Category Archives: PR Newswire

PFT unveils Ad Break Automation powered by CLEAR® AI at IBC 2023


Transforming revenue generation across FAST, AVOD, and Linear TV Platforms

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Prime Focus Technologies (PFT), a leading creator of AI technology solutions for the Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry, is proud to announce the launch of Ad Break Automation, powered by CLEAR® AI at IBC 2023. This significant advancement is poised to generate revenue for content on Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST), Ad-Supported Video on Demand (AVOD), and Linear TV platforms.

The Ad Break Automation feature enables content owners to automatically identify the best spots for ad placement according to the specific policies of FAST and AVOD platforms. It gives keywords within the content between ad markers to facilitate contextual ad placement. Content owners can now avoid the cumbersome manual placement of ads for each platform. Overlay ads, including banners, lower thirds, and L-bands, can be intelligently placed with the content. This creates an additional revenue stream for content owners. The Ad Break Automation user interface lets you set rules for each destination, and you can conveniently review and edit them when necessary.

“With the exponential growth anticipated in FAST revenues—predicted to triple and exceed $18 billion by 2028, as per Digital TV Research—there’s no better time to transform your monetization approach,” said Murali Sridhar, Senior Vice President of Product Management at PFT. “No more cumbersome and counterintuitive spreadsheets for ad break management; bring automation within advertising workflows, deliver contextual advertisements, and supercharge your top line with CLEAR® AI.”

Utilize CLEAR® AI to:

  • Harness the power of multi-modal AI analysis and Machine Wisdom technology to discover scenes, segments, and in-content metadata.
  • Automatically identify the best potential ad break opportunities within your content, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
  • Efficiently manage your content distribution by accessing predefined ad break policies tailored for various FAST/AVOD platforms and automatically exporting ad break markers that align with platform requirements.
  • Empower users to preview the potential breaks, AI-recommended ad overlays, and contextual metadata through an intuitive user interface.

Join us at IBC 2023 for a demo of Ad Break Automation. To arrange a meeting with us, click here. We are at stand Hall 3, C23.

PFT has recently secured its third distinctive non-adjacent US Patent for AI-enabled Scene Detection, with four more AI patents pending grant.

About Prime Focus Technologies

Prime Focus Technologies (PFT) is the creator of CLEAR® and CLEAR® AI. It offers streaming platforms, studios, and broadcasters transformational AI-led technology and media services powered by the cloud that help them lower their Total Cost of Operations (TCOP) by automating their content supply chain. PFT works with major companies like Walt Disney-owned Star TV, Channel 4, ITV, Sinclair Broadcast Group, A&E Networks, Warner Media, PBS, CBS Television Studios, 20th Century Fox Television Studios, Lionsgate, Showtime, HBO, NBCU, TERN International, Disney+ Hotstar, BCCI, Indian Premier League and more.

For more information, visit: www.primefocustechnologies.com.

Press Contact:

T Shobhana
Senior Vice President and Global Head of Marketing
Prime Focus Technologies
Los Angeles, CA
t.shobhana@primefocus.com 

IMAX® and Prime Focus Technologies (PFT) expand strategic relationship into the streaming ecosystem


PFT to help extend access to IMAX Stream Smart Image Optimization Technology across Europe, Asia, and Australia  

AMSTERDAM, Sept. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Entertainment technology industry leader IMAX Corporation® (NYSE: IMAX) and PFT, the creator of AI-powered technology solutions for the Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry, today announced plans to expand their strategic relationship beyond theatrical and into the streaming ecosystem.

Under the arrangement, IMAX will expand access to its Stream Smarttechnology to PFT customers across Europe, Asia, and Australia. The expanded partnership will dramatically increase the global availability of Stream Smart, which helps streaming platforms deliver maximum picture quality while significantly reducing distribution and storage costs.

“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with IMAX, an industry trailblazer with a remarkable legacy of revolutionizing the global entertainment industry,” said Ramki Sankaranarayanan, Global CEO of PFT. “For over a decade, CLEAR®, our flagship product, has spearheaded digital packaging and delivery services for prominent streaming platforms worldwide. CLEAR® & Stream Smart will help optimize our customers’ encoding pipeline, so they deliver better streaming quality while optimizing CDN & storage costs.”

“Many of Hollywood’s biggest streaming platforms use Stream Smart to ensure quality and reduce costs, and we’re excited to work with our partners at PFT to extend the reach of our technologies throughout key markets in Europe, Asia, and Australia,” said Vikram Arumilli, General Manager of Streaming and Consumer Technology at IMAX. “Our suite of streaming technology products, including Stream Smart, provides a best-in-class service for direct-to-consumer broadcast and streaming companies, and PFT’s’ ability to leverage this for their customers is a win-win for both organizations.”

PFT and its parent company, DNEG, are industry leaders providing a full suite of technology and creative solutions, including IMAX post-production and 3D mastering.

IMAX and DNEG joined forces in 2022 for post-production, which included Indian films like Jawan, Pathaan, and RRR. This extended partnership will build upon the established theatrical relationship between IMAX and DNEG to develop a comprehensive video optimization solution. Stream Smart is an enterprise software product designed to deliver the best image quality and optimize delivery to unlock cost savings. This product was built from cutting-edge scientific advancements, state-of-the-art engineering, trusted studio relationships, and rooted in a real-world at-scale Emmy®-winning collaboration with Disney Streaming Services and SSIMWAVE.

Stream Smartwill be the centerpiece of the IMAX showcase at IBC 2023. Sign up to meet with PFT and IMAX Streaming & Consumer Technology group at IBC:

IMAX will be at booth 3.C67.
PFT will be at booth 3.C23.

About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture, and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you’ve never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX systems to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, making IMAX’s network among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.

IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo, and Shanghai. As of June 30, 2023, there were 1,718 IMAX systems (1,638 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, 68 institutional) operating in 87 countries and territories. Shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code “1970.”

IMAX®, IMAX® Dome, IMAX® 3D, IMAX® 3D Dome, Experience It In IMAX®, The IMAX Experience®, An IMAX Experience®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, IMAX DMR®, DMR®, Filmed For IMAX, IMAX LIVE, IMAX Enhanced, IMAX nXos®, SSIMWAVE®, and Films to the Fullest®, are trademarks and trade names of the Company or its subsidiaries that are registered or otherwise protected under laws of various jurisdictions. For more information, visit www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Instagram (www.instagram.com/imax), Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax), YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies), and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/imax).

About Prime Focus Technologies
Prime Focus Technologies (PFT) is the creator of CLEAR® and CLEAR® AI. It offers streaming platforms, studios, and broadcasters transformational AI-led technology and media services powered by the cloud that help them lower their Total Cost of Operations (TCOP) by automating their content supply chain. PFT works with major companies like Walt Disney-owned Star TV, Channel 4, ITV, Sinclair Broadcast Group, A&E Networks, Warner Media, PBS, CBS Television Studios, 20th Century Fox Television Studios, Lionsgate, Showtime, HBO, NBCU, TERN International, Disney+ Hotstar, BCCI, Indian Premier League and more.

For more information, visit: www.primefocustechnologies.com.

About DNEG

DNEG (www.dneg.com) is a world-leading visual entertainment services company for the creation of feature film, television, and multiplatform content, with worldwide offices and studios across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

DNEG’s critically acclaimed work has earned the company seven Academy Awards® for Best Visual Effects and numerous BAFTA and Primetime EMMY® Awards for its high-quality VFX work. Current and upcoming DNEG projects on behalf of its Hollywood and global studio and production company partners include Spy Kids Armageddon (September 2023), No One Will Save You (September 2023), The Gilded Age S2 (October 2023), Nyad (November 2023), Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (December 2023), Lift (January 2024), Dune: Part Two (March 2024), Mickey 17 (March 2024), Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (April 2024), Garfield (May 2024), Borderlands (August 2024), Furiosa (2024), That Christmas, Coyote vs. Acme, The Gorge, and Animal Friends.

Press Contact:
T Shobhana
Senior Vice President and Global Head of Marketing
Prime Focus Technologies
Los Angeles, CA
t.shobhana@primefocus.com 

CORNEX Showcases Full Energy Storage Line-Ups at RE+, Bringing New Innovations that Drive Performance and Cost Efficiency

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — CORNEX NEW ENERGY CO., LTD. (“CORNEX” or “the Company”), a global new energy company focused on the innovation of lithium-ion batteries, has come to RE+, the largest clean energy event in North America, showcasing its latest offerings that are at the cutting-edge of energy storage technology. Products highlighted at the CORNEX’s booth (L1, 21046) included its Conergy π 314Ah high-capacity battery cell and 5MWh liquid-cooling energy storage container, both equipped with CORNEX’s proprietary technology designed to maximize cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

CORNEX
CORNEX

Being held at The Venetian Convention and Expo Center, Las Vegas, from September 11 to 14, RE+ offers an unparalleled space for new energy players across the globe, once again staging a recording-breaking trade show that connects with over 27,000 attendees and 1,300 exhibiting companies.  Eying to create high-performance renewable energy products to empower the world to transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, CORNEX aims to leverage the platform to unveil solutions with upgraded features developed to trim down costs while delivering better performance and stability.

“As CORNEX continues our path to explore new solutions to unlock the potential of renewable energy, we have hit a new technological milestone with our 280Ah energy storage solution that reduced the price to RMB 0.5 per Wh excluding tax, a standard-setting achievement that is set to usher in a new era for energy storage. Now, we have revved up our R&D efforts to further lower the costs for new energy investments, bringing our next-gen products that feature unmatched benefits that enable the world to accelerate toward energy transition and make clean energy accessible to all,” said Dai Deming, Chairman of CORNEX.

Conergy π 314Ah High-Capacity Battery Cell

Conergy π 314Ah high-capacity battery cell offers industry-leading performance and reliability that sets a new industry benchmark for energy storage solutions, crafted with innovative carbon-coating treatment and manufacturing process to boost its life cycle and quality to address challenges related to battery longevity and safety.  Thanks to the optimization of the electrolyte and the ceramic-coated separators for greater thermal stability, the cell’s design is effective in preventing internal short circuits and thermal runaways.

Conergy π 314Ah cell boasts new technological breakthroughs that allow it to achieve longer duration, with its single-cell energy capacity reaching up to 1,004Wh and a lifespan of over 12,000 cycles. Its enhanced electrolyte formula and pole lug structure result in a 15% reduction in internal resistance and a 10% decrease in temperature rise, coupled with special coating treatments and granulation process to ensure its stability for long-term use.

5MWh Liquid-Cooling Energy Storage Container

With Conergy π 314Ah cell as its core, CORNEX’s 5MWh liquid-cooling energy storage container features the “Submerge” battery safety system and high energy storage capacity, significantly lowering the initial investment for energy storage as well as the overall energy cost over its lifecycle. Meanwhile, the synergy of the Conergy π 314Ah cell and the container targets the need for an all-in-one, large-capacity energy solution that can withstand high temperatures, further expanding the possibilities of renewable energy integration.

As an innovation powerhouse in the new energy sector, CORNEX has rapidly risen to the forefront of energy storage since its inception in 2021 with its robust technological prowess and production capacity. The company has now established three manufacturing bases in Hubei, China, with a combined production capacity of 350GWh. On the R&D front, the Company has been granted over 1,500 domestic patents in China, securing its leadership as one of the leading forces that drive the changes in the renewable new landscape. Looking forward, CORNEX will continue to provide reliable and sustainable energy solutions that meet the global ever-evolving demands, facilitating the world to build more renewable power sources as it moves towards a greener future.

About CORNEX

As a new energy innovative high-tech enterprise, CORNEX NEW ENERGY CO., LTD. (“CORNEX”) focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, sales, and services of energy storage batteries, EV batteries, and energy management systems, and is committed to providing world-class solutions, products and services for new energy applications worldwide.

Source: CORNEX New Energy Co., Ltd.

Huawei Cloud in Token2049: Fueling Web3 Advances with Key Breakthroughs

SINGAPORE, Sept. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — From September 11 to 12, Huawei Cloud showcased staking node engine, confidential computing, and ZK rollup at Token2049 in Singapore. In this event, Huawei Cloud discussed the future of the Web3 industry with top vendors, builders, and developers, and stated its commitment to accelerating Web3 innovation with technical breakthroughs.

Node Creation in Seconds, 99% Staking Effectiveness: A New Engine for Web3

Web3 is in the early stage of development and faces many technical challenges regarding performance and security of transactions on chains. On September 12, in the MetaEra Summit, Zhang Ziyi, Chief Architect of Huawei Cloud Blockchain, introduced Huawei Cloud’s Ethereum staking node hosting service. With innovative algorithms, this service achieves up to 99% staking effectiveness and higher rewards. QingTian Enclave security framework supports environment and identity authentication and full-link data encryption and decryption. With this security framework, applications and data can run secured on Huawei Cloud Elastic Cloud Servers (ECSs). In addition, Huawei Cloud accelerates ZK rollup hardware innovation. With Huawei-developed XPU, architecture innovation, and algorithm optimization, the average confirmation time of ZK rollup transactions plummeted from hours to minutes.

Zhang Ziyi, Chief Architect of Huawei Cloud Blockchain
Zhang Ziyi, Chief Architect of Huawei Cloud Blockchain

Huawei Cloud QingTian Enclave Safeguards Transactions

Security has been significant to Web3. Currently, Web3 wallet applications still face severe security challenges when it comes to the storage and attack defense of wallet private keys. Blockchain Security Alliance Meetup, initiated by the Blockchain Security Alliance, is one of the major activities of Token2049 and has become the focus of the global blockchain security and Web3 ecosystem. Jia Xiaoqiang, Director of Huawei Cloud Virtualization Products, introduced Huawei Cloud’s confidential computing solution and Web3 solution aiming to secure systems, applications, and sensitive data in wallet scenarios.

Jia Xiaoqiang said, “Huawei Cloud QingTian Enclave confidential computing solution is just like a safe for wallet private keys. It supports environment and identity authentication and full-link data encryption and decryption. Applications and data can be run with protection on Huawei Cloud Elastic Cloud Servers (ECSs). Unauthorized users and third parties are isolated to maintain transaction security of private keys and wallets.” Huawei Cloud is committed to building a highly secure and available solution for Web3, and all the efforts turned into QingTian Enclave, an end-to-end solution securing the execution environment for applications and sensitive data through software and hardware.

IPFS Cloud Data Ecosystem with Tenfold Rewards

Decentralized storage is another key infrastructure of Web3. However, the industry shares the same headaches in migrating data to the cloud, reducing costs, and improving effectiveness. At the Fil Dev Summit on September 12, Bai Tao, Chief Cloud Storage Solution Architect of Huawei Cloud, shared InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) data service and elastic cloud deployment solution jointly developed by Huawei Cloud and partners. Huawei Cloud’s cloud data entry simplifies the process of storing data on IPFS, resulting in a 10-fold increase in data rewards and reduced data storage overhead for enterprises. Additionally, Huawei Cloud’s large-ratio EC technologies enable 91% effective capacity usage of disks and scalable storage for data up to 10 EB-level. With the elastic cloud deployment solution, users can choose offline encapsulation, cloud verification, or end-to-end cloud deployment. Huawei Cloud, with over 18 years of experience in enterprise-level storage, aims to deliver cloud storage services that are not only cost-effective but also highly efficient.

Providing “Everything as a Service”, Huawei Cloud aims to offer robust infrastructure that enables advanced, distributed computing power for Web3. This commitment extends to building an open, efficient, and secure blockchain platform that can foster innovation in the Web3 ecosystem.

TORRAS Embarks on an Off-road Terrain with Innovative Phone Stand Solutions


NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — As the world eagerly embraces the cutting-edge features and capabilities of the iPhone 15, TORRAS is thrilled to introduce a companion designed to elevate your iPhone experience, especially for outdoor enthusiasts.

Behold the UPRO Ostand SS Shield-mate – a remarkable phone case that seamlessly aligns with the iPhone 15’s innovative spirit, providing unmatched device protection and functional enhancements.

UPRO Ostand SS Shield-mate
UPRO Ostand SS Shield-mate

Development Background

Inspired by air cushion shoes, the built-in real air-filled bumpers surrounding the case bounce back external forces, with a high-durability TPU structure effectively absorbing up to 98% of the shock upon every possible impact.

“TORRAS is currently the brand with the most diverse selection of stand phone cases, leading the revolutionary development in this product category,” stated TORRAS Ostand Product Designer Austin Yang.

Patented certification Air-Filled Bumpers

Experience the power of Triple Military-Grade Drop Protection, ensuring your iPhone 15 remains resilient even in the face of unexpected drops and shocks. Our UPRO Ostand Shield-mate is SGS-certified for 12ft drop tests and is engineered to provide unmatched protection from falls at a height of up to one floor.

This synergy ensures that your device remains resilient even in the face of unexpected drops and shocks. Whether you’re capturing life’s adventures or simply managing your day, rest assured that your iPhone 15 is shielded with a level of durability that complements its remarkable capabilities.

3-in-1 Versatile Kickstand

  • Offering flexible angles from vertical to horizontal, the built-in kickstand provides a variety of positions.
  • A magnetic stand that is compatible with a MagSafe charger, wallet, and car mount.
  • An O-ring holder allows you to grip your phone when your hands are full.

Semi-translucent matte Finish and Soft-touch Surface

This case boasts a semi-translucent matte finish and a soft-touch sandblasted surface, providing a discreet non-slip grip.

For more information, please visit TORRAS official

About TORRAS
TORRAS is a leading innovator in device accessories, dedicated to enhancing the way people interact with technology. With a focus on cutting-edge design and advanced functionality, we are committed to providing solutions that elevate the user experience.

Media Contact:
TORRAS Contact: marketing@torraslife.com 

TORRAS PR Manager: jacinta@torras-global.com 

Easybom: Your Reliable Partner for Electronic Component Search and Procurement

SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Easybom, as a leading global electronic component search platform, has successfully connected millions of terminal factories worldwide through its extensive business coverage and years of accumulated experience. Easybom is committed to meeting the procurement needs of customers and constantly providing the latest industry insights. The purpose of Easybom is to simplify the search and procurement process of electronic components, providing an efficient and convenient solution for manufacturers, distributors, and other companies related to the electronics industry.

Easybom's homepage interface
Easybom’s homepage interface

Easybom is a feature-rich platform designed to support engineers and procurement specialists in their work. The numerous features of Easybom are as follows. Firstly, the interface design is simple and intuitive, which makes it easy for users to find the information and services they need. Secondly, the product range is wide, Easybom offers a comprehensive selection of electronic components, including integrated circuits, semiconductors, resistors, capacitors, sensors, transducers, discrete semiconductors, etc. Thirdly, users can easily search for specific parts, manufacturers, or specifications, and even compare different products based on criteria such as specifications, manufacturers, and prices. Fourthly, Easybom also provides a wide range of electronic component data sheets for user reference. Fifthly, we provide reliable global procurement services to ensure that customers can purchase the latest and most competitive electronic components. Sixthly, Easybom is committed to providing excellent customer service, with a professional team ready to answer any questions or doubts from users at any time. In short, whether in product selection, procurement process, or after-sales support, Easybom is your reliable partner.

Easybom always adheres to the spirit of unity, innovation, efficiency, and integrity, providing high-quality services. Whether you are a manufacturer of electronic components, a distributor, or a company seeking efficient and convenient solutions in the electronics industry, Easybom has the ability to provide the tools and resources you need. With its rich inventory, high-quality products, and excellent customer service, Easybom has established a good reputation in the industry.

iWALK MAG-X Series: The Best MagSafe Charging Solutions for New iPhone 15 Device

MagSafe Charging is the Future 

NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — iWALK recently announced and introduced their updated wireless MagSafe charging solutions including five different MagSafe power bank for iPhone 15 Series.

The world is swiftly embracing wireless technology. In just a few decades, phones, internet, and now charging have all gone wireless. While wireless charging is still relatively new, it is expected to undergo significant advancements in the coming years.

MagSafe is a wireless technology developed by Apple that is compatible with all iPhone models from the iPhone 12 onward, including the upcoming iPhone 15 series. One of the standout features of MagSafe technology is that makes charging incredibly convenient, eliminating the need for cumbersome cables. Simply align the power bank with your device, and they will automatically magnetically attach, initiating the charging process.

The upcoming iPhone 15 series, including iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro Max, will provide users with a 15W charging speed, as they are expected to support both the MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging standards.

iWALK MAG-X Series: Slimmer, Faster, Another Level of MagSafe Charging 

iWALK, the original brand of docking batteries and a leading brand of mobile charging, recently announced and introduced their updated wireless MagSafe charging solutions including five different MagSafe power bank for iPhone 15 Series.

The iWALK power bank is brimming with creativity, featuring unique features not found in other power banks, such as slimmer body, Stronger Magnetism, a built-in ring holder, and more.

Compact and Powerful with a faster charging speed up to 15w, the iWALK MAG-X series aims to provide customers with a more creative, efficient, and enjoyable wireless MagSafe charging experience.

Product Specifications

Product Name:

iWALK PowerGrip

iWALK PowerGrip (Upgraded)

iWALK PowerGrip Slim

iWALK PowerWatch

iWALK PowerStand

Main Feature:

Wireless Portable Charger with Finger Ring

Wireless Portable Charger with Finger Ring, Slimmer & Stronger Magnetism

Ultra Slim Magsafe Battery Pack

iPhone & Apple Watch MagSafe Battery Pack

MagSafe Battery Pack with Stand

Capacity:

6000mAh

6000mAh

5000mAh

10000mAh

5000mAh

Dimensions:

4.1*2.6*0.8 inches

4.1*2.6*0.6 inches

4*2.6*0.55 inches

4.3*2.4*1 inches

4.1*2.6*0.6 inches

Weight:

0.37lb

0.32lb

0.26lb

0.5lb

0.3lb

Output:

5W/7.5W/10W/15W

5W/7.5W/10W/15W

5W/7.5W/10W/15W

5W/7.5W/10W/15W

5W

Compatibility:

iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14/13/12 Series

iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14/13/12 Series

iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14/13/12 Series

iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14/13/12 Series, Apple Watch SE/8/7/6/5/4/3/2

iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14/13/12 Series

Recharging Time:

3 hours

2.8 hours

1.3 hours

3.5 hours

2.5 hours

About iWALK

Founded in 2003, iWALK, the original brand of docking batteries, has been a leading force in exploring and developing the mobile power field and cell phone accessories field.

With our popular product series including the LinkPod series, the MAG-X series, the Universal series, and more, iWALK aims to provide global consumers with more practical and aesthetic products, making people’s lives more convenient and enjoyable.

Official Amazon store: https://www.amazon.com/iwalk
 (Available in US/JP/UK/DE/CA/FR/IT/ES/AU)
Official Website: iwalkmall.com   
Contact Us: jolly@iwalk.net 

Cross-border eCommerce Enabler Buyandship Secures Initial US$10M in Series B Funding with Strategic Investment from Cool Japan Fund

HONG KONG, Sept. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Buyandship, a leading global cross-border eCommerce platform headquartered in Hong Kong, announced today first closing of its Series B raise with a US$10 million strategic investment led by Cool Japan Fund. The funds will be allocated to automation of operations, research, and development in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, and market expansion into the Southeast Asia (SEA) regions.

Cool Japan Fund was founded in November 2013 as a public-private fund backed by the Japanese government, with the aim of contributing to the sustainable growth of Japan’s economy through the expansion of overseas demand and supply of attractive products and services unique to Japanese lifestyle and culture. 

Through its strong community, data analytics, and logistics network, Buyandship has been a market leader in cross-border ecommerce, having processed US$383 million in GMV in the last fiscal year. Buyandship has continuously strived to enhance its technological capabilities to drive real value for consumers. Over the past 12 months, it has built an automated shopping assistant, utilizing a Robotic Process Automation (RPA) model to boost its order processing capacity. Going forward, an AI-powered recommendation system will be integrated into the Buyaholic social commerce platform. This system will utilize algorithm to feed user-generated content (UGC) automatically based on behavioral records to enhance user stickiness and engagement.

Sheldon Li, Co-founder and CEO of Buyandship, said, “Buyandship continues to realize its mission of offering consumers a simple and intuitive ecommerce experience, to purchase products globally, at the most competitive pricing. The latest round of investment, alongside funding from the HKSTP Elite Program, will further cement Buyandship’s leadership and competitiveness in space with AI-driven functionality and machine learning in its service offering, deepened community engagement, and enhanced margins from warehouse automation. From a geographical expansion perspective, Buyandship looks forward to widening its coverage within SEA and South Korea, benefiting even more consumers in the region.”

Kenichi Kawasaki, President, CEO and COO of Cool Japan Fund, said, “This investment will encourage overseas consumers to purchase local Japanese e-commerce products that do not support overseas shipping, and will help raise the profile of Japanese products among overseas users, while expanding sales opportunities.”

The global B2C e-commerce market was valued at an estimated $4.92 trillion, representing 19.6% of all commerce being conducted electronically in 2021. By 2025, these numbers are projected to increase to $7.39 trillion and 24.5% respectively. Included within these statistics is the segment of cross-border e-commerce, which is predicted to experience a swift expansion, growing from $780 billion in 2019 to a projected $4.82 trillion in 2026[1].

For corporate image, please visit: https://bns.is/3Upu4V1.

About Buyandship
Established in 2014, Buyandship is committed to empowering consumers to buy any product globally through big data, global pricing comparison, social commerce, and logistics technologies. Buyandship’s core value is “more product, lowest priced and easy.” 

The company has expanded its presence across 11 countries and regions, operating 11 overseas warehouses and 1.72 million registered users, handling over 11 million packages to date. Our vision is to be consumers’ default shopping platform.

For more information, please visit the company website: https://www.buyandship.today/.

VIRNECT and CelcomDigi sign MoU to develop experiential industrial Metaverse learning and education.

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — CelcomDigi Berhad (CelcomDigi) and VIRNECT (438700: KOSDAQ), a Korea-based technology company that specializes in the development and commercialization of industrial extended reality (XR) solutions, have sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of experiential learning and education using metaverse, for multiple Malaysian universities.

[from left] Tim Ha, CEO of VIRNECT, Minister of Communications and Digital of Malaysia, YB Fahmi Fadzil, and Datuk Idham Nawawi, CEO of CelcomDigi, sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of experiential learning and education using Metaverse, for multiple Malaysian universities.
[from left] Tim Ha, CEO of VIRNECT, Minister of Communications and Digital of Malaysia, YB Fahmi Fadzil, and Datuk Idham Nawawi, CEO of CelcomDigi, sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of experiential learning and education using Metaverse, for multiple Malaysian universities.

Under the MoU, both organizations will collaborate to co-create industrial virtual learning programs reimagined using metaverse and AI-based solutions. Utilizing the Metaverse platform across various learning segments, students will be trained with an immersive learning and education method that will potentially benefit enterprises such as cybersecurity, healthcare, robotics, and oil and gas engineering.

CelcomDigi, via its Innovation Center, aspires to build the nation’s most inspiring innovation ecosystem by teaming up with VIRNECT and XRA, VIRNECT’s local partner and support team in Malaysia, to deliver strategic initiatives leveraging the capabilities of cutting-edge metaverse and AI-based technology solutions into higher learning institutions in Malaysia.

The collaboration aims to produce industry-ready graduates skilled in metaverse applications, building Malaysia’s digitalized society through cutting-edge solutions and technology. Local graduates will be enabled with the opportunity to harness the capabilities of the metaverse and transform beyond traditional knowledge and learning programs, accelerating the development of Malaysia’s future talents with AI-based digital growth.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at Westin Chosun Hotel on Sep 8, 2023, by Datuk Idham Nawawi, Chief Executive Officer of CelcomDigi Berhad, and Tim Ha, Chief Executive Officer of VIRNECT. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of Communications and Digital of Malaysia, YB Fahmi Fadzil.

Commenting on the collaboration, CelcomDigi CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi said, “We are committed to bringing the best innovation that will greatly benefit the development of Malaysian industries by utilizing the real values of 5G technology. We are excited to collaborate with VIRNECT, an leading industrial XR technology expert, for the development and co-creation of experiential learning and education using Metaverse solutions. This strategic collaboration underscores our position of leveraging metaverse, 5G, and AI technology to potentially establish innovative and productive digital solutions for Malaysian enterprises, spurring Malaysia’s digital ecosystem into a new era of digital leadership.”

VIRNECT’s Southeast Asian Distributor, XRA, has been key to localising cutting-edge technology in Malaysia, and within this alliance, the company will continue spreading access to technology. Havene Liew, President of XRA, was “excited to partner with VIRNECT and CelcomDigi to spread XR technology in Malaysia. Through this collaboration, we aim to socialise the power of XR across the nation, enabling them to enhance productivity, efficiency, and innovation.”

Tim Ha, CEO of VIRNECT, celebrated the collaboration: “We are immensely grateful to have partners like CelcomDigi and XRA who share our passion for advancing technology to enhance how organizations work, learn, and communicate,” he expressed. “South Korea’s leading industrial company has leveraged XR technology to enhance data understanding and collaboration. As a global trendsetter, their success sets the stage for similar advancements in Malaysia, promising increased productivity and innovation across industries.”

[From Left] Havene Liew, President of XRA, Tim Ha, Chief Executive Officer of VIRNECT, YB Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications and Digital of Malaysia, Datuk Idham Nawawi, CEO of CelcomDigi, T. Kugan, Chief Innovation Officer of CelcomDigi and Joachim Rajaram, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of CelcomDigi.
[From Left] Havene Liew, President of XRA, Tim Ha, Chief Executive Officer of VIRNECT, YB Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications and Digital of Malaysia, Datuk Idham Nawawi, CEO of CelcomDigi, T. Kugan, Chief Innovation Officer of CelcomDigi and Joachim Rajaram, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of CelcomDigi.

TargetRecruit Unveils Copilot: Revolutionising Artificial Intelligence for the Recruitment Industry


SYDNEY, Sept. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — TargetRecruit is thrilled to announce Copilot, the first introduction of Generative AI, and an incredible leap forward in establishing the foundation for diverse native AI functionality within the TargetRecruit platform. 

Copilot is a feature that elevates user interaction with GPT-based models through seamless text generation capabilities, based on prompt input and context. Copilot leverages automated prompts to craft comprehensive, tailored job descriptions that perfectly match recruitment needs, save time, and streamline recruiter workflows with just a few clicks. Copilot’s user-friendly configuration empowers customisation, with the initial integration including OpenAI’s ChatGPT. 

Underpinning Copilot is an advanced AI Integration Framework designed to seamlessly integrate with any REST API-based Generative AI API, allowing the flexibility to connect with a wide array of AI models in the future. Enabling plug-and-play capabilities with preferred AI services will pave the way for a series of upcoming AI capabilities that will accelerate sales and recruiting productivity and efficiency. 

Copilot represents a significant milestone in TargetRecruit’s commitment to excellence where the power of Artificial Intelligence is propelling recruitment software into an era of unparalleled efficiency and innovation. As we move forward, we are excited to continue leading the way in recruitment software and artificial intelligence. 

About TargetRecruit

TargetRecruit provides a powerful CRM/ATS, sales, and middle office solution built on Salesforce – the world’s platform.  Headquartered in Houston, with offices in London, Sydney, and Bangalore, TargetRecruit employs over 100 people globally. To learn more, visit https://au.targetrecruit.com/.

Media contact: marketing@targetrecruit.com, +61 (0) 2 8365 3160