Friday, June 06, 2008

Business: Saint-Gobain`s Construction Products sector moves into Japan

Paris, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Saint-Gobain's Construction Products sector has gained a foothold on the Japanese insulation market through its acquisition of the 43.64% stake held by Nippon Sheet Glass (NSG) in MAG.

The acquisition was made for an amount of 1,750 million yen (EUR11 million). Following the acquisition, MAG will be jointly owned by Japanese group Taiheiyo Cement and Saint-Gobain, each with a stake of 43.64%, and will be operationally managed by Saint-Gobain.

MAG is the first glass wool manufacturer in Japan, with consolidated sales of 20,219 million yen (EUR125.4 million) in 2007 and about 440 employees. It operates four plants located in Ibaraki (Akeno and Tsuchiura), Gifu (Tarui) and Hokkaido (Sunagawa). The company has been an Isover licensee for many years, and has been using the Saint-Gobain TEL process since 1974.

Japan is one of the world's leading construction products markets: the building industry employs 9% of the country's active population, and 1.2 million new dwellings are built each year. New building standards with greater emphasis on insulation should become effective this year. They aim to address the growing concern of government and consumers for environmental protection (reduction of CO2), energy efficiency and comfort.

With this acquisition, the Construction Products sector is ideally placed to build a strong position on the Japanese market and become a key player in the Japanese construction industry.

Saint-Gobain in Japan

Saint-Gobain K.K. was established in 1986 as Saint-Gobain Group's wholly-owned Japanese subsidiary. Saint-Gobain K.K. has about 260 employees, and over 430 people in total work for Japan-based companies in which Saint-Gobain Group has a shareholding of 50% or more. Saint-Gobain acquired Norton Group in 1990, which had been present in Japan since 1917.

Along with Saint-Gobain K.K., three joint-venture companies manufacture and/or distribute Saint-Gobain products in Japan, which include ceramics, crystals, plastics, refractories, abrasives and flat glass for automotive, building or solar applications.

The first joint ventures formed by Saint-Gobain with Japanese business partners go back as far as 1974, while the most recent initiatives involve Nippon Electric Glass and Central Glass in 2003.

Saint-Gobain K.K.'s head office is 3-7 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.
For more information, see http://www.saint-gobain.co.jp
Investor Relations Department
Florence Triou-Teixeira Tel.: +33-1-47-62-45-19
Alexandre Etuy Tel.: +33-1-47-62-37-15
Vivien Dardel Tel.: +33-1-47-32-44-29
Fax.:+33-1-47-62-50-62
Press Relations
Sophie Chevallon Tel.: +33-1-47-62-30-48
Source: Saint-Gobain

Business in Asia Today - June 06, 2008

MITSUI TO CONSTRUCT US$284 MLN WIND POWER PLANT IN AUSTRALIA
Tokyo (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Mitsui & Co. (TSE:8031) intends to build and operate a large wind power plant in Australia and begin selling the generated electricity to retailers by 2011.
The plant, expected to cost around US$284.37 million, is to be built on the coast near Melbourne. itsui aims to build 52 wind machines, each able to generate 2,000kw of electricity, for total output of 104,000kw. This will lift Australia's wind power generation by more than 10 per cent and is enough to meet the energy needs of 62,000 homes a year.
Construction is to start by next spring.

HYUNDAI MOTOR BEGINS WORK ON US$400 MLN RUSSIAN FACTORY
St. Petersburg (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Hyundai Motor Co. (KSE:005380) began building a US$400 million factory in Russia on Thursday in a bid to win sales in the country's fast-growing automobile market.
Hyundai plans to complete the factory, which will eventually have a production capacity of 100,000 vehicles a year, by 2010 in the Kamenka industrial zone in St. Petersburg.
The new plant will manufacture a next-generation compact model that will roll off Hyundai assembly lines in South Korea, Russia, China and India.
The plant, which will be Hyundai's sixth overseas plant, will employ 1,700 people, with most of the workers being hired locally, the South Korean company said.

AUSTRALIAN CAR MAKER HOLDEN CUTS 500 JOBS AT PLANT, SAYS UNION
Melbourne (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Holden's Melbourne plant will close part of its operations, putting 500 people out of work, Australia's car manufacturing union has said.
Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) car division federal secretary Ian Jones said today Holden was effectively closing one part of its operations at its Fisherman's Bend plant which will put 500 full time workers out of work from the end of next year.
Mr Jones said Holden was scrapping the Australian production of small four-cylinder engines that have been exported to Korea. He said at this stage there was no replacement manufacturing proposed for when four-cylinder production ceases at the end of next year.

NEC ELECTRONICS SETS UP SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT CENTER IN TAIWAN
Tokyo (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - NEC Electronics Corp. (TSE:6723) has established a Taiwanese site to develop software for chips used in controlling optical disc drive devices.
The new center is located at the company's sales subsidiary in Taipei.
It has hired 10 engineers locally who have begun developing software for chips mounted in driver devices for existing DVD hardware.
NEC Electronics' sales of chips for optical disc driver devices reached 20 billion yen (US$189.58 million) in the year ended March.
By opening a development site in Taiwan, where many PC manufacturers are based, it hopes to increase these sales.

QANTAS TO TRIM JAPAN SERVICE ON COSTLY FUEL, FEWER PASSENGERS
Sydney (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX:QAN) said Thursday that it plans to cut Australia-Japan service from September in response to high fuel prices and falling Japanese tourist numbers.
The Tokyo-Melbourne route will be scrapped, while flights between Tokyo and Sydney will be trimmed to seven a week from nine. The Tokyo-Cairns service, which flies 14 times a week, will be operated by Qantas' low-cost carrier, Jetstar.
From December, Jetstar will also begin flying between Tokyo and the Gold Coast five times a week.
"At current fuel prices, the group would lose more than 100 million dollars (US$95.63 million) operating to Japan under our existing schedule," Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon said.

ACCC STARTS REVIEW INTO BHP'S PROPOSED PURCHASE OF RIO TINTO
Sydney (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has commenced its review of the proposed acquisition of Rio Tinto ltd (ASX:RIO) by BHP Billiton Ltd (ASX:BHP).
The ACCC today received a submission from BHP about its plan to buy its rival for about US$170 billion (A$177.64 billion). BHP chief executive Marius Kloppers said yesterday he was confident the proposed takeover would be successful as it would not present any economic issues for steelmakers and customers.
Steelmakers have expressed concern about reduced competition and stronger pricing control by a merged group. It is widely believed that BHP Billiton may have to dispose of some assets for the takeover to succeed, particularly iron ore assets.

AUTO PRODUCTION CAPACITY HITS 1 MLN UNITS IN CHINA'S GUANGDONG
Guangzhou (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - South China's Guangdong Province has expanded its annual motor vehicle production capacity to one million units, according to the Development and Reform Commission.
The annual production capacity of sedans has reached 980,000 units, with the output hitting 780,000 tons, ranking No.1 nationwide.
Three Sino-Japanese vehicle companies expanded their production capacities in 2007.
The province posted an investment growth of 8.3 per cent year on year in the first four months of 2008 while that by the automobile industry grew 69 per cent.

BORDERS FINALISES SALE OF AUSTRALIAN, NZ AND SINGAPORE ASSETS
Melbourne (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - It's taken over a year to seal the deal but Borders Group Inc has finally off-loaded its Australian, New Zealand and Singaporean assets and brand to local book retailer A&R Whitcoulls (ARW).
The A$110 million (US$105.19 million) sale gives ARW, owned by Pacific Equity Partners, 30 Borders bookstores in the three countries.
The new owner already operates more than 260 stores including Australia's oldest bookstore chain, Angus & Robertson, and New Zealand book and stationery chain, Whitcoulls.
Under the deal ARW will gain exclusive rights to use the Borders trademarks in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
Locally, existing Borders management will remain in place, including managing director John Campradt who said the Australian, New Zealand and Singapore stores have all been profitable for some time.

INDONESIAN GOVT TO LAUNCH 2ND CRASH PROGRAM TO GENERATE POWER
Jakarta (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - The Indonesian government plans to launch another crash program to build power plants with a total investment of Rp100 trillion (US$11 billion) after the completion of the first program.
The second program will build power plants with a capacity of 10,000 megawatts, the same as the first program, but instead of coal fired energy it will utilize more geothermal, hydroelectric and renewable energy to generate power, an official said. The concept for the second program is expected to be completed this month, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said after a cabinet meeting.

CATHAY HOLDINGS CHAIR TOPS FORBES LIST OF TAIWAN'S RICHEST
Taipei (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - CATHAY FINANCIAL HOLDINGS (TAIEX:2882) Chairman Tsai Hong-tu and family, with a net worth of US$8.5 billion, has topped Forbes magazine's 2008 list of Taiwan's richest people.
In second place was FORMOSA PLASTICS GROUP (TAIEX:1301) Chairman Wang Yung-ching with a net worth of US$6.8 billion and HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY (TAIEX:2317) Chairman Terry Gou with a net worth of US$6 billion took third.
Others included in the top 10 were FUBON GROUP (TAIEX:0015) Chairman Tsai Wan-tsai at US$5.1 billion; HTC CORP. Chairwoman Cher Wang and her husband, VIA TECHNOLOGIES INC. (TAIEX:2388) President Chen Wen-chi, with a net worth of US$3.5 billion; CHINATRUST FINANCIAL HOLDING Chairman Jeffrey Koo with a net worth of US$2.8 billion and property and media tycoon Lin Rong-san with a net worth of US$2.7 billion.

Source:
Business in Asia Today - JUNE 06, 2008
published by Asia Pulse

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Technology: Micrel slashes BOM costs with new 2.5Gbps laser diode driver

San Jose, California, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Micrel Inc., (Nasdaq: MCRL), an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth communications and Ethernet IC solutions, today launched a new stand-alone 2.5Gbps laser diode driver (LDD) with integrated Automatic Power Control (APC) and a power monitoring feature to keep average optical power constant during temperature changes and over the lifetime of the laser.

The SY88212 L is also designed with high compliance voltage, allowing it to be DC-coupled to the laser to reduce external component count and power consumption. The SY88212 L is a single-supply, 3.3V laser driver designed for datacom and telecom applications, including LAN and MAN with any data rates up to 2.5Gbps. Such applications include FC, GbE, SONET, OC3/12 24/48 and SDH, STM 1/4/8. The device is also well suited for SFF and SFP modules. The IC is currently available in volume and pricing starts at $3.00 for 1K quantity. Samples can now be ordered on line on Micrel's web site at: http://www.micrel.com ProductList.do.

"Micrel has been offering fiber optic module chipset solutions including the controllers, MIC3001/2. As the markets grow more rapidly and the demand for lower cost solutions increases, Micrel expands its LDD product portfolio by offering customers a high-performance, stand-alone laser driver with APC and power monitoring," noted Thomas Wong, vice president for high bandwidth products at Micrel.

"This solution minimizes the number of external components and lowers the Bill Of Materials (BOM) cost, making Micrel's solution cost-effective and flexible."

The driver can deliver modulation current up to 85mA and bias current up to 70mA, and is suitable for both AC and DC-coupled laser interfaces due to its high compliance voltage. The SY88212 L also features an APC fault indicator, TXenable TXdisable for enabling/disabling the driver, and a power- monitoring pin, which monitors the current that is proportional to the sum of bias current and half of modulation current. It is available in a 24-pin (4mm x 4mm) MLF(R) package.

About Micrel, Inc.

Micrel Inc., is a leading global manufacturer of IC solutions for the worldwide analog, Ethernet and high bandwidth markets. The Company's products include advanced mixed-signal, analog and power semiconductors; high performance communication, clock management, Ethernet switch and physical layer transceiver ICs. Company customers include leading manufacturers of enterprise, consumer, industrial, mobile, telecommunications, automotive, and computer products.

Corporation headquarters and state-of-the-art wafer fabrication facilities are located in San Jose, CA, with regional sales and support offices and advanced technology design centers situated throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. In addition, the Company maintains an extensive network of distributors and reps worldwide. Web: http:/ www.micrel.com.

Note: MLF is a registered trademark of Amkor Technology.

SOURCE Micrel Inc.
CONTACT: Julieanne DiBene, Marketing Communications of Micrel Inc.,
+1-408-474-1276, Julie.DiBene@Micrel.com
Web site: http://www.micrel.com

Technology: Silicon Image announces SteelVine storage processor support

Taipei, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - COMPUTEX -- Silicon Image, Inc. (Nasdaq: SIMG), a leader in semiconductors and intellectual property for the secure storage, distribution and presentation of high-definition content, today announced SteelVine(TM) support for the latest generation of Intel(R) PC chipsets with the release of its Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) version 1.2 Serial ATA (SATA) driver.


Designed for compatibility with Microsoft(R) Windows Vista(R), Windows Server(R) 2008 and future versions of Window's operating systems using Microsoft's latest Storport driver architecture, Silicon Image's AHCI driver allows PC OEMs to create cost optimized motherboard designs that embed SteelVine storage processors and port multipliers.

The Silicon Image AHCI driver takes full advantage of the Serial ATA architecture and provides seamless operation between Intel's chipsets and Silicon Image's SteelVine(TM) storage processors renowned for their ease of use in motherboard RAID solutions.

"At Silicon Image we focus on bringing innovative and cost-effective technology enhancements to industry standards for digital content delivery," said Conrad A. Maxwell, senior product line manager at Silicon Image. "This new product offering represents a significant improvement in motherboard and eSATA support as our AHCI driver allows all drives to be visible without the need for an additional discrete port multiplier aware SATA controller."

Designed to take advantage of Silicon Image's high-bandwidth SteelVine storage solutions already implemented in high-volume motherboard applications, the new AHCI driver is compatible with Silicon Image port multipliers and storage processors that provide multi-RAID modes, like SAFE33, as well as standard RAID modes. Using this driver saves the cost of a discrete SATA controller while still allowing full access to all SteelVine functions.

Further integration is offered through a bundle that includes motherboard installation software and supports Silicon Image's hot plug mechanism over eSATA.

Silicon Image's SteelVine storage solutions are the right answers for consumers desiring to access high-quality digital media stored on their PCs and DVRs and distribute that content throughout their home and mobile environments.

For more information on Silicon Image's SteelVine storage product line of controllers, port-multipliers, HBAs, bridges and reference designs for simple, reliable, scalable storage in consumer devices please visit http://www.siliconimage.com.

About Silicon Image

Silicon Image, Inc. is a global leader in driving the architecture and semiconductor implementation for the secure storage, distribution and presentation of high-definition content in the consumer electronics, personal computing, and mobile device markets.

With a rich history of technology innovation that includes creating industry standards such as SATA, DVI and HDMI, Silicon Image partners with the world's leading entertainment creators and electronics manufacturers to deliver digital HD content to consumers anytime, anywhere, on any device.

Silicon Image is also a leading provider of semiconductor intellectual property solutions for high-definition multimedia and data storage applications. Additionally, Simplay Labs, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Silicon Image, offers robust testing tools, technologies, support services, consulting and product certification to electronics manufacturers to maximize performance, interoperability and ensure the highest-quality HD experience to consumers. With engineering, sales and customer support facilities located throughout North America, Asia and Europe, Silicon Image (NASDAQ: SIMG) is globally headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.

For more information, please visit http://www.siliconimage.com.

Note: Silicon Image, the Silicon Image logo and Simplay HD are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Silicon Image, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. HDMI is a trademark or registered trademark of HDMI Licensing, LLC in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners in the Unites States and/or other countries.

Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws and regulations including, but not limited to, statements regarding the performance and anticipated benefits of Silicon Image's products and the benefits to end user customers. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those described from time to time in Silicon Image's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements.

The forward- looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release; and Silicon Image assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement. Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ can be found in the Silicon Image's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q.

Silicon Image, the Silicon Image logo and Simplay HD are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Silicon Image, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. HDMI is a trademark or registered trademark of HDMI Licensing, LLC in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners in the Unites States and/or other countries.

SOURCE: Silicon Image, Inc.
CONTACT: Gabriele Collier of Silicon Image, Inc.,
+1-408-616-4088, gabriele.collier@siliconimage.com;
or Joseph Kilmer of The Hoffman Agency, +1-408-975-3032,
jkilmer@hoffman.com,
for Silicon Image, Inc.
Web site: http://www.siliconimage.com

Business: Rolf Deusinger resigns from ASML Supervisory Board

VELDHOVEN, the Netherlands, June 6, 2008 - ASML Holding NV (ASML) announces that Rolf Deusinger has decided to resign with immediate effect from the Supervisory Board.

Mr Deusinger was appointed to the Supervisory Board on July 17, 2007. At that time he was Executive Vice President Human Resources at ICI. Mr Deusinger left ICI following the merger with AkzoNobel and he has accepted a new position elsewhere which makes it difficult for him to continue his activities for ASML.

About ASML

ASML is the world's leading provider of lithography systems for the semiconductor industry, manufacturing complex machines that are critical to the production of integrated circuits or chips. Headquartered in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, ASML is traded on Euronext Amsterdam and NASDAQ under the symbol ASML. ASML has more than 6,750 employees, serving chip manufacturers in more than 60 locations in 16 countries. For more information, visit our website: www.asml.com

Media Relations Contacts

Lucas van Grinsven – Corporate Communications – +31 40 268 3949 – Veldhoven, the Netherlands

Investor Relations Contacts
Craig DeYoung – Investor Relations – +1 480 383 4005 – Tempe, Arizona, USA
Franki D’Hoore – Investor Relations – +31 40 268 6494 – Veldhoven, the Netherlands

Health/Medical: Health Experts urge use of data to prevent rotavirus deaths

Istanbul, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Over 350 of the world's leading scientific experts, policymakers and leading public health professionals from 67 countries convened today during the 8th International Rotavirus Symposium in Istanbul, Turkey, to present new data about rotavirus -- a disease which causes acute diarrhea and often leads to death among young children.

"Regardless of where they live, virtually all children become infected with rotavirus by the age of three. Yet, 90 percent of child deaths due to rotavirus occur in the world's poorest countries," said Dr. Ciro de Quadros, of the Sabin Vaccine Institute.

Roger Glass, of the Fogarty International Center, added, "Every country affected by this disease should be using these new insights to have vigorous discussions about the best ways to prevent this potential killer."

The following data was presented at the Symposium on June 3 and 4:
-- Rotavirus is responsible for an estimated 527,000 deaths each year among children under five years of age.
-- Six countries in Africa and Asia account for 50 percent of all deaths. Those countries are India, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, China and Pakistan.
-- Rotavirus is responsible for 2 million hospitalizations per year worldwide.
-- Thirty-five to sixty percent of diarrhea hospitalizations in childrenunder five years of age worldwide are due to rotavirus.

"Progress is important because this disease strains the health systems of countries already burdened with limited resources," said Umesh Parashar, of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Surveillance data is being collected in more than 50 countries. Findings from many of these countries could be available within the next two years.

"Despite the persistent strife among countries which we hear about almost daily -- scientific, policy and public health leaders from 67 countries have come together in common cause to prevent the deaths of millions of children," said Cristiana Toscano, of the World Health Organization (WHO).

"We are excited to share with the world compelling new data and insights about promising practices to prevent diarrheal disease -- including rotavirus vaccines, which studies increasingly show to have a vital role in saving children's lives," said John Wecker, of PATH, an international global health organization.

SOURCE: Sabin Vaccine Institute
CONTACT: Ken Goldman (US),
+1-202-338-8700, or
Isil Evgin (Turkey),
+90-212-270-5232,
both for Sabin Vaccine Institute

Business: Weil Gotshal expands its Asia presence by opening a new office in Beijing

New York (PRIME NEWSWIRE) - Global law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP announced today that the firm has received a license from the Chinese government to open a new office in Beijing, the firm's third location in Asia and second opening there in the past twelve months. Weil Gotshal's expansion in Beijing highlights the firm's ever greater participation in transactions involving both Asia-based clients and clients located elsewhere with significant business interests in the Asia-Pacific region.

"This is a natural step forward for our law firm," said Chairman Stephen Dannhauser. "Beijing is a market we've long contemplated as a necessary complement to Hong Kong and Shanghai, and as with all of our new office openings, we decided to act based on our ability to deliver to clients the same level of skill and service they have come to expect throughout our firm."

The Beijing office will focus primarily on M&A and private equity matters and will enhance the firm's transactional capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. Steve Xiang, who leads the firm's China practice, will head up the Beijing office and be joined by newly promoted partner Kevin Ban as well as of counsel Yan Yang and a team of associates and assistants.

"Since opening our Shanghai office in 2004," commented Steve Xiang, "we have become a standard bearer in the region for inbound and outbound investments and multi-jurisdictional corporate and regulatory advice."

With the Beijing opening, Weil Gotshal now has twenty offices, half of which are located outside of the United States. The firm opened its first international office in 1991; since that time, the firm's international platform has earned plaudits in each local market and has facilitated the firm's participation in many landmark cross-border transactions.

"It is extremely rewarding to build business relationships that can endure changes in the marketplace," commented Akiko Mikumo, the Managing Partner for Asia, "Our goal, as always, is to provide the most comprehensive and consistently excellent legal service to our clients -- when and where they need it -- and Beijing is a key part of that formula."

The new Beijing office is located at 301 Office Tower C2, Oriental Plaza, No. 1 East Chang An Avenue, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100738, PR China (Tel: +86 10 85150558).

About Weil, Gotshal & Manges

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is a global law firm of 1,300 lawyers, including more than 300 partners. Weil Gotshal is headquartered in New York, with offices in Austin, Beijing, Boston, Budapest, Dallas, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Miami, Munich, Paris, Prague, Providence, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Warsaw, Washington DC and Wilmington. Please visit www.weil.com for more information.

The Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4964
-0-
CONTACT:
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Akiko Mikumo, Managing Partner, Asia
+852 3476 9008
akiko.mikumo@weil.com
Steve Xiang, Head of China Practice
+86 21 32179511
steve.xiang@weil.com

Business: Rare & important Chinese Sui Dynasty stele to be sold at auction

Dallas, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - An important Chinese Sui Dynasty brown limestone triad stele with calligraphic inscription dated 613 A.D. to be sold at auction at Dallas Auction Gallery on June 18 - Mandarin speaking Asian arts expert on staff.

- High resolution images of stele and documentation available upon request.
- Preview catalogs available online at http:/www.dallasauctiongallery.com
- For additional information and bid registration, please call 00 1+214-653-3900

A rare and important Chinese Sui Dynasty stele dated 613 A.D. which possesses both cultural and historic significance will be sold at auction June 18, 2008 at Dallas Auction Gallery, the Southwest's premier antiques and fine art auction house.

This stele originated from the Estate of Richard Shih-chiu Huang by descent from Professor Huang Fanggang, who was a Professor of Philosophy at the National Wuhan University in Kaiting, Szechwan and the son of Huang Yinpei. The stele was purchased by Huang Fanggang from a Mukden, China curio dealer circa 1932. Period photos document the stele as being on display in his study. It has remained part of the families' private collection and has not been on public display or ever offered for sale.

The brown limestone triad stele is set against a background of juancao wen pattern, the central Shakyamuni Buddha figure is depicted seated atop a lotus pedestal flanked to each side by standing bodhisattva. Calligraphic inscription to the reverse translates:

"In the ninth year of the reign of Ta-Yeh of the great Sui Empire, on the full moon day of the tenth month, Disciple Cho Tsung-hsein and Disciple Tso-Chung-ho with deep reverence have the image of Buddha made in order that having bathed themselves and burnt inscence they might worship before it."

The date given corresponds to the year 613.

Dallas Auction Gallery welcomes consignments for Asian art, antiques and fine jewels throughout the year. Complimentary consultations are available.

ABOUT DALLAS AUCTION GALLERY:

A family-owned business, Dallas Auction Gallery is the Southwest's premier antiques and fine art auction house, featuring only the highest quality antiques, fine art and client service. Set in a professional viewing and auction gallery, both buyers and sellers experience a simple, seamless transaction.

The highly trained appraisers and auction specialists provide full service estate consignment management and professional promotion and marketing; all designed to maximize values with the utmost integrity and personal service. Both buyers and sellers appreciate the hands-on approach of the staff, simplified fee structure and their ability to handle estates of any size.

Dallas Auction Gallery is a member of the National Auctioneers Association and Texas Auctioneers Association.

For more information, please visit http:/www.dallasauctiongallery.com or call 00+1+214-653-3900.

SOURCE: Dallas Auction Gallery
CONTACT: Justine Sweeney, +1-214-542-5571,
jsweeney@sweeneymediagroup.com, for Dallas Auction Gallery
Web site: http://www.dallasauctiongallery.com

Health/Medical: Crystal Research issues Executive Informational Overview

New York, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Crystal Research Associates, LLC announced today that it has issued an Executive Informational Overview(R) (EIO(R)) on Arana Therapeutics Ltd. (AAH: ASX). The full 56-page report can be found at www.crystalra.com .

Arana Therapeutics Ltd. ("Arana" or "the Company") is a biotechnology company developing next-generation antibody therapeutics to treat inflammatory diseases and cancer. Arana's business is divided into two sectors: (1) protein engineering technologies; and (2) therapeutics development.

The Company's technology platform includes its Superhumanisation(TM), Synhumanisation(R), and EvoGene(TM) proprietary processes. Application of these technologies can transform lead proteins, including antibodies, into safe, potent therapeutic candidates. The resulting products may be less immunogenic (less likely to cause side effects) yet retain the crucial binding properties of the starting antibody.

At present, the Company licenses its protein engineering platform to CSL Ltd. (CSL-ASX), GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK-NYSE), Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Vegenics Ltd. Additionally, Arana can use its technologies to decrease the timeline and minimize the financial risks of its therapeutic antibody development. The Company does this by further enhancing already validated targets that would otherwise be excluded from development due to existing competitor patents.

Arana's product pipeline consists of eight candidates targeting inflammatory diseases as well as bone, lung, and colorectal cancer, melanoma, leukemia, and solid tumors. ART621, the Company's most advanced candidate, is a Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF alpha)-blocker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, and Crohn's disease.

In March 2008, the Company commenced Phase II clinical trials of ART621 in psoriasis patients. Within Arana's Cancer Franchise, the lead product candidate is ART010, an engineered version of a naturally occurring protein being developed for treating cancer related to bone disease and osteoporosis. Arana expects to begin manufacturing ART010 in 2008 and could enter Phase I trials in late 2009. Arana has headquarters in Sydney, Australia, with facilities in Melbourne, Australia, and San Francisco, California.

About Crystal Research Associates, LLC

Crystal Research Associates, LLC is an independent research firm that provides institutional-quality, fee-based research to small and mid-cap companies. Crystal Research Associates' unique and novel product, the Executive Informational Overview(R) (EIO(R)), is free of investment ratings, target prices, and forward-looking financial models.

The EIO(R) presents a crystal clear, detailed report on a company (public or private) in a manner that is easily understood by the Wall Street financial community. The EIO(R) details a company's product/technology/service offerings, market size(s), key intellectual property, leadership, growth strategy, competition, risks, audited financial statements, key events, and other such fundamental information.

Crystal Research Associates has offices in New York City and Delray Beach. Crystal Research Associates has been compensated by the Company in cash of forty thousand U.S. dollars for its services in creating this report, for updates, and for printing costs.

Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this news release regarding future financial and operating results, potential applications of the Company's technology, opportunities for the Company, and any other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates," and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements.

There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements including, limited operating history, need for future capital, and economic conditions generally.

Additional information on potential factors that could affect results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports.

These statements, and other forward-looking statements, are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. Crystal Research Associates assumes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this release.

SOURCE: Crystal Research Associates, LLC
CONTACT: Jeffrey J. Kraws, jeff@crystalra.com,
or Karen B. Goldfarb, karen@crystalra.com,
both of Crystal Research Associates, LLC, +1-609-306-2274,
Fax: +1-609-395-9339
Web site: http://www.crystalra.com

Technology: Top Broadband innovations in Asia-Pacific recognized

Top Broadband innovations in Asia-Pacific recognized with IEC announcement of 2008 InfoVision finalists
The International Engineering Consortium (IEC) today announced the finalists of the highly-coveted 2008 InfoVision Awards for the Broadband World Forum Asia 2008; winners will be announced next month at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Chicago (BUSINESS WIRE) - The International Engineering Consortium (IEC) today announced the finalists of this year's InfoVision Awards, which will be presented at the Broadband World Forum Asia 2008 this 15-18 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with PCCW Limited as the official host sponsor.

"The InfoVision Awards recognize both individuals and companies most dedicated to providing the ultimate user experience for all; this year is no exception and the IEC is pleased to honor some of the finest broadband products and services deployed in the Asia-Pacific region," pronounced IEC President John Janowiak.

The InfoVision Awards program recognizes technologies, applications, products, advances and services deployed in the Asia-Pacific region judged to be the most unique and beneficial to the telecommunications industry and consumers globally. The InfoVision Awards also honor corporations and individuals for their innovative contributions and developments that have proven important to society.

The 2008 InfoVision finalists are the following products and companies in their respective categories: Category 1: Access Network Technologies and Services BT Onevoice Mobile Access  BT PON BPL ONU  Nokia Siemens Networks Unitrans ZXMP S200 ZTE Corporation Category 2: Network and Services Management and Operations 8610 Instant Converged Charging Suite Alcatel-Lucent IxLoad 4.0  IXIA Motorola VODxchange? VOD Content Creation System  Motorola Telcordia Service Management Suite  Telcordia Technologies Category 3: Wireless Broadband IP Transport Infrastructure for Mobile Evolution  Huawei Technologies Category 4: Content, Entertainment, Applications, and Services PIsys Control System  Irdeto Motorola SX-1000 StatmuxIP Controller Motorola YP Channel 502  PCCW Limited Category 5: Broadband Appliances, Devices, and Home Networking COSIC?-Modem -- CAT-iq?/DECT Single Chip for VoIP Broadband CPE  Infineon Technologies AG Motorola WiMAX CPEi 750 Desktop CPE  Motorola Category 6: Core Network Innovation and Advances Huawei 40G Transmission Solution (SuperDRZ)  Huawei
Technologies Pacnet IP VCN  Pacnet Converged Resources and Charging Policy Platform  ZTE Corporation Category 7: Metro Network Technologies and Services Alcatel-Lucent 7750 SR New Integrated Service Adaptors  Alcatel-Lucent Motorola SE-5150 Encoder/Receiver  Motorola RPR-embedded MSTP solution  ZTE Corporation Category 8: New Product Concepts MatrixStream Technologies Inc.

Pacnet To protect the privacy of finalist companies in the "New Product Concepts" category, product names will not be announced until the Broadband World Forum Asia 2008.

Finalists were judged according the following criteria:
1. Value of service or technology in solving recognized technology problems, meeting network requirements, optimizing service and performance, and/or enhancing customer service
2. Overall quality of innovation and contribution to technology advancement
3. Originality and vision
4. Potential contribution toward positive industry growth and service
5. Market success acceptance (where applicable)
6. Contribution to end-user quality of experience and service efficiency Products eligible for an InfoVision Award designation were commercially announced or in deployment within the Asia-Pacific region prior to the Broadband World Forum Asia 2008. Submissions were judged by thought leaders chosen from the Technical Program Committee, which developed the educational program of the Broadband World Forum Asia 2008.

The panel of judges is composed of industry experts from vendor companies, service providers, and industry associations.

InfoVision Award winners will be selected from the group of finalists and announced at the Broadband World Forum Asia 2008 on Thursday, 17 July at noon following the Thursday Hot Seat Session.

All industry professionals may attend the InfoVision Awards ceremony with an Exhibits PLUS Pass, available at www.iec.orgevents/2008/bbwf_asia/register/exh_plus_only_reg.asp.

All accredited members of the media are entitled to complimentary press registration at the event. Visit www.iec.org/events/2008/bbwf_asia/register/press_reg.asp.

For complete information, visit www.iec.org/events/2008bbwf_asia/ or contact Lisa Reyes at lreyes@iec.org or
+1-312-559-3325.

IEC Lisa Reyes+1-312-559-3325 lreyes@iec.org

Busniness: John Clough appointed to Astrata`s board of directors

Costa Mesa, California, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Astrata Group (OTC Bulletin Board: ATTG) announced today that John Clough has been appointed as an independent member of the Company's Board of Directors.

Mr Clough is currently a Special Advisor to General Atlantic LLC, a leading global growth equity firm with approximately $17 billion under management, providing capital and strategic support for growth companies.

Before joining General Atlantic, Mr Clough held a number of senior management positions with global companies in the IT industry. In the 90's, he Co-Founded and was Managing Director of the CSSL Group in Asia, one of Asia's largest mid-range software distributors and hardware resellers, with annual revenues in excess of US$180 million.

Mr Clough was also a Director of Synon Asia Ltd., Kapiti Asia Ltd., and Director and Chairman of Cargonet/Arena Ltd. Prior to the formation of CSSL, Mr Clough held the position of General Manager JBA in Asia, an Australian based worldwide mid-range software distributor.

Mr Clough is currently on the Board of chinadotcom Corporation where he is a member of the company's Audit Committee. He is Chairman of the Executive Committee and Vice Chairman of CDC Software. Mr Clough is also a Director and member of the Audit Committee of Corgi International, and sits on the boards of a variety of private companies around the world.

Anthony Harrison, Astrata's Executive Chairman, said, "Astrata is now entering an exciting new phase of growth and expansion. John Clough's business acumen and experience will be invaluable to the company moving forward. His knowledge and understanding of acquisitions and growing technology-led companies fits very well with Astrata's strategic goals and aspirations."

Astrata's Telematics products are much in demand for fleet management and vehicle real-time tracking for private enterprises and homeland security applications. Astrata's sophisticated security and communications systems give companies and governments an effective and proven means of protecting their resources.

About Astrata Group, Inc.

Astrata Group, Inc., (OTC Bulletin Board: ATTG) is a US publicly listed company. Astrata is focused on advanced location-based IT services and solutions (telematics) that combine GPS positioning, wireless communications (satellite or terrestrial) and geographical information technology, which together enable businesses and institutions to monitor, trace as well as control the movement and status of machinery, vehicles, personnel or other assets. Astrata has designed, developed, manufactured and currently supports ten generations of telematics systems with units deployed worldwide.

Astrata has offices throughout the world including the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

For further information please visit http://www.astratagroup.com Certain statements in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate, "believe," "expect," "future," "may," "will," "would," "should," "plan," "projected," "intend," and similar expressions.

Such forward-looking statements, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Astrata Group Incorporated (the "Company") to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

The Company's future operating results are dependent upon many factors, including but not limited to:

(i) the Company's ability to obtain sufficient capital or a strategic business arrangement to fund its current operational or expansion plans;

(ii) the Company's ability to build and maintain the management and human resources and infrastructure necessary to support the anticipated growth of its business;

(iii) competitive factors and developments beyond the Company's control;

and (iv) other risk factors discussed in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available for review at www.sec.gov under "Search for Company Filings.

PR/Media & IR/Financial Contacts:
Richard Nelson Astrata Group Inc.
rnelson@astratagroup.com Tel: +44 (0)7795 422211
Gerald Amato Booke & Co. gamato@bookeandco.com
Tel: 212-490-9095
Todd M. DeMatteo DOMINICK AND DOMINICK LLC
Tel: 212-558-8809 tdematteo@dominickanddominick.com

SOURCE: Astrata Group, Inc.
CONTACT: Richard Nelson of Astrata Group Inc.,
+44(0)7795-422211, rnelson@astratagroup.com;
or Gerald Amato of Booke & Co., +1-212-490-9095,
gamato@bookeandco.com;
or Todd M. DeMatteo of DOMINICK AND DOMINICK LLC,
+1-212-558-8809, tdematteo@dominickanddominick.com
Web site: http://www.astratagroup.com

Technology: TechTeam Global acquires Onvaio

Southfield, Michegan, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - TechTeam establishes direct presence in the Philippines, strengthens leadership team and creates Asia/Latin America business unit

TechTeam Global, Inc. (Nasdaq: TEAM), a worldwide provider of information technology (IT), enterprise support and business process outsourcing services, today announced that it has acquired Onvaio, LLC (Onvaio).

Headquartered in Los Gatos, California, with annual revenue of $1.7 million in 2007, Onvaio provides technical support outsourcing for clients globally through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Onvaio Asia Services, Inc., based in Manila, Philippines.

This acquisition, together with the recent partnership established with Rainmaker Asia, Inc., provides TechTeam with an immediate direct presence in the Philippines and the ability to quickly and efficiently expand Philippine-based delivery operations in response to growing customer demand.

The acquisition also adds to TechTeam's capabilities in providing software technical support outsourcing services.

Kamran Sokhanvari, Onvaio co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer, will join TechTeam as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the newly created Asia/Latin America business unit. Kamran will work to aggressively expand TechTeam's presence in these important markets. He will also lead a cross business unit initiative to accelerate growth in TechTeam's software technical support outsourcing business.

Kamran brings 15 years of executive experience leading global service delivery organizations. He has significant experience in driving revenue growth and specializes in contact center solutions and international operations. Prior to Onvaio, Kamran was at Pinnacle Systems where he was Vice President of Services and Worldwide Operations, building a global call center infrastructure supporting 10 million customers. Prior to Pinnacle, Kamran was Vice President of Global Operations and General Manager of Services at Wind River Systems, where he was responsible for overseeing the company's operations and delivering services worldwide.

Armin Pressler, Onvaio co-founder, President and Chief Operating Officer, will join TechTeam as Corporate Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Facilities. He will be focused on optimizing TechTeam's global infrastructure and applications suite, as well as integrating the global capacity plan with facilities and infrastructure.

Armin brings a strong global technology management track record with 17 years of experience within the IT, call center and life sciences industries.

Prior to Onvaio, Armin was Chief Information Officer at Wind River Systems, where he drove global IT-business alignment that enabled a new level of business agility. Prior to Wind River, he was employed by Dow Chemical as Global e-Business Program Office Leader and was actively involved in the formation and launch of Elemica.com, the global business-to-business backbone for the $600 billion chemical industry. While at Dow Chemical, he held a number of other positions such as managing the applications and systems of the AgroSciences business unit and leading various Global IT projects.

"We are delighted to welcome Onvaio to TechTeam," said Gary J. Cotshott, President and Chief Executive Officer of TechTeam Global, Inc.

"This acquisition is a significant win for TechTeam for a number of reasons. First, Onvaio brings a direct presence in the Philippines, a great team of people and excellent clients. Second, Onvaio's experience in technical support outsourcing for software companies adds depth to our technical support outsourcing capabilities. Third, the acquisition brings two experienced leaders who will hold key positions on the leadership team and will help us in the realization of our strategic objectives."

Gary added, "We are creating an Asia/Latin America business unit in order to take advantage of the market opportunity that these regions present. We have a growing list of existing and prospective multinational customers that have needs throughout the Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions. Further, these markets are growing rapidly and are filled with potential new customers. This is a significant and strategic step for TechTeam."

Conference Call Information

TechTeam Global, Inc. will also host an investor teleconference to discuss its Asian strategy and its implications at 4:30 p.m. EDT, Thursday, June 12, 2008. To participate in the teleconference, including the question and answer session that will follow the results announcement and discussion, please call 1-866-831-6234 (outside the United States, call +1-617-213-8854). When prompted, enter the passcode: 67089226. To access a simultaneous Web cast of the teleconference, go to the TechTeam Global Web site at http://www.techteam.com/investors and click on the Web cast icon. From this site, you can download the necessary software and listen to the teleconference.

TechTeam encourages you to review the site before the teleconference to ensure that your computer is configured properly.

A taped replay of the call will be available beginning at approximately 6:30 p.m. EDT, Thursday, June 12, 2008. This toll-free replay will be available through Thursday, June 26, 2008. To listen to the teleconference replay, call 1-888-286-8010 (outside the United States, call +1-617-801-6888). When prompted, enter the passcode: 69452307.

About TechTeam Global, Inc.

TechTeam Global, Inc. is a worldwide provider of information technology, enterprise support and business process outsourcing services to Fortune 1000 corporations, multinational companies, product providers, small- and medium-sized companies, and government entities. TechTeam's ability to integrate computer services into a flexible, ITIL-based solution is a key element of its strategy. Partnerships with some of the world's "best-in-class" corporations provide TechTeam with unique expertise and experience in providing information technology
support solutions.

For information about TechTeam Global, Inc. and its services, call 800-522-4451 from the United States or visit our Web sites at www.techteam.com and www.techteam.eu TechTeam's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "TEAM."

Safe Harbor Statement

The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical, including statements regarding the Company's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions, or strategies regarding the future, are 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.

Forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, the potential impact of this acquisition on the Company's revenue and earnings performance going forward. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including, but not limited to, "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "promises," "expects," "should," "conditioned upon," and similar expressions.

Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may difer materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.

Specifically, there are significant risks associated with acquisitions, including the Company's ability to successfully integrate this acquisition on a timely basis, retain key employees, retain key customers, and grow its software technical support business on a global basis. There can be no assurance that it will have the impact on the Company's financial condition and results of operations contemplated in this release. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement. Prospective investors should also consult the risks described from time to time in the Company's Reports on Forms 8-K, 10-Q, and 10-K filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE: TechTeam Global, Inc.
CONTACT: Chris Donohue, VP, Global Strategy & Marketing,
or Marc Lichtman, VP, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer,
both of TechTeam Global, Inc., +1-248-357-2866
Web site: http://www.techteam.com
http://www.techteam.com/investors
http://www.techteam.eu

High-Tech: 3D systems to showcases tech at Japan's largest manufacturing expo

New 3-D printer, direct metal system and large-frame SLA and SLS pro systems as well as Accura and DuraForm Pro parts on display at the design engineering & manufacturing solutions Expo in Tokyo, Japan Design Engineering & Manufacturing Solutions Expo

Rock Hill, South Carolina (BUSINESS WIRE) - 3D Systems Corporation (NASDAQ:TDSC), a leading provider of 3-D Modeling, Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing solutions, announced today that it will showcase four technologies at the Design Engineering & Manufacturing Solutions Expo (DMS) from June 25-27, 2008, in Tokyo, Japan.

3D Systems will exhibit its new, high-definition ProJet HD 3000 3-D Production System using Multi-Jet Modeling (MJM) technology and its direct-metal producing Sinterstation Pro DM250 SLM System. It will also exhibit its large-frame Pro systems, the Viper Pro SLA and Sinterstation Pro SLS Systems.

All of these systems use CAD data to build three-dimensional parts in hours using advanced Additive Manufacturing technology. Parts built in the newest Accura Stereolithography (SLA) and DuraForm Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Materials will also be on display to show the wide-range of applications and industries that utilize 3D Systems' solutions.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to exhibit the full capabilities of four technologies and our Pro Parts and Pro Systems at this premier Rapid Prototyping-Direct Manufacturing event," said Abe Reichental, 3D Systems' president and chief executive officer.

"Japan continues to be an important market for 3D Systems, and the DMS Exhibition is an ideal opportunity for us to display our expanded portfolio of engineered Accura Materials.

DMS is the best place for our team of experts to show the Japanese marketplace the advantages of our cutting-edge, time-and cost-saving solutions that eliminate the need for expensive and time-consuming tooling and fixturing."

In April, 3D Systems announced that it expanded its Accura product line in Japan to include six new SLA Materials, including Accura Xtreme Plastic for parts with the look and feel of durable molded plastic, Accura Bluestone Nanocomposite Material for demanding applications such as wind-tunnel testing, and Accura 60 Plastic for tough, clear parts that simulate the look and feel of polycarbonate.

About 3D Systems

3D Systems is a leading provider of 3-D Modeling, Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing solutions. Its systems and materials reduce the time and cost of designing products and facilitate direct and indirect manufacturing by creating actual parts directly from digital input.

These solutions are used for design communication and prototyping as well as for production of functional end-use parts: Transform your products.

More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com, or via e-mail at moreinfo@3dsystems.com.

About DMS

The Design Engineering & Manufacturing Solutions Expo Conference (DMS), scheduled for June 25-27, 2008, in Tokyo, is Japan's largest IT solution expo for the manufacturing industry. Slated to have 1,470 exhibitors and 85,000 visitors, DMS is recognized as one of the most important exhibitions among designers and developers from all areas of the manufacturing industry.

More information on DMS is available at www.dms-tokyo.jp/dms english.

3D Systems Corporation

Investor Contact: Chanda Hughes, 803-326-4010
HughesC@3dsystems.com
or Media Contact: Katharina Hayes, 803-326-3941
HayesK@3dsystems.com

Logistics: Navis signs contract with Malaysia's largest port operator

Navis will implement SPARCS N4 at Port Klang in Malaysia to enable real-time monitoring and optimization of resources

Oakland, California (BUSINESS WIRE) - Navis, a Zebra Technologies company (NASDAQ: ZBRA) and the world's first company to automate marine terminal operating systems (TOS), today announced it will upgrade the terminal operating system (TOS) at Port Klang in Malaysia with Navis SPARCS N4 TOS.

Implementation of SPARCS N4 will enable Northport, which operates Port Klang, to offer real-time monitoring and optimization of its resources, to ensure efficient and faster turnaround time for ships at the terminal. Northport is Malaysia's largest operator of multi-purpose ports, handling 60 per cent of the nation's trade.

SPARCS N4 TOS combines Navis' experience at more than 200 marine terminals around the world with state-of-art software designed to deliver the lowest possible total cost of ownership (TCO). SPARCS N4 provides the low-cost, low-risk economics of packaged software, without sacrificing the flexibility of a custom solution. The Java-based solution provides inherent cross-platform portability, alleviating the impact of a heterogeneous hardware infrastructure that may arise through natural technology evolution and upgrades.

"SPARCS N4 is the fully integrated solution we've needed to connect every touch-point of Port Klang, from gate to yard to vessel," said Suresh Kumar, Assistant General Manager of Information Systems at Northport. "This will eliminate any remaining manual processes and costly errors required to keep disjointed systems in sync."

Northport officials cited various SPARCS N4 components that will benefit Port Klang, including:

Auto Stow - Combines stowage factors (e.g., type, weight) with yard constraints and operating strategy to select the best container to load in real-time

Expert Decking - helps space-constrained terminals increase utilization of yard space in order to handle growth without adding new land

Quay Commander - Provides real-time monitoring of crane schedules, vessel container moves, vessel activities, and vessel labor assignments

"We value that SPARCS N4 uses an open architecture that allows us to easily connect to our existing systems and add new applications as our business grows," added Kumar.

Charles Gerard, Navis' director of sales for APAC, said Northport's support for SPARCS N4 are echoed by most customers.
"Our customers have told us that real-time visibility across all operations, including yard and ship planners, are critical components they look for in a terminal operating system," Gerard said. "We provide what no other vendor in the market can provide - a cohesive, intelligent system that simplifies work, improves coordination, and increases responsiveness throughout the operation."

About NavisA Zebra Technologies Company Navis, the world's first company to automate marine terminal operating systems (TOS), improves productivity, velocity and visibility of cargo movement through port and intermodal facilities.

In addition to TOS, Navis solutions include automation, asset and cargo visibility, business intelligence, control and optimization. Navis software manages more than 35 per cent of the world's container volume. Founded in 1988, Navis is headquartered in Oakland, Calif., and operates in more than 50 countries. On December 14, 2007, Zebra Technologies Corporation acquired Navis.

Zebra Technologies helps companies identify, locate and track assets, transactions and people with on-demand specialty digital printing and automatic identification solutions in more than 100 countries. More than 90 per cent of Fortune 500 companies use innovative and reliable Zebra printers, supplies, RFID products and software to increase productivity, improve quality, lower costs, and deliver better customer service. For more information on Navis and Zebra, please visit www.navis.com and www.zebra.com, respectively.

Navis Orlando De Bruce, +1-510-267-5052 pr@navis.com

Business: Enterprise engineering software provides intelligent 3D design

Intergraph(R) SmartPlant(R) Enterprise Key to development and operation of one of the world's largest coal-fired power plants
Enterprise engineering software provides intelligent 3D design, integrity assessment and installation planning

Huntsville, Alabama (BUSINESS WIRE) - Intergraph SmartPlant Enterprise engineering solutions have proven instrumental in the design and successful operation of one of the world's largest, multi-billion dollar coal-fired power generation plants.

The Yuhuan Power Plant, designed by the East China Electric Power Design Institute (ECEPDI), is a 4X1000 Megawatt power plant which began generation in 2008, and is capable of supplying power to two million people every day.

Costing in excess of $2.1 billion of the project investment, ECEPDI utilized SmartPlant Enterprise solutions to design the steam and water equipment, piping and piping support for the plant.

Zhao Hu, Vice Director, ECEPDI, said, "When we commissioned the Yuhuan Plant, we required a software solution that provides an integrated approach to design and plant information, rather than an engineering tool problem."

"We have been working with Intergraph for many years on a number of projects, and in the case of the Yuhuan Plant, we have found SmartPlant Enterprise solutions crucial to the successful development and operation of the plant."

In the development phase of this massive plant, SmartPlant was used to design the layout of the thermodynamic system. The plant also represents ECEPDI's transition from traditional CAD platform design to the intelligent P&ID platform.

SmartPlant Enterprise solutions were used to undertake detailed modelling of the main plant's structure, internal equipment, plant piping, and cable tray layout. More than 1,000 construction detail drawings were completed using SmartPlant Enterprise solutions.

ECEPDI utilised SmartPlant for the majority of design verification, which has capability to provide an extensive visualisation environment for interactively reviewing large, complex 3D design models. It provided designers with an automatic assessment of the plant's design integrity, and even extended to planning the sequence of delivery and the layout of onsite installation and equipment during the construction phase.

Intergraph President, Process Power and Marine, Gerhard Sallinger, said, "The success of the Yuhuan Plant is testament to the capabilities of Intergraph plant design and management solutions.

"With accelerated construction programs arising out of the enormous growth of the Chinese power market, ECEPDI's use of Intergraph's software products on such a large scale provides a benchmark for the power generation industry in China, and potentially the world."

"The use of Intergraph's software promises to provide the engineering basis for China's plans to design and build hundreds of nuclear, gas and coal-fired electric power plants to meet the rising power demands of the country's continuing economic boom."

"Intergraph is proud of its association with ECEPDI, and proud of the success of its software offering at the Yuhuan Power Plant, and we look forward leading the way in software for the global power generation market."

About East China Electric Power Design Institute

East China Electric Power Design Institute (ECEPDI, www.ecepdi.com) is a regional planning, surveying and engineering institute. As leader of the electric power design field in China, ECEPDI provides comprehensive engineering, consulting, project management and contracting services for fossil fuel and conventional island nuclear power plants, substations and transmission projects including long-span river crossings.

The institute engineered the first fossil fuel units made in China and conventional island for nuclear power plants as well as China's first 500 kilovolt high voltage direct current transmission project. ECEPDI has engineered more than 150 power plants with a total combined capacity of more than 37,075 megawatts. Founded in 1953, ECEPDI employs more than 1,000 people and is headquartered in Shanghai.

About Intergraph

Intergraph is the leading global provider of engineering and geospatial software that enables customers to visualize complex data. Businesses and governments in more than 60 countries rely on Intergraph's industry-specific software to organize vast amounts of data into understandable visual representations and actionable intelligence.

Intergraph's software and services empower customers to build and operate more efficient plants and ships, create intelligent maps, and protect critical infrastructure and millions of people around the world.

Intergraph operates through two divisions: Process, Power & Marine (PP&M) and Security, Government & Infrastructure (SG&I).
Intergraph PP&M provides enterprise engineering software for the design, construction and operation of plants, ships and offshore facilities. Intergraph SG&I provides geospatially-powered solutions to the defense and intelligence, public safety and security, government, transportation, photogrammetry, utilities, and communications industries. For more information, visit www.intergraph.com.

(c) 2008 Intergraph Corp. All rights reserved.
Intergraph and the Intergraph logo are registered trademarks of Intergraph Corp. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries. Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Intergraph David Joffrion, Manager, Corporate Communications +1-256-730-2315 david.joffrion@Intergraph.com

Technology: Turkish Government ID adopts Teridian for its terminals

Turkish Government ID and electronic social security project

TUBITAK UEKAE enters trial with a common terminal platform based on Teridians 73S1215 F smart card controller for Turkeys eGovernment and public key infrastructure program

Irvine, California (BUSINESS WIRE) - Teridian Semiconductor Corporation, a leading supplier of advanced smart card reader integrated circuits and System-on-Chips, announced today that TUBITAK UEKAE, National Research Institute of Electronics & Cryptology, Turkey has selected Teridian's 73S1215 F integrated circuit as the hardware basis for its common smart card terminal, that will be deployed in conjunction with the up-coming launch of e-Government and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) smart cards.

The services that will become available through this deployment include an electronic social security project and a citizen electronic identification card.

Turkey's Electronic Identity Authentication and Management System project is estimated to cover all of its citizens by 2013. TUBITAK UEKAE was given the responsibility of designing, implementing and validating the security infrastructure of the system on site by the Turkish government due to UEKAE's specialist research in the field of communications and data security.

TUBITAK UEKAE's research & development team has developed and is entering field trials with a common terminal platform based on Teridian's 73S1215 F smart card controller that provides seamless connectivity over USB or serial link with smart cards and Secure Access Modules (SAMs). This platform will be ready for pilot applications, scheduled to begin in 2008.

"With our 73S12xx product family, we are able to meet customer demands for fast development cycles with a cost effective, multi-slot smart card reader solution," explained Steve McClure, vice president and general manager at Teridian Semiconductor.

"Our turnkey smart card reader solutions provide customers necessary low-level protocol support, embedded application firmware and host drivers for a variety of operating systems."

The 73S1215 F is part of Teridian's advanced 73S12xx series of smart card reader controllers, built around a high-performance 80515 core, offering JTAG-like in-circuit emulation for programming and development. 73S1215 F's feature set includes multiple ISO7816 card slots with one built-in full ISO7816 / EMV interface, PINpad interface, turnkey firmware and driver against CCID specification and on-chip flash memory to support on-board firmware upgrades.

Pricing and Availability Pricing for the series is available upon request. Production volumes of the 73S12xxF series of integrated circuits are currently available, in addition to data sheets and development kits. The kits include a JTAG-like in-circuit emulator, with firmware and software libraries. For additional information, contact any Teridian sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Teridian's Web site at http://www.teridian.com/sales.

About Teridian Semiconductor

Teridian Semiconductor designs, sells and provides engineering support for its mixed-signal integrated circuits used in energy, automation, networking, and secure access systems. These ICs connect our customers' digital systems to the analog inputs of our world found in utility metering, industrial automation, set top box, digital TV, voice over IP, electronic identity and point of sale applications.

Teridian Semiconductor is Simplifying System IntegrationTM for its customers with a focus on accelerating system development, and reducing the engineering time required to achieve production.

Visit http://www.teridian.com.

Editorial Contact: The Ardell Group Karina Shaver, 858-232-4590 karina@ardellgroup.com
or Company Contact:Teridian Semiconductor Kathy Reffert, 714-508-8856 kathy.reffert@teridian.com

Insurance: A.M. Best assigns stable outlook to pioneer insurance Co Ltd

Oldwick, New Jersey (BUSINESS WIRE) - A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B (Fair) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of "bb" of Pioneer Insurance Company Limited (Pioneer) (New Zealand). The ratings have been removed from under review with developing implications and assigned a stable outlook.

These rating actions follow the NZD 8.4 million (USD 6.6 million) injection of funds over the past year, of which NZD 2.523 million (USD 1.98 million) was in the form of convertible capital notes. The ratings also reflect the substantial operation, management and corporate governance improvements that Pioneer's new owner, the New Zealand Association of Credit Unions, has effected.

A.M. Best remains cautious of Pioneer's ability to maintain its current weak business profile in light of the strong competition within its market niche. Nonetheless, A.M. Best expects Pioneer will maintain a favorable risk-adjusted capitalization and operating performance relative to its current rating level.

For Best's Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit www.ambest.com/ratings.

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 Philip Chung, CFA, +852-2827-3409 philip.chung@ambest.com
or Terrence Wong, +852-2827-3403 terrence.wong@ambest.com
or Public Relations Jim Peavy,+(1) 908-439-2200, ext. 5644 james.peavy@ambest.com
or Rachelle Morrow,+(1) 908-439-2200, ext. 5378 rachelle.morrow@ambest.com

Business: A.M. Best revises rating outlook for central reinsurance corporation

Oldwick, New Jersey (BUSINESS WIRE) - A.M. Best Co. has revised the rating outlook to positive from stable for Central Reinsurance Corporation (Central Re) (Taiwan).

At the same time, A.M. Best has affirmed Central Re's financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating (ICR) of "a-".

The ratings reflect Central Re's strengthened risk-based capitalization, continuous improvement in risk management and stable operating performance. The ratings also recognize the company's continued efforts in strengthening its overseas market presence in recent years.

Central Re's net premium leverage ratio (net premium written over adjusted capital and surplus) improved to 1.08 times due to higher retained earnings and an increase in equalization reserve in 2007. The company's adjusted capital and surplus (including equalization reserve) increased to TWD 12,055 million (USD 370 million) as at year-end 2007. In A.M. Best's view, the company's risk-adjusted capitalization is sufficient to support its current ratings as demonstrated by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR).

Central Re launched its enterprise risk management (ERM) program in 2004. A.M. Best noted that Central Re has incorporated the results of its risk management model in its strategic decision-making process. A.M. Best believes that a sound risk management program would help the company to better manage its risk exposure, leading to higher efficiency in capital management.

Central Re has maintained profitable and stable underwriting results with a combined ratio falling within the 90 per cent-97 per cent level in the past five years. Given that Taiwan is a catastrophe-prone country, Central Re's stable and consistent operating performance has demonstrated its prudent underwriting control and risk management practice.

Offsetting factors are the competitive market condition and limited reinsurance business growth in Taiwan.

Central Re has expanded its business to overseas reinsurance markets in recent years. Given the competitive environment in the reinsurance market in Asia, A.M. Best believes that it will be a challenge for Central Re to develop its market presence with meaningful scale and profitability in overseas markets.
Nonetheless, A.M. Best will continue to monitor the progress of the company's overseas expansion plan.

Central Re focused mainly on the domestic reinsurance market, with 94.6 per cent and 93.5 per cent of its gross premiums written generated from Taiwan in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Due to the market consolidation and higher premium retention in Taiwan's direct insurance market, the size of the reinsurance market in Taiwan has been shrinking in the past four years. Central Re's business growth is limited by the domestic reinsurance market.

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 Kwan, +852-2827-3405
billy.kwan@ambest.com
or Terrence Wong, +852-2827-3403 terrence.wong@ambest.com
or Public Relations Jim Peavy ,+(1) 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com
or Rachelle Morrow, +(1) 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com

Metal/Mining: Duluth Metals increases Nokomis resource to 449 million tonnes indicated

Toronto - CNW-AsiaNet/ - Duluth Metals Limited ("Duluth") (TSX: DM) (TSX:DM.U) today announced a 30 percent increase to 449 million tonnes for the Indicated Resource and a 162 percent increase to 284 million tonnes for the Inferred Resource categories of the NI 43-101 Nokomis Deposit Resource Estimate Update as prepared by Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (Scott Wilson RPA). Of particular note is the significant increase in tonnes at the higher grade Cu cut-offs. The Updated Resource Estimate includes two recently discovered high grade areas containing, at a 0.7% Cu cut-off, 17 M Tonnes of Indicated Resource grading 0.823% Copper, 0.25% Nickel, and 1.11g/t TPM (TPM (equal sign) Platinum+Palladium+Gold) and 20 M Tonnes of Inferred Resource grading 0.833% Copper, 0.22% Nickel, and 1.25g/t TPM. The Updated Nokomis Resource is based on drilling completed to April 2008. Since drilling began, Duluth Metals has drill tested about 50% of the Maturi Extension Properties land position in northeastern Minnesota.

The Updated Nokomis Resource Estimate defines 449 million tonnes Indicated Resources grading 0.624% copper, 0.199% nickel, 0.600 grams per tonne TPM (copper equivalent grade of 1.46%), plus an additional 284 million tonnes of Inferred Resources grading 0.627% copper, 0.194% nickel, 0.718 grams per tonne TPM (copper equivalent grade of 1.50%). (Note - Copper Equivalent is based on US metal prices of: Copper - $1.75/lb, Nickel - $7.00/lb, Cobalt - $10.00/lb, Gold - $600/oz, Platinum - $1,100/oz, Palladium - $350/oz and Silver - $8.50/oz, and the methodology with metallurgical recoveries, refining costs and other charges being considered for all metals in accordance with the Net Smelter Return Factors contained in the January 22, 2008, NI 43-101 Scoping Study produced by Scott Wilson RPA.)

The Scoping Study recommends optimizing grade in order to positively impact the project's robust economics. Our press releases of Dec. 10, 2007 and May 22, 2008, and the results of this Updated Resource Estimate confirm significant resource blocks containing higher grade mineralization. A graphic showing the two new higher grade zones and the composite solid is shown on the Company website at www.duluthmetals.com.

The increased Resource Estimate Update at a 1% copper equivalent cut-off and various copper cut-off grades is shown below. Based on Scott Wilson RPA's review of metal prices, process recoveries, refining costs and underground mine operating costs likely to apply at the Nokomis deposit site, the 1.0% copper equivalent cut-off grade is reasonable for the statement of Indicated and Inferred Resources at this time.

"Nokomis has already established itself as one of the world's largest copper, nickel and PGM deposits, and the Updated Resource Estimate is confirming that it is continuing to grow. To date about 97 percent of the holes have intersected mineralization that would be included in the Updated Resource Estimate. The Nokomis Deposit only encompasses about fifty percent of the Maturi Extension Properties, and we fully expect that our continued aggressive drill program, with 5 rigs working on the property, will expand the deposit further", stated Henry J. Sandri, President and CEO of Duluth Metals.

Richard E. Routledge, M.Sc., P.Geo., of Scott Wilson RPA, Toronto, Canada, is the Independent Qualified Person who prepared the Interim Resource Estimate and reviewed this press release. A NI 43-101 compliant Technical Report will be delivered by Scott Wilson RPA and filed on SEDAR within 45 days from today's date.

For the 2007-2008 winter drill program, half core samples were prepared at ALS Chemex Ltd. Laboratories in Thunder Bay and then shipped to its analytical facilities in Vancouver.
Samples were analyzed for Au, Pt, and Pd using a standard fire assay with an ICP finish and for 27 other elements using a four acid (near total) digestion and a combination of ICPMS and ICPAES. ICP over limits were re-analyzed using sodium peroxide fusion, acid dissolution followed by ICPAES. The remaining half core samples are being stored in Minnesota.

David Oliver, P. Geo. is the Qualified Person and Project Manager for Duluth, in accordance with NI 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators, and is responsible for the technical content of this press release and quality assurance of the exploration data and analytical results.

About Duluth Metals

Duluth is committed to acquiring, exploring and developing copper, nickel and platinum group metal (PGM) deposits.
Duluth's principal property is the Maturi Extension Property located within the rapidly emerging Duluth Complex mining camp in northeastern Minnesota. The Duluth Complex hosts one of the world's largest undeveloped repositories of copper, nickel and PGMs, including the world's third largest accumulation of nickel sulphides, and one of the world's largest accumulations of polymetallic copper and platinum group metals.

This document may contain forward-looking statements (including "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) relating to Duluth's operations or to the environment in which it operates. Such statements are based on operations, estimates, forecasts and projections. They are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and may be beyond Duluth's control. A number of important factors could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements, including those set forth in other public filings. In addition, such statements relate to the date on which they are made. Consequently, undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements. Duluth disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, save and except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Duluth Metals Limited
CONTACT: Mara Strazdins,
Director of Corporate Communications,
at mstrazdins@duluthmetals.com or at +1 (416) 369-1500; or
Henry Sandri,
President and CEO,
at hsandri@duluthmetals.com.
The Minnesota corporate office is telephone +1(651) 389-9990,
Web Page: www.duluthmetals.com
(DM. DM.U.)

Fund/Bank: Saxo Bank launches Tokyo office to strengthen APAC presence

Tokyo and Copenhagen, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Saxo Bank A/S, the leading online investment bank and E-Forex (FX) provider, announces today the official opening of its new Tokyo office, Saxo Bank Japan K. K.

The opening of the Tokyo office is a strategic move by the Saxo Bank Group to strengthen and expand its trading presence in the Asia Pacific region.

The Japanese financial market is undergoing major shifts as market players continue to search for new opportunities. This has spurred an increase in the number of technologically-savvy investors who have become better informed to make self-directed online trading decisions.

The market size of the Japanese online financial trading business is impressive. According to data from the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market Committee, online FX traders in Japan account for close to US$15 billion worth of daily transactions. Approximately 80% of Saxo Bank Group's Asia FX trading volume emanates from Japan.

In a joint statement issued by Saxo Bank's co-CEOs, Lars Seier Christensen and Kim Fournais said that the new Tokyo office brings growth potential to the Saxo Bank Group.

"We are excited about the opportunities presented by Japan's very dynamic online trading landscape - Japanese investors are technology-driven and there is growing demand for the online trading services offered by Saxo Bank.

"We service customers in more than 180 countries with Saxo Bank's state-of-the-art technology, and strongly believe we will complement and enhance the local trading community."

The Tokyo office will be headed by Wataru Kojima, whose role will encompass the establishment and development of Saxo Bank Japan K.K. Kojima brings considerable experience of the Japanese market, and a close relationship with Saxo Bank's institutional clients in the region.

The Tokyo office will provide support to Saxo Bank's institutional partners in Japan and will work closely with Saxo Bank's Asia Pacific operations Saxo Capital Markets Pte Ltd. headquartered in Singapore.

Saxo Bank started its partner business in Japan in 2002. It established its first Japanese White Label Partner in 2004. Today, Saxo Bank has 11 White Label Partners in Japan that will benefit from local expertise and support.

"As the second largest economy in the world and a nation with a growing investor population, the opening of Saxo Bank Japan K. K. is a milestone for the Saxo Bank Group. It is an exciting time to enter the market, and the team at Saxo Bank Japan aims to secure a healthier share of the region's business, with Japan as the key contributing market," said Wataru Kojima.

The APAC region accounted for 20 percent of Saxo Bank Group's revenues in 2006; it is now approaching 30%. This figure is expected to double within the next five years.

The opening of Saxo Bank Japan K.K follows the recent planned acquisition of a 35 percent holding in Tricom, the Sydney based broking house and the acquisition of the French online brokerage, Cambiste. In November 2007, Citi, the leading US financial services company, chose Saxo Bank as its global partner for its online FX offering, CitiFX Pro, based on the SaxoTrader platform.

About Saxo Bank A/S

Saxo Bank is a global investment bank specialising in online trading in the international Capital Markets. Saxo Bank enables clients to trade Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Futures, Options and other derivatives, as well as providing portfolio management via the SaxoTrader, the leading online trading platform. The SaxoTrader has been developed by Saxo Bank and is available to today's investor directly through Saxo Bank or through one of our global collaborations, where it forms an integral part of their infrastructure. One of Saxo Bank's significant areas of business is White Labelling. This involves the Bank's online trading platform being customised and branded for other financial institutions and brokers. Saxo Bank has more than 120 White Label Partners and boasts thousands of clients in over 180 countries. Saxo Bank currently employs more than 1,300 employees from 72 different countries.

Saxo Bank is headquartered in Copenhagen with offices in London, Geneva, Zurich, Singapore, Tokyo and Marbella. It also runs a representative office in Beijing and an IT development centre in St. Petersburg. For more information, please visit http://www.saxobank.com

About Saxo Capital Markets

Saxo Capital Markets Pte. Ltd. is a subsidiary of Saxo Bank A/S. It serves as the hub for Asia and holds a capital markets services license under the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). It offers a full range of worldwide direct trade facilitation services to retail and institutional clients, and white label partnerships to banks and brokers on SaxoTrader. Its expertise covers FX, CFDs, Futures, Options, Equities and other derivatives.

For more information, please visit http://www.saxomarkets.com.sg

SOURCE: Saxo Bank

Business: Cityscape China 2008 gains momentum as industry experts converge

Singapore (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Cityscape China 2008, the renowned international real estate investment and development event, is gaining momentum as leading experts from the real estate, investment, architectural and government industries converge to focus on addressing critical issues in project development and investment from June 25 to 27, 2008 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Pudong, China.

Organised by the Institute for International Research (IIR), Cityscape China 2008 will feature real estate developers and their projects from more than 15 countries world-wide. Attendees for Cityscape China 2008 will include commercial and residential property developers, architects, designers, banks and financial institutions, institutional investors, property advisors, owners and investors, investment promotion agencies, project managers and directors, and municipal and regional government authorities.

According to a recent survey completed and published by Oriental Morning Post and Sohu.com in determining the ten most profitable industries in 2008, real estate stood out as the most profitable industry for China, with property investments totaling 2.5 trillion yuan. Cityscape China's opening in Shanghai on June 25 is perfectly timed to showcase developments both across the People's Republic and globally. The event is now an established, must-attend event in the Chinese real estate events calendar," said Graham Wood, Exhibition Director for Cityscape China.

Besides addressing the project fundamentals, Cityscape China 2008 attendees will also get insights into the following key topics over the three-day event:
-- Investment capital entering the Chinese real estate market
-- The significant real estate investment opportunities in China
-- Highlights of China's central government and property regulations
-- Updates on China's foreign investment enterprise regulations
-- Post-Beijing Olympics: Investment do's and don'ts
-- Sustainability and Eco-cities: The future of Chinese property

Key speakers for Cityscape China 2008 include real-estate, architecture and government specialists from China New Town Development Co., JP Morgan (China), Lab Architecture (Australia), LaSalle Investment Management (Hong Kong), BAZO Investments (China), International Urban Strategies (UAE), New City Investment Management (Shanghai) Company Ltd (China), Shui On Land (China), ING Real Estate (China), Grocon Pty. Ltd. (Australia), GE Real Estate (Hong Kong), Goodman Group (China), and Union Trust (China).

Cityscape China 2008 features two conferences and a real estate awards event -- World Architecture Congress China, the Cityscape China Investment Real Estate Investment and Development Conference, and the Cityscape China Real Estate Awards.

"World Architecture Congress China will allow participants to learn about innovative projects that are transforming the countries, cities and skylines. Attendees for this conference will obtain valuable insights from leading architecture and design representatives as they discuss design concepts underlying landmark buildings," said Michelle Boyd, Conference Director for World Architecture Congress 2008.

"The Cityscape China Real Estate Investment and Development Conference provides a much-needed marketplace for international developers and investors. Key speakers at this conference will discuss issues, developments and future plans affecting both regional and international industry," said Conference Director, Banu Kannu.

Premiering this year, the Cityscape Real Estate Awards honours excellence in real estate development and investment in China - professionals and companies that have shown outstanding performance and achievement in key market and project areas will be recognized at the Gala Dinner on 25 June at the Shangri-La in Pudong, Shanghai.

For more information about Cityscape China 2008 and all related events, please visit: http://www.cityscapechina.com .

About IIR

Cityscape China is a extension of the phenomenally successful Cityscape Dubai, organised by IIR Middle East, which also include India, USA, Asia and Latin America. The Dubai event at the latter end of last year smashed all previous records with 52,000 participants from more than 120 countries.

For more information about Cityscape China 2008 and all related events, please visit: www.cityscapechina.com

www.cityscapechina.cn. IIR is part of the Informa Plc, the world's leading international provider of specialist information and services for the academic and scientific, professional and commercial business communities via publishing, events and performance improvement.

Media contact:
Caroline Yeung
Tel:
+65-6259-3193
Email: caroline@flamecomms.com
SOURCE Cityscape China

Technology: Redesigned Website for swissinfo.ch

Bern (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - swissinfo, SRG SSR's international service, has revamped its website. The hallmarks of the new online presence are expanded multimedia capabilities, greater interactivity, a fresh new design and improved user-friendliness.

The nine-language http://www.swissinfo.ch website provides visitors with a mix of relevant Swiss issues in text, audio and video/picture form. Content is prepared by the editorial team specifically for an international audience. Swissinfo has already been honoured at the "Best of Swiss Web Awards" for the relaunch of its nglish-language site.

In July 2007, the Swiss Federal Council issued SRG SSR with a remit requiring that "content presents a comprehensive overview of the social, political, cultural, economic and scientific aspects of Switzerland in a way that transcends language and cultural barriers". Swissinfo's mission is to explain the realities of life in Switzerland to an international audience.

swissinfo is fulfilling its Federal Council mandate with an attractive, redesigned layout and innovative Flash technology.

The site's content is an interesting mix of features on relevant Swiss issues. Articles are written specially for people living outside Switzerland. An additional news digest, updated continually, summarises current events and developments in Switzerland. Coverage has now been extended to include selected international events, reported and analysed from the Swiss perspective.

Swissinfo's multimedia offerings comprise video features in English, picture galleries, podcasts and audio slideshows.

One of the key components of the new website is a Euro 2008 Special. Written in several languages, it looks into Switzerland's role as co-host of the European football championships. The Special will be updated regularly over the coming weeks until the end of Euro 2008.

Another new feature is that users now have the opportunity to voice their own opinions. They can comment on features, take part in surveys and join in blog discussions.

Popular swissinfo services, such as RSS, the Newsletter and desktop news, remain available as before.

Award for redesigned English-language website

Swissinfo staff alone are responsible for redesigning and reprogramming the site. The English-language pages were the first to be revamped last December. The new site came third in the "Public Affairs" category in the "Best of Swiss Web Awards". Some 200 projects had been entered in the competition.

Link: http://www.swissinfo.ch

swissinfo is one of the enterprise units of SRG SSR ide suisse, Switzerland's public-service radio and television broadcaster. Its remit is to inform Swiss people abroad of what is going on at home, and to raise awareness about Switzerland beyond its borders. In doing so, swissinfo operates a news and information platform in nine languages at http://www.swissinfo.ch/.

Contact:
Peter Schibli, Editor-in-Chief
Phone: +41-31-350-95-66
E-Mail: peter.schibli@swissinfo.ch
Source: swissinfo