2007'02.01.Thu
World wide launch of Memory Book Website

March 08, 2006

NUNSPEET, Netherlands, March 8 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- A website http://www.remembermewhenimgone.org has been launched which provides a template to help parents who are dying to create a memory book to leave their children. Though the concept is valid in all situations where the untimely death of a parent is imminent, the memory book has so far mainly been used in AIDS-related projects where it has more than proven its worth. Sjoera Dikkers, Director of STOP AIDS NOW!, says: "The early loss of a parent has a lifelong impact on a child. After a parent's death, a child often has little or nothing tangible from the parent to cherish and to keep the memory of the deceased parent alive. A memory book can alleviate some of the emotional devastation caused by the parent's death." Compiling a personal memory book about their own life in which they share their hopes, fears and dreams can also help parents come to terms with their coming demise. It can open up communication within a family about the impending death of the parent, thereby aiding each of the family members in coming to terms with the parent's disease and the inevitable consequences of this. The Remember me when I'm gone project opens up access to the memory book concept to all by providing a generic Memory Book template through the website http://www.remembermewhenimgone.org . The template can be downloaded free of charge and is currently available in 29 languages. Distribution of the template is allowed providing the document is distributed as is and without charge. The Remember me when I'm gone project is a no-budget non-profit initiative which aims to inspire, motivate and help parents who expect to die before their child(ren) have grown up, to make a memory book about their own life for their child / each of their children. NOTES TO EDITORS: Image material is available for press use on http://www.remembermewhenimgone.org/press. STOP AIDS NOW! is a partnership between Aids Fonds, Hivos, ICCO, Memisa (Cordaid) and Novib (Oxfam). Their mission is: "Working together towards a world without AIDS." For more information on STOP AIDS NOW!: http://www.stopaidsnow.nl / For more information, please contact: Titia Liese Tel: +31-341-260289 Marjon Jens Tel: +31-71-5190749 Juliette Reinders Folmer Tel: +31-6-5424-1642 Email: press@remembermewhenimgone.org SOURCE www.remembermewhenimgone.org
PR
2007'02.01.Thu
Financial Times Launches FT.com China

March 07, 2006

HONG KONG, March 7 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The Financial Times announces the launch of FT.com China today, a new section on the Financial Times' website dedicated to covering China, its unique business opportunities and challenges, and its influence on the global economy. Consolidating the FT's award-winning China news coverage, comment and analysis into one destination, FT.com China -- at http://www.ft.com/china -- is the most comprehensive source of intelligence for understanding the world's most dynamic economy. "Global business leaders cannot afford to fall behind in staying informed about an economy and market as crucial as China," said Edward Cheng, Asia news editor of FT.com. "With FT.com China, the world's business elite will now have a single resource to help them understand the forces shaping China, with context and independent insight only the FT can provide." FT.com China is updated daily with top China stories, features a rich archive of the FT's special reports on China, and has tools such as RSS feeds so time-starved business readers can track the latest news, trends and regulatory developments driving the fast-changing Chinese economy. FT.com China is clearly organised into six subsections: 1. Economy & Trade -- covers Chinese economic data, trade and intellectual property, renminbi reform, China's role in the global economy; 2. Politics & Policy -- Chinese politics, foreign policy, bilateral relations (US-China, India-China), China's rise in diplomatic and military spheres of influence; 3. Finance & Markets -- Chinese financial institutions, western banks entering China, development of China's capital markets; 4. Business -- Chinese companies in non-financial sectors such as technology, manufacturing, energy/oil, consumer/retail, autos and property; and foreign companies doing business in China; 5. Regulation & Reform -- Chinese regulations, liberalisation policies, the pace of financial sector reform and opening to foreign direct investment; 6. Society -- Social/public/cultural issues in China such as democracy movements, worker safety, environment, healthcare, and media policy A marketing campaign in support of FT.com China entitled, "Five-Star China Coverage on a Single Superior Site", will begin running in both the Financial Times newspaper and on FT.com. Hiroko Hoshino, Regional Online Business Development Manager, FT Asia commented, "We are delighted to launch FT.com China. It's an exciting new platform for FT.com and a first of its kind on our site. FT.com China is creating new opportunities to reach a community of users and advertisers focused on China." About the Financial Times One of the world's leading business publications, the Financial Times is recognized internationally for its accuracy, authority and independence. Since its launch in September 2003, the FT's Asia edition has incisive news reporting with rigorous analysis and inspired commentary. Winner of the Society of Publishers in Asia "Excellence in Newspapers" Award in 2004 and most recently voted the "Best Newspaper in the World" in an independent study of business executives in 50 countries, the FT is widely considered to be indispensable reading for senior decision-makers in business, finance and public affairs. FT.com ( http://www.ft.com ) is one of the world's leading business information portals, and the internet partner of the Financial Times. FT.com has 4.1 million monthly unique users, attracts more than 41.3 million monthly page views (ABCe September 2005). For more information, please contact: Jolie Hunt Financial Times, Public Relations Hong Kong Tel: +852-2905-5851 Email: Jolie.hunt@ft.com SOURCE Financial Times
2007'02.01.Thu
Media Advisory: UNDP and Stora Enso Press Conference and Forest Field Trip March 28 - 29, 2006

March 07, 2006

Stora Enso and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China are very pleased to invite the press to attend the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to forge a long-term strategic partnership between UNDP and Stora Enso, to be held at 2:00 pm, March 29, 2006 in the Function room no. 29, 2/F, Building no. 5, Guangxi Mingyuan Xindu Hotel (Address: 38 Xin Min Road, Nanning Guangxi, China 530012, Tel +86 771-2118988, Fax +86 771-2830811) This five-year framework of cooperation will promote a win-win partnership between UNDP and Stora Enso focusing on promoting sustainable development in local communities. Mr. Renaud Meyer, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in China and Mr. Hannu Ryopponen, Senior Executive Vice President and CFO, Stora Enso, will take part in the signing and answer questions from the media. Other participants include representatives from the local government, academic and local community. This initiative is an immediate follow-up of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) on Stora Enso's forest plantation project in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, recently undertaken by UNDP in China. This event will provide an opportunity to initiate a multi-stakeholder dialogue by presenting the methodology, process and outcomes of the ESIA. Media will also be invited to a one-day trip to visit the plantation site. The tentative agenda is as following: March 28 Tuesday 08:00 - 20:00 Visiting Stora Enso's plantation in southern Guangxi March 29 Wednesday 13:30 - 13:55 Registration 14:00 - 14:40 MoU Signing 14:40 - 16:00 Multi-stakeholder dialogue on the Environment and Social Assessment (ESIA) 16:15 - 17:00 Press Conference Media attending the event should confirm their participation to Ms. Wu Tao, UNDP, at 010 65323731 x365, tao.wu@undp.org; or Ms. Nancy Lu, Stora Enso, at 021-63353050 x112, nancy.lu@storaenso.com by March 15, 2006. ¡¡ Stora Enso is an integrated paper, packaging, and forest products company, producing publication and fine paper, packaging board, and wood products -- all areas in which the Group is a global market leader. Stora Enso's sales totalled EUR 13.2 billion in 2005. The Group has some 46 000 employees in more than 40 countries on five continents. Stora Enso has an annual production capacity of 16.9 million tonnes of paper and board and 7.7 million cubic metres of sawn wood products, including 3.3 million cubic metres of value-added products. Stora Enso's shares are listed in Helsinki, Stockholm, and New York. UNDP is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP is on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and its wide range of partners. SOURCE United Nations Development Programme
2007'02.01.Thu
Avian Influenza - Situation in China - Update 6

March 07, 2006

GENEVA and BEIJING, March 7 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The Ministry of Health in China has reported an additional laboratory confirmed case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040610/CNTH001LOGO ) The case occurred in a 32-year-old man from the southern province of Guangdong. He developed symptoms of fever on 22 February followed by pneumonia. His condition deteriorated rapidly and he died on 2 March. He was unemployed. No outbreaks in poultry have been reported in Guangdong Province since 2004. To date, China has reported 15 laboratory confirmed cases. Of these, nine have been fatal. Two patients remain in critical condition. The newly confirmed case is the first reported from Guangdong Province. Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO 6 March 2006 Country 2003 2004 2005 2006 Total cases deaths cases deaths cases deaths cases deaths cases deaths Cambodia 0 0 0 0 4 4 0 0 4 4 China 0 0 0 0 8 5 7 4 15 9 Indonesia 0 0 0 0 17 11 10 9 27 20 Iraq 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 Thailand 0 0 17 12 5 2 0 0 22 14 Turkey 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 4 12 4 Viet Nam 3 3 29 20 61 19 0 0 93 42 Total 3 3 46 32 95 41 31 19 175 95 Total number of cases includes number of deaths. WHO reports only laboratory-confirmed cases. For more information, please contact: Aphaluck Bhatiasevi Communications Officer World Health Organization (China) 401, Dongwai Diplomatic Office Building, 23 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Beijing 100600, People's Republic of China Mobile: +86-136-1117-4072 Tel: +86-10-6532-5687 Fax: +86-10-6532-2359 Email: bhatiasevia@chn.wpro.who.int SOURCE World Health Organization
2007'02.01.Thu
CEVA Expands Global Presence With New Sales and Support Office in Shanghai, China

March 07, 2006

Move Strengthens CEVA's Commitment to Expanding Customer Base in China's Booming Semiconductor Industry
SAN JOSE, Calif., March 7 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- CEVA, Inc. (Nasdaq: CEVA; LSE: CVA), the leading licensor of digital signal processor (DSP) cores, multimedia, GPS and storage platforms to the semiconductor industry, today announced the opening of a new sales and support office in Shanghai, China. This new facility will provide local support to CEVA's growing numbers of customers in China and target new business development for CEVA in the region. (Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051010/CEVALOGO ) At a recent semiconductor summit in Shanghai, industry forecasters reported that China produced approximately 30 billion integrated circuits last year -- a year-over-year increase of 36.7 percent. More specific to the CEVA opportunity there, market research firm Forward Concepts has reported that China represents one of the fastest-growing markets for DSPs, and is already the largest market for cellular and consumer electronics chips, with a regional share that is estimated to be worth $10 billion by 2010. CEVA's establishment of a direct presence in China is driven by the growing number of engagements with customers and partners in the region -- including a recently announced agreement with Spreadtrum Communications who licensed and utilize the CEVA-TeakLite, CEVA-Teak and CEVA-X1620 DSP cores to develop baseband processors for 2/2.5/3G wireless handsets. CEVA's Vice President of Sales in Asia, Gweltaz Toquet, said, "China represents a major growth market for CEVA and the CEVA-TeakLite and CEVA-X DSP cores are emerging as the "DSPs of Choice" for portable multimedia devices and 3G mobile phones here. We understand the increasingly important role that Chinese companies are playing in the worldwide consumer electronics and wireless handsets markets, and through the addition of local sales and support in the region, we aim to develop our partnerships with our existing customers and to grow our customer base in the region." The CEVA China office is located at: Room 420, 4/F., Apollo Business Center, No.1440, Yan An Road (C), Shanghai 200040, PR China. The telephone number is +86 21 610 31719 and fax is +86 21 610 31720. About CEVA, Inc. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., CEVA is the leading licensor of digital signal processor (DSP) cores, multimedia, GPS and storage platforms to the semiconductor industry. CEVA licenses a family of programmable DSP cores, associated SoC system platforms and a portfolio of application platforms including multimedia, audio, Voice over Packet (VoP), GPS location, Bluetooth, Serial Attached SCSI and Serial ATA (SATA). In 2005 CEVA's IP was shipped in over 115 million devices. CEVA was created through the merger of the DSP licensing division of DSP Group and Parthus Technologies. For more information, visit http://www.ceva-dsp.com . Visit CEVA at ESC China - Booth 1Q18 For more information, please contact: Richard Kingston of CEVA, Inc. Tel: +1-408-514-2976 Email: richard.kingston@ceva-dsp.com Mike Sottak of Wired Island, Ltd. Tel: +1-408-876-4418 Email: mike@wiredislandpr.com, for CEVA, Inc. SOURCE CEVA, Inc.
2007'02.01.Thu
Symbol Technologies Sets New Industry Standard For Mobile Computer Support

March 06, 2006

Symbol 'Service from the Start' Now Includes Comprehensive Coverage at No Additional Cost
HOLTSVILLE, N.Y., March 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), today announced that mobile computing product purchases with "Service from the Start" contracts will now include all repairs for the entire device, including accidental damage to displays and keypads, at no additional cost. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041029/SYMBOLOGO ) Symbol's comprehensive coverage with "Service from the Start" is a three-year service agreement that includes a three-day turn-around for products sent to Symbol repair centers, Internet access to technical documentation and telephone access to support engineers. Symbol's comprehensive coverage simplifies the repair process by covering all repairs, including displays, keypads, plastics and internal components, thus significantly reducing costs and delays for customers. "Symbol is known for rugged and reliable products, which means predictability when the customer makes a technology investment," said Art O'Donnell, senior vice president and general manager of Symbol's Global Services Division and Chief Quality Officer. "By including comprehensive coverage with Service from the Start, Symbol is going one step further to protect the customer, so even the unexpected worst case scenario will not impact their bottom line. With Symbol Services, you're covered - period." Comprehensive coverage with "Service from the Start" is available today, worldwide for the MC1000, MC3000, and MC9000 series of mobile computers, as well as the MC50 and MC70 Enterprise Digital Assistant (EDA). Symbol Global Services is an integral part of an enterprise mobility strategy to make every element of the solution work together to achieve customers' business goals. To learn more about Symbol Global Services, visit http://www.symbol.com/services . About Symbol Technologies Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading companies. More information is available at http://www.symbol.com . For more information, please contact: Media Ed Tan, Symbol Technologies, Inc. Tel: +1-408-528-2996 Email: ed.tan@symbol.com Emily Chamberlin, Edelman Tel: +1-650-429-2734 Email: emily.chamberlin@edelman.com Investors-Analysts Lori Chaitman, Symbol Technologies, Inc. Email: lori.chaitman@symbol.com Nancy Coco, Symbol Technologies, Inc. Tel: +1-631-738-5050 Shirley Schroedl, Symbol Technologies, Inc. Tel: +1-631-738-4823 Email: shirley.schroedl@symbol.com SOURCE Symbol Technologies, Inc.
2007'02.01.Thu
India's National Institute for Pharmaceutical Education and Research Hosts InnoCentive Conference

March 06, 2006

Leading Experts Present and Discuss Issues Affecting India's Burgeoning Pharmaceutical R&D Community
CHANDIGARH, India, March 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- InnoCentive today announced that its annual conference was held at the Indian government's National Institute for Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), in Chandigarh, Punjab, on Saturday, March 4, 2006. This year's event theme was, "InnoCentive Innovation Series: Value Addition to Natural Products." Five prominent speakers from prestigious Indian universities and institutes addressed the conference that was attended by scientists, students and research firms from across the country. (Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060306/SFM094 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050919/SFM013 ) Commenting on the successful event, Ali Hussein, InnoCentive's chief marketing officer, vice president of global markets, said, "Having India's prestigious National Institute for Pharmaceutical Education and Research agree to host this year's conference was a clear statement of the importance that the Indian pharmaceutical industry places on innovation and global collaboration, both hallmarks of InnoCentive's business model." Hussein added, "We were also delighted to have the strong support and active participation by some of India's leading scholars in the pharmaceutical field, who shared their knowledge on R&D issues affecting India's pharmaceutical industry. Hussein addressed the conference along with Dr. P. Ramarao, Professor, Director, NIPER; Dr. Bijoy Kundu, deputy director, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow; Dr. Virinder S. Parmar, professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi; Dr. G.N. Qazi, director, Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu; Dr. Mukund K. Gurjar, deputy director, Division of Organic Chemistry: Technology at the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune; and Dr. K.K. Bhutani, dean, NIPER's Department of Natural Products. Declared an "Institute of National Importance" by the Indian government, NIPER is located in the city of Chandigarh in India's Punjab province, and was established as a center for advanced studies and research for the pharmaceutical sciences. NIPER operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. The institute provides leadership for the pharmaceutical sciences and related areas not only within India, but also to countries in South East Asia, South Asia and Africa. InnoCentive offers companies an opportunity to increase their R&D potential by posting challenges to a confidential online forum and gaining access to leading scientific minds. InnoCentive has developed a solid global brand with their unique virtual R&D network of over 90,000 scientists spanning more than 175 countries that has greatly helped companies reduce the escalating costs and shorten the time required to bring products to market. InnoCentive's goal is to further advance scientific research and collaboration in worldwide markets. About InnoCentive InnoCentive is the first online forum that allows world-class scientists and science-based companies to collaborate in a global scientific community to achieve innovative solutions to complex challenges. Companies including Boeing, Eli Lilly and Company, Procter & Gamble and others, which collectively spend billions of dollars on R&D, post scientific problems confidentially on the InnoCentive Web site where more than 90,000 scientists and scientific organizations in more than 175 countries can solve them. Scientists who deliver solutions that best meet InnoCentive's challenge requirements receive financial awards ranging up to and over $100,000. To learn more and to register as an InnoCentive Solver, visit the InnoCentive Web site at http://www.innocentive.com. NOTE: InnoCentive and InnoCentive Challenge are registered trademarks of InnoCentive, Inc. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. For more information, please contact: Ali Hussein Chief Marketing Officer, Vice President of Global Markets of InnoCentive Tel: +1-978-482-3366 Micky Huang Tel: +1-510-226-6780 ext.154, Email: innocentive-pr@e21corp.com SOURCE InnoCentive, Inc.
2007'02.01.Thu
Xinhua Far East Assigns AA Issuer Credit Rating to Shanghai Municipal Raw Water Co Ltd

March 06, 2006

HONG KONG, March 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Xinhua Far East China Ratings today assigned Shanghai Municipal Raw Water Co Ltd ("Shanghai Raw Water" or "the Company", SH A 600649) with an AA domestic currency issuer credit rating. The Company's rating outlook is stable. The rating reflects Shanghai Raw Water's monopolistic position in water supply and wastewater treatment markets in Shanghai based on its dominance of natural resources and the support from municipal government. The shortage of water supply in Shanghai and the construction of Phase III of the Yangtze River Water Diversion Project will provide a healthy base for the Company's long-term growth. Shanghai Raw Water's stable cash flow and its low debt burden are also important considerations in its AA rating. On the other hand, Xinhua Far East acknowledges the pressure on the Company's water processing costs and gross margin due to environmental impacts, but believes its operating efficiencies and stable investment incomes will continue counteracting these challenges. The Company's major business lines - water supply and wastewater treatment -- are non-cyclical activities with very low exposure to economic fluctuations. Shanghai Raw Water enjoys an unparalleled position in both of these markets in Shanghai, providing the city with 95% of its fresh water supply and effectively dominating the wastewater treatment market. The shortage of water supply and growth in demand in Shanghai provide ample opportunities for the Company's long-term growth. Also playing a role in its future profit earnings ability is the implementation of Phase III of the Yangtze River Water Diversion Project, which is set to enlarge the Company's water supply capacity by 13%. Xinhua Far East acknowledges the Company's sound financial profile and conservative debt policy in recent years. Stable cash flow and negligible leverage ratios allow the Company to have superior financial flexibility among its domestic peers. Although the Water Diversion Project will incur large capital expenditures in the short-term, Xinhua Far East does not expect it to exert much pressure on the Company's financial leverage. Shanghai Raw Water is Shanghai's largest raw water supplier and largest wastewater treatment provider. In 2004, it supplied 1.72 billion cubic meters of raw water and treated 584 million cubic meters of wastewater, accounting for 74.3% and 24.5% of its total revenue respectively. Shanghai Chengtou Corporation, a subsidiary wholly-owned by the state-owned Asset Administration Commission of the Shanghai Municipal Government, is the largest shareholder with a 54.42% stake in the Company. Shanghai Municipal Raw Water Co Ltd is also a large cap company in the Xinhua/FTSE China A50 Index. As of March 3, 2006, its total market cap equaled RMB 11.2 billion with investable market cap of RMB 3.4 billion. For the rating report summary, please visit http://www.xinhuafinance.com/creditrating . Note to Editors: About FTSE/Xinhua China A50 Index The FTSE/Xinhua China A50 Index is a real-time tradable index comprising the largest 50 A Share companies by full market capitalization. Designed to meet the needs of QFIIs, it can be used as a basis for both on-exchange and OTC derivative products, mutual funds and ETFs. For daily data and further information, see http://www.xinhuaftse.com . About Xinhua Far East China Ratings Xinhua Far East China Ratings (Xinhua Far East) is a pioneering venture in China that aims to rank credit risks among corporations in China. It is a strategic alliance between Xinhua Finance (TSE Mothers: 9399), and Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd. Shanghai Far East became a Xinhua Finance partner company in 2003 and the first China member of The Association of Credit Rating Agencies in Asia in December 2003. Capitalizing on the synergy between Xinhua Finance and Shanghai Far East, Xinhua Far East's rating methodology and process blend unique local market knowledge with international rating standards. Xinhua Far East is committed to provide investors with independent, objective, timely and forward-looking credit opinions on Chinese companies. It aims to help investors differentiate the credit risks among the corporations in China, thereby, cultivating their awareness and promoting information disclosures and transparency in China market. For more information, see http://www.xfn.com/creditrating . About Xinhua Finance Limited Xinhua Finance Limited is China's unchallenged leader in financial information and media, and is listed on the Mothers board of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (symbol: 9399) (OTC ADRs: XHFNY). Bridging China's financial markets and the world, Xinhua Finance serves financial institutions, corporations and re-distributors through four focused and complementary service lines: Indices, Ratings, Financial News and Investor Relations. Founded in November 1999, the Company is headquartered in Shanghai with 21 news bureaus and offices in 18 locations across Asia, Australia, North America and Europe. For more information, please visit http://www.xinhuafinance.com . About Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd. is the first and leading professional credit rating company with comprehensive business coverage in China. It is an independent agency established by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences with the mission to develop internationally accepted standards for capital market in China. The company is a pioneer in conducting bond-rating business in China. For years, it has been authorized by the Shanghai branch of the PBOC to undertake loan certificate credit rating. Since establishment, it has rated over 1,000 corporate long-term bonds and commercial papers, based on the principles of objectivity, fairness and independence. The company has also maintained over 50% market share in the loan certificate-rating sector in Shanghai for three consecutive years. With its strong local presence and knowledge, it provides investors with unique and the most insightful credit opinion. For more information, see http://www.fareast-cr.com . For more information, please contact: Hong Kong Joy Tsang, Corporate & Investor Communications Director, Xinhua Finance Tel: +852-3196-3983, +8621-6113-5999 or +852-9486-4364 Email: joy.tsang@xinhuafinance.com US David Leeney, Taylor Rafferty (IR/PR Contact in US) Tel: +1-212-889-4350 Email: david.Leeney@taylor-rafferty.com SOURCE Xinhua Far East China Ratings
2007'02.01.Thu
Xinhua Finance to provide stock index quotes to Chinese newspaper for publication

March 06, 2006

SHANGHAI, March 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Xinhua Finance (TSE Mothers: 9399 and OTC: XHFNY), China's unchallenged leader in financial information and media, today announced that the Economic Observer, a weekly Chinese financial and business newspaper, has agreed to publish the Xinhua FTSE stock index quotes in each issue. A number of other Chinese media also publish the Xinhua FTSE stock index data on a daily or regular basis, including Shanghai Securities News, China Daily, Beijing Morning News, Shenzhen Evening News and Money Journal. The Xinhua FTSE stock index series is the leading stock index used for benchmarking the China equity markets and for the creation of financial products including exchange traded funds around the world. Economic Observer, published by Shandong Economic Observer Co. Ltd, has a national distribution of over 400,000. It is considered to be one of the top business and financial information newspapers in China. EconWorld, the Hong Kong publishing company and a subsidiary of Xinhua Finance last month signed an exclusive agreement with Shandong Economic Observer Co. Ltd to organize financial information seminars across China. Xinhua Finance CEO Fredy Bush said she was delighted that Economic Observer has decided to publish the Xinhua FTSE index data. "The Economic Observer is a well-respected financial newspaper and we believe that it will provide a good additional platform for the Xinhua FTSE indices," Ms Bush said. Notes to Editors: About Xinhua Finance Limited Xinhua Finance Limited is China's unchallenged leader in financial information and media, and is listed on the Mothers board of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (symbol: 9399) (OTC ADRs: XHFNY). Bridging China's financial markets and the world, Xinhua Finance serves financial institutions, corporations and re-distributors through four focused and complementary service lines: Indices, Ratings, Financial News and Investor Relations. Founded in November 1999, the Company is headquartered in Shanghai with 21 news bureaus and offices in 18 locations across Asia, Australia, North America and Europe. For more information, please visit http://www.xinhuafinance.com . About Economic Observer Established in April 2001, Economic Observer is a highly market-driven newspaper in China and has become one of the most influential weeklies of this complicated and fascinating country. Based in Beijing, Economic Observer is set to establish itself as a highly esteemed newspaper with a global perspective. With more than 100 young, talented and ambitious journalists, Economic Observer has created a new model for today's Chinese media. With the slogan "Rational and Constructive", a warm, lively, assiduous, and open-minded team is trying its best to present the readers with in-depth analysis and stories. Economic Observer is a favorite of government officials, business leaders and well-educated urban citizens. Its circulation is 400,000, mainly in big cities of China. For more information, please visit http://www.eobserver.com.cn . For more information, please contact: Xinhua Finance Hong Kong/Shanghai Ms. Joy Tsang Tel: +852-3196-3983 or +852-9486-4364 or +86-21-6113-5999 Email: joy.tsang@xinhuafinance.com Japan Mr. Sun Jiong Tel: +81-3-3221-9500 Email: jsun@xinhuafinance.com Taylor Rafferty (IR Contact) Japan Mr. James Hawrylak Tel: +81-3-5733-2621 Email: James.hawrylak@taylor-rafferty.com United States Mr. David Leeney Tel: +1-212-889-4350 Email: xinhuafinance@taylor-rafferty.com SOURCE Xinhua Finance Limited
2007'02.01.Thu
Xinhua Far East Assigns AA- Issuer Credit Rating to Aluminum Corporation of China Ltd

March 06, 2006

HONG KONG, March 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Xinhua Far East China Ratings today assigned Aluminum Corporation of China Ltd ("Chalco" or "the Company", HK 2600; NYSE: ACH) with an AA- domestic currency issuer credit rating. The company's rating outlook is stable. The rating reflects Chalco's dominant position in China's growing alumina production industry as well as its sound financial profile over recent years. China's robust demand for aluminum products, the Company's unparallel advantage over access to raw materials and favorable government policies are important factors in securing its AA- rating. Fast-growing aluminum consumption in China in recent years has created mounting alumina shortages, and Xinhua Far East expects this trend to continue in line with the country's economic growth. Even so, China's aluminum consumption per capita cannot be compared to the consumption levels in developed countries, with the proportion used for industrial purposes still relatively low. As such, there is further growth potential in this market in the long run. The Company enjoys absolute monopolistic market power, with its alumina production counting for almost all the nation's output. Xinhua Far East believes this leading position will remain unshakable in the near future as a result of its control over natural resources and the government support it enjoys. The four provinces in which Chalco's alumina plants operate hold more than 90% of the country's bauxite resources -- the primary raw material used to produce alumina. More importantly, China's current policy imposes tight restrictions on new alumina projects, a situation which, in effect, reinforces Chalco's dominant position. The new rating also reflects Chalco's sound financial profile -- a result of rapidly increasing sales volumes and soaring product prices, both of which have provided Chalco with solid cash flow and strong earnings ability. The Company's leverage ratio has declined significantly, with gross debt to total capital ratio reaching 28.6% on June 30, 2005. Moreover, its foreseeable IPO in the domestic capital market should alleviate the financial burden imposed by future capital expenditure required to expand its existing alumina capacity. As such, Xinhua Far East does not expect Chalco's debt ratio to be elevated in the medium term. However, Xinhua Far East also takes into consideration the fact that Chalco's main advantage lies to a greater degree in policy support rather than its own operational and management efficiency. As China's economy becomes increasingly market-oriented, the Company will gradually face the introduction of competitors into the alumina sector. The need to vertically integrate to guard against market fluctuation (mostly in respect to its downstream aluminum products) will also bring demand for capital expenditure. Moreover, the government's recent efforts to contain overinvestment in the downstream electrolytic aluminum sector and the nation's strategy to discourage excessive consumption of energy and resources to achieve sustainable development are likely to dampen aluminum demand growth and alumina prices in the medium term. These are the major factors that constrain Chalco's rating on the AA- level. Chalco is China's largest producer of both alumina and primary aluminum. In 2004, it produced 6.82 million tons of alumina and 770,000 tons of primary aluminum, accounting for 96.9% and 11.5% of the country's total output. Revenue totaled RMB 33.2 billion in 2004, 39% higher than 2003. As of June 30, 2005, Chalco owned nine alumina or aluminum producing subsidiaries and one research institute. Aluminum Corporation of China is Chalco's largest shareholder, with a 42.14% stake in the Company. Chalco is also a large cap company in the Xinhua/FTSE China 25 Index. As of March 3, 2006, its total market cap was HKD 93.9 billion with investable market cap of HKD 18.8 billion. For the rating report summary, please visit www.xinhuafinance.com/creditrating . Note to Editors: About Xinhua/FTSE China 25 Index Xinhua/FTSE China 25 Index is a real-time tradable index designed for use as the basis for both on-exchange and OTC derivative products, mutual funds and ETFs. The index includes the largest 25 Chinese companies comprising H shares and Red Chip shares, ranked by total market capitalization. The index is designed to meet fund regulatory requirements worldwide, with constituent weightings capped, in order to avoid over-concentration in any one stock. For daily data and further information, see http://www.xinhuaftse.com . About Xinhua Far East China Ratings Xinhua Far East China Ratings (Xinhua Far East) is a pioneering venture in China that aims to rank credit risks among corporations in China. It is a strategic alliance between Xinhua Finance (TSE Mothers: 9399), and Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd. Shanghai Far East became a Xinhua Finance partner company in 2003 and the first China member of The Association of Credit Rating Agencies in Asia in December 2003. Capitalizing on the synergy between Xinhua Finance and Shanghai Far East, Xinhua Far East's rating methodology and process blend unique local market knowledge with international rating standards. Xinhua Far East is committed to provide investors with independent, objective, timely and forward-looking credit opinions on Chinese companies. It aims to help investors differentiate the credit risks among the corporations in China, thereby, cultivating their awareness and promoting information disclosures and transparency in China market. For more information, see http://www.xfn.com/creditrating . About Xinhua Finance Limited Xinhua Finance Limited is China's unchallenged leader in financial information and media, and is listed on the Mothers board of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (symbol: 9399) (OTC ADRs: XHFNY). Bridging China's financial markets and the world, Xinhua Finance serves financial institutions, corporations and re-distributors through four focused and complementary service lines: Indices, Ratings, Financial News and Investor Relations. Founded in November 1999, the Company is headquartered in Shanghai with 21 news bureaus and offices in 18 locations across Asia, Australia, North America and Europe. For more information, please visit http://www.xinhuafinance.com . About Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd Shanghai Far East Credit Rating Co., Ltd. is the first and leading professional credit rating company with comprehensive business coverage in China. It is an independent agency established by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences with the mission to develop internationally accepted standards for capital market in China. The company is a pioneer in conducting bond-rating business in China. For years, it has been authorized by the Shanghai branch of the PBOC to undertake loan certificate credit rating. Since establishment, it has rated over 1,000 corporate long-term bonds and commercial papers, based on the principles of objectivity, fairness and independence. The company has also maintained over 50% market share in the loan certificate-rating sector in Shanghai for three consecutive years. With its strong local presence and knowledge, it provides investors with unique and the most insightful credit opinion. For more information, see http://www.fareast-cr.com . For more information, please contact: Hong Kong Joy Tsang, Corporate & Investor Communications Director, Xinhua Finance Tel: +852-3196-3983, +8621-6113-5999 or +852-9486-4364 Email: joy.tsang@xinhuafinance.com US David Leeney, Taylor Rafferty (IR/PR Contact in US) Tel: +1-212-889-4350 Email: david.Leeney@taylor-rafferty.com SOURCE Xinhua Far East China Ratings
2007'02.01.Thu
Zino Davidoff: A Legend Turns 100

March 06, 2006

BASEL, Switzerland, March 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- A very special event is coming up shortly: 11 March 2006 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Zino Davidoff -- the founder of the now world-renowned brand that stands for cigar pleasure of the highest order. Once a refugee from the Ukraine, Zino Davidoff has grown to become a byword for pleasure and lifestyle. He raised his conviction to a philosophy: "The Good Life" -- that is the art of living and of experiencing the best moments in life with feeling and spirit. That is true lifestyle, that was -- and still is -- Davidoff. Zino Davidoff, who was born on 11 March 1906 in the Ukrainian city of Kiev, was a man with a keen sense of the essential, who understood how to savour the moment. "Smoke less, but better and longer - make a cult of it, a philosophy!" was his credo. He made it his goal to enrich life through pleasure and never lost sight of this aim. In 1930, he expanded the family tobacco shop in Geneva by adding the first special cellar for optimum storage of cigars. Then, in 1946, he created his famous "Chateau" line - cigars which he named after great Bordeaux wines. 1970 saw him join forces with his long-standing friend Dr. Ernst Schneider and the acquisition of the Geneva shop by the old-established family business Oettinger from Basel. With this began the development of Davidoff into a sought-after brand that met with success across the globe. Then as now, Davidoff cigars have always been an art in their own right and satisfy the most discerning customers. The tobaccos used are sourced in the Dominican Republic, yet each series of Davidoff cigars has its own special composition and its own individual character. The secret to the success of Davidoff products lies in the seamless intertwining of tradition, innovation and a sense of elegant functionality. To mark this biographic milestone, cigar aficionado and renowned German author Dieter H. Wirtz has published a lively and knowledgeable biography recounting the life and philosophy of this world-renowned cigar connoisseur. The entertaining work bears the title "Davidoff -- Legende, Mythos, Wirklichkeit" (Davidoff -- Legend, Myth, Reality). It is a piece of enthralling contemporary history that throws new light on many facets of Zino Davidoff's life. The German version of the book is available from bookshops since 1 March 2006. The English version will be available from 1 June 2006. Cross reference: picture is distributed via EPA (European Pressphoto Agency) For more information, please contact: Press office Headquarter Oettinger Davidoff Group Corporate Communications Tel.: +41 61 279 36 36 E-mail: media@davidoff.com http://www.davidoff.com Press office for the United States Davidoff of Geneva (CT) Inc. Samuel Russell Tel.: +1 203 323 5811 E-mail: srussell@davidoffusa.com Press office for Belgium Zabia S.A. John Vercammen Tel.: +32 2 478 17 16 E-mail: vercammen@davidoff.ch Press office for Holland W. Pronk Import B.V. Han de Wit Tel.: +31 20 695 50 01 E-mail: hdewit@davidoff.ch SOURCE Oettinger Davidoff Group
2007'02.01.Thu
AU Optronics February 2006 Sales Total at NT$21.6 Billion

March 06, 2006

HSINCHU, Taiwan, March 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO) today announced preliminary consolidated and unconsolidated February 2006 monthly revenues of NT$21,597 million and NT$21,594 million respectively, both representing a slight 2.7% sequential decline. On a year-over-year comparison, February 2006 consolidated revenues increased by 87.5%, while unconsolidated net sales rose by 87.6%. February shipments of large-sized panels (a) used in desktop monitors, notebook PCs, LCD TVs and other applications increased 6.5% sequentially, reached 3.19 million units, while shipments of small-and-medium-sized panels increased a marginal 0.5% sequentially totaled 4.74 million units. (a) Large-size refers to panels that are 10 inches and above in diagonal measurement while small- and medium-size refers to those below 10 inches. Sales Report: (Unit: NT$ million) Net Sales (1) (2) Consolidated(3) Unconsolidated February 2006 21,597 21,594 January 2006 22,200 22,200 M-o-M Growth (2.7%) (2.7%) February 2005 11,517 11,511 Y-o-Y Growth 87.5% 87.6% Jan to Feb 2006 43,797 43,794 Jan to Feb 2005 24,219 24,200 Y-o-Y Growth 80.8% 81.0% (1) All figures are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Taiwan. (2) Monthly figures are unaudited, prepared by AU Optronics Corp. (3) Consolidated numbers include AU Optronics Corp., AU Optronics (L) Corporation, AU Optronics (Suzhou) Corporation and AU Optronics (Shanghai) Corporation. About AU Optronics AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO") is the world's third largest manufacturer* of large-size thin film transistor liquid crystal display panels ("TFT-LCD"), with approximately 14.2%* of global market share and generated revenue of NT$217.4billion (US$6.75 bn)* in 2005. TFT-LCD technology is currently the most widely used flat panel display technology. Targeted for 40"+ sized LCD TV panels, AUO's next generation (7.5-Generation) fabrication facility production is scheduled for mass production in 4Q 2006. The Company currently operates one 6th-generation, three 5th-generation, one 4th-generation, and three 3.5-generation TFT- LCD fabs, in addition to four module assembly facilities and an R&D fab specializing in low temperature poly silicon TFT and organic LED. AUO is one of few top-tier TFT-LCD manufacturers capable of offering a wide range of small- to large- size (1.5"-46") TFT-LCD panels, which enables it to offer a broad and diversified product portfolio. * As shown on Display Search Quarterly Large-Area TFT-LCD Shipment Report dated Mar 1, 2006. This data is used as reference only and AUO does not make any endorsement or representation in connection therewith. 2005 year end revenue converted by an exchange rate of NTD32.2039:USD1. For more information, please contact: Yawen Hsiao Corporate Communications Dept. AU Optronics Corp. Tel: +886-3500-8899 x3211 Fax: +886-3-577-2730 Email: yawenhsiao@auo.com SOURCE AU Optronics Corp.
2007'02.01.Thu
Reed MIDEM to Launch MIPIM Asia in 2006

March 06, 2006

PARIS, March 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Reed MIDEM, the organizer of international tradeshows for professionals, announces that it will open MIPIM Asia in Hong Kong in September 2006. "This is an exciting expansion for us," says Paul Zilk, Chief Executive Officer of Reed MIDEM. "MIPIM Asia will bring property professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region together with Asian and international investors. Our choice of Hong Kong is the result of research and consultation with our clients and reflects the pivotal position of Hong Kong within the region." MIPIM Asia will be based on the MIPIM international property market concept. The 17th edition of MIPIM, which will take place next week in Cannes, France, will attract over 20,000 property professionals this year from 74 countries. "MIPIM provides over 2,000 companies with the chance to exhibit their expertise. It is also a major conference and networking event designed to help the 5,500 exhibiting and visiting companies to maximise their business opportunities. MIPIM Asia will seek to replicate this successful format," notes Paul Zilk. Note to Editors Reed MIDEM is a leading organiser of professional, international tradeshows. Reed MIDEM events, have established themselves as key dates in professional diaries. The company hosts MIPDOC, MIPTV, MIPCOM JUNIOR, MIPCOM and MILIA for the television and multimedia industries, MIDEM for music professionals, MIPIM and MAPIC for the property sector and GLOBAL CITY for international urban management experts. Reed MIDEM is a division of Reed Exhibitions, the world leader in the organisation of some 460 events in 38 countries. For more information, please contact: Mike Williams, Director of Press and Public Relations, Reed MIDEM Tel: +33-0-1-41-90-49-33 Email: mike.williams@reedmidem.com SOURCE Reed MIDEM
2007'02.01.Thu
Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment Selects BigWorld Technology Suite for Stargate Worlds MMORPG

March 06, 2006

MESA, Ariz., March 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment, a rising game development company, today announced that they have chosen the BigWorld Technology Suite as the platform for their ground-breaking new MMORPG, Stargate Worlds. This officially licensed MGM property is the first massively multiplayer game based on the Stargate series, and promises to deliver all of the SG-1 & Atlantis exploration, conflict and excitement to players around the world. "We evaluated many client server solutions to aid us in creating a truly breakthrough next-generation MMO," said Joe Ybarra, Vice President of Product Development at Cheyenne Mountain. "But by far the best overall solution for us is BigWorld's powerful client/server engine and streamlined production toolset. We are excited to be teaming up with them on this project." The BigWorld Technology Suite is an integrated set of tools, software and systems that provides all of the underlying technology and content development tools required to produce an MMOG. "The Stargate universe has evolved to be one of the most recognized Sci-fi brands in recent times," said Gavin Longhurst, Director of Business Development for BigWorld, "We are thrilled to see such an experienced and talented team as Cheyenne Mountain using BigWorld Technology to bring this visually stunning universe into the highly interactive, compelling online experience that fans and gamers want." BigWorld Technology Suite provides operators and studios with a lower total time-to-build and cost of ownership through several innovations. The BigWorld Server architecture allows operators to run several games on a single server cluster, dramatically reducing the cost of running the game, while the enhanced Content Creation Pipeline reduces the time and cost of building and filling out the complex worlds required in next-generation games. About BigWorld Pty Ltd and the BigWorld Technology Suite Comprised of the BigWorld Server Software, Content Creation Pipeline, 3D Client Engine Package, Live Management Tools & Instrumentation, BigWorld Technology Suite is the only complete MMOG solution, providing all of the difficult to produce technology required to produce an engaging next-generation MMOG. BigWorld Pty Ltd was formed in 2002 to commercialize years of intense R&D, which started in 1999 and continues to this day. BigWorld Pty Ltd is a privately held company based in Australia that licenses its BigWorld Technology Suite middleware platform to game studios and publishers around the world that are looking to produce successful next generation Massively Multiplayer Online Games. http://www.bigworldtech.com About Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment(TM) Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment(TM) was founded with the goal of becoming a leading developer of entertainment software products. Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment's first product is an MMO-RPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) based on the popular science fiction television series, Stargate(TM) SG-1 and Stargate(TM) Atlantis. For more info on the company, visit the company's website at http://www.cheyenneme.com . For more info on Stargate Worlds, visit the new community site at http://www.stargateworlds.com . Press Contact for BigWorld Pty Ltd Maretta Buckley Marketing Assistant Phone: +61-2-6162-5120 Email: press@bigworldtech.com Press Contact for Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment Sara Baker Marketing Director Phone: +1-480-281-1882 Email: sbaker@cheyenneme.com SOURCE BigWorld Pty Ltd
2007'02.01.Thu
Private Sector Involvement in HIV/AIDS Awareness Raising

March 03, 2006

BEIJING, March 3 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- EPIN Media and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are cooperating to display HIV/AIDS education and awareness audio visual materials on board trains in China. EPIN Media currently operates plasma TV advertisement outlets on trains and will begin showing the Yao Ming/Magic Johnson HIV/AIDS stigma reduction public service announcement (PSA) on up to 50 routes across China. According to the "2005 Update on the HIV/AIDS Epidemic and Response in China" recently released by the Ministry of Health and UNAIDS, HIV/AIDS awareness among China's migrant workers and the general population remains dangerously low, which is a reason for the continued stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. By raising the HIV/AIDS awareness among the general population, the Yao/Magic PSA aims to reduce the stigma and discrimination people living with HIV/AIDS face in society. There is an urgent need to strengthen the general population's knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS, and private media organizations are in a perfect position to facilitate efficient and sustained distribution of HIV/AIDS education and awareness messages. By using its unique technological and market advantage in the private media sector, EPIN Media is substantively supporting China's multi-sectoral response by providing potentially millions of train passengers, including migrant workers, students and businessmen, continuous access to HIV/AIDS educational materials through its TV advertisement platforms. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a co-sponsor of UNAIDS and member of the Theme Group on HIV/AIDS in China, works with the private sector to mobilize resources and use their individual market advantage to become fully engaged with HIV/AIDS in the workplace and support prevention and awareness activities in communities. Over the past year, other private media firms have aired the Yao/Magic PSA on Beijing public buses, Beijing taxis and local TV stations throughout China through the efforts of Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center. EPIN Technologies, Ltd, was founded in 2002, and is a leading player in China's new media industry. Its unique innovative business model perfectly combines EPIN's Holomedia, which integrates audio, video, network and mobile technologies as one single media platform. This cutting-edge platform is being deployed in China railway system, and covers both express trains and major railway stations. EPIN Media is providing audio/video program, internet access and mobile value-added services to China's 1.5 billion railway travelers every year. UNDP is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners. The Yao Ming/Magic Johnson public service announcement was produced by the China AIDS Media Project and supported by the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, China Academy of Medical Sciences AIDS Research Center, Ministry of Health and the National Basketball Association (NBA). For press queries, please contact: Ms. Xu Lin (Selina), General Manager, EPIN Media Tel: +86-10-8885-4923 x6806 Email: xulin@epinmedia.com Mr. Edmund Settle, Programme Specialist on HIV/AIDS, UNDP Tel: +86-10-6532-3731 x296 Email: edmund.settle@undp.org Ms. Zhang Wei, Communications Officer of UNDP in China Tel: +86-10-6532-3731 x228 or +86-139-1007-3809 Email: wei.zhang@undp.org Web: http://www.undp.org.cn SOURCE United Nations Development Programme
2007'02.01.Thu
Silicon Motion Brings World's Fastest USB 2.0 Flash Disk Controller to Market

March 03, 2006

TAIPEI, Taiwan, March 3 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Silicon Motion today announced that it has achieved successful customer implementation of the world's fastest USB 2.0 flash disk controller. The Taiwan-based, NASDAQ-listed (Nasdaq: SIMO) semiconductor company said that its customers have already produced products based on its SM321E and SM324 USB 2.0 flash disk controller chips. Silicon Motion revealed that its customers will release in March new products which will include USB 2.0 flash disk drives with built-in fingerprint sensors and capacity displays based on the SM321E and SM324 flash disk controller chips. The introduction of Silicon Motion's new controllers has raised the bar for the industry's offerings of USB 2.0 flash disk product lines. The SM324 supports dual-channel data transfer at read speeds of 233x (35MB/sec) and write speeds of 160x (24MB/sec), making it the fastest USB 2.0 flash disk controller in the market. The SM324 also has serial peripheral interface (SPI) which allows for not only Master and Slave modes, but gives customers the flexibility to develop more functionality into their USB flash disk (UFD) products such as GPS, fingerprint sensor, Bluetooth and memory-capacity display. "The USB flash drive market is very competitive, so we have chosen to bundle as much functionality into our SMT321E and SM324 as possible in order to give customers more flexibility as well as speed up their time to market," said Wallace Kou, President and CEO of Silicon Motion. In addition to providing faster speed and more functionality than any other UFD controller, Silicon Motion's SM321E and SM324 controllers support more types of flash memory than alternatives offered by other semiconductor companies. Supported memory include SLC and MLC NAND flash from Samsung, Hynix, Toshiba and ST Micro as well as flash products from Renesas, Infineon and Micron. "The advantage of choosing a UFD controller which supports a wider array of flash memory is that the customer has flexibility in choosing its flash supplier. We've seen in the past that failure to secure flash supply can hurt a product's chances of success in the market," said Wallace Kou. Silicon Motion's SM321E and SM324 UFD controllers also offer high system integration including Power-On-Reset and Regulator in the chip. Post-fabrication support is provided by in-system programming (ISP) which allows for firmware upgrades. Fabrication of the chips is done on a 0.16-micron CMOS process, putting it at the cutting edge of semiconductor fabrication technology and improving both power consumption and performance. "In order to keep leading the market we continue to launch high-performance products such as the SM321E and SM324, giving Silicon Motion an even stronger reputation for flash support. Flash manufacturers will release more MLCs to the market soon and the demand for controllers that can support MLC flash will grow strongly," said Wallace Kou. Both the SM321E and SM324 UFD controllers support Windows (XP/2000/ME/98/98SE), Mac (OS 9 and X) and Linux (kernel 2.4 and above) operating systems. The SM321E and SM324 have been verified by more than 10 manufacturers including leading international brands. The SM321E is available in a 48-pin LQFP package and a 44-pin LGA package. The SM321E supports up to 4 SLC or MLC NAND flash chips with 4 bytes / 528 bytes ECC. The SM324 is available in a 64-pin LQFP package. The SM324 supports 8 SLC or MLC NAND flash chips with 4 bytes / 528 bytes ECC. ABOUT SILICON MOTION Silicon Motion Technology Corporation is a leading fabless semiconductor company that designs, develops, and markets universally compatible, high-performance, low-power semiconductor solutions for the multimedia consumer electronics market. The Company's semiconductor solutions include controllers used in mobile storage media, such as flash memory cards and USB flash drives, and multimedia systems on a chip, or SoCs, used in digital media devices such as MP3 players, PC cameras, PC notebooks and broadband multimedia phones. This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding trends in the multimedia consumer electronics market and our future results of operations, financial condition and business prospects. Although such statements are based on our own information and information from other sources we believe to be reliable, you should not place undue reliance on them. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual market trends or our actual results of operations, financial condition or business prospects may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward looking statements for a variety of reasons. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, unpredictable volume and timing of customer orders for the SM321E and SM324 controllers, which are not fixed by contract but vary on a purchase order basis; the loss of one or more key customers or the significant reduction, postponement, rescheduling or cancellation of orders from these customers; general economic conditions or conditions in the semiconductor or multimedia consumer electronics markets; decreases in the overall average selling prices of our products; changes in the relative sales mix of our products; changes in our cost of finished goods; the availability, pricing, and timeliness of delivery of other components and raw materials used in our customers' products; our customers' sales outlook, purchasing patterns, and inventory adjustments based on consumer demands and general economic conditions; our ability to successfully develop, introduce, and sell new or enhanced products in a timely manner; and the timing of new product announcements or introductions by us or by our competitors. For additional discussion of these risks and uncertainties and other factors, please see the documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this press release. For more information, please contact: Sara Hsu, Project Manager Tel: +886-2-2219-6688 x3509 Email: sara.hsu@siliconmotion.com.tw SOURCE Silicon Motion Technology Corporation
2007'02.01.Thu
Hundreds of Chinese Teens Tackle Today's Most Critical International Issues Through Global Classrooms(R), an Innovative Program of UNA-USA, in Partnership With Merrill Lynch

March 03, 2006

300 Students From Middle and High Schools Across China Negotiate as UN Ambassadors at the Peking University Model UN Held in Beijing, China on March 3-5
BEIJING, March 3 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Today, more than 300 middle and high school students from all across China will step into the shoes of United Nations ambassadors to debate and resolve current issues at the Peking University National Model UN (PKUMUN) Conference for High School Students, a Global Classrooms program sponsored by the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) and Merrill Lynch. The conference mobilizes students to engage in world issues, such as the transfer of technology to developing countries, human rights and refugees, the Middle East conflict and sustainable development. Students will learn from the expertise of the program's global sponsor, Merrill Lynch, with remarks delivered by Dr. Eddy Bayardelle, president of the Merrill Lynch Foundation. Students also will hear from the president of UNA-USA, Ambassador William H. Luers. This is the second year that Chinese schools are participating in the Global Classrooms program, which brings multilateral issues and the Model UN experience to urban public schools across the US and a diverse array of schools around the world. Global Classrooms reaches out to teachers and students representing diverse socioeconomic, religious and cultural backgrounds. The second Global Classrooms Model UN Conference in Beijing brings together Chinese students and teachers from 34 middle and high schools to promote global citizenship. The gathering, run entirely by university students, presents new opportunities for dialogue and understanding about the issues facing the world among diverse groups of China's youth. "With the world moving so quickly, today's generation of students is more affected by what happens in every corner and on every continent of the world. Global Classrooms provides a strong foundation for understanding international affairs, which is a vital step to peaceful solutions to problems -- whether at the community, regional or global level," said Amb. Luers. Global Classrooms Beijing is made possible through the generous support of Merrill Lynch. A $7.5 million grant from Merrill Lynch allows the program to expand its reach to include the following cities over the next five years: Atlanta, Beirut, Dallas, Detroit, Hong Kong, Hopewell, Johannesburg, London, Mexico City, Miami, Madrid, New Orleans, Paris, Philadelphia, Sao Paulo, Tokyo and Toronto. Global Classrooms is currently active in: Accra, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Monterrey, New Delhi, New York City, St. Paul, Tampa Bay, Tel Aviv and Washington, DC. "Global Classrooms has been successful in exposing students from diverse backgrounds to a more inclusive way of thinking, understanding and interaction," noted Dr. Lucia Rodriguez, vice president of education for UNA-USA. "Armed with this new perspective, students feel empowered to take an active role in shaping their own future." Several of the students participating in the Beijing event will have the opportunity to travel to New York in May and join more than 2,000 students at the UNA-USA Model United Nations Conference held at UN headquarters. The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) is a center for innovative programs to engage Americans in issues of global concern. Its educational and humanitarian campaigns, along with its policy and advocacy programs, allow people to make a global impact at the local level. A not-for-profit organization, UNA-USA encourages strong United States leadership in the United Nations. About Merrill Lynch's Global Philanthropy Merrill Lynch was founded on the idea that the world is full of opportunity. Opening the door to that opportunity for underserved children and youth is the focus of the firm's global philanthropy. In 2004, Merrill-Lynch giving totaled more than $35.5 million, with education receiving nearly half of that support. Merrill Lynch's flagship program Investing Pays Off(R) -- or IPO(R) -- helps create a level playing field for youngsters of all backgrounds through financial literacy and business savvy. The program's strength lies in a free curriculum, the involvement of Merrill Lynch volunteers and online educational resources at http://volunteer.ml.com . Peking University is a comprehensive and National key university in China. The university has made an effective combination of the research on important scientific issues with the training of personnel with high level specialized knowledge and professional skills. It strives not only for the simultaneous improvements in teaching and research work, but also for the promotion of interaction and mutual promotion among various subjects. For more information, please contact: Gracy Wang Tel: +86-10-62751245 Email: Oec238e@pku.edu.cn Peggy Atherlay Tel: +1-212-907-1320 Email: patherlay@unausa.org Selena Morris, Merrill Lynch Tel: +1-212-449-7283 Email: selena_morris@ml.com SOURCE Peking University National Model UN
2007'02.01.Thu
Chicago Named 'Top Metro' for Corporate Relocations and Expansions

March 03, 2006

2005 Survey Makes Four Out of Five Years That Chicago Leads
CHICAGO, March 3 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Chicago reigns as "Top Metro" for 2005 in Site Selection magazine's annual business investment survey of American cities. The distinction recognizes metropolitan Chicago as 2005's economic development leader, with $6.5 billion of corporate capital invested in 389 projects. Chicago has topped the worldwide economic development publication's list for four out the past five years. "A resurgence of corporate capital flowing back into Chicago has made the Second City No. 1 again," began the Atlanta-based Site Selection's awards story. "Chicago offers world-class business resources coupled with an unparalleled quality of life," said Mayor Richard M. Daley. "As one of the most economically diverse cities in the United States, Chicago provides businesses stability, support and opportunities for growth." At the center of the American economy, Chicago is benefiting now more than ever from global trade. The city's global position, combined with its unique and dynamic business environment and its unparalleled quality of life helped lead to the top ranking. "High-end financial, IT, creative and strategic jobs are strong and growing in numbers here," said Paul O'Connor, executive director of World Business Chicago. "Companies that abandoned the city 30 years ago are coming back and revitalizing and rebuilding the city and its neighborhoods, bringing top talent back into the city and, in turn, bringing more companies back." "The next thing we are looking for is the next wave of foreign investment as China puts more money into the U.S.," O'Connor was quoted as saying in the article. "We have to convince the Chinese that Chicago is a great place to do business." Companies that have committed to large facilities in the past year include CNA Financial Corp., Mittal Steel USA, Fifth Third Bank, William Wrigley Jr. Company, CDW, TTX, Global-NetXchange, Google and Giuliani Capital Advisors, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani's national financial firm. Chicago, with 389 projects, unseated Dallas-Fort Worth, which held the title of top destination for corporate America in 2004, by 80 projects and nearly tripled New York's total of 102 projects in 2005. "A strong and healthy business community is as important to Chicago's vitality as is the diverseness of its neighborhoods," said Lori T. Healey, Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development. "A goal of Mayor Daley's administration remains focused on strengthening our business climate by creating opportunities for continued growth and sustainability and that will encourage businesses to expand or relocate in Chicago." "Site Selection commends the Chicago Metropolitan area on its impressive, first place performance in our 2005 'Top Metros' ranking," said Mark Arend, editor of Site Selection magazine. "The efforts of the city, World Business Chicago and the rest of the economic development community in the region are clearly paying off in new projects and, more importantly, in new jobs for the area." Site Selection's annual rankings are considered "the industry scoreboard" for economic development. To be counted, new and expanded facilities have to involve a capital investment of at least $1 million, create at least 50 new jobs, or add 20,000 square feet of new floor area. For the complete list of "Top Metros" or more information on the survey visit http://www.siteselection.com . About World Business Chicago World Business Chicago (WBC) is a not-for-profit economic development corporation chaired by Mayor Richard M. Daley and directed by Paul O'Connor. WBC markets Chicago's competitive advantages, coordinates business retention and attraction efforts, and seeks to enhance Chicago's business climate by being a thought leader in economic development policy. For more information, visit http://www.worldbusinesschicago.com or call (312) 553-0500. About Site Selection Site Selection magazine is an award-winning trade publication that covers corporate real estate and economic development. With more than 44,000 corporate executive readers, Site Selection provides timely news and analysis on the biggest deals making news in project activity. For more information, please contact: Karley Sweet, World Business Chicago Tel: +1-312-553-4658 Email: ksweet@worldbusinesschicago.com Carolyn Kae Phillips, World Business Chicago Tel: +1-312-553-4614 Email: cphillips@worldbusinesschicago.com SOURCE World Business Chicago
2007'02.01.Thu
Columbia Business School & the University of Hong Kong Announce Partnership

March 03, 2006

Up to 40 HKU MBA Students to Study at Columbia Each
HONG KONG, March 3 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The University of Hong Kong and Columbia Business School will announce a partnership between the two schools on Monday, March 6, 2006 at 4:00 PM, at the JW Marriott Hotel in Hong Kong. Beginning in the 2007-2008 academic year, Columbia Business School will host up to 40 University of Hong Kong MBA students a year for a full semester. The initiative provides top HKU MBA students the opportunity to study global financial markets with Columbia Business School's renowned faculty in the world's business capital -- New York City. Upon completion of their core courses at the University of Hong Kong, the students would be eligible to spend a semester at Columbia Business School taking four elective courses side-by-side with Columbia MBA students. The HKU students will be able to take advantage of Columbia Business School's renowned student, alumni and corporate networks as they participate in Columbia events, hear from illustrious business leaders as part of the School's famed speaker series, and visit with leading firms located in New York City. "Columbia Business School recognizes that as the Chinese economy continues to grow, it is vital that up-and-coming Chinese business leaders from the region are exposed to cutting-edge ideas in business research and practice," said R. Glenn Hubbard, dean of Columbia Business School. "The students will be able to bring back to their homelands innovative ideas that will help shape the way business is practiced in Asia." "The collaboration with Columbia Business School signifies another milestone in our efforts to help our students acquire the best business education in the financial centers of the world -- Hong Kong, Shanghai, London, and now New York," said Professor Y. C. Richard Wong, Dean of Business and Economics at HKU. "Students in our MBA program study in the leading centers of the world of business and finance." The University of Hong Kong MBA program will draw students from the Asia-Pacific region, particularly from mainland China, who are interested primarily in pursuing their careers in the region. In 2007-2008, HKU will send up to 20 MBA students to study at Columbia. As the program grows, as many as 40 HKU students may come to Columbia each year. Columbia Business School will issue a certificate to the participating students upon successful completion of the courses at Columbia. About Columbia Business School Widely admired for its global and cutting-edge curriculum, Columbia Business School is one of the leading business schools in the world. In addition to its renowned MBA program, Columbia Business School offers the prestigious Executive MBA (EMBA) and non-degree Executive Education programs. The School's faculty is comprised of internationally respected professors and includes Joseph Stiglitz, who won the Nobel Prize in economics in 2001 and was the chair for President Clinton's Council of Economic Advisers from 1995 to 1997. Columbia MBAs excel in academics, are global in their focus, and demonstrate leadership across industries. Thousands of Columbia Business School alumni span the globe and include Warren Buffett `51, Chairman, Berkshire Hathaway; Henry Kravis `69, Founding Partner, Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co.; Michael Gould `68, Chairman and CEO, Bloomingdales; and Rochelle Lazarus `70, Chairman and CEO, Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide. About the University of Hong Kong The Faculty of Business and Economics of The University of Hong Kong aims to establish a prominent regional and international presence by training future leaders who make a difference and to pioneer research that address global challenges and significant issues in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition to the MBA program delivered in both Hong Kong and Shanghai, it offers a broad-based undergraduate education in business and economics, as well as a Ph.D., a Master of Finance and a Master of Economics programme. A premier provider of business education, the Faculty of Business and Economics was ranked in 2005 as the top MBA school in Asia and Australia by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), an affiliate of the Economist. To attend the press conference, or for more information, please contact Davia Temin or Jane Trombley of Temin and Company at 212-588-8788 or news@teminandco.com. In Hong Kong, please contact Cherry Cheung of the University of Hong Kong, at 2859-2606, or cherry.cheung@hku.hk For more information, please contact: Davia Temin or Jane Trombley Temin and Company Tel: +1-212-588-8788 Email: news@teminandco.com Cherry Cheung the University of Hong Kong Tel: +2859-2606 Email: cherry.cheung@hku.hk SOURCE Columbia Business School
2007'02.01.Thu
California Micro Devices Introduces New Generation Praetorian(TM) EMI Filter Architecture for Wireless Handsets

March 02, 2006

CM1460: Outstanding EMI Filter Performance With Robust ESD Protection in Thin Package
MILPITAS, Calif., March 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- California Micro Devices (Nasdaq: CAMD) today introduced a new generation of its proprietary Praetorian(TM) architecture and products as part of its ASIP(TM) (Application Specific Integrated Passive(TM)) EMI (electromagnetic interference) filter portfolio. The Praetorian(TM) CM1460 EMI filter offers outstanding filter performance combined with a high level of ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection in an industry leading TDFN (Thin DFN) package. This high performance single chip solution based on a 3 pole L-C architecture leverages CMD's proprietary Praetorian(TM) process technology that allows the integration of spiral inductors on silicon. (Photos: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060228/SFTU033-a http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060228/SFTU033-b ) The Praetorian(TM) CM1460 provides both superior EMI filtering and ESD protection for interfaces connecting the host processor to the camera and display modules in wireless handsets. In popular clamshell and slider phone configurations, such interfaces are typically routed on a flexible printed circuit board, highly vulnerable to EMI radiation and potential ESD strikes. In addition, as data rates increase and signal integrity requirements become stricter, the use of traditional EMI filters based on R-C (Resistor-Capacitor) architectures results in significant signal degradation leading to potential application issues such as visible data corruption on the display. Key Features Each channel of the CM1460 consists of a 3 pole L-C filter with a minimal inductor value of 17nH and nominal capacitor values of 15pF. Its insertion loss is much lower than R-C filters, typically less than 1dB. With a typical corner frequency of 300MHz, rolloff of 20dB/octave and attenuation greater than 30dB between 800MHz and 3GHz, the CM1460 offers industry leading filter performance. In addition, the CM1460 also features robust ESD protection up to +/- 15kV contact discharge per IEC61000-4-2 Level 4 specification and +/- 30 kV using the Human Body Model (HBM). In order to accommodate various interface configurations, the CM1460 is available in 4, 6 and 8 channel versions. The device is housed in an industry leading Thin DFN (TDFN) package featuring a typical height of 0.75mm and body sizes of 2.00mm x 2.00mm, 3.00mm x 1.35mm and 4.00mm x 1.60mm for the 4, 6 and 8 channel versions respectively. Benefits Using the Praetorian(TM) CM1460, wireless handset designers can benefit from the highest levels of EMI filtering and ESD protection while still meeting host processor requirements for input setup time as low as 2ns on the imager interface. The CM1460 provides EMI filtering and ESD protection in a single chip compared to ceramic filters that require the use of external discrete ESD protection devices. The reduced part count optimizes the footprint and lowers the overall bill of materials. Pricing and Availability The CM1460 is currently sampling, and pricing starts at $0.34, $0.43 and $0.52 in 1,000 units for the 4, 6 and 8 channel configurations respectively. Production is scheduled for Q2 2006. The CM1460 is offered in a lead free TDFN package. About California Micro Devices Corporation California Micro Devices Corporation is a leading supplier of application specific analog semiconductor products for the mobile handset, personal computer and digital consumer electronics markets. Key products include Application Specific Integrated Passive(TM) (ASIP(TM)) devices and selected high value mixed signal ICs. Detailed corporate and product information may be accessed at http://www.calmicro.com . NOTE: ASIP(TM), Application Specific Integrated Passive(TM) and Praetorian(TM) are trademarks of California Micro Devices. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. For more information, please contact: Richard Haas of California Micro Devices Tel: +1-408-934-3108 Email: richardh@calmicro.com SOURCE California Micro Devices Corporation
2007'02.01.Thu
Arrow Asia Executive to Speak at the 3rd Annual Asia Semiconductor Conference in Shanghai

March 02, 2006

HONG KONG, March 2 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Arrow Asia Pac Ltd. announced today that Richard Huxley, Vice President of Marketing, Arrow Asia Pac, will present at the 3rd Annual Asia Semiconductor Conference 2006. This two-day summit will be held March 3-4 at the Shanghai International Convention Center in Shanghai, China. The summit is organized by DGI International Corporation, one of the world's leading business information companies. The event aims at setting long term development strategies for the industry through reviewing future trends in the industry. Numerous keynote presentations, case studies and panel discussions will address these issues including current vital topics in the Asia semiconductor market, especially in China. In his presentation entitled "The Evolution of Semiconductor Value Chains", Richard will share a market overview revealing future growth trends in the Asia Pacific semiconductor industry. He will discuss the evolution of semiconductor and electronics industry value chains and address the critical role that global distribution plays in supporting these. Guest speakers will include government officials, and senior executives from a number of global semiconductor suppliers and manufacturers. The event is expected to draw over 100 CEOs, VPs, CTOs, CFOs, Project Manager, Heads of R&D, Marketing Directors, Business Strategy Directors and other executives from a range of industries including design and fabless firms, chip manufacturers, foundries, EMS companies, OEM factories, equipment suppliers, R&D companies and consultancies. About DGI DGI is one of the world's leading business information companies with affiliated partners in the U.S., China, UK, Australia and Malaysia. As a world-class business intelligence provider, DGI provides business executives with knowledge and skills through conferences, professional trainings, in-house training and marketing research papers. Every year DGI organizes more than 60 events and works with 5000+ senior executives from leading companies to improve their strategic decision-making process. About Arrow Asia Pac A subsidiary of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW), Arrow Asia Pac is one of Asia Pacific's leading electronic component distributors. In addition to its regional headquarters in Hong Kong, Arrow Asia Pac operates 41 sales offices, three primary distribution centers and ten local warehousing facilities in eleven countries/territories across Asia. Providing a full range of semiconductors, passive, electromechanical and connectors products from over 60 leading international suppliers, Arrow Asia Pac serves more than 10,000 original equipment and contract manufacturers and commercial customers in Asia Pacific. Visit us at http://www.arrowasia.com . For more information, please contact: Ray Leung Marketing Communications Director Arrow Asia Pac Ltd. Tel: +852-2484-2683 Email: ray.leung@arrowasia.com Grace Kung Marketing Communications Manager Tel: +852-2484-2682 Email: grace.kung@arrowasia.com SOURCE Arrow Asia Pac Ltd.
2007'02.01.Thu
MEDIA ADVISORY: 300 Students From All Across China Step Into the Shoes of UN Ambassadors at the Peking University

March 02, 2006

Global Classrooms(R) Model UN Conference to Be Held In Beijing, China on March 3-5 Global Classrooms Is an Innovative Program of UNA-USA, In Partnership With Merrill Lynch What: The United Nations Association of the United States of America's (UNA-USA) Global Classrooms program and Merrill Lynch are bringing the Model UN experience to students all over China. The Peking University National Model UN Conference for High School Students (PKUNMUN), a Global Classrooms program, presents an opportunity for students to negotiate critical issues such as the transfer of technology to developing countries, human rights and refugees, the Middle East conflict and sustainable development through realistic simulations of UN committees. Who: Over 300 students from 34 middle and high schools from all across China will come together at this unique event to enhance their understanding of international issues and to develop strong leadership and critical thinking skills. Dr. Eddy Bayardelle from Merrill Lynch, the program's global sponsor, will address students and teachers. As president of the Merrill Lynch Foundation, Bayardelle manages the foundation, corporate and employee contributions and directs the firm's philanthropic initiatives worldwide. Another keynote address will be given by Ambassador William H. Luers, president of UNA-USA. When: Opening Ceremonies: March 3rd, 8:30 a.m. to 9:00a.m. Press Conference: March 3rd, 9:10 a.m. Where: Peking University, Yingjie Exchange Center Background: UNA-USA is a center for innovative programs to engage Americans in issues of global concern. Its educational and humanitarian campaigns, along with its policy and advocacy programs, allow people to make a global impact at the local level. A not-for-profit organization, UNA-USA encourages strong United States leadership in the United Nations. http://www.unausa.org . Merrill Lynch was founded on the idea that the world is full of opportunity. Opening the door to that opportunity for underserved children and youth is the focus of the firm's global philanthropy. In 2004, Merrill-Lynch giving totaled more than $35.5 million, with education receiving nearly half of that support. Merrill Lynch's flagship program Investing Pays Off(R)-or IPO(R)-helps create a level playing field for youngsters of all backgrounds through financial literacy and business savvy. The program's strength lies in a free curriculum, the involvement of Merrill Lynch volunteers and online educational resources at http://volunteer.ml.com . Peking University is a comprehensive and National key university in China. The university has made an effective combination of the research on important scientific issues with the training of personnel with high level specialized knowledge and professional skills. It strives not only for the simultaneous improvements in teaching and research work, but also for the promotion of interaction and mutual promotion among various subjects. http://en.pku.edu.cn . For more information, please contact: Peggy Atherlay Tel: +1-212-907-1320 Email: patherlay@unausa.org SOURCE The United Nations Association of the United States of America
2007'02.01.Thu
C O R R E C T I O N -- ING/

March 01, 2006

In the news release, ING Capital Life Signs Distribution Agreement with Bank of East Asia's Dalian Branch, issued earlier today over Xinhua PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the source of the press release should be ING Insurance Asia/Pacific instead of ING Capital Life, as originally issued inadvertently. SOURCE ING Insurance Asia/Pacific
2007'02.01.Thu
ING Capital Life Signs Distribution Agreement with Bank of East Asia's Dalian Branch

March 01, 2006

HONG KONG, March 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- ING Capital Life Insurance Company Ltd. (ING Capital Life), ING Groep N.V.'s joint venture with Beijing Capital Group, today announced that it has signed an agreement with the Hong Kong-headquartered Bank of East Asia (BEA), Dalian branch to distribute ING Capital Life products to Dalian citizens. The cooperation marks the start of the first bancassurance agreement between a Sino-foreign insurer and a foreign bank in Dalian and comes on the back of BEA's approval from the China Insurance Regulatory Commission's (CIRC) Dalian office in July 2005 to be granted a "combination agency qualification" which entitles such sales. The cooperation, which comes into effect immediately, will include the sales of ING Capital Life's group life insurance products in China via the bank's Wealth Management Consulting Centre. More ING Capital Life products will be developed and distributed through BEA going forward. However, individual life products will not be sold via BEA initially pending regulatory approval of the bank's special individual RMB business qualification by the end of 2006. Mr. Bartholomew Ng, Country Manager for China, ING Insurance Asia/Pacific stated: "ING Capital Life agreement further supports our diversification of the distribution channels of our insurance products. Bancassurance is an increasingly important means of reaching our customers and in 2005 the share of ING's total annualised premium equivalent sold via banks across the region rose to 22% from 14% in 2004." ING Capital Life is one of two ING life insurance joint ventures in China. With its headquarters in Dalian, ING Capital Life has a branch in Beijing, a provincial branch office in Shenyang, Liaoning Province and was recently granted approval by the CIRC to set up a provincial branch office in Jinan, Shandong Province. ING Capital Life is among the top three life insurance companies in terms of new individual business in its home market with accumulative premium income of RMB336 million at the end of 2005. ING Capital Life already has bancassurance agreements with the China Construction Bank and Bank of China in Dalian, as well as with the Bank of Beijing in which ING has 19.9% stake. ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to over 60 million private, corporate and institutional clients in 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of over 115,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand. For more information, please contact: Karen Williams ING Insurance Asia/Pacific Tel: +852-2913-8536 Email: karen.williams@ap.ing.com Polly Leung Tel: +852-2913-8792 Email: polly.leung@ap.ing.com SOURCE ING Capital Life Insurance Company Ltd.
2007'02.01.Thu
Moscow Domodedovo Airport's Passenger Traffic to Double by 2015

March 01, 2006

MOSCOW, March 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- EAST LINE Group -- Moscow Domodedovo Airport, operated by EAST LINE Group, expects its passenger traffic to more than double by 2015, with the forecast based on the positive dynamics of growth since 2001. In 2001, passenger throughput of the airport amounted only to 3,859,402 people. However, active investment campaign along with marketing strategy aimed at attracting new airlines and widening route network brought their solid results. In 2002, passenger traffic grew to 6,661,721 passengers (a 72.6% increase over 2001), in 2003 -- 9,364,162 passengers (40.6% growth against 2002), 2004 -- 12,066,793 (a 28.9% increase comparing with 2003). In 2005, overall passenger traffic of the airport reached 13,960,000 passengers, a 15.7% increase over 2004. Domodedovo became the leader in the Moscow aviation hub in terms of passenger throughput. Statistics for the period of 1991 through 2005 (passengers flown from airport) show that in the late 1990s EAST LINE Group broke a dramatic negative trend and the outgoing passenger traffic started to rise. According to the forecast unveiled by EAST LINE Group, in 2006 passenger traffic will reach 16,200,000 (16.1% year-on-year increase), in 2010 -- it will amount to over 22,000,000 passengers and in 2015 -- to about 30,000,000. EAST LINE Group's experts believe the trend of rapid expansion to strengthen in the future due to extension of the Domodedovo passenger terminal and, correspondingly, its passenger throughput capacity. Domodedovo has significantly extended a range of services available for airlines and air passengers. As a result, more international carriers have come to the airport since the beginning of 2005. Among them -- Iberia, China Eastern Airlines and Thai Airways International. Other airlines, like Qatar Airways and EL AL Israel Airlines have increased the frequency of flights to and from Domodedovo. Singapore Airlines launches scheduled service from Domodedovo International Airport on the route Moscow-Dubai-Singapore starting from 1 March 2006, while Italy's Wind Jet and Eurofly are to start making flights to Domodedovo in March and April. Singapore Airlines will be the 15-th regular international air carrier at Domodedovo International Airport. In December 2005, ACI Europe named Domodedovo the best performing airport in the Second group that includes airports with annual passenger traffic between 10 and 25 million passengers. Domodedovo has steadily occupied one of the three top positions in the rating of the second group since May 2005 and has been the leader in terms of passenger traffic growth since July 2005. December's general rating of the ACI Europe placed Domodedovo Airport on the 21st position. http://www.domodedovo.ru http://www.eastline.ru For more information, please contact: Vladimir Gushchin PR Manager Tel: +7-495-795-3427 Email: VladimirGushchin@eastline.ru SOURCE Domodedovo International Airport
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