2007'02.11.Sun
China Digital Media Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2006 Results

December 19, 2006

HONG KONG, Nov. 27 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- China Digital Media Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: CDGT), a leading provider of cable and digital television services, advertising services and content in China, announced quarterly revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Financial Highlights for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005: -- Revenues increased 164%% to $12.7 million from $4.8 million -- Gross profit increased 64% to $4.7 million from $3.2 million -- Income from operation increased 2.3% to $2.6 million from $2.5 million -- Net income before tax and minority interest decreased 43% to $2.6 million from $4.6 million With the expansion of business in media advertising and channel management, the Company has broadened the revenue base as compared with the same period of last year. Thanks to the increased revenue, income from operation increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2005 although the increase in depreciation of the Company's digital set top boxes (attributable to the further installation of approximately 100,000 digital set top boxes during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to the same period of 2005) has eliminated certain gross margin. As a result, the net income before tax (excluding a one time payment discount of $1.8 million from a set top box supplier obtained in 2005) maintained at the similar level of the same period of last year. As compared to the net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 which included the one time payment discount, net income after tax showed a reduction from last year of $4.6 million to $1.8 million. "We are progressing as planned; our core operations in DTV operations and advertising agency business has generated substantial growth for the Company compared to the same period of last year," said Daniel Ng, Chairman and CEO of China Digital Media Corporation. "We are delighted we have just completed a new round of financing with the support of institutional and high net worth investors which we believe will allow the Company to develop further and faster. The Company's management could, in addition, focus on developing new business opportunities and believe that this will drive the Company to grow and expand." For more information on the Company, please visit the Company's website at http://www.chinadigimedia.com . To be added to China Digital Media's investor e-mail list, please send e-mail to our Investors Relations at ir@chinadigimedia.com. About China Digital Media Corporation China Digital Media Corporation focuses its business in three main areas: Cable TV Operations, Programs Production and Advertising Sales. Arcotect (GZ) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of CDGT in China, is the sole contractor and operator of digital television services in Nanhai, a city with 410,000 cable TV subscribers. As of today, Nanhai's cable television operation provides 148 television channels which comprises of 48 basic channels and 100 pay channels. The pay channels are categorized into various value added packages. Certain information contained in these materials is "forward-looking" information, such as projections, estimates, pro formas, or statements of intentions, expectations or plans. Forward-looking information in this release includes, without limitation, the future success of the Company's advertising business and of the Company's joint ventures, the Company's ability to grow and generate new sources of revenues from its IP STB in the future, its ability to keep its IP STB technologically current, and it ability to develop new business opportunities. All forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of the control of the company. Consequently, actual results may, and probably will, differ materially from the results contemplated in such forward-looking information. For more information, please contact: China Digital Media Corporation Investor Relations Tel: +852-2390-8600 SOURCE China Digital Media Corporation
PR
2007'02.11.Sun
Focus Media Appointed Ms. Diana Chen as its Chief Operating Officer

December 19, 2006

SHANGHAI, China, Nov. 27 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Focus Media Holding Limited (Nasdaq: FMCN), China's largest out-of-home multi-platform life- style media company, today announced the appointment of Diana Congrong Chen, former Chief Marketing Officer of Focus Media, as its Chief Operating Officer. Diana Chen has been Chief Marketing Office since she joined the company in May 2005. During her tenure, Ms. Chen was focusing on formulating marketing strategy and maintaining large client relationships for Focus Media's multi-platform life style media. "Diana's promotion is a recognition for her proven management talent and contribution to the Company," said Jason Jiang, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Media, "This promotion expands her role in day-to-day operation of the company and strengthens our focus on Tier-II cites expansion in 2007." Before joining Focus Media, Ms. Chen worked for Phoenix Satellite TV from 1998 to 2004, serving as general manager, director of international advertising and president of East China region. While at Phoenix, Mrs. Chen successfully built Phoenix's business in the Eastern China region and received Phoenix's Best Sales Team Awards for many years. Ms. Chen holds a B.A. degree in journalism from Zhejiang University. About Focus Media Holding Limited Focus Media Holding Limited (Nasdaq: FMCN) is China's leading out-of- home multi-platform life-style media company, which operates the largest out- of-home advertising network in China using audiovisual flat-panel displays. Based on an audience-centric approach, Focus Media provides targeted advertising channels which cover specific demographics groups and their daily activities, from office buildings to retail chain stores, residential building, shopping malls, golf country clubs, airports, and airport transit buses. As of September 30, 2006, Focus Media had approximately 74,000 display units in our commercial location network, 36,000 display units in our in-store network, 95,000 advertising poster frames installed throughout China and 80 outdoor LED displays in Shanghai. Over 2,500 international and domestic advertisers had placed advertisements through our networks as of September 30, 2006. For more information about Focus Media, please visit our website http://ir.focusmedia.cn . SOURCE Focus Media Holding Limited
2007'02.11.Sun
Focus Media Appointed Ms. Diana Chen as its Chief Operating Officer

December 19, 2006

SHANGHAI, China, Nov. 27 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Focus Media Holding Limited (Nasdaq: FMCN), China's largest out-of-home multi-platform life- style media company, today announced the appointment of Diana Congrong Chen, former Chief Marketing Officer of Focus Media, as its Chief Operating Officer. Diana Chen has been Chief Marketing Office since she joined the company in May 2005. During her tenure, Ms. Chen was focusing on formulating marketing strategy and maintaining large client relationships for Focus Media's multi-platform life style media. "Diana's promotion is a recognition for her proven management talent and contribution to the Company," said Jason Jiang, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Media, "This promotion expands her role in day-to-day operation of the company and strengthens our focus on Tier-II cites expansion in 2007." Before joining Focus Media, Ms. Chen worked for Phoenix Satellite TV from 1998 to 2004, serving as general manager, director of international advertising and president of East China region. While at Phoenix, Mrs. Chen successfully built Phoenix's business in the Eastern China region and received Phoenix's Best Sales Team Awards for many years. Ms. Chen holds a B.A. degree in journalism from Zhejiang University. About Focus Media Holding Limited Focus Media Holding Limited (Nasdaq: FMCN) is China's leading out-of- home multi-platform life-style media company, which operates the largest out- of-home advertising network in China using audiovisual flat-panel displays. Based on an audience-centric approach, Focus Media provides targeted advertising channels which cover specific demographics groups and their daily activities, from office buildings to retail chain stores, residential building, shopping malls, golf country clubs, airports, and airport transit buses. As of September 30, 2006, Focus Media had approximately 74,000 display units in our commercial location network, 36,000 display units in our in-store network, 95,000 advertising poster frames installed throughout China and 80 outdoor LED displays in Shanghai. Over 2,500 international and domestic advertisers had placed advertisements through our networks as of September 30, 2006. For more information about Focus Media, please visit our website http://ir.focusmedia.cn . SOURCE Focus Media Holding Limited
2007'02.11.Sun
Focus Media Appointed Ms. Diana Chen as its Chief Operating Officer

December 19, 2006

SHANGHAI, China, Nov. 27 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Focus Media Holding Limited (Nasdaq: FMCN), China's largest out-of-home multi-platform life- style media company, today announced the appointment of Diana Congrong Chen, former Chief Marketing Officer of Focus Media, as its Chief Operating Officer. Diana Chen has been Chief Marketing Office since she joined the company in May 2005. During her tenure, Ms. Chen was focusing on formulating marketing strategy and maintaining large client relationships for Focus Media's multi-platform life style media. "Diana's promotion is a recognition for her proven management talent and contribution to the Company," said Jason Jiang, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Media, "This promotion expands her role in day-to-day operation of the company and strengthens our focus on Tier-II cites expansion in 2007." Before joining Focus Media, Ms. Chen worked for Phoenix Satellite TV from 1998 to 2004, serving as general manager, director of international advertising and president of East China region. While at Phoenix, Mrs. Chen successfully built Phoenix's business in the Eastern China region and received Phoenix's Best Sales Team Awards for many years. Ms. Chen holds a B.A. degree in journalism from Zhejiang University. About Focus Media Holding Limited Focus Media Holding Limited (Nasdaq: FMCN) is China's leading out-of- home multi-platform life-style media company, which operates the largest out- of-home advertising network in China using audiovisual flat-panel displays. Based on an audience-centric approach, Focus Media provides targeted advertising channels which cover specific demographics groups and their daily activities, from office buildings to retail chain stores, residential building, shopping malls, golf country clubs, airports, and airport transit buses. As of September 30, 2006, Focus Media had approximately 74,000 display units in our commercial location network, 36,000 display units in our in-store network, 95,000 advertising poster frames installed throughout China and 80 outdoor LED displays in Shanghai. Over 2,500 international and domestic advertisers had placed advertisements through our networks as of September 30, 2006. For more information about Focus Media, please visit our website http://ir.focusmedia.cn . SOURCE Focus Media Holding Limited
2007'02.11.Sun
Global Strategy Aims For Effective Malaria Vaccine By 2025

December 05, 2006

BANGKOK, Thailand, Dec. 5 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- A report by the world's leading international health organizations today calls for joint action to accelerate the development and licensing of a highly effective malaria vaccine. The Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap, a new global strategy, is being launched today in Bangkok at the Global Vaccine Research Forum which is taking place from 3 to 6 December. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040610/CNTH001LOGO ) "Having a highly protective malaria vaccine and putting it into widespread use in affected areas would be a true achievement for public health. It would fulfill an urgent need," said Dr Marie-Paule Kieny, Director of the Initiative for Vaccine Research, World Health Organization (WHO). "The Roadmap marks the first concerted global attempt at mapping out a shared plan of action for making a preventive malaria vaccine reality." The Roadmap is a pathway towards reaching the goal of developing a malaria vaccine by 2025 that would have a protective efficacy of more than 80% against clinical disease and would provide protection for longer than four years. An interim landmark would be to develop and license a first-generation vaccine by 2015 with 50% protective efficacy against severe disease and death that would last longer than one year. Every year, there are 300-500 million cases of malaria and the disease kills more than one million people, mainly African children. The plan calls for the malaria vaccine community -- scientists, funding organizations, policy experts and national and global decision-makers -- to work together to develop an effective vaccine that prevents severe disease and death caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the most deadly form of the malaria parasite. In the WHO South-East Asia Region, which includes Thailand, nearly 19 million estimated cases of malaria and an estimated 99 000 deaths occurred in 2005. More than 230 experts representing 100 organizations from 35 countries collaborated to develop and publish the Roadmap over a two-year period. Leading malaria community representatives, experts, and funders held a series of meetings to determine ways to overcome challenges facing the development of a malaria vaccine. Challenges include: scientific unknowns such as the lack of full understanding of mechanisms of malaria infection, disease and immunity, inadequate resources, limited private-sector involvement, and uncertain mechanisms for procuring and distributing a successful vaccine. The Roadmap puts into motion a strategic plan for aligning research and for developing and making available a safe, effective and affordable vaccine to prevent malaria in children under five years of age in sub-Saharan Africa and other highly endemic regions. It presents 11 priorities within four major areas of work that must be undertaken -- in a more coordinated manner than previously -- by diverse parties towards the development of a malaria vaccine. They are: -- Research: standardizing procedures to compare immune responses generated by vaccine candidates, using state-of-the-art approaches and sharing information via the web to strengthen the connection between laboratories and clinics. -- Vaccine development: including pursuing multi-antigen, multi-stage, and weakened whole-parasite vaccine approaches. -- Key capacities: establishing readily accessible formulation and scale- up development capacity, and building good clinical practice clinical trial capacity in Africa and other malaria-endemic areas. -- Policy and commercialization: dialoguing with countries and providing data to facilitate policy decisions; securing sustainable financing; and developing novel regulatory strategies to expedite the approval of a safe vaccine. "The pace of progress towards a malaria vaccine could dramatically accelerate if these priority areas are successfully pursued," said Dr Melinda Moree, Director of the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative which coordinated the development of the Roadmap. "Information sharing and collaboration needs to be stepped up to enhance learning across studies and eliminate redundant work. Above all, continued commitment to this initiative is vital. Developing an effective malaria vaccine is an enormous challenge, but it is within reach." The development of the Roadmap was sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust. These two foundations, as well as others from the "malaria vaccine funders' group" (see below), are investing resources into priority Roadmap activities. They have recently been joined in this endeavor by the Fondazione Monte dei Paschi di Siena who had never before funded malaria vaccine projects. Scientists have recently confirmed that it is possible to develop a malaria vaccine. Currently, there are more than 30 potential vaccine candidates under development-far more than there is capacity or funding to investigate in clinical trials, especially in endemic countries. Additional resources will be needed to support research on vaccine candidates and to advance promising candidates through clinical development. New and existing donors are urged to support priorities identified in the Roadmap. Malaria vaccine funders' group WHO, PATH MVI, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust, together with representatives of the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), the European Malaria Vaccine Initiative (EMVI), the European Commission (Directorate General for Research), the United States National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) form part of a malaria vaccine funders' group, with the WHO Initiative for Vaccine Research as its focal point. The group's participation and support was critical to the Roadmap process. For further information, please contact: Melinda Henry, WHO Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, ( http://www.who.int/immunization ), who will be at the Global Vaccine Research Forum in Bangkok from 29 November to 8 December 2006 on mobile: +41 79 477 1738 or e-mail: henrym@who.int. Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap: http://www.MalariaVaccineRoadmap.net . All WHO Press Releases, Fact Sheets and Features as well as other information on this subject can be obtained on Internet on the WHO home page: http://www.who.int . SOURCE World Health Organization
2007'02.11.Sun
New Hope for Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

December 05, 2006

BUFFALO, N.Y., Dec. 5 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Patients treated with lenalidomide for relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or disease that no longer responds to chemotherapy have experienced a major response to therapy, according to a phase II study conducted by Asher Chanan-Khan, MD, Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI). The results are published in the December 1 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. "Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common hematologic malignancy in the western hemisphere," according to Dr. Chanan-Khan, "and remains incurable." While several phase II studies have demonstrated improved clinical response to chemotherapy alone, or combined with the monoclonal antibody rituximab, relapse is inevitable and treatment options at that point are limited. Lenalidomide is a novel immune modulating, non-chemotherapy, cancer drug that is chemically similar to thalidomide, but is more potent in the laboratory and appears to lack some of the more common side effects of thalidomide. Anticancer activity of this agent has been reported in various malignant disorders, including multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome. In this phase II study -- the first to report clinical activity of lenalidomide in patients with CLL -- 45 patients with immunophenotypically diagnosed B-CLL were treated with a daily dose of 25 mg of lenalidomide. Major clinical responses were seen in 21 (47%) of the patients, with four achieving complete response and 17 achieving a partial response; all with a predictable and manageable safety profile. The most common side effects included fatigue, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. "Collectively, these data provide strong support for further pursuit of lenalidomide in confirmatory clinical studies that are now open at Roswell Park and other cancer centers in the country," notes Dr. Chanan-Khan. Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation's first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center headquartered in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation's leading cancer centers. Roswell Park has affiliate sites and collaborative programs in New York, Pennsylvania and in China. For more information, visit RPCI's website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org. For more information, please contact: Deborah Pettibone Tel: +1-716-868-6182 Email: Deborah.pettibone@roswellpark.org SOURCE Roswell Park Cancer Institute
2007'02.11.Sun
2007 BIO International Convention Registration Now Available Online

December 05, 2006

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- General registration is now available for the 2007 BIO International Convention, sponsored by the Biotechnology Industry Organization. The global event for biotechnology will take place May 6-9, 2007 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, with more than 19,000 industry leaders from 1,700 companies as well as public officials representing 60 countries expected to attend. Furthermore, the BIO Business Forum, held May 7-9, 2007 is expected to host in excess of 10,000 partnering meetings during the event. "We are thrilled to be returning to Boston, the cradle of biotechnology," stated Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of BIO. "On our last visit to Boston in 2000, the BIO International Convention attracted just over 10,000 attendees. In the last seven years, the International Convention has experienced phenomenal growth, reflecting the continued growth and underlying strength of the global biotechnology industry. This year's event promises to be our best ever with outstanding speakers, 'must attend' program sessions, partnering meetings and, of course, the latest advancements in all aspects of biotechnology." The theme, "New Ideas. Bold Ventures. Global Benefits," will feature a program packed with sessions and speakers focusing on the global aspects of biotechnology, including business development, global health, clinical research/clinical trials, policy, bioethics, devices and diagnostics, biopreparedness, intellectual property/legal, food and agriculture, and industrial and environmental issues. International seminars will spotlight national-level developments from more than 30 countries and regions worldwide. A 250,700 square foot exhibit hall will showcase a record number of state, regional and international pavilions, and the BIO Business Forum partnering sessions promise to be the most successful to date. Networking opportunities will abound at evening and special events. The annual BIO Career Fair will be held Sunday, May 6, 2007 at the World Trade Center, Boston. General registration for the BIO International Convention is now available at http://www.bio2007.org/Registration/index.html . Early-bird discounted registrations of more than 30% are available until March 23, 2007. For more information about the global event for biotechnology, including housing and program updates, please visit the event homepage at http://www.bio2007.org . BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. Upcoming BIO Events BIO Drug, Device & Diagnostic Summit December 4-5, 2006 San Diego, CA BIO CEO & Investor Conference Feb. 12-14, 2007 New York City 2007 World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing March 21-24 Orlando, FL BIO International Convention May 6-9, 2007 Boston, MA For more information, please contact: Erin Reese Biotechnology Industry Organization Tel: +1-202-962-9200 SOURCE Biotechnology Industry Organization
2007'02.11.Sun
Inaugural Automotive Conference to Strengthen Working Relationships Between Chinese and North American Supply Chains

December 05, 2006

SHANGHAI, China, Dec. 5 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The first-ever summit for greater cooperation and development between the Chinese and North American automotive supply chains will be held on April 23 - 24, 2007, in Shanghai, jointly sponsored by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). The inaugural summit will be produced by Shanghai International Auto Parts Sourcing Center (APSIS). (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040719/DEM007LOGO ) With the theme "Cooperation, Exchange and Development is a Win-Win Situation," the 2007 China-US Automotive Supply Chain Summit will be the platform for automotive executives to better understand supply chain and governmental requirements, as well as strategies for further development. The two-day program will feature speakers comprising purchasing directors and other senior management from DaimlerChrysler Corp., Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp.; leaders from BAW, SAIC and CHANA; and representatives from Chinese suppliers. Topics of interest include: * Quality Criteria and Core Elements of the North American Automotive Supply Chain. * Globalization Expectations from the Chinese Government for Domestic Suppliers Serving the North American and Global Market. * Development Strategies of North American Suppliers and Cooperation with Tier Two and Three Chinese Suppliers. * Risk Management of Exported Chinese-Made Auto Products. Executives from automotive OEMs and suppliers are encouraged to attend the conference, as well as quality managers and professionals. More information about the summit will be available on AIAG's Web site at http://www.aiag.org or APSIS' Web site at http://www.apsis.com.cn . About AIAG Founded in 1982, AIAG is a globally recognized organization where OEMs and suppliers unite to address and resolve issues affecting the worldwide automotive supply chain. AIAG's goals are to reduce cost and complexity through collaboration; improve product quality, health, safety and the environment; and optimize speed to market throughout the supply chain. Headquartered in the metro Detroit area, its more than 1,500 member companies include North American, European and Asia-Pacific OEMs and suppliers to the automotive industry. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://www.aiag.org . About CAAM CAAM is a nationwide automotive industry association of Chinese automotive vehicle, motorcycle, auto parts and auto related enterprises and groups, which is legally established in accordance with the principles of equality and volunteerism. Its business areas include the study of economics, innovation and technology within the automotive industry, suggestions to the government on development plans and policies, trends of the domestic and international automotive market, industry statistics under the authorization of the government, sponsorships of activities to promote communication between international automotive industry organizations and organization of exhibition conferences to help member enterprises engage the domestic and international market under government authorization. More information is available on the Internet at http://www.caam.org.cn/ . About APSIS Shanghai International Auto Parts Sourcing Center (APSIS) is a platform providing comprehensive sourcing service with headquarters located in An Ting, Shanghai. Joint investors include the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), National Center of Supervision and Inspection on Motor Vehicle Products Quality (Shanghai) (SMVIC), Shanghai International Automobile City Development Co., Ltd (SIAD) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation Group (SAIC). As a cutting edge company with worldwide prestige, APSIS provides recommendations on quality controls, long-distance and on-site logistics support to the global supply chain. With neutrality, professionalism and accessibility, APSIS builds an effective communications platform for domestic auto parts suppliers and international purchasers. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://www.apsis.com.cn . For more information, please contact: Leslie Santos-Cotham, Automotive Industry Action Group Tel: +1-248-358-9794 SOURCE Automotive Industry Action Group
2007'02.11.Sun
Quadrem's New SourceCentre(TM) Solves Spot Buy Purchasing Pains

December 05, 2006

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, and SINGAPORE, Dec. 5 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Quadrem has released a new sourcing solution, SourceCentre, that simplifies and streamlines spot buys, which often involve high volumes of sourcing events with high volumes of suppliers. "As we deployed our sourcing solutions with several key customers, they identified the need to support not only strategic category management but also the 'spot buy' process, where it's not uncommon for a company to send thousands of requests for quotes each month to thousands of suppliers," said Chris Haydon, Vice President, Global Solutions. "Quadrem licenses best-of-breed solutions to complement our own e-marketplace technology suite, but there wasn't a simple, scalable solution that could handle the volumes our customers were doing for spot buys and price and availability checks. So we developed our own application designed for this type of purchasing activity. After deploying with several customers within our global e-marketplace buyer community, we are now marketing SourceCentre outside our existing customer base." SourceCentre solves many of the complexities of high-volume spot buy activity, where the focus is more on price and availability than multi-variable optimisation and analysis. SourceCentre integrates with SAP, Oracle and other ERP systems and enables organizations to quickly experience online sourcing without a substantial commitment of time or resources. Customers can easily search a global electronic directory of product and service information from tens of thousands of suppliers, many from the industrial MRO sector. SourceCentre has a simple, intuitive user interface to provide fast and efficient RFx creation, response and award. To support spot buys, SourceCentre provides: * Access to one of the world's largest global supplier networks * Approved supplier listings * Side-by-side bid comparisons * Analysis showing the lowest cost provider, for each item and overall in the RFx * RFx and line item attachments * Open and locked bids * Supplier / buyer collaboration via messaging * Electronic audit trail About Quadrem Quadrem ( http://www.quadrem.com ) provides e-business solutions that connect buyers and suppliers to maximise supply chain efficiencies. Quadrem's global transaction platform, vibrant international community and high-quality content services enable customers to implement the most effective e-business initiatives for buyers and suppliers. Established in 2000, Quadrem has offices in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Korea, Mexico, The Netherlands, Peru, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE and the United States. For more information, please contact: Choon Boon Heng of Quadrem Tel: +65-6550-9683 SOURCE Quadrem
2007'02.11.Sun
Sidley Austin Advises JPMorgan and UBS on a US$400 Million High Yield Offering for Greentown China Holdings Limited

December 05, 2006

HONG KONG, Dec. 5 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- International law firm Sidley Austin acted as U.S. counsel to the initial purchasers JPMorgan and UBS in connection with Greentown China Holdings Limited's (Greentown) issuance of its US$400 million 9% Senior Notes due 2013, including "high yield" covenants, pursuant to Regulation S and Rule 144A. Matthew Sheridan, a partner in Sidley's Hong Kong office, led the transaction. This is the fifth high yield bond offering that Sidley has worked on in Asia to have closed successfully this year. Mr. Sheridan notes, "The special features of this transaction included structuring the covenants to allow the company flexibility to invest in minority-owned entities, within the framework of traditional high yield covenants. The challenge is to introduce complex products like high yield debt, particularly in Asia, where the product is not yet prevalent. We particularly enjoy working with issuers and underwriters to expand the market for this product." This latest transaction is the third occasion in which Sidley has advised the underwriters in connection with a transaction for Greentown. In January 2006, Sidley represented JPMorgan in connection with Greentown's US$150 million convertible bond offering and in July 2006, Sidley also acted for the underwriters, JPMorgan and UBS, in connection with Greentown's US$400 million initial public offering, with a listing on the main board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK) and international placements pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S. Partners Timothy Li and Constance Choy of Sidley's Hong Kong office acted on those transactions. Greentown, headquartered in Hangzhou (Zhejiang Province), China, is one of the leading residential property developers in China. Notes for Editors: Sidley is one of the world's largest full-service law firms, with more than 1,700 lawyers practicing in 15 offices in Asia, Europe and the U.S. Sidley is consistently ranked at the top of the Thomson Financial league tables. For 2005, the firm was ranked as: -- top issuer counsel and third as underwriter counsel for U.S. debt, equity and equity-related offerings; -- top issuer counsel and top underwriter counsel for U.S. investment grade debt; and -- top issuer counsel and third underwriter counsel for U.S. straight debt, including asset-backed and mortgage backed securities. In Asia, lawyers in the corporate finance team advise clients on U.S., Hong Kong and English law in connection with all types of equity, debt and equity-linked transactions, including SEC-registered offerings in the United States, international securities offerings pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S governed by U.S. and English law, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Main Board and Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) listings, and issuances involving the creation of ADR or GDR programs. In 2005, Sidley ranked first in relation to the number of transactions advising issuers and first (tied) in relation to the number of transactions advising underwriters for listings on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Mainboard. (Asian Legal Business, Jan 2006). In 2006, Sidley was named to Legal Business' Global Elite, their survey of "the 15 finest law firms in the world." For more information, please contact: Matthew Sheridan, Partner Tel: +852-2901-3886 Email: msheridan@sidley.com Lisa Kong, Marketing Manager Tel: +852-2509-7899 Email: lkong@sidley.com SOURCE Sidley Austin
2007'02.11.Sun
Astron Clinica Receives Frost & Sullivan European Technology Innovation of the Year Award for Pioneering SIAscopy

December 05, 2006

LONDON, Dec. 5 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The 2006 Frost & Sullivan European Technology Innovation of the Year Award is conferred on Astron Clinica Ltd. of the United Kingdom in recognition of its novel skin imaging technology -- Spectrophotometric Intracutaneous Analysis (SIAscopy). This technology has pioneered the measurement and non-invasive visualisation of the major dermatological constituents -- blood, melanin and collagen -- of the skin. "Astron Clinica's SIAscopy utilises both visible and infrared (IR) light to examine skin components such as blood, melanin, dermal melanin and collagen to a depth of 2 mm below the skin's surface, and provides gross living pathological data on skin lesions," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Sangeetha Prabakar. "This eliminates the need for other more laborious clinical examination and laboratory analysis procedures." Using sophisticated mathematical models and software programmes, SIAscopy generates images called SIAscans, which can then either be displayed on PCs, viewed separately or overlaid, to demonstrate how skin features relate to one another. This allows physicians to know the exact size of a lesion and make more precise incisions. "SIAscopy is a safe, non-invasive and painless technique that is ideal for analysing and monitoring various skin conditions such as skin cancers or melanomas, psoriasis, acne, eczema, skin de-pigmentation, skin aging, and scars," observes Ms. Prabakar. "High-resolution scans provide five different views of the lesion under examination and enable skincare specialists to visualise the skin's structure, vascular composition, and reticular pigment networks in unmatched detail and clarity." While contact SIAscopy provides very high-resolution SIAscans for all types of cells and structures, giving the maximum amount of information about a specific area of skin or a lesion, non-contact SIAscopy allows a larger area (such as an entire back or face) to be imaged and provides details about the concentration of haemoglobin and melanin levels. It is particularly helpful in monitoring large numbers of moles on a person, observing moles that are changing and is also useful for imaging haemoglobin. "One of SIAscopy's greatest advantages is in reducing the need for biopsy," says Ms. Prabakar. "This, in turn, reduces expenses, decreases scarring as well as the time lag between identification and diagnosis. Furthermore, SIAscanning is quick and easy, and requires only minimal training of staff." The SIAscopy-based DERMETRICS product suite includes products for skin cancer, skin conditions, skin health, skin cosmetics, and skin pharmaceuticals. SIAscopy shows strong potential for adoption by medical and cosmetic industries. For instance, Proctor & Gamble has announced the introduction of a skin tone analysis system to be powered by SIAscopy. Beau Visage, a MediSpa client consultation and management system, uses non-contact SIAscopy to examine the entire facial haemoglobin and melanin structure and measure skin age and sun damage. Frost & Sullivan's Technology Innovation Award is bestowed upon a company (or individual) that has carried out new research, which has resulted in innovation(s) that have or are expected to bring significant contributions to the industry in terms of adoption, change, and competitive posture. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry. About Astron Clinica Astron Clinica, based in Cambridge UK, designs, develops and brings to market its skin imaging products that incorporates its proprietary skin imaging technology SIAscopy. SIAscopy uniquely enables medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry professionals to visualise up to 2mm beneath the surface of the skin using both a proprietary hand held scanner and an off-the-shelf digital camera. Awarded Frost & Sullivan's 2006 European Technology Innovation of the Year Award, Astron Clinica's products use SIAscopy to allow the measurement and non-invasive visualisation of the major dermatological constituents of skin -- blood, melanin and collagen -- in vivo for the first time. Astron Clinica's customers include dermatologists, plastic surgeons, GPs and aesthetic medicine practitioners. Further information is available at http://www.astronclinica.com . About Frost & Sullivan Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit http://www.frost.com . For further information, please contact: Lucy Saunders Press Contact Astron Clinica Tel: +44-777-556-6074 Email: lucy.saunders@mahseer.co.uk Sandra Holze Promotions Co-ordinator, Best Practices Frost & Sullivan Tel: +44-207-915-7866 Email: sandra.holze@frost.com SOURCE Frost & Sullivan
2007'02.11.Sun
Subaye.com Generated First Monthly Fee Revenue of $673,800 in November, $20 Million Annual Income Based on Forecast of 100,000 Users in 2007

December 05, 2006

HONG KONG, Dec. 5 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Telecom Communications, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: TCOM), the Total Solutions Provider, announced today that its subsidiary, Subaye.com corporate video sharing channel has generated more than 16,000 enterprise video new users to uploads, storage, sharing and publishing 30 day period. It is currently over 160% growth from last month. The Subaye.com enterprise video service revenue generating monthly fee of $60 for each business user starts on November 1. "Almost 90% of users paid monthly fee for continue service after 30 days free of charge period. An amount of $673,800 first monthly fee income has been received in November. This new service offering will add more than $20 million income stream for us, based on the forecast that there will be 100,000 users in 2007," said Y.F. Su, Vice President of TCOM. About Telecom Communications, Inc. Telecom Communications, Inc. (TCOM) is a Total Solutions Provider that offers Integrated Communications Network Solutions and Internet Content Service in universal voice, video, data web and mobile communications for interactive media applications, technology and content leaders in interactive multimedia communications. It develops, markets and sells a universal media software solution for enterprise-wide deployment of integrated voice, video, data web and mobile communications and media applications. Telecom Communications, Inc. does business in Asia via its wholly owned subsidiaries, Alpha Century Holdings Ltd., IC Star MMS, Ltd. ( http://www.icstarmms.com , http://www.skyestar.com ), Guangzhou TCOM Computer Technology Limited ( http://www.mystaru.com ) and majority owned subsidiary HRDQ Group, Inc. ( http://www.subaye.com ). Safe Harbor The statements made in this release constitute "forward-looking" statements, usually containing the words "believe," "estimate," "project," "expect," or similar expressions. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, changing economic conditions, interest rates trends, continued acceptance of the Company's products in the marketplace, competitive factors and other risks detailed in the Company's periodic report Filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward- looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release. For more information, please contact: Ms. Sandy Tang Telecom Communications, Inc. Tel: +852-782-0983 Email: pr@tcom8266.com SOURCE Telecom Communications, Inc.
2007'02.11.Sun
Diabetes Epidemic out of Control

December 04, 2006

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Dec. 4 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has published new data indicating the enormity of the diabetes epidemic. Data published today in the Federation's Diabetes Atlas show that the disease now affects a staggering 246 million people worldwide, with 46% of all those affected in the 40-59 age group. Previous figures underestimated the scope of the problem, while even the most pessimistic predictions fell short of the current figure. The new data predict that the total number of people living with diabetes will skyrocket to 380 million within twenty years if nothing is done. At today's press conference in Cape Town, IDF President Pierre Lefebvre told reporters, "Just twenty years ago, the best information available suggested that 30 million people had diabetes. A bleaker picture has now emerged. Diabetes is fast becoming the epidemic of the 21st century." Diabetes, mostly type 2 diabetes, now affects 5.9% of the world's adult population with almost 80% of the total in developing countries. The regions with the highest rates are the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, where 9.2 % of the adult population are affected, and North America (8.4%). The highest numbers, however, are found in the Western Pacific, where some 67 million people have diabetes, followed by Europe with 53 million. India leads the global top ten in terms of the highest number of people with diabetes with a current figure of 40.9 million, followed by China with 39.8 million. Behind them come USA; Russia; Germany; Japan; Pakistan; Brazil; Mexico and Egypt. Developing countries account for seven of the world's top ten. According to IDF President-Elect Martin Silink, "The diabetes time bomb has been ticking for 50 years, and it's been getting louder. Despite the warning, successive generations of world leaders have largely ignored the threat. Diabetes has now exploded with the force felt greatest in the Middle East, India, China and the USA." Lifestyles in transition A complex interplay of genetic, social and environmental factors is driving the global explosion in type 2 diabetes. For low and middle-income countries, economic advancement can lead to alterations to the living environment that result in changes in diet and physical activity within a generation or two. Consequently, people can develop diabetes despite relatively low gains in weight. In the developed world, diabetes is most common among the poorest communities. Either way, wherever poverty and lack of sanitation drive families to low cost-per-calorie foods and packaged drinks, type 2 diabetes thrives. Diabetes is deadly. It accounts for 3.8 million deaths per year, similar in magnitude to HIV/AIDS. Once thought of as a disease of the elderly, diabetes has shifted down a generation to affect people of working age, particularly in developing countries. This has economic consequences. As IDF Vice-President Jean-Claude Mbanya puts it, "This epidemic is responsible for so much suffering and loss of life, yet so little is being done to tackle it. Where growing economies like India and China lead, many will soon follow. Doing nothing in the face of the epidemic will place significant stress on the economic development of many countries and will jeopardize the Millennium Development Goals." A United Nations Resolution The International Diabetes Federation leads a coalition of diabetes representative organizations and other stakeholders demanding a United Nations Resolution on diabetes to ensure that adequate attention is given to the disease. For a country like the Pacific Island nation of Nauru, a UN Resolution cannot come soon enough. Nauru tops the list of countries with the highest prevalence of diabetes. Almost a third of the entire population live with diabetes and its consequences. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an organization of over 190 member associations in more than 150 countries. Its mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. IDF leads the campaign for a UN Resolution on diabetes. See http://www.unitefordiabetes.org . The Diabetes Atlas provides up-to-date estimates of diabetes prevalence and impaired glucose tolerance, and health expenditures for more than 200 countries for the years 2007 and 2025. See http://www.eatlas.idf.org/media for relevant graphics and background materials. For more information, please contact: Delice Gan Special Projects Manager The International Diabetes Federation Tel: +46-73-800-2799 +27-828-583496 Email: delice@idf.org SOURCE International Diabetes Federation
2007'02.11.Sun
Risk of Heart Attack Significantly Reduced in About 90 days by Modern Combination of Drugs

December 04, 2006

-- New Results From the Only Large European Study Combining Blood Pressure-Lowering With Cholesterol Reduction in Patients With Moderate Cardiac Risk Prevents Half of Heart Attacks LONDON, Dec. 4 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The risk of heart attack can be reduced by more than 50 percent by combining a cholesterol-reducing drug, atorvastatin calcium, with a blood pressure-lowering drug, amlodipine besylate, and the benefits are evident for heart attacks as early as 90 days after the start of treatment. Additionally, in the trial, the simultaneous initiation of atorvastatin and amlodipine treatment was about three times more effective at preventing heart attacks than adding atorvastatin, a statin, to one of the world's most widely used blood pressure-lowering drugs, atenolol, a beta-blocker. For the first time, results from a large trial -- the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT), which recruited >19,000 patients in the UK, Ireland and the Nordic countries -- show that the addition of atorvastatin to amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) reduced the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiac events by 53%, and clinical benefits were evident after only three months' treatment (p=0.02). This contrasted with the addition of atorvastatin to atenolol, which only achieved a non-significant 16% reduction by the end of the study (median 3.3 years), according to a paper published on-line in the European Heart Journal today. (See Figure 1) According to a principal ASCOT investigator, Professor Peter Sever of the International Centre for Circulatory Health, Imperial College, London, UK, these results have major implications for physicians and their patients worldwide. "ASCOT demonstrates that the risk of heart attacks can be more than halved in the many patients at moderate risk who doctors see every day. In addition, there is a reduction in strokes of >25 percent. This is achieved by combining two well-known and widely-used drugs -- amlodipine and atorvastatin. "However, if we continue to use older blood pressure-lowering drugs, such as atenolol, and choose only to treat high blood pressure in isolation without giving a statin, we only confer a small part of this potential benefit. As a result, the risk of heart attacks and strokes remains unacceptably high in too many patients despite treatment to blood pressure targets," Professor Sever said. Results establish important hypothesis for future research The differences in risk reduction between the two treatments may be explained by recent and ongoing laboratory studies. Earlier laboratory research and clinical studies suggest that amlodipine and atorvastatin may stabilize the fatty deposits in the walls of the arteries (atherosclerotic plaques) which can rupture to cause cardiovascular events such as heart attacks. Professor Sever said: "The new data generate an important hypothesis that suggests a synergistic effect between atorvastatin calcium and amlodipine besylate, which goes beyond the effects of the individual drugs. This is an exciting possibility for future research, which we and other groups will be exploring." The future of treatment The ASCOT Study is resulting in a re-evaluation of the management of patients with a moderately increased risk of cardiac events worldwide. The importance of combining a contemporary blood pressure drug regimen based on a calcium channel blocker with a statin is gaining importance. Meanwhile, the use of beta-blockers -- except where they are specifically indicated -- is being questioned. "For the first time, these important data show that the selection of a blood pressure-lowering drug regimen combined with a statin may have significant clinical implications for preventing heart attacks. It is vital that we use the right combination from the start to maximize the reduction in cardiac risk," Professor Sever said. Note to Editors To view Figure 1 please register at PR Newswire for Journalists (PRNJ) http://www.prnewswire.com/media About cardiovascular risk More that 330 million adults in Europe and North America suffer from high blood pressure, which also affects an additional 639 million men and women in the rest of the world. (The Lancet, January 2005) About 80% of people with high blood pressure have additional uncontrolled cardiovascular risks. (World Health Organisation). About ASCOT ASCOT is the largest European study of people with high blood pressure and > 3 additional common cardiac risk factors, e.g. history of smoking, age > 55 years, diabetes, lipid abnormalities, etc. It included more than 19,000 men and women with high blood pressure who were at a moderate risk of strokes and heart attacks and without previous history of heart disease. To control their blood pressure, they received either the newer drug -- a calcium channel blocker, amlodipine besylate -- or a beta-blocker, atenolol, to which the ACE inhibitor perindopril or the diuretic bendroflumethiazide were added, respectively, if necessary, to control the BP. Additionally, 10,000 patients also were treated with the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin calcium or a placebo (dummy pill). This is the only major European study to date to combine these two treatment strategies. The most commonly seen adverse events (AEs) in the amlodipine regimen were peripheral oedema and cough. The most commonly seen AEs in the atenolol regimen were dizziness and fatigue. No new, unexpected AEs were observed beyond those seen in previously published ASCOT results. Further details can be found at the ASCOT Web site, http://www.ascotstudy.org Potential synergy between lipid-lowering and blood pressure-lowering in the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial Lipid-Lowering Arm Peter Sever, Bjorn Dahlof, Neil Poulter, Hans Wedel, Gareth Beevers, Mark Caulfield, Rory Collins, Sverre Kjeldsen, Arni Kristinsson, Gordon McInnes, Jesper Mehlsen, Markku Nieminem, Eoin O'Brien and Jan Ostergren European Heart Journal 2006, Volume 27; 24: 2982-2988 Executive Committee of the ASCOT Trial Peter S Sever Professor of Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics International Centre for Circulatory Health National Heart and Lung Institute Imperial College, London & St Mary's Hospital, London, UK Email: p.sever@imperial.ac.uk Bjorn Dahlof Associate Professor Department of Medicine Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Ostra University of Gothenburg, Sweden Email: bjorn.dahlof@scri.se Neil R Poulter Professor of Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine International Centre for Circulatory Health National Heart and Lung Institute Imperial College, London, UK Email: n.poulter@imperial.ac.uk Hans Wedel Professor of Epidemiology Biostatistics Nordic School of Public Health Gothenburg, Sweden Email: hans.wedel@biostat.se For more information, please contact: Alison Davies MediNews International Tel: +44-121-454-4114 Mobile: +44-7709-424240 Email: adavies@medinews.org Michael W Gibbs MediNews International Tel: +44-121-454-4114 Mobile: +44-7879-813667 Email: mgibbs@medinews.org SOURCE Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT)
2007'02.11.Sun
Hewitt Associates Study Reveals Salary Increases Set to Stabilize in Asia Pacific

December 04, 2006

The Average Overall Salary Increase Budget in CHINA Ranged from 7.5% to 8.4% in 2006. Few Companies Reported a Salary Freeze This Year.
SHANGHAI, China, Dec. 4 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Asia's markets have maintained steady growth in the last year, which has led to a stabilization of salary increases in most markets during 2006. Though employers are reporting pay increases, the hikes are modest in comparison to previous years, and this trend looks set to continue in 2007, according to the 7th annual Asia-Pacific Salary Increase Survey conducted by Hewitt Associates, a global human resources services company. This year, India once again reported the highest average salary increase at 13.8%, compared with 14.1% in 2005. For the second year in a row, The Philippines recorded an average overall salary increase of 8.2%, while salaries in China rose by 8%, down from 8.3% last year. As Singapore's economy continued to strengthen, employees experienced average salary increases of 4.6%, up from 3.9% in 2005 and demonstrating one of the largest year-on-year hikes. Meanwhile, Thailand and Malaysia saw raises of 6.5% and 6.2% respectively, marking an increase from 6.3% and 5.6% in 2005. Salaries also rose in Australia, Korea and Hong Kong. "While organizations are being driven to increase their spend on compensation as a result of the ongoing attraction and retention challenges we are facing in Asia, many companies are reassessing their human resources strategies and broader business goals to ensure they are getting the most out of their talent and increasing productivity," said Nishchae Suri, head of Hewitt's Talent and Organization Consulting Analytics practice in Asia. Increasing Market Orientation With the pressure to retain key talent growing, an increasing number of organizations are ensuring their pay is competitive by closely monitoring market movements. Over 80% of participating organizations review their markets annually, using multiple sources of information to benchmark compensation, such as industry surveys and information through personal contacts. While 81.6% of participating organizations continue to practice industry benchmarking, a record 20.2% are now benchmarking against best-in-class companies. Rising Variable Payouts Hewitt's study indicates that variable pay continues to be an important means of attracting and retaining talent, with 78% of responding organizations using them. Individual performance awards continue to be the most popular, with 56.2% of responding organizations saying they are their preferred type of variable pay plan. They also indicated individual performance awards have the highest impact on business results, followed by business incentive plans and team awards. According to the study, companies increased variable payout in 2006 to 14.9% of their payroll, up from 14.5% in 2005. This year, target variable payout was highest for senior/top management at 21.8%, and is expected to rise to 22.3% in 2007. Hewitt's study also highlights that the prime challenge faced by organizations in implementing variable pay plans is poor communication of their objectives and measures to employees. Jean Lin, head of Hewitt's Talent and Organization Consulting Analytics practice in China, commented, "Rewards are an emotive issue with employees and it is of paramount importance that companies not only house a fair, transparent reward system, but also properly communicate guidelines to employees. Despite this, an alarming number of organizations still fall short when it comes to communicating pay decisions to employees. There is clearly a huge gap between what employees want to know and what organizations are sharing." Achieving Business Objectives Through Rewards Though organizations have the right intent when it comes to fostering a healthy performance and reward culture, most said they are only partially achieving their objectives of attracting, engaging and retaining talent, as well as achieving business results. At 60.1%, more than half of participating organizations said their reward programs do not achieve the desired outcome because of budgetary constraints, while 33.3% cited lack of communication as the primary reason. About Hewitt's Salary Increase Survey Hewitt surveyed more than 1,400 foreign, locally-owned, and joint-venture companies this year, making this the most comprehensive salary study in Asia Pacific to date. The survey covered 11 markets including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. It measured actual and projected salary increases, and compensation practices for five specific job categories, namely senior/top management, manager, professional/supervisor/technical, clerical/support, and manual workers. To obtain a copy of the individual market reports, please email apac_sis@hewitt.com . About Hewitt Associates With more than 60 years of experience, Hewitt Associates (NYSE: HEW) is the world's foremost provider of human resources consulting and outsourcing services. The company consults with more than 2,400 organizations and administers human resources, health care, payroll and retirement programs on behalf of more than 350 companies to millions of employees and retirees worldwide. Located in 35 countries, Hewitt employs approximately 22,000 associates. For more information, please visit http://www.hewittasia.com . Asia-Pacific Salary Increase Survey 2006-2007 Market Highlights China -- Information was collected from 365 organizations. -- 3% of survey respondents reported a salary freeze for 2006, while less than 2% expect a salary freeze in 2007. -- The average overall salary increase budget ranged from 7.5% to 8.4% for the five employee groups surveyed in 2006, and from 7.1 % to 8.5% for 2007. Middle management received the highest increase at 8.4% in 2006. -- 69% of participants reported having a variable pay plan, with gain sharing/productivity awards and team awards remaining popular. Generally, the percentage of cash compensation devoted to variable pay increases with the level of seniority. -- At 22%, senior/top management received the highest percentage of variable pay in total cash compensation. -- 48.7% of participating companies position their salary by comparing base salary with the market, while only 19% benchmark total guaranteed pay with the market. -- 65% of participating companies offered fixed bonuses to their employees in 2006. -- 38% of participating companies offer long-term incentives, typically stock options. For more information, please contact: Jihann Moreno Tel: +86-21-2306-6688 Email: jihann.moreno@hewitt.com Melinda Earsdon Tel: +852-2877-8600 Email: melinda.earsdon@hewitt.com SOURCE Hewitt Associates
2007'02.11.Sun
Communications Platforms Trade Association Adds Three Members

December 04, 2006

Degree Controls, Interphase and ZNYX Networks Join CP-TA
ITU TELECOM WORLD, HONG KONG, Dec. 4 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The Communications Platforms Trade Association (CP-TA) today announced that Degree Controls, Inc has joined as a Sponsor Member and Interphase Corporation and ZNYX Networks have joined as Contributor Members. These companies intend to contribute technical and marketing resources to CP-TA's working groups in order to help drive a mainstream market for open industry specifications-based communications platforms through interoperability certification. "We are pleased to welcome these respected companies into CP-TA," said Shlomo Pri-Tal, CP-TA Chairman. "They are bringing valuable contributions to solving interoperability issues for thermal, manageability and data transport, as well as looking ahead at the next generation of interoperability requirements for AdvancedMC and MicroTCA." CP-TA is currently defining interoperability test requirements and procedures for PICMG's AdvancedTCA specification aligned to the SCOPE AdvancedTCA profile. At ITU Telecom World, CP-TA is demonstrating its test tools, including thermal testing, for the first time. "DegreeC is committed to providing thermal and airflow solutions and we are working closely with CP-TA members to develop guidelines and tests for thermal interoperability," said Rajesh Nair, Degree Controls, Inc. Chairman and CTO. In the future, CP-TA will address PICMG's AdvancedMC and MicroTCA as well as specifications from OSDL and the SA Forum. "Interphase has established a key leadership role in delivering next generation AdvancedTCA(R), MicroTCA(TM) and AdvancedMC(TM) (AMC) solutions to the marketplace," said Greg Kalush, CEO, Interphase Corporation. "We are excited to contribute our technology resources to address the interoperability requirements for Advanced Mezzanine Cards, thereby ensuring ease of adoption of AdvancedMC's by the industry to deliver innovative and cost effective solutions in the marketplace." "We provide embedded networking solutions for scalable, continuous-service systems. These solutions are in strict compliance with open, forward-looking industry specifications such as AdvancedTCA (PICMG 3.x) and relevant Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standards," said Connie Austin, President/CEO, ZNYX Networks. "We see CP-TA certification as the logical next step for moving the industry to the next level of interoperability." Member companies participate in the creation of interoperability test documents and will be able to promote their products meeting the requirements as CP-TA-certified. For information on joining CP-TA and membership benefits, visit http://www.cp-ta.org/join . About the Communications Platforms Trade Association The Communications Platforms Trade Association is a global organization of 25 communications platform and building block providers whose mission is to accelerate the adoption of SIG-governed, open-specification-based communication platforms by certifying interoperable building blocks. For more information about CP-TA, visit http://www.cp-ta.org . For more information, please contact: Kim Miller VTM PR for CP-TA Tel: +1-971-563-5677 Email: kmiller@vtm-inc.com Lori Zielinski VTM PR for CP-TA Tel: +1-503-619-0852 Email: lzielinski@vtm-inc.com SOURCE Communications Platforms Trade Association
2007'02.11.Sun
SourceCode Announces K2.net Integration With the 2007 Microsoft Office System, Exchange Server 2007 and Windows Vista

December 04, 2006

K2.net BlackPearl will empower businesses to transcend people, systems, and distance
REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 4 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- SourceCode, the creator of the K2.net Enterprise Workflow for the .NET Platform, today announced that it will release the next generation of the K2.net product line, which works with the 2007 Microsoft Office system, Exchange Server 2007 and the Windows Vista operating system to provide customers with increased visibility and manageability of their business processes to help increase profitability, reduce costs, maintain compliance efforts, while increasing customer satisfaction and shareholder value. "We have architected our K2.net BlackPearl offering to maximize the capabilities of the 2007 Office system, Windows Vista and Exchange Server 2007. As a global launch participant we are highlighting the 200+ new and enhanced features we have built into the K2.net BlackPearl offering. Our goal is to allow our mutual customers to achieve a faster time to value with their enterprise workflow solutions," said Dennis Parker, President, SourceCode. "We're very excited about the business opportunities ahead -- this launch signifies a new age of computing and SourceCode is in a prime position to respond to the needs of today's demanding business environment." "We are very pleased that SourceCode has built its K2.net business process management and advanced workflow offering to maximize the capabilities of the 2007 Office system, Exchange Server 2007 and Windows Vista," said Kurt DelBene, Corporate Vice President of the Office Business Platform Group at Microsoft Corp. "SourceCode's continued commitment to innovation highlights the power and flexibility of these Microsoft products." About SourceCode SourceCode Technology Holdings, Inc. develops the award-winning K2.net(TM) 2003 enterprise workflow offering. K2.net 2003 is the leader in business process management for .NET through its enablement of rapid solution assembly to optimize interactions between people, systems and process. Customers derive significant value from their Microsoft investments by leveraging K2.net 2003 and its powerful, proven and seamless integration across a range of products including: Microsoft Office 2003, Microsoft Office InfoPath 2003, SharePoint Portal Server 2003, Microsoft Office Project Server 2003, Microsoft Content Management Server 2002, Live Communications Server 2005, BizTalk Server 2004, Exchange Server 2003, and Visual Studio.NET. In conjunction with its global partner network, SourceCode has developed solutions to help manage and monitor processes that are designed to help customers increase profitability, reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and maintain compliance efforts. SourceCode Technology Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Redmond, Washington and has offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, South Africa, Australia, and Singapore. SourceCode and K2.net are registered trademarks or trademarks of SourceCode Technology Holdings, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. For more information, please contact: Media & Analyst Relations Jeff Shuey SourceCode | K2.net Tel: +1-425-922-8056 Email: jeff@k2workflow.com SOURCE SourceCode
2007'02.11.Sun
WORLD AIDS DAY MESSAGE

December 01, 2006

GENEVA, Dec. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to grow. Some 40 million people, their families, and their communities, are now living with HIV. Effectively tackling this epidemic remains one of the world's most pressing public health challenges. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040610/CNTH001LOGO ) In August this year, at the XVI International AIDS Conference, 30,000 of us came together in Toronto in reply to the Conference's call to action. That action, we agreed, must reflect a balanced mix of prevention, treatment and care. This year's World AIDS Day theme "Accountability" reminds us again of our responsibility for making the right choices. In Toronto, I spoke on the three areas in which we had to take action: the three "Ms" of Money, Medicines and a Motivated workforce. Money: We have made some important progress and continue to do so. For example, just over half of the latest round of grants from the Global Fund - which totalled US$846 million -- will go to fight HIV/AIDS. Continued commitment is needed and resources must be used effectively. Accountability is an important theme for those who want to see the best possible results in terms of human lives. Medicines: Our goal remains to scale up international efforts to provide universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support services. The ten-fold increase in people on treatment in sub-Saharan Africa in recent years shows that we can do it. Sub-Saharan Africa also illustrates what still has to be done: it represents 70% of the global unmet need for treatment. We have a very long way to go still in the provision of medicines to those who need them. To be able to do that, we must also know who needs treatment and care. The latest AIDS epidemic update from WHO and the UNAIDS Secretariat, released on 21 November, gives us the most accurate picture of the epidemic to date. HIV surveillance remains weak in almost all regions, particularly among marginalized groups. Those at highest risk -- men who have sex with men, sex workers, and injecting drug users -- are not reliably reached through HIV prevention and treatment strategies. At the Toronto Conference there was a powerful drive to address the needs of those who bear the greatest burden of the AIDS epidemic -- women and girls. Some 40% of new HIV infections now occur among young people aged between 15 to 24 years. The most striking increases in the number of people living with HIV have occurred in East Asia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Those most at risk of exposure to HIV do not always know how to protect themselves and often do not have access to the means to do so, such as condoms, clean needles and syringes, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. Levels of knowledge of safer sex and HIV remain low in many countries, as well as perceptions of personal risk. Even in countries where the epidemic has a very high impact, such as Swaziland and South Africa, a large proportion of the population do not believe they are at risk. Where prevention efforts decline, HIV infects more people. Counselling and testing are essential so that people who are infected can know their status, seek care, and using their increased knowledge, change their behaviours to prevent transmission of the virus to others. Those who are tested can also use knowledge of their status to protect themselves. A Motivated health workforce: Motivated and skilled health workers who can provide essential services are the crucial missing link in many countries. WHO's "Treat, Train Retain" plan for a healthy and well supported healthcare workforce is being developed now in 15 countries. Prevention works but has to be focused on the needs of those most likely to be exposed to HIV, and it must be sustained. There are success stories. In 8 out of 11 of some of the world's most affected countries, HIV prevalence in the age group 15 to 24 years has declined in the past five years. We must seize on these successes and see that they are repeated. We know that comprehensive harm reduction programmes reduce risky drug injecting practice and result in declines in HIV infection rates. Effective responses are being implemented in many countries, ranging from Brazil and China to the Islamic Republic of Iran and Indonesia. These experiences provide good models for other countries. Another key element in the epidemic -- Tuberculosis -- has recently drawn increased attention with the development of an extremely drug resistant form that signals the urgent need for TB control. TB causes up to half of all deaths in people living with HIV. The AIDS epidemic provides us with clear evidence that even some of the most complex health and development problems can be successfully addressed. To see this positive pattern repeated everywhere will take greater political will and more resources. Our ability to be responsive to changes in the epidemic is a central factor if we are to succeed. We have to be constantly alert to shifts in the epidemic dynamic and country contexts, aware of which approaches are successful, and flexible enough to adapt our responses accordingly. We do not just need "more". We need to commit to clear sightedness about what is working and what is not -- and quickly apply that knowledge. For example, recognizing the critical role that vulnerable and marginalized populations play in the epidemic, we need to invest in models of service delivery that reach these groups, ensure equitable and quality services, and are able to provide sustainable support to the most affected communities. We are now more than 25 years into this epidemic. People living with HIV and their communities urgently need to see tangible results. We are at a critical juncture. Just last week, Secretary-General Kofi Annan inaugurated the new joint UNAIDS/WHO building in Geneva. It is a building which now houses the HIV, TB and Malaria staff of WHO, side by side with the UNAIDS team. Nothing more clearly symbolises our determination to work as a team. It is a commitment to collaboration, and with that comes our commitment also to accountability: to all those currently living with HIV, and to all those whose lives must be protected from it. All press releases, fact sheets and other WHO media material may be found at: http://www.who.int . For more information, please contact: Christine McNab Acting Director, WHO Communications Department Tel: +41-22-791-46-88 Mobile: +41-79-254-6815 Email: mcnabc@who.int SOURCE World Health Organization
2007'02.11.Sun
AXA Rosenberg Wins Global Equity Mandate From NCSSF

December 01, 2006

BEIJING, China, Dec. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- AXA Rosenberg, an AXA Investment Managers company specializing in global, active equity asset management, announced today that it has been chosen by the National Council for Social Security Fund (NCSSF) to manage the Fund's first international investments. AXA Rosenberg will manage a Global ex-US equities mandate with the goal of outperforming the MSCI World ex-US index. AXA Rosenberg is one of a group of ten international managers selected by the NCSSF to provide investment services to the Fund. "We are very pleased to have been chosen for this mandate, which recognizes our expertise in managing global equity portfolios, that represent 40 percent of our assets," said Stephane Prunet, Global chief executive officer of AXA Rosenberg. "As a specialist within AXA Investment Managers' multi-expert organization, we have particular expertise in working with large government pension funds to help address their long-term funding liabilities. We look forward to forging a long-term relationship with the NCSSF," he added. Anthony Fasso, Asia Pacific chief executive officer at AXA Rosenberg attended the public ceremony for the official manager appointment, and commented, "We are honored to have been selected for the first international allocation by this important organization." He added, "The award of this mandate recognizes AXA Rosenberg's unique investment process, and continues the strong momentum we have built as part of the Asian focused strategy of the AXA Investment Managers group, where our combined assets have increased by more than 250 percent over the past 5 years." This is the first foray into international markets by China's national pension fund, and marks a significant step in the diversification of the Fund's investments. Earlier this year the Chinese Government announced that the NCSSF could begin allocating funds to international fund managers. Previously investments were limited to China, in fixed income, domestic equity, and private equity, including stakes in pre-IPO state-owned companies. The NCSSF conducted a thorough review process to choose the managers for this first foray into international markets. About NCSSF The National Council for Social Security Fund (NCSSF), founded in November 2000, is a governmental agency on the ministerial level directly under the State Council of the People's Republic of China. The total outlays were appropriated by the central financial budget, and the NCSSF is responsible for the management and operation of the NSSF, including: to manage the fund allocated by the central government, capital and equity assets derived from reduction of state-owned shares and capital raised in other manners; to formulate the operation schemes for investments of SSF and to organize the operation; to select investment managers and custodians of the NSSF, to mandate them with and to monitor the investment operation and custody of the NSSF assets, invest directly in prescriptive markets in accordance with the related laws and regulations; to be responsible for the financial management and accounting of the NSSF, and to prepare periodical financial statements and accounting reports; to regularly to publish the financial condition such as NSSF's assets, proceeds and cash flow to the public; to earmark fund for social security purposes in a way instructed and designated jointly by the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Labor and Social Security; and to perform other duties as assigned by the State Council. For more information on the NCSSF please visit http://www.ssf.gov.cn/web/index.asp or http://www.ssf.gov.cn/enweb/index.asp . About AXA Rosenberg AXA Rosenberg Group LLC, an AXA Investment Managers Company, was founded in 1985 by Dr. Barr Rosenberg. AXA Rosenberg models and predicts company fair value, future earnings, and risk in building portfolios that aim to produce higher future earnings per dollar than the markets. This analysis is embedded in an expert system -- the proprietary software built to embody the firm's collective knowledge - so that it can be applied in a consistent and repeatable fashion in markets worldwide. Today AXA Rosenberg manages approximately $105 billion in individual country, regional and global strategies for pension funds, foundations and government entities in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Japan. Headquartered in Orinda, California, the firm has offices in Greenwich, Connecticut, Toronto, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney. For more information please visit http://www.axarosenberg.com . About AXA Investment Managers AXA IM is a multi-expert asset management company within the AXA Group, a global leader in financial protection and wealth management. AXA IM is one of the largest European-based asset managers with approximately euro 482 billion in assets under management as of the end of October 2006. AXA IM employs over 2,500 people around the world and serves customers in 18 countries. For more information, please contact: Asia Pacific: Adrien Darde AXA Rosenberg Tel: +852-2285-2078 Email: adarde@axarosenberg.com Joshua Goldman-Brown Gavin Anderson & Company Tel: +852-2218-9952 Email: jgoldman-brown@gavinanderson.com.hk Global / North America: Jennifer Morgan AXA Rosenberg Tel: +1-925-253-3447 Email: jmorgan@axarosenberg.com Greg Jawski Fleishman Hillard Tel: +1-212-453-2145 Email: greg.jawski@fleishman.com Europe: Wendy Sayer AXA Rosenberg Tel: +44-20-7895-6748 Email: wsayer@axarosenberg.com Ellen Gracey GR Communications Tel: +44-20-7357-0070 Email: ellen@grcomms.co.uk SOURCE AXA Rosenberg Group LLC
2007'02.11.Sun
JWT Worldwide Promotes Mark Webster From Chairman of JWT Thailand to CEO of JWT Japan

December 01, 2006

SINGAPORE, Dec. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Michael Maedel, president of JWT Worldwide, announced today that Mark Webster has been promoted from chairman of JWT Thailand to CEO JWT Japan effective in January, succeeding Ambar Brahmachary who is joining Young & Rubicam as head of its Asia Pacific region. Webster has been with JWT for 14 years, beginning in Hong Kong, where he was raised. He held managing director positions in Vietnam and the Philippines before arriving at JWT Thailand five years ago. During his time there, Webster successfully established a truly integrated office that has consistently been among JWT's top creative performers. In the last year JWT has become a true creative powerhouse; JWT now ranks fourth in the prestigious Gunn Report. "I'm delighted Mark will be succeeding Ambar, who I would like to thank for eight years of outstanding leadership," said Maedel. "Mark is a JWT veteran well equipped to assume this important role in Japan, an office that plays a very significant role within our network because of its leading-edge position in the areas of technology and new media." Japan is one of JWT's top five offices. Its key clients include Unilever, Nestle, Unicharm, Pfizer (J&J), Suntory, DTC and Ford. About JWT JWT, which celebrated its 142nd anniversary this year, ranks as the largest advertising agency brand in the United States and as the fourth largest full-service network in the world. Its parent company is WPP (Nasdaq: WPPGY). For more information, please contact: Eric Robertson Tel: +1-212-210-7336 SOURCE JWT
2007'02.11.Sun
UNDP recognizes community-based AIDS response in China

December 01, 2006

AIDS Care China honoured by the inaugural UN Red Ribbon Award
BEIJING, China, Dec. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Against the backdrop of World AIDS Day, the United Nations in China presented today AIDS Care China with the inaugural Red Ribbon Award for the organization's community-based approach in combating HIV/AIDS. This marks the first time that a Chinese organization has received such high-profile recognition for its work in the area of HIV/AIDS. (Logo: http://www.xprn.com.cn:9080/xprn/sa/20061107113358-34.jpg ) "The Red Ribbon Award not only recognizes this outstanding group, but it also recognizes the crucial role communities can play, and are playing, in partnership with local authorities at a crucial time for the HIV/AIDS epidemic in China," said Khalid Malik, UN Resident Coordinator and UN Development Programme Representative in China, at the award ceremony in Beijing. AIDS Care China, founded by Thomas Cai in Guangzhou five years ago as a modest counseling service for people living with HIV/AIDS, now serves communities through its care centres located in hospitals and clinics in Guangdong, Yunnan, Guangxi and Hubei. Its platform has expanded from counseling and support to helping patients throughout the AIDS treatment process, working together with local health care providers. "When we began our programme at the Number 8 Hospital in Guangzhou, we never dreamed that we would one day reach so many people in so many places, and that too within just a few years," Thomas remarked. "We owe this to our staff and volunteers ¨C people living with and without HIV/AIDS -- who are truly committed to fighting AIDS together." Launched this year, the Red Ribbon Award is led by the UN Development Programme in partnership with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and recognizes grassroots leadership in this global campaign. AIDS Care China is one of 25 communities around the world that were finalists for the prize. The winners were previously announced in August at the 2006 International AIDS Conference in Toronto, Canada. In a World AIDS Day statement from UN headquarters, Secretary-General Kofi Annan reiterated the themes symbolized by the Red Ribbon Award: shared accountability and community involvement. "Accountability applies not only to those who hold positions of power," said Annan, "but it also applies to all of us¡ it requires every one of us to help bring AIDS out of the shadows, and spread the message that silence is death." Malik echoed that sentiment. "The campaign against HIV/AIDS is too formidable to be fought alone. Governments have recognized this. Non-government organizations have recognized this. Medical professionals have recognized this. The innovative work of AIDS Care China demonstrates the potential offered by true partnership and collaboration." In accepting the award, Thomas urged community-based HIV/AIDS organizations ¨C including AIDS Care China -- to work together and constantly expand their horizons. "AIDS Care China promotes the concept that people living with HIV/AIDS should not isolate themselves in a small circle of fear to be pitied," Thomas said. "Rather, we should face the wider realities and embrace society as a whole, and mobilize more resources to fight the war against AIDS. Therefore, we have re-defined ourselves as an organization working with the meaningful participation of all people -- including those living with HIV/AIDS. The scope of our work will be expanded from treatment and care to also incorporate HIV/AIDS prevention approaches, including raising awareness and reducing stigma among the general public." As AIDS Care China steps up its efforts even more, the UN Joint Country Programme on HIV/AIDS in China is offering its support. Together with UNDP, AIDS Care China is supporting the socio-economic empowerment of women living with HIV/AIDS through a micro-enterprise scheme in Yunnan and Guangdong. The aim of this project is to encourage and support established women living with HIV/AIDS groups to set up and run their own small businesses. In addition to providing direct employment for these women, the profits from these small businesses are channeled back into the group to fund their PLWHA support activities, thus reducing donor dependency while increasing sustainability and local ownership. "Helping people help themselves lays a strong foundation for China's efforts to stem the spread of this scourge" said Malik. "The work of AIDS Care China ¨C and indeed of so many community-based organizations in this vast land ¨C is proof of that. When the history of HIV/AIDS in China is chronicled in the years to come, we may look back at this moment as a crucial milestone ¨C a time when community-based HIV/AIDS organizations and local health authorities formed key partnerships to jointly help turn the tide of the epidemic in the world's most populous nation." UNDP fosters human development to empower women and men to build better lives in China. As the UN's development network, UNDP draws on a world of experience to assist China in developing its own solutions to the country's development challenges. Through partnerships and innovation, UNDP works to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and an equitable Xiao Kang society by reducing poverty, strengthening the rule of law, promoting environmental sustainability, and fighting HIV/AIDS. http://www.undp.org.cn For more information, please contact: Mr. Edmund Settle HIV/AIDS Programme Manager, UNDP China Tel: +86-10-8532-0775 Email: edmund.settle@undp.org SOURCE United Nations Development Programme
2007'02.11.Sun
NetEconomy Expands Operations into Australia and China

December 01, 2006

THE HAGUE, The Netherlands, Dec. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- NetEconomy, the global leader in financial crime management and compliance solutions, today announced it has opened offices in Sydney and Shanghai to expand its foothold in the Asia Pacific region and support its new customers. NetEconomy's new customers in China and Australia will be using its ERASE(R) financial crime solutions to improve monitoring and detection capabilities for fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing and market abuse, and to ensure regulatory compliance within these regions. "NetEconomy is a strong global company committed to providing our new customers with the highest levels of service, innovation and success," said Sebastian Kuntz, CEO of NetEconomy. "By expanding operations into China and Australia we are well positioned to capture new growth opportunities in this rapidly expanding financial crime solutions market. NetEconomy's comprehensive and easily deployable solutions are uniquely suited to helping clients quickly and effectively address emerging risks and regulatory challenges within these important regions. Furthermore our solutions contribute to improved operational risk management and the capital adequacy requirements as set out in Basel II." In May of 2005, NetEconomy opened an office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to expand its sales operations and to support its growing customer base in the Asia Pacific region. Today the Kuala Lumpur office will operate as the regional headquarters for this region. NetEconomy services and supports customers across Singapore, Malaysia, India, the Middle East and the Philippines. About NetEconomy NetEconomy is the leading provider of financial crime management and compliance solutions. With over 110 implementations across 48 countries, NetEconomy has an exceptional track record for developing and delivering highly effective and easily deployable solutions for anti-money laundering, fraud prevention and market surveillance. NetEconomy brings business value to its worldwide client base through its personalized customer approach for minimizing regulatory risk, delivering measurable results, and protecting corporate brand/reputation. NetEconomy is headquartered in The Hague, with offices in Boston, London, New York, Paris, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Sydney, and distributors and strategic partners across the Middle East, Caribbean, Europe, South (East) Asia and the United States. For more information visit http://www.neteconomy.com . For more information, please contact: Joyce Kooijman Tel: +31-70-4525486 Email: jkooijman@neteconomy.com SOURCE NetEconomy
2007'02.11.Sun
Euro RSCG Worldwide is the Largest Global Advertising Agency

December 01, 2006

Findings in Advertising Age Annual Report Reveal That New Business Wins Across the Global Network Have Propelled the Agency To Top Spot
NEW YORK, Dec. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Euro RSCG Worldwide today is the largest global advertising agency, measured by number of accounts. Ranked #3 in the 2005 Advertising Age Global Marketers Report, Euro RSCG Worldwide was elevated in this year's ranking due in part to a significant business expansion with U.K.-based household cleaning brand Reckitt Benckiser, as well as growth in the Latin American and Chinese markets. Euro RSCG Worldwide has 75 accounts worldwide and 1,346 assignments surpassing agencies including Ogilvy & Mather, McCann Erickson Worldwide, Grey Worldwide and BBDO Worldwide, which together round out the top five agencies, according to the figures released by Advertising Age this month. Of the Top 100 Global Marketers listed in the report, located at http://www.AdAge.com , Euro RSCG Worldwide handles the advertising for 10 of these brands: Ford Motor Co., Reckitt Benckiser, Danone Group, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Citigroup, Bayer, Schering-Plough Corp., LG Group, Carrefour and Sanofi-Aventis. These responsibilities are handled out of multiple offices across Euro RSCG's global network, which has footholds in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. "I am tremendously proud of our talent around the globe, and of our ability to grow, both financially and creatively," said David Jones, Global Chief Executive Officer of Euro RSCG Worldwide. "The high ambitions we have already reached are a sign of further success to come." Jones continued: "While our offices in New York, London and Paris tend to attract the most attention, Latin America is actually one of our star performers. Regional Director Ricardo Monteiro has led Euro RSCG to win 25 international awards and 45 local awards in 2006. China, too, continues to boom for us, which is why we have secured the world's largest full-time field marketing force of some 30 thousand employees in China alone." Advertising Age publishes a list of the Top 100 Global Marketers annually. The full 2006 report, published at http://www.AdAge.com lists the global accounts for 22 of the largest global advertising agencies. Euro RSCG Worldwide, a leading integrated marketing communications agency, is made up of 233 offices located in 75 countries throughout Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. Euro RSCG provides advertising, marketing services, corporate communications, and interactive solutions to global, regional, and local clients. The agency's client roster includes Airbus, Air France, BNP Paribas, Capgemini, Charles Schwab, Danone Group, Diageo, IBM, Jaguar, L'Oreal, LVMH Louis Vuitton, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Reckitt Benckiser, sanofi-aventis, Schering-Plough, Verizon, and Volvo. Headquartered in New York, Euro RSCG Worldwide is the largest unit of Havas, a world leader in communications (Euronext Paris SA: HAV.PA). For more information, please contact: Jonathan Sanchez Euro RSCG Worldwide Tel: +1-646-206-4653 Email: jonathan.sanchez@eurorscg.com SOURCE Euro RSCG Worldwide
2007'02.11.Sun
Linguatec and Chinese Academy of Sciences Agree on Strategic Cooperation

December 01, 2006

MUNICH, Germany, Dec. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The German language technology specialist Linguatec and the renowned Chinese Academy of Sciences have reached an agreement on strategic cooperation. The goal is joint research and development of new language technology solutions to make closer ties between Europe and China possible. Chinese High End Research The Chinese Academy of Sciences is a renowned institution in the People's Republic of China. An independent organization, it specializes in the natural sciences and high technology and includes about 100 top level research organizations. One of these is the Institute of Computing Technology (ICT) in Peking, where outstanding scientists shape the future of Chinese computer linguistics. Over 10 Years Language Technology Experience in Germany In this computer linguistic context Linguatec is virtually predestined for cooperation with the ICT, as the language specialists in Munich have been driving forward the development of innovative language technology software for more than 10 years. The result of this commitment are numerous prize-winning products in all areas of automatic translation, speech recognition and voice output. With increasingly multilingual solutions Linguatec takes into account growing globalization and the necessity of international exchange. Common Goals "Linguatec is a highly valued partner for us in the further development of multilingual language technology applications," explains Prof. Dr. Liu Qun from the Institute of Computing Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "This cooperation makes it possible to synergetically combine our academic and practical strengths and competences. Our goal is to develop innovative high end solutions as a first step and as an essential second step to introduce them into industry and business." Promising Perspectives With this partnership Linguatec establishes its position as linguistic bridgehead to the Chinese market. The language technology specialist from Munich first introduced itself to the Asian IT world at the CeBIT in Shanghai in September and attracted the attention of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "This cooperation is a milestone for the relations between Europe and China. We are standing on the threshold of a new era in which China will play an important role. In these circumstances, developing language technologies with a strong partner to facilitate communication between European and Chinese business partners is a tremendous common challenge," says Linguatec CEO Dr. Reinhard Busch about the agreement. About Linguatec: Linguatec GmbH is Germany's leading producer of language technology software. Their main product areas are automatic translation, speech recognition and voice output. Linguatec is the only company to have received the European Information Technology Prize three times. http://www.linguatec.net About the Chinese Academy of Sciences: The Chinese Academy of Sciences is a renowned institution in the People's Republic of China. An independent organization, it specializes in the natural sciences and high technology and includes about 100 top level research organizations. One of these is the Institute of Computing Technology (ICT) in Peking, where outstanding scientists shape the future of Chinese computer linguistics. http://www.ict.ac.cn/en/index.htm For more information, please contact: Linguatec GmbH Ms Elisabeth Bauer Gottfried-Keller-Str. 12 81245 Munchen Germany Tel: +89896664152 Email: e.bauer@linguatec.net SOURCE Linguatec
2007'02.11.Sun
InBev and Anheuser-Busch Reach Agreement for European Import Brands in United States

December 01, 2006

Anheuser-Busch to Import Beck's, Bass, Stella Artois, Other InBev European Brands
ST. LOUIS and BRUSSELS, Belgium, Dec. 1 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD) will become the exclusive U.S. importer of a number of InBev's (Euronext: INB) premium European import brands, including Stella Artois(R), Beck's(R), Bass Pale Ale(R), Hoegaarden(R), Leffe(R) and other select InBev brands, the two brewers announced today. Effective February 1, 2007, Anheuser-Busch will import these premium brands and be responsible for their sales, promotion and distribution in the United States. These InBev brands, which had sales volumes of about 1.9 million hectoliters (or about 1.5 million barrels) in 2005, will be available to Anheuser-Busch's U.S. wholesaler network where possible. InBev's Canadian brands, including Labatt Blue(R) and Labatt Blue Light(R), as well as Brahma(R), are not included in the agreement. Working closely with Labatt Breweries of Canada, InBev USA will continue to market and sell the Labatt and Brahma brands through a separate distribution network. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. "This agreement gives us highly-valued brands that appeal to beer drinkers looking for sophisticated imports in their beer choices," said August A. Busch IV, president and chief executive officer of Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. "We live in a world with diverse cultures and lifestyles, and this provides additional variety for our consumers. These well-known import brands complement our company's leading portfolio of American premium beers and enable our company to better compete. This is consistent with our stated strategy of enhancing our participation in the U.S. high-end beer segment." "By securing access to Anheuser-Busch's world-class sales and distribution system, this agreement will enhance opportunities for U.S. consumers to experience the unique values of our premium European import brands, and further accelerate their growth," said Carlos Brito, CEO, InBev. "This is another step in InBev's mission to create enduring bonds with our consumers throughout the world." Doug Corbett, president of InBev USA, said: "InBev USA remains fully committed to the Labatt Canadian brands and to Brahma. These are great brands with a lot of potential and this agreement will allow us to focus on growing them in their markets." InBev is a publicly traded company (Euronext: INB) based in Leuven, Belgium. The company's origins date back to 1366, and today it is the leading global brewer by volume. InBev's strategy is to strengthen its local platforms by building significant positions in the world's major beer markets through organic growth, world-class efficiency, targeted external growth, and by putting consumers first. InBev has a portfolio of more than 200 brands, including Stella Artois(R), Brahma(R), Beck's(R), Leffe(R) and Skol(R) -- the third-largest selling beer brand in the world. InBev employs some 85,000 people, running operations in over 30 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. In 2005, InBev realized 11.7 billion euro revenue. For further information visit http://www.InBev.com . Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer. The company brews the world's largest-selling beers, Budweiser(R) and Bud Light(R). Anheuser-Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer, and a 27 percent share in Tsingtao, the No. 1 brewer in China. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired U.S. and Global Companies lists in 2006. Anheuser-Busch is one of the largest theme park operators in the United States, is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and is America's top recycler of aluminum cans. For more information, visit http://www.anheuser-busch.com . For more information, please contact: Terri Vogt Anheuser-Busch Tel: +1-314-577-7750 Email: terri.vogt@anheuser-busch.com Brenda Williams InBev USA Tel: +1-203-849-3712 Email: bwilliams@inbev.com Marianne Amssoms InBev Tel: +32-16-27-67-11 Email: marianne.amssoms@inbev.com SOURCE Anheuser-Busch
広告
ブログ内検索
アーカイブ
カウンター