Category: MENA

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Hitachi Energy and Equinor sign a strategic collaboration agreement to accelerate the energy transition

The agreement extends across Hitachi Energy’s complete portfolio of power grid solutions for a sustainable low-carbon energy system

Zurich, Switzerland, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all, today announced it has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Equinor, one of the world’s largest energy companies, to collaborate within electrification, renewable power generation and low-carbon initiatives worldwide.

The agreement underlines both companies’ commitment to accelerate the energy transition and advance a more sustainable, flexible and secure energy system. It builds on the two companies’ long and successful collaboration over many decades. During that time, Hitachi Energy has provided Equinor with power grid solutions and pioneering technologies on several projects, such as Dogger Bank A, B and C, the world’s largest offshore wind farm on completion, and Troll A, the world’s first HVDC power-from-shore connection.

Initial areas of focus for the collaboration include developing standardized base designs to be applied for high-voltage direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) transmission systems to connect offshore wind farms and Equinor production facilities to mainland power grids.

“We are delighted to deepen our longstanding relationship with one of the world’s leading energy companies and to help Equinor achieve its ambition of becoming net zero by mid-century,” said Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business. “Together we make a strong team that will support the society to reach the goal of the Paris Agreement and create a sustainable energy future for all.”

“Hitachi Energy has been a reliable supplier to Equinor for many years. This strategic collaboration agreement is a signal of joint ambitions to increase our competitiveness in the ongoing energy transition. Standardization of technical solutions will be a key to succeed, and we look forward to improving together with Hitachi Energy,” said Geir Tungesvik, Executive Vice President for Projects, Drilling and Procurement at Equinor.

The scope of the agreement covers the complete spectrum of Hitachi Energy’s portfolio of power grid technologies and solutions. It includes IdentiQTM, Hitachi Energy’s digital twin for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and power quality solutions, which provides significant benefits throughout the assets’ plan, build, operate and maintain life cycle; Grid-eXpandTM modular and prefabricated offshore and onshore grid connections that make it faster, simpler and more efficient to connect facilities to the grid; OceaniQTM solutions such as transformers and high-voltage products that can operate flawlessly on land, offshore and below the sea surface; and grid automation solutions that keep onshore and offshore electrical assets operating reliably, safely and securely.

About Hitachi Energy Ltd.

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 40,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD.

https://www.hitachienergy.com

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

https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society with data and technology. We will solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, under the business structure of Digital Systems & Services, Green Energy & Mobility, Connective Industries and Automotive Systems. Driven by green, digital, and innovation, we aim for growth through collaboration with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2021 (ended March 31, 2022) totaled 10,264.6 billion yen ($84,136 million USD), with 853 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 370,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

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Jocelyn Chang
Hitachi Energy Ltd.
+41793847775
jocelyn.chang@hitachienergy.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8691594

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Indonesia Towards the Center of Global Sharia Economy

DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk (BSI) affirmed Indonesia’s commitment to become one of the centers of world Islamic finance, through the introduction of four programs to strengthen this ecosystem in Indonesia and abroad.

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin accompanied by President Director of Bank Syariah Indonesia Hery Gunardi (second right), Compliance & HR Director of Bank Mandiri Agus Dwi Handaya (left) and Principal Representative Office of BSI Dubai Dian Faqihdien Suzabar when visiting Dubai Representative Office of PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk.

Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir has led the Ministries preparation of four featured programmes to form this ecosystem. First, developing the halal industry market within the country and abroad. The second one is developing the sharia financial industry. Third, friendly investment involving local entrepreneurs. And the fourth one, continuous growth of the sharia economy in rural areas.

Recognising Indonesian sharia economy potential, Minister Thohir expressed his desire for Indonesians not only to be consumers of imported halal goods but to be the producers. “We should be the producers and a global player. Yet that would be impossible if we do not have a strong sharia financial system,” said Thohir.

According to the indicator report from The State of Global Islamic Economy, Indonesia has continuously shown significant growth. In 2019, the country was one of the top 10 countries of the world’s sharia economy. In 2020, this rank was raised, placing Indonesia in the top five.

Thohir established the holding of the state’s sharia bank, Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI). BSI is a result of the merger of 3 sharia banks namely BNI Syariah, BRI Syariah, and Bank Syariah Mandiri which was inaugurated on February 1, 2021. BSI is the largest Islamic bank and the 7th largest bank in Indonesia.

Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Ma’ruf Amin said, BSI should be able to make Indonesia the center for the sharia industry and the world’s halal ecosystem. “Our hope is that BSI will not only take this role nationally, but also globally. Analogically, now Islamic banks are not just playing in a small pool, but are able to swim in the wide ocean,” said Ma’ruf, during a visit to the BSI representative office at Dubai, United Arab Emirates on November 4, 2022.

BSI President Director Hery Gunardi declared the bank’s commitment to fully support all initiatives to reinforce the ecosystem towards the goal of becoming the world’s sharia economy centre of gravity. BSI, he said, has persistently developed the country’s sharia financial ecosystem.

“Indonesia has big potential in halal industry,” Gunardi added. This is supported by the fact that more than 229 millions of its population are Muslim, which equals to 87.2% of the country’s total population. The halal food industry has the potential up to USD164,76 billion. Further potential can be found in clothing with USD20 billion, halal media USD9,52 billion, halal tourism USD10,48 billion, health industry USD4,76 billion, halal cosmetics and hajj and umrah USD3,81 billion. Other sharia businesses, such as investment, have potential around USD122,65 billion.

BSI has also started its business penetration in the global market. One of them is in the Middle East in line with cooperation with international conglomerates and start-ups in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which also marks the expansion of the largest Islamic bank in Indonesia in the global arena. This step was an acceleration for BSI to be taken into account in the international community through increasing capabilities, competitiveness, and reputation. The presence of overseas business networks allows BSI to interact directly with important components of the global banking industry.

Gunardi hopes that BSI will be closer to global investors so that the company can contribute more in supporting the programs of the government of the Republic of Indonesia, both in funding infrastructure and development projects through the issuance of Global Sukuk as well as support for the development of national MSMEs.

BSI kept its positive performance in the third quarter of 2022, achieving USD218,36 million net profit, growing 42% (yoy). This performance was also supported by public trust, proven by 11.86% rise of third party funds that reached USD16,68 billion.

The financing side also grew significantly. BSI financing as a whole recorded USD13,59 billion, growing 22.35%. By segments, micro financing contributed the most with 37.32%. Consumer financing grew 25.26%, wholesale financing 21.79%, card financing 35.81%, and also gold pawn with 30.15% growth. Additionally, net NPF was only 0.43%.

Solid and healthy performance was also reflected by 11.53% asset growth. BSI also strived for cost efficiency, shown by better BOPO ratio of 74.02%. Until September 2022, there were already 4.44 million users of BSI Mobile, soaring 43% yearly. Based on customer profiles in BSI, as many as 97% have shifted to e-channel for banking activities. Cumulative transactions for BSI Mobile reached 187.20 million transactions.

Sustainable financing reached USD3,47 billion or 25.54% of total BSI financing. “Promoting sustainable financing is one of our commitments as part of our social and environmental responsibilities in various areas of this country as well as supporting the G20 Indonesia Presidency,” Gunardi added.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941007/TRW2022_1_25.jpg

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Fairmont & ALL – Accor Live Limitless Launch ‘Beyond LIMITS’: A New Collection of Boundary-Pushing Experiences Across North & Central America

UNEXPECTED, LIMITED-TIME EXPERIENCES TAKE TRAVELERS ON EXCLUSIVE JOURNEYS AIMED AT ACTIVATING THE SENSES, AND INSPIRING AWE & WONDER

Toronto, Canada, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announces the official debut of ‘Beyond LIMITS’, an exciting new collection of first-of-their-kind, awe-inspiring experiences available exclusively at iconic Fairmont properties, and other ALL – Accor Live Limitless hotels, across North & Central America. ‘Beyond LIMITS’ is designed to defy convention, shatter the boundaries of expectation, and elevate the luxury experience beyond what was previously thought possible. Each highly exclusive, immersive experience is as unexpected as it is unforgettable, carefully crafted to lead travelers on a journey of discovery, to find something new within the destination, the hotel and themselves.

‘Beyond LIMITS’ kicks off the first week of November 2022, with signature limited-time experiences slated through March 2023 – including:

 

  • Symphony in a Cenote | In the lush Mexico jungle, Fairmont Mayakoba reimagines one of Riviera Maya’s famed limestone caves as a spectacular candlelit concert hall | November 2022 & January 2023
  • Pauoa Bay Underwater Ballet | Guests at Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dive into a magical underwater world and witness a daring, mesmerizing live ballet performance beneath the sea | February 2023
  • The Vertical Stage | Fairmont Century Plaza transforms its famed Los Angeles façade into the world’s first 19-story vertical dance floor for a troupe of gravity defying performance artists | Early 2023
  • Fire & Ice | In a tiny log cabin, at the edge of frozen Lake Louise, surrounded for miles by nothing but Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and a wintry snowscape, a master chef delivers an exclusive, intimate fireside culinary experience for only 10 lucky guests, inspired by the Japanese cooking style of Robatayaki | January & February 2023
  • Christmas with Candace | Emmy award nominee, director, actress, New York Times best-selling author, producer,  ‘Queen of Christmas’ and “Full House” star, Candace Cameron Bure shares some of her favorite holiday tips and tricks, including how to decorate the perfect Christmas cookie, at a special holiday tea and photo moment at Fairmont San Francisco | December 2022
  • Haute O2 | High in the Canadian Rockies, where the air is pure and the views extend as far as the eye can see, Fairmont Banff Springs is popping up a cliffside oxygen bar at 7,000 feet, accessible exclusively to just 8 guests per day, to refresh the mind, body and soul | January 2023
  • Enchanted Forest | Perched atop Fairmont Waterfront’s garden terrace with majestic views of downtown Vancouver and the city’s stunning harbor, awaits a world of fantasy, a magnificent forest overflowing with lush sprawling trees, a dreamy musical performance, and a hint of magic | Early 2023
  • Après Scottsdale | In the heart of the Sonoran Desert, sits an unexpected luxury winter chateau, nestled amidst the ultimate holiday playground at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess; entry is only granted to a select few adults, who choose to celebrate the holidays with more grown-up pursuits, from culinary delights to the finest sparkling champagne | November & December 2023
  • Tea Noir | Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s playfully dark twist on high tea promises a journey through tea-infused sensorial delights, from savory to sweet, with a dash of spice, worthy of slipping into something a little glam | November 2022 through March 2023

“When everyone and everything in the travel space claims to be ‘luxurious’, the term loses its genuine value as a point of exclusivity and differentiation. So we posed the question – ‘how can we breathe life back into the luxury experience, what it truly means to go above and beyond expectations, in the limitless ways our Fairmont guests and ALL members deserve?’,” said Jeff Doane, Chief Commercial Officer, Accor North & Central America. “With ‘Beyond LIMITS’, we are able to redefine luxury, by challenging the norms of what is expected. We pushed ourselves and our teams to go beyond everything that had been done before, and the result is a collection of experiences that are highly inventive and exclusive, that must actually be seen to be believed. That is ‘Beyond LIMITS’.”

To learn more or to book a ‘Beyond LIMITS’ experience, visit www.ALLbeyondLIMITS.com. Even more adventures await – including a spa day in the Puerto Rican jungle with Fairmont El San Juan Hotel; a night at the International Emmy Awards with Sofitel New York; skiing with an Olympian at Fairmont Chateau Whistler; and a private cave dinner in Barbados with Fairmont Royal Pavilion – with new opportunities to thrill and inspire added regularly.

Members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless will also be able to book select ‘Beyond LIMITS’ experiences with ALL Reward points. With the travel industry’s most diverse network of brands and an ever-growing portfolio, ALL invites members to experience more of what they love through benefits and rewards in travel, dining and everyday life. Among the most valuable in the industry, ALL Reward points are highly flexible, allowing members to earn points, even when they are not staying at an Accor hotel, and then redeem their points for unforgettable moments around the globe. To join Accor’s award-winning loyalty program, click here.

To help guests travel ‘Beyond LIMITS’, Accor is also offering up to 25 percent savings for bookings made by March 29, 2023, for stays through April 30, 2023 (may vary by property), at participating Fairmont, Sofitel, Swissôtel, MGallery, Pullman, Novotel and ibis hotels across North & Central America. As always, ALL members save more, with a special member rate that delivers an additional 5 percent off.

Creative assets for ‘Beyond LIMITS’, including videos, photos and logos, are available for download in the Accor press room.

 

ABOUT ACCOR

Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing more than 40 luxury, premium, midscale and economy hotel brands, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor’s unmatched position in lifestyle hospitality – one of the fastest growing categories in the industry – is led by Ennismore, a joint venture, which Accor holds a majority shareholding. Ennismore is a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Accor boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and more than 230,000 team members worldwide. Members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program – ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the Group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com, or follow Accor on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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Paulo Senra
Diamond
[email protected]

Sandra Duhamel
Accor North & Central America
+1 305 401 1556
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8690759

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CCTV+: A Piece of Song Porcelain from Baishe Kiln

BEIJING, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — “When the rain ceases and the clouds roll out, the color of the sky is just the perfect color for the bluish-white porcelain.” This is how the ancient Chinese described the bluish-white porcelain of the Song Dynasty. Carrying a bluish-white color with a delicate appearance, it shines over one of the most prosperous eras in China’s history, the Song Dynasty. Nanfeng, Jiangxi, is featured in “A Piece of Song Porcelain from Baishe Kiln”. It was remembered as a thousand-year-old town comparable to the porcelain capital. However, nowadays, only a rare few have seen its beauty.

Baishe kiln began operating in the early years of the Northern Song Dynasty and flourished from the middle of the Northern Song Dynasty to the middle of the Southern Song Dynasty. At that time, the porcelain from Baishe kiln featured a pristine white color, delicate smoothness, thin body, along with a dense and firm  texture. It was given a  special name of “Baishe White Porcelain.” The porcelain glaze is crystal clear, with a soft luster and a color between blue and white. Its exquisite gentleness gives it the reputation of “Baishe jade.” According to the Chronicles of Nanfeng County, “In the Song Dynasty, Baishe built several porcelain kilns under the official supervision looking like hills.” There are still 32 ancient kiln sites of the Song and Yuan Dynasties in Nanfeng Town. The kiln accumulations stretch for more than 2,500 meters. It is not difficult to imagine the spectacular scene of flames leaping high into the sky when hundreds of kilns were in operation at the same time  in the ancient times. In Nanfeng today, the lost memories of Baishe kiln are being pieced back together bit by bit. Baishe porcelain brings people back to the glorious and romantic time, unveiling the culture and style of the era bygone.

The waterways extending in all directions and the  busy  docks in Jiangxi have also made Jiangxi an important source  for Chinese ceramics. Porcelain, created in a kiln and shipped to the world all year round, dives into our hearts as epics of human lives, songs of Chinese porcelain, and pictures of the civilization, building the Chinese dream of the Jiangxi porcelain art.

Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1939907/A_Piece_of_Song_Porcelain_from_Baishe_Kiln.mp4

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Casio to Release Third G-SHOCK Rui Hachimura Signature Model

Dial and Band Design Inspired by Tateyama Mountain Range in Hachimura’s Home Prefecture of Toyama in Japan

TOKYO, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the release of the DW-6900RH, a new addition to the G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches. The DW-6900RH is the third signature model designed in collaboration with professional basketball player Rui Hachimura, who plays in the NBA.

DW-6900RH

Hachimura not only plays for the Washington Wizards, but is also a key member of the Japanese national basketball team. Casio signed a global partnership agreement with Hachimura in November 2019 to support him as he pursues great things.

The new DW-6900RH is a signature model designed in collaboration with Hachimura. This design begins with the shock-resistant DW-6900, nicknamed the “three-eyed watch” because of the row of three indicators on the dial, and highlights the Tateyama mountain range in Hachimura’s home prefecture of Toyama.

The dial is printed with a contour map of the Tateyama mountain range, while the light-blue printing on the white band represents majestic snow-capped peaks. As befits a signature model, RUI HACHIMURA adorns the watch glass and his signature “Black Samurai” logo features on the case back, the LCD when the backlight is on, and the special packaging. The invigorating light blue and white color scheme draws on Hachimura’s roots, bringing to life the melting snow of the Japanese Alps.

Hachimura had this to say about his latest signature timepiece, “I designed this third model based on the image of the Tateyama Mountains in my hometown of Toyama, a place that holds fond memories for me, with the bright colors and the great view of Tateyama as a motif. I hope you all enjoy it!”

DW-6900RH ／ Band printed with graphics of the Tateyama mountain range

Promotion Movie: https://youtu.be/XQi7ewlqYU0

More information: https://www.casio.com/intl/news/2022/1107-dw-6900rh/

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1935825/DW_6900RH.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1935826/DW_6900RH___Band_printed_graphics_Tateyama_mountain_range.jpg

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Morrow Sodali Strengthens Its Market Leading Position With New Australian Acquisition

Acquisition of key Australian financial communications and investor relations player, Citadel-MAGNUS will drive rapid growth and significant expansion

NEW YORK, Nov. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Morrow Sodali, the world’s leading shareholder engagement and governance advisory firm, announced today the acquisition of Australian financial communications and investor relations agency, Citadel-MAGNUS, its first since TPG Growth secured a majority stake in April of this year.

The Australian based acquisition represents a significant expansion of Morrow Sodali’s service offering in the APAC region to meet the rapidly growing global demand from corporations for strategic communications and investor engagement services.

The combination of Morrow Sodali and Citadel-MAGNUS brings together two trusted market leading consultancies to provide best in class strategic counsel and support to our clients. Citadel-MAGNUS will be fully integrated into Morrow Sodali enabling the firm to provide a seamless offering and the most comprehensive suite of investor relations and communications solutions to listed and private entities with the intention of rolling out the expanded services to other markets.

The acquisition marks a significant step forward in Morrow Sodali’s strategy to accelerate its growth by investing in services that create value for its clients world-wide.

Alvise Recchi, CEO of Morrow Sodali, commented, “As part of Morrow Sodali’s strategic global growth strategy, the addition of Citadel-MAGNUS will expand our service offering to encompass a broader suite of Board, C-Suite and ESG advisory, Investor Relations and Financial Communications services. We can’t wait to see the potential of this exciting opportunity realised as we continue to grow in new markets around the world.”

Christian Sealey, CEO of Morrow Sodali’s International Business added, “More and more, our clients are coming to us seeking advice and assistance across a wide array of areas covering shareholder communication, stakeholder engagement, capital markets intelligence, corporate governance and ESG advisory. Acquiring Citadel-MAGNUS enables us to provide strategic solutions for our clients and uniquely positions us to become their ongoing trusted partner of choice.”

Peter Brookes, Joint Managing Director of Citadel-MAGNUS said, “Our team is thrilled to be joining forces with Morrow Sodali. We are seeing a growing need to provide clients with an end-to-end offering across the financial calendar and increasingly complex event driven activity where good communication is paramount. The combination of our firms brings together two leading and trusted advisory companies that are deeply embedded in corporate Australia and who share a strong focus on delivering exceptional client service.”

About Morrow Sodali

Morrow Sodali is a global corporate advisory firm that provides clients with comprehensive advice and services relating to corporate governance, ESG, sustainability, proxy solicitation, capital markets intelligence, shareholder and bondholder engagement, M&A, activism and contested situations.

From headquarters in New York and London and offices in global capital markets, Morrow Sodali serves over 1,000 clients in more than 80 countries, including many of the world’s largest multinational corporations. Clients include listed and private companies, mutual fund groups, stock exchanges and membership associations.

In 2022, Morrow Sodali is celebrating its 50th anniversary and also secured a majority investment from TPG Growth, the middle market and growth equity platform of alternative asset firm TPG. This partnership will significantly advance the firm’s mission of providing clients worldwide with unrivalled strategic advice and comprehensive support, enabling them to maximize value and expertly manage stakeholder relations.

For more information about Morrow Sodali, please visit www.morrowsodali.com.

About Citadel-MAGNUS

Citadel-MAGNUS is a leading corporate and financial communication firm with offices in Sydney and Perth, servicing clients across Australia and internationally.

We have established a reputation for delivering outstanding results for our clients through trusted relationships, integrity and professional excellence. Our priority is to support clients’ business objectives through effective communication and a superior level of service.

Citadel-MAGNUS brings an unrivalled depth of financial markets, corporate and media experience to help companies address the challenges of today’s highly competitive and changing business environment. We have worked with companies in all sectors and of all sizes, and our success has led to established, long-term partnerships with business leaders and companies.

For more information, visit www.citadelmagnus.com.

CONTACT:

Elena Cargnello

Corporate Director, Marketing

[email protected]

+44 (0)20 4513 6913

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000754955