Thursday 2 May 2024

YAMATO HOLDINGS FREIGHT SERVICE BETWEEN SOUTHEAST ASIA, EUROPE TO REDUCE TRANSIT TIME



KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) -- Tokyo-headquartered Yamato Holdings Co Ltd has launched an international multimodal transport service by truck and rail connecting Southeast Asia and Europe on May 1.

The service was introduced to build a resilient global supply chain between Southeast Asia and Europe, in which the new transportation option offers seamless connectivity for the customers.

According to a statement, Yamato Holdings has helped customers build their global supply chains across 24 countries and regions.

In addition, its group company, Overland Total Logistic Services (M) Sdn Bhd in Malaysia has been providing cross-border truck transport services utilising container trailers between Southeast Asian countries and China since 2001.

Moving forward, the company will continue to propose solutions that optimise the customers' entire global supply chains, aiming for total logistics cost reduction, production efficiency improvement, and environmental impact reduction.

By utilising Overland Total Logistic Services' truck transport network for the Southeast Asia-China segment and partnering with rail service providers for the China-Europe segment, Yamato Holdings will provide seamless transportation through the delivery destinations.

This solution has shorter transit times than maritime transport via the Cape of Good Hope, and lower cost and less greenhouse gas emissions than air transport.

-- BERNAMA

NX GROUP ACQUIRES STAKE IN COMPREHENSIVE MICROBIOME CARE SERVICE PROVIDER KINS



KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) -- Nippon Express Holdings Inc has acquired a stake in KINS Co Ltd (KINS), which provides comprehensive microbiome care services, as an NX Global Innovation Fund project.

A startup company, KINS proposes to care for the resident microbiota on and within the human body, as well as conduct research, development, and sales in an integrated manner.

According to a statement, the company also has its own laboratory where it accumulates and analyses data provided by users on resident skin, scalp, and intestinal microbiota to aid in the development of various products.

With this investment, the Nippon Express (NX) Group will consider utilising the cell and specimen storage service offered by NX Wanbishi Archives Co Ltd, in the microbiome bank operated by KINS, and providing end-to-end transport of specimens from overseas clinics to laboratories and storage facilities in Japan.

The NX Group's comprehensive capabilities will be leveraged to support KINS' business expansion from a logistics perspective and create new business opportunities by expanding awareness of KINS within the healthcare industry, identified by the group as a priority industry.

It will continue addressing social issues through business co-creation with startup companies in Japan and overseas and helping put in place sustainable societies where all people can lead affluent and fulfilling lives.

The NX Group is working to enhance its corporate value and solve social issues to realise its long-term vision of becoming a “logistics company with a strong presence in the global marketplace”.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF PINNACLE LIFE LIMITED

SINGAPORE, May 2 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb-” (Good) of Pinnacle life Limited (Pinnacle Life) (New Zealand). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect Pinnacle Life’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as adequate, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). The ratings also factor in a neutral impact from the company’s ultimate parent, Greenstone Holdco Pty Limited (Greenstone).

Pinnacle Life’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which was at the strongest level at fiscal year-end 2023, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and is expected to remain at that level. The company’s balance sheet strength assessment also reflects its robust regulatory solvency and the financial flexibility supported by its parent, Greenstone. The balance sheet strength assessment also has factored in the company’s high reliance on third-party reinsurance and small capital base, which increase the sensitivity of capital adequacy to new business growth, changes in the interest rate environment, and shock events.

AM Best assesses Pinnacle Life’s operating performance as adequate, with a five-year average return-on-equity ratio of 5.3% (fiscal years 2019-2023). The company’s operating result has been driven by the adequate underwriting performance of its in-force life business, coupled with investment returns. Overall earnings over the past five years have exhibited moderate volatility, mainly due to interest rate movements. Prospectively, operating performance is expected to remain adequate while the company executes its growth plan, supported by robust underwriting growth and an appropriate pricing strategy over the medium term, while leveraging the expertise of Greenstone to manage the associated underwriting risks.

AM Best assesses Pinnacle Life’s business profile as limited, largely reflecting the company’s small scale of operations and its low product and geographic diversification in New Zealand. Key product offering focused on mortality products, including yearly renewable term life and funeral insurance. Greenstone has become a key distribution partner and growth driver of Pinnacle Life. The remaining business was written by Pinnacle Life’s direct channel, in which 90% was sold through online channels in fiscal year 2023.

AM Best assesses Pinnacle Life’s ERM as appropriate given the size and complexity of the company’s current operations. The significant business growth is expected to introduce additional risks to the company’s operations, though this will be mitigated partially by leveraging Greenstone’s expertise in product development and underwriting. While AM Best considers Pinnacle Life’s risk management capabilities as appropriate for its key risks, continual development is expected as the company expands its scope of operations.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2024 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240501274349/en/

Contact

Ken Lau
Senior Financial Analyst
+65 6303 5025
ken.lau@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Associate Director, Public Relations
+1 908 882 2310
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Victoria Ohorodnyk
Director, Analytics
+65 6303 5020
victoria.ohorodnyk@ambest.com

Al Slavin
Senior Public Relations Specialist
+1 908 882 2318
al.slavin@ambest.com

Source : AM Best

Wednesday 24 April 2024

HITACHI ENERGY INVESTS US$1.5 BLN TO BOOST GLOBAL TRANSFORMER PRODUCTION BY 2027



KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- Hitachi Energy announced investments of over US$1.5 billion to ramp up its global transformer manufacturing capacity to keep pace with the growing demand and support the long-term plans and electrification efforts. (US$1=RM4.77)

The investments will gradually expand the company’s global transformer capacity by 2027 and are in addition to the US$3 billion already announced to progress on the electrification of the energy system driven by the energy transition.

“The demand for transformers and electrical equipment has grown at an unprecedented scale, and we are investing to address our customers' mid- and long-term needs.

“We are developing our global footprint and capacity and progressing in digitalisation and technology to deliver even more sustainable and reliable solutions,” said Hitachi Energy Managing Director of the Transformers Business, Bruno Melles in a statement.

Concurrently, the company is also announcing an investment of around US$180 million in a new state-of-the-art transformer factory in the Vaasa region, Finland, whereby this top-notch 30,000-square-metre campus will be a testament to Hitachi Energy's dedication to innovation, quality, and environmental stewardship.

The investments complement Hitachi Energy's broader growth efforts, which include the recently announced larger than US$30 million expansion in Bad Honnef, Germany.

Leveraging the company’s global footprint, additional investments will follow in Europe, the Americas, and Asia to meet the growing demand for power and distribution transformers.

Hitachi Energy is the world's largest transformer manufacturer in terms of installed base, portfolio range, manufacturing capacity, and market coverage, with over 60 transformer factories and service centres worldwide.

All the announced transformer investments include sustainable and innovative manufacturing technologies for operational efficiency while ensuring high standards for safety and quality.

-- BERNAMA

Tuesday 23 April 2024

METAHOMES GRANTS CUSTOMERS FREE PROPERTY LISTINGS



KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- MetaHomes, an online global real estate platform, announced it will not impose fees or contractual obligations on its customers, granting them the freedom to post properties on its platform for free, underscoring its commitment to democratise access to the real estate market, levelling the playing field for individuals and businesses alike.

This groundbreaking limited time initiative eliminates upfront costs, providing property owners with an equal opportunity to showcase their properties to a vast and diverse audience.

The platform opens its doors to property owners of all backgrounds, offering a chance to display a wide range of accommodations, including homestays, hotels, vacation homes, and apartment rentals, without incurring any listing expenses or contractual bindings.

Responding to that, its Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Wu in a statement, expressed optimism about the company's role in shaping the future of real estate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and beyond.

In the last couple of decades, the UAE has emerged as a beacon of innovation, prosperity, and opportunity, drawing millions of people globally.

Renowned for its world-class attractions, vibrant lifestyle, robust economic benefits, and progressive governmental initiatives, the country stands as a shining example of modernity and growth in the Middle East and beyond.

One of the key indicators of the UAE's thriving tourism sector is the staggering number of visitors it welcomes each year. The nation played host to over 3.67 million visitors from Jan to Feb alone, according to the Dubai Government Tourism Department, a testament to its enduring appeal as a global travel hub.

Focusing on innovation, collaboration, and customer satisfaction, MetaHomes endeavours to create a seamless and rewarding real estate experience for all stakeholders.

With a vision that transcends borders and boundaries, it aspires to be the catalyst for positive change in the real estate industry, ushering in a new era of technological accessibility, and opportunity for all.

Against this backdrop of prosperity and promise, MetaHomes leverages cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, to redefine industry standards and offer a seamless real estate experience.

-- BERNAMA

Saturday 20 April 2024

DALI ALLIANCE LAUNCH TEST AND CERTIFICATION SPECIFICATIONS FOR DALI+

LONDON, April 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The DALI Alliance, recognized as the international authority in lighting technology standardization, has unveiled much-anticipated certification details for its wireless specification: DALI+ over Thread.

As lighting specifications increasingly seek smarter, sustainable, and interoperable solutions, DALI+ emerges as a crucial enabler of standardized wireless or IP-based lighting systems. The alliance's collaboration with partners such as Thread Group has resulted in the integration of enhanced security and encryption solutions, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data transmission within DALI+ networks.

Key features of DALI+ with Thread include:

· Wireless Mesh Network: Thread creates an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) based wireless mesh network. Off-the-shelf Thread border routers can also be used to connect multiple Thread networks through IP technologies, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi, allowing a highly scalable lighting control system.
· Extended Addressing: In addition to the standard 64 control gear and 64 control device addresses, DALI+ with Thread IPv6 routing allows almost unlimited addressing capability. The usual DALI broadcast, group and short-addressing methods are included together with IP unicast and multicast capability.
· Interoperability: DALI+ certification includes all the benefits of the existing DALI-2 and D4i certification programs with extensive testing, independent verification, and listing of every certified product in a publicly searchable product database to ensure a high level of product interoperability. Furthermore, DALI+ bridge devices will allow DALI-2 wired devices or systems to connect with and operate with the products in a DALI+ wireless system.
· Device Support: DALI+ supports a wide array of control devices, including occupancy sensors, light sensors, switches, sliders, rotaries, and pushbuttons. Control gear support currently includes LED drivers with the three optional data parts: luminaire data, power and energy, and diagnostics data. 

Wednesday 17 April 2024

LANTRONIX ANNOUNCES NEW FOX4 AND BOLERO 43 EDGE COMPUTE TRACKERS, EXPANDING ITS AWARD-WINNING TELEMATIC GATEWAYS FAMILY

New Lantronix solutions target the high-growth telematics market estimated to reach $3.7 Billion by 2027


IRVINE, Calif., April 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX), a global provider of compute and connectivity IoT solutions, today launched its new FOX4 and Bolero 43 edge compute tracker telematic gateways. Designed for assets and fleet management, both products come pre-configured with Lantronix’s Percepxion™ IoT edge software platform, which provides secure, comprehensive IoT device provisioning and management. The two new products were showcased in the Lantronix booths at Embedded World 2024 (Hall 3, booth 356) held April 9–11, 2024, in Nuremberg, Germany, and ISC West 2024 (booth 7117) held April 10–12, 2024, in Las Vegas.

Ursula Hess, CEO of Quantum Aviation, a customer of Lantronix telematic products, said, “Utilizing Lantronix’s FOX Series Telematic Gateways, we are able to feed reliable, real-time data to our cloud-based software solution, which gives our aviation customers access to critical information for real-time visibility and actions as well as long-term analytics.”

According to Berg Insight, the global shipments of aftermarket telematic devices will grow at a CAGR of 10.5 percent in the next five years to reach 77.6 million units in 2027 for a total market value estimated to reach $3.7 billion by 2027. Lantronix’s innovative hardware and software effectively target this market, supporting these growth trends.

"Our new telematic devices provide a complete package that merges connectivity and cloud device management with award-winning hardware,” said Jacques Issa, VP of Marketing for Lantronix. “Lantronix is committed to innovation by introducing integrated hardware and software products where ease of use in customizing, on-boarding and provisioning remotely is paramount.”

The FOX4 Edge Compute Tracker

The latest upgrade in Lantronix’s FOX series, the FOX4 Edge Compute Tracker offers seamless integration of cellular and GNSS technologies, now enriched with BLE and Wi-Fi® connectivity, alongside advanced security features. FOX4 is engineered for versatility, and its design is optimal for a wide range of applications, from industrial complexes to urban landscapes. FOX 4 also offers the capability to support both internal and external antennas.

With robust support for PFAL scripting, LUA, MQTT, Azure and REST API, the FOX4 Series Trackers ensure that the user’s product can seamlessly communicate with virtually any telematics platform, reducing development time and accelerating the path to market.

The Bolero 43 Edge Compute Tracker

The Bolero 43 Edge Compute Tracker excels in asset and fleet management and Industrial IoT applications, such as manufacturing and automation. A derivative of the FOX4 series, the Bolero 43 integrates into the same ecosystem and uses the same programming languages. Designed for harsh environments, the Bolero 43 features an IP68 rating and a rugged design for durability. It is now globally available.

Both the FOX4 and Bolero 43 Edge Compute Trackers feature customization capabilities that are facilitated by the intuitive Workbench tool, enabling easy customizations from performance optimization to unique functionality integration.

Uninterrupted Uptime With Lantronix Connectivity Services SIM Card

FOX4 and Bolero 43 Series Telematic Gateways come preinstalled with Lantronix’s Connectivity Services SIM card that empowers users with a wide range of carrier options, allowing them to select the most suitable network provider, including industry leaders such as Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile in North America as well as multiple carriers in the Europe and Asia Pacific regions.

Percepxion Service for Lantronix IoT Device Lifecycle Management

Delivered as a service, the Percepxion IoT edge software platform provides comprehensive device management through an intuitive single-pane-of-glass dashboard. Percepxion efficiently scales IoT edge deployments, including telematic gateways, from regional to global installations. This service will position Lantronix to target Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) growth in the coming year.

Learn more about Percepxion and review its 60-day free trial offer here.

About Lantronix

Lantronix Inc. is a global provider of compute and connectivity IoT solutions that target high-growth industries including Smart Cities, Automotive and Enterprise. Lantronix’s products and services empower companies to achieve success in the growing IoT markets by delivering customizable solutions that address each layer of the IoT Stack. Lantronix’s leading-edge solutions include Intelligent Substations infrastructure, Infotainment systems and Video Surveillance, supplemented with advanced Out-of-Band Management (OOB) for Cloud and Edge Computing.

For more information, visit the Lantronix website.

“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Any statements set forth in this news release that are not entirely historical and factual in nature, including without limitation statements related to our solutions, technologies and products, as well as the FOX4, Bolero 43 and Percepxion, and expectations regarding our management and our future growth and profitability. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, future business, financial condition, or performance to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this news release. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as the effects of negative or worsening regional and worldwide economic conditions or market instability on our business, including effects on purchasing decisions by our customers; our ability to mitigate any disruption in our and our suppliers’ and vendors’ supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other outbreaks, wars and recent tensions in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, or other factors; future responses to and effects of public health crises; cybersecurity risks; changes in applicable U.S. and foreign government laws, regulations, and tariffs; our ability to successfully implement our acquisitions strategy or integrate acquired companies; difficulties and costs of protecting patents and other proprietary rights; the level of our indebtedness, our ability to service our indebtedness and the restrictions in our debt agreements; and any additional factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Sept. 12, 2023, including in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of such report; in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended Dec. 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on Feb. 8, 2024, including in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part II of such report; as well as in our other public filings with the SEC. Additional risk factors may be identified from time to time in our future filings. The forward-looking statements included in this release speak only as of the date hereof, and we do not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

© 2024 Lantronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Lantronix is a registered trademark. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

Lantronix Media Contact:        
Gail Kathryn Miller
Corporate Marketing &
Communications Manager
media@lantronix.com
949-212-0960

Lantronix Analyst and Investor Contact:        
Jeremy Whitaker
Chief Financial Officer
investors@lantronix.com
949-450-7241 


SOURCE : Lantronix, Inc.