Sightings

The spotted lanternfly was first seen in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in September 2014. Since then, it’s appeared in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and West Virginia. Scientists believe that it came to America on goods that were imported from Asia.

Pennsylvania’s Quarantine

One of several states to have a quarantine on the SLF (spotted lanternfly) is Pennsylvania. At least 26 of its counties are under that directive. The state requires agricultural and non-agricultural businesses that transport products that can be infested by the insect to have a permit.

Among the items under stricter state control are construction, landscaping and remodeling materials; logs, stumps and tree parts; grapevines; nursery stock; crates, pallets and packaging materials; RVs and mobile homes; tractors and mowers; grills, deck boards; and vehicles not stored indoors. In addition to a watchful eye over items, Pennsylvania does not allow the movement of the SLF in any of its life stages: egg mass, nymph or adult.

Plant Species the Spotted Lanternfly Damages

Although the spotted lanternfly threatens many plant products, particularly apples, grapes, hops, walnuts and hardwood trees, it’s been seen on at least 103 kinds of plants and trees. Add to the list rose, plum, river birch, willow, sumac, pine, silver maple, red maple and tree-of-heaven, an invasive plant.

How the SLF Harms Trees and Plants

The SLF damages in several ways. By sucking the sap from branches and stems, it weakens the host. In feeding, it leaves behind honeydew, which is a sticky substance that invites other insects. Honeydew also promotes the growth of sooty mold on plants and trees.

Identification of the Pest

Adult spotted lanternflies (July to December) are about 1-inch long and 1/2-inch wide. An early nymph (widely seen from late April to July) is about 1/8-inch long, and it is black with white spots. A late nymph (prominent from July to September) is about 1/2-inch long, and it is black and red with white spots.

With wings wide open in its adult stage, the insect’s forewings are gray with black spots, and its hind wings are gray with black spots. When someone or something disturbs it, the SLF shows its beautiful bright red underwings.

When wings are closed, the insect is mostly gray with black spots. Newly laid egg masses look as if they are covered with a white substance. On more mature egg masses, the substance may turn gray-brown. Very mature egg masses appear as rows of 30 to 50 seed-like structures in vertical columns.

Objects On Which the SLF Is Found

The spotted lanternfly can’t fly far, but it infests by landing on objects. That’s why residents are urged to examine their vehicles and keep car and truck windows closed when parked. It’s also suggested that people inspect trees, rocks, cement blocks, decks, and other hard surfaces for egg masses. Do the same for landscaping materials, lawnmowers and outdoor equipment that’s being moved from one place to another.

Controlling Egg Masses

Managing the pest includes scraping and destroying its eggs and killing the more mature insects. When residents find egg masses that have been laid on trees, rocks and blocks of cement in the months from September to June, they should scrape them off. Pour hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol into a freezer bag and scrape the pest into the bag with a plastic card or a putty knife. Dispose of the sealed bag. Residents can also smash egg masses.

Managing the Dissemination of Adult Lanternflies

Also look underneath cars and in wheel wells. Adult insects are ever-present in the months from July through late December. In searching for them examine trees and plants, especially at dusk and at night when the insects are more likely to be on trunks and stems. As with egg masses, one method of removing mature SLFs is by smashing them.

Other methods of control include removing plants and trees that the SLF feeds on, using tree traps to catch newly hatched nymphs and treating trees and plants with EPA-approved insecticides. On its website, the Penn State Extension evaluates some insecticides for both their effectiveness and toxicity to birds, fish and bees.

The spotted lanternfly poses threats to crops, agricultural jobs and commercial and residential trees and plants. It can also disrupt the comfortable lifestyles of residents. Vigilance and moving to prevent the spread of this invasive insect are necessary immediately.

The press release The Problems the Spotted Lanternfly Poses and How To Control This Insect: Expert Opinion from Elmer Kingkiner of Kingkiner Tree Service comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

“When Americans turned to double masking in order to protect themselves against the virus, we designed our SureSafe-4 mask,” explains Shan S. Haider, chief executive officer at CurexLab Inc. “It provides solid protection by X2 filter, which is comfortable to wear, easy to breathe, and affordable to use.”

The SureSafe-4 mask available at CurexLab is made in Turkey and meets the CDC guidelines for disposable masks and the manufacturer is registered with the FDA. It’s a disposable mask that has been scientifically developed in the lab to provide protection against air droplets, bacteria, and virus. The new disposable mask offers two melt-blown filters and is comfortable, breathable, and affordable.

The CDC further advises that wearing a mask is a critical step to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. They recommend that the mask fit snugly on the face, so that there are no open edges around the sides of the mask. Those who have problems with masks fitting properly may want to add a mask fitter or brace to help it be more snug. The mask should be worn around the nose, mouth, and chin. They report that disposable masks are not designed to fit tightly and that wearing more than one will not improve the fit.

“We are happy to be able to offer people this 4-ply mask, which will help keep them safer when it comes to virus exposure,” added Haider. “It’s easier to put on and use, and people find it more comfortable than trying to layer up multiple masks.”

CurexLab Inc., pioneers in clinical diagnostic kits, offers a range of COVID-19 PPE supplies and lab supplies at affordable costs. Its product line includes antibody rapid testing kits, RNA COVID-19 extraction kits, inferred thermometers, ventilators, face shields, hand sanitizer, nitrile gloves, KN95 masks, three and four-ply masks, isolation and surgical gowns, and coveralls. To get more information or see the line of COVID-19 PPE and lab supplies, visit the site at: https://www.curexlab.com.

About CurexLab Inc.
Based in New York City and Toronto, Canada, CurexLab Inc. offers a range of COVID-19 lab and PPE supplies, including nitrile gloves and 4-ply masks. It is one of the largest suppliers of COVID-19 medical supplies. CurexLab masks were designed in compliance with FDA and CDC guidelines. They are a vendor a vendor at the state and federal government level. Its products are manufactured in labs in the U.S., Canada, Turkey, Estonia, Vietnam, and China. All vendors are carefully selected to meet CurexLab’s high standards. To get more information or see the line of COVID-19 PPE and lab supplies, visit the site at: https://www.curexlab.com.

The press release CurexLab Offers 4-Ply Mask to Help Reduce COVID-19 Exposure comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

This startling statistic comes from Juwai IQI’s new Q1 2021 residential real estate report, “Asian Investment in Australia.” The unprecedented report is sponsored by Kay & Burton, the leader in Melbourne’s premium real estate market.

China is not the only major Asian investor in Australia, however. Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan also lead in inbound investment. Thailand and Vietnam are prominent growth countries.

COVID-19 has had a significant negative impact, knocking Chinese real estate buyer enquiries back by some 19.2% in 2020.

Juwai IQI Co-Founder and Group Executive Chairman Georg Chmiel said:

“What you can obtain by reading the ‘Asian Investment in Australia’ report is a clear overview of one of the world’s most significant channels of residential property investment. The report includes data on total investment by source country, investor preferences, the impact of COVID-19 and the post-pandemic outlook.”

“Asian Investment in Australia” also includes an exclusive interview with Jamie Mi, Partner & Head of International Division at Kay & Burton, the report’s sponsor. Mi explains why she expects inbound investment to rebound from the second half of 2021 and Significant Investor Visas seems to have accelerated.

Kay & Burton’s Mi said:

“Thee Asian communities overseas are watching Australia very closely. There are many positive reasons they like Australia, including education, the stable political environment, and how we are handling COVID-19 thus far.

“Next year, there will be plenty of buyers coming in and plenty of offshore wealth invested in Australia. It will be Asian buyers, and also buyers from the U.S. and U.K. and expats.”

The press release Asian Investment into Australian Dwellings Far Outpaces Investment into USA: New Report from Juwai IQI comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

UNITS offers commercial and residential customers best-in-class containers and a hassle-free method for moving or storing personal belongings. Currently, UNITS Storage and Service Centers reach over 500 cities throughout the United States.

“We’re incredibly excited to start growing internationally,” UNITS Moving and Portable Storage CEO Michael McAlhany said. “We have no doubt our business model and service offering will translate to success for franchisees across the globe. It is an extremely scalable model with a tremendous ROI that provides both B2B and B2C business opportunities.”

The moving and portable storage industry continues to grow and find success. Even during slower economic times, the need for moving and storage services remains strong. The flexibility of the UNITS Moving and Portable Storage model gives both consumers and businesses a local solution that works with their needs and provides a necessary service during these uncertain times.

As a result of their partnership with World Franchise Associates, there are now UNITS franchise opportunities available across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. International expansion markets are now available in the following countries and regions: Australia, Cambodia, China, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, KSA, Kuwait, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and Scandinavia.

UNITS’ ideal candidates can manage a small team and hold them accountable for the daily activities, with many of the responsibilities able to be handled remotely. UNITS is also looking for empire builders who are looking to grow their portfolio with a proven model of success. While UNITS is expanding internationally, there are key markets still available in major metropolitan areas across the U.S.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with UNITS Moving and Portable Storage, visit https://www.unitsfranchisegroup.com/.

ABOUT UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage

Established in 2003, UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage is an Inc. 5000-ranked franchise that was founded by Michael McAlhany during the emergence of the moving and portable storage industry. The company’s mission was to provide personal customer service and supply the most innovative and highest quality equipment. Nationwide UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage are locally-owned and operated and familiar with the communities they serve. UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage offers high-quality constructed containers featuring barn-style doors and all-steel construction. The UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage container is clean, weather-resistant, spacious, and available in 16-ft. lengths. The UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage robotic delivery system is the most technologically advanced in the industry, virtually eliminating any shift in contents when lifting containers on and off transport vehicles. The container may be placed in a UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage service center or at the customers’ desired location, always at ground level for easy access. The national network of UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage and Service Centers currently services over 500 cities in North America with additional locations scheduled to open in 2020 and 2021.

The press release UNITS Moving and Portable Storage Expands Internationally comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Hong Kong, China, November 8, 2020 /Xinwengao.com/ - The MediaIntel.Asia platform, which launched services last year as an offshoot of sister service ChinaPulse.com, has expanded its News Briefs to Southeast Asia. With MediaIntel.Asia’s slogan of “Be Smarter”, subscribers gain crucial intelligence for conducting business across Asia-Pacific.

News Briefs are daily executive briefings delivered by email to subscribers. Each MediaIntel.Asia News Brief contains top news and media insights in particular business sectors. This express service provides a curated list of Asia media intelligence across industries like technology, insurance, manufacturing, tourism, finance, and retail. After launching services for mainland China, MediaIntel.Asia now has opened three different industry sector News Briefs for Singapore covering technology, tourism, and finance.

“We have built the MediaIntel.Asia platform on top of two decades of experience in media intelligence and media monitoring,” says Paul Doyle, director at MediaIntel.Asia’s parent Asia Media Network. “Our ChinaPulse.com platform began 20 years ago, and the insights gained in sentiment analysis, artificial intelligence, data monitoring, and news syndication have created the backbone for the launch of MediaIntel.Asia’s expanded services across Asia. Be smarter with your own subscription!”

In addition to the daily News Briefs, subscribers can login anytime to the MediaIntel.Asia platform to view and search thousands of daily news articles from global media. And for each news article, MediaIntel.Asia has rolled out its new “News Timeline” feature. With the News Timeline, each and every news post on the platform can be traced to related news from around the globe. For example, if a news story is published in Indonesia about a Chinese tech company, the News Timeline links that story to one published 3 hours earlier in Malaysia. And that Malaysia article is then tied to an article published in Germany a day previously, which in turn is linked to a Hong Kong article published a few hours prior to that. So researchers can use the News Timeline to have a forensic analysis of the genesis and ongoing distribution of a news story, rumor, meme, or online posting.

MediaIntel.Asia also provides its data using its own taxonomies along with the Global Industry Classification Standard, Industry Classification Benchmark, Thomson Reuters Business Classification, and the IPTC NewsCodes. These various taxonomies provide researchers the power to drill down into necessary data easily and quickly.

MediaIntel.Asia is a service of Hong Kong-based Asia Media Network. MediaIntel.Asia now includes China and Singapore in its News Brief coverage, and the company will soon expand to Vietnam, Philippines, and Indonesia.

More information at https://www.mediaintel.asia

The press release MediaIntel.Asia Expands Media Intelligence News Brief Services To Southeast Asia comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

“A new age requires a new voice. Climate & Capital Media is all about the emerging climate economy,” said founder Peter McKillop. “By bringing together people and capital with a shared mission of solving climate change, we represent a new kind of media organization that’s dedicated to a more equitable and sustainable economy.”

As a membership service, Climate&Capital will publish content, host events, and manage a directory, all with the goal of accelerating climate action at scale. Unlike other publications, Climate&Capital focuses exclusively on the climate economy, with an independent editorial policy that emphasizes conversations and engagement among the doers, the seekers, and the market influencers of the climate economy.

“We need bold and meaningful action on climate change,” said co-founder David Garrison. “And to move people and capital center stage, we need new ideas, new models, and new kinds of connections. “Our goal is for Climate&Capital to stand at the center of the emerging climate economy — to be a trusted source as we lead the transformations we all want to see.”

In addition to the Ten to Watch feature, recent stories published on Climate&Capital include a leadership discussion with Matthew Weatherley-White, a look at New Zealand’s ground-breaking adoption of the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) guidelines, a quick take on how luxury fashion is embracing climate finance, and a podcast interview of journalist-author Jonathan Alter about what Joe Biden should learn from Jimmy Carter in pushing his climate agenda.

McKillop was formerly a Managing Director at BlackRock, where he was responsible for leading the firm’s strategic communications and messaging for its iShares ETF and Indexing business. He has also held senior communication leadership positions at J.P. Morgan, KKR, UBS, and Bank of America. Before entering the financial communications field, Peter was a senior correspondent and bureau chief for Newsweek in New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.

Garrison has advised leaders on the most difficult challenges of building meaningful brands. He previously founded the Brytemoore Group, a brand consulting firm focused on bold transformations and was a founding principal of Edelman Consulting, the former management strategy consulting arm of global communications firm Edelman. David previously held senior marketing and strategy roles in music, healthcare, and agencies.

Editors include:

Blair Palese (Global Climate Editor) — co-founder and former CEO of 350.org Australia, and previously communications director for Greenpeace International, Greenpeace USA and The Body Shop.

Howard Manly (Climate Justice Editor) — a veteran journalist who has spent most of his award-winning print and television career focused on the intersection of race, politics, and society, including as a writer for Newsweek, the Boston Globe, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Bay State Banner, one of the leading black newspapers in America. Manly is a senior fellow at the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice at Harvard Law School.

John Howell (Climate Finance Weekly Editor) — co-founder, editorial director, and chief of thought leadership for 3BL Media, for which he managed all original editorial content, wrote, and edited newsletters, and created the Brands Taking Stands initiative.

Frank Gibney Jr. (Editorial Director) — a senior journalist, writer, and editor who worked for decades as a correspondent, bureau chief, and editor for Newsweek and TIME around the U.S. and East Asia, writing extensively about Japan, China, and Vietnam, and always business.

Jyotika Bindra (South Asia Editor) — a writer based in New Delhi who was previously a fashion manager with responsibility for conducting sustainability workshops with employees regarding the eco-friendly disposal of fashion materials.

Tom Fortier (Director of Operations) — a long-time client service and product management leader, having spent 20 years in the financial technology industry, including years with Thomson Reuters and Nasdaq.

Climate&Capital is also supported by a group of advisors from across the worlds of business, finance, and media including:

Kofi Appenteng — President of the Africa-American Institute (AAI)

Ashley Allen Jones — Founder of i2 Capital

Elan J Blutinger — Managing Director of Alpine Consolidated

Adi Ignatius — Editor-in-Chief of Harvard Business Review (HBR)

Erika Karp — Founder and CEO of Cornerstone Capital

Marcela Shine — Head of Community at Ureeka

Climate&Capital is offering premium subscribers a 90-day free trial. To subscribe, please go to https://www.climateandcapitalmedia.com/membership-account/membership-levels/.

About Climate & Capital Media

Climate & Capital Media is a global media organization that provides news, information, and connections to bring together people and capital to solve climate change. Its news service develops engaging, well-reported profiles that deliver practical investment and leadership insights on the fast-growing community of businesses addressing global warming and building a sustainable climate economy. Learn more about Climate&Capital at https://www.climateandcapitalmedia.com.

The press release Climate & Capital Media Launches By Introducing Ten of the Most Promising Leaders in the New Climate Economy comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Hong Kong, China, January 31, 2019 /Xinwengao.com/ - Connet Continues to Grow Asian Footprints with Expanded Vietnam Data Center Hub

Helps local enterprises gain access to global markets

Leading global internet service and security solution provider Connet announced its plan to grow the Vietnam market with expanded data center hub.

Vietnam has experienced some of the fastest economic growth in the world in recent years. The country has been making a strong push to attract new facilities to their country. In light of the growing trend and needs for enterprises’ business expansion in Asia, Connet opened its office in Vietnam in 2012.

“Vietnam is now one of the most fastest growing emerging markets, globally. The year 2018’s robust growth is expected to spill over into 2019.” said Cecil Yuen, Business Director Asia and General Manager, Hong Kong, “Positive growth figures proved that we have made a right decision to have invested three data centers in Vietnam. Moving forward, we are seeing a lot of momentum for our complete product profolio of cloud, security and data center solution.”

“Connet Vietnam has experienced a rapid business growth in 2018 with a 32% increase in revenue compared to the same period on the previous year.” said Tony VU, Head of Business Development, Connet Vietnam, “Our clients are switching to us for the integrated networking solutions and world-class services.”

Connet’s client profolio for Vietnam includes Crowne Plaza Danang , Li Lai International Hotel, FTS Services and a variety of manufacturing company.

“Connet is committed to providing the highest level of quality and service to our clients. We are building a future-ready regional and global network to continue to support enterprises’ global growth strategy and provide clients with even more choice and flexibility for their IT journeys.” added Tony.

About Connet
Connet Inc. is a regional Internet Services Provider (ISP) with Managed Security Services (MSS) to global customers. The company operates advanced networks with unmatched breadth across Asia Pacific. For more information, please visit http://www.consp.com ，google.com/+Consp

The press release Connet Continues to Grow Asian Footprints with Expanded Vietnam Data Center Hub comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Hong Kong, China, September 18, 2018 /Xinwengao.com/ - Artificial intelligence can prevent human errors and is crucial to the success of attaining ISO 9001 certification. WCL Solution has recently helped enterprises in Hong Kong and China to deploy ABBYY FlexiCapture and ABBYY Recognition Server for intelligent data capture of identity documents.

Technology giants like Amazon and Google are now joining the insurance industry to sell online insurance directly to customers, the established insurance companies are facing keen competition from these new players. Business process reengineering can help insurance companies to stay ahead of competition by reducing process time and human errors while enhancing customer experience.

As an authorized solution provider of ABBYY in Hong Kong and China, WCL Solution offers valued-added, customized data capture system to various vertical industries. To improve business processes, many leading banks, financial institutions and insurance companies have already chosen ABBYY FlexiCapture and ABBYY Recognition Server implemented by WCL Solution.

ABBYY is an award winning market leader in Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) Optical Character Recognition (OCR). ICR is an extended technology of OCR. OCR is designed to work on printed characters while ICR is focusing on hand written characters

For the insurance industry, ABBYY FlexiCapture is a powerful data capture and document processing solution capable of transforming streams of documents (for example HKID cards, claims and other insurance documents) into business-ready data. It adds intelligence to business processes: get fast usable data from unstructured and structured documents.

ABBYY FlexiCapture recognizes the scanned images by OCR and ICR, extracting the necessary data, which is then indexed and verified. Even if your documents come in different languages (typically English, traditional and simplified Chinese), ABBYY FlexiCapture can recognize them with accuracy. ABBYY FlexiCapture can read over 200 languages including traditional and simplified Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Russian, Greek, Arabic and Hebrew.

ABBYY Recognition Server is a document conversion server that automatically converts paper, image and electronic documents and saves them as compressed archive compliant files, such as PDF or PDF/A. It helps organizations of any size optimize business processes while also achieving compliance, collaboration and long-term storage goals.

ABBYY Recognition Server can significantly reduce the workload of the staff. The employees can easily and quickly search documents using various search words. Furthermore, incoming documents do not have to be processed manually. They can be received, scanned and sent to the archiving systems automatically.

Insurance companies acquire massive amount of new customers every day. They need to capture customer personal data like passport and identity card information with 100% accuracy at high speed, which is impossible to be done manually by their staff. Photocopies of customer data occupy office space and it takes time to file and retrieve. With ABBYY FlexiCapture and Recognition, identity data is digitalized and readily integrated with ERP, CRM, ECM, database, web portal and mobile apps. Real time data update and searching of customer data is now possible, fast and easy.

WCL Solution offers customized Optical Character Recognition integrated hardware and software system to help enterprises capture data on identity documents including Hong Kong Identity Card, passports, driving licences, student cards, bank cards.

There is huge demand for automatic identity data recognition from the insurance, banking and finance industry. Online insurance application can be processed immediately through mobile apps or e-form, with self-service upload of photo of identity document by the customer. There is no longer need for the applicant to present the identity document to the insurance agent in person, therefore speeding up the application process.

Errors in manual entry are greatly avoided. Smartphones and tablets can now become accurate, self-service identity card readers. Data of identity documents can be intelligently captured through a single interface connecting directly to the central server with integration with ERP, SAP and SQL. It is easy to search and retrieve the personal data of any customer, leading to great saving in time and manpower.

WCL Solution as a market leader in OCR has invented templates to enhance the ABBYY system in the process of data capture of various types of identity documents, including Hong Kong Identity Card, Hong Kong Birth Certificate, Hong Kong Driving Licence, Hong Kong Entry Slip, China Identity Card, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents, Macau Identity Card, Hong Kong Macau Entry Book, Hong Kong Macau Entry Card, HKSAR Passport and any passports issued by any countries with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ).

About WCL Solution:
WCL Solution is the specialist for optimizing business processes. We focus on automating business process, capturing, processing, managing and archiving of documents and data. Our goal is to provide total solution to customers based on their needs. WCL Solution works closely with world’s leading manufacturers to provide the most cutting-edge and reliable technologies in the market. We offer a comprehensive set of software and hardware solutions to fulfill customers’ needs and optimize their business processes.

For more information about the latest innovations of WCL Solution, please visit www.wclsolution.com

The press release WCL Solution Enhances ABBYY FlexiCapture and ABBYY Recognition Server For Identity Data Capture comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Hong Kong, September 7, 2018 /Xinwengao.com/ - The thought leadership report titled “The Trillion-Dollar Opportunity: Chinese Investment In ASEAN” offers a comprehensive review on managing risks and seizing opportunities along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

“This is a timely report as China’s important Belt and Road Initiative was launched five years ago, and this report offers detailed analysis of the achievements and challenges this national initiative has encountered in this past five years,” says Nina Xiang, managing editor of China Money Network. 

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) turns five this year. With maturity, comes expectations, and, as with all global economic programs, expectations beget more expectations. In other words, the BRI is now entering a new phase and Southeast Asia will be front-and-center of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. 

While the BRI is considered a long-term objective, few can argue that the state-backed program will evolve into one of the defining geopolitical moves of our time. The numbers alone point to an unprecedented opportunity: two-thirds of the world’s population potentially touched; projections of US$4 trillion in investment forecast; and approximately 2,000-plus infrastructure projects on the cards.

Using all metrics, the size, scope and expectations of BRI are high. With geopolitical and economic tensions ripe globally, the world is watching and ASEAN will be one of the main theaters.  The role of the BRI within the Association of South East Asia Nations (ASEAN) provides a window into how China’s masterplan will evolve. 

Location-wise, many obstacles are removed in terms of logistics. Politically, the Chinese government has also signed numerous Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and trade agreements with ASEAN markets, paving way for new BRI projects. 

ASEAN and China have long-standing commercial and cultural links, underscoring the implications of the BRI to the South East Asia bloc. Supply chains between the regional economies are firmly established, investment corridors continue to open and from China’s point of view, the ASEAN region has a strong track record as a testing ground for international expansion. 

Since the launch of the China-backed program, ASEAN has been a major recipient of outbound capital flow. Singapore alone accounted for around half of China’s total overseas direct investment in the BRI zone in 2015. Elsewhere, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia have appealed to Chinese investors and more outbound capital is already earmarked to arrive. 

Given this backdrop, the BRI has been welcomed in ASEAN, in the first phase at least.

The big question remains though, what happens next? More investment will be high on the agenda for both sides of the transaction. Identification of specific sectors for investment will also be a priority.  “The Trillion-Dollar Opportunity: Chinese Investment In ASEAN” report abstract can be downloaded at chinamoneynetwork.com.

“This is a must-read for investors and business leaders to learn about the most updated developments for seizing opportunities and managing challenges in China’s signature globalization program. Join us on 13 September in Hangzhou, China as we unveil the most anticipated, comprehensive BRI report so far,” says Naveet McMahon, managing partner of China Money Network.

To register for the event in Hangzhou, please visit: https://www.chinamoneynetwork.com/the-trillion-dollar-opportunity-chinese-investment-in-asean

About China Money Network:
China Money Network is a leading professional investment and technology data and media company. Founded in 2012 and based in Hong Kong, CMN hosts an AI-based bilingual platform that follows China’s smart investments and technology innovation every day. The professional team of China Money Network has more than 60 years of combined experience in professional media sectors, with members coming from the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Financial Times, Haymarket Group and Acuris. Millions of professionals globally rely on CMN specialist news, analysis, research and data to take the business pulse of China by following daily/weekly trends, expert network events, exclusive company rankings, customized thought leadership research, and subscription-based digital services. Visit us at www.ChinaMoneyNetwork.com

The press release Hangzhou Event Unveils “The Trillion-Dollar Opportunity: Chinese Investment In ASEAN” comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Hong Kong, China, August 14, 2018 /Xinwengao.com/ - To enhance workflow optimization as part of business process reengineering, many companies in Hong Kong are looking for intelligent system to replace manual data entry of identity documents. WCL Solution offers customized Optical Character Recognition (OCR) integrated hardware and software system to help enterprises capture data on identity documents including Hong Kong Identity Card, passport, travel document and driving license.

There is huge demand for automatic identity data recognition from the insurance, banking and finance industry. Take loan application as an example, the OCR system by WCL Solution enables scanning and verification of application forms and supporting identity documents immediately at the point of entry of the bank branch via a single web-based interface.

Online insurance application can be processed immediately through mobile apps or e-form, with self-service upload of photo of identity document by the customer. There is no longer need for the applicant to present the identity document to the insurance agent in person, therefore speeding up the application process.

One of the benefits of deploying OCR to capture data of identity documents is enhancing customer experience. There will be no need of long queue waiting for the staff to input the data manually at reception desk or service counter. A customer in submitting online application can make a photo of his identity card from his mobile phone and upload to an e-form for automatic data capture. The customer can conveniently submit a copy of his identity card via website or mobile apps.

Errors in manual entry are greatly avoided. Smartphones and tablets can now become accurate, self-service identity card readers. Human errors prevention is a crucial theme in quality management system, OCR can definitely help organizations to get ISO 9001 certification.

Data of identity documents can be intelligently captured through a single interface connecting directly to the central server with integration with ERP, SAP and SQL. It is easy to search and retrieve the personal data of any customer, leading to great saving in time and manpower.

WCL Solution as a market leader in OCR has invented templates to process the data capture of various types of identity documents, including Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID), Hong Kong Birth Certificate, Hong Kong Driving License, Hong Kong Entry Slip, China Identity Card, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents, Macau Identity Card, Hong Kong Macau Entry Book, Hong Kong Macau Entry Card, HKSAR Passport and any passports issued by any countries with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ).

Not all software suppliers and solution providers in the market can handle data capture of international languages. The latest Optical Character Recognition system from WCL Solution can read over 200 languages including traditional and simplified Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Greek, Hebrew, Russian, Vietnamese and Thai, therefore can capture data easily and accurately from identity documents from different nationalities.

Top enterprises and government departments in Hong Kong and China are now deploying OCR system to capture ID data. WCL Solution can offer customization to serve the needs of various vertical industries including banking finance, insurance, education, healthcare, etc.

ID Recognition is the ideal solution for access and visitors control of office buildings, reception desks of hospitals and clinics, check-in counters of hotels, cruise and airlines, banks service counters, etc. Identity data can be integrated to ERP, CRM, ECM, database, web portal and mobile apps. Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) greatly speeds up business processes and facilitates the deployment of smart system that involves real time identity data capture.

About WCL Solution:
WCL Solution is the specialist for optimizing business processes. We focus on automating business process, capturing, processing, managing and archiving of documents and data. Our goal is to provide total solution to customers based on their needs. WCL Solution works closely with world’s leading manufacturers to provide the most cutting-edge and reliable technologies in the market. We offer a comprehensive set of software and hardware solutions to fulfill customers’ needs and optimize their business processes.

For more information about the latest innovations of WCL Solution, please visit www.wclsolution.com

The press release WCL Solution Innovates Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for Identity Documents comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Hong Kong, China, December 15, 2017 /Xinwengao.com/ - 3 Cryptocurrency Exchanges to List Monaco MCO Token on December 15th
Support grows for Monaco’s vision of Cryptocurrency in Every WalletTM

— Monaco, the pioneering payments and cryptocurrency platform, today announces that its MCO token will be listed on three additional cryptocurrency exchanges: Coinnest, Coinrail, and QRYPTOS (the international arm of Quoine) on Friday, December 15, 2017. The listing on these exchanges increases the liquidity and access of the MCO token, a significant step towards fulfilling Monaco’s vision of putting cryptocurrency in every wallet.

Kris Marszalek, Co-Founder and CEO of Monaco said, “South Korea and Japan are leading cryptocurrency markets in terms of trading volume. We’re excited to be working with our partners to make the MCO token broadly available. Watch this space in the next few weeks, as Monaco continues to extend its reach.”

Regarding the listing, Eik-hwan Kim, CEO of Coinnest said, “We are excited to provide another trading option to our users. Our teams have been focused on bringing online new tokens and futures, and it’s great to see our efforts pay off. We welcome Monaco and their community as we continue on our quest to best serve our users.

Kyungsic Nam, CEO of Coinrail added, “We look forward to bringing the MCO token to Coinrail. We are committed to the global proliferation and development of digital assets, it is in our interest to work with partners such as Monaco towards our mutual mission of putting cryptocurrency in every wallet.”

Mike Kayamori, Co-Founder and CEO of QUOINE said, “Adding the MCO token to QRYPTOS is a tremendous value add to our customers. With our focus on security and innovative rewards, we are keen to support Monaco’s efforts of making cryptocurrency available to the masses.”

Currently, the MCO token is also listed on BigONE, Bittrex, Binance, EtherDelta, Exchange X, Huobi.pro, Liqui, Livecoin, OKEx, and YoBit.

Deposits and withdrawals of the MCO token on each exchange will be enabled on Thursday, December 14, 2017. Trading begins on Friday, December 15, 2017.

###
About Monaco
Monaco Technology GmbH has a mission of putting Cryptocurrency in Every WalletTM as the pioneering payments and cryptocurrency platform. Through the Monaco Visa card and mobile app, users are able to buy, exchange, and spend fiat and cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin and ethereum, at perfect interbank exchange rates. Founded in June 2016, Monaco raised US$26.7 million through one of the most successful Token Sale events to date. The company is headquartered in Switzerland with offices in Hong Kong and Singapore.

For more information on Monaco, please visit www.mona.co. Monaco Visa cards can be reserved with the Monaco app available for download for iOS and Android users.

For press enquiries, please contact:
The Hoffman Agency
MonacoPR@hoffman.com

About Coinnest
Coinnest is a cryptocurrency exchange that introduces promising cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology into Korea and aims to provide a stable cryptographic trading environment. In July of 2017, we acquired more than 70,000 members within three months after its first launch and the transaction volume is growing at a rapid rate of nearly four times. We are linked with the world’s leading exchanges, BTC Trade, Jubi.com, BTC-Box, etc., as family groups and ranked 4th in Korea and 14th in the world in Coinhills ranking. With the investment from Bitmain and the Qtum Foundation, the enterprise value was estimated to be over KRW 100 billion. Qtum (QTUM), Neo (NEO), Kyber (KNC), and Energo (TSL), which are expected to be technologically stable and marketable, were listed on the Korea Exchange for the first time and Qtum’s major net swap was successful in Korea. We announced the technical support to the second bitcoin hard fork as the first Korean exchange. In addition, we also donated QTUM worth KRW 10 million, to the National Disaster Relief Association to recover from the earthquake in Pohang.

About Coinrail
Coinrail is a cryptocurrency exchange that has the largest variety of coins in South Korea. With numerous events and as a commission-free exchange, it has enormous growth potential. It is the most noteworthy exchange in South Korea with its user-friendly User Interface and features.

About QRYPTOS (QUOINE)
QUOINE is a leading global fintech company that provides trading, exchange, and next generation financial services powered by blockchain technology. With offices in Japan, Singapore and Vietnam, QUOINE combines a strong network of local partners with extensive team experience in banking and financial products to deliver best in class financial services for its customers. More information can be found at www.quoinex.com

In June 2017, QUOINE launched a fully digital cryptocurrency exchange and trading platform called QRYPTOS (www.qryptos.com). Developed to meet the trading needs of a growing professional and retail market, QRYPTOS was designed to make cryptocurrency trading convenient and efficient for everyone from the novice investor to corporate clients.

The press release 3 Cryptocurrency Exchanges to List Monaco MCO Token on December 15th comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Hong Kong, China, September 5, 2017 /Xinwengao.com/ - Consumers worldwide are increasingly willing to pay more for enhanced TV viewing experiences, as reflected in GfK’s latest findings revealing rising take-up of UHD and OLED TVs. Around the world, some 478,000 units of OLED TVs were sold in the first six months of 2017 — an increase of 94 percent from the same period a year ago. Ultra HD, also a growing segment globally, now makes up nearly half of the entire TV market value (48%).

These are some of the findings for the global TV market shared by GfK at IFA 2017 in Berlin.

Although the overall Southeast Asian TV market in the first half of this year registered marginally improved sales by 1 percent in volume and 2 percent in value terms, the Ultra HD, also known as 4K, and OLED segments of the TV market reported 92 and 69 percent surge in sales volume, and 53 and 85 percent respectively in value terms.

“OLED is the latest in TV technology that is generating a lot of interest in the market currently, especially since more brands are starting to offer this type of technology after a single player has been dominating the market for a while,” highlighted Gerard Tan, senior director, Technology Retail Tracking, GfK Asia. “With this heightening competition, we are likely to experience more vibrancy in the market as more brands and retailers compete to win the consumer dollar.”

Within Southeast Asia, consumer spend on UHD TVs totaled USD725 million in the first half of 2017. However, due to the higher demand for the lower priced, smaller screen size models, the average price in this segment fell by 20 percent within a year to USD836.

As the competition heats up within the UHD TV market, GfK tracking reports rising number of brands launching more affordable, and smaller UHD TV models in the local markets. In Vietnam, UHD TV choices in 2017 surged by more than 50 percent, from 192 to reach 303 models within a year.

“With consumer interest continuing to revolve around UHD and 4K TV, we foresee TV makers seeking more ways of differentiating themselves from their competition, one of which is to utilize it’s smart TV function to develop more unique apps that appeal to consumers,” said Tan. “The increasing popularity and availability of over-the-top content is also likely to entice more consumers to upgrade their current TV sets for better viewing experience.”

Demand for the UHD TV segment is predicted to maintain its uptrend to end 2017 with at least 60 percent growth in sales volume across Southeast Asia.

According to a separate GfK study based on Point of Sales (POS) Tracking, the product life cycles of TVs have significantly shortened with new models being launched at a faster pace. This translates to brands now having a shorter time window to effectively market their products. Hence, it becomes even more important that they understand and constantly obtain insights on how their marketing mix efforts and investments impact the sales performance of their products so as to optimise strategies swiftly to achieve maximum returns on their portfolio.

GfK will share the global insights for the TV market at the IFA 2017 in Berlin, 1-6 September 2017.

The press release Rising adoption of UHD TVs and OLED display technology in Southeast Asia comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Bangkok, Thailand, July 12, 2017 /Xinwengao.com/ - Thailand’s first full-scale emergency center operated by a group of private hospitals, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Co. Ltd. (BDMS), provides 360-degree of international standard healthcare services, which include medical evacuations; conditions assessment and treatment plan; hospitalization and treatment; coordination with assistance and international insurance providers; and worldwide repatriation.

Foreign visitors in Thailand can simply dial 1724 for Thailand domestic calls and no. +66-2-226-4565 or +662 BANGKOK for international calls from neighboring countries, to access BDMS’ emergency medical assistance. The one-stop service center provides 24-hour English-speaking staff and on-call interpreters. With the network of 45 hospitals, of which BDMS Trauma Care Center at nine major hospitals carry Center of Excellence status, the network covers every corner of Thailand – including popular tourist destinations Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Samui – and in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and China.

The center offers 65 board-certified medical specialties for emergency situations, available for consultation 24/7, include Trauma surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopedic surgery, Cardiothoracic surgery, Pediatric surgery, Travel medicine, Aviation medicine, Stroke, and many more.

The ethics-driven medical expertise and highly experienced Emergency/CCU teams are able to cope with complex disaster management on a mass scale, as well as timely and personalized response. Medical protocols include patient assessment, preparation, transportation, and treatment, are aided by close-at-hand communication channels on the ground in the provinces. Emergency evacuation will be dispatched as appropriate using BDMS’ dedicated CAMTS*accredited ambulance fleet consisting of air, land or sea medical ambulances. Timely and effective patient case management is ensured via integrated digital and GPS network.

###

Note to editor:
*CAMTS: Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems

About BDMS:
BANGKOK DUSIT MEDICAL SERVICES Public Co., Ltd. (BDMS) is one of the most comprehensive hospital networks in Asia-Pacific. Boasting 14 JCI and 11 CCPC accreditations, BDMS delivers world-class care to an international clientele, providing top-tier services and facilities and skilled specialists in various fields. The unique BDMS network of 45 hospitals stretches across all of Thailand’s regions. The group currently owns and manages six major hospital brands: Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej Hospital, BNH Hospital, Phyathai Hospital, Paolo Hospital and the Royal Hospital. Our hospitals are located throughout Thailand, in all major cities, including Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Samui, as well as two hospitals in Cambodia.

Centers of Excellence:
In order to serve emergency patients across Thailand plus the neighboring countries better, BDMS upgraded nine hospitals into Centers of Excellence (CoE) focusing on 5 key clinical areas, Trauma, Orthopedics, Cancer, Cardiology, and Neurology. Altogether they offer 65 board-certified medical specialists who are available for emergency consultation 24/7. The CoE status exemplifies the highest standards of medical care not only based on their state-of-the-art facilities and scope of medical specialties, but also on their academic excellence covering clinical studies, training, innovation and international affiliations. BDMS’s nine CoE and their city location are: Bangkok Hospital, Bangkok; Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, Bangkok; Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, Bangkok; Phyathai 2 Hospital, Bangkok; Bangkok Hospital Phuket; Bangkok Hospital Pattaya; Bangkok Hospital Udon Thani; Bangkok Hospital Chiangmai; and Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The press release BDMS sets up Alarm Center to provide 24/7 medical emergency assistance for foreign visitors in Thailand and its neighboring countries comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Hong Kong, China, June 26, 2017 /Xinwengao.com/ - Action cameras, flat panel TVs and wearables were the fastest-growing technology products in the past year

The consumer technology market in Asia Pacific (APAC) has grown tremendously over the past year, with the introduction of new technologies and advancements of existing technologies.

One innovative product that is gaining popularity in the market is the action camera. More brands (from 2 brands in 2015 to 13 brands in 2016) that offer 360-degree features have entered the market. In the last 12 months, emerging markets in APAC have been the key growth driver for such action cameras, registering 57% and 33% increase in sales volume and value respectively, while the region’s developed markets experienced a corresponding 9% and 40% growth last year.

Action cameras with 4K features are also selling well with sales accounting for 47% and 52% growth in volume and value respectively in APAC. Meanwhile, emerging markets in the region contributed up to 46% share of the pie in both volume and value terms.

“Nowadays, consumers are increasingly sharing videos, contributing to the rising popularity of action cameras,” said Gerard Tan, Senior Director, Technology at GfK Asia. “Besides one of its key draw factors of being able to connect seamlessly to today’s smartphones, action cameras also tend to appeal to active consumers who are seeking new and interesting ways to record their lifestyle activities to view or share in full HD quality.”

Another product which has jumped onto the 4K bandwagon is TVs. In the past year, 4K TVs, also known as Ultra High Definition (UHD), have been gaining traction as sales growth hit over 103% in units across APAC in the past 12 months, with the market upgrading the display resolutions from Full High Definition (FHD) to UHD. Demand is expected to continue to rise at a rate of 42% in 2017, with emerging economies projected to register higher growth (55%) due to the erosion of UHD prices.

“There is a rising uptake of 4K TVs as discerning consumers are increasingly choosing UHD TV technology due to its sleek design and better image quality,” observed Tan. “The popularity of UHD will subsequently create more opportunities for content studios to produce better image content, especially when more recording devices are beginning to support 4K recording, enabling more UHD content to be made readily available for consumers.”

Since the advent of the Smart TV in 2011, there have been ample opportunities for companies to develop TV software for its platforms. In the last 12 months, sales of Smart TVs in APAC continued to increase by 40% to reach over 5 million units.

One of the latest technologies available in the TV market is OLED TV—a TV display technology based on the characteristics of organic light-emitting diodes. According to GfK findings, OLED TV has been registering significant growth since its launch in APAC in 2014, growing in demand from 7,000 units in 2014 to 98,000 units in 2016. As more brands continue to come into the equation, the OLED TV market is projected to expand further by more than 63% in 2017, with huge growth anticipated from the developed markets in APAC.

Meanwhile, core wearables, comprising smart watches, and, health and fitness trackers, is yet another thriving category within the consumer electronics. Total sales units in the last year reached 3.3 million across developed APAC markets as consumer spending on the product category grew 9% year on year.
“Heart Rate Sensor and GPS are generally the key features that appeal to consumers looking to purchase a wearable device, and this is reflected in the significant increase in devices that provide these features. The sales of wearables with heart rate sensors rose by 28% within a year, while devices with inbuilt GPS almost doubled (98%) during the same time period,” said Tan.

With consumers embracing the digital lifestyle and using smart devices, the overall consumer technology market in APAC is expected to perform positively this year, with TVs, action cameras and wearables likely to experience further growth.

Note:
#8226; APAC includes Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Australia and New Zealand
#8226; GfK Point of Sales tracking period: May 2016 – April 2017 versus May 2015 – April 2016
#8226; Value growth tracked based on local currency, but common currency for consolidated tracking based on USD.

The press release -Connected Consumers Driving Growth of Smart Devices in Asia Pacific comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Shanghai, China, October 21, 2016 /Xinwengao.com/ - Novotel, the international midscale brand known for its consistently high service standards, modular rooms, commitment to well-being, family offerings and stand-out meeting facilities, has introduced the Novotel Suites concept to Asia Pacific. Sharing the essence of the Novotel brand, Novotel Suites offer suite-type units that are spacious and functional, and can be adapted into a working or reception area. The rooms, which accommodate up to four people, come with a kitchenette and several amenities that cater to all types of guests and for all lengths of stays.

The debut property, Novotel Suites Hanoi, presents a new option to travellers in Vietnam’s capital who desire the services of a hotel with the amenities and privacy of an apartment, offering a choice of 87 spacious studios and 64 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

The apartments — which range in size from 48 to 104 square metres — feature the latest Novotel design, an abundance of natural light, a separate living room with IPTV, a fully equipped kitchenette, walk-in closets, and terraces in some units.  Among the comforts that are not found in other serviced apartments is the Novotel Suites Live N Dream eco-friendly bedding experience with its two-sided Smart Pillow and Dual-Technology Mattress. This bedding experience is fitting, as waking up refreshed and at one’s best is important in C?u Gi?y, the new urban district where the hotel is located. This burgeoning area offers proximity to office and industrial complexes, convention and exhibition centres, residential neighbourhoods, and Noi Bai International Airport.

The culinary options at Novotel Suites Hanoi also set it apart from other serviced apartments. Food Exchange, the all-day-dining restaurant, features international buffet dining with live cooking stations. Guests can enjoy delectable tapas at Gourmet Bar, spectacular city views at the Rooftop Bar Terrace, and snacks and drinks at the Pool Bar. A fitness centre, heated outdoor pool, private library lounge and kids’ playground assure that Novotel Suites Hanoi offers all the comforts of home — and  more.

“The Novotel Suites brand is designed as an attractive option for medium- and long-term stays, and is a perfect choice for business travellers and families on urban holidays,” says Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer of AccorHotels Upper Southeast and Northeast Asia. The brand was launched in 2010 and now has over 30 hotels in nine countries. Basset adds that the latest hotel, Novotel Suites Hanoi, “is the first Novotel Suites in Asia Pacific and the sixth Novotel in Vietnam, underscoring AccorHotels’ commitment to continued growth in one of the most dynamic hospitality markets in the region.” The group’s 23 hotels in the country will be followed by 10 more in the next two years. AccorHotels is not only the largest international hotel operator in Vietnam, but was the first, and has been in the country for nearly 30 years.

Mike Britt, the hotel’s General Manager, adds that “guests of Novotel Suites Hanoi can create their own special world with all the warmth of home. It will usher in a new concept here of home-away-from-home living for long-stay travellers who are in Hanoi on business as well as their families. And with modern pillar-less meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 200 guests, Novotel Suites Hanoi’s can host meetings and events in style”.

The hotel’s three meeting rooms offer natural sunlight and can be combined into one elegant ballroom, making it an ideal venue for small-to-medium-sized events.  Additionally, the hotel is committed to an eco-friendly approach, offering an interactive white board for paper-less meetings and coffee breaks with delicious, locally grown products. Novotel Suites Hanoi is the first hotel in Vietnam to participate in the Joint Crediting Mechanism (“JCM”) programme to reduce carbon emissions throughout the property.

Novotel Suites Hanoi is located at 5 Duy Tan Street, C?u Gi?y district, Hanoi, a 25-minute drive from Noi Bai International Airport.

ABOUT NOVOTEL

With Novotel, AccorHotels offers every guest the freedom to fully enjoy their stay.

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts provide a multi-service offer for both business and leisure guests, with spacious, modular rooms, 24/7 catering offers with balanced meals, meeting rooms, attentive and proactive staff, kid areas, a multi-purpose lobby and fitness centers. Through PLANET 21, AccorHotels’ sustainable development program, Novotel commits to Man and the Planet. Novotel has over 470 hotels and resorts in 61 countries, ideally located in the heart of major international cities, business districts and tourist destinations.

AccorHotels, the world’s leading hotel operator, is present in 95 countries with more than 4,000 hotels and 240,000 employees.

ABOUT ACCORHOTELS

AccorHotels is a world-leading travel & lifestyle group and digital innovator offering unique experiences in more than 4,000 hotels, resorts and residences, as well as in over 2,500 of the finest private homes around the globe. Benefiting from dual expertise as an investor and operator through its HotelServices and HotelInvest divisions, AccorHotels operates in 95 countries. Its portfolio comprises internationally acclaimed luxury brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel LEGEND, SO Sofitel, SOFITEL, onefinestay, MGallery by Sofitel, Pullman, and Swissôtel; as well as the popular midscale and boutique brands of Novotel, Mercure, Mama Shelter and Adagio; the in-demand economy brands including ibis, ibis Styles, ibis budget and the regional brands Grand Mercure, The Sebel and hotelF1.

With an unmatched collection of brands and rich history spanning close to five decades, AccorHotels, along with its global team of more than 240,000 dedicated women and men, has a purposeful and heartfelt mission: to make every guest Feel Welcome. Guests enjoy access to one of the world’s most rewarding hotel loyalty programs – Le Club AccorHotels.

AccorHotels is active in its local communities and committed to sustainable development and solidarity through PLANET 21, a comprehensive program that brings together employees, guests and partners to drive sustainable growth.

Accor SA is publicly listed with shares trading on the Euronext Paris exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and the OTC marketplace (Code: ACRFY) in the United States.

The press release Hanoi Becomes Site of Asia Pacific’s First Novotel Suites comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

London, United Kingdom, April 12, 2016 /Xinwengao.com/ - Working in conjunction with Priori Data and examining ten Asian markets, the report concludes that the likes of Vietnam, The Philippines and Indonesia could become mobile gaming powerhouses – with the right investment in infrastructure.

George Osborn, Editor of MGF, said, “South East Asia has the potential to become a major mobile gaming market for publishers across the world. Boasting nearly a billion potential players and rapidly growing its mobile infrastructure, South East Asia could prove a real opportunity for developers looking to grow their user base.”

The 14 page report also concludes:

Local publishers rule the roost in China, Japan and South Korea, while less developed or foreign publishers dominate smaller territories, such as Singapore or Malaysia.

Paid games such as Minecraft, The Room 3 and Terraria appear in top grossing charts in South East Asian countries, such as Indonesia and Vietnam.

EA and Supercell perform best of the Western publishers, with both companies appearing in top ten grossing iOS and Android markets in eight territories across the region.

View the fact file which explores the state of affairs in ten Asian territories.

The press release South East Asia a significant mobile gaming growth opportunity, according to new report comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Shanghai, China, January 11, 2016 /Xinwengao.com/ - – GuocoLand Limited (“GuocoLand”) has signed a landmark deal with AccorHotels for the management of the Group’s two new-built hotels at Tanjong Pagar Centre, Singapore and Damansara City, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Sofitel Singapore City Centre and the Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, adds a total of 534 rooms to the AccorHotel’s luxury brand portfolio.

“Our upcoming world-class mixed use developments in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are set to bring modern, liveable spaces to the heart of the business districts in both cities. GuocoLand is pleased to appoint AccorHotels as the hotel manager for both properties as we see strong synergies with the Sofitel luxury brand and services that will cater to the differing needs and demands of our office tenants, residents, visitors and guests,” said Mr Raymond Choong, President and CEO of GuocoLand Group.” The hotels’ business and dining facilities will be easily accessible to office tenants and residents within both developments, providing them with quality working and living experiences in a cosmopolitan setting.”

“We are very excited that GuocoLand has entrusted us to manage these two flagship hotels under our luxury Sofitel brand in what will be very prestigious lifestyle and business hubs,” said Michael Issenberg, Chairman and CEO AccorHotels Asia Pacific. “These two new hotels are set to become icons in their respective cities, being at the centrepiece of landmark developments that will reinvent urban living in two of Asia’s most dynamic destinations.”

The 222-room Sofitel Singapore City Centre will be part of the upcoming multi-billion dollar Tanjong Pagar Centre, which will redefine mixed use developments in Singapore. Located between historic Chinatown and the vibrant CBD, Tanjong Pagar Centre will feature Singapore’s tallest building at 290 metres, a prestigious residential and office tower, premier retail and event spaces and luxury Sofitel hotel, all set around beautifully landscaped parklands and with direct MRT station access.

Guests at Sofitel Singapore City Centre will appreciate the unique, state-of-the-art equipment and programmes offered at the Virgin Active gym, as well as a host of health and fitness-related public activities and events at Tanjong Pagar Centre’s Urban Park which can accommodate up to 2,000 people. The 150,000 sq ft Urban Park will be an ideal location to host public fitness events, such as Zumba and yoga, for the broader community, including hotel guests. Positioned as an ‘Integrated Vertical City,’ Tanjong Pagar Centre will provide a holistic, end-to-end hospitality service for hotel guests.
The Sofitel Singapore City Centre will offer guests the finest luxury accommodations complete with outdoor pool, a plush executive lounge with stunning city views, a 620 sqm ballroom and eight meeting rooms plus world-class restaurant and bars. Surrounded by a wide array of dining and entertainment options, the Sofitel will be exceptionally positioned to take advantage of strong corporate and leisure demand.

In neighbouring Malaysia, the 312-room Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara is also an integral part of a new 8.5 acre integrated development in the upmarket Damansara Heights enclave called Damansara City which will feature two Grade A office towers, two luxury high-rise residences, and an F&B-centric lifestyle mall in addition to the luxury hotel.

The Sofitel will be the first internationally branded luxury hotel in the area and is part of the prime and exclusive Damansara Heights precinct, which boasts close proximity to KL Sentral transportation hub, as well as established townships like Bangsar and Petaling Jaya. The hotel – and indeed the whole precinct – will target corporate clients in the surrounding area, leisure travellers and the MICE market, with Damansara Heights having a reputation as a choice destination for some of Malaysia’s most elite and influential people thanks to its unparalleled value, heritage and distinction. A new MRT station next to the Damansara City development will provide high connectivity to the rest of Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley.

The Sofitel will feature a lobby lounge, deli, three restaurants and bars, a Club Millesime executive lounge on the 22nd floor, a So Spa, So Fit gym and outdoor swimming pool complete with pool bar. There will also be outstanding meeting facilities including an 840sqm ballroom and five meeting rooms.

The announcement of these new flagship Sofitels comes as the brand is undergoing a renaissance to better meet the needs of today’s luxury guests. Sofitel hotels provide authentic luxury, where innate French elegance artfully blends with local culture to create exceptional experiences.

-END-

About GuocoLand Limited
GuocoLand Limited (“GuocoLand”) is a public company listed on the Singapore Exchange since 1978. The principal business activities of its subsidiaries are property development, property investment, hotel operations and property management.

GuocoLand and its subsidiaries (“Group”) have established property operations in their geographical markets of Singapore, China, Malaysia and Vietnam, comprising residential, hospitality, commercial and retail developments. As a premier regional property company, GuocoLand is focused on achieving scalability, sustainability and growth in its core markets through its property development, investment and management businesses.

The parent company of GuocoLand is Guoco Group Limited, a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. Guoco Group Limited is a member of the Hong Leong group of companies.

About AccorHotels
AccorHotels is a Group united by a shared passion for hospitality and driven by a shared promise to make everyone Feel Welcome.
Over 180,000 women and men in almost 3,800 AccorHotels establishments look after thousands of guests every day in 92 countries.

The press release Guocoland Signs Landmark Deal With Accorhotels For New-Built Sofitels In Singapore And Kuala Lumpur comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

Mississippi, United States, January 5, 2016 /Xinwengao.com/ - The next editions of International Surrealism Now will be held in the United States in Mississipi at Cullis Wade Depot Art Gallery, MSU Welcome Center. It will be in January and February and in Partícula Coimbra, next February, and Multimedia Poros Museum in Condeixa-a-Nova, Portugal 2016.

The following artists will exhibit in United States, Mississipi at Cullis Depot Gallery located above the Mississippi State University welcome center:
American: Jay Garfinkle, France Garrido, Joe A. MacGown, K.D. Matheson, Patrick McGrath Muniz, Shahla Rosa, Olga Spiegel; Portugal: Santiago Ribeiro, Paula Rosa, Victor Lages, Francisco Urbano.

International Surrealism Now is a project by the surrealist painter Santiago Ribeiro that began in 2010 in Coimbra, when Santiago Ribeiro conceived a major exhibition organized by Bissaya Barreto Foundation. This event has been in Conímbriga celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Monographic Museum (second most visited museum in Portugal).

The show has also been in Paris with the support of GAPP – Art Gallery Portugal Presente and Liba WS, organized once again by the Bissaya Barreto Foundation and Santiago Ribeiro, and in Madrid with the support of Yamal Din. After that it went to Dallas with the support of the American surrealist artist Shahla Rosa.

Recently it was presented at the medieval Castle of Paço da Ega, organized by Rede de Bibliotecas and House Mayor of Condeixa-a-Nova.

Artists come from 30 countries: Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Spain, USA, Philippines, France, Holland, Indonesia, England, Iran, Iceland , Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Vietnam.

List of artists can be found here: http://oneiricrealism.com/2014/09/artists-international-surrealism-now-2/

Agim Meta / Ana Neamu / Ana Morales / Anna Plavinskaya / Andrew Baines / Asier Rico / Brigid Marlin / Bien Banez / Daila Lupo / Dan Neamu / Daniel Hanequand / Daniele Gori / Domen Lo / Edgar Invoker / Egill Ibsen / Erik Heyninck / Ettore Vigo / Farhad Jafari / France Garrido / Francisco Urbano / Gromyko Semper / Héctor Pineda / Hector Toro / Hugues Gillet / Isabel Meyrelles / Joe MacGown / Keith Wigdor / Leo Wijnhoven / Leo Plaw / Liba WS / Lubomír Štícha / Ludgero Rôlo / Lv Shang / Maciej Hoffman / Magi Calhoun / Maria Aristova / Martina Hoffmann / Mehriban Efendi / Naiker Roman / Nazareno Affonso / Nikolina Petolas / Octavian Florescu / Oleg Korolev / Olga Spiegel / Otto Rapp / Paula Rosa / Paulo Cunha, / Pedro Diaz / Philippe Pelletier / Rudolf Boelee / Santiago Ribeiro / Sergey Tyukanov / Shahla Rosa / Shoji Tanaka / Shan Zhulan / Sio Sandra / Slavko Krunic / Sônia M Barreto / Steve Smith / Stuart Grigz / Svetlana Kislyachenko / Tatomir Pitariu / Ton Haring / Victor Lages / Vu Thuong / Yamal Din / Yuri Tsvetaev / Zoran Velimanovic.

In the United States:
“LUSO – American and Portuguese Surrealism of the 21st Century”
Date and time: January 21 to February 19, 2016
Gallery Reception: January 21, TBD, 5-6 p.m.

Venue: Cullis Wade Depot Art Gallery, MSU Welcome Center
Gallery Director: Lori Neuenfeldt, LNeuenfeldt@caad.msstate.edu
662-325-2973

SOURCE: International Surrealism Now

The press release Artists From China And Around The World Converge At International Surrealism Now Project comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

New York, USA, November 7, 2013 /Xinwengao.com/ - Asia Society is pleased to announce the Class of 2013-2014 Asia 21 Young Leaders, a prestigious group of the region’s emerging leaders under 40 in fields including government, business, policy, education, and arts. This is Asia Society’s 8th class of Asia 21 leaders chosen for their outstanding achievements, their promise for the future, their commitment to public service, and their desire to make the world a better place by collaborating with counterparts across the Asia-Pacific region.

“The selection process was extraordinarily competitive this year and the new class brings together a group of truly dynamic and outstanding individuals,” said Asia Society, Global Leadership Initiatives Executive Director Dr. Michael G. Kulma. “We are very excited about this new class and we look forward to meeting and engaging everyone in Zhenjiang, and welcoming all to the Asia 21 Family.”

This year’s winners include: Humaira Bachal, Founder of the Dream Foundation Trust, which works for girls’ right to education in Pakistan; Ibrahim ‘Ibba’ Bernardo, Founder and CEO of Sari Software Solutions, which aims to leverage technology to empower the underserved socio-economic sectors of society; Van-Nguyet Do, Founder and Director of Live & Learn for Environment and Community, a Vietnam-based NGO; Shoaib Iqbal, founder and Director of The Little Art, a non-profit arts education organization in Pakistan; Winston Wenyan Ma, Managing Director of China Investment Corporation, the sovereign wealth fund of China; and Sangwon Yoon, New York-based diplomatic correspondent for Bloomberg News.

To see this year’s full list of 30 winners and learn about their backgrounds click here.

The Class of 2013 will be committed to:

– Attend the Class of 2013-14 Forum (December 4-5) and the 2013 Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit (December 6-8) in Zhenjiang, China.

– Participate in monthly teleconferences with classmates in the time leading up to the Forum and Summit, and as needed

– Work together with other members of their class to select an organization to receive the 2013 Asia 21 Public Service Award, to be presented at the Summit in December. In addition, the spring 2014 meeting of the class will be a visit to the Public Service Award winning organization to determine how their class can work together with them to advance their work.

– Actively lead and engage in Asia 21 online activities, public service projects, and efforts to develop Asia 21 satellite programs in their home countries.

This year’s summit will play host to over 100 of the region’s most accomplished young leaders, representing over 20 countries and both the past and present of the Asia 21 program. With the theme From Passion to Action: Asia 21 Innovating for the Future, participants will delve deeply into a vision for social innovation in Asia, assess their roles as civic-minded leaders in the rapidly changing Asia-Pacific landscape, and explore ways to enhance and sustain their collective capacities.

Asia Society’s Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative is the Asia-Pacific region’s top next generation program for emerging leaders under the age of 40 to build relationships, engage in interdisciplinary dialogue and cultural exchange, and develop cooperative responses for addressing shared challenges. With close to 800 members, active chapters across the region, and robust collaborations that bring leaders together from across borders and boundaries, the network comprises of young leaders from various sectors. Acceptance as an Asia 21 Young Leader not only makes the individual a part of this powerful network; it also makes the young leaders responsible for strengthening the Asia 21 community, presenting innovative solutions to our shared challenges, and activating the collective brain trust to take action.

Former Asia 21 participants include Academy Award winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti, Philippines Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, head of TOLONews TV Afghanistan Lotfullah Najafizada, Founder and President of the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) Ejaj Ahmad, and President & Director, PT Saratoga Investama Sedaya and Asia Society Trustee Sandiaga Uno.

The Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit is supported by Founding International Sponsor, Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

For more information about Asia 21, please visit www.AsiaSociety.org/Asia21 or contact Ms. Kathryn Cárdenas at KCardenas@asiasociety.org.

About the Asia Society

Asia Society is the leading educational organization dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among peoples, leaders and institutions of Asia and the United States in a global context. Across the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, the Society provides insight, generates ideas, and promotes collaboration to address present challenges and create a shared future.

Asia Society is headquartered in New York, with centers in Hong Kong and Houston, and offices in Los Angeles, Manila, Mumbai, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, and Washington, D.C.

Asia Society is on the web at www.AsiaSociety.org

The press release Asia Society Announces 2013 Asia 21 Young Leader Awardees comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.

RSS Feeds

Syndicate all of Xinwengao's Great News and Content

Reliable Information

Xinwengao’s corporate clients distribute their data, news, and content across China. These companies are Primary Sources, and therefore the top means by which you can receive this critical data.

Fast and Easy

Hong Kong, China, October 11, 2013 /Xinwengao.com/ - Simply embed the RSS feeds into your application to immediately gain access to all the press releases that Xinwengao distributes.

The press release RSS Feeds comes from Xinwengao.com press release distribution and journalist media database service in China.