AMAZON CELEBRATES BIGGEST HOLIDAY; MORE THAN FOUR MILLION PEOPLE TRIALED PRIME IN ONE WEEK ALONE THIS SEASON

Echo Dot and Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote were the #1 and #2 top-selling products across all categories on Amazon

Items shipped with FREE One-Day Shipping or FREE Same-Day Delivery or Ultra-Fast Delivery with Prime Now more than doubled this holiday season

Small businesses and entrepreneurs had a record-breaking season with more than one billion items ordered worldwide

SEATTLE, Dec 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- (NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon celebrated its biggest holiday season with customers all around the world shopping at record levels. Prime membership continued to grow this holiday – in fact, in one week alone, more than four million people started Prime free trials or began paid memberships, to benefit from free two-day, one-day or same-day shipping, in addition to ultra-fast one and two hour delivery with Prime Now.

Customers shopped from hundreds of millions of products, including a vast selection from small businesses and entrepreneurs. More than one billion items were ordered from small businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide this season – and over just five days, from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, nearly 140 million items were ordered from small businesses and entrepreneurs. Amazon Devices also had its best holiday yet, with tens of millions of Alexa-enabled devices sold worldwide. Echo Dot and Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote were not only the top-selling Amazon devices this holiday season, but they were also the best-selling products from any manufacturer in any category across all of Amazon.

“Since Day One we have obsessed over what we believe our customers care about – incredible deals and low prices, fast and free shipping, and a wide selection of top products – and we continue to provide all three, all the time. We’re excited that people continued to join Prime this holiday, to take advantage of more fast and free shipping options plus new convenient delivery like Amazon Key, as well as early access to Lightning Deals and unlimited streaming of TV shows and movies, including Prime Originals and more,” stated Jeff Wilke, CEO Worldwide Consumer. “Thank you to the millions of customers and hundreds of thousands of Amazon employees all around the world who made this holiday better than ever before. We look forward to another great year ahead.”

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30853

SD-WAN MARKET LEADER, ARYAKA, PARTNERS WITH ZSCALER TO DELIVER BEST-OF-BREED GLOBAL SD-WAN AND CLOUD SECURITY SOLUTION

Partnership Enables Global Enterprises to Consume Cloud-Native Private Network Connectivity and Cloud Security in a Unified Solution

SAN MATEO, Calif., Dec 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aryaka®, the leading global SD-WAN provider, today announced a new technology partnership with Zscaler, a leader in cloud security, to deliver a best-of-breed global SD-WAN and cloud security offering. The partnership enables enterprises worldwide to consume cloud-native private connectivity and cloud-delivered security in a unified solution.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30854

KB ASSET MANAGEMENT SINGAPORE PICKS EZE SOFTWARE

New Offshore Fund Taps Eze Portfolio Management & Accounting For Support
 
SINGAPORE, Dec 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- KB Asset Management Singapore Pte Ltd, the offshore asset management subsidiary of KB Financial Group, has engaged Eze Software to set up its portfolio management and accounting operations infrastructure to support its expansion plans. The firm was set up as an offshore subsidiary of KB Asset Management to attract global investors with international investment strategies. KB Asset Management Singapore Pte Ltd. is in the process of setting up a new offshore long/short fund in the Cayman Islands, set to launch in February 2018. The firm will be using Eze Portfolio Management & Accounting to support its operations.
 
“As we embarked on our aggressive growth plans, we wanted to partner with a reputable technology provider that could support our growth globally,” said BH Chung, CEO and CIO at KB Asset Management Singapore Pte Ltd. “Eze Software has a long history of consistent performance and service in the investment management market, and we are confident that it will provide us with the scalability and flexibility we need to expand.”
 
“We are excited to partner with KB Asset Management to help grow its offshore business,” said R.G. Manalac, Managing Director, APAC, Eze Software. “Asset management in APAC is experiencing tremendous growth, and end investors are increasingly demanding from asset managers a solid technology infrastructure for investment operations. We look forward to supporting KB Asset Management in its efforts to create a scalable technology operation.”
 
Since the beginning of 2016, Eze Software has signed on more than 40 clients in APAC, ranging from start-up managers with less than USD50 million in AUM to multi-billion dollar institutional asset managers. It was also named “Best Technology Provider – Innovation” in the 2016 HFM Asia Hedge Fund Services Awards. The company has also continued to build out client service support in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Hyderabad.
 
About Eze Software
Eze Software is a global leading provider of investment management software solutions designed to optimize operational and investment alpha throughout the entire investment process. Eze Software provides the platform for growth for the entire investment management community, maximizing efficiencies across order management, trade execution & analytics, portfolio analytics & modeling, compliance & regulatory reporting, commission management, and portfolio & investor accounting. For more than 20 years Boston-based Eze Software has been driving innovation in financial technology. Today, Eze Software partners with more than 2,500 buy- and sell-side institutions in 45 countries from their 15 offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.ezesoft.com.
 
About KB Asset Management
KB Asset Management is an investment arm and a member company of KB Financial Group, the largest financial conglomerate in South Korea. KBAM is one of the oldest and most established managers in South Korea. The company provides investment management services across all major asset classes and has a wide range of investment products covering various geographic locations and catering to the investment needs of a diverse client base, from retail individual investors to sophisticated institutional investors like pensions and life insurance companies.
 
Contacts
Eze Software Group
Veronica Belitski, +1 212-506-7523
vbelitski@ezesoft.com

Source: Eze Software Group
 
View this news release online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171227005534/en
 
--BERNAMA

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CUBE HIGHWAYS TO SELL A MINORITY STAKE TO A CONSORTIUM OF JAPANESE INVESTORS

SINGAPORE, Dec 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Cube Highways has signed definitive agreements for the sale of a minority stake to Japan Highways International (JHI), a Japanese consortium of infrastructure investors led by Mitsubishi Corporation. JHI’s investment reaffirms Cube Highways’ position as a leading owner and operator of highways in India and follows the recent announcement of a minority stake sale to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).
 
Cube Highways is an independent, professionally-managed platform that owns and operates more than 1,700 lane-kilometers of highways in India. Formed by two leading global financial institutions, I Squared Capital and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Cube Highways leverages the extensive transportation experience of its executive and engineering teams to manage a diverse portfolio of toll and annuity roads. Last week the company announced agreements to acquire Salem Tollways and Kumarapalyam Tollways, in the state of Tamil Nadu.
 
“With the entry of JHI, Cube Highways has expanded its set of leading infrastructure investors from across the globe. Our new partners bring world-class technical and engineering capabilities, as well as deep global experience, to help further expand the platform. This new capital also demonstrates investor confidence in the future of Cube Highways and the growth potential of the highways sector in India,” said Gautam Bhandari, Director of Cube Highways and Partner of I Squared Capital.
 
Hyun-Chan Cho, Regional Industry Head, Infrastructure & Natural Resources, IFC, said, “We welcome JHI as our new partner in Cube Highways. As one of the oldest and leading investors in the Indian infrastructure space, IFC is very pleased to see other international investors joining hands to support the growth of the highways sector. High-quality transport and logistics infrastructure is key to sustaining India’s growth and ensuring that economic opportunities are available to communities across urban as well as rural India.”

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30852

STARR COMPANIES ANNOUNCES COOPERATION WITH PICC HEALTH TO PROVIDE INSURANCE TO CHINESE COMPANY EMPLOYEES WORKING IN THE BELT & ROAD INITIATIVE COUNTRIES

NEW YORK, Dec 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Starr Companies today announced a cooperation with PICC Health Insurance Company Limited (PICC Health) to provide industry-leading, innovative insurance for Chinese company employees working overseas in Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) countries.
 
PICC Health, a subsidiary of the People’s Insurance Company (Group) of China Limited, and People's Daily, China’s leading newspaper, held a forum in Beijing on "Innovative Insurance Solutions for the Belt & Road Initiative" in conjunction with the Chinese Ministries of Commerce, Foreign Affairs, Public Health, the China Insurance Regulatory Commission and other Chinese government agencies and academic institutions. At the forum, PICC Health and Starr Companies officially launched a suite of innovative insurance products and services for Chinese company employees working overseas in BRI countries, providing comprehensive coverage and high-quality assistance services for these customers.
 
This industry-leading cooperation combines the domestic strengths of PICC Health, China’s dominant health insurer with a large Chinese corporate client base, and the global experience and expertise of Starr Companies, led by its legendary Chairman & CEO Maurice R. Greenberg.
 
This premier product is a specialty accident and health offering jointly developed by PICC Health, Starr Property & Casualty Insurance (China) Company Limited, and Starr Companies’ Assist Card International subsidiary. In addition to medical and Accidental Death & Dismemberment benefits, the product provides customers with benefits and services including medical evacuation and repatriation, compassionate visit, food poisoning, kidnap and ransom protection, as well as unique solutions such as risk management advice and cashless medical payment services through the Assist Card International network. A dedicated call center has been established to provide global services to Chinese customers including those working in BRI countries.
 
This cooperation between these two parties provides strong support for the employees of Chinese companies active in BRI countries, with the objective of building a “Healthy Silk Road.” For further information, please contact PICC Health in Beijing or Starr Companies in Shanghai.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30848

WILLIAMS SCOTSMAN COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF ACTON MOBILE

WILLIAMS SCOTSMAN COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF ACTON MOBILE

AJWELP EMPOWERS WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN THE ASEAN MEMBER STATES

AJWELP EMPOWERS WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN THE ASEAN MEMBER STATES

STARR COMPANIES ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF STEVE BLAKEY AS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF STARR INSURANCE HOLDINGS, CHARLES DANGELO RETIRES

NEW YORK, Dec 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Starr Companies today announced the appointment of Steve Blakey as president and chief executive officer of Starr Insurance Holdings.

"We are pleased to introduce Steve as our new Company President. With over 35 years of experience, including establishing Starr's presence in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe as well as making Starr one of the leading providers of aviation and aerospace insurance in the world, Steve is uniquely qualified to lead the company going forward," stated Maurice R. Greenberg, chairman, Starr Companies.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30832

SABINA GOLD & SILVER ANNOUNCES 9.9% STRATEGIC INVESTMENT BY ZHAOJIN INTERNATIONAL MINING CO., LTD.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sabina Gold & Silver Corp (TSX:SBB.T), (“Sabina” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that Zhaojin International Mining Co., Ltd. (“Zhaojin International”) has agreed to purchase 24,930,000 common shares of the Company at a price of $2.65 per share for a total investment of approximately $66,100,000 in a private placement (the “Financing”).  Upon completion of the Financing, Zhaojin International will own approximately 9.9% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares on a non-diluted basis. Zhaojin International is a subsidiary of Zhaojin Mining Industry Co. Ltd. (“Zhaojin”), which is a leading Chinese gold producer and one of China’s largest gold smelting companies.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30830

KLM ADDS AUTOMATED MESSAGES TO CUSTOMER CONVERSATIONS

Next step in social media service with artificial intelligence from DigitalGenius

AMSTELVEEN, The Netherlands and SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is taking the next step in using artificial intelligence (AI) within its social media service. KLM worked with AI frontrunner, DigitalGenius, to add automated answers to general repetitive questions from customers without the intervention of a human service agent. This gives KLM agents more time to focus on questions in conversations with customers that require a human approach. KLM is the first airline to offer a combination of human agents and artificial intelligence in a single conversation on Twitter, Messenger and WhatsApp.

KLM receives over 130,000 mentions via social media per week. This number has grown since the introduction of WhatsApp as a service channel. A dedicated team of 250 social media service agents personally engages in 30,000 conversations each week. On average, conversations consist of five or six questions and answers between KLM and its customers. Questions that can be answered automatically with the use of artificial intelligence usually come at the beginning of the conversation.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30826

TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATION RELEASES HIGH-CURRENT PHOTORELAYS FOR FACTORY AUTOMATION AND OTHER INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS THAT CAN REPLACE MECHANICAL RELAYS

TOKYO, Dec 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation has today started to ship five new high-current photorelays in DIP4 and DIP6 packages, additions to its portfolio of photorelays incorporating MOSFETs fabricated with the latest U-MOS VIII process.

The new photorelays offer multiple options, with an off-state output terminal voltage ranging from 30 to 200V and a steady on-state current of 0.7 to 5.0A. They can replace 1-Form-A mechanical relays in various DC and AC applications, contributing to improved system reliability and reducing the space needed for relays and relay drivers. They deliver a rated operating temperature of 110°C (max), making it easier to accommodate temperature margins in system designs.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30829

STARR COMPANIES APPOINTS AMBASSADOR JOSE L. CUISIA, JR. AS CHAIRMAN OF STARR INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE PHILIPPINES BRANCH

NEW YORK, Dec 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Starr Companies today announced the appointment of Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. as chairman of Starr International Insurance Philippines Branch, a branch of Starr International Insurance (Asia) Limited, a company established and licensed to write general insurance in Hong Kong. Ambassador Cuisia will be working with local management for the strategic development and growth of the branch and other Starr entities for rapid growth in the region.
 

“Joey has had a long and distinguished career in both business and public service, including building Philam Life into the largest and most successful life insurer in the Philippines and serving as Ambassador to the country. We have been great friends and colleagues for a very long time and it is wonderful to work with him again at Starr.” stated Maurice R. Greenberg, chairman, Starr Companies.

As Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United States between 2011 and 2016, Joey greatly enhanced the relationship between the United States and the Philippines. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, he led Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company for 16 years, the largest and most successful life insurer in that market under his leadership. He also served as Governor of the Philippine Central Bank and Chairman of its Monetary Board from 1990-1993.

Ambassador Cuisia is a graduate of De La Salle University in the Philippines and received an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

About Starr Companies

Starr Companies (Starr) is the worldwide marketing name for the operating insurance and travel assistance companies and subsidiaries of Starr International Company, Inc. and for the investment business of C.V. Starr & Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries. Starr is a leading insurance and investment organization with a presence on five continents; through its operating insurance companies, Starr provides property, casualty, and accident & health insurance products as well as a range of specialty coverages including aviation, marine, energy and excess casualty insurance. The following insurance company subsidiaries each have an A.M. Best rating of “A” (Excellent): Starr Indemnity & Liability Company, Starr Surplus Lines Insurance Company, Starr Syndicate Limited at Lloyd's of London, Starr International Insurance (Asia) Ltd., and Starr Insurance & Reinsurance Limited.

For more information visit us at www.starrcompanies.com
 

Contacts

Starr Companies
Paula Negro, 212-884-0561
Director of Content, Communications and Media Relations
paula.negro@starrcompanies.com

 

Source: Starr Companies

 

View this news release online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171219006329/en

--BERNAMA

CHARTBEAT ANNOUNCES THE 100 MOST ENGAGING STORIES OF 2017

The Atlantic's "My Family's Slave" is the most engaging article of the year

NEW YORK, Dec 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chartbeat, the leading content intelligence platform for publishers, today announces the 100 Most Engaging Stories of 2017, the articles that were read most this year based on highest Engaged Time. Selected out of over 39 million stories on over 50,000 media sites around the world, the top 100 serve as a snapshot of the year's major events and highlight the themes that resonated most with readers.

While "Trump" was by far the number-one entity referenced in news stories according to Chartbeat's global dataset, reader attention was consumed by more than just politics. Authentic, personal accounts of human struggle from The Atlantic and ESPN, breaking news about the Weinstein allegations from The New York Times and political coverage of Trump's White House from many including The Washington Post topped the list, as well as terror, disaster and health articles from companies including the BBC, CNN and many more.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30822

ANTUIT LAUNCHES CYFIRMA, A CYBERSECURITY DIVISION DELIVERING AI-DRIVEN THREAT INTELLIGENCE

ANTUIT LAUNCHES CYFIRMA, A CYBERSECURITY DIVISION DELIVERING AI-DRIVEN THREAT INTELLIGENCE

EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS BERHAD DECLARES UNIT SPLIT FOR EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS DINASTI EQUITY FUND

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- Eastspring Investments Berhad today announced a 2:1 unit split for existing unit holders of the Eastspring Investments Dinasti Equity Fund (“Fund”). Unit holders who have maintained their holdings up to 19 December 2017 will be entitled for this unit split. This will be the first unit split exercise for the Fund since its inception.

The Fund has demonstrated considerable strength in its performance and a sustainable appreciation in value since its inception in 2009 (please see table below).  As at 30 November 2017, the Fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV) per unit stood at RM1.8985.
 

Period	1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	Since Inception 23 November 2009	Volatility Factor (VF)	Volatility Class (VC)
Fund (%)	29.05	72.70	104.37	105.74	12.3	Very high
Benchmark* (%)	25.68	62.54	119.07	113.65

* Dow Jones Islamic Market (DJIM) Greater China Index
Fund performance is sourced from Lipper for Investment Management and the benchmark is from www.djindexes.com, 30 November 2017. Performance is calculated on a Net Asset Value (“NAV”) to NAV to NAV basis with gross income or dividend re-invested. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

This 2:1 unit split would lower the price of the Fund’s NAV per unit, making it more affordable for investors. With this unit split, investors will receive 2 units for every 1 unit held, while maintaining the value of their holdings. Where a unit split is declared, the Fund’s NAV per unit will be reduced from pre-unit split NAV to post-unit split NAV following the issue of additional units. The value of the investment in Malaysian Ringgit will remain unchanged after the unit split. 

The Eastspring Investments Dinasti Equity Fund is a Shariah equity/growth fund that seeks to provide investors with long term capital appreciation from Shariah-compliant investments which have the exposure to the Greater China region. 

ABOUT EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS BERHAD
Established in 2000 and based in Kuala Lumpur, Eastspring Investments Berhad is part of Prudential Corporation Asia, the Asia business of Prudential plc of the United Kingdom. The Prudential Group has been investing in Asia since 1863.  Eastspring Investments Berhad is one of the leading asset management companies in Malaysia in both institutional and retail, with about RM170 billion in assets under management in the country as at 30 June 2017.  It manages unit trust funds, wholesale funds as well as private mandates for institutions.

Source : EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS BERHAD

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name : Judy Yap
Director, Brand and Communications
Tel :  03 - 2170 0290
Fax : 03 - 2170 0399
Email : judy.yap@eastspring.com

--BERNAMA

(http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30823) 

REBRANDED HOTEL NIKKO BALI TO OPEN IN APRIL 2018

TOKYO, Dec 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Hotel Okura Co., Ltd., announced it has agreed to begin operating one of the Bali, Indonesia hotel properties of P.T. KARYA TEHNIK HOTELINDO from January 1, 2018. The hotel will be rebranded as Hotel Nikko Bali* in April 2018.

The Hotel is located on the coastline of Badung peninsula in south-eastern Bali, within a half-hour drive to Denpasar Airport (Ngurah Rai International Airport). While being close to Bali’s main airport, visitors will also have convenient access to popular coastlines for water sports including parasailing.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30813

FORTUM DEPLOYS DIGITALROUTE TECHNOLOGY TO ENABLE DATA DRIVEN SERVICES SUPPORTING ENERGY SECTOR TRANSFORMATION

European utility Fortum is driving digital transformation within the energy sector, together with DigitalRoute. Starting with a digital solution for energy trading, by deploying machine learning algorithms based on DigitalRoute’s Data Optimization Platform, the companies are now taking the next steps in building data driven services within the energy sector.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Dec 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DigitalRoute, the leading Data Integration and Data Management company, and key European energy provider, Fortum, have jointly announced the completion of a successful Proof of Concept project. Fortum is a leading clean-energy company offering electricity, heating and cooling solutions as well as driving the change for a cleaner world.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30818

NBA AND FANATICS PARTNER TO LAUNCH OFFICIAL ONLINE NBA STORES ACROSS ASIA-PACIFIC

– Fanatics Will Operate Online NBA Stores in 10 Countries Across Asia-Pacific, Offering Fans Comprehensive Collection of NBA Merchandise –

HONG KONG & MANCHESTER, Dec 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Fanatics, the global e-commerce leader in sports merchandise, today announced a partnership to launch official online NBA stores across Asia-Pacific. This partnership expands on the NBA’s existing relationship with Fanatics, which currently operates the flagship NBA Store in New York City, NBAStore.com, the league’s global e-commerce site, and NBAStore.eu, the official online NBA store for Europe.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30812

TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATION RELEASES 100V N-CHANNEL POWER MOSFETS FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS WITH THE INDUSTRY'S LOWEST-IN-CLASS ON-RESISTANCE

Expanding the line-up of the low-voltage U-MOS IX-H power MOSFET series

TOKYO, Dec 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation has today started to ship “TPH3R70APL” and “TPN1200APL,” new 100V additions to its low-voltage U-MOS IX-H N-channel power MOSFET series. The new devices are suitable for power supply applications in industrial equipment.

Fabricated with the company’s latest low-voltage U-MOS IX-H trench process, which optimizes the element structure, the TPH3R70APL and TPN1200APL deliver the industry’s lowest-in-class On-resistance[1]. In addition, compared with the current devices using the U-MOS VIII-H process, the new devices have lower “RDS(ON) × Qoss”, On-resistance times output charge, and “RDS(ON) × QSW”, On-resistance times gate switch charge, key figures of merit for MOSFETs for switching applications[2].

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30808

BEST'S SPECIAL REPORT: CHINA'S REINSURERS OPERATING IN AN INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT MARKET

HONG KONG, Dec 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- China is increasingly becoming a difficult environment for non-life reinsurers, as competition and the regulatory environment are adding to top-line and profitability pressures. The Chinese life reinsurance market, meanwhile, has doubled its premium size since 2012 but must deal with heightened capital pressure, according to a new A.M. Best special report.

The Best’s Special Report, titled, “Reinsurance in China: Underwriting Challenges for Non-Life, Capital Pressure for Life,” states that many of the issues challenging non-life reinsurers have resulted from the implementation of the China Risk-Oriented Solvency System (C-ROSS). A glut of reinsurance capacity and growing retention by the direct industry pose clear threats to reinsurers’ profitability. In addition, the oligopolistic structure of the direct market gives large cedents more bargaining power not only on pricing, but also on terms and conditions, which has squeezed profit margins even further. For growth, non-life reinsurers are looking at Belt and Road initiatives and captive insurers, as well as potential business arising from the second phase of C-ROSS.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30806

HOTEL OKURA MANILA TO OPEN IN 2018

--Okura to introduce luxury hotel in Resorts World Manila, Philippines--

TOKYO, Dec 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. announced today that it has entered an agreement with Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. (TIHGI) to manage Hotel Okura Manila, which will open in Manila, Philippines in 2018.

Located near Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the 191-room Hotel Okura Manila will be conveniently situated within Resorts World Manila, an integrated resort owned by TIHGI. As a gateway to Makati City, the country’s financial district, the hotel will offer easy access to Manila’s business and leisure centers.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30804

MAYO CLINIC TO BEGIN PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL STUDY WITH MEDIBIO TECHNOLOGY FOR EXPANDED MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

- Study designed to determine differential diagnosis in depression patients
- Study designed to monitor patient data following pharmacological treatment

SYDNEY, Australia and MINNEAPOLIS, Dec 15 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medibio Limited (MEB or the Company) (ASX:MEB) (OTCQB:MDBIF), a mental health technology company that has pioneered the use of objective biometrics to assist in the screening, diagnosing, monitoring and management of depression and other mental health conditions,  is pleased to announce the first prospective clinical trial with Mayo Clinic under a 5-year Master Clinical Trial Agreement that was signed in October of this year.  This initial study, undertakes the prospective diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring of both unipolar and bipolar depression, along with the depressive subtypes (melancholic and atypical).

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30794

SUPERNEWSROOM AND CRADLE FORM A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO ACCELERATE STARTUP SUCCESS

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Cradle, a leading startup influencer in Malaysia today announced a strategic partnership with Supernewsroom, Asia’s first media digital platform, in an effort to further drive the growth and propel startups to success. The partnership aims to provide media exposure for startups which in turn will expand market opportunities and improve their businesses.

The first of its kind initiative in Malaysia, this strategic partnership merges the expertise and extensive experience of the startup industry that Cradle possesses, with Supernewsroom’s capability and proficiency in maximising media exposure, ultimately generating publicity especially for entrepreneurs.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30802

VANTIS BECOMES FIRST HONG KONG PARTNER FOR NTT COMMUNICATIONS MANAGED SERVICES

Expanding NTT Com's managed services footprint across Asia

TOKYO & HONG KONG, Dec 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- NTT Communications (NTT Com), the ICT solutions and international communications business within the NTT Group (TOKYO:9432), announced that Vantis Consulting Group (Vantis) has become the first partner in Hong Kong to join its Global Management One (GMOne) Managed Services Partner Program. The partnership accelerates NTT Com's momentum to expand GMOne managed services across Asia and empowers enterprises to enjoy end-to-end ICT solutions from a trusted local partner with specialized expertise in cloud and business applications.

The announcement builds on Vantis' existing partnership with NTT Com for Enterprise Cloud Marketplace, which was launched last year. With the new agreement, Vantis will resell NTT Com GMOne managed services, cloud and hosting solutions, and further integrates with their service offerings to meet enterprises' growing hybrid ICT needs.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30798

THE 1ST FREE CROSS-BORDER ECOMMERCE LIBRARY AVAILABLE TO ONLINE MERCHANTS

A competitive edge instrumental in succeeding in today’s dynamic retail world

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, Dec 15 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acapture, a global, data-driven omnichannel PSP, has released a complete library of free infographics for merchants, outlining the latest exclusive data for 31 of the world’s most exciting ecommerce markets. Online retailers, marketplaces, and other ecommerce merchants are given a competitive edge, instrumental in succeeding in today’s dynamic retail world.

With each infographic providing actionable stats, facts and figures from a major ecommerce region, illustrated with clear, reader-friendly graphics, the collection is essential reading for all merchants looking to seize current cross-border opportunities. By understanding the preferred local payment methods, the most popular B2B and B2C product categories, top import and export regions, most popular ecommerce sites and much more, merchants can make informed strategic decisions based on the most up-to-date trends and consumer behavior.

As well as key cross-border data from markets such as Australia, Brazil, Belgium, China, Canada, France, Norway, Germany, India, New Zealand, the UK, the USA, Poland and so on, the infographics give clear insight to omnichannel merchants, by presenting the internet, mobile and smartphone penetration, number of online shoppers, mobile payments and preferred mobile OS in each country. This allows merchants to give the appropriate focus on different channels from one cross-border market to the next.

“Merchants are becoming more and more international, and exploring more payments opportunities in today’s evolving ecommerce landscape,” explains Gijs op de Weegh, Chief Operating Officer at Acapture. “As a data-driven omnichannel payment service provider, we want to support merchants with all the stats and facts to make the most informed business decisions, domestically and overseas. Consumers are expecting more from their shopping experiences, all across the globe, and our infographics give retailers a competitive edge.”

The complete collection of Acapture’s cross-border ecommerce infographics can be downloaded here for free.

About Acapture

Launched in 2015, Acapture is a new, modern, international payment service provider focused on maximizing the revenues of merchants around the globe. Acapture is affiliated to Payvision, one of the world’s fastest-growing global card acquiring networks. Licensed as a payment institution by the Dutch Central Bank, Acapture combines with Payvision to help merchants grow their business globally. This is done through a complete data-driven omnichannel payment solution, capable of managing a payment at every stage, from checkout to fund collection to settlement.

Acapture’s system features SlicePay for simplified allocation of funds to multiple parties from a single transaction, data science management for improved authorization rates, a one-day integration using one RESTful API, flexible, consolidated reporting, a streamlined reconciliation process, global card acquiring and the ability to handle 80+ of the most popular alternative payment methods and 160+ transaction currencies.

Together with Payvision, Acapture, was awarded Best PSP at the 2017 MPE Awards in Berlin.

Find out more on www.acapture.com and follow Acapture on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Corporate blog. For further information, please contact: Alina Geosanu | Corporate Communications Coordinator; e-mail: alina@payvision.com

SOURCE : Acapture BV

--BERNAMA

SEABORN NETWORKS' CEO LARRY SCHWARTZ IS NAMED IN LIST OF 100 MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE IN TELECOMS WORLDWIDE

BOSTON, Dec 15 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seaborn Networks ("Seaborn"), a leading developer-owner-operator of submarine fiber optic cable systems, is pleased to announce that Larry Schwartz, Seaborn's Chairman & CEO, has been named one of the 100 most powerful people in the telecoms industry by Global Telecoms Business ("GTB").

The Power 100 List annually identifies the most influential people in telecoms, content and Internet companies, selecting nominations from readers of the publication. Larry is one of only six people included on the list from the global subsea and data center industries. GTB notes that these top 100 were "those the industry felt were the real power, the real influencers, behind the telecoms sector" and were chosen by the editorial team with input from GTB's readers.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30792

STEM DESIGNATION GRANTED FOR SMU COX MASTER OF SCIENCE IN FINANCE

MSF Students Will be Eligible to Apply for STEM OPT Extension

Dallas, Texas (SMU), USA, Dec 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Beginning in the fall semester of 2018, the SMU Cox Master of Science in Finance degree (MSF) will be STEM-designated. The Board of Trustees of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, at its December meeting, approved changes to the MS in Finance program curriculum and the request to change the classification of instructional programs (CIP) code. Based on these changes, the SMU Cox MSF program now falls under fields of study considered to be science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The government of the United States considers expertise in these fields an important driver of innovation and job creation. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the country is currently facing a shortage of qualified candidates for STEM jobs. As a result, international students completing STEM-designated programs in the U.S. are encouraged to stay after graduation and contribute their knowledge and skill while gaining work experience related to their field of study.

"The new STEM designation is a clear signal to potential employers of the strong quantitative content of the Cox MSF program," said Mukunthan Santhanakrishnan, director of the SMU Cox Master of Science in Finance Program. "Furthermore, this makes it easier for international students on student visas to get additional years of work experience in the U.S., making them more well-rounded and potentiallly more valuable employees when they return to their home countries. The net result is that our program will be attractive to prospective students (both domestic and international)."

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30783

DTLR SELECTS SHOPPERTRAK TRAFFIC INSIGHTS TO OPTIMIZE STORE PERFORMANCE

Lifestyle retailer uses ShopperTrak to better understand key metrics and customer insights 

CHICAGO, Dec 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tyco Retail Solutions today announced that DTLR Inc., a US lifestyle retailer, has selected its ShopperTrak in-store traffic analytics solution, to provide shopper behavior insights across all 107 stores in 12 states and Washington D.C.

Following a successful pilot, DTLR deployed the ShopperTrak perimeter analytics solution and related advisory services to position the importance of shopper traffic, conversion, and other key metrics across the organization. ShopperTrak advisory services utilized include store segmentation, peer grouping, goal setting and field-level training to help better understand shopper traffic and how to best leverage the new data insights.

“We sought a vendor who could offer perspective on our operational activities and provide tangible ways to optimize in-store performance,” said Frank Long, vice president of store operations at DTLR Inc. “Tyco Retail Solutions’ ShopperTrak solution stood out from others because it not only helps retailers understand traffic, but the group’s advisory services team also works directly with field associates and store leadership to improve their retail operations acumen. This customized approach with DTLR has created organization-wide buy-in for data and has also improved store performance.”

ShopperTrak Traffic Insights’ advisory services team identifies opportunities and makes recommendations on a store-level basis for DTLR, with individualized scorecards and regular one-to-one engagement with district managers. As a result, DTLR store managers are highly informed and empowered to adjust strategies, provide performance-based coaching, and ultimately to improve key metrics.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30784

TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATION ADDS POWER AMPLIFIER IC ADOPTING PURE MOS FOR CAR AUDIO

TOKYO, Dec 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation has added "TCB001FNG", a new surface-mount product, to its line-up of 4-channel power IC. Based on IC achievements for car audio secured over many years, the new power IC is configured with a pure complementary MOS process. Mass production starts today.

Like current products^[1], the new IC uses Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation’s original filtering technology to detect and suppress high frequency noise from sources as diverse as mobile phones and electric door mirrors.

The package is a flat type HSSOP, which allows surface mounting. In conventional car audio IC products, a lead insertion type of HZIP package is widely used. However, recent years have seen the promotion of surface mount type packages, particularly in the market of genuine products. Adoption of surface mount package, securely positioned with reflow soldering, increases system reliability and the performance of car audio.
 

Main specifications of new product
Part Number		TCB001FNG
Maximum output		45Wx4ch (VDD=15.2V,RL=4Ω, MaxPower)
Supply voltage		6V to 18V
Output offset voltage		90mV
Output noise voltage		55µV (BW=DIN_AUDIO)
Internal peripheral functions		•High sound quality, low distortion •Built-in mute and standby switch function, offset detection, and short detection •6V operations (engine idle reduction capability） •Built-in protection circuits (thermal shutdown, overvoltage, short to Vcc, short to GND, and output to output short)
Package		P-HSSOP36-1116-0.65-001
Price		500 yen（tax included）

Note:
[1] TCB001HQ

For more information about the new product, please visit:
https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/info/lookup.jsp?pid=TCB001FNG&region=jp&lang=ja

Customer inquiries:
Mixed Signal IC Sales and Marketing Department
Sales and Marketing Group I
Tel: +81-44-548-2826
https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/contact.html

* Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.

About Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation
Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation combines the vigor of a new company with the wisdom of experience. Since being spun off from Toshiba Corporation in July 2017, we have taken our place among the leading general devices companies, and offer our customers and business partners outstanding solutions in discrete semiconductors, system LSIs and HDD.

Our 19,000 employees around the world share a determination to maximize the value of our products, and emphasize close collaboration with customers to promote co-creation of value and new markets. We look forward to building on annual sales now surpassing 700-billion yen (US$6 billion) and to contributing to a better future for people everywhere.

Find out more about us at https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/company.html
 

Contacts

Media Inquiries:
Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation
Chiaki Nagasawa, +81-3-3457-4963
Digital Marketing Department
semicon-NR-mailbox@ml.toshiba.co.jp

 

Source: Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation

Upstream Security Revs Up Cloud-Based Cybersecurity for Connected and Autonomous Car Fleets with $9M Series A

CRV Joins Existing Investors to Accelerate Company’s Expansion in the U.S. and Europe as Market for Connected Vehicles and Automotive Cybersecurity Expects to Grow 20x

HERZLIYA, Israel, Dec 13 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Upstream Security, pioneer of the cloud-based cybersecurity platform for connected cars and autonomous vehicles, today announced the closing of $9 million in Series A funding, led by CRV (Charles River Ventures). The round included expanded investments from Israeli-based Glilot Capital Partners and Maniv Mobility. Following a $2 million seed funding round in June, the company will use the latest investment to expand its R&D program and continue building out its world-class engineering and security research teams, and open marketing and sales offices in the United States and Europe. The company is well-resourced to secure the 60 million connected cars on the road today that include commercial trucks, vans, buses and private vehicles, as well as take advantage of the imminent explosion in connected vehicles—Gartner expects there will be 250 million connected vehicles by 2020.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available athttp://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f6829eae-4d66-49a6-bd4d-071d05917a5b

“Connected and semi-autonomous cars are already a reality, so it’s a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’ these self-driving technologies will be deployed at scale. Upstream’s engineers were the first to solve how to protect connected cars and autonomous vehicles using the cloud, crucial for near-term and future deployment of automotive cybersecurity at the fleet level,” said Izhar Armony, general partner at CRV. “We believe in Upstream’s groundbreaking approach to secure connected and autonomous vehicles and in the abilities of cybersecurity veterans, Yoav Levy and Yonatan Appel, to build a rapidly growing business in this hot, emerging space.”

Source : Upstream Security

TYCO RETAIL SOLUTIONS WINS 2017 GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN AWARD FROM SUPPLY & DEMAND CHAIN EXECUTIVE

Tyco’s retail customer Piazza Italia supports sustainability initiatives through innovative hard tag recirculation program NEUHAUSEN, Switzerland, Dec 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tyco Retail Solutions, part of Johnson Controls, has been recognized for its commitment to promoting and supporting retailers’ sustainability initiatives for the second straight year. The company is the recipient of the 2017 Supply & Demand Chain Executive Green Supply Chain Award, an annual distinction that distinguishes providers of supply chain solutions and services who assist their customers in achieving measurable sustainability goals. Tyco’s 2017 award is in recognition of industry leading green initiatives with its retail customers, including Piazza Italia. As a recognized leader in fashion, Piazza Italia is committed to delivering the most current styles to its shoppers while maintaining its commitment to sustainability. In 2013, the retailer launched a source tagging program with Sensormatic Acousto-Magnetic (AM) Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) hard tags offering tangible benefits by combining a strong visual theft deterrent with point-of-manufacture source tagging. The retailer has since changed from single use tags to recirculated hard tags, providing an eco-friendly alternative to disposable tags from both an environmental and a business operations standpoint. Tyco’s global recirculation and source-tagging initiatives provide the green savings and business benefits of recycling and receiving “retail ready” merchandise. Tags are recirculated, recertified and reused through Tyco’s efficient supply chain process which cost effectively moves tags around the globe via strategically located, highly efficient recirculation centers, and offering retailers such as Piazza Italia a buy-back incentive to reduce cost of ownership and deliver impactful savings. Hard tag recirculation provides Piazza Italia with savings by eliminating the manual process of applying tags at the store, improving tagging compliance, reducing shrink and reducing time to the sales floor. “We believe that environmental responsibility is not only good business but also a social obligation. Today, sustainability is a major focus for our retail customers like Piazza Italia as stores look to provide not only high quality service and security, but also to implement sound green-friendly practices,” said Tony D’Onofrio, chief customer officer, Tyco Retail Solutions. The Sensormatic apparel tagging recirculation program, the first of its kind, recycled more than a billion tags in 2015 and has recycled nearly seven billion since the program began in 2010, saving a total of 35 million pounds of plastic while reducing waste and costs for customers.  Today, more than half of Sensormatic brand labels are applied by product manufacturers or packaging companies, instead of in store. The program encompasses source application of EAS disposable labels, as well as recirculated AM EAS and RFID hard tags. With over five billion apparel items tagged to date, source tagging is a trusted program for retailers worldwide as the work to remain competitive and green in today’s retail environment. Last year, the company’s manufacturing facility in Mexico earned recognition as a 2016 S&DCE Green Award winner for its effort to conserve resources through the development of an energy management system, and also nationally with a 2015 Environmental Award from the National Council of the Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry of Mexico. The same facility achieved ISO 50001:2011 certification last year. About Johnson Controls Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and multi industrial leader serving a wide range of customers in more than 150 countries. Our 120,000 employees create intelligent buildings, efficient energy solutions, integrated infrastructure and next generation transportation systems that work seamlessly together to deliver on the promise of smart cities and communities. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. We are committed to helping our customers win and creating greater value for all of our stakeholders through strategic focus on our buildings and energy growth platforms. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter. About Tyco Retail Solutions Tyco Retail Solutions, part of Johnson Controls, is a leading provider of analytics-based Loss Prevention, Inventory Intelligence and Traffic Insights for the retail industry. Our solutions deliver real-time visibility and predictive analytics to help retailers maximize business outcomes and enhance the customer experience in a digitally-driven shopping world. Our more than 1.5 million data collection devices in the retail marketplace capture 40 billion shopper visits and track and protect billions of items each year. Our retail portfolio features the premier Sensormatic®, ShopperTrak® and TrueVUE™ brands, as well as a full suite of building technology solutions. For more information, please visit TycoRetailSolutions.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and our YouTube channel.

Skybox Security Names Uri Levy As New Vice President of Worldwide Channels

Levy will expand the reseller network in 2018 and launch a new MSSP and SI program

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec 13 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skybox^™ Security, a global leader in cybersecurity management, announced today that Uri Levy will be taking on a new responsibility as the Vice President of Worldwide Channels to lead the growth of the company’s global reseller network. Levy, who has been a longstanding member of the senior leadership team at Skybox, will drive the strategic direction of Skybox’s channel program in 2018, which the company expects to be a key driver of future revenue growth.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available athttp://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8f03b8e3-293f-419a-ba34-b967afefb35b

Among the initiatives Levy will launch in the coming year is a new managed security service provider (MSSP) and system integrator (SI) program that includes enhanced certification and training, as well as expanded field technical engagement and support. Levy will also focus on further improving partner sales enablement, channel marketing, and training and certification programs for resellers. A portion of Skybox’s recently announced $150 million growth equity investment will go to supporting those initiatives.

Source : Skybox Security

HITACHI VANTARA CONTINUES TO BOLSTER ITS GLOBAL LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH NEW EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Dec 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hitachi Vantara, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501), today announced new appointments to its global leadership team: Mark Ablett has been named senior vice president of global go-to-market (GTM) strategy and Daniel Chong has been named senior vice president of Asia Pacific (APAC). Both will report to the company’s chief revenue officer, Hans-Peter Klaey.
 
Ablett previously served as Hitachi Vantara’s senior vice president (SVP) of APAC, where he helped Hitachi Vantara’s APAC theatre to achieve record growth. In his new role, Ablett will be responsible for developing the company’s global GTM strategy, partnering with Hitachi Vantara’s customers to help them successfully navigate and execute complex digital transformation journeys. Prior to joining Hitachi, Ablett held executive positions with Juniper Networks and SpectraLink, among others.
 
Chong will assume Ablett’s former post as SVP of APAC at Hitachi Vantara. He previously served as the company’s vice president and general manager (GM) of mainland China and Taiwan, where he grew revenue in the region by more than 150%. During Chong’s tenure as GM, the company has been recognized as a “Great Place to Work” in the region for the past five consecutive years. Prior to Hitachi, Chong held senior management positions at Oracle, PeopleSoft, BMC and Informix, where he focused on sales, marketing, business development and company management.
 
Ablett and Chong will further fortify Hitachi Vantara’s executive team, which the company has been aggressively expanding with experienced talent in recent months. The company recently tapped Klaey, an enterprise software industry veteran, to lead global sales and GTM, appointed former GE Digital COO Brad Surak as its Chief Product and Strategy Officer.
  
“Delivering exceptional customer experiences is incredibly important to Hitachi Vantara,” said Klaey. “Mark and Daniel have done exactly that in their time here. They have a deep understanding of our business and the needs of our customers and partners. Their work will be crucial in helping Hitachi customers unlock the full potential and value of their data.”
 
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30782

PORT OF ANTWERP RENEWS DESCARTES ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS RELATIONSHIP

PORT OF ANTWERP RENEWS DESCARTES ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS RELATIONSHIP

TERADYNE ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF NEW RF TEST SERVICES AT SIGURD

NORTH READING, Mass., Dec 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teradyne, Inc. (NYSE:TER), a leading supplier of automation equipment for test and industrial applications and Sigurd Corporation today announced the availability of new RF test services at Sigurd utilizing the Teradyne UltraFLEX test system with the UltraWave24 RF test option. This new capability will enable Sigurd to provide their test services customers with the industry’s leading solution for testing 4G, wireless networking, and IoT devices and bringing them to market quickly.

The UltraFLEX is the semiconductor industry's most widely used solution for testing advanced RF transceivers. The UltraFLEX provides industry-leading accuracy and signal integrity that increases device yield to reduce costs and speed times to market. The unique background results processing architecture of the UltraFLEX also enables the highest throughput and test cell productivity of any test solution available today. In addition, the UltraFLEX platform running IG-XL software has been rated #1 in VLSI's customer satisfaction survey for the last four years and the UltraFLEX is the only test platform that offers test program compatibility across all instrument versions-eliminating the expense and disruption of writing new test programs and re-training engineers in order to use next generation test instruments.

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WILLIAMS SCOTSMAN TO ACQUIRE ACTON MOBILE

BALTIMORE, Dec 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WillScot Corporation (NASDAQ:WSC) ("Williams Scotsman") today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement whereby Williams Scotsman International, Inc. will acquire the entity that owns Acton Mobile (ActonMobile.com) from Prophet Equity for a cash purchase price of $235 million, subject to customary adjustments.

Brad Soultz, president and chief executive officer of Williams Scotsman, commented, "We are excited to welcome Acton to the Williams Scotsman family. Acton shares our core values, and is highly complementary to our business. The acquisition better positions Williams Scotsman to provide our Ready to Work solutions on a greater scale and will create further opportunities for our employees, customers and vendors."

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SABINA GOLD & SILVER ANNOUNCES COMMENCEMENT OF THE REVIEW OF ITS WATER LICENSE APPLICATIONS FOR THE BACK RIVER PROJECT

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec 12 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sabina Gold & Silver Corp (TSX:SBB.T), (“Sabina” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the Nunavut Water Board (NWB) has commenced public review of the Type A and Type B water license applications related to initial development, mine construction and operation of the Back River Project (the “Project” or “Back River”).

As announced on December 6, 2017, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, on behalf of the five responsible federal Ministers, accepted Nunavut Impact Review Board’s recommendation for the Project to proceed to the regulatory and licensing phase.  The NIRB has advised that the final Project Certificate will be issued on or before January 4, 2018.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30763

ALGECO SCOTSMAN ANNOUNCES DEBT PACKAGE FOR REFINANCING, ACQUISITION OF TOUAX SOLUTIONS MODULAIRES SAS AND EXERCISE OF PUT OPTION

ALGECO SCOTSMAN ANNOUNCES DEBT PACKAGE FOR REFINANCING, ACQUISITION OF TOUAX SOLUTIONS MODULAIRES SAS AND EXERCISE OF PUT OPTION

​-DIALOGUE FOR QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE-

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Dec 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) --Believing Japan's quality infrastructure to be essential for achieving sustainable economic growth in Vietnam, the Government of Japan hosted the “Dialogue for Quality Infrastructure – Building Asia’s Future” at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, the venue of Vietnam Expo in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) on Thursday, December 7, 2017. Attended by over one hundred participants, the event promoted active discussions on “Quality Infrastructure” needed for sustainable development in Vietnam and Japan’s role in this development.
 
In opening remarks on behalf of the Government of Japan, H.E. Mr. Junichi Kawaue, Consul General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City stated “Vietnam is taking a leadership role in ASEAN’s growth. To further pursue more sustainable and powerful growth, it is essential to provide an appropriate plan, funds, and technology for infrastructure development. The concept of ‘quality infrastructure’ is the guiding principle for such infrastructure development.” Consul General Kawaue also stated that the Japanese government and Japanese companies are already supporting infrastructure development in Vietnam, including HCMC’s MRT1, which contributes to the quality of life as well as economic growth.
 
Representing Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Le Van Khoa, Vice Chairman, Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee said HCMC strongly agrees with the concept of “Quality Infrastructure.” “We seek to develop this city as a model for the future. We must continuously play a leadership role for the economy and society,” said Mr. Ho.
 
Prior to discussions, Mr. Yasuharu Funabashi, Deputy General Manager for Strategic Project Office Industry Research Department of Mizuho Bank, made a speech to set the day's agenda. Mr. Funabashi presented insightful data on Vietnam’s current and future economic outlook, reminding participants that Vietnam has the fastest growing GDP in ASEAN, and expects to grow further in an export-driven economy fueled by foreign capital and industrialization. Given fiscal austerity measures announced last year, from a financial perspective, the time to propose “Quality Infrastructure” is now.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=30756