Tag Archives: FIN

PR Newswire

INFOBIRD CO., LTD ANNOUNCES NEW BUSINESS COOPERATION IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

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HONG KONG, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Infobird Co., Ltd (NASDAQ: IFBD) (“Infobird” or the “Company”), a software-as-a-service provider of AI-powered customer engagement solutions in China, today announced that a new business cooperation in software development of information technology system has been signed.

Recently, Infobird Technologies Limited (hereinafter referred to as “Infobird HK”) and a company signed a new business contract, aiming to cooperate in software and IT system development, with a total value of US$1.8 million. The principal business of counterparty is Gig Economy Platform of localized life services. Henceforth, Infobird will intensify the investment in research and development of SaaS systems and software technologies and commit to explore more SaaS technologies applicable scenarios to help clients with business expansion.

Infobird will expand its business to the SaaS segmented scenarios, to penetrate the call centre SaaS business into specific scenes and seek better opportunities. Company has already identified new business models and obtained R&D achievements in several sectors, and prefers to focus on high margin market segmentation with more competitive advantage and positive cash flow generation.

About Infobird Co., Ltd

Infobird, headquartered in Hong Kong, is a software-as-a-service provider of innovative AI-powered, or artificial intelligence enabled, customer engagement solutions. For more information, visit Infobird’s website at www.Infobird.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “plans”, “will,” “future,” “expects,” “believes,” and “intends,” or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events, results, conditions or performance of the Company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date they are made. In evaluating such statements, investors and prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties and other matters identified in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

PR Newswire

Accura Scan to fortify eKYC & ID verification with Contactless Finger Biometrics & Document Liveness Check

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DUBAI, UAE, SINGAPORE, and LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., Dec. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — In a fast-paced digital world where security and authenticity are paramount, Accura Scan continues to lead the charge in revolutionizing eKYC and Identity Verification solutions. It has long been recognized for its cutting-edge technology in identity verification, aiding businesses across various industries in streamlining their onboarding processes while ensuring stringent security measures.

Having established itself as a trusted provider of Digital KYC, Identity Verification & Customer Onboarding Solutions to Banks, Fintechs, Telecoms etc across the globe, Accura Scan is now set to introduce contact-less finger-biometrics & document-liveness checks. The addition of contactless finger biometrics would mark a pivotal advancement. Traditional methods often relied on fingerprint scanners, which required physical contact and additional hardware. With Accura Scan’s innovation, this process becomes entirely touchless, significantly enhancing user convenience while maintaining high security standards. By utilizing a device’s built-in camera, the solution captures and analyses unique finger vein patterns or ridge patterns without the need for any specialized hardware.

Moreover, the integration of document liveness detection will further amplify Accura Scan’s capabilities. Document liveness involves real-time checks on the authenticity of identity documents by examining various factors like paper texture, holograms, and more. This advanced feature thwarts attempts at identity fraud by verifying that the presented document is genuine and not a counterfeit or manipulated version.

The integration of contactless finger biometrics and document liveness detection simplifies the onboarding experience for users while significantly reducing the risk of fraudulent activities in Banking, Insurance E-Commerce & Telecom. Customers can now undergo seamless verification procedures remotely, eliminating the need for in-person visits or cumbersome paperwork.

The implications of these advancements extend far beyond convenience. By bolstering eKYC and identity verification processes, Accura Scan contributes to regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to stringent KYC/AML regulations across different jurisdictions. This is especially crucial for businesses operating in highly regulated industries, where compliance is non-negotiable.

The utilization of cutting-edge technologies like AI and ML underscores Accura Scan’s dedication to staying ahead of the curve. Continuous innovation and the integration of sophisticated features position the company as a frontrunner in the realm of identity verification solutions.

As businesses navigate an increasingly digital landscape, Accura Scan stands as a reliable partner, providing state-of-the-art solutions to meet evolving needs while fortifying the foundations of trust and security.

PR Newswire

Viettel Powers India’s Industries with Cutting-edge Private 5G

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BANGALORE, India, Dec. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Viettel High Technology Industries Corporation (Viettel High Tech) and QuadGen Wireless Solutions Pvt Ltd. (QuadGen) jointly host the handover ceremony of Private 5G, which was researched, manufactured and supplied by Viettel, to QuadGen. This noteworthy accomplishment took place a mere five months after signing a service provision contract in the Indian market.

Viettel Powers India's Industries with Cutting-edge Private 5G.
Viettel Powers India’s Industries with Cutting-edge Private 5G.

Since July 2023, Viettel’s engineering team has been on-site in India, overseeing the installation, deployment, and trial operation of the 5G Private (5GP). The training and knowledge transfer process for QuadGen engineers lasted for over a month. At present, the 5GP is running smoothly and meeting all requirements. Viettel High Tech and QuadGen jointly launched the 5GP system, which incorporates comprehensive equipment products across all three network layers: radio access network (Macro, Micro, AIO base stations), 100G transmission network, and 5GC core network. Viettel’s system enables the provision of private network services, encompassing two primary offerings: eMBB data and VoNR service. These services serve as the fundamental connectivity infrastructure for various sectors including smart factories, smart cities, healthcare, education and security.

“QuadGen aims to seek strategic partners for the production and supply of 5G equipment in the Indian market, as the government consistently prioritizes the utilization of domestic products. Given the extensive deployment of 5G private network across various industries, we have a significant number of customers, including businesses and government agencies, who require 5GP network. After extensive research, we have identified Viettel as our preferred choice” stated Dr. C.S. Rao, Chairman & Co-Founder of QuadGen.

Mr. C.S. Rao commented: “Viettel’s significant advantage in the competition lies in its remarkable ability to easily customize solutions. As a result, within just five months of signing the contract, Viettel has provided us with a comprehensive solution that has truly convinced us to establish a long-term cooperation. Together, we aim to bring excellence and innovation to customers in India and neighboring countries”.

“The Indian market presents specific requirements for telecommunications equipment products” stated Mr. Nguyen Vu Ha, CEO of Viettel High Tech.“This challenge, however, is also a tremendous opportunity for us since our advantage lies in meeting the distinct needs of customers, leveraging our expertise in mastering the system. In addition to the 5GP, we will also provide guidance on deploying 5G public networks for telecommunications businesses in India“.

During the event, Ai20X (USA), QuadGen (India) and Viettel High Tech (Vietnam) also signed a Strategic Technology Collaboration, with the aim of fostering innovation and driving growth in the 5G field in India. The parties involved see this collaboration as a significant milestone, leveraging the expertise of these three leading companies to seize business opportunities in the realm of 5G networks and propel growth for all parties involved. QuadGen and Viettel High Tech are renowned technology enterprises in India and Vietnam, respectively, while Ai20X has established a global business ecosystem with unique product offerings.

About us:
QuadGen Wireless is a company providing telecommunications network infrastructure technical services from optimal design, deployment, integration to overall operation with a customer base of leading network operators in the US (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Dish wireless), India (Airtel, Jio, BSNL), Middle East (Omantel). With a customer network and 15 years of experience deploying and operating systems from many Vendors, Quadgen Wireless is confident it will succeed when authorized to distribute Viettel High Tech equipment and services in markets where QuadGen is active. 

Viettel High Tech, the R&D arm of Viettel Group, focuses on the telecommunications, defense, and dual-use sectors. It covers the entire spectrum of activities, ranging from research and design to production and sales of advanced technology solutions. Viettel High Tech prides itself on being a cutting-edge, intellectually-driven technology company with a globally recognized brand.

Ai20X is an innovative company dedicated to building a global ecosystem that fosters the introduction of groundbreaking solutions. Collaborating with regional and local partners, Ai20X collaboratively defines go-to-market strategies, tailors customized solutions, and positions them at the forefront of specific markets. Headquartered in the United States and founded by Vietnamese entrepreneurs, Ai20X operates seamlessly across North America and the Asia-Pacific regions, effectively leveraging its presence in these key markets.

Media Contact:
Mrs. Le Thuy Mai
Director of Marketing, Viettel High Tech
mailt@viettel.com.vn

PR Newswire

Global Incubation Innovation Forces Gather in Lingang for World Top-Performing Incubator Forum 2023

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SHANGHAI, Dec. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — From December 5th to 6th, World Top-Performing Incubator Forum 2023 with the theme of “Innovation Incubates the Future” was held in Lingang New Area. Chen Jinshan, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, Secretary of Party Working Committee of Lingang New Area, Director of Lingang Special Area Administration expressed during the opening ceremony that Lingang New Area is promoting the leadership of scientific and technological innovation, attracting top incubation institutions, venture capitals, and other global sci-tech resources, deepening high-level technological innovation incubation and cooperation, and accelerating the development of “City of Innovation and Entrepreneurship”.

Yuan Guohua, Deputy Secretary of the Party Working Committee of Lingang New Area, Secretary of the Party Committee, and Chairman of Lingang Group, Zhao Jian, Chief Engineer of the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission, Xi Lifeng, Member of the CPC SJTU Standing Committee, and Vice President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Xu Tian, Genetics Chair Professor and Vice President at Westlake University, Ali Amin, Co-founder and CEO of UBI Global inaugurated this forum.

Wu Xiaohua, Deputy Secretary of Party Working Committee of Lingang New Area Administration and First-class Inspector of Lingang New Area, and Weng Kaining, Deputy Secretary of Party Committee and President of Lingang Group, along with leaders from top incubators, such as Lingang Science and Technology Investment, MiraclePlus Shanghai Alumni Center, ATLATL Center for Innovation & Research, PNP China, XNode, SIMIC InnoSpring, Casstar, AMl (Advanced Materials Incubator),Step Fund,P4 Precision Medicine Accelerator,CodeBase and Start-UpChile, jointly established the “International Innovation Synergy and Incubation Alliance” and released the “Cooperation Initiative of International Innovation Synergy and Incubation Alliance” to issue initiatives and proposals to all talents around the world.

SYNLINX launched its brand and contracted with its first settled enterprises and partners. “SYNLINX Semiconductor” and “SYNLINX Life Science and Technology” are established to empower the technology start-ups.

The First Batch of Proof-of-Concept Center for Frontier Technology released its First Group projects.Abundant top-level resources of both SJTU and Lingang Group are integrated to build a futuristic proof-of-concept center for frontier industrial technologies.

At the opening ceremony, Frederico Lourenco from Flagship Pioneering, Ali Amin from UBI Global,Handson Gilford from The Foundry, Xi Lifeng from SJTU and Xu Tian from Westlake University delivered keynote speeches one by one.

At the panel themed “Innovation Models and Challenges for Global Incubators”, panelists believed that incubators, as a crucial innovation support system, have gained worldwide attention and application.

Furthermore, the specialized seminar “A Deep Dive into Key Metrics for Success”,”Innovation Incubation and Investment by Large Enterprises”, “Capital Empowers Incubation for Life Science Industry” and “New Model for Advanced Incubation” were conducted.

This forum is hosted by Lingang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Administration, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality and Shanghai Lingang Economic Development (Group) Co.,Ltd,organized by Shanghai Technology Innovation Center, Shanghai Lingang Economic Development Group Technology Investment Co., Ltd, Stepholdings Co., Ltd, Co organized by Shanghai Business Incubation Association (STBIA).

PR Newswire

ACX and Sylvera partner to broaden access to high-quality carbon credit investment and trading

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  • Carbon data provider and exchange collaborate to launch a standardized contract of highly-rated carbon credits, promoting quality in the market.
  • The credits will be available for trading on ACX’s exchange.
  • It is the first step in the partnership as the two companies team up to bring further transparency and improve accessibility in carbon credit trading.

ABU DHABI, UAE and SINGAPORE and LONDON, Dec. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — ACX, the leading environmental markets exchange, has partnered with Sylvera, a leading carbon data provider, to develop the first standardized contract of high-quality carbon credits rated A-AAA available to trade on ACX’s exchange.

Purchasing carbon credits, which fund projects around the world like protecting rainforests from deforestation or degradation, is one of the most established and scalable ways to channel finance to effective climate outcomes. ACX’s SYLVERA ‘A’ Nature Tonne (SAN) contract accepts only carbon credits from Sylvera’s highest-rated projects — A and above (AA & AAA) with co-benefits score of three and above — giving buyers confidence that they are investing in credits high in environmental integrity. In addition, the contract ensures projects comply with social and environmental safeguards, reducing complexities and simplifying decision-making in the trading process. The nature-based carbon credits will be from REDD+, Afforestation, Reforestation, and Restoration (ARR), and Improved Forest Management (IFM) projects of all vintages.

The partnership comes at a critical juncture for carbon credits. As targets for net zero reach ever closer, the carbon markets are poised for significant growth, with some estimating it will reach $250bn by 2030. However, investors need robust, unconflicted information and accurate impact assessment of these carbon credits. This standardized contract is a first of its kind, giving buyers a scalable way to access high-quality carbon credits. Assessed against Sylvera’s rigorous project evaluation methodologies and cutting-edge technology and held by a secure and regulated exchange, buyers can direct more funding to the projects having maximum climate impact.

The collaboration is the first step in the partnership between the two companies to build innovative solutions that increase transparency and drive simplicity in carbon trading.

Sam Gill, Co-Founder and President at Sylvera, said, “Exchanges like ACX have a critical role to play in providing investors with more robust data and information at the point of decision making to ensure the effectiveness of climate action investments and measure and benchmark progress against net zero targets. Together, we can build a more transparent, comprehensible, and high-quality voluntary carbon market that drives forward real climate impact.”

Wei Mei Hum, Global Head of Environmental Products at ACX, said, “We have observed that the market has been on the search for ‘High-Quality Carbon Credits’ for over two years, but with a practical way of identifying such credits eluding most buyers, barring those with the specialized expertise or access to in-depth information on projects. Partnering with Sylvera has allowed for the creation of a standardized contract aligned with Sylvera’s rigorous ratings methodology. It provides assurance to the market that they will be accessing a grade of truly high-quality credits derived from projects assessed based not only on environmental integrity but also their co-benefits. We hope that the SAN contract will further precipitate the scaling up of truly high-quality VCM.”

About Sylvera

Sylvera is a leading carbon data provider on a mission to incentivize investment in real climate action. To help organizations ensure they’re making the most effective investments toward net zero, we build software that independently and accurately automates the evaluation of carbon projects that capture, remove, or avoid emissions. With Sylvera’s data and tools, businesses and governments can confidently invest in, benchmark, deliver, and report real climate impact. Co-founded in 2020 by Dr. Allister Furey and Sam Gill, the company is headquartered in London with additional offices in Belgrade and New York. To date, Sylvera has raised over $96 million from investors such as Balderton Capital, Index Ventures, Insight Partners, LocalGlobe, and Salesforce Ventures. Learn more at  www.sylvera.com.

About ACX Group:

ACX Group, including ACX Abu Dhabi (ACX Ltd) and ACX Singapore (AirCarbon Pte. Ltd.), which operate environmental markets platforms in Abu Dhabi and Singapore respectively, caters to corporates, financial traders, carbon project developers and other industry stakeholders. ACX Group provides participants with efficient and transparent trading platforms that are user-friendly, seamless and offer the lowest transaction fees in the market. Leveraging distributed ledger technology, ACX Group facilitates and scales growth of the environmental product markets to align with global ambitions of achieving Net Zero.

ACX Group is proud to be a member of the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) and the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), further enhancing its commitment to sustainability and responsible trading practices for carbon and other environmental products. ACX Group has garnered international recognition as the Best Carbon Exchange globally in Environmental Finance’s esteemed Voluntary Carbon Market Rankings for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023), solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

For more information, please contact info@acx.net or visit www.acx.net.

PR Newswire

CGTN: On climate change, we’re running out of time, not options

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BEIJING, Dec. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Beijing, the strong, fast-beating heart of Chinese prosperity, has been known as a safe and stable city free from natural calamities. But not the summer of 2023. Throughout the season, the mercury soared, with daily highs consistently hitting over 40°C. Then as the capital had a relative respite from sweltering heat, there came the heavy rain, flooding and displacing thousands of people.

As Beijing recovered, some horrible but similar trend is echoing all around the globe: the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century scorched Lahaina, Hawaii; the devastating floods that destroyed a quarter of the city of Derna, Lybia; extreme heat and worsen drought in Chile and the Horn of Africa; rising sea level for island countries… “Humanity has opened the gates of hell,” as the UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted, “we are heading towards a dangerous and unstable world.”

Although the alarm bell keeps ringing, we should not lose hope and give up. But rather, it’s high time to take actions. China and the United States, as the world’s two largest economies, have shown their political will by the milestone Sunnylands Statement. And looking back a bit further, from the Kyoto Protocol to the Paris Agreement, binding targets to limit emission and temperature increase have been set through joint efforts.

And China has walked the talk for achieving its goal of carbon peaking and neutrality. From transforming deserts to cleaning up the air, to developing new technology, shifting energy structure, and raising public awareness on a healthier lifestyle. China is doing everything to cultivate a more sustainable cycle of nature, to pay off previous ecological debts, avoid new debts, and strive to save our planet in more creative ways.

If climate change is a global concern, the burden is not equally shared. On the one hand, developed countries are responsible for most of the heat-trapping emissions since the Industrial Revolution. On the other, developing countries have lower emissions, but are bearing the brunt of a hotter climate. Promises from some of the world’s biggest economies haven’t been panning out, delayed by political deadlock, bureaucratic hurdles and debates over new rules to expedite aid from development banks and private donors.

An injustice burns at the heart of the climate crisis and its flame is scorching hopes and possibilities, as world leaders are warning. “We cannot continue,” Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados called, “to put the interest of a few before the lives of many.”

How to make sure the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, with all pulling in the same direction? It needs leadership, vision, and multilateralism. China, along with the rest of the world, is taking the lead to give its best shot, bringing down the price of renewable energy, sharing knowhow for deploying sustainable projects, and transitioning to a low-carbon era. With climate change being a global issue, only in a global approach and by joint efforts can we translate the will into concrete outcomes, and mitigate the climate we changed.

PR Newswire

EcoBalance, KazBeef, and rTek Launch Climate Smart Beef Pilot Program at COP28

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DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — EcoBalance Global, a US-based leader in carbon storage projects, Kazbeef, a subsidiary of Yerkin Tatishev’s Kusto Group, and rTek, a Rakurs Consulting Group company, have partnered to launch the first-ever pilot ranch outside the United States that will deliver the world’s first climate smart beef, using carbon insets, backed by 3rd party validation and blockchain technology.

The pilot has been launched at COP28 in Dubai following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the companies. The project will not only enable blockchain transacted environmentally sustainable cattle outside the United States but will also show the world that the livestock and farming industry can be part of the net-zero solution.

The foundation for the KazBeef pilot is EcoBalance Global’s Framework that supports ranches in deploying a specialized rotational grazing program which allows increased carbon capture in the soil, and utilizing machine learning satellite technology to monitor sustainable land management, focusing on accurate carbon accounting. This is backed up by the Framework’s carbon trade and risk management platform to administer all the requirements of the Framework in conjunction with the blockchain.

As part of the program, rTek, a Rakurs Consulting Group company based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, will leverage its expertise in remote sensing and MRV development, particularly in precision agriculture, to support the pilot program.

The 10-year pilot project is expected to demonstrate the world’s first carbon inset beef supply chain. It is scalable, with the goal of using EcoBalance’s Framework as a global standard for sustainable and climate smart beef supply.  

Tellan Steffan, EcoBalance Global said:

“We are delighted to launch the pilot project with the signing of the MoU with our partners at KazBeef and rTek at COP28. This program will enable Kazakh farmers to have the world’s first working carbon storage project on their land that can be scaled and the means to create and market low carbon beef products.

One-third of all human-caused greenhouse-gas emissions, are generated from food systems, and it is hoped that the EcoBalance Framework can offer a comprehensive solution for the reduction of carbon emissions in the agricultural sector and establishing a template that can be scaled globally.” 

Established in 2011, KazBeef has consistently showcased its dedication to environmentally conscious farming practices, while maintaining a high quality operation which includes more than 15,000 heads of cattle and produces more 6,000 tons of beef per annum.

In its partnership with EcoBalance Global, KazBeef has found a partner that is equally focused on the development of pioneering farming methods, driven by a mission to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and provide new revenue for local farmers.

EcoBalance Global’s pilot ranch in North Dakota has created over 18,000 registered soil carbon credits, while simultaneously producing and tracking 900 head of climate smart cattle.

Commenting on KazBeef’s announcement and its participation at COP28, Yerkin Tatishev, the Chairman of Kusto Group, said:

“Kazbeef is a pioneer in environmentally conscious farming and ranching practices.  Through this new partnership, we are leading the way in carbon capture in agriculture thanks to our partnership with EcoBalance Global. It is my hope that our efforts can be a model to many others and I am delighted that this has also been recognised through our participation in Kazakhstan’s pavilion at COP28.

“COP28 offers a unique opportunity to discuss the ongoing transition in global food production and farming, and I am proud that KazBeef will play an integral role in creating a more sustainable future for us all.”

Dosym Kydyrbayev, Managing Partner, Rakurs Consulting Group, said:

“As we embrace the challenges and opportunities of environmental sustainability in Kazakhstan, it’s crucial to recognize the pivotal role of innovative technologies and data-driven approaches. Companies like rTek are at the forefront of this transformation, offering vital solutions in soil sampling, MRV, standards adoption, and QA processes for carbon projects.

To advance Kazakhstan’s decarbonization goals, the private sector must commit to long-term collaboration with governments, local, and international bodies. With this project and others, we aim to support our nation’s ecological goals but also to position Kazakhstan as a leader in climate action and sustainable development.”

About EcoBalance Global

EcoBalance Global is a US based carbon reduction project developer, consultant, and carbon program manager. We utilize our relationships with farmers, ranchers, and landowners to develop projects that biologically enhance their soil, sequester and store carbon, as well as increase vegetative production. We have developed a robust Soil Carbon Sequestration and Storage Framework (Framework) to assist the agriculture industry at large to lower their carbon footprint.  Our Framework employs methodologies and procedures to address the diverse environmental requirements for farms and ranches around the world.

Through our Framework, we can increase carbon removal and storage rates that we are able to certify through a third-party registry and use verified carbon insets in the Framework life cycle analysis process. We facilitate the use of carbon insets tied to products coming from the land (beef, lamb, cereal grains, etc.). The carbon reduced products enter the supply chain where they may be counted towards Science Based Target Initiatives (SBTi) goals resulting in a low or no carbon footprint product that can be directly tied back to the land it came from. Our business delivers a high value-added quality product that rewards the stewards of the resources for excellent management and provides distributors with a product that they can have complete confidence in.

About KazBeef

KazBeef is a vertically integrated group of companies which produce the leading marbled beef in Kazakhstan under the KazBeef brand. The KazBeef brand and operation reflects the concept of ‘from farm to folk’ and KazBeef is leading an ambitious program to transform Kazakhstan’s vast arable land into a global production and export hub for premium beef products.

KazBeef is a part of the Kusto Group, which employs thousands of people in more than nine countries, across industries as diverse as agriculture, construction materials, real estate, and retail. Chaired by Yerkin Tatishev, Kusto Group is leading the way in developing innovative solutions to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The company employs over 8,000 staff and has an annual turnover of more than $1bn. In 2013, Kusto Group permanently moved its headquarters from Almaty to Singapore.

About rTek

rTek, a member of Rakurs Consulting Group, has been dedicated to providing sustainable technology solutions in Kazakhstan since 2018.

Their recent focus includes several ongoing natural carbon sequestration projects, involving grasslands, croplands, and afforestation, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. 

Based in Almaty, rTek is not only an active contributor to Kazakhstan’s sustainability landscape but also is represented in key industry organizations through its founders’ roles in the Qazaq Green Association, responsible for a new standard for carbon emissions verification in Kazakhstan. rTek also is an active leader in research projects throughout the country, including several key multi-year studies initiated by ADB, World Bank, FAO, and the Kazakh Government focused on rangeland sustainability and agricultural water management, and precision agriculture technologies.

PR Newswire

Shanghai prioritizes efforts to improve people’s livelihood

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BEIJING, Dec. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A report from People’s Daily: Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected a government-subsidized rental housing community and learned about the city’s efforts in constructing government-subsidized rental housing projects in Shanghai on Nov. 29.

It is reported that the rental housing community provides affordable rental accommodation for new urban residents and young people.

The rental pricing takes into account both market prices and the income levels of the targeted group. Each apartment in the community is equipped with independent cabinets, a bathroom, and a kitchen. Public spaces such as shared kitchens, laundry rooms, recreational areas, and book corners are also provided.

Shanghai is a megacity. It attracts frontline workers and managers across the country engaging in its urban construction and function. They are important contributors to the city’s development and orderly operation.

In recent years, Shanghai has actively explored the provision of more rental housing with good location, high quality and low rent for frontline laborers, thus better satisfying their actual demands. It has implemented precise supply to ensure their life and work in Shanghai with more safety, comfort and dignity, which have been welcomed by the targeted group.

Adhering to the principle that “cities are built by the people and for the people,” Shanghai has been working to promote high-quality development, improving people’s living quality, and pursuing high-efficiency governance, to make urban management more science-based, refined and intelligent, and to make people’s life more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable.

In the construction of the city, Shanghai always puts the people’s needs in the first place. It has expedited efforts to revitalize and transform old buildings and urban villages.

This year, the city has renovated 85,200 square meters of lower-grade, scattered, old housing and refurbished 247,700 square meters of aging residential properties. Ten urban village renovation projects have been launched.

Shanghai is actively exploring sustainable development models for urban renewal, while establishing and improving relevant policy systems and mechanisms.

Remarkable progress has been made in key urban renewal projects, such as the Fangua Long in Jing’an District, the ancient Panlong Town in Qingpu District, and Wukang Building in Xuhui District. Meanwhile, an additional 68,000 affordable rental apartments have been constructed.

With an aim to build an urban space that is not only livable but also enjoyable and engaging, Shanghai has worked to ensure coordinated development, management, and quality enhancement of the Huangpu River and the Suzhou Creek.

The Suhe Bay Green Space, a maritime park in the North Bund, and the Dongjiadu Road Skywalk have become popular destinations for citizens and visitors. Furthermore, eight kilometers of riverside paths in Pudong and Minhang have been connected and opened to the public.

Shanghai is accelerating the construction of sponge city demonstration areas and pilot zones for green and low-carbon development, to enhance the overall quality of the city. This year, it has built 75 “beautiful blocks.”

To build a green, smart, and resilient metropolis, Shanghai has reinforced the management of green building projects, and advanced the development of green urban spaces.

This year, approximately 2.6 million square meters of ultra-low energy-consuming buildings are underway, complemented by energy-saving renovations in 5.3 million square meters of existing public structures.

Shanghai has been solidifying the digital infrastructure of urban governance, pursuing digital transformation in all areas of urban construction and management. Particular attention has been focused on gas supply safety, while the control and emergency response to major risk sources are fortified, to forge a robust security line for this megacity.

These explorations and practices of Shanghai are the epitome of China’s commitment to sustainable development and the promotion of new urbanization.

In recent years, China has been continuously advancing a people-centered approach to new urbanization, strengthening the construction of major projects to ensure people’s livelihood, and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

It has accelerated the renovation and upgrading of urban pipelines, increased the availability of inclusive elderly care and medical services, improved urban ecology through the construction of “pocket parks,” and continuously enhanced public fitness facilities.

In the first seven months of this year, investment in the production and supply of electricity, heat, gas, and water in China increased by 25.4 percent. During the same period, renovation was launched for a total of 46,600 old urban residential communities nationwide, benefiting 7.95 million households.

PR Newswire

Fosun Group Implements CCH® Tagetik Expert Solution from Wolters Kluwer for integrated budget management and reporting

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SHANGHAI, Nov. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Wolters Kluwer, a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services, today announced that Fosun Group has selected CCH Tagetik Corporate Performance Management (CPM) software to help drive the digital transformation of its group finance operations.

Established in 1992, Fosun has evolved into a global, innovation-driven family consumer industry group over three decades. Fosun Group encompasses four core businesses: Health, Happiness, Wealth, and Intelligence, all experiencing steady growth. Health specializes in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and health services; Happiness focuses on brand consumption, tourism, and culture; Wealth includes insurance and asset management; while Intelligence encompasses mineral resources, oil and gas, intelligent manufacturing, and high-tech industry expansion.

In response to the company’s rapid expansion, and to further promote its industrial operation, investment and digital strategies, Fosun Group’s finance team is now working to streamline and digitally transform its accounting and budget performance management processes, with the use of CCH Tagetik. Fosun Group will use the CCH Tagetik CPM platform’s intuitive interface, built-in financial intelligence, and automated workflows to fulfill the following objectives: 

  • Establish a standardized financial framework through digital construction.
  • Deliver timely and precise information to support innovation, international expansion, and in-depth industrial operations.
  • Enhance the efficiency of asset management and group-level accounting services, while advancing digital intelligence in financial operations and financial management. 

Tangchen Wu, Director of Financial Informatization Department, Fosun Group, said:
“CCH Tagetik is a powerful, strategic financial intelligence platform, which integrates budgeting and management reporting. CCH Tagetik will empower Fosun Group to collect, analyze and report budget management data, in a way that supports operational growth, internal collaboration and strategic planning.”

Fosun Group has chosen PwC, an internationally renowned financial consulting service provider, as the implementation partner for this project.

Michael Chung, Greater China Managing Director of CCH Tagetik at Wolters Kluwer, said:
“CCH Tagetik is the ideal platform to support Fosun Group’s continuous commitment to innovation, and will accelerate the company’s continued global expansion, by advancing the digital transformation of its business and finance processes. CCH Tagetik’s open architecture seamlessly integrates with Fosun Group’s existing business and finance applications, and will empower Fosun Group to flexibly customize the platform to fulfill its unique business requirements.”

About Wolters Kluwer
Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the healthcare, tax and accounting, financial and corporate compliance, legal and regulatory, and corporate performance and ESG sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2022 annual revenues of €5.5 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 20,900 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

For more information, visit www.wolterskluwer.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

PR Newswire

“Industrial Finance Empowerment, Cohesion and Win-win” – The Fourth China-Korea-Japan Asset Management Summit Forum Draws to a Successful Close

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CHANGZHOU, China, Nov. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — To cope with the new economic changes in the world and create a new economic development pattern in the Asia Pacific region, the 4th China-Korea-Japan Asset Management Summit Forum was held on November 22 in Zhonglou District, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province. The forum convened under the theme “Industrial Finance Empowerment, Cohesion and Win-win”. Representatives of multiple institutions, business leaders, experts and scholars from China, South Korea, and Japan were invited. In-depth exchanges and discussions were held on topics of China-Korea-Japan economic and trade cooperation and cross-border investment under the new situation, further development of industries assisted by diversified capital, and new trends in the development of asset management industries. Sheng Lei, Mayor of Changzhou Municipal People’s Government, attended the event and witnessed the contract signing. Yuan Huaizhong, Chairman of Beijing ALAN Asset Management Co., Ltd. (ALAN AMC), Lee Seung Lyul, President of Hana Bank, and Takakura Toru, President of Mitsui Sumitomo Trust Holdings, delivered speeches. Zhou Chengtao, the Secretary General of Changzhou Municipal People’s Government; Liu Min, Director of Changzhou Municipal Local Financial Supervision and Administration Bureau; and leaders of Zhonglou District including Shen Dong, Li Chaokun, Wang Xufeng, and Wu Wei attended the event.

This forum is co-organized by the People’s Government of Zhonglou District, Changzhou Local Financial Supervision and Administration Bureau, and Beijing ALAN AMC, with the cooperation of Hana Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, and Changzhou Zhonglou Jinlong Holding Group Co., Ltd. The forum was simultaneously live-streamed online on multiple platforms, including Beijing Private Equity Association (BPEA), Yicai.com, IFENG.com, Sina.com, hexun.com, Chinese Venture, PEdaily.cn, Chinaventure.com.cn, and Ruisi China.

The forum started with an opening speech by Li Chaokun, the mayor of the People’s Government of Zhonglou District, Changzhou City. Li stated that Zhonglou District was implementing the city’s “532” development strategy, focusing on the overall layout of the city’s “double-city” and “double-capital” construction. It is fully implementing the “dual-core linkage” strategic deployment of the “two lakes” innovation zone and the old downtown area and promoting the construction of first-class modern urban areas in the Yangtze River Delta with high quality to contribute to the entire region. He said that Zhonglou District would always adhere to the main theme of open cooperation, focus on the overall goal of financial services for the real economy, firmly adhere to the good practice of combining industry and finance, and strive to create a “Zhonglou model” of industry-finance combination, to help the “Trillion GDP city” become more convincing and efficient.

Yuan Huaizhong, Chairman of Beijing ALAN AMC, said in his speech that in the future, they would continue to actively leverage their international advantages, follow the strategic requirements of China’s high-quality economic development, actively invest in cutting-edge fields such as technological innovation, green transformation, industrial upgrading, and ESG, and play a guiding role in resource allocation with funds. “Changzhou, located in the core area of the Yangtze River Delta, has unique geographical advantages, a friendly business environment, and a complete industrial cluster. In the future, we hope to integrate more resources from South Korea and Japan and high-quality domestic financial resources into Changzhou and Zhonglou District, empowering industrial development.”

Lee Seung Lyul, President of Hana Bank, talked about Hana Finance’s global business. Together with ALAN AMC, they particularly regard China as the core country in the global market and work with Chinese partners such as ALAN AMC to gain success and profits in the Chinese market. He stated that the theme of this forum – “Industrial Finance Empowerment, Cohesion and Win-win” – perfectly matches the core vision of asset management industry development. He hoped that in the future, the cooperation between China, South Korea, and Japan in the financial field could be further strengthened, thus providing important support for the economic development in Asia.

Takakura Toru, President of Mitsui Sumitomo Trust Holdings, said in his speech that the “Era of 100-year life” was a social problem that all countries in Asia will face, also an area where trusts can play the added value. The scale of Japan’s real estate investment market (including REIT and private equity funds) is currently over JPY55 trillion (approximately CNY 2.7 trillion), which is continuously expanding, providing abundant investment opportunities. There are also challenges in the transformation. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings hoped to promote global common prosperity by solving social issues and striving to contribute to further developing asset management markets in China and Asia.

At the opening ceremony, the People’s Government of Zhonglou District signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with ALAN AMC, pledging to make the investment more free and convenient, attract more foreign investment, help put more high-quality funds in science and technology innovation, green, and digital industries, and promote the high-quality development of the real economy.

Experts from China, South Korea, and Japan shared exciting information on the economy, society, and population in the forum. The three round-table forums held in-depth and high-quality discussions on topics of China-Korea-Japan economic and trade cooperation and cross-border investment under the new situation, the in-depth development of industries assisted by diversified capital, and new trends in the development of asset management industries, respectively. The forum actively explored investment opportunities of “Industrial Finance Empowerment, Cohesion and Win-win” to jointly create a new pattern of economic development in the Asia Pacific region. So far, the 4th China-Korea-Japan Asset Management Summit Forum has reached a successful conclusion!

The economic pattern has experienced great changes over the unprecedented transition in the last century, affecting the process of globalization. It has been a long and arduous journey for China, South Korea, and Japan to work together for a common destiny and promote joint development. We hope this forum can build a bridge for further exchanges and cooperation between China, South Korea, and Japan in the future. The three countries can enhance understanding, strengthen exchanges, and promote exchanges and cooperation in higher levels and broader fields.

Source: Beijing ALAN Asset Management Co.ltd.