Business in Asia Today - May 23, 2008

SOUTH KOREA'S STX GROUP TO BUILD SHIPYARD IN AZERBAIJAN
Seoul (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - STX Group, a mid-sized South Korean conglomerate, said Friday that it plans to build a shipyard in Azerbaijan by 2011.
STX will cooperate with two Azerbaijani companies, the Azerbaijan Investment Co. (AIC) and the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), but STX said it will be wholly responsible for the operation of the shipyard. STX plans to spend a total of US$430 million on the project.
STX, eyeing international expansion, has bought a 39 per cent stake in Aker Yards ASS, Europe's biggest shipbuilder, and plans to invest US$150 million in Vietnam. The group also has a shipyard in China.

TOYOTA, MATSUSHITA TO BUILD 2 PLANTS FOR HYBRID-VEHICLE BATTERIES
Nagoya (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Toyota Motors (TSE:7203) and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. (TSE:6752) plan to build two plants to manufacture batteries used in hybrid cars, The Nikkei learned Thursday.
The companies seek to lift annual production of such batteries to around 1 million units by 2011. Total spending on the plants will be about 70 billion yen (US$671.72 million).
Around 30 billion yen will be spent to build a nickel metal-hydride battery plant in Miyagi Prefecture, that will come onstream as soon as 2011.
The plant is likely to make around 300,000 of the batteries a year.
A lithium ion battery plant will also be built at an existing facility in Shizuoka Prefecture. Production will kick off by 2010.

QANTAS & JETSTAR TAKE THEIR HAND OFF THE THROTTLE TO SAVE FUEL
Sydney (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Australian airlines Qantas (ASX:QAN) and Jetstar have slowed their planes' flying speed in a bid to beat soaring jet fuel costs.
Jetstar has been flying more slowly since last month to conserve fuel, adding several minutes to flights, News Ltd (ASX:NWS) reports today. A Qantas spokesman, which owns Jetstar, confirmed its planes had been using variable speeds to cut fuel consumption for the past two years.
A Virgin Blue (ASX:VBA) spokeswoman said while it had not altered cruising speeds it was considering slowing its planes during descent.
The practice is expected to save airlines millions of dollars and reduce upward pressure on airfares. Qantas yesterday said it will increase international fares by four per cent and domestic fares by three per cent from June 4.

OIL PRICE SURGE FORCES 4,000 THAI TRUCKS TO HALT SERVICES
Bangkok (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Surging oil prices have taken a heavy toll on transport operators in Northeast Thailand, with almost 4,000 trucks already idle, as their operators won't take to the road under these circumstances.
Pramote Kongthong, president of the Northeastern Transport Operators Association, revealed that 449 members owning more than 10,000 trucks, had taken almost half of their trucks out of service Thursday because their businesses could not keep up with the rising cost of fuel.
Some operators have already closed their doors and shifted their attention to other kinds of businesses. Many have already sold their trucks to other major operators with larger amounts of capital.
If diesel price reaches 40 baht (US$1.25) per litre, he believes, the transport operators would have more than 1,000 trucks out of service, creating a big bottleneck for the region.

SANYO TIES UP WITH SHARP IN LCD PANELS, KITCHEN APPLIANCES
Osaka (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Sanyo (TSE:6764) will procure LCD panels from Sharp (TSE:6753) under a partnership it announced Thursday.
The two firms also seek to combine their technologies and jointly develop microwaves, rice cookers and other kitchen appliances.
Sanyo sold 1 million LCD televisions in North America in fiscal 2007 using panels procured from Taiwanese manufacturers, but it now plans to use Sharp's panels as well.
Sanyo also plans to supply its lithium ion batteries for Sharp's PCs and other portable devices. Sanyo has earmarked 360 billion yen (US$3.45 billion) for capital outlays in the next three years, up 56 per cent from the previous three-year period.

SPECULATION THRIVES OVER SINOSTEEL INTEREST IN AUSTRALIAN MINERS
Perth (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Another Sinosteel Corporation executive has not ruled out taking a stake in Western Australia's newest iron ore producer, Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX:FMG).
Asked to comment on reports last week that Sinosteel's president would not rule out taking an interest in Fortescue, Sinosteel Australia deputy general manager William Ren said the company was keen to participate in a raft of Australian iron ore projects.
"Basically, the reasons or the logic behind this is Chinese steel mills need more iron ore," Mr Ren told AAP at a mining conference in Perth today.
"No matter if it is in the mid-west area or in the traditional Pilbara area, wherever there is iron ore, we'd like to get involved or to secure more of these assets."

BAKRIE INDO EYES INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS VALUED AT US$5 BLN
Jakarta (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - PT Bakrie Indo Infrastructure said it hopes to win more infrastructure projects, mainly power generating projects, worth US$5 billion until 2013.
The target does not include three projects worth US$2.9 billion the company has already won and is building, its president said.
He added the subsidiary of PT Bakrie & Brother is targetting at least four power generating projects in addition to toll road and gas pipeline projects.
He said the company will seek bank loans or team up with strategic partners to finance the projects.
The company is building or is preparing for a gas pipeline project valued at US$1.2 billion, power generating plants valued at US$1.4 billion and toll road project valued at US$300 million.

MITSUBISHI HEAVY TO INVEST US$287 MLN ON SOLAR CELLS IN NEXT 3 YRS
Tokyo (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (TSE:7011) said Thursday that it plans to spend roughly 30 billion yen (US$287.88 million) over the next three years to more than double its solar cell output to 120 megawatts a year by fiscal 2010.
The plans involve setting up a third factory at its Nagasaki shipyard's Isahaya production complex by fiscal 2009.
Mitsubishi Heavy is considering building two more factories there to boost its annual solar cell production capacity to roughly 250mw by fiscal 2012. Polycrystalline silicon solar cells currently dominate the market, but demand for thin-film products, which use less silicon, is expected to grow dramatically.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES & ETIHAD TARGET CODE SHARING IN JULY 2008
Petaling Jaya (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Malaysia Airlines (MAS) (KLSE:3786) and Etihad plan to undertake code sharing, one the initiatives to take place with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two airlines here Thursday.
The code sharing is targeted to start in July 2008 once the information technology (IT) arrangements have been synchronised. Other initiatives under the MOU include collaboration on frequent flyer programmes, ground handling, customer support, cargo and lounge access.

OTIS PLANS TO BUILD ELEVATOR FACTORY IN CHONGQING
Chongqing (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - The world's largest elevator producer Otis plans to invest 200 million yuan (US$28.8 million) to build a factory to produce energy saving and environmental friendly high-speed elevators in the new zone north of Chongqing, China, a local newspaper reports.
Otis is affiliated with the United Technologies Corporation (UTC) of the United States, which sees much market potential in Chongqing. UTC CEO Louis R. Chenevert will visit Chongqing on June 5-6.

Source:
Business in Asia Today - MAY 23, 2008
published by Asia Pulse

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Health/Technology: Siemens Healthcare selects Ekahau RTLS to support asset tracking

Saratoga, California, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-Asianet) - U.K. Hospital Streamlines Workflow and Improves Availability of IV Pumps Ekahau Inc., a leading provider of Wi-Fi-based Real Time Location Systems (RTLS), today announced that Siemens, one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry, and Airedale NHS Trust in West Yorkshire, England, are deploying a pioneering real time location system (RTLS) based on Ekahau technology, which is designed to streamline the workflow and improve availability of intravenous (IV) pumps throughout the hospital.

Airedale HNS Trust will use the RTLS solution to track IV pumps across various buildings on the hospital campus using the hospital's existing Wi-Fi network infrastructure and ID tags attached to each pump.

The goal of the RTLS solution is to optimize use of medical devices within the hospital and identify future applications for tracking and tracing technology. At any given moment the IV pumps can be tracked to within approximately 3 meters, which will save the resources required to manually locate the devices. The RTLS system also will streamline stock control, ensuring that pumps are available when needed and minimizing the time taken to allocate a pump to a patient.

"Airedale NHS Trust is leveraging its wireless network to generate operational benefits resulting from location services," said Rebecca Malin, IT project manager at Airedale NHS Trust. "Our use of RTLS will enable us to more efficiently use medical equipment and thus support our application of the LEAN process management methodology."

Siemens Healthcare is leading the project, which includes the provision of workflow consultancy working in partnership with the Trust's IT Department and LEAN Teams. The foundation of the solution is RTLS software from Ekahau Inc. Also being used are Wi-Fi tags from Ekahau that work as any other standard Wi-Fi network-connected device, requiring no special configuration or additional readers. Systems integrator Qolcom, will be installing the Siemens Healthcare WLAN network in the hospital and using Ekahau Site Survey tool to simply and easily ensure network signal strength for location tracking applications throughout the facility.

"RFID is an exciting technology that can be used in many ways to help Airedale NHS Trust deliver rapid and high standard of care to patients," said Dorothy Michel, head of Strategic Development for Healthcare at Siemens.

"Redesigning workflow also will help shape the entire healthcare organization into leaner process management. By working in partnership with the hospital's IT team we can also discover a wider array of opportunities for other uses of RTLS within the hospital environment."

"Being able to track highly portable items, such as IV pumps, will greatly improve workflow and productivity," said Barry Read, Business Development Manager at Ekahau, "Our Wi-Fi tags enable accurate, real-time tracking, while our software enables users to know the current and historic locations of assets throughout the facility."

About Siemens Healthcare

Siemens Healthcare is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first fully integrated diagnostics company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services.

Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care - from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries.

In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of EUR9.85 billion, orders of EUR10.27 billion and group profit of EUR1.32 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/healthcare

About Ekahau Inc.

Ekahau Inc. is the industry leader in providing Wi-Fi-based RTLS solutions. Ekahau's customers, including several Fortune 500 companies worldwide, are realizing the benefits of Wi-Fi based location services and innovative Wi-Fi network planning and optimization tools. Ekahau's solutions are being used in more than 150 hospitals around the world, as well as by manufacturers, mining/oil/gas companies, government agencies and the military.

Ekahau partners include wireless software developers, leading system integrators and international OEM partners, who develop and market wireless enterprise applications. Ekahau is a U.S. based corporation, with offices in Saratoga, Calif.; Reston, Va.; Helsinki, Finland; and Hong Kong, China. For more information about Ekahau, please visit at http:/ www.ekahau.com.

(c) Copyright 2008, Ekahau, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

CONTACT: U.S. Media
Contact: Juliet Travis, Rocket Science PR, for Ekahau,
+1-415-464-8110 x 215, juliet@rocketscience.com
SOURCE: Ekahu Inc.

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Technology: MO-Call offers low-cost calls from the Apple iPhone

London, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Morodo Ltd is pleased to announce that its popular low-cost calling service, MO-Call, can now be used from the Apple iPhone.

Morodo's Managing Director, Andrew Reid, stated, "The iPhone is a very desirable object but I think everyone agrees that there's not much to like about Mobile Network Operator call charges. MO-Call for the iPhone provides a great money-saving alternative for consumers. This is yet another step towards our goal of becoming a global Virtual International Mobile Network Operator."

MO-Call for the iPhone is an adaptation of Morodo's MO-Call World technology. Customers can connect a phone call between any two telephone numbers from the web-browser on their iPhone. International calling rates for MO-Call World are published at the MO-Call website: http://www.mo-call.com

James Barnes, Morodo's Technical Director, said, "MO-Call for the iPhone is a browser-based callback service. It's very simple to use, customers just need to go to our mobile website from their iPhone to sign-up: http://www.mo-call.mobi. We're even offering some free trial call credit for iPhone users in the USA, Canada and Hong Kong."

Mr Barnes went on to say, "It's wonderful to be able to showcase the talents of our Beijing development teams once again. Usually, the mobile developers get all the credit at Beijing Morodo; this time, I'm pleased to say that it's the web developers who have delivered."

About Morodo

Morodo Group offers mobile services to a global customer base under the MO-Call brand. The company also offers software services (under license) to traditional telecoms carriers, mobile networks and brand name owners.

Headquartered in London UK, Morodo Group owns and operates Beijing Morodo Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Beijing Morodo), a Wholly Owned Foreign Enterprise in the People's Republic of China. Beijing Morodo's Research and Development facility focuses on innovation in the wireless world.

Morodo news is available at the company website: http:/www.morodogroup.com

Media Contact: Andrew Reid, ( e-mail: areid@morodo.co.uk ),
Tel: +44(0)20-7096-4880, Morodo Limited, Level 7, 80 Cannon
Stree, London EC4N 6HL, United Kingdom

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Business: Jetstar.com goes live, every day low fares go on sale

Jetstar Pacific takes-off

Hanoi - Medianet International-AsiaNet/ - Jetstar.com goes live, every day low fares go on sale, new fare product unveiled Jetstar Pacific, Vietnams first low-cost, value-based airline, today commercially launched as part of the world-renowned Qantas Group.

Jetstar Pacific, formerly Pacific Airlines Joint Stock Aviation Company, is set to revolutionise the Vietnam aviation industry by offering the promise of all day every day, low fares across its expanding domestic network under the Jetstar brand.

To mark the occasion, the airline will host a celebratory gala function in Hanoi tonight, with more than 400 VIP guests from across the Vietnamese government, aviation industry and business sector attending.

Jetstar Pacific is the first Vietnamese airline to offer online booking, and Vietnamese customers can now log on to Jetstar.com to make reservations for all Jetstar Pacific services.

Full branding of the Jetstar Pacific aircraft fleet will be phased in over coming months.

Jetstar Pacific has an existing fleet of four Boeing 737s and a future order of up to 30 Airbus A320s by 2014 to support the Vietnamese carrier's plan for future growth within both Vietnam and intra Asia markets under the Jetstar brand.

Jetstar Pacific CEO Mr Luong Hoai Nam said the airline's future success and planned expansion would take place through the adoption of Jetstar's innovative and industry-leading processes, initiatives and products.

As Vietnam's first low-cost, value-based airline, Jetstar Pacific will change air travel in Vietnam by making it more affordable for more people to fly, Mr Luong Hoai Nam said.

This includes a fresh approach to airfare ticket sales and product, including online at Jetstar.com and through newly re-branded ticketing offices and airport locations around Vietnam.

Mr Luong Hoai Nam said Jetstar Pacific was committed to offering the lowest fares in Vietnam.

Jetstar Pacific will follow the very successful model of Jetstar, where the brand is already established across Australia, Asia and the Asia Pacific, Mr Luong Hoai Nam said.

From today, we will be operating from a platform that has proven to be very successful. Through our primary offering to customers, such as low fares leadership, award-winning customer service and outstanding safety standards, we aim to emulate the success which has already been achieved by Jetstar and the Qantas Group.

Jetstar Pacific today unveiled:
* An innovative new fare type, known as JetSaver Light, allowing people to travel for less without checked-in baggage
* Jetstar.com in Vietnam, as the core-distribution channel and revenue channel for Jetstar Pacific
* Standard low fares across the domestic network, starting from 230,000 VND* one-way

At Jetstar.com, customers will be able to:
* Browse and purchase the lowest available fares on the Jetstar Pacific network and across the Jetstar international network
* Generate e-tickets for easy check-in and save costs to keep fares lower

Mr Luong Hoai Nam said future innovative applications adopted successfully by Jetstar would also be integrated into the website in coming months, including:
* Web check-in, which will allow travellers to check-in over the Internet and bypass traditional check-in queues prior to travel
* The ability to book accommodation at a selection of hotels and to purchase travel insurance

Jetstar is approaching three million unique visitors per month to its global Jetstar.com site, and we hope to follow this success in Vietnam, Mr Luong Hoai Nam.

Were proud to be a Vietnamese airline leading the way when it comes to new technologies, and were already looking ahead to introduce new tools that further enhance the customer experience, and smart and efficient ways that will assist with our future growth and keep fares low.

A further example of this is the introduction of Jetstar Pacifics Jetsaver Light, a new fare product never before offered in Vietnam, which Vietnamese travellers will be able to purchase from today.

Through JetSaver Light, our customers will have more choice than ever before. By purchasing a JetSaver Light fare, our passengers can pay even less than our standard low fares, should they choose to travel with less than 7 kilograms of standard-sized cabin luggage, but no checked-in baggage, Mr Luong Hoai Nam said.

Trips will be even more affordable by choosing to fly with Jetstar Pacific. JetSaver Light fares will be 50,000VND less than the available JetSaver fare on domestic flights, and 320,000VND less than the available JetSaver fare on our future international flights.
*Fares exclusive of surcharges, fees and taxes.

Media Enquiries:
Cao Hong Phuong Marketing Manager Jetstar Pacific M + 84 (0) 916 838 626 phuongch@pacificairlines.com.vn
Simon Westaway General Manager Corporate Relations - Jetstar M +61 (0) 401 994 627 simon.westaway@jetstar.com

Source: Jetstar

Business: Maria Sharapova to wear Tiffany Earrings at the French Open

Grand Slam event marks launch of partnership with tennis star

MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-binmmg.cgi?eid=5692556

New York (BUSINESS WIRE) May 22, 2008 - Tiffany & Co. today announced that Maria Sharapova, the world's top-ranked player in women's tennis, will wear Tiffany designer Elsa Peretti's Wave earrings in 18K gold at the French Open, May 25-June 8, at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris.

In addition to the jewelry, Tiffany will accessorize Ms. Sharapova's custom French Open tennis dress. The "Paris dress," by Nike is a 1920s-inspired design that reflects her dynamic sense of style. Designed in collaboration with Ms. Sharapova, the performance Dri-Fit dress is dark obsidian blue with contrasting chalk white satin ribbons and double layered pleated skirt.

The elegant, ultra-light creation is finished with a luminous Tiffany pearl button closure that fastens at the back of the dress.

"Maria Sharapova is a longtime friend of Tiffany and a champion on and off the court," said Linda Buckley, vice president, worldwide public relations. "It gives us great pleasure to accent her on-court look with earrings that epitomize both the quality of her championship play and Tiffany's reputation for design excellence."

The partnership between Ms. Sharapova and Tiffany & Co. will extend for the next two years and will cover the four Grand Slam Tennis events: The French Open, Wimbledon, and the US and Australian Open. During each event, Ms. Sharapova will wear Tiffany earrings that will be sold at Tiffany & Co. stores around the world. The group of earrings, Tiffany for Maria Sharapova, will give customers and fans alike easy access to the jewelry worn by the three-time Grand Slam winner.

Tiffany for Maria Sharapova reflects the movement and elegance of line that characterize the Tiffany jewelry Ms. Sharapova has previously worn on the court, as well as her natural style and grace. Elsa Peretti's Wave earrings that she the will wear in the French Open capture these qualities, along with a sculptural, organic beauty that creates volume and striking allure without adding weight.

"I am very excited about Tiffany for Maria Sharapova and to partner with my favorite jeweler," Ms. Sharapova said. "Elsa Peretti's earrings feel as beautiful as they look and I am thrilled to wear them at the French Open." Tiffany for Maria Sharapova is available at select Tiffany & Co. locations worldwide. For more information, call 800-526-0649 or access tiffany.com.

Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF) operates jewelry and specialty retail stores and manufactures products through its subsidiary corporations. Its principal subsidiary is Tiffany and Company.
The Company operates TIFFANY & CO. retail stores and boutiques in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe and engages in direct selling through Internet, catalog and business gift operations.
Other operations include consolidated results from ventures operated under trademarks or trade names other than TIFFANY & CO. For additional information, please visit www.tiffany.com or call our shareholder information line at 800-TIF-0110.

TIFFANY & CO. and TIFFANY are trademarks of Tiffany and Company.
ELSA PERETTI is a trademark of Elsa Peretti.
Additional images available upon request.
Tiffany & Co.Carson Glover, 212-277-5917
carson.glover@tiffany.com

Technology: Asia Pacific RFID inlays market

Asia Pacific RFID inlays market - increasing demands through mass deployments

Singapore (BUSINESS WIRE) - Frost & Sullivan's Electronics & Security Practice in Asia Pacific (http://www.elctronics.frost.com) will host an exclusive live briefing on the RFID inlays market in Asia Pacific on May 29, 2008 at 11:00 hrs (GMT+ 08:00hrs) Singapore time.

The inlays market is a vital area in the overall RFID ecosystem as it ensures passive tags used in an RFID deployment meets with the most stringent demands to support a myriad of applications. With respect to this, the quality of inlays is continuously improving with more technology innovations being introduced over time in this highly competitive market. The RFID inlays market is slowly but surely gaining momentum with increasing usage especially for large scale projects which require a large quantity of RFID passive tags. Moving forward, this trend is expected to continue in Asia Pacific with more end-users understanding the potential benefits they stand to reap through an RFID deployment.

This analyst briefing will provide an overview of the Asia Pacific RFID inlays market and a breakdown of its key applications, benefits, drivers and restraints. Highlights of the briefing include an examination of the competitive structure and a market forecast including the future potential for the RFID inlays market in Asia Pacific. We will also provide an update of related and upcoming research and provide an opportunity for a question and answer session with the analyst.

This briefing will benefit everyone related to the RFID inlays value chain; inlay, chip, antenna and tag manufactures.
It will also be of benefit to potential end-users considering an RFID deployment in their enterprises. By giving a market overview of this region, these same companies will be able to understand the requirements and road blocks that this technology presents in Asia Pacific.

Richard Sebastian, Research Analyst for the Automation & Electronics Practice of Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific says, "The RFID inlays market is sometimes underplayed in importance as not everyone realizes the significance it contributes in supporting the passive tags industry. Selecting the inlay with the right properties or characteristics to support the passive tag which will be used for a specific application is extremely vital as it ultimately ensures whether the overall RFID deployment is going to be a success or a failure."

He adds, "With more new applications continuously being introduced together with the pre-existing applications leveraging on RFID, the inlays market shows immense potential of growing by leaps and bounds but the stakeholders within this industry will need to continue to innovate to ensure it remains dynamic in meeting the barriers or challenges it faces today."

Join us as Richard shares his insights on the RFID inlays market within the region. Those interested in registering for the interactive live briefing should send an email to Corporate Communications - Donna Jeremiah at djeremiah@frost.com with the following information: full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail address, city, state and country. The registration details will be emailed to you upon receipt of the above information.

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company's TEAM Research, Growth Consulting and Growth Team Membership 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 PacificDonna
Jeremiah, +603 6204 5832 djeremiah@frost.com

Technology: LXE, Hutchison Port sign deal to standardize LXE mobile computers

LXE, Hutchison Port Holdings enter into global agreement to standardize on LXE mobile computers World's largest terminal operator selects LXE as preferred supplier to provide certified solution for managing container movements

Atlanta and Hong Kong (PRIME NEWSWIRE) - LXE Inc., the wireless logistics computing business of EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG), is pleased to announce that it has entered into a global agreement with Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH), the world's leading port investor, developer and operator, to provide a full line of rugged wireless computing solutions for HPH's terminal operations.

The LXE equipment will be fully integrated with HPH's Terminal Operations Systems (TOS) software, nGen and other third-party TOS, e.g. Navis. These systems process and control vessel planning, vessel operations, container movements and storage of containers in the yard. LXE's handheld and vehicle-mount computers are certified working solutions with HPH's nGen applications and are Navis-ready. LXE hardware is currently deployed in eight HPH ports located in China, Europe, the Middle East, Mexico and Southeast Asia.

"LXE is delighted to serve as HPH's strategic partner to deploy our award-winning rugged mobile computing solutions across their global terminal operations. Today's agreement solidifies LXE's leadership in the intermodal market, where half of the world's ports rely on our ruggedized computers for wireless container tracking," says Bill Roeder, acting general manager, LXE.

LXE wireless and mobile computing solutions are installed in more than 300 ports worldwide. The LXE solutions combine LXE mobile computers with a Cisco wireless infrastructure enhanced with LXE antennas, including the innovative SPIRE antenna, and environmental enclosure products. In addition to providing a platform for managing the execution of container movements, the solutions build out port communications infrastructures by enabling the convergence of data, voice and video.

About EMS Technologies, Inc.

EMS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELMG) is a wireless and satellite solutions leader serving the aeronautical, defense, maritime, commercial space and supply chain markets. Through its LXE, EMS SATCOM, and Defense & Space Systems divisions, EMS keeps people and their data connected, wherever they are -- on the ground, in the warehouse, in the sky or in space. The Company is headquartered in Atlanta, employs approximately 1,000 people worldwide and operates major manufacturing facilities in Atlanta and Ottawa, Canada. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.ems-t.com.

About LXE Inc.

LXE Inc., a subsidiary of EMS Technologies, Inc., improves supply chain performance by applying almost 38 years' experience developing wireless products and solutions. From rugged mobile computers, advanced auto-ID technologies, and secure wireless network infrastructure, to our award-winning customer support -- LXE's easy-to-use products are as reliable as the people who install and support them. Based in Norcross, Georgia, LXE also offers a full range of turnkey services, including radio integration, project and installation management, network design, technical support, and repair services.

About HPH

Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH), a subsidiary of the multinational conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa Limited (HWL), is the world's leading port investor, developer and operator with interests in a total of 292 berths in 47 ports, spanning 24 countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Americas and Australasia. HPH also owns a number of transportation-related service companies. In 2007, the HPH Group handled a combined throughput of 66.3 million TEU
worldwide.

-0-
CONTACT: LXE Inc.
Richard Adams, Director, Strategy & Marketing
+44.1494.493721
Adams.R@lxe.com

Technology: America.com: Premium virtual real estate headed to auction

America.com is Officially up for Grabs!

Nyon, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Will America embrace the best domain name or will it fall into the hands of another country? We will soon find out, as this potential record-breaking domain sale will be one for the record books!

Internet Media Consultants SA has been hired as the exclusive broker for the sale of the Super-Premium domain name: America.com. IMC have partnered with GreatDomains.com, a division of Sedo.com to hold the upcoming online auction, which is scheduled from May 22, 2008, 2:00pm EST to May 29, 2008, 2:00pm EST.

"We have already had an amazing amount of interest from corporations and investors around the world, says Paolo Belcastro, Director of IMC. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and the domain name will most likely never be sold again."

Several international industry experts, have valued the domain in the US$3.5-US$7.3 million range. The reserve price is set above $1,000,000 U.S. dollars and expected to surpass numerous previous sales records.

Industry analysts have recently defined this world-class domain name as an "instant business", and also calculating it to be within the top 1% of the best domain names in the world. This domain lends itself to an unlimited array of possibilities, business models and future revenue streams.

In 1999, the domain name "Business.com" was sold for $7.5 Million U.S. Dollars. In just a few years the developed Business.com domain name was resold to R.H. Donnelly for over $345 Million U.S. Dollars. America.com lends itself to a very similar possible situation for future development.

Recent domain sales include, (in U.S Millions), Sex.com $12.5, IRS.com $12.5, Fund.com $9.9, Porn.com $9.5, Diamond.com $7.5. Last month Pizza.com fetched $2.6 million at GreatDomains.com

Contact:
Internet Media Consultants SA
E-Mail: imc@geneve.com
SOURCE: Internet Media Consultants SA

Insurance: A.M. Best affirms ratings of New Zealand local government insurance

A.M. Best affirms ratings of New Zealand local government insurance corporation limited (Civic Assurance)

Oldwick, N.J. (BUSINESS WIRE) - A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of "a" of New Zealand Local Government Insurance Corporation Limited (Civic Assurance) (New Zealand).
The outlook for both ratings is stable.

The rating affirmations reflect Civic Assurance's solid risk-based capitalization, continued operating profitability and strong liquidity. The ratings also acknowledge the company's unique market position in the local government authorities sector.

Continued softening in premium rates due to competition and unfavorable claims experience has exacerbated Civic Assurance's underwriting margin, leading to an increase in net loss ratio from 36.0% in 2006 to 52.6% in 2007. Nonetheless, with a combined ratio of approximately 83.6%, the company produced a positive underwriting profit of NZD 200,000 (USD 155,000) in 2007.

With approximately 43% of invested assets held in cash and New Zealand government bonds, Civic Assurance maintains strong liquidity in response to the short-tailed nature of its insurance liabilities. Return from the fixed income and property-oriented portfolio has enabled the company to generate an overall return on equity of approximately 10.4% in 2007, offsetting the deterioration in loss experience.

Civic Assurance's risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio, remained strong in fiscal year 2007, although a further increase in premium retention in 2007 led to a higher level of underwriting risk. The company further strengthened its surplus by 6.1% to NZD 19.2 million (USD 14.9 million) in 2007. Consistent surplus growth has allowed Civic Assurance to maintain its underwriting leverage at a prudent level over the past five years. In view of the company's underwriting discipline and capital management philosophy, A.M. Best anticipates Civic Assurance will maintain adequate capitalization through retained earnings to support the higher level of underwriting risk inherent within its commercial risk oriented book of businesses.

Partially offsetting rating factors include the ongoing soft market environment, potential volatility associated with the increase in underwriting risk exposure and the limited long-term growth potential in Civic Assurance's designated market.

Ongoing soft market conditions and intensifying competition, particularly in the commercial risk segment, are expected to challenge Civic Assurance's underwriting profitability in the near term. Additionally, because of the company's niche underwriting focus on the local government and public sectors, its premium growth over the long term might be limited.

The increase in underwriting risk exposure resulting from the change in reinsurance coverage could translate into a higher degree of volatility in underwriting profitability for Civic Assurance, although its capitalization remained solid to absorb potential loss from adverse claims experience. A.M. Best will continue to monitor loss development of Civic Assurance's insurance book after the change in the reinsurance coverage.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care system providers.
For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

A.M. Best Co.
Analysts:Billy Wong, +852-2827-3414 billy.wong@ambest.com
Terrence Wong, +852-2827-3403 terrence.wong@ambest.com
or Public Relations:Jim Peavy,+(1) 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com
Rachelle Morrow, +(1) 908 439 2200, ext. 5378
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com

Business: Majority of Hong Kong residents concerned about personal safety

Majority of Hong Kong residents extremely or very concerned about personal safety Unisys Security index for May 2008 Latest index shows upward trend in overall security concern

Hong Kong - Medianet International-AsiaNet - The latest Unisys Security Index TM for Hong Kong shows more than half the population hold serious concerns about their personal safety.

"We are now seeing a trend of increasing levels of overall concern held by residents of Hong Kong," said David Fu, Vice President and General Manager, Unisys, Greater China.

The May 2008 Unisys Security Index for Hong Kong has recorded a result of 189, an increase of 5 points sparked largely by higher levels of concern about national and internet security.

Since August 2007, the Unisys Security Index has risen 10 points.

The Index has also revealed high levels of concern about personal safety with 9 out of 10 Hong Kong residents expressing concern about their personal safety over the next 6 months.
Around 6 in 10 say they are extremely or very concerned about this issue.

"This is an extremely important survey with, once again, a rather surprising result in respect of Hong Kong. It requires careful consideration as to the reasons, and deliberation on appropriate actions, said David Eldon, a well known Hong Kong business personality and non-executive member of the Unisys Advisory Board.

The results for the individual indices compared to the previous index are as follows:
* National Security
183 up 7 points * Financial Security
217 up 3 points * Internet Security
142 up 8 points * Personal security 214 up 4 points

Identity Theft and Financial Fraud related matters again dominate the top 3 issues of concern for Hong Kong residents, said David Fu, Unisys.

1. 87% of Hong Kong residents are extremely or very concerned about other people obtaining or using their credit or debit card details 2. 87% of people say that they are extremely or very concerned about unauthorized access to or misuse of personal information, unchanged from last survey.
3. 77% of people are extremely or very concerned about the prospect of a health epidemic

The Unisys Security Index provides a unique insight into the attitudes of Hong Kong residents on a wide range of security related issues.

Organisations and governments today confront potential security threats that didnt exist a decade ago, or, if they did, were not seen as such a pressing concern. These security threats are global and their effects impact individuals on a daily basis. Unisys approach to security goes beyond bits and bytes recognising that there are a broad set of political, economic and consumer forces that impact the security ecosystem. We believe that the most effective solutions are going to be those formed through collaboration across interests, sectors, borders and geographies.

For full details of all results of the Unisys Security Index for Hong Kong, please go to www.unisyssecurityindex.com.hk

About Unisys Asia Pacific Unisys offers clients solutions for secure business operations by aligning technology with business strategy. Drawing on a history of industry innovation and expertise, Unisys provides specialised services, delivered by trusted consultants. In Asia Pacific, Unisys delivers services and solutions through subsidiaries in Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand and through distributors or resellers in other countries in the region. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.

About Unisys Unisys is a worldwide information technology services and solutions company. We provide consulting, systems integration, outsourcing and infrastructure services, combined with powerful enterprise server technology. We specialize in helping clients use information to create efficient, secure business operations that allow them to achieve their business goals. Our consultants and industry experts work with clients to understand their business challenges and create greater
visibility into critical linkages throughout their operations.

For more information, visit www.unisys.com.
Contacts: Julian Brophy julian@perceptionpartners.com.au
Tel: + 61 408 276 749 / + 61 2 9699 2722
Corinna Fung, Marketing Director, Greater China, Unisys
email : corinna.fung@hk.unisys.com, Tel: (852) 2879 3832 Fax:
(852) 2827 7835
Source: Unisys

Metal/Mining: Silverado Gold mines update May 17, 2008

Vancouver - CNW-AsiaNet/- (Silverado - OTCBB: SLGLF/Frankfurt: SLGL). Silverado Gold Mines Ltd. announces that it was the subject of a cease trade order by the British Columbia Securities Commission ('BCSC'), dated May 13, 2008.

The Executive Director of the BCSC ordered that trading in Silverado cease in the province of British Columbia until the company files material change reports, together with previously disseminated news releases concerning its disclosure of gold mineral resources on its Alaska properties.

More specifically, the Executive Director (BCSC) ordered that trading in the securities of Silverado cease until:

1. "Silverado files a news release and material change report disclosing a material change to gold mineral resources on its Alaskan properties". (This pertains to Silverado's Investor Facts Sheet of July 27, 2007, posted on the company's website.)

2. "Silverado files a news release and material change report disclosing the results of a preliminary assessment for gold on its Alaskan properties." (This requires the company file with the BCSC a material change report together with a copy of its previously disseminated news release issued April 16, 2008.)

3. "Silverado files a news release and material change report disclosing an inferred mineral resource and the results of a preliminary assessment for stibnite on its Alaskan properties." (This requires the company file with the BCSC a material change report together with a copy of its previously disseminated news release issued May 5, 2008.)

4. "Silverado files a news release and material change report disclosing the Memorandum of Understanding, and files the Memorandum of Understanding." (This requires the company file with the BCSC a material change report together with a copy of its previously disseminated news release issued December 22, 2006, in relation to the company's green fuel project.)

5. "Either:
a. Silverado files a preliminary prospectus and prospectus in the required form for the Distributions, and the Executive
Director issues receipts for the preliminary prospectus and prospectus, or
b. Silverado files Reports of Exempt Distribution, if Silverado relied on exemptions from the registration and prospectus requirements of the Act for Distributions that were available to it and require a Report of Exempt Distribution."

The company, and its legal counsel, are presently preparing the necessary documentation for filing, including Reports of Exempt Distribution, to satisfy the concerns of the BCSC, and anticipate that a further corrective news release will be issued in the immediate future.

Contact Information - Silverado Gold Mines Ltd.

ASIA PULSE
-----------------------------------------------

Trading Symbols - OTC BB - SLGLF, FRANKFURT - SLGL. Silverado Gold Mines Ltd. www.silverado.com

Suite 1820 - 1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6E 4M3, Telephone: (604) 689-1535, Facsimile: (604) 682-3519

Investor Relations: E-mail: ir(at)silverado.com ; Media & Public Relations : E-mail: jay(at)silverado.com Toll Free: 1-800-665-4646 (Canada and USA only)

This Press Release may contain, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
These statements are based on management's expectations and beliefs, and involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from the results implied herein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking
statements made in this Press Release.

SOURCE: Silverado Gold Mines Ltd.
CONTACT: Suite 1820 - 1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada, V6E 4M3, Telephone: (604)
689-1535,
Facsimile: (604) 682-3519; Investor Relations:
E-mail: ir(at) silverado.com; Media & Public Relations:
E-mail: jay(at) silverado.com, Toll Free: 1-800-665-4646 (Canada and USA only)

Business in Asia Today - May 22, 2008

BABCOCK & BROWN ANNOUNCEMENT SEES SHARES PLUNGE 15 %
Sydney (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Babcock & Brown Power Ltd (BBP)(ASX:BBP) shares plunged 15 per cent after it announced it would consider debt, asset sales, asset joint ventures or various forms of equity to fund capital commitments.
The listed energy infrastructure fund, managed by Babcock & Brown Ltd (ASX:BNB), said it was on track to finalise its debt refinancing.
"In addition to the $A3.1 billion ($US2.98 billion) of corporate debt facilities, BBP's current capital commitments are approximately $3.4 billion," the fund said.
These included additional capital expenditure associated with a number of power station assets including Tamar in Tasmania, the Newman expansion in Western Australia and purchase of a minority interest in Braemar in Queensland and Uranqunity in New South Wales.

4 TAIWAN FIRMS FINED US$130,000 EACH FOR MISLEADING ADVERTISING
Taipei (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - The Taiwan Fair Trade Commission (FTC) on Wednesday fined four local companies NT$4 million (US$130,000) each for misleading consumers by claiming in a television infomercial the underwear they were selling had beneficial health effects.
The four companies that collaborated on the project - a home shopping network, two biotechnology companies and a marketer -
have been ordered to stop broadcasting the infomercial on public airwaves. They promoted the product, called the'"Wear Me Bamboo Charcoal Underwear', as being beneficial to users' health by minimizing body odour, reducing body fat ratios, and improving blood circulation.
However Chou said the FTC checked with the Department of Health and the ITRI, and found the infomercial's claims were not supported by substantive and scientific evidence.

SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF EMERGING MARKETS
Seoul (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - The Samsung Electronics Co. (KSE:05930) said today that it will reassign Lee Jae-yong, the son of former Samsung Group head Lee Kun-hee, to a post covering the company's business in emerging markets as part of the company's personnel reshuffle.
The junior Lee, currently vice president in charge of customer relations at the company, will travel to countries including China, India and Russia to work with local employees, the South Korean company said in a statement.
The reassignment follows the senior Lee's resignation as chairman last month, when he was indicted by prosecutors on charges of establishing slush funds, engaging in bribery and masterminding shady intra-group transactions that helped him pass control of the group to his only son.

NIPPON FLOUR ALLIES WITH TOP CHINESE GROUP TO EXPAND NETWORK
Tokyo (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Nippon Flour Mills Co. (TSE:2001) has formed a joint venture with China's Ting Hsin International Group to reach out to more local customers.
The flour miller has a factory in Shanghai, but this facility ships primarily to Japanese-owned companies.
To expand business to Chinese customers, it will leverage the know-how and networks of its local partner.
Nippon Flour and Ting Hsin each own 45 per cent stakes in the joint venture, which is capitalized at about 100 million yen (US$871,000), while the remaining 10 per cent interest was bought by Itochu Corp. (TSE:8001).

AMWAY MALAYSIA LIFTS Q1 PRE-TAX PROFIT 20 PCT
Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad (KLSE:6351) has recorded a 20 per cent increase in first quarter pre-tax profit to RM28.306 million (US$8.8 million) due to the appreciation of the ringgit against the US dollar.
The group's sales revenue edged up 1.7 per cent to RM144.797 million for the three months ended 31 March 2008 in line with the management's expectations amid the backdrop of global growth uncertainties and local mounting inflationary pressure.

CHINA'S BAOTOU TO LAUNCH RARE EARTH SPECIAL ALLOY STEEL PROJECT
Hohhot (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Baotou Longshun Steel Pipe Co., Ltd. has signed a cooperation agreement with local government on building a rare earth special alloy steel project and associated facilities in Baotou city in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
The one million ton project, involving an investment of 1.5 billion yuan (US$215.54 million), will go into production after three phases of construction in three years.

AUSTRALIAN ONLINE MEDIA CO NINEMSN INKS DEAL WITH OZLOTTERIES
Sydney (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Online media company Ninemsn has penned a co-branding deal with OzLotteries.com, the online lottery arm of e-commerce company Manaccom Corporation Ltd. Under the agreement, OzLotteries.com will operate a co-branded version of its website featuring ninemsn branding, which will be featured prominently on ninemsn.com.au and its associated websites.
Through the co-branded website, Ninemsn's audience will be able to join OzLotteries.com and buy a suite of Australian lottery games, as well as use its lottery services.

TOKIO MARINE REPORTS US$113.6 MLN IN OVERPAID PREMIUMS
Tokyo (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. said it likely overcharged policyholders by 11.7 billion yen (US$113.6 million), more than other nonlife insurers.
The six major nonlife insurers said Wednesday that premium overpayments will likely total a combined 29.7 billion yen when all inquiries are completed .
In-house investigations, which started in December 2006, are scheduled to end by this summer. Nearly 80 per cent of overpayments came from fire and earthquake policies.

AIR NIUGINI PILOTS BALING OUT DUE TO DUAL SALARY STRUCTURE
Port Moresby (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Papua New Guinean (PNG) pilots are leaving Air Niugini due to a dual salary structure where junior expatriate pilots are paid double the amount senior local pilots are receiving, reports Post Courier.
According to Tari MP James Marabe, 10 national pilots have left in the last 18 months, four have just resigned and six are talking about leaving.
He said there were 73 national pilots out of the total 115 pilots the flag carrier has on strength.

INDIA'S LOHIA GROUP TO LAUNCH ELECTRIC VEHICLES THIS YEAR
New Delhi (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Diversified business house Lohia Group on Wednesday announced a foray into the Indian automobile sector with a Rs 1.5 billion (US$35 million) investment to launch electric two and three wheeler vehicles in the second half of this year.
The group, which has set up a subsidiary - Lohia Auto Industries, will set up a greenfield manufacturing facility at Kashipur in Uttarakhand with a production capacity of 200,000 units per annum, scalable up to 800,000-1,000,000 units in the future.

Source:
Business in Asia Today - MAY 22, 2008
published by Asia Pulse

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Technology: Results of a survey for individuals who obtained XML Master

Tokyo - Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ - Survey reveals that all of the respondents experienced benefits from obtaining the "XML Master Professional" certification.

From today, the XML Technology Certification Committee will release the results of an online survey administered to individuals who obtained the "XML Master Professional" certification, a higher-level certification in the XML Master program.

The survey was conducted between Thursday, April 10, 2008 and Monday, April 21, 2008, among individuals who passed the latest version of the "XML Master Professional" certification examination. 68 individuals responded to the survey.

Regarding the survey results, for the question regarding the benefits of obtaining the "XML Master Professional" certification (multiple responses possible), 90 per cent selected the response "I gained knowledge regarding XML and XML-related technology," 65 per cent selected the response "It helped me build confidence in my knowledge about XML and XML-related technology," 31 per cent selected the response "I received a bonus from my company," 29 per cent selected the response "I received a higher evaluation at my company," 28 per cent selected the response "It helped me with my work duties," and 6 per cent selected the response "I received a pay raise."

All of the survey respondents selected one or more of the above benefits of obtaining the certification.

As for the difficulty of the exam, a majority of the respondents (54 per cent) selected the response "It was more difficult than I had expected." For the question, "Were the examination questions practical?" 80 per cent of the 50 respondents selected the response "The questions were practical," excluding the individuals who responded that they did not know because they do not use XML/XML-related technology in their work duties.

The details of the survey results can be viewed at the following website: http://www.xmlmaster.org/en/surveyprofessional/result.html

About the XML Certification Program (XML Master)

The "XML Master" is a professional certification officially launched in August 2001. The primary objective of the "XML Master" is the broad-based development of professionals having XML skills. To date, more than 16,000 professionals throughout the world have become XML Masters.

For more, please see: http://www.xmlmaster.org/en/
SOURCE: XML Technology Certification Committee
CONTACT: Kaoru Shima XML Technology Certification Committee
TEL: +81-3-5718-1297
For news article usage: office@xmlmaster.org
Web site: http://www.xmlmaster.org/en/

High-Tech: IIT-Bombay, applied materials and SRC collaborate

IIT-Bombay, applied materials and SRC collaborate to advance flash memory technology

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (BUSINESS WIRE) - May 19, 2008 - The Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC), through its Global Research Collaboration program, announced a collaborative effort between the Indian Institute of Technology at Bombay (IIT) and Applied Materials, Inc. to advance NAND flash memory technology.

NAND flash is one of the most rapidly evolving technologies today, enabling a large variety of portable electronic devices from media players to navigation systems to solid-state drives for laptop computers.

This international research effort is focused on providing breakthrough technology that can lead to a broad range of significantly smaller and more powerful portable electronic devices in the next five years.

"IIT is deeply engaged in NAND flash memory research and has been an excellent partner in helping us to continue to drive solid-state memory technology development," said David Kyser, senior director of strategic external research in App ied Materials' department of Advanced Technology/CTO. "This type of collaboration, facilitated by SRC, is an efficient way to drive the commercialization of new technologies: Industry provides near-term focus while academia brings innovation and scientific rigor."

An example of this important research has recently been presented by IIT and Applied Materials at the recent International Reliability Physics Symposium in Phoenix, AZ. As NAND flash devices continue to scale, problems with reliability and lifetime caused by cell-to-cell interference arise when conventional floating-gate (FG) memory cells are used.
Charge-trap flash (CTF) is a promising replacement for FG because it exhibits negligible cell-cell interference, yet has a similar structure and manufacturing process to FG and is thus attractive for memory device manufacturers to implement using existing equipment.

The primary innovation is the development and optimization of an engineered trap layer consisting of two nitride layers with different compositions, reinforced by a silicon oxy-nitride barrier layer. This novel structure was found to exhibit negligible cycling degradation and optimum programming characteristics, offering an alternative to approaches using more complex high-k and metal gate materials. The new structure has the potential to scale down to the sub-3xnm technology node, offering much higher storage densities than are available today.

"Materials development and process integration are the keys to implementation of the new cell designs," said Souvik Mahapatra, associate professor in the department of electrical engineering at IIT-Bombay.

"The diverse, but complementary, perspectives among this team of researchers have served to more quickly uncover the physical mechanisms of endurance damage. These have provided for better understanding of reliability and consequently improved device design.""This collaboration reflects SRC's commitment to tapping the deep talent offered by Indian research and the potential for significant progress in memory design," said Steven Hillenius, executive vice president of SRC.

"The success from this work should lead to higher standards for functionality in future electronics."About IIT IIT-Bombay, set up by an Act of Parliament, was established in 1958, at Powai, a northern suburb of Mumbai, India. Today the Institute is recognised as one of the centres of academic excellence in the country.

Over the years, there has been dynamic progress at IIT-Bombay in all academic and research activities, and a parallel improvement in facilities and infrastructure, to keep it on par with the best institutions in the world. Institutes in positions of excellence grow with time. The ideas and ideals on which such institutes are built evolve and change with national aspirations, national perspectives, and trends world - wide. IIT-Bombay, too, is one such institution.
Learn more at www.iitb.ac.in.

About Applied Materials

Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT) is the global leader in Nanomanufacturing Technology? solutions with a broad portfolio of innovative equipment, service and software products for the fabrication of semiconductor chips, flat panel displays, solar photovoltaic cells, flexible electronics and energy efficient glass. At Applied Materials, we apply Nanomanufacturing Technology to improve the way people live.
Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.

About SRC-GRC

Global Research Collaboration (GRC) is one of three research program entities of SRC. Celebrating 26 years of collaborative research for the semiconductor industry, SRC defines industry needs, invests in and manages the research that gives its members a competitive advantage in the dynamic global marketplace. Awarded the National Medal of Technology, America's highest recognition for contributions to technology, SRC expands the industry knowledge base and attracts premier students to help innovate and transfer semiconductor technology to the commercial industry. SRC also seeks to leverage funding from global government agencies. For more information, visit www.src.org.

SRC (Cardinal Communications) Scott Stevens, +1-512-413-9540 Scottstevens12@hotmail.com

Technology: Mtron's SSD selected as main data storage solution for NASA

Mtron's SSD will be used as the main data storage solution for NASA's International Project

Seoul, South Korea (BUSINESS WIRE) - Mtron Storage Technology Co. Ltd. (KOSDAQ:046320), a manufacturer of Solid State Drive (SSD) products in South Korea, announced today that their SSD will be used as the main 1TB data storage for ANITA (Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna), a project funded by NASA to research on high-energy cosmic ray from the South Pole, during the 2nd experiment in December 2008.

ANITA is a radio telescope attached to NASA's stratospheric balloon to detect radio "cherenkov", a frequency created by collision between neutrinos from space and the ice in Antarctica, in order to discover the creation of high-energy cosmic ray.

ANITA was first launched in 2006 and the research was conducted through the summer season in the South Pole last year with 40 researchers from 12 institutions including University of Hawaii and National Taiwan University. ANITA's 2nd experiment will be conducted in December 2008.

Mtron's 1TB SSD used for ANITA is the combination of eight Mtron 3.5 inch SATA SSDs, which provides the largest SSD storage space among NASA's stratospheric balloons. ANITA will be flying 35km above Antarctica for a month, and Mtron's SSD will also provide the essential stability and protection to store the data against the extreme environment in the high altitude during the flight.

Ji-Woo Nam, the conductor of 1TB storage equipments from National Taiwan University, announced, "Mtron's SSD makes it possible for us to store a large amount of data in the safest way against the Antarctica's extreme condition. We are very satisfied with Mtron SSD's excellent performance, stability, and the cost."

Jack Han, the Director of Mtron, said, "With these advantages, Mtron will launch a new XTM series in coming 3rd quarter 2008, focusing on highly specialized industries such as military, aviation, aerospace, and medical industry where SSD is much more effective than HDD."

For more information, please visit www.mtron.net.
Mtron Storage Technology Co.,Ltd Zeta Park, +82.31.737.4820
ext. 304pej@mtron.net

Technology: GyPSii, NAV2 partner to link data, content in China

Amsterdam, The Netherlands - GyPSii, the leading geo-location and mobile social networking provider, today announced it has entered into a map licensing agreement with NAV2, a Shanghai-based provider of world class digital map data.

The deal means GyPSii users will have complete access to NAV2's comprehensive China map database.

The database will play a crucial part in the roll-out of the GyPSii service across China.

The licensed map database contains coverage of more than 980 cities and more than five million local points of interest (POIs), meaning users will have access to the country's most up-to-date map database and a wealth of local content relevant
to the Chinese market.

GyPSii has recently boosted its infrastructure in China with the opening of a Data Centre in Shanghai and a major partnership announcement with China Unicom and Shanghai Rannuo to launch GyPSii during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

GyPSii has also been made available to members of the Dopod Club, the exclusive online community for Dopod device users in China.

"Our strategy has always been to provide GyPSii users with the best possible user-experience on a local and global scale.
The availability of NAV2's map database on GyPSii is proof of our commitment to enabling Chinese users to take full advantage of the unique location aspect of our application," said Dan Harple, CEO at GyPSii.

"GyPSii is the first and only social networking offering of its kind available in China and our success in China to date shows our ability to scale quickly in different regions around the world."

"Location-based services and social networking are the future of mobile," said George Qie, General Manager of NAV2.

"We are delighted to have licensed the map database to GyPSii and allow Chinese users unrivalled access to this new mobile experience. This year's Beijing Olympic Games represent a momentous occasion for China, and the GyPSii application will enhance the whole Olympic experience for both the Chinese public and visitors to the country. Fans, media and athletes, will now have unrivalled access to key location information and POIs throughout the event."

Dr Carl Sun, Chairman of NAV2 added: "The China map database is a powerful resource that until now has been used purely for personal navigation, automotive navigation, and GIS and Fleet management.

"We are excited to be working with GyPSii and its partners across China to reach the mass consumer market and enable wide scale use of our database to facilitate social networking activities on the mobile."

About GyPSii

GyPSii is the market-leading mobile lifestyle application, connecting people, places and communities across networks and
devices.

GyPSii provides a geo-location social networking platform and services for mobile, web & set-top box devices, and is headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (www.gypsii.com).

2008 GyPSii Inc. All rights reserved.

About NAV2 NAV2, a Shanghai-based joint venture between two mapping leaders, NavInfo and NAVTEQ, provides digital map data enabling world-class navigation, tracking, POI searching, route calculation and voice guidance for in-car navigation solutions, portable navigation devices and LBS (Location Based Services) navigation solutions, and Fleet and GIS(Geographic Information System) services for China.

The CC Group for GyPSiiDave McCann / Rachael Parker+44 (0) 118 920 7650 gypsii@the-cc-group.com

Technology: Light Blue Optics demonstrates miniature projection systems

Light Blue Optics demonstrates miniature projection systems and new use-cases at SID 08 **Systems offer variable resolution and enhanced brightness option, enabling multiple use-cases from a single device****evaluation units available from June 2008**

Cambridge, England (BUSINESS WIRE) - Light Blue Optics(LBO) today announced it will demonstrate its latest miniature projection systems at the Society for Information Display, 18?23 May (SID 2008). These highly efficient, low-cost miniature projection systems are based on LBO's proprietary holographic laser projection technology and have applications across multiple high-volume markets, including consumer electronics and automotive. The Company will make evaluation unitsavailable to key customers and strategic development partners from June 2008 as part of its fast-paced product development programme.

At SID 08, LBO will demonstrate bright, efficient miniature projection systems with a range of differentiating features that can be tailored to suit specific customer applications.
The systems deliver superior image quality with in-built speckle reduction, variable resolution (WVGA to QVGA) and focus-free operation, enabling multiple use-cases to be realised by the same device. Due to the unique properties of holographic laser projection, LBO's systems also offer the option of enhanced image brightness for use in higher ambient lighting conditions.

Light Blue Optics' CEO, Dr Chris Harris said, "LBO's holographic laser projection technology meets our customers' requirements for bright, efficient miniature projection systems with superior image quality and focus-free operation. However, there is also an emerging demand for systems capable of delivering variable resolution and brightness configurations to enable new and exciting use-cases to be realised by a single device. At SID, we will demonstrate how the inherent versatility of LBO's unique technology platform meets these additional demands, opening up high-volume market opportunities and positioning us to become the world's leading supplier of miniature projection systems."Dr?Edward Buckley, Light Blue Optics' VP of Business Development, to present at Display Week 2008 - the annual SID Symposium: Distinguished SID Paper?- Multi-Viewer Autostereoscopic Display with Dynamically-addressable Holographic Backlight - Session?25.1 Invited SID?Paper?- Holographic Laser Projection Technology - Session 70.2 Notes to Editors:Light Blue Optics (www.lightblueoptics.com) Light Blue Optics (LBO) is a dynamic, privately-owned company, developing miniature projection systems.

LBO's patented holographic laser projection technology delivers bright, full colour, high-quality video images that remain in focus at all distances. The technology's efficiency, small form factor, robustness and cost advantages make it ideally suited for deployment in multiple markets including automotive, digital signage and consumer electronics.

LBO is funded by a group of investors including 3i plc., Earlybird Ventures and Capital-E.

LBO is demonstrating at SID 2008 by invitation only.
Light Blue OpticsTamara Roukaerts, +44 (0)790 663 8351 Marketing Managertamara.roukaerts@lightblueoptics.com

Technology: Nezu deploys Portware's Enterprise Trading solution

Nezu Deploys Portware's Enterprise Trading Solution Leading Asia Focused Hedge Fund Goes Live with Portware's Award-Winning, Global Multi-Asset Trading System

Hong Kong (BUSINESS WIRE) - Portware, a leading provider of global, multi-asset trading solutions, today announced that leading Hong Kong- based hedge fund manager with over US$1 billion in assets under management, Nezu Asia Limited, has selected and deployed Portware's Enterprise trading system firm-wide.

Portware supports every aspect of Nezu's trading operations ? order management, trade management, and execution ? with a complete, end-to-end solution. In addition to using Portware for advanced, multi-asset trade execution, Nezu leverages Portware's integrated order management functionality to enhance communications between portfolio managers and traders,
eliminating workflow inefficiencies and driving down trading costs.

Nick Longcroft, Nezu Asia Limited, comments: "The Asian market is changing rapidly, with strong growth in electronic trading, new execution venues and increased use of algorithms.
Nezu needed an advanced, broker-neutral trading solution that was flexible enough to meet our emerging business require ents and scale as our firm grows.

"As a firm that manages multiple funds and strategies, we also wanted a system that could help our traders and portfolio managers work together more efficiently. Portware met all of these requirements, offering a comprehensive, integrated trading system that supports our advanced trading operations and addresses our internal workflow challenges. In addition, Portware exceeded our local support requirements with a dedicated and highly experienced team that worked closely with us to ensure a smooth product roll out."

Scott DePetris, Global Head of Accounts, Portware, comments: "Firms in the Asia Pacific region are increasingly focused on reducing trading costs, improving efficiencies and pursuing best execution via flexible and scalable trading platforms.
Nezu's decision to deploy Portware shows the extent to which firms are seeking advanced tools to help them navigate a rapidly changing global marketplace."

Eric Goldberg, CEO, Portware, adds: "A?growing number of financial institutions in the Asia Pacific region are embracing opportunities to trade electronically and to introduce new strategies into the market place. We look forward to working closely with Nezu and are committed to providing best-in-class trading solutions and unparalleled client support worldwide."About Portware www.portware.com Portware develops and sells multi-asset, automated and algorithmic trading software and solutions to the global securities marketplace. As the only wholly independent execution and order management trading systems provider, Portware supplies traders with true broker-neutral solutions to facilitate best execution. The company's suite of products includes a trading platform which supports FX, Single Stock, Portfolio, Program, Pairs and Index trading coupled with a powerful black-box Algorithmic Engine, the Portware Strategy Server which offers a completely customizable central trade portal to conduct a comprehensive range of trade activity. Since the company's launch in 2000, Portware solutions have been implemented at more than 100 firms worldwide, including quantitative hedge funds, traditional asset management firms and sell-side program trading desks.

Portware's event-driven, multi-threaded architecture has quickly become the industry standard for high-frequency trading. On top of this architecture, Portware offers an extensible feature set tailored for different asset classes and trade styles, as well as tools for TCA, risk management and real-time reporting and a combination of pre-packaged and third-party algorithms and analytics.

Portware offers the ability to create proprietary algorithms to control every aspect of trade management or execution, from automated market-making, to hedging, crossing and full orderbook management. These strategies can be executed by traders from within Portware's user interface or automated using the Portware Strategy Server, a high-speed algorithmic engine for execution and order management.

About Nezu Asia Limited www.nezuasia.com

Nezu Asia Limited is an Asia focused, equity specialist hedge fund manager located in Hong Kong. Nezu was established in 2000 and became a licensed Type 9 Asset Manager with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission in 2004. As a group, Nezu has 27 employees and manages four equity long/short funds with over US$1 billion of assets under management. Nezu strives to achieve high risk-adjusted returns for the firm's investors through extensive market experience, deep fundamental research and careful risk management.

Cre8 Results Limited for PortwareNicolle Farthing / Viviana
ViganoEmail: portware@cre8results.comTel: +44 (0)20 7734 9199

Business: American company to offer dog cloning service

American company to offer dog cloning service at international public auction bioArts international to clone the dogs of five winning bidders in June auction

Mill Valley, Calif. (BUSINESS WIRE) - BioArts International (BioArts), today announced that it will sell five dog cloning service slots to the general public via a worldwide, online auction to be held June 18th.

"We are thrilled to announce the Best Friends Again program," said CEO Lou Hawthorne. "This auction will give five very lucky people the ability to clone their family dogs. Given how challenging it is to clone dogs, this is a very rare and special offer."

The Best Friends Again website, www.bestfriendsagain.com, showcases three perfect clones of Hawthorne's beloved family dog "Missy", who died in 2002. Missy has been the subject of extensive cloning research since the "Missyplicity Project" began in 1997. "I can't decide which is more exciting: finally having three clones of Missy or being able to offer this amazing service to others," said Hawthorne.

BioArts has been granted the sole, worldwide license for the cloning of dogs, cats and endangered species. The license was granted by Start Licensing, Inc. and applies to the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) cloning patents developed at the Roslin Institute for the cloning of Dolly the sheep.

BioArts International is a new biotech startup focused on unique, untapped markets in the global companion animal, premium livestock and human genomics industries. The Best Friends Again program is a partnership between BioArts and the Sooam Biotech Research Foundation in South Korea, home to the best and most experienced dog cloning team in the world.

More information about the Best Friends Again program and the June 18th auction is available at www.bestfriendsagain.com.

More information about BioArts is available at www.bioarts.com.
For BioArts International Kiley Russell, 415-227-9700 (Office)Cell: 415-595-4341

Business: XOJET Launches International Expansion, Secures new finance

XOJET launches international expansion and secures financing agreements for up to US$2.46 billion rapid growth; attracts investment to meet escalating worldwide demand for business aviation, launches international joint venture in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-binmmg.cgi eid=5688624

Geneva - Today at the European Business Aviation Convention, business aviation leader XOJET announced financing agreements for up to $2.46 billion to fund its North American operations and global expansion strategy.

This marks the largest publicly-announced business aircraft financing package in history.

XOJET also announced the proposed launch of a separate joint venture with investment company Tasameem Real Estate Company, LLC (Tasameem) to be headquartered in the United Arab Emirates' capital city of Abu Dhabi.

The equity financing round was advised by Morgan Stanley. Multiple investors participated in debt and equity financings including global investors Tasameem, veteran aviation investor TPG, Export Development Canada (EDC), White Oak Global Advisors, LLC and XOJET founder Paul Touw.

The strength of these financings reflects the high degree of confidence that XOJET's investors have in the company's U.S. management, proven business performance and in the growing demand for business aviation services.

About $964 million in immediate financing will be made available to XOJET, which has already secured more than $500 million in previous funding.

The remaining $1.5 billion in additional financing will be made available upon launch of the planned joint venture with Tasameem, which is expected to occur later this year. XOJET currently has 127 aircraft and aircraft orders valued at more than $3.1 billion.

XOJET's global expansion strategy seeks to capitalize on the escalating worldwide demand for business jet travel.

The joint venture with Tasameem in Abu Dhabi will leverage XOJET's innovative operating model, stringent safety standards, and comprehensive operating experience to bring the company's unique value proposition to customers traveling to, from, and within the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the greater Middle East region.

This comprehensive financing package will also enable XOJET to be the first large-scale business jet operator to fund the vast majority of its own fleet.

Traditional models of business aviation have customarily required the customer to fund the aircraft, or a fraction of the aircraft. With this comprehensive financing package, XOJET expects to self-finance its aircraft, removing this burden from its customers and expanding the breadth of its product offerings.

"The dynamics of a constrained commercial aviation system combined with the rapid rise of business opportunities in a global economy are driving historic growth in businessaviation," said Paul Touw, CEO of XOJET.

"In an increasingly diversified and worldwide marketplace, business jets are becoming one of the most important tools for corporate competitive advantage."

With commercial airline service under strain, business jet travel is growing at an unprecedented rate.

In the United States, the FAA March 2008 forecast predicted average flight growth of 12.2 per cent annually through 2010.

The overseas business jet market is growing even more rapidly, with aircraft manufacturers predicting that more than 50 percent of aircraft demand will come from outside of North America, according to the annual Honeywell Business Jet Forecast.

"XOJET's business model is changing the industry as it continues to outperform our expectations," said David Bonderman, founding partner of TPG.

"We are excited to continue to fund the company's growth as it has assembled a world-class management team that continues to execute aggressively and successfully."

"This significant financing series has created one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry," said Eilif Serck-Hanssen, XOJET's CFO and president of international operations.

"Given today's credit markets, the magnitude and size of these agreements suggests there is always capital for great ideas and growth markets."

ABOUT XOJET

XOJET, Inc. is a leading provider of global business aviation services on an all-new fleet of business jets. XOJET launched its service in January 2006 and has quickly established itself as one of the fastest-growing business aviation companies on record.

The company, which is based in San Carlos, California, has built a fleet that will reach 127 aircraft worth US$3.1 billion by 2012.

Most recently, XOJET has been recognized with a number of honors including being named an Aviation Research Group/ U.S.
"Model Program" for its commitment to safety, an Inc. Magazine "Fastest Growing Company", and a Robb Report "Best of Private Aviation" winner. For more information, visit www.xojet.com.

XOJET

Alison McCauley, +1-415-640-7662 amccauley@xojet.com or CXO CommunicationKathleen Bowden, +1-617-247-0122
kathleen@cxocommunication.com

Technology: Research into technologies for diamond device fabrication

Successful conclusion to research programme into next generation technologies for synthetic diamond device fasbrication

Ascot (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - The Micromachined Diamond Device Initiative (MIDDI) led by researchers at Element Six Ltd in collaboration with the Institute of Photonics at The University of Strathclyde has been completed successfully. The aim of MIDDI, which was part-funded by the UK Department of Trade and Industry, was to develop world-leading technologies for diamond microelectronic device manufacturing to give European companies a competitive edge over Japan and the US.

MIDDI's main focus was on the development of a 'tool-kit' of advanced micro- and nano-scale manufacturing technologies that could be used for the development of next generation high-frequency and high-power electronic devices based on synthetic single crystal diamond. Element Six is already a world leader in manufacturing electronic grade synthetic diamond using chemical vapour deposition. MIDDI further advances this leadership.

The role of the Institute of Photonics (IoP) at the University of Strathclyde has been to provide the expertise in plasma etching technology, which is used to define the precise surface features required in device fabrications. Established in 1995, the Institute has become a centre of expertise in etching materials that have traditionally been difficult to process. Expertise in materials has contributed to the IoP's success in semiconductor optoelectronics, solid-state laser engineering and biophotonics.

Prof Martin Dawson, Associate Director of the IoP commented, "The MIDDI project has been a showcase example of how UK Universities and Industry can collaborate on successful technological development. Element Six framed the project challenge and provided advanced diamond structures with controlled doping characteristics; the University met the challenge by developing an innovative dry etching approach that is being jointly patented. This opens the way to truly manufacturable diamond electronics, but also has wider implications for a host of new technologies including diamond photonics where, with support from Element Six, the University of Strathclyde now has a significant presence."

Achievements in three areas
The project has made significant achievements in three areas that will help Element Six support the development of active electronic devices fabricated in diamond. Firstly, it has led to improved technology for synthesis and processing used in the production of substrates and epitaxial layers with atomic-scale low roughness surfaces. The ability to make nanoscale layers of diamond with high precision depends on a number of complex processing and synthesis steps. For a high frequency active electronic device, some of the individual layers are required to have thicknesses of a few nanometres. In addition, these layers need to be atomically smooth, and have extremely sharp doping profiles.

Secondly, Element Six is now able to deposit thin layers of boron-doped diamond at the nanoscale. Proposed device concepts for active switching based on diamond such as the delta MESFET use such thin layers sandwiched between two undoped intrinsic diamond layers to support transistor action. Finally, MIDDI has led to a robust and reproducible dry etching technology suitable for transistor device fabrication.

"These successful outcomes have already underpinned the formation of a new subsidiary by Element Six. Diamond Microwave Devices Ltd is aiming to develop the world's first commercial high frequency, high power diamond transistors," points out Christopher Ogilvie Thompson, Commercial Business Manager at Element Six. "Furthermore the technology developed under MIDDI could also be of benefit to other areas of diamond technology used in advanced applications such as radiation detectors and micro-optic devices."

About Element Six

Element Six is the world's leading supplier of high quality supermaterials used throughout manufacturing industry for a wide range of applications. It is the frontrunner in the development of synthetic diamond and novel engineering materials that are being used in industrial applications that span, for example optical, mechanical, thermal, electronic, automotive, telecommunications and medical industries. With a turnover of more than US$500m and almost 4,000 employees, Element Six has established production and processing plants in China, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, South Africa, Ukraine and the UK supported by a global distribution network.

About the Institute of Photonics

The Institute of Photonics, established in 1995, is a commercially-oriented research unit, part of the University of Strathclyde. Its key objective is to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications and development in the area of photonics. The Institute's research interests include semiconductor materials and devices, practical, all solid state lasers, micro-LED arrays and a wide range of applications particularly in biophotonics. The Institute of Photonics is based in Strathclyde's Glasgow city centre campus.

The IoP undertakes contract and collaborative research with industry and offers consultancy. It has a large number of PhD and EngD students, and licences technologies to companies.

For more information contact:
John Caldwell
Corporate Communications
Element Six
Tel: +353(0)61460015
Email: info@e6.com
http://www.e6.com
Institute of Photonics
University of Strathclyde
Wolfson Centre
106 Rottenrow
Glasgow G4 0NW
Tel: +44-141-548-4120
Fax: +44-141-552-1575
Email: info@photonics.ac.uk
http://www.photonics.ac.uk

SOURCE: Element Six Ltd

Technology: Swiss Corp offers technology for producing diesel from plastic

Swiss Corporation offers technology for producing diesel and heating oil from used plastics and waste oil

Schaffhausen, Switzerland (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - AsiaNet Biotherm Technologie AG, a Swiss-based corporation, supplies a process which produces diesel fuel and heating oil from used plastics and waste or bilge oil. The diesel is of gas station quality and meets Europe's EN 590 norm. For this innovative technology the company expects a major new market from Japan's commercial shipping fleet, which is one of the world's largest.

"Japan has to import most of its energy supplies and many raw materials - above all by sea," states Christopher Stampfli, Director of Biotherm Technologie AG. "This is highly promising for our process. The bilge oil generated during shipping operations and at the ports no longer has to be disposed of at great cost. Instead it can cover part of Japan's energy needs."

Patented process from Germany benefits business

The patented process, which was developed by Clyvia Technology GmbH from Wegberg, Germany, is based on fractionated depolymerisation and is similar to the cracking of crude oil. At 400C it breaks down long hydrocarbon chains, which then vaporize and condense as diesel oil.

In view of rising crude oil prices this process, which has been successfully tested in Europe, also provides major advantages to Japanese business. In addition to shipping, it will benefit a range of industrial corporations and trades which generate waste plastics - from production scrap via foil and plastic bags to yoghurt cartons or cable sleeves. All these materials can be used for the production of diesel fuel and heating oil.

Biotherm Technologie AG is currently looking for a suitable representative for the Japanese market. Interested parties can contact the company directly. Further information on the business concept and fractionated depolymerisation is available online at http://www.biothermtec.ch and http://www.clyvia-tec.com.

Contact partner:

Biotherm Technologie AG
Christopher F. Stampfli
Rheinweg 1
CH-8200 Schaffhausen
Tel.: +41-(0)-52-63-00-707
Fax: +41-(0) 52-63-00-708
Mobile: +41-(0)-79-63-60-107
Email: stampfli@biothermtec.ch
Web: http://www.biothermtec.ch

Press contact:
Dr. Schulz Business Consulting
Dr. Volker Schulz
Berrenrather Str. 190
D-50937 Cologne
Tel.: +49-(0)-221-42-58-12
Fax: +49-(0)-221-42-49-880
Email: v.schulz@dr-schulz-bc.de

Health/Medical: Pioneering Eye Surgery Network receives 2008 Gates Award

Pioneering Eye Surgery Network receives 2008 Gates Award for Global Health Non-Profit Aravind Eye Care System wins $1 million prize for preventing and curing blindness in India's poorest communities

Seattle (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - In recognition of its groundbreaking work to prevent debilitating blindness and provide affordable, world-class eye care to the poor, the Aravind Eye Care System, based in Tamil Nadu, India, has won the 2008 Gates Award for Global Health. The $1 million Gates Award -- the world's largest prize for international health -- honors extraordinary efforts to improve health in developing countries.

Founded by Dr. G. Venkataswamy in 1976, Aravind has saved millions of people in India from debilitating blindness. Cataracts account for more than half the cases of blindness in India. In the past year, Aravind provided out-patient care to approximately 2.4 million patients and performed more than 280,000 surgeries. Thanks in part to Aravind's efforts, the estimated number of blind people in India fell from 8.9 million in 1990 to 6.7 million in 2002, a decline of 25%.

William H. Gates Sr., co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will present the award on May 29 at the Global Health Council's 35th Annual International Conference in Washington, DC.

"Being blind in a rural village in the developing world leaves a person in darkness and dependence, often unable to earn a living or assist in the duties of their household," said Mr. Gates. "Aravind has given sight to millions of men, women, and children, enabling them to participate fully in the lives of their families and communities."

Since 1976, Aravind has grown from a rented house with 11 beds to a thriving network of hospitals and satellite clinics that provide eye exams and surgeries, train health care professionals, conduct research, and manufacture eye care products.

Outreach teams from Aravind hospitals coordinate with local leaders and service groups across India to organize "eye camps" that provide free exams. Since 2004, Aravind has used high-speed broadband access to link these camps directly to on-call doctors in central hospitals. The doctors can diagnose and refer patients in real time, ensuring that only those who require surgery make the journey to the hospital.

"All people have a right to sight," said Dr. Perumalsamy Namperumalsamy, chairman of Aravind. "We hope that this award will encourage others to develop creative, sustainable solutions to blindness and other global health challenges."

Aravind's innovative business model enables it to provide the same high-quality care to every patient, regardless of their ability to pay, without charitable contributions. The organization enlists local businesses to sponsor eye care hospitals, and subsidizes care for the poor through fees from paying patients and global sales of eye care products.

"Ensuring that the world's poorest people can access essential health care is an ongoing challenge in global health," said Dr. Nils Daulaire, president of the Global Health Council. "Aravind has demonstrated that there are ways to do good and commit to providing the highest quality services while utilizing the latest technologies and scientific advances."

About the Gates Award for Global Health

The Gates Award for Global Health was established by Bill and Melinda Gates in 2000 to recognize exemplary work in international health. The Global Health Council coordinates the selection process for and presentation of the Gates Award at its Annual International Conference.

Previous recipients of the Gates Award include Thailand's Population and Community Development Association for its innovative work in family planning and HIV prevention (2007); the Carter Center, for its pioneering work to fight neglected diseases (2006); the African Medical and Research Foundation, for improving health in some of Africa's poorest communities (2005); the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee, for
community-based health programs (2004); the Brazilian National AIDS Program, for its integrated approach to HIV prevention and treatment (2003); the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, for contributions to polio eradication (2002); and the ICDDR,B Center for Health and Population Research, for the discovery of a diarrhea therapy that has saved millions of lives (2001).

SOURCE Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
CONTACT: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,
+1-206-709-3400,
media@gatesfoundation.org;
Ms. Chitra Thulasiraj of Aravind Eye Care Hospital,
+91-452-4356500,
chitra@aravind.org