Business: Taiwan Stock Exchange forges closer links with int`l investors

Taipei, (ANTARA News/Xinhua-PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Dr. Rong-I Wu, Chairman of the Taiwan Stock Exchange Corporation ("TSEC"), met with Mr. Mark Makepeace, Chief Executive of FTSE Group, to highlight significant market reforms launched by the bourse.

In order to make Taiwan Stock Exchange a competitive trading platform for the global investment community, TSEC has launched significant market reforms in recent years. These reforms include relaxation of rules on off-exchange transactions, stock lending, free delivery settlement and short sales.

"Taiwan equity market has been the best performer in the region in the first quarter of this year. There has been significant increase in institutional interest in Taiwan stocks. Trading value of securities increased to US$274 billion in the first quarter of 2008. For the benefit of the investment community, we would like to build closer links with the international investors and let them know the marked improvement in the trading environment of Taiwan," Dr. Wu said.

Lower trading cost for SBL market

Since 2004, Taiwan Stock Exchange has lobbied for reforms to simplify Securities Borrowing and Lending (SBL) and to make the SBL market more and more liquid. The total value of SBL trading has surged from US$2.5 billion in 2004 to US $9 billion in 2007, and the number of transactions almost doubled from 1,311 orders in 2004 to 2,799 orders in 2007. In addition, TSEC has also fought to eliminate double taxation on manufactured dividends to lower the trading costs for international investors.

Faster execution on short-selling

To further improve the securities trading environment, the Securities and Futures Bureau ("SFB") has agreed to a proposal whereby securities need not be delivered to the broker before the borrower can short sell the securities as long as the lent securities can be delivered the following day. The TSEC is now working with market participants on the operational details.

Further, the original up-tick rule for short selling has been exempted for a wider range of stocks starting November 2007. Now, constituent stocks of the Taiwan Mid-Cap 100 Index and the Technology Index are also exempted, pushing the percentage of exempted stock market capitalization to 84%.

More convenience for off-exchange transactions

To facilitate trading from institutional investors, starting from 14th April 2008, there will be an additional morning trading session from 8:00am to 8:30am for block trading. Further, the TSEC will propose to prolong the trading hours for off-exchange transactions. Thus, block trade can now be processed any time from 9:00am to 5:00pm. In addition, the price fluctuation limit for block trade will be widened to 7% effective from 12th May 2008.

Further deregulation on Free Delivery mechanism

Recognizing the need for investors to transfer shares from account to account, the Free Delivery registration mechanism has been implemented in Taiwan since 2005, allowing investors to transfer securities without the cumbersome process of gaining approval from the relevant authority.

To further improve the system, the SFB has widened the range of applicable transactions. Free Delivery is now available to transfers based upon trust agreements, ETF in-kind subscriptions or redemptions, court orders or rulings, and security transfers within the same master funds.

"We are studying various ways to simplify the registration procedures and documentation for free delivery. In addition, we have also carried out a feasibility study to add omnibus trading account into block trade system to make the trading system more efficient for brokers, dealers and investors," said Ms. May Yu, the senior Vice President of the Trading Department of the Taiwan Stock Exchange.

"Taiwan Stock Exchange's role is to ensure market stability and to enhance fair trading for all investors," Dr. Wu said. "Our goal is to build an open, fair and efficient market place for all investors."

For further details, please contact:
College Hill
Anne Pang
Tel: +852-3791-2287 / +852-6141-2228
Email: anne.pang@collegehill.com.hk
SOURCE Taiwan Stock Exchange Corporation

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Technology: Paid to hear an Ad on your Mobile? Airvoice, soon to re-define mobile

Paid to hear an Ad on your Mobile? Airvoice, Soon to Re-define Mobile Advertising Creating a Win-Win Situation for All - Telecom Service Providers, Advertisers and Subscribers

Mumbai, India (BUSINESS WIRE) - Imagine, you press the "call" button on your mobile phone to dial a friend's number. And, the phone instantly plays an advertisement for a stipulated period and then connects you to the desired number. What's more, you are entitled to earn money for every advertisement you hear.

You think this is another intrusion into your personal time? No! This is definitely different! This service is subscription based and will offer several options to subscribers in terms of the type of advertisements they wish to hear, time in which they would want to hear and also the option to skip an advertisement. Interestingly, a win-win situation for the telecom service providers (TSPs), advertisers and subscribers.
As the subscription is at the user's will, this model is non-intrusive.

So is this the next phase of mobile advertising? Can an Indian company with a patented technologychange the way the world advertises on the mobile phone? Is mobile based advertisement just limited to static text messaging or are there possibilities to offer more technology value in the mobile advertisement ecosystem? The answer is "YES".

Airvoice Infocomm Pvt. Ltd. (Airvoice) is the answer; a new entrant in the mobile advertising segment, started by a group of dynamic young visionaries who will not only re-write some of the connotations about ?Mobile Advertising Industry', but also continually reinvent it to change the conventional process of advertising products and services on the mobile phone.

Expected to be launched first in Chennai in the early part of Q2 2008, Airvoice is confident of making a substantial dent in the mobile advertisement space. Its patented technology allows subscribers to listen to 10 to 15 second advertisements before connecting their desired calls. This is being made possible by integrating the mobile switching centers of Telecom service providers with the high-end technology created by Airvoice thereby allowing a smooth transition between the advertisement and call.

According to Frost & Sullivan, advisors to Airvoice, "India offers an unprecedented opportunity for telecom service operators, infrastructure vendors, manufacturers and associated services companies.

India has already crossed the 250 million subscriber mark and as per Government targets should be 650 million by 2012.
This means that mobile phones are emerging as the most influential communication tool. Many companies have realized the potential of this medium and have tested pilots for advertising. The success rates are very good but a tool to gauge the definitive response rates is still lacking. Also, companies cite limited level of interaction and bandwidth issues as primary hindrances in the growth of text-based advertising systems. They are looking for ways through which technology will enable them to communicate their ideas and thoughts better. Unfortunately, no existing system offers such a technology. Airvoice addresses this very issue and strikes the right cord with advertisers and consumers alike."

Currently, the mobile advertising market in India is dominated by text-based messaging services. In 2007, industry estimates peg the total value at INR 25 Crore, and growing at a staggering 250 percent.

Airvoice, currently, has no direct comparison as it offers advertisements in voice and its technology model is completely different. This allows Airvoice to appeal both to the subscribers and clients.

According to R. Ayyappan, Chief Executive Officer, Airvoice Infocomm India Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, "Airvoice's Mobile Advertising platform has been designed to benefit all the stakeholders. For Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), it will help increase their subscribers' Minutes of Usage (MoU) and also help focus on building relationships so that they can get a maximum share of subscriber spend. For advertisers, it is an innovative platform to engage with their prospective or existent customers. For subscribers, it is an opportunity to experience the next wave of technology. With a patented technology, we have ensured the elimination of competition in the market."

Airvoice's service is a boon to advertisers who are struggling to use the mobile phone as a potent advertising medium. It is a great opportunity for TSPs who can now earn more revenue per call. It is a welcome relief to subscribers who are tired of meaningless and non-interactive SMS-es they receive as advertisements.

About Airvoice Infocomm Pvt. Ltd

Airvoice Infocomm Pvt. Ltd. is entering into the business of mobile advertisement where the message will be delivered through voice. This business comes under the wider spectrum of Mobile Value Added Services (MVAS).
Expected to be launched in the early part of Q2, 2008, in Chennai, Airvoice will cater to all industry segments that wish to advertise their services on the mobile phone. Its customers will be subscribers with various telecom service providers (TSPs) who register themselves on the Airvoice portal. The high-end technology created by Airvoice that allows a smooth transition between the advertisement and call is patented under the Patents Act, 1970, by the Controller of Patents, Government of India.

About Frost & SullivanFrost & Sullivan, the Growth Consulting Company partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company's Growth Partnership Services, Growth Consulting and Career Best Practices empower clients to create a growth-focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents. For more information about Frost & Sullivan's Growth Partnerships, visit http://www.frost.com.

Frost &?SullivanCorporate Communications, South AsiaCaroline Lewis, +91 22 4001 3438 fax: +91 22 2832 4713 caroline.lewis@frost.com or
Corporate Communications, South Asia and Middle EastNimisha Iyer, +91 22 4001 3404 fax: +91 22 2832 4713 niyer@frost.com

Business: Hirco reports continuing robust sales in Chennai Township

Hirco reports continuing robust sales in Chennai Township pre-construction sales in Panvel Township launched in March

London (BUSINESS WIRE) - Hirco PLC (AIM:HRCO), the investment vehicle for Hiranandani, India's largest developer of prestigious mixed-use townships, today announced that sales of residential units in Phase 1 of its Hiranandani Palace Gardens township development in Chennai continue to be robust both in terms of volume of units sold and the level of pricing achieved.

As of 31st March 2008, sales consideration has been accepted on approximately 1,562,820 square feet at an average price of Rs 3,906 (?49.10) per square foot. This represents a significant increase over figures reported in January of 1,381,951 square feet at an average price of Rs 3,834 (?48.19).

The total sales consideration as of 31st March 2008 was Rs 6.1 billion (?76.73 million).

Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman of Hirco, said: "We are delighted to report strong sales momentum for our Chennai development for the third consecutive quarter. Demand for Chennai township is solid, which demonstrates the superior quality of our product and the high standard of living provided by our modern townships."

The township will offer a range of apartment sizes and styles designed to appeal to employees of major international companies located within the township's catchment area.

The township will be constructed over three phases, all building to a unique master plan. Hiranandani Palace Gardens will be a self-sustaining community with offices, schools, health care facilities, shops, recreational facilities, and public space set within 369 acres. The township is located along the business corridor southwest of Chennai and has easy access to the international airport, the national highway system and rail transport.

The Company also announced that pre-construction sales for Hirco's eagerly anticipated Hiranandani Palace Gardens mixed-use township development in Panvel, located in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, began in March 2008.

Sales consideration has already been accepted on approximately 597,014 square feet, at an average price of Rs 4,156 (?52.24) per square foot.

Mr Hiranandani said: "We are very pleased to report strong initial sales for our development in Panvel, which is located in a very attractive area of suburban Mumbai that is experiencing tremendous growth."

Hirco's combined commercial and residential site in Panvel has been designated as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which will provide tax advantages for both the Company and occupants of the Panvel development. India's SEZs are specifically delineated, duty-free enclaves that are deemed to be foreign territory for the purposes of trade operations and duties and tariffs. SEZs were introduced in India to provide an internationally competitive and less complicated environment for exports.

About Hirco Hirco PLC is the investment vehicle for Hiranandani, India's largest developer of prestigious mixed-use townships for the country's increasingly affluent middle class.
Our modern, large-scale developments ? combining high-quality residential, commercial and retail components with green space and social and recreational facilities ? are strategically located in suburban areas outside major city centres.

Hirco's four current projects ? in Chennai in southeast India and Panvel, in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region ? feature a combined total of 66.4 million square feet of buildable mixed-use space.

Hirco PLC shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market (AIM) under the symbol HRCO. At the time of its admission to trading on AIM in December 2006, Hirco PLC was the largest-ever real estate investment company IPO on the AIM and that year's largest IPO on the AIM.

For additional information about Hirco, including the Company's Annual Report and Accounts for the period ended 30th September 2007, please visit www.hirco.com.

HircoJasper Reiser, +91 22 6671 8522 jreiser@hirco.com or
Gutenberg CommunicationsUSHugh Burnham / Michael Gallo+1 212 239 8595 / +1 212 239 8594 hugh@gutenbergpr.commgallo@gutenbergpr.com or
UKShalini Siromani, +44 (0) 20 3008 5231 shalini@gutenbergpr.com or
IndiaPranav Kumar, +91 98 1007 7898 pranav@gutenbergpr.com

Business: Citadel expands global reach with senior hire in Asia

Citadel expands global reach with senior hire in Asia David Noh to join as Senior Managing Director and Head of Asian Merchant Banking

Chicago (BUSINESS WIRE) - Capitalizing on opportunities to expand its global presence, Citadel Investment Group, L.L.C. today announced that David Noh will join the firm as Senior Managing Director and Head of Asian Merchant Banking.
Mr Noh will join Citadel from Merrill Lynch in Asia, where he was Head of Corporate Principal Investments for the Pacific Rim.

"We see tremendous opportunities to expand our business in Asia," said Kenneth Griffin, CEO and Founder of Citadel Investment Group. "David Noh is a world-class investor, and adding his significant experience to our firm is of great strategic importance."

Mr Noh added, "Citadel has a tremendous global franchise, and I am excited to have the opportunity to meaningfully extend the reach of the firm across Asia."

Mr Noh will be based in Hong Kong. He will report to Tim Throsby, CEO of Citadel Asia.

Mr Noh was with Merrill Lynch since 2000. He led corporate investment opportunities for the firm in the Pacific Rim and co-founded Merrill Lynch's Distressed Debt Group in Hong Kong.
He also served with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong and Korea, respectively. He started his career with Ernst & Young as a CPA.

Mr Noh graduated from the University of Washington.

Mr Noh is the most recent in a series of senior-level appointments at Citadel. Last month the firm announced that Patrik Edsparr will join as CEO for Citadel Europe and Head of Global Fixed Income. He joins from JPMorgan Chase.
Additionally, Kaveh Alamouti will join Citadel from Moore Capital, and will be Head of Global Macro Investments.

About Citadel Investment Group, L.L.C.

Citadel is a leading global financial institution focused on alternative investment strategies and services. The Citadel group of companies employs 1,200 professionals worldwide in Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, Bermuda, London, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

Citadel Investment Group, L.L.C.Katie Spring, 312-395-2596 katie.spring@citadelgroup.com

Business: Microsoft comments on Yahoo! announcement

Redmond, Wash. (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) today issued the following statement from Brad Smith, Microsoft's General Counsel, related to an announcement today by Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq: YHOO):

"Any definitive agreement between Yahoo! and Google would consolidate over 90% of the search advertising market in Google's hands. This would make the market far less competitive, in sharp contrast to our own proposal to acquire Yahoo! We will assess closely all of our options. Our proposal remains the only alternative put forward that offers Yahoo! shareholders full and fair value for their shares, gives every shareholder a vote on the future of the company, and enhances choice for content creators, advertisers, and consumers."

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

This release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. This material is not a substitute for the prospectus/proxy statement Microsoft Corporation would file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") if an agreement between Microsoft Corporation and Yahoo! Inc. is reached or any other documents which Microsoft Corporation may file with the SEC and send to Yahoo! stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction.
INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF YAHOO! INC. ARE URGED TO READ ANY SUCH DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of any documents filed with the SEC by Microsoft Corporation through the web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Free copies of any such documents can also be obtained by directing a request to Investor Relations Department, Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, Washington 98052-6399.

Microsoft Corporation and its directors and executive officers and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding Microsoft Corporation's directors and executive officers is available in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2007, which was filed with the SEC on August 3, 2007, and its proxy statement for its 2007 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on September 21, 2007. Other information regarding the participants in a proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in any proxy statement filed in connection with the proposed transaction.

Statements in this release that are "forward-looking statements" are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors such as Microsoft Corporation's ability to achieve the synergies and value creation contemplated by the proposed transaction, Microsoft Corporation's ability to promptly and effectively integrate the businesses of Yahoo! Inc. and Microsoft Corporation, the timing to consummate the proposed transaction and any necessary actions to obtain required regulatory approvals, and the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues. For further information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with Microsoft Corporation's business, please refer to the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" sections of Microsoft Corporation's SEC filings, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, copies of which may be obtained by contacting Microsoft Corporation's Investor Relations department at (800) 285-7772 or at Microsoft Corporation's website at http://www.microsoft.com/msft

All information in this release is as of April 9, 2008.
Microsoft Corporation undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the company's expectations.

SOURCE: Microsoft Corp.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft's corporate information pages.
Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's
Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx
CONTACT: Rapid Response Team of Waggener Edstrom
Worldwide,
+1-503-443-7070,
rrt@waggeneredstrom.com; or
Joele Frank|Eric Brielmann|Tim Lynch,
all of Joele Frank,
Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher,
+1-212-355-4449,
all for Microsoft Corp.; or
Financial analysts and investors,
Colleen Healy,
General Manager Investor Relations of Microsoft Corp.,
+1-425-706-3703
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
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photodesk@prnewswire.com
Web site: http://www.microsoft.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Sports: Australian Prime Minister launches Olympic transport technology

Beijing (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - On his first official visit to China as Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Kevin Rudd, MP, today launched SmartTrans' EventTrack(R), an advanced Australian technology export which will be used by major Olympic sponsors including Schenker Logistics and BHP Billiton to aid in the transport, management and safety of people and assets during the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Without EventTrack, non-Chinese speaking guests and VIPsvisiting Beijing's Olympics will encounter unprecedented difficulties in navigating the host city. In a metropolis that will swell to 20 million people, and a paucity of English speakers and signage, getting from A to B and communicating transport requirements will be extremely challenging.

SmartTrans (ASX: SMA) EventTrack is the world's only system specifically designed to manage the unique and challenging requirements of VIP transport and human logistics at major events such as the Olympics. Building on the success of its use during the Sydney Olympics, EventTrack 2008 is being rolled out today to manage the complex scheduling and transport requirements of guests and personnel during Games-time.

After a March 2008 inspection of the system in Beijing, former NSW and Sydney Games-time Premier Bob Carr said that he was "pleased to see that EventTrack has added substantial new functionality which, to [his] mind, will provide the safest and most efficient guest transport system ever used at an Olympic Games."

In addition to Olympic sponsors, users include the Australian Trade Commission's Business Club Australia, Securicom, BlueScope Steel, ANZ Bank, McKinsey, Macquarie Bank, ADB, GNS and ABT Creative.

At the prime ministerial launch event, SmartTrans CEO Bryan Carr said, "The EventTrack system not only ensures the security and safety of Olympic sponsors and other guests in Beijing, but provides them with a multi-lingual communications platform incorporating location-based information and concierge services to ensure a great Olympic experience. We are proud to have the Prime Minister's support and recognition for this great Australian technology export."

In partnership with China Alarm - China's largest provider of security monitoring services - and with the support of Austrade, SmartTrans has established itself as the major player in Olympic transport technology and services. Alex Ing, Chairman and CEO of China Alarm said, "This is a great introduction of SmartTrans' technology in China, and only the first stage of our nationwide deployment plans. Our joint business plan extends substantially beyond the Olympics, and we look forward to establishing SmartTrans as the leading player in logistics services in China." In his customer testimonial speech, Matthew Clarke, Head of Beijing 2008 logistics partner Schenker Global Sports Events said "The EventTrack system will be a great addition to the guest experience during the games. I use it now when I visit Beijing, and it ensures that my fellow users and I can navigate around the city."

SmartTrans has a suite of transport and logistics technologies which have been localised into Chinese and will be introduced into China from August 2008 by its local partner China Alarm.

SMARTTRANS EVENTTRACK IS NOW READY AND AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. For pricing enquiries or to test drive EventTrack, please contact David Garnier, SmartTrans' President of International Business, on + 86-159-1094-6563 or via email at dgarnier@smarttrans.cn

SmartTrans (ASX: SMA) is a world leader in the application of technology to assist with transport planning and the automated location of people and assets based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Mobile Data Communication and automated routing and scheduling.

For media enquiries, please contact:
China
In English or Mandarin Chinese:
Ms. Chen Zhu, Media Director,
Illuminant Partners
Tel:
+86-158-1091-5800
Email: chen.zhu@illuminantpartners.com
Australia
In English:
Ms. Michelle Myers
Tel:
+61(415)652-913
Email: michellemyers@bigpond.com
For sales enquiries, please contact:
SmartTrans China
Tel. +86(10)5879-4050
Suite 1706, Tower A
GT International Centre
No. 3 Yong An Dongli Jianwai Ave
Beijing CBD, 100022
China
SmartTrans Australia
Tel: +61(3)9866-7333
Level 7, 11 Queens Road
Melbourne VIC 3004
Australia
SOURCE: SmartTrans

COPYRIGHT © 2008