12th Asian Financial Forum Opens

January 13, 2019, 11:00 pm

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The 12th edition of the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) opens at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today. Under the theme "Creating a Sustainable and Inclusive Future", AFF 2019 features more than 130 speakers from around the world who will examine the latest global economic environment, explore new opportunities, and discuss topics related to innovation and fintech.

Robert Zoellick, former President, The World Bank Group

130+ Policymakers, Business Leaders Explore Economic Environment

HONG KONG, Jan 14, 2019 - (ACN Newswire) - Organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 12th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) opened this morning and runs for two days (14-15 Jan) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Under the theme "Creating a Sustainable and Inclusive Future," this year's AFF brings together more than 130 policymakers, financial and business leaders and heavyweight investors to survey the current global economic environment and offer insights on the opportunities and challenges that businesses will face in the coming year. A series of topical issues related to innovation and technology will also be examined to encourage the financial sector to leverage new technologies for facilitating sustainable and inclusive development.

Challenges and Changes Ahead for the Economy

Vincent HS Lo, Chairman of the HKTDC, and Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, officiated at the opening ceremony. In his welcome remarks, Mr Lo discussed the challenges facing the global economy, including the uncertainty hanging over the United States-China trade negotiations, growing protectionism, populism and geopolitical tensions. He noted there are also deep-seated issues such as the impact of ageing populations and mass migration, the destructive power of climate change and disruption from new technologies.

"The world therefore needs new ways to stimulate growth and development. To do so, we must work together with a shared vision," said Mr Lo. "One such vision can be found in the Belt and Road Initiative, which was introduced by China five years ago." He explained that the initiative, aimed to drive global development, can provide a framework to connect and create economic and social activities. "Events such as the AFF are all the more important in times of global challenges because they give us the opportunity to share problems, discuss solutions and work together to find a clearer path ahead," Mr Lo added.

Creating a Sustainable and Inclusive Future

The AFF opened with a plenary session titled "Creating a Sustainable and Inclusive Future: Opportunities and Challenges". Chaired by James Lau, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR, the panel featured heavyweight international speakers including Michael D'Arcy, Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for Financial Services and Insurance, Ireland; Pierre Gramegna, Minister of Finance, Luxembourg; Jin Liqun, President and Chairman, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Lim Guan Eng, Minister of Finance of Malaysia; and Wang Zhaoxing, Vice President, China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. Together they explored opportunities and challenges to driving growth and building a better future through sustainable and inclusive development.

The panel discussion that followed, "Managing Global Financial Risks and Opportunities in 2019", saw financial experts sharing insights on hot-button issues for the global market and financial policymaking, including heightened market volatility, monetary policy normalisation, Brexit, fiscal discipline in the European Union, green finance and fintech. The panel was chaired by Eddie Yue, Deputy Chief Executive, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, with panellists including Burkhard Balz, Member of the Executive Board, Deutsche Bundesbank; Dennis Beau, First Deputy Governor of the Banque de France; Saeb Eigner, Chairman, Dubai Financial Services Authority; and Sergey Shvetsov, First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Russia.

Robert Zoellick Shares on Sino-US Trade Dispute and Global Economic Trends

The keynote luncheons at the AFF are always highly anticipated, and the keynote speaker on the first day this year was former World Bank President Robert Zoellick. As Sino-US trade relations grab attention around the world, Mr Zoellick shared his views on the latest developments in the ongoing trade dispute, examining global economic trends and long-term prospects, and exploring ways for the finance sector to embrace innovation.

Debut Panel Discussions Cover New Economy, Fintech and More

Four new panel discussions were held at the AFF this year. The panel discussion on "Global Investment in the New Economy" examined investment risks and opportunities amid an ever-changing global financial and economic landscape. Speakers included Raja Easa Al Gurg, Managing Director, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group LLC and President, Dubai Business Women Council; Raymund Chao, Chairman, Asia Pacific and Greater China, PwC; Denis Duverne, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, AXA Group; John Flint, Group Chief Executive, HSBC Holdings plc; Nobuyuki Hirano, President and Group CEO, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc; and Michel M Lies, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd. The panel discussion on fintech trends and regulations featured Chris Church, Chief Business Development Officer, Digital Asset; Eddi Danusaputro, Chief Executive Officer, Mandiri Capital Indonesia; Soul Htite, Chairman and founder of Dianrong; Daisuke Iwase, Group Chief Digital Officer, AIA Group Limited; and Alex Kong, founder and Chairman, TNG FinTech Group.

The panel discussion on Start-ups & Entrepreneurship focused on the global and China start-up environment and insights into best practice when it comes to securing investment. The speakers included Justin Gong, co-founder and Vice President, XAG; Nisa Leung, Managing Partner, Qiming Venture Partners; Jonathan Medved, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, OurCrowd Ltd.; and Max Yuen, founder and Chairman, Shanghai Xiaoi Robot Technology. The Risk Management along the Belt and Road panel discussion detailed the linkage between risk management, insurance and the bankability of Belt and Road infrastructure projects, with speakers including Peter Burnett, Managing Director, Regional Head, Corporate Finance, Greater China & North Asia, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited; and Jayne Plunkett, CEO Asia and Member of Group Executive Committee, Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd.

As the world's second-largest economy, China's financial and economic policies hold sway over the global economy. A Dialogue Session, chaired by Lawrence Lau, Ralph and Claire Landau Professor of Economics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, examined the economic outlook and investment development in the mainland, featuring Tu Guangshao, Vice Chairman and President, China Investment Corporation, and Zhu Guangyao, former Finance Minister, People's Republic of China.

InnoTalks Series Tomorrow Explores Fintech

The second day of the AFF tomorrow will feature more stimulating and thought-provoking sessions. The Breakfast Panel, sponsored by Hong Kong's Financial Services Development Council, will explore the city's role in the ever-changing international trade environment. Launched last year, the InnoTalks series returns with various workshops that will explore technological issues relevant to the financial sector, including regtech, insurtech, developments in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, cultural transformation, fostering SMEs through fintech, blockchain and cyber security, and the use of technology in asset management.

The keynote luncheon on the second day will feature April Rinne, founder, Advisor and Investor, April Worldwide, and Head of the Sharing Economy Working Group, World Economic Forum YGL. Ms Rinne will discuss the latest developments in the sharing economy and examine ways for the industry to leverage the sharing economy to improve efficiency and stay competitive, helping to create a more sustainable financial environment.

New FinTech Showcase Encourages Industry Innovation

The new FinTech Showcase, launched at this year's AFF, enables international financial institutions and technological enterprises to present their innovative applications and solutions to the industry. Exhibitors include AlphaPoint, HSBC, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, NEC, Prime Trust, PwC, TNG FinTech Group, as well as 4 Paradigm, Beijing Kuangshi Technology, BBD, China Payment & Clearing Network and Yusys Technologies from the mainland, covering areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, Internet security, big data, fintech and payment technologies. The showcase encourages the use of new technology in the industry to help it stay competitive and improve business efficiency.

AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Promotes Start-up Collaboration

This year's forum once again features the AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking session, co-organised with the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, to provide pre-arranged deal-sourcing and matchmaking meetings for project owners and investors. Involving more than 500 investment projects, it covers manufacturing and environment technology, digital technology, fintech, healthcare technology, infrastructure and real estate services, education, environment and energy, and agriculture. Some 700 one-on-one meetings are expected to be arranged. The InnoVenture Salon is back with expanded scale and enriched content, including the Startup Zone, Fireside Chat, Demo Hours, Startup Clinic as well as one-to-one meetings at Investor Alley to comprehensively support the development of start-ups.

PwC returns as the AFF's Knowledge Partner for the fourth consecutive year, setting up the PwC Knowledge Cafe and a satellite booth with the theme of "Shaping the Digital Future". Eight technology offerings in the Cyber, FinTech and Transformation space will be showcased. Apart from the Greater Bay Area insights zone and a "Fuel your Knowledge" coffee bar, the booth will feature an interactive augmented reality (AR) city board game called "Knowledge Crush". This interactive game will include emerging technologies such as drones, robotics, AR and blockchain.

Event website: www.asianfinancialforum.com
International Financial Week Website: http://www.internationalfinancialweek.com
Photo download: https://bit.ly/2ST8MjI

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:
Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org
Sam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

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The First Binance SAFU Pre-Hackathon Discovered Blockchain Elite

January 13, 2019, 11:30 pm

≫ Next: Toyota Premieres New Supra at Detroit Auto Show

≪ Previous: 12th Asian Financial Forum Opens

The winning team Shark, was highly appreciated of its project by judges

Special Recognition award: Burnrate

Special Recognition award: HEX

The team was presenting their blockchain solution

The Pre-Hackathon event was completed successfully

HONG KONG, Jan 14, 2019 - (ACN Newswire) - The First Binance SAFU Pre-Hackathon was successfully closed in Hong Kong which was take place at Bitwork office on 12 -13th of January 2019, co-organized with Blockdynamics and Genesis Block. The aim of the event is to empower teams to rapidly prototype blockchain solutions to solve security challenges to eliminate scams, hacks and money laundering activities. After the 2 days competition, the team of 'Shark' won the championship.

The competition was open to anyone who are 18 years old or above with the interest on blockchain space. There are four judging criteria for all the participants in the challenge, such as Technology, creativity / innovation, execution of demo and pitch.

The winning team of the Pre-Hackathon event are able to present their projects in the SAFU hackathon during the Binance Blockchain Week on 19-20th of January 2019 in Singapore, they also awared various prizes such as USD$2,500 worth of BNB tokens for traveling support to Singapore, as well as 2 days conference pass to Binance Blockchain Week worth (valued at US$599).

The Pre-Hackathon event attracted a total of 10 teams of contestants, they are coming from China, USA, Germany and Korea. The winning team "Shark", was highly appreciated by the judges because of their fantastic performance. In addition, BITWORK has also offered the special awards to encourage their efforts. The team of "Burnrate" and "HEX" obtained the "Special Recognition award", they are able to enjoy the co-working desk space and community service for FREE membership contract.

A lot of judges were got invited by the Binance SAFU Pre-Hackathon event, such as Benjamin, Teck and Flora from Binance Labs; John from Kenetic; Adam from Blockpass; Ben from Hashkey Group and Alek from InnoDT.

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.

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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Toyota Premieres New Supra at Detroit Auto Show

January 14, 2019, 11:03 pm

≫ Next: Ingredion to Release 2018 Fourth-Quarter and Year-End Financial Results and Hold Conference Call and Webcast On Tuesday, February 5, 2019

≪ Previous: The First Binance SAFU Pre-Hackathon Discovered Blockchain Elite

New Supra (U.S. specification model)

The first global model of the GR series

TOKYO, Jan 15, 2019 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) premiered its much-anticipated all-new Supra today at the 2019 North American International Auto Show(1) in Detroit. Sales in Japan of the new Supra are slated to start around spring 2019.

The new Supra is the first global model of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's GR sports car series. Ever since first competing in Germany's 24 Hours of Nurburgring endurance race in 2007(2), TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has been aiming through its motorsports activities to develop its cars and people, with the goal of "making ever-better cars." The knowledge and know-how it has built up over the years have been funneled into bringing the Supra back to life in the form of the "GR Supra,"(3) as a car that people the world over will find fun to drive.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda, who is also a master driver, said: "Back in the day, I spent countless hours driving an old Supra at Nurburgring to become a master driver. Supra is like an old friend that holds a special place in my heart. While other manufacturers were putting their beautiful new prototypes which they were going to introduce through the paces, I was driving an old Supra that was no longer in production. So even though Toyota had no plans to make a new Supra, just like a lot of other die hard Supra fans around the world, I secretly wanted to make it happen. The new GR Supra was born through testing at Nurburgring, and I can honestly say that it is a car that is fun to drive and better than ever."

The all-new fifth-generation Supra marks the end of a 17-year hiatus since the conclusion of production of the previous generation in 2002. Ever since the Supra's inception in 1978*4, all generations have been front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles powered by an inline six-cylinder engine. The latest rendition is no exception. This time around, extensive attention has also been paid to the three fundamental elements of wheelbase, tread, and center of gravity, thus achieving handling performance befitting a pure sports car.

Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada, who headed development, said: "We set out to create a pure sports car that would attain the ultimate in the fun of driving. Rather than only working toward specs such as horsepower and circuit lap times, we emphasized sensitivity performance, such as the degree to which driving could be felt to be fun, with car and driver becoming one."

Also today, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing launches the "Supra is Back" edition of a global television commercial series to promote the new Supra. Appearing are top-class TOYOTA GAZOO Racing drivers(5), making a good match for the first global model of the GR series.

(1) Commonly referred to as the "Detroit Auto Show." January 14-15: Press days; January 19-27: Public days.
(2) Then known as "GAZOO Racing," the team--of which half the drivers comprised Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda and other Toyota employees, and whose mechanics comprised employees selected from various Toyota divisions--entered with two modified Altezzas.
(3) Name used for marketing and other promotional communications.
(4) Debuted in Japan as the "Celica XX (Double X)." The first version to be marketed in Japan as the "Supra" was sold as the third-generation Supra (launched in 1986) outside of Japan.
(5) Kyle Busch, Fernando Alonso, Ott Tanak, Sebastian Buemi, and Kazuki Nakajima (in order of appearance)

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

↧

Ingredion to Release 2018 Fourth-Quarter and Year-End Financial Results and Hold Conference Call and Webcast On Tuesday, February 5, 2019

January 15, 2019, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Sapphire's Subsidiary Awarded EPC Contract of RMB 832 million Related to its Public-Private-Partnership ("PPP") Project in Chengdu

≪ Previous: Toyota Premieres New Supra at Detroit Auto Show

WESTCHESTER, Ill., Jan 15, 2019 - (ACN Newswire) - Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to diversified industries, will release its 2018 fourth-quarter and year-end financial results for the periods ended December 31, 2018, before the market opens on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.

Ingredion will conduct a conference call on Tuesday, February 5 at 7:00 a.m. Central Time (8:00 a.m. Eastern Time), during which Jim Zallie, president and chief executive officer, and James Gray, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will discuss the quarterly and year-end results. The conference call and accompanying slide presentation will be webcast live on, www.ingredion.com, in the "Company and Investors" section, under "Investors/Presentations & Webcasts/Presentations." Participants are encouraged to log onto the webcast approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation. A replay of the presentation will also be available on the Company's website.

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR) headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, is a leading global ingredient solutions provider serving customers in more than 120 countries. With 2017 annual net sales of nearly $6 billion, the company turns grains, fruits, vegetables and other plant materials into value-added ingredients and biomaterial solutions for the food, beverage, paper and corrugating, brewing and other industries. With Ingredion Idea Labs(R) innovation centers around the world and more than 11,000 employees, the Company develops ingredient solutions to meet consumers' evolving needs by making crackers crunchy, yogurt creamy, candy sweet, paper stronger, and adding fiber to nutrition bars. For more information, visit ingredion.com.

CONTACTS:
Investors: Heather Kos, 708-551-2592
Media: Becca Hary, 708-551-2602

###

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: Ingredion Incorporated via Globenewswire

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Sapphire's Subsidiary Awarded EPC Contract of RMB 832 million Related to its Public-Private-Partnership ("PPP") Project in Chengdu

January 15, 2019, 2:00 am

≫ Next: Fujitsu and TC3 Promote Quantum Inspired Digital Annealer Next-Generation Architecture in Topcoder Contest

≪ Previous: Ingredion to Release 2018 Fourth-Quarter and Year-End Financial Results and Hold Conference Call and Webcast On Tuesday, February 5, 2019

SINGAPORE, Jan 15, 2019 - (ACN Newswire) - SGX Mainboard-listed Sapphire Corporation Limited ("Sapphire", and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"), an established infrastructure design and construction group in China, is pleased to announce that the Group's 97.6% owned subsidiary, Ranken Railway Construction Group Co., Ltd ("Ranken"), has secured a EPC contract of RMB 832 million related to its PPP project in Chengdu.

On 19 November 2018, the Group announced that Ranken and its consortium partners have secured a PPP project to carry out investment and financing, design, build, operate and transfer works ("DBFOT Works") with the Urban and Rural Coordination Work Bureau of Chengdu Wuhou District for the first phase of Wuhou District, "Liveable River Bank" project in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.

The DBFOT Works period of the PPP project is expected to be 15 years, which comprises 2 years of construction as well as the operational/management rights of the building infrastructures along the river bank for a 13-year period.

The scope of work related to the EPC contract includes engineering, procurement and construction works associated with the water environment protection, ecological restoration, flood control measures, building infrastructures and lifestyle amenities of this PPP project.

Recently, as announced on 30 December 2018, Ranken, being one of the consortium parties, has injected RMB 25 million in cash for a 25% equity interest in the PPP's project company, Chengdu Derun Jinlong Environmental Management Co., Ltd. ("CDJ Environmental Management Co."), which is funded through Ranken's internal resources.

The other well-known consortium partners in the PPP project includes Chongqing Derun Environment Co., Ltd., Chengdu Wuhou Industrial Development Investment Management Group Co., Ltd. and Beijing Enterprises Water (China) Investment Limited have injected their proportionate share of the registered capital and capital reserve in CDJ Environmental Management Co..

Focusing on a broader urban renewal effort to create a greener living environment in Wuhou District, this PPP project involves the design, build, finance and management of ecological restoration, flood control measures and building infrastructures along an 18.68 km embankment along Jiang An River, one of the key waterways in Chengdu.

Two-Prong Business Strategy in the PPP Market Bearing Fruits

Adopting a two-prong business strategy in the PPP market, the Group targets to be a strategic shareholder with the first mover advantage to secure the EPC contract and operations management contract related to the PPP project.

As a testament to the Group's strategy, this EPC contract of RMB 832 million is the largest contract win in recent years. As such, the Group is expected to benefit financially from three components of this PPP project as follows:

a. EPC contract of RMB 832 million during the 2-year construction period;
b. Potential of recurring dividend income arising from Ranken's 25% shareholding in CDJ Environmental Management Co.; and
c. Potential of recurring revenue from the operations management contract of the PPP contract for a 13-year period upon completion of the EPC contract

Commenting on winning the EPC contract of its PPP project, Ms Wang Heng, Chief Executive Officer of Sapphire, said, "Recognising that China's burgeoning PPP market presents strong prospects for long term recurring revenue, we have taken the first step as a strategic shareholder with a direct investment into this PPP project in Chengdu together with other well-known consortium partners.

Other than being a shareholder in the PPP project, we also set our sights to secure the EPC component and operational management contracts of our own PPP projects so it will be accretive to our revenue, strengthened our track record, deepen our working relationships with leading industry players in the PPP industry and further mitigate our risks.

Moreover, working together with these leading industry players will be a positive boost to our reputation and operational experience in the water environmental industry, thereby leading to more working opportunities with major industry players in this field.

Besides being a EPC contractor and a strategic shareholder in this PPP project, we also have the opportunity to be the manager of the new recreational amenities, F&B retail and lifestyle concepts along the river bank for a 13-year period, thereby developing our operational experience in this area and creating a new recurring revenue stream for the Group."

Ms Wang added, "With this approach, stakeholders' interests are aligned and provides greater assurance that the PPP project can be completed successfully on time and on budget.

We have also demonstrated that this two-prong business strategy can present us with larger EPC contracts and long-term recurring revenue related to PPP projects with minimal capital commitment."

Established and Well-Known Consortium Partners

A PPP project is generally defined as a long-term contract between a government agency and private organisation(s) for the construction and operation of economic and social infrastructure (such as water treatment facilities, utilities and public transport systems). The PPP model has been utilised for many public infrastructure projects and it has been used in many countries.

The consortium partners of this PPP project include Chongqing Derun Environment Co., Ltd., Chengdu Wuhou Industrial Development Investment Management Group Co., Ltd. and Beijing Enterprises Water (China) Investment Limited.

Chongqing Derun Environment Co., Ltd. ("Derun Environment") is jointly established in 2015 by SUEZ, NWS and Chongqing Water Assets Management Company and it is the biggest SinoFrench investment platform in China's environment market, as well as the key investment project of SUEZ in China. Derun Environment aims to become provide systematic solutions for urban environmental problems domestically and globally. Derun Environment's total assets value has reached nearly RMB 30 billion.

Beijing Enterprises Water (China) Investment Limited is part of Beijing Enterprises Water Group Limited ("BEWG"), a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 0371), is a large-scale group which provides a broad range of water services and environmental protection services in China. Currently, BEWG owns and operates a few hundred water supply plants and sewage treatment plants in China, Malaysia, and Portugal, with a total water treatment capacity of over tens of million tons per day.

Throughout the years, BEWG was consistently awarded "China Water Service Outstanding New Enterprises", "Best Water Business Enterprises in China", and recently, BEWG has been ranked No.1 of the "Top Ten Water Enterprises with Influence in China" for the eighth consecutive year.

This press release is to be read in conjunction with Sapphire's exchange filings on 14 January 2019, which can be downloaded via www.sgx.com.

For more information, please contact:
Yingying Zhao
Waterbrooks Consultants Pte Ltd
Tel: +65-6100-2228

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Fujitsu and TC3 Promote Quantum Inspired Digital Annealer Next-Generation Architecture in Topcoder Contest

January 15, 2019, 2:10 am

≫ Next: The Executive Talk: Chememan PCL (SET:CMAN)

≪ Previous: Sapphire's Subsidiary Awarded EPC Contract of RMB 832 million Related to its Public-Private-Partnership ("PPP") Project in Chengdu

TOKYO, Jan 15, 2019 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Limited and TC3 K.K., a Japanese provider of services that utilizes Topcoder(1), a developer and data scientist community with over 1.38 million registered members, today announced a contest that will enable members to access, develop, and build solutions using Fujitsu's quantum-inspired Digital Annealer, to solve a complex combinatorial optimization problem currently unsolvable by conventional computers in practical timeframe. Through this contest, to be held from February to March 2019, Fujitsu and TC3 aim to further increase Digital Annealer technology adoption, leveraging Topcoder as a collaborative platform for solving an array of challenging problems, and spearheading cutting-edge technology originating from Japan.

Background

Countless real-world problems exist in fields like healthcare, finance, logistics, manufacturing and automotive that current computing technology cannot solve within a practical timeframe or using classical computers /methods. These include challenges surrounding complex decision-making, until now performed by humans, and the selection of optimal solutions based on innumerable input data. To solve these kinds of problems, Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. developed a quantum-inspired technology, the Digital Annealer and subsequently launched the solution on cloud service in May 2018. The Digital Annealer boasts a unique computer architecture that uses conventional semiconductor technology to quickly solve real-world combinatorial optimization problems. Topcoder is one of the world's largest communities of skilled technologists with a passion for cutting-edge technology in the fields of algorithm software development and UI/UX design, and is operated by Wipro Limited, a global leader in IT, consulting, and business process services. Many members are engineers who have world-class skills in the latest technologies, particularly in algorithm development and enhancement. Numerous global corporations and government organizations utilize Topcoder to popularize state-of-the-art technology, train developers, and collaborate as partners to solve complex problems. In Japan, TC3 offers sourcing services featuring the latest skills by utilizing Topcoder contests. With this contest, Fujitsu and TC3 aim to popularize and promote the Digital Annealer and test the collaborative effect of Topcoder in solving challenging problems.

Contest Overview

In February 2019, Topcoder members can participate in a preliminary contest to learn how to use the Digital Annealer through hands-on experience. In the main contest, participants will then work to solve a specific problem using the Digital Annealer. The competition's evaluative criteria will be based on calculation speed and the quality of solutions. By registering as a Topcoder member, anyone can participate in this contest from anywhere in the world.

Going forward, Fujitsu and TC3 aim to spearhead the deployment of cutting-edge technology from Japan by utilizing sourcing services based on top-tier skills through collaboration between Fujitsu's cutting-edge technology and, through TC3, Topcoder, verifying its effectiveness as a collaborative platform for solving challenging problems.

(1) Topcoder One of the world's largest communities of skilled technologists dedicated to cutting-edge technology in the fields of algorithm software development and UI/UX design. Operated by Wipro Limited, a global leader in IT, it offers consulting, and business process services. (Topcoder website: https://www.tc3.co.jp/topcoder)

About TC3 K.K.

TC3, a company based in Tokyo, Japan was founded in September 2016 to provide service and a platform for achieving open and free collaboration among software engineers, and to deliver innovations to the world. TC3 offers Topcoder services in the region, along with a full suite of development tools, development environments, and consulting services required for agile and DevOps system development. For more information, please see https://www.tc3.co.jp.

About Fujitsu Ltd

Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 140,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.1 trillion yen (US $39 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018.

For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com.
This release at www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/.

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

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The Executive Talk: Chememan PCL (SET:CMAN)

January 15, 2019, 3:00 am

≫ Next: SDK Group Develops Ultralight Laminate-type Radiator for EV Battery Modules

≪ Previous: Fujitsu and TC3 Promote Quantum Inspired Digital Annealer Next-Generation Architecture in Topcoder Contest

BANGKOK, Jan 15, 2019 - (ACN Newswire) - Chememan PCL (SET:CMAN) Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adisak Lowjun discusses the company's strategy and outlook in The Executive Talk (TET) by ShareInvestor.com.

TET: Please explain the history of CMAN.

We founded the company 15 years ago. My personal background was that I was a president of a major Steel Mill and all the steel mills throughout the world have to use lime, and if you understand the steel complex then you'll know that there is a great requirement for lime as a basic chemical. After further research we also learnt that lime is an important raw material for other industries such as pulp and paper, power plants and it was an exciting time. So, we went into an auction process for our first factory which was part of the '97 financial crisis and we were able to acquire it with a low cost of investment. As with anything, the reality was worse than what we put on paper and it took several years to learn about the business, the industry, the technology. Year by year, we became much stronger as a firm.

TET: What has been driving CMAN's growth over the past decade?

First, we modernised the kiln as it was from the 90's and we are fortunate to have, in my honest opinion, the best quarry in Asia. I have been looking for another one and still cannot find one with matching quality as what CMAN's has. This truly is a key success factor for the firm.

During the energy crisis when oil prices rose to over USD 100 per barrel, energy being a key cost for us and during such an extreme volatile period, we could not pass it onto customers because of our commitments, then we discovered the possibility to switch from fuel oil to gas firing which allowed for us to reduce costs while maintaining our high quality.

Following on from this, we further improved our technology by using a coal firing gasification process which was developed between us, coal suppliers, equipment suppliers to combine these elements together for KK1 in 2011. It was a breakthrough innovation for us and we used the same technology for KK2, KK3, KK4, KK5, and KK6, hence this innovation has driven our growth in the past decade. CMAN used this knowledge to be able to acquire customers throughout the region.

We set up overseas operations in Australia. In India we are currently constructing two factories, and we are looking at setting up additional operations in Vietnam as well. So we have climbed the curve from being a local company to a regional one and now we are focusing upon how to combine the productions of the countries together, a true global network, providing to global customers as ensuring the security of supply is a critical success factor for our lime business.

TET: Who are CMAN's customers?

Generally, 50% is from domestic sales and the rest is from exports. In Thailand, 25% goes to sugar companies which has been our long-term customers, 20% to chemicals companies, 20% to environmental use, another 20% to pulp and paper, 10% to construction companies and the remaining is fragmented. For exports, close to 70% goes to gold mines, 20% to pulp and paper, 10% to nickel mines and the rest is also fragmented. What is interesting is that steel mills are typically the largest consumer of lime; however, Thai steel industry is not strong at the moment, but the second largest customer is gold and copper mines so we supply to them in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Lao PDR.

In the near future, we see a rising trend of renewable energy, specifically wind farms, as a potential market. Wind turbines are made from specialty fibreglass which requires lime and we have been supplying to the world's leading fibreglass producer. Power plants, especially coal fired power plants are large customers because lime has been used for flue gas treatment which it helps to absorb and neutralize sulfur oxides from stack gases and reduce emissions from hazardous air pollutants to the atmosphere. Autoclaved aerated concrete productions also require lime and so they are too our customers.

Also, in the future of Thailand, we see a great opportunity in bio-plastics industry where bio-hub expansion will soon emerge in Nakorn Sawan, Khon Kaen, as well as Rayong. Given the tremendous benefits of lime, we have been able to diversify our portfolio of customers through various industries and across many geographic areas.

TET: What differentiates CMAN from its competitors and why is lime fundamental to industries?

The nature of the lime business is that it is hard to scale, and a lot is dependent upon the quarry that a firm has. The largest productions in the world have 10-12 million tonnes per annum and the rank moves down quickly to 1 million tonnes, then there are several players with less than 100,000 tonnes per year, hence why we consider ourselves fortunate to have an amazing quarry that provides us a high competitive edge.

Now we call our firm Chememan because it is a combination of Chemical and Human as we all consume this chemical. Sugar, rice, paper, animal feed and several others all require high quality of this human-friendly calcium and alkaline based chemicals within some level of the production process. And so our products are essential for day-to-day life. Thus, CMAN on paper may look like a pure commodity business but when ones take a deep dive, they will realise that it is a very interestingly niche business model.

TET: Why did CMAN decide to IPO?

Financial risk is something that we take into consideration. Before going public, we were satisfied with the company, the processes and the expansion plans, but as we saw opportunities emerge, we needed capital to capture those opportunities, and this was one of the key raising for going public to de-risk our balance sheet and to have the funds necessary to expand to a larger scale which is what CMAN is currently doing.

TET: What types of risks impacts CMAN and its industry?

Risks evolve over time. At the beginning its fears of a lack of capital to keep the business afloat, then after this the risk becomes how to scale, then it becomes commodity price volatility which impacts our margins and revenue, and then the next risk becomes financing to expand the business. Yet despite all of these risks and challenges we were able to manage risks appropriately. Going forward, we see human capital as a risk and are now developing a school of us to recruit and train young engineers, businessmen, to groom them to grow the business over the next 10 to 20 years. Another potential risk that investors may consider is the concession contract, however we have focused on CSR, Community Management, and now the Ministry is using our quarry as a best-case reference for other quarries in Thailand.

TET: Where do you expect to see CMAN in five years from now?

Given our strengths, we will continue to expand our capacity to serve customers across different industries and geographies throughout Asia, Australia, and Africa. Our strengths are the quarry and our financial capabilities in the coming years. We will be expanding from 1 million tonnes to 2 million. Should we reach 5 million in the future, then CMAN would become the World's 4th largest. There is demand for our products in the region and if the Thai government can achieve the EEC, the S-Curve industries, the bio-chemicals and several other industries would lead to a further rapid demand growth in Thailand for lime.

Finally, what is important to us is to also not just chase financial targets but to ensure that CMAN's team works well together internally and serve its customers and the community well.

About The Executive Q&A Series

The Executive Q&A Series is presented by ShareInvestor, Asia's leading financial internet media and technology company and the largest investor relations network in the region. The interview was conducted by Pon Van Compernolle. For more information, Email admin.th@shareinvestor.com Website: www.ShareInvestorThailand.com

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SDK Group Develops Ultralight Laminate-type Radiator for EV Battery Modules

January 14, 2019, 5:30 pm

≫ Next: Eisai's New Drug Application for Insomnia Disorder Treatment Lemborexant Submitted in the United States

≪ Previous: The Executive Talk: Chememan PCL (SET:CMAN)

TOKYO, Jan 15, 2019 - (JCN Newswire) - Showa Denko K.K. ("SDK"; TSE:4004) and its subsidiary Showa Denko Packaging Co., Ltd. (SPA) have cooperatively developed next-generation laminate-type heat radiator designed for application to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for use in electric vehicles (EVs) whose market is rapidly expanding.

In recent years, sales of EVs are rapidly increasing due partly to a rise in car-users' environmental awareness. LIBs used in EVs have large capacity and generates much heat. Therefore, those LIBs require efficient heat radiation.

Currently, square-shaped LIBs for use in EVs are equipped with heat radiators composed of extruded aluminum parts and aluminum boards. In manufacturing process of these radiators, aluminum parts are welded or brazed. These welding or brazing processes require temperature of 600 degrees C or higher.

On the other hand, the next-generation laminate-type heat radiator SDK and SPA developed this time uses laminate film, which is composed of aluminum foil and resin films, as structural material. The "heat sealing method" to manufacture this next-generation radiator can connect laminate films under relatively low temperature of about 200 degrees C.

Moreover, combination of materials to compose these laminate films is easy to be customized. Laminate films can be used in various sizes and suitable for fine presswork. Therefore, this new radiator for LIB enables car manufacturers to enjoy highest-ever degree of freedom in designing and sizing of LIB-related modules and their surroundings.

The laminate films used as structural materials of this new radiator uses the Showa Denko Group's technologies to manufacture SPALF(TM), which is aluminum laminate film manufactured and sold by SPA as pouch-type packaging material for LIBs. SPALF's performance in electrical insulation, plasticity and resistance to corrosion is very high.

SDK and SPA cooperatively developed this next-generation heat radiator through fusion of our heat-radiation technology fostered by long-time operation of our aluminum radiator/heat-exchanger business and our lamination technology which enabled us to develop SPALF.

SDK and SPA will accelerate development of this next-generation laminate-type heat radiator as heat radiation component for EVs and electricity storage systems (ESSs), and plan to ship samples of these radiators by the end of 2020.

The Showa Denko Group has set "inter-business cooperation" as a pillar of the Group's business strategy announced in the new medium-term consolidated business plan "The TOP 2021" which started this January, and has been developing products which make the maximum use of the Group's various materials and technologies. Thus the Group will continue strengthening activities to offer best solutions that our customers require.

SDK and SPA will introduce this next-generation laminate-type heat radiator at the booth of the Showa Denko Group (E32-47, East Hall 4) to be set in the "48th INTERNEPCON JAPAN" which will be held at Tokyo Big Sight in Minato Ward, Tokyo from January 16 through 18, 2019.

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TSE:4004, ADR:SHWDY), a major manufacturer of chemical products, serves a wide range of fields from heavy industry to electronics and computer industries. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector provides industrial, high-performance and high-purity gases and chemicals for semicon and other industries, and the Inorganics Sector provides ceramic products, such as alumina, abrasives, refractory and graphite electrodes and fine carbon products. The Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high-bright LEDs and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

Contact:
Showa Denko K.K. Public Relations Office, Tel: +81-3-5470-3235

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Eisai's New Drug Application for Insomnia Disorder Treatment Lemborexant Submitted in the United States

January 14, 2019, 5:23 pm

≫ Next: Eisai to Present Results of Post-Hoc Analyses of Lenvima (Lenvatinib) Phase III Reflect Study in Hepatocellular Carcinoma at 2019 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium

≪ Previous: SDK Group Develops Ultralight Laminate-type Radiator for EV Battery Modules

TOKYO, Jan 15, 2019 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. and Purdue Pharma L.P. today announced that a new drug application has been submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for lemborexant, an investigational agent for sleep-wake regulation, seeking approval for the treatment of insomnia, a sleep-wake disorder.

This application was based on the results of two pivotal Phase 3 clinical studies in patients with insomnia, SUNRISE 1 (Study 304) and SUNRISE 2 (Study 303), enrolling approximately 2,000 patients, as well as important safety studies, including assessment of postural stability after middle-of-the-night awakening and a next-morning driving study. SUNRISE 1, a one-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, included the first ever Phase 3 head-to-head comparison versus zolpidem ER and objectively assessed sleep parameters (time to sleep onset, sleep efficiency, and wake after sleep onset) resulting in the largest (objective) polysomnography dataset collected to date in patients with insomnia. SUNRISE 2 was a 12-month study and subjectively assessed for ability to fall asleep and stay asleep based on patient self-reports (sleep diaries).

Lemborexant, which acts on the orexin neurotransmitter system and is believed to regulate sleep and wake by dampening wakefulness without impeding the ability to awaken to external stimuli, is being jointly developed by Eisai and Purdue Pharma for the treatment of multiple sleep-wake disorders, including insomnia disorder. In addition to the treatment of insomnia disorder, a Phase 2 clinical study of lemborexant in patients with irregular sleep-wake rhythm disorder and mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia is underway. Information about ongoing clinical studies is available at clinicaltrials.gov.

Eisai and Purdue Pharma are striving to address new unmet medical needs and to improve the lives of patients and their families.

This release discusses investigational uses of an agent in development and is not intended to convey conclusions about efficacy or safety. There is no guarantee that such an investigational agent will successfully complete clinical development or gain health authority approval.

About Lemborexant

Lemborexant is a novel investigational small molecule compound, discovered and developed by Eisai in-house scientists, that inhibits orexin signaling by binding competitively to both orexin receptor subtypes (orexin receptor 1 and 2). In individuals with normal daily sleep-wake rhythms, orexin signaling is believed to promote periods of wakefulness. In individuals with sleep-wake disorders, it is possible that orexin signaling which regulates wakefulness is not functioning normally, suggesting that inhibiting inappropriate orexin signaling may enable initiation and maintenance of sleep.

About SUNRISE 1 (Study 304)1

SUNRISE 1 was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, active comparator, parallel-group study evaluating the efficacy and safety of lemborexant in 1,006 male or female adult patients 55 years and older (45 percent of patients were 65 years and older) with insomnia disorder conducted in North America and Europe. SUNRISE 1 included a pre-randomization phase of up to 35 days (including a two-week placebo run-in period) and a randomization phase comprised of a 30-day treatment period and a minimum two-week period without treatment prior to the end-of-study visit. In this study, patients were randomized to receive placebo or one of three treatment regimens (lemborexant 5 mg, lemborexant 10 mg, zolpidem ER 6.25 mg). The primary objective for SUNRISE 1 was to demonstrate using polysomnography that lemborexant at either the 5 mg or 10 mg dose is superior to placebo on objective sleep onset, as measured by latency to persistent sleep after the last two nights of one month of treatment. Key secondary objectives included change from baseline in sleep efficiency and wake after sleep onset (WASO) for both lemborexant doses compared to placebo, and WASO in the second half of the night (WASO2H) for both lemborexant doses compared to zolpidem ER, each after the last two nights of one month of treatment.

About SUNRISE 2 (Study 303)(2)

SUNRISE 2 was a 12-month multicenter, global, randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study of the efficacy and safety of lemborexant in 949 male or female adult participants 18 to 88 years of age with insomnia disorder. SUNRISE 2 included a pre-randomization phase of up to 35 days (including a two-week placebo run-in period) and a randomization phase comprised of a six-month placebo-controlled treatment period, a six-month period of only active treatment and a two-week period without treatment prior to the end-of-study-visit. In this study, during the placebo-controlled treatment period, patients were randomized to receive placebo or one of two treatment regimens (lemborexant 5 mg or 10 mg). During the active-only treatment period, patients who received placebo during the first period were re-randomized to receive lemborexant 5 mg or 10 mg. Patients who received active treatment during the first period continued on the treatment to which they were originally randomized. The primary objective was to determine the efficacy of lemborexant 5 mg and 10 mg compared to placebo on patient-reported (subjective) sleep onset latency after six months of treatment. Key secondary endpoints were mean change from baseline in subjective sleep efficiency and subjective wake after sleep onset (sWASO) for lemborexant 5 mg and 10 mg compared to placebo after six months of treatment.

About Sleep Disorders

Population studies show that sleep disorders affect many more people worldwide than previously thought.(3) Insomnia disorder is the most common sleep disorder affecting approximately 30 percent of the adult population worldwide.(3),(4) Insomnia disorder is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or both, despite an adequate opportunity to sleep, which can lead to daytime consequences such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating and irritability.(5),(6)
Sleeping well is essential for good health, including brain health. Poor sleep is associated with a wide range of health consequences, including an increased risk of hypertension, accidental injury, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack, stroke and dementia, as well as adverse effects on mood and behavior.(5),(7)

Experimental studies in animals and humans provide evidence of associations between sleep and disease risk factors, diseases and mortality.(8) Studies suggest an optimal sleep duration between seven and eight hours.(9)

Women are 1.4 times more likely than men to suffer from insomnia.(10) Older adults also have higher prevalence of insomnia; aging is often accompanied by changes in sleep patterns, including disrupted sleep, frequent waking and early waking, that can lead to less sleep time.(11)

About Purdue Pharma L.P.

Purdue Pharma L.P. develops and provides prescription medicines that meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers. We were founded by physicians and we are currently led by a physician. Beyond our efforts to provide quality medications, Purdue Pharma is committed to supporting national, regional and local collaborations to drive innovations in patient care. Privately held, Purdue Pharma is pursuing a pipeline of new medications and technologies through internal research & development and strategic industry partnerships. For more information, please visit www.purduepharma.com(New Window).

(1) Eisai Inc. A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-conrolled, active comparator, parallel-group study of the efficacy and safety of lemborexant in subjects 55 years and older with insomnia disorder. (E2006-G000-304). (Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT02783729). 2018. Unpublished data on file.
(2) Eisai Inc. A long-term multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel-group study of the safety and efficacy of lemborexant in subjects with insomnia disorder (E2006-G000-303). (Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT02952820). 2018. Unpublished data on file.
(3) Ferrie JE, et al. Sleep epidemiology - a rapidly growing field. Int J Epidemiol. 2011;40(6):1431 1437.
(4) Roth T. Insomnia: definition, prevalence, etiology and consequences. J Clin Sleep Med(New Window). 2007;3(5 Suppl):S7 S10.
(5) Institute of Medicine. Sleep disorders and sleep deprivation: An unmet public health problem. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. 2006.
(6) Ohayon MM, et al. Epidemiology of insomnia: what we know and what we still need to learn. Sleep Med Rev. 2002;6(2):97-111.
(7) Pase MP, Himali JJ, Grima NA, et al. Sleep architecture and the risk of incident dementia in the community. Neurology. 2017;89(12):1244-1250.
(8) Cappuccio FP et al. Sleep and cardio-metabolic disease. Curr Cardiol Rep. 2017;19:110.
(9) Cappuccio FP et al. Sleep duration and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Sleep. 2010;33(5):585-592.
(10) Roth T, et al. Prevalence and perceived health associated with insomnia based on DSM-IV-TR; International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, tenth revision; and Research Diagnostic Criteria/International Classification of Sleep Disorders, second edition criteria: results from the America Insomnia Survey. Biol Psychiatry. 2011;69:592 600.
(11) Crowley, K. Sleep and sleep disorders in older adults. Neuropsychol Rev. 2011;21(1):41-53.

About Eisai

Eisai Co., Ltd. is a leading global research and development-based pharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan. We define our corporate mission as "giving first thought to patients and their families and to increasing the benefits health care provides," which we call our human health care (hhc) philosophy. With approximately 10,000 employees working across our global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to realize our hhc philosophy by delivering innovative products to address unmet medical needs, with a particular focus in our strategic areas of Oncology and Neurology.

As a global pharmaceutical company, our mission extends to patients around the world through our investment and participation in partnership-based initiatives to improve access to medicines in developing and emerging countries.

For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visit www.eisai.com.

Contact:
Purdue Pharma L.P.
Danielle Lewis 
+1-203-588-7653  

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

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Eisai to Present Results of Post-Hoc Analyses of Lenvima (Lenvatinib) Phase III Reflect Study in Hepatocellular Carcinoma at 2019 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium

January 14, 2019, 5:31 pm

≫ Next: Hitachi Wins 600 EMU Train Cars for Intercity Express Service from the Taiwan Railways Administration

≪ Previous: Eisai's New Drug Application for Insomnia Disorder Treatment Lemborexant Submitted in the United States

TOKYO, Jan 15, 2019 - (JCN Newswire) - Eisai Co., Ltd. announced today that presentations on a series of abstracts highlighting the latest data from post-hoc analyses of a Phase III clinical study (REFLECT/Study 304) on its in-house discovered multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor lenvatinib mesylate (product name: Lenvima, "lenvatinib") as first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) will be presented during the 2019 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium (ASCO-GI) in San Francisco from January 17 to 19.

Presentations of interest include an oral presentation on a landmark analysis of the relationship between overall survival (OS) and objective response (OR) in patients from REFLECT, and a poster presentation on a post-hoc analysis of responders from REFLECT who received first-line lenvatinib and subsequent anticancer medication.

Eisai positions oncology as a key therapeutic area and is aiming to discover revolutionary new medicines with the potential to cure cancer. The company will continue to create innovation in the development of new drugs based on cutting-edge cancer research, as it seeks to contribute further to addressing the diverse needs of, and increasing the benefits provided to, patients with cancer, their families, and healthcare providers.

In March 2018, Eisai entered into a strategic collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A. (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada), through an affiliate, to jointly develop and commercialize lenvatinib, both as monotherapy and in combination with Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A.'s anti-PD-1 therapy pembrolizumab (product name: KEYTRUDA).

About LENVIMA (lenvatinib mesylate)

Discovered and developed in house by Eisai, LENVIMA is an orally administered kinase inhibitor with a novel binding mode that selectively inhibits the kinase activities of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors (FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4) in addition to other pathway-related RTKs (including the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor PDGFRalpha; KIT; and RET) involved in tumor angiogenesis, tumor progression and modification of tumor immunity.

Currently, Eisai has obtained approval for LENVIMA as a treatment for refractory thyroid cancer in over 50 countries, including the United States, Japan, in Europe and Asia. Additionally, Eisai has obtained approval for the agent in combination with everolimus as a treatment for renal cell carcinoma (second-line) in over 45 countries, including the United States and in Europe. In Europe, the agent was launched under the brand name Kisplyx for renal cell carcinoma. In addition, LENVIMA has been approved as a treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma in Japan, the United States, Europe, China and other countries. Furthermore, Eisai has submitted applications for an indication covering hepatocellular carcinoma in Brazil (March 2018) as well as in other countries.

About the REFLECT Study (Study 304)1

The REFLECT study is a multicenter, open-label, randomized, global Phase III study comparing the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib versus sorafenib, a standard treatment for advanced HCC, as a first-line treatment for patients with unresectable HCC. In the study, 954 patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive lenvatinib 12 mg (>/=60 kg) or 8 mg (The primary endpoint of the study was OS, with the goal of demonstrating non-inferiority.

About Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

Liver cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer death, estimated to be responsible for 780,000 deaths per year globally. Additionally, 840,000 cases are newly diagnosed each year.(2) There is a large regional difference, with about 80% of new cases occurring in Asian regions, including China and Japan. HCC accounts for 85% to 90% of liver cancer. Currently, systemic therapies approved for first line treatment of HCC are limited, underscoring a great unmet medical need.

About the Eisai and Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A. Strategic Collaboration

In March 2018, Eisai and Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A., known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, through an affiliate, entered into a strategic collaboration for the worldwide co-development and co-commercialization of LENVIMA. Under the agreement, the companies will jointly develop and commercialize LENVIMA, both as monotherapy and in combination with Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A.'s anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA.

In addition to ongoing clinical studies of the LENVIMA and KEYTRUDA combination, the companies will jointly initiate new clinical studies through the LEAP (LEnvatinib And Pembrolizumab) clinical program, which will evaluate the combination to support 11 potential indications in six types of cancer (bladder cancer, endometrial cancer, head and neck cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer). The LEAP clinical program also includes a new basket trial targeting six additional cancer types (biliary duct cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, glioblastoma and ovarian cancer). The LENVIMA and KEYTRUDA combination is not approved in any cancer types today.

(1) Kudo M et al., "Lenvatinib versus sorafenib in first-line treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a randomised phase 3 non-inferiority trial" The Lancet 2018, 391 (10126), 1163-1173.
(2) GLOBOCAN2018: Estimated Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence Worldwide in 2018. http://globocan.iarc.fr/ KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A.

About Eisai

Eisai Co., Ltd. is a leading global research and development-based pharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan. We define our corporate mission as "giving first thought to patients and their families and to increasing the benefits health care provides," which we call our human health care (hhc) philosophy. With approximately 10,000 employees working across our global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to realize our hhc philosophy by delivering innovative products to address unmet medical needs, with a particular focus in our strategic areas of Oncology and Neurology.

As a global pharmaceutical company, our mission extends to patients around the world through our investment and participation in partnership-based initiatives to improve access to medicines in developing and emerging countries.

For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visit www.eisai.com.

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

↧

Hitachi Wins 600 EMU Train Cars for Intercity Express Service from the Taiwan Railways Administration

January 14, 2019, 8:34 pm

≫ Next: Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter Is Under Way

≪ Previous: Eisai to Present Results of Post-Hoc Analyses of Lenvima (Lenvatinib) Phase III Reflect Study in Hepatocellular Carcinoma at 2019 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium

TOKYO, Jan 15, 2019 - (JCN Newswire) - Taiwan Hitachi Asia Pacific Co., Ltd., a local group company of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501) in Taiwan (Hitachi), has been awarded today an order of approx. NT$ 44.3 billion (approx. 160 billion yen) for the supply of 600 Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train cars (12 cars x 50 trainsets) for Intercity Express service from the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), railway operator, and Bank of Taiwan, procurement agent of TRA.

TRA has set "TRA Train Purchasing and Renewal Plan(2015-2024)" which will increase railway transportation capacity by replacing existing train cars with a large number of new cars. Based on this plan and under the new supply contract, new train cars will be delivered from 2021 and will eventually enter into service, running across Taiwan.

As a total rail solution provider, Hitachi has been providing railway solutions globally ranging from urban railways to high speed railways. In Taiwan, Hitachi has considerable experience of providing rail solutions including train cars and substation facilities. Hitachi has received high recognition for delivery of TEMU1000 rail train cars, the first tilting train in Taiwan (nick-named as "Taroko") since the start of commercial service in May 2007 for its operational record and for Hitachi's after-sales service.

Hitachi will continue to provide high-quality, highly reliable train cars to contribute to the further development of Taiwan's rail infrastructure and accelerate the global development of its railway systems.

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

↧

Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter Is Under Way

January 14, 2019, 10:00 pm

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≪ Previous: Hitachi Wins 600 EMU Train Cars for Intercity Express Service from the Taiwan Railways Administration

Yeung Chin (brand name: YEUNG CHIN)

Jane Ng (brand name: phenotypsetter)

Alee Lee (brand name: ALEE LEE)

Six Local Designer Labels Showcased at FASHIONALLY Parades

HONG KONG, Jan 15, 2019 - (ACN Newswire) - The 50th edition of HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2019 kicked off yesterday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The four-day show (14-17 Jan), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), features four fashion parades presented by six budding local designer labels.

FASHIONALLY Collection #13, staged yesterday, showcased the latest collections from three Hong Kong designers: Yeung Chin (brand name: YEUNG CHIN), Jane Ng (brand name: phenotypsetter) and Alee Lee (brand name: ALEE LEE). The designers, who all studied at the Alternatif Fashion Workshop in Hong Kong, presented a freewheeling and eclectic show.

Photo Download: https://bit.ly/2RRu6ss

FASHIONALLY Collection #13:
- Yeung Chin (brand name: YEUNG CHIN)
- Jane Ng (brand name: phenotypsetter)
- Alee Lee (brand name: ALEE LEE)

The FASHIONALLY Presentations, staged yesterday and today by Hong Kong fashion website FASHIONALLY.com, showcased the design concepts and 2019 Fall/Winter collections of three local designers: Arto Wong (brand name: ARTO.), Jason Lee (brand name: YMDH) and Carrie Kwok (brand name: CAR|2IE). Unlike conventional runway parades, these three presentations featured the designers' works in the form of a story told against the backdrop of a theatre-like stage. The stage design, props and story sequence, all carefully orchestrated by the designers, created a unique and stimulating experience for the audience and buyers alike.

FASHIONALLY PRESENTATION: Carrie Kwok (brand name: CAR|2IE)
Taking inspiration from literature, Carrie Kwok creates sophisticated, poetic designs that have been well-received by consumers. Her label, CAR|2IE, is available at Lane Crawford

FASHIONALLY PRESENTATION: Arto Wong (brand name: ARTO.)
Designer Arto Wong received the New Talent Award and was named Overall Winner at the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) 2017. The New Talent Award gave her the opportunity to retail her debut collection in Hong Kong's fashion mecca Joyce

FASHIONALLY PRESENTATION: Jason Lee (brand name: YMDH)
High-end streetwear designer Jason Lee won the "Best Footwear Design Award" at YDC 2017, after which he launched a capsule collection with renowned Hong Kong retailer i.t.

YDC 2019 Opens for Application

Since 1977, The HKTDC has been organising the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) to unearth talented local designers. This year's competition will be held during CENTRESTAGE in September and is now open for application. Find out more at www.fashionally.com/ydc_application.

Websites:
HK Fashion Week for Fall/Winter: https://event.hktdc.com/fair/hkfashionweekfw-tc
YDC: http://www.fashionally.com/zh-hk/YDC/about
FASHIONALLY: https://www.fashionally.com/zh-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:
Katherine Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4537, Email: katherine.cm.chan@hktdc.org

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Transmit Entertainment Formed Collaborative Relationship with Artistes, Agents and Scriptwriters

January 14, 2019, 10:11 pm

≫ Next: WARC Media Awards 2018: Effective Channel Integration winners announced

≪ Previous: Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter Is Under Way

Builds Comprehensive Film and Television Entertainment and Culture Empire

BEIJING, Jan 15, 2019 - (ACN Newswire) - Transmit Entertainment Limited ("Transmit Entertainment" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"; stock code: 1326) today announced that it has formed collaborative relationship with various artistes, agents and scriptwriters to add to its talent pool and enhance its competitive edge and reputation in the film and television industry across the Greater China region.

At its corporate and business development briefing in Beijing today, with many guests and entertainment celebrities in attendance, the Group hosted a ceremony to kick off its cooperation with various artistes, agents and scriptwriters. The Group also showed projects of its film and television and variety shows, plus explained its future development direction. It believes the strategy will give it new impetus to grow and therefore is conducive to the long-term development of its business.

Ms. Zhao Wenzhu, President and Executive Director of Transmit Entertainment, said, "We are very happy with marking yet another milestone after acquiring Khorgas Houhai Culture Media Company Limited ("Houhai Culture") last year. The latest cooperative partnerships will allow the Group to build on its existing firm foundation and continue diversifying its film and television entertainment cultural business, and, in turn, deliver yet more quality films and television productions to consumers to satisfy their varied entertainment preferences."

"Looking forward, alert to the huge development potential of film and television business in the Greater China region, the Group will continue to look for investment opportunities in quality entertainment projects worldwide and also grasp development opportunities bred by the upgrade in the consumption of entertainment content. Our goal is to build Transmit Entertainment into a leading comprehensive film and television entertainment provider and, ultimately, create long-term value for shareholders."

In August 2018, at RMB450 million, Transmit Entertainment completed the acquisition of Houhai Culture, which has a professional film and television planning and production team expert in content creation. Armed with extensive industry experience and connections in such areas as film and television programme planning, production and distribution, the team is capable of scriptwriting, shooting, post-production, distribution and marketing functions. The strategic acquisition not only gives the Group the Broadcasting And television Program Production And Operation License held by Houhai Culture and therefore access to the huge and potential-rich showbiz sector in mainland China. It also confers on the Group the intellectual property rights of Houhai Culture's variety shows and television series, enabling it to quickly develop into a film and television entertainment provider with a complete industry chain.

About Transmit Entertainment Limited (stock code: 1326)
Transmit Entertainment is a media and entertainment company with a diverse portfolio. Its main businesses include: (i) production, distribution and licensing of variety shows, television series and films; (ii) screening of films; (iii) post-production; and (iv) advertising, marketing and publication. The Group mainly produces Chinese films, television entertainment programs and television drama series for the Hong Kong and Mainland China markets. It also operates five cinemas and one post-production company in Hong Kong. Its subsidiary Houhai Culture has a professional film and television production team particularly adept in producing variety shows and television drama series, from screenwriting, shooting, post-production to distribution and marketing. It also owns copyrights to a large number of television drama series and has been closely cooperating with top-tier broadcast networks and online streaming platforms.

For press enquiries:
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Vicky Lee Tel: (852) 2864 4834 Email: vicky.lee@sprg.com.hk
Queenie Chan Tel: (852) 2864 4851 Email: queenie.chan@sprg.com.hk
Shirley Wai Tel: (852) 2864 4861 Email: shirley.wai@sprg.com.hk
Fax: (852) 2527 1196

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WARC Media Awards 2018: Effective Channel Integration winners announced

January 14, 2019, 10:30 pm

≫ Next: Fujitsu and EXest Use AI to Assist Tourists Visiting Japan

≪ Previous: Transmit Entertainment Formed Collaborative Relationship with Artistes, Agents and Scriptwriters

Droga5 wins Grand Prix for Tourism Australia's Dundee campaign

LONDON, Jan 15, 2019 - (ACN Newswire) - EasyJet in the United Kingdom, Gillette in Israel, Harley-Davidson in Canada, Heinz Beanz in Australia and Maybelline in China are among the 12 winning brands of the Effective Channel Integration category, WARC Media Awards 2018.

Award-winning examples of how sophisticated communications architecture has helped boost campaign effectiveness hail from a wide range of markets and cover a variety of sectors, including FMCG, travel, telecoms, soft drinks and media/entertainment.

One Grand Prix, three Golds, six Silvers, two Bronzes and three Special Awards for particular areas of expertise have been awarded by the jury panel chaired byLaurent Aliphat - Head of Media, Renault.

EMEA leads the way with six winning case study papers, followed by APAC with four and the Americas with two.

Droga5 was awarded the Grand Prix, as well as the POE Award, for Tourism Australia's campaign Dundee - The son of a legend returns home to attract US high-value travellers to the country.

Although long-haul travel from the US has grown by 11% in recent years, Australia's share of US tourism stands at only 1.3%. To increase this, the agency created a promotional campaign for the new Dundee film, featuring a roll call of Australia's biggest stars and promoted it on social media, digital and OOH, culminating in the 'official movie trailer' being shown during Super Bowl LII. The campaign led to an 83% increase in intent to book and yielded a 6:1 ROI for earned coverage.

Commenting on the Grand Prix-winning campaign, jury member Emily Fairhead-Keen, Strategy Partner, Wavemaker, said: "It broke down boundaries between advertising and culture in a way that was really interesting and ballsy. It had a great tease and reveal and it was very well integrated too."

The full winners list of Effective Channel Integration category - WARC's Media Awards 2018 is:

Grand Prix

- Dundee - The son of a legend returns home - Tourism Australia - Droga5 - North America + POE Award

Gold

- I don't roll on Shabbos - Gillette - Procter & Gamble - North America
- The campaign that never saw the light - Saudi Telecom Company - J. Walter Thompson - Saudi Arabia
- Project Multiscreen - easyJet - OMD UK, VCCP - United Kingdom + Effective Cross-Channel Measurement Award

Silver

- Power to the Queens - Maybelline - L'Oreal - Mindshare China - China
- Delivering a digital-first Winter Olympics - Eurosport Player - Discovery Communications - MullenLowe MediaHub - Europe + Path-to-Purchase Award
- Geoff - A can size for every Aussie - Heinz Beanz - Kraft-Heinz Australia - Spark Foundry Australia, Y&R NZ - Australia
- Find Your Magic - Axe - Unilver - Mindshare Indonesia, Visinema - Indonesia
- Beautiful Lengths - Pantene - Procter & Gamble - MediaCom Connections Tel-Aviv - Israel
- Pepsi Salt - Bring back the taste of Tet - Pepsi - Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam - Mindshare Vietnam - Vietnam

Bronze

- Steal your boyfriend's shampoo - Head & Shoulders - Procter & Gamble - MediaCom - Poland
- Common Ground - Harley-Davidson Canada - Zulu Alpha Kilo - Canada

More information on the WARC Media Awards 2018 - Effective Use of Channel Integration winners, as well as the winners of the Best Use of Data category, is available on www.warc.com/mediaawards.prize?tab=channel_integration. The winners of the Effective Use of Partnerships & Sponsorships and Effective Use of Tech categories will be announced shortly.

The WARC Media Awards are a comprehensive set of awards rewarding pioneering communications planning which has made a positive impact on business results for brands around the world. The Grands Prix and Special Awards share a total prize fund of $40,000.

About WARC

- advertising evidence, insights and best practice

WARC provides the latest evidence, expertise and guidance to make marketers more effective. WARC's mission is to save the world from ineffective marketing.

WARC's clients include the world's largest brands, advertising and media agencies, media owners, research companies and universities. They rely on WARC for rigorous, unbiased information and advice on almost any advertising and marketing issue, which WARC delivers via best practice guides, case studies, research papers, special reports and advertising trend data, as well as via webinars, awards, events and advisory services.

WARC collaborates with more than 50 respected industry organisations globally including: The Advertising Research Foundation, Cannes Lions, Effie Worldwide, Association of National Advertisers, ESOMAR, 4A's, IPA and DMA.

WARC was founded in 1985, and has offices in the UK, US and Singapore. In July 2018, WARC became part of Ascential plc, the global specialist information company.

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

↧

Fujitsu and EXest Use AI to Assist Tourists Visiting Japan

January 16, 2019, 1:14 am

≫ Next: Two Malaysian Companies to Develop Breakthrough Low GI Roti Canai

≪ Previous: WARC Media Awards 2018: Effective Channel Integration winners announced

Fig. 1: General overview of the service

Fig. 2: Screen image

Field trial set to discover hidden and unexpected needs, recommend optimal travel plans

TOKYO, Jan 16, 2019 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., and EXest Inc. will conduct a field trial using artificial intelligence to discover unanticipated needs of travelers visiting Japan, propose tours or other activity plans, and verify the effectiveness of the new service's application. The trial will commence from January 30 to March 31, 2019. This field trial will match foreign travelers with activity plans devised by licensed guides(1) on EXest's "WOW U" platform by utilizing Fujitsu Laboratories-developed AI technology to take into account individual attributes and preferences, then recommending appropriate options(2). Input data, such as age and travel goals, will be used to propose a variety of plans suitable for individual foreign travelers and to lead them to various tourist sites throughout Japan. Users' level of satisfaction will also be verified. EXest will provide feedback on the test results while collaborating with Fujitsu and Fujitsu Laboratories to improve the precision of the AI technology. The companies will aim to offer recommendation services that provide optimal activity plans.

Background

Foreign travelers to Japan now exceed 30 million annually, driving diversifying needs for sightseeing and cuisine, and leading to demands for enhanced planning. The Japanese government has announced its goal of achieving 40 million visitors annually by 2020, and improvements in infrastructure, staffing, content, and services to welcome these visitors are now top priority. Foreign travelers are currently concentrated in urban areas, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. To encourage travelers to a broader range of destinations throughout Japan, it is necessary to promote the appeal of regional histories and culture while raising the awareness of travelers. WOW U, operated by EXest, provides international travelers in Japan with trip plans for enjoying various activities throughout the country in tours led by licensed guides. At present, when EXest receives queries from travelers who seek to visit Japan, or from those visitors to the country who have no clear idea about places to go or things to do, the company's dedicated staff responds by using their individual experience and expertise to select a plan that fits the traveler's needs. At issue, however, is that preparing such proposals takes a considerable amount of time and cost. After EXest signed on to Fujitsu Accelerator Program(3) in 2017, both companies have looked to AI for ways to find solutions to such issues. Fujitsu, Fujitsu Laboratories, and EXest will now conduct a field trial utilizing AI to propose activity plans that match the needs of service users without the burden of site operation, and will verify the effect of introducing AI and its performance.

Overview of Field Trial

1. Trial period

From Wednesday, January 30, to Sunday, March 31, 2019

2. Website

WOW U, a matching platform for foreign travelers: http://wow-u.jp

3. Details of the field trial

This field trial will use WOW U, a platform operated by EXest, to match foreign travelers with licensed guides. Based on attribute data entered by users, such as age demographic and purpose of travel, AI technology developed by Fujitsu Laboratories is used to match user attributes and interests and recommend appropriate options, inferring users' interests to propose optimal activity plans. The companies will evaluate the website log and the degree of service user satisfaction with regard to whether or not a proposal was detailed and rich in activities and did it meet the increasingly diverse needs of foreign travelers. In addition, they will verify the effectiveness of their respective expertise by comparing against past results the success rate of activity plan sales and the time required to complete a sales contract. The role of each company in this field trial is as follows:

EXest

Evaluate improvements in the success rate of purchasing, number of page views and the time spent on the site of WOW U.

Fujitsu Laboratories

Prior to the field trial, interviews with visitors from abroad and questionnaire results were used to create a mathematical model that expressed the relationship between foreign travelers' characteristics and preferences. This model was then used to develop the AI technology that matches service users and activity plans. Additionally, to verify the validity of the model that had been developed, Fujitsu deployed to WOW U a system (figure 2) to analyze the degree to which user preferences estimated by using AI matched with actual user preferences.

Fujitsu

Develop and provide to WOW U APIs(4) that will recommend the optimum activity plan based on the Fujitsu Laboratories-developed AI technology.

Future Plans

EXest aims to provide highly satisfactory services by enhancing its offerings with AI-based activity plan recommendations and other services including the planning of trips to Japan. Fujitsu and Fujitsu Laboratories will use the results of this field trial to improve the precision of the newly developed AI technology, and will explore its application in various settings for availability as Fujitsu's currently commercially available AI technology, the Zinrai Platform Service.
Related Websites

WOW U-media: Videos of tourist sites from around Japan, for foreign travelers to Japan
https://wow-u.jp/media

(1) Licensed guides Professionals who have passed the national licensed guide examination, who can provide interpretation and tour guide services to travelers. Due to a legal amendment in January 2018, this qualification is no longer necessary to seek remuneration for tour guide services.
(2) AI technology developed by Fujitsu Laboratories to match individual attributes and preferences to recommend appropriate options AI technology that creates a mathematical model of the relationship between user attributes and preferences. As such, the technology can grasp the users' preferences simply by asking a few questions. Related press release: Kyushu University, Itoshima City, and Fujitsu Begin Field Trial Using Automatically Evolving AI to Facilitate Relocation (August 24, 2016).
(3) Fujitsu Accelerator Program A program aimed to provide new value by combining the technology and products of innovative startups with the products, solutions, and services of the Fujitsu Group.
(4) API: Application Programming Interface An interface for operating certain functions of software from outside that function. Most cloud services are operated by APIs.

About Fujitsu Laboratories

Founded in 1968 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. is one of the premier research centers in the world. With a global network of laboratories in Japan, China, the United States and Europe, the organization conducts a wide range of basic and applied research in the areas of Next-generation Services, Computer Servers, Networks, Electronic Devices and Advanced Materials. For more information, please see: http://www.fujitsu.com/jp/group/labs/en/.

About EXest Inc.

EXest is a tourism start-up that aims to connect people who would not otherwise be able to meet by introducing inbound visitors to lesser known places, food and culture in Japan and connecting them with local guides. Its mission is to contribute to local revitalization and internationalization in Japan. Its activities include running WOW U, a C2C tour platform, and WOW U-media which produces videos and articles together with local broadcasters and writers throughout Japan and beyond. EXest?s corporate website (Japanese): https://www.exest.jp

About Fujitsu Ltd

Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 140,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.1 trillion yen (US $39 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018.

For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com.
This release at www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/.

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

↧

Two Malaysian Companies to Develop Breakthrough Low GI Roti Canai

January 16, 2019, 2:30 am

≫ Next: NEC Provides Face Recognition Demo System Utilizing MEC to DOCOMO 5G Open Lab OKINAWA

≪ Previous: Fujitsu and EXest Use AI to Assist Tourists Visiting Japan

PERTH/KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16, 2019 - (ACN Newswire) - Food ingredient specialist Holista CollTech Ltd (ASX:HCT, "Holista") has partnered Bursa Malaysia-listed Kawan Food Berhad ("Kawan Food") to produce healthy Asian flatbreads, including roti canai, roti and chappati, for local and international markets.

Holista, which is listed in Australia and headquartered in Petaling Jaya, will use its proprietary mix of ingredients trademarked as GI Lite to develop a range of low-glycemic index ("low-GI") Indian flatbreads with Kawan Food - Malaysia's largest manufacturer and leading exporter of frozen Asian delicacies worldwide.

GI Lite added to Kawan Food range of products is expected to add up to AU$4 million to Holista's top line this year. The low-GI roti canai will be sold in Malaysia by April 2019, while sales to U.S. consumers are expected to commence in June 2019.

GI Lite has had a favorable sensory testing by Kawan Food, and Kawan Food is now starting low GI testing. The GI indicates the rate at which foods containing carbohydrates raise human blood sugar levels, with a lower score indicating healthier food. A diet high in carbohydrates is linked to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, poor energy levels, food cravings and drowsiness.

Based on Holista's previous laboratory trials, the companies expect to produce roti canai with a GI range. Holista is targeting the same results it achieves with flatbread, levels being about 40% lower than the current global average reading of 70 for flatbreads. The low-GI roti canai will also have lower fat content. Research and product trials are planned to begin this month. The testing will be done in in the University of Sydney as per international standards for Glycemic Index.

Kawan Food is a major supplier of frozen ethnic food with main product categories such as bakery, bun, chapatti, dessert, finger food, frozen vegetable, paratha and spring roll pastry. It currently exports to approximately forty (40) countries including US, Canada, UK, France, Australia and United Arab Emirates ("UAE"). Kawan Food is listed on the Malaysian Stock Exchange. It has been since 2005.

Roti canai, a breakfast favorite and staple food in Malaysia, contains significant amounts of calories and fats, exacerbating the existing problem of obesity in the country. According to the Economic Intelligence Unit, Malaysia is Asia's most obese nation with a 13.3% obesity rate.

Dato' Dr. Rajen Manicka, Managing Director and CEO of Holista, said: "We are excited to announce our partnership with Kawan Food, a home-grown producer and supplier of some of Malaysia's favourite food. Our low-GI versions of this popular staple food will help to address the growing problem of obesity and diabetes in Malaysia and abroad."

Holista's clean-label (all-natural) formula comprises a blend of okra, barley, lentils and fenugreek. When mixed with white flour, it lowers the GI reading of the final product without compromising taste or texture.

Mr. Timothy Tan, Managing Director of Kawan Food, said, "We are proud to work with Holista to be the first in the world to offer healthy flatbreads such as roti canai, effectively carving out a new niche in the food ingredients sector in Malaysia and beyond."

For further information, please contact:

Corporate Affairs & Business Opportunities
Dr Rajen Manicka: rajen.m@holistaco.com
General Enquiries: enquiries@holistaco.com

Australia
283 Rokeby Road
Subiaco WA 6008
P: +61 8 6141 3500 ; F: +61 8 6141 3599

Malaysia
12th Floor, Amcorp Trade Centre, PJ Tower
No. 18, Persiaran Barat off Jalan Timur
46000, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
P: +603 7965 2828 ; F: +603 7965 2777

Media and Investor Relations Enquiries
WeR1 Consultants Pte Ltd
3 Phillip Street #12-01
Singapore 048693
E: holista@wer1.net; P: +65 67374844

About Holista CollTech Ltd

Holista CollTech Ltd (Holista) is a research-driven biotech company and is the result of the merger of Holista Biotech Sdn Bhd and CollTech Australia Ltd. Headquartered in Perth with extensive operations in Malaysia, Holista is dedicated to delivering first-class natural ingredients and wellness products and leads in research on herbs and food ingredients.

Holista, listed on the Australia Securities Exchange, researches, develops, manufactures and markets "health-style" products to address the unmet and growing needs of natural medicine. Holista's suite of ingredients is capable of serving the industry to provide low-GI baked products, low sodium salt, low fat fried foods and low calories sugar without compromise in taste, odour and mouth feel. It is the only company to produce sheep (ovine) collagen using patented extraction methods.

Full press release (PDF): http://www.acnnewswire.com/clientreports/598/20191601_HCT_Kawan_Food.pdf

↧

NEC Provides Face Recognition Demo System Utilizing MEC to DOCOMO 5G Open Lab OKINAWA

January 15, 2019, 6:12 pm

≫ Next: 3,300+ Finance, Business Leaders Join Asian Financial Forum

≪ Previous: Two Malaysian Companies to Develop Breakthrough Low GI Roti Canai

5G base station equipment

Demo Screen

TOKYO, Jan 16, 2019 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) today announced the provision of a facial recognition demo system utilizing Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC), a network architecture concept for next-generation communications, to DOCOMO 5G Open Lab OKINAWA, a 5G technology verification center established in Okinawa prefecture on January 9 and run by NTT DOCOMO, INC.

DOCOMO 5G Open Lab OKINAWA provides charge free technical verification environments, including 5G base stations, for companies and groups participating in the DOCOMO 5G Open Partner Program. The lab aims at creation of new use cases for 5G, promotion of local industries and resolution of social issues in Okinawa. NEC has provided 5G base stations utilizing 4.5 GHz frequency band to this lab.

The demo system utilizing 5G and MEC enables instantaneous face recognition under mobile networks. Therefore, this makes it easier to introduce a temporary face recognition system at an event venue without the need for new cable installation. Furthermore, it dynamically optimizes the allocation of band frequencies according to need. When a monitoring camera detects a behavior of a person, the demo system expands network bandwidth and images used for face recognition are changed to high-definition images. It sends low-definition images from monitoring cameras in order to reduce the consumption of network bandwidth when persons are not detected.

The demo system consists of NEC's face recognition AI engine NeoFace, Context-aware Service Controller, which dynamically optimizes the allocation of network resources, as well as NEC's Image Analysis and Behavior Detection System, which automatically detects behavior in real time, such as intrusions and object abandonment, with a high degree of accuracy. They all are installed on MEC servers which are set closer to terminals. In addition, virtualized Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) is also used.

"NEC will continue to develop and offer a variety of solutions as a top vendor of domestic mobile core networks in the 5G era and to contribute to the expansion of the DOCOMO 5G Open Partner Program, while taking advantage of our experience and knowhow," said Kazuhiro Tagawa, general manager, Network Solutions Division, NEC Corporation.

This announcement includes part of the results of a research project "Research and development for the achievement of a fifth-generation mobile communication system - Research and development of high-speed and low-power consumption wireless access technology utilizing a super multi element antenna with high-frequency and large bandwidth" commissioned by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

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

↧

3,300+ Finance, Business Leaders Join Asian Financial Forum

January 15, 2019, 9:00 pm

≫ Next: Creso Pharma Targets Multi-Billion Dollar Pet Industry -- CFN Media

≪ Previous: NEC Provides Face Recognition Demo System Utilizing MEC to DOCOMO 5G Open Lab OKINAWA

The 12th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) closed yesterday, having welcomed more than 3,300 financial policymakers, financial elites and business leaders. The two-day event was organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

At the keynote luncheon on the first day of the AFF, Robert Zoellick, former World Bank President, commented on the development of trade between the United States and Mainland China.

The new FinTech Showcase launched at this year's AFF, enabled international financial institutions and technological enterprises to present their innovative applications and solutions to the industry. The session was well received by participants.

On-site Survey Shows Over Half of Respondents Optimistic or Neutral about Economic Prospects in 2019

HONG KONG, Jan 16, 2019 - (ACN Newswire) - More than 3,300 financial policymakers, financial elites and business leaders attended the two-day 12th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), which concluded yesterday. Co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the theme for this year's forum was "Creating a Sustainable and Inclusive Future", examining the current economic environment and gauging the views of participants through on-site real-time polling on issues such as the global economy, investment opportunities, and the risks brought about by technology and innovation. More than 700 one-on-one meetings were arranged during the AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session, helping participants to explore business and investment opportunities.

Respondents Most Optimistic about Southeast Asia and Mainland China Markets

Real-time polling conducted through HKTDC mobile apps at various sessions during the forum sought to gauge the views of participants on a broad range of subjects. When asked about the outlook for the global economy in 2019, 15% of respondents were optimistic, 38% were neutral, while 47% of respondents expressed pessimism, reflecting cautious optimism in the industry towards the overall economic outlook.

When asked about the countries and regions that will offer the best investment returns in 2019, 39% and 35% of respondents believed it would be Southeast Asia and Mainland China respectively, followed by the United States (16%), Japan (3%) and Western Europe (2%). As for the sector with the greatest growth potential globally in 2019, 38% expected it to be healthcare, while 30% thought it would be TMT (telecommunications, media and technology) and e-commerce, followed by green industries or environmental goods and services (19%), financial services (6%), food and agriculture (4%), and real estate and infrastructure (1%).

US-China Trade Dispute Seen as Biggest Challenge to Financial Security

Amid the current global economic uncertainty, polling at the AFF also touched on the issue of the main source of risk for global financial stability. A majority of respondents said that trade tensions between the United States and Mainland China are the main source of risk in 2019 (77%), followed by monetary policy normalisation (10%), cyber breaches and security risks (7%) and Brexit and fiscal discipline in the European Union (6%).

At the keynote luncheon on the first day of the forum, Robert Zoellick, former World Bank President, spoke about the development of Sino-US trade: "Trade negotiations between the US and China need both short-term results and a long-term process to address deeper concerns. Those issues include intellectual property rights, state-owned enterprises and the Belt and Road Initiative," he said.

In response to the AFF theme this year, "Creating a Sustainable and Inclusive Future", the poll asked participants about the biggest challenge to achieving a sustainable future globally. A total of 43% of respondents believed it was due to "people's reluctance to trade higher cost today for better sustainability for future generations", followed by "reluctance by some governments to adopt policies for sustainable development" (23%), "insufficient attention to environmental, social and governance factors in asset markets" (21%), "lack of financially viable green projects" (10%), and "lack of green funding" (3%).

AI Brings Biggest Disruption to Financial Industry

Technology and innovation are beginning to create more disruption in the financial industry. Participants were asked which of the following developments or technologies were expected to lead to the biggest disruption to the financial industry in 2019, with 30% of respondents expecting it to be artificial intelligence (AI), followed by big data analytics (22%), the rise of virtual banks (21%), blockchain (13%), cryptocurrencies and the rise of initial coin offerings (6%) and regulatory technology (5%).

700+ Meetings Organised through AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session

This year's forum once again featured the AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session to provide one-to-one deal-sourcing and matchmaking meetings for project owners and investors. More than 700 meetings were held, covering projects including production and environment technology, fintech, digital technology, healthcare technology, infrastructure and real estate services, education, environment and energy, and agriculture. The sessions sought to foster more concrete cooperation between participants.

The new FinTech Showcase, launched at this year's AFF, enabled international financial institutions and technological enterprises to present their innovative applications and solutions to the industry - a well-received session that helped companies to make the best use of new technologies. The InnoVenture Salon, launched last year and back in 2019 with an expanded scale and enriched content, included the Startup Zone, Fireside Chat, Demo Hours and Startup Clinic. More than 200 start-up projects were involved and more than 100 one-to-one meetings were arranged for start-ups to approach investors.

Overview of 2019 Asian Financial Forum participants' polling results

1. 2019 Global Economic Outlook
- Optimistic 15%
- Neutral 38%
- Pessimistic 47%

2. Countries/regions with the best investment return in 2019
- Mainland China 35%
- Southeast Asia 39%
- Western Europe 2%
- USA 16%
- Japan 3%
- Others 4%

3. Sectors with the greatest growth potential globally in 2019
- Healthcare 38%
- TMT (telecommunications, media and technology) and e-commerce 30%
- Real estate and infrastructure 1%
- Green industries/environmental goods and services 19%
- Financial services 6%
- Food & agriculture 4%
- Others 2%

4. Main source of risks for global financial stability
- Brexit and fiscal discipline in the European Union 6%
- US-China trade tensions 77%
- Cybersecurity breaches 7%
- Monetary policy normalisation 10%

5. The biggest challenge to a sustainable future globally
- Reluctance to adopt policies for sustainable development 33%
- Lack of green funding 3%
- Lack of financially viable green projects 10%
- Insufficient attention to environment, social and governance factors in asset classes 21%
- Reluctance to pay higher prices for more sustainable options 43%

6. The biggest disruption to the financial industry in 2019
- Artificial intelligence (AI) 30%
- Blockchain 13%
- Big data analytics 22%
- Rise of virtual banks 21%
- Cryptocurrencies and rise of initial coin offerings (ICOs) 6%
- Regulatory technology (regtech) 5%
- Others 2%

Speakers webcast interview:
Former World Bank President Robert Zoellick: https://youtu.be/aRET0O9KDnc
Minister of Finance of Malaysia Lim Guan Eng: https://youtu.be/mzl8h9FuHg8
Event website: www.asianfinancialforum.com
International Financial Week Website: http://www.internationalfinancialweek.com
Photo download: https://bit.ly/2HfhNlR

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.

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Creso Pharma Targets Multi-Billion Dollar Pet Industry -- CFN Media

January 16, 2019, 12:00 am

≫ Next: TIC-TOC technology moves Tactile Internet a step closer to reality

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SEATTLE, WA, Jan 16, 2019 - (ACN Newswire) - via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- CFN Media Group ("CFN Media"), the leading agency and financial media network dedicated to the North American cannabis industry, announces publication of an article discussing Creso Pharma Inc. (ASX: CPH) and why it's well positioned to capitalize on the rapid growth in the pet CBD market.

Global consumers spend billions of dollars on their pets each year, according to GfK, with two-thirds of sales taking place in the United States and Europe. In the U.S. alone, the American Pet Products Association reckons that consumers spent more than $72 billion on their pets in 2018, including about $30 billion on food, $15 billion on supplies and over-the-counter medicine, and $20 billion on veterinary care.

Cannabidiol, or CBD products, have become especially popular as an over-the-counter medicine, and an alternative to prescription medication for pets. While studies in humans have dominated the headlines, an overwhelming number of reports from veterinarians and pet owners have shown that CBD promotes well-being, balances behavior, and reduces tiredness and fatigue. It's a natural way to help keep pets well-adjusted and ensure their comfort in old age.

First Mover Advantage

There are many companies that have developed CBD products for pets, but many of them have experienced problems. In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to several manufacturers regarding product labeling and promises. The same agency sent warning letters to other human-focused CBD product manufacturers, saying that some of their products didn't contain as much CBD as promised on the label.

Creso Pharma's anibidiol(R) is the first Swiss complementary feed for companion animals that contains natural full spectrum hemp oil with CBD. The company's two products, anibidiol(R) 2.5 and anibidiol(R) 8, are already generating revenue across the European Union. With the company's focus on Swiss quality, the products have already started to generate a strong reputation across Europe that could translate into sales in other markets down the road.

In addition to CBD, anibidiol(R) contains vitamins niacin and B6, fatty acids Omega 3, 6, and 9, terpenes, flavonoids, and other herbal active ingredients. The product is THC-free (non-detectable) with no reported side-effects, which means that consumers don't have to worry about harmful or unintended side-effects.

Click here to receive an investor presentation and a going public alert https://promo.cfnmedia.com/cresopharma

Expansion Beyond Animals

Creso Animal Health is just one of its five businesses focusing on different areas of the cannabis industry, which include therapeutics, nutraceuticals, topicals, and lifestyle products. By bringing pharmaceutical rigor to the cannabis industry, the company aims to manufacture the highest-quality products for both humans and animals through its R&D base in Switzerland and cultivation facilities in Canada and Colombia.

The company's Mernova Medicinal Inc. subsidiary is a 24,000 sq. ft. purpose-built facility in Canada with initial sales in the country starting next quarter. In 2019, the company plans to build out a GMP compliant, pharmaceutical-grade edible production facility to prepare for the country's upcoming legalization of edible products. Its other cultivation facilities are located in Colombia and Israel - where it's pursuing a joint venture.

Along with its cannabis production footprint, the company has developed a wide range of delivery systems for cannabinoids. The company's focus is on buccal and topical products, which are designed to significantly improve bioavailability and absorption compared to orally-consumed products which need to go through the stomach and are largely destroyed in the passage. Several products have already been launched throughout Switzerland, Europe, and New Zealand.

Click here to receive an investor presentation and a going public alert https://promo.cfnmedia.com/cresopharma

Looking Ahead

Creso Pharma Inc. (ASX: CPH) represents a unique opportunity to invest across a broad range of cannabinoid delivery methods and end markets. With its CBD-based animal health products, the company has developed an early edge in Europe that it could exploit to capitalize on the $70+ billion global animal health market. The company's potential is further underscored by its diverse human product lines spanning key European countries.

For more information, visit the company's website. https://www.cresopharma.com/for-investors/

Please follow this link to read the full article: https://www.cannabisfn.com/?p=2182833&preview=true

About CFN Media

CFN Media (CannabisFN) is the leading agency and financial media network dedicated to the global cannabis industry, helps companies operating in the space attract investors, capital, and publicity. Since 2013, private and public cannabis companies in the US and Canada have relied on CFN Media to grow and succeed.

Learn how to become a CFN Media client company, brand or entrepreneur: http://www.cannabisfn.com/featuredcompany

Download the CFN Media iOS mobile app to access the world of cannabis from the palm of your hand: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cannabisfn/id988009247?ls=1&mt=8

Or visit our homepage and enter your mobile number under the Apple App Store logo to receive a download link text on your iPhone: http://www.cannabisfn.com

Disclaimer
CannabisFN.com is not an independent financial investment advisor or broker-dealer. You should always consult with your own independent legal, tax, and/or investment professionals before making any investment decisions. The information provided on http://www.cannabisfn.com (the 'Site') is either original financial news or paid advertisements drafted by our in-house team or provided by an affiliate. CannabisFN.com, a financial news media and marketing firm enters into media buys or service agreements with the companies that are the subject of the articles posted on the Site or other editorials for advertising such companies. We are not an independent news media provider. We make no warranty or representation about the information including its completeness, accuracy, truthfulness or reliability and we disclaim, expressly and implicitly, all warranties of any kind, including whether the Information is complete, accurate, truthful, or reliable. As such, your use of the information is at your own risk. Nor do we undertake any obligation to update the items posted. CannabisFN.com received compensation for producing and presenting high quality and sophisticated content on CannabisFN.com along with financial and corporate news.

The above article is sponsored content. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CannabisFN.com and CFN Media, has been hired to create awareness. Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/

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TIC-TOC technology moves Tactile Internet a step closer to reality

January 17, 2019, 4:00 am

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≪ Previous: Creso Pharma Targets Multi-Billion Dollar Pet Industry -- CFN Media

ETRI researchers developed technology capable of sending packets of digital information at 25 Gb/s (giga-bit per second) - 10 times faster than currently available speeds.

Researchers in South Korea have developed extremely fast information processing technologies that can help usher in the next generation of the Internet.

Daejeon, Korea, Jan 17, 2019 - (ACN Newswire) - Researchers at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) in South Korea have developed technology capable of sending packets of digital information at 25 Gb/s (giga-bit per second) - 10 times faster than currently available speeds. The technology, named TIC-TOC, is a critical component of the future Tactile Internet, in which information is sent and received at speeds on par with human perception.

The technology operates at a speed fast enough to download a 3 GB movie within one second. Furthermore, the TIC-TOC system enables more urgent data to jump ahead of other information packets and be transferred in one milli-second (1/1000 of a second), the same speed at which the human sense of touch works.

TIC-TOC stands for "Time Controlled Tactile Optical Access" and is designed to work on 5G networks. The researchers anticipate the TIC-TOC technology will help advance virtual reality and augmented reality in all sorts of sectors, from education and healthcare, to entertainment and public safety.

For example, it could be possible to deploy and operate robots in dangerous or disaster areas with instant sight and feel communication between human controllers and machines. When the machine sees something, the humans sees it, and when the human remotely controls the robot's hand or head, the motion will happen immediately. The same could be true for telesurgery, with a doctor remotely controlling a robot performing the surgery, but the doctor feels as if she were in the operating room because the response is instantaneous.

"The Tactile Internet is expected to be the fourth industrial revolution," said HwanSeok Chung, a project leader at ETRI. "We will see robots, cars and all other machines connected to the Internet all around us. Tactile Internet will enable humans and machines to interact with each other even from far away."

The team developed TIC-TOC in order to help address the traffic jams that occurs within current information processing systems, causing delays. By increasing the speed at which information can be transmitted, and allowing more important information to jump the queue, they have ensured that as soon as a user clicks on a webpage, it loads instantly, or they can watch a video live essentially without any delay.

Described in the Journal of Lightwave Technology, the TIC-TOC technology consists of internet access control chips and optical transceivers to speed up data processing time. The optical transceiver converts high-speed electrical data into optical signals to transmit over optical fibers. The chips guarantee latency (the time from data's origin to destination) is less than 1 milli-second with ETRI's new low latency oriented packet scheduling technology controlling network traffic. The chips could further increase network speeds faster than 25 Gb/s by combining several channels for data transmission.

A few hurdles remain before commercialization such as system implementation. ETRI continues researching to solve such hurdles, and the tactile Internet enabled by TIC-TOC should be available in one year.

For more information, contact
HwanSeok Chung
Project Leader
E-mail: chung@etri.re.kr

Research paper on Journal of Lightwave Technology: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8447207

About ETRI - the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
ETRI, a government-funded research institute based in Daejeon, Korea has been at the forefront of technological excellence for about 43 years. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.etri.re.kr/eng/main/main.etri

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