Suntory Beverage & Food and Hitachi Develop Production Planning System Utilizing AI through Collaborative Creation

October 30, 2018, 9:14 pm

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Supporting stable product supply adapted to demand and improve in workflow efficiency

TOKYO, Oct 31, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd. (TSE: 2587) and Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501) today announced that they developed the system that automatically creates optimal production plans utilizing AI through collaborative creation, and will put it into practical use as of January 2019. Previously, the formulation of a single production plan took approximately 40 hours per week, with multiple skilled personnel considering various requirements. In this system, which combines Hitachi's AI technology and Suntory's planning knowhow, it is possible automatically create a production plan which are both feasible and optimal, within the short period of approximately 1 hour.

By introducing this system at main in-house and outsourced plants in Japan, Suntory aims to optimize its production plans for all areas in Japan, establish a framework for the stable supply of products to meet fluctuating demand, increase productivity by improving workflow efficiency, and realize workstyle reforms.

Beverage manufacturers have come under increasing pressure in recent years to supply products quickly and flexibly in response to market trends such as the diversification of consumer needs and fluctuations in demand caused by the weather. Manufacturers need to create optimal production plans which meet fluctuating demand and also take complex constraint conditions such as delivery dates, production capacity, and production and transport costs into consideration.

At Suntory, production planners previously created production plans based on their own experience. However, the creation of plans considering complex constraint conditions requires a high level of skill, and takes a large amount of time. Moreover, production plans focused on individual production areas, therefore only achieving optimization of specific areas rather than achieving overall optimization through the effective utilization of all production resources.

In response to this situation, Suntory-an innovator of manufacturing activity including SCM(1)-and Hitachi-a provider of solutions for the manufacturing and distribution industries through its Lumada(2) utilizing advanced digital technologies-teamed up to develop a system which can formulate optimal production plans even under fluctuating demand and complex constraint conditions. The development was conducted through collaborative creation combining Suntory's planning knowhow and Hitachi's AI technology, based on the concept of "Harmony between People and AI," and with the cooperation of Hitachi Consulting Co., Ltd., which possesses wide-ranging knowledge of consulting in the manufacturing industry. As a result of applying the system in production planning at Suntory's actual production locations and conducting trials to validate the effects, it was found that the system offered an outlook for shortening the time-which previously required approximately 40 hours per week to create an average-to around one hour. Suntory has therefore decided to commence actual operation of the system at main in-house and outsourced domestic plants as of January 2019.

Moving forward, through the utilization of digital technology such as this system, Suntory will seek to increase productivity and promote workstyle reforms, and to bolster its initiatives aimed at achieving effective utilization of resources.

Hitachi plans to adapt the system developed on this occasion into a general-purpose system, and to deploy it as one of its Lumada solutions for the manufacturing industry.

(1) SCM: Supply Chain Management
(2) Lumada is Hitachi's advanced digital solutions, services, and technologies for turning data into insights to drive digital innovation

About Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd (SBF) is a global soft drink company with consolidated revenue of approx. 1.2 trillion yen in 2017. Headquartered in Japan and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since 2013, SBF is expanding its business with a diverse portfolio of soft drinks and globally integrated platform in five key regions: Japan, Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. SBF's vision is to enrich our drinking-experiences to be more natural, healthy, convenient, and fulfilling, by leading the next drinks revolution. SBF is a core company of Suntory Group, which was founded in 1899 with consolidated revenue of approx. 2.4 trillion yen in 2017. For further information please visit http://www.suntory.com/softdrink/index.html

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

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Uruguayan Foreign Affairs Minister and business delegation visited Hong Kong to strengthen commercial ties

October 30, 2018, 9:59 pm

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Mr. Rodolfo Nin Novoa, Foreign Affairs Minister of Uruguay

Mr. Antonio Carambula, President of Uruguay XXI

HONG KONG, Oct 31, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The Latin American country held a business seminar for buyers and potential investors from Hong Kong on Wednesday October 31st. Business rounds were also organized with the visiting delegation.

In order to strengthen commercial exchange, an official mission from Uruguay led by Foreign Affairs Minister Rodolfo Nin Novoa arrived to Hong Kong to develop meetings with buyers and those interested in investing in the country, which is currently considered "the pearl of South America" in terms of institutional strength, legal security, and incentives to investors.

The delegation, included more than a dozen businessmen from the Latin American country and Antonio Carambula, the president of Uruguay XXI, the investment, export and country brand promotion agency.

In this context, Uruguay XXI held a business seminar the morning of Wednesday, October 31st at the Murray Hotel aimed at potential investors, high-level businessmen, government authorities, buyers and the press, in which Billy Wong, deputy director of Research at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, also participated.

In the opening of the activity, Chancellor Rodolfo Nin Novoa referred to Hong Kong as "a business partner of relevance to Uruguay while representing a global trade center and global Finance."
"Uruguay has been and is a synonym for seriousness and trust, and opportunities," said the Chancellor of Uruguay and added that the country represents "a strategic base in Mercosur and more widely in South America."

During his presentation, deputy director of Research at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council said trading is one of Hong Kong main pillars of GDP. Hong Kong is becoming an important trade and investment hub, which is the world's 7th largest exporter in merchandising trade and 15th largest exporter in commercial services, he explained.

Meanwhile, the President of Uruguay XXI, Antonio Carambula, presented the opportunities offered by Uruguay as a hub for business in Latin America. "Why is Uruguay today the best gateway to Latin America? Uruguay is institutional strength, macroeconomic strength and quality of life, said the president of Uruguay XXI. He added that the country has become the business hub in Latin America, where every year global companies establish regional centers that combine platforms or activities of various types, such as logistics, commercial, services, innovation, manufacturing , among others.

The seminar presented the competitive advantages, natural production and investment opportunities of Uruguay, a country that is going through one of its most prosperous stages in history and which has grown uninterruptedly at an average rate of 4.3% over the last 15 years. This evolution resulted in an increase in per capita GDP, making Uruguay the country with the highest income in the region and the most equitable in Latin America. Likewise, Montevideo, the Uruguayan capital, is considered the city with the highest quality of life in the region.

In addition, the country stands out for offering investors confidence, clear rules of the game and sectorial promotional regimes for companies.

For Hong Kong businessmen, the seminar presented the favorable environment that Uruguay offers for the installation of companies of different sectors of the economy, its political and macroeconomic stability, the diverse specific incentive regimes for each item and its competitive advantages that have motivated a wide variety of companies to choose it as a destination for doing business.

Among other incentives, Uruguay allows individuals and corporations to settle in its territory without having to comply with prior requirements or obtain special permits from the State. It has no restrictions on the repatriation of profits, its exchange market is free and it does not require a local counterpart to set up a company. In Uruguay there is no discrimination in the treatment of national or foreign capital and offers investment incentives for both, with tax exemptions. Nor does it establish limits for the endowment of foreign capital in companies.

The first Uruguayan investment in China, is the Zonamerica business platform, which is installed in the financial district of Foshan - an area strategically chosen for its proximity to Hong Kong - seeks to facilitate the generation of business with Latin America. The company developed a space of 1,500 square meters where it has offices, co-work spaces and showrooms.

Uruguay, with a little more than 3.4 million inhabitants, provides food to almost 30 million people, with a potential to reach 50 million, stands out for its food production, known worldwide for the quality and sanitary safety of its meats, wines, dairy products, olive oils and caviar, among other tasty and natural products of the country. It is also a leader in technology and renewable energy, in addition to being an outstanding logistics center in its continent.

Sky Solar is one of the Hong Kong companies that have invested in Uruguay, with photovoltaic energy projects.

In terms of trade, Hong Kong exported to Uruguay US$ 22 million in 2017, surpassing the US$ 19 million of 2016, mainly marketing technological products such as telephones, data processing machinery, monitors, projectors and other office machinery. Meanwhile, Uruguayan exports to Hong Kong reached US$ 52 million and increased 13.4% with respect to 2016, with meat products.

Please visit the below websites to know more about investing in Uruguay:
www.buyfromuruguay.uy / www.investinuruguay.uy

Media inquiries:
comunicacion@uruguayxxi.gub.uy

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Innovent HK IPO gains wide support from international investors; Spearheads in cancer treatment breakthroughs

November 1, 2018, 4:06 am

≫ Next: Tonghai Financial Sponsored Hong Kong Tennis Open for the First Time

≪ Previous: Uruguayan Foreign Affairs Minister and business delegation visited Hong Kong to strengthen commercial ties

HONG KONG, Nov 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Chinese biologic drug developer Innovent Biologics (Innovent) becomes the 4th pre-revenue biotech firm to list in Hong Kong yesterday. The seven-year-old company, underpinned by a value proposition of its strong pipeline of 17 drug candidates, is determined to address the multibillion dollar antibody drug market, which is currently shared by a few multinational companies.

Under the current fluctuation of market performance, the company may face headwinds which dominated the market recently. But all these have not stopped the biotech unicorn from reaping USD 421m from its public debut. Innovent Chief Financial Officer Ronald Ede said that the company decided to proceed with its IPO plan amidst a global market rout mainly thanks to the strong investors' support who understand the company and its pipeline.

"The market certainly has its own mechanism...but we think that with the strong achievement the company has couple with reasonable pricing of the IPO, our investors will continue to support us," he said.

Innovent's bookbuild was well-received by large well-known global investors, way outperforming general market's expectations. The company priced its Hong Kong initial public offering (IPO) near the top of a marketed range, or HKD 13.98 apiece. The 236.35m shares it offered had an offering price range from HKD 12.5 to HKD 14 each share.

Though Innovent may still see market challenges, as arguably to other recently listed biotech peers that have not performed so well and have fallen significantly under their IPO price, Innovent is better prepared to tell the market where its true value lies. In all, when Hong Kong gets more biotech analysts and when general investors have more knowledge about biotech sectors, the company believes the market will perform according to the true value of a company's performance.

Innovative breakthroughs for social good

Innovent's world-class drug portfolio should provide better risk protection for its earnings potential. The company's most mature biological drug Sintilimab (anti PD-1) for cancer treatment has already applied for new drug application (NDA) and plans to launch in China next year.

There are also three biosimilar drugsamong its 17 new drugs pipeline that are in phase 3 clinical trials in China, which are aiming to submit for NDA next year.

All these products have the huge potential of tapping into China's massive biologics market that is vastly underpenetrated.

Strong investor support

The company's ambition is also underpinned by star pre-IPO and cornerstone investors for its initial public offering in Hong Kong, which include Fidelity-related investment units Eight Roads and F Prime, Lilly Asia Ventures, Legend Capital, Singapore's sovereign fund Temasek, Capital Group and other well-known investors.

Eli Lilly is also a company's business partner, the two jointly developed Sintilimab, which is one of the core products with promising market protential.

"China has the highest burden of cancer patients of all countries in the world," stated Michael Yu, Innovent's founder, chief executive officer and chairman. "At Innovent, an innovative biopharmaceutical company in China, we are dedicated to take advantage of the latest technological advances in science to develop and commercialize new medicines for cancer patients."

"Innovent will also combine different antibodies from its rich product pipeline for cancer immunotherapy. The company will provide affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals for more patients", Yu added.

On the listing day, stock price of the company traded at $14.3. The shares rose up to $16.96, closing at $16.58. The closing price was 18.6% above the offer price. Net income of $1,300 per 500 shares, excluding fees.

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Tonghai Financial Sponsored Hong Kong Tennis Open for the First Time

November 1, 2018, 4:56 am

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Over 100 Guests Invited to Enjoy the Sports Event, Interacted with Famous Tennis Players

HONG KONG, Nov 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Hong Kong Tennis Open 2018 was successfully held on 6-14 October 2018 at Victoria Park Tennis Stadium. As the Official Financial Partner of the tournament for the first time, Tonghai Financial invited over 100 guests to appreciate the games, attending Corporate Private Luncheon and Private Party, allowing the guests to interact with famous tennis players.

Tonghai Financial has been enthusiastically promoting sports events in Hong Kong. To make the guests feel at home, Tonghai Financial invited guests and business partners to watch the games with great seats and views. On 9 October, Tonghai Financial held Corporate Private Luncheon at Champions Club, Tournament Village of Victoria Park. Guests and business partners had an enjoyable moment at the fascinating venue. Zhang Shuai, Champion of China Open 2017, and Jelena Ostapenko, Champion of French Open 2017, celebrated the event with great interaction, autograph and photo-taking session with attendees, players were warmly welcomed by the excited guests.

Mr. Stacey Wong, Chief Operating and Risk Officer of Tonghai Financial, officiated the coin toss for the first singles semifinal on 13 October. On 14 October, honourable guests were also invited to the Private Party held at Player Lounge after the exciting singles final. Guests and the management of Tonghai Financial shared the fun and excitement brought by the tournament.
Dr. Kenneth Lam, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tonghai Financial says, "We would like to thank the Hong Kong Tennis Association for bringing back the Hong Kong Tennis Open to us. The spectacular 9-day sports event gained much support from Hong Kong SAR Government and enterprises in Hong Kong, as it was attended by fantastic players and engaged people from all walks of life, fostered a passion for sport and physical activity in the region. HKTO is one of the premier sporting events in Hong Kong and we were proud to be supporting this year's event. HKTO provided us the opportunity to entertain our international clients with world class sporting action and hospitality at one of the biggest events of the year. Together we strive to make Hong Kong a city with more dynamics."

About China Tonghai International Financial Limited
China Tonghai International Financial Limited (Stock Code: 00952. HK) is a Hong Kong-based financial services group which has been listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited since 1997. In 2017, the group joined the big family of Oceanwide Holdings Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 000046.SZ). Tonghai Financial is committed to building a comprehensive, fulllicensed integrated financial platform. The core businesses of the Company are brokerage business, interest income business, corporate finance business, asset management business and investments and others businesses. The Company strives to become the ideal partner for both corporate and individual investors in Hong Kong and China. The Company also offers premier one-stop financial services to its clients. The Company continued to provide capital markets services through its representative office or the wholly-owned foreign enterprise in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Shenyang, Ningbo, Dalian, Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Xiamen of the PRC and through its Global Alliance Partners network and Oaklins International.

About Hong Kong Tennis Open
Hong Kong Tennis Open is a WTA sanctioned International Series Event and the 8th stop on the WTA Asian swing, returning for its fifth year in 2018. Owned by the Hong Kong Tennis Association, the Tournament is recognized as a Mega Event, supported by the Hong Kong Government. The Tournament is a community sports event with the goals of engaging people from all walks of life and fostering a passion for sport and physical activity in the region. A number of world-class professional female tennis players took part in the tournament from 6 to 14 October 2018. More than 50 of the world's best female players competed in singles and doubles for prize money of USD 500,000 at the iconic Victoria Park Stadium in the heart of the city.

About Hong Kong Tennis Association
The HKTA is a non-profit organization formed in 1909 with over 4,000 individual members and recognized by both the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The HKTA's objectives are to promote tennis to all, to nurture talented players to compete at a regional & international level, and to raise the standard of the game in Hong Kong. To meet its objectives, the HKTA organizes a number of local and international tennis tournaments, as well as grassroots, junior and elite development programmes, inter-club leagues, coaching certification courses, and a Tennis-For-All open enrolment programme.

For further information, please contact:
China Tonghai International Financial Limited
Jane Chan Tel: (852) 22172988 Email: jane.chan@tonghaifinancial.com
Cherry Liu Tel: (852) 22172907 Email: cherry.liu@tonghaifinancial.com
Nicola Lung Tel: (852) 22172909 Email: nicola.lung@tonghaifinancial.com

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Hong Kong Film Industry on Show at American Film Market

November 1, 2018, 5:00 am

≫ Next: Mitsubishi Corporation Announces Private Placement of Shares and Capital Alliance with TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.

≪ Previous: Tonghai Financial Sponsored Hong Kong Tennis Open for the First Time

Ninth Hong Kong Day to Feature Screenings and Seminar

HONG KONG, Nov 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The ninth Hong Kong Day returns at the American Film Market (AFM) tomorrow (1 Nov, Eastern Standard Time) in Santa Monica, California, in the United States. AFM and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) are jointly organising the event once again, which features screenings and a seminar highlighting international opportunities for film production in Hong Kong.

New International Dynamics in the Hong Kong Film Industry

In the face of the new dynamics created by the latest generation of filmmakers, a seminar entitled "Content, Funding and Talents: The New International Dynamics in Hong Kong" on 1 Nov (Thursday) will examine the latest trends in the market. Jonathan Li, director of the acclaimed Hong Kong thriller The Brink, will share the latest developments in the Hong Kong film industry, while a representative from the Hong Kong film-pitching scheme will introduce the funding platform that is available to both Asian and international filmmakers. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with film industry leaders from Hong Kong and around the world at the Hong Kong Reception, while film premieres are being organised by Hong Kong companies from 1-3 Nov to showcase some of Asia's top productions.

"Hong Kong is an ideal production and service hub for the international film business in Asia," said Jonathan Wolf, Managing Director, American Film Market (AFM). "We are delighted to support this showcase of Hong Kong at the AFM and help build even stronger global film ties."

Chris Lo, Director, Los Angeles Office of the HKTDC added that consumer tastes are changing rapidly in the movie industry. "To keep pace with developments, the new generation of filmmakers is bringing a fresh perspective to the movie-making process to match the changing preferences of customers," Mr Lo said.

The following films will be presented by Hong Kong companies on Hong Kong Day:

Cats
Directed by Gary Wang
All Rights Entertainment
1 Nov (Thursday), 11:30am, ArcLight (Screen 4)
3 Nov (Saturday), 1:30pm, Broadway Cineplex 2

The Fatal Raid
Directed by Jacky Brother
China 3D Digital Distribution
1 Nov (Thursday), 9am, Laemmle Monica Film Center (Screen 3)

Golden Job
Directed by Chin Ka-lok
Golden Dragon Pictures Limited
1 Nov (Thursday), 3:30pm, Broadway Cineplex (Screen 4)
3 Nov (Saturday), 3:30pm, Broadway Cineplex (Screen 4)

Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy
Directed by Yuen Wo-ping
Mandarin Motion Pictures Distribution Limited
1 Nov (Thursday), 1pm, ArcLight (Screen 7)

Programme Rundown:
Seminar: "Content, Funding and Talents: The New International Dynamics in Hong Kong"
Panel:
- Chris Lo, Director, Los Angeles Office, HKTDC
- Tim Kwok, Advisor and Reading Committee Member, Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF)
- Jonathan Li, Director of The Brink (2017), nominated for two awards at the 37th Hong Kong Film Awards, including Best New Director and Best Action Choreography
Time: 3pm-4:30pm
Venue: AFM Studio, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Details: No RSVP required; open to all AFM badge-holders
Remark: Seating is limited and available on a first-come-first-served basis

Hong Kong Reception
Time: 6pm-8pm
Venue: Pool Side, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Remarks:
- Open to all AFM badge-holders. For RSVP, please visit our booth at Loews 5th floor atrium
- By invitation only, business card is required upon check-in
- All registered guests will receive an invitation to attend Hong Kong FILMART 2019

Hong Kong Companies at AFM

- All Rights Entertainment (Loews 532)
- Bravos Pictures Limited (Loews 654)
- China 3D Digital Distribution (Lowes 450)
- Edko Films Ltd. (Loews 451)
- Emperor Motion Pictures (Loews 504)
- Entertaining Power Company Limited (Loews 647)
- Golden Dragon Pictures Limited (Loews 458)
- Mandarin Motion Pictures (Loews 622)
- Media Asia Distribution (Loews 621)
- Mega-Vision Project Workshop Limited (Loews 517)
- Mei Ah Entertainment Group (Loews 527)
- Universe Films Distribution Co., Ltd (Loews 452)

About HKTDC

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

Contact:
Edmund Yiu, Tel: +852 2584 4272, Email: edmund.yiu@hktdc.org

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Mitsubishi Corporation Announces Private Placement of Shares and Capital Alliance with TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.

October 31, 2018, 8:20 pm

≫ Next: Toyota to Start New Service Promoting New User-Car Relationship

≪ Previous: Hong Kong Film Industry on Show at American Film Market

TOKYO, Nov 1, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) has approved the purchase of an additional stake in TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD. (TOYO TIRE) for 50.9 billion yen via subscription to a private placement of shares and has entered into a capital alliance agreement with TOYO TIRE. The purchase of these additional shares will increase MC's shareholding in TOYO TIRE from 3.05% to 20.00%.

The mobility sector is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation, including the electrification of automobiles and the onset of automated driving technology and, as the so-called CASE trends(*1) advance, major shifts in industrial structures are also becoming more visible. This also has implications for the tire industry, in which the nature of the services demanded and the types of roles executed are changing, not just on the manufacturing side, including the development of fuel-efficient or low environmental impact products that support the shift to electric vehicles (EV) and the improvement of production efficiency utilizing AI and IoT, but on the sales and distribution side as well.

Up until now, TOYO TIRE has utilized its individual technology to build a unique product portfolio, including large-diameter tires for SUVs and other large vehicles.
On the other hand, MC has a wide array of touching points with various industries, and has accumulated know-hows while building a global network through a wide range of businesses.

Through this alliance, MC will expand its cooperative relationship with TOYO TIRE, one that has been in the making over a half-century of transactions and joint venture business overseas, to a companywide partnership. Utilizing its comprehensive capabilities, MC will work closely with TOYO TIRE to create a new business model, one that will contribute to increasing TOYO TIRE's corporate value through the provision of new services that meet the needs of the digital age and that are in line with revolutions in the mobility sector.

Contents of the business alliance

1. Business alliance

(1) Reinforcement of sales capabilities
Establish joint task force for each region (Japan, China, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia) to develop marketing channels and progressively strengthen sales, logistics, and operations.
(2) Enhancement of technological capabilities
Promote external cooperation on areas such as "Research on next-generation materials", "Advanced development of manufacturing technology", and "Utilization of AI and IoT technologies" looking ahead on the future mobility society.
(3) Reinforcing Resources
Reinforce TOYO TIRE's human resources capacity by delegating executives to TOYO TIRE from MC with a view to promoting business management at TOYO TIRE and TOYO TIRE group companies and strengthening its management base.

2. Specific use of funds

This capital increase will further strengthen the cooperative relationship between MC and TOYO TIRE and will serve as funding for capital investment aimed at strengthening TOYO TIRE's global business foundation and improving its medium- to long-term corporate value. The specific uses of this fund are as follows.

(*1) CASE: An acronym for the four current automotive trends: Connected, Autonomous, Sharing, and Electricity

About Mitsubishi Corporation

Mitsubishi Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is a global integrated business enterprise that develops and operates business across virtually every industry including industrial finance, energy, metals, machinery, chemicals, foods, and environmental business. Mitsubishi Corporation's current activities are expanding far beyond its traditional trading operations as its diverse business ranges from natural resources development to investment in retail business, infrastructure, financial products and manufacturing of industrial goods. For more information on Mitsubishi Corporation, please visit the company's website at https://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/.

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

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Toyota to Start New Service Promoting New User-Car Relationship

October 31, 2018, 8:47 pm

≫ Next: Toyota to Innovate Japan Sales Network in Preparation for Society of Mobility

≪ Previous: Mitsubishi Corporation Announces Private Placement of Shares and Capital Alliance with TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.

Beloved car subscription service called "KINTO" to be deployed

TOKYO, Nov 1, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) will start to deploy a new beloved car subscription service(1) called KINTO2, which proposes a new user-car relationship, from around the beginning of 2019.

The automobile industry is facing a once-in-a-century transformational period of sweeping changes. Technological innovation in the new fields of connectivity, automation, sharing, and electrification has greatly altered the concept of a car. New competition is emerging and competition rules are also undergoing great change.

Amid these changes, Toyota strives to change from an automobile manufacturing company into a mobility company that offers a range of services related to mobility in light of the mobility society of the future. Up until this point, Toyota has strengthened alliances between Toyota Group companies and other automobile manufacturers and new companies offering mobility services in order to create partnerships.

As cars shift from ownership to use, new types of ownership and options for driving such as sharing, car leases, and rent-a-car services are increasingly appearing. This is anticipated to make cars into an even more convenient and comfortable mobility option.

Toyota will deploy KINTO, the new beloved car subscription service for individuals, based on the idea that cars are manufactured goods that can be preceded by the word "beloved." Toyota hopes that cars will always be the "beloved cars" of its customers, regardless of changes in the times.

Recently, as customer lifestyles and consumption styles have changed, customer needs are diversifying in addition to the need to own one car for a long period of time. These include customer needs to freely choose the type of car that they like and want to drive, and to freely enjoy such a car. With KINTO, customers can freely apply for a monthly fixed-sum service that has packaged procedures such as tax and insurance payments as well as vehicle maintenance. Therefore, they can freely select the car that they like or want to drive and enjoy it as they like. In addition, a program to reward customers who carefully use the car as if it were their own beloved vehicle is being planned. Under this program, points will be awarded for safe or ecological driving utilizing connected technology and regular visits to dealers. We are currently considering details such as operation methods and forms for the new service, and it is planned that such a program will initially be run on a trial basis in the Tokyo area.

Toyota will continue to engage in initiatives to ensure that cars can continue to be the "beloved cars" of customers and allow customers to enjoy a prosperous life with their car.

President Akio Toyoda has described the start of the new service as follows:

"Cars have been loved by people for over 100 years since they were first developed for many reasons in addition to their convenience. Indeed, I believe that it is because they offer many joys to people, including the joy of ownership, the joy of driving, and the joy of mobility. As society shifts from owning cars to using cars, the KINTO beloved car subscription service is a new proposal to enable customers to more freely enjoy cars. The service makes it easy to start life with a car as soon as the customer feels that they want one. Moreover, if the customer wants to try another car, they can change cars, and if they no longer need the car, they can return it. We named the service KINTO to represent our vision of a flying nimbus (kintoun in Japanese), insofar as it quickly appears when necessary and enables mobility as per the user's wishes. Going forward, we will not only convey the appeal of cars, but also engage in initiatives to enable customers to find more enjoyment in the future mobility society based on the idea of "continuing to offer mobility that is beloved."

(1) Monthly fixed-sum service
(2) Name signifying a service that quickly appears when necessary, enables mobility as per the user's wishes, and is kind to the environment, like a kintoun (Japanese for "flying nimbus")

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

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Toyota to Innovate Japan Sales Network in Preparation for Society of Mobility

October 31, 2018, 8:57 pm

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≪ Previous: Toyota to Start New Service Promoting New User-Car Relationship

Toyota City, Japan, Nov 1, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announces today it plans to build a more-regionally rooted Japanese sales network capable of providing new mobility services to survive this once-in-a-century transformational period. Such was confirmed at a meeting of representatives of its sales companies.

To shift from a nationwide focus to a focus on creating "best-in-town" sales outlets, and, thereby, being better able to address regional needs, Toyota replaced its channel-based sales operations structure and work style with a region-based structure and work style in January this year. To further promote this effort and to prepare for a society of mobility, Toyota intends to make, in principle and over a transition period from 2022 to 2025, all vehicle models available through all sales outlets in Japan, enabling such outlets to respond to the needs of all customers in each region of the country.

Additionally, Toyota will establish a new car-sharing business. With the use of car-sharing expected to increase in the future, Toyota sales companies, based on a new focus on mobility, will provide services coordinated with non-automotive businesses, local governments, and other entities, and aim to be companies that increase the prosperity of regional societies.

These initiatives will begin in April 2019 with the integration of Toyota's four directly owned sales companies in Tokyo to form Toyota Mobility Tokyo, Inc. While Toyota's system of multiple sales channels will continue to exist nationwide, such a system will be replaced in Tokyo by the new company, which, as "one Toyota," will be the first in Japan to begin sales of all vehicle models through all sales outlets, and will take up the challenge of providing new mobility services.

Outline of specific activities

1. Product strategy

- Maintain annual sales of 1.5 million vehicles by offering well-selected and highly competitive products, and fully utilizing the distribution network.
- For the purpose of rolling out mobility services that can respond to a wide range of regional customer needs at all outlets in Japan, make--over a transition period from 2022 to 2025--all vehicle models available through all outlets nationwide.
- Although there will be common availability of products (vehicle models) among outlets in Japan, the current sales channels, which are in themselves brands that have been built up over long periods by sales companies and their customers, will remain (except among Toyota's directly owned sales companies in Tokyo, which are to integrate into one).

2. Launch of mobility services

- Toyota will develop and provide systems and devices(Notes) necessary for the car-sharing business to its sales companies in Japan.
Notes:
(1) Japan version of car-sharing mobile app already being used in Hawaii;
(2) Denso-made data-transmission driving recorder for acquiring vehicle information; and
(3) Toyota Finance Corporation payment system.
- Based on the aforementioned systems and devices, a car-sharing business will be established using test-drive vehicles from Toyota sales company outlets and test-drive vehicles from Toyota - - Rent-a-Lease outlets. Sales companies will be encouraged to participate.
In addition to Toyota preparing its sales network, each sales company in Japan will take the lead in actively rolling out mobility-service activities that meet the needs of each region.
In addition to an abundant vehicle-model lineup and safety equipment, both of which are befitting of a car maker, Toyota aims to develop services that give points and more to customers based on car use information and driving.
- Trials in Tokyo are anticipated to begin within 2018. Regions in which services will be available are to be gradually increased, with a full-scale rollout targeted for within 2019.

3. "Tokyo ReBORN"

- A new company is to be established in April 2019. The system of multiple sales channels will be abolished, and the globally used Toyota brand logo will gradually be adopted in signage and other areas to unify the new directly owned sales company in Tokyo into "one Toyota."
- Simultaneously with the above, outlets of the new company will be the first in Japan to begin sales of all Toyota vehicle models.
- A trial car-sharing service will begin in Nakano Ward in December 2018, with rollout slated for February 2019 to cover all of Tokyo by using approximately 20 outlets of Toyota's directly owned sales companies in Tokyo.
- "KINTO," a monthly set-price service for private customers that packages tax and insurance payments, along with procedures such as those related to vehicle maintenance, will be introduced on a trial basis at the beginning of 2019.
https://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/corporate/25169052.html
- With the integration of Toyota's four directly owned sales companies in Tokyo, improvement activities will be carried out to enhance the productivity and quality of sales company operations.

A "TPS Kaizen Promotion Division" will be established in the new company to cultivate the human resources necessary for making improvements, and work-style innovation will be pursued.

For a more-prosperous and more-enjoyable future society of mobility, Toyota is aiming to transform itself from a company that makes automobiles into a mobility company that provides a diverse variety of mobility-related services. Transformation of its sales network in Japan is a key component in Toyota's transformation into a mobility company.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda made the following comment today to the representatives of Toyota sales outlets from across Japan:

"Tomorrow's cars will become a part of the societal system, by using information to connect to communities and to various services that support the way people live. As mobility changes, and amid vast changes in how people live and how communities exist, the concepts of 'region' and 'hometown' will become important.

"The strength of Toyota's sales network lies in business operators being 'local capital.' By this, I mean that they love their hometowns and that our network represents a gathering of people who earnestly and sincerely hope for the development of their regions. How to put smiles on the faces of people who live in their own towns. It is the people who comprise our sales companies who know best how to do this. All outlets (in Japan) being able to offer all vehicle models will make the birth of community-based services unlike any before possible. If the strength of being local is fully utilized, and if new, locally rooted mobility services are developed and provided for each region, Toyota's sales network will become an irreplaceable entity for such regions, and I believe this would become an advantage for the Toyota Group. Bringing about change for the future. And having that change make communities and how people live more prosperous. With such aspirations at heart, I want to move forward on the path toward the future society of mobility together with all of you."

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

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JCB and WEX Partner to Issue Virtual Cards in Japan

October 31, 2018, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: WARC launches 'WARC for Advertisers'

≪ Previous: Toyota to Innovate Japan Sales Network in Preparation for Society of Mobility

TOKYO, Nov 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - JCB International, Co., Ltd. (JCBI), the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., today announced a new partnership with WEX Inc. (NYSE:WEX), an industry-leading global provider of corporate payments solutions, to enable WEX virtual payments technology in Japan. The agreement makes WEX the first B to B issuer of JCB's virtual cards and enables new functionality on the JCB network. The program will launch in the second half of 2019.

"The JCB collaboration represents WEX's commitment to expanding our presence in the Asia market, and entering Japan is an exciting step for us," said Jay Dearborn, president of WEX Corporate Payments. "It is a continuation of WEX's long-term strategy and goal to be the only technology partner in virtual payments that offers multiple payment schemes to businesses."

"We're thrilled to be working with WEX in Japan," said Ray Shinzawa, President and COO at JCB International Credit Card Co., Ltd. (JCB USA). "The innovative technology of the WEX platform plus JCB's merchant acceptance reach in Japan and throughout Asia make this an ideal partnership."

About WEX Inc.

Powered by the belief that complex payment systems can be made simple, WEX Inc. (NYSE:WEX) is a leading provider of payment processing and business solutions across a wide spectrum of sectors, including fleet, travel and healthcare. WEX operates in more than 10 countries and in more than 20 currencies through more than 3,300 associates around the world. WEX fleet cards offer 11.5 million vehicles exceptional payment security and control; purchase volume in its travel and corporate solutions grew to $30.3 billion in 2017; and the WEX Health financial technology platform helps 300,000 employers and more than 25 million consumers better manage healthcare expenses. For more information, visit www.wexinc.com.

About JCB

JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading payment card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and card member base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to provide responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. Currently, JCB cards are accepted globally and issued in 24 countries and territories. For more information, please visit: https://www.global.jcb/en/ or https://www.jcbusa.com/
Note: Statistics about JCB are as of June 2018.

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

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WARC launches 'WARC for Advertisers'

October 31, 2018, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: DOCOMO Launches "DOCOMO Asia IoT Program" to Further Expand IoT Market in the Region

≪ Previous: JCB and WEX Partner to Issue Virtual Cards in Japan

A unique digital experience designed to help brands eliminate ineffective marketing

LONDON, Nov 1, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - WARC, the global authority on advertising and media effectiveness, has today launched WARC for Advertisers a new site experience designed to help brand owners to deliver more effective marketing.

Specifically developed for advertisers, the unique digital experience will give leading marketers a category-tailored view of what's working in their sector. Sourced from 75,000 best practice, research, insights and case study papers on marketing effectiveness, the new WARC for Advertisers site will provide brand owners with:

A category-focused WARC homepage with feeds of the latest news, insights and reports on specific sectors of choice, providing inspiration and guidance on effective marketing.

A new category campaign data tool to benchmark work against the most effective campaigns in their sector by accessing data on lead channels, creative approaches and media mix.

Access to new Evidence Reports which pool compelling research and insights, bringing together streamlined, digestible and compelling answers to the most important marketing challenges, including "What's Working In" reports for all major advertising categories.

Direct connection to WARC's experts via the WARC Plus service, to help brands find answers to a specific brief or question, fast.

Paul Coxhill, Managing Director, WARC, says: "At WARC, we constantly strive to help our customers to deliver more effective marketing. We already work with over 200 brands and they've told us they need faster access to key category and channel insights, relevant case studies and authoritative answers to key strategic questions to help their brand stand out.

"WARC for Advertisers is our response to that challenge. It is a digital space dedicated to helping advertisers prove their marketing plan's effectiveness, persuade with powerful insights, and prosper with knowledge as they navigate through the latest category and media shifts."

A user-based subscription, the new WARC for Advertisers is available at www.warc.com/advertisers

About WARC

- Your global authority on advertising and media effectiveness

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

WARC runs two global and two regional case study competitions: WARC Awards, WARC Media Awards, WARC Prize for Asian Strategy and WARC Prize for MENA Strategy.

WARC publishes three global rankings of advertising excellence: Gunn 100 (creativity), WARC 100 (effectiveness), Gunn Media 100 (media innovation) and publishes leading journals including Admap, Market Leader, the Journal of Advertising Research and the International Journal of the Market Research Society. In addition to its own content, WARC features advertising case studies and best practices from more than 50 respected industry sources, including ARF, Effies, Cannes Lions, ESOMAR and IPA.

Founded in 1985, WARC has offices in the UK, U.S. and Singapore. In June 2018 WARC was acquired by Ascential plc, the global specialist information company.

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

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DOCOMO Launches "DOCOMO Asia IoT Program" to Further Expand IoT Market in the Region

October 31, 2018, 9:53 pm

≫ Next: NEC Expands Broadband Availability in Sweden with the iPASOLINK EX-Advanced Radio

≪ Previous: WARC launches 'WARC for Advertisers'

TOKYO, Nov 1, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today that on October 25 it launched the "DOCOMO Asia IoT Program" (AIP), aiming to foster collaboration among IoT providers and expand the IoT market across the Asia region. Mobile operators from 15 countries in the region have expressed their intention to participate in the program.

Forming part of DOCOMO's global IoT solution "Globiot", the program aims to strengthen the company's IoT offering within the Asian region. It will enhance connectivity, operational support and consultation on certification and regulation, all of which rely on close collaboration with local mobile operators in the region.

By participating in this program, mobile operators in the Asian region will be able to acquire timely information on the Japanese and Asian markets and work closely with DOCOMO to further meet the needs of corporate customers.

Multiple mobile operators from each Asian country are participating in the new program. Corporate customers are likely to benefit, as the program will allow them to acquire local information and mobile connectivity relatively quickly, and will also give them the opportunity to compare the offerings of multiple mobile operators.

At the program's kick-off meeting, participating mobile operators shared the status of their respective local IoT markets and highlighted the opportunities and challenges faced in the technical and business development of IoT services in the Asian region. Information was also exchanged between the mobile operators and a guest corporate customer.

In January this year, DOCOMO launched its 5G Open Partner Program to promote collaboration in the 5G field. The global IoT market continues to expand, and this expansion is likely to accelerate in the coming 5G era. Going forward, DOCOMO is dedicated to broadening its partnerships across the Asia region in order to support its corporate customers' own IoT business expansion.

1. Kick-off Meeting:
- October 25 to 26, 2018, Tokyo

2. Goals of Program
- Biannual regular meetings to discuss potential and common challenges of the IoT market in the Asia region
- Sharing of latest regional market trends and local IoT-related information (e.g. regulation, certification processes) to foster global expansion and explore potential business opportunities
- Sharing of latest technology trends (e.g. IoT, 5G)
- Joint sessions with corporate customers

3. List of Countries and Regions of Mobile Operators Participating in the Program
- Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 76 million subscriptions, is one of the world's foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities ("+d" partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations. DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (9437). https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/.

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

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NEC Expands Broadband Availability in Sweden with the iPASOLINK EX-Advanced Radio

October 31, 2018, 10:05 pm

≫ Next: JCPenney Helps Shoppers "Value the Present" this Holiday Season

≪ Previous: DOCOMO Launches "DOCOMO Asia IoT Program" to Further Expand IoT Market in the Region

TOKYO, Nov 1, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation and NEC Scandinavia AB announced today the successful expansion of broadband availability in Mossberg, Sweden, through the installation of the iPASOLINK EX-Advanced for Alingsas Energi, a regional supplier of energy and infrastructure services. This marks the first time that a 10Gbps ultra-high speed wireless point-to-point link with a millimeter wave frequency band of 80GHz has been deployed in Sweden.

As a municipally-owned energy company in Alingsas, Sweden, Alingsas Energi focuses on contributing to the municipality's goal of developing a sustainable society. As a result of this project, which was carried out in cooperation with Vixor & Co AB, a leading wireless communications provider, Alingsas Energi was able to rapidly expand the provision of broadband availability in the rural and suburban area of Mossberg by deploying iPASOLINK EX-Advanced to connect to an existing optical backbone.

"The planning, digging and installation that is needed for traditional fiber cables requires both a great deal of time and expensive resources," said Kristian Nilsson, Network Manager at Alingsas Energi. "Therefore, we chose NEC's wireless broadband connection via the iPASOLINK EX-Advanced microwave link. This proven solution has quickly provided the residents of Mossberg with a strong and reliable broadband connection that also promises to meet our future needs with a link capacity of 10Gbps, the first such powerful wireless broadband connection in Sweden."

NEC's iPASOLINK EX-Advanced solution provides the following:

- A High profile wireless broadband connection provided in a turnkey solution for the transport of reliable, highly connected Triple-Play-Services, the iPASOLINK EX-ADVANCED is a natural fiber extension with 10GbE optical interfaces and Layer-2 tunneling features for transparent fiber activity
- A rapid and cost effective 10Gbps deployment due to its seamless connectivity with optical transport networks in shorter time-to-market as well as the availability of light-licensed 80Ghz spectrum
- Overturns the image of E-band during rain and snow with adaptive modulation and bandwidth features that maximize the transmission capacity of the 80GHz spectrum and extend link reliability
- A compact, durable and lightweight body that is ideal for outdoor installation - no need to rent additional indoor space

About NEC Scandinavia AB

NEC Scandinavia AB opened in the Nordic region in 1984 and currently has offices in Oslo, Helsinki and Stockholm (head office). NEC's product range in the Nordic and Baltic countries comprises LED displays, projectors and monitors, as well as services and products in the field of security, biometrics and identification. The company also has a generous product range directed at telecommunication and network operators, for example Microwave access radio, IP routing and switching, 3G/4G Femtocells and Network Security. For additional information, please visit the NEC Europe Ltd. home page at: https://se.nec.com/

About Vixor

Vixor & Co is a Swedish product and service company who deliver a complete package of wireless communication and system designs for companies and local authorities. Vixor & Co is an industry leader in overall solutions in secure wireless infrastructure for community functions.

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

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JCPenney Helps Shoppers "Value the Present" this Holiday Season

November 2, 2018, 2:00 am

≫ Next: Shanghai-London Stock Connect paves a new way for international capital to tap into the world's second-largest economy

≪ Previous: NEC Expands Broadband Availability in Sweden with the iPASOLINK EX-Advanced Radio

Stores open at 2 p.m. Thanksgiving Day with Black Friday sale prices on select items extended through Saturday
Customers can shop select Black Friday deals at JCPenney.com beginning Nov. 18

PLANO, Texas, Nov 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - JCPenney wants to make it easy for families to "Value the Present" this holiday season. Through a heartwarming marketing campaign that launches Nov. 4, JCPenney will celebrate the importance of cherishing the time spent during the holiday season and delighting loved ones with an exciting array of stylish and affordable gifts.

"When the holiday season comes around, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. Whether you are prepping your home, attending countless holiday parties or checking off never-ending gift lists, it's important to remember the value of being present," said Marci Grebstein, chief marketing officer for JCPenney. "JCPenney has thoughtfully curated a compelling assortment of boots, diamond jewelry, toys, kitchen electrics, tech gadgets, beauty items and more that were all designed to make gift giving easy so shoppers can focus on what's most important: spending time and making memories with family and friends."

Inspiring shoppers to make JCPenney their one-stop holiday shopping destination, the retailer will open its doors at 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day for its annual Black Friday sale, offering customers its best deals of the year. Customers who wish to get early access to a selection of the retailer's Black Friday deals can start shopping JCPenney.com beginning Sunday, Nov. 18, with the Company's full Black Friday sale available online on Wednesday, Nov. 21.

When stores open on Thanksgiving Day, early shoppers will be greeted with an envelope containing a coupon worth $10 off $10, $100 off $100 or a $500 off $500 or more purchase, while supplies last. Stores will continue to remain open for the Company's Black Friday sale through 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 23, and re-open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24, for the Company's "Black Friday Extended" sale. Saturday shoppers can continue to take advantage of Black Friday prices on select items, along with new deals, and will be treated to a $10 off $10 or more in-store coupon, while supplies last. This year's Black Friday deals include exciting offers such as:

$1.99 MixIt(R) touchtech or fluffy gloves
$2.09-$48.99 NERF(R), Hatchimals(R) and Fingerlings(R) toys
$2.99 Home Expressions(R) ombre stripe or solid bath towel
$4.99 women's St. John's Bay(R) holiday tee
$4.99 pajama pants for the family
$4.99 Cooks 1.2 qt. air fryer (after $20 mail-in rebate)
$4.99-$11.99 Carter's(R) apparel
$7.99 Liz Claiborne(R) pashmina
$8.99 St. John's Bay(R) cable knit sweater for women with matching $4.99 St. John's "Bark" cable knit sweater for dogs
$9.99 Tzumi(R) portable karaoke microphone with LED lights
$9.99 men's St. John's Bay flannel shirt
$14.99 St. John's Bay puffer vest for women with matching $4.99 St. John's "Bark" puffer vest for dogs
$14.99 men's "12 Days of Socks" gift box
$15 and under beauty product deals from Sephora inside JCPenney
$19.99 boots for the family
$19.99 Xersion(R) puffer coat for him or her
$19.99 Cooks fast pot Jr. multicooker (after $20 mail-in rebate)
$20 1/10 C.T. T. W. diamond ring, pendant or studs in sterling silver
$25 Q7 smartwatch
$29.99 JoJo Siwa bow gift set, only at JCPenney
$29.99 Eagle 3-pro Wi-Fi camera drone
$39.99 American Explorer hardside luggage
$55 Disney Collection princess 9-pk. deluxe doll set
$59.99 Chi(R) flat iron
$149.95 FitBit Versa(TM) smartwatch
$199.99 Xbox One S 1TB Minecraft bundle
$399.99 55" LG UHD 4-K LED TV
$995 Samsung 25.5 cu. ft. three-door French door refrigerator
Up to 30 percent off Nike(R) for the family
Up to 30 percent off athletic shoes for the family from Nike, adidas(R), Converse(R) and Sketchers(R)

Santa's Headquarters for Toys, Toys and More Toys!
JCPenney is primed to capture additional market share in toys, adding 40 percent more toys, games and plush items to its toy shop assortment for the holiday season. Gift-givers can turn to JCPenney to find the hottest trends in toys for kids of all ages with collectibles, licensed characters, interactive products and more from top brands including LEGO(R), Hasbro(R), Mattel(R) and Fisher Price(R). The retailer's toy shop assortment joins its successful in-store Disney shops, as well as its newly launched baby shops, which feature an expanded assortment of gift items for parents welcoming a new bundle of joy.

JCPenney unveiled its Top 20 Toys list earlier this year, inviting shoppers to discover the most popular toys sure to top kid's wish lists this Christmas. The Top 20 Toys list is featured prominently within a dedicated 32-page toy mailer, landing now in customers' mailboxes. A helpful sticker sheet included in the book enables kids to mark the items they want from Santa. JCPenney will also partner with top social media influencers on "unboxing" videos of toys from the retailer's Top 20 Toys list.

JCPenney will offer two interactive in-store Kids Zone workshops over the holiday season, providing a Nickelodeon activity pack and comic giveaway on Nov. 10 and hosting a NERF Fest event on Dec. 8., where kids can try out NERF products and design their own targets to take home. Kids receive a lanyard, ID badge and collectible pin for every complimentary Kids Zone workshop they attend and adults are treated to a special coupon to use in-store the same day.

Valuing Those Who Need Gifts Most
JCPenney will continue its philanthropic holiday tradition by hosting giving sprees for underserved youth in select markets. The retailer will partner with the YMCA, as well as additional organizations that help close the opportunity gap, to enable over 1,275 kids in need to receive a gift card that they can use to purchase new clothes, coats and shoes, as well as gifts for their families. The retailer's first giving spree will kick off in New York on Dec. 6 with the Y and special host Joe Jonas.

For b-roll footage of JCPenney stores and Black Friday merchandise, please visit: https://bit.ly/2Dj4XjN

JCPenney Corporate Communications & Public Relations:
(972) 431-3400 or jcpnews@jcp.com
Follow the Company Blog and @jcpnews on Twitter for the latest announcements and Company information.

About JCPenney:
J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP), one of the nation's largest apparel and home retailers, combines an expansive footprint of over 860 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico with a powerful e-commerce site, jcp.com, to deliver style and value for all hard-working American families. At every touchpoint, customers will discover stylish merchandise at incredible value from an extensive portfolio of private, exclusive and national brands. Reinforcing this shopping experience is the customer service and warrior spirit of approximately 98,000 associates across the globe, all driving toward the Company's mission to help customers find what they love for less time, money and effort. For additional information, please visit jcp.com.

###

This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: J. C. Penney Company, Inc. via Globenewswire

↧

Shanghai-London Stock Connect paves a new way for international capital to tap into the world's second-largest economy

November 2, 2018, 2:18 am

≫ Next: Xiaomi-linked Tiger Brokers takes AMTD stake

≪ Previous: JCPenney Helps Shoppers "Value the Present" this Holiday Season

SHANGHAI, Nov 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - China and the UK have been working hand-in-hand for the Shanghai-London Stock Connect from initial feasibility study to final launch, which is expected to be at the end of 2018. In 2015, on the occasion of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Britain, the two countries started the initiative with a joint declaration of support for a stock connect program.

Three years later, the PBOC governor, Mr. Yi Gang, announced at the 2018 Bo'ao Forum in his first international public address as governor a series of detailed measures to further open up China's financial market which include the removal of foreign ownership caps for banks, easing equity restrictions on foreign investment in securities and fund companies, quadruple of daily quota on the Hong Kong-Shanghai and Hong Kong-Shenzhen stock connect schemes as well as aiming to launch Shanghai-London Stock Connect within this year. All these measures signify China's continuing efforts on market reform and opening up of its financial markets to foreign investors as well as to facilitate enterprises in China to expand globally.

CSRC, the regulator for China's securities industry soon rolled out a trial implementation document - "Provisions on the Supervision and Administration of Depository Receipts under the Stock Connect Scheme between Shanghai Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange" in August 2018, and efficiently finalized the details of the relevant rules and regulations (the "Provision") in October 2018.

The Shanghai-London Stock Connect program is a two-way depository receipts program that allows eligible listed companies in Shanghai Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange to list depository receipts overseas which are backed by and fungible with issuers' shares listed in their home markets. The program will enhance the international influence and capital strength of Chinese enterprises and improve their corporate governance structures. In addition, this newly established cross-border direct trade channel would pave a new way for international capital to tap into the A-share market and to enjoy the upside of China' growth story.

To qualify as the first batch of Chinese issuers to list on the London Stock Exchange through GDR offerings under the Shanghai-London Stock Connect program, applicants must be listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange with a minimum market capitalization of RMB20 billion, which sets the bar for sizable blue-chip companies in China.

The Provision specifies that domestic listed companies can offer cross-border GDRs backed by and fungible with existing or newly-issued A-shares. The free conversion between GDRs and underlying A-shares is subject to a lock-up period of 120 days from the date of listing. Unlike the Hong Kong stock connect scheme which only allows investors to invest stocks in secondary market, or D-shares listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange which are not inter-fungible to A-shares, Shanghai-London Stock Connect achieves both mutual cross listing and capital raising in primary markets and fungibility in securities trading in secondary market and lays solid foundation for better connectivity between the financial markets in China and the UK.

With the details of relevant rules and regulations in place, the London debut of the first Chinese GDR is highly anticipated.

↧

Xiaomi-linked Tiger Brokers takes AMTD stake

November 2, 2018, 3:31 am

≫ Next: NEC Showcases Biometrics and Blockchain Technologies for the Financial Sector at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2018

≪ Previous: Shanghai-London Stock Connect paves a new way for international capital to tap into the world's second-largest economy

HONG KONG, Nov 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - DigFinGroup(Capital Markets) - Tiger Brokers, a mainland Chinese online securities broker, has taken a minority stake in Hong Kong financial group AMTD. Terms of the deal were not disclosed but AMTD Group CEO Calvin Choi told DigFinit now values AMTD at $1.4 billion.

Tiger was established in 2014 by Wu Tianhua, an internet entrepreneur. He remains CEO and the biggest shareholder in Tiger. The second largest owner is Xiaomi. Other investors include Interactive Brokers, ZhenFund and Jim Rogers, the U.S. investor.

Tiger has developed data-driven online broking for mainland Chinese retail investors, giving them access to mainland, Hong Kong and U.S. securities. It is the second-largest online broker in China after Futu Securities (see here for a short video on Futu's data-driven model).

Tiger's tech is in keeping with the intensive data-driven style that has powered Xiaomi's entry into financial services (as explained by Xiaomi co-founder Hong Feng here).

Tiger tech, Hong Kong market

For Tiger, the deal gives it a stake in a fast-growing international finance group with a record of making proprietary investments in tech companies, including fintech. Wu will sit on AMTD's board, and Choi will sit on Tiger's. This effectively extends Tiger's reach to Hong Kong and other markets.

For AMTD, the attraction of the deal is to take Tiger's retail technology-trading platform and deploy it to Hong Kong and other markets.

This gives AMTD an opportunity to use a tech-driven platform to expand beyond its wholly institutional business. AMTD conducts investment banking, asset management (primarily on behalf of mainland entities it helped list in Hong Kong, providing them with a de-facto offshore treasury), insurance brokerage, and prop investing.

It also will let AMTD support its technology investments as these companies get a chance to go public. In particular it can use Xiaomi-inspired data analytics on companies to value them and offer them bespoke capital-market products, far more cheaply and with more personalized and cost-effective levels than is currently available (assuming AMTD is able to acquire sufficient access to companies this way).

Is there a Xiaomi angle?

That suggests AMTD's competitive advantage could be limited to companies with which it has a relationship other than just as an advisor. Its portfolio companies include the likes of China P2P company Dianrong along with smaller businesses such as Hong Kong startup FinEx Asia.

Beyond products and pricing, Tiger would give AMTD a trading capability in Hong Kong. This would let it support companies it sponsors in secondary markets.

Most intriguingly is the role that Xiaomi could play. Hong attended a signing ceremony between AMTD and Tiger held at Hong Kong Fintech Week.

DigFin asked Xiaomi's Hong about the company's plans to extend its financial services beyond mainland China. Hong said the company is looking at a virtual banking license in Hong Kong, not as a standalone business but in partnership with other players.

He would not comment on whether the company has an outstanding application with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority or when (or whether) he expects to launch such a business. Xiaomi now has an indirect stake in AMTD, via Tiger.

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NEC Showcases Biometrics and Blockchain Technologies for the Financial Sector at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2018

November 2, 2018, 3:56 am

≫ Next: "Think Global, Think Hong Kong" Concludes in Tokyo

≪ Previous: Xiaomi-linked Tiger Brokers takes AMTD stake

TOKYO, Nov 2, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) and NEC Asia Pacific announced today their participation in the Singapore FinTech Festival 2018 from 12 to 16 November as a gold sponsor of the event in hall 3, booth no. 3E17.

In recent years, more and more banks and financial service providers have started adopting biometrics technologies to enhance their services and operations. The NEC booth will highlight how its biometrics-based applications can improve the customer experience, boost security for transactions, and enable a smart and secure e-KYC (Know-Your-Customer) process.

Also, NEC will share its latest blockchain technology development and use case examples for financial sectors.

Key exhibits this year include:

NeoFace Watch: Powered by NEC's facial recognition AI engine which has been recognized as the world's most accurate(1), this solution extracts faces in real time from CCTV footage and instantaneously matches them against a pre-registered facial database. The application includes VIP customer identification and enhanced video surveillance.

NEC BioTrust: Using machine learning and NEC's "Liveness Detection" technology, this solution enables a smarter and more secured way for Digital ID login to e-government or online web services, such as online banking, using facial recognition technologies.

FIDO Biometric Authentication: NEC's NC7000-3A-FS is a Fast IDentity Online (FIDO) UAF 1.0 certified platform for simple, secure and swift biometric authentication for mobile transactions.
Digital KYC solution: With Digital KYC, financial service providers can launch biometrics-based online verification services and eliminate the need for customers to visit bank branches for account opening.

During the event, experts from NEC will participate in a panel discussion and an "Open Mic" session to talk about the latest developments among FinTech related technologies.

Panel Discussion

On 14 November at 3.00 p.m.-3.50 p.m., Mr. Daichi Iwata, Head of the FinTech Business Development Office, NEC Corporation, will join the panel discussion themed "Big Tech to TechFin". Mr. Iwata, together with other industry leaders, will discuss how top technology companies around the world are enabling rapid transformation in the financial sector.

Open Mic

On 12 November at 3.00 p.m.-3.45 p.m., Mr. Iwata will lead the discussion on the blockchain technology development for business and its social impact. Also, Ms. Helen Chua, Senior Sales Director, NEC Asia Pacific will present how facial recognition with liveness detection capability can address the new challenges of a digital identity crisis.

(1) NEC's Video Face Recognition Technology Ranks First in NIST Testing
https://www.nec.com/en/press/201703/global_20170316_01.html

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. 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

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"Think Global, Think Hong Kong" Concludes in Tokyo

November 1, 2018, 7:00 pm

≫ Next: Continuous Growth for 3Q 2018 Results; Ausnutria Announces the Positive Profit Alert for Nine Consecutive Times

≪ Previous: NEC Showcases Biometrics and Blockchain Technologies for the Financial Sector at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2018

Addressing the "Think Global, Think Hong Kong" symposium held in Tokyo on 1 Nov, Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, highlights Hong Kong's long-standing trade ties and economic relationship with Japan

Vincent HS Lo, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), focuses on the collaboration opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development plan

Yoshihiro Seki, Japan's State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, shares his insights on Japan-Hong Kong cooperation in the areas of trade and business

Takamori Yoshikawa, Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, delivers a speech at the gala dinner

Mega Promotion Attracts Over 2,900 Participants
Asia Opportunities, Technology & Professional Services Key Areas of Interest

TOKYO, Nov 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - "Think Global, Think Hong Kong", a large-scale Hong Kong business promotion organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded yesterday (1 Nov) in Tokyo. The mega promotion, comprising a business symposium, business-matching sessions, networking events and a gala dinner, attracted more than 2,900 participants keen on exploring Hong Kong-Japan collaboration opportunities.

The full-day symposium featured over 70 high-profile speakers from Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and Japan, who shared their insights and business intelligence on a series of topics, from how Japanese companies can expand to new markets using Hong Kong as a platform to opportunities in different sectors including finance, technology, legal services and the creative industries. More than 380 business-matching meetings were arranged to connect Hong Kong businesses and services providers with Japanese companies. The HKTDC also led several business missions from Hong Kong to Japan, comprising more than 220 delegates, to discuss cooperation in the areas of finance and investment, the design and creative industries, technology, professional services and the food industry.

Bright prospects for Japan-Hong Kong collaboration

At the opening session, Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), delivered the opening remarks as a highlight of her first official visit to Japan in her current capacity. Guest of honour Yoshihiro Seki, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan shared his insights on cooperation between Japan and Hong Kong in the areas of trade and business.

In his welcome remarks, Vincent HS Lo, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: "Under the Belt and Road Initiative, a new engine of growth for the global economy, opportunities for cooperation between Hong Kong and Japan are perhaps more promising than they have ever been before. The recently announced development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is another initiative that will further enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness and advantages as an international business and financing hub."

Following the opening ceremony, the HKTDC and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) signed a renewed memorandum of understanding (MoU) and agreed to explore potential collaboration in new sectors such as start-ups, innovation and technology, two-way investment, third-country infrastructure opportunities, human resources development, and the cultural and content industries. In the same morning, the HKTDC also signed a MoU with Tottori Prefecture. The two parties agreed to strengthen their collaboration in business matching and the utilisation of HKTDC's platform to enhance the export of prefectural products.

Leveraging Hong Kong advantages to "go global"

During the morning symposium, renowned business leaders from Hong Kong, including Laura Cha, Chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; Oscar Chow, Non-Executive Director of Chevalier International Holdings Limited and Managing Director of Polaris Holdings Limited; Victor Chu, Chairman of the First Eastern Investment Group; and Fu Yuning, Chairman of China Resources (Holdings) Limited, shared their viewpoints on the economic outlook, risks and opportunities in Asia, examining how Japanese businesses can capitalise on growth opportunities using Hong Kong as a catalyst. Prominent Japanese business leaders, including Koki Ando, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nissin Foods Holdings Co. Ltd; Akihiko Kumagai, Senior Executive Vice President of NEC Corporation; and Kanetsugu Mike, President and Chief Executive Officer of MUFG Bank Ltd, shared their experience of successfully leveraging Hong Kong's service excellence and international business network to expand their presence into Asia and the rest of world.

Diversified business collaboration

In the afternoon, a thematic session entitled Expanding Business to China and ASEAN, with Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) being the special sponsor, offered insights on how Japanese companies can make use of the Hong Kong platform to expand their business. Speakers included Stephen Phillips, Director-General of Investment Promotion, InvestHK; Takaya Awata, President of TORIDOLL Holdings Corporation; Hiroyasu Koma, President and Chief Executive Officer of GLM; Kei Suzuki, Director and General Manager, Asia & Oceania Division of Ryohin Keikaku, Co. Ltd (MUJI); Tommy Li, Creative Director of Tommy Li Design Workshop Limited; and Takahiko Yasuhara, Managing Executive Officer and Head of East Asia of Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. and Mizuho Bank, Ltd.

Six other sector-specific sessions were organised to cover a broad range of topics including finance and investment (co-organised with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority), design and liveability (co-organised with the Hong Kong Design Centre and sponsored by Create Hong Kong), smart finance and smart living (co-organised with Cyberport), legal risk management (co-organised with the Department of Justice of the HKSAR), and healthy ageing and the smart city (co-organised with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation).

Empowering start-ups

A mini-exhibition featuring Hong Kong start-ups, named InnoVenture Salon, was set up at the symposium to showcase the innovative business ideas and entrepreneurship of some 20 fledgling companies, including those from Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) and the HKTDC's "Start-up Express" programme. The Hong Kong Private Equity and Venture Capital Association joined Cyberport and HKSTP to offer an onsite mentoring service in a bid to attract more Japanese start-ups to set up operations in Hong Kong.

Gala dinner celebrates Japan-Hong Kong friendship

After a busy day of business discussions, a high-level gala dinner was held at Happo-en, attended by more than 400 government officials and business leaders from Japan and Hong Kong. HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Takamori Yoshikawa, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan, were guests of honour at the event.

Hong Kong Michelin-starred chef Albert Au presented a special menu cooked with Japanese delicacies supported by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The gala dinner also featured music performances by the Asian Youth Orchestra, Hong Kong singer Charmaine Fong and a cappella group SENZA, together with a showcase of contemporary cheongsam creations from 10 Hong Kong's leading fashion designers.

Hong Kong Week

"Think Global, Think Hong Kong", supported by more than 130 organisations in Hong Kong and Japan, is the key business promotion event of Hong Kong Week in Tokyo, which continues until 11 Nov.

"Think Global, Think Hong Kong" website: www.thinkglobalthinkhk.com
"Think Global, Think Hong Kong" video: https://youtu.be/GxuUKkm8cIg
"Think Global, Think Hong Kong" Tokyo 2018 highlights video: https://youtu.be/98Q32vLRgek
Photo download link: https://bit.ly/2qmM86x

HKTDC English website: www.hktdc.com
HKTDC Japanese website: www.hktdc.com/japan
HKTDC Japan Facebook page: www.facebook.com/HKTDC.Japan/

Hong Kong Week website: www.hongkongweek2018.com
For more information about Hong Kong, please visit: www.brandhk.gov.hk

About HKTDC

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

Contact:
(Hong Kong) Billy Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4393, Email: billy.km.ng@hktdc.org
(Japan) Satoshi Yoneoka, Tel: +81-3-5210-5854, Email: satoshi.yoneoka@hktdc.org

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Continuous Growth for 3Q 2018 Results; Ausnutria Announces the Positive Profit Alert for Nine Consecutive Times

November 2, 2018, 12:14 am

≫ Next: BITWORK x Genesis Block Join Hands to expand cryptocurrency over-the-counter trading services

≪ Previous: "Think Global, Think Hong Kong" Concludes in Tokyo

Benefits from the Continuous Optimization of Sales Portfolio; Gross Profit Margin and Profit Margin Both Increased Year-on-year

HONG KONG, Nov 2, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd ("Ausnutria" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"; stock code: 1717.HK), a company engages in the research and development, production and distribution of all dairy products (including infant formula) and nutrition products with production facilities principally based in the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and the PRC, is pleased to announce that it expects to record profit attributable to the equity owners of approximately RMB455.7 million for the nine months ended 30 September 2018 (the "3Q 2018"), representing an increase of approximately 106.5%, compared with the corresponding figure of RMB220.7 million for the same period of 2017. Excluding a one-off gain from other incomes, the adjusted profit attributable to equity owners of the Company is anticipated to increase to approximately RMB395.3 million, representing an increase of approximately 79.1% when compared with the same period of 2017. Sales of the Group for the 3Q 2018 is anticipated to increase by approximately 38.6% to approximately RMB3.78 billion. Among which sales of the Group's own-branded formula milk powder products is expected to increase 58.2% yoy to RMB3,041.9 million, comparing RMB1,922.5 million in the same period of 2017. In order to cater the strong demand on the coming fourth quarter which is a traditional peak season of the industry, the Group strategically allocated more capacity and resources to serve its own-branded formula powder products and stocking in advance. This strategic allocation resulted in sales decline in private label and others segment, which partially offset the topline growth. The Group has released profit alerts nine times since 2016.

The continuous improvement in the Group's financial performance was mainly attributable to the continuous increase in the sales of the Group's own-branded cow and goat milk formula products which is the Group's core business segment. Such increase was mainly contributed by the growing market recognition of the quality of the Group's own-branded formula milk products as a result of its persistent effort in building distribution channels and delivering quality consumer service; the rising worldwide awareness for the Group's own-branded goat milk formula products Kabrita for its quality and high nutrition value; the increase in production capacity following the commencement of production of two new factories in the Netherlands and the acquisition of a factory in Australia; and the progressive enhancement of the Group's management and operation efficiency.

Mr. Yan Weibin, Chairman of the Group, said "2018 is the Group's fifteenth year in business, and the third year of Ausnutria' 'Golden Decade' strategy. The Group, as always, has been in pursuit for breakthroughs in the aspects of business and international strategic layout. As to core business, the presence of Kabrita has expanded to 66 countries and regions. We will continue to launch Kabrita in other countries and aim to become a global leader in goat milk infant nutrition products. In addition, the Company has successfully completed the issue of new shares to CITIC Agri Fund which is now the single largest shareholder of the Company. This will help optimize the asset-liability and shareholder structure of the Company, as well as consolidate the solid foundation of the Company. The global supply chain layout deployment, global team building, research and development and market distribution are all currently in place. The leading position of our goat milk formula products worldwide and our cow milk formula in the PRC have both been basically set. Multiple projects of corporate development have been smoothly kicked off. As one of the leaders in the dairy industry, the Company will abide by commitments, keep eyes on our targets, strive to provide the best products and services, respond to market uncertainty with firm strategies, and head towards the 'Golden Decade' of Ausnutria through the "Three-step Process". We will also seize the enormous opportunities brought by national policies, continue our mission of 'Nourishing Life and Growth' and our effort in developing the global market, constantly strive for market and consumer recognition with our high-quality products, achieve ever-expanding growth, in order to move further towards our vision - 'To become the most trustworthy milk formula, nutrition and health-care enterprise in the world', as well as consolidate Ausnutria's leading position in the industry and provide shareholders with a sound and long-term return."

About Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd
Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd is a leading infant milk formula company with production facilities principally based in the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, and the PRC. The Company is engaged in the worldwide production, research, and sales of infant formula, adult milk and other dairy and nutrition products. It owns several famous infant formula and milk powder brands, including "Kabrita", "Allnutria" and "Hyproca". Ausnutria's factories in the PRC were among that first batch of factories that had been granted with the National Infant Formula Enterprise Production Permit. The factory in the Netherlands is also one of the first infant milk formula manufacturers to obtain import licenses for overseas products under the new policy in the PRC.

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BITWORK x Genesis Block Join Hands to expand cryptocurrency over-the-counter trading services

November 5, 2018, 1:00 am

≫ Next: NEC Collaborates with A10 Networks in the Network Security Area

≪ Previous: Continuous Growth for 3Q 2018 Results; Ausnutria Announces the Positive Profit Alert for Nine Consecutive Times

Group photo of Genesis Block

Co-founder Mr Raymond Chan from BITWORK delivered his speech.

HONG KONG, Nov 5, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - In order to offer clients efficient trading experiences and extensive customer support. BITWORK is pleased to announced that we cooperated with Genesis Block, Hong Kong's premier cryptocurrency over-the-counter (OTC) trading centre, established a trading desk at BITWORK to provide cryptocurrency trading service to retail and institutional buyers or sellers with a stable, reliable, fast and secure trading services.

Over-the-counter (OTC) trading services enable individuals and institutions to buy and sell cryptocurrencies at ease without concerns of market liquidity and order book discovery. BITWORK now offers trading with four cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT and BCH. The Bitcoin vending machine are also set up in BITWORK office to facilitate buyers for trading.

Co-Founder of BITWORK, Mr. Raymond Chan said "Apart from the existing educational programs, events, project accelerator program, capital management and other relating services, BITWORK will now provide cryptocurrency OTC trading services. Through our close cooperation with Genesis Block, we hope to provide investors with an effective processing of large payment transactions. Meanwhile, BITWORK will refer potential clients to them, and executing the transactions for these organizations."

OTC transaction enables large payment transactions without affecting the overall market price. As such, many clients with large payment transaction would prefer OTC trading, in order to avoid any loss caused by significant price fluctuations. Such trading is notably appealing to many investors.

About BITWORK
BITWORK is a blockchain community-based company with providing top end blockchain services and solutions in Hong Kong. We are dedicated to promote the blockchain technology in enterprise level for existing industries such as banking, health care, education and government departments. Thereby helping company to smoothly transform their businesses into the blockchain area and get connected with the world. BITWORK is a blockchain community by providing co-working space to build a blockchain network. Meanwhile, BITWORK will assist Hong Kong citizen in attaining national blockchain certification by organizing a certified blockchain training program with China Information Industry Association. By so doing, enabling conventional investors to acknowledge and understand blockchain investments. Lastly, BITWORK will provide project accelerator services within the community, leading the internet and conventional enterprises to construct a new operational model incorporating blockchain technology.

About Genesis Block
Genesis Block is the premier OTC trading floor in Hong Kong. We provide liquidity to retail and institutional buyers and sellers of digital assets. We are also working to build the community by offering OTC Trading, ATM Service, Mining equipment and dedicated education and events.

Media Enquiry
Mr. Daniel Ip / Ms Veneesa Lee
Tel: +852 6155 8215 / +852 6486 1007
E-mail: daniel.ip@bitwork.asia / veneesa@bitwork.asia

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NEC Collaborates with A10 Networks in the Network Security Area

November 5, 2018, 1:19 am

≫ Next: Fujitsu Receives EcoBalance 2018 "Award for Best Business Practices"

≪ Previous: BITWORK x Genesis Block Join Hands to expand cryptocurrency over-the-counter trading services

- Enhances security solutions for service providers -

TOKYO, Nov 5, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE:6701) today announced that it will strengthen its partnership with A10 Networks, Inc., a leading provider of intelligent and automated cybersecurity solutions, in the network security area to enhance security solutions for service providers, including telecommunication carriers and data center operators.

A10 Networks provides high-performance security solutions using an advanced load balancing technology in order to contribute to security enhancement for communication infrastructure networks, across which tremendous amounts of traffic are constantly moving.

In recent years, the number, size and sophistication of cyberattacks targeting public entities and critical infrastructure providers have been increasing. Service providers in particular have been targeted for Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks exceeding more than 1Tbps. Furthermore, as the use of Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) addresses expands, a growing number of IoT devices are becoming the target of direct attacks from external networks. In addition, networks themselves are undergoing massive transformations towards the commercial launch of 5G. Therefore, it is necessary to rapidly deploy resilient security to fight against such attacks without compromising convenience for users.

In this collaboration, A10 Networks' DDoS Protection for rapidly detecting and combating DDoS attacks, as well as its Gi/SGi Firewall for preventing unauthorized access, will be combined with NEC's AI technology for increasing the accuracy of attack detection, and its orchestration technology for enabling dynamic responses to cyberattacks depending on network status. These make communication infrastructure more secure and easier to manage.

"We're excited to expand our long-standing relationship with NEC to help service providers future-proof their networks in preparation for 5G," said Lee Chen, CEO of A10 Networks. "Our Thunder CFW firewall 5G solution integrated with NEC's solutions provides complete application visibility and control for operational efficiency, reduced latency, and better security."

"NEC focuses on providing solutions for society, and looking ahead to the full commercial launch of 5G, we are enhancing our network security solutions for defending communication infrastructure against growing cyber threats," said Shigeru Okuya, Senior Vice President, NEC Corporation. "NEC is proud to be collaborating with A10 Networks and contributing to the safe and secure operations of communication networks."

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

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