Friday, 26 January 2024

CONSUMERS ADOPT AI FOR IMPROVED EXPERIENCES - VONAGE REPORT



KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Vonage, a global leader in cloud communications has revealed that consumers continue to prefer a range of channel options when communicating with businesses, with mobile phone calls (36  per cent), messaging/non-short message service (SMS) apps (31 per cent) and phone calls via apps (29 per cent) ranking high in preference.

However, less than half (42 per cent) indicated they are “very satisfied” when communicating with businesses, according to Vonage's Global Customer Engagement Report 2024.

The 12th annual report outlines data and insights into customer communications preferences with businesses, highlighting emerging trends that emphasise the need to augment these interactions with artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance customer engagement.

In Asia Pacific (APAC), consumers revealed that mobile phone calls (73 per cent) are the most common method used by customers, followed by phone calls via messaging apps (60 per cent), messaging via non-SMS apps (64 per cent), emails (50 per cent) and social media posts (47 per cent).

The report also found that 80 per cent of APAC customers are likely to take their business elsewhere as a result of poor experiences, and 61 per cent of consumers will not tolerate bad experiences and will walk away after just one or two bad encounters.

These findings underscore opportunities to leverage AI. By utilising AI-based virtual assistants, businesses are equipped to provide quick resolution, reduce frustrations and ultimately provide a more targeted and personalised experience for the user.

According to Vonage in a statement, report findings demonstrate that consumers are embracing AI to make their experiences better.

In fact, responses show a likelihood that chatbot and video chat usage will more than double within the next year, with 10 per cent using chatbots currently and 23 per cent expected usage in the next six to 12 months; while 13 per cent indicate using video chat currently, with 26 per cent expected usage in the next six to 12 months.

Furthermore, with 56 per cent of consumers indicating they are likely to offer positive survey feedback after a great experience with a business and 55 per cent noting they would share their experience with friends and family, it is clear that great experiences create valuable brand ambassadors.

The survey was conducted in October 2023, and it is based on nearly 7,000 consumer responses from 17 countries, including Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea.

-- BERNAMA

Sunday, 21 January 2024

Edusity Offers Simultaneous Live Translation In Webinars

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- Edusity, a pioneer in educational technology has introduced Languisity, a revolutionary real-time language translation tool designed for seamless communication during webinars.

According to Edusity in a statement, this cutting-edge platform empowers participants worldwide to choose their language, breaking down barriers and enabling global communication for presenters.

“Languisity addresses real-world challenges faced by global organisations. The goal is to empower businesses to communicate seamlessly, break down barriers, and unlock new possibilities on a global scale,” said its Co-Founder, Arvind Betala.

Languisity’s key features include real-time translation services with seamlessly accurate language translation tailored to the needs of user's global organisation; and effortless communication whereby users can break through linguistic barriers with instant language translation, expanding their ability to communicate with anyone globally.

In addition, with dynamic global webinars, Languisity transforms global webinars into smooth, productive, and inclusive experiences with instant translation and user-friendly collaboration features.

The platform also eliminates language barriers for international teams or students, making global webinars efficient, effective, and truly global with its multi-lingual communication feature.

Edusity is committed to transforming global communication and collaboration via innovative solutions for seamless real-time learning.

-- BERNAMA


Friday, 19 January 2024

NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS TAKES MINORITY STAKE IN WIZ FREIGHT, INDIA'S LEADING DIGITAL FORWARDING SERVICE PROVIDER

AsiaNet 100625

TOKYO, Jan. 19, 2024 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --
 
NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. acquired a minority equity stake in Wiz Freight (hereinafter "Wiz"), a leading digital forwarding service provider in India, on January 12 as its third investment made via the NX Global Innovation Fund, a corporate venture capital (CVC) fund established in January 2023.
 
Logos:
Wiz: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202401155299-O3-27ZY3v6W
NX: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202401155299-O1-UAs7xMsJ
 
Profile of Wiz
Wiz, founded in India in 2020, addresses rapidly growing needs for digital cross-border supply chain services in emerging countries. The company has more than 900 employees working at over 25 offices in six countries/regions (India, UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and USA). Using cutting-edge technology, the company provides digital forwarding services for the global supply chain sector.
 
Investment background and objectives
The international logistics industry has been facing major challenges in recent years, among them being the increasing complexity of supply chain and the standardization/streamlining of trade operations due to the expansion of global transactions. It is thus expected that international logistics operations will become ever more digitized to create logistics platforms that optimize logistics by standardizing arrangements and visualizing information such as operational progress and transport status.
 
In view of these circumstances, the Nippon Express (hereinafter "NX") Group has been pursuing digital transformation (DX) and, in July of last year, it launched e-NX Quote and e-NX Visibility, both digital forwarding services that enable online quotation and tracking. To further promote DX, the Group has been actively exploring the use of external resources, including collaborations with startup companies in Japan and overseas, as one solution.
 
By investing in Wiz, a company strong in digital forwarding services in India and other emerging markets, the NX Group will bolster its own global forwarding business and accelerate its DX initiatives.
 
The NX Group will continue co-creating* new business values with promising startups by leveraging its domestic and international networks.
 
*Co-creation activities refer to collaborations between NX Group companies and CVC to invest in startups that will offer added value to customers and on-site operations, with the NX Group and the startups working together to achieve business growth.
 
Profile of investee:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202401155299-O1-3WvwmTgz.pdf
 
Official websites:
Wiz: https://wizfreight.com/
NX: https://www.nipponexpress.com/
 
NX Group's LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/
 
 
Source: NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC.

Wednesday, 17 January 2024

LUBRIZOL ADDITIVES INDIA HONORED AT ROSEFIELD ENERGY TECH AWARDS





The Rosefield Energy Tech Awards, which recognizes innovation and leadership in the lubricants and fuels industry in India, bestowed honors on Lubrizol India for technological advancement and supply chain resilience

CLEVELAND, Jan 16 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Lubrizol Additives was recently presented with two honors at the Rosefield Energy Tech Awards, a Mumbai-based conference that recognizes leadership and innovation in the lubricants and fuels market.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240115223683/en/
 
Lubrizol received the Technology Advancement Award for its development and advocacy for the Wire Corrosion Test (WCT), which represents an advancement in assessing how well lubricants protect materials from corrosion in an electric vehicle (EV) environment. This is a major improvement over the corrosion strip tests that have been the industry's mainstay for 100 years.

Lubrizol also won the Supply Chain Excellence Award, being recognized for resilience and agility in overcoming challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re honored to be recognized by Rosefield, an organization that is committed to the advancement of our industry,” said Sanjeev Kaul, Vice President, Lubrizol Additives India, Middle East, Africa. “These awards are validation of the hard work our teams put in toward innovation and outstanding customer service every day.”

In winning the Technology Advancement Award, the team at Lubrizol India demonstrated that the WCT provides data directly applicable to the real-world vehicle environment. Such testing is increasingly important today as more electronics and electric motors are in contact with the lubricants. Through this novel and patented test method, the industry can better evaluate the right fluids to protect hardware from corrosion in an EV environment. Also, this test demonstrate efficacy of the fluid in vapor phase protection. Further, Lubrizol’s dedicated EV technology, EVOGEN™, demonstrates superior performance features in EV immersion cooling applications, resulting in enhanced efficiency of e-motor & gears and improved safety, helping to usher in a new era of EV performance and reliability.

The Supply Chain Excellence Award recognized Lubrizol’s efforts and partnerships with suppliers and service providers, its aggressive localization drive for supply consistency, a safe and efficient logistics strategy, and focus on customer service with a commitment toward operational excellence.

“We’re appreciative that our efforts are being recognized in the industry, and we’re excited to continue to be a part of the important work Rosefield Energy Tech is doing,” added Kaul. “Supply chain strength, continued innovation and remaining in front of future technology are important for our collective success.”

The Rosefield Awards are instituted by Rosefield Energy Tech, an organization whose key objective is to bring together leaders of the energy sector. The participants and nominees included lubricant, fuel and additive players active in the Indian market. The awards were part of their two-day Lubricants & Fuels conference wherein the industry discussed many crucial topics such as future fuel conundrums and matching lubricants solutions, evolving technologies and innovation in lubricants and fuels, innovation in e-fluids and the outlook for 2030.

For more information, visit www.Lubrizol.com.

About The Lubrizol Corporation

The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, leverages its unmatched science and innovation to solve complex challenges for customers, drive sustainable and measurable results, and help millions of people, communities and businesses around the world move cleaner, create smarter and live better every day. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol owns and operates more than 100 manufacturing facilities, sales and technical offices around the world and has more than 8,000 employees. For more information, visit www.Lubrizol.com. 

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Tuesday, 16 January 2024

CHINA INTERNATIONAL IMPORT EXPO WELCOMES MORE GLOBAL FIRMS TO EXPLORE VAST OPPORTUNITIES





SHANGHAI, Jan 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The 7th CIIE will kick off another series of global roadshows from January 15 to 24 in Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, and invite more local businesses to participate in CIIE 2024.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240114331755/en/
 
At a CIIE promotional seminar held in Geneva, Switzerland on December 6, the CIIE Bureau signed an MOU with the Swiss Center regarding the participation of more Swiss businesses, especially SMEs, at the seventh edition of the expo.

"The CIIE demonstrates China's support for the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," said Sun Chenghai, deputy director of the CIIE Bureau. "It aims to help global companies, especially those from least developed and developing countries, unlock trade potential and seize market opportunities."

As the world's first national-level import-themed expo, the annual CIIE has been hailed by many as a great platform to showcase innovation, engage with stakeholders, and exchange ideas.

The sixth CIIE, which concluded on November 10, 2023 in Shanghai, welcomed participants from 154 countries, regions and international organizations, and yielded record-breaking deals. The value of intended deals inked during the six-day expo was $78.41 billion, 6.7 percent higher than the previous year.

More than 3,400 enterprises, including 289 of the world's top 500 enterprises and industry giants, showed off 442 new technologies, products, and services at the Business Exhibition.

The Country Exhibition allowed 72 countries and international organizations to showcase their scientific and technological achievements, culture and art.

The sixth Hongqiao International Economic Forum set sights on tackling worldwide challenges. As a crucial part of the expo, the sixth Hongqiao International Economic Forum, also known as Hongqiao Forum, had a record attendance of more than 8,000 participants.

The fact that international organizations such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and International Trade Center (ITC) co-hosted a record number of sub-forums was another highlight of the sixth Hongqiao Forum.

Come and join us! So far, more than 200 companies, including industry players and SMEs, have already booked over 100,000 square meters of exhibition area for the seventh CIIE, which is scheduled to take place from November 5 to 10, 2024. Grab your spot now at: https://www.ciie.org/exhibition/f/book/register?locale=en&from=press 

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Monday, 15 January 2024

ANALOG DEVICES DEPLOYS SAMBANOVA SUITE TO FACILITATE BREAKTHROUGH GENERATIVE AI CAPABILITIES AT ENTERPRISE SCALE



WILMINGTON, Mass. & PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Analog Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADI), global semiconductor leader, and SambaNova Systems, makers of the only purpose-built, full-stack AI platform, announced that ADI is deploying SambaNova Suite to spearhead its global AI transformation, making AI pervasive enterprise-wide.

“ADI is synonymous with innovation, and we have a legacy of technology leadership in bridging our physical and digital worlds for the benefit of our planet and its people,” said Alan Lee, Chief Technology Officer at ADI. “We achieve this by collaborating with our customers, providing them with technical expertise, support, and resources to help them overcome their toughest challenges. We are working with SambaNova Systems, pioneers of cutting-edge AI solutions, to rapidly deploy their enterprise-scale generative AI platform toward enabling our customers’ success.”

As part of the initial deployment, ADI will leverage the SambaNova Suite to accelerate field sales and customer enablement across its business. For example, ADI plans to leverage the technology to streamline access to its extensive data sheets, helping inform recommendations in the field, and deepen its customer connections.

“Our efforts with ADI reinforce our vision that a complete software and hardware AI stack is the right answer for today’s enterprise. This is true market validation of our product direction,” said Rodrigo Liang, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SambaNova Systems. “The SambaNova Suite solution offers a quicker way for ADI to deploy generative AI enterprise-wide with global impact. We’re delighted to be working together.”

SambaNova Suite is the first full stack, generative AI platform, from chip to models, for the enterprise. Delivered on-premises or in the cloud, the SambaNova Suite is a fully integrated platform offering state-of-the-art open-source models, which can be fine-tuned using customer data for greater accuracy. Customers retain model ownership in perpetuity, so they can turn generative AI into one of their most valuable assets.

"Generative AI adoption in the enterprise will be accelerated by more complete offerings that avoid costly and lengthy integration while also providing data privacy and model ownership to enable investment protection and high ROI," said R "Ray" Wang, Founder and Principal Analyst at Constellation Research. "Seeing generative AI moving beyond experimentation to enterprise use cases signals the next wave of market maturity has begun."

“The global deal being announced today is a significant technological advancement for the industry,” said Marshall Choy, Senior Vice President of Product at SambaNova Systems. “The work we are doing with ADI showcases SambaNova’s integrated software and hardware capabilities within enterprise-scale environments. ADI is a power user of innovation among the Fortune 500, truly underscoring our technology’s potential.”

For more information on SambaNova Suite, please visit www.sambanova.ai/products/sambanova-suite.

About Analog Devices, Inc.

Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADI) is a global semiconductor leader that bridges the physical and digital worlds to enable breakthroughs at the Intelligent Edge. ADI combines analog, digital, and software technologies into solutions that help drive advancements in digitized factories, mobility, and digital healthcare, combat climate change, and reliably connect humans and the world. With revenue of more than $12 billion in FY23 and approximately 26,000 people globally working alongside 125,000 global customers, ADI ensures today’s innovators stay Ahead of What’s Possible. Learn more at www.analog.com and on LinkedIn and Twitter (X).

About SambaNova Suite

SambaNova Suite is the first full stack, generative AI platform, from chip to model, optimized for enterprise and government organizations. Powered by the intelligent SN40L chip, the SambaNova Suite is a fully integrated platform, delivered on-premises or in the cloud, combined with state-of-the-art open-source models, which can be easily and securely fine-tuned using customer data for greater accuracy. Once adapted with customer data, customers retain model ownership in perpetuity, so they can turn generative AI into one of their most valuable assets.

About SambaNova Systems

Customers turn to SambaNova to quickly deploy state-of-the-art generative AI capabilities within the enterprise. Our purpose-built enterprise-scale AI platform is the technology backbone for the next generation of AI computing.

Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, SambaNova Systems was founded in 2017 by industry luminaries, and hardware and software design experts from Sun/Oracle and Stanford University. Visit us at sambanova.ai or contact us at info@sambanova.ai. Follow SambaNova Systems on Linkedin.

All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

(ADI-WEB)

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240110918352/en/

Contact

Michael Lucarelli
Vice President, Investor Relations and FP&A
Analog Devices
Investor.Relations@analog.com

Ferda Millan
Global PR and External Communications
Analog Devices
Ferda.Millan@analog.com

Virginia Jamieson
Head of External Communications
SambaNova Systems
virginia.jamieson@sambanova.ai

Source : SambaNova Systems

Saturday, 13 January 2024

QUANTEXA, ATII JOIN FORCES TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- Quantexa, a global leader in Decision Intelligence (DI) solutions, announced its official corporate sponsorship and Advisory Council membership of the Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Initiative (ATII), to mark National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

The ATII is a United States (US)-based nonprofit organisation whose mission is to fight human trafficking and child exploitation by providing data to advance the prevention, detection, investigation, and reporting mechanisms required to identify potential traffickers and criminal organisations.

The International Labor Organization estimates that 50 million people are victims of human trafficking globally, with human trafficking operating as a US$150 billion industry worldwide. (US$1=RM4.64)

Quantexa North American Head of Financial Crime Solutions, Clark Frogley said the company is proud to partner with ATII to support the valuable work that the organisation is doing to stop human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is often enabled by illegal financial activity and Quantexa’s deep experience helping organisations to monitor, detect, and investigate financial crimes makes us the ideal partner to support ATII’s mission.

“This partnership will aid organisations to reinforce their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and anti-money laundering (AML) efforts which are critical to stopping human trafficking,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, ATII Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Kahler said: “Partnering with Quantexa grants us access to innovative AI technology that will take our mission to fight human trafficking to the next level, transforming our existing processes and providing our partners with improved data to inform investigations faster and more efficiently.”

Quantexa will provide groundbreaking DI technology, alongside its industry-leading expertise in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven financial crime prevention and detection through training and joint industry engagement.

Together, Quantexa and ATII will make pioneering global human trafficking risk data available to more organisations to transform anti-human trafficking efforts and joint initiatives between the private and public sectors.

The Quantexa DI Platform enables organisations to automate data ingestion and matching at unmatched scale and apply graph analytics to visually identify often hard-to-detect activity related to financial crime.

-- BERNAMA