support – PressAP

JCN Newswire

Fujitsu and Mizuho Bank embark on collaboration for sustainable management information services

January 26, 2023

TOKYO, Jan 26, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Fujitsu Limited (Fujitsu) and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (Mizuho Bank) today announced a collaboration focused on the development of services for corporate customers to manage ESG and SDG related data including greenhouse gas emissions.Figure: Image of the joint projectThe joint effort will combine Mizuho Bank's customer networks and knowledge of environmental and energy solutions with Fujitsu's cloud services for visualizing CO2 emissions across the entire supply chain, supporting customers in their efforts towards de-carbonization and to improve the efficiency of their sustainable management strategies.Responding to the call for urgent climate actionEnvironmental management represents an increasingly important issue in corporate activities. In addition to financial information, the proactive disclosure of non-financial information, related to environmental and social tasks, has become an important factor in corporate evaluations. At the conclusion of the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in 2021 (COP 26), countries agreed on the "goal of limiting the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees C."(1) As countries worldwide are accelerating their de-carbonization efforts, companies are being required to enhance their responses to practical issues including the calculation of GHG emissions.Mizuho Bank positions initiatives addressing climate change as an important part in its management strategy and is actively engaging in constructive dialogue with its customers in response to their unique challenges and needs. Mizuho Bank is further developing and providing financial products and services to support its customers' efforts to combat climate change and to contribute to the realization of a carbon-free society.Fujitsu, too, is focusing on climate related issues and is actively working towards the decarbonization of its own operations by utilizing technologies and services that support digital innovation. Fujitsu provides its customers and society with the know-how and technical capabilities gained through its efforts to go carbon neutral via consulting and service solutions that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.Outline of the joint initiativeWithin the joint project, the two companies will leverage Mizuho Bank's customer networks and insights in customers' environmental management issues and needs with Fujitsu's services, including the SaaS based sustainability management information service provided by Fujitsu Japan Co., Ltd. as well as Fujitsu's Manufacturing Industry Solution COLMINA Factory Optimization Dashboard. This will allow the two companies to calculate, visualize and accurately and efficiently analyze GHG emissions to support customers in reducing their carbon footprint. By making it possible to comprehensively manage various ESG data (non-financial information), including energy consumption, waste management, occupational health and safety and CSR activities, the new service will enable companies to respond to the Japanese Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy (Energy Conservation Act) and also promptly and accurately disclose information for global reporting standards including CDP(2), TCFD(3), SBT(4) and RE 100(5). In this way, the two companies will contribute to solving customers' environmental management issues and ultimately support clients in enhancing their corporate reputation and attract ESG investment.Fujitsu and Mizuho Bank will additionally continue cooperation with the aim to develop further services and solutions to support customers in their business.Future PlansMizuho Bank will continue to proactively promote sustainability action to realize a sustainable society. As a comprehensive financial institution, Mizuho Bank provides advisory services and solutions, including financing support through sustainable and environmental finance, that help customers to strengthen their business and transition towards de-carbonization.Fujitsu will continue to promote "Sustainable Manufacturing," one of the Key Focus Areas of Fujitsu Uvance, to achieve growth through the coexistence of people and the earth.(1) Goal of limiting the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees C(2) CDP:International non-profit organization representing institutional investors that encourages companies to disclose their environmental impact and to take measures to mitigate those impacts.(3) TCFD:"Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures"; Disclosure in line with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. Established by the Financial Stability Board (FSB) to examine how to conduct climate-related disclosure and respond to financial institutions.(4) SBT:"Science Based Targets"; In 2015, the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a joint initiative of organizations including the United Nations Global Compact and the World Resources Institute (WRI), identified targets.(5) RE 100:An initiative run in partnership with CDP by The Climate Group, an international NGO. Made up of companies aiming to use 100% renewable energy.About FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$32 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.About Mizuho BankMizuho Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mizuho Financial Group, Inc., one of the largest, full-service financial institutions in the world, with approximately 60,000 employees in 35 countries/regions outside of Japan, nearly 150 years of banking experience, and assets of almost USD 2 trillion. Mizuho Bank has one of the largest customer bases in Japan, and a global network of financial and business centers.Press Contacts:Fujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations Division Inquiries (www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/presscontacts/form/index.html)Mizuho BankCorporate Communications Department Phone: +81-3-5252-6574 Copyright 2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

SeaPRwire

Mitrade Hits 2.4 Million Users, Up 900,000 from Last Year

January 12, 2023

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, January 12, 2023 – (SEAPRWire) – Mitrade, a leading global CFD trading platform, has reached a major milestone by amassing 2.4 million users. This marks a significant increase from the 1.5 million users the platform had at this time last year, representing a growth of 900,000 users in just one year. This impressive growth is a testament to the exceptional trading system that Mitrade offers to its traders. From advanced trading tools to top-notch customer support, Mitrade has made it their mission to create a seamless and enjoyable trading experience for all of its users. The company is thrilled to have reached this milestone and is excited to continue providing users with the best possible trading experience. Mitrade wishes to extend their gratitude to all of its 2.4 million users for their support and trust in the platform. The future looks bright for Mitrade as the company continues to grow and innovate. New Trading Features and Upgrades Over the past year, Mitrade has implemented numerous new features and upgrades to their platform, including advanced charting tools, launching a PC client available on both Windows and MacOS, improved security measures, and an updated sleek user interface. They also made a big effort to boost their customer support team to ensure that all clients receive prompt and helpful assistance. Mitrade also plans to release their very own education platform, Mitrade Academy, in the first quarter of 2023. Won Eight Financial Awards Mitrade’s commitment to excellence in every area of their business has earned them these prestigious honors. In 2022 alone, Mitrade has won eight awards, recognizing their efforts on different aspects in the industry. Some notable awards that Mitrade won are the Best Forex Broker, Fastest Growing Fintech Broker and Best Forex Educational Resources. Mitrade is proud to have been recognized by industry experts and intends to continue to work hard to maintain its reputation as a leading provider of CFD trading. About Mitrade Founded in 2011, Mitrade is a multi-licensed leading online CFD trading platform that offers a wide range of financial instruments including forex, commodities, and indices. With a focus on user experience and customer support, Mitrade is committed to providing a simple and accessible trading experience for all of their clients. For more information, visit https://www.mitrade.com/. Social Links Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MitradeOfficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitradeOfficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mitradecom/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitrade_official/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Mitradeglobal/ Media Contact: Brand: Mitrade Contact: Media Team Email: branding@mitrade.com Website: https://www.mitrade.com/ SOURCE: Mitrade The article is provided by a third-party content provider. SEAPRWire ( https://www.seaprwire.com/ ) makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith. Any questions, please contact cs/at/SEAPRWire.com Sectors: Top Story, Daily News SEA PRWire: PR distribution in Southeast Asia (Hong Kong: AsiaExcite, EastMud; AsiaEase; Singapore: SEAChronicle, VOASG; NetDace; Thailand: SEAsiabiz, AccessTH; Indonesia: SEATribune, DailyBerita; Philippines: SEATickers, PHNotes; Malaysia: SEANewswire, KULPR; Vietnam: SEANewsDesk, PostVN)

ACN Newswire

Wintermar Offshore (WINS:JK) Fully Repays USD 45 Million Loan to IFC

December 6, 2022

JAKARTA, Dec 6, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - On 5th December 2022, Wintermar Group (WINS) fully repaid the US$45 million loan facility by IFC signed in December 2011. The IFC loan enabled Wintermar to transform the fleet into higher valued vessels through the purchase of 8 OSVs. Although the loan maturity had been extended to 2025, through better cash management the Company has been able to fully repay the loan early on December 2022.Sugiman Layanto, Managing Director of WINS said, "Wintermar values IFC as a partner that has played an important role in the growth of Wintermar. Our relationship with IFC facilitated the Company's growth to become a recognised international shipowner and operator in the Offshore industry. With IFC's support, Wintermar has continued to develop and reaffirm its best practices in Environmental, Social as well as Corporate Governance standards. We are thankful that we have been able to complete this early repayment of the loan ahead of the repayment schedule. We look forward to continuing our relationship."Azam Khan, IFC Country Manager for Indonesia and Timor-Leste said, "We are very pleased with IFC's long term partnership with Wintermar. It demonstrates IFC's commitment and continuous support to local clients even during challenging times. We look forward to continuing this relationship and supporting the company's new initiatives such as offshore wind and other renewable energy endeavors."Wintermar has in recent months embarked on a fleet expansion program, with total acquisition of 2 PSVs in 2021 and 1 PSV and 5 AHTS in 2022 through internally generated cash and term loans of US$14 million. Net gearing after this repayment is still low at 8.9%, providing room for further growth in the coming years.About Wintermar Offshore Marine GroupWintermar Offshore Marine Group (WINS.JK), developed over nearly 50 years with a track record of quality that is both a source of pride and responsibility that we are dedicated to upholding, and sails a fleet of more than 48 Offshore Support Vessels ready for long term as well as spot charters. All vessels are operated by experienced Indonesian crew, tracked by satellite systems and monitored in real-time by shore-based Vessel Teams.Wintermar is the first shipping company in Indonesia to be certified with an Integrated Management System by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, and is currently certified with ISO 9001:2015 (Quality), ISO14001:2015 (Environment) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety). For more information, please visit www.wintermar.com.For further information, please contact:Ms. Pek Swan Layanto, CFAInvestor RelationsPT Wintermar Offshore Marine TbkTel (62-21) 530 5201 Ext 401Email: investor_relations@wintermar.com Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

JCN Newswire

Olympus to Join Government Project to Verify Dissemination of Endoscopic AI Diagnosis in Vietnam

December 6, 2022

TOKYO, Dec 6, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Olympus Corporation (Olympus), a global medtech company committed to making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling, today announced their part in a project in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan (MIC), entitled, "Survey Study for International Expansion of Endoscopes Utilizing High-definition Imaging Technology AI Diagnosis Support System in Vietnam."Participants in kick-off meetingThis is the third year, after similar projects in Thailand in fiscal year 2021 and India in fiscal year 2020, that Olympus has acted as a corporate partner to investigate the effectiveness and potential dissemination of an AI diagnostic support system. As part of these projects, Olympus has researched clinical applications in collaboration with major local medical institutions. Past clinical use by doctors in India and Thailand, along with consultation with Japanese physicians, showed the effectiveness and potential for future use of EndoBRAIN-EYE and other endoscope diagnostic imaging support software.From November 2022 to March 2023, Olympus, in collaboration with CYBERNET SYSTEMS CO., LTD., will conduct research on the effectiveness and future use of the AI diagnostic support system EndoBRAIN-EYE at Cho Ray Hospital and 108 Hospital in Vietnam. In addition, specialist lecturers and physicians from Japan's Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital and Shizuoka Cancer Center will provide expert guidance to doctors at major Vietnamese hospitals. They will train doctors in techniques for detecting diseases and differential diagnosis with colonoscopes using EndoBRAIN-EYE, and they will also instruct on how to train the next generation of endoscopists.At the kick-off meeting on November 28, Ho Dang Quy Dung M.D. from Cho Ray Hospital said, "AI is a new and powerful technology making endoscpic procedure more efficient and high quality. I do think that AI will be the big breakthrough of the filed of GI endoscopy in the upcoming years. I hope we have the opportunity to work with Japanese experts in the field of AI in endoscopy." Professor Shin'ei Kudo from Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital also commented, "I hope this project will contribute to not only dissemination of the AI technology but also increased partnership between Vietnam and Japan, and look forward to amazing results from this exciting collaboration."Background of Olympus' ParticipationCancer rates have been on the rise in recent years in Vietnam, and colorectal cancer in particular has become a significant issue. It ranks fourth among all cancer cases in men and third among all cancers in women, as well as ranking second in mortality rate among all cancers in both men and women. While the demand for endoscopic screenings, which are essential for the early detection and treatment of cancer, is expected to increase, there is a shortage of physicians with the advanced knowledge and skills required for these examinations. Olympus has joined this project to support the specialists training doctors in Vietnam, to verify the effectiveness and dissemination of AI-assisted colonoscopy, and to contribute to the development of the healthcare environment in Vietnam.Purpose of the MIC ProjectThe MIC aims to realize the sustainable development goals and SDG pledges to ensure "no one will be left behind." To this end, the MIC aims to realize a model that contributes to SDG through digitization and to disseminate and promote an SDG + ICT model domestically and overseas between both the public and private sectors. This project aims to contribute to the introduction and dissemination of Japan's endoscopic AI diagnostic support system to Vietnam in response to the social issue of increasing cancer prevalence in Vietnam.Project Scope:1) Surveys on the policies in the medical, health, and hygiene sectors and the introduction of medical information and communication technologyInformation will be collected from major medical institutions and external research institutions to investigate the state of dissemination of medical information systems, including endoscopy systems.2) Verification through proof-of-concept testsResearch will be conducted on the effectiveness and future use of the AI diagnosis support system at Cho Ray Hospital and 108 Hospital in Vietnam. Physicians from Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital and Shizuoka Cancer Center will train doctors at major Vietnamese hospitals covering processes from the detection of disease utilizing a colonoscope with an AI diagnostic support system to discriminatory diagnosis, as well as provide training in how to pass on this knowledge to other doctors. Olympus will provide equipment and training courses.Company names and product names in this release are trademarks or registered trademarks of each company.Products or devices presented include future technology which may be pending regional regulatory approval and are not available for sale in all regions.About OlympusIn its Endoscopic Solutions business, Olympus uses innovative capabilities in medical technology, therapeutic intervention and precision manufacturing to help healthcare professionals deliver diagnostic, therapeutic and minimally invasive procedures to improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs and enhance the quality of life for patients. Starting with the world's first gastrocamera in 1950, Olympus' Endoscopic Solutions portfolio has grown to include endoscopes, laparoscopes, and video imaging systems, digital and integrated customer solutions, as well as solutions for infection prevention. For more information, visit www.olympus-global.com and follow our global Twitter account: @Olympus_Corp.Media contact:Nao TsukamotoGlobal-Public_Relations@olympus.comOlympus Corp [TYO: 7733] [ADR: OCPNY] [GDR: OLYS] https://www.olympus-global.com Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

ACN Newswire

HKTDC welcomes ground-breaking measures in 2022 Policy Address

October 19, 2022

HONG KONG, Oct 19, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) welcomes the Policy Address announced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu today, and believes the proposed ground-breaking and wide-ranging policies can help drive Hong Kong's long-term development while resolving some of its pressing issues.Dr Peter KN Lam, Chairman, Hong Kong Trade Development Council said, "The Policy Address clearly sets forth strategic priorities to ensure Hong Kong's growth by defining the city's role in supporting and leveraging the development of the mainland, especially the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) while contributing to global initiatives in innovation and technology, healthcare and environmental protection. The new structures and resources in coordinating infrastructure, economic, social and youth development as well as sector synergy will also create sustained momentum for Hong Kong. At the same time, policies to support SMEs, attract talent, encourage investment and tackle social issues will help resolve some of the immediate problems we are facing."I am particularly pleased that the Chief Executive has taken into account the suggestions of the business community on supporting SMEs and revitalising Hong Kong's position as an international trade fair and convention capital." Dr Lam added. These include the expansion of exhibition space and the extension of the "Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme to the end of June 2023. Hong Kong companies will also benefit from the higher level of government funding support in the "Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund)" and the "SME Export Marketing Fund," the latter also includes an extension of special measures covering virtual fairs and local consumer fairs and expansion of eligibility to cover non-SMEs. Dr Lam also welcomes the new support scheme to attract other exhibitions to be staged in Hong Kong over three years.Dr Lam also welcomed policies to boost the growth of specific sectors such as technology and innovation, art and culture and intellectual property (IP) to help diversify Hong Kong's economy while opening up opportunities, especially in the GBA and mainland market and Belt and Road countries."Our full range of fairs, conferences and programmes are ready to support Hong Kong's economic sectors, from finance, aviation and logistics, legal services to technology and innovation, art and culture and IP, for which our Business of Intellectual Property Asia Forum (BIP Asia) and Asia IP Exchange portal will support Hong Kong's development into a regional IP trading and commercialisation hub. In addition, we will work with the Hong Kong SAR Government and Hong Kong family of organisations to promote Hong Kong's strengths overseas. Through our global network of 50 offices, support programmes such as GoGBA, and major international promotional events such as Think Business, Think Hong Kong, we will promote Hong Kong to the world and create opportunities for the local, mainland and global business community."About HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.Media enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department:Sunny Ng, Tel: +852 2584 4357, Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.orgSam Ho, Tel: +852 2584 4569, Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

JCN Newswire

Honda to Extend Power Unit Technical Support Agreement with Red Bull Power Trains to End of 2025

August 3, 2022

TOKYO, Aug 3, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Following discussions between Red Bull and Honda, it has been agreed by both parties that Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), the Honda subsidiary that runs its racing activities, will continue to provide technical support for Red Bull Powertrains (RBPT) relating to Formula 1 power units from 2023 to the end of 2025. In 2022, HRC has been providing PU-related technical support in line with Red Bull's request to Honda, with both Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri therefore using the PU from the support program. The extension of the existing agreement for HRC to continue providing technical support from 2023 to 2025 has now been mutually agreed between Red Bull and Honda.Honda officially ended its participation in Formula 1 at the end of 2021, with the resources allocated to PU development diverted to meet the company's future carbon-neutral goals. The ongoing agreement between the two parties does not involve PU development, therefore HRC will be able to provide this service from within its current resources.Dr. Helmut Marko, Motorsport Advisor, Oracle Red Bull Racing: "We thank Honda for their positive response to working together. We are excited to continue our partnership in F1 until the end of 2025 with the PU supplied by Honda. We have had a successful relationship so far, winning the Drivers' championship in 2021 and currently leading the Drivers' and Teams' classifications, with the aim of securing both 2022 titles."Christian Horner, Red Bull Powertrains CEO and Team Principal: "Red Bull's partnership with Honda has been an incredibly successful one and we are pleased that this will continue until the end of the current era of the FIA's power unit regulations in 2025."Koji Watanabe, Head of Corporate Communications Supervisory Unit, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and President of Honda Racing Corporation: "We have agreed to continue supporting Red Bull Power Trains in Formula 1 through HRC, following Red Bull's request to extend our current agreement, which HRC can meet within its existing resources. Once again, we aim to use our involvement in the pinnacle of motorsport for the development of technologies and of our workforce." Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

Zisre Tech Begins Crowdfunding to Develop Revolutionary Robotics to Support People with Physical Disabilities

June 27, 2022

Glasgow, Scottland, June 27, 2022 - (SEAPRWire) - Zisre Tech, a robotics company dedicated to creating affordable robotic technology for the average household, has begun the next phase of development in robotics designed to assist those living with physical disabilities. For Zisre to complete the next stage in development, a crowdfunding effort has been created to raise awareness for the development and research phase of the project and help bring in support to provide the funds they need to complete the work. The development, research, and advances made within the robotic industry are designed to enhance everyday life in the home and workplace. However, robotics technology is not an affordable option for many households worldwide. Zisre Tech lays out a roadmap over the next two years dedicated to help get robots in the homes of people who need them the most, those living with physical disabilities unable to complete daily tasks. The affordability of Zisre Tech’s enhanced robots and inventive use of materials will make this possible. Once they are ready to market, these advanced robots will be affordable for the average person. They are designed to be able to perform tasks that may be challenging for many people living with disabilities to complete on their own. Advanced robots can complete tasks such as cooking and cleaning to support the daily routine involved in running a home. For the research and development phase, Zisre Tech needs a total of 45% of the first round of funding to complete the research into the movements, AI tech, and materials required to make the robots. The funding will also allow them to develop advanced arms with the ability to complete the requested tasks. Thorough testing will be completed before licenses are requested to take the robots to the market for the general public. Once licenses are obtained, Zisre Tech will begin manufacturing the life-changing robots. People can support Zisre Tech's robotic technologies by making contributions through support contributions, donation contributions, zero-interest loan contributions, or reward contributions. People can make a simple contribution if they want to support the funding efforts without receiving their money back. People can also provide support through one of the many options that give their funds back after the company becomes profitable or after a specified time. Through the donation contributions, any amount donated plus an additional 15% will be donated to local charities once the company becomes profitable. For those participating in the reward contribution, Zisre Tech will give their contribution plus an additional 15% to them as spending rewards to use on products once their robots are ready to go to market. People can support by applying for a zero-interest loan where they will receive their funds back within 36-60 months. About Zisre Tech Zisre Tech, established in 2018, has put together a team of dedicated individuals committed to creating cost-effective robotics to help simplify life around the home for the average person and provide assistance for those that need it most. Zisre Tech's robotics are made possible through the support from the community and continuing contributions that make it possible to develop the future of robotics. Learn more about Zisre Tech by visiting https://www.zisretech.com/ Media Contact Brand: Zisre Tech Contact: Media team Email: HELLO@ZISRETECH.COM Website: https://zisretech.com/ SOURCE: Zisre Tech The article is provided by a third-party content provider. SEAPRWire ( https://www.seaprwire.com/ ) makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith. Any questions, please contact cs/at/SEAPRWire.com Sectors: Top Story, Daily News SEA PRWire: PR distribution in Southeast Asia (Hong Kong: AsiaExcite, EastMud; AsiaEase; Singapore: SEAChronicle, VOASG; NetDace; Thailand: SEAsiabiz, AccessTH; Indonesia: SEATribune, DailyBerita; Philippines: SEATickers, PHNotes; Malaysia: SEANewswire, KULPR; Vietnam: SEANewsDesk, PostVN)

JCN Newswire

Kagome and NEC establish a joint venture in Portugal to provide farming support for processed tomatoes using AI

June 15, 2022

Tokyo and Aichi, Japan, Jun 15, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Kagome Co., Ltd. and NEC Corporation will establish DXAS Agricultural Technology, a joint venture in Portugal to provide farming support for processed tomatoes using AI. Establishment is scheduled for July of this year.The new company will contribute to sustainable agriculture in countries around the world by promoting environmentally friendly and profitable farming through the integration of Kagome's agronomies and NEC's technologies.BackgroundThe production of processed tomatoes is expected to continue expanding in line with population growth and economic growth, particularly in emerging countries. However, for sustainable tomato cultivation, we need to address a variety of issues, such as responding to a decline in producers and reducing environmental impact.In 2015, Kagome and NEC began technological development and business verification of farming advice using AI(1) with the aim of realizing environmentally friendly and highly profitable farming. Since then, the companies have begun conducting demonstration tests in Portugal, Spain, Australia, the United States, and are currently expanding business in 7 additional countries.In April 2020, we signed a strategic partnership agreemen (2). With the Smart Agri Division, an organization newly established within Kagome under the direct control of top management, the two companies used NEC's AI-enabled agricultural ICT platform, CropScope, to further improve the functions and quality of farming advice, as well as to study the marketing and future potential of farming support businesses.We recently decided to expand business with the launch of a new company, aiming to further accelerate technological development and strengthen sales activities in the farming support business.By further combining Kagome's knowledge of tomato farming with NEC's AI-based analytical and forecasting technologies, we will accelerate farming support mainly in the processed tomato markets of Europe, the Americas, and Australia.Vision"Innovate global agriculture with DX solutions"By delivering optimal solutions created by incorporating skilled farming technologies into AI, we will enter an age in which everyone can conduct agriculture accurately and efficiently.We aim to establish new agriculture that is adaptable to climate change, sustainable, low input, high output and more productive.Accelerating technological developmentWe will accelerate the creation of new value and the enhancement of services from the AI technologies that we have accumulated.In terms of future initiatives, we will further improve the efficiency of farming operations through collaboration between AI and irrigation facilities, and contribute to reducing the burden on tomato processing companies and producers.Furthermore, we aim to provide environmentally friendly and profitable farming support services by improving comprehensive cultivation methods (from soil preparation to harvesting) from Kagome's agricultural research results, which is important for crop growth.Strengthening the Service Provision SystemWe will strengthen service provision systems through the new company and develop a global system in which personnel with agronomic knowledge and experience understand each user's farm site and support the proposal of optimal services and the application of technology.We will also strengthen partnerships in the agricultural industry to further accelerate business development."We believe that our business, through CropScope, will help realize both environmental sustainability and profitable farming while fulfilling the promise of farmers, like us at Kagome, to contribute toward people's health through the nutritional value and delicious taste of tomatoes," said Yoshihide Watanabe, Director & Senior Managing Executive Officer, Kagome. "This Business will help realize environmentally conscious and profitable tomato farming, along with the social value of supporting our customers' food and health, leading to growth of our new company and Kagome.""In the face of a challenging global environment characterized by global warming, climate change, soil pollution, and soaring prices for water and fertilizers, we have continued to develop solutions with Kagome, aiming to provide value to production sites and food safety by utilizing AI and other advanced technologies," said Osamu Fujikawa, Executive Vice President and CFO, NEC Corporation. "Going forward, NEC will work with the new company and Kagome to provide direct value to society through NEC technologies that contribute to food production and agriculture worldwide."(1) NEC reinforces agricultural ICT for global marketswww.nec.com/en/press/201511/global_20151111_03.html(2) NEC and Kagome to provide AI-enabled services that improve tomato yieldswww.nec.com/en/press/202003/global_20200331_01.htmlAbout NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)