Singapore, June 2, 2014 - (ACN Newswire) - Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore, officially opened three co-located global events focusing on integrated urban sustainability solutions - the World Cities Summit (WCS), Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) and CleanEnviro Summit Singapore (CESS) taking place on 1 to 5 June 2014. Some 20,000 delegates representing the government, industry, International Organisations and academia are expected for the three events.

The opening ceremony was attended by more than 3000 guests, including leaders from government, business, academia and international organisations, at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands Singapore.

Approximately 40 Ministers, and over 130 Mayors and city leaders from around the world are expected to gather in Singapore to update themselves on the latest development and technologies, share best practices and co-create innovative urban solutions. The events will also feature the largest exhibition on integrated sustainable solutions with more than 900 exhibiting companies and 29 Group Pavilions across 30,000 square metres of covered exhibition space.

Several key co-located events including the 22nd United Nations Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB) Board Meeting and the 10th Asia Pacific Infrastructure Ministers Meeting (APIMM) were also held during the week.

New features of this year's WCS, SIWW and CESS include:

- WCS Young Leaders, an initiative to bring together young leaders from diverse urban sectors who are committed to actively catalyse change in cities and help shape urban development agendas.

- Hydro-gen, developed to nurture and uncover the next generation of water leaders and entrepreneurs, encompasses the HydroPrenenur Programme (HPP), SIWW's first accelerator programme for water technologies; and the Young Water Leaders Summit (YWLS), which brings together young water leaders from around the world to engage in discussions on global water issues.

- Cleaning Track, under the Clean Environment Convention and the CleanMET Asia exhibition, will provide practitioners in the industrial and commercial cleaning industries with a strategic platform to keep abreast of the latest solutions to improve cleaning standards and productivity.

About World Cities Summit, CleanEnviro Summit Singapore and Singapore International Water Week

Held concurrently from 1 to 5 June 2014 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, the World Cities Summit, Singapore International Water Week and CleanEnviro Summit Singapore provide an integrated global platform for government and industry leaders to share solutions for sustainable urban development and the latest innovations in water and clean environment solutions. The co-location of the three events will enable exhibitors and participants to explore synergies, network and forge partnerships with a wider range of global industry leaders, policy makers and experts. Together, the three events showcase Singapore's global thought leadership in sustainable development. For more information, visit:
- 　www.worldcitiessummit.com.sg
- 　www.siww.com.sg
- 　www.cleanenvirosummit.sg

For more information please contact:

Gillian Loo
Hill + Knowlton Strategies
+65 6390 3319 / +65 9863 8120
Gillian.loo@hkstrategies.com

- Published & Distributed via AsiaToday.com

Singapore, June 2, 2014 - (ACN Newswire) - Harnessing the power and influence of social media, Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) 2014 will see the debut of an innovative corporate social responsibility campaign to rally the global community towards the water cause. The first of its kind in the global water space, this campaign was introduced as part of SIWW's goal to rally the global community towards finding innovative and sustainable technological and financial solutions to meet safe water and sanitation needs globally.

With water crises being identified by the World Economic Forum as one of the top three global risks of highest concern in 2014, the need for action is greater than ever.

"Through #SIWWPledge, we want to do our part to rally the global community towards finding sustainable water and sanitation solutions for the world," said Mr Maurice Neo, Managing Director of SIWW. "We hope to leverage the power of social media to create greater awareness of water issues amongst the public and steer action towards finding sustainable water solutions."

Delegates and visitors to SIWW will be invited to make a pledge for water sustainability by writing their messages/pledges for water on a black board, have their photos taken and then uploaded onto 　www.campaign.com/siwwpledge.

Members of the public can also be part of this global initiative to deliver clean water to people in need by taking the #SIWWPledge on the same website.

Sponsors will match every pledge with a S$1 contribution towards Water.org. To date, SIWW and its Founding Sponsors - Black & Veatch, CDM Smith, Keppel Corporation, PWN Technologies, Sembcorp Industries Ltd, Suez Environnement and Veolia Water Technologies and Solutions (SEA) Pte Ltd - have stepped forward to support #SIWWPledge.

Co-founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, Water.org is a non-profit organisation that has transformed hundreds of communities in Africa, South Asia and Central America by providing access to safe water and sanitation. Matt Damon was awarded the World Economic Forum Crystal Award earlier this year for the organisation's efforts to solve the global water crisis.

"Access to water isn't an end in itself. Access to water is access to education, access to work, access - above all - to the kind of future we want for our own families, and all the members of our human family," said Matt Damon, co-founder of Water.org. Dr Richard Thorsten, director of international programmes will represent Water.org at SIWW.

Companies and organisations who wish to support this cause can do so by contacting the organizers at email: syed_omar_fadzil@pub.gov.sg

The #SIWWPledge campaign will run from 1 to 30 June 2014.

About Water.org

For more than two decades, Water.org has been at the forefront of developing and delivering solutions to the water crisis. Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, Water.org pioneers innovative, community driven and market-based initiatives to ensure all people have access to safe water and sanitation; giving women hope, children health and communities a future. To date, Water.org has positively transformed the lives of more than a million individuals living around the world; ensuring a better life for generations ahead.

About Singapore International Water Week (SIWW)

The Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) is the global platform for the sharing and co-creation of innovative water solutions. Comprising the Water Leaders Summit, Water Convention, Water Expo, Business Forums, it culminates in the presentation of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, a global water prize which honours outstanding contributions by individuals or organisations towards solving the world's water problems by applying innovative technologies or implementing policies and programmes which benefit humanity.

Now into its 6th edition, SIWW reinforces a commitment to the global integration of sustainable water management strategies with urban planning processes. Addressing contemporary challenges, SIWW gathers global water leaders and practitioners from both public and private sectors to engage in discussion and debate, network with key industry players, showcase leading-edge technologies and best practices, and identify practical methodologies to address the world's most pressing water issues. The next SIWW will be held from 1-5 June 2014. For more information about SIWW, please visit 　www.siww.com.sg.

Contact: Cheryl Yab
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
Singapore International Water Week
Tel: +65 8218 8633
Email: cheryl.yab@hkstrategies.com

Sally Toh
PUB
Singapore International Water Week
Tel: + 65 6731 3108
Email: sally_toh@pub.gov.sg

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These efforts will boost Chemical Engineering, Infocomm Media, Manufacturing Technology and Bioengineering & Nanotechnology sectors

Singapore – A*STAR has inked a Master Research Collaboration Agreement (MRCA) with Japan’s IHI Corporation, which will allow the development of efficient and innovative solutions to benefit the chemical, infocomm and media, manufacturing and biomedical industries in Singapore and across Asia.

Based in Japan, IHI Corporation is a multinational leader in providing energy and chemical plants, physical distribution systems and steel structures, aero-engine and space technology, industrial machinery, marine offshore structure engineering and mass-produced machinery.

Leveraging A*STAR’s unique R&D capabilities to drive innovation

The extensive range of R&D activities in science, technology and biomedical sectors will involve A*STAR’s Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ICES), Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) and Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN).

The areas for research collaboration include the following:
ICES and IHI Corporation will collaborate to pursue innovative ideas and technologies for commercial applications in the energy and environment-related sectors.

I2R and IHI Corporation will collaborate in areas of intelligent transport systems, satellite communications, automated image object detection and classification, wireless sensor network, data analytics and predictive analytics, that will boost the infocomm media sector.

SIMTech and IHI Corporation’s partnership in the manufacturing technology sector will consist of R&D in welding processes and simulation, metal forming techniques, 3D additive layer manufacturing and robotic automation.

IHI Corporation and A*STAR biomedical research institutes are also in discussions for potential collaborations in the biomedical space.
Prior to the signing of the MRCA, IHI Corporation had already collaborated with A*STAR in the area of catalytic gas conversion with ICES and trial traffic junction warning system with I2R. IHI is also a Tier 1 member of A*STAR’s Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC).

Prof Raj. Thampuran, Managing Director, A*STAR, said, “Our collaboration with IHI Corporation is a long term partnership in areas of mutual interests. We have already achieved good outcomes from our first collaborations in 2011 and 2012. This expansion of our partnership to new areas widens our efforts to attract higher valued R&D activities to our landscape.”

“Our collaboration with A*STAR is a good example of our commitment to open innovation,” said Mr. Degawa Sadao, Executive Vice President of IHI Corporation. ”The IHI-A*STAR collaboration has successfully grown since our first project in 2011. With the establishment of IHI Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (IHIAP) as a regional headquarter in May 2012 to accelerate our business growth in this region, we see IHIAP’s strategic role in advancing Open Innovation-led R&D activities here. For example, the “Traffic Junction Warning system” developed in partnership with I2R, is one of our focus fields for R&D and business development in Intelligent Transport Systems. The system has achieved good results and IHI intends to expand our capabilities to meet regional requirements. We are pleased to have a mutually strong relationship with A*STAR and hope to extend this partnership to activities in other R&D sectors.”

IHI Corporation officially opened its Regional Headquarters (RHQ) in Singapore in May 2012, with more than 50 employees currently.

For media queries and clarifications, please contact:

Doris Yang
Senior Officer, Corporate Communications
for Agency for Science, Technology and Research
Tel: +65 6419 6525
Email: yangscd@scei.a-star.edu.sg

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Contributes to Cultural Inheritance by Reproducing Historical Documents

SINGAPORE, June 3, 2014 –( ASIA TODAY )– Utilizing its multifunction devices and color management technologies, Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. has reproduced a national important cultural property, the Daigo Hanami Tanzaku–a collection of Waka, Japanese poems written in 16th century. This property is owned by Daigoji Temple, Kyoto, Japan, which is itself designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The presentation ceremony takes place at the temple today.

The Daigo Hanami Tanzaku has its own color tones and gloss specific to historical documents, as well as the textures acquired over the years. Advanced technologies are required to accurately reproduce such delicate colors on Washi, traditional Japanese paper that has different qualities and tones from the plain paper used for multifunction devices.

To create the replica, Fuji Xerox’s unique color management technologies were utilized: Digitalized the documents’ image information and converted it into color data suitable for printing to deliver the colors and tones faithful to the original. For printing, the company used its high-resolution, full-color multifunction device* for the graphics arts market customizing it to fuse the regular toner onto Washi, which has a rougher surface and different moisture level.

“Thanks to Fuji Xerox's advanced technologies, The Daigo Hanami Tanzaku was reproduced really faithfully to the original,” said REV. Junna Nakada, ARCHBISHOP (the head priest) of Daigoji Temple. “We have been working to digitally reproduce quality replica such as sliding screen paintings of Sanbo-in. We asked this task to Fuji Xerox because of their capabilities to analyze detailed colors and gloss, as well as print them. We hope that more people can enjoy The Daigo Hanami Tanzaku.”

Since historical documents could be damaged due to deterioration through aging, opportunities to access such documents owned by temples, shrines, educational institutions, and first families are limited for their own protection, presenting a challenge in preserving them for a long period of time. In response to the demands for passing down such historical culture and tradition in Kyoto—an ancient capital of Japan—to the next generation, Fuji Xerox Kyoto Co., Ltd., a sales subsidiary of Fuji Xerox, commenced reproduction of historical documents as a social contribution activity in 2009, and has donated approximately 140 items to date.

Fuji Xerox expanded this activity—previously conducted solely by Fuji Xerox Kyoto—to a company-wide scale in April 2014, setting up a project office in the company’s major research and development center, Fuji Xerox R&D Square in Yokohama, Japan. Five staff members in Kyoto and Yokohama will handle 50 projects per year to reproduce historical documents across Japan.

The project office reinforces the collaboration with the technical divisions to improve the document reproducibility. Further, it will generate new ideas to utilize information: For example, SkyDesk Media Switch, Fuji Xerox’s cloud service that links paper documents to multimedia, enables users to view multimedia contents such as videos and Web information related to the historical documents by taking pictures of the replicas with their smartphones.

In its Mission Statements, Fuji Xerox commits itself to “Contribute to the advancement of the global community by continuously fostering mutual trust and enriching diverse cultures.” By integrating its technologies to reproduce historical documents, the company continues to contribute to the preservation and inheritance of valuable culture and information that could be vanishing.

About Daigo Hanami Tanzaku, a National Important Cultural Property
In March 1598, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, then ruler of Japan, held his historically famed cherry blossom- viewing party in Daigoji Temple. Prior to this grand party, Hideyoshi planted 700 cherry trees and reconstructed the Sanboin building that stands alongside the garden. More than 1,300 guests were invited including Hideyoshi’s formal wife, Kita no Mandokoro, concubine, Yodo-dono and other wives, as well as Hideyoshi’s son, Hideyori. It is said that the guests wrote Waka (Japanese poems) about the cherry blossoms, hanging the Tanzaku (strip of paper) on which their poems were written from the branches of the cherry trees. Later these Tanzaku were compiled into a book and kept in the temple to the present day. The collection of these 131 poems is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

* Commercially available models were used for the work; However, the device is customized to ensure accurate reproduction of the original.

###

- Xerox, Xerox and Design, as well as Fuji Xerox and Design are registered trademarks or trademarks of Xerox Corporation in Japan and/or other countries
- Services and product names referred in the press release are registered trademarks or trademarks of the respective company.

About Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. is a 75-25 joint venture between FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation and Xerox Corporation (U.S.A.) that develops, manufactures and markets world-class office and publishing equipment/systems, digital color/monochrome multifunction devices, as well as document management software, solutions and services in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region including China. It also manufactures digital copiers, multifunction devices and printers for worldwide distribution.
Founded in 1962, the company currently employs approximately 45,000 people globally, and has more than 80 domestic and overseas affiliates and sales subsidiaries. More information of Fuji Xerox is available at 　www.fujixerox.com
Media Enquiries:

Yvonne Tan
Communication & Promotion Manager
Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
DID: 65 6239 2739
Email: Yvonne.Tan@fujixerox.com

Jeslyn Pua
Senior Associate
The Right Spin Pte Ltd
DID: 65 6325 5929
Email: jeslyn@therightspin.com.sg

- Published & Distributed via AsiaToday.com

HONG KONG, June 3, 2014 -( ASIA TODAY )- With the launch of MTR passenger service on 1 October 1979, MTR train tickets became a part of passengers’ everyday lives. As part of its 35th Anniversary celebrations, the MTR Corporation is inviting passengers on a journey of a different kind – revisiting the history of MTR tickets.

The evolution of MTR tickets and the many specially designed tickets that marked important occasions for Hong Kong can be seen at “MTR Ticket Collection – 35 Years of Tickets to Ride” an “art in mtr - arttube” exhibition that opened today (3 June 2014) at MTR Central Station (Entrance/Exit J). More than 500 tickets are on display at the exhibition which lasts until 30 September.

“Advances in our ticketing system over the years from the original single denomination tickets used in 1979 through to Stored Value Tickets and Octopus have progressively enhanced convenience for our passengers and helped to create the world-leading railway service that MTR passengers enjoy today.

This fascinating exhibition not only encapsulates our shared journey with Hong Kong but also highlights many of the memorable commemorative tickets that have been issued over the past 35 years," said Mr Jay Walder, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation.

The exhibition comprises of three sections: “Passenger Tickets”, “Tourist Souvenir Tickets”, and “Commemorative Tickets.”

“Passenger Tickets” are the most commonly used tickets. They include Multiple Journey Tickets, launched in June 1980, Stored Value Tickets introduced in March 1981, and the first Common Stored Value Ticket issued on 15 October 1984 which was accepted on both the MTR and the Kowloon-Canton Railway.

“Tourist Souvenir Tickets” were introduced in July 1983. Early designs featured different views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s renowned skyline. Later, different famous city landmarks and different themes of international events were featured.

“Commemorative Tickets” mark special events. The first commemorative ticket was issued in 1979 to mark the opening of the MTR. Passengers were able to use the tickets to try out the new system on 30 September 1979, one day before the official opening for public service. The longest running series is the Chinese New Year commemorative ticket set which was launched in 1986.

“MTR Ticket Collection – 35 Years of Tickets to Ride” is the latest of the regular “art in mtr-arttube” exhibitions. Launched in December 2003, arttube provides a platform for aspiring artists, designers and talented individuals in the creative industries to showcase their works to the community.

- End -

Contact Person: Erica Ip
Email: ericawy@mtr.com.hk
Telephone: 29932243
Website: 　http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/corporate/file_rep/PR-14-048-E.pdf
Organization: MTR Corporation

- Published & Distributed via AsiaToday.com

A comprehensive selection of forums and seminars will provide an engaging experience to all attendees

Catering to the growing needs of China’s building industry, the Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology is set to hold its 11th edition from 9 – 12 June. The fair will take place at its new locations of halls 9.1 and 10.1 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, where 20,000 sqm of exhibition space will be utilised by 290 exhibitors.

Through its history, the show has been recognised as Asia’s premier platform for electrical engineering as well as building and home automation technology. This year’s edition continues that tradition, as top industry brands from around the world have chosen the fair once again as their premier destination in tapping the China market. In total, 11 countries and regions are being represented by exhibitors for the 2014 show, including Australia, Belgium, Germany, China, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Taiwan, the UK and the US. Some of the key brands exhibiting this year are, Schneider Electric, Control4, KNX Association, EnOcean Alliance, Zigbee Alliance, Z-Wave Alliance, Murata, Tatsuta, Dynalite, Echelon, WAGO Electronic, DEHN Surge, Lite-Puter, IISFREE, HDL, Simbrom, Dooya, Futina, HEE, Jinpin, Jinli, Gongniu and Gamder.

Schneider Electric, one of the most influential brands in the area of electrical building technology development, returns to the Guangzhou fair to promote its new line of energy management solutions as well as its fully-integrated system of smart building solutions. Dr Sun Jing, Director of the Building Energy Efficiency Support Centre, Schneider Electric China commented: “As a global specialist in energy management, Schneider Electric maintains a philosophy of providing technological innovation and services that facilitate smart human lives. We will be showcasing our latest EcoStruxure™ as well as StruxureWare™ platforms at the 2014 show. We believe these platforms have the ability to revolutionise the way people live. The Guangzhou fair provides an excellent venue for meeting our target customers as well educating the market on our solutions. I look forward to us participating once again.”

Fellow exhibitor, Shenzhen I-TONE Intelligent Products, hopes to also utilise the fair as an opportunity to educate consumers on their innovative smart home system. Mr Liu Zhen Wu, Marketing Manager at the firm noted: “There are several product lines we will display at the show, with the most anticipated one being our bidirectional wireless smart home system. The Guangzhou show is an excellent platform for promoting our brand. And I can’t wait to meet industry leaders at the 2014 show.”

A comprehensive selection of forums and seminars provide an engaging experience to all attendees

In order to offer a more engaging experience to attendees, this year the show has gained the support of several new building standard associations, including the ZigBee Alliance and Z-wave Alliance. Influential players from leading companies and industry associations such as China Smart Home Industry Alliance, Guangdong Real Estate Industry Association, Guangdong Association of Automation (GAA), EnOcean Alliance and KNX Association will also provide their views and experiences on a wide range of topics. Some of the confirmed forums and seminars as well as a few of their scheduled discussion topics this year include:

- Building Standard Forum (I) – KNX Technical Seminar:
Co-organised with the KNX Association, the seminar focuses on communication standards for home and building control systems, as well as the efficient use of energy.
o Noted Topics:

* KNX Advantages - KNX Facts and Figures
* Introduction of Technology and Application with KNX

- Building Standard Forum (II) – From Z-Wave Technology to Z-Wave Ecosystem:
Co-organised with the Z-Wave Alliance, the seminar provides an excellent opportunity for participants to learn about Z-Wave based products and the benefits of the Z-Wave standard for users.
o Noted Topics:

* Next Generation of Smart homes
* G-Trend Home Automation Solution Debut
- Building Standard Forum (III) – EnOcean Alliance Technical Seminar:
Co-organised with the EnOcean Alliance, the hands on training seminar introduces EnOcean Energy Harvesting Wireless Standard for lighting and energy efficient building controls.
o Noted Topics

* Explanation of the EnOcean Alliance eco-system, case studies, technology and more for China
* Introduction on EnOcean products as well as sales and marketing strategies for China
- ZigBee Smart Lighting Control Seminar:
Co-organised with the ZigBee Alliance, the seminar introduces how the innovative ZigBee wireless technology can provide easy and cost-effective ways of smart lighting control in building and home automation.
o Noted Topics:

* ZigBee today and IoT Application
* Application of ZigBee Technology in Schneider’s Smart home system
- China Smart Home Industry Alliance Forum – Southern China:
Co-organised with the China Smart Home Industry Alliance, the forum investigates the latest trends for the smart home industry, put forward by governmental economic policies for intelligent cities and the emerging IoT industry.
o Noted Topics:

* Market Opportunities from Smart Home to Intelligent Devices
* Establishment of Smart Home Standards through Connectivity Development
In addition to being held concurrently once more with the Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition, the show will also take place alongside Wire & Cable Guangzhou, covering 25 halls. Attendees will have optimum opportunity in sourcing lighting and building technology related products.

Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology is organised by Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd. The fair is a part of Messe Frankfurt’s building and energy shows, headed by the biennial Light + Building event in Frankfurt, which will take place from 13 – 18 March 2016. The show also follows a series of light and building technology events in China, including:

• Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology
9 – 12 June 2014

• Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition
9 – 12 June 2014

• Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology
3 – 5 September 2014

• Shanghai International Lighting fair
3 – 5 September 2014

• Beijing International Building Technology
Spring 2015

To find out more information about these events, please visit www.building.messefrankfurt.com.cn

-end-

Media Contact
Stavie Hung
Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd
Tel: +852 2238 9907
Fax: +852 2519 6800
stavie.hung@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com

- Published & Distributed via AsiaToday.com

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA--Media OutReach-- 3 June 2014-- Korean actor Lee Byung-hun has received the 2013 Asia Pacific Screen Award (APSA) for Best Performance by an Actor for his dual performance in the blockbuster Masquerade, after missing last year's APSA ceremony due to film commitments.

Honoured at an event at the Australian Embassy in Seoul, Mr Lee was also inducted into the prestigious Asia Pacific Screen Academy -- a growing body of 650 respected filmmakers -- in front of Academy members and leading representatives from the Korean film industry, including producer and 2013 APSA FIAPF Award winner Lee Choon-yun.

The Asia Pacific Screen Awards are held annually in Brisbane, Australia, which is also the host city for the upcoming 2014 G20 Leaders' Summit.
Brisbane-based APSA Chairman Michael Hawkins was in Seoul to present Byung-hun with his award and said APSA was very proud of its strong relationship with the Republic of Korea's film industry.

"We value the opportunity to honour Mr Lee in his home country, which is a key player in the Asia Pacific region and produces high quality films which are very well represented in competition at APSA every year," Mr Hawkins said.

"Over the past seven years, more than 100 Korean films have competed at APSA, winning 14 individual awards.

"Lee Byung-hun has received this award -- his first APSA win -- for his two starring roles, as a king and acrobat in Masquerade, which was the fourth highest-grossing Korean film of all time, grossing more than $US80 million.

"We are truly honoured to formally present Mr Lee with his unique winner's vessel in person."

This year's Asia Pacific Screen Awards will be held on Thursday 11 December, a month after Brisbane hosts the 2014 G20 Leaders' Summit, of which the Republic of Korea is a member.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said preparations for both events were well underway.

"The G20 Leaders' Summit will be the most important gathering of world leaders ever held in Australia, with members representing around 85 per cent of global GDP, more than 75 per cent of global trade and two-thirds of the world's population," Cr Quirk said.

"Brisbane is Australia's new world city, a rising star in the Asia Pacific and a key economic development hub.

"It's estimated that 4000 delegates and up to 3000 media representatives will descend on the city in November and for two days Brisbane will be the capital of the world.

"Already considered a world class destination for business, tourism and education, the 2014 G20 Leaders' Summit provides a once-in-a-generation chance for Brisbane to step up and take its place among the emerging new world cities of the 21st century."

Brisbane-based APSA partner Griffith University Film School is currently collaborating with Dankook University (Republic of Korea) and Beijing Film Academy (People's Republic of China) on an unprecedented initiative which will bring together master student filmmakers from across the region to develop a cross-border feature film project which will be shot in Brisbane.

The initiative was founded by APSA Patron Kim Dong-ho who is Dean of Dankook University's Graduate School of Cinematic Content.
Professor Hong-Joon Kim is the current Chairman of the APSA International Nominations Council and there have been four representatives from the Republic of Korea on the International Jury: Kim Dong-ho (2007), producer Hanna Lee (2008), director Gina Kim (2009) and writer/director Kim Tae-yong (2013).

The Korean Film Producers Organisation also works closely with APSA as a Member Organisation.

For more information on the awards visit 　www.asiapacificscreenacademy.com
For information on Brisbane, as the host city for the 2014 G20 Leaders' Summit, visit 　www.choosebrisbane.com.au

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT LEE BYUNG-HUN:

A star in both Korea and internationally, Lee Byung-hun’s breakthrough performance was in the Park Chan-wook thriller Joint Security Area which broke box office records at the time. In 2005 he had his first of three collaborations with director Kim Ji-woon’s violent crime thriller A Bittersweet Life, which screened out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival. His second collaboration with Kim Ji-woon was The Good, The Bad and the Weird (2008), which won the APSA for Achievement in Cinematography and was nominated for Achievement in Directing.

In 2009, Mr Lee made his international screen debut in GI Joe: Rise of the Cobra, in which he starred alongside Sienna Miller and Christopher Eccleston. Since then, he has gone on to star in G.I. Joe: Retaliation and the action comedy blockbuster Red 2, alongside Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT APSA:

The 8th Asia Pacific Screen Awards are presented by Treasury Casino & Hotel and will be held in Brisbane’s City Hall.
They are supported by Brisbane City Council and managed by economic development board Brisbane Marketing in a unique collaboration with Paris-based UNESCO and FIAPF.

The awards recognise and promote cinematic excellence and cultural diversity of the world’s fastest-growing film region: comprising 70 countries and areas, 4.5 billion people, and responsible for half of the world’s film output. In 2013, 39 films from 22 countries and areas received award nominations.

Media Contact:

Rachel Kang,
Account Executive,
FleishmanHillard Korea
Tel: +82 2 2051 2254 / +82 10 6343 0652
Email: rachel.kang@fleishman.com

Alicia Brescianini,
APSA Publicist:
Tel: +61 400 225 603
Email: alicia@cg-publicity.com

Christen Hill,
Senior Media Advisor,
Brisbane Marketing
Email: chill@brisbanemarketing.com.au

- Published & Distributed via AsiaToday.com

Hellma Analytics, a leading company in optics analysis technologies, partners with A*STAR to advance the pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals manufacturing.

Singapore – A*STAR’s Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ICES) has partnered Hellma Analytics (Hellma) to co-develop next generation manufacturing technologies for the pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals sectors. Hellma has joined the A*STAR consortium on Innovative Processing for Specialties and Pharmaceuticals (iPSP) to drive innovative manufacturing solutions aimed at achieving cost, quality, process and environmental improvements.

Integrating Core Competencies for Greater R&D Impact
The iPSP consortium was launched in June 2013, bringing together several leading biopharmaceutical and specialty chemical manufacturers to bolster R&D for manufacturing processes and practices, and collectively accelerate pharmaceuticals and specialty chemical developments in the region.

ICES’ expertise in chemistry, chemical engineering, analytics, control, formulation science and catalysis complements Hellma’s pioneering knowledge in process analytical technology (PAT).[1] PAT is also one of the key research themes in the iPSP consortium. Hellma offers a comprehensive range of research tools and facilities that will simplify the monitoring of scaled-up processes bringing greater clarity and speed to the research process.

Mr. Lutz Mayer, General Director of the Hellma Group, said: “With the spirit of a pioneer, Hellma Analytics launched the first optical immersion probes in 1995 to make process control more efficient and safe. For us, this was the start of a process-revolution to decrease costs, improve manufacturing performance and create responsiveness in production and processes. Together with industry partners, we work today at the leading edge of the development of innovative processing for pharmaceutical and specialties chemicals manufacturing.”

Global Connectivity, Diversified Capabilities and Resources
Dr. Keith Carpenter, Executive Director of ICES, said, “The iPSP consortium has been operating for over a year now, and it is already clear that our industrial partners have brought insight and an understanding of industrial relevance to the research programme. Both are invaluable for us to ensure that the research has impact in a real world environment. With Hellma’s accession, we are extending the understanding along the technology supply chain, ensuring that all aspects of active pharmaceutical ingredient can be brought together to provide an integrated solution.”

Pharmaceuticals manufacturing is a key contributor of Singapore’s biomedical manufacturing output. In EDB’s monthly manufacturing study for the biomedical manufacturing sector, the pharmaceuticals segment registered a 19.4% growth when compared to a year ago.[2] Also, Singapore’s biomedical manufacturing investments have more than doubled, from S$315.9 million in 2012 to S$806.65 million in 2013.[3]

Dr. Paul Sharratt, Programme Director for the iPSP consortium, said, “With the focus on improving our understanding of the underlying science, the ability to track in-line the behaviour of chemical reactions is very important. Hellma’s participation will give us a window into the chemistry that will ultimately allow us to develop better, more efficient and robust processes.”

________________________________________________________________

For media queries and clarifications, please contact:

Esmond Chong
Officer, Corporate Communications
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
Tel.: +65 6419 1155 Hp: +65 9027 7857
Email: esmondc@scei.a-star.edu.sg

For technical or collaboration enquiries, please contact:

Tan Joo Lett
Industry Development Manager
Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ICES)
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
Tel.: +65 6796 3973
Email: tan_joo_lett@ices.a-star.edu.sg

The Spanish capital is ahead of Vienna, Barcelona, Singapore and London

Madrid, June 4, 2014 -( ASIA TODAY )- The volume of congress and convention activity undertaken by IFEMA in 2013 was a major contributing factor to the improvement of Madrid’s position on the global ranking of international conference destinations. According to a list published recently by the ICCA, the International Congress and Convention Association, the Spanish capital took second place in 2013 (second only to Paris) and maintained its position as the top conference tourism destination in Spain.

Over the last five years, Madrid has risen from 22nd to the top three conference tourism cities in the world, even beating Vienna (top of the ranking since 2009) and such other cities as Barcelona, Singapore and London. The city also posted record figures again in terms of conference activity - 186 global events, representing growth of 13% on the previous year.

These results show the increasing success of the Spanish capital in terms of its capacity to host such events, with IFEMA playing an active part as a major operator of international specialist professional conventions and fairs, and one of the main drivers of business tourism in the city. Over the course of 2013, IFEMA managed the organisation of many important congresses and conventions - 382 events in total, which brought 109,050 people to Madrid from all over the world.

Feria de Madrid also hosted a large number of international events, including the World ATM Congress from 12 to 14 February that brought together major players in the world of aviation. Another important event was the 28th FEA International Aerosol Congress from 24 to 26 February, at which over 100 exhibiting companies from all over the world met for a series of conferences on the current situation in the aerosols market. Also, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) - a prestigious European forum in the field of science and clinical medicine - held its 2013 Congress at IFEMA from 12 to 15 June. Other major events included Microsoft TechEd Europe (attended by 5,000 people), Infosys ILO Europe Event and AIA Thailand Annual Convention, among others.

In 2014, IFEMA's congress and convention activity continued to grow in importance on the international stage, with the Feria de Madrid site hosting nine major global and European congresses over the course of the year. Five of these were related to the field of science and medicine, which, together with another two important national congresses in this sector, make IFEMA one of the leading entities worldwide in the organisation of events in the specialist field of science and medicine. The organisation of these congresses will bring approximately 50,000 professionals to Madrid from all over the world (85% from abroad), in turn representing a significant economic injection for the capital by filling an average of 150,000 hotel beds.

Another 10 international congress events have already been confirmed for 2015, which will bring a further 65,000 professionals to the city of Madrid.

IFEMA boasts one of the most modern congress and convention sites in Europe, with 12 halls and 200,000m2 of available indoor exhibition space, as well as 14,000 parking spaces, fully equipped infrastructure and unbeatable access by both road and the Madrid metro. It is also located very close to Madrid-Barajas International Airport, with numerous international flights.

- Published & Distributed via AsiaToday.com

June 4, 2014, Tokyo -( ASIA TODAY ) - Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd. held a press conference in Tokyo, Japan on May 28, 2014 announcing new projects and plans for service expansion at 27th International Optical Fair Tokyo (IOFT 2014) 　http://www.ioft.jp/en/

Despite the trying time of the optical industry, as though to reflect the reviving Japanese economy and business generating effects of the Tokyo Olympics 2020, the show is taking a positive turn. "In comparison to last year, the rate at which the exhibit space has been selling has increased by 12%" addressed Kenji Okabe, IOFT Executive Show Director, Reed Exhibitions Japan at the opening of the conference.

Evidently there are brands joining the show for the first time from both Japan and overseas. For instance, SAFILO, SAMA EYEWEAR and NEXUS will be exhibiting and more are yet to confirm. Many exhibitors are also expanding their booth size such as CHARMAN, RODENSTOCK, INOCOLAB, FUJITA OPTICAL, NAGOYA SPECTACLE and overseas brands such as HOET, TRACTION, RUDY PROJECT have already confirmed their participation already.

Kenji Okabe added, “At this rate we expect this year’s overall exhibit space to increase by 10-20%. In order to fulfill the needs of as many participating exhibitors and visitor’s as possible, we have planned a number of new projects and expansion of ongoing services to enhance business on-site”

Business-enhancing projects and service expansions

1. New special exhibit area “Sunglasses Collection 2014-2015”

Sunglasses are considered to be an essential fashion item both by professional buyers and consumers in Japan.
IOFT hopes to expand this trend by launching a special exhibit area this year where 120 brands will be showcasing their latest frames.
There will also be a special gallery where Sunglasses Collection 2014-2015 exhibitors will be able to showcase up to 3 frames each throughout the show period.

IOFT aims to attract core buyers as well as contributing to the further growth of the sunglasses trend in Japan to the consumer level through show promotion and partnering media/press. For further information about the special exhibit area: 　http://www.ioft.jp/en/About/sunglasses/ or contact Show Management 　ioft-eng@reedexpo.co.jp (Attention: Akira KONO (Mr.))

2. Theme Country project starts this year

A new "Theme Country" project will be launched at IOFT 2014.
The project will feature a selected country through official show documents, materials and additional promotion via partnering press/media of IOFT 2014 aiming to enhance on-site business by attracting more retailers, boutique owners and other buyers to the show that are looking to source for frames from the featured country. The theme country to mark the start of this newly launched project will be France and IOFT hopes this project will accelerate the business expansion of eyewear from the overseas into the Japanese market as well as further penetration into the consumer level through PR and media promotion.

This year France has been selected as the Theme Country but IOFT intends to continue the project for years to come aiming to support the business between Japanese/Asian buyers and designers from overseas for instance Italy, Germany, Denmark, UK, USA…etc.
For full details about the Theme Country project: 　www.ioft.jp/en/doc/theme_country/, 　http://www.ioft.jp/en/doc/news14_2/ or contact Show Management: ioft-eng@reedexpo.co.jp (Attention: Akira KONO (Mr.))

3. "Lens Technology Open Seminar" to be launched

There have been many requests received by IOFT participants in the past for new opportunities to be educated and be up-to-date with the latest lens technology during the show. To fulfill the needs of such show participants and to aid the sharing of latest technologies to the industry, Show Management will be opening a “Lens Technology Open Seminar” from this year’s show with the supervision of the Japanese Academy of Optometry and Ophthalmic Science.

10 sessions covering various topics (high curve lenses, Progressive Additional Lenses, how to choose order-made lenses) and conducted by major firms such as KODAK LENS, HOYA, SEIKO OPTICAL PRODUCTS, TOKAI OPTICAL, Japanese Academy of Optometry and Ophthalmic Science etc. In parallel to the sessions, there will be a special gallery - “Lens Manufacturer’s Product Catalogue Gallery” within the exhibition halls and features in partnering press/media and through IOFT’s SNS content.

4. Expansion of the "Business Match-Making Service"

For a successful business, IOFT considers communication and smooth scheduling is essential and will be expanding the "Business Match-Making Service". The service supports and facilitate face-to-face business between IOFT exhibitors and buyers, retailers importers/exporters including; the top 100 Japanese retailers, Japanese boutique owners, powerful buyers from Asia. Extensive support is provided such as planning and arranging appointments, a guide to accompany the buyers to the exhibitor booths, language support etc. Last year, IOFT had supported 255 successful on-site business appointments but this year aims to expand the on-site business by increasing the appointment number to 500.

5. Special after-hours service

After the official show hours are over, IOFT will transform the exhibition halls into a social venue. From 18:00 to 20:00 on the first and second evening. Exhibitors will be able to take advantage of the service by inviting special customers and any buyers who are at the exhibition halls looking to mingle and get to know each other’s business a bit better in a friendlier atmosphere.

Every year, IOFT provides an opportunity for buyers and brands to acquaint and make new connections at the IOFT Reception Party but by using their own booth space, exhibitors will be able to efficiently communicate with frames and props in close proximity when required by the buyers.

6. Synergistic effect of concurrently held Fashion World Tokyo Autumn 2014

Reed Exhibitions Japan will be holding an international fashion trade show "Fashion World Tokyo Autumn 2014"　　http://www.fashion-tokyo.jp/en/ at the neighbouring halls aiming to create a synergistic effect for both shows.

As Fashion World Tokyo Autumn will be welcoming numerous apparel buyers, IOFT exhibitors may be able to make connections with such professionals widening the chances for new and unexpected customers and vice versa.

Success anticipated for IOFT 2014
=========================

Reed Exhibitions Japan promises to keep providing a firm business platform for the Japanese and Asian market and with the positive conditions; success is greatly anticipated.

For exhibiting enquiries: ioft-eng@reedexpo.co.jp, visiting inquiries 　visitor-eng.ioft@reedexpo.co.jp .
Registration for free invitation tickets are available online at 　http://www.ioft.jp/en/inv/.

For further information, visit the official show website 　http://www.ioft.jp/en/

Contact:
IOFT Show Management/Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd.
Attn: Ena MASUI (Ms.)
Tel: +81-3-3349-8519
Fax: +81-3-3349-8530
Email: ioft_pr@reedexpo.co.jp

HONG KONG, June 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Significant improvements made in 2013 to benefit the environment:

Rickmers-Linie, which specialises in worldwide project and heavy lift liner services, continues to streamline operations and improve its global organisation. Robert Sappio, who has been heading Rickmers-Linie (America) Inc since September 2012, will step down from the position of President and CEO effective 1 July 2014. However, he will remain connected to the company as a member of the Board of Rickmers-Linie (America).

Waldemar (Val) Poulsen has been named President and CEO of Rickmers-Linie (America) Inc. based in Houston, Texas effective the same date. Before joining Rickmers-Linie, Mr Poulsen was Director/Country Manager with Safmarine in Houston, responsible for the activities of the multi-purpose division of Safmarine in the Americas.

Ulrich Ulrichs, CEO of Rickmers-Linie thanked Mr Sappio for his instrumental role in transforming and improving the company’s operations in the Americas. “Bob’s leadership over the last two years has helped to better position our company for the future in the Americas. We are happy he will remain connected to the company in a Board role.”

Mr Ulrichs went on to say, “We are looking forward to Val Poulsen joining our team. He brings a wealth of experience from Maersk Line and Safmarine to his new role as President and CEO of Rickmers-Linie (America). I am confident that Mr Poulsen will be a valuable asset to the Rickmers organisation.”

-ends-

Dunelm Public Relations Ltd
162 Hill House
210 Upper Richmond Road
London SW15 6NP
Tel: +44 20 7859 4186

- Published & Distributed via AsiaToday.com

Thai PBS first digital TV operator in Thailand to start digital TV transmitter operations; nationwide project to be complete by August 2015

Bangkok, Tokyo, June 5, 2014 –( ASIA TODAY )– NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) announced today that it will be implementing digital TV transmitters nationwide for the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) through NEC Corporation (Thailand) Ltd. , for all of its 44 locations across the Kingdom of Thailand.

The commencement of commercial operations of digital TV transmitters at Bangkok Station on 1 April 2014 makes Thai PBS the first digital TV operator in Thailand. The targeted completion for the installation of all digital TV transmitters for all 44 locations is by August 2015.

The network operator’s transition to broadcast digital terrestrial TV will support 6 digital TV channels to broadcast their content. With the transmission of digital TV, TV broadcasters are now equipped to provide better quality services to their viewers. Digital TV networks enable the delivery of high quality digital video and audio content that can also be displayed on a variety of platforms such as online, mobile and on-air, and can potentially bring more choices to audiences.

Thai PBS is utilizing NEC's cutting edge DTU-70D, DTL-30 and DTL-10 digital TV broadcasting transmitters, which support the world's major digital broadcasting standards, including DVB-T2. These eco-friendly models occupy a smaller footprint and consume less power when compared to previous systems.

Thai PBS Deputy Director General, Mr Mongkon Leelatum said, “This is a great success, where we are meeting all the schedules set by National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) regulating authority.”

“We are glad to support Thai PBS in providing an enhanced viewing experience for their audience. NEC has provided innovative broadcasting solutions to over 100 countries, helping many customers successfully transition to sophisticated digital broadcasting from analogue systems. Leveraging NEC’s global expertise and capabilities, we will work with Thai PBS to continue improving their broadcast services,” said Mr Hiroshi Sato, President, NEC Corporation (Thailand).

NEC began providing digital TV broadcasting transmitters for international markets in 1997, when it provided equipment for the world's first commercial terrestrial digital broadcasting service in the United Kingdom. Since then, NEC has shipped more than 3,700 transmitters to 50 countries throughout the world. In recent years, NEC’s provision of transmitters included Myanmar and Indonesia in 2012 as well as Korea and Latin America in 2013.

Press Contacts
NEC Corporation
Seiichiro Toda
s-toda@cj.jp.nec.com
+81-3-3798-6511

Joseph Jasper
j-jasper@ax.jp.nec.com
+81-3-3798-6511

NEC Asia Pacific
Masako Hirano
m-hirano@nec.com.sg
+65-6379-2570
+65-9018-6652

Cherie Ho
Cherie_ho@nec.com.sg
+65-6379-2571
+65-9615-7590

- Published & Distributed via AsiaToday.com

ASSIST4 Monitoring & Alerting Now Offers a New Messaging Framework and Enhanced Tracking Features

Singapore. June 5, 2014 – AEB (Asia Pacific), the leading provider of IT solutions for global trade and logistics, today announced a new version of ASSIST4 Monitoring & Alerting solution. This latest version offers unparalleled business flexibility and superior performance for businesses through its new messaging framework and enhanced tracking features. ASSIST4 Monitoring & Alerting is part of AEB’s Visibility & Collaboration Platform, which ensures transparency and helps synchronise events along the supply chain, enhancing collaboration, control and with the platform architecture allowing a centralised approach across the globe.

“We are looking at the latest version of ASSIST4 Monitoring & Alerting as a conduit for businesses to benefit through improved transparency across shipments and the flow of goods and from features that optimise interactions with their customers, partners and service providers,” said Thomas Halliday, General Manager, AEB (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd. “We are excited about this launch and are confident that the additional capabilities of the new version will assist our customers immensely when they unlock its power.”

Key Features of the latest version of ASSIST4 Monitoring & Alerting:
• The solution’s new messaging feature automatically generates text or e-mail alerts when pre-defined events occur.

• Businesses can notify the consignee when the goods are issued, e-mail customs documents to the customs broker when shipments are ready, generate text alerts when delays in the supply chain occur – and much more.

• The software features a message cockpit in which all text and e-mail alerts are logged. ASSIST4 Monitoring & Alerting lets businesses attach various document types to business objects, where they can be downloaded by all supply chain partners. This might be useful if a business wishes to make customs documents available in advance for the import customs clearance.

• The software now also features an enhanced authorisation concept that allows role-based access to business object attachments, so that only users with one or more defined roles can view a particular document.

For more information about the latest version of ASSIST4 Monitoring & Alerting solution, please contact AEB directly at info@aeb.com.sg

About AEB (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd

AEB is a worldwide and established provider for end-to-end SCM IT-solutions. From its German roots to its global reach, AEB has been guided by forthrightness with its customers, partners and employees and by a philosophy grounded in practicality. Those are the qualities that have accompanied more than 30 years of success at AEB.

With over 6.000 installations of the ASSIST4, ATC and XPRESS product families around the world, AEB is among the leading software providers in the fields of dispatch, logistics and global trade. Professional consultation on supply chain management, customs handling, organisational planning, compliance and risk management: these are core factors contributing to the success and added value for our customers. (　www.aeb.com.sg　)

###

Media inquiries:
Tony Tan / Pradnyesh Kothare
Havas Worldwide Siren for AEB
Phone: +65 6317 6709
Email: tony.tan@havaswwsiren.com / pradnyesh.kothare@havaswwsiren.com

- Published & Distributed via AsiaToday.com

1. Tipping point for digital health with exponential growth opportunities
2. Stockholm’s policy makers embrace digital health
3. Great new opportunities in digital health for start-ups and entrepreneurs

Digital Health Days 2014

Digital Health Days will be held for the second time in Stockholm August 25th – 26th. Digital Health Days is the leading conference where ICT, Life science and health meet, strategically located in Stockholm where a thriving community of digital health start-ups can be found and game-changing policy-making is taking place.

Tipping point for digital health

“Digital health has been developing for several years now, but it seems to be reaching a tipping point with exponential growth opportunities. The big players in the market are now betting on digital health as the next big thing, opening up new channels for developers and start-ups. At the conference in Stockholm, we will be focusing on how big data is turning into big value, truly changing how digital health influences everyday life,” says Nima Jokilaakso, event manager for Digital Health Days 2014. “This will be the key event this year for start-ups and developers, health care professionals and policy makers who want to understand how they can make the most of the digital health revolution.”

Stockholm’s policy makers embrace digital health

Stockholm has great faith in digital health and is actively participating in the rapid development of big data for health. Just a few months ago, all health records were put online to give Swedes full access to their own health information. “We’ve been collecting the data needed for big data for decades and we’re totally committed to its democratisation. At the same time, citizens here have an especially well-developed relationship with their computers. We also have the solutions that connect patients to hospitals and doctors by doing things like putting an entire patient journal online. It’s an almost perfect marriage,” says Ulla Hamilton, vice-mayor of Stockholm. A lot of new start-ups within digital health have emerged in and around Stockholm lately. “It’s very easy for people to develop innovations here. We have a lot of tech nerds and early adopters in ICT and life sciences. This, combined with the fact that Swedish healthcare providers are already geared up for big data, provides ideal conditions for growth.”

Great new opportunities for start-ups and entrepreneurs

A number of challenge-driven start-ups will be presenting and attending the conference, mainly from the UK and the Nordics. The networking area will be a venue for pitches and meetings between thinkers, doers and investors. “All of us involved in digital health are on the frontier of a complete transformation of the global health market,” says Henrik Thorstensson, CEO of Lifesum, a Stockholm-based life science company that has been chosen as one of Stockholm’s 10 hottest start-ups by Wired UK. “Whether you’re a tech company, a pharma giant or an investor in digital health, the landscape is most definitely changing. We’re keen to contribute to and help build our rapidly developing sector as a whole.”

D-Health, a Scottish consultancy providing providing support services to the global digital healthcare community just announced it will launch a new European catalyst programme. “Sweden’s collaborative culture combined with its challenging geography for delivering services is helping it become a hotbed for innovation in digital healthcare, which is why D-Health has targeted the region,” according to D-Health’s press release last month.

The Digital Health Days agenda will feature panel discussions and debates on burning issues, as well as notorious keynote speakers such as “The Godfather” Dr. Paul Grundy who has been running IBM’s Watson programme for transforming the healthcare sector, and “e-patient Dave” DeBronkart who’s a former cancer patient and active blogger passionately advocating for letting patients be a constructive force.

Early-bird registration for the conference is open until June 15th. For more information and registration, go to 　www.digitalhealthdays.se.

Contact information:
Nima Jokilaakso
Event Manager, Digital Health Days 2014
Email: nima.jokilaakso@stockholmsmassan.se
Tel: +46 70 789 44 50

- Published & Distributed via AsiaToday.com

Building on the massive success of the past 3 new energy vehicles programs that has attracting 800+ industry players, and intriguing great enthusiasm and pursuit of China’s electric vehicle market, the 4th China International New Energy Vehicles Forum 2014 will be taken place on June 25th-27th in Beijing China.

THe Forum is organized by Electric Vehicle Association of Asia Pacific, China Polaris Consulting Company, and cooperate with State Grid Beijing Electric Company, designed to concentrate on the key issues including China’s new energy regulations and policy, charging infrastructure and charging standards, battery technologies.

Confirmed Speakers:

C.C.Chan, Honorary Professor, Founding President,World Electric Vehicle Association & Electric Vehicle Association of Asia Pacific Founding Director, International Research Centre for Electric Vehicles

Jinming Niu, Director, Beijing NEV Promotion Center

Xiaoming Wang, Director of Research Department of Industrial Economy, Development Research Center of the State Council

Zhixin Wu, Vice Director, CATARC

Yongzhi Wu, Director of Technology Center, Beijing Public Transport Holdings, Ltd.

Yudong Li, Director of R&D, Beijing Electric Vehicle Company

Minghui Liu, Director of Electric Vehicle Dept., FAW Group

Kazumasa Iida, Assistant Head Officer of Development Group Headquarters, Mitsubishi Motors Company

Chendong Huang, Deputy General Manager of New Energy Vehicle, SAIC Group

Alex Wang, Head of Sales,Business Unit Hybrid & Electric Vehicles China, Continental Automotive Holding Co. Ltd.

Gaopeng Li, President, Yutong Group

Wen Hu, Director of Market, ALFA Bus

Chen Qiang, Vice President, Beijing Huashang Sanyou New Energy Vehicle Co.,Ltd

Yang Ye, General Manager, Shanghai Dianba New Energy Technology Co., Ltd.

Pierre-Frederic Lebelle, VP R&D Asia, PSA Peugeot Citroen

Helen Xu,China Automotive Head , Infineon Technologies

Gavin Zhang, Automotive MCU Marketing Manager, Freescale

Jiping Ye, Director and VP, Nissan ARC (Analytical Research Centre) Ltd.

John Du, President of China Research Center, General Motor

Harumichi Sawamura, President, NEC Energy Devices, Ltd.

Gong Jun, General Manager, Shanghai Edrive Co.Ltd

William Cai, Co-founder and CTO, Jing-jin Electric

For more information please go to: www.ourpolaris.com/nev4
Or Contact: Sophie XU at sophie.xu@ourpolaris.com

- Published & Distributed via AsiaToday.com

Elementary and middle school students believe a harmonious family is the most important factor for happiness, but high school students say it is money, a poll suggests.

The survey of 6,946 youngsters was conducted in March and April by a children's charity for Yonsei University.

Some 43.6 percent of elementary schoolchildren said harmony in the family is the most important factor, 20.6 percent cited good health and 13 percent freedom. Among middle-school students surveyed, 23.5 percent said harmony at home is the most important factor, while 15.4 percent chose good grades at school.

In contrast, 19.2 percent of high school students said money is the most important factor, followed by good grades (18.7 percent), harmony in the family (17.5 percent) and freedom (13 percent).

The older the students get, the more importance they place on money and good grades.

Meanwhile, Korean students are among the most unhappy in the world. A UNICEF index measuring happiness among children and teens puts Korean students at 74 out of an average 100 among OECD member nations.

SOURCE The Chosun Ilbo

The first harvest of salt-tolerant rice variety in Taytay, in the Philippine island of Palawan, may pave the way for local farmers to reclaim lands lost to saltwater intrusion and protect the livelihood of coastal communities.

The municipality of Taytay, in the Philippine island of Palawan, is known as the island's “rice bowl." Yet, its status is under threat from rising sea levels invading fertile land, putting pressure on local authorities to protect the livelihood of coastal communities.

“We have physical evidence that there are areas which have been reached by salt water,” said municipal agricultural technician Hernan Fenix. “Many farm lands, which were previously planted with freshwater varieties, cannot be planted anymore.”

The local government estimates that about 1,500 of the area’s 9,000 hectares of agricultural lands have been left unproductive because of saltwater intrusion into groundwater. Low crop yields and heavy production losses have forced farmers to abandon their lands.

Pilot-testing salt-tolerant rice

With the help of science, ADB and its partners are looking at ways to reclaim farm land that would otherwise be lost to the intrusion of the seas. Two salt-tolerant rice varieties, Salinas 1 and Salinas 9, from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) are being pilot-tested in 1.2 hectares of salt-affected rice fields in the villages of Pamantolon and Poblacion.

“I’m very lucky that I have been selected as one of the farmers who will pilot-test these two rice varieties,” said farmer Reynaldo San Jose. “I was very eager to learn because this can be good for business.”

About 42 cavans of rice (one cavan is roughly equivalent to 60 kilograms) are expected to be harvested in 2014. Both transplanting and broadcasting methods were used to plant the rice, with 16 kg of Salinas 9 and 4 kg of Salinas 1 cultivated using the transplanting method and 40 kg of Salinas 9 cultivated using the broadcast method.

This is one of the five climate change adaptation activities that ADB and the Global Environment Facility are funding under the Coastal and Marine Resources Management in the Coral Triangle-Southeast Asia (CTI-SEA) project.

“This intervention is significant because it addresses a climate change impact that directly affects the food supply and livelihood of coastal communities in the municipality,” said Raul Roldan, CTI-SEA deputy team leader for the Philippines.

The first harvest of the salt-tolerant rice will be used as seed supply for the next planting season. CTI-SEA will also survey the community’s acceptance of the new rice varieties during the year.

The salt-tolerant rice story

The problems facing the farmers in Taytay is certainly not unique to the island of Palawan or the Philippines. According to IRRI, flooding or submergence of rice fields regularly occurs in about 15 million to 20 million hectares of Asia's rice lands. The Food and Agriculture Organization, on the other hand, estimates that around 6.5% or 831 million hectares of the world’s total area is affected by salt-water intrusion.

In flooded and saline-prone crop lands, freshwater irrigation and drainage are usually not readily available. The use of salt-tolerant varieties is one of the most immediate solutions to restore land productivity.

IRRI, which is also based in the Philippines, has been at the forefront of this effort. Salinas 1 and Salinas 9 are two of nine IRRI-bred saline-tolerant varieties developed in recent years. These crossbreeds have double the tolerance to salinity compared with naturally salt-tolerant varieties. Saline-tolerant rice types can survive in saline-prone soil having salt levels of at least 0.3%. These varieties may have tolerance either during the seeding stage, during reproductive stage, or both.

Addressing the effects of climate change

Rising sea levels is one of the consequences of climate change having a negative impact on the lives of coastal communities across Asia and the Pacific. Through this project, ADB is supporting communities in the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion - including Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia - in protecting their coastal and marine ecosystems and developing increased resilience to natural and human-induced hazards. The project, which will run from 2012 to 2016, is designed to enable the governments of the three countries to implement priority activities across a range of areas.

Since July 2013, CTI-SEA has been working with the municipal government of Taytay to increase its resilience to the impacts of climate change. The pilot-testing of salt-tolerant rice varieties is one of the five priority strategies in Taytay’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan. Others are mangrove reforestation, pilot abalone cage culture, training on early warning and disaster response and preparedness, and health management and sanitation monitoring.

The project in Taytay builds on the work of WWF-Philippines, which facilitated climate change adaptation planning in the municipality with funding from the Coral Triangle Support Partnership (CTSP) of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

SOURCE Asian Development Bank

Princeton University Students Use Prize Money to Challenge Developers and Environmental Activists to come up with Innovative Climate Change Solutions

MANILA, PHILIPPINES--Media OutReach-- June 6, 2014 - Hundreds of developers and environmental activists will come together on June 6-8 to build mobile and web applications dedicated to climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience at 'Hack-The-Climate: Manila'. This eco-themed hackathon will be held at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), in partnership with Princeton University's Pace Center for Civic Engagement.

Two Princeton University juniors, Jacob Scheer and Miguel Lachanski reached out to DLS-CSB to host Hack-The-Climate after winning a US $10,000 grant from Davis Projects for Peace, a prize awarded to college students with project ideas that contribute to world peace. Working with a team of Filipino tech specialists headed by Diego Jose Ramos, they expect a crowd of 200-300 to participate in this record-breaking, 56-hour hackathon. The inspiration for this event came after Typhoon Yolanda, when they watched a video of Yeb Saño, the Philippines Climate Change Commissioner, who urged the world governments to take collective action by asking "If not us, then who? If not now, then when? If not here, then where?"

Jacob is a mechanical engineer studying sustainable energy, and Miguel is an economist studying the impacts of environmental destruction on the economy. They are self-styled "eco-hacktivists," where the word 'hack' is used in the sense of playful, exploratory or collaborative programming, not its alternate meaning as a reference to computer crime. Miguel explained why they chose to have this event in Manila. "The Philippines is a nation strongly affected by climate change, but at the same time it has a vibrant, highly active tech community willing to help." Governments have not yet come to a lasting climate agreement, so they decided that they would do something to help right here and now.

Jacob and Miguel have partnered with corporations like Microsoft and Smart to provide technical support. They've also reached out to environmental NGOs based in the Philippines such as Climate Reality Project, Conservation International and Greenpeace to discuss how developers can build apps to assist them in their climate change work. By joining hackers with eco-NGOs, the organizers envision that the apps developed at the hackathon will be utilized long after the hackathon concludes. They emphasized that this event is open to all: newbies just learning to code as well seasoned hackers. Climate change activists looking to make a meaningful impact, network, and listen to keynote speakers are also welcome.

The hackathon is designed to support the development of applications that include climate change mitigation i.e. carbon footprint monitoring/management; adaptation (finding a hospital during extreme weather events); and resilience (strengthening of deforestation enforcement). Each team will give a short demo of their application and the best apps will be determined by the environmental organizations based on their needs and judging criteria. Special prizes will be awarded to the teams with the best applications, including cash prizes, MacBook Pros, iPods and Windows Phones, as well as hundreds of thousands of pesos in developer tools.

At a blogger conference last week, Jacob summarized the team's vision, "A changing climate doesn't care if you're Filipino or American, it affects all of us equally. We believe that the solution also must be a joint effort where people of different backgrounds work together to discover new solutions to the environmental problems we face." By developing tools to mitigate and alleviate global warming, Hack-the-Climate: Manila will unlock the potential of the Philippines to make good things happen quickly in the struggle against climate change.

Event Time: June 6 - 8:00 AM through June 8 - 9:00 PM
Location Address: 2544 Taft Ave Manila 1004, Philippines
Website: 　www.hacktheclimate.com

Media Contact
Contact:
Jacob Scheer
Tel. +639176486565
Email: jscheer@princeton.edu

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Manila, June 5, 2014 — At the Devex Partnerships & Career Forum on June 10-11, The Asia Foundation’s international development and local governance experts will join delegates from over 100 organizations to address real-life development issues and localization challenges. The forum will convene delegates from donors, international aid agencies, and Asian development organizations and touch on issues specific to development in the Philippines, as well as those facing the entire aid community including governance, climate change, urban infrastructure, disaster relief and resilience, and localization of aid. The Foundation’s delegation will be led by Deputy Country Representative Ky Johnson and Director of Programs Maribel Buenaobra, both of the Foundation’s office in the Philippines.

At the June 10 Partnerships Forum, comprised of workshops by senior-level development experts, Buenaobra will moderate a panel titled, “Community Resiliency & Leadership: Disaster Risk Management after Typhoon Yolanda.” Devastation caused by large-scale disasters and climate change impose a huge economic and human toll on the developing countries of Asia. Six months after Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda hit the Philippines, the “bayanihan” or community spirit remains strong across the archipelago.

The panel will take a close look at the role of community leadership and good governance in building local resiliency to natural disasters. In addition to Buenaobra, a diverse group of Filipino experts from local and national government will share their insights on rebuilding, resiliency, and leadership after disasters, including Dr. Mahar Mangahas of Social Weather Stations, an opinion polling organization; Richard Moya, undersecretary and CIO of the Department of Budget and Management in the Philippines; and Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan in Eastern Samar.

Asia Foundation recruiters will also be on site to discuss career opportunities with the leading international development nonprofit. The Foundation works with a broad range of local stakeholders including civil society, government, and the private sector on Asia’s most critical issues today across 18 countries.

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