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  • JCB and Banco Santander partner to enable a more diversified e-commerce portfolio in Spain

    – JCB and Banco Santander have evolved their partnership to additionally support e-commerce exchange between JCB’s 140 million global cardmembers and Banco Santander’s online merchant portfolio in Spain.
    – Banco Santander’s merchant partners in industries such as retail, hospitality, transportation, travel, restaurants, and education can now welcome increased revenue by utilising J/Secure™ 1.0 on their online platforms.
    – According to Banco Santander, the COVID-19 lockdown in Spain has moved customers to online sales, increasing e-commerce transactions by over 40%. Many face-to-face merchants have been forced to a quick digitisation of their businesses to offer their products online or over the phone for delivery.

    Madrid & Tokyo, Sept 25, 2020 – In June 2019, JCB International Co. Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., and Banco Santander, through its subsidiary Santander Espana Merchant Services, partnered to support the growth of face-to-face transactions made by JCB cardmembers across Spain. Earlier this year, in March 2020, JCB and Banco Santander pivoted this collaboration to additionally support online exchange between JCB cardmembers and Banco Santander’s e-commerce merchants. This extensive merchant list includes those in the retail, hospitality, transportation, travel, restaurant, and education sectors, to name a few.

    In the past 4 years, JCB’s annual sales volume has increased by approximately 37% globally, with over 140 million cardmembers and around 34 million merchants now accepting JCB cards. This JCB partnership with Banco Santander offers merchants and cardmembers a safe online purchase experience with JCB’s J/Secure™1.0 (based on Visa’s 3-D Secure Core Protocol Specifications).

    This secure platform enhances the online shopping experience, as it identifies cardmembers by requesting a password. J/Secure™ 2.0 (based on the EMV 3-D Secure Protocol and Core Functions Specification) is set to follow the additional expansion in future.

    Ruben Justel, Managing Director at Santander Espana Merchant Services, said, “This new step on our fruitful partnership with JCB contributes to our vision to help our merchants increase their sales by accepting the most demanded means of payments, in addition to reaching more international clients from JCB issuing countries.”

    Tsuyoshi Notani, Managing Director, JCB International (Europe) Ltd. said, “Partnering with Banco Santander has enabled us to further fulfil our promise to provide our card members with as many safe payment methods for international online transactions as possible. We are further delighted to be able to support Banco Santander’s merchants, as they welcome e-commerce trade while we have seen a decline in face-to-face sales in recent months. It is our hope that this collaboration will support recovery of the payment industry, especially in Spain, after the global COVID-19 pandemic.”

    About JCB

    JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes 34 million merchants in the world. JCB cards are now issued in 24 countries and territories with more than 140 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/

    About Banco Santander

    Santander, with more than 160 years of history, is a retail bank operating in 10 main markets that obtained an attributable profit of EUR 7,810 million in 2018 – which is an increase of 18% on the previous year. Santander’s European businesses serve 9.9 million loyal customers and 14.2 million digital customers, with 70,000 employees and 4,900 branches. In the first quarter, the bank achieved more than EUR 100 million in efficiencies with costs falling 5% in real terms year-on-year.

    Contacts:

    JCB International/Europe
    Contact: India Stone
    Email: istone@jcbeurope.eu
    Phone: +44 020 7087 4754

    JCB (Head Office in Japan)
    Contact: Kumiko Kida, Ayaka Nakajima
    Email: jcb-pr@jcb.co.jp
    Phone: +81 3 5778 8353

  • Showa Denko Announces Merger between Consolidated Subsidiaries and Change of Company Name

    TOKYO, Sept 24, 2020 – Showa Denko (SDK; TSE:4004) decided at its Board of Directors meeting held today that its consolidated subsidiary Showa Denko Carbon Holding GmbH (SDCH) will merge with its consolidated subsidiary Showa Denko Europe GmbH (SDE), and that the surviving company SDCH will change its company name into Showa Denko Europe GmbH (new SDE) effective as of January 1, 2021.

    Since this is a case of merger between SDK’s wholly owned subsidiaries, part of the details are not disclosed in the following announcement.

    1. Purpose of merger and change of company name

    SDE provides business support services such as import/export management, chemical substance management, and marketing function to subsidiaries of SDK in Europe. SDCH operates its Graphite Electrode business subsidiaries as a management company in Europe.

    This time, SDK decided to merge these two companies for the purpose of expanding its business operation in Europe further by fusing SDCH’s business management function and SDE’s business support function into one.

    With regard to formalities of this merger, SDCH will merge with SDE and become the surviving company. However, in order to clarify its business management function in Europe, SDCH will change its company name into “Showa Denko Europe GmbH” at the same date of the merger.

    2. Outline of merger

    (1) Schedule
    Resolution at the Board of Directors meeting: September 24, 2020
    Effective date of merger: January 1, 2021 (plan)

    (2) Form of merger
    SDCH will merge with SDE and become the surviving company, and SDE will be dissolved at the effective date. SDCH will change its company name into “Showa Denko Europe GmbH” at the same date.

    (3) Allotment of stocks related to merger
    Since this is a case of merger between wholly owned subsidiaries, there will be no new stock issue, no increase in capital, nor payment of grant money due to merger.

    (4) Handling of stock acquisition rights and bonds with stock acquisition rights related to merger
    There will be no applicable matters.

    3. Profile of the two companies to merge

    Company name: Showa Denko Carbon Holding GmbH (Surviving Company)
    Head office: Werner-von-Siemens-Str.18, 86405 Meitingen, Germany
    President: Masami Tobito, Stephan Becker
    Scope of business: Holding company that owns companies producing and selling graphite electrodes
    Capital: 25,000 EUR (3,071,000 JPY)*
    Establishment: February 10, 2016
    Accounting term: Ending December 31
    Major shareholders: Showa Denko: 100%
    *Here EUR is converted into JPY at 1 EUR = 122.84 JPY (as of September 23, 2020).

    Company name: Showa Denko Europe GmbH (To be dissolved)
    Head office: Konrad-Zuse-Platz 3, 81829 Munich, Germany
    President: Takashi Kotsuka
    Scope of business: Sales base of Showa Denko Group’s businesses in Europe, Turkey, Russia, Middle East and Africa, providing liaison services including market research and marketing
    Capital: 205,000 EUR (25,182,200 JPY)*
    Establishment: January 1, 2002
    Accounting term: Ending December 31
    Major shareholders: Showa Denko: 100%
    *Here EUR is converted into JPY at 1 EUR = 122.84 JPY (as of September 23, 2020).

    4. After the merger

    SDCH, the surviving company of the merger, will change its company name and scope of business as following at the same date of the effective date of merger. Although the head office will be located in Wiesbaden, the office in Munich will be retained as a sales office of SDE.

    Company Name: Showa Denko Europe GmbH
    Head office: Abraham-Lincoln-Str. 44, 65189 Wiesbaden, Germany
    President: Takashi Kotsuka
    Scope of business: Sales base of Showa Denko Group’s businesses in Europe, Turkey, Russia, Middle East and Africa, providing liaison services including market research and marketing. Holding company that owns companies producing and selling graphite electrodes.
    Capital: 25,000 EUR (3,071,000 JPY)*
    Major shareholders: Showa Denko: 100%
    *Here EUR is converted into JPY at 1 EUR = 122.84 JPY (as of September 23, 2020).

    5. Future prospect

    Since this is a case of merger between wholly owned subsidiaries, SDK’s consolidated performance will not be affected materially by the merger.

    Press release (PDF): www.sdk.co.jp/assets/files/english/news/2020/20200924_sdknewsrelease_e.pdf

    About Showa Denko K.K.

    Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TSE:4004, ADR:SHWDY) is a major manufacturer of chemical products serving from heavy industry to computers and electronics. 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, the Inorganics Sector provides ceramic products, such as alumina, abrasives, refractory/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/.

  • ADERA and BreadTalk Group to Establish Technology JV to Develop Innovative Fintech and Digital Solutions for SMEs

    ADERA and BreadTalk Group to Establish Technology JV to Develop Innovative Fintech and Digital Solutions for SMEs

    ADERA AI Pte. Ltd. (ADERA), an innovative technology services group headquartered in Singapore with a track record of more than 35 years, and BreadTalk Group Pte Ltd (BreadTalk Group), an award-winning F&B Group with more than 1,000 retail stores spread across 17 territories, are pleased to announce the establishment of a technology joint venture to develop innovative fintech and digital solutions targeted at small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

    Highlights:
    – COVID-19 has accelerated the pace of technology adoption as initiatives to tap new growth opportunities amid the pandemic were largely reliant on digitalisation and technology
    – The technology joint venture aims to develop innovative fintech and digital solutions, such as data analytics, blockchain-based supply chain financing platform, digital payments, to accelerate SMEs’ digitalisation strategy to enhance their business efficiency and unlock new growth opportunities
    – The first batch of fintech and digital solutions is targeted to be rolled-out by 1Q2021 and it will be deployed progressively across BreadTalk Group’s F&B establishments as proof-of-concepts before adaption for mainstream adoption in other industries

    SMEs are an important component of Singapore’s economy, providing employment for two thirds of Singapore’s workforce and contributing nearly half of Singapore’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on an annual basis.

    COVID-19 has accelerated the pace of technology adoption as initiatives to tap new growth opportunities amid the pandemic were largely reliant on digitalisation and technology. As such, the scale of technology adoption for business enterprises to transform their business models has never been more apparent than now.

    Leveraging on the combined expertise and resources of both ADERA and BreadTalk Group, the technology collaboration aims to:

    1. Develop digital tools that offer data analytics, enhance operational efficiency and data- driven decision methodology on issues such as inventory, payments, customer acquisitions and etc.
    2. Create a scalable omni-channel platform to enhance outreach to customers via new sales channels, integrating operations, incorporating digital payments, facial recognition and designing a cohesive user experience for end-customers.
    3. Establish a blockchain-based supply chain financing platform with digitalised processes and document automation so stakeholders can gain faster access to financing and potentially lower their costs of funding. With more accountability and transparency, it can foster greater trust and confidence between financing institutions and transacting parties, leading to lower financing and business risks.

    Under the joint venture, ADERA will provide its knowhow, capabilities and experience in key areas such as digital automation, facial recognition, digital identity, digital payments and artificial intelligence, while BreadTalk Group will contribute its technical and operational experience.

    Commenting on the technology joint venture, Mr. Lennon Tan, Chairman of ADERA, said: “Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, technology has become an essential tool to overcome operational challenges and enhance business agility.

    As we adapt and adjust to the new normal economy, both ADERA and BreadTalk Group recognise that our combined know-how and experience can lead to the development of cutting- edge fintech and digital tools that can be adapted for the digitalisation roadmap of other industry segments.

    With BreadTalk Group’s established F&B business presence across 17 territories, it will provide significant opportunities for us to introduce and deploy our fintech and digital solutions to improve business operations and customers’ engagement, leading to more proofs-of-concept and accelerating mainstream adoption of our technology innovations.

    Combining the resources and strengths of both ADERA and BreadTalk Group, we look forward to using our best talents and expertise together to unlock new opportunities in the digitalisation journey for stakeholders.”

    Mr. Cheng William, Group COO of BreadTalk Group, added: “There are vast, untapped opportunities in the areas of digitalisation within the Group and the F&B industry. Our diverse multi-brand operating environment with international presence provides an ideal platform for proof-of-concepts.

    To this extent, we have identified 3 “pros” to guide our digitalisation efforts: pro-customers, pro-workforce, pro-business partnerships to create more value propositions for stakeholders.
    Leveraging on ADERA’s expertise and capabilities of more than 35 years in technology services, we are confident that this joint venture will strengthen the core capabilities of our businesses and such technology innovations can be replicated to enable businesses in other industries to build sustainable growth in their digitalisation roadmap.”

    About ADERA AI Pte Ltd (ADERA)
    Serving global banks, financial institutions, telecommunications, and government agencies around the world, ADERA is a technology services group headquartered in Singapore providing a platform of innovative fintech, digitalisation and data security solutions.

    With an established track record of more than 35 years, ADERA aims to enable our customers to digitalise and enhance their business and operating models to broaden access to new markets, improve end-user experience and develop greater business efficiency.

    For more information, please visit ADERA website: https://aderaglobal.com

    About BreadTalk Group Pte Ltd
    Founded as a bakery brand in Singapore in 2000, BreadTalk has rapidly expanded to become an award-winning F&B Group that has established its mark on the world stage with its bakery, restaurant, and food atrium footprints. With over 1,000 retail stores spread across 17 markets in Asia, Middle East, and the United Kingdom, its brand portfolio comprises direct owned brands such as BreadTalk, Toast Box, Food Republic, Food Junction, Bread Society, Sō Ramen, Thye Moh Chan, The Icing Room and partner brands such as Din Tai Fung, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, and Wu Pao Chun Bakery.

    The Group has a network of owned and franchised bakery outlets in markets across Asia and the Middle East. It also operates the world-renowned Din Tai Fung restaurants in Singapore, Thailand and London as well as the award-winning Food Republic food atrium in markets such as Singapore, Thailand, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

    Issued on behalf of ADERA AI Pte. Ltd. and BreadTalk Group Pte Ltd by 8PR Asia Pte Ltd.

    Media Contact:
    Mr. Alex TAN
    Mobile: +65 9451 5252
    Email: alex.tan@8prasia.com

  • Weichai Westport Inc. Disclaimer

    HONG KONG, Sept 22, 2020 – In view of the announcement on “Weichai Westport Secures Chinese Certification for WP12 Natural Gas Engine Powered by HPDI 2.0” issued by Westport Fuel Systems Inc. on 18 September 2020, in order to avoid confusion among customers and investors, Weichai Westport Inc. (the “Company”) hereby issues a clarification statement as follows:

    Firstly, the “WP12HPDI” engine referred to the Westport Fuel Systems Inc.’s announcement is the “WP12.460E60HPDI” engine produced by the Company. Although the engine has obtained Certification from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the PRC, it cannot be sold to market according to the relevant Laws and Regulations of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

    Secondly, the vehicles that applicate with the “WP12.460E60HPDI” engine must successfully complete the calibration works of the high altitude, high temperature and cold environment and the durability test of the whole vehicle of over 700,000 km before entering the market for sale.

    As a result, the Company is unable to offer the “WP12.460E60HPDI” engine product to the market on commercial terms at this stage. Public customers and investors shall take note.

    Weichai Westport Inc.
    https://en.weichai.com/

  • Epazz DeskFlex Room Booking Software Is Receiving Increased Demand From Universities and Colleges Struggling to Reopen After COVID-19 Lockdowns

    Epazz DeskFlex Room Booking Software Is Receiving Increased Demand From Universities and Colleges Struggling to Reopen After COVID-19 Lockdowns

    DeskFlex Course Scheduling Software for universities receives more requests from schools, colleges and universities to reopen safely amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

    Epazz, Inc. (OTC: EPAZ), a mission-critical provider of cloud-based business solutions, announced today that DeskFlex room booking software for universities is receiving a growing number of requests from schools, colleges and universities that are struggling to reopen their campuses after COVID-19 lockdowns.

    Many educational institutions are seeking tools and technologies to help manage social distancing and contact tracing in order to go back to school. DeskFlex’s room booking software has anti-COVID features that help secure schools, colleges and universities as they continue to open this fall. DeskFlex room scheduling tools provide thermal scanner features, mask detection and interactive TV screens placed at entranceways to monitor students, faculty and school employees when entering the premises.

    DeskFlex room booking software continuously improves its complementary hardware devices, including the FlexCube QR code scanner, contactless conference room display screens, Bluetooth beacons and lobby kiosks.

    According to the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), there must be a better contact tracing process, better testing and personal protective equipment before schools can reopen safely. DeskFlex room reservation software has COVID-compliant features, including a contact tracing tool, mask detection, thermal scanning and social distancing to help school administrators monitor everyone entering school premises and track those who have possibly been contaminated.

    Under Mayor Bill de Blasio’s proposal in New York City, schools are reopening using a hybrid model, under which students will attend in-person classes only a few days in a week. The schools limit classroom capacity to 12 students to comply with social distancing recommendations from health experts and the CDC. DeskFlex will benefit from these recommendations because our software makes it possible for schools to maintain capacity limits for each classroom, social distancing protocols and anti-coronavirus measures.

    According to Shaun Passley, Ph.D., CEO of Epazz, Inc., “We are confident that DeskFlex classroom scheduling software can provide exceptional and insightful solutions to schools, colleges and universities for safeguarding their students, faculty and from the infection.”

    About DeskFlex.com
    DeskFlex is a desk booking solution and room reservation software for conference rooms, workspaces, desks, car parking spaces, equipment, hoteling and hot desking that helps office managers accommodate the needs of mobile workers while reducing rent and facility costs. DeskFlex lets employees reserve space in advance or claim desks right away. It adjusts the telephone switch (PBX) so calls ring at the “desk du jour.” DeskFlex includes check-in, point-and-click floor maps, a web browser, a local kiosk, Outlook integration and conference room scheduling.

    About Epazz, Inc. (www.epazz.com)
    Epazz, Inc. is a leading cloud-based software company that specializes in providing customized cloud applications to the corporate world, higher education institutions and the public sector. Epazz BoxesOS(TM) v3.0 is a complete web-based software package for small- to mid-size businesses, Fortune 500 enterprises, government agencies and higher education institutions. BoxesOS provides many of the web-based applications organizations would otherwise need to purchase separately. Epazz’s other products are K9Sky.com kennel software and the Provitrac applicant tracking system.

    SAFE HARBOR
    This is the “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain statements contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe” and “continue” (or the negation thereof) or similar terminology. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results or those implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that no forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Epazz, Inc., assumes no obligation and has no intention of updating these forward-looking statements. It has no obligation to update or correct information prepared by third parties that are not paid for by Epazz, Inc. Investors are encouraged to review Epazz, Inc.’s public filings on SEC.gov and otcmarkets.com, including its unaudited and audited financial statements and its OTC market filings, which contain general business information about the company’s operations, results of operations and risks associated with the company and its operations.

    CONTACT:
    For more information, please contact
    Investor Relations
    investors@epazz.net
    (312) 955-8161
    www.epazz.com

  • Avance Clinical Announces Expanded eClinical Solutions for Biotech Clinical Trials at BioPharm America

    The leading Australian CRO for biotechs, and Frost & Sullivan 2020 Asia-Pacific CRO Market Leadership Award winner, Avance Clinical has expanded its eClinical solutions offering, with advanced digital clinical tools for enhanced patient engagement, visibility, data capture, and analysis. www.avancecro.com/eclinical-solutions

    Avance Clinical made the announcement at BioPharm America (September 21-24, 2020)

    Avance Clinical’s biotech clients now have the option to deploy the latest eClinical solutions to maximise the value of study data and deliver real-time visibility on study progress.

    Avance Clinical CEO Yvonne Lungershausen said:
    “Our Data Management team works with eClinical leaders such as Medrio to offer regulatory compliant and patient centric tools for rapid start-up and continual data flow. These tools improve patient engagement and data collection and allow Sponsors to stay informed at every step with Sponsor visible portals.”

    The Avance Clinical eClinical services include the following:
    eSource
    – Direct data capture of source data on site
    – Forms customised by Avance Clinical Data Management team
    – Edit checks built into forms; instant firing of queries once data is entered
    – Option for data to be collected off-line and synced when on-line is available
    – Fully integrated with Medrio EDC, data visible for Sponsor review instantly
    – Remote monitoring and data review on ongoing basis
    – Avance Clinical provision of tablets if required

    eConsent
    – Electronic consent including patient sign-off and investigator confirmation
    – Customisable to include animations, videos and questions as required
    – Forms customised by Avance Clinical Data Management team
    – Link via email to patient
    – Compatible with any device and internet system (smart phones, tablet, laptop, desktop)
    – Integrated with Medrio EDC
    – Link can be shared with HREC as part of submission package

    ePRO
    – Electronic capture of patient reported outcome, including diary data, dosing compliance, questionnaires, VAS/Pain scales
    – Forms customised by Avance Clinical Data Management team
    – Link via email to patient
    – Options for emails and reminders at set times during the day or week
    – Timezone adjusted to patient’s location
    – Compatible with any device and internet system (smart phones, tablet, laptop, desktop)
    – Fully integrated with Medrio EDC, data visible for Sponsor review instantly

    Glynn Morrish, Avance Clinical Director Biometrics said:
    “Direct electronic capture of study information and the complimentary suite of solutions offered by Avance Clinical allows the company and its clients to maximise clinical trial efficiency and flexibility while ensuring data integrity is preserved. Our highly trained and experienced biometrics team are excited to continue to work at the forefront of innovation and technology and provide services that offer stability and robustness to studies being conducted in an ever-changing global environment.”

    Avance Clinical is an Australian owned Contract Research Organisation that has been providing high-quality clinical research services fit for global regulatory standards to the local and international drug development industry for 20 years.

    Considering Australia? Contact us about your next study. https://www.avancecro.com/eclinical-solutions/

    About Avance Clinical www.avancecro.com
    Australia’s Avance Clinical has more than 20-years of experience and is now one of Australia’s leading Contract Research Organizations.
    Avance Clinical is committed to providing high-quality clinical research services with its highly-experienced team. The collective pool of knowledge and experience at Avance Clinical continually grows through the careful selection of experts who also demonstrate passion in their chosen field.
    Avance Clinical offers high-quality services in an established clinical trial ecosystem, that includes world-class Investigators and Sites able to access specialized patient groups.
    Other benefits include:
    1. The Government R&D grant means up to 43.5% rebate on clinical trial spend
    2. eClinical solutions – speed and continuity
    3. Site Initiation Visit (SIV) and Study Start achieved in 5 – 6 weeks
    4. No IND required for clinical trials
    5. Full GMP material is not mandated for Phase I clinical trials
    6. Established clinical trial environment with world-class Investigators and sites
    7. Established healthy subject databases and specialized patient populations
    8. Five independent Phase 1 facilities across Australia including hospital-based units for critical care
    9. Major hospitals with world-class infrastructures and dedicated Clinical Trial Units with a long track-record in FDA compliant research
    10. Seasonal studies: Northern hemisphere Sponsors can conduct their studies year-round by taking advantage of Australia’s counter-flu and allergy seasons

    Media Contact:
    media@avancecro.com
    Chris Thompson

  • New independent analyst report shows increased importance of API and microservices strategies

    Software AG receives highest score in the “Current Offering” category, named a Leader for its webMethods API Management platform

    According to the Forrester report: “Good API strategy and design are a key foundation for digital transformation. By opening access to digital business capabilities, APIs drive agility to optimise customer experiences, create dynamic digital ecosystems, achieve operational excellence, and build platform business models. With cloud-native architectures gaining momentum, API management vendors have been investing in features for combined microservices-plus-APIs implementations.”

    The Forrester Wave™: API Management Solutions, Q3 2020 report is a timely reminder of the importance of both APIs and microservices in helping businesses meet today’s extreme challenges. APIs and microservices are not only fundamental to rapidly adopting digital business models but are the key drivers to IT-based innovation.

    Software AG is successfully helping companies to accelerate and succeed with their API initiatives with its webMethods API Management platform. It allows customers to rapidly develop and deploy APIs and cloud-native microservices providing the speed, scalability and flexibility fundamental to digital business models e.g. addressing tens of millions of mobile, or even locked-down, customers and users. These cloud-hosted microservices-based applications provide the reliability and the scalability which ensures that customers receive the highest service quality, maintaining and building loyalty in today’s disrupted and volatile markets.

    In addition, Software AG’s webMethods API Management platform automatically exposes all microservices as APIs providing total API governance and management. “Overall, the solution is flexible enough to support a wide range of API strategies, especially for customers that are ready for the strong governance and discipline necessary to ensure strategic success of one’s API program,” noted the Forrester report.

    According to Dr Stefan Sigg, Chief Product Officer at Software AG: “It is all about the business outcomes that drive the adoption of API Management and microservices frameworks. The speed of innovation and the agility of transformation programs will distinguish the successful ways out of the crisis. Software AG’s approach of de-coupling gateways from an API portal and the introduction of AppMesh to close the semantic gap between applications and modern infrastructure environments are the key ingredients in delivering differentiated value into core business processes”.

    Software AG focuses on preserving freedom of customer choice. The Forrester Wave™ reported that: “With the elements of its solution architected as independent-but-integrated products, Software AG’s customers can adopt its solution via different paths. For example, its portal supports gateways from other vendors, and its Engage module adds on very useful capabilities for API hackathons and beta programs. As a buyer’s API program maturity grows, it can add formal lifecycle management with CentraSite, which provides a strong foundation for disciplined API programs.”

    Software AG was evaluated among 15 software vendors on 26 criteria across three categories: current offering, strategy, and market presence. The Forrester Wave™ shows Software AG with the top score in the current offering category and among the highest scores in the strategy category, and stated that “The firm’s vision and future investments encompass key business and technical aspects of API value and technology features, including extended ecosystems, API product management, multi-cloud environments, and edge computing.”

    As industries across the Asia Pacific region reel from the economic turmoil brought about by COVID-19, the role of APIs will become even more pronounced, given the need for accelerated innovation speed and digital transformation.

    “As more organisations in the region embrace the API-driven economy, Software AG is even more committed towards developing innovative solutions that help fuel success in API implementation and consumer engagement. We will continue to focus on developing our API management offerings to ensure that our clients have the agility, speed and strengthened capabilities to thrive in a highly digitalised world,” said Anneliese Schulz, President for Asia Pacific & Japan, Software AG.

    A complimentary copy of the The Forrester Wave™: API Management Solutions can be downloaded here. https://tinyurl.com/yxobrk5h

    The Forrester Wave™: API Management Solutions, Q3 2020 is authored by Randy Heffner with Christopher Mines, Abigail Livingston, and Kara Hartig.

    About Software AG
    Software AG reimagines integration, sparks business transformation and enables fast innovation on the Internet of Things so businesses can pioneer differentiating business models. Software AG gives customers the freedom to connect and integrate any technology – from app to edge. It helps free data from silos so it’s shareable, usable and powerful – enabling businesses to make the best decisions and unlock entirely new possibilities for growth. Learn more about Software AG at www.softwareag.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

    Media Contact:
    PRecious Communications for Software AG
    Charlene Pe / Jann Wee / Rajiv Menon
    softwareag@preciouscomms.com
    +65 6303 0567

  • WiMi Announces Establishment of Joint Postgraduate Training Practice Center by Lixin Technology Co., Ltd. and Institute of Semiconductor Manufacturing Research of Shenzhen University

    WiMi Announces Establishment of Joint Postgraduate Training Practice Center by Lixin Technology Co., Ltd. and Institute of Semiconductor Manufacturing Research of Shenzhen University

    WiMi Hologram Cloud Inc. (“WiMi” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ:WIMI) today announced that Lixin Technology Co., Ltd. (“Lixin”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, the Institute of Semiconductor Manufacturing Research of Shenzhen University and Haikou Integrated Free Trade Zone Management Committee have entered into a cooperation agreement for the establishment of the Postgraduate Training Practice Center for the promotion of innovation and development of talents.

    In the future, the parties will cooperate in the training and mentoring of postgraduate students and expect to expand cooperation areas, including the joint application of national and local scientific research projects and joint construction of key laboratories, to promote scientific research, talent training and service to local community.

    Lixin is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, with an initial registered capital of 200 million RMB. Lixin will focus on research, development and sales of holographic vision intelligent robots and related holographic vision technology services. Lixin Technology will also leverage its parent company’s related patents and copyrights to develop semiconductor products and sell such products to customers across the broader holographic ecosystem. Lixin Technology will focus on a new upstream business in the domestic smart product market, and research, development and sales of semiconductor chips to further enhance the Company’s competitiveness.

    Based in Hainan province, Lixin Technology will enjoy tax incentives and government support of the fast growing semiconductor industry, industrial and automation technologies and applications of intelligent vision and holographic vision. The Company anticipates its new subsidiary will help develop its fabless semiconductor business by integrating IC design enterprises with its extensive proprietary technologies. The investment and establishment of Lixin Technology is in line with the Company’s optimization of its supply chain management, cost reductions and competitiveness, and the Company’s ongoing efforts to bolster its innovation, design and technical capabilities.

    Shenzhen University is located in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province and is a comprehensive university administered by Guangdong Province and sponsored by the Government of Shenzhen Municipality. It has received numerous honors and recognitions, such as the International Technology Cooperation Base and National Talent Training Model Innovation Experimental Area, the National College Students’ Innovative Entrepreneurial Training Program, and is a member of the CDIO Engineering Education Alliance. Shenzhen University has achieved rapid development in the fields of talent training, innovation and technology research and development, and has made many original achievements in science and technology. The establishment of the Joint Postgraduate Training Practice Center provides Lixin with the opportunity to explore potential cooperation in the fields of mechanical design, manufacturing and automation, semiconductor integrated circuits, and other academic disciplines of the Shenzhen University.

    Haikou Integrated Free Trade Zone was established with the approval of the State Council. With the development of high and new technology industry and preferential policies, the Free Trade Zone drives the development of warehousing and logistics industry, promotes the development of peripheral economy and implements the strategies of functional development, system innovation, technological innovation, and has made impressive achievements. The Free Trade Zone has formed high-tech industrial clusters dominated by biopharmaceuticals, automobile manufacturing, electronic information, electromechanical and processing, and has become the development base and demonstration area of Hainan’s high-tech industry and effectively promoted the development of the surrounding economy.

    The Company believes that the cooperation among the three parties will provide strong support for the sustainable development of the semiconductor industry. At the same time, the joint training of graduate students is conducive to the development of the academic disciplines and application of scientific and technological achievements of Shenzhen University, and will contribute to the development of the country in cultivating and retaining high-level industrial technical personnel.

    The establishment of the Joint Postgraduate Training Practice Center explores new space for the practical teaching of relevant academic disciplines in Shenzhen University. Through in-depth cooperation, the three parties have set up a diversified platform for practice and training, creating favorable conditions for jointly cultivating outstanding scientific research talents and reserving technical force for relevant industries. It also embodies the vision shared by three parties to establish industry-university-research strategic cooperation. The Company hopes that the three parties will seize this opportunity, actively explore new cooperation models and extend cooperation to promote win-win cooperation, and to actively contribute to the development of basic software for localized information construction.

    About WIMI Hologram Cloud Inc.
    WiMi Hologram Cloud, Inc.(NASDAQ:WIMI), whose commercial operations began in 2015, operates an integrated holographic AR application platform in China and has built a comprehensive and diversified holographic AR content library among all holographic AR solution providers in China. Its extensive portfolio includes 4,654 AR holographic contents. The company has also achieved a speed of image processing that is 80 percent faster than the industry average. While most peer companies may identify and capture 40 to 50 blocks of image data within a specific space unit, WiMi collects 500 to 550 data blocks.

    Safe Harbor / Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this press release, as well as the Company’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or spoken forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Forms 20-F and 6-K, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the AR holographic industry; and the Company’s expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products and services. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F and current report on Form 6-K and other documents filed with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable laws.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
    pr@wimiar.com

  • Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2020 winners revealed

    Talent of 14 budding young HK designers shines at fashion show

    CENTRESTAGE, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), became virtual in 2020, with both the exhibition and fashion shows migrated to an online platform. Asia’s leading fashion event concluded on 19 September with the 2020 Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC), broadcast live through the Internet. Fourteen promising local designers overcame the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to showcase their creations at a special fashion show, competing for the five YDC awards being given out this year. Champion Brian Chan received a monetary reward together with a one-month overseas internship sponsored by Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd.

    Champion: Brian Chan. Design: “Floating Mindset”
    Excellence Award & New Talent Award: Jacqueline Leung. Design: “The Blessed Kids”
    Best Visual Presentation Award: Stephen Cheuk. Design: “Hyakki Yagyo”

    The winners at YDC 2020 were as follows:
    Champion: Brian Chan. Design: “Floating Mindset”
    Excellence Award & New Talent Award: Jacqueline Leung. Design: “The Blessed Kids”
    Best Visual Presentation Award: Stephen Cheuk. Design: “Hyakki Yagyo”

    My Favourite Collection Award: York Yip. Design: “Coexistence”
    The My Favourite Collection Award was newly added this year, with members of the public voting online between 12 August and 18 September for their favourite new design star in Hong Kong.

    Young designers gain valuable experience amid pandemic
    The judging panel for this year’s YDC was made up of an impressive roster of fashion experts and media pundits. Chief Judge was Katherine Fang, Chairman of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee. The other judges on the panel were fashion designer Anais Mak; Michael Mok, General Merchandising Manager/Head of Merchandising at JOYCE; Jonathan Lee, Senior Area Manager (Asia) of Tomorrow Ltd; Kieran Ho, Senior Vice President-Hong Kong, Purple PR; stylist and art director Declan Chan; and Jason Lam, Head of Brand, Asia Pacific at MATCHESFASHION.

    The judges assessed the young designers’ works based on creativity, originality, market potential, craftsmanship, use of fabrics and overall aesthetics, offering expert feedback to each of the participants. Ms Fang said: “The pandemic has undoubtedly caused disruption to business operations and people’s lives in general, but the HKTDC was determined to show its continued commitment to providing a flagship platform for young Hong Kong fashion talents to showcase their collections and share their stories. To succeed in the fashion industry requires resilience as much as it does creativity, and I would like to congratulate all of this year’s contestants for exhibiting both qualities so well.”

    Winning collection showcase and sharing session
    From now through to 5 October, the public can appreciate the skills shown in the winning YDC 2020 collections through a display at Hysan Place in Causeway Bay. On Saturday, 26 September, all the winning designers will be at Hysan Place to share their design experience and competition insights, while various fashion items designed by Hong Kong designers are available for sale at the YDC Collective Popup Store, also at Hysan Place, from now until 5 October.

    Details of the various YDC 2020 activities are as follows:
    YDC 2020 Winning Collection Display
    Period: 20 September to 5 October 2020
    Time: 12pm-8pm
    Venue: Urban Sky, 9/F, Hysan Place, Causeway Bay
    Display items: Collections of the Champion and winners of the Excellence Award, New Talent Award, Best Visual Presentation Award and My Favourite Collection Award

    YDC Collective Popup
    Period: 22 September to 5 October 2020
    Time: 12pm-8pm
    Venue: Urban Sky, 9/F, Hysan Place, Causeway Bay
    Brands list: 15 brands in total, including ARTO., CAR|2IE, Charlotte Ng Studio, Coney & Co., FromClothingOf, Invisibilis Movere, KEVIN HO, Lapeewee, Midnight Factory, MODEMENT, MOODLABBYLORRAINE, PHENOTYPSETTER, REDEMPTIVE, WHY and YMDH

    YDC 2020 Winners’ Sharing
    Date: 26 September 2020 (Saturday)
    Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm
    Venue: Urban Sky, 9/F, Hysan Place, Causeway Bay
    Designers: Winners of YDC 2020 – Champion, Excellence Award, New Talent Award, Best Visual Presentation Award and My Favourite Collection Award

    Champion: Brian Chan. Design: “Floating Mindset”
    The design: Mr Chan observed that there are very few clean beaches in Hong Kong, most being badly polluted with rubbish that is easily seen from ferries. As the fashion industry is responsible for much pollution due to washing and dyeing, he wanted to create a collection that promotes ocean conservation. His collection is visually inspired by floating debris, using only natural fibres such as cotton and wool. Irregular pockets, wave patterns and “disintegrating” patches are all motifs taken from the environment. The shapes are deliberately commercial to promote wearability, while handcrafted details such as embroidery, patchwork and tassels give the collection an edge.
    Prizes: (1) A cash award of HK$60,000 (2) An overseas study trip, sponsored by Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd

    Excellence Award & New Talent Award: Jacqueline Leung. Design: “The Blessed Kids”
    The design: Mothers and big sisters taking care of babies provided the inspiration for Ms Leung’s collection. The floral prints and tying of traditional baby carrier wraps are stylised to become design elements in a colourful collection that is both nostalgic and joyful. Digital prints, beading and quilting offer a visual feast of colours, shapes and textures, while windbreaker material and pastel green denim lend practicality and versatility. A hat, handbag and backpack inspired by the baby carrier complete the look.
    Excellence Award Prizes: (1) A cash award of HK$40,000; (2) A trip to visit the Tomorrow Showroom in London offered by MINI HK
    New Talent Award Prizes: (1) A cash award of HK$20,000 (2) Mentorship offered by JOYCE to develop a capsule collection to be sold at one of the JOYCE stores

    Best Visual Presentation Award: Stephen Cheuk. Design: “Hyakki Yagyo”
    The design: The Japanese title of this collection means “night parade of a hundred demons”. These demons are thought to have been at war with people for many years, essentially as a way to show that they exist. Inspired by this idea, the collection aims to give voice to those marginalised in society such as ethnic minorities, the elderly and waste pickers. The materials are utilitarian like waxed fabric, and the clothes feature many pockets to store weapons and tools. Knits, fur and boiled wool are used to give a rich texture and convey the different characters of the “demons”. There is also a backpack that resembles a stretcher to reinforce a combative atmosphere.
    Prizes: A cash award of HK$10,000

    My Favourite Collection Award: York Yip. Design: “Coexistence”
    The design: The idea for York’s collection comes from aliens coexisting on earth with humans. The designs combine 1980s’ retrowave music and UFO-inspired graphics and silhouettes. The exaggerated fluorescents – colours on the ultraviolet spectrum – and shapes again hark back to the 80s, with double-sided fabrics lending volume. Bold, girly yet sexy, the looks are complete with hand-drawn shoes that give the illusion of rising into the sky.
    Prize: A HK$6,000 e-Gift Coupon sponsored by Hysan Place

    Websites
    CENTRESTAGE: http://centrestage.com.hk
    The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC): http://www.fashionally.com
    Winning collections: photo download: https://bit.ly/33JyePf
    Winning collection display at Hysan Place: photo download: https://bit.ly/35UTfJC

    About YDC
    The YDC aims to promote a new generation of local design talent, while creating opportunities to showcase their collections in front of global and local industry professionals at CENTRESTAGE. Organised by the HKTDC, the contest is considered one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the region, with a successful track record of past contestants becoming leading designers for fashion enterprises or establishing their own labels. To further promote the international visibility of local Hong Kong designers, in 2012 the HKTDC launched FASHIONALLY.com, an online platform that showcases the work of local labels and talents and links them with global industry insiders and opportunities.

    About HKTDC
    The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

    Contact:

    Snowy Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4537, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.org
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

  • If Content is King, then TV and Streaming continue to vie to be Queen

    In India it’s not a question of linear television or streaming, it is both, and both continue to grow and prosper as monetisation models develop and learn to cope with the current pandemic.

    The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) held its annual Future of Video India seminar amidst a time of great change in the region.

    The media and video industry in India has undergone more change in the last 6 months than it has seen in the last 30 years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Sunil Lulla, CEO, BARC India, with the surge in viewing as a result of the lockdown in India, television viewing peaked to 1.26 trillion viewing minutes during lockdown and continues to be greater than pre-COVID levels. More advertisers and brands are also returning to TV as the economic recovery speeds up.

    While TV continues to play a big role in India, the move to digital has been dramatically hastened as digital consumption increased rapidly, with the next 18-24 months being significant for broadband penetration and digital video streaming on TV at home, commented Tarun Katial, CEO, Zee5 India. The other major shift is how subscription video on demand (SVOD) has changed the game. “People have moved to watching premium content very significantly… The diversity of content that has come into this country… is now getting appreciated… and almost all SVOD users are becoming repeat and consistent users,” added Katial.

    This love for content is what has driven the growth of the streaming platforms. “India has always been a land of storytellers… and that’s a great opportunity at Netflix… there is an opportunity to tell the story in the best form,” said Srishti Behl Arya, Director International Originals, Netflix India. Anvita Dutt, Director, Bulbbul, also shared that streaming had provided an opportunity and empowered more storytellers to tell their stories, regardless of their gender, and “there is no limit to what you can release on a streaming platform.”

    However, with over 30 OTT platforms India, this also creates challenges on the technology front. With over 500 million internet users in the country, out of which at least 400 million are consuming video on various devices, “this is going to change the way content is consumed… produced… and offered to the consumers across the platforms,” added Manish Verma, Head of Technology, SonyLIV. And wrapping up with the view of who rules in India, Chiranjeev Singh, Head of Marketing, APAC, MediaKind, said, “At the end of the day, the consumer is the king… we still need to build quality content, and make sure it is delivered with the best experience to the consumer.”

    Future of Video India is graciously sponsored by Applause, Broadpeak, Conviva, MEASAT, NETFLIX, Vuulr and ZEE5.

    About the Asia Video Industry Association
    The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. AVIA is the interlocutor for the industry with governments across the region, leads the fight against video piracy and provides insight into the video industry through reports and conferences aimed to support a vibrant video industry.

    For media enquiries and additional background please contact:
    Charmaine Kwan
    Head of Marketing and Communications
    Email: charmaine@avia.org
    Website: www.avia.org
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/asiavideoia
    Twitter: @AsiaVideoIA