Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Technology: Friendster mobile site now available in Malay

San Francisco, and Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Friendster, Inc. (http://www.friendster.com), the 7th largest website in the world and the #1 social network in Asia, today announced that its mobile site is now available in Malay, accessible at m.friendster.com from any web-enabled mobile device(1). This allows Friendster users and visitors in Malaysia a greater choice of languages with which to navigate the mobile site, enter content and use Friendster's core set of social networking features.

Using m.friendster.com from any Internet-ready mobile device, Friendster users can retrieve updates on their friends' activities, check messages, post and approve comments, review friend requests, post shoutouts, browse and upload photos, browse user profiles and Fan Profiles, search for users by name or email, view birthdays, read horoscopes, post bulletins and much more. This enables more effective communications with friends while away from a computer. In addition, users can now register directly on m.friendster.com, create an account from their mobile phone and instantly begin participating in the Friendster global community.

The mobile site was launched initially in English in May 2008, then in Indonesian in June 2008. Malay is the third language now available at m.friendster.com due to Friendster's large and highly mobile user base in Malaysia.

"By supporting Malay on the Friendster mobile site and rapidly introducing new features, we remain committed to making the mobile experience even better for Friendster users in Malaysia, and globally," said Jeff Roberto, director of marketing at Friendster.

In Malaysia, Friendster has over 4 million monthly unique visitors to Friendster.com as of April 2008. Since there are over 15 million Internet users in Malaysia(2), over 27 percent of Malaysia visited Friendster in April. A typical user spends 30 minutes a day on Friendster and visits Friendster several times a week, communicating with friends and sharing and consuming content through a suite of features.

"We'd also like to thank the millions of Friendster members in Malaysia who have made Friendster the #1 social network in Malaysia and more than 4 times larger than the next largest social network in Malaysia," said Roberto.

m.friendster.com is free for all users. Users are still subject to their particular wireless carrier's data usage or data plan charges. Users are encouraged to bookmark m.friendster.com on their mobile browser of choice to make it even easier to access their Friendster networks while mobile, and tell their friends about how easy it is to stay in touch via m.friendster.com.

Friendster Leads in Asia

Friendster is the #1 social network in Asia, with over 52 million registered users and 36 million monthly unique visitors from Asia(2). In Asia, Friendster is more than twice the size of any other social network. While Friendster has over 36 million monthly unique visitors in Asia, Facebook has 18 million, MySpace.com and MySpace.cn have only 16 million combined, Mixi (Japan) has 14 million, CyWorld (Korea) has 13 million, Hi5 has 12 million, Orkut has 12 million, Xiaonei (China) has 7 million, 51.com (China) has 6 million, and Bebo has 4 million(1).

Friendster - A Top 10 Website Globally

Friendster is the 7th largest Web site and the 3rd largest social network in the world in terms of traffic, and #1 in user engagement (time spent on site) among top social networks(1).

Friendster now has over 70 million registered users and 40 million monthly unique visitors(1).

About Friendster

With more than 70 million members worldwide, Friendster is a leading global online social network. Friendster is focused on helping people stay in touch with friends and discover new people and things that are important to them. Online adults, 18 and up, choose Friendster to connect with friends, family, school, social groups, activities and interests. Friendster prides itself in delivering an easy-to-use, friendly and interactive environment where users can easily connect with anyone around the world via http://www.friendster.com or m.friendster.com from any Internet-ready mobile device.

Friendster has a growing portfolio of patents granted to the company on social networking, with more expected over the next several months. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Friendster is backed by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers,
Benchmark Capital, DAG Ventures and individual investors. For more information, visit: http://www.friendster.com.

(1) comScore Media Metrix, April 2008
(2) InternetWorldStats.com, December 2007 SOURCE Friendster, Inc.
CONTACT: media,
Lerin O'Neill of The Hoffman Agency,
+1-408-975-3037,
press@friendster.com,
for Friendster
Web site: http://www.friendster.com

Business: APLF to launch new footwear related event in India

New Delhi (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - It was announced today that a new trade fair initiative in India to be launched by APLF Ltd, FOOTWEAR, MATERIALS MANUFACTURING AND TECHNOLOGY (FMM&T) will take place in Delhi in the Spring of 2009.

This new trade fair will be organised in association with the Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA), one of the leading trade associations servicing the US$ 5 billion Indian footwear industry, with the support of other relevant trade associations.

FMM&T will service this major Indian industry, which is encountering a growth of 9-10% per annum. The new fair will create a platform for both Indian and foreign manufacturers to keep abreast of the latest trends in the manufacture of footwear from design through to the finished product. It will also create a bridge between the footwear manufacturers and the component producers targeting this vast Indian footwear market.

The organisers are also planning a number of seminars to augment the trade fair which will be managed by CMP India who have become one of the largest privately owned Trade Fair organizers in the country.

CMP India is part of United Business Media plc, a global business media group with operations in more than 30 countries and over 5,000 employees. It organises some of India's largest exhibitions including CPhI (the region's biggest pharmaceutical show), IFSEC (a leading security show), the Embedded Systems Conference (India's only semiconductor exhibition) and Hotelex India (a leading hospitality show).

The Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers' Association (IFCOMA) is a duly registered body and the only trade association of Footwear Component Manufacturers in India. It is a non-profit organization managed by a duly elected apex body called the Executive Committee. IFCOMA has been an implementing agency under the National Leather Development Program (a UNDP assisted program of the Govt. of India) and is duly recognized by various ministries of the Government of India and associated institutions.

IFCOMA has members comprising of manufacturers of Soles, Insoles, Lasts, Toe-puffs, Counters, Linings, Interlinings, Adhesives Metallic Fittings, Chemicals & Compounds, Clicking Dies, Eyelets, EVA Sheets & Compounds, Finishes & Polishes Labels, Laces, Boxes, Leather & man-made materials, etc. representing all the major Footwear Manufacturing hub centers spread across India.

IFCOMA's objectives are to promote the healthy growth of the Indian footwear component industry in the domestic as well export markets also to promote interaction among members for development of products of international quality & standards, in order to address global competition in the new liberal economic environment.

APLF Ltd, a joint venture between CMP Asia and SIC SA, Paris, has organised annually in Hong Kong since 1994, one of the most important leather related Trade Fairs in the world, MATERIALS, MANUFACTURING AND TECHNOLOGY (MM&T) and the twice yearly fashion accessories event -- the largest of its kind in Asia -- FASHION ACCESS which highlights footwear, handbags, travelware and a wide range of fashion accessories sourced from all over the world. For the last three years another APLF event, PRIME SOURCE FORUM, the annual meeting of the global apparel industry, has been collocated with FASHION ACCESS.

Additionally, in partnership with the China Leather Industry Association, APLF Ltd organises the annual ALL CHINA LEATHER EXHIBITION in Shanghai.
http://www.aplf.com
http://www.primesourceforum.com

SOURCE CMP India, UBM IndiaPvt.ltd.

CONTACT: In India: Nigel Luke Brown, Regional Director of
CMP India, +91-11-23765554, nigelb@ubmindia.com; In Hong Kong:
Perrine Ardouin, Senior Event Manager of APLF Ltd,
+852-2585-6130, perrine@cmpasia.com
Web sites: http://www.aplf.com
http://www.primesourceforum.com

Business: PepsiCo to webcast conference call and slides on 2008 earnings

Purchase, N.Y. (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE: PEP) today announced that its second-quarter 2008 earnings conference call and slide presentation for financial analysts and investors will be webcast live over the internet on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 11 a.m. eastern standard time.

The Company will issue its financial results before the stock market opens that morning.

The live webcast will be accessible through PepsiCo's website at http://www.pepsico.com, in the "Investors" section under "Financial Press Releases", and will be archived for replay at the same website for a period of 14 days.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) is one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, with 2007 annual revenues of more than $39 billion. The Company employs approximately 185,000 people worldwide, and its products are sold in approximately 200 countries. Its principal businesses include: Frito-Lay snacks, Pepsi-Cola beverages, Gatorade sports drinks, Tropicana juices and Quaker foods. The PepsiCo portfolio includes 18 brands that generate $1 billion or more each in annual retail sales. PepsiCo's commitment to sustainable growth, defined as Performance with Purpose, is focused on generating healthy financial returns while giving back to communities the Company serves. This includes meeting consumer needs for a spectrum of convenient foods and beverages, reducing the Company's impact on the environment through water, energy and packaging initiatives, and supporting its employees through a diverse and inclusive culture that recruits and retains world-class talent.

PepsiCo is listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index and the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

SOURCE PepsiCo, Inc.
CONTACT: Media:
Jenny Schiavone,
Director, Financial Communications,
+1-914-253-3941,
or
Investors:
Jane Nielsen,
VP Investor Relations,
+1-914-253-3035,
both of PepsiCo, Inc.
Web site: http://www.pepsico.com

Business: Northern Trust appoints new deputy chief representative in China

London (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Northern Trust has hired Michael Wu as Deputy Chief representative of Northern Trust's Beijing representative office, as the corporation focuses on continuing to develop in mainland China.

In this newly created role, Mr. Wu will work closely with Kevin Tan, Chief Representative for Northern Trust's Representative Office in Beijing to continue to cultivate relationships with clients and regulators and further position Northern Trust as a leading global financial services provider in China.

Mr. Wu joins Northern Trust from State Street, where he spent 12 years in roles spanning operations, project management, and business development across Asia Pacific ("APAC"). Most recently he was head of operations for North Asia.

Says Gregg Behrens, head of Northern Trust in APAC: "Northern Trust continues to expand our presence across APAC, and we now have over 1000 employees across our network of regional centres. We're delighted to welcome Michael to the team. His expertise and knowledge of the Chinese marketplace will be invaluable as we continue to develop relationships in China, win mandates and serve our clients' increasingly sophisticated requirements."

Northern Trust has had a presence in China since 2002. In October 2006, Northern Trust announced it had been selected to provide global custody, investment mandate compliance monitoring, and performance measurement services to China's multi-billion dollar National Social Security Fund ("NSSF") -- the first institutional retirement fund in China to invest overseas.

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust Corporation (Nasdaq: NTRS) is a leading provider of investment management, asset and fund administration, fiduciary and banking solutions for corporations, institutions and affluent individuals worldwide. Northern Trust, a multibank holding company based in Chicago, has a growing network of 85 offices in 18 U.S. states and has international offices in 15 locations in North America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. As of March 31, 2008, Northern Trust had assets under custody of US$4.0 trillion, and assets under investment management of US$778.6 billion. Northern Trust, founded in 1889, has earned distinction as an industry leader in combining exceptional service and expertise with innovative products and technology.

For more information, visit http://www.northerntrust.com.
For more information, visit http://www.northerntrust.com
Northern Trust operates in China as a Representative Office and is regulated by the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC).

Where Northern Trust's UK entities undertake regulated business, they are authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority.

Northern Trust operates in Australia as a Representative Office and is regulated by The Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA).

Northern Trust in Hong Kong is a securities company regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission.

SOURCE Northern Trust Corporation
CONTACT: EMEA & Asia-Pacific,
Sara Murshed,
+44 (0) 20 7982 2249,
sm136@ntrs.com,
or Camilla Greene,
+44 (0) 20 7982 2176,
cg81@ntrs.com,
or U.S., Canada,
John O'Connell,
+1-312-444-2388,
jo45@ntrs.com,
or Alexis Geocaris,
+1-312-444-3094,
ag92@ntrs.com,
all of Northern Trust Corporation
Web site: http://www.northerntrust.com

Technology: Friendster mobile site now available in Indonesian

San Francisco and Jakarta (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Friendster, Inc. (http://www.friendster.com), the 7th largest website in the world and the #1 social network in Asia, today announced that its mobile site is now available in Indonesian, accessible at m.friendster.com from any web-enabled mobile device. This allows Friendster users and visitors in Indonesia a greater choice of languages with which to navigate the mobile site, enter content and use Friendster's core set of social networking features.

Using m.friendster.com from any Internet-ready mobile device, Friendster users can retrieve updates on their friends' activities, check messages, post and approve comments, review friend requests, post shoutouts, browse and upload photos, browse user profiles and Fan Profiles, search for users by name or email, view birthdays, read horoscopes, post bulletins, and much more. This enables more effective communications with friends while away from a computer. In addition, users can now register directly on m.friendster.com, create an account from their mobile phone and instantly begin participating in the Friendster global community.

The mobile site was launched initially in English in May 2008. Indonesian is the second language now available at m.friendster.com due to Friendster's large and highly mobile user base in Indonesia where Friendster has over 9 million registered users and 5 million monthly unique visitors as of May 2008.

"A recent industry report highlights that over 60% of mobile Internet traffic in Indonesia is going to social networks, and that Friendster is the most popular site of any kind in Indonesia accessed via mobile phones," said David Jones, vice president of global marketing at Friendster. "By supporting Indonesian on the Friendster mobile site and rapidly introducing new features, we remain committed to making the mobile experience even better for Friendster users in Indonesia, and globally," said Jones.

m.friendster.com is free for all users. Users are still subject to their particular wireless carrier's data usage or data plan charges. Users are encouraged to bookmark m.friendster.com on their mobile browser of choice to make it even easier to access their Friendster networks while mobile, and tell their friends about how easy it is to stay in touch via m.friendster.com.

Friendster Leads in Asia

Friendster is the #1 social network in Asia, with over 52 million registered users and 36 million monthly unique visitors from Asia.* In Asia, Friendster is more than twice the size of any other social network. While Friendster has over 36 million monthly unique visitors in Asia, Facebook has 18 million, MySpace.com and MySpace.cn have only 16 million combined, Mixi (Japan) has 14 million, CyWorld (Korea) has 13 million, Hi5 has 12 million, Orkut has 12 million, Xiaonei (China) has 7 million, 51.com (China) has 6 million, and Bebo has 4 million.*

In Indonesia, Friendster is the #1 online social network and more than 5 times larger than the next largest social network.

Friendster -- A Top 10 Website Globally

Friendster is the 7th largest Web site and the 3rd largest social network in the world in terms of traffic, and #1 in user engagement (time spent on site) among top social networks. Friendster now has over 70 million registered users and 40 million monthly unique visitors.*

About Friendster

With more than 70 million members worldwide, Friendster is a leading global online social network. Friendster is focused on helping people stay in touch with friends and discover new people and things that are important to them. Online adults, 18 and up, choose Friendster to connect with friends, family, school, social groups, activities and interests. Friendster prides itself in delivering an easy-to-use, friendly and interactive environment where users can easily connect with anyone around the world via http://www.friendster.com or m.friendster.com from any Internet-ready mobile device.

Friendster has a growing portfolio of patents granted to the company on social networking, with more expected over the next several months. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Friendster is backed by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers,
Benchmark Capital, DAG Ventures and individual investors. For more information, visit: http://www.friendster.com.

*comScore Media Metrix, April 2008
SOURCE Friendster, Inc.
CONTACT: Lerin O'Neill of The Hoffman Agency,
+1-408-975-3037,
press@friendster.com,
for Friendster, Inc.
Web site: http://www.friendster.com
http:/ m.friendster.com

Technology: DML, Energtek form JV to market ANG Technology in Indonesia, Malaysia

ANG enables cost-efficient supply of natural gas for small vehicles and factories

Singapore (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - DML PTE Ltd., operator of the Merpati Flight direct from Singapore to Bandung West Java and manufacturer of police patrol boats with planned CNG ships, and Energtek Inc. (EGTK.OB), developer of Adsorbed Natural Gas supply systems, have formed a $25M Joint Venture to commercialize ANG Technology in Southeast Asia.

The JV entitled "Energtek Far East PTE" will enable new markets of vehicle owners and industrial businesses to use Natural Gas as an energy source in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The commercial technology is cost-efficient, providing tremendous savings as compared to gasoline and oil.

As per the agreement, Energtek and DML PTE will share ownership of the venture at a ratio of 51:49 respectively. DML PTE will invest $2 million, and has agreed to finance the JV's business operations with an additional $23 million. The JV will receive exclusive rights to operate in the area.

Several Natural Gas bulk transportation projects utilizing Energtek's proprietary Low-pressure Mobile Pipeline (LMP) technology have already been planned following extensive feasibility studies and will proceed to commercial stages in the coming months. Other projects will focus on the conversion and subsequent ongoing supply of Natural Gas to both large and small vehicles.

Future projects will focus on the production of Natural Gas directly from refuse, which can then be supplied to industrial businesses as an energy source, and on the manufacture of special ANG ships.

Projects scheduled by the Joint Venture are quickly expected to surpass $100 Million in revenues. The market for such projects is quite large due to rapidly developing industrial enterprises in the three countries. In addition, there are over 35 million 2-3 wheel vehicles in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. ANG technology allows for the affordable conversion of 2-3 wheel vehicles to Natural Gas.

"As Indonesia gets set to reduce subsidies on gasoline which will instantly raise fuel prices for drivers and businesses.
ANG technology reduces the costs of Natural Gas supply by storing more Natural Gas in a tank using lower pressures.

Pak Rusmin Widjaja, CEO of DML PTE, and a reputable entrepreneur in the region announced his satisfaction with the agreement, stating "The prices of oil and gasoline continue to rise, and countries such as Indonesia are now rethinking their national energy policies. As this happens, more and more consumers will switch to Natural Gas which is an abundant regional resource. ANG technology will provide immediate relief for drivers and industrial energy consumers. Together with Energtek, we will can ease the burden of rising energy costs, and do our part to preserve the environment."

Energtek CEO Lev Zaidenberg was similarly enthusiastic: "Pak Rusmin's reputation as a successful entrepreneur and his commitment to clean, alternative energy makes him a perfect partner to market ANG technology in Southeast Asia. Together, I am confident that we will be able to improve environmental sustainability in the region and improve the financial positions of local residents and business owners."

Media Contact:
Trevor Hawkins
Ruder Finn Asia
Tel:
+65-6336-2084
Email: hawkinst@ruderfinnasia.com
SOURCE DML PTE Ltd.

Technology: Rapiscan Systems receives contracts for approximately $4 million

Melbourne, Australia (BUSINESS WIRE) - Rapiscan Systems, Inc., a global leading vertically-integrated provider of security scanning technologies for critical applications, announced today that Rapiscan Australia Pty Ltd, has received contracts totaling approximately $4 million from six regional Australian airports for its Rapiscan MVXR5000 Inline Automated Hold Baggage Screening Systems ("HBS").

The systems are to be installed at regional airports across Australia including Newcastle in NSW, Avalon and Mildura in VIC, Mackay in QLD and Derby and Kununurra in WA by 1 December 2008. The contract awards are the result of an Australian Federal Government mandate in May 2007 for select regional airports to provide 100 percent inspection of checked baggage by December 2008.

The Rapiscan MVXR5000 is designed for the aviation industry for the inspection of checked baggage and has been deployed successfully in airports worldwide. The system provides automated explosives detection with low false alarm rates by utilising multi-view dual-energy X-ray to produce high quality images. The systems can be integrated into existing baggage conveyor infrastructures operating at speeds up to 1,800 bags per hour. The high throughput and automatic detection is coupled with the systems' advanced network capabilities to allow near-real time suspicious bag analysis to be completed by a networked group of remote operators. Images?are?then transmitted to the manual inspection stations as a search aid.
The Rapiscan MVXR5000 has multiple layers of network redundancy designed to ensure the highest levels of system availability and fail-safe operation for the most demanding aviation security environments.

About Rapiscan Systems Rapiscan Systems, a division of OSI Systems, Inc. is a leading supplier of high quality security inspection solutions utilising X-ray and gamma-ray imaging, and advanced threat identification techniques such as neutron and diffraction analysis. The Company's products are sold into four market segments; Baggage and Parcel Inspection, Cargo and Vehicle Inspection, Hold Baggage Screening and People Screening. The Company has an installed base globally of more than 50,000 security and inspection systems. The Rapiscan Systems product line is manufactured at four locations and supported by a global support service network. For more information on Rapiscan Systems, please visit www.rapiscansystems.com.

This press release contains 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. Such statements include information regarding the company's expectations, goals or intentions about the future, including, the Company's contracts to deploy hold baggage screening systems to regional airports within Australia.The actual results may differ materially from those described in or implied by any forward-looking statement. In particular, the timing, and delivery of the hold baggage screening systems may not ultimately remain in line with the company's current expectations.Other important factors are set forth in the Securities and Exchange Commission filings OSI Systems, Inc. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Rapiscan Systems Australia Pty LtdKate Hamilton, +61 3 9929
4601 Commercial Directorkhamilton@rapiscansystems.com

Business: Enesco acquires GUND business

Enesco acquires GUND business premier plush brand strengthens Enesco's leadership in global gift market

Itasca, Ill. (BUSINESS WIRE) - Enesco, LLC, a leader in the gift, and home and garden d?cor industries, today announced the acquisition of the worldwide assets of GUND, the 110-year-old plush manufacturer. GUND is a well-recognized global brand, and has been revered for maintaining its founding values of quality, and for creating the world's most huggable soft bears and animals. The company is based in Edison, N.J., and distributes worldwide including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. GUND products can be found in more than 15,000 retail outlets including gift, specialty, floral, toy, book, museum and department stores.

"The decision to sell our family's business after 110 years was not easy. We chose Enesco and have confidence in its commitment to the GUND brand and its ability to maintain GUND's stellar reputation. Enesco has an appreciation for our associates with whom I feel fortunate to have worked with for many years. Enesco has a fine reputation, and I believe the company will continue to be very successful with GUND as it builds upon our strong heritage", commented Bruce Raiffe, Chairman and CEO of GUND.

"We wish to thank the Raiffe family members for their confidence in Enesco as the future stewards of GUND - a brand that they have passionately built and nurtured over the past three generations," stated Matthew Bousquette, Executive Chairman of Enesco. "We continue to focus on building Enesco's portfolio of strong consumer-driven brands and look forward to the addition of more great artists and brands to the Enesco family in the future."

The addition of GUND, the world's premiere plush brand, to the Enesco family is consistent with its stated strategy of becoming the global leader in the gift, garden and home d?cor markets by internally building, buying and licensing the premiere brands in the industry. GUND joins other recently added brands that include: The Boyds Collection?, Our Name is Mud?, Country Artists?, Bob Olszewski's Gallery of LightTM, philoSophie's? and Jubilee ArtTM.

Jim Madonna, President, GUND, added, "We are excited for GUND to become part of the Enesco family of brands. We share a common philosophy of building and nurturing creativity and innovation.

GUND looks forward to serving Enesco's growing base of consumers around the world. The transaction will allow both businesses to leverage their complementary strengths and become a stronger force in the industry."About Enesco, LLC.

Enesco, LLC, is a global leader in the giftware, and home and garden d?cor industries. Serving more than 44,000 customers worldwide, Enesco distributes products to a wide variety of specialty card and gift retailers, home d?cor boutiques, as well as mass-market chains and direct mail retailers. With subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, France, Canada and Hong Kong, Enesco serves markets operating in Europe, the Americas, Australia and Asia. The Company's product lines include some of the world's most recognizable brands, including Heartwood Creek? by Jim Shore, Foundations?, Our Name is Mud?, Boyds, Circle of Love, Country Artists?, Pooh & Friends?, Walt Disney Classics Collection?, Disney Traditions?, Disney?, Border Fine Arts?, Cherished Teddies?, Bilston & Battersea Enamels? and Lilliput Lane?, among others. Further information is available on the company's Web site at www.enesco.com.

JSH&A Public RelationsHannah Schroder 630-932-7938
hannah@jsha.com or Enesco, LLCCindy Cnota 630-875-5463
ccnota@enesco.com

Education: Global Design Excellence accolade for De Montfort Uni student

Leicester, England (BUSINESS WIRE) - A talented De Montfort University (DMU) student has won his second major competition this year with a new mobile phone handset designed for Orange.

Chi Shing Lo has won first prize in the annual D&AD Student Awards which showcase the best emerging design and advertising talent from hundreds of colleges and universities around the globe.

Earlier this year Shing, who comes from Hong Kong and is in his second year studying BA(Hons) Product Design at DMU in Leicester, won a national RNID competition to design trendy earplugs to protect the hearing of nightclub goers.

Now he has beaten off international competition, winning one of the coveted D&AD Student Awards with his phone design which reverses the trend in overly complicated aesthetics.

Shing's handset design included a simple ?hole' which acts as a view finder when taking photographs, a charging point using inductive charging technology, and as a means of transferring data. The hole also has a mirror surrounding it to enabling the user to take pictures of themselves.

In their 30th year, the D&AD Student Awards exist to identify the best new talent in advertising and design. A total of 22 first prizes were handed out to students from the UK, South Africa, Italy, Sweden and Finland.

"The quality of work across the board was the best I have ever seen. College standards have risen to such a height, that the judges agreed that much of the material exhibited by these students should have contended at a professional level," said D&AD Education Chairman, Al Young.

Juries made up of 180 creative and business specialists selected the 388 entries that made it into the student annual competition.

All of the work will be showcased in the D&AD Student Annual, which launches on 18 September at the London Design Festival.

Notes for Editors For images of Shing's winning designs please contact De Montfort University Press Office on news@dmu.ac.uk .

D&AD is a not-for-profit organisation that represents the international design, advertising and creative communities.
More than any other organisation, D&AD sets industry standards, educates and inspires the next generation and promotes the importance of creativity, innovation and ideas within the business community.

De Montfort UniversityDavid Alder, 0044-11627351 Head of PRdalder@dmu.ac.uk

Energy: SH Energy, Source Rock Energy sign deal to drill in Arkansas

Dallas, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Prime Income Asset Management today announced that SH Energy and Chemical, Ltd., based in Seoul, South Korea has acquired the mineral rights to 3,000 acres in Van Buren County, Arkansas from Source Rock Energy of Arkansas, LLC to begin drilling the Fayetteville Shale.

The first drilling project will involve a proposed two-well simulfrac with approximately 3,000-foot laterals at an anticipated depth of 1,700 feet each.

The drill pad construction is complete for the first well and a proposed start date is scheduled for on or about June 30, 2008. Drill pad construction is also currently underway for the second well. Source Rock Energy's parent company Eurenergy Resources Corporation and SH Energy and Chemical have formed SH Exploration to be the operator for the development of the 3,000 acres. SH Exploration is 51% owned by SH Energy and Chemical, Ltd. and 49% owned by Eurenergy Resources Corporation.

Founded in 1958, SH Energy and Chemical, Ltd. is a Korean company engaged in the production of various grades of resins. During its 50 year history, it has produced over 60 petrochemical products, which have been exported throughout Europe, Asia and Russia. The Company's manufacturing technology for EPS (expandable polystyrene) resin and acrylonitrile bultadiene styrene (ABS) resin has been exported to China, India and Belgium. During the year ending December 31, 2007, the sale of EPS resins accounted for approximately 99% of the Company's total revenue, making it one of the most successful petrochemical products companies in the world.

The Fayetteville Shale is an unconventional gas reservoir located within the boundaries of the Arkoma Basin, ranging in thickness from 150 to 300 feet and ranging in depth from 1,200 to 5,000 feet with a Total Organic Content (TCO) ratio of 4.6%.

According to Hwang Gyu Uk, CEO of SH Energy and Chemical, Ltd., "Combining the petrochemical innovations of SH Energy and Chemical with the expertise of technical advisor Source Rock Energy of Arkansas should undoubtedly create a solid opportunity for enhancing shareholder value as SH Energy and Chemical expands its investment in the energy sector. We are excited about this venture with Source Rock Energy and participating with them in the Arkansas Shale play."

Source Rock Energy of Arkansas, LLC is wholly owned by Eurenergy Resources Corporation, an affiliate of Prime Income Asset Management, LLC (http://www.primeasset.com). Affiliated companies also under management by Prime include American Realty Investors, Inc. (NYSE: ARL), Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. (NYSE: TCI).

Prime is a Dallas-based real estate management company, which owns, develops and manages over $2.5 billion dollars of commercial real estate for public and private real estate entities throughout the United States, as well as various other oil and gas subsidiaries.

For further information on SH Energy and Chemical, Ltd., please visit http:/www.sh-chemical.com/eng/company.html.

SOURCE Prime Income Asset Management
CONTACT: Ann Wills of Keating Magee Public Relations,
+1-504-299-7168,
awills@keatingmagee.com,
for Prime Income Asset Management;
or
Chris Childress
of Prime Income Asset Management,
+1-469-522-4275,
chris.childress@primeasset.com
Web site: http://www.primeasset.com
http://www.sh-chemical.com/eng/company.html

Business: Arysta LifeScience completes acquisition of Callietha

Transaction gives Arysta LifeScience sole ownership of Volcano Companies

Tokyo (BUSINESS WIRE) - Arysta LifeScience Corporation, the world's largest privately held crop protection and lifescience company, has announced the acquisition of the remaining 50 percent interest in Callietha Investments, the parent company of the Volcano companies, which includes Volcano Agroscience (Pty) Ltd, Volcano Granulation and Volcano Chemicals.

Volcano Agroscience is one of the leading suppliers of crop protection products in the Republic of South Africa and southern Africa. The acquisition gives Arysta LifeScience sole ownership of all Volcano companies.

Arysta LifeScience initially purchased 50 percent interest in Callietha Investments in 2005. At that time, they also acquired an option to buy the remaining shares in 2008. Arysta LifeScience exercised the option on July 1, 2008.

"Our investment in Volcano positions us to expand our business in southern Africa and strengthen our ability to offer African farmers access to an array of innovative products that will help advance their operations and improve their success," said Chris Richards, CEO, Arysta LifeScience. "Full ownership allows Arysta LifeScience to extend the Volcano product portfolio, establish additional formulation capability and extend partnerships in southern Africa."

With headquarters in Durban, South Africa, Volcano is recognized by southern Africa farmers for its high-quality product offerings, formulation expertise, and highly capable employees. In September 2007, Volcano opened a liquid formulation plant in the Canelands. An additional wettable dry granules production facility will open at the same location later this month.

Also in 2007, Volcano made a significant investment in NexusAG, the leading distributor in the highly sophisticated, export-oriented Cape market in South Africa. The partnership has allowed Volcano to make significant inroads into this important market in South Africa.

Both companies have agreed not to disclose the financial details of the transaction.

About Arysta LifeScience Corporation

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Arysta LifeScience is the world's largest privately held crop protection and lifescience company with 2007 revenues of JPY136 billion (US$1.2 billion).
An entrepreneurial provider of crop protection and life science products in more than 125 countries worldwide, Arysta LifeScience specializes in marketing and distribution of respected crop protection brands and life science products in harmony with the needs of global partners. More information on the company is available at: www.arystalifescience.com.

Arysta LifeScience CorporationLinda Frerichs,
+1-919-678-4948 linda.frerichs@arystalifescience.com

Business in Asia Today - July 2, 2008

CHINESE OIL GIANT CHIEF BLAMES SPECULATION FOR OIL PRICE RISE
Beijing (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - An insufficient oil supply, a weak US dollar, speculation and geopolitical instability have fanned oil prices to record highs, a senior Chinese oil manager said Tuesday.
The decisive driving force behind the high oil prices, which reached US$143 per barrel Monday, is severe concern about the fundamentals of oil supply and demand, not just for today, but for tomorrow as well, said Fu Chengyu, President of the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).
A weak US dollar and geopolitical instability have been fully manipulated by speculators to drive up oil prices, Fu said at the on-going five-day 19th World Petroleum Congress in Madrid.

VIETNAM'S THEP VIET CAPITAL, MALAYSIAN FIRM SIGN CO-OP PACT
Ho Chi Minh City (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Vietnam's Thep Viet Capital on July 1 signed a strategic cooperation pact with the Inter-Pacific Capital Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the Malaysian Berjaya group.
Under the pact, Inter-Pacific Capital will become a large shareholder of the Thep Viet Capital, involving in fund management, investment and business development.
Thep Viet Capital, a leading private company in Vietnam, earned US$450 million in 2007 from steel production and distribution.

CHINESE OIL REFINERS CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE WITH RISING PRICES
Beijing (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - The recent price rise of refined oil products cannot fully offset domestic refiners' losses caused by surging crude prices, said Zhou Dadi, deputy director of China Energy Research Society.
The price increase can relieve domestic oil refiners' difficulties to some degree but it won't put them back in the black, he said.
China's top economic planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), last month announced the price of gasoline and diesel would go up by 1,000 yuan (US$146) per ton from June 20, and the price of aviation kerosene would increase by 1,500 yuan per ton.

KOREA'S KT CORP SIGNS ALLIANCE DEAL WITH NTT OF JAPAN
Seoul (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - KT Corp. (KSE:030200), South Korea's leading fixed-line operator, said today it has signed a tentative deal with NTT Corp. (TSE:9432) of Japan aimed at securing cooperation in joint business projects in the future.
The companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Silicon Valley, California on Monday and held a meeting dubbed the "KT-NTT Venture Forum" participated in by leading venture tech firms in the region, the company said.
Under the MOU, KT and NTT will jointly seek new business models utilizing next-generation broadband communications technologies, initially focusing on overseas venture capital-related areas.

AUSTRALIAN HIGH-END COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SALES AT 15 YR LOW
Syndey (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - The value of commercial property sales worth more than A$5 million (US$4.75 million) each has fallen to its lowest level in 15 years, research by CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has revealed.
Total sales for properties worth more than A$5 million (US$4.75 million) were down 60 per cent to A$3 billion for the first half of calendar 2008 compared with the same period in 2007.
The data showed that retail property transactions had been the most heavily affected, with transaction volumes down 84 per cent on the same period last year.

WESTFIELD REACHES DEAL WITH UK GOVT TO BUILD SHOPPING MALL
Sydney (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Westfield Group (ASX:WDC) is to build a STG1.5 billion (US$2.989 billion) shopping centre in east London after reaching agreements with the British government and Olympic agencies.
Westfield, the world's biggest owner and operator of shopping centres, will build the retail complex in Stratford City after securing agreements on the delivery of land, development rights and infrastructure.
"The STG1.5 billion Stratford City retail and leisure development has both scale and significance, serving as a gateway to the Olympic Park and delivering real momentum to the regeneration of east London," Westfield chairman Frank Lowy said in a statement. It is due to open in 2011.

CHINA'S MIDEA TO SET UP AIR CONDITIONER JV WITH CARRIER ASIA
Beijing (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Guangdong Midea Electric Appliances Co., Ltd. (SSX:000527) announced today that it will set up a refrigerating equipment joint venture with Carrier Asia in Foshan, Guangdong Province.
The joint venture, named Midea-Carrier Refrigerating Equipment Co., Ltd., will have a total registered capital of 200 million yuan (US$29.17 million).
Midea will contribute 120 million yuan and Carrier, 80 million yuan, taking a 60 per cent and 40 per cent stake in the venture, respectively. The venture will focus on R&D and manufacturing on household and light-duty commercial air conditioners and will undertake overseas orders from the Carrier entity, including Carrier Asia, Carrier Corporation and other related companies.

INT'L FURNITURE CITY IN THE PIPELINE FOR ABU DHABI
Dubai (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Plans are afoot to establish a one-stop regional furniture centre known as the International Furniture City (IFC) in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The man behind the project, Dr Ismail Kassim of Spectrum Furniture (Middle East) Sdn Bhd, said the company was partnering with the UAE's United Eastern Group in developing the project.
It is expected to cost up to 250 million dirham (US$68.1 million). "We expect to rope in 250 Malaysian furniture makers and 300 more from China.
The IFC concept is akin to a furniture supermarket offering medium to high quality products," Ismail told Bernama.

QANTAS MAY NET A$2.5 BLN BY FLOATING FREQUENT FLYER BIZ: ANALYST
Sydney (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - Plans by Qantas (ASX:QAN) to float nearly half of its frequent flyer business on the stock exchange could generate up to A$2.5 billion (US$2.375 billion), giving its shareholders a tidy return.
Analysts say the potential sale - a final decision will be taken next month - would boost the airline's cash reserves in a climate of rising jet fuel costs.
Qantas yesterday unveiled an improved frequent flyer scheme, expanding the ways frequent flyers can use their points, and said it was considering an initial public offer (IPO) of about 40 per cent of the business.

US APPAREL MAJOR GAP JOINS WITH INDIAN GOVT FOR WORKERS' RIGHTS
New Delhi (ANTARA News/Asia Pulse) - A year after being embroiled in a child labour controversy, leading US apparel and footwear brand Gap has embarked on a national initiative for welfare of children and women in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development and various state governments.
"The initiative will see the company forming a collaboration with the central and some state governments, like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, for prevention, rehabilitation and eradication of child labour and exploitation of women labour at various outsourcing factories of the company," Gap International Sourcing (India) Director (Social Responsibility) said Lakshmi Menon Bhatia.

Source:
Business in Asia Today - July 2, 2008
published by Asia Pulse

COPYRIGHT © 2008

Business: Entegris expands presence to India

New Bangalore office supports growing microelectronics and photovoltaic industries

Chaska, Minn. (PRIME NEWSWIRE) - Entegris, Inc. (Nasdaq:ENTG), a leading provider of products and systems that purify, protect and transport critical materials used in manufacturing of semiconductors and other microelectronics, announced the opening of a wholly owned subsidiary in Bangalore, India.

Entegris Materials Integrity India Pvt. Ltd. will provide full support of Entegris' complete product portfolio and service activities, including:
* Wafer and mask handling and shipping products -- process, storage and transport, including cleaning tools and services
* Finished electronic products -- chip and matrix trays, shippers
* Gas filters and purifiers
* Chemical and photochemical filters and purifiers
* Fluid handling products -- valves, fittings, tubings, containers
* Chemical pumps, liquid flow controllers and photoresist dispense pumps
* Subsystem solutions

"Entegris has served the Indian market since 2001 through distributor relationships," said Jerome Couelle, vice president and general manger, Entegris Europe. "We are excited about the prospects of the new team led by Badarish Appanna, which brings considerable experience to the company. This expertise and the location in Bangalore, at the heart of India's high-tech center, will enable us to address growing opportunities in India's rapidly emerging semiconductor and photovoltaic industries."

About Entegris

Entegris is a leading provider of a wide range of products for purifying, protecting and transporting critical materials used in processing and manufacturing in the semiconductor and other high-tech industries. Entegris is ISO 9001 certified and has manufacturing, customer service and/or research facilities in the United States, China, France, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. Additional information can be found at www.entegris.com.

The materials integrity management company

The Entegris, Inc. logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5231

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CONTACT:
Entegris, Inc.
Steve Cantor, VP of Corporate Relations
978-436-6500
irelations@entegris.com

Medical/Technology: Sky Detective/Beryllus sign pact to track blood/vaccine in China

Eagle, Idaho (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Sky Detective, Inc. today announced the company will partner with Beryllus, a provider of cold chain medical tracking solutions, to track biologicals, including blood and vaccines in China.
Sky Detective, a provider of advanced global intelligence, security and GPS/CDMA assisted asset tracking solutions, will assist Beryllus in designing a technologically advanced system that will incorporate GPS assisted tracking capabilities. This system will be capable of tracking temperatures over distances and reporting the current temperature and location on demand.

"This is a significant development in our international presence and in the application of our technology," said Jerry Thompson, CEO of Sky Detective. "We are pleased to be partnering with Beryllus in developing a tracking solution for perishable medical products. Recent regulations in China have mandated that biologicals be maintained within a specific temperature range according to international standards. We believe our tracking technology will be a critical component in insuring complete cold chain transit system compliance."

Dr. Paul J. Wojnicki, CEO of Beryllus, said the company is currently involved in temperature-controlled transit trials with a major federal hospital system and regional blood bank in Chongqing Province. "Currently, a wired solution with a probe is employed for tracking the temperature of in-transit sensitive medical products," said Dr. Wojnicki. "Successful integration of the Sky Detective GPS tracking system would represent a major technological advance in safeguarding blood and vaccines and could lead to its adoption by the Ministry of Health in Beijing."

Sky Detective and Beryllus also noted that this new system could be applied during catastrophic events such as earthquakes, tsunamis and other natural disasters.

About Sky Detective:

Headquartered in Eagle, Idaho, Sky Detective provides state-of-the-art global intelligence, security, and GPS/CDMA assisted asset tracking solutions used for heavy equipment, cargo containers, shipping and logistics, fleet management, vehicle theft prevention and recovery, prison and jail reduction and offender and gang control in the United States and around the globe.

Company CEO Jerry Thompson, an entrepreneur, retired deputy sheriff and inventor of Gang Tracker, leads a team with more than 200 combined years' of experience in law enforcement, anti-terrorism, SWAT, search & rescue, street patrol, gang & jail operations, executive protection and private investigation. Sky Detective's employees also possess extensive experience in GPS solutions, software development, and supply chain management. The result is the industry's most highly-optimized GPS/CDMA-assisted solutions for tracking people, packages, and equipment of any kind, anywhere. For more information, please visit www.skydetective.com

The Sky Detective, Inc. logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3891

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CONTACT:
Sky Detective, Inc.
Teresa Loock, Vice President of Operations
(800) 657-4162
teresa@skydetective.com
www.skydetective.com

Business: World e-Government Mayors Forum to be held in Seoul

Seoul, (ANTARA News/Xinhua-PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - From 7 to 9 July 2008, World e-Government Mayors Forum will take place in Seoul with the participation of mayors and governors from some 40 cities across the globe.

Along with the heads of the cities, CIOs and IT experts of cities from every continent, including Amsterdam, Ankara, Barcelona, Beijing, Berlin, Bonn, Helsinki, Jakarta, Manila, Nairobi, Perth, San Francisco and Sao Paulo, will get together in Seoul to discuss future perspectives of e-governments and ways to boost further collaboration between the cities.

Hosted by Seoul and co-sponsored by UNDESA and UNGC, the Mayors Forum will be held under the theme World e-Government-its present and future, building up a model of e-government cooperation, aiming to provide a platform to share outstanding models of each e-government practice, promote exchanges and cooperation between the cities, and present fresh vision for future e-governments.

Presided by the Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Welcoming Dinner on 7 July will be the first official event of the Forum, while Mayors Roundtable on the following day will highlight the entire forum by serving as a discussion ground for the mayors and other representatives. Besides, Dr. Nicholas Negroponte, who is well-known for his roles as a chairman of One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Association and a founder of MIT Media Lab, will deliver a keynote remark. Another keynote speaker during Opening Ceremony is Mr. Guido Bertucci who is a director of Division for Public Administration and Development Management (DPADM) of UNDESA.

Above all, the mayor of Seoul and other leaders of participating cities will jointly proclaim Seoul IT Declaration, whose main points are to come up with practical ways to reinforce e-government collaboration. In addition, participating cities will discuss an issue of forming a cooperation body between e-governments.

Within the framework of the cooperation body, prospective member cities will launch and carry out wide-ranged yet specific on- and off-line joint projects, including projects on sharing outstanding models of e-governments, narrowing the digital-divide, enhancing administrative productivity and transparency by utilising IT, and formulating and disseminating strategies on eco-friendly IT or Green-IT.

For further information, visit the official website of World e-Government Mayors Forum at http://wegmf.seoul.go.kr .

Contact:
Ms. Jeeyoung, Kim
Tel: +82-2-6361-3116
Email: jeeyoung@seoul.go.kr
SOURCE Seoul Metropolitan Government

Business: VistaJet Completes Acquisition of Bombardier Skyjet International

- VistaJet Becomes Second Largest Business Jet Company Outside North America; VistaJet Will Generate Over 25,000 Hours Worldwide

ZURICH, July 1 (ANTARA/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - VistaJet Holding SA (VistaJet) and Bombardier Aerospace today announced that the companies have signed definitive agreements under which, for an undisclosed sum, VistaJet has acquired Skyjet International, a leading business aviation company with offices in London, Hong Kong and Dubai.

The transaction promotes VistaJet to the number two position outside North America and allows VistaJet to expand its revolutionary Flight Solutions Programme and expand operations worldwide.

"Today's transaction is a perfect fit; the complementary synergies and strengths are in line with our goal of becoming the world's leading business aviation provider," said Thomas Flohr, Chairman of VistaJet. "The merger underlines VistaJet's vision of revolutionizing the business aviation landscape globally by coupling pure luxury with affordability."

Bing Chen, VistaJet CEO emphasizes, "VistaJet remains committed to a seamless integration of operations and services for the benefit of our customers. Skyjet International's jet membership programme perfectly complements our innovative Flight Solutions Programme. The Skyjet International brand name has been retained to reassure customers who will benefit from this expanded range of service options."

"This is another milestone of VistaJet's continued success in providing the most innovative travel solutions that are transparent, flexible and affordable but with the most luxurious fleet and services," said Chen.

On May 20 2008, VistaJet announced that it had placed a firm order for 35 Bombardier business jets, including an option for an additional 25 aircraft. This $1.2 billion business jet order will triple the size of VistaJet's existing fleet.

The Skyjet International transaction and current aircraft order will see VistaJet's fleet expand to 94 jets by 2012. The Company recently forecast a 50 per cent increase in revenues for this year and expects to generate approximately 80,000 flight hours by 2012.

ABOUT VISTAJET

VistaJet is a privately-owned company headquartered in Switzerland. VistaJet is Europe's fastest growing business jet company offering revolutionary business aviation solutions through its one of a kind Flight Solutions Program. The VistaJet fleet will comprise more than sixty-five medium to ultra-long range, state of the art jets with an average age of less than two years. VistaJet operates a diversified fleet meeting the full range of customer needs. The current fleet includes Learjet 40 XR* and Learjet 60XR* aircraft, Challenger 300*, Challenger 604*, Challenger 605* and Challenger 850* jets, and the Global Express XRS* jet. Three Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) will be delivered in 2010. News and information is available at http://www.vistajet.com.

ABOUT SKYJET INTERNATIONAL

Launched in March 2002 as Flexjet* Europe and later rebranded, Skyjet International established itself as the world's first truly global business jet charter service. Consolidating some of the world's leading charter operators into a single network, Skyjet International, based outside London - and with offices in Dubai and Hong Kong - provides a variety of innovative private jet travel options.

*Either registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries

For more information or to book a trip, call +44-1252-526-630, email info@sje@aero.bombardier.com or visit www.skyjetinternational.com

For media enquiries, please contact:
Lee Holloran, Marketing Executive
Tel: +44-1252-526 633
lee.holloran@aero.bombardier.com

Source: VistaJet International Ltd and Skyjet International