Tokyo, Japan and Paris, France – Newsfile Corp. – November 6, 2023 – Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) (“Renesas”) and Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) (“Sequans”) today announced that (i) Renesas has extended the expiration date of its tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding ordinary shares of Sequans for $0.7575 per ordinary share and American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) of Sequans for $3.03 per ADS (each ADS representing four ordinary shares) in cash, without interest and less any applicable withholding taxes and (ii) the Secretary of State in the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom has determined not to take any further action in relation to the previously announced proposed acquisition of Sequans by Renesas under the National Security and Investment Act 2021 (“NSIA”).

The tender offer, which was previously scheduled to expire at one minute after 11:59 P.M., New York City time, on November 6, 2023, has been extended until one minute after 11:59 P.M., New York City time, on November 21, 2023, unless the tender offer is further extended or earlier terminated. The tender offer was extended to allow additional time for the satisfaction of the remaining closing conditions of the tender offer, including, but not limited to, regulatory approvals (other than the NSIA approval and the previously announced CFIUS approval) and the valid tender of ordinary shares and ADSs of Sequans representing – together with ordinary shares and ADSs of Sequans beneficially owned by Renesas, if any – at least 90% of the fully diluted ordinary shares of Sequans.

The Bank of New York Mellon, the Tender Agent for the tender offer, has advised Renesas that as of 6 p.m., New York City time, on November 3, 2023, approximately 98,807,609 ordinary shares of Sequans (including ordinary shares represented by ADSs), representing approximately 35.2% of the fully diluted ordinary shares of Sequans, have been validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to the tender offer. Holders that have previously tendered their shares do not need to re-tender their shares or take any other action in response to this extension.

The tender offer is being made pursuant to the Offer to Purchase, dated September 11, 2023 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Offer to Purchase”), the related Ordinary Share Acceptance Form, ADS Letter of Transmittal and certain other offer documents (together with any amendments or supplements thereto), copies of which are attached to the combined Tender Offer Statement and Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement filed under cover of Schedule TO filed by Renesas and Renesas Electronics Europe GmbH with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 11, 2023, as amended.

About Renesas Electronics Corporation
Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) empowers a safer, smarter and more sustainable future where technology helps make our lives easier. The leading global provider of microcontrollers, Renesas combines our expertise in embedded processing, analog, power and connectivity to deliver complete semiconductor solutions. These Winning Combinations accelerate time to market for automotive, industrial, infrastructure and IoT applications, enabling billions of connected, intelligent devices that enhance the way people work and live. Learn more at renesas.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

About Sequans Communications
Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) is a leading developer and supplier of cellular IoT connectivity solutions, providing chips and modules for 5G/4G massive and broadband IoT. For 5G/4G massive IoT applications, Sequans provides a comprehensive product portfolio based on its flagship Monarch LTE-M/NB-IoT and Calliope Cat 1 chip platforms, featuring industry-leading low power consumption, a large set of integrated functionalities, and global deployment capability. For 5G/4G broadband IoT applications, Sequans offers a product portfolio based on its Cassiopeia Cat 4/Cat 6 4G and high-end Taurus 5G chip platforms, optimized for low-cost residential, enterprise, and industrial applications. Founded in 2003, Sequans is based in Paris, France with additional offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, Finland, Taiwan, South Korea, and China. Visit Sequans online at http://www.sequans.com/, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Advisors
BofA Securities is serving as financial advisor to Renesas, and Goodwin Procter LLP is serving as legal counsel. Needham & Company is serving as financial advisor to Sequans, and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is serving as legal counsel.

Important Additional Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed acquisition of Sequans Communications S.A. (“Sequans”) by Renesas Electronics Corporation, a Japanese corporation (“Parent” or “Renesas”), Parent commenced a tender offer for all of the outstanding ordinary shares, including American Depositary Shares of Sequans, on September 11, 2023. This communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities of Sequans. It is also not a substitute for the tender offer materials that Parent and Renesas Electronics Europe GmbH, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Purchaser”) filed with the SEC or the solicitation/recommendation statement that Sequans filed on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC upon commencement of the tender offer. Purchaser filed tender offer materials on Schedule TO with the SEC, and Sequans filed a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 and a transaction statement on Schedule 13E-3 with respect to the tender offer with the SEC. THE TENDER OFFER MATERIALS (INCLUDING AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, A RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTAIN OTHER TENDER OFFER DOCUMENTS), THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT AND TRANSACTION STATEMENT CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY AND BE CONSIDERED BY SEQUANS’ SECURITYHOLDERS BEFORE ANY DECISION IS MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE TENDER OFFER. Both the tender offer materials and the solicitation/recommendation statement and transaction statement will be made available to Sequans’ investors and security holders free of charge. A free copy of the tender offer materials and the solicitation/recommendation statement and transaction statement will also be made available to all of Sequans’ investors and security holders by contacting Sequans at [email protected], or by visiting Sequans’ website (www.sequans.com). In addition, the tender offer materials and the solicitation/recommendation statement (and all other documents filed by Sequans with the SEC) are available at no charge on the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov) upon filing with the SEC. SEQUANS’ INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ THE TENDER OFFER MATERIALS, THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT AND THE TRANSACTION STATEMENT, AS EACH MAY BE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED BY PARENT OR SEQUANS WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BEFORE THEY MAKE ANY DECISION WITH RESPECT TO THE TENDER OFFER. THESE MATERIALS CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TENDER OFFER, PARENT AND SEQUANS.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements
This announcement may contain certain statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Renesas and/or Sequans and/or the combined group following completion of the transaction and certain plans and objectives of Renesas with respect thereto. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the satisfaction of conditions to the completion of the proposed transaction and the expected completion of the proposed transaction, the timing and benefits thereof, as well as other statements that are not historical fact. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements also often use words such as “anticipate,” “target,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” ”forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “goal,” “believe,” “hope,” “aims,” “continue,” “could,” “project,” “should,” “will” or other words of similar meaning. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by Renesas and/or Sequans (as applicable) in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, future developments and other factors they believe appropriate. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty, because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and the factors described in the context of such forward-looking statements in this announcement could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although it is believed that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to be correct and you are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as at the date of this announcement.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results and are based on certain key assumptions. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the potential failure to satisfy conditions to the completion of the proposed transaction due to the failure to receive a sufficient number of tendered shares in the tender offer; the failure to obtain necessary regulatory or other approvals; the outcome of legal proceedings that may be instituted against Sequans and/or others relating to the transaction; the possibility that competing offers will be made; potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; significant or unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the proposed transaction; and negative effects of this announcement or the consummation of the proposed acquisition on the market price of Sequans’ ADS and ordinary shares. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements are changes in the global, political, economic, business and competitive environments, market and regulatory forces, future exchange and interest rates, changes in tax rates and future business combinations or dispositions. If any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materializes or if any one or more of the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in the light of such factors. A more complete description of these and other material risks can be found in Sequans’ filings with the SEC, including its annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2022, subsequent filings on Form 6-K and other documents that may be filed from time to time with the SEC, as well as the Schedule TO and related tender offer documents filed by Parent and Purchaser and the Schedule 14D-9 and Schedule 13E-3 filed by Sequans. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this announcement. Neither Renesas nor Sequans undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

No member of the Renesas group or the Sequans group nor any of their respective associates, directors, officers, employers or advisers, provides any representation, assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements in this announcement will actually occur.

Except as expressly provided in this announcement, no forward-looking or other statements have been reviewed by the auditors of the Renesas group or the Sequans group. All subsequent oral or written forward-looking statements attributable to any member of the Renesas group or the Sequans group, or any of their respective associates, directors, officers, employers or advisers, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statement above.

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All names of products or services mentioned in this press release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contacts:
Renesas Electronics Corporation
Akiko Ishiyama
+ 1-408-887-9006
[email protected]

Sequans Communications S.A.
Kimberly Tassin
+1-425-736-0569
[email protected]

Investor Relations Contacts:
Renesas Electronics Corporation
Yuma Nakanishi
+81 3-6773-3002
[email protected]

Sequans Communications S.A.
Kim Rogers
+1-541-904-5075
[email protected]

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Sequans Communications

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This content was prepared by Media OutReach. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Siam News Network.

134th Canton Fair Draws to A Stellar Close

CISION PR Newswire

Nov 6, 2023

GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — With resounding success and unwavering resilience, the 134th China Import and Export Fair ("Canton Fair", "the Fair") drew to a close on November 4 in Guangzhou, with the online platform operating seamlessly. "Generating widespread acclaim for its remarkable achievements, the Fair for its pivotal role in promoting the stability and optimal structure of foreign trade, expedites the advancement of an open global economy," said Xu Bing, spokesperson and Deputy Director General of the China Foreign Trade Centre.

The Fair, a remarkable blend of online and offline experiences, attracted a substantial number of global buyers from 229 countries and regions by Nov 3. 197,869 buyers attended the fair onsite, an increase of 53.4% over the previous session. 63.9% of overseas buyers, or 126,343, were from the countries jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative. 165 leading multinational enterprises organized buyers to the exhibition, including Wal-Mart, Tesco, Aldi and AEON.

At the Fair, exhibitors have impressively presented a grand total of over 2.75 million exhibits through the online platform. This diverse range includes over 700,000 new products, about 110,000 cutting-edge smart products, more than 430,000 environmentally sustainable and low-carbon items, and roughly 230,000 independently patented products. Additionally, the fair hosted close to 400 exclusive product launches.

The Canton Fair has achieved a total offline export transaction volume of US$22.3 billion, with brand enterprises contributing US$ 6.35 billion. Apart from signing orders on-site, buyers also arrange follow-up appointments to visit factories and workshops and assess production capacity, which signifies the anticipation of increased cooperation in the future.

The Canton Fair has been a driving force for global economic growth, with 61 "Trade Bridge" Global Promotion and Matchmaking Events and 21 themed forums. The Fair’s Product Design and Trade Promotion Center (PDC) hosted 91 design companies from 8 different countries and regions for design matchmaking.

Following the wrap-up of the Canton Fair, the online platform will continue to offer its services throughout the year. The Fair will also host a range of trade matching and industry-focused activities, designed to meet supply and sourcing demands. For more details, please visit the Canton Fair’s official website https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/posts/646531331412942848 or contact caiyiyi [email protected].

Source : 134th Canton Fair Draws to A Stellar Close

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

'Listen to your patients for early identification of Peripheral Neuropathy' say leading Health Experts at P&G's #KNOWTHESIGNS Scientific Forum

CISION PR Newswire

Nov 6, 2023

1 in 2 Diabetics and 1 in 10 Pre-diabetics estimated to suffer from PN Vitamin B Deficiency affects quality of life of ~ 19% of all Diabetics Unveil NEW NENOIN Study results on how B Vitamins improve sensory symptoms, motor function and motor strength in PN

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Nov. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — As part of World Diabetes Day 2023, P&G Health, brought together renowned health experts at the ‘#KNOWTHESIGNS Scientific Forum’. The signature event saw deliberations on the latest clinical guidance on diagnoses and treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) in Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes. NEW findings of the NENOIN Clinical Study were unveiled which concluded that treatment with a fixed dose combination of vitamin B1, B6, and B12 led to significant improvement in nerve function measured via ankle and knee reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory perception in toes and fingers of patients with PN.

With Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 being the leading cause of PN, its increasing prevalence is closely linked to the rise in the number of diabetics. Symptoms of PN include numbness, tingling, prickling, and burning sensations in hands and feet. B vitamin deficiency and polymedication are other high-risk factors along with diabetes, leading to peripheral nerve damage.

Aalok Agrawal, Senior Vice-President, P&G Health (AMA) said, "As a partner to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), P&G Health is committed to continued efforts to raise awareness on Diabetes and its associated complications including PN and Vitamin B Deficiency. Our ‘#KNOWTHESIGNS Scientific Forum saw a multidisciplinary panel of experts come together to share clinical recommendations on diagnoses and management of PN in Diabetes and Pre-diabetes, impact of Vitamin B Deficiency and role of B vitamins in supporting healthy nerve functions".

Expert Speak:

– Prof. Rayaz. A. Malik (Assistant Dean for Clinical Research, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar) stated, "Early diagnosis of DPN allows for timely risk factor reduction and improvement of this most common disabling complication of diabetes. Primary care physicians play a pivotal role in recognizing DPN. Asking the right questions and undertaking simple diagnostic testing can have a major positive impact on the lives of patients by enabling pain relief and prevention of foot ulceration and amputation".

– According to Dr. Rizaldy Pinzon (Neurologist at Neurology Department, Bethesda Hospital, Yogyakarta – Indonesia), "Timely intervention can enhance sensory perception, alleviate painful symptoms, and prevent complications such as infections, ulcers and eventually diabetic foot amputation. It is important for primary care physicians to remain vigilant and promptly treat any alterations in the patient’s lower extremities, including numbness, paresthesia, or neuropathic pain."

– Speaking about the role of Pharmacists, Dr. Kenny P Merin (Pharmacist, & Assistant Vice President, Academics & Research of Lyceum of the Philippines University Davao), "Pharmacists are an integral part of the healthcare team and can provide valuable support to patients with PN, yet often we are underutilized. Pharmacists are often the first point of contact and can drive early condition awareness, guide on lifestyle modifications, and help optimize medication regimens. Pharmacists can also recommend over-the-counter treatments (e.g., therapeutic dose of Neurotropic B vitamins) for PN symptom relief."

– Dr. Vaishali Deshmukh (Consultant & Head Endocrinology Department at DMH Pune India) commented, " India has become the diabetes capital of the world. With 74.2 million people living with diabetes and alarming prevalence of pre-diabetes in India, half of these individuals are at risk of developing DPN. Collaborative efforts between healthcare professionals, patient education, and early referral to specialists are essential to improve management of DPN in India."

– Dr Ankia Coetzee (Consultant endocrinologist, past president of SEMDSA South Africa) shared, " It is crucial for healthcare providers to receive ongoing education and training on DPN diagnosis, and treatment options. Patients should be educated about the importance of regular foot and DPN examinations, glycemic control, and adherence to prescribed medications. By addressing these challenges through holistic education like P&G Health WDD campaign and collaborative care, we can enhance the management and outcomes of individuals with DPN in South Africa."

– Dr Inna Eiberger, Global Medical Director, P&G Health Nerve Care shared, "PN is associated with poor functional mobility and compromised motor symptoms, in addition to sensory symptoms. These symptoms significantly worsen the quality of life of patients. The New NENOIN study concluded that the synergistic combination of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 can not only relieve symptoms but also significantly improve nerve function in patients with PN".

Source : 'Listen to your patients for early identification of Peripheral Neuropathy' say leading Health Experts at P&G's #KNOWTHESIGNS Scientific Forum

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

CCI France Malaysia Gala Night 2023, celebrating Malaysia France bilateral trade at a record height of €6.2 billion or MYR28.5 billion in 2022

CISION PR Newswire

Nov 6, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce & Industry / CCI France Malaysia (CCIFM) held its Gala Night on 2nd November 2023 in JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur celebrating the business relationship between the two countries. Malaysia-France bilateral trade reached new heights close to €6.2 billion euros in 2022.

The French footprint in Malaysia has steadily increased with 550 entities including 300 French subsidiaries and 250 entrepreneurs, employing more than 25,000 people.

Over 400 guests were welcomed by Mr Richard Fostier, President of CCIFM together with H.E. Axel Cruau, Ambassador of France to Malaysia and the Guest of Honour, YB Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia.

The key partners for the Gala Night were Saint Gobain, Airbus, BNP Paribas, Engie, Eolane, Generali, L’Oréal, Safran, Schneider Electric, SPIE Oil & Gas, ST Microelectronics, Stellantis, Veolia, Dassault, JLL, Michelin, Nazsoft Tech, Rotortrade, Societé Générale and Total Energies.

France and Malaysia have long enjoyed a robust and dynamic trade partnership, and this momentous occasion demonstrates the strength and resilience of their economic ties. The Gala Night was an opportunity to reflect on the past, acknowledge the present, and look forward to the future of bilateral trade relations. The chamber believes that Malaysia has consistently maintained its status as a competitive destination for French companies. Furthermore, it serves as a regional hub for their expansion and development in the Asia-Pacific region.

The close relationship between the French and Malaysian institutions have played a key role in this success story, the French Embassy and its Economic Department, Business France, French Trade Advisors, La French Tech, MIDA, MATRADE, InvestKL, TalentCorp and MDEC have been working together as a winning team with the chamber and are all present here today.

Selected member companies were also awarded the CCIFM Excellence Award that aims to honor individuals, companies, and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional excellence and innovation in their respective fields, contributing to the growth and prosperity of the Franco-Malaysian business relation.

The following companies were awarded during the CCIFM Malaysia-France Gala Night 2023:

The award for "Outstanding Achievements-Large Company" was granted to Veolia The award for "Outstanding Achievements-SME" was granted to Éolane The award for "Entrepreneur of the Year was granted to Pen Aviation The award for "Corporate Social Responsibility" was granted to ST Microelectronics The award for "France-Malaysia Smart Partnership" was granted to Doris-MMC The award for "Image of France" was granted to Paul Bakeries Malaysia

The evening was nothing short of spectacular, promising an unforgettable performances, with renowned artist such as Harith Iskander "The Godfather of Stand-Up Comedy", the talented singer Nourul Depp, Psycusix and others.

Guests savoured specially prepared macarons sponsored by Paul Bakeries Malaysia and walked away with fabulous lucky draw gifts from Club Med and Air France.

See more photos: https://flic.kr/p/2pd8Gim

#ccifm #ccifrancemalaysia #ccifmgalanight

Source : CCI France Malaysia Gala Night 2023, celebrating Malaysia France bilateral trade at a record height of €6.2 billion or MYR28.5 billion in 2022

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

Fosun International Awarded "Best Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting Awards" by The Hong Kong Management Association

CISION PR Newswire

Nov 6, 2023

HONG KONG, Nov. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — On 2 November 2023, The Hong Kong Management Association (HKMA) held the "2023 Best Annual Reports Awards" ceremony in Hong Kong. Fosun International was awarded the "Best Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting Awards" by HKMA, in recognition of the company’s outstanding performance in ESG strategy, environmental protection, social responsibility, corporate governance and information disclosure by authoritative organization.

HKMA is a non-profit organization that is well-known in the business and education sectors, and enjoys a high reputation in the industry. Established by the HKMA in 1973, the Best Annual Reports Awards aims to recognize the publication of timely, accurate, informative, and well-presented annual reports by companies and non-profit organizations. This year marks the 50 years anniversary of the award.

HKMA points out that companies, such as Fosun International, which have received the "Best Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting Awards", have complied well with the disclosure requirements from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and made reference to other reporting standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). While it remains relatively limited, a growing number of companies have obtained external assurance and review. This bolsters credibility of disclosed information. In addition, to in line with emphasizing on ESG initiatives and development, more and more companies have formally elevated CSR/Sustainability Committee to one of the Board committees, while many companies have established an ESG steering committee/working group and/or created a professional position to oversee ESG activities and address compliance issues.

There are 11 enterprises being awarded the "Best Environmental Social and Governance Reporting Awards", other award recipients are Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Drainage Services Department, Link Real Estate Investment Trust, MTR Corporation, Swire Properties, CLP Holdings, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, Tencent Holdings, China Mobile and The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels.

Built a comprehensive mechanism for ESG management to effectively implement ESG strategies and actions

Fosun has always emphasized that corporate leaders should attach importance to ESG governance and establish an accountability system. Fosun has set up an ESG Board Committee under the Board of Directors (the "Board") to assist the Board in guiding and overseeing the Group’s ESG development and implementation. At the management and decision-making level, Fosun has established an ESG Executive Committee under the management to provide decision support for the implementation of ESG strategies. At the implementation level, the Group has also set up an ESG Management Committee and an ESG Working Group to implement ESG strategies and related actions and ensure the establishment of appropriate and effective ESG risk management and internal control system.

In order to ensure the smooth and continuous progress of ESG work, Fosun has established a top-down and long-term mechanism for ESG improvement. The Group has set up relevant mechanism to include ESG management performance as an evaluation factor in the Executive Directors’ performance assessment and remuneration assessment. With this mechanism, the Group and its member companies can deeply incorporate ESG into the operations and management progressively.

Benchmark against the international standard and obtained external assurance from an independent organization to build more trust with stakeholders

With a growing demand by stakeholders for more transparent and comparable reporting on companies’ sustainability information, Fosun not only published the ESG Report in accordance with the Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting Guide in Appendix 27 to the Listing Rules of Hong Kong Stock Exchange, but also prepared the ESG Report with reference to the GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards (GRI Standards) and disclosed its climate-related financial risks voluntarily based on the TCFD recommendations, demonstrating its commitment of climate action to the international community.

In order to strengthen sustainable development management and benchmark against the international standard, Fosun also joined the United Nations (UN) Global Compact in 2014, fully supporting the ten principles of the UN Global Compact and continuously promoting their close integration with its own ESG strategies and actively engaging its member companies in the implementation of ESG strategies. Fosun’s ESG Report was prepared with reference to sustainable development frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to integrate SDGs into Fosun’s sustainable development and management and information disclosure of its business operations. In addition, Fosun’s ESG Report was audited and assured by SGS, an independent third-party and internationally recognized verification company, to enhance the trust of stakeholders in the report disclosed.

Fosun’s remarkable ESG performance has been widely recognized by the international market

In recent years, global investors have attached increasing importance to the ESG performance of enterprises. Fosun International has also continued to promote ESG work and achieved impressive results. Fosun International received an AA MSCI ESG rating and was the only conglomerate in Greater China with such rating. It was selected as a constituent of the MSCI CHINA ESG LEADERS 10-40 Index again. Its S&P CSA ESG score outperformed 91% of its global peers, and was included in S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2023 (China Edition) and recognized as an "Industry Mover" by S&P Global. Fosun International’s HSI ESG rating was upgraded to AA- and was selected as a constituent stock of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index for the first time. Fosun International’s FTSE Russell ESG score was upgraded from 3.0 to 3.8, consistently higher than the global industry average and Chinese company average, and it has been continuously selected as a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series.

Source : Fosun International Awarded "Best Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting Awards" by The Hong Kong Management Association

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

The Big Shift to Engagement Banking at Backbase ENGAGE in Bangkok

Corporate News Media OutReach

Nov 6, 2023

The Big Shift to Engagement Banking at Backbase ENGAGE in Bangkok

Backbase ENGAGE 2023 showcases banking success stories and insights from Techcombank, BDO Unibank, HDFC Bank, HDBank, Chinabank, and more.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach – 6 November 2023 – Backbase, the global leader in the Engagement Banking Platform, invites you to Backbase ENGAGE Asia 2023. This flagship annual conference will take place at the Carlton Hotel Sukhumvit in Bangkok on November 8, 2023.

ENGAGE, Backbase’s renowned annual conference, is making its regional debut in Asia. Collaborating with industry leaders, partners, and customers, including McKinsey and fintech influencer Chris Skinner, Backbase is dedicated to inspiring banks to embrace the “Big Shift.” This transformation marks the move from Traditional to Engagement Banking, emphasizing customer-centricity, multi-channel interaction, and personalized products and services, among other key aspects. The conference will tackle multifaceted challenges to assist banking leaders in recalibrating their 2024 banking transformation strategies.

The event focuses on the progressive modernization of banking systems, placing the customer experience at the center of the redesign process. Banks will learn to simplify and accelerate delivery by progressively modernizing specific customer journeys. This focused approach allows banks to swiftly deliver visible value while staying grounded in their priorities. At ENGAGE, Backbase experts will demonstrate the construction of a composable architecture, journey by journey, streamlining complexity. This progressive method results in faster project implementation and cost savings, enhancing banks’ agility and competitiveness over time.

This focus on modernization is particularly relevant given recent findings from the latest IDC InfoBrief commissioned by Backbase. The report reveals that digital transformation in Asia hasn’t progressed as expected, with 70% of projects falling short of success. Even among the successful projects, 50% underperform, and 25% fail to yield a return on investment.

“The banking sector is riding the wave of digital transformation, where innovation meets tradition to reshape the future of finance. The momentum in this transformation is palpable, as financial institutions across the region embrace cutting-edge technologies, redefining the way they connect with customers, streamline operations, and drive economic growth. The digital revolution in Asian banking is not just a trend; it’s a powerful force that is propelling the industry into an exciting and transformative journey,” shared Jouk Pleiter, Founder and CEO of Backbase.

ENGAGE Asia features a captivating lineup of topics, including fresh IDC primary research covering seven Asian countries and success stories from leading banks like BDO Unibank, Techcombank, and HDFC Bank. The conference gathers an expert panel of banking leaders, including CXOs from HDBank, Chinabank, as well as a PwC partner, to explore their approaches to modernizing customer journeys. Backbase CXOs and Product Directors will unveil tailored solutions, roadmaps, and demos designed for the Asian banking landscape. McKinsey, Backbase’s founder and CEO Jouk Pleiter, and fintech influencer Chris Skinner will provide global perspectives and insights. This curated program aims to equip and empower banking executives with actionable strategies and insights to navigate the dynamic digital banking landscape in Asia.

“Asia is a dynamic market with many leading banks adopting the Engagement Banking Platform to prioritize customer-centricity,” said Riddhi Dutta, Backbase’s Regional Vice President, Asia. “We anticipate over 100 senior banking executives from seven Asian countries joining ENGAGE Asia in Bangkok.”

Alongside the CEO and Founder, Backbase’s Chief Product Officer, Karan Oberoi, Chief Technology Officer, Thomas Fuss, and the respective Product Directors for the retail, banking, and wealth lines of business will be at ENGAGE Asia to meet and engage in personalized discussions with banking leaders on their specific needs, expectations, challenges, and aspirations.

To find out more and register for Backbase ENGAGE Asia 2023, please visit the ENGAGE Asia 2023 website.

Hashtag: #ENGAGEAsia #Backbase #digitalbanking #engagementbanking #retailbanking #omnichannelbanking

https://www.linkedin.com/company/backbase/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Backbase

Backbase is on a mission to re-architect banking around the customer.

Backbase created the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform – a unified platform with the customer at the center, empowering banks to accelerate their digital transformation. From customer onboarding, to servicing, loyalty, and loan origination, our single platform — open and frictionless, with ready-to-go apps — improves every aspect of the customer experience. Built from the ground up with the customer at the heart, our Engagement Banking Platform easily plugs into existing core banking systems and comes pre-integrated with the latest fintechs so financial institutions can innovate at scale.

Industry analysts Gartner, Omdia, and IDC continuously recognize Backbase’s category leadership position. Over 120 financial institutions around the world have embraced the Backbase Engagement Banking Platform. In APAC, the customers we serve include ABBANK, BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands, EastWest Bank, HDFC, JudoBank, OCB, Techcombank, TPBank, and UBank.

Backbase is a privately funded fintech company, founded in 2003 in Amsterdam (Global HQ), with regional offices in Singapore (APAC HQ), Atlanta (Americas HQ), and operations in Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Latin America, and the UK.

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This content was prepared by Media OutReach. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Siam News Network.

Meet Joey Rabbit, the New AI-Powered 3D Virtual Mental Health Butler from Bamboo Technology

CISION PR Newswire

Nov 6, 2023

Industry representatives celebrated and took a group photo in front of the Joy Rabbit event signage

Debuts at 4th anniversary celebration of company’s mental health app Here Hear, organized around World Mental Health Day 2023

TAIPEI, Nov. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Bamboo Technology, a mental health technology innovation company, is thrilled to unveil Joey Rabbit, a state-of-the-art 3D virtual mental health butler that is the new face of its digital mental health app Here Hear. Developed in collaboration with Taipei Medical University and Nenghuo Animation, Joey Rabbit is poised to revolutionize the field of AI-powered virtual mental health support.

Industry representatives celebrated and took a group photo in front of the Joy Rabbit event signage

For healthcare providers, military personnel, social workers, educators, and other frontline workers, Bamboo is offering 1 month of Here Hear for free. For more information, please contact: [email protected]

Increasing accessibility of mental healthcare to frontline workers
The launch of Joey Rabbit coincided with a grand celebration on October 13th, marking both the most recent World Mental Health Day and the 4th anniversary of Here Hear, which continues to lead the market as the only Chinese-speaking AI-driven mental health solution available.

The event saw attendance from Bamboo’s key partners, including Taipei Medical University, Ming Chuan University, and various representatives from across industry, academia, and impact investment circles. This year’s celebration embraced the theme "Mental Health is a Universal Human Right," which resonates deeply with Bamboo Technology’s mission, emphasizing the importance of equal access to mental healthcare for all.

"Today, there is a shortage of medical manpower, and frontline medical service personnel are facing great psychological pressure," noted Hsiao Yu-Jen, Director of the Business Development Office at Taipei Medical University. "Our industry-university cooperation with Bamboo Technology answers that need, and I look forward to seeing the positive societal impact of this partnership."

Bamboo Technology’s CEO, Huang Chu-Ying, also expressed her commitment to the cause: "Since Here Hear was launched 4 years ago, it has always adhered to the original intention of listening conscientiously and providing companionship through the latest AI technology. Joey Rabbit continues this tradition while evolving. We are thrilled at this collaboration and hope to create a happier society together."

The next generation of virtual mental healthcare
Joey Rabbit is revolutionizing mental health through AI. Unlike many current mental health solutions that take the form of chatbots, he stands out with his more personalized voice interaction, along with the combination of vocal and emotional analysis that gives him the critical ability to assess both verbal and nonverbal cues.

Taking the form of an animal further distinguishes him — this functions both to provide a ‘cute’ aspect lending to the warm, healing emotional support he provides, while also helping users who are struggling emotionally to keep in perspective that their interactions are ultimately not with a human. Interactions with him are available 24/7, ensuring that help is always at hand when needed.

Joey Rabbit will first be available on the upcoming desktop version of Here Hear, soon to be followed by a mobile app version coming in December, which will expand the reach and accessibility of this innovative tool. The mobile app will also debut Joey Rabbit’s friend Yang Yang, a 3D virtual healer.

Bamboo Technology is excited to announce the launch of an English version of Here Hear in early 2024, bringing this groundbreaking service to an even wider audience.

About Bamboo Technology
Established in November 2018, the Taipei-based Bamboo Technology is a mental health technology innovation company that focuses on improving public mental health with voice emotion analysis technology. It embraces a belief that a universal, objective, and scientific mental health system can effectively solve the problem of deteriorating mental health in today’s society — a core tenet upheld by its many psychologists; social workers; and information management, AI and big data experts.

More Information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pheGiQM0Btg&t=14s

Source : Meet Joey Rabbit, the New AI-Powered 3D Virtual Mental Health Butler from Bamboo Technology

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

OKX Senior Executives Lead Discussions on Virtual Assets and Web3 Development at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2023

CISION PR Newswire

Nov 6, 2023

HONG KONG, Nov. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — OKX, a leading global Web3 technology company and virtual asset exchange, showcased its dedication to the development of Hong Kong’s Web3 and virtual asset ecosystem during the recent Hong Kong FinTech Week 2023, where it was also a Diamond Sponsor of the event.

During the main conference, which took place on November 2-3 at the Hong Kong Convention Centre, OKX’s senior executives participated in a number of panels and fireside chats. At the ‘Hong Kong Stage’ on November 2, OKX Global Chief Commercial Officer Lennix Lai engaged in dialogue about strengthening Hong Kong’s strategic position in the global FinTech space, with a particular focus on digital infrastructure and building a FinTech-savvy workforce.

From left to right: OKX Global Chief Commercial Officer Lennix Lai and QReg Advisory CEO Clara Chiu

Lennix also participated in a fireside chat on "How Hong Kong is Becoming a Global-leading Hub for Regulated Virtual Asset Businesses" alongside QReg Advisory CEO Clara Chiu on November 3. The conversation continued with a panel discussion on "Leadership Lens: Unpacking Web3’s Potential with Top Innovators," where Lennix shared his insights alongside Bloomberg TV Reporter Annabelle Droulers and key Web3 players, including Scroll Co-Founder Sandy Peng, Ledger Chairman & CEO Pascal Gauthier, Animoca Group President Evan Auyang and Animoca Capital Managing Partner Homer Sun.

OKX Ventures Partner Jeff Ren spoke on the future of finance in relation to DeFi and CeFi in a panel discussion on November 3, alongside Moody’s Investors Service Managing Director and Global Head of DeFi & Digital Assets Fabian Astic, Easy Crypto CEO Janine Grainger and CoinTelegraph Reporter Tom Mitchelhill. During this session on November 3 at the AI, Web3 & New Frontier Stage, panelists delved into the innovative landscape of DeFi, the opportunities and challenges it presents, and its implications for the financial industry and beyond.

From left to right: OKX Ventures Partner Jeff Ren and CoinDesk Head of Audience Development Eliane Ramirez

Jeff also joined a fireside chat on "Investing in Blockchain Infrastructure: The Zero-Knowledge Technology Boom" with CoinDesk Head of Audience Development Eliane Ramirez at the Center Stage on November 3. During this fireside chat, Jeff highlighted OKX Ventures’ commitment to investing in pioneering zero-knowledge and Layer-2 projects, such as Scroll, StarkWare, zkSync and Taiko, as well as its dedication to supporting its partners and builders in the Web3 space.

Conference attendees who visited OKX’s booth (booth number: FA03) also had the opportunity to mint a limited-edition OKX-Hong Kong FinTech Week NFT for free, as well as receive OKX-branded swag items.

OKX Global Chief Commercial Officer Lennix Lai said: "Hong Kong FinTech Week 2023 was the ideal platform for OKX to engage in conversations about the potential of Web3 technology to shape the future of finance and beyond. We believe Hong Kong’s strategic position and strong infrastructure make it an ideal global hub for emerging technologies and virtual assets, and are looking forward to driving a future marked by mass adoption of Web3."

OKX Ventures Partner Jeff Ren said: "OKX Ventures is committed to promoting the growth and development of zero-knowledge technology, which we view as a crucial element in scaling blockchain infrastructure. Our involvement in this year’s Hong Kong Fintech Week allowed us to emphasize the significance this technology has in shaping the financial landscape of the future. OKX Ventures’ support for innovative projects in the area of zero-knowledge technology will continue, as we strive to facilitate the mass adoption of Web3."

These discussions underscore OKX’s commitment to fostering a robust and innovative Web3 ecosystem in Hong Kong, highlighting the city’s critical role as a global hub for emerging technologies and virtual assets. In March of 2023, OKX announced the establishment of OKX Hong Kong, along with its intention to apply for the relevant licenses for virtual asset trading platforms.

For further information, please contact:
[email protected]

About OKX

OKX is a leading global virtual asset exchange and Web3 ecosystem. Trusted by more than 50 million global users, OKX is known for being the fastest and most reliable crypto trading app for traders everywhere.

As a top partner of English Premier League champions Manchester City FC, McLaren Formula 1, Olympian Scotty James, and F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, OKX aims to supercharge the fan experience with new engagement opportunities. OKX is also the top partner of the Tribeca Festival as part of an initiative to bring more creators into web3.

Beyond OKX’s exchange, the OKX Wallet is the platform’s latest offering for people looking to explore the world of NFTs and the metaverse while trading GameFi and DeFi tokens.

OKX is committed to transparency and security and publishes its Proof of Reserves on a monthly basis.

To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: okx.com

Disclaimer

This announcement is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide any investment, tax, or legal advice, nor should it be considered an offer to purchase, sell, or hold digital assets. Digital assets, including stablecoins, involve a high degree of risk, can fluctuate greatly, and can even become worthless. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding digital assets is suitable for you in light of your financial condition. Please consult your legal/tax/investment professional for questions about your specific circumstances.

Source : OKX Senior Executives Lead Discussions on Virtual Assets and Web3 Development at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2023

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network