High-Tech: TAIB Bank selects Reveleus Basel II, asset liability management

Mumbai, India (BUSINESS WIRE) - i-flex solutions (Reuters: IFLX.BO/IFLX.NS), a leading provider of technology solutions to the global financial services industry announced today that TAIB Bank, a leading bank in the Middle East, has selected the Reveleus Basel II Solution and the Reveleus Asset Liability Management (ALM) Solution.

The implementation will begin at TAIB Bank's Headquarters at Bahrain.

TAIB was among the first private banks in the region to provide Investment Banking and Wealth Management solutions to high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. Regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain, TAIB Bank will use the Reveleus Basel II solution to compute regulatory capital and the ALM solution to manage liquidity and interest rate risks.

Supporting Quotes:
Mr Mohammad Saleh (President and COO), at TAIB Bank said, "In today's ever evolving technology driven world, it is of paramount importance that the financial institutions follow a strict regime of compliance with regulatory requirements, and Reveleus would help us in achieving it."

Speaking on the association with i-flex, Mr Dayanand Shetty (Senior Vice President), at TAIB Bank said, "We have a long history of successful working relationships with i-flex and the recent agreement for implementation of Reveleus would further strengthen it."

Mr Deepak Katyal, Vice President, Information Technology TAIB Bank, added, "Reveleus would enable us to adopt an enterprise-wide approach to risk and enables us to be at the forefront of risk management. It will help us comprehensively monitor and measure our risks across geographies, investment strategies and product groups."

Commenting on the customer win, Mr S. Ramakrishnan - CEO of Reveleus and Mantas, said, "The selection of Reveleus by TAIB demonstrates that we are well positioned to help customers deal with the challenges posed by Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC). TAIB will benefit from what we have learnt from Basel II global deployments around the world and we look forward to working in partnership with them."

For more information, please visit: www.iflexsolutions.com
i-flex solutionsEapen Thomas, +91-22-6718-5132+91-22-2823-5231
eapen.thomas@iflexsolutions.com or Adfactors
PRPiya Roy, +91-22-2287-1361+91 98207 40379 piya.roy@adfactorspr.com

High-Tech: eDynamic delivers new corporate social responsibility (CSR) webs

eDynamic delivers new corporate social responsibility (CSR) website design & development project for Pepsi

New Delhi, India (BUSINESS WIRE) - eDynamic, a Global IT & Interactive Marketing Services, Consulting Firm today announced the successful completion of Web design & development project for PepsiCo India (www.pepsiindia.co.in, NYSE:PBG). This first phase involved research, analysis, benchmarking & scope followed by detailed requirement analysis and conceptualization and build for the PepsiCo India website.

With the appointment of Ms. Indra Nooyi as CEO in 2007, CSR at Pepsi acquired whole new meaning. So ?Performance with Purpose' has come to the fore, and PepsiCo wants to re-position itself as a corporate model to conduct business worldwide. This includes initiatives such as partnerships with farmers, water replenishment, etc. Naturally, this vision had to be translated across ranks within Pepsi and to the world in general. The first, most critical step for this was the PepsiCo corporate website.

After several stringent RFPs and responses later, PepsiCo chose to on-board eDynamic for this prestigious opportunity. Amongst other factors, it was eDynamic's domain expertise in Interactive Marketing coupled with its roster of international customers, excellent customer satisfaction metrics, service delivery approach that tilted the balance in its favor.

PepsiCo's vision was to mirror its CSR position on its website and to create instant recall by reinforcing the CEO's statement of intent within its existing corporate framework.
eDynamic took up this challenge and delivered this new website with all functional and brand elements within 2 months.

eDynamic's concept, information architecture and Interactive Marketing strategy were key differentiators. "The eDynamic team has been quick to respond to our needs, whether on the back end or the design front, and has always?provided us?with a plethora of creative ideas for?our website", remarks Namrata Asthana, Manager, Corporate Communication, PepsiCo.

"The eDynamic team has always delivered on time with?catering to?our short term?needs?while?consistently thinking?about the future online needs of?PepsiCo India.?Working with eDynamic has really been a pleasure and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them", says Annie Kishen, Director, CSR & Corporate Communication, PepsiCo India.

Phase 2 of this project entailing enhancements, new portals for specific PepsiCo corporate needs is under review and scope right now. As Subir Singh, VP Sales, eDynamic mentions, "We are proud to be associated with Pepsi and we will strive to always excel in this engagement going forward. As the Interactive Marketing partners for Pepsi, we will do what it will take to transform PepsiCo's online presence to solidify their worldwide CSR initiative."About PepsiCo: PepsiCo (www.pepsiindia.co.in) is a world leader in convenience foods and beverages, with 2007 revenues of more than $39 billion and more than 185,000 employees across the world. Its world renowned brands are available in nearly 200 countries and territories.

About eDynamic:

eDynamic (www.edynamic.net) is a Global IT services , Interactive Marketing Services, Website Design & Development and Consulting Firm focused on delivering integrated business solutions. eDynamic is a rapidly growing, privately held company that delivers on the technology, creativity & marketing needs of enterprises. Through its offices in New York, Portland, Toronto, London, Dubai, and New Delhi, eDynamic is serving customers such as Suncor Energy, UPS, PepsiCo, New York Life, General Electric, Advance America, Preferred Commerce, Intercontinental Hotels, Jet Airways, Samsung, Sony, among many others.

eDynamicKamiya Duseja, 26384306/07Sr. Executive, MarketingFax: +91-11-26384553 Kamiya.duseja@edynamic.info

Mining/Minerals: Nido identifies 11.6 billion barrels of oil-in-place potential

Nido identifies 11.6 billion barrels of oil-in-place potential; seeks a strategic partner

Peth - Medianet International-AsiaNet/ - Nido Petroleum Ltd ("Nido") is pleased to announce that after completing several large seismic surveys, its deepwater prospects and leads inventory in the NW Palawan basin has oil-in-place potential of 11.6 billion barrels.

Following recent positive responses from major oil companies, Nido is now commencing its formal search for a strategic partner to explore for oil and gas in the Philippines and is inviting industry players to submit Expressions of Interest to participate in a world-class offshore exploration program.

Jon Pattillo, Nidos Head of Exploration says, "Securing a technically capable operator to partner with Nido in testing the significant deepwater potential of the Palawan Basin is an important and consistent component of Nidos exploration strategy. Whilst not yet complete, the results of our seismic processing have so far generated a prospect and lead inventory that can be truly classified as world-class. Whilst much work remains to be done, commencing the search for a strategic partner represents an exciting event for Nido."

Nido intends to retain a minority working interest in the basin in order to participate in the success that it believes will result from the upcoming exploration drilling program. The farm-out will proceed through a series of steps, the first of
which is to invite interested parties to submit Expressions of Interest to receive the Information Memorandum and to gain
access to the Data Room.

The stand out features of Nidos big-hit exploration portfolio include:

*A basin with demonstrated prospectivity and success rates of over 50%. *9,861 km of 2-D and 1,325 km2 of 3-D seismic acquired over the last 3 years. *All prospects and leads are in proven geological play types and have been reviewed by a third party. *40 identified prospects and leads of which the Top 20 are earmarked as potential drilling candidates within the next three to five years. *Top 20 prospect sizes range from 97 to 2,747 million barrels of oil-in-place in water depths ranging from 75 to 1,400 metres.

Jocot de Dios, Nidos Chief Executive Officer points out "After 10 years of diligent effort we are delighted to reach this critical milestone. Nido has long believed in the potential of the NW Palawan Basin to be an overlooked exploration province. Our efforts to date vindicate that view, and have revealed a potential prize greater than our expectations. Given the sizes of the identified drilling targets it is apparent that just one discovery has the potential to transform Nido - we intend to drill up to 20 of these large prospects over the coming years. This is the dawn of an exciting era for Nido."

An official Invitation to Participate in a World Class Offshore Exploration Program can be obtained by contacting the company direct via phone +61 8 9474 0000 or email to exploration@nido.com.au.
Ends

For further information contact: Sascha Stone PR Advisor Nido Petroleum Limited Tel: +61 8 9473 0546 Mob: +61 417 174 072 Fax: +61 8 9473 0576 Email: pms@pmsmarketing.com.au

SOURCE: Nido Petroleum

Business in Asia Today - May 09, 2008

CHINESE REGULATOR PROBES IRREGULAR SHARE SALES BY SICHUAN HONGDA
Beijing (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - China's securities regulator China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said Wednesday that it has put the Hongda case on file for investigation, a move believed to check irregular share selling on the Shanghai and Shenzhen bourses and in turn to assist in rallying sharp share price falls.
The case relates to the irregular sale of shares of Sichuan Hongda Co., Ltd. (600331:SSX) by two institutional shareholders
Sichuan Pingyuan Industry Development Co., Ltd. and Mianyang Yiduoyuan Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. on April 29.
The two shareholders respectively sold off shares representing 1.46 per cent and 1.35 per cent of Hongda's total share capital on the secondary market on the day.
These shares, originally non-tradable and newly freed from the lock-up period after completion of Hongda's split share structure reform, should be traded via the separate block trading system of the Shanghai bourse, according to CSRC's new regulation.

INDIA'S ANSAL PROPERTIES AND DUBAI FIRM TERMINATE AGREEMENT
Mumbai (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Indian company Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd (BSE:500013) has said its agreement with Dubai-based Deeyar Development PSC for a township project has been terminated.
Ansal Properties & Infrastructure informed the Bombay Stock Exchange that the transaction could not be given effect and necessary termination agreement for the same has been entered into on May 6.
In May last year, the company announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Dubai firm for developing a mega mixed use township comprising of residential, commercial, institutional and industrial properties in the country.

MALAYSIA'S FRASER & NEAVE REGISTERS 23.6 PCT JUMP IN H1 PROFIT
Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (F&N) (KLSE:3689) has registered a 23.6 per cent year-on-year jump in interim pre-tax profit to RM132.161 million (US$41.3 million), driven by volume and selling price improvements in all business units, particularly the soft drinks division.
Its revenue surged 44.6 per cent to RM1.81 billion for the six months ended 31 March 2008 from RM1.25 billion for the previous corresponding period, the leading food and beverage manufacturer said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia on May 7.
The company reported that the higher revenue was achieved on the back of improved sales from all of its core businesses and contributions from the acquired Nestle business.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AUTO SALES IN JAPAN PLUNGE IN APRIL
Seoul (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - The Hyundai Motor Co. (KSE:05380) reported a sharp plunge in its vehicle sales in Japan last month, highlighting a challenge the South Korean carmaker is facing in Asia's second-largest auto market, industry figures showed today.
Last month, Hyundai Motor sold only 22 cars in Japan, compared with 95 sold for the same month last year, according to the data by the Japan Automobile Importers Association.
In the first four months of this year, Hyundai Motor's sales in Japan nosedived 48 per cent from a year earlier to 170 units, the data showed.

TOSHIBA TO FORM INDIAN JOINT VENTURE FOR TURBINES, GENERATORS
Tokyo (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Toshiba Corp. (TSE:6502) announced this week that in June this year it will set up a joint venture with Indian business giant JSW Group to manufacture and market steam turbines and generators for fossil-fuel-fired power plants in India.
Through this effort, Toshiba will pave the way toward a full-fledged entry into India's market for power plant equipment and facilities. The company will be capitalized at US$50 million, or around 5.2 billion yen, with Toshiba taking a 75 per cent interest.
JSW Group members JSW Energy Ltd. and JSW Steel Ltd are set to take respective stakes of 20 per cent and 5 per cent.

DOOSAN TO TAKE OVER SOUTH KOREA'S CHUNG-ANG UNIVERSITY
Seoul (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Doosan Group ((KSE:000150), one of South Korea's family-run industrial conglomerates, has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire a major private university in southern Seoul, according to the two sides on Thursday.
The financial terms of the deal weren't immediately known, but local media reports said Doosan may spend 120 billion won (US$115 million) to take over the century-old Chung-Ang University, which has some 25,000 students.
The deal is subject to approval by the country's education regulator, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

VIRGIN BLUE PILOTS TO TRAIN IN BRISBANE WITH US$9 MLN SIMULATOR
Brisbane (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Virgin Blue (ASX:VBA) pilots no longer have to travel to Switzerland for their training thanks to Brisbane's new A$10 million (US$9.41 million) flight simulator.
The Embraer electric motion simulator is the first of its kind in Australia, providing training for pilots of Virgin Blue's new Embraer jets, which fly between Sydney and Canberra and service regional centres such as Albury and Port Macquarie. Five of the aircraft are currently in service, with a further 13 to be added by the end of the year.

US-BASED ALCOME PERFUMES TO ENTER INDIA'S RETAIL MARKET
New Delhi (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - US-based Alcome Perfumes and Cosmetics, which has its global bottling operations in India, on Wednesday announced its foray into the country's retail market and has engaged Bollywood actress Bipasa Basu to be the face of its perfume brands.
The Indian subsidiary of the company, Alcome Perfumes and Cosmetics PLC, has two manufacturing units at Noida and Bhiwadi and a new unit is coming up in Noida SEZ with an investment of Rs 1 billion (US$24 million), to be operational by year-end.

DAVID JONES REPORTS SMALL RISE IN 3Q SALES
Sydney (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Australian retailer David Jones Ltd (ASX:DJS) has reported a small increase in third quarter sales as a slowdown in consumer spending began to bite.
But the department store operator reaffirmed its guidance for second half underlying net profit to grow by between eight per cent and 13 per cent.
Sales revenue for the three months ended April 26 rose 3.8 per cent to $A453.3 million ($US426.69 million) from the same quarter in fiscal 2007, while like-for-like store sales grew by 2.3 per cent.
Chief executive Mark McInnes said the third quarter sales figures reflected a slowdown in consumer spending, which had been anticipated.

HONDA TO EXPAND DEALERSHIP NETWORK, CAPACITY IN CHINA
Tokyo (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Honda Motor Co. (TSE:7267) will go on the offensive in China, increasing dealerships there to 700 by year-end and boosting annual output capacity by about 20 per cent to 650,000.
Honda currently has three different dealership networks in China that operate a total of 560 locations.
Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co. will expand its sites by 24 per cent to 450. Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co. will have 230, up 21 per cent. Honda manufactures autos at the two subsidiaries, whose capacity totals 530,000 vehicles a year.
It expects to sell roughly 490,000 units in China alone in 2008, up 15 per cent from 2007.

Source:
Business in Asia Today - MAY 09, 2008
published by Asia Pulse

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Technology: Supermicro surpasses $2 billion in cumulative revenue since founding

Application-Optimized Server Leader Celebrates Over 14 Consecutive Years of Profitability and Consistent Growth

San Jose, Calif. (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Super Micro Computer, Inc. (Nasdaq: SMCI), a leader in application-optimized, high performance server solutions, today announced that the company has surpassed the $2 billion milestone in cumulative sales revenue since it was founded in 1993. Supermicro's annual growth rate during the last five fiscal years was several times faster than the server industry growth rate, as the company has consistently posted double-digit growth figures year after year.

"With our annual run rate now over $0.5 billion, we are squarely focused on our next milestone of $1 billion in annual revenue," said Charles Liang, CEO and president of Supermicro. "As the technology leader in performance-per-watt (up to 290GFLOPS/kW*) server solutions, Supermicro has never been stronger than it is today. With a 57% growth in R&D manpower over the last 12 months now in place, we are offering the
strongest product lineup in our history. As a result of this worldwide infrastructure growth, Supermicro is quickly increasing its business with Fortune Global 100 companies."

The company's impressive track record of 14 consecutive years of profitability and consistent growth can be attributed to Supermicro's Server Building Block Solutions(R), its dedicated and talented engineering teams, the visionary leadership of Supermicro management as well as the close customer and partner relationships that the company continues to build and nurture.

Furthermore, as the chair of the Climate Savers Computing Initiative (CSCI) APAC region, Supermicro is strongly committed to the CSCI mission to reduce worldwide computer power consumption by 50 percent by 2010. As a leader in green server technology, Supermicro offers up to 93%* efficiency power supplies, high-efficiency cooling designs, low-voltage memory support, and high-efficiency voltage regulator modules (VRMs) to help customers minimize their total cost of ownership (TCO).

Supermicro's current portfolio of Server Building Block Solutions(R) includes over 570 server boards, over 1300 chassis SKUs, hundreds of servers, power supplies and accessories, as well as an attractive selection of user-friendly server management solutions. With superior performance-per-watt, these solutions deliver exceptional performance, cost savings and energy savings for the ultimate in Earth-Friendly Computing(TM). For more information on Supermicro's complete line of server and workstation solutions go to http://www.supermicro.com.

About Super Micro Computer, Inc. (Nasdaq: SMCI)

Supermicro emphasizes superior product design and uncompromising quality control to produce industry-leading serverboards, chassis and server systems. These Server Building Block Solutions provide benefits across many environments, including data center deployment, high-performance computing, high-end workstations, storage networks and standalone server installations. For more information on Supermicro's complete line of advanced motherboards, SuperServers, and optimized chassis, visit http://www.Supermicro.com, email Marketing@Supermicro.com or call the San Jose, CA headquarters at +1-408-503-8000.

SMCI-F
Supermicro and Server Building Block Solutions are registered trademarks and Earth-Friendly Computing is a trademark of Super Micro Computer, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

* GFLOPS/kW leadership, a measure of performance efficiency, and power efficiency figures are based on internal test results using Supermicro blade servers.

SOURCE Super Micro Computer, Inc.

/CONTACT: Michael Kalodrich of Super Micro Computer, Inc.,
+1-408-503-8063, michaelk@supermicro.com /
/Web site: http://www.supermicro.com /

Aid urgently needed in Myanmar (Burma): Lutheran World Relief responds

Baltimore (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Lutheran World Relief is supplying desperately needed emergency aid to Myanmar (Burma) in the wake of the devastating cyclone that struck there over the weekend. Lutheran World Relief is responding through our international partners in the global aid alliance Action by Churches Together (ACT) International.

Official reports indicate that over 60,000 people are dead or missing, with as many as 1 million homeless. These numbers are likely to rise. A United States diplomat in the area has estimated that as many as 100,000 may have been killed.

Reports from LWRs partner, ACT, indicate that water and electricity supplies have been cut to much of the country. The full extent of the destruction is still being ascertained as damage and need assessment information comes in and communication channels are slow and very limited.

Survivors are in dire need of food, clean water, shelter and other basic items. Your donations will help LWR provide much-needed relief to the families affected by this tragedy.

LWR accepts donations online at www.lwr.org/giving; by phone at 1-800-597-5972; or by mail at P.O. Box 17061 Baltimore, MD 21298-9832, USA.

WHO IS LWR? Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.

Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy and social responsibility.

CONTACT: Emily Sollie of Lutheran World Relief,
+1-410-230-2802,
esollie@lwr.org
SOURCE Lutheran World Relief
CONTACT: Emily Sollie of Lutheran World Relief,
+1-410-230-2802, esollie@lwr.org
Web site: http://www.lwr.org

Medical: Medical Teams International steps up response

Relief workers in Jakarta on standby to enter Myanmar where 1 million people are reported homeless

Portland, Ore. (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Nearly a week after Myanmar's horrific cyclone, Medical Teams International staff are on standby in Jakarta today, ready to enter the country once visas are approved.

Along with positioned aid workers, Medical Teams International is sending an initial $10,000 to its in-country partner, World Concern. World Concern has been working in Myanmar since 1995, in the areas of community health, nutrition assistance to children under the age of 5, and prevention programs for common diseases.

Medical Teams International's three staff members in Jakarta include a medical physician and two seasoned aid workers. The team -- all non US citizens -- will coordinate responses with the local Ministry of Health and World Concern's local staff.

More than 22,000 people are confirmed dead from Cyclone Nargis -- one of the worst disasters in Myanmar's history. A US embassy spokesperson estimates the eventual total will be closer to 100,000 people, particularly if access for international aid groups remains slow.

"We're eager to reach families who desperately need our help," says Brian Heidel, director of regional programs for Medical Teams International. "The days following a disaster are critical. Waterborne illnesses and communicable diseases can quickly become serious. Every day counts. We hope the Myanmar government will allow aid workers to reach the people immediately."

To donate to the Myanmar Cyclone Relief Fund, please call 1-800-959-4325, give online at our secure Web site www.medicalteams.org or mail gifts to PO Box 10, Portland, OR 97207. Donations can also be made at any U.S. Bank branch.

Medical Teams International is a relief agency that sends volunteers and medical supplies to help people affected by disaster, conflict and poverty around the world. Since 1979, Medical Teams International has deployed more the 1,700 volunteer teams and shipped more than $1 billion in antibiotics, surgical kits and lifesaving medicines to care for 35 million people in 100 countries.

SOURCE Medical Teams International
CONTACT: Barbara Agnew,
Medical Teams International,
+1-503-341-6620 (cell),
bagnew@medicalteams.org
Web site: http://www.medicalteams.org

Myanmar cyclone relief fund

Phildelphia (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - The worst cyclone in the history of Myanmar, the tropical Cyclone Nargis, attacked the low lying delta area of Myanmar, including its capital Yangon on Friday, May 2, 2008.

It is believed that more than 100,000 are dead and the death toll is spiraling up, minute by minute. In one small town alone, Bogalay, at least 10,000 are claimed dead. Forty one thousand people are missing. The population at risk in the disaster area is about 24 million.

Since there is no water and electricity in many areas, communicable diseases threaten, including typhoid, dysentery, cholera, Dengue hemorrhagic fever and malaria.

Alumni Myanmar Institutes of Medicine (AMIMA) intends to donate to Yangon General Hospital and to the Emergency Medical Relief Team headed by Professor U Hla Myint, President, Myanmar Medical Council. This established Myanmar traveling medical team has dealt with previous epidemics, such as Dengue hemorrhagic fever. They will provide medical care, clean water and food to prevent infectious diseases, as well as provide psychological counseling. Foreseeable needs include: medicines, emergency health kits and water sanitation supplies. Dr. Kyi Minn, adviser, World Vision will assist Professor U Hla Myint's team.

We request financial contributions only and promise the delivery. All donations are tax-deductible.

Please donate by writing checks paid to AMIMA. In the memo section, please specify: Cyclone Relief Fund. Please mail these checks to:
AMIMA
P.O BOX 30157
ELKINS PARK, PA
19027-0157
Thank you!
Jennifer Chu, M.D.
President
Alumni Myanmar Institutes of Medicine (AMIMA)
http://www.amima.net

Alumni Myanmar Institutes of Medicine (AMIMA) is a PA, USA incorporated, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. It is organized for the purpose of providing charitable giving to nonprofit organizations promoting health, economic development and
humanitarian aid in Myanmar. We have 750 members world-wide and have donated in 2007 to the Myanmar Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Project and for the establishment of the medical school library of the Institute of Medicine in Yangon.

SOURCE Alumni Myanmar Institutes of Medicine
CONTACT:
Jennifer Chu, M.D.,
President,
Alumni Myanmar Institutes of Medicine,
+1-215-387-0550,
jchu@etoims.com
Web site: http://www.amima.net

Technology: NTT Com wins Telemark's Top Award for Data VPN

Tokyo - Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ - NTT Communications (NTT Com) today announced that its global data network services have won the Platinum Award for ranking highest in terms of overall customer satisfaction in the latest "Voice of the Customer: Global Data VPN" report issued on April 24, 2008 Telemark Services of the United Kingdom.

The company earned its first-ever Platinum Award by receiving the highest cumulative score overall. Eight categories are measured by the survey: Indispensable to Customer, Top 10 Customer Priorities, Meeting Requirements, Pricing, Network Installation, Network Operation, Customer Support and Billing.

NTT Com also was presented a Diamond Award for its top ranking in Meeting Requirements.

The report is based on the results of 749 interviews of IT managers of multinational companies.

Eight global operators were considered for awards: AT&T, BT, Cable & Wireless, Orange Business, T-Systems, Telefonica, Verizon Business and NTT Com, the only Asian candidate.

"Telemark uses a Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) to measure perceived operator performance. The overall CSI measures the customer experience of the total service provider's Data VPN offerings against a set of customer requirements. NTT Com occupies the number-one position, in the league table that compares eight global operators for overall customer satisfaction, because it captured the hearts and minds of Data VPN service users more successfully than its rivals, thereby scoring the highest overall CSI," said Janet Watkin, Director at Telemark Services.

NTT Com is committed to continuously raising the quality of its global services by sharing know-how with partners worldwide. The company holds the annual Arcstar Carrier Forum in Tokyo to gather partner telecoms from Asia and other regions and consider ways to upgrade private network-related services offered jointly under the Arcstar brand.

For more details about Telemark Services, please visit www.telemarkservices.com.

About NTT Communications

NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com) provides information and communications technology (ICT) solutions worldwide with dedicated professionals stationed in 21 countries. Renowned as an IPv6 technology pioneer and managed service expert, NTT Com offers diverse high-quality IP, Web-based, and managed network solutions combining network management, security, ubiquitous, Web portals/engines, and global services. Its world-class Tier 1 Internet backbone and secure closed networks with over 98,000 MPLS ports, combined with the networks of partner companies around the world, connect more than 200 countries. The company earned non-consolidated revenues exceeding one trillion yen (about 10 billion USD) in fiscal 2006 ended March 31, 2007. NTT Com started as a long-distance phone company in 1999 after the reorganization of the NTT Group, and is the wholly-owned subsidiary of NTT, one of the world's largest telecommunications companies. NTT is listed in Japan, London
and New York stock exchanges. Please visit http://www.ntt.com/index-e.html .

SOURCE: NTT Communications Corporation
Contact: (Mr.) Go Akimoto or (Ms.) Shihoko Kato Global
Business Division NTT Communications Tel. +81-3-6800-4500
E-mail: marketing-gl@ntt.com

Business: Yamaha announces favorable ruling in China lawsuit

Yamaha announces favorable ruling and settlement in its lawsuit in China

Tokyo - Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet - The Yamaha Corporation (TSE 1st Section:7951, Head Office at Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka; President: Mitsuru Umemura, hereinafter: Yamaha) has announced that the Company secured a favorable ruling and settlement in its copyright infringement lawsuit in China.

Yamaha brought a lawsuit against Deli Electronics (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shenzhen, Guangdong), a Chinese manufacturer of electronic musical instruments, and three other companies in the Beijing Second Intermediate People's Court in November 2006, regarding infringement of copyrights on accompaniment style data (hereinafter, Style Data), created
originally by Yamaha and incorporated in its electronic musical instruments.

In December 2007, the Court, after proceeding with a portion of its deliberations on evidence, issued a judgment recognizing Yamaha's claims as justifiable as regards the portion covered by its deliberations.

The Court judgment contained the following major points: (1) Style Data is intellectual property to be protected under copyright laws, (2) Yamaha holds the copyright to the 26 Style Data that were examined and deliberated, and (3) The actions ofthe defendants were violations of copyrights.

Therefore the Court ordered them to stop using the Style Data, suspend sale of products incorporating the data, pay compensation for damages to Yamaha, and apologize.

Thereafter, the defendants did not appeal and the Court's judgment was finalized. Following further deliberations, the Court issued a settlement proposal to Yamaha and the defendants. A settlement favorable to Yamaha was reached on April 29.

The Style Data copied by the defendants without authorization was contained in Yamaha's PSR-640 portable keyboard, originally introduced in 1999 and sold worldwide.

The defendants used this Style Data in their MEDELI-brand electronic musical instruments manufactured and sold in China.
Yamaha, therefore, sued the defendants on the grounds that use of Style Data was an infringement of its copyrights.

Regarding the Court judgment, Atsushi Muramatsu, General Manager of Yamaha's Legal & Intellectual Property Division made the following comment: "The judgment was the world's first affirming that Style Data is intellectual property to be protected under copyright laws and that unauthorized copying is a copyright infringement.

"Yamaha regards this judgment as epoch-making and will take a resolute stand against such infringements going forward, while continuing to respect and protect intellectual property."

Source: YAMAHA CORPORATION
Contact: Mr. Misao Tanaka Public Relations Division YAMAHA CORPORATION
Tel: +81-3-5488-6601
Fax: +81-3-5488-5060 E-mail address:
misao_tanaka@gmx.yamaha.com 17-11, Takanawa 2-chome, Minato-ku
Tokyo 108-8568 www.global.yamaha.com

Business: Sucden expands into Asia with New Hong Kong office

London - Sucden (UK) Limited, one of the world's leading commodity and financial futures and options brokers, today announced the opening of the company's new Hong Kong Office.

Whilst the initial focus will be base metals and steel, Sucden is looking to use the Hong Kong hub to further develop its soft commodities business, as well as to expand its client base across Asia, which will include Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.

With the opening of new markets on a global scale Sucden believes there will be an opportunity to extend the scope of the office to offer a full range of its products and services.

The firm will also be looking to meet the increasing demand for trading systems and is well placed to service this requirement through its various electronic trading platforms.

Samson Tan has been appointed to head up the new office. He brings with him a wealth of experience of the sugar market and of developing new business opportunities.

His previous roles include, his tenure as General Manager for Olam International's Sugar division based in Singapore and a similar role with Kerry Foodstuffs in Hong Kong.

Announcing the opening, Michael Overlander Chief Executive, Sucden UK said: "The opening of our new Hong Kong office illustrates Sucden's commitment to expand our services internationally. I am delighted that we have now established a presence in the premier growth region of the World. With our rich heritage in commodities coupled with our expertise, we are
well positioned to avail the opportunities afforded by the increasing interest in commodities in the region."

Notes to Editors
1. Sucden (UK) Limited has been operating for 35 years as one of the UK's leading Commodity and Financial Futures and Options brokers, with membership of many of the world's major exchanges.
2. Sucden (UK) Limited's parent is Sucres et Denres SA, a company incorporated in France.
The Sucden Group has operations throughout the world.
3. Sucden (UK) Limited currently operates in the UK (Head Office) Germany, Holland Russia and France.
4. Sucden (UK) Limited is authorised and regulated by The Financial Services Authority.
5. Sucden's UK website: www.sucden.co.uk
Chinese: www.sucden.com.cn
6. Sucden Hong KongSucden (UK) LimitedUnit 10, 3/F, Three Pacific Place1 Queen's Road East, AdmiraltyHong KongTel: +852 2297 2826

Fax: +852 2855 6869
Email: china@sucden.co.uk
Web: www.sucden.com.cn
Sucden UKTariq Ahmad, Director of Marketing & Corporate Strategy,Direct: +44 (0)20 7940 9459 or Robert Cantle, Manager,
Marketing & Communications,+44 (0)20 7940 9546
Email: press@sucden.co.uk Website: www.sucden.co.uk

Business: Fine Grain acquires property in Singapore

Fine Grain acquires property in Singapore S$58 million (c.27m) investment 700 Beach Road

Singapore & Dublin, Ireland - Fine Grain Property Consortium (Singapore) Pte Ltd ("Fine Grain" or the "Consortium") today announced that it had acquired a property at 700 Beach Road, Singapore, with net lettable area of c. 52,000sqft (4,830sqm).

Consideration for the transaction was c. S$58 million.
MKO Partners, a leading Dublin-based boutique firm of Chartered Accountants, acted as corporate finance advisors to Fine Grain.

The transaction was financed Hypo Real Estate Group, a global leader in commercial real estate financing headquartered in Munich, Germany.

Fine Grain is currently upgrading 700 Beach Road, in conjunction with renowned international interior design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) and will be ready for occupation in August 2008.

700 Beach Road, Singapore, formerly a mixed use serviced office/residential development, 700 Beach Road is an eight-storey block located on the Beach Road Corridor adjacent to Singapore's central business district (CBD).

Fine Grain will capitalise on the building's key strengths to create a unique, comfortable work environment for tenants seeking space proximate to the city's CBD.

The property is being upgraded and repositioned as a boutique office building for medium to large space users. The most notable characteristics of this property are its efficient 8,500 to 12,000 sq ft floor plates, 4.5 meter ceiling heights and a roof terrace that houses a full-sized lap swimming pool and gym facilities.

The Beach Road Corridor is proximate to Singapore's CBD, has a multitude of amenities and access to public transit. 700 Beach Road is ideally situated 100 meters from the new Circle Line when Nicoll Highway MRT Station will open its doors in early 2010.

Hirsch Bedner Associates Renowned international interior design firm, Hirsch Bedner Associates (www.hbadesign.com), have chosen 700 Beach to locate their regional office. The Los-Angeles based firm have acquired slightly more than one floor of the building to house their 80-strong design team. In addition, Hirsch Bedner will lead the interior design process of the building refurbishment.

Ron Bolger, Chairman of Fine Grain, commented: "We are delighted to announce the first investment in select Singapore real-estate by Fine Grain. Our strong team in Singapore, led by Colin MacDonald and Wan Fook Kong, has an unparalleled understanding of the local market. This enables us to identify attractive investment opportunities for our Singapore and Irish private equity investor group. Our acquisition of 700 Beach Road also highlights our ability to deploy capital quickly and effectively on behalf of investors"

Colin MacDonald, the Singapore-based CEO of Fine Grain commented: "700 Beach Road is an attractive property in a key emerging district in Singapore. The Government has ambitious plans for the development of the Beach Road corridor. This development initiative, combined with increasing numbers oftenants seeking to escape rising CBD rents, is creating increased interest in the Beach Road Corridor which is emerging as attractive destination for premium office properties at attractive rental rates."

He added: "The work environment is increasingly important in today's markets. In choosing 700 Beach for their regional office, Hirsch Bedner Associates have recognised that in order to attract and retain talent, employers need to respond to the demanding lifestyles of their employees.

"Together, we will create a truly unique boutique office space, bright, spacious offices, in a proximate location served by local amenities and with best-in-class services within the building."

Media Enquiries
K Capital
Source:
Mark Kenny or Jonathan Neilan
Tel: +353 1 631 5500 jneilan@kcapitalsource.com or Fine
Grain EnquiriesFine Grain PropertyColin MacDonaldChief
ExecutiveTel: +65 9751 3218 colin@finegrainproperty.com or
Leasing EnquiriesJones Lang LaSalleChris ArchiboldRegional
Director & Head of MarketsTel: +65 6494 3750
chris.archibold@ap.jll.com

Business: Chinese Companies to present at Spring 2008 China growth conference

Adam Friedman Associates, in partnership with Friedland events announces Chinese Companies to present at Spring 2008 China growth conference to be held May 22nd at the Harvard Club of New York city Day-Long Event Features Presentations and Networking

New York (BUSINESS WIRE) - Adam Friedman Associates (AFA), a leading New York-based communications consultancy specializing in investor relations and financial communications, in partnership with Friedland Investment Events, LLC, today announced the Chinese companies that are scheduled to present at the Spring 2008 China Growth Conference, which will be held on May 22nd at the Harvard Club of New York City.

A preliminary list of companies scheduled to present includes: Biztrader.com, Biostar Pharmaceutical, China Power Equipment (HKSE:2380), China YCT International Group (OTC BB: CNEH), Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC), Global Optima, LLC, New Dragon Asia Corporation (AMEX:NWT), New Market China (OTC BB: NMCH), OmniLuo (OTC BB:OLOU), Tianjin Petroleum, and Vista International (OTC BB: VVIT).

To date, the following organizations have agreed to sponsor the conference: Business Wire, Crone Rozynko, LLP, Greater China Stocks, InvestorCom, Inc, The Mergermarket Group, Restricted Securities Trading Network, Standard & Poor's, vFinance, Wall Street Research and WallStreet.Net. The Asia Society and Brean Murray Carret & Co. will also be participating in the Conference as Outreach Partners. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Adam Friedman, AFA's principal, commented, "The goal for our spring China Growth Conference is to bring Chinese-based companies and investors together in an environment that allows them to interact and provide opportunities to develop relationships, particularly with regard to capital raising.
Both the range of investment opportunities represented by the companies and the quality of investor attendees allows for outstanding networking opportunities."

Additional information about presenting, sponsoring or attending the Conference is available at www.adam-friedman.com/china/2008.

(There is no cost for investors to attend.)
Adam Friedman AssociatesHadas Streit, 212-981-2529, ext. 22hadas@adam-friedman.com

Soles4Souls Inc. sends 25,000 pairs of shoes to Myanmar

The Shoe Charity is relieved that Myanmar's military government is allowing its donated boots and shoes into the region

Nashville, Tennessee, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Soles4Souls, the international charity dedicated to providing footwear for the needy worldwide, announced they have sent 25,000 pairs of shoes to the victims of the recent cyclone in Myanmar, also known as Burma. Supplies are most needed in Irrawaddy Delta, where survivors stave off disease and hunger and cling to what remains of their homes and families.

The first shipments of foreign aid had been stopped at the border as recently as Thursday, May 8. Outside aid groups, both government and civilian, have been delayed at the border because of Myanmar's refusal to allow outsiders into the country.

Among the supplies caught in the holding pattern are tens of thousands of pairs of new puncture-resistant work boots, athletic shoes, and sandals for children, donated by Soles4Souls and its partners around the world.

Soles4Souls Founder and CEO, Wayne Elsey, was cautiously optimistic that the military junta would begin to allow foreign aid groups into the country.

"We are hoping that the recent news reports are true -- that the government in Myanmar is giving access to its people so that relief supplies can be delivered," Elsey said. "We are calling on our partners to donate more shoes and resources so that we can get more supplies to needy people in Myanmar," he said.

According to news reports, many thousands of people in the country have no drinking water, food, clothing or shelter. "Time is running out for thousands of people, and we are all very anxious to help," Elsey said.

Cyclone Nargis, which came ashore last Saturday, has some death toll estimates of 100,000 people, with up to 1 million people homeless. It has already been deemed one of the worst natural disasters in history.

Relief has been trickling in slowly. Several high-profile aid groups, such as The United Nations World Food Program, have said the country needs hundreds of planeloads of supplies and equipment to cope with the cyclone, something most countries are ill-equipped to handle. Other aid groups are worried that any supplies would be siphoned off by the military junta. Many critics accuse the junta of stalling because they do not want an influx of foreigners into the countryside, which could weaken their totalitarian grip on the country.

There are alarming fears that many of those who survived the first tragedy may succumb to a second -- falling prey to hunger, disease and exposure while the supplies that might save them sat nearby with no way or permission to get in. With some international pressure from Myanmar's allies, including China, it appears that the supplies may get through to the people who need them most.

For information on how you can help, visit www.giveshoes.org

About Soles4Souls

Soles4Souls(TM) facilitates the donations of shoes, which will be used to aid the hurting worldwide. The organization has distributed more than 3 million pairs of shoes since January 2005 (or one pair of shoes every 28 seconds). Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate both new and "gently worn" footwear.

Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

For more information about Soles4Souls, please call (866) 521-SHOE, or visit www.giveshoes.org.

SOURCE: Soles4Souls
CONTACT: Chris Carmichael, +1-615-391-5724 ext. 143,
chrisc@soles4souls.org,
or Alexis Laken, +1-646-964-5566, alexisl@soles4souls.org,
both of Soles4Souls
Web site: http://www.giveshoes.org

Business: Fannie Mae prices offerings of $2.25 bln of common stock

Washington, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Fannie Mae (NYSE:FNM) today priced $2.25 billion, or 82 million shares, of a new offering of its common stock (CUSIP 313586109) at $27.50 per share.

The company also announced that it priced $2.25 billion, or 45 million shares, of 8.75 percent Non-Cumulative Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series 2008-1 (CUSIP 313586745).

The Series 2008-1 Preferred Stock has a stated value and liquidation preference of $50 per share, and will pay quarterly non-cumulative cash dividends, when and if declared by the Board of Directors, at a rate of 8.75 percent per annum on the stated value. Each share of the Series 2008-1 Preferred Stock will automatically convert on May 13, 2011, into between 1.5408 shares and 1.8182 shares of Fannie Mae common stock. Also, at any time at the election of the holder, each share of the Series 2008-1 Preferred Stock may be converted into 1.5408 shares of Fannie Mae common stock. The conversion rates for the Series 2008-1 Preferred Stock will be subject to anti-dilution adjustments in certain circumstances.

"Investor demand for these offerings was very strong, which we believe reflects investor confidence in the long-term value of our business and our leading market position," said David Benson, Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Fannie Mae.

Fannie Mae has granted the underwriters for the offerings a 30-day option to purchase up to 12.3 million additional shares of common stock and a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 6.75 million shares of the Series 2008- 1 Preferred Stock.

Both offerings are expected to close on May 14, 2008, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. As previously announced, these offerings will be followed in the very near future by an offering of non- cumulative, non-convertible preferred stock.

Net proceeds of the offerings will be used for general corporate purposes, including enabling the company to maintain a strong, conservative balance sheet, enhance long-term shareholder value, and provide stability to the secondary mortgage market.

Lehman Brothers Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. are joint book-running managers for the common stock offering, with Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Morgan Stanley acting as co-managers. J.P.

Morgan Securities Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc. and Banc of America Securities LLC are joint book-running managers on the Series 2008-1 Preferred Stock offering, with Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Merrill Lynch acting as co-managers.

Lehman Brothers Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. acted as global coordinators in both offerings.

Copies of the Offering Circulars will be available on Fannie Mae's website and can be obtained from the global coordinators at the following addresses:

-- Lehman Brothers Inc., c/o Broadridge, Integrated Distribution Services, 1144 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717; fax 631-254-7140, or email: qiana.smith@broadridge.com.

-- J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., 4 Chase Metrotech Center, CS Level, Brooklyn, NY 11245, Attention: Chase Distribution & Support Service Northeast Statement Processing Phone: (718) 242-8002.

A supplemental listing application will be made to list the additional common stock on the New York Stock Exchange. Application will be made to list the Series 2008-1 Preferred Stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FNA."

Fannie Mae is a shareholder-owned company with a public mission. We exist to expand affordable housing and bring global capital to local communities in order to serve the U.S. housing market. Fannie Mae has a federal charter and operates in America's secondary mortgage market to ensure that mortgage bankers and other lenders have enough funds to lend to home buyers at low rates. In 2008, we mark our 70th year of service to America's housing market.

Our job is to help to those who house America.

Certain statements in this press release, including those relating to plans to raise capital, as well as planned use of the net proceeds; and future business activities, may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Although Fannie Mae believes that the expectations set forth in these statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, Fannie Mae's future plans, operations and its actual performance may differ materially from what is indicated in any forward-looking statements.

Additional information that could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements are detailed in Fannie Mae's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2008, and its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, including the "Risk Factors" section in these reports, and in its reports on Form 8-K.

All forms Fannie Mae filed with the SEC can also be obtained on the company's web site at www.fanniemae.com/ir/sec/.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities of Fannie Mae. Nothing in this press release constitutes advice on the merits of buying or selling a particular investment.

You should not deal in securities unless you understand their nature and the extent of your exposure to risk. You should be satisfied that they are suitable for you in the light of your circumstances and financial position.

If you are in any doubt, you should consult an appropriately qualified financial advisor.

SOURCE: Fannie Mae
CONTACT: Jason Lobo, +1-202-752-1692,
or Janis Smith, +1-202-752-6673,
both of Fannie Mae
Web site: http://www.fanniemae.com

Business: FXDD announces pending NFA approval

New York, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - FXDD, a global leader in online foreign exchange trading, today announced its applications for becoming a National Futures Association (NFA) member and for registration as a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) with the CFTC are pending approval.

Clients may follow FXDD progress through the registration process by logging on to the NFA's website (www.nfa.futures.org) and searching the BASIC system under its NFA ID number 0397435.

"The pending reauthorization legislation for the CFTC will fill the gaps left by previous legislation and narrow the playing field for entities in the Forex space. The value of companies as registered entities and non-registered entities is driven by many factors; registration is certainly one of those factors," commented James E. Green, FXDD's chief legal counsel. "FXDD is always interested in increasing its business under the appropriate circumstances by providing professional service and promoting certainty and clarity as to the government and private agencies responsible for regulating Forex dealers."

About FXDD

FXDD, headquartered in New York City, is a leading online foreign exchange trading firm dedicated to providing superior customer service and powerful technology to retail traders, hedge funds and money managers. FXDD is also a reliable liquidity provider for brokerage companies and institutional investors. The Company offers 24-hour forex trading via its trading platforms: FXDD Trader and Meta Trader (retail), Power Trader (institutional) and FXDD Auto (automated). FXDD provides true interbank pricing; no-interest accounts; fully-automated execution; 100:1 leverage for regular accounts and 200:1 leverage for mini accounts; and narrow bid-to-ask spreads (2-3-wide on most majors). For a free demo, please visit www.fxdd.com, or call toll-free in the U.S. at 1.866.FOR.FXDD or +1.212.791.3950.

SOURCE FXDD
CONTACT: James Green,
Chief Legal Counsel,
+1-212-791-6475, or
Jennifer Van Hofwegen,
Head of Marketing & Communications,
+1-212-791-6491,
both of FXDD
Web site: http://www.fxdd.com
http://www.nfa.futures.org

Technology: Motorola, Y3 Technologies to develop RFID solutions for YCH Group

Tripartite collaboration establishes industry standards to drive sophisticated, best-in-class RFID-enabled supply chain solutions in Asia

Singapore, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Motorola (NYSE: MOT) and Y3 Technologies have formed a strategic alliance that will enable logistics and supply chain management customers to enhance operational efficiencies through best practices in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).

The agreement leverages Motorola's strengths in developing innovative RFID technologies and products and Y3 Technologies' pioneering experience in designing and implementing advanced supply chain solutions and applications.

Business benefits for customers may include enhanced data accuracy and higher productivity with up to 30 per cent savings in manpower and reductions in stock take lead times and material handling of around 40 per cent. Under the agreement, Y3 Technologies becomes a Motorola Premier Business Partner, enabling the joint development of tailor made solutions for customers throughout Asia.

John Cunningham, Director of Enterprise Wireless and RFID for Motorola in Asia Pacific said, "Y3 Technologies has been the pioneer in providing customized RFID solutions to its SCM customers. We are therefore excited about the plans that we have with Y3 Technologies to implement the first production RFID enabled supply chain for the YCH Group across Asia Pacific. The successful implementation of an RFID project of this scale requires a deep understanding of customer processes in addition to strategic knowledge in application development and RFID design and implementation. The partnership between Y3 Technologies and Motorola addresses all of these elements and we hope that this will spur on even greater adoption of RFID in this industry," Mr Cunningham said.

The Motorola-Y3 Technologies relationship first began in 2004 when Y3 Technologies was looking for best-in-class RFID equipment to drive its RFID solutions. It has evolved from a vendor-client relationship to a partnership in which Y3 Technologies is one of Motorola's key collaborators and feedback channels, enabling the continuous enhancement of RFID-related communication technologies. The strategic alliance reflects both companies' commitment to continuously improving their respective products and services so their customers can leverage the increased speed-to-market offered by RFID-based supply chain solutions.

"Y3 Technologies is focused on tailoring complex processes that can be seamlessly integrated with customer backend systems. This greatly helps our customers differentiate their business with a competitive advantage in their respective markets. Our strategic partnership with Motorola helps to ensure that we have the latest and most advanced RFID tools and infrastructure in place to achieve this excellent level of RFID implementation for the logistics and SCM industry." said Mr. James Loo Wai Kheong, Chief Operating Officer of Y3 Technologies.

Y3 Technologies has been deploying its innovative RFID solutions since 2004. The company implemented the first production level RFID warehouse management project for leading Asia-based supply chain firm YCH Group enabling streamlined operations and improved supply chain visibility in its bonded warehouse. Last month, YCH Group also announced it was building the first RFID-enabled warehouse in the Lingang Logistics Park in Shanghai China, using Y3 Technologies to deploy the solution with Motorola RFID readers and Wi-Fi infrastructure.

Dr Robert Yap, Chairman and CEO, YCH Group said, "RFID is an enabling technology for the logistics industry -- only with RFID is true integration of the physical flow and information flow possible. Today, many of our MNC customers know that in order for us to create a true real-time supply chain for them, we will need to implement innovative RFID solutions to facilitate real-time tracking and visibility for their end-to-end supply chain needs."

"YCH Group is firmly committed to the use of RFID technology to improve our operations and those of our customers. Over the past four years we have gained experience though our own internal projects, proving there are real business benefits from using RFID. Now that the technology has reached a suitable level of maturity and there are RFID standards in place in most countries around the region, we are ready to deploy the technology across all of our operations," Dr Yap added.

About Y3 Technologies

Y3 Technologies is a leading supply chain management application software and technology provider based in Singapore with presence throughout the Asia Pacific. The company delivers a comprehensive suite of supply chain products and consulting services to help enterprises further leverage and drive the external efficiency of their customers and suppliers. With over 25 years of experience helping MNCs consolidate and streamline their supply chains and networks, Y3 Technologies has harnessed its know-how into four end-to-end SCM award winning software applications, Intributor(R), Intrabutor(R), Retrogistics(R) and Virtual Hub(TM). Implemented together or individually, these are scaleable end-to-end solutions, which manage the manufacturing materials flow, finished goods distribution flow and customer after-market services of the supply chain respectively. Y3 Technologies' customers include Asia Pacific Breweries, Aerolog Express, Baxter Healthcare, Friesland Foods, Health Sciences Authority (Singapore), Mt. Alvernia Hospital, Motorola, National Healthcare Group, Schering-Plough, Singapore Infocomm Development Authority, SingTel, Toshiba Asia Pacific, Unilever, Vanguard Logistics and YCH Group.

Please visit us at http://www.y3technologies.com for more information.

About YCH Group

Founded in 1955, YCH Group is the leading integrated end-to-end supply chain management and logistics partner to some of the world's largest companies, including Dell, Motorola, Solectron, Canon, Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Dystar, Solutia, Moet-Hennessy and Frisian Foods. YCH Group's suite of innovative award-winning end-to-end supply chain management solutions employ cutting edge web-technologies that are best-in-class across industry clusters from consumer and electronics to chemical and healthcare, to deliver powerful competitive advantages for customers. The Singapore-based company operates throughout Asia-Pacific, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Hong Kong, Australia, China, India, Korea, Japan and Vietnam.

A strong proponent of innovation, YCH is recognized for its 7PL(TM) approach in seamlessly integrating supply chain strategy with execution to attain success in the SCM industry. Besides being the past winner for the National IT Award and National Training Award, it is also a winner at the Second Annual Intelligent20 Awards by Intelligent Enterprise Asia, the IT Leaders Award by SCS, as well as the Asia Logistics Hall of Fame Award by Lloyd's FTB. Other than receiving the National Training Award and Corporate HR Award, YCH is also ISO 9002, EMS 14001, OHSAS 18001 certified and a member of the Singapore Quality Class. YCH won the prestigious Singapore National Infocomm Awards in October 2004 and attained the highly-regarded Singapore Innovation Class in October 2005. More recently, YCH was also awarded the highly-regarded Frost & Sullivan ASEAN 4 Logistics Awards for being Singapore's Best Domestic LSP and Best IT/Electronics LSP, and conferred the Asian 3PL of the Year award by Supply Chain Asia in 2007. More information on YCH is available on http://www.ych.com

About Motorola

Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications. The company develops technologies, products and services that make mobile experiences possible. Our portfolio includes communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility solutions, digital set-tops, cable modems, mobile devices and Bluetooth accessories. Motorola is committed to delivering next generation communication solutions to people, businesses and governments. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.6 billion in 2007. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit http://www.motorola.com

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. (C) Motorola, Inc. 2008.

SOURCE Motorola
/CONTACT: Russell Grimmer of Motorola Enterprise Mobility business,
+61417323922,
russell.grimmer@motorola.com; or
James Loo of Y3 Technologies,
+6564172882,
corporate@y3technologies.com; or
Tien Yushan, Corporate Communications of YCH Group,
+6564172773, corporate@ych.com /
/Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh20020307/MOTLOGO
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020415/MOTNOTAGLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com/
/Web site: http://www.motorola.com /
(MOT)

Business: PepsiCo announces dividend increase

Purchase, New York, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - The Board of Directors of PepsiCo today declared an increase in the annual dividend, from the current $1.50 to $1.70 per share on PepsiCo common stock.

The quarterly dividend of $0.425 is payable June 30, 2008, to shareholders of record on June 6, 2008.

"We are pleased to reward shareholders with our thirty-sixth annual dividend increase, continuing our track record of strong performance," said PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi. "The dividend reflects our continued commitment to maximize the value of our shareholders' investment and our confidence in the future growth of our business."

PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) is one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, with 2007 annual revenues of more than $39 billion. The company employs approximately 185,000 people worldwide, and its products are sold in approximately 200 countries. Its principal businesses include: Frito-Lay snacks, Pepsi-Cola beverages, Gatorade sports drinks, Tropicana juices and Quaker foods. The PepsiCo portfolio includes 18 brands that generate $1 billion or more each in annual retail sales.

PepsiCo's commitment to sustainable growth, defined as Performance with Purpose, is focused on generating healthy financial returns while giving back to communities the company serves. This includes meeting consumer needs for a spectrum of convenient foods and beverages, reducing the company's impact on the environment through water, energy and packaging initiatives, and supporting its employees through a diverse and inclusive culture that recruits and retains world-class talent.

As a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) and the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI North America), PepsiCo is a recognized leader in sustainability. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

Cautionary Statement

This release contains statements concerning PepsiCo's expectations for future performance. Any such forward-looking statements are inherently speculative and are based on currently available information, operating plans and projections about future events and trends. As such, they are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual results and performance may be significantly different from expectations. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Please see the Company's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for a discussion of specific risks that may affect performance.

SOURCE: PepsiCo
CONTACT: Jenny Schiavone, Director of Public Information,
+1-914-253-3941,
Jane Nielsen, Vice President, Investor Relations,
+1-914-253-3035,
both of PepsiCo
Web site: http://www.pepsico.com

Education: A World of Architecture Students are Ready - VELUX Award

No Fewer Than 2,119 Architecture Students From 484 Schools of Architecture in 68 Countries Have Signed up for the International VELUX Award 2008 for Students of Architecture

Hoersholm, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - The Award wants to encourage students of architecture to explore the theme of sunlight and daylight in its widest sense to create a deeper understanding of this specific and ever-relevant source of light and energy. The theme is "Light of Tomorrow" and there are no demands on choice of materials or products.

It has inspired 2,119 students from 484 schools of architecture in 68 countries to register and they have from now until 18 May to complete their project.

The winners and honourable mentions will be elected by a jury comprising six internationally acclaimed architects and a VELUX representative: Hani Rachid (US), Matthias Sauerbruch (Germany), Enrique Browne (Chile), Huat Lim (Malaysia), Eva Jiricna (UK), Francis Nordemann (France) and Michel Langrand (VELUX).

The jury will meet in Turin in June and evaluate all submissions and select a winner and a number of honourable mentions.

"We are happy and proud to know that so many students registered for the Award. It tells us that working with daylight in architecture is truly inspiring and we are excited to view the projects", says corporate marketing director, Michael K. Rasmussen from VELUX.

In 2006, 2,037 students from more than 500 schools in 92 countries signed up for the competition. 557 projects from 225 schools in 53 countries were submitted, twice the number of the 2004 competition. The jury selected 20 winners from 12 countries.

Submissions for the International VELUX Award can concern everything from building design and new-thinking of the use of daylight in an urban context to more abstract concepts. They can also concentrate on such aspects as aesthetics, functionality and sustainability.

The competition is directed at both architect students and their teachers. The student projects must be backed by a teacher from a school of architecture. The total prize money is EUR30.000 and not only the students but also their teachers will be rewarded. The winner is announced and celebrated at an award event taking place in Europe in November 2008.

The competition is organised together with the International Union of Architects (UIA) and the European Association for Architectural Education (EAAE). Read more at http:// www.velux.com/iva and view all submitted projects after the jury meeting at the end of June.

About VELUX

VELUX creates better living environments with daylight and fresh air through the roof. Our product programme contains a wide range of roof windows and skylights, along with solutions for flat roofs. In addition, VELUX offers many types of decoration and sun screening, roller shutters, installation products, products for remote control and thermal solar panels for installation in roofs.

VELUX, which has manufacturing companies in 10 countries and sales companies in just under 40 countries, is one of the strongest brands in the global building materials sector and its products are sold in most parts of the world. The VELUX Group has more than 10,000 employees and is owned by VKR Holding A/S. VKR Holding A/S is a limited company wholly owned by foundations and family. For more details, visit http:/www.velux.com.

To know more contact: Corporate press manager Lone Ellersgaard, telephone: 45-16-48-18, e-mail: press@velux.com. VELUX A/S, Aalsdalsvej 99, DK-2970 Hoersholm, Denmark.

SOURCE: VELUX
CONTACT: Lone Ellersgaard, VELUX, +45-16-48-18,
press@velux.com
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080507/303475
Web site: http://www.velux.com

Business: MasterCard Foundation partners with Microfinance Info eXchange

Toronto, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - The MasterCard Foundation awarded a two-year, $740,000 grant today to Microfinance Information eXchange (MIX) to launch MIX Market 2.0, a next-generation Web platform for sharing reliable, comparable and publicly available information on the financial strength and performance of microfinance institutions.

MIX, a not-for-profit private company, has received industry-wide recognition for its efforts to increase the transparency of the microfinance sector.

The grant underscores the MasterCard Foundations commitment to building the capacity of the microfinance sector, which provides financial services to low-income populations in developing countries. MIX Market 2.0 will improve the speed, accuracy and usability of the current MIX Market Web platform, which serves more than 25,000 visitors per month.

The platform provides annual financial and operating information on more than 1,150 microfinance institutions, as well as profiles of 100 funders that invest in microfinance and almost 200 partners, including evaluators and development programs.

However, significant technological improvements are needed to expand and upgrade the platform to support the growing demand for real-time information.

"We are pleased to support MIX to fuel the continued growth of the microfinance sector," said Reeta Roy, president and CEO of the MasterCard Foundation. "Improving access to real-time data and ensuring greater transparency will drive performance in the microfinance sector."

MIX Market 2.0 will feature an enhanced platform for data searches and analysis, display and transfer of information. The new platform will also be better equipped to keep pace with demand, allowing access to information by a wider audience from practitioners at microfinance institutes and investors to policymakers and donor organizations.

"MIX provides vital financial and social performance data on microfinance institutions, investors and networks through our online platform MIX Market," said Peter Wall, executive director of MIX.

"With the MasterCard Foundations grant, MIX will be able to deliver critical data and analysis to the public with a new platform that is robust and scaleable, providing users with the data and tools they want, and in easily downloadable formats."

About the MasterCard Foundation

The MasterCard Foundation is an independent, private charitable foundation headquartered in Toronto, Canada. It was established through the generosity of MasterCards customer financial institutions at the time of the companys initial public offering, to fuel economic growth and opportunity for underserved people around the world. Its mission is to broaden access to the global economy through innovative microfinance programs and to increase access to quality educational opportunities for underserved people. For more information, go to www.mastercardfoundation.org.

About MIX

The Microfinance Information eXchange (MIX) is the leading provider of business information and data services for the microfinance industry. Dedicated to strengthening the microfinance sector by promoting transparency, MIX provides detailed performance and financial information on microfinance institutions, investors, networks and service providers associated with the industry. MIX does this through a variety of publicly available platforms, including MIX Market (www.mixmarket.org) and the MicroBanking Bulletin. For more information, visit www.themix.org.

MIX is a non-profit company founded by CGAP (the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor), and sponsored by CGAP, the Citi Foundation, Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation, Omidyar Network, Open Society Institute & the Soros Economic Development Fund, Rockdale Foundation, IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) and others.

SOURCE: The MasterCard Foundation
CONTACT: Paul Massey, +1-202-585-2799,
pmassey@webershandwick.com;
or Jennifer Kushlis, +1-202-585-2828,
jkushlis@webershandwick.com,
both for The MasterCard Foundation
Web sites: http://www.mastercardfoundation.org
http://www.themix.org
http://www.mixmarket.org

Business: PepsiCo to present at Goldman Sachs

Purchase, New York, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE:PEP) today announced that John Compton, CEO, PepsiCo Americas Foods, will present at the Goldman Sachs Products Symposium on Monday, May 12, at 9:20 AM Eastern Time.

A live audio webcast of the presentation will be accessible through PepsiCo's website at http://www.pepsico.com. The webcast will be available for replay at the same site for a period of 14 days.

PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) is one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, with 2007 annual revenues of more than $39 billion. The company employs approximately 185,000 people worldwide, and its products are sold in approximately 200 countries. Its principal businesses include: Frito-Lay snacks, Pepsi-Cola beverages, Gatorade sports drinks, Tropicana juices and Quaker foods.

The PepsiCo portfolio includes 18 brands that generate $1 billion or more each in annual retail sales.

PepsiCo's commitment to sustainable growth, defined as Performance with Purpose, is focused on generating healthy financial returns while giving back to communities the company serves. This includes meeting consumer needs for a spectrum of convenient foods and beverages, reducing the company's impact on the environment through water, energy and packaging initiatives, and supporting its employees through a diverse and inclusive culture that recruits and retains world-class talent.

As a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) and the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI North America), PepsiCo is a recognized leader in sustainability. For more information, please visit http:/www.pepsico.com.

SOURCE: PepsiCo, Inc.
CONTACT: Jenny Schiavone, Director of Public Information,
+1-914-253-3941,
or Jane Nielsen, Vice President, Investor Relations,
+1-914-253-3035
both of PepsiCo, Inc.
Web site: http://www.pepsico.com

Business: Francisco Izawa joins Liquidnet Japan as managing director

Tokyo, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Liquidnet announces the appointment of Francisco Izawa to the position of managing director of Liquidnet Japan Inc. Francisco will report to Robert Young, Chief Operating Officer, and be responsible for expanding the Liquidnet offering in Japan, including the introduction of on-shore trading of Japanese equities(1) and the implementation of a Japanese language version of the Liquidnet application.

"Francisco has a deep understanding of the unique needs of buy-side traders of Japanese equities," said Young. "Japan is a vital market with tremendous interest from our international Membership of approximately 500 buy-side firms.

Francisco is the right person to fully realize the potential to further open Japanese trading opportunities for domestic and institutional traders worldwide."

Since 2000, Francisco worked at Lehman Brothers, serving most recently as Head of Electronic Trading Services, Asia. Under his guidance the department introduced various electronic trading products in Japan. Prior to that, he was the Head of Structured Products distribution at Lehman Brothers. Francisco also worked at Societe Generale where he served as structured product sales and Head of Index Volatility trading in Japan.

About Liquidnet

Liquidnet is an electronic marketplace that facilitates institutional equities trading for asset management firms worldwide. By accessing liquidity from multiple liquidity sources -- including a natural liquidity pool of more than seven billion shares globally -- Liquidnet's unique trading model consolidates and delivers the institutional equities market directly to the desktops of approximately 500 buy-side trading firms. This greatly reduces the impact of market fragmentation, minimizes opportunity costs and delivers substantial market impact savings that are then passed on to individual investors.

Launched in 2001, Liquidnet now trades in 29 equity markets across five continents. Liquidnet is headquartered in New York with offices in London, Toronto, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney.

Additional company information is available online at www.liquidnet.com

(C) 2008 Liquidnet Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Liquidnet, Inc. is a member of FINRA/SIPC. Liquidnet Europe Limited is regulated by the UK Financial Services Authority and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

Liquidnet Canada Inc. is a member of IDA/CIPF. Liquidnet Asia Limited is regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission as a licensed dealer and a provider of automated trading services pursuant to the Securities and Futures Ordinance and is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a Recognised Market Operator.

Liquidnet Japan Inc. is regulated by the Financial Services Agency of Japan and is a member of JSDA/JIPF. Liquidnet Australia Pty Ltd is a licensed corporation under the Corporations Act of Australia, AFSL number 312525.

1. Liquidnet currently offers the trading of Japanese equities off-shore.

SOURCE: Liquidnet
CONTACT: Jim Gorman of Liquidnet Corporate Communications,
+1-646-674-2145, jgorman@liquidnet.com
Web site: http://www.liquidnet.com

Business: Ropes & Gray continues growth in dynamic mkts with new HK office

Hong Kong, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Marking its continued expansion into dynamic centers of commerce and finance, Ropes & Gray announces the opening of its Hong Kong office. Two private equity partners -- Alison T. Bomberg, an expert in private equity transactions who is relocating to Hong Kong; and Scott A. Jalowayski, who brings very similar experience to Ropes & Gray as a new partner -- will help launch the firm's newest office.

As was the case with the recent establishment of offices in Tokyo and Chicago, Ropes & Gray's Hong Kong office will further enhance the firm's ability to serve important, existing clients throughout the world -- particularly private equity clients who are increasingly investing in China and Asia generally.

"Hong Kong is a cornerstone of the Asian economy," said Brad Malt, the chairman of Ropes & Gray. "With an office in Hong Kong, we will be in a better position to serve our existing and future clients in the types of cutting-edge, sophisticated matters at which Ropes & Gray excels."

Scott Jalowayski, until recently a partner at Morrison & Foerster, has considerable experience in cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions (including leveraged buyouts), restructurings and venture financings. Jalowayski earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Los Angeles; his MBA from the Monterey Institute of International Studies; and his law degree from New York Law School. He is admitted to practice in New York.

Alison Bomberg, a partner who began her career with Ropes & Gray in 1994, will join Jalowayski in launching the Hong Kong office. Bomberg specializes in debt financing transactions (including leveraged buyouts and structured financings), private equity investments and private equity fund raising.

Admitted to practice in Massachusetts, Bomberg will reside in the firm's new Hong Kong office.

Also assisting in the launch of the new office is Jim DeGraw, a corporate partner in the firm's Tokyo office experienced in technology, commercial and intellectual property transactions. While DeGraw will continue to reside in Tokyo, his experience in establishing that office in October 2007 will prove tremendously useful in Hong Kong.

"This is both an exciting challenge and terrific opportunity to enhance our service to clients in Asia and throughout the world," said Bomberg. "With a local presence in Hong Kong, as well as the addition of colleagues who are fluent in Mandarin, clients will be better able to benefit from our first-rate, innovative approach to problem-solving."

Bomberg is alluding to Brian Schwarzwalder and Jay C.S. Tai, who are also joining Ropes & Gray. Schwarzwalder specializes in private equity transactions, direct investment and venture capital. Tai concentrates on M&A and private equity transactions. Both are fluent in Mandarin. Both were formerly senior associates in Morrison & Foerster's Hong Kong office.

As is the case with Ropes & Gray's new Chicago office, the initial focus of the Hong Kong office is to serve the firm's first-rate group of sophisticated private equity clients. Ropes & Gray has a premier, internationally recognized private equity practice.

"China is the preeminent private equity market in Asia," said Al Rose, the co-head of Ropes & Gray's Private Equity Group. "While the reach of our practice capability is global, having an office in the region will help us carry out our strategic aim of strengthening our position in key markets."

Contact: Chris Tofalli Chris Tofalli Public Relations t.
914.954.8737 chris@tofallipr.com
or John D. Tuerck Director of Communications Ropes & Gray t.
781.801.7381 john.tuerck@ropesgray.com

SOURCE: Ropes & Gray
CONTACT: Chris Tofalli of Chris Tofalli Public Relations,
+1-914-954-8737, chris@tofallipr.com,
for Ropes & Gray;
or John D. Tuerck, Director of Communications at Ropes & Gray,
+1-781-801-7381, john.tuerck@ropesgray.com
Web site: http://ropesgray.com