SHEET METAL ASIA 2014 to be Largest International Display of Machinery and Technology of the Year

Bigger is better
BANGKOK, March 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — As Thailand formally enters the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, benefits will include the rise of a much larger marketplace. The ASEAN Economic Community will help expand and connect businesses with greater efficiency — creating a great opportunity for companies to raise their capabilities, because ASEAN may well become a major production hub in the near future.
The AEC will further increase Thailand’s appeal in the automotive and auto-parts industries. The Kingdom is currently on track to break into the top 10 of the world’s biggest auto producing countries when output climbs to 3 million units in 2015. And there is little doubt that opportunities will continue to increase. The electrical appliance and electronics industries are expected to grow considerably. And with ASEAN spending on the rise the consumption of electronics and electrical products is forecast to increase in line with improving economies in Europe and the United States. The need for sheet metal will be considerable and cover multiple industries.
Mr. Sanchai Noombunnam, Group Director, UBM Asia (Thailand), the show organizer, said, “There will be a big increase in competition among ASEAN countries. Entrepreneurs need to prepare, raise their capabilities, and invest in technologies that help reduce costs and raise quality in order to stay competitive.
“The cost of doing business in Thailand has risen considerably, with higher production costs coming from upstream production. The cost of living, raw materials and labor wages means Thailand is no longer a labor-intensive production base. Advances in technology and worker productivity have moved some industries from labor-intensive to capital-intensive production. As a result, products must provide better value, especially items that require precision, accuracy and quality. Thailand needs to manufacture products of greater complexity which are higher priced in order to stay competitive with other ASEAN countries,” the Director added.
With such opportunities arising, the demand for sheet metal continues to grow. In fact, the sheet metal industry stands to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the AEC, and over 300 major brands from around the world will exhibit their latest equipment at Sheet Metal Asia 2014. The show will feature fiber laser machines, press brakes, punching machines, water jet technology and much more. Many leading global names will use the event to launch their latest machinery for the first time in Thailand and some equipment will also be seen for the first time in ASEAN.
Sheet Metal Asia 2014 provides solutions to many of the above challenges and the event is now one of ASEAN’s largest International Sheet Metal Fabrication and Machinery exhibitions. The 2014 event will feature a complete showcase of the latest related technology from around the world along with machinery from Japan, Germany, Taiwan and the United States.
Big brands in attendance will include; TUMPF, BYSTRONIC, MAZAK, MITSUBISHI, OMAX, LVD, EUROMAC, FLOW, MURATEC, DURMA, HANKWANG, PROARC, ERMAKSAN, TAILIFT and many more.
If your business is involved with any of the growing number of industries using sheet metal today, then you absolutely can’t afford to miss this outstanding event.
Sheet Metal Asia 2014 is the must-visit show of the year!
The event will be held in conjunction with INTERMACH 2014 and SUBCON Thailand 2014, ASEAN’s leading international industrial machinery and subcontracting exhibitions. The venue will be in central Bangkok at BITEC Bangna, from May 15-18, 2014.
You can pre-register now for FREE admission at http://www.sheetmetalexhibition.com/
UBM Asia has extensive office networks in China, Southeast Asia and India, three of the world’s fastest growing B2B events markets. UBM China has 11 offices in the major cities in mainland China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu and Shenzhen, where we organize more than 60 exhibitions and conferences. In ASEAN, UBM Asia operates from its offices in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines with over 50 events in this region. UBM India teams in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad organize 20 exhibitions and 60 conferences every year across the country.
Sheet Metal Asia 2014
May 15-18, 2014
BITEC Bangkok, Thailand
Sukanya Amornurathkun (Mrs.)
Sr. Exhibition Manager
International Sales and Marketing
UBM Asia (Thailand)
T +66(0) 2642 6911 Ext 211
F +66(0) 2642 6919-20
M +66(0) 8 6526 6560
Source: UBM Asia (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Quintiq to Embark on “Smart Planning. Smart Business.” World Tour

Quintiq is bringing together thought leaders and supply chain experts in cities around the world to discuss strategies that deliver better outcomes
‘S-HERTOGENBOSCH, The Netherlands, March 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Quintiq, a global leader in supply chain planning and optimization (SCP&O), announced today it is hosting its inaugural World Tour.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130328/606756)
The company is bringing together thought leaders and supply chain experts to exchange ideas on planning practices and strategies that deliver better outcomes. Themed “Smart planning, smart business”, the tour kicked off in Rome, Italy, on March 20, 2014, and will continue in cities across the globe, culminating in Istanbul, Turkey, on November 6. To register, please visit: http://www.quintiq.com/world-tour.html
The events will feature a range of interesting keynote speakers and be tailored to each audience by featuring relevant case studies and scenarios involving existing customers to improve attendee’s knowledge of SCP&O challenges. The events will feature interactive workshops and panel discussions with ample networking time and opportunities for attendees to meet with Quintiq’s SCP&O experts on a one-to-one basis. Quintiq’s World Tour dates and venues are:
May 20 – Stockholm, Sweden
May 22 – Brescia, Italy
June 12 – Dusseldorf, Germany
June 23 – Singapore
September 25 – Paris, France
October 15 – Philadelphia, USA
October 22 – Melbourne, Australia
November 6 – Istanbul, Turkey
Leaders from the likes of NTV, Outukumpu, NSG Group and NatSteel will present their journeys. Among the thought leaders involved in Quintiq’s World Tour are Dr. Hans-Jorg Bullinger of the Fraunhofer Institute, Dr. John Gattorna of the Gattorna Alignment, and Lora Cecere, CEO and Founder of Supply Chain Insights.
“Quintiq’s World Tour is the perfect opportunity for supply chain leaders to collaborate about the latest strategies, techniques and projects that are driving breakthrough business improvements,” said Jeffrey Vail, Chief Marketing Officer at Quintiq. “We have an exciting lineup of speakers and workshops planned, and I am confident that attendees will walk away with new ideas on how to improve their supply planning processes.”
Attendees will include Quintiq’s customers, business partners, media as well as senior executives responsible for IT, supply chain, operations, manufacturing and service management. At each event, attendees who are expected to hail from the metals, transportation, logistics and manufacturing industries, will learn of the business benefits that come from implementing robust SCP&O practices.
About Quintiq
Every business has its supply chain planning puzzles. Some of those puzzles are large. Some are complex. Some seem impossible to solve. Since 1997, Quintiq has been solving each of those puzzles using a single supply chain planning & optimization software platform. Today, approximately 12,000 users in over 80 countries rely on Quintiq software to plan and optimize workforces, logistics and production. Quintiq has headquarters in the Netherlands and the USA, and offices around the world.
For more information, visit http://www.quintiq.com/ or follow Quintiq on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Press Contacts:
North America Enquiries
Jon Temerlies
Racepoint Global
Tel: +1-202-349-0859
Quintiq@Racepointglobal.com
EMEA Enquiries
Charlotte Poh
Global Marketing Communication Manager
Tel: +31(0)736910739
pressrelease@quintiq.com
Source: Quintiq

Discover a World of Global Talent in the Palm of Your Hand with Nokia MixRadio, Now Available in China

BEIJING, March 28, 2014/PRNewswire/ — Today Nokia launches Nokia MixRadio, a free music streaming service, in a campaign to reach out to music fans in China. Nokia MixRadio will be delivering its unique, personalized listening experience to the world’s largest population, enabling listeners in China to access the most popular music in the Chinese charts plus the hottest up and coming sounds and artists from around the world.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140328/677638)
Focusing on bringing more music to more people, Nokia MixRadio aims to provide a China-in and China-out musical breakthrough, sharing the joy of personal music discovery across the globe. With the PlayMe feature, MixRadio gives every listener his or her own personal music channel from a global portfolio of over 30 million tracks. At the touch of a button consumers are able to stream continuous music that is tailored to their taste and to take the playlist offline for a simple way to enjoy music anytime anywhere.
Users will be able to unearth new music through hundreds of mixes created by musical experts and celebrities. Nokia MixRadio is working with influential local musicians including Khalil Fong, Tia Ray and DJ Wordy to curate playlists of the best Chinese music, from iconic artists to the best new talent. These playlists will be available across the globe so music fans can discover an entirely new world of music, through a service that is free of adverts, sign ups or subscriptions.
Jyrki Rosenberg, VP, Entertainment, Nokia said: “Today we are making our mission clear, to provide the best in global music through the most simple, personal music streaming service available. China is a huge, ever-evolving music market and an incredibly exciting music scene to be involved in.”
“Nokia believes that music should cross boundaries and interchange globally. Apart from bringing the best Western music to the East, Nokia MixRadio will act as an international platform for local artists to share their music with the rest of the world. China has such monumental heritage in music.”
Khalil Fong joins Nokia MixRadio for the launch event at the MOMA art space in Beijing. He will perform exclusive new material to 200 of his most devoted fans, along with two of his recommended artists, Tia Ray and Muma & Third Party.
Nokia MixRadio is available to Nokia Lumia owners across 31 countries; making it the most global personalised streaming service in the world. It can be downloaded today at http://www.windowsphone.com/store
About Nokia MixRadio
Nokia MixRadio delivers consumers their own personal music channel: unique mixes of streamed music tailored to their musical taste. There are also hundreds of curated mixes created by a team of expert musicologists across a vast range of genres. Nokia MixRadio is completely free to use with no advertisements, requiring no sign up or subscription and gives users the option to download mixes to enjoy offline. Nokia MixRadio also offers MixSharing (coming soon to China), the ability to share mixes through social media or by email or SMS, helping people discover and enjoy more great music.
Nokia MixRadio is available in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, the UK, the USA and Vietnam.
For more information visit http://nokia.com/mixradio or follow #nokiamixradio and @nokiamixradio
Contact:
Katy Hall
+447912556226
Katyh@thisismission.com
Source: Nokia MixRadio

Novo Nordisk Launches ‘Cities Changing Diabetes’ to Fight Urban Diabetes

BAGSVAERD, Denmark, March 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Novo Nordisk today announces the launch of ‘Cities Changing Diabetes’, an ambitious new partnership programme to fight the urban diabetes challenge. The ‘Cities Changing Diabetes’ programme will first be launched in Mexico City with other cities in North America, Europe and Asia soon to follow.
To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7140059-novo-nordisk-cities-changing-diabetes
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120911/559804
“The global diabetes epidemic is an emergency in slow motion,” says Lars Rebien Sorensen, chief executive officer, Novo Nordisk. “While there are many factors fuelling the growth trajectory of diabetes, the most striking contributor is urbanisation and the growth of cities. The ‘Cities Changing Diabetes’ programme is our call to arms for people around the world to work together to tackle this for the long-term.”
The aim of the programme is to map the problem, share solutions and drive concrete action to fight the diabetes challenge in the big cities around the world. The programme will be developed in partnership with University College London (UCL) and supported by Steno Diabetes Center, Denmark, a world-leading institution in diabetes care and prevention, as well as a range of local partners including healthcare professionals, city authorities, urban planners, businesses, academics and community leaders, amongst others.
During 2014, the partners will work together to better understand the diabetes challenge in cities in order to identify the actions needed to tackle it. Following the initial discovery phase, Novo Nordisk and its partners, with the help of policymakers, health authorities, the private sector and the volunteer sector, will announce action plans for each of the cities that will be part of the programme.
Two out of three with diabetes live in cities
The rise of diabetes is one of the world’s most serious health challenges with statistics getting worse every year. By 2030, it is estimated that more than half a billion people will suffer from diabetes. Today, nearly two thirds of everyone with diabetes live in cities, and those who move to cities are significantly more likely to develop diabetes than those who remain in rural settings.[1]
For the first time in human history, more people live in cities than rural areas. It’s 52% today – and by 2050, that figure will have risen to 70% of the global population.[2] From rising wealth and increasing consumption, to more sedentary lifestyles and inequality of access to healthcare, urban living presents a major challenge to health and has become one of the key drivers behind the acceleration of global diabetes.
Mexico City first to join
Mexico City will be the first global city to join the ‘Cities Changing Diabetes’ programme. With a population of 20 million, Mexico City is today one of the largest metropolitan areas in the western world.
The Minister of Health of Mexico City, Dr Armando Ahued Ortega, states that early detection of diabetes and care hereof are one of his administration’s public health priorities. “We have implemented large-scale initiatives to fight overweight, obesity and diabetes and we are starting to see the results. However, diabetes continues to constitute a heavy burden for the city’s health services. I look forward to seeing the results from the research phase initiated today, as they will provide a solid foundation for developing an integrated response to tackle this public health emergency. I am very proud of Mexico City taking the global lead to fight urban diabetes.”
The launch event for the ‘Cities Changing Diabetes’ programme will take place today in Mexico City at Museo Interactivo de Economia (MIDE), a previous hospital for terminally-ill people, at 10.00 am CST.
About Novo Nordisk
Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within haemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone-replacement therapy. Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 38,000 employees in 75 countries, and markets its products in more than 180 countries. For more information, visit http://www.novonordisk.com.
About UCL (University College London)
Founded in 1826, UCL was the first English university established after Oxford and Cambridge, the first to admit students regardless of race, class, religion or gender, and the first to provide systematic teaching of law, architecture and medicine. UCL is among the world’s top universities, as reflected by performance in a range of international rankings and tables. UCL currently has 27,000 students from almost 140 countries, and around 11,000 employees. Annual turnover is nearly GBP 1 billion.
For more information, visit http://www.ucl.ac.uk.
About Steno Diabetes Center
Steno Diabetes Center is a world leading institution within diabetes care and prevention. Steno is owned by Novo Nordisk A/S and is a ‘not for profit’ organisation working in partnership with the Danish healthcare system. Steno treats around 5600 people with diabetes every year. For more information, visit http://www.steno.dk
Media:
Katrine Sperling
+45-4442-6718
krsp@novonordisk.com
References
1. IDF Diabetes Atlas. International Diabetes Federation 2013. 6th edition.
2. World Urbanization Prospects, the 2011 Revision. United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Video: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7140059-novo-nordisk-cities-changing-diabetes
Source: Novo Nordisk A/S

Swiff & Globe Telecom Partner to Help Filipino Entrepreneurs Grow Their Business with Globe Charge

– First large-scale mPOS solution for SMEs in the Philippines to go live
SINGAPORE, March 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Swiff, the global innovator of secure mobile payment technologies, announced today the launch of a mobile payment service with G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), the m-commerce subsidiary of Globe Telecom and the operator of GCash. This Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) service, Globe Charge, is designed to enable small and medium business entrepreneurs (SME) who typically accept cash only to start accepting card payments in the Philippines. Globe Charge is an affordable and easy way to accept credit card payments using mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
GXI’s existing offering for retailers includes GCash, a digital payment service that transforms a mobile phone into a virtual wallet for money transfers at the speed of a text message.
“Globe once again brings the synergy of mobile technology and cashless commerce into an entirely new dimension with Globe Charge. With just a mobile card reader plugged into a smartphone or tablet, Globe Charge will open up more opportunities for business growth and payment generation for any form of trade which accepts cashless transactions through credit and debit card payments, particularly MasterCard, and very soon, Visa,” said GXI President Paolo Baltao.
“We envision Globe Charge to spur brisk economic activity, especially among emerging business entities and small and medium business entrepreneurs. Working with our very own technology, this makes for a promising proposition to realize revenue through card-based transactions using an easy, convenient, and secure platform,” affirmed Baltao.
Interest in mobile payment solutions is gaining momentum in the Philippines. “This is an exciting time for the payment industry, with technology being the bedrock for enhanced mobility, payments, convenience, and productivity improvements,” said Erik Holst-Roness, Chief Strategy Officer for Swiff. “We’re ready to empower telco’s worldwide with technologies that enable truly secure mobile strategies, allowing them to participate in the m-commerce revolution.”
Swiff’s innovative technology enables secure and patented 2-Factor Authentication, which permits mobile tracking, user authorization, and fraud prevention. Swiff’s suite of solutions is EMV Level 2 certified and accommodates Chip & Pin, Chip & Sign, and Swipe & Sign payment methods.
“Our strongest differentiator lies in our ability to seamlessly integrate into any acquirer, allowing that acquirer to rapidly provide an mPOS service to existing and new merchants, like Globe Charge,” said Paul Hubbard, Swiff Country Manager for the Philippines.
“On the commercial front, we are opening doors for telcos to achieve a richer level of engagement with their merchants, supporting the creation of the new revenues that mPOS brings,” added Belinda Aka, VP Business Development of Swiff.
About G-Xchange, Inc.
G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe Telecom, one of the leading wireless providers in the Philippines. GXI pioneered the revolutionary model in cardless and cashless mobile commerce service called GCash, which was launched in the Philippines in October 2004.
GCash is the innovative service that transforms your Globe or TM number into mobile a wallet used for financial transactions with the convenience of a text message. This service has earned various international accolades including GSMA Awards (the most prestigious award in the telecom industry) for Best Mobile Messaging Service received in February 2005, Mobile News Asia’s Most Innovative Mobile Service, and Global Messaging Awards for Best M-commerce Service application, both received in June 2005. Since the launch of GCash, GXI has established a wide network of local and international partners that includes government agencies, utility companies, cooperatives, insurance companies, remittance companies, universities, and commercial establishments which have agreed to accept GCash as a means of payment for products and services.
Today, GCash has over 1 million users in the Philippines covering various ecosystems in the country.
To know more about Globe Charge, visit http://www.globe.com.ph/globecharge.
About Swiff
Swiff is a global innovator in mobile payments and loyalty processing. Swiff’s product suite offers a wide range of complementary solutions for financial institutions, merchants, and telcos. Swiff is the world’s first white-label mobile payment and loyalty platform that allows fast, easy, and secure payments with seamless integration and authentication.
Incorporated in 2010 and headquartered in Singapore, Swiff delivers solutions and services to customers worldwide. For more information about Swiff, please visit http://www.goswiff.com.
For media inquiries, please contact Anne Karumo at +65 6222 2883 or by email anne.karumo@sccpgroup.com.
Source: SCCP Payment Services Holdings Ltd

SIRVA Announces Filing of Registration Statement for Initial Public Offering

CHICAGO, March 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — SIRVA, Inc. (“SIRVA” or the “Company”), a leading provider of global mobility services delivering integrated relocation and moving solutions for multi-national corporations, governments and consumers, today announced that it has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) relating to the proposed initial public offering of its common stock. The Company intends to apply to list its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ Global Select Market. The number of shares to be offered and the price range of the proposed offering have not yet been determined. A portion of the shares will be issued and sold by SIRVA and a portion will be sold by certain stockholders of SIRVA.
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are acting as joint book-running managers of the proposed offering. The proposed offering will be made only by means of a prospectus. When available, copies of the preliminary prospectus related to the offering may be obtained from: Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attn: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014, by email at prospectus@morganstanley.com or by calling +1-866-718-1649; Goldman, Sachs & Co., Attn: Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, by email at prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com or by calling +1-866-471-2526; and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Ave., Edgewood, NY 11717 or by calling +1-866-803-9204.
The registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any State or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State or jurisdiction.
About SIRVA, Inc.
A leading worldwide provider of mobility solutions, SIRVA, Inc. (www.sirva.com) provides more than 230,000 relocations per year to corporations, government employees, and individual consumers through its family of companies. SIRVA is the leading provider of end-to-end relocation and moving services globally, offering over 50 mobility solutions in 170 countries through complete management of the global supply chain, the world’s leading global operations, industry-leading risk management processes, and full accountability and transparency of costs. SIRVA’s family of companies includes Allied, Allied International, Allied Pickfords, DJK Residential, Global, northAmerican, northAmerican International, SIRVA Mortgage, SIRVA Relocation, SIRVA Move Management, SIRVA Global Relocation and SIRVA Settlement.
Media Contacts
Carissa Felger/Bryan Locke
Sard Verbinnen & Co
+1-312-895-4700
Source: SIRVA, Inc.

Mandarin Orchard Singapore Introduces All-New Club Lounge at Top of the Hotel

Meritus Club Lounge at Top of the M, Mandarin Orchard Singapore
SINGAPORE, March 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Mandarin Orchard Singapore, the flagship hotel of award-winning Asian hospitality chain Meritus Hotels & Resorts, recently unveiled a new executive club lounge facility perched on levels 38 and 39 of the hotel’s Orchard Wing. Located at what was historically the hotel’s iconic revolving rooftop restaurant, Meritus Club Lounge at Top of the M offers guests a 360-degree panoramic view of the Singapore city skyline from the lounge’s floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Meritus Club Lounge at Top of the M
Meritus Club Lounge at Top of the M
Complementing the uniquely stunning backdrop are bespoke offerings that allow Meritus Club guests to rediscover the pleasures of travel — from the personalised service of graceful and elegant Meritus Ambassadors, to elegantly prepared all-day culinary refreshments by a dedicated team of chefs.
Meritus Club Lounge at Top of the M is open from 6:30am to 11pm on weekdays, and from 7am to 11pm on weekends and public holidays. Covering two storeys, the club lounge features a separate reception area and a meeting room on the lower level, whilst the upper level boasts the main dining area that seats up to 92 guests. Buffet breakfast, traditional afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres are served daily. To meet business meeting and conferencing needs, a boardroom is also available within the lounge. With seating for up to 8 guests, the boardroom is fitted with state-of-art audio-visual capabilities, high-speed internet connectivity, and overhead projection.
Benefits and privileges for Meritus Club guests include:
Complimentary breakfast, high tea, and cocktail
Complimentary Internet access
Complimentary local newspaper
Exclusive check-in and check-out
Complimentary local telephone calls
Complimentary use of meeting room for 1 hour per stay
Complimentary pressing or normal laundry of 2 pieces per day
For reservations, please call +65-6737-2200 or email resvn.orchard@meritushotels.com.
For further press information, please contact:
Crystal Lim
Assistant Manager, Marketing Communications
Mandarin Orchard Singapore, by Meritus
T: +65-6831-6051
M: +65-9168-2740
E: crystal.lim@meritushotels.com
Source: Meritus Hotels & Resorts

Ehsanollah Bayat Selected As Radio Azadi’s Nowruz Man Of The Year; Recognizes Exceptional Individual Contributions To Peace, Democracy And Culture In Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty’s Afghan Service, Radio Azadi, selected dedicated philanthropist, Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC) Founder, and Ariana Television & Radio Network (ATN) Chief Executive Officer, Ehsanollah Bayat as its Man of the Year on 19 March 2014. The award recognizes Mr. Bayat’s twelve years of committed efforts to connect Afghans across the nation and the world through mobile telephony, broadband services, and balanced radio & television programming, as well as, his significant humanitarian contributions made by the non-profit Bayat Foundation.
Upon learning of his selection, Mr. Ehsan Bayat remarked: “I am honored to have been chosen as Man of the Year by Radio Azadi, a wonderful organization noted for its objective and insightful understanding of Afghanistan’s culture and community. I have been fortunate to been able to participate in the development of a new and modern Afghanistan over the past twelve years and, through the Bayat Foundation, AWCC, and ATN, I have attempted to enable Afghans – regardless of location or language – to learn about the issues facing the nation and discuss challenges, develop solutions, and celebrate successes together in an Afghan-centric fashion.”
Mr. Bayat continued: “Nowruz is a time for visiting friends and relatives, feasting, exchanging gifts, and offering well-wishes to others. This act of connecting with one another is the central focus of the legacy and vision of my endeavors to date and I believe that services such as mobile telephony, internet, and balanced media help to open dialogue and debate among all Afghans to further support a unified Afghanistan’s growth and prosperity. We have overcome so many challenges throughout our country’s history, and we have seen the ability of Afghan citizens from all part of our nation to unite, rebuild, strengthen, and move our nation forward. Thus, it is my privilege to humbly accept Radio Azadi’s recognition this year.”
The “Person of the Year” award is selected and presented by Radio Azadi annually on the occasion of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, and recognizes exceptional individual contributions to peace, democracy and culture in Afghanistan. Mr. Bayat was chosen by a committee of Radio Azadi journalists from among a number of other individuals nominated and proposed by civil society groups and listeners.
Previous winners of the award include Ahmad Sarmast, director and founder of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music; former princess Hindia d’Afghanistan; Afghan musician and UN Goodwill Ambassador Farhad Darya; lawmaker Ramzan Bashardost; physician and human rights activist Anarkali Honaryar; and the governor of Nangarhar province, Gul Agha Sherzai.
About Ariana Television and Radio Network
Founded by Mr. Ehsanollah Bayat in 2005, Ariana Television and Radio (ATN) are the largest private media channels in Afghanistan, covering 33 of 34 provinces and reaching over 25,000,000 Afghans. ATN is also available via satellite to Dari and Pashto speaking viewers throughout Europe, Asia, Middle East, and North America. Focusing on information, content and entertainment, ATN programming places particular emphasis on education, health, children’s programming, women’s and world issues, and the ATN team takes great pride in broadcasting accurate, unbiased news to the audience as events occur.
ATN’s goal since launch has been one of inclusion and education, providing a “Window for a Better Tomorrow”. With a broadcast complement of two national television and two national radio channels (ATN and ATN News), our goal is to expose our radio and television audiences to the best of international arts & culture from around the world, while also expanding opportunities for local writers, producers, actors, and directors within Afghan communities. Programs can be accessed via the ATN website, http://www.arianatelevision.com or via the HotBird and GlobeCast satellites.
About Afghan Wireless
Founded by Ehsanollah Bayat and headquartered in Kabul, Afghan Wireless (AWCC) – a joint venture between Telephone Systems International, Inc. (TSI) and the Ministry of Communications serving over 4,000,000 subscribers throughout Afghanistan. Employing over 5,500 people directly and another 100,000 indirectly, Afghan Wireless is one of the largest employers in all of Afghanistan, and is a leader in delivering wireless and broadband communication solutions to residential and business customers. Additional information is available at http://www.afghan-wireless.com.
About the Bayat Foundation
Since 2005, the Bayat Foundation, a 501 c(3) charitable organization, has promoted the well-being of the Afghan people. Founded and directed by Ehsan Bayat and Fatema Bayat, the Foundation has contributed to more than 200 projects dedicated to improving the quality of life for the youth, women, poor, and elderly of Afghanistan. Projects have included the construction of new facilities and sustainable infrastructure in needy regions, and the promotion of health, education, economic, and cultural programs. For more information, please email info@bayatfoundation.org.
CONTACT: Montgomery Simus, m.simus@tsiglobe.com +1 702 809 6772
Source: Bayat Foundation

Renault-Nissan Alliance Celebrates 15th Anniversary as Four Key Business Units Prepare to Converge

AMSTERDAM, March 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ —

Renault-Nissan, the auto industry’s longest-lasting and most productive cross-cultural partnership, celebrates its 15th anniversary today
New Alliance leaders prepare for converged operations in Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management, Purchasing and Human Resources starting 1 April
Convergence is expected to increase synergies to EUR4.3 billion in 2016
The Renault-Nissan Alliance is celebrating its 15th anniversary today, only days before the global car group launches its next significant wave of integration.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140130/666713-a )
Renault and Nissan came together in 1999, when Renault invested 643 billion yen (approximately 5 billion euros or US$ 5.4 billion at the time) for a 36.8% stake in Nissan, which at the time was close to bankruptcy. Since then, the companies have reached sales of 8.3 million units, up from 4.8 million units in 1999, and moved into the top tier of global automakers. Today, Renault has a 43.4% stake in Nissan, while Nissan has a 15% stake in Renault.
“Together, Renault and Nissan have significantly expanded their global footprint and generated economies of scale vastly larger than either company could accomplish on its own,” said Renault-Nissan Alliance Chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn. “Renault and Nissan have charted a unique course for 15 years, maximizing synergies while nurturing each company’s distinct brands and corporate culture.”
The Renault-Nissan Alliance is now the auto sector’s longest-lasting and most productive cross-cultural collaboration – a model business case in an industry notorious for corporate breakups.
To learn what independent, objective experts say about the Alliance and collaborations in the auto industry, watch this mini-documentary: http://blog.alliance-renault-nissan.com/node/1856. To see a timeline of significant events in Alliance history, check out this interactive infographic: http://blog.alliance-renault-nissan.com/page/timeline.
2013: Another Record Year
In 2013, the Alliance, including AVTOVAZ – Russia’s largest automaker – sold a record 8.3 million cars.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance accounts for one in 10 cars sold worldwide, the fourth largest car group globally. The Alliance has eight brands: Renault, Nissan, Renault Samsung, Infiniti, Venucia, Dacia, Datsun and Lada.
The Alliance generated approximately EUR2.8 billion in synergies in 2013, another new record. Synergies are generated from cost reductions, cost avoidance and revenue increases. Only new or incremental synergies – not cumulative synergies – are taken into account every year.
To see the full release, go to: http://www.media.blog.alliance-renault-nissan.com/news/4964
Media contact:
Mia Nielsen
mia.nielsen@renault.com
+33-(0)610833133
http://www.blog.alliance-renault-nissan.com/
Source:

AEON and McDonald’s Launch Mobile Payments for McDelivery 1711 Using Swiff Technology

First mPOS solution for global food service retailer in Thailand
BANGKOK, March 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Swiff, the global innovator of secure mobile payment technologies, launched a new mobile payment service with AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) Public Company Ltd. and McDonald’s for McDelivery 1711. With this new mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) solution, McDelivery 1711 allows their customers to pay by credit card using mobile devices from wherever they make their orders.
This is the first time in Thailand for a global quick service restaurant chain to use mPOS when they deliver the orders to customers’ doorstep. “Since the launch of AEON Easy Pay built on Swiff’s mPOS platform last August, we have seen a growing number of consumers show preference for mobile payments. We are pleased that McDonald’s is introducing the first mobile credit card payment solution for their popular McDelivery 1711. Our goal is to become one of Thailand’s major players for mobile point of sales services and our partnership with McDonald’s is the latest step in our journey,” said Mr. Yasuhiko Kondo, Managing Director, AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) Public Company Ltd.
Swiff mPOS platform was selected for being secure, effective and complying to PCI standards. This initiative with AEON and McDonald’s demonstrates that Swiff’s solutions can meet the needs of transactions processed 24 hours a day with multiple transactions at any time and at different locations.
Miss Petcharat Uthaisang, Marketing Director of McThai Co., Ltd, said, “McDonald’s priority is to respond to the demands of diverse customer lifestyles and to deliver food and services conveniently and at great value anytime, anywhere. We are proud to serve our customers with the first credit card payment method for McDelivery 1711, AEON Easy Pay mPOS Service. With this new channel of payment, we are anticipating that cashless payments will grow 10-20% and our McDelivery 1711 will increase by 30%.”
Home-delivery services across the globe face increasing demands to accept card payments instead of cash. “The payment industry is continuously looking for options to address the need to replace cash on delivery. With our technology, companies can enhance mobility, payments, convenience and productivity improvements in their infrastructure and operations,” said Mr. Suvicha Nalita, Country Manager Thailand for Swiff. “We are proud to be the selected partner for McDonald’s and AEON in Thailand. Swiff will continue to work with industry leaders to provide mobile payment solutions in both emerging and mature markets.”
Swiff’s innovative technology enables secure and patent-pending 2-Factor Authentication, which permits mobile tracking, user authorization and fraud prevention. Swiff suite of solutions is EMV Level 2 certified and accommodates Chip & Pin, Chip & Sign and Swipe & Sign payment methods. Swiff mPOS is an affordable and easy way to accept credit card payments using mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
About AEON
AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) Public Company Limited (“the Company”) was incorporated on September 18, 1992 by AEON Credit Service Co., Ltd. in Japan (“AEON Credit Service”). The Company currently has paid up capital of 250 million baht. AEON Credit Service, the major shareholder of the Company, was listed 1st section on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and provided financial services, including credit card, hire purchase, personal loan, and other services. Following its success in the Japanese market, AEON Credit Service has expanded its business to other Asian countries such as Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Mainland China, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, India, Singapore, Laos and Myanmar, respectively. For more information about the company please visit http://www.aeon.co.th/
About McDonald’s
McDonald’s is the leading global food service retailer with more than 35,000 local restaurants serving 70 million people in more than 100 countries each day. McDonald’s is one of the worlds most well-known and valuable brands and holds a leading share in the globally branded quick service restaurant segment of the informal eating-out market in virtually every country in which we do business.
Currently, there are 194 McDonald’s restaurants in Thailand with a range of convenience services at anytime, anywhere. In response to today’s customer lifestyles, McDonald’s offers 24/7 and Wi-Fi service in modern contemporary, comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. For more information, please visit http://www.mcthai.co.th
About Swiff
Swiff is a global innovator in mobile payments and loyalty processing. Swiff’s product suite offers a wide range of complementary solutions for financial institutions, merchants and telcos. Swiff is the world’s first white-label mobile payment and loyalty platform that allows fast, easy and secure payments with seamless integration and authentication.
Incorporated in 2010 and headquartered in Singapore, Swiff delivers solutions and services to customers worldwide. For more information about Swiff, please visit http://www.goswiff.com
Source: SCCP PAYMENT SERVICES HOLDINGS LTD