Embraer celebrates 55th anniversary and 35 years of public listing with event at Brazilian stock market
PhilTower and PowerX Transform Mobile Tower Infrastructure, Achieving Significant Cost and Energy Savings
ISS Partners with Totalmobile to Enhance Safety for 7,000 Frontline Workers Across the UK
PRYSMIAN SIGNS €600 MILLION CONTRACT FOR MARINUS LINK IN AUSTRALIA
DKSH and Kyowa Kirin Forge Strategic Partnership Across Asia-Pacific
EIB provides €450 million to Prysmian to promote European energy transition
Bloomberg and ICMA Survey Finds Reforms are Expected in KTB Markets by Global Investors to Boost Interest and Trading Efficiency
PRYSMIAN ACCELERATES ON SUSTAINABILITY
Thai Wah Collaborates with VGREEN KU to Evaluate Carbon Footprint from Cassava Farms for Sustainable Farming Model
Payment processors report continued growth in Q1 2024
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Siemens and BASF collaborate on driving circular economy
Siemens Smart Infrastructure and BASF have today announced the first electrical safety product to include components made from biomass-balanced plastics. Used across industrial and infrastructure applications, Siemens SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker is now being manufactured using Ultramid® BMBcertTM and Ultradur® BMBcertTM from BASF, where fossil feedstock at the beginning of the value chain is replaced by biomethane derived from renewable sources such as agricultural waste. Both materials offer the same quality and performance as conventional plastics. The material changeover in the SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker production will reduce the emission of carbon dioxide equivalents by ~270 tons per year1. Customers using these products contribute to a circular economy towards a more sustainable future. The move supports Siemens´ sustainability goals in the areas of decarbonization and resource efficiency, outlined within its DEGREE framework, with the company following a 1.5°C science-based decarbonization target, including a 90 percent reduction target for scope 1 and 2 until 2030, and the application of a Robust Eco Design for 100 percent of relevant product families by 2030. In the coming months, Siemens plans to expand the use of sustainable materials across the broader SIRIUS industrial controls portfolio. In addition to product design and features, as well as manufacturing and supply processes, the choice of materials plays a major role in further reducing carbon emissions and conserving natural resources. The SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker meets the strict criteria of the recently introduced Siemens EcoTech label, designed to give customers a comprehensive insight into product performance across selected environmental criteria. In addition to most of the product housing and functional parts being made from biomass-balanced plastic, the product also offers lower power consumption over its lifetime compared to its predecessor. “With our products, we help customers to improve asset performance, availability, and reliability, through resource-efficient and circular products which optimize energy use, production, and supply chains throughout their entire lifecycle. In BASF, we have found a strong partner that supports us with its innovations in the field of sustainable plastics,” said Andreas Matthé, CEO of Electrical Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. By increasingly relying on renewable and recycled raw materials for the manufacture of its products, BASF is committed to make its contribution to the circular economy and de-fossilization. This is achieved through a process that gradually replaces fossil raw materials with bio-based and recycled feedstock. According to the mass balance approach, renewable or recycled raw materials are introduced into production at the beginning of the complex BASF value chains. If customers decide in favor of a certified product from such a value chain, BASF feeds sustainable raw materials into ongoing BASF Verbund production. "The mass balance approach is a game-changing solution that enables the gradual replacement of fossil raw materials in sometimes complex production processes. The advantages of this approach are obvious, and the greater the demand for alternative products, the higher the proportion of alternative raw materials in the production network. This aligns with our goal of achieving a circular economy and net zero operations as soon as possible,” explains Martin Jung, President BASF Performance Materials. “In addition, the special thing about this project is that the SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker is also used in our BASF production plants. This circuit breaker not only protects the motors but also increases their efficiency and reliability, making a double contribution to our sustainability objectives.” With the mass balance approach, various alternative raw materials, such as biomethane, bio-naphtha or pyrolysis oil, can be integrated into the value chain. The bio-naphtha and biomethane used by BASF are certified as sustainable according to established systems such as ISCC PLUS and REDcert. The SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker is a proof for resource-efficient plastics production and a milestone on BASF’s #ourplasticsjourney. “The use of such an innovative material in an important safety component, without compromising its safety functionality and performance, is a unique achievement for Siemens,” underlines Andreas Matthé. Circuit breakers are used in factories and buildings around the world and protect machines or electrical cables in the event of faults such as short circuits. They help prevent major damage, for example from fires. The SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker, using sustainable plastic components, will be presented for the first time on Booth E3, Hall 11 at the ACHEMA trade fair in Frankfurt, June 10-14, 2024. Here, you can also find out more about Siemens EcoTech. ### 1) The calculation of Product Carbon Footprint of materials is according to TfS Methodology and compares the CO2 reduction of the BASF Biomass Balanced product vs the conventional BASF product.
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Alipay+ partners with Hyundai Department Store to provide convenience and benefits to global tourists to Korea
Alipay+, a suite of cross-border mobile payment and digitalization technology solutions operated by Ant International, will embark on joint marketing with Hyundai Department Store. The two parties are aiming to expand customer interaction and strengthen their global positions through holding a pop-up store at The Hyundai Seoul, now a globally established landmark, along with promotions targeting international visitors to Korea. Alipay+ signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hyundai Department Store for cooperation in global marketing to expand global customer experiences. The MoU signing that took place at The Hyundai Seoul on June 3 was attended by Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International; Hyung Kwon (Danny) Chung, General Manager of Alipay+ Korea, Europe, Middle East and Mongolia; and Ji-young Chung, President of Hyundai Department Store. Under the newly signed MOU, Hyundai Department Store will support the hosting of Alipay+ pop-up stores to introduce key Alipay+ services. Alipay+ will introduce Hyundai Department Store branches on its platform as representative Korean attractions, including The Hyundai Seoul. The two parties also plan to hold periodic promotions to provide discount benefits to Alipay+ partner wallets’ users at Hyundai Department Stores, including Alipay from the Chinese mainland, AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR China), GCash (The Philippines), Touch 'n Go and TrueMoney (Thailand). From June 6 to 26, The Hyundai Seoul will host a pop-up store for the EUFA EURO 2024 European football games, for which Alipay+ is an official payment partner. The pop-up store will be held at the B2 level of The Hyundai Seoul, offering a selection of around 4,000 purchasable EURO 2024 goods and experiences such as dribble games and a photobooth. A lucky draw for two tickets (including flight and accommodation) to the EURO 2024 semi-final games will be provided to customers who make purchases during the event period. Moving forward, Alipay+ and Hyundai Department Store plan to help lessen the burden on customers from high exchange rates through a variety of marketing activities in time for golden holiday periods of key target markets, such as China’s Mid-Autumn Festival. This includes providing exchange rate reward promotions and simplified tax-refund processes. The two parties are also reviewing programs for their VIP customers, such as providing customized shopping information and benefits. “Alipay+ is excited to expand marketing promotions for international visitors to Korea in partnership with Hyundai Department Store, particularly at The Hyundai Seoul, a popular landmark for Alipay+ users. The collaboration with The Hyundai Seoul will not only be an opportunity to promote Alipay+ as an official payment partner of the EUFA EURO 2024 games, but also a chance to enhance unique experiences and payment benefits for global travelers to Korea.” said Hyung Kwon (Danny) Chung, General Manager of Alipay+ Korea, Europe, Middle East and Mongolia, Ant International. “We expect that this marketing partnership will lead to future creative projects with Hyundai Department store, which will help contribute to boosting international visitors’ shopping volume in Korea.” Alipay+ connects over 88 million merchants in 57 countries and regions to users of more than 25 mobile payment providers. Alipay+ has a merchant coverage of 1.7 million across Korea thanks to collaboration with local partners, including F&B brands, retail stores, major duty-free and department stores, convenience stores and key city attractions in Seoul.
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MIS launches new AI-powered damage assessment feature
McKenzie Intelligence Services (MIS), a leader in geospatial intelligence and insurance technology, has developed an industry-leading AI damage classifier to enhance its human intelligence-led damage assessments for insurers following catastrophic events. This important product development to MIS’ Global Events Observer (GEO) platform meets the requirements set out in the 2024 Lloyd’s Market Geospatial Service program and feedback from other major clients. It enables insurers to accelerate their incident and claims responses and enhance their portfolio loss analysis, including policy terms – a market first. With the latest release, GEO leverages AI to support the damage assessment process on a larger scale, delivering insights to insurers with greater speed and accuracy than existing market solutions. To further improve accuracy, MIS’ team of military-trained intelligence experts conduct a manual assessment of impacted properties using data from multiple sources, including satellite, aerial, and ground-based imagery, ensuring the highest possible precision in property damage evaluation. Forbes McKenzie, founder and CEO of MIS, said: “Since 2017, we have worked collaboratively with the Lloyd’s market to understand how to take GEO to the next level. MIS clients integrating their portfolio data with GEO now gain accelerated insights into their potential portfolio exposure, with all insured properties and their policy terms being displayed on our platform. “This in-depth insight, per risk up to portfolio level, only hours after an event, is unique in the global market. Clients also no longer need to cross-reference affected properties, as our industry-leading damage assessments can be seamlessly integrated into clients’ claims systems via API.” MIS now delivers property-level insights through GEO’s Exposure and Claims Layers faster than ever on a global, multi-peril basis, including identifying the extent of damage to impacted properties. This AI-assisted, human intelligence-driven approach provides insurers with improved event response capabilities, a swifter understanding of exposures, increasing claims triage speed and efficiency, and ultimately reduced costs. GEO’s enhanced capabilities now also ensure that insurers can make better-informed decisions after a natural or man-made catastrophe, transforming their CAT team responses. With actionable insights, portfolio exposures can be understood, even before FNOL, valid claims can be paid more quickly, potential fraud can be mitigated, and policyholders’ experience improved. GEO is the complete event response solution for (re)insurers, responders, loss adjusters, and government agencies. It holds client risk portfolios in a secure environment, leveraging multiple data sources to provide rapid, accurate, and detailed actionable intelligence for both modelled and non-modeled catastrophic events such as floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and earthquakes, in near real-time.
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NTT DOCOMO and Space Compass partners with Airbus on HAPS, committing to a USD$100 million investment in AALTO
A consortium of Japanese businesses (“the Japanese Consortium”) led by NTT DOCOMO, Inc. (“NTT DOCOMO”) and Space Compass Corporation (“Space Compass”), together with Mizuho Bank Limited and the Development Bank of Japan Inc., has committed to invest USD$100m in AALTO HAPS Limited (“AALTO”), which manufactures and operates the stratospheric, solar-powered Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS). The investment will be made through the Japanese Consortium’s investment vehicle, HAPS JAPAN Corporation. This investment marks the beginning of a strategic alliance to commercialise connectivity and earth observation services using HAPS in Japan and across Asia. It will also support the industrial and commercial roadmap for AALTO’s services, targeting launch in Japan and a global entry-into-service in 2026. Flying for months at a time in the stratosphere, Zephyr offers game-changing capabilities that will be transformative for mobile connectivity and earth observation. As a payload agnostic platform, Zephyr can transform into a multi-functional tower in the sky to provide low latency 5G direct-to-device mobile connectivity services. Leveraging Airbus’s earth observation service, Strat-Observer, Zephyr can also be used to fulfil a range of monitoring, tracking, sensing and detection applications. AALTO is therefore well-positioned for a variety of use cases, such as expanding mobile network operator (MNO) coverage and providing high-capacity connectivity including during Japan's response to natural disasters. This investment deepens the long-standing collaboration between AALTO, NTT DOCOMO and Space Compass, a joint venture between NTT and SKY Perfect JSAT focusing on establishing a Space Integrated Computing Network. The roadmap to commercialise HAPS began with an agreement to explore collaboration with AALTO signed in 2022. Alongside this investment, AALTO and Space Compass will also sign commercial agreements that will deepen their engagement in Japan and Asia over the coming years. Airbus Defence and Space will remain AALTO’s majority shareholder. The investment is subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Takaaki Sato, Chief Technology Officer of NTT DOCOMO, said: “NTT DOCOMO continues to improve network quality and has been focused on establishing new technology frontiers that enhance access to connectivity services. Working with our partners Space Compass, AALTO and Airbus, we are excited by the potential of HAPS-based NTN solutions. This technology brings together unique cutting-edge engineering with economics that are aligned to expand coverage to rural and remote areas, and support our collective response to natural disasters. “Alongside our partners in the Consortium, we look forward to working strategically with AALTO to utilise Zephyr to transform customer experiences.” Shigehiro Hori, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Space Compass Corporation, commented: “Non-terrestrial networks have the potential to transform Japan’s communications ecosystem, addressing access to connectivity in hard-to-reach areas while supporting our country’s response to emergencies. Japan has many remote islands and mountainous areas, where there are uneconomic connectivity solutions. Our strategic relationship with AALTO, underpinned by technological innovation and the opportunity of the connectivity market, will help us build a new telecommunications infrastructure in these areas and during an era of population decline.” Koichiro Matsufuji, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Space Compass Corporation, added: “As the leading HAPS technology of its kind, Zephyr is a unique capability that we will leverage over the coming years. We want to create a successful use case in Japan and expand it to Asia.” Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space and Chair of the AALTO Board of Directors, commented: “After a decade of stewardship by Airbus Defence and Space, Zephyr has established itself as a leading HAPS platform in the world. Zephyr plays a key role in the space and defence ecosystem, addressing commercial and government sectors from the stratosphere. With the creation of a dedicated HAPS Services Business in 2022, AALTO has been propelled to a global leadership position in the industry. “Airbus Defence and Space has enhanced its partnership with NTT, NTT DOCOMO and SKY Perfect JSAT, while demonstrating the breath of its portfolio capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. AALTO now has an excellent investor to help drive its ambitious growth plans over the coming years.” Samer Halawi, Chief Executive Officer of AALTO, said: “This is a landmark investment for AALTO. It is the natural next step in the roadmap of the Company’s targeted entry-into-service in 2026, as we industrialise and commercialise our technology. With world leaders in aviation and connectivity as shareholders, AALTO now has the combination of technological expertise and global reach to capitalise on the growth opportunities in substantial total addressable markets across connectivity and earth observation. “This investment comes as AALTO moves into its next phase of development. This includes launching several customer missions over the coming year, establishing launch and landing sites for Zephyr, and advancing our certification process. We are excited to forge a new frontier in sustainable connectivity and earth observation from the stratosphere, while generating significant value for all our stakeholders.”
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Remittance industry continues to grow in Q1 2024 as digital becomes battleground – FXC Intelligence analysis
New analysis from FXC Intelligence, the market-leading provider of cross-border payments data and intelligence, reveals the state of the remittance industry in Q1 2024. Major money transfer companies reported increased revenues, with Western Union maintaining a substantial lead. However the gap between competitors is closing. In Q1 2024, Remitly and Wise continued to report similar quarterly consumer remittances revenue figures ($269m and $273m, respectively), though Remitly has seen a consistently higher growth rate than the UK-based company since Q1 2023. Earnings calls from these companies saw frequent mentions of ‘digital’, ‘growth’ and ‘opportunity’ as they seek to expand their global market share. Notably, all companies bar Western Union mentioned ‘digital’ significantly more in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023, highlighting the importance of the concept to these companies. ‘Growth’ remained a key focus, with Remitly featuring the highest frequency of mentions, showing a marked increase from the previous year. Additionally, ‘opportunity’ and ‘opportunities’ saw rising mentions across all tracked companies (except for Intermex, which recently acquired La Nacional). Lucy Ingham, Editor-in-Chief and Head of Content at FXC Intelligence, said: “It is clear that digital innovation remains pivotal to current and future growth in the remittances industry. “Digital-first players such as Remitly are gaining on market leader Western Union, setting the stage for the future of the industry where digital will become the default.”
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PRYSMIAN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES GRUISSAN/EOLMED FLOATING OFFSHORE WIND FARM EXPORT CABLE IN FRANCE
Prysmian, world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry, announces the successful completion of the Gruissan/EOLMED floating offshore wind farm project in France. Prysmian had secured this project in 2021 with a contract signed with the French TSO RTE (Réseau de Transport d'Électricité) for the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) of an export submarine power cable system. Prysmian was responsible for the design, supply, installation, termination, testing, and commissioning of a 66 kV static three-core export submarine cable with EPR insulation for a total of 23 km and a 66 kV dynamic submarine export tail with EPR insulation connecting the onshore grid to the floating electrical hub of EOLMED’s 30MW offshore floating wind farm (currently under construction). With this high-profile engineering project and 2nd EPCI turnkey project for dynamic cable systems, Prysmian has further consolidated its position in the floating offshore wind farm market, deploying its knowledge, experience, and capability to provide innovative dynamic cable systems solutions that allow to build offshore wind farms in deeper water areas. “With this project, which follows Provence Grand Large (PGL) floating offshore wind farm, Prysmian demonstrates once again its leading position in the market and the validity of its know-how and technologies in the development of submarine cables and systems to support smarter and greener power grids worldwide” commented Alberto Boffelli, COO Transmission, Prysmian.
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The acquisition of Encore Wire has been cleared for U.S. antitrust purposes
Prysmian communicates that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act applicable to the proposed acquisition of Encore Wire Corporation (NASDAQ: WIRE) expired on May 28, 2024. As a result, the transaction has been cleared for U.S. antitrust purposes. The transaction remains subject to approval of Encore Wire’s shareholders representing at least a majority of the outstanding shares and other customary conditions.
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Wuthichai Luangamornlert on Asia’s Limitless Potential and IAAPA Expo's Return to Thailand
In my role as Chairman of IAAPA, the leading global association for the attractions industry, I've had the privilege of observing the Asia’s growth firsthand. Despite recent global challenges, the region has shown impressive resilience and strong recovery, with the attractions industry not just surviving but thriving. However, this exponential growth is not just limited to the attractions industry, as a growing demand for unique and immersive experiences is quickly spreading across the region, which has made Asia a prime market for growth and future investment. Whether at a shopping center, a luxury hotel, or even when dining out, the latest innovations are creating new ways for businesses to interface with customers and build new roadmaps for success. Having spent my entire career in this vibrant region I call home, I've seen firsthand the limitless potential Asia holds for businesses and investors. A burgeoning middle class, a growing pool of highly skilled professionals, and a rapidly evolving business landscape are the key ingredients that are making Asia a hotbed for growth and innovation. As the region continues to grow and both domestic spending and international travel increases, there is an opportunity here to further elevate attractions, entertainment, and tourism within this unique market. It’s for this reason that I feel now is the perfect time to bring IAAPA Expo Asia back to Thailand for the first time in 17 years! From May 27-30, IAAPA will host IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. This globally recognized trade show is finally returning to the Land of Smiles, offering businesses and attendees a glimpse into the future of destination entertainment as well as a platform to unlock their business potential thanks to our numerous global partnerships, education sessions, and networking opportunities. Whether you’re in the attractions industry or otherwise, IAAPA Expo Asia can help you discover new ways to blend entertainment and business, which is quickly becoming a modern path to success. My team and I can’t wait for the region’s business owners and entrepreneurs to unlock the next step in their business evolution at this exciting event, so let’s dive into the opportunities that await. - A Snapshot of Asia's Booming Attractions Industry Asia's attractions industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years. From amusement parks to cultural attractions, the industry has become a major contributor to the region's tourism sector, generating billions of dollars in revenue and creating thousands of jobs. In fact, Asia is now the largest market for amusement and water parks in the world, with China alone accounting for more than half of all new park openings worldwide! This year, amusement park spending is expected to increase 16.5% within the region and double-digit spending growth is projected through to 2027. Asia's cultural attractions, such as museums and historical sites, have also seen significant growth, attracting both domestic and international visitors. In addition, entertainment facilities, such as indoor activity centers and aquariums, are continuing to grow in popularity and regular foot traffic. The region holds enormous potential for high-impact growth and Asia's attractions industry is poised for continued success in the years ahead. However, this growth also presents challenges for industry players, with the need to constantly innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences while ensuring safety protocols, sustainable development, and responsible tourism practices. Through our work with industry partners and stakeholders, IAAPA is committed to supporting industry growth in Asia and delivering the best pathways to drive forward shared successes. - About IAAPA: Driving Growth in the Global Attractions Industry IAAPA has long played a critical role in supporting the growth of the global attractions industry. With over 6,000 members in more than 100 countries, IAAPA has become the leading global association for the attractions industry, providing a platform for industry players to connect, collaborate, and share best practices. Our crown jewel is our extensive network of business partnerships, through which we have facilitated numerous collaborations and joint ventures, with the upcoming IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 also providing the perfect destination for industry peers to converge and forge new opportunities together. Our network of suppliers and manufacturers has also helped connect our members with the right business solutions, enabling business owners to take steps to enhance their offerings and improve customer experiences. IAAPA also provides education programs for industry professionals, helping to build capacity and promote best practices across the region. - Why IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 is a Game-Changer IAAPA's distinctive trade shows are a key component of the association's efforts to support the growth and success of the industry. These events bring together leaders, experts, suppliers, manufacturers, and numerous other stakeholders to showcase the latest technologies and products, share best practices, and explore new business opportunities. One of the most important benefits of IAAPA Expo is the opportunity it provides for attendees to discover new ways to enhance their profitability and evolve their businesses. From adopting cutting-edge innovations to learning about brand licensing, innovative food and beverage offerings, and merchandising strategies, IAAPA's trade shows offer a wealth of ideas and insights that can help businesses stay ahead of the curve and meet the needs of an ever-changing business landscape. IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 is set to bring some of the world’s most accomplished global exhibitors to showcase the latest technologies that are pushing the boundaries of entertainment, from immersive experiences to interactive tools and groundbreaking AI applications that are redefining business strategies. Not only that, but the education component of the expo gives attendees the chance to learn straight from the region’s experts as well as get behind-the-scenes tours and insights at some of Thailand’s premier amusement parks and entertainment facilities. Most importantly, I simply cannot understate the value IAAPA's trade shows bring by providing a platform for industry players to connect with one another and build invaluable relationships. We have helped facilitate numerous collaborations, enabling businesses to enhance their offerings and reach all new audiences. By bringing together state-of-the-art technologies and the best players in the industry at these landmark events, we have fostered collaborations, elevated businesses, and truly created shared successes across industries. - Shape Your Evolution at IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 is more than just an event; it is an opportunity to shape your evolution. Consisting of a 7,800 sqm trade show floor packed with over 350 exhibiting manufacturers and suppliers, as well as extensive educational sessions from industry leaders and experts, the event will provide a firsthand look at the future of destination entertainment and actionable business strategies. So, whether you want to take your business to the next level or just want to try out some of the amazing entertainment technologies that will be on display, I very much hope to see you there!
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Vertex Ventures Japan Launches Inaugural JPY 10B Fund
Vertex Ventures Japan (“VVJ”), is pleased to announce the launch of its JPY 10B inaugural fund, Vertex Ventures Japan Fund I (“VVJFI” or “The Fund”), anchored by Vertex Holdings. VVJFI will focus on investing in leading Japanese startups with high growth potential that have resilient underlying growth drivers, led by talented management teams and will continue to leverage Vertex’s global network of venture capital funds. Riding on the strong support from the Japanese government and the country’s technological prowess, VVJ was established to tap on early-stage investment opportunities in Japan. The establishment of VVJ fund models after the success of its sister funds based in key innovation hubs around the world – namely China, Israel, Southeast Asia & India, and the United States. These early-stage funds are separately and independently managed by their respective General Partners, and focuses on different investment areas in their geographic regions. As a member of the Vertex global network of venture capital funds, VVJ will collaborate with the various partners and teams across the network. On May 16, 2024, at the University of Tokyo (“UTokyo”), Vertex Holdings announced a joint statement that it will work with the UTokyo and the UTokyo IPC in the field of startup investment, that the three parties will promote human resource development and research cooperation to develop the startup ecosystems of Japan and Singapore. The UTokyo is the center of innovation and deep tech in Japan, which has produced many excellent research and startups. Vertex Group is one of the world's leading venture capital players that created many unicorns around the world. VVJ has high hopes that the collaboration between the three companies will drive innovation partnerships between Japan and Singapore. In addition, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has positioned this initiative as a central initiative of the “Japan-Singapore Co-Creation Platform”, which the two countries agreed to establish at the Japan-Singapore Public-Private Economic Dialogue held on April 17, 2024. Vertex Ventures Japan is confident that by working closely with the METI, it will become a platform that promotes cross-border collaboration between industry, academia and government, fostering innovation and technological advancement, and providing access to global markets. Mr Chua Kee Lock, CEO of Vertex Holdings, said: “Vertex Ventures Japan is the seventh of our network partnerships. The startup ecosystem in Japan is a vibrant and dynamic one which presents many opportunities for growth. We believe in the strong market potential of technology companies in Japan such as in the areas of Deeptech, Digital Transformation (DX), AI and the creator economy. Vertex Ventures Japan inaugural fund will be well placed to capture the opportunities ahead.” Mr Chua added: “With the leadership of Takashi Tomita and Tomohiro Miyasaka, both seasoned professionals, we are confident in our ability to source and identify the next era of champions with global aspirations in Japan. Leveraging on our global network of venture capital funds, Vertex Ventures Japan is well-positioned to support the development of Japan’s innovation ecosystem.” VVJ will be led by Managing Partner Takashi Tomita and General Partner Tomohiro Miyasaka. Mr Tomita and Mr Miyasaka will be primarily responsible for sourcing new investment opportunities, developing and managing relationships with new and existing sources of capital, and directing strategic growth efforts. Mr. Chua Kee Lock will also be the Chairman of Vertex Ventures Japan Investment Committee, with Mr. Chua Taik Him joining him as the Vice-Chairman. Mr Takashi Tomita, Managing Partner of Vertex Ventures Japan, said: “We are proud to be part of the global Vertex family of venture capital funds. We believe this will set us apart in Japan, as it will give us both the market depth and global scale required to attract and support Japanese entrepreneurs in their overseas funding and growth ambitions. Additionally, Japan is the third largest technology country in the world for international patent applications. By leveraging on the unique strengths of Japanese companies and tapping into Vertex’s global network of investor-operator experiences, we believe Japanese startups can potentially be the next global champions.” Mr Tomita added: “VVJ aspires to be an innovation platform for cross-border collaborations between industry, government, and academia players. The innovation platform aims to facilitate collaborations between companies, universities, the central government of Japan and local governments in Japan to accelerate the growth of startups and create the next generation of industry champions.”
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Get Ready to Shape Your Business Evolution at IAAPA Expo Asia 2024
Get ready for the ultimate gathering of global amusement industry leaders! IAAPA, the world's leading association for amusement facilities and attractions, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated IAAPA Expo Asia 2024. From May 27-30, 2024, the landmark Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand, will be transformed into a hub of innovation and inspiration. This highly anticipated international trade show will showcase the latest trends and technologies that are shaping the future of the global attractions industry, as well as feature a stellar line-up of keynote and roundtable speakers from renowned parks and entertainment facilities in the region, including Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Universal Beijing Resort, Enchanted Kingdom, Dreamworld, Studio City Macau, and Ramayana Water Park. First founded in 1918, IAAPA (the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) represents more than 6,000 members from over 100 countries worldwide who work in the attractions industry. To this day, IAAPA’s flagship expos serving as a vital platform for general managers, owners, and CEOs of amusement and water parks, hotels and resorts, entertainment facilities, tourist attractions, museums, zoos, and aquariums to discover the latest industry innovations, attend impactful education sessions, and establish valuable connections with global manufacturers and suppliers. IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 is making its grand return to Thailand for the first time in 17 years and is set to feature a comprehensive 7,800 net sqm. trade show floor packed with industry-leading products and solutions for attendees to discover and introduce into their own businesses, such as state-of-the-art rides and robotics, safety features, and mixed reality and AI experiences. This year, the expo’s extensive educational program will include keynote presentations and panel discussions with the region’s top experts, who will provide invaluable insights and best practices on diversifying income streams, crafting unforgettable guest services, unlocking opportunities through AI, and harnessing emotional connections through IP partnerships. Another key highlight of the educational program provided by IAAPA will be the EDUTours, which will offer attendees an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at some of Thailand's premier entertainment venues as well as insider knowledge shared directly from their top executives. The chosen destinations this year each provide a different approach to customer entertainment and engagement, providing a broad range of learning opportunities for attendees. These include the impressive Siam Amazing Park, educational family space Playmondo, and sports-centric entertainment facility BEAT Active. In addition, a fourth tour to the neighboring city of Pattaya will allow attendees to visit multiple entertainment venues in a full-day experience that will showcase why the city has rapidly become known as an entertainment hub of the region. "IAAPA Expo Asia is an unmissable event not just for professionals in the attractions industry, but also any business owner or entrepreneur who wants to take their business to the next level," said Jack Chan, executive director and vice president, IAAPA Asia Pacific. "Our theme this year is ‘Shape your Evolution’, as we seek to help our attendees discover the future trends that could drive their business growth even further. We look forward to debuting the very best industry innovations available in the market as well as fostering new connections and delivering exceptional education and networking opportunities to all." Attending IAAPA Expo Asia is an opportunity not to be missed as it benefits both attendees and local businesses in equal measure. The trade show’s return to Thailand after an extended hiatus will bring cutting-edge technologies from around the world within arm’s reach of Thailand’s local businesses and entertainment venues, helping to prop up the tourism industry and enable greater growth thanks to IAAPA’s global network of industry players and partners. In addition, while attendees will have the chance to learn from local attractions through the EDUTours, the trade show exhibitors themselves will get to discover firsthand the strengths of the Thai tourism industry in kind, which has long been renowned around the world for its quality as well as for its potential growth and investment. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the excitement of the attractions industry at our marquee event! Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or simply curious, register today via this link or QR code below to secure your spot. Alternatively, contact one of our registered exhibitors to claim a guest pass and discover the future of the industry firsthand. But act fast – the number of guest passes is limited per exhibitor. Check out the full list of exhibitors at the link here and join us for an unforgettable event that could shape the future of your business!
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DKSH Consumer Goods Korea Recognized as “Best Distributor of the Year 2023” by LAMY
DKSH Business Unit Consumer Goods Korea, a leading partner for companies seeking to grow their consumer goods business in Asia and beyond, has been honored with the prestigious “Best Distributor of the Year Award 2023” by LAMY, the renowned German manufacturer of high-quality writing instruments. This recognition is a testament to DKSH’s exceptional performance and dedication to expanding the LAMY brand in the dynamic South Korean market. Since January 2013, DKSH Consumer Goods Korea has been the sole and exclusive distributor of LAMY products, offering a comprehensive range of full-agency services including marketing, sales, distribution, logistics, and after-sales support. Through strategic initiatives and dedicated efforts, DKSH has successfully positioned LAMY as a lifestyle brand, capturing the hearts of consumers across retail, B2B, and corporate sectors in South Korea. One of the key milestones in this successful partnership was the collaboration between LAMY and Starbucks Korea in 2023. By joining forces, DKSH facilitated the creation and delivery of limited-edition LAMY ballpoint pens to Starbucks, resulting in the highest volume deal in LAMY’s history. This collabo-ration not only boosted sales but also enhanced brand credibility and visibility, opening up new opportunities for growth and market expansion. The strategic collaboration between LAMY and Starbucks Korea underscored DKSH’s sales and marketing expertise, culminating in record-breaking achievements for LAMY in 2023. Mr. Christoph Klein, Sales Director APAC at LAMY, commended DKSH’s remarkable achievement, stating: “With the Starbucks collaboration, DKSH achieved the highest volume deal in LAMY’s history. DKSH’s sales and marketing excellence and its growth potential make DKSH a strategic partner in driving LAMY’s success and market penetration in South Korea.” Hyesung Park, Vice President of Luxury & Lifestyle for Korea, Japan, and Regional LAMY, DKSH Consumer Goods, said: “We are proud to be a partner with an outstanding brand like LAMY and happy to see our partnership come to fruition with the ‘Best Distributor Award’ from LAMY in 2023 for South Korea. We will continue to grow alongside LAMY, building on our success and delivering exceptional results. This award is a testament to our team’s dedication and the strong partnership we have forged with LAMY.” The collaboration between DKSH Consumer Goods Korea and LAMY exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in driving innovation, market expansion, and customer engagement. DKSH Consumer Goods remains committed to driving growth and success for LAMY in South Korea, while also partner-ing with LAMY in other key markets such as Japan, Thailand, and Singapore.
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2024 CAP CONSUMER SURVEY SHOWS INCREASE IN PIRACY ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND MESSAGING PLATFORMS IN AP
The Asia Video Industry Association’s Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) has published its 2024 annual piracy consumer survey, conducted by YouGov. Despite a decrease in piracy on pirate TV boxes, pirate apps and streaming or torrent websites, the survey shows an increase in the incidence of piracy across the region, climbing from 52% last year to 59% this year due to more piracy on social media and messaging platforms. Particularly concerning are the increases in the Philippines (12% yoy) and Vietnam (13% yoy), with both countries also now having the region’s highest incidences of piracy amongst their populations, at 70% and 71% respectively. The dominance of social media and messaging platforms as the conduit to piracy not only remains, but has grown more severe, increasing by 14% across the region. Meanwhile, only 13% of consumers in the region now access pirated content through websites, and 11% by pirate TV boxes – both down from last year. Awareness of the negative consequences of piracy (89%) remains extremely high across the region, with consumers being most aware of criminals profiting from pirate services, the risks of malware and the damage piracy causes to local industry being most prominent. And the impact of judicial or administrative orders requiring ISPs to block access to pirate sites is clear, with Indonesian (59%), Vietnamese (54%), Malaysian (42%) and Singaporean (28%) consumers saying they have either stopped entirely or rarely access pirate sites as a direct result of sites being blocked. The survey shows a dramatic increase in the number of consumers in Asia-Pacific both searching for and accessing pirate content via social media or messaging services. CAP is continuing to work with the major platforms across the region to address this issue but remains concerned with the lack of response from some platforms, notably Telegram. Matt Cheetham, General Manager of CAP, noted, “We are greatly encouraged by the continuing downward trend of consumers accessing pirate content from illegal websites, which reflects the work done over many years in the region by industry and governments. However, it is clear that social media and messaging platforms must do more to prevent their services being used to find and access pirate content.”
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Future of Video in India Sees Much Optimism for Growth with Technology as the Enabler for the Consumer
The Future of Video India conference welcomed over 130 senior government and industry leaders in Mumbai for a day of discussions centered around one of the most vibrant and burgeoning video markets in the world. Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), opened the conference with optimism about the industry. The MIB hopes to see the current $30bn industry grow to $100bn in the next 4-5 years. Both senior officials talked of the need to create a level playing field and balance the interests of the different sectors of the industry to encourage growth and investment. For Kiran Mani, CEO - Digital, Viacom18, technology was enabling as many Indians as possible to access content. “People are doing more with content than ever before. It's not doing more content,” said Mani. With the IPL on both streaming and pay TV now, Viacom18 had democratized sports, which had gone from 100mn to 500mn screens, and with this move, they had also made sports a ‘lean forward’ experience by enabling the content to be watched over mobile devices and enabling a whole new level of engagement and interactivity with the content. Similarly, Sajith Sivanandan, Head, Disney+ Hotstar, India, shared that ‘the best businesses happen at the intersection of people and technology. . . finding and operating in that intersection is the gold mine right there.’ However, serving the consumers remained critical for a consumer first company like Disney, and that was through telling great stories that were both relevant as well as personalized for the consumer, and serving the right content at the right point in time, added Sivanandan. Beyond reaching and engaging consumers, content too had the power to influence and change perceptions, with Aparna Purohit, Head of Originals, India & SEA, Prime Video India, sharing during her session on ‘Inspiring and Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders’, that diversity was key to greenlighting any projects at Amazon Prime Video, and that there must be a woman in every writer’s room. Sanjog Gupta, Head - Sports, Disney Star, too shared that sports over the last 5 years had seen women more visible than ever before. With Indian content more accessible than ever, India was becoming less exotic and more real in western minds, resulting in greater success and recognition, said Sai Abishek, Head of Factual & Lifestyle Cluster, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery. However, it was important to focus first on an Indian market and get an audience there, to build the chances of international success, added Rishi Negi, Group Chief Operating Officer, Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India. But with many more stories to be mined, India was barely scratching the surface in its journey to making its mark globally, concluded Abishek. Future of Video India is proudly sponsored by Gold Sponsors Akamai and MEASAT.
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Deutsche Bank Appointed by Euroclear as Cash Settlement and Foreign Exchange Bank in South Korea
Deutsche Bank has today announced it has been appointed by Euroclear Bank SA/NV as Cash Settlement and Foreign Exchange Bank (under Euroclear direct link) with the Korea Securities Depository (KSD). The mandate is to support South Korean government bond activity for Korea Treasury Bonds (KTBs) and Monetary Stabilization Bonds (MSBs). This new appointment builds on Deutsche Bank’s relationship with Euroclear, which spans multiple markets and products across both the Corporate and Investment Bank. This mandate is particularly significant given the potential inclusion of South Korea in the World Government Bond Index. Deutsche Bank has a 46-year history in South Korea, Asia’s fourth largest economy, and provides a full range of solutions to multinational companies, large local corporates and financial institutions in the country. Last year, Deutsche Bank increased its capital allocation for its Seoul branch by €150 million, to grow the business and undertake more activity for its clients, underscoring the bank’s commitment to South Korea. Deutsche Bank’s Securities Services business has a presence in over 30 markets globally, and it’s focusing on its core strengths and fundamentals, including client-centric solutions and market differentiation. South Korea is one of the bank’s key markets in Asia, and it sees high potential for growth given recent market changes and increasing client interest. Paul Maley, Global Head of Securities Services and Regional Head of Corporate Bank for the Americas said: “We are grateful for Euroclear’s strong and ongoing trust in Deutsche Bank. This new mandate highlights our strong market expertise in Asia, and the crucial role that we play in underpinning the financial flows for global investors.” Hyun-Nam Park, South Korea Branch Manager said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Euroclear in South Korea. This new appointment is a milestone for our local business, and we are proud to support the South Korean bond market, which is becoming increasingly important globally.” Peter Sneyers, Euroclear Bank CEO added: “As a Financial Market Infrastructure, our role is to support and drive efficiencies to grow the global marketplace. We have been working closely with the Korean capital market and our network with the commonobjective to provide a solution for international investors to access efficient and safe settlement of local Korean government bonds. This signifies another important step to us achieving our shared goal.”
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PRYSMIAN AND AURUBIS ENTER INTO LONG-TERM SUPPLY CONTRACT FOR COPPER WIRE ROD
Prysmian, world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry, and Aurubis, a leading global provider of non-ferrous metals and the largest copper recycler worldwide, have entered into a long-term contract for the supply of copper wire rod. According to the agreement, Aurubis will provide a significant and incremental year-over-year volume of copper wire rod. This agreement with Aurubis, the largest European vertically integrated manufacturer of copper wire rod, will cover the supply particularly in Prysmian European plants, ensuring coverage of the current business and growth prospects. “Our companies are connected by their strong commitment to integrating sustainability in our business strategies and our role as enablers of the energy transition and digitalization process,” said Laura Colli, Chief Purchasing Officer, Prysmian. “This contract stems from a more than 25-year strategic partnership between Prysmian and Aurubis distinguished by best-in-class performance when it comes to sustainability, product, delivery timing, and quality of service in the supply of a raw material that is becoming increasingly important for the future of Prysmian’s business growth. Tomorrow Metals is our commitment to constantly creating more value with a smaller environmental footprint. Recycling is increasingly part of the solution, and we are investing heavily in this field. Nevertheless, responsibly sourced primary material will remain important in the accelerated growth phase needed to supply the green transformation with metals, Primary and recycling materials are a powerful duo, and we need both.” said Martin Sjoberg, SVP Commercial at Aurubis. This partnership is in line with Prysmian’s ambition to be a global player with a leading role in the challenges of decarbonisation. Prysmian is committed to an overall net-zero target along the entire value chain by 2050 and to reducing Scope 3 emissions by 28% by 2030 compared to the 2019 baseline. Prysmian has also publicly disclosed an ambitious target related to the share of recycled copper content, with the goal of reaching 15-16% by 2025. “As market leader, Prysmian is dedicated to being at the forefront of the journey towards a fully sustainable business and is engaged in having a proactive role within its value chain and cooperating with the suppliers that could play a strategic part in this transition. Therefore, we trust in Aurubis products,” said Maria Cristina Bifulco, Chief Investor Relations, Sustainability and Communication Officer, Prysmian. Aurubis is pursuing a dedicated sustainability strategy and is committed to becoming carbon neutral well before 2050. The multimetal company produces copper with less than half the global average carbon emissions and intends to further reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 50% and Scope 3 emissions by 24% per ton of copper cathodes by 2030. The company offers comprehensive value chain solutions for the circular economy and produces rod with almost 40% less CO2 than global average.
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FXC Intelligence to announce the top 100 cross-border payments companies for 2024
This Thursday, FXC Intelligence will announce the 2024 Cross-Border Payments 100. Now in its sixth year, the Cross-Border Payments 100 celebrates the biggest cross-border payments players in the world. It is widely recognised as the definitive benchmark of the leading players in the industry. The Cross-Border Payments 100 includes the leading companies in cross-border payments worldwide, including publicly traded companies, startups and private companies. It covers companies operating across consumer money transfers and remittances, B2B payments, ecommerce, payment processing, mobile payments and beyond. With over 15,000 players in the cross-border payments space, companies have to fulfill the following criteria to be considered for the list: Be of a certain scale. This is not a startup or VC list (there are lots of those). This is also not a challengers list. Companies don’t have to have raised outside funds, but they must have an established customer base. Cross-border payments must either be the primary activity (many payment companies) or a substantial revenue line (certain banks, payment processors or card companies). With subsidiaries, we include them in the parent company, rather than listing them separately. To produce a definitive overall list, every company is assessed against four areas: their significance as a company globally, their significance in their given market or segment, to what extent cross-border payments is a key part of their business and to what extent they are growing. The combined scores determined which companies made the final 100. Daniel Webber, CEO and Founder of FXC Intelligence, said ahead of the event: “As data and intelligence experts, myself and the people at FXC Intelligence are continuously monitoring every significant player in the cross-border payments industry, making us well placed to determine exactly which payment providers deserve a spot in the top 100. “I look forward to the Cross-Border Payments 100 every year and I’m proud that it has become the go-to authority benchmarking the industry. I hope it continues to be a source of knowledge on key players for the industry in the years to come.” The Cross-Border Payments 100 will go live on the FXC Intelligence website at 2pm BST this Thursday.
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Austrian tax and audit group Accurata joins Russell Bedford International
Global professional services network, Russell Bedford International, is pleased to announce the appointment of tax and audit group Accurata as a new member firm in Austria. Accurata becomes the second Russell Bedford member firm in Austria alongside Graz-based firm Hofer Leitinger. Accurata was formed by the coming together of tax and audit practices based in Vienna and the surrounding area. It includes seven partners and over 60 personnel. The group currently has more than 2,000 clients, primarily consisting of SMEs in industry & commerce, trade, agriculture, public entities, independent professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and notaries as well as high-net-worth individuals. The firm’s tax consulting arm, which is based in Vienna and Krems an der Donau, was founded in 2008 through the merger of the individual practices of Jochen Auer and Alexander Hofmann. Particular areas of focus include tax planning and corporate group restructuring, M&A, business tax, international tax law, real estate, and financial criminal law. Complementing its tax expertise, Accurata's audit practice, which is based in Vienna, was founded in 2005 and is managed by Josef Steininger and Michael Edelhofer. Audit services include statutory and voluntary audits of company financial statements, audits of private foundations and NGOs, and accounting-related consulting. The group also includes a practice in Eisenstadt which specialises in tax reporting and advisory, support in tax audits, tax planning and structuring, annual financial statements, and financial criminal law proceedings. Russell Bedford CEO, Stephen Hamlet, said that the appointment of Accurata to the network “strengthens the depth of our expertise across Austria, and reinforces our commitment to excellence in professional services and knowledge exchange within the region.” Thomas Röster, Partner at Accurata said that “we are thrilled to align forces with Russell Bedford International. This partnership presents a remarkable opportunity to propel our firm to new heights and deliver unparalleled value to our clients."
