Archive for June 19th, 2014
Marini’s on 57 Launches Its Sunset Hours Album with Balearic Chill-out Music Legend Jose Padilla
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Modesto Marini, founder and owner of Marini’s on 57 today celebrated the second anniversary of his iconic bar, restaurant and lounge’s Sunset Hours by launching a music album produced by the legendary Jose Padilla, making it the first ever premium dining and entertainment brand to do so in Asia, joining the ranks of other iconic brands such as Cafe Del Mar, Pacha and Hotel Costes.
From Left to Right, Jose Padilla and Modesto Marini at Marini’s on 57, during the album launch in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Modesto said, “Music and food have always been my passion. Even in my younger days as a chef traveling in Europe and Asia, I would always make time to check out the latest clubbing scenes and restaurants. I first heard about Cafe Del Mar when I was already in Asia and I’ve always had high regards for Jose who basically spiraled Ibiza and Balearic chill-out music to global recognition. With Sunset Hours Vol. One, and the realisation of my dreams to work with Jose, I hope to share with countless others, elevating them to a whole new high.”
Jose Padilla, who is widely known as the spiritual father of Balearic Chill-Out House music developed a unique sound track to complement the stunning sunsets seen from Cafe Del Mar in the 1990’s, and has since gone on to achieve record breaking sales for his numerous compilation albums.
Jose said, “For me every project is different, I try to tell a story with the music that fits the venue setting. I look for a different spirit and work to find the right music for each compilation. I try and imagine myself there with my girlfriend or with a group of friends and select music that will create the right mood. Here I’ve selected 14 tracks that are melodic and non-aggressive, some have touches of Balearic and others are more electronic and deep as we move into the night.”
The album includes music from Trevor Deep JR, Mark Barrott, 40 Thieves, Cantoma, Osunlade, No Logo and Jose Padilla himself with an exclusive track. The album will also be launched in Ibiza, Spain on 20 June 2014, and will be available at various record stores in Europe, iTunes, Google Play and many of the world’s top download stores and music streaming services.
Industrial Services Market: A New Business Frontier for Profitability
Frost & Sullivan’s conference will identify the key trends and potential growth opportunities within the industrial services market across product categories
LONDON, June 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The industrial services market is expected to shape new business models of major industrial vendors. The evolution of the manufacturing processes is emphasizing the need to improve plant profitability while reducing downtime.
New areas of growth and key factors driving and restraining the industrial service market will be discussed during Frost & Sullivan’s upcoming web conference on Wednesday, 18th June 2014, at 15:00 BST. Frost & Sullivan Industrial Automation and Process Control Research Analyst Niranjan Paul will lead the teleconference during which he will present the results of an extensive analysis on the Industrial Services Market.
“The industrial services space provides high potential for industrial vendors to diversify and expand their value proposition to clients. Industrial vendors need to assess and understand the key growth areas for services to align their solutions with end-user requirements. This briefing will discuss opportunities, growth, and the future potential dynamics driven by current market needs assessments,” notes Mr. Paul.
During the upcoming teleconference Frost & Sullivan’s experts will address several important questions such as:
- What are the key service opportunities, trends and restraints in the industrial services market?
- Which service categories, end-user industries and regions should supply chain participants focus on to maximize their aftermarket profitability?
- How do customers perceive the need for industrial services in the future?
- How do the selection criteria vary across the various European countries?
The focus on service as a new business model has gained considerable traction in the developed world. The trends of plant outsourcing and value-added services have disrupted traditional business strategies of industrial vendors, resulting in major transformations across the value-chain. In the current context, the business model of services is at a crossroads. With the advent of Industry 4.0, the service proposition is expected to grow in complexity, with an increasing need for discerning end-user requirements.
If you would like to participate in this complimentary web conference, please send an email to Julia Nikishkina, Corporate Communications at Julia.Nikishkina@frost.com, with your full contact details. Upon receipt of the above information, a registration link will be e-mailed to you. You may also register to receive a recorded version of the briefing at anytime by submitting the aforementioned contact details.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants.
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Aldo Giampaolo named Chief Executive Officer of Feeling Productions Inc., the company which manages the career of Celine Dion
MONTREAL, June 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — It is with great pleasure and with the utmost confidence that Rene Angelil announces today that his long-time close friend, Aldo Giampaolo, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Feeling Productions Inc., the company which manages Celine Dion’s career.
By mutual accord, Celine and Rene have decided that the time has come to bring this appointment to fruition, one that Rene had proposed to Aldo several years ago.
“Considering our long-standing friendship, our mutual respect, and our past collaborations, this was a logical step for all of us” said Rene Angelil.
“I am extremely touched and honoured to be offered this new challenge, and I see it as a continuation of the close working relationship that Rene and I have enjoyed for the past 25 years”, said Aldo Giampaolo.
Beginning the month of August, Aldo Giampaolo will take up permanent residence in Las Vegas with his family.
The two partners also wish to reiterate that their business working relationship with Quebecor remains harmonious as always, and wish to sincerely thank them for their collaboration.
Rene Angelil will assume the role of Chairman, and Aldo Giampaolo will act as Chief Executive Officer and Associate Manager of Celine. Gilles Lapointe will continue in his role as Executive VP, Finance & Administration for the Feeling Group, and Dave Platel will continue in his role as Associate Manager of Celine.
BIO – ALDO GIAMPAOLO
Aldo Giampaolo’s 25 plus years of show business experience in Quebec is decidedly noteworthy, as are his in-depth knowledge of the industry and his broad network of local, national and international promoter and artist relationships.
After honing his skills for eight years beginning in 1978, as Director of Auditoriums and Arenas at the City of Verdun (near Montreal), Mr. Giampaolo became Vice-president of Operations at the Montreal Forum in 1986. From 1994 to 1996, he was also Executive Project Director of the “new Montreal Forum” (originally the Molson Centre and since 2002, the Bell Centre). In this capacity, Mr. Giampaolo received high praise from the community for the clever use of the facility’s four principal configurations, for which he had developed and executed the construction plans. With a capacity ranging from 2,000 to 22,000 seats, this major arena is still recognized as one of the most multifunctional venues in North America.
As Executive Vice-president and General Manager of the Bell Centre from 1996 to 2001, Mr. Giampaolo continued to optimize venue operations and expand entertainment activities. From 2001 to 2004, he was named President of Gillett Entertainment Group (today, evenko) – which managed the entertainment business activities of the former Molson Centre – presenting more than 400 events annually, across Quebec, Eastern Canada & the U.S. Northeast, in both 2003 and 2004, as well as co-producing Star Academie (the Quebec version of American Idol) and the hugely successful French-language musical Don Juan.
Joining Cirque du Soleil in 2005, as General Manager, New Ventures Division, Mr. Giampaolo produced new live events and developed creative talent, as well as managed the partnership with Live Nation for Cirque’s DELIRIUM, which toured large arenas across North America and Europe between 2006 and 2008. As Executive Producer from 2006 to 2011, Mr. Giampaolo was responsible for the development of new productions, including Wintuk, Banana Shpeel (in alliance with MSGE) and Zarkana – from concept – to production – to dress rehearsals – and finally to, its delivery to touring operations. In 2007 with the retirement of Saltimbanco imminent after 15 years of touring under the Big Top, M. Giampaolo devised and launched the Arena Tours Division, to produce and present an arena adaptation of this classic – extending the touring life cycles of this and the other CdS Big Top productions by as many as 5 years. Mr. Giampaolo was named Vice-President – Sales and Marketing, Touring Shows in 2011 and given the mandate to re-organize, to develop a new strategy for and to manage the sales, marketing and public relations (tickets, F&B and merchandising) of, all Cirque du Soleil big top and arena productions, touring globally.
In July of 2013, Mr. Giampaolo was appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of the newly launched Quebecor Media Inc., Sports & Entertainment Group, which consists of:
- Distribution Select – Canada’s largest independent distributor of CDs and videos;
- Gestev Inc., Event Management – a sporting & cultural event management company presenter of the “Red Bull Crashed Ice”, Ice Cross Downhill World Championship event & the “Snowboard Jamboree”, FIS World Championships in Quebec City;
- Musicor, – one of Quebec’s largest music labels;
- Musicor Spectacles, – producer, promoter & presenter of local, national & international live entertainment events;
- Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, – Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team.
- AMQ, Amphitheatre (Arena) Multifonctionnel de Quebec – Construction supervision, as well as, management, operation and maintenance of the Quebec City Multi-functional, Cultural & Sports Facility (new, 18,000+ seat arena), scheduled to be inaugurated in September 2015.
The close relationship that Celine Dion and Rene Angelil have with Aldo Giampaolo dates back to nearly 25 years. It was in 1993 that Rene decided to place his trust in Aldo and the innovative and ambitious concept he was proposing. Just a few months later, Celine would inaugurate the new Montreal Forum ‘Theatre’ (a configuration which, in time, was adopted by the majority of major arenas).
Rene has continued to demonstrate this same level of confidence throughout the years by granting Aldo the promotion of all of Celine’s concerts in Quebec.
This relationship is just the logical and natural result of a great complicity, friendship and mutual respect.
For further information:
le bureau de Francine Chaloult
francine@francinechaloult.com
+1-514-487-6547
Thomson Reuters Announces the World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds 2014
– New citation analyses reveal a who’s who of the most impactful scientific researchers
PHILADELPHIA, June 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The Intellectual Property and Science business of Thomson Reuters, the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals, today released its analysis announcing “The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds: 2014,” listing the top researchers in science around the globe. Those named have earned their distinction by publishing the highest number of articles that rank among those most frequently cited by fellow researchers.
“Science and innovation are strong drivers of the future — and these people are making that future come to life,” said Basil Moftah, president, Thomson Reuters IP & Science. “The global nature of the study highlights the countries, institutions and researchers on the cutting edge of science. It’s our mission at Thomson Reuters to support these individuals as they advance innovation globally.”
The report is based on two separate studies, both drawing on data and commentary from Thomson Reuters bibliometric experts via InCites™Essential Science IndicatorsSM, the world’s leading web-based research analytics platform. The analysts used a unique compilation of science performance metrics and scientific trend data based on journal article publication counts and citation data from the Web of Science™, the premier web-based platform for scientific and scholarly research.
The first analysis, an annual study performed by Thomson Reuters, spotlights the scientific community’s emerging trends and the innovators behind them by ranking the scientists, or hottest researchers, who recently published at least 15 papers with notably higher levels of citations. The 2014 list of the hottest researchers was identified by tabulating citations that were recorded during calendar year 2013 for papers published between 2011 and 2013.
The second, longer-range study updates the world’s most influential researchers listing, also known as the mostHighly Cited Researchers. Thomson Reuters collaborated with its valued partner, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and producer of the Academic Ranking of World Universities, to create the Highly Cited Researchers listing for 2014.
Thomson Reuters analysts assessed papers indexed between 2002 and 2012 in 21 broad fields of study. They tracked authors who published numerous articles that ranked among the top one percent of the most cited in their respective fields in the given year of publication. These documents represent research that the scientific community has judged to be the most significant and useful.
There are upwards of 3,200 researchers from around the world recognized in this study. This compilation attests to the power and scope of citations in determining influential research across disciplines. To learn more about the methodology behind the listing of Highly Cited Researchers, visit http://highlycited.com/.
“Among the unique strengths of the Web of Science is the comprehensive citation data that supports every indexed item,” says Gordon Macomber, managing director of Thomson Reuters Scientific and Scholarly Research. “Citations offer a direct testament to work that scientists themselves judge to be the most important to ongoing research. By analyzing these citation connections, one can identify the most impactful people, publications, programs, and more. The listings in Highly Cited Researchers truly reflect positive assessment by peers, and constitute a searchable database containing an elite selection of the world’s most influential scientific researchers.”
Visit ScienceWatch.com to download “The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds: 2014.”
Learn more about Highly Cited Researchers, Web of Science, Essential Science Indicators and InCites.
Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial and risk, legal, tax and accounting, intellectual property and science and media markets, powered by the world’s most trusted news organization. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.
CONTACT
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Molly Malone
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Goldenway Announces the Two-Year Agreement Extension of Swansea City Football Club as Their Major Sponsor
HONG KONG /PRNewswire/ — Goldenway, a global financial services provider, has today confirmed the two-year extension of Swansea City Football Club’s sponsorship. This sponsorship is the largest agreement in the club’s proud 102-year history and is to run until the end of the 2015/2016 season.
Goldenway Announces the Two-Year Agreement Extension of Swansea City Football Club as Their Major Sponsor
As a fast growing company with common values to the club, Goldenway has identified the Barclays Premier League as a platform to strengthen their brands images globally. It is also identified as a channel to communicate with the Premier League’s huge Asian fan base that currently makes up over 30% of the total global audiences.
Earlier in the year, Goldenway ran a joint Chinese New Year celebration with the Club’s players at the Liberty Stadium which helped to raise global recognition for both parties.Following the success of the initial one year partnership, Goldenway will continue to work alongside the Swans to create a partnership that brings both the club and the Premier League closer to their Asian fans. Planning for the new season is well under way starting with a visit to Goldenway’s headquarters in Hong Kong to arrange future Asian tours and coaching exchange programmes.
Working with sports marketing agency, SportQuake, Goldenway has enjoyed a strong relationship with Swansea City over the last 12 months, and looks to continue building this affinity with the club and the fans globally over the coming seasons.
Goldenway Investment General Manager, Brian Tsui, said:
“I am proud that Goldenway, as a brand, is growing its portfolio of sports sponsorship globally. It is a valuable relationship with Swansea City. The association with such a passionate football club will definitely enhance our brand value and create a positive impact in driving our expansion globally. We look forward to an even more successful seasons working together.” “
Swansea City vice-chairman, Leigh Dineen, said:
“We are excited and delighted to extend our partnership with Goldenway for another two seasons and announce the biggest sponsorship deal in the club’s history. We have developed an excellent working relationship with Goldenway over the past 12 months that has been extremely beneficial to both parties. We are not only honoured to be backed by one of the world’s fastest growing financial services providers, but their prestigious presence throughout Asia has helped lift the club’s global brand to a whole new level.”
GfK launches innovation management solution to support commercialization and market launch
NUREMBERG, Germany /PRNewswire/ — GfK today announced the launch of GfK MarketBuilder, an innovation management solution that proactively drives successful commercialization and market launch of new products and services.
Based on a new paradigm that puts actual consumer behaviour (not just stated intentions) and influencers at the center of measuring innovation performance, GfK MarketBuilder defines what factors will really drive adoption. Moreover, it measures how new experiences might fit into consumers’ lives.
In explaining the value of this new approach to innovation management, Marilyn Raymond, global head of GfK’s Market Opportunities & Innovation product group, comments, “Innovation adoption is driven by a complex interaction between the individual and the market. Often, too little attention is paid to the realities and complexities of the marketplace and to the fact that the attractiveness of an innovation is only one of the factors that influence its adoption. GfK MarketBuilder helps our clients actively manage the full range of drivers for innovation uptake – maximizing adoption and therefore the return on their investment in new product or service experiences.”
GfK MarketBuilder supports three areas that are critical to successful commercialization and market launch:
- It provides a holistic understanding of the drivers of adoption, so that brands can proactively manage the areas that really matter;
- It translates this understanding into informed decision making by using scenario planning and relevant performance metrics to forecast sales;
- It reorients the brand’s innovation management to focus on behavior-centric KPIs, supporting a sustained improvement in innovation performance.
The solution generates business intelligence that helps businesses to develop better product or service design and make more informed launch decisions. Additionally, by looking closely at the different aspects of innovation success, GfK MarketBuilder enables companies to avoid throwing away concepts, and investments, just because the marketplace isn’t ready for the proposition.
GfK MarketBuilder is an integral part of GfK’s end-to-end strategic innovation process, GfK Innovation Roadmap, which guides an organization’s entire innovation journey – from growth plans to launch – by exploring market dynamics, identifying market opportunities and enabling market impact. With focused deliverables at every milestone, the process provides actionable growth plans, a pipeline of compelling innovation initiatives and a blueprint for how to activate those.
Further information and country-specific contact details for GfK MarketBuilder are available athttp://www.gfk.com/MarketBuilder
Contact:
Marilyn Raymond
Global Head, Market Opportunities & Innovation
+1 905 277 2669 x361
Marilyn.Raymond@gfk.com
Carrier to Provide State-of-the-Art Solution to Help Preserve Michelangelo’s Frescoes in the Sistine Chapel
United Technologies and the Vatican Museums announce a technology and innovation collaboration to safeguard the institution and its cultural heritage
VATICAN CITY, June 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The Governate of the Vatican City State and Carrier today announced the start of the installation of a landmark heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system for the Sistine Chapel, specially designed to address the challenges of protecting Michelangelo’s masterpieces against deterioration. Carrier’s groundbreaking system, developed by the company’s expert global team of AdvanTE3C engineers and backed by its industry-leading research and development resources, is expected to be installed and commissioned by the third quarter of 2014. Carrier, the world’s leader in high-technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions, is a part of UTC Building & Industrial Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
The new system, which replaces a Carrier system installed in the early 1990s, is designed to deliver exceptional performance with twice the efficiency and three times the capacity of the previous system. The custom-engineered solution uses first-of-its-kind energy-saving technologies, as well as industry-leading approaches to minimize noise and limit air motion around the frescoes. In order to ensure outstanding reliability, highly controlled temperature and humidity levels, and optimal airflow management, the design team completed extensive modeling using a specially developed application. Once installed, the system is designed to be virtually unnoticeable to visitors.
In addition, the Governate of the Vatican City State and United Technologies Corp. (UTC) have entered into an agreement to ensure the protection and safety of the Vatican Museums’ artwork, spaces and visitors through the deployment of building technologies from UTC companies. According to the terms of the agreement, the parties will work together on integrated solutions spanning HVAC, elevators and escalators, fire detection and alarm, fire suppression and safety, electronic security, access control, video surveillance services and related software solutions, from brands such as Carrier, Otis, Lenel, Kidde, Chubb and Marioff.
Antonio Paolucci, Director of the Vatican Museums stated: “We are confident that Carrier’s HVAC system will enable us to realize our goal of ensuring the preservation of Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel while allowing visitors to continue to behold the frescoes for years to come.”
Rev. Rafael Garcia de la Serrana Villalobos, Director of the Vatican Technical Services said: “The Carrier solution is the right response to our urgent need to establish a highly controlled microclimate as well as an effective reduction of pollutants. Our fruitful collaboration with Carrier has brought us to request a larger technical agreement with UTC and its other building solution brands.”
Geraud Darnis, President and CEO of UTC Building & Industrial Systems confirmed: “This exceptional project, integrating systems and resources from across our lines of business, demonstrates not only UTC’s commitment to preserving the world’s cultural heritage, but also our ability to provide world-class levels of engineering and design expertise. These same values and capabilities provide the foundation for our new technology and innovation relationship with the Vatican Museums.”
Didier Da Costa, President of Carrier Europe declared: “We are proud to have been called upon again to develop and manufacture this high-performance HVAC system leveraging Carrier’s and UTC’s global resources and shared technical know-how. The new solution responds to the evolving requirements of one of the world’s most famous—and most visited—monuments, and is designed to provide exceptional reliability and scalability for future needs.”
Work will begin immediately with disassembly of the existing system; in the interim, a temporary system will provide cooling to the chapel throughout the summer.
About Carrier
Carrier is the world’s leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy efficient products, building controls, and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, and transport and food service customers. Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier improves the world around us through engineered innovation and environmental stewardship. Carrier is a part of UTC Building & Industrial Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., a leading provider to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. Visit www.carrier.com for more information.
Related stocks: NYSE:UTX
Cross-Screen Marketing Solutions Provider Appier Secures Sequoia Capital Backing
Infusion by investment giant behind WhatsApp, Google and Apple to facilitate growth of Appier’s Artificial Intelligence initiatives
SINGAPORE, June 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Appier, a leading technology company building next generation cross-screen marketing solutions, has raised USD 6 million Series-A funding from Sequoia Capital. The investment will be used for research and development, capacity building, sales and marketing.
Speaking about this investment, Appier CEO Chih-Han Yu said, “New devices, from mobiles to tablets to wearables, are emerging at an incredible speed. The technology we have built at Appier allows businesses to reach their target audiences across multiple screens with the highest ROI. Sequoia’s investment is not only a vote of confidence to the Appier team and our technology, but also a vote of confidence that world-class startups can arise from this region.”
Appier, which has offices in San Francisco, Singapore and Taipei, was founded in 2012 by a team of passionate computer scientists and experts from related fields led by CEO Chih-Han Yu. Yu holds a doctorate in Computer Science from Harvard for his work on self-adapting Artificial Intelligence. Appier has revolutionised marketing in Asia by offering cross-screen advertising solutions that deliver the right content to the right audience at the right time on the right screen. The company has developed proprietary technology that leverages Artificial Intelligence and Big Data to deliver effective and impactful campaigns for its customers. Leading advertising agencies and global brands such as Heineken, IKEA, Lancôme and many game developers have used Appier to effectively reach their audiences.
Sequoia Capital, which has a solid reputation from its early investments in tech companies such as WhatsApp, Apple, Cisco, Dropbox, Google, LinkedIn, Oracle, Yahoo and YouTube has been looking for promising investments in the region since setting up an office in Singapore in 2012.
“Smartphones and tablets have brought about a paradigm shift in buyer behaviour. With consumers surrounded by multiple screens at any given time, it has become imperative for marketers to reach their audiences at the right time with the right message. In Appier we have a potential game changer that addresses this challenge and, with a talented and multi-dimensional team led by Chih-Han Yu, we are certain that Appier will redefine marketing in the digital age,” added Shailendra Singh, Managing Director, Sequoia Capital.
About Appier:
Founded in 2012, Appier is a technology company offering next generation cross-screen marketing solutions to advertisers across the globe. Headquartered in Taipei, with offices in Singapore and San Francisco, Appier is passionate about making advertisement the preferred content that connects business and users. Leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, Appier delivers right marketing content to the right audiences at the right time on the right screen, aiming to make digital marketing experience easier and happier for everyone.
With a solid team of experts in data mining, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing from Google, Splunk, Intel, Yahoo, and renowned AI research groups at Harvard and Stanford University, Appier aspires to utilize the power of technology to help our clients achieve their business goals and maximize their ROI in the global markets. For more information, please visit: www.appier.com.
About Sequoia Capital:
Sequoia Capital in India currently manages funds capitalized at close to USD 2 billion and invests across venture, growth, and late stage opportunities. It takes a long-term view on investments and plays the role of an active, value-added partner to entrepreneurs, business families and management teams. Over the past 8 years, Sequoia Capital has invested in more than 75 companies in India including Capillary Technologies, Druva Software, Justdial, Micromax, Mu Sigma, Pine Labs, Prizm Payments, Quick Heal and Zomato. Sequoia Capital operates out of offices in Bangalore, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
Globally, Sequoia Capital has an unparalleled track record of partnering with entrepreneurs to create global market leaders. Sequoia Capital has been an early investor in companies such as Apple, Cisco, Dropbox, Google, LinkedIn, Oracle, Yahoo, YouTube and Zappos. Sequoia Capital maintains dedicated teams in USA, China, India and Israel.
For more information, please visit: www.sequoiacap.com
For Media Enquiries:
Daniel Yap
Right Hook Communications Pte Ltd
t: +65-8189-9587
e: daniel@righthook.com.sg
Stephanie Yang
Marketing Manager, Appier Inc
t: +886-2-8780-2800#72
e: stephanieyang@appier.com
Funtasy Island Development Signs Joint Venture Agreement with Seven Seas Funtasy Venture Pte Ltd for the Development Of the World’s Largest Eco Theme Park
SINGAPORE, June 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Funtasy Island Development (FID) Pte Ltd has signed a Joint Venture Agreement with Seven Seas Funtasy Venture Pte Ltd for the DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST ECO-THEME PARK on Funtasy Island.
The World’s Largest Eco-Theme Park seats on 328 hectares of private island space. Spanning over 300 hectare of a natural eco-park boasts a thematic haven rich in biodiversity where one can enjoy its natural setting. A diverse range of exciting attractions and a multi-million integrated ecological playground awaits guests who love nature. The island provides various outdoor activities, thrilling adventure from sailing, snorkelling, diving, nature walks, spas, dining and clubbing. A remarkable “Eco-theme park” experience is mainly contributed by the natural geographic formations of its location within the beautiful islands of Riau. True to its form, Riau Islands is endowed with abundant tourist attractions, beautiful beaches and interesting indigenous culture. The sea is essential in these islands as a place for locals to fish and to trade. The perfect place to conjure the concept of an Eco-theme park as it has all the natural ingredients for a heavenly perfect destination. A refreshing treat for the nature-lover, who truly appreciate under the sea adventure and forest ride
The 1st Phase comprises of 8 key eco-zones where you will have a personal encounter with nature:
AVATAR HABITAT
Avatar is the manifestation of your deepest imagination
The Avatar Habitat features various bird species, each different but equally majestic in their feathered glory as they soar in the skies. You can hold and feed these winged friends such as Birds of Prey, Parrots and Lorries. Get to know mysterious nocturnal birds such as owls with a mesmerizing silent flight demonstration. And explore The Avatar in a night trail with the Avatar Night Vision Goggle. The Baobab Treetop Promenade is also located inside the attraction to start the avatar walk-through experience.
RAINFOREST PARADISE
A lush rainforest filled with abundant flora and fauna, the sights, sounds and interaction will assail your senses in a huge way. Embrace the calming effects of being surrounded by nature all around. As you meet new creatures in their glorious home, this promises to be a journey that you will always remember.
SIMIA ADVENTURE
Get up close and personal with various monkeys species set in a beautiful rain forest where they live in total freedom. Their acrobatic moves and antics are an entertaining sight to behold.
MANGROVE SAFARI RIDE
Explore the amazing mangrove forest by boat. Take a leisurely ride with the whole family on an exploratory river adventure by the Mangroves.
RIAU JUNGLE EXPLORER
Listen to a natural symphony as you meet different flora and fauna in the Riau Jungle Explorer and glimpse into a breathtaking sea life view of freshwater fishes. One of the largest freshwater fishes in the world which is the Arapaima are featured in this cool attraction, these giants can reach 9 feet (2.75 meters) long and weigh up to 440 pounds (200 kilograms). Though araphaimas can stay underwater for 10 to 20 minutes, they tend to remain near the water’s surface, where they hunt and emerge often to breathe with a coughing noise. To give a thrill in this attraction, crocodiles are seen in the distance. These tropical species have been around for about 55 million years. Many species are on a brink of extinction so special care is given to conserve these ferocious creatures.
AQUA ADVENTURE
The crystal clear waters of Funtasy Island allow for easy viewing of the fascinating underwater world of the underwater coast, which is home to an assortment of marine life including colourful tropical fish and stingrays. The place is just magnificent for every diving or snorkelling enthusiasts. Explore underwater marvels in Aquanaut sea walking or go island exploring in an exhilarating boat ride.
DOLPHIN DISCOVERY HABITAT
Here at Funtasy Island Eco-theme Park, Swimming with Dolphins is guaranteed to be a fun and entertaining experience! It offers guests to experience a personal playtime with dolphins as they charm you with their stunts and adorable interaction. Dip in the water and glide along with the dolphins, receive a wet kiss and play with them. A marine sanctuary for dolphins, they are given ample care and attention as well studies on breeding behaviour.
DEEP OCEAN WONDER
The Deep Ocean Wonder is designed to provide insight in almost all sea species that can be found in Asia. The DEEP OCEAN aspires to house famous myriad of sea creatures in 25,000 cubic meters of water. Aside from about seven shark species, you will be able to find about 3,500 other kinds of fish and aquatic life in this aquarium native to the ocean and the seas of Riau Island. Enjoy your leisurely swim with the Whale Sharks.
Funtasy Island, located 16km south of Singapore
Located on Riau Islands, Indonesia and slated to open in 2015, Funtasy Island will house the World’s Largest Eco Theme Park, hotel suites and villas complementing retail, convention, dining and recreational facilities — all spread over 810 acres of pristine tropical islands situated in the Riau region.
A mere 16 kilometres off the coast of Singapore, Funtasy Island will be accessible via a 20-minute luxury yacht or ferry ride from the Harbourfront ferry terminal.
The island is approximately two-thirds the size of Sentosa island, with 70% of its total area being preserved as a nature sanctuary.
Eco-themed activities will include aquaculture tours in the surrounding waters as well as nature trails, allowing visitors to explore the island’s unspoiled environment.
Upon completion Funtasy Island shall be the first development of its kind near Singapore, keeping holidaymakers and corporate travellers close to attractions such as Universal Studios, Resorts World, Marina Bay Sands, and Orchard Road, whilst enjoying the natural seclusion of a private island.
The World’s Largest Eco-Theme Park will be built, operated and managed by Seven Seas Funtasy Development Pte Ltd.
Mr Lim Chee Yong, Seven Seas Funtasy Venture Pte Ltd Managing Director, commented: “Funtasy Island is the Avatar of our unique Eco-Theme Experiences: Dolphin Habitat, Deep Blue Ocean and Avatar Habitat. Because of Funtasy Island’s close location to Singapore and the island’s inherent beauty, we have decided to deploy our assets to this island. It gives me great pleasure to develop the most unique Eco Theme Park on Funtasy Island. Welcome to Seven Seas. ”
Mr Michael Yong, FID Managing Director, added: “We are impressed with Seven Seas’ creative theme concepts with Nature as evident in their successful projects in Korea, China and Philippines. And with the exciting phases that they have laid out for Funtasy Island over the next 10 years, we are confident that Seven Seas on Funtasy Island will be an exciting stop-over from tourists all over the world; boosting our visitor growth rate of 10% per annum. Welcome to SEVEN SEAS — World’s Largest Eco-Theme Park at Funtasy Island.”
Also on hand to witness the signing ceremony was Mr Ade Seohari, Chairman of Funtasy Island Development Pte Ltd.
For more information on Funtasy Island Development Pte Ltd, visit http://www.funtasyisland.com.
Press Contact:
Funtasy Island Development Pte Ltd
Rosalind Foo
Business Development Director
+65-8176-9678
Rosalind@funtasyisland.com
NI Reshapes Instrumentation with Software-Based, All-In-One Device
VirtualBench offers five essential instruments in a single device with an innovative software experience, creating new possibilities for engineers using benchtop test equipment.
SINGAPORE, June 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — NI (Nasdaq: NATI) today announced VirtualBench, an all-in-one instrument that integrates a mixed-signal oscilloscope, function generator, digital multimeter, programmable DC power supply and digital I/O. Users interact with VirtualBench through software applications that run on PCs or iPads. The device provides the most common functionality affordably and opens up new possibilities for how engineers can use benchtop instruments.
“Before, I didn’t have the room or budget to buy a full setup for each bench,” said Russell Stanphil, electronics advisor at TechShop. “I can now park one laptop and a VirtualBench on each seat, replacing four to five boxes.”
Because VirtualBench uses today’s consumer computing platforms, engineers and scientists can take advantage of the latest technologies like multi-touch displays, multicore processors, wireless connectivity and intuitive interfaces. The simplification and increased capability through software leads to more efficient circuit debugging and validation.
“We are building on what NI does best, which is our software-based approach to test and measurement,” said Chad Chesney, director of data acquisition marketing at NI. “VirtualBench’s software user experience is more intuitive, creating efficiencies that go above and beyond simply having these five devices in a single device.”
Key Benefits
- Takes up minimal space on a desktop or benchtop
- Simplifies instrument configuration through consistent, user-friendly interfaces
- Offers new capability and convenience with a consolidated view of multiple instruments, visualization on larger displays and quick functionality to save data and screenshots
- Integrates seamlessly with LabVIEW system design software
To learn more about VirtualBench, visit http://www.ni.com/virtualbench.
Pricing and Availability
VirtualBench is now available worldwide for USD1,999/EUR1,690/JPY198,000/RMB14,285. (All prices are subject to change without notice.) The VirtualBench app for iPad will be available in the App Store later this summer.
About NI
Since 1976, NI (www.ni.com) has equipped engineers and scientists with tools that accelerate productivity, innovation and discovery. NI’s graphical system design approach to engineering provides an integrated software and hardware platform that speeds the development of any system needing measurement and control. The company’s long-term vision and focus on improving society through its technology supports the success of its customers, employees, suppliers and shareholders.
LabVIEW, National Instruments, NI, ni.com and VirtualBench are trademarks of National Instruments. Other product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
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