Technology: Addintools announces release of Classic Menu for Office 2007 v3.92

Hainan (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Addintools announced the release of its popular Classic Menu for Office 2007 v3.92, an interface add-on for Microsoft Office 2007 bringing back classic style of Microsoft Office 2003 interface with all the new features of Microsoft Office 2007.

Classic Menu for Office 2007 brings back the simplicity of Office 2003 interface working on the core of Office 2007. Even though Microsoft's corporate licensing allows users of Microsoft Office 2007 to use Microsoft Office 2003, it is recommended that both versions should not coexist in the same computer in order to avoid unwanted issues. While computers with only Office 2003 do not support the format for files prepared under Office 2007, users that go with Microsoft Office 2007 need to put up with a completely different way of working with the new ribbon-style interface of Office 2007. Classic Menu for Office 2007 successfully eliminates all these issues and gives total flexibility to users, increasing effectiveness of enterprises and organizations.

This compact add-on brings back not only classic interface of Microsoft Office 2003 to Office 2007 -- classic menus and toolbars, but also includes all available features and functions of Microsoft Office 2007. At any time, any user can switch between interfaces of Office 2003 and 2007, so that users can decide whatever interface they prefer to use.

In version 3.92, the developers of Classic Menu for Office 2007 have performed overall optimization of the tool and additionally, made a couple of changes as suggested by users of the product, making Classic Menu for Office 2007 a truly rock-solid solution. Addintools is inviting over 45,000 current users of Classic Menu for Office 2007 to update their add-on for free. As a creator and maintainer of the tool, Addintools works very hard to offer the best and only solution, both valuing users of its products and taking into account their needs, while providing organizations with significant discounts for multi-license versions of the product.
http://www.addintools.com/ .

About Addintools

Founded in March 18, 2003, Addintools specializes in UI enhancement software and software consulting. Customers of Addintools include not only single users from all over the world, but also their customers include some Universities and Colleges, Famous Enterprises and Government Departments. For more information, please visit http://www.addintools.com/ .

Contact:
Lin Jie
Addintools, Founder/CEO
Tel:
+86-898-66768619
Email: support@addintools.com
SOURCE: Addintools

Technology: Techpro Electronics launches COPROTECTOR

Techpro Electronics launches COPROTECTOR - The world's 1st electrochemical carbon monoxide detector specially designed for use in cars

Singapore - BernamaAsiaNet/ - Accidental exposure to carbon monoxide is the number one cause of gas poisoning deaths in cars around the world.
Continued exposure to low but excessive levels of this gas, though not necessarily lethal, is also capable of producing many varied residual health effects such as headache, nausea or even risk of miscarriage in pregnant women.

With COPROTECTOR - the worlds 1st electrochemical carbon monoxide detector designed for use in cars - it is now possible to guard against the risk of carbon monoxide death or poisoning associated with motor-vehicles.

COPROTECTOR is an innovation of Techpro Electronics Pte Ltd, a Singapore company that has dedicated itself to electronic safety detection devices that protect lives and properties.

Carbon monoxide, which is a potentially deadly gas with no taste, colour or odour, can enter the car through ventilation holes in the floorboard, air condition vents, boot, as well as other areas such as the handbrake and gear lever consoles.
COPROTECTOR will trigger an 80-decibel alarm and a red flashing light whenever the carbon monoxide Ievel in the car exceeds the concentration level of 100 parts per million (PPM). Typically, it will take about thirty minutes of continued exposure to carbon monoxide at a concentration level of 3200 PPM to kill a healthy adult. COPROTECTOR can help alert vehicle owners to potential problems in their car, such as an exhaust leak, air-conditioner fault or engine problem.

Engineered and assembled in Singapore, all COPROTECTOR car carbon monoxide detectors are individually tested with real carbon monoxide gas in an ISO 9002 certified factory and batch-tested by TV SD before they are sold in stores. According to one study, of the 11,547 unintentional carbon monoxide deaths in the United States between 1979 to 1988, nearly 60% were caused by motor-vehicle exhaust. Unintentional carbon monoxide exposure also accounts for 15,000 emergency department visits in the United States each year. Many more suffer health consequences as a result of carbon monoxide exposure. Medical experts agree that it is difficult to estimate the total number of carbon monoxide incidents because the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble so many other common ailments.

The phenomenon is known as chronic carbon monoxide poisoning.

COPROTECTOR is easy and simple to use - it plugs straight into the cigarette lighter socket in the car. No further configuration is required.

Mr Desmond Yee, Sales & Marketing Director of Techpro Electronics said: COPROTECTOR is a must-have for those who spend a lot of time in their cars. It is also strongly recommended for those who own an older vehicle or have modified parts of their cars such as the engine or exhaust.

COPROTECTOR will be available in Singapore from May onwards. It will be distributed and marketed worldwide at a later date.
You can log on to www.coprotector.com.sg for more information on the product.

For clarification and further enquiries, please contact:
Name:Desmond Yee Email:desmond.yee@techproelectronics.com.sg Tel: +(65) 68733115
Source: TECHPRO ELECTRONICS PTE LTD

Business: Enterprises move to the next level in security needs

Singapore (BUSINESS WIRE) - Enterprises in Asia have long gone beyond appreciating the role of security in integrating technology with their businesses. Today, they have matured to the next crucial stage in making the union between the business and IT work by aligning their security strategy with their business strategy.

It is clear that organisations are investing more on IT security. A recent survey by Frost & Sullivan revealed that the number of information security experts is set to increase by 1.04 million before 2012, reaching 2.7 million globally.
Budgets for security solutions have also increased, with 27 percent of respondents reporting a rise in spending.

As the role of security becomes evermore pronounced, businesses have also begun to accept that it's more than just a simple purchase-and-deploy and that one size does not fit all. "Indeed, enterprises need to understand the tripartite concept of attaining the best fit between their business models, technology and security needs, and the ever-changing external environment," says Arun Chandrasekaran, Industry Manager at global growth consulting company, Frost & Sullivan.

He adds, "To maintain adherence to the best fit concept, enterprises also have to constantly adapt to their external environment, in the shape of emerging threats and technologies. Hence, it is extremely important for enterprises to align their security strategy with their business strategy in ensuring effective information security governance."

As enterprises continue to juggle the best fit model, the inevitable exposure has spurred interest among organisations to understand the actual implications of secure technology and begs greater attention on how businesses can be better served through technology.

Frost & Sullivan's exclusive Executive MindXchange summit on Secure Enterprise Summit is set to meet these very needs of enterprises. The two-day summit which will be held at the Meritus Mandarin between 29-30 May 2008 will highlight how enterprises can turn their cost heavy decisions into cost effective ones.

Designed to be highly interactive, the summit will feature end-user case studies, panel discussions as well as opportunities for networking and sharing best practices. Speakers include key level executives from BT Global Services, International SOS, Malaysia Airlines, Juniper Networks and Macquarie Telecom, while attending delegates comprise CIOs and other IT heads from the government and private sectors.

Juniper Networks, Macquarie Telecom, Websense, Riverbed and Tumbleweed Communications are the sponsors for the summit and Network World Asia, Enterprise Innovation and ZDNet Asia are the official media partners.

For more information/registration details, please visit www.frost-ses.com.

Media passes are available to the press. To register for the summit, you may also send an email to Neethiya Sadagopal, Corporate Communications at neethiya.sadagopal@frost.com with your full name, media/company name, title, telephone number, fax number and email.

Frost & Sullivan, the Global 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 ? Asia PacificSurbhi Dedhia, +65-6890-0926 sdedhia@frost.com or Neethiya Sadagopal,
+65-6890-0966 neethiya.sadagopal@frost.com

Business: Heidelberg expands management board

Heidelberg expands management board Stephan Plenz joins the management board management board tasks and responsibilities reorganized

Heidelberg, Germany (BUSINESS WIRE) - The Supervisory Board of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) (FWB: HDD) has appointed Stephan Plenz (43) to the Management Board. The appointment will take effect from July 1, 2008.
Over the past 14 years, Stephan Plenz has held various senior positions at Heidelberg. He was appointed manager of the Wiesloch-Walldorf site in April 2006, and is responsible for global production.

The decision has also been taken to reorganize the roles and responsibilities of the four Management Board members.

The Chairman of the Management Board, Bernhard Schreier (54), will now focus on the strategic development of Heidelberg, acquisitions, communications, and compliance. He also retains his role as Personnel Director.

Responsibility for sales, which was previously held by Bernhard Schreier, now passes to Dr. J?rgen Rautert (49), who will also continue to oversee customer- and market-focused activities, product management, and marketing, and will drive forward expansion in the fields of services and consumables.

As the newly appointed member of the Management Board responsible for technology, Stephan Plenz will be in charge of research and development, production, and purchasing. In this role, he will work to further expand production capacities in China and develop international sourcing.

There will be no structural changes in the finances sector. In addition to his usual responsibilities, CFO Dirk Kaliebe (42) will also be responsible for the planned measures aimed at boosting efficiency.

"We have ambitious goals, which the Supervisory Board supports. That is why it has approved the expansion of the Management Board," explains Bernhard Schreier, Heidelberg CEO. "By reassigning Management Board responsibilities, we are underpinning our programs for business expansion. We want to drive forward expansion in the fields of services and consumables, further enhance the international character of production and sourcing, effectively implement efficiency-enhancing programs, and increase our attractiveness to the capital market."Encl. Chart illustrating responsibilities of the Management Board members at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen (See PPT) Stephan Plenz ? short CV and photograph Stephan Plenz was born on May 14, 1965 in Oberwesel am Mittelrhein, Germany, and joined the company in 1986. Following a number of management positions in the Sheetfed Division at the Wiesloch factory, he has worked in various management roles in the Postpress Division since 2001.
In February 2005, Stephan Plenz took over the role of Assembly and Logistics Manager at the Wiesloch-Walldorf factory. He has been Site Manager there since April 2006 and is responsible for global production at Heidelberg. Stephan Plenz is married with three children.

For further information visit the Internet Press Lounge at www.heidelberg.com.
Other dates: The company will be publishing preliminary results for financial year 2007/2008 on May 7, 2008.

Important note: This Press Information contains statements about future development that are based on assumptions and estimates by the management of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft. Even if the management is of the opinion that these assumptions and estimates are accurate, future actual developments and future actual results may differ significantly from these assumptions and estimates due to a variety of factors. These factors can include changes to the overall economic climate, changes to exchange rates and interest rates and changes in the print media industry.
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft provides no guarantee that future developments and the results actually achieved in the future will agree with the assumptions and estimates set out in this press release and assumes no liability for such.

Responsibilities of the Management at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen
Valid from July 1, 2008:
Bernhard Schreier Dirk Kaliebe Dr. Jurgen Rautert Stephan Plenz Chairman of the Management Board Finance Sales Technology -- Corporate Development -- Controlling -- Sales -- Research & Development -- Human Resources -- Finances -- Consumables -- Purchasing -- Communications -- IT -- Product Management -- Production -- Compliance -- Investor Relations -- Marketing -- Postpress -- Financial Services -- Service Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGCorporate CommunicationsThomas FichtlPhone:
+49 6221 92 4747 Fax: +49 6221 92 5069 E-mail: thomas.fichtl@heidelberg.com

Business in Asia Today - May 05, 2008

ASEAN-PLUS-THREE AGREE ON JOINT EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND
Seoul (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Asian countries have agreed to set up a US$80 billion emergency relief fund to prevent a repeat of the financial crisis that rocked the region in the late 1990s, the South Korean government said Monday.
The deal ironed out in Madrid, Spain at the ASEAN-plus-three finance ministers' meeting at the weekend, permits the fund to be used for loans to help member economies deal with sudden liquidity shortfalls, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance said. It said South Korea, Japan and China would provide 80 per cent or US$64 billion of the total, with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries footing the rest.

TOLL HOLDINGS SELLS NZ TRANSPORT OPERATIONS
Sydey (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Freight transport firm Toll Holdings Ltd (ASX:TOL) has sold its New Zealand rail and ferry operations to the country's government for $NZ665 million (US$517.1 million)($A555.35 million) to focus on its goods forwarding business.
"The disposal of the rail and ferry operations to the New Zealand government will give rail in New Zealand the opportunity to move forward in an environment with greater clarity and ability to better plan its development," Toll managing director Paul Little said in a statement today.
"We support the government's objective of boosting capital spending on rail."

MAYBANK TO BUY 20 PCT STAKE IN PAKISTAN'S MCB BANK
Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) (KLSE:1155) on Monday said it was acquiring 15 per cent of Pakistan's MCB Bank Limited (MCB) for PKR44.29 billion (US$679.8 million) cash as Malaysia's largest lender continued efforts to establish itself as a financial services leader in regional markets.
On May 3, Maybank signed agreements with vendors to purchase 94,241,527 shares, representing 15 per cent of the issued and paid-up share capital of MCB for a cash price of PKR470 a piece.
On the same day, Maybank also entered into an agreement for the right to buy an additional five per cent stake in MCB from individual vendors.

ADB SECURES OVER US$11 BLN TO HELP ASIA'S POOREST
Madrid (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it had secured US$11.3 billion for the next four-year phase of its concessional development fund to fight poverty in the Asia and Pacific region - a significant jump of over 60 per cent from the previous period.
The generous contribution of donor nations would help developing Asia-Pacific countries meet Millennium Development Goal targets, and bring better opportunities and a brighter future to people living in the region's poorest nations, ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda said in a statement.
The Asian Development Fund (ADF) provides grants and low-interest loans to the Asia and Pacific's poorest countries, which are home to some 400 million people living on less than US$2 a day.
The new ADF will cover the period of 2009-2012.

POSCO TO ACQUIRE 19 PCT STAKE IN SANDFIRE RESOURCES
Seoul (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - A subsidiary of the world's fourth-largest steel producer, the Korea-headquartered POSCO (KSE:005490), has agreed to acquire a strategic 19.99 per cent stake in mineral explorer Sandfire Resources NL (ASX:SFR). POSCO Australia will acquire the interest through a proposed $A7.2 million ($US6.73 million) share placement comprising 16.5 million fully paid shares at 40 cents each and 2.5 million partly paid ordinary shares at 25 cents each.
The transaction is subject to Sandfire shareholder and Foreign Investment Review Board approval.
The placement will allow the Perth-headquartered company to accelerate the exploration of its manganese, lead-zinc-silver,
iron ore and gold projects in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and move on resource opportunities both in Australia and overseas.

INDONESIA'S BAKRIE TELECOM POSTS 97.3% RISE IN INCOME
Jakarta (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - PT Bakrie Telecom (JSX:BTEL) reported a 97.3 per cent increase in net income to Rp441.8 billion (US$49 million) in the first quarter of this year, up from the same period last year.
The net profit of the subsidiary of the Bakrie Group shot up 68.5 per cent to Rp27.4 billion on 149.5 per cent increase year-on-year in the number of subscribers to 4.49 million by the end of March.
The company received a financing commitment of US$50 million from vendors to contribute to its capital expenditure of US$232 million this year, its Finance Director Jastiro Abi said.

NEW BREAKWATER PROJECT COMPLETED AT VIETNAMESE REFINERY
Quang Ngai, Vietnam (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - The construction of a breakwater project at the Dung Quat oil refinery in central Quang Ngai province was completed on May 2, five months ahead of schedule.
The project was the first of seven contract packages to be completed at Vietnam's first oil refinery.
The breakwater, which is 1.6km long, 11m wide and 10m high above the sea level, was built at a cost of 1.5 trillion VND ($US93.75 million) to facilitate ship traffic at the refinery's harbour.
Construction work started in October 2006.

AUSTRALIA'S INCITEC PIVOT BOOSTS 1H NET PROFIT BY 197 PCT
Sydney (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Incitec Pivot Ltd (ASX:IPL) has increased its first half net profit by 197 per cent, and says it expects to see continued strength global fertiliser prices over the remainder of the year.
Net profit for the six months ended March 30 rose to $A169.8 million ($US158.19 million), from $57.2 million in the previous corresponding period.
Incitec said the strong result reflected the ongoing success of its business strategy, as sales revenue rose 38 per cent to $749.3 million.
Managing director Julian Segal said that with favourable weather conditions, the Australian agricultural industry would be well-positioned to benefit from the soft commodities boom, because of its proximity to India and China.

MALAYSIA'S TENAGA SIGNS DEAL TO BUY POWER FROM GUNUNG MEDAN
Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) (KLSE:5347) said it had signed an agreement for the purchase of electricity generated by a small renewable energy (RE) power project developed by Gunung Medan Hydro Sdn. Bhd. under the Small Renewable Energy Power Program (SREP) Program.
TNB is to purchase the electricity for a period of 21 years.
The estimated value of this RE Power Purchase Agreement (REPPA) was about RM3.29 million (US$1 million) per year, Malaysia's largest power firm said in a statement to Bursa Malaysia.
The renewable energy power plant developed by Gunung Medan Hydro Sdn. Bhd. which utilizes run-of-river type of mini hydro scheme, will be located in Sg. Batang Kali, Selangor.

CHINESE BASE METALS GROUP SECURES STAKE IN FERRAUS LTD
Perth (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - One of China's largest base metals groups has secured a 10 per cent interest in Pilbara-focused junior iron ore miner FerrAus Ltd (ASX:FRS).
The Western Mining Co. Ltd (ASX:WMC), a A$9 billion (US$8.394 billion) company, will secure its stake in FerrAus through a A$1.15 per share placement, under a share subscription agreement.
The agreement remains subject to Australian and Chinese regulatory and FerrAus shareholder approvals.
The transaction is expected to inject at least A$15.5 million into the Adelaide-headquartered company and is WMC's first investment in ferrous raw materials resource projects in Australia.

Source:
Business in Asia Today - MAY 05, 2008
published by Asia Pulse

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Education: De Montfort University to attend International YODEX in Taiwan

De Montfort University to attend International Young Designer's Exhibition (YODEX) in Taiwan following string of design awards

Leicester, England (BUSINESS WIRE) - De Montfort University (DMU), Leicester, one of only two UK Universities and 12 Universities worldwide to be invited to attend YODEX (15th to 18th May), one of the largest design fairs of its kind. This follows a large number of DMU students having been short listed for and winning a number of prestigious awards across the design sector, all during the month of April.

Chi Shing Lo, a second year BA(Hons) Product Design student at DMU, recently won the Royal National Institute for Deaf People's (RNID) competition entered by 100 design students from some of the UK's top design universities for his credit card-style device called Earcard.

Shing, who is from Hong Kong, said: "When needed, the earplug can be quickly and easily assembled. The judges said they particularly liked its convenient shape and potential to be used in a large range of environments."

Another DMU student, Craig Strangward, won the prestigious UK RSA award and 3,500 for his innovative design for a sustainable packaging for batteries to boost recycling rates.

Craig's winning design was a redesign of packaging for batteries. His idea for packaging would allow customers to slide the new batteries out and put used ones back in, and once they were all used, customers can send the batteries back to the company to be recycled.

The RSA prize is called The Wally Olins Opportunity Award, which was established by Wolff Olins, the company he co-founded and one of the world's leading brand consultancies.

Fashion Design student Kayleigh Flattery will see her work on the catwalk alongside designer greats such as Amanda Wakeley and Ann-Louise Roswald at an industry event in May.

One of just 12 finalists, Kayleigh, who is currently in her final year at De Montfort University, beat off competition from over 150 design students nationwide to win a coveted place in the Littlewoods ASBCI Student Design Award 2008.

Each short listed student will show two outfits at the ASBCI Industry Dinner on 20 May.

About YODEX YODEX 2008, which will be held at the Taipei World Trade Centre. De Montfort University representatives will be in the Overseas Design Colleges area.

De Montfort University Press Office+44-(0)116-2577021 news@dmu.ac.uk

Technology: Bluestreak Technology embraces the "Open Screen Project"

Bluestreak Technology, competitor of Adobe Flash in the embedded device market, embraces the "Open Screen Project"

Montreal - CNW-AsiaNet/ - Bluestreak Technology (Montreal, Paris, Seoul) is excited to see Adobe's initiative to open the Flash format.

Bluestreak's own MachBlue Player runs Flash files as Rich Media applications, such as Mobile TV, and Man-Machine Interfaces (MMI), such as Homescreens.

"Adobe's decision comes at the right time to take the lead for interactive applications over Java and specialized HTML. It will propel the development of Flash content for mobile devices, set-top boxes and consumer electronics," says Paul Forostowsky, CEO of Bluestreak Technology, Inc., "Existing Bluestreak customers stand to benefit from a growing range of applications."

The MachBlue Player currently runs Flash files on multiple embedded devices, over 220 mobile handsets and over 75 set-top boxes to date, using multiple platforms including Windows Mobile, Symbian, Linux, Java, as well as many proprietary operating systems. Many wireless network and digital television operators power their services with MachBlue, which is used daily by millions of subscribers worldwide.

Flash(R) is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

SOURCE: Bluestreak Technology
CONTACT: Yves D'Aoust, VP Sales & Marketing,
(514) 448-7662, pr@bluestreaktech.com,
www.bluestreaktech.com

Technology: Atmel receives Frost & Sullivan`s technology innovation award

San Jose, California, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML) was recently recognized for its development of the FingerChip(R) fingerprint sensor technology at the 2008 Frost & Sullivan Southeast Asia Industrial Technologies awards presentation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Mr Yang Chiah Yee, Vice President of Asian Sales for Atmel, accepted the award on behalf of the Atmel FingerChip team.

Frost & Sullivan based its selection for this award on Atmel's continuous innovation in its patented fingerprint sensing technology and sensor solutions that enhances user experience with best-in-class false rejection performance and best durability.

According to Frost & Sullivan, "This innovation allows for a robust competitively priced fingerprint swipe chip, which can also maintain a high accuracy during scanning and imaging. It is as a result of all these endeavors that Atmel is being recognized as the deserving recipient of the 2008 Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Award in the South East Asian biometrics market."

"We are honored to receive this award from Frost & Sullivan," said Mr. Yee. "The dedication of our scientific, design, and development teams has resulted in an excellent product for the biometric technology industry that sets the standard for high quality and reliable fingerprint sensors for the Asian and global markets."

Biometric technology is rapidly gaining momentum in Southeast Asia, where government agencies and private corporations alike are developing numerous projects ranging from physical access control to logical access for laptops and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Atmel's FingerChip sensor provides a high-quality solution for these developing markets.

The Atmel FingerChip sensor utilizes a thermal-based technology, highly sensitive to the slightest variation in fingerprint topographies, making it uniquely able to provide excellent image under difficult capture conditions.

The technology also offers industry-leading ESD protection, mechanical robustness and strong fake finger rejection. Coupled with highly optimized matching engine, the FingerChip sensor achieves exceptional FAR/FRR performance and best user experience with minimal memory and processing power requirements.

About Atmel

Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & 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.

(C) 2008 Atmel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Atmel(R), logo and combinations thereof, FingerChip(R), and others, are registered trademarks, or trademarks of Atmel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other terms and product names may be trademarks of others.

Information: Atmel's FingerChip fingerprint sensor product information may be retrieved at http://www.atmel.com/products Biometrics/

Press Contacts: Nancy Moore, Marketing Communications Manager Tel: +719 540 3262, Email Nancy.Moore@atmel.com

Helen Perlegos, Public Relations Tel: (+1) 408 487-2963, Email: hperlegos@atmel.com

SOURCE Atmel Corporation
CONTACT: Nancy Moore, Marketing Communications Manager,
+1-719-540-3262, Nancy.Moore@atmel.com,
or Helen Perlegos, Public Relations, +1-408-487-2963,
hperlegos@atmel.com,
both of Atmel Corporation
Web site: http://www.atmel.com
http://www.frost.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Business: Spirit chief Jeff Turner speaking at Merrill Lynch conference

Wichita, Kansas, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. (NYSE: SPR) President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Turner will speak at the Merrill Lynch Global Markets & Investment Banking Conference on Wednesday, May 7, at approximately 6:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

Turner's remarks will be webcast at http:/www.spiritaero.com/investor.aspx. Individuals are advised to check the web site ahead of time to ensure their computers are configured for the webcast.

SOURCE: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
CONTACT: Philip Anderson, Investor Relations, Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.,
+1-316-523-1797/
Web site: http://www.spiritaero.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Business: The Domain name America.com to be auctioned off from May 22-29

Nyon, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - The most beautiful domain name on the Internet, America.com, is to be auctioned off through GreatDomains.com and Sedo.com from May 22 to 29, 2008.

Major corporations have already expressed interest.
The record selling price for a domain name could be broken.
Past records include:
- Vodka.com - 3,000,000 USD
- Korea.com - 5,000,000 USD
- Casino.com - 5,500,000 USD

This year, sales of domain names have been setting record after record, for example:

- Pizza.com - 2,600,000 USD
- Fund.com - 9,999,950 USD

America.com was appraised by independent evaluators like Duff & Phelps, Sedo and Afternic within a range from 3.5 to 7.3 million US dollars (files available upon request).

Contact: Internet Media Consultants SA Paolo Belcastro
E-Mail: imc@geneve.com Phone: +41-22-362-74-14
Useful links: http://www.america.com
http://www.greatdomains.com
http://www.sedo.com

SOURCE: Internet Media Consultants SA
CONTACT: Paolo Belcastro Internet Media Consultants SA
+41-22-362-74-14 imc@geneve.com
Web site: http://www.america.com
http://www.greatdomains.com
http://www.sedo.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Dalai Lama must be reasonable in his demands says foundation

London, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire - AsiaNet) - Heads of State and the international media should be aware of the facts on the Tibet Issue in order to manage their expectations over the proposed meeting between the Chinese government and the top envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

While China recently announced that they would initiate a dialogue with the top envoy to His Holiness shortly after a meeting with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Heads of State should be aware that China has always been a willing partner in negotiation with Tibet on all issues apart from the question of territory and political independence. These issues importantly include the protection of ancient and sacred Tibetan culture.

The probability of success from these renewed talks however should be viewed as extremely low given the nature of the demands made by His Holiness as part of 'Middle Way Approach' that seek to extend Tibetan political governance to "all Tibetan inhabited areas" -- this includes the Tibet Autonomous Region and two adjoining provinces that make up approximately one-quarter of China, a land mass equivalent to the United Kingdom, Portugal, Germany and Romania combined.

His Holiness has also told Reuters on April 10 that Tibetans should also be in control of their own defense and foreign policy saying: "Tibet must have real autonomy. That means deciding defense and foreign affairs and maybe some other issues."

As recently written on Forbes.com by Louise Blouin MacBain, Chairman of Louise Blouin Media and the Louise Blouin Foundation, these statements appear to be inconsistent with more recent calls by His Holiness, who has previously sought cultural, spiritual and environmental protections for Tibet.

The representatives of His Holiness have also provided a different description of the Tibetan political demands, stating that their aims are for "meaningful autonomy for the entire Tibetan populated area."

Since November 2007 the Louise Blouin Foundation (ltbfoundation.org) as part of its Globalization Platform (creativeleadershipsummit.org) has taken an active interest, as neutral party, in developing a collaborative solution for the region.

In May 2008 Louise Blouin MacBain will be traveling to Beijing and Tibet in order to develop a proposal towards Tibetan cultural preservation with the Chinese government and Tibetan Autonomous Region Party representatives. Louise Blouin MacBain sincerely hopes that His Holiness can also participate in this dialogue and the full negotiation process.

Related Links: Forbes.com: Reasonable Demands From the Dalai Lama - by Louise Blouin MacBain http://www.forbes.com/opinions 2008/05/01/tibet-china-talks-oped- cx_lbm_0501 tibet.html
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Forbes.com: Facing the Facts on Tibet (Part 1) - by Louise Blouin MacBain http://www.forbes.com/home/markets/2008/04/10 tibet-china-macbain-oped- cx_lbm_0411 tibet.html
(Due to length of URL, please copy and paste into browser)

Forbes.com: A Message for Western Leaders (Part 2) - by Louise Blouin MacBain http://www.forbes.com/opinions/2008/04/12 china-tibet-macbain-oped- cx_lbm_0414 tibetchina.html

(Due to length of URL, please copy and paste into browser)

The Dalai Lama's Demands - An interview with Louise Blouin MacBain - BBC Asia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y9bH6H9WMk Louise Blouin Foundation http://www.ltbfoundation.org Global Creative Leadership Summit and Globalization Platform http:/ www.creativeleadershipsummit.org

SOURCE: Louise Blouin Foundation
CONTACT: Mathew Kabatoff of Louise Blouin Foundation,
+44-207-985-9600, Mathew.kabatoff@ltbfoundation.org/
WEB SITE: http://www.ltbfoundation.org
http://www.creativeleadershipsummit.org
http://www.Forbes.com/

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Business: Microsoft withdraws proposal to acquire Yahoo

Redmond, Wash., May 4 PRNewswire-AsiaNet - Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) today announced that it has withdrawn its proposal to acquire Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq: YHOO).

"We continue to believe that our proposed acquisition made sense for Microsoft, Yahoo! and the market as a whole. Our goal in pursuing a combination with Yahoo! was to provide greater choice and innovation in the marketplace and create real value for our respective stockholders and employees," said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft.

"Despite our best efforts, including raising our bid by roughly $5 billion, Yahoo! has not moved toward accepting our offer. After careful consideration, we believe the economics demanded by Yahoo! do not make sense for us, and it is in the best interests of Microsoft stockholders, employees and other stakeholders to withdraw our proposal," said Ballmer.

"We have a talented team in place and a compelling plan to grow our business through innovative new services and strategic transactions with other business partners. While Yahoo! would have accelerated our strategy, I am confident that we can continue to move forward toward our goals," Ballmer said.

"We are investing heavily in new tools and Web experiences, we have dramatically improved our search performance and advertiser satisfaction, and we will continue to build our scale through organic growth and partnerships," said Kevin Johnson, Microsoft president for platforms and services.

Below is the text of the letter from Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to Yahoo! CEO Jerry Yang.

May 3, 2008
Mr. Jerry Yang
CEO and Chief Yahoo
Yahoo! Inc.
701 First Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94089

Dear Jerry:

After over three months, we have reached the conclusion of the process regarding a possible combination of Microsoft and Yahoo!.

I first want to convey my personal thanks to you, your management team, and Yahoo!'s Board of Directors for your consideration of our proposal. I appreciate the time and attention all of you have given to this matter, and I especially appreciate the time that you have invested personally. I feel that our discussions this week have been particularly useful, providing me for the first time with real clarity on what is and is not possible.

I am disappointed that Yahoo! has not moved towards accepting our offer. I first called you with our offer on January 31 because I believed that a combination of our two companies would have created real value for our respective shareholders and would have provided consumers, publishers, and advertisers with greater innovation and choice in the marketplace. Our decision to offer a 62 percent premium at that time reflected the strength of these convictions.

In our conversations this week, we conveyed our willingness to raise our offer to $33.00 per share, reflecting again our belief in this collective opportunity. This increase would have added approximately another $5 billion of value to your shareholders, compared to the current value of our initial offer. It also would have reflected a premium of over 70 percent compared to the price at which your stock closed on January 31. Yet it has proven insufficient, as your final position insisted on Microsoft paying yet another $5 billion or more, or at least another $4 per share above our $33.00 offer.

Also, after giving this week's conversations further thought, it is clear to me that it is not sensible for Microsoft to take our offer directly to your shareholders. This approach would necessarily involve a protracted proxy contest and eventually an exchange offer. Our discussions with you have led us to conclude that, in the interim, you would take steps that would make Yahoo! undesirable as an acquisition for Microsoft.

We regard with particular concern your apparent planning to respond to a "hostile" bid by pursuing a new arrangement that would involve or lead to the outsourcing to Google of key paid Internet search terms offered by Yahoo! today. In our view, such an arrangement with the dominant search provider would make an acquisition of Yahoo! undesirable to us for a number of reasons:

-- First, it would fundamentally undermine Yahoo!'s own strategy and long-term viability by encouraging advertisers to use Google as opposed to your Panama paid search system. This would also fragment your search advertising and display advertising strategies and the ecosystem surrounding them. This would undermine the reliance on your display advertising business to fuel future growth.

-- Given this, it would impair Yahoo's ability to retain the talented engineers working on advertising systems that are important to our interest in a combination of our companies.

-- In addition, it would raise a host of regulatory and legal problems that no acquirer, including Microsoft, would want to inherit. Among other things, this would consolidate market share with the already-dominant paid search provider in a manner that would reduce competition and choice in the marketplace.

-- This would also effectively enable Google to set the prices for key search terms on both their and your search platforms and, in the process, raise prices charged to advertisers on Yahoo. In
addition to whatever resulting legal problems, this seems unwise from a business perspective unless in fact one simply wishes to use this as a vehicle to exit the paid search business in favor of Google.

-- It could foreclose any chance of a combination with any other search provider that is not already relying on Google's search services.

Accordingly, your apparent plan to pursue such an arrangement in the event of a proxy contest or exchange offer leads me to the firm decision not to pursue such a path.
Instead, I hereby formally withdraw Microsoft's proposal to acquire Yahoo!.

We will move forward and will continue to innovate and grow our business at Microsoft with the talented team we have in place and potentially through strategic transactions with other business partners.

I still believe even today that our offer remains the only alternative put forward that provides your stockholders full and fair value for their shares. By failing to reach an agreement with us, you and your stockholders have left significant value on the table.

But clearly a deal is not to be.
Thank you again for the time we have spent together discussing this.
Sincerely yours,
/s/ Steven A. Ballmer
Steven A. Ballmer
Chief Executive Officer
Microsoft Corporation

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 May 3, 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, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide,
+1-503-443-7070, rrt@waggeneredstrom.com; Joele Frank,
Wilkinson, Brimmer Katcher, Joele Frank, Eric Brielmann, or
Jamie Moser, +1-212-355-4449; Financial analysts and investors only: Colleen
Healy, General Manager, Investor Relations,
+1-425-706-3703, all for Microsoft Corp.
PHOTO: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822MSFTLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
WEB SITE: http://www.microsoft.com
(MSFT YHOO)

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Technology: Mobile banking to transform microfinance

Washington, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - A new report from the global microfinance body CGAP predicts that, with the right market conditions, mobile banking could reach large numbers of poor people who are outside the formal financial system.

The Early Experience with Branchless Banking calls for the development of interoperable payments platforms, practical and risk-based approaches to regulation, as well as shared networks of cash-handling agents.

"Market forces are driving down costs. In the Philippines, we see that a transaction on a cell phone or at an ATM costs one fifth that of a traditional visit to a bank branch," said Gautam Ivatury, manager of CGAP's Technology Program and co-author of the report.

"Yet globally, we estimate that fewer than one in ten mobile phone banking customers are poor, new to banking, or doing anything more than payments and transfers."

Payments and funds transfers dominate mobile financial services for many reasons, the report finds. Mobile operators in particular prefer to market payments services as this is more aligned with traditional revenue models.

These services are also less likely to cause operators to run afoul of banking regulation.

"When it comes to reaching poor people who live outside the formal financial sector, the reality of mobile phone banking doesn't match the potential, much less the hype, at least not yet, said Ignacio Mas, CGAP advisor and co-author of the report.

"We see opportunities for service providers who move quickly to create new products, especially if they can establish shared networks of cash-handling agents to cover that 'last mile' of service delivery."

The report finds that in cases where market conditions are not driving broader banking services such as credit and savings, there may be a role to play for policymakers and those who advocate for increased financial access.

The Early Experience with Branchless Banking will be presented at the GSMA Mobile Money Summit in Cairo and is available online at http://www.cgap.org.

CGAP (The Consultative Group to Assist the Poor) is the world's leading resource for the advancement of microfinance. CGAP provides the financial industry, governments and investors with objective information, expert opinion, and innovative solutions to effectively expand access to finance for poor people around the world.

SOURCE: CGAP
CONTACT: Jeanette Thomas, +1-202-473-8869,
jthomas1@worldbank.org,
or Jim Rosenberg, +1-202-473-1084,
jrosenberg@worldbank.org,
both of CGAP
Web site: http://www.cgap.org

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Business: Genpact takes top honors at '2008 International Forum of CODC

New York (BUSINESS WIRE) - Genpact (NYSE:G), which manages business processes for companies around the world, received two awards of distinction at the 2008 International Forum of China Outsourcing Development & Cooperation (CODC),' April 25-27 in Wuhan, China.

Genpact, a pioneer of China's service outsourcing industry, won the award for "Best Business Model of China Service Outsourcing" and Mitsuru Maekawa, CEO, Genpact China, won the "Award of Leadership of China Service Outsourcing Industry Development."

Genpact China was established in June 2000 as GE's process delivery center in China. Today, Genpact has centers in Dalian, Changchun and Shanghai, and drives process efficiencies for clients in Japan, China, Korea and Southeast Asia. More than 500 of its process associates speak four languages.

"We are extraordinarily proud of our management team in China and the quality of work we perform for our clients out of China," said Pramod Bhasin, president and chief executive officer, Genpact. "It is an honor for Genpact to be acknowledged by the government and its peers in China's outsourcing industry."

The CODC Forum was co-sponsored by China's Ministry of Commerce as well as other government agencies in Central China.

About Genpact

Genpact manages business processes for companies around the world. The company combines process expertise, information technology and analytical capabilities with operational insight and experience in diverse industries to provide a wide range of services using its global delivery platform. Genpact helps companies improve the ways in which they do business by applying Six Sigma and Lean principles plus technology to continuously improve their business processes. Genpact operates service delivery centers in India, China, Hungary, Mexico, the Philippines, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain and the United States. For more info: www.genpact.com.

GenpactDavid Jensen (US/Europe)1 203 252 8562 david.jensen@genpact.com or Anita Trehan (India)(91) 124 402 2726 anita.trehan@genpact.com or Sam Wang (China)+86-1390-409-9346 sam.wang@genpact.com

Technology: Singapore hosts world`s first fully 3-D based film festival

3DX: 3D film & entertainment technology festival inaugural event will commence from November 19 - 23, 2008

Los Angeles (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Singapore has been named the host city of the world's first fully 3-D based film and entertainment technology festival taking place November 19 - 23, 2008. The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) will host the festival officially named "3DX: 3D Film & Entertainment Technology Festival." Jim Chabin of 3D Partners Ltd. will serve as 3DX executive producer of the five-day event taking place in Asia. The festival is supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Said Dr. Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer, MDA: "The development of a world class 3-D festival in Singapore highlighting the creative talent and technology in 3-D film underlines Singapore's commitment to play an active role in expanding the boundaries of 3-D entertainment. 3DX will provide a world stage and convergence point for filmmakers and technology companies to showcase their works for trade and consumer audiences. It will also provide industry players the opportunity to generate discussions on the latest trends and developments in 3-D."

In highlighting what will be an international selection of films and properties for 3DX, the first two films chosen for the festival are FLY ME TO THE MOON, an animated family film from Belgium's nWave Pictures, featuring characters voiced by Kelly Ripa, Nicollette Sheridan, Tim Curry and Ed Begley Jr., and JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH, a live action adventure from New Line Cinema and Walden Media, starring Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson and Anita Briem.

The current list of 3DX organizations and media sponsors includes the Motion Picture Association (MPA), NBC Universal TV Asia, Star TV India and Star Movies.

Other Singapore Government agencies backing 3DX are the Singapore Economic Development Board and Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore.

"We are honored that Singapore is the host destination for the first-ever 3D Film & Entertainment Technology Festival. The event will augment our position as a thought leader in the media, design and content development cluster, as we continue to work with partners such as Media Development Authority to establish related business events that can bring synergistic value to this key economic cluster in Singapore and the thriving global media industry. Hosting festivals such as 3DX will elevate our status as an exchange capital and help cement Singapore's standing as one of the pioneers in embracing and supporting 3D technology and film production in the world,"
said Mr. Aloysius Arlando, Assistant Chief Executive, Business Travel and MICE Group, Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau, a group of the STB.

Highlights of the 3DX festival will include screenings of invited 3-D films from participating media organizations and partners, forums featuring guest speakers, directors, 3-D pioneers, visionaries and catalysts, red carpet reception and event gala celebration along with special entertainment based events for the public.

More information on 3DX can be found on http://www.3dxfestival.com.

About Media Development Authority

Formed in 2003, the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) plays a vital role in transforming Singapore into a Global Media City and positioning it at the forefront of the digital media age. MDA spearheads initiatives that promote developments in film, video, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animation, media services and Interactive Digital Media. At the same time, in ensuring clear and consistent regulatory policies and guidelines, MDA helps to foster a pro-business environment for industry players and increase media choices for consumers. For more information, visit http://www.mda.gov.sg or http://www.smf.sg

About Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is an economic development agency for one of Singapore's key service sectors -- tourism. The mission of the Board is to develop and champion tourism and build this sector into a key driver of economic growth for
Singapore. The STB aims to differentiate and market Singapore as a memorable destination through the proliferation of the destination brand "Uniquely Singapore." For more information, please visit http://www.stb.gov.sg

About the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau

The Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB), a group of the STB, is the lead government agency for the business events sector in Singapore. Its mission is to champion business travel and business events as key drivers of the tourism sector and enablers for cluster growth in Singapore. It also assists business event organisers, corporations and associations by providing comprehensive and impartial information on Singapore's MICE facilities, incentive venues and industry partners. The SECB is a member of the BestCities Global Alliance, the world's first and only convention bureau alliance with eight partners in five continents.

SOURCE: Media Development Authority
CONTACT: Bill Harrison,
bill@fifteenminutes.com,
or Amy Pfister,
amy@fifteenminutes.com,
both of Fifteen Minutes,
+1-323-556-9700,
for Media Development Authority
WEB SITE: http://www.mda.gov.sg
http://www.stb.gov.sg

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Bank: Saxo Bank Moves to acquire strategic holding in Tricom

Sydney (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - In a strategic move, Danish investment bank Saxo Bank A/S ("Saxo"), a global leader in on-line trading, has entered a Memorandum of Understanding with Tricom Holdings Limited ("Tricom"), Babcock & Brown and ANZ Group with a view to acquiring a 35 per cent holding in the Sydney based broking house.

The proposed transaction would, when completed, reflect an important step for Saxo's long-term plan to strengthen its position in the Australian and New Zealand markets, as well as further enhancing its business throughout the Asia Pacific region.

The proposed transaction would, when completed, reflect an important step for Saxo's long-term plan to strengthen its position in the Australian & New Zealand markets as well as further enhancing its business throughout the Asia Pacific region.

It is intended the acquisition would include an option for Saxo to increase its holding to 100 percent within three years.

The transaction is subject to completion of final due diligence and regulatory clearance.

The new entity would enable the two organisations to build on their existing strong relationship and mutual capabilities. The business would be rebranded as Saxo Capital Markets Australia.

Under the proposal, the business would have the added benefit of the experience of Saxo's senior executive management team, global resources and corporate governance framework. Tricom's CEO, Lance Rosenberg, and staff would continue in their present roles.

This combination would enable Saxo to accelerate the development of a highly competent and profitable business. The new entity would work closely with Saxo's existing Asia Pacific operation headquartered in Singapore.

"Partnering with one of the world's leading on-line securities and currency trading house would be exciting news for our business, customers and staff," said Mr. Rosenberg.

"With Saxo Bank as a partner, we will be better capitalised and a more diversified business backed by Saxo Bank's global expertise, strength and recognition."

Tricom is already a partner of Saxo Bank, having over 2,000 Tricom clients benefiting from Saxo's award-winning proprietary investment trading system, SaxoTrader.

Saxo Bank's joint CEOs Kim Fournais and Lars Seier Christensen emphasised that the proposed transaction would build on the strong relationship the bank has had with Tricom for over five years.

"We look forward to working with Lance and all the employees to capture the strategic and operational synergies that would come from bringing the businesses together.

"The Australian and New Zealand markets are very important for us and we see great growth potential. Joining forces would provide us with an instant presence in terms of clients and partners together with an excellent team of dedicated staff," they said.

The Saxo joint CEOs also pointed out that Tricom's current expansion into New Zealand, Hong Kong, China and other overseas markets would mesh perfectly with Saxo's strategy.

"The combination of their talent and knowledge with Saxo Bank's business model and worldwide network would become a very powerful offering to the benefit of clients, partners and existing staff.

"Saxo Bank is active in the Australian and New Zealand markets through its unique White Label Partnership arrangements with Tricom as well as several other financial institutions. One of the benefits of the proposed acquisition is that by being much closer to its clients and partners, Saxo Bank would be better positioned to service their needs and identify new opportunities," they said.

The proposed transaction follows Saxo Bank's acquisition in September 2007 of Geneva based Synthesis Bank - an online investment bank.

In November 2007, Citi chose Saxo Bank as its global partner for its online FX offering based on the SaxoTrader platform.

The transaction is expected to be completed in early June 2008 and will be funded from Saxo Bank's existing cash reserves and facilities.

It is expected that post-transaction both Babcock & Brown and ANZ Group would continue to have an equity interest in the business.

About Saxo Bank A/S

Saxo Bank A/S is a global investment bank specialising in online investments in international Capital Markets.

Saxo Bank enables clients to trade currencies, shares, CFDs, futures, options and other derivatives, as well as providing portfolio management via our online trading platform, SaxoTrader.

SaxoTrader has been developed by Saxo Bank and is available to today's investor directly through Saxo Bank or through one of our global partnerships, where it forms an integral part of their infrastructure.

One of Saxo Bank's significant areas of business is White Labelling. This involves the bank's online trading platform being customised and branded for other financial institutions and brokers.

Saxo Bank has more than 100 White Label Partners and boasts thousands of clients in over 177 countries.

The bank's website http://www.saxobank.com receives approximately 65,000 visitors every day.

Saxo Bank currently employs more than 1,300 employees from 62 different countries.

Saxo Bank is headquartered in Copenhagen with offices in London, Geneva, Zurich, Singapore and Marbella. It also runs a representative office in Beijing and an IT development centre in St. Petersburg.
http://www.saxobank.com
http://www.saxobank.ch
http://www.saxobank.dk
http://www.saxobank.co.uk
http://www.saxomarkets.com.sg
http://www.saxotrader.es
http://www.saxosoft.com

About Tricom Equities Limited

Tricom is an Australian owned global Investment, Advisory and Trading House that brings together the knowledge and skills of its people to create value for its corporate, institutional and investment clients.

The Tricom group offers its clients Broking Solutions; Capital Markets and Corporate Advisory; and Wealth Management. Tricom aims to enhance value by providing clients with a portfolio of Tricom solutions rather than focusing on individual products.

This focus is underpinned by Tricom's corporate culture, which is a product of the company's background as a privately owned entity and is reinforced by Tricom employees' notable equity ownership of the firm.

Formed in Sydney in 1994 as a specialist futures broking firm, the Tricom group expanded rapidly across Australia first, and then spread internationally into New Zealand, Switzerland, Hong Kong and China.

Tricom now employs over 230 people in 13 offices across the globe.
http://www.tricom.com.au

SOURCE: Saxo Bank A/S
CONTACT:
Kasper Elbjorn of Saxo Bank Corporate Communications,
+45 30 65 43 00
Web Site: http://www.saxobank.com
http://www.tricom.com.au
http://www.saxobank.ch
http://www.saxobank.dk
http://www.saxobank.co.uk
http://www.saxomarkets.com.sg
http://www.saxotrader.es
http://www.saxosoft.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Business: German packaging agency opens office in Bangalore

REDPACK Brand Design Offers Packaging Design Combined With International Expertise and Knowledge of the Local Market in India

Hamburg (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - The German packaging design agency REDPACK Brand Design is opening up an office in Bangalore, offering its international packaging expertise to the growing consumer goods market in India.

The creative agency facilitates the market success of companies with its strategic packaging design. In doing so, it draws on global experience, without losing sight of the individuality of the brands and of the local market.

It was this approach that also helped the agency win over the ITC India Tobacco Company, one of the biggest and most renowned companies and REDPACK's first customer in India.

"Products and marketing strategies must be individually tailored to the Indian market, as global concepts are only effective there to a limited extent", says Andreas Unger, Managing Partner of REDPACK Brand Design.

"By opening up an office in Bangalore, we are meeting the needs and requirements of Indian consumers."

REDPACK's Indian branch will be managed by Kim Lishke, who is an experienced project manager, while Dominique Braun will assume responsibility for the creative design process in her role as Creative Director.

Both will be supported by the three company founders and managing partners of REDPACK Brand Design in Germany: packaging designer Annett Schaper can look back on over 13 years of responsibility for major, international brand development, including at Landor.

Brand strategist Andreas Unger presided over the international branding and design agency Enterprise IG (now The Brand Union) until 2005 as CEO Germany and Eastern Europe and was a member of the international Management Board.

Soren C. Sorensen was responsible for all packaging design activities at Masterfoods in his five-year role as European Design Buying Manager.

Customers of REDPACK include renowned companies and brands such as Durable, Ferrero, Golden Toast, Hills Pet Food, Ritter Sport Schokolade and Schiesser.

SOURCE: REDPACK Brand Design GmbH
CONTACT:
Further information and visual material, Menyesch Public Relations GmbH, Phone: +49 40-369-8630, Fax: +49 40-3698-6310, E-mail: red-pack@m-pr.de; or
REDPACK Brand Design Pvt. Ltd., Phone: +91-8042109040, E-mail: mail@redpack.in; or
REDPACK Brand Design GmbH, Phone: +49 40-29812680, Fax: +49 40-298126860, E-mail: info@red-pack.com / Web site: http://www.red-pack.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Entertainment: Alison Nelson`s Chocolate Bar to open stores in India, Pakistan

Award-winning Chain to Offer Innovation, Fashion and Flair to Luxury Chocolate Market

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Alison Nelson's Chocolate Bar, the New York-based chain of cutting-edge gourmet cocoa emporiums, is set to launch 10 stores in India and Pakistan through a partnership with the Dubai-based HFK General Trading.

Known for its high-quality cocoa and unusual flavor combinations such as "salty pretzel" and "malted milk", Chocolate Bar employs an artful approach, using graffiti-influenced chocolate-bar wrappers designed by iconic New York-based artists.

Bespoke gift presentations include embroidered, bejeweled gift boxes, stunning handbags and limited-edition bowls created by Jonathan Adler, a popular designer recently featured on Oprah.

A recent (October 2007) Euromonitor study estimated that chocolate confectionery comprises 30 per cent, or a healthy USD 203 million, of the expanding Indian confectionery market, and with a rapidly growing middle class, wide-spread mall culture, and booming luxury market, the market for luxury chocolate is wide open.

HFK Holding is based in Pakistan, with a main branch in Dubai. The total turnover of the company is over USD 50 Million. The company's activities include major investments in real estate, sugar mills and sugar works, rice mills, and trade in many commodities including sugar, rice, lentils and other food items with key clients in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

HFK Trading's CEO Hassan Khan is confident that Chocolate Bar's concept boutiques are tailor-made to fill the gap: "India and Pakistan are virgin soil for unique, high-end food concepts. Alison Nelson's Chocolate bar is an amazing brand and a unique concept that offers us not only a chocolate cafe, but also a fresh, vibrant blend of fashion and art, which is exactly what our consumer is looking for. I am sure it is going to be an unprecedented success.

"After establishing ourselves in the industrial manufacturing side, and to capitalize on our real estate strength, one of our objectives for 2008 was to expand and have direct contact with consumers - and what better than to start by offering them some really good chocolate!"

Consumers will join Chocolate Bar's A-list fans such as celebrity Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, Scarlett Johanson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Uma Thurman, who all rave about the presentation and most of all the adventurous flavour combinations: Nelson's boutiques prove that the world's favourite sweet goes with everything: at the sleek outlet in New York's upscale Henri Bendel store, a typical sandwich is made from a melted dark 72 per cent chocolate bar dabbed with olive oil and sea salt. Gourmet chocolate from high-quality cocoa beans can be eaten, drunk, or even used in the store's own line of cocoa-based beauty products.

The story behind the boutique is as unique as the tastes that can be found within: Nelson launched Chocolate Bar six years ago with an initial investment of only USD 75,000 and since that time has risen to the heights of the business world. In 2006, she was named one of Crain's Business "40 Under 40" and in 2007 received the Inc Magazine's award for one of the "Fastest Growing Private Companies in America."

SOURCE: HFK Trading
-0-
05/04/2008
CONTACT: Jane Meikle, Account Manager, JiWin Public
Relations, +971-4-361-3592, jane.meikle@jiwin.ae, for HFK Trading/

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Business: PT Inco Tbk Announces Holding Public Expose on May 5, 2008

- And a series of meetings with representatives of investment community on May 6-8, 2008 and May 13-14, 2008

Jakarta, May 2, 2008 (ANTARA) - PT International Nickel Indonesia Tbk (PT "Inco", IDX: INCO) announced today that it will be holding Public Expose in Jakarta on May 5, 2008 that is scheduled to begin at 03:00 p.m. (local time), and a series of meetings with representatives of investment community arranged by Merill Lynch in Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo on May 6, 7 and 8, 2008, and in Miami on May 13-14, 2008 that are expected to begin at 09:00 a.m. (local time) in Hong Kong and Singapore, at 10.30 a.m. (local time) in Tokyo and at 08:30 a.m. (local time) in Miami, Florida.

Copies of the slides referred to above will be availbale for on-line viewing and/or printing through the "News & Announcement" link on PT Inco's website.

For further information, please contact:
Indra Ginting, Director of Investor Relations & Corporate Secretary : gintiin@inco.com
Jannus Siahaan, Director, Media, Communication & Licensing : siahajt@inco.com
or www.pt-inco.co.id

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