: Yao, Osaka Prefecture; President: Hiroshi Sasaoka
(2) Shigemitsu Shoji is a trading company handling the import/export of building materials and textiles such as towels. It also operates a solar power generation business.
Headquarters: Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture; President: Gegen Tana
(3) Solar Tech's main business is developing and operating solar power plants.
Headquarters: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Representative: Ganzorigt Luvsanjamba

About Sharp Corporation

Sharp Corporation (TSE: 6753) is a worldwide developer of innovative products and core technologies that play a key role in shaping the future of electronics. As a leader in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and digital technologies, Sharp offers one of the broadest and most advanced lines of consumer electronics, information products and electronic components, while also creating new network businesses. For more information, please visit www.sharp.co.jp

Contact:
Miyuki Nakayama Tokyo Public Relations and Media Liaison Office Sharp Corporation Tel: +81-3-5446-8205 Fax: +81-3-5446-8206

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Hitachi's First Dedicated Compact Proton Therapy System to be Supplied to Tokushukai Medical Group

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System will be Installed at Shonan Kamakura Advanced Medical Center, Scheduled to be Complete in September 2020

TOKYO, Sep 14, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501) announced today that it has received an order for the compact proton therapy system from Tokushukai Medical Group, and the system will be installed at Shonan Kamakura Advanced Medical Center, which is planned to be built near Shonan Kamakura General Hospital. This is the first order for Hitachi's dedicated compact proton therapy system.

Following the expansion of demand for proton therapy system with minimized footprint worldwide, Hitachi has developed dedicated single room proton therapy system (Single Room Solution). Single Room Solution features optimized system configuration, reducing the footprint to 70% of conventional solution, realizing installation in urban limited areas and contributing to lower the initial cost and shorten the lead time. Other features include spot scanning technology for treating certain forms of cancer and full rotating gantry with cone beam CT for precise patient positioning, sustaining high performance technologies in minimized footprint.

Tokushukai Medical Group, operating 339 medical facilities in Japan, is planning to build Shonan Kamakura Advanced Medical Center near Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, targeting to complete in September 2020. Four-story building with one basement floor will be comprehensive center for proton therapy, BNCT (Boron Neutron Capture Therapy), RI (Radioisotope) therapy and drug discovery research and support through the use of PET (Positron Emission Tomography).

Hitachi has been proactively promoting particle therapy business worldwide, supplying world-class facilities around the world with its highly reliable and proven particle therapy systems, which have treated more than 16,000 patients, and integrating Mitsubishi Electric Corporation's particle therapy system business in June 2018. Under the new organization, Hitachi will provide products and services with higher performance and added value, including Single Room Solution and hybrid system combined with capability of proton and heavy ion therapy.

As Hitachi expands its healthcare business, it will continue to accelerate the globalization of its particle therapy system business and contribute to cancer treatment around the world.

Single Room Solution will be introduced at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting to be held in San Antonio from October 21, 2018.

Overview of Particle Therapy

Particle Therapy is an advanced type of cancer radiotherapy. Protons extracted from hydrogen atoms, or carbon ions are accelerated up to 70% of the speed of light. This energy is concentrated directly on the tumor while minimizing radiation dose to surrounding healthy tissue. Particle therapy improves the quality of life for cancer patients since the patient experiences no pain during treatment and the procedure has very few side effects compared to that of traditional radiotherapy. In most cases, patients can continue with their normal daily activities while undergoing treatment.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer society's challenges, combining its operational technology, information technology, and products/systems. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal 2017 (ended March 31, 2018) totaled 9,368.6 billion yen ($88.4 billion). The Hitachi Group is an innovation partner for the IoT era, and it has approximately 307,000 employees worldwide. Through collaborative creation with customers, Hitachi is deploying Social Innovation Business using digital technologies in a broad range of sectors, including Power/Energy, Industry/Distribution/Water, Urban Development, and Finance/Social Infrastructure/Healthcare. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.

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

Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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