FEATURED NEWS
- April 17, 2024Technology
NX Group invests in Singapore AI technology startup SWAT MOBILITY
NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. (President: Satoshi Horikiri) on April 2 acquired a stake in SWAT MOBILITY (hereinafter "SWAT"), an AI technology start-up company headquartered in Singapore, as an investment by the NX Global Innovation Investment Limited Partnership (hereinafter, "NX Global Innovation Fund"). The NX Group hopes through this investment to further accelerate its digital transformation (DX) strategy and help resolve social issues on a global scale. Overview of SWAT SWAT is a company established in Singapore in 2015 that provides services in eight countries (Singapore, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Australia) using dynamic routing algorithms (*1) that instantly derive optimal routes for sporadic travel demand from multiple points. In Japan, SWAT is developing and providing logistics/distribution optimization systems, on-demand transport operation systems, and bus route traffic analysis systems as well as taking new approaches tailored to the local market environment from the perspective of Mobility as a Service (MaaS). Background and objectives of the Investment The logistics industry is facing global social challenges such as driver shortages, rising fuel costs, and required cuts in CO2 emissions to combat climate change. Companies are expected to take concrete steps to address these challenges and help achieve sustainable societies. Japan in particular is likely to see a labor shortage due to stricter work regulations for truck drivers that go into effect in 2024, making improved logistics efficiency an urgent issue. The NX Group has been pursuing digital transformation (DX) as a tool for resolving these issues and has been actively exploring the use of external resources, including co-creation (*2) with startup companies in Japan and overseas, to attain greater logistics efficiency. By investing in SWAT, which is strong in cutting-edge mobility solutions in Singapore and other areas, the NX Group seeks to accelerate its DX and resolve global-scale social issues in the logistics industry. Initiatives Verification of digitalized vehicle dispatch operations SWAT's dynamic routing algorithm technology and advanced development capabilities will be utilized at NX Group locations and projects in Japan and overseas to verify the digitalization and global standardization of vehicle dispatch operations. Development of new services via the strategic use of transport performance data Utilizing the transport performance data accumulated through verification processes, the NX Group will analyze the parameters required for vehicle dispatch operations and calculate pickup and delivery costs as well as CO2 emissions. The Group will work to develop new services by making strategic use of the data. The NX Group will continue leveraging its domestic and international networks to co-create with promising startups. Profile of investee (*1) Dynamic routing algorithm: Technology designed to create optimal routes based on traffic information and given data (*2) Co-creation: Collaboration between NX Group companies and the NX Global Innovation Fund to invest in startup companies that add value to customers and on-site operations, with the NX Group and startup companies working together to achieve business growth
- April 16, 2024Business
Seatrium and A*STAR Join Forces to Explore New Energies and AI in Offshore and Marine Applications
Seatrium Limited (Seatrium, or the Group), a leading engineering solutions provider to the global offshore and marine industry, and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) today inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore research opportunities in new energies and artificial intelligence (AI) to develop innovative products and engineering solutions for the Offshore and Marine (O&M) sector. The MoU signing took place during the Singapore Maritime Week and was witnessed by the event’s Guest of Honour, Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment. The collaboration combines Seatrium’s insights into trends and opportunities within the O&M sector with the research capabilities of A*STAR and its National Platforms such as the Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS). The parties aim to boost the O&M sector’s pivot to new energies efficiently and reliably, and support the global transition to a low-carbon economy. Through machine learning, manufacturing process technologies and digital solutions, the collaboration will also streamline product development and manufacturing processes, and promote innovation and sustainability in Seatrium’s operations. The focus areas of the MoU include the co-development of: a. New Energies This includes the exploration of new energies such as hydrogen and ammonia solutions, specifically tailored for offshore and marine applications. A*STAR and Seatrium were part of Singapore’s first ammonia fuel trial1 on the Fortescue Green Pioneer. A*STAR contributed to the development of an ammonia plume model for safety and environmental impact assessment, while Seatrium was responsible for the installation of the vessel’s fuel system and safety features. Both organisations will now focus on establishing a sustainable ammonia supply chain and addressing bunkering, transportation, and storage challenges. Coupled with carbon capture technologies, Seatrium's suite of product solutions aims to provide sustainable energy solutions for the offshore and marine sector. b. Artificial Intelligence (AI) The partnership leverages AI to explore innovative solutions in engineering processes, operational efficiency, and decision-making across project lifecycles. This includes the planned development of Large Language Models (LLMs) to improve vessel design and validation turnaround by automating and streamlining parts of the process. AI will be used to automate work site inspection and surveillance for improved operational efficiency. . 1 World’s First Use of Ammonia as a Marine Fuel in a Dual-Fuelled Ammonia-Powered Vessel in the Port of Singapore Since 2008, Seatrium’s predecessor entities and A*STAR have worked on research projects such as green shipping, digital design, automation, Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced manufacturing. The outcomes have culminated in the development of new capabilities, including co-designing the world’s first made-in-Singapore Low Ultraviolet (LUV) Ballast Water Treatment System2 . This eco-friendly system employs energy-efficient ultra-violet rays and proprietary ultra-low frequency bio-fouling control for chemical-free treatment of ballast water. Mr Chris Ong, CEO of Seatrium, said, “The collaborative efforts between Seatrium and A*STAR are geared towards accelerating the energy transition and maritime decarbonisation. By combining our knowledge and pushing boundaries, we aim to develop advanced energy solutions that will help the industry adopt renewable sources more quickly. Through innovation, research, and sustainable practices, we are focused on minimising carbon emissions, improving operational efficiency, and promoting cleaner energy. We are committed to making a positive impact and playing a vital role in Singapore's sustainable O&M sector with the support of our partners, stakeholders, and customers. Mr Frederick Chew, CEO of A*STAR said, “Building on our previous successful collaboration programmes in green shipping, digital design and advanced manufacturing, this latest collaboration in new energies and AI furthers Seatrium and A*STAR’s shared vision of developing more smart and sustainable solutions for the O&M sector. I look forward to programme outcomes that will contribute substantively to Seatrium’s and Singapore’s economic and sustainability goals." -End- Photo of MoU Signing: Caption: A*STAR and Seatrium partnership to drive innovation in the Offshore and Marine sector. From left to right: Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, Chairman, A*STAR, Mr Frederick Chew, Chief Executive Officer, A*STAR, Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Mr Chris Ong, Chief Executive 2 Ballast Water Treatment System Performance Evaluation Officer, Seatrium, and Mr Mark Gainsborough, Chairman, Seatrium. (Photo: Seatrium Limited). About Seatrium Limited Seatrium Limited provides innovative engineering solutions to the global offshore, marine and energy industries. Headquartered in Singapore, the Group has over 60 years of track record in the design and construction of rigs, floaters, offshore platforms and specialised vessels, as well as in the repair, upgrading and conversion of different ship types. The Group’s key business segments include Oil & Gas Newbuilds and Conversions, Offshore Renewables, Repairs & Upgrades, and New Energies, with a growing focus on sustainable solutions to advance the global energy transition and maritime decarbonisation. As a premier global player offering offshore renewables, new energies and cleaner offshore & marine solutions, Seatrium is committed to delivering high standards of safety, quality and performance to its customers which include major energy companies, vessel owners and operators, shipping companies, and cruise and ferry operators. Seatrium operates shipyards, engineering & technology centres and facilities in Singapore, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Norway, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. Discover more at www.seatrium.com. About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg . Follow us on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok For more information, please contact: Seatrium Limited Ms Judy Tan Head, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Tel No: +65 9710 9784 Email: judy.tan@seatrium.com Ms Clarissa Ho Senior Manager, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Tel No: +65 9632 1253 Email: shufang.ho@seatrium.com A*STAR Ms Doris Yang Manager, Corporate Communications Tel No: +65 9367 5336 Email: yangscd@hq.a-star.edu.sg
- April 16, 2024Business
Seatrium and Singapore Institute of Technology Establish Digital Learning Lab for Industrial Learning & Research Collaboration
Seatrium Limited (Seatrium, or the Group) and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore’s first University of Applied Learning, have entered a transformative partnership to pave the way for industrial digital learning and applied research collaboration. This forward-thinking initiative will be realised through the establishment of a state-of-the-art Digital Learning Lab at SIT's new Punggol Campus, designed to drive the adoption of innovative maritime technologies. The partnership will see Seatrium and SIT focus collaborative efforts on three strategic pillars: Digital Yard Technology, 5G Industrial Applications and Smart Microgrid. Through knowledge exchanges, training and collaboration on applied research opportunities in these areas, the partnership aims to jointly solve real-world problems, such as improving the energy efficiency of yard operations by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and simulation models. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by SIT’s Associate Professor Kenneth Low, Cluster Director, Engineering, and Seatrium’s Executive Vice President, Cyber IT & OT, Mr Lim Shih Hsien, and witnessed by Mr Mark Gainsborough, Chairman of Seatrium, Mr Chris Ong, CEO of Seatrium, and Professor Chua Kee Chaing, President, SIT, in conjunction with the Singapore Maritime Week 2024. In addition to the establishment of a Digital Learning Lab, the partnership takes a holistic approach to talent development and acquisition within the marine and energy sectors. Seatrium and SIT will facilitate student and staff exchanges, creating opportunities for practical problem-solving and lifelong education. Both parties will jointly develop and teach Continuing Education and Training (CET) courses, fostering continuous learning and development. The landmark MOU also seeks to promote and drive efforts in energy transition and sustainability in Singapore. Aligned with Seatrium’s commitment to lifelong learning, the partnership brings researchers alongside industry practitioners to jointly augment the Group’s capabilities and build new core digital skills, solidifying its position as a market leader. Mr Lim Shih Hsien, Executive Vice President, Cyber IT & OT at Seatrium, said, "We are pleased to collaborate with SIT to drive forward-looking and impactful industrial digital learning and research. This partnership will help us push new boundaries in the global energy transition, stay ahead in a rapidly evolving and dynamic industry, and reinforce our strong commitment to sustainability.” Associate Professor Kenneth Low, Cluster Director, Engineering, SIT, said, “Seatrium and SIT's partnership marks a significant milestone to enhance authentic, real-world learning and transformative applied research. By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we are set to contribute to the advancement of the maritime sector, nurture talent, and ignite a new wave of digital innovation.” PHOTO OF MOU SIGNING: CAPTION: Seatrium and SIT forged a partnership at the Singapore Maritime Week 2024 to steer a blueprint for a Digital Learning Lab that is set to enhance education and research. An MoU was signed by (third from left) Mr Lim Shih Hsien, Executive Vice President, Cyber IT & OT, Seatrium, and (fourth from left) Associate Professor Kenneth Low, Cluster Director, Engineering, SIT; witnessed by (left-most) Mr Chris Ong, CEO, Seatrium; (second from left) Mr Mark Gainsborough, Chairman of Seatrium; and (right-most) Professor Chua Kee Chaing, President, SIT. (Photo: Seatrium Limited) About Seatrium Limited Seatrium Limited provides innovative engineering solutions to the global offshore, marine and energy industries. Headquartered in Singapore, the Group has over 60 years of track record in the design and construction of rigs, floaters, offshore platforms and specialised vessels, as well as in the repair, upgrading and conversion of different ship types. The Group’s key business segments include Oil & Gas Newbuilds and Conversions, Offshore Renewables, Repairs & Upgrades, and New Energies, with a growing focus on sustainable solutions to advance the global energy transition and maritime decarbonisation. As a premier global player offering offshore renewables, new energies and cleaner offshore & marine solutions, Seatrium is committed to delivering high standards of safety, quality and performance to its customers which include major energy companies, vessel owners and operators, shipping companies, and cruise and ferry operators. Seatrium operates shipyards, engineering & technology centres and facilities in Singapore, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Norway, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. Discover more at www.seatrium.com. About the Singapore Institute of Technology: The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is Singapore’s first University of Applied Learning, offering industry-relevant degree programmes that prepare its graduates to be work- and future-ready professionals. Its mission is to maximise the potential of its learners and to innovate with industry, through an integrated applied learning and research approach, so as to contribute to the economy and society. The University’s unique pedagogy integrates work and study, embracing authentic learning in a real-world environment through collaborations with key strategic partners. Its focus on applied research with business impact is aimed at helping industry innovate and grow. Ready in 2024, SIT’s centralised campus within the larger Punggol Digital District will feature a vibrant learning environment where academia and industry will be tightly integrated with the community. For more information, visit www.SingaporeTech.edu.sg For more information, please contact: Seatrium Limited Ms Judy Tan Head, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Tel No: +65 9710 9784 Email: judy.tan@seatrium.com Ms Clarissa Ho Senior Manager, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Tel No: +65 9632 1253 Email: shufang.ho@seatrium.com SIT Ms Nur Atiqah Ali Senior Manager, Corporate Communications Tel No: +65 9724 4462 Email: atiqah.ali@singaporetech.edu.sg
- April 16, 2024Business
CTOS and airasia academy enter the Verified zone, launch collaboration to empower SMEs through strategic business education
From left: Puven Sangaran, CEO of CTOS Basis Sdn Bhd, Shin Mei Lee, COO of CTOS Data Systems, Erick Hamburger, Group CEO of CTOS Digital Berhad, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A & Dr. Ram Gopal Raj, Director of Strategy & Innovation, airasia academy CTOS, Malaysia’s leading credit reporting agency, today joined forces with airasia academy , for an exclusive SME networking and edutech session at airasia academy ’s training quarters. The collaboration, which encompasses strategic business education in the realms of digital marketing and branding, as well as networking opportunities, marks a pivotal step in their joint mission to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region with the skills and proficiencies to succeed in today's digital era. Since CTOS’s founding, CTOS has been known for recognising the economic importance of SMEs and has supported their success by providing them with tailored solutions, personalized service, and responsive support for over 30 years. Expert training and networking brings added value to the SME community, and airasia academy’s mission to help the workforce to be ready for the future fits hand-in-hand with the goals of CTOS. At the event, CTOS reintroduced their enhanced CTOS Verified service, which offers companies a mark of online credibility through the prestigious CTOS Verified Seal. Successfully verified businesses earn the privilege to showcase this seal, bolstering their online presence, credibility, and transparency. Additionally, CTOS Verified companies now enjoy exclusive access to national networking events, consulting workshops, marketing coaching and a range of other invaluable benefits, beginning with today’s airasia academy event. “SMEs are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering resilience. Similarly, at CTOS, SMEs have always been at the core of our business, contributing 46% of CTOS group revenue in FY2023,” said Erick Hamburger, Group CEO of CTOS Digital Berhad . “Training services are essential for SMEs to remain agile, competitive and sustainable in today's dynamic business landscape and CTOS takes pride in joining hands with airasia academy to offer businesses a unique avenue to enable themselves through exceptional learning opportunities. As we look to the future, CTOS is committed to providing a wealth of networking and learning opportunities through the CTOS Verified service. CTOS Verified not only creates more opportunities for businesses but also underscores their credibility and trustworthiness to prospective clients, suppliers, and business partners,”. At the event, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, and the brand maestro behind AirAsia, Asean’s leading aviation and travel brand shared valuable lessons on perseverance and creativity in business, inspiring entrepreneurs to push boundaries. Following his talk, Ciayi Lim, Digital Marketing Lead trainer at airasia academy , provided practical tips on using social media for business growth. Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A said: “Based on over 20 years of building the low cost ethos behind AirAsia, making flying accessible and the world a smaller place for the people in Asean, I firmly believe that there is a low cost model for education. Education stands as the gateway to unlocking boundless opportunities. Since its birth, airasia academy has tirelessly worked to democratise education, offering accessible online and in-person courses that bridges the gap of digital economic needs. Through our partnership with CTOS, we anticipate equipping both CTOS Verified SMEs and the broader business community with the tools necessary to enhance their marketability and proficiency in tech skills crucial for the current digitally-led business landscape”. Aireen Omar, President (Investment & Ventures) of Capital A , said: “Education and knowledge have always been at the forefront of any company culture that demands innovation and enhanced growth. Especially more so now, with today’s rapid technological advancements, learning has become even more crucial for SMEs to keep up with the latest knowledge and trends in their respective industries. airasia academy has recognised that by helping provide entrepreneurs and startups with a talent and knowledge hub they can use to upskill themselves, they will be able to solidify their foundation, adapt through changing environments, solve current gaps, and constantly stay ahead of their competition. We hope that this partnership with our fellow SME friends at CTOS Verified will foster sustainable economic development and prepare these individuals and enterprises for the challenges and opportunities of today’s digital economy.” The collaboration between CTOS and airasia academy is expected to go further than today’s exclusive talk, with both companies committing to exploring future initiatives that align with their shared objectives to promote digitally affordable and accessible business education. Additionally, CTOS is targeting 2,000 clients in their ecosystem to convert as potential learners with airasia academy . This strategic move aims to broaden the reach to empower more businesses to thrive in the dynamic landscape of the digital era. For more details on CTOS Verified, visit www.ctoscredit.com.my/business/ctos-verification . -END- ABOUT CTOS DATA SYSTEMS SDN BHD CTOS, Malaysia’s largest private credit reporting agency, is a registered Credit Reporting Agency under the Credit Reporting Agencies Act 2010. Established in 1990, CTOS has over 30 years of experience in aiding credit grantors make better credit decisions. CTOS utilises information from its users and the public domain to support informed decisions and facilitate fact-based risk management when providing credit extension. CTOS delivers a complete portfolio of credit reports and value-added services and is widely used by the country’s banking and financial institutions, insurance companies, large corporations, legal firms, businesses and state and statutory bodies. For more information, visit http://www.ctoscredit.com.my/ About airasia academy airasia academy is Asean’s fastest growing edutech platform that provides an affordable, accessible and inclusive ecosystem which aims at bridging talent gaps to build a future-proof digital savvy nation. The platform features learning solutions such as On-Demand Learning (ODL), a vault of videos ranging from basic to advanced tech content to personal growth, financial literacy, something for the kids and more, accredited Instructor-Led Training (ILT) for in-demand tech courses such as Digital Marketing, Cloud Infrastructure, Data Analytics, Software Engineering and Cybersecurity to the Learning Management System (LMS) which streamlines and elevates the learners journey empowering community learning and growth. Since its inception, airasia academy has been dedicated to empowering SMEs and individuals through education and support. Key contributions include providing training sessions such as Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure, Digital Marketing, and Knowledge Attitude Skills Habit (K.A.S.H). Additionally, airasia academy has collaborated with MYStartUp to further support startups, offering additional resources and guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs. Moving forward, airasia academy remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting SMEs in their growth journey. For media enquiries, please contact: Jonathan Yip Mobile : +6017 6497974 E-mail: jonathan.yip@continuumpr.com Goh I Ching Mobile : +6014 2181906 E-mail: iching@continuumpr.com Capital A Alya Zulaikha Mobile: +6011 62954695 E-mail: nuralyazulaikha@airasia.com airasia academy Diyana Anuar Mobile: +6012 6463778 E-mail: diyana@airasia.com
- April 15, 2024Business
Seatrium and Shell Inks MOU to Further Collaborate on Floating Production Systems
Seatrium Limited (Seatrium, or the Group) is pleased to announce that it has inked a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with energy company Shell Global Solutions International B.V. (Shell) to explore and strengthen collaboration opportunities in Floating Production Systems through leveraging both parties’ deep engineering capabilities and technologies. The MoU, which focuses on driving project standardisation and replication, seeks to promote best practices in the design and construction of Floating Production Systems. Both parties intend to leverage their experience and know-how from previous projects to mature and realise further benefits of replication, tapping on each other’s competencies and technologies and incorporating lessons learned from past projects. Seatrium and Shell have worked together on various projects over the years, including the recently-announced Sparta floating production unit (FPU), which is conceived as a replicable project to leverage the Group’s topsides single lift integration methodology, following the fabrication of Vito and Whale FPU newbuilds in 2021 and 2023 respectively. Mr William Gu, Executive Vice President of Seatrium Oil & Gas (International), said, “We are pleased to deepen our collaboration with Shell, leveraging both parties’ competencies and technologies in past Floating Production Systems projects. We look forward to continue working with Shell to mutually learn and develop best-in-class project management practices to achieve operational efficiency in future floater projects, benefitting both parties.” -End- MOU Signing by Mr William Gu, Executive Vice President of Seatrium Oil & Gas (International), and Ms Hilary Mercer, EVP Projects and Engineering, Projects & Technology, Shell, joined by senior management teams of both companies About Seatrium Limited Seatrium Limited provides innovative engineering solutions to the global offshore, marine and energy industries. Headquartered in Singapore, the Group has over 60 years of track record in the design and construction of rigs, floaters, offshore platforms and specialised vessels, as well as in the repair, upgrading and conversion of different ship types. The Group’s key business segments include Oil & Gas Newbuilds and Conversions, Offshore Renewables, Repairs & Upgrades, and New Energies, with a growing focus on sustainable solutions to advance the global energy transition and maritime decarbonisation. As a premier global player offering offshore renewables, new energies and cleaner offshore & marine solutions, Seatrium is committed to delivering high standards of safety, quality and performance to its customers which include major energy companies, vessel owners and operators, shipping companies, and cruise and ferry operators. Seatrium operates shipyards, engineering & technology centres and facilities in Singapore, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Norway, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. Discover more at www.seatrium.com . For more information, please contact: Ms Judy Tan Head, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Tel No: +65 9710 9784 Email: judy.tan@seatrium.com Ms Clarissa Ho Senior Manager, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Tel No: +65 9632 1253 Email: shufang.ho@seatrium.com
- April 15, 2024Business
Singapore Senior Minister of State visit to NX Singapore
Nippon Express (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (President: Ryuichi Murakami; hereinafter, "NX Singapore"), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. (President: Satoshi Horikiri), received a visit from Mr. Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Manpower, at its head office's Toh Guan Global Logistics Centre on Wednesday, March 27. (Center of photo: Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad, second from right: NXSAO President Kobayashi) (Photo from inspection tour) NX Singapore has been promoting workplace safety, employees' health and operational efficiency. Nippon Express (South Asia & Oceania) Pte. Ltd. (NXSAO) President Katsuhito Kobayashi and NX Singapore team showed the visitors our initiatives to minimize possible injury during operations such as implementing advanced forklift equipped with AI camera and telematics(*) technology, as well as its T-sort automated robotic sorting system. SMS Mr. Zaqy saw "how NX Singapore has leveraged AI and robotics to enhance vehicular safety and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in their operations". NX Singapore celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023 and has for many years served as a hub in the South Asia and Oceania region supporting customers' supply chains. NX Group will continue to meet the logistics needs of worldwide customers by further expanding our global network in line with our corporate values of safety, compliance and quality. (*) Telematics: the provision of various information services using vehicles and other mobile objects equipped with communication systems
- April 15, 2024Business
VietJet Air Cargo, Teleport deepen partnership with exclusive commercial rights on first key lane
Teleport, an integrated logistics solutions provider, announced today that it will be managing the exclusive commercial rights of Vietjet Air Cargo’s New Delhi - Ho Chi Minh City belly space. This is leveraging off the back of Teleport's capability built from its existing exclusive commercial rights delivering the same end-to-end Total Cargo Management enabled by technology, for all six airlines under AirAsia since 2018. The agreement signed between both parties today marks the start of a deeper partnership between Vietjet Air Cargo and Teleport to better serve the growing air cargo demand coming in and out of Southeast Asia. In November 2023, Vietjet Air Cargo and Teleport signed a Memorandum of Understanding to mutually extend its network, combining Teleport’s largest Southeast Asia air logistics network with Vietjet’s Asia Pacific flight network. L to R: Nelson Wu, VietJet Air Cargo Managing Director, and Pete Chareonwongsak, CEO of Teleport at the signing partnership agreement. | Download hi-res image HERE Nelson Wu, Vietjet Air Cargo Managing Director says, “We see this as the beginning of a deeper partnership with Teleport to leverage their end-to-end Total Cargo Management capabilities, and their experience to ensure we never fly empty on our New Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City sector. Vietjet’s hub out of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi greatly complement Teleport’s seven key Southeast Asia hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Manila, Singapore, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. By synergising our cargo networks, sales operations and e-commerce logistics across strategic markets, Vietjet Air Cargo will mutually unlock a wider range of destinations, far beyond point-to-point shipping.” Sharing further insights into the partnership, Nelson affirmed, “We believe in the tangible benefits of this partnership and are committed to turning our shared vision into reality. By expanding this network of cooperation, we aim to create a more extensive and valuable ecosystem, unlocking new possibilities and driving further innovation.” The exclusive collaboration heralds a transformative approach in airline partnerships, dismantling traditional barriers and unlocking the full potential resources. | Download hi-res image HERE Pete Chareonwongsak, CEO of Teleport says, “This partnership is very meaningful for Teleport as it shows Vietjet Air Cargo’s trust in us to commercially manage their New Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City sector on their behalf. When we combined AirAsia’s belly capacity as one and built it on a Total Cargo Management foundation using technology, we learned how to help low-cost airlines maximise their passenger belly capacity. Because we were founded in 2018, we had a good headstart in capturing the emerging e-commerce opportunity at the time, and built that into one of our core capabilities.” “As a result, we have been successful in providing value-added incremental revenue on AirAsia’s available belly space – AirAsia’s ancillary revenue contribution by Teleport grew from 2% (RM209 mil/USD50 mil) in 2018 to 6% (RM761 mil/USD162 mil) in 2023. This is a highly scalable model for low-cost airlines to maximise their cargo operations. With this track record, we are confident VietJet Air Cargo will benefit as our newest Teleport Air Partner,” he added. Vietjet Air Cargo’s Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City sector flies four times a week, with available extended connections across the Vietjet Air and Teleport networks to key cargo destinations such as Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland. More images from the signing are available HERE . For more information about Teleport’s business, visit teleport.asia .
- April 15, 2024Apps & Software
LinkVector Launches Waitlist For Upcoming Internal Linking Tool Launch
The upcoming launch of LinkVector promises to transform the way websites manage and optimize their internal links. This internal linking tool aims to eradicate subpar linking that compromises website structure and SEO performance, offering a solution for strengthening site structures through relevant, precise, and natural internal linking. Many users commonly report challenges with traditional internal linking tools, noting that they often rely on simplistic keyword-based rules. This can result in links that feel irrelevant and spammy, leading to concerns about website integrity and user experience. Additionally, this approach can contribute to diminished search engine rankings over time. LinkVector seeks to address these common concerns by offering a more sophisticated and user-friendly approach to internal linking. LinkVector's proprietary technology, the LinkVector Brain, meets the advanced level of sophistication required for impeccable internal linking. Straying away from overly simple algorithms, LinkVector delves deeper to ensure accuracy, naturalness, and user-friendliness in internal links. Recognizing the shortcomings of current solutions, LinkVector promises users a few benefits to look forward to. Among them are: Relevant links with natural placements, eliminating nonsensical and irrelevant options. Descriptive and context-matching anchor texts, optimized for both users and SEO. Automated insertion of internal links, saving time and effort. Bulk internal linking actions, eliminating the need for manual linking. Compatibility with any website and any CMS, not just limited to WordPress. A visual representation of internal links, aiding in understanding site structure and page connections. To provide these benefits to users, LinkVector centers the tool’s development around three main modules: Link Actions™ : This module tackles 18 crucial link and page elements, ensuring optimal page-to-page relevance, deep linking opportunities, link density, and technical SEO health. Link Insights : Helps users gain valuable insights into their website's link health score, identify top and low-performing pages, analyze internal vs. external links, and more. Link Utilities : Simplifies complex tasks with intelligent suggestions for relevant internal links, auto-linking rules for content, and bulk link/anchor text editing. To ensure good product performance and usability based on real-world conditions, LinkVector released a beta version of the tool to select website owners. Among them is Jacob Hayes, who says, “LinkVector saved my website from a huge disaster. The previous tool broke my website with nonsensical links, and rankings took a dive. It’s recovered now, thanks to LinkVector.” Website owners, SEOs, content writers, and agencies are encouraged to join LinkVector’s waitlist to get access to the tool as soon as it launches. For more information, visit https://linkvector.io . About LinkVector LinkVector is committed to providing users with precise, fast, and simplified internal linking. Their mission is to end internal linking uncertainty by providing website owners, SEOs, content writers, and agencies with the tools needed to optimize internal linking strategies and achieve tangible results.
- April 12, 2024Apps & Software
Elevating the dining experience – Cathay unveils new Cathay Dining brand
Exemplifying Cathay’s commitment to delivering unparalleled service to its customers Cathay today announces the rebranding of its catering business as Cathay Dining , reinforcing its vision to become one of the world’s greatest service brands. For nearly six decades, the subsidiary formerly known as Cathay Pacific Catering Services (H.K.) Ltd. (‘CPCS’) has consistently delivered tailored, high-quality inflight and catering cuisine solutions to customers in Hong Kong and across the globe. Today, the business continues to expand its expertise, which marks a significant milestone in Cathay Dining’s journey and reaffirms its dedication to curating exceptional experiences through high-quality catering solutions for Cathay Pacific and other esteemed airlines. Additionally, it reinforces Cathay’s commitment to forging thoughtful dining partnerships and offering expert restaurant recommendations to its esteemed Cathay members. This change aligns with Cathay’s overarching premium travel lifestyle proposition as a group. It exemplifies Cathay’s relentless pursuit of excellence and its commitment to delivering unparalleled service to its valued customers. Introducing the new brand, Cathay Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer, and Cathay Dining Chair, Alex McGowan said: “We have invested heavily over the years to transform Cathay Dining into a world-class provider of dining solutions and experiences. The new brand reflects this and underlines the important role that dining plays in helping Cathay achieve its vision of becoming one of the world’s greatest service brands.” Cathay Dining has two key lines of business, providing inflight dining solutions to Cathay Pacific and other major airlines flying to and from Hong Kong, as well as providing catering services to businesses outside of the aviation industry. Cathay Dining operates the principal aviation catering business in Hong Kong, last year producing more than 19 million meals. Cathay Dining Chief Executive Officer Agatha Lee said: “At Cathay Dining, we are committed to quality food and solutions. From our inflight cuisine to bespoke catering services, we take great care and pride in designing carefully crafted dining experiences that are enjoyed by customers travelling around the globe.” The rebrand to Cathay Dining follows the group’s global rebrand to Cathay in September 2023. The Cathay Dining brand will begin to roll out across customer-facing channels starting this month. For more information about Cathay Dining, please visit www.cathaydining.com About Cathay Dining Cathay Dining, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Cathay Group, is a leading catering provider offering high-quality international cuisine. Our vision is to be the most valued inflight dining partner in the world. We strive for uncompromising quality, excellence and innovation to elevate the experiences for our customers. Cathay Dining operates the principal aviation catering business in Hong Kong, and is committed to innovation, quality and sustainability in all aspects of its operations.
- April 12, 2024Travel & Leisure
“AirAsia Splashing Joy Across Thailand” Joins Songkran Festivities in Hat Yai, Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai Featuring Anna Sueangam-iam, Miss Universe Thailand 2022, in Chiang Mai Cultural Parade
AirAsia is taking part in this year's Songkran with the "Splashing Joy Across Thailand" concept, organising booths in the three provinces of Hat Yai, Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai this 12-16 April. At the same time offering all-inclusive deals on flights to an array of domestic destinations from only 1,000 THB. Book today to 21 April 2024 for travel from 15 April - 30 June 2024. As part of this special promotion! Book a domestic flight with Thai AirAsia via AirAsia MOVE and receive an immediate 40 THB discount per person this 1 - 27 April only. Event Schedule AirAsia booth at "Hat Yai Midnight Songkran" 12-13 April 2024 AirAsia booth at “Dok Khun, Siang Khaen and Khao Niew Festival” in Khon Kaen 13-15 April 2024 AirAsia activities at “MAYA LIFESTYLE SHOPPING CENTER” 12-16 April 2024 Join "Chiang Mai Songkran Parade 2024" with AirAsia management, staff and Miss Universe Thailand 2022 Anna Sueangam-iam in Chiang Mai 16 April 16 2024 Ms. Tansita Akrarittipirom, Head of Commercial for Thai AirAsia, said “We, AirAsia, have increased flights during the Songkran Festival, adding a combined over 3,000 seats to Hat Yai, Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai to accommodate this peak period for holidaymakers. The carrier expects a Load Factor average of more than 92 percent through Songkran and April in an affirmation of strong demand and trust in AirAsia. "AirAsia is joining in the fun this year by presenting promotions, decorating its service counters and taking part in festivities across the country. We wish to continue this wonderful tradition as an airline close to the Thai people and that has the most extensive domestic network." At Chiang Mai Songkran Cultural Parade 2024, the airline is going above and beyond by not only joining with its top management and staff but with Miss Universe Thailand 2022, Anna Sueangam-iam, who once interned with AirAsia during her time in university. Together, they will be honouring how Chiang Mai marks Songkran.
- April 12, 2024Gadgets
Fujifilm to Invest Additional $1.2 Billion to Expand its Large-Scale Cell Culture CDMO Business in North Carolina
FUJIFILM Corporation today announced an investment of $1.2 billion in its Large-Scale Cell Culture CDMO*1 Business to further expand the planned FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies end-to-end bio-manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina, bringing the total investment in the facility to over $3.2 billion. The expansion adds significant large-scale production capacity to FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ global network through its United States and Europe manufacturing hubs. The investment will generate an additional 680 jobs by 2031, also bringing the total number of new, highly skilled local jobs to 1400 in Holly Springs. The new investment in FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ large-scale cell culture facility in Holly Springs will add 8 x 20,000 liters (L) mammalian cell culture bioreactors by 2028, to the already planned 8 x 20,000 L for bulk drug substance as part of the initial investment . This new facility allows for flexibility to expand with additional bioreactors to accommodate new projects to meet the emerging needs of partners, and upon completion will make the site one of the largest cell culture biopharmaceutical CDMO facilities in North America. The strategic investment and expansion supports a key pillar of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ Partners for Life strategy, which is to build capacity in large-scale production in locations across the U.S. and Europe to support biopharma customers’ end-to-end needs, and provide supply chain resiliency. Through FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ modular production model, KojoXTM, the expansion enables the Company to construct identical large-scale production facilities in U.S. and Europe to ensure that customers can seamlessly integrate drug manufacturing production regardless of location. "This investment is an important step to further accelerate the growth of our biopharmaceutical CDMO business,” said Teiichi Goto, president and chief executive officer, representative director, FUJIFILM Corporation. “Fujifilm is committed to advancing a healthier society, and we are proud that our people, and this site in Holly Springs will play a vital role in supporting our partners in producing critical therapies to serve the needs of patients." “The new jobs created by the expansion of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies in Wake County is yet another example of the thriving economic relationship between North Carolina and Japan, and we are grateful for their continuing investments in our state,” said North Carolina Governor Cooper. “Japanese companies continue to provide good-paying jobs and economic opportunity for people across North Carolina.” “We are pleased to continue investing to grow our cell culture manufacturing capabilities in North Carolina in anticipation of the growing outsourcing needs of biopharma companies,” said Toshihisa Iida, corporate vice president of FUJIFILM Corporation and chairman of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. “North Carolina continues to offer advantageous and well-established benefits specific to Fujifilm’s biomanufacturing business such as sustainable energy resources, infrastructure for future growth and a strong pool of technical talent.” The antibody drug market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 8% through 2030*2 due to increasing demands for conventional antibody drugs as well as the expansion of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) and novel antibody drugs using bispecific antibodies. “Securing adequate capacity to support market demands is a cornerstone of our Partners for Life strategy and essential to helping our partners bring life-impacting medicines to patients,” said Lars Petersen, president and chief executive officer, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. “As we build our new state-of-the-art biomanufacturing facility, we are grateful to our partners including Governor Cooper, the state of North Carolina, and the Town of Holly Springs. The Town of Holly Springs and the State of North Carolina have together created an ideal environment for growth and development through their strategic investments in water, sewer, and road infrastructure, making it an ideal place for us to expand here.” In line with the overall design and construction of the Holly Springs facility, today’s announced investment will incorporate sustainability initiatives that contribute to net-zero operations. All energy needs for operations is expected to be 100% offset through the use of renewable landfill gas, onsite solar and the 125,000 MWh of annual sustainable solar energy from a virtual power purchase agreement . Additional sustainability goals for water and waste reduction align with Fujifilm’s Sustainable Value Plan 2030 , and the campus is on track to achieve LEED Gold Certification with initiatives that include diverting 90% of construction waste from landfill, additional rooftop solar electricity, installation of heat recovery chiller systems to maximize efficiency between boilers and the chilled water system, use of low embodied carbon concrete utilizing waste fly ash which delivers a 10% reduction in carbon emissions compared to standard cement, and installing ultra-low Nitrogen Oxide boilers, leading to a 50% reduction in nitrogen emissions. FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by $4.7 billion. *1 Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization *2 Our estimate based on the Evaluate Pharma® World Preview; market growth rate from 2022-2030 About FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, a subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation, is a world-leading contract development and manufacturing organization partner for the development and manufacture of biologics, vaccines, cell and gene therapies, and oncolytic viruses. The company operates a global network with major locations in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Denmark and it is building a new manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina, USA. FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies has over thirty years of experience in the development and manufacture of recombinant proteins, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, among other large molecules, viral products and medical countermeasures expressed in a wide array of microbial, mammalian, and host/virus systems. The company offers a comprehensive list of services from cell line development using its proprietary pAVEway™ microbial and Apollo™X cell line systems to process development, analytical development, clinical and FDA-approved commercial manufacturing. For more information, go to: www.fujifilmdiosynth.com . About FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, leverages its depth of knowledge and proprietary core technologies to deliver Value from Innovation in our products and services in the business segments of healthcare, materials, business innovation, and imaging. Our relentless pursuit of innovation is focused on providing social value and enhancing the lives of people worldwide. Fujifilm is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information about Fujifilm’s Sustainable Value Plan 2030, click here . For the year ended March 31, 2023, the company had global revenues of approximately 2.9 trillion yen (21 billion $USD at an exchange rate of 134 yen/dollar). For more information, please visit: holdings.fujifilm.com/en . Contact Media Contact Christine Jackman FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation E-mail: christine.jackman@fujifilm.com TEL: 914-261-4959 * Please note that the contents including the product availability, specification, prices and contacts in this website are current as of the date of the press announcement and may be subject to change without prior notice.
- April 11, 2024Business
JD.com Bolsters Video Content Creation with One Billion Yuan Investment
On April 10, 2024, JD.com announced an investment of one billion yuan in cash incentives aimed at attracting a wider pool of video content creators and institutions to its platform. This initiative underscores JD’s commitment to leveraging the power of short videos and live streams in innovating the online shopping journey for its users and providing brand merchants with novel avenues for growth. According to the “China Internet Audiovisual Development Research Report (2024),” 71.2% of surveyed users engage in online shopping through watching short videos and live streams, with over 40% identifying them as their primary channels of consumption. This trend underscores the growing influence of video content on consumer purchasing behavior. Video content on JD’s app JD’s approach to cultivating a vibrant content ecosystem is multifaceted. For individual content creators, the platform offers generous cash subsidies across more than 20 product categories, including electronics, home appliances, fashion, and health, to name a few. Creators who meet the platform’s recruitment criteria can receive weekly bonuses of up to 30,000 yuan, alongside additional incentives such as video playback subsidies and sales commissions. On the institutional front, JD has established a separate five-million-yuan incentive program. Institutions that successfully onboard a significant number of influencers will receive generous monthly cash subsidies. JD will also provide one-on-one guidance and support to enhance these institutions’ operational effectiveness on the platform. A key element is the prioritization of high-quality, original content. The platform intends to amplify the reach of such content through algorithms, traffic coupons, and other means, thereby ensuring a richer and more engaging shopping experience for its users. In a bid to further elevate its content offerings, JD is also in the process of incubating top-tier influencers, with plans to cultivate 100 star influencers by year-end. This initiative builds on the substantial growth witnessed in JD’s content ecosystem over the past year, marked by a 300% increase for “trial + review” videos in key metrics such as orders, user base, and viewing duration. Notably, during the Singles’ Day Grand Promotion in 2023, JD’s video challenges initiative generated nearly 100 million yuan in transactions, showcasing the immense potential of content-driven e-commerce. JD.com’s latest investment reflects its ongoing dedication to innovation and excellence in e-commerce. By fostering a dynamic and creative content community, JD aims not only to enhance the shopping experience for its users but also to empower creators and institutions with new opportunities for growth and success. ( yuchuan.wang@jd.com )
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