As extreme and unpredictable weather conditions increase in frequency, the impact of climate change has become more apparent and will become even more so in future. Therefore, it is not surprising that in a recent international survey, over half of 16- to 25-year-olds reported feeling very or extremely worried about climate change. While it is easy to feel small before such a great challenge facing the earth, any positive action, no matter how small, by individuals collectively, can bring significant positive impact to our delicate environment. So, instead of feeling despair and doing nothing, everyone can contribute to improving the situation by doing small things like picking up the rubbish on our way to work, use recycle bags instead of plastic bags when shopping, not to let the tap water run while brushing our teeth, etc. Just start committing to small positive changes now and encourage others to do so.
Enjin Relaunches Spark Program, Offering 200,000 Free Transactions for Enjin Blockchain Adopters
by PR Newswire on Thu, 09 May 2024 23:00:00 +0800
SINGAPORE, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Enjin announced the official relaunch of the Enjin Spark Program. This initiative, first introduced in 2019, attracted over 125 games to the ecosystem during the nascent stages of the Web3 games market. read more
SINGAPORE, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Enjin announced the official relaunch of the Enjin Spark Program. This initiative, first introduced in 2019, attracted over 125 games to the ecosystem during the nascent stages of the Web3 games market.
The updated Spark Program offers improved features and benefits. This includes Fuel Tanks backed by up to 10,000 ENJ, providing top adopters with 200,000 free transactions. Additionally, participants will receive 10,000 free transfers via Enjin Beam, Enjin’s QR-powered NFT distribution system, along with other exclusive benefits.
The updated Spark Program offers improved features and benefits. This includes Fuel Tanks backed by up to 10,000 ENJ, providing top adopters with 200,000 free transactions. Additionally, participants will receive 10,000 free transfers via Enjin Beam, Enjin's QR-powered NFT distribution system, along with other exclusive benefits.
Key Benefits for Spark Adopters:
- 200,000 Free Transactions: Developers can receive up to 10,000 ENJ for their Fuel Tank, which provides free transactions for the project and its community.
- 10,000 Free Enjin Beam QR Transfers: Creators are granted 10,000 Enjin Beam Credits, enabling them to use Enjin Beam QR codes for free transfers.
- Featured NFT.io Collection: Adopters that get verified are featured on NFT.io. Additionally, Enjin promotes these projects' NFTs, which are exclusively on the Enjin Blockchain.
- Priority Support: Projects have access to Enjin's private Slack, allowing direct collaboration with Enjin's developers and contributors.
- Multiverse Items: Games & apps can reward users with high-utility, cross-game items that enhance player acquisition.
- Collab Network: Projects gain access to an exclusive Slack channel, where they can forge partnerships with service providers curated to fast-track their growth.
- Marketing Assistance: Games & apps receive marketing support, amplification, and strategic advice to help grow their audience.
"We're thrilled to relaunch the Enjin Spark Program, reaffirming our commitment to developer success," said Rene Stefancic, Chief Operating Officer of Atlas Development Services, a core Enjin Blockchain contributor. "Together with Enjin's robust Web3 gaming technology stack, we are confident the Spark Program will attract a new wave of developers, fostering growth in the Enjin Ecosystem. The feedback from the program's early adopters is inspiring, and we're excited to open to door for new members of the ecosystem."
Original Spark members from 2019, including Lost Relics, The Six Dragons, and Kingdom Karnage, have grown to become esteemed games in Web3, leading the industry in its formative stages. Today, the Spark program welcomes games, apps, and projects of all sizes to the Web3 market, as Enjin continues to solidify its position as a top gaming ecosystem.
"The unique features of Enjin Blockchain, including managed wallets and fuel tanks, enable us to introduce traditional Web2 gamers to the limitless possibilities of Web3," stated Savvas Lazopolous, CEO of BlockPegnio, the game studio behind The Six Dragons. "Our ability to blend Web2 accessibility with advanced Web3 functionality is made possible by Enjin's hands-on support through the Spark Program."
By joining the Spark Program, high-quality projects will gain exclusive access to the growing number of technological innovations and growth initiatives formulated by Enjin's marketing contributors, designed to help games scale rapidly in the Web3 landscape.
"The Spark program has been instrumental for Etherscape. Feedback from these Web3 veterans has refined our core systems like governance," said Sam Bayless, Founder of Etherscape, an early adopter of the new program. "Furthermore, their marketing support helped us find a core group of alpha players crucial for refining our design throughout alpha."
Interested projects may visit Enjin's new Spark Program portal: enjin.io/join to find out more about the program and register as a Spark Adopter.
About Enjin
Launched in 2017, Enjin emerged as a pioneer in Web3 development, introducing the first gaming-specific development tools on Ethereum and designing the ERC-1155 token standard.
Its comprehensive ecosystem supports the deployment of scalable Web3 games and applications, which has been utilized by hundreds of developers.
Key components include:
- Enjin Blockchain: Tailored specifically for gaming and app development, this blockchain offers scalability, enhanced security, and ease of use.
- Enjin Platform & API: Provides tools that enable developers to incorporate Web3 functionalities into their games and apps efficiently, often within hours.
- Enjin Wallet: A robust wallet acclaimed for its extensive features, integrating seamlessly with the Enjin Blockchain, Marketplace, Platform, and API. It serves over 3 million users.
- NFT.io Marketplace: An intuitive platform for creators, traders, and developers to create and trade NFTs within minutes.
- Enjin Beam: A novel way to send NFTs via QR codes, enabling the effortless distribution of thousands of items with just a few clicks.
Media Contacts
press@atlasdev.io
Brand assets available at enjin.io/press-center
Press Release distributed by Atlas Development Services, a core contributor to Enjin Blockchain, contact us at press@atlasdev.io
Sunyard Will Showcase Innovative Payment Technology at Seamless Middle East 2024
by PR Newswire on Thu, 09 May 2024 22:00:00 +0800
HANGZHOU, China, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunyard Technology, the leading global payment solution provider, will participate in Seamless Middle East 2024 in the World Trade Center, Dubai from May 14 to 16, showcasing featured payment products based on Sunyard's latest technology and advanced solutions at Booth H6-B36. Sunyard will also demonstrate how its payment solutions can be applied to various scenarios to achieve more smart and efficient outcomes. read more
HANGZHOU, China, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunyard Technology, the leading global payment solution provider, will participate in Seamless Middle East 2024 in the World Trade Center, Dubai from May 14 to 16, showcasing featured payment products based on Sunyard's latest technology and advanced solutions at Booth H6-B36. Sunyard will also demonstrate how its payment solutions can be applied to various scenarios to achieve more smart and efficient outcomes.
The Sunyard Payment Ecosystem is constantly updated to improve the customer experience and help grow businesses. With simple and accurate designs and permitting features, the whole products are innovated to thrive client's experiences, help merchants drive footfall, and create more business opportunity. Preview of the main products and solutions.
S200 Mobile Payment Terminal - Powered By Android 13
It's the first third-generation Android mobile POS, that can be in-depth customized to meet versatile requirements. The 6.7-inch waterdrop display brings the latest tech trends and interactive experiences, making it significantly different from a typical terminal to offer you a mobile phone experience. In concert with the ergonomic design, solid craftsmanship, and durability improve the handgrip feel and service life greatly.
SunTMS - Sunyard Terminal Management System
SunTMS provides a smarter POS management platform for the daily operation of partners. It includes device management, merchant management, Remote key injection, and value-added services.
Key Benefits
- Any terminal, any vendor in one marketplace
- Real-time 3rd party App push
- Excellent architecture design, faster and more accurate running
- Monitor and query devices for a huge amount of information from various dimensions
- Effective diagnose tools, including view of terminal operation logs and remote control of terminals
- Powerful key management function to avoid security breaches, can generate, manage, and inject keys with more reliability
SunPay - A Highly Compatible and Deeply Flexible Payment Application
SunPay is based on the Android system. It's compatible with VISA, Master, Amex, Discover, Pure, and UnionPay, which can easily help partners and customers pass the EMV L3 certification.
Key Benefits
- A complex and reliable architecture, with each element tasked to ensure seamless and secure transactions.
- Pay at the table with bank cards, mobile wallets, and NFC wearable devices.
- All in one - selecting your payment method, viewing the detail report, changing your settings, and getting important service information.
Stop by our booth #H6-B36 and see our full portfolio of payment solutions for every payment scenario!
About Sunyard Technology
Sunyard was founded in 1996 and has been listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE 600571) since 2002. The company provides cost-effective and high-quality payment terminals and solutions, including Android mobile POS, traditional POS, Android electronic cash registers, and payment solutions- SunTMS & Sunpay. According to the Nilson Report, Sunyard is always at the forefront of POS terminal shipment.
Get in touch:
info@sunyard.com
www.sydtech.com.cn/en/
China, France to consolidate relationship
by PR Newswire on Thu, 09 May 2024 21:58:00 +0800
PARIS, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn: read more
PARIS, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:
As French President Emmanuel Macron rolled out the red carpet for President Xi Jinping's state visit, which concluded on Tuesday, China and France, with ample outcomes from the visit, have sent the message that they will consolidate the strategic stability of bilateral ties and jointly contribute to global security and prosperity.
President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, pose for a photo on Tuesday with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, as well as local residents, after a welcoming performance at Col du Tourmalet in southwestern France. China Daily
The two countries signed 18 bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as green development, aviation, agrifood, commerce and people-to-people exchanges after the two presidents' official talks at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Monday.
They also issued four joint statements on the situation in the Middle East, artificial intelligence and global governance, partnership in the fields of biodiversity and oceans, and agricultural exchanges and cooperation.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France, with the latter being the first major Western country to establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level with China.
Observers said that in an era in which mistrust often defines interactions between the West and China, the vibrant comprehensive strategic partnership between China and France stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that trust and collaboration are not only possible but essential for progress and prosperity.
A successful sojourn:
https://x.com/XisMoments/status/1788129714055586191
https://x.com/XisMoments/status/1788129189344018799
During their talks, the two presidents highlighted the countries' friendly relationship as well as the potential and prospects of cooperation. They pledged to step up the countries' cooperation in traditional areas such as aerospace, aviation and nuclear energy, expand collaboration in emerging areas such as green energy, smart manufacturing, biomedicine and AI, and jointly uphold multilateralism, the United Nations Charter and international law.
Xi said that China is ready to maintain strategic communication with France, respect each other's core interests, unleash the great potential of mutually beneficial cooperation, and facilitate growth and balance in bilateral trade.
Expanding opening-up
He reaffirmed the nation's commitment to expanding opening-up, saying that China has fully opened up its manufacturing sector and will move faster to expand market access in the service sector, such as in telecommunications and medical services.
While saying that China welcomes investment by more French companies, Xi expressed the hope that the French side will provide a good business environment and stable development expectations for investment and cooperation by Chinese companies in France.
China welcomes visits by more people from France, and will extend the short-stay visa-exemption policy for citizens from 12 countries, including France, to the end of 2025, bring the total number of French students in China to more than 10,000, and double the number of young Europeans on exchange programs to China in the next three years, Xi said.
He also pledged to increase dialogue and communication with France in areas including AI governance and reform of the international financial system.
Macron said that as the world faces many pressing challenges, the profound and rich France-China relationship is at a critical juncture of building on the past and looking to the future.
The two sides, through mutual respect, a long-term perspective and strengthened cooperation, will play an important and positive role in addressing global challenges and opposing any logic of bloc confrontation, he said.
Macron assured Xi that France will continue to open its market to China and will not adopt discriminatory policies against Chinese companies.
David Gosset, founder of the China-Europe-America Global Initiative, said that as France and China translate their affinities into concerted action, they forge pathways for enhanced synergies between the European Union and the world's second-largest economy.
As the world continues to evolve and confront new challenges, Gosset said that the partnership between France and China will remain essential in shaping a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future for all.
During their talks, Xi and Macron also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest, including the Ukraine crisis and the Palestine-Israel conflict.
While meeting the media with Macron following their talks, Xi called on all parties to resume engagement and dialogue to build mutual trust in order to address the Ukraine crisis. China opposes attempts to use the Ukraine crisis to scapegoat or smear a third country or to stoke a new Cold War, he said.
https://x.com/XisMoments/status/1787812645602766938
On the Palestine-Israel conflict, Xi urged the international community to work together for an immediate, comprehensive and sustainable cease-fire in Gaza. "We support Palestine's full membership in the UN, and support restoring to Palestine its legitimate national rights and restarting the two-state solution, so as to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East."
Xi and Macron also met on Tuesday at Col du Tourmalet in southwestern France, before Xi left for a state visit to Serbia.
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202405/08/WS663ab1cea31082fc043c5c59.html
Medtronic to announce financial results for its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2024
by PR Newswire on Thu, 09 May 2024 20:45:00 +0800
DUBLIN, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced that it will report financial results for its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2024 on Thursday, May 23, 2024. A news release will be issued at approximately 5:45 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) and will be available at https://news.medtronic.com. The news release will include summary financial information for the company's fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2024, which ended on Friday, April 26, 2024. read more
DUBLIN, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced that it will report financial results for its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2024 on Thursday, May 23, 2024. A news release will be issued at approximately 5:45 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) and will be available at https://news.medtronic.com. The news release will include summary financial information for the company's fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2024, which ended on Friday, April 26, 2024.
Medtronic will host a video webcast at 7:00 a.m. CDT on Thursday, May 23, 2024, to discuss results for its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2024. The webcast can be accessed at https://investorrelations.medtronic.com.
Within 24 hours of the broadcast, a replay and transcript of the prepared remarks will be available by clicking on the Events link at https://investorrelations.medtronic.com.
Looking ahead, Medtronic plans to report its first, second, third, and fourth quarter fiscal year 2025 results on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Tuesday, February 18, 2025, and Thursday, May 22, 2025, respectively. For these events, confirmation and additional details will be provided closer to the specific event.
About Medtronic
Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 90,000+ passionate people across 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE:MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow @Medtronic on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.
Contacts: | |
Erika Winkels | Ryan Weispfenning |
Public Relations | Investor Relations |
+1-763-526-8478 | +1-763-505-4626 |
Logo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/1657690/Medtronic_Logo.jpg?p=medium600
Taoping Launches New Enhanced AI-Powered Smart Terminal
by PR Newswire on Thu, 09 May 2024 20:30:00 +0800
SHENZHEN, China, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Taoping Inc. (Nasdaq: TAOP, the "Company"), a developer of innovative smart cloud platform services and solutions, new media and artificial intelligence solutions, today unveiled a new, upgraded AI-powered smart terminal. This cutting-edge platform integrates AI Generative Artificial Intelligence (AIGC) with Taoping's intelligent cloud platform technology and product capabilities, paving the way for intelligent, AI-driven smart terminals. read more
SHENZHEN, China, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Taoping Inc. (Nasdaq: TAOP, the "Company"), a developer of innovative smart cloud platform services and solutions, new media and artificial intelligence solutions, today unveiled a new, upgraded AI-powered smart terminal. This cutting-edge platform integrates AI Generative Artificial Intelligence (AIGC) with Taoping's intelligent cloud platform technology and product capabilities, paving the way for intelligent, AI-driven smart terminals.
Taoping's new enhanced AI-powered smart terminals leverage high-end video displays to seamlessly integrate AI technology. This facilitates rapid interaction, data collection, analysis, and more, optimizing the user experience. Initially targeting advertisers, these enhanced terminals enable them to autonomously generate diverse advertising content such as text-to-image, posters, and video ads. This capability aligns with tailored promotional strategies, offering a high degree of customization. This capability allows the terminals to engage audiences naturally and instantly, significantly enhancing the efficacy of advertising media within Taoping's ecosystem.
Mr. Lin Jianghuai, Chairman and CEO of Taoping, commented, "It's evident that AI has emerged as a central focus for our customers seeking cutting-edge terminal solutions. Over the past year, we've deliberately architected our new AI-powered smart terminals to capitalize on the advanced capabilities of AI, seamlessly integrating them with our renowned intelligent cloud platform technology. The initial feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. Our enhanced terminals not only promise to boost efficiency and cost-effectiveness for business owners, but they are also poised to elevate customer experiences. By delivering faster, more accurate service, they have the potential to reduce transaction costs significantly."
"This represents a significant milestone in Taoping's cloud strategy. While the initial application in advertising scenarios marks a promising start, we anticipate a much broader utilization of our new AI-powered smart terminals across various sectors including environmental protection, government affairs, retail, culture, and tourism. Our focus is firmly on leveraging these exciting opportunities to drive growth, supported comprehensively by the Company's expanded AI product series."
The integration of 3D simulated digital technology introduces groundbreaking interaction methods through AI technologies. Equipped with ultra-realistic dynamic service capabilities, advertisers from a variety of industries – including culture and tourism, catering, government affairs, finance, live streaming, and more – can now generate exclusive IP images that reflect with their unique characteristics.
At the same time, Taoping's new AI-powered smart terminals comprehensively optimize and upgrade multiple functions, such as intelligent auxiliary settings of advertising categories, scenarios, and specifications, as well as advertisements cloud storage and publishing. Covering every phase from content creation, precise publishing to marketing, and interaction with data analysis, Taoping's new AI-powered smart terminals will leverage AI to enhance each step of the process.
About Taoping Inc.
Taoping Inc. (Nasdaq: TAOP) has a long history of successfully leveraging technology in the development of innovative solutions to help customers in both the private and public sectors to more effectively communicate and market to their desired targets. The Company has built a far-reaching city partner ecosystem and comprehensive portfolio of high-value, high-traffic areas for its products, which are aligned together with Taoping's smart cloud platform, cloud services and solutions, new media and artificial intelligence. For more information about Taoping, please visit www.taop.com. You can also follow us on X.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, such as statements regarding our estimated future results of operations and financial position, our strategy and plans, and our objectives or goals, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including "anticipates," "believes," "can," "continue," "could," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "should," or "will" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Our actual results may differ materially or perhaps significantly from those discussed herein, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from statements made in this press release, including: our potential inability to achieve or sustain profitability or reasonably predict our future results due to our limited operating history of providing smart cloud services, the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the emergence of additional competing technologies, changes in domestic and foreign laws, regulations and taxes, uncertainties related to China's legal system and economic, political and social events in China, the volatility of the securities markets; and other risks including, but not limited to, those that we discussed or referred to in the Company's disclosure documents filed with the SEC available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, including the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F as well as in our other reports filed or furnished from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.
Emeren to Release First Quarter 2024 Financial Results on May 23, 2024
by PR Newswire on Thu, 09 May 2024 18:00:00 +0800
STAMFORD, Conn., May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Emeren Group Ltd ("Emeren" or the "Company") (www.emeren.com) (NYSE: SOL), a leading global solar project developer, owner, and operator, today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 after the U.S. stock market close on Thursday, May 23, 2024. The Company will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results at 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 23, 2024. read more
STAMFORD, Conn., May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Emeren Group Ltd ("Emeren" or the "Company") (www.emeren.com) (NYSE: SOL), a leading global solar project developer, owner, and operator, today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 after the U.S. stock market close on Thursday, May 23, 2024. The Company will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results at 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
What: Emeren Group Ltd First Quarter (ended March 31, 2024) Earnings Call
When: 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 23, 2024
Webcast:
https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/rnybkbr9
Participant Online Registration: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIbd1edfc48da84dec9a7afef67005b7db
Please register in advance to join the conference call using the link provided below and dial in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin. Conference call access information will be provided upon registration.
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of Emeren Group Ltd's website at https://ir.emeren.com/.
About Emeren Group Ltd
Emeren Group Ltd (NYSE: SOL), a renewable energy leader, showcases a comprehensive portfolio of solar projects and Independent Power Producer (IPP) assets, complemented by a significant global Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity. Specializing in the entire solar project lifecycle — from development through construction to financing — we excel by leveraging local talent in each market, ensuring our sustainable energy solutions are at the forefront of efficiency and impact. Our commitment to enhancing solar power and energy storage underlines our dedication to innovation, excellence, and environmental responsibility. For more information, go to www.emeren.com.
Global Times: Cultural center bridges Chinese, Serbian peoples, breeds friendship
by PR Newswire on Thu, 09 May 2024 17:20:00 +0800
BEIJING, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In Belgrade, capital of Serbia, a white and modern-looking building shines in the bright sun of early May alongside the Confucius street. In 2016 during his first state visit to the country, Chinese President Xi Jinping laid a foundation stone for the building. read more
BEIJING, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In Belgrade, capital of Serbia, a white and modern-looking building shines in the bright sun of early May alongside the Confucius street. In 2016 during his first state visit to the country, Chinese President Xi Jinping laid a foundation stone for the building.
It is the China Cultural Center built on the ruins of the Chinese embassy in former Yugoslavia by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the provincial government of Shandong.
As Xi pays a second visit to Serbia, Global Times reporter went to the center to find out how the place has gained a new life while retaining the sentiment of friendship.
Statues of two ancient Chinese philosophers Laozi, the founder of Taoism, and Confucius stand on either side of the entrance, depicting a classic scenario of Confucius asking Laozi about rites and rituals.
Great minds are born through communication with others and great civilizations value mutual learning.
The center, covering an area of 6,000 square meters, displays Chinese-style furniture transported all the way from China via China-Europe Railway Express. It is more than a beautiful building, but a lively stage for local Serbians to learn about China, a bridge connecting the two peoples and a cradle for bilateral friendship.
Vladimir Roglic, an IT professional in Belgrade, learns tai chi course at the center. Roglic first developed an interest in China in primary school as a karate practitioner after getting a tai chi brochure from his neighbor.
'A perfect balance'
Roglic followed the movement step by step, and fell in love with it for its "meditation in movement."
"It is not like yoga that you take a position and meditate; it is not fierce sports where you 'fight'; but it is a perfect middle way, just like the symbol of tai chi. It's all about achieving a perfect balance between black and white, yin and yang," Roglic told the Global Times.
Roglic, who speaks fluent Chinese, looks forward to visiting Wudang Mountains in Central China's Hubei Province one day to improve his martial arts techniques at the "sacred place" of Taoism.
Of all courses, tai chi is the most popular one while the center also offers classes on Chinese language, calligraphy, guzheng (a traditional Chinese musical instrument), and the cooking and tea ceremony courses would soon to be added to the curriculum.
Roglic's calligraphy classmate Danijela Radanovic is a police officer from Serbia's Ministry of Interior. She has studied Chinese language for about one year and started the calligraphy in April to help her language learning process.
Radanovic has long been interested in Chinese culture, the calligraphy, music and architecture. But she started studying Chinese for a particular reason for she wanted to help more Chinese tourists and business people who encounter difficulties in Serbia.
As she is getting ready to visit China in September on an exchange program, Radanovic shared with the Global Times her excitement that she will see the country with her own eyes and try authentic Chinese food.
"I really want to visit Sichuan [Province] to see the pandas. But there are also other places I want to go… Maybe I will live in China one day," Radanovic said.
A strong sense of friendship and warmth can be felt through conversations with students attending classes at the center.
The cultural center has only entered its trial operation very recently, and Milica Milovic is the first local employee. Milovic said that she is proud to be part of the China-Serbia ironclad friendship by working at the center. When asked about the first thing that came up to her mind related to China, Milovic sang the famous "Bella Ciao," an Italian folk song which became a Chinese street melody in 1977, when Yugoslavian film The Bridge was introduced to China.
Milovic mentioned the tragic bombing of the Chinese embassy in 1999 as an early strong bond connecting China and Serbia, noting that the friendship has been enriched and fortified over the years.
President Xi, in his signed article published Tuesday in local media Politika, wrote "The China-Serbia friendship, forged with the blood of our compatriots, will stay in the shared memory of the Chinese and Serbian peoples, and will inspire us to march forward with big strides."
The giant painting decorates the entrance hall of the cultural center, peony blossoms with the title "a peaceful and prosperous time," speaks of a common wish that China and Serbia could make their mutual progress a reality and join hands to build a human community of shared future in the new era.
Real friends
Milovic recalled her stay in Changsha, a relaxing city in Central China's Hunan Province, in 2023 to improve her Chinese, during which she "started learning more about Chinese culture."
"Even though I like Chinese culture, music and food, the thing that makes me love China the most are the Chinese people," she said.
Milovic's remarks are a testament that amid exchanges on food, music and art, culture, or other sectors like trade and technology, what matters the most are the people.
As Confucius said 2,500 years ago that "it is such a delight to have friends coming from afar," in Belgrade, Chinese people are treated as real friends.
Acer Announces Q1 2024 Net Income at NT$1.20 Billion, Up 133.4% Year-on-year
by PR Newswire on Thu, 09 May 2024 17:13:00 +0800
Margins for gross profit, operating income, and net income all grow year-on-year read more
Margins for gross profit, operating income, and net income all grow year-on-year
TAIPEI, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Acer Inc. (TWSE: 2353) announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2024. Consolidated revenues reached NT$58.83 billion, up 12.2% year-on-year (YoY); gross profits reached NT$6.20 billion with 15.5% growth YoY and 10.5% margin; operating income was NT$781 million, up 227.4% YoY, with 1.3% margin; and net income[1] was NT$1.20 billion with 133.4% growth YoY and earnings-per-share of NT$0.40.
In the first quarter, businesses other than computers and displays contributed 29.4% of total revenues, and 57.6% of operating income.
[1] Net income is reported as profit-after-tax in Acer's financial statements. |
About Acer
Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world's top ICT companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. As Acer evolves with the industry and changing lifestyles, it is focused on enabling a world where hardware, software and services will fuse with one another, creating ecosystems and opening up new possibilities for consumers and businesses alike. Acer's 7,700 employees are dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale, and support of products and solutions that break barriers between people and technology. Please visit www.acer.com for more information.
© 2024 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by location. Applicable sales tax extra.
KT&G Reports 2024 First Quarter Results; Robust Performances in Next Generation Product and Overseas Cigarette Sectors
by PR Newswire on Thu, 09 May 2024 16:17:00 +0800
SEOUL, South Korea, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- KT&G Corporation ("KT&G" or the "Company") (KRX:033780), South Korea's leading tobacco manufacturer, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. The company reported consolidated revenue of KRW 1.292 trillion and operating profit of KRW 236.6 billion. read more
- Revenue and operating profit decreased YoY due to global inflation and the completion of large-scale real estate development projects
- Expects to achieve a turnaround in the second-half with strengthened competitiveness in core business areas and business transformation
SEOUL, South Korea, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- KT&G Corporation ("KT&G" or the "Company") (KRX:033780), South Korea's leading tobacco manufacturer, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. The company reported consolidated revenue of KRW 1.292 trillion and operating profit of KRW 236.6 billion.
KT&G's overseas and domestic Next Generation Product ("NGP") and overseas cigarette sectors sustained robust performances in the first quarter of 2024, extending their strong trend from the previous year.
In the first quarter of 2024, NGP stick volume, a core growth driver for the NGP business, achieved growth in all key metrics, including sales volume, revenue, and operating profit. Particularly, the overseas NGP stick volume saw an impressive double-digit growth of 14.7%, reaching 2.11 billion sticks.
KT&G also achieved its third consecutive quarters of revenue growth in overseas cigarette business, driven by strategic pricing strategy in core growth markets such as Indonesia. KT&G's first quarter overseas cigarette revenue recorded KRW 291.8 billion, a 10.1% growth YoY.
While the company delivered notable results in core business areas, its consolidated revenue and operating profit for the first quarter decreased compared to the same period last year. This downturn was mainly driven by rising manufacturing costs, the completion of large-scale real estate development projects, and reduced revenue from the health functional food sector amid lower consumer spending.
Despite headwinds in the first quarter, KT&G foresees a positive outlook for stronger business performance in the second half of the year, under the leadership of new CEO Kyung-man Bang. After assuming the CEO role in March 28th, Mr. Bang has been spearheading a strategic business transformation focused on driving significant growth in three core business areas: NGP, overseas cigarette, and health functional food.
As part of the business transformation, Mr. Bang led an organizational restructuring that focuses on maximizing business performance by strengthening responsible management system within each business unit. Under the new organizational structure, Strategy, Marketing, and Manufacturing units have been established directly under the CEO, with each unit head granted substantial responsibility and authority to enhance their unit's operational efficiency and execution. For the overseas business, regional organizations have been restructured into independent companies to build a strong management system that accelerates the company's international expansion.
In addition to driving a business transformation, KT&G is implementing a project to boost ROE, with the aim of enhancing profitability. The company is also dedicated to enhancing shareholder value and joining initiatives of the South Korean government-led Corporate Value-up Program through faithful execution of its new three-year (2024-2026) shareholder return policy. This policy includes a cash return of KRW 2.8 trillion and cancellation of nearly 15% of its issued shares.
KT&G's spokesperson said: "KT&G is committed to strengthening its competitiveness in core business areas and driving a business transformation aimed at making a significant leap forward to become a Global Top-tier company." "Despite a number of headwinds, such as inflation-driven manufacturing cost pressure and economic recession, KT&G is striving to achieve a business turnaround in the second half of the year by strengthening global competitiveness and pursuing operational efficiency optimization," the spokesperson added.
J.S. Held Strengthens Forensic Engineering Expertise with Addition of London-based Marine Engineering & Investigation Services Expert
by PR Newswire on Thu, 09 May 2024 15:07:00 +0800
JERICHO, N.Y., May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global consulting firm J.S. Held, proudly celebrating 50 transformative years, welcomes London-based marine engineering & investigations expert Chris Gascoigne, CEng, CMarEng, expanding expertise in Forensic Engineering. read more
JERICHO, N.Y., May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global consulting firm J.S. Held, proudly celebrating 50 transformative years, welcomes London-based marine engineering & investigations expert Chris Gascoigne, CEng, CMarEng, expanding expertise in Forensic Engineering.
Chris Gascoigne oversees Marine Engineering & Investigations for J.S. Held. Chris brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as a marine engineer on various vessel types, including cruise ships, ferries, and tugs. He has applied this maritime experience to commissioning engine control systems and the environmental aspects of ship operations and design. Since 2008, his work has focused on investigating marine casualties, incidents, equipment failures and disputes, including those related to:
- Slow, Medium & High-Speed Engines
- Propulsion & Steering Systems
- Auxiliary Machinery & Equipment
- Bunker Quality Disputes
- Pollution & Environmental Compliance, Including MARPOL
- Grounding, Collision & Allision Damages
- Fires & Explosions
He has been appointed by stakeholders including law firms, insurers, shipyards, vessel owners and charterers, cargo interests, and oil majors. Chris' clients now benefit from the support of over 1,500 colleagues with material science, political risk, cyber, technical, scientific, financial, construction, and human factors, expertise.
"We are thrilled to welcome Chris to our team," said Emily Wohlfarth, Executive Vice President and Forensic Architecture & Engineering Practice Lead at J.S. Held. "His expertise in marine engineering and casualty investigation will be invaluable as we continue to grow our global presence and enhance our capabilities in the marine and cargo sector."
In the area of marine disputes, the J.S. Held client base is evenly balanced between plaintiffs and defendants. Our team has significant experience providing expert witness testimony. We are known for our "teaching" – as opposed to "telling" – approach of testimony. Rather than only providing a judge, jury, or tribunal with an opinion, we communicate the key facts and relevant theories in a clear and logical manner.
J.S. Held's Marine Engineering & Investigation services complement specialized expertise in marine and cargo damages which includes stock throughput, business interruption, extra expense, subrogation, insurance disputes and other global marine supply chain issues. The firm's services encompass analysis of extra expenses, business interruption and delay analysis, market valuation of agriculture commodities costs, quantum of cargo loss, subrogation, and time element impact on repair and rework to insured property for hull and marine liability.
Learn more about the dedicated and entrepreneurial experts who help transform J.S. Held, explore our story, and celebrate this momentous milestone, our 50 & Forward celebration, with us at jsheld.com.
About J.S. Held
J.S. Held is a global consulting firm providing technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise across all assets and value at risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high-stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.
More than 1,500 professionals serve organizations across six continents, including 81% of the Global 200 Law Firms, 70% of the Forbes Top 20 Insurance Companies (85% of the NAIC Top 50 Property & Casualty Insurers), and 65% of the Fortune 100 Companies.
J.S. Held, its affiliates and subsidiaries are not certified public accounting firm(s) and do not provide audit, attest, or any other public accounting services. J.S. Held, its affiliates and subsidiaries are not law firms and do not provide legal advice. Securities offered through PM Securities, LLC, d/b/a Phoenix IB, a part of J.S. Held, member FINRA/ SIPC or Ocean Tomo Investment Group, LLC, a part of J.S. Held, member FINRA/ SIPC. All rights reserved.
Kristi L. Stathis | Global Public Relations | +1 786 833 4864 | Kristi.Stathis@jsheld.com
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As extreme and unpredictable weather conditions increase in frequency, the impact of climate change has become more apparent and will become even more so in future. Therefore, it is not surprising that in a recent international survey, over half of 16- to 25-year-olds reported feeling very or extremely worried about climate change. While it is easy to feel small before such a great challenge facing the earth, any positive action, no matter how small, by individuals collectively, can bring significant positive impact to our delicate environment. So, instead of feeling despair and doing nothing, everyone can contribute to improving the situation by doing small things like picking up the rubbish on our way to work, use recycle bags instead of plastic bags when shopping, not to let the tap water run while brushing our teeth, etc. Just start committing to small positive changes now and encourage others to do so.
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