Jam City acquires Bingo Pop, expands operations to Canada

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Jam City, a leader in mobile entertainment has acquired Bingo Pop from Uken Games and expands global operations to Toronto, Canada. Announcement was made following its recent multi-year partnership with Disney.

The veteran Bingo Pop (one of the top bingo mobile games worldwide) team has also joined Jam City and will continue to manage game operations from Jam City’s new Toronto studio, a statement said.

“This acquisition provides Jam City with access to leading creative talent in one of the fastest growing and most exciting tech markets in the world,” said co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Jam City,  Chris DeWolfe.

The company looks forward to working with the talented Jam City team in Toronto as they supercharge the live operations of Bingo Pop and develop innovative new titles and mobile entertainment experiences.

As Canada has becoming a haven for top game developers, engineers, designers and artists worldwide, Jam City also plans tapping into the large pool of talent across the region and expanding its operations in such a vibrant and trend-setting city.

“We are excited to focus on the continued success of our iconic trivia titles and introduce brand new game franchises to players around the world. We are fully committed to continue hiring and investing in Toronto as a global hub for gaming,” said co-founder and CEO of Uken Games, Chris Ye.

Jam City, founded in 2009 provides unique and deeply engaging games that appeal to broad global audiences. It has studios in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Bogotá and Buenos Aires. More details on http://www.jamcity.com or https://www.uken.com.

-- BERNAMA

A.M. BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF BAO MINH INSURANCE CORPORATION

SINGAPORE, Nov 30 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb” of Bao Minh Insurance Corporation (Bao Minh) (Vietnam). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect Bao Minh’s balance sheet strength, which A.M. Best categorizes as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The company’s risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), is supported by a low underwriting leverage at the gross and net levels, a good quality of reinsurance assets and a liquid investment portfolio, with a majority of investments allocated to cash and deposits.

Bao Minh was the third-largest non-life insurer in Vietnam based on gross premium written in 2017. The company underwrites a diversified portfolio of business with the majority being short-tail businesses such as motor, health and personal accidents. Prospectively, the company will continue with a low growth strategy in view of the intense market competition, especially in the motor line.

An offsetting rating factor is the declining trend in Bao Minh’s underwriting margins. Despite continued annual net premium growth of 11% over the past five years, the company’s expense ratio has increased over the same period and remains higher than its peers. While Bao Minh’s capitalization remains solid in risk-adjusted terms, its capital position has declined slightly over the past five years as a result of high dividend payouts.

The company rating is well-positioned at the current rating. Downward rating pressure could result from deterioration in the company’s operating performance.

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 A.M. 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 A.M. Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and A.M. Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and A.M. Best Rating Action Press Releases.

A.M. Best is a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry. Visit www.ambest.com for more information.

Copyright © 2018 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/20181129005635/en/

Contact

Tran Nhat Trung
Financial Analyst
+65 6303 5019
trung.tran@ambest.com

Chi Yeung Lok
Director, Analytics
+65 6303 5016
chi-yeung.lok@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Jim Peavy
Director, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com

Source : A.M. Best

--BERNAMA

Invivoscribe receives US FDA approval for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia patients

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Invivoscribe Inc has received the US FDA approval of both the LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay and the Astellas drug, XOSPATA (gilteritinib fumarate) for treatment of FLT3 positive refractory and relapse acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients in the US.

In addition, the Japanese MHLW has also confirmed national reimbursement for the LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay in Japan, a statement said.

The approval complements Invivoscribe’s prior regulatory approvals of the LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay as the companion diagnostic for RYDAPT (midostaurin) for Novartis (United States and Europe) and XOSPATA (gilteritinib fumarate) for Astellas (Japan).

The CDx was also recently submitted to the PMDA in Japan and the US FDA as the CDx for predicting response to the Daiichi Sankyo drug -- quizartinib hydrochloride.

The milestone further establishes the LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay as the international gold standard for comprehensive FLT3 assessment for critically ill AML patients as the CDx identifies both ITD and TKD mutations which available worldwide.

Invivoscribe has developed the LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay in partnership with Astellas as the companion diagnostic to predict patient responses to Astellas Pharma's AML drug XOSPATA (gilteritinib fumarate).

It is a privately held biotechnology company that has improved the quality of healthcare worldwide by providing high quality, standardized reagents, tests and bioinformatics tools to advance the field of precision medicine. More details on www.invivoscribe.com.

-- BERNAMA

SOLARWINDS TO SHOWCASE EXTENDED MICROSOFT AZURE MONITORING CAPABILITIES AT SQL SERVER LIVE! 360 2018

SOLARWINDS TO SHOWCASE EXTENDED MICROSOFT AZURE MONITORING CAPABILITIES AT SQL SERVER LIVE! 360 2018

SIGMA SYSTEMS NEWLY INCLUDED WITHIN THE GARTNER NOVEMBER 2018 MAGIC QUADRANT FOR CONFIGURE, PRICE AND QUOTE APPLICATION SUITES

TORONTO, Nov 30 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Sigma Systems, the global leader in catalog-driven software, today announced that Sigma Systems has been recognized and placed for the first time within the Gartner November 2018 Magic Quadrant for Configure, Price and Quote Application Suites.

We believe that Sigma Systems’ position within the Magic Quadrant reflects the company’s unique expertise serving communications service providers and is backed by a strong base of large global CSPs that rely on Sigma software for creating, selling, and delivering new digital products and services faster and more profitably.

It’s clear that companies are putting a strategic emphasis on transforming how they sell to their customers, especially those selling to business customers. CPQ is a key enabler of transforming the selling experience, and a rapidly growing imperative within the communications industry.

Tim Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of Sigma Systems commented:

“Sigma is the leader in solving the critical challenges of how digital service providers create, sell, and deliver new products and services within the communications, high-tech, and media space. We believe our placement in this Magic Quadrant for Configure, Price and Quote Application Suites is a testament to our expertise in helping service providers overcome the unique complexities inherent within the communications industry in selling and managing services for new and existing customers. As service providers look to transform their selling experience, Sigma CPQ should be a key consideration in any RFP or evaluation process where a communications industry specific CPQ is needed.”

For those service providers that want to create, sell, and deliver differently, we encourage you to check out our award-winning Create-Sell-Deliver Portfolio of software products and download a complimentary copy of the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Configure, Price and Quote Application Suites.

For further information about Sigma Systems, Sigma CPQ and getting Next Done Now^TM, visit us at www.sigma-systems.com or contact us at info@sigma-systems.com.

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Configure, Price and Quote Application Suites, Christina Klock | Mark Lewis | Melissa Hilbert, 5 November 2018.

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Sigma Systems (sigma-systems.com or Twitter @SigmaSystems)

Sigma Systems is the global leader in catalog-driven software solutions for communications, media, and high-tech companies. It serves over 80 customers in 40 countries with its award-winning products. The company’s portfolio spans enterprise-wide Catalog, Configure Price Quote (CPQ), Order Management, Provisioning, Insights and Portfolio Inventory products, and offers a core set of services including professional services, cloud services, and managed services. Sigma utilizes an agile approach to implementing its B/OSS products for its customers. Sigma has offices in North and South America, Europe and Asia Pacific, with technology and integration partners globally.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181129005222/en/

Contact

Chloe Purcell
Strategic PR Manager
Milner Strategic Marketing Ltd.
+44 1473 633123

Glenn Gibson
Vice President Marketing
Sigma Systems
+1-416-827-6851

Source : Sigma Systems

MYTVCHAIN PRESENTS 1ST DECENTRALISED SPORTS WEB TV AND ICO AT BLOCKSHOW ASIA IN SINGAPORE 28TH-29TH NOV

France, and Singapore, Nov 29 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- French Web TV-caster MYTVCHAIN is proud to present and showcase the first web TV platform dedicated to sports clubs and athletes, powered by blockchain technology, at Blockshow Asia in Singapore, their first foray into Asia. The platform allows sports clubs to create their own web TV and animate their communities whilst simultaneously generating revenue to develop and support their activities, thereby helping sports clubs to build brand loyalty and accelerate growth in the development of sport club channels.
 
With advertising-based revenue models in media generally declining on the web, sports clubs need to find new sources of funding video content and dissemination. MYTVCHAIN is providing that answer in the form of a community-driven blockchain-powered platform. Users of MYTVCHAIN are rewarded in tokens for viewing content on the platform and can utilize these tokens for a variety of transactions – from supporting their favorite clubs or content producers with donations to purchasing services or videos from MYTVCHAIN and more. The platform is up and running and already onboards its first sports clubs in France.
 
The MYTVCHAIN platform facilitates and incentivizes transactions within its ecosystem by implementing tokenization and crowdfunding. To facilitate ease of token purchase for its ICO (Initial Coin Offering), MYTVCHAIN is deploying a fiat-based payment gateway LBXPro.io, using money transfers for payments. This is good news for the larger community who may be new to but interested in cryptocurrencies, as it breaks down the ‘crypto barrier’. Seasoned crypto investors will still be able to purchase tokens using crypto-based payments.
 
The MYTVCHAIN token is already pre-approved to be listed on established exchange LaToken.com at the end of the ICO, with more exchanges to be announced at a later stage, a sure sign that the token is poised to be of interest even to the risk-averse. MYTVCHAIN welcomes interested individuals to their private investor meetup at the Fullerton Bay Hotel in Singapore on 30th November. To register interest, please contact info@mytvchain.com
 
For more information on the MYTVCHAIN project, please visit mytvchain.io
 
Website:
www.mytvchain.com
 
Company Contact:
info@mytvchain.com
 
Media Contact:
press@mytvchain.com
 
SOURCE: Chaineum
 
--BERNAMA

EXPLORE BAMBOO PAVILION AT TAICHUNG WORLD FLORA EXPO

Explore Bamboo Pavilion at Taichung World Flora Expo.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan, Nov 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Taichung World Flora Expo, running from Nov. 3 through April 24, 2019, will feature the tallest bamboo construction ever built in Taiwan for expo-goers to explore and interact with bamboo interior space.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181127005953/en/

Designed by architect Chen Yi-chung of the Taichung-based ZUO Studio, the Bamboo Pavilion is constructed with bamboo, a fast-growing plant and renewable natural material with high strength-to-weight ratio that can be utilized for multiple purposes.

According to Chen, the Bamboo Pavilion is constructed with mainly Taiwan-grown bamboos to replace concrete, seeking to create a harmonious relationship between architecture and natural environment through using sustainable building material.

Taking inspiration from seed, bamboo forest, and the Central Mountain Range, the pavilion is a forest-like structure constructed with intertwined bamboo. The architectural space will allow visitors to experience the Oriental art of bamboo craft amidst the bamboo forest.

At 10m high, the curvy exterior of the pavilion also integrates with its surrounding landscape, including a pond and Makino bamboo garden designs, making it a place for visitors to connect with nature while exploring or resting inside, added Chen.

Moreover, the Bamboo Pavilion has been shortlisted by the World Architecture Festival Awards for the Leisure Led Development – Future Project category this year, recognizing the strength of architecture firms in Taichung as well as the Taichung City Government’s promotional efforts of the World Flora Expo.

Kuo Kun-ming, Taichung City Government Deputy Secretary-General and expo chief executive, noted that the concept of the Bamboo Pavilion is to spread seeds of wonder all over Taichung and create beautiful memory for the city. Constructed with more than 300 stalks of Moso bamboo from Nantou, the pavilion also presents promotion wishes.

Along with the world’s largest “The Sound of Blooming” installation art, as well as the largest display wall, the longest paper-cutting art, the largest equestrian stadium, the first renewable building constructed with straw, and the top prize winner Leopard Cat Float featured at the National Day in Taiwan, the Bamboo Pavilion is one of the major highlights of this year’s flora expo.

In addition to these highlights, the flora expo also features garden designs by Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Myanmar, offering glimpses of each nation’s characteristic plants and culture through the design of garden and landscape.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181127005953/en/

Contact

Sanlih E-Television Co., Ltd.
Renie Lee +886-937-098-066
renie@mail.sanlih.com.tw

Source : Sanlih E-Television Co., Ltd.

--BERNAMA

BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS LAUNCHES BLOCKCHAIN MANAGEMENT PLATFORM SEXTANT ON AWS MARKETPLACE FOR CONTAINERS

LAS VEGAS, Nov 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AWS re:Invent 2018 - Blockchain Technology Partners, the leading enterprise blockchain company, today announced the general availability of Sextant™, its powerful blockchain management platform, on Amazon Web Services (AWS) Marketplace for Containers. Sextant unlocks the value of blockchain for business. It accelerates innovation by providing enterprises with a platform that they can build upon; ensuring that they focus on business application development, not blockchain infrastructure.

“AWS Marketplace for Containers enables AWS customers to use the Amazon Elastic Container Services (ECS) console and AWS Marketplace for Containers to discover, produce, and deploy container solutions – including a comprehensive blockchain management platform from Blockchain Technology Partners,” said Dave McCann, Vice President Migration Services, AWS Marketplace and Service Catalog. “With today’s announcement, AWS Marketplace has extended its existing benefits and features to container products, with a rich discovery and search experience offering access to a curated catalog of trusted software from reputable vendors. AWS customers can find and deploy Sextant and simplify the deployment of Hyperledger Sawtooth.”

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=33309

ASIA'S LARGEST DAIRY PRODUCER YILI ANNOUNCES WORLD'S FIRST ANNUAL REPORT ON BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION - "BEING 'FIRST' IS NOT ONLY OPERATION BUT ALSO RESPONSIBILITY"

Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- The 14th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity is being held in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt during November 14-29, 2018. Representatives from over 190 contracting states of the Convention on Biodiversity are participating in the event and having in-depth discussions on policies on biodiversity integration of agriculture, forestry, fishery and tourism.

Yili(the "Group"), the only Chinese enterprise signing the Commitment Letter of Enterprises and Biodiversity of the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity, was invited to the conference. Zhang Jianqiu, CEO of Yili Group, shared practices and experience in its protection of biodiversity with the guests and announced the "Annual Report on Biodiversity Protection of Yili Group", the first ever of its kind in the world.

Business development is closely bound to responsibilities. As the leader of China's dairy production, the Group has witnessed steady growth in revenue and net profits over the years. As of the third quarter of 2018, the Group has rung up sales of RMB61.327 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 16.88%, thereby proving themselves a leader in the industry. For the Group, being "first" means not only operations but also the assumption of social responsibilities.

Zhang Jianqiu notes that, apart from development, Yili is going ahead with the idea of "Green Leadership" proposed by Group Chairman Pan Gang and is pushing forward with the strategy "Green Industrial China." It is on this basis that the "Chinese Sample" of biodiversity protection has been produced gradually, characterized by "Disclosure, Management and Popularity" over the years. The 15th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity will be held in China for the first time in 2020. Yili sincerely hopes that more and more Chinese enterprises will join hands with them to protect the biodiversity.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=33282

Iron Deficiency Day on Nov 26 to raise awareness

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- Iron Deficiency Day takes place every year on Nov 26 – raising awareness, highlighting significant impact and helping people recognise the symptoms.

Not recognising the symptoms is often the biggest contributor to not seeking and receiving a diagnosis. The new Iron Deficiency Day Symptom Checker will use animations to elucidate the effects of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in order to educate people in recognising the condition.

This is according to a statement from Vifor Pharma Group a global pharmaceuticals company which aims to become the global leader in iron deficiency, nephrology and cardio-renal therapies.

The statement said iron deficiency presents in one-third of the world’s population. It is most prevalent in premenopausal women, pregnant woman and children under five years of age.

In Europe for example, iron deficiency affects up to 33 per cent of pre-menopausal women, up to 77 per cent of pregnant women and up to 48 per cent of children.

While the effects are differ from person to person, but they can be linked to an overall decline in general health and well-being.

Even without anaemia, iron deficiency can be debilitating, exacerbate an underlying chronic disease and lead to increased morbidity and mortality. If the condition develops, common symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, brittle nails, craving non-food items such as dirt, clay and ice and an inability to concentrate.

Iron is required throughout the body. It is essential for the production of red blood cells and ensuring that the heart and skeletal muscles can function effectively.

Iron also plays a vital role in fighting off infections and illness, maintaining energy levels and normal brain function. The World Health Organization states that iron deficiency can reduce physical work output by 30 per cent.

-- BERNAMA

Japan, India provide painless treatment method for male urethral stricture

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- A novel and relatively painless treatment method for male urethral stricture using patient’s buccal mucosal cells has been reported as successful in four out of six patients.

The study has been published in the International Journal of Urology -- the official journal of Japanese Urological Association -- a result of collaboration between Japanese biomaterial technology and an Indian urologist, Dr Suryaprakash Vaddi.

GN Corporation said in a statement that it coordinated the interaction with Japanese biomaterial scientists and clinicians in India through Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM).

It also has applied a patent for this invention and signed a MoU for collaboration with JBM Inc to explore opportunities to make this an approved clinical solution in the future following the regulatory protocols as per Japanese Ministry of Health.

The statement stated majority of male urethral strictures reported in the developed world are due to iatrogenic causes while in the developing countries, the major causes are inflammation and trauma.

Treatment to the disease involve conventional treatment either endoscopic intervention or open surgery. Meanwhile in surgical treatment which under general anesthesia -- patient’s buccal mucosa is harvested and used as a patch to enlarge the narrowed urethra.

Under the collaboration, a method called -- Buccal epithelium Expanded and Encapsulated in Scaffold – Hybrid Approach for Urethral Stricture (BEES-HAUS) -- a small piece of the buccal tissue is harvested and after culturing the cells in the lab without animal protein, embedded in scaffold and transplanted through endoscopy.

Both harvesting and transplant does not require general anesthesia, making the procedure relatively easier to the clinician and less painful to the patient. It also has a potential to help approximately 30,000 patients every year in Japan.

-- BERNAMA

FUSIONEX HONORED WITH OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT PBA 2018

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, Nov 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Fusionex received the Outstanding Achiever Award 2018 at the Platinum Business Awards (PBA) 2018. The premier awards ceremony recognized Fusionex for its outstanding growth, excellent business practices, and prominent presence in the IT industry.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181125005122/en/

The award was presented to Fusionex during the PBA 2018 Gala Dinner & Awards Presentation at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre. Witnessing the award presentation was guest of honor Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof. The PBA was launched in 2002 by the SME Association of Malaysia and has gained extensive recognition among SMEs, the business community, as well as the public sector.

Fusionex has grown from an ASEAN-based IT company, to its present status as the largest Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data technology company in the region. Fusionex helps many conglomerates and SMEs across the world to improve their businesses with humanized and effective use of technology. Fusionex has led, and been involved in, numerous initiatives to advance technology adoption in local businesses to drive Industry 4.0. This has given its clients in Malaysia the ability to compete and succeed at a regional and global level.

Fusionex technologies are being used to power up Malaysia’s Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) eServices Platform. This government-endorsed initiative is expected to benefit local businesses, SMEs, and the country as a whole. The platform aims to double Malaysia’s e-commerce growth rate, and to reach a GDP contribution of RM211 billion by 2020.

Fusionex Founder and Group CEO Dato’ Seri Ivan Teh commented, “We are delighted and honored to receive this award. Credit goes to our phenomenal Fusionex team members for their relentless dedication in driving innovation for our valued customers and partners via Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. This award is for all of you and I hope it continues to spur us all towards realizing the potential of Industry 4.0 via the digital economy, towards the betterment of all businesses.”

About Fusionex

Fusionex is an established multi-award winning data technology provider specializing in Analytics, Big Data, the Internet of Things, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Its offerings are focused on helping clients capture, store, process, analyze and make sense of vast amounts of structured and unstructured data. Featured on Forbes, Bloomberg, Gartner, IDC, Forrester, Edison and Huffington Post, Fusionex is the largest Big Data Analytics company and market leader in ASEAN, bringing state-of-the-art, innovative and breakthrough data-driven platforms to its stable of clientele (including Fortune 500, FTSE companies, large conglomerates as well as a wide array of small and medium enterprises (SMEs)) that spans across the United States, Europe as well as Asia Pacific. To learn more about Fusionex, visit www.fusionex-international.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181125005122/en/

Contact

Edelman
Fariz Mustafa
Fariz.Mustafa@edelman.com

Source : Fusionex

--BERNAMA