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GROUP8 Brings ‘The Standoff’ Closer With An Exclusive Online Tour

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 2 June 2021 – With a rise in cybersecurity breaches and the need for remote work amid the pandemic, GROUP8 recognised the need for more extensive and robust cybersecurity solutions across various industries in Singapore. To inspire the local cybersecurity community, GROUP8 recently co-organised The Standoff webinar to bring a guided tour of this globally recognised cyberbattle to Singapore’s virtual scene for the first time, on May 20, 2021.

The Standoff is an annual cyberbattle based in Russia, where the best offensive (Red) and best defensive (Blue) cybersecurity teams are brought from all over the world to compete for the control of a simulated digital metropolis. This year, GROUP8 partnered with Div0, Singapore’s foremost cybersecurity community group, and Positive Technologies to bring a virtual tour of the cyberbattle to audiences from all over the world.

In this one-hour livestream guided tour of The Standoff, Zoom attendees were able to step into the battlefield and observe how the offensive Red team tested the IT infrastructure of the simulated city, while the Blue team contested by defending against these attempts. Taking a leaf out of reality, this city was a digital copy of a modern metropolis – with complete OT and IT infrastructures, such as transportation networks and traffic systems, all powered by the latest technologies.

Unlike a typical Capture The Flag (CTF) game, The Standoff is a highly practical cyberbattle, where teams seek out cyber vulnerabilities found in real critical infrastructures that have been simulated into this hackable city. As an observer or as a contestant from either of the teams, participants were exposed and kept up-to-date with cybersecurity issues; how these issues could have a concrete impact on the digital city and by extension, the real world. Apart from gaining insights from cybersecurity experts and the Security Ops Centre (SOC) team, attendees were offered an analysis of common strategies that attackers utilise to access confidential digital assets.

With a successful close to the webinar, GROUP8 is honoured to bring the The Standoff virtual guided tour to Singapore’s cybersecurity community. Fret not if you have missed the webinar, you could catch it on The Standoff’s Youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI25kST2j_Y&t=2567s

GROUP8 is a home-grown cybersecurity and cyber intelligence company which provides solutions such as penetration testing services that are CREST certified in Singapore. With its dedication to offensive cybersecurity research, the team at GROUP8 offers web services that are tailored to any business needs.

For more information, please visit: https://group8.co/

#GROUP8

Charles Monat Associates Announces New Global Leadership Structure to Accelerate International Growth

  • Berry Wong appointed to newly created role of CEO, APAC
  • Nikki Koh appointed as CEO, Singapore
  • Elevated appointments for Klaus Kiessling to Group CFO and Li San Tan to Group COO
  • Global Advisory Council created to build greater synergies across regions

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 2 June 2021 – Charles Monat Associates (CMA), a pioneer in wealth planning and life insurance solutions, today announced major global leadership changes to advance the company’s business growth strategy and build greater synergies across regions, asset classes and liquidity solutions.

Yves Guélat, Group Chief Executive Officer, Charles Monat Associates

To capitalize on the extraordinary growth opportunities across Asia Pacific (APAC), driven by rapidly increasing wealth across the region, CMA has appointed Berry Wong to the new position of CEO of APAC. Wong, who previously served as CEO of Hong Kong where he drove revenue growth by 300% in the last four years, will be responsible for overseeing operations in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. In this newly created position, Wong will continue to be an enabler of evolving client wealth planning objectives, while charting an ambitious expansion strategy across APAC.

Nikki Koh will succeed Martin Wong as CEO of Singapore, where he will be responsible for building on the firm’s success in this strategically important market. Koh, who has over 25 years of insurance and banking experience, will also drive the development of an emerging-market roadmap across South-East Asia. In addition to his new leadership responsibilities, he will continue to serve as Group Chief Commercial Officer. Martin Wong has been appointed to the new position of Group Chief Business Development Officer, where he will utilize his experience in expanding across Asia to focus on developing onshore opportunities across different regions and markets.

To support the firm’s aggressive global expansion plans, CMA has established a new Global Advisory Council to build greater synergies across APAC, Europe, the Middle East and Americas. The Council will report to CMA’s Group Executive Committee and will be charged with developing a blueprint to navigate the opportunities and challenges posed by the rapidly shifting landscape of global wealth.

The establishment of the Global Advisory Council comes ahead of a major expansion across Europe, and follows the exceptional growth of CMA’s Middle East operations over the last two years, managed under Rahul Chopra, Senior Executive Officer & Managing Director, Dubai, who has been appointed to the Council. As part of CMA’s strategic growth plans to increase its geographical footprint across Europe and bring more comprehensive services and solutions to clients, CMA is making further investments into its growing Swiss-based operations, and has appointed Marco Liardo as Head of Switzerland and Managing Director. Liardo reports into Simon Lo, Chief Executive Officer, International Business.

Yves Guélat, Group CEO of CMA, said: “The changes we have announced today signify a new and exciting chapter for Charles Monat Associates. We are proud to be the uncontested market leader and premier broker of choice, having had the privilege of serving over 8,000 high-net-worth individuals and families for 50 years. These moves are testament to the strength and vision of our team, and position us to capitalize on the significant global opportunities ahead of us.

“Over the last few years, a new, highly-competitive wealth planning ecosystem has been emerging. Covid-19 has accelerated the pace of this change as the entire world was brought to a standstill, with borders closing and travel restricted. The uncertainty has highlighted the importance of succession planning, while reaffirming the need for wealth consultants to be nimble and agile to adapt to the fast-moving environment and bridge their capabilities globally. Today’s announcement puts us in a unique position to do this, as we aim to get closer to our clients and partners, become the world’s most ‘global broker’ and continue to build our legacy and the legacies of our clients.”

Berry Wong, CEO, APAC, said: “I am humbled, yet excited to take on this role. CMA was born in Hong Kong and the business has been shaped by the APAC region over the course of its 50-year history. As we embark on this new chapter, I am energized by the opportunity to sharpen our organization’s focus and lay the foundation for another 50 years of growth and expansion throughout the continent. Asia’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable, with the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals growing faster than anywhere else in the world. I am extremely proud of our team’s contributions to making a difference to our partners and clients, always putting their needs first. With this team of extraordinary professionals, together we will continue to play a significant role in helping individuals, families, and businesses plan ahead with peace of mind that guarantees the continuity of their life’s work.”

Nikki Koh, CEO, Singapore, said: “The opportunity ahead of us cannot be overstated. Singapore is already home to one of the highest concentrations of high-net-worth individuals in the world and the emerging markets of South East Asia represent a new and exciting frontier. As a people-centric organization with a culture built on trust, passion and family-values, we always take the time to understand what’s important to our clients to cater to their unique needs. As CMA begins this new chapter, we do so with the industry’s best talents and a clear sense of organizational purpose.”

Aligned with the company’s strategic move to accelerate its international growth plan, Klaus Kiessling has been elevated from Group Chief Operations Officer (COO) and will now take charge of CMA’s global financial strategy as Group Chief Financial Officer. Li San Tan has been appointed as the new Group COO, and will be responsible for optimizing operational processes globally, and overseeing the company’s digital transformation across markets, including the enhancement of IT infrastructure, security, and cybersecurity. Tan will also take the lead in automation integration to streamline business processes, and ensure a seamless experience for CMA’s clients and partners on user-facing tools and platforms.

Established in 1971, CMA has become an industry leader preserving the wealth of more than 8,000 clients from 50 countries, and placed more than US$40 billion worth of solutions during this 50-year tenure. CMA operates across Asia with a strong presence in Mainland China and operations in the Middle East, Europe and North America. CMA has an agile team of on-the-ground experts who understand the nuances of each market.


About Charles Monat Associates

Charles Monat Associates (CMA) is a leading global insurance broker with more than 200 professionals operating in Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Switzerland, Miami, Kuala Lumpur, and Liechtenstein. Founded in 1971 by Charles S. Monat, the company has established a reputation as Asia’s most trusted premier consultancy. With 50 years of experience, CMA delivers world class expertise in liquidity planning and wealth transfer for Ultra-High-Net-Worth and High-Net-Worth individuals, families and businesses. For more information, visit www.monat.com.

#CharlesMonatAssociates #CMA

China Promises 500,000 More Doses of Sinopharm Covid-19 Vaccine

China to provide Laos with a further 500,000 sinopharm vaccines

The Chinese government has confirmed it will provide another 500,000 doses of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines to Laos.

NCS Makes Top Hires to Drive Growth

Industry veterans to boost senior leadership team

 

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 2 June 2021 – NCS today announced the appointment of three industry veterans to its Senior Leadership Team to drive its next phase of growth and transformation. Their appointments come as NCS creates a new Corporate Development portfolio focusing on Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and a partner ecosystem, as well as two new Strategic Business Groups dedicated to NCS’ business in the government and telco sectors.

In a strategic review announced last week, NCS was cited as a new growth engine for the Singtel Group which would see NCS expand into the enterprise sector and major markets of Australia and Greater China. Earlier this year, NCS was carved out as an autonomous unit within the Group as a first step towards realising this new remit and ambition.

Commenting on the three new senior leadership appointments, Mr Ng Kuo Pin, Chief Executive Officer, NCS said, “I’m really excited to welcome our three new senior leaders into NCS. They are joining NCS at a crucial time when we are repositioning ourselves, to build a better technology services firm in Asia Pacific for both public sector and enterprise clients. They will help boost our senior leadership team, as we strive to transform NCS into a B2B services champion. The creation of two new Strategic Business Groups for the government and telco sectors underpins our focus to reinvent ourselves to better serve the public sector and expedite growth in the enterprise sector. The next chapter of NCS is about to unfold, and we hope to get support from all in the industry, especially our clients, our people and our partners.”

Howie Lau, Managing Director, Corporate Development and Partnerships

Howie joins NCS from 1 June 2021 as Managing Director of Corporate Development and Partnerships. Howie will spearhead NCS’ efforts in M&A to accelerate its expansion in the key markets of Singapore, Australia and Greater China. Besides inorganic acquisitions, he will review and develop strategic partnerships that will establish NCS as a leader in the digital ecosystem in Asia Pacific. Howie will also lead the marketing and communications function, and drive sustainability efforts to support NCS’ new purpose and aspiration to advance communities across Asia Pacific through harnessing technology.

Prior to joining NCS, he was the Assistant Chief Executive, Media & Innovation Group at the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), with oversight in developing the technology, telecommunications, and media business in Singapore as well as driving technology capability development. Howie brings with him more than 25 years of experience in corporate development and marketing in his previous appointments as Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Consumer Business at StarHub, as well as Vice President of Corporate Development at Lenovo and IBM.

Sam Liew Lien Ban, Managing Director, Government Strategic Business Group

Since its inception, NCS has always partnered with government agencies to deliver reliable, secure and innovative ICT services impacting the lives of citizens and communities. Underpinning NCS’ strategic intent to reinvent its business in the public sector, NCS will set up a dedicated group of practices to build NCS’ digital government portfolio, and drive collaboration efforts to propel NCS as the go-to digital catalyst for governments and smart cities across Asia Pacific.

Sam Liew will join on 1 July 2021 as Managing Director, Government Strategic Business Group to lead this group of practices; which serves the Singapore Public Service, Defence and Homeland Security agencies, and government clients across Asia Pacific. He will focus on the key challenge of helping government agencies digitalise the core of public services to enable holistic public service transformation.

With 24 years of industry experience, Sam is the Managing Director of Technology Group at GIC, responsible for delivering Technology, Data Analytics and Data Science projects and initiatives, across GIC globally. Prior to GIC, Sam was Managing Director for Accenture’s ASEAN Technology business and was part of Accenture’s Global CEO Circle strategy & leadership team. He was also a member of Accenture’s Global Technology leadership council.

Sami Luukkonen, Managing Director, Telco Strategic Business Group

Sami Luukkonen will join on 1 July 2021 as Managing Director, Telco Strategic Business Group, a dedicated group of practices focused on scaling NCS’ business in the Telco sector. Leveraging NCS’ strengths and domain experience as the technology service provider for the Singtel Group, Sami will focus on helping telcos digitalise their operations, and go to market competitively and innovatively. He will co-create at-scale, telco-centric solutions and offerings with telco clients across Asia Pacific.

Sami has more than 25 years of extensive experience in the Communications, Media and Technology (CMT) sector. He was a Senior Managing Director at Accenture as the Europe Strategic Sales across all industries and led Accenture’s Electronics & High Technology business global strategic initiatives which encompasses its acquisition strategy and ecosystem plays within the CMT industry globally. Sami is a thought leader in various international forums and served as the chairman of Research and Innovation select group for Confederation of Finnish Industries.

APPENDIX A – EXECUTIVE PROFILES

Howie Lau

Managing Director, Corporate Development and Partnerships, NCS

Howie brings with him years of deep experience and thought leadership in the Info-Communications and Technology (ICT) sector. Prior to joining NCS, he was the Assistant Chief Executive, Media & Innovation Group at the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), which has oversight of developing the technology, telecommunications and media business in Singapore as well as technology capability development.

Prior to IMDA, Howie was the Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Consumer Business at StarHub, and Vice President of Corporate Development at Lenovo. He has more than 25 years of experience in corporate development, business leadership and marketing in Lenovo and IBM across Asia Pacific, China, India and Latin America.

Howie serves on several advisory committees and boards, including the Governing Council of the Singapore Institute of Directors and board of Science Centre Singapore. He was recognised as IT Leader of the Year 2020 by Singapore Computer Society and received the Philip Kotler Marketing Excellence award in 2018.

Sam Liew Lien Ban

Managing Director, Government Strategic Business Group, NCS

Sam Liew will join NCS on 1 July 2021 as Managing Director, Government Strategic Business Group. With 24 years of industry experience, Sam is the Managing Director, Technology Group at GIC. As Director of Technology and Division Head of Business Partner and Solutions, Sam is responsible for delivering Technology, Data Analytics and Data Science projects and initiatives, across GIC globally. Sam is also a member of GIC’s Corporate Management Committee, Group Risk Committee, and the Technology Business Group.

Prior to GIC, Sam was Managing Director for Accenture’s ASEAN Technology business. Sam was part of Accenture’s Global CEO Circle strategy & leadership team, Global Technology leadership council, ASEAN Geographical leadership council and APAC Technology leadership team.

Sam contributes his time and expertise across several boards, committees and industry associations such as: board director at Gardens by the Bay, council member of IT Standards Committee at Enterprise Singapore and vice president at the Singapore Computer Society where he is a conferred fellow.

A keen contributor to developing talent in the ICT industry, Sam is a board member at the Singapore Management University (SMU) School of Computing and Information Systems, advisory committee member at Singapore Polytechnic School of Computing and sits on the data analytics advisory board at the SMU School of Accountancy.

Sami Luukkonen

Managing Director, Telco Strategic Business Group, NCS

Sami has extensive experience in the Communications, Media and Technology (CMT) sector where he has worked for over 25 years. Prior to this, Sami was a Senior Managing Director at Accenture as the Europe Strategic Sales across all industries and led Accenture’s Electronics & High Technology business global strategic initiatives which encompasses its acquisition strategy and ecosystem plays within the CMT industry globally.

Sami is a CMT industry thought leader who shares in various international forums, and has a passion for the next industrial revolution and the disruption opportunities resulting from customer intimacy, 5G, digital, AI, robotics, IoT, machine learning, etc. Sami also served prior global roles such as the regional lead for CMT Nordics region, the global lead for Electronics, High Tech, Aerospace and Defense industries, and the Asia Pacific lead of CMT Strategic Sales.

His career has taken him across the globe to Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines, Australia, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands. Sami served as the chairman of Research and Innovation select group for Confederation of Finnish Industries. He was also an advisory board member of ICT 2015 initiative, a special program to reinvent the ICT industry in Finland launched by its prime minister.

About NCS

NCS is a member of the Singtel Group and the leading information, communications and technology (ICT) service provider with presence in the Asia Pacific region. NCS delivers end-to-end ICT and digital solutions to help governments and enterprises realise business value through digital transformation and the innovative use of technology. NCS invests in NEXT capabilities of digital, cloud, platform and cyber while continuously strengthening its core offerings of Applications, Infrastructure and Engineering. NCS also believes in building a strong partner eco-system with leading technology players and research institutions to support open innovation and co-creation.

#NCS

Radium Medical Aesthetics Implements Virtual Consultation Amidst Phase 2 (Heightened Alert)

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 2 June 2021 Radium Medical Aesthetics announced last week that it has rolled out its virtual consultation service as a convenient way for patients to consult their doctors amidst the Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) restrictions. This is part of the clinic’s response to the announcement of the new measures and its commitment to tackling the virus.

Designed for new patients who wish to schedule an initial appointment to find out more about treatments, this virtual channel allows patients to speak to a doctor without having to spend time travelling to the clinic and potentially exposing themselves to the virus.

With this new service, patients can easily schedule an appointment via the clinic’s hotline or write in via SMS or WhatsApp. The clinic has stated that each session will take approximately 15 minutes, during which patients can clarify doubts or ask questions, discuss pre- and post-treatment plans, prices, and obtain quotations provided by the doctors.

Thereafter, patients are only required to come for a face-to-face consultation when they are keen to proceed with the treatment. This is necessary as it allows doctors to conduct a thorough assessment of the patient before undergoing any procedure.

Restricted Operations During Phase 2 (Heightened Alert)

In compliance with the measures imposed during Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), limited services will be offered at the clinic.

All facial treatments are temporarily deferred and only medical treatments are allowed. The clinic plans to resume regular operations once the COVID-19 situation in Singapore improves and the current restrictions ease.

Following the Prime Minister’s address on the 31st of May, it is highly likely that the restrictions will be eased after 13th of June.

Radium Medical Aesthetics has stated that patients affected by the new measures will have their packages extended and appointments postponed, reassuring all concerned parties that the clinic will work hand in hand with them to ensure that their treatments are properly rescheduled.

Enhanced COVID-19 Safety Measures

To protect the safety of their staff and patients, the clinic has ramped up their COVID-19 safety measures, implementing the following measures at their premises:

  • Mandatory check-in using the TraceTogether app from 17 May 2021
  • Compulsory submission of health declaration forms and screening
  • All patients must keep their masks on at all times unless treatment is carried out
  • Rigorous cleaning and disinfection of the clinic daily
  • Staggering of patient appointments to avoid overcrowding at the clinic
  • Only 1 visitor is allowed to accompany the patient
  • Disposable bed liners are tossed after every patient

About Radium Medical Aesthetics

Radium Medical Aesthetics is a leading aesthetic clinic in Singapore that offers a broad range of services to address a variety of issues. The clinic prides itself on their excellent customer service and safe treatments, offering their customers only the latest, non-invasive and FDA-approved/ CE-marked medical aesthetic treatments like Sculptra dermal fillers, PicoSure laser, Ultherapy, PDO Thread Lift, TriLipo™ Body Contouring, nose fillers, Profhilo skin remodelling, and more.

For more information, please visit: https://radium-aesthetics.com/

#RadiumMedicalAesthetics

Qualtrics Announces Significant Expansion Plans to Support Customer Growth Across Asia Pacific and Japan

Company to hire 1,200 employees across the region by 2024

5x expansion of APJ workforce in response to growing demand for Qualtrics Experience Management solutions

Qualtrics has never been more relevant as businesses and governments design customer and employee experiences for a post-pandemic world

Additional investments include Qualtrics’ new data centre in Singapore and APJ headquarters in Sydney

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach – 2 June 2021 – Qualtrics, (Nasdaq: XM), the world’s No. 1 Experience Management (XM) provider and creator of the XM category, today announced plans to hire 1,200 new employees across Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ). The company is investing in talent and scaling its operations across the region – including opening a new headquarters in Sydney and data centre in Singapore – as businesses and governments increasingly turn to Qualtrics to help them deliver incredible customer, employee, brand, and product experiences.

In today’s digital world – where it is easier than ever for employees to switch jobs or customers to change service providers – businesses and governments are choosing Qualtrics to help them retain and engage employees, and find new customers while strengthening relationships with the ones they already have. The Qualtrics Experience Management Operating System enables customers to bring together all of their experience data – what their customers and employees are telling them about their company and brand – analyse it, and use workflows to take action.

“Organizations around the world are in the middle of an experience transformation –– and there is a massive market and category opportunity ahead of us,” said Zig Serafin, CEO of Qualtrics. “We see this as some of the best organizations in the world – like Standard Chartered, Clarins, Atlassian, and Mitsubishi Electric – are using Qualtrics to retain and engage their employees, and to find new customers and keep the ones they already have.”

“Experience data is becoming the most valuable data within an organisation, and Qualtrics has a 10-year head start in this market,” added Serafin. “The investments we’re making today will help us grow across Asia Pacific and Japan, and ensure we continue to help our customers build their next great customer, employee, product, and brand experiences.”

“To help our customers succeed in this age of experience transformation, Qualtrics is committed to continually investing in and expanding our local operations. In the last year alone in Asia Pacific and Japan, we have established teams in entirely new countries for the first time, announced a new data centre, relocated to a larger regional HQ, and highlighted our intention to rapidly scale our local team. As a result, Qualtrics continues to lead the way in equipping businesses and governments with the tools, services, expertise, and support needed to design new experiences for our evolving world, and then continuously improve them,” said Brigid Archibald, Managing Director for Qualtrics in APJ.

Iconic Businesses Across APJ Succeed with Qualtrics

Businesses and governments across APJ are turning to Qualtrics to design and improve the experiences they deliver, including:

  • Atlassian – Employee insights captured by Qualtrics are helping inform Atlassian’s Team Anywhere policy as the company redesigns the way it works for a post-pandemic world. By regularly capturing insights into how its 5,000+ global employees feel and the support and tools they need, Atlassian is able to make continuous improvements to its employee experience that drive business outcomes, such as talent acquisition and improved productivity. For more information click here.
  • Standard Chartered – The Qualtrics Experience Management Operating System is a key enabler in Standard Chartered’s goal to grow its customer base in the coming years. The leading international bank is using customer feedback to proactively deliver superior experiences across every channel – in the branch, through the contact centre, and over digital platforms. Alongside this, Qualtrics is used for Standard Chartered’s global employee engagement program, enabling the company to listen at key moments across the employee lifecycle, segment insights, and distribute them to managers to act on in real time. For more information read here.
  • Clarins – As the lines between physical and digital experiences continue to blur, leading international skincare brand Clarins is using Qualtrics to measure and understand its customer experience across in-store and online channels for 9 markets in Asia Pacific through a single platform. The ability of Qualtrics to help Clarins capture insights, identify opportunities, and act in real time to continually improve the customer experience has recently seen the program extended to EMEA. For more information read here.
  • Mitsubishi Electric – Mitsubishi Electric will use Qualtrics to gauge employee engagement, observe, and understand shorter-term trends. With Qualtrics, the company will be able to regularly listen to the employee voice and create a workplace where they can grow and thrive. For more information read here.


Qualtrics Leads the Way with Experience Management in APJ

With plans to add 1,200 new jobs by the end of 2024, Qualtrics is increasing its investment in APJ to accelerate the significant growth already achieved since launching in the region in 2015.

This includes a new addition to the company’s data centre network in the region, with the opening of a new location in Singapore in 2021 ensuring all governments and businesses across Southeast Asia comply with data sovereignty and security requirements when using Qualtrics. The company also moved to a new APJ HQ in Sydney at the beginning of 2021 in preparation for the expansion, and in 2020 formally launched operations in Hong Kong, South Korea, and India.

As part of this regional growth, Qualtrics has made a number of new senior hires including the appointment of Jason Laufer to Managing Director for ANZ, John Seo to Managing Director for Korea, and Navneet Narula to Managing Director for India.

Through the expanded team and capabilities, Qualtrics will provide customers with world-class support and services enabling them to quickly and effectively discover and take action on the immediate and evolving needs of customers, employees, and the wider market. Additionally, customers will gain access to local and global industry leaders and XM communities to share learnings and best practice, and receive breakthrough research and benchmarks from the Qualtrics XM Institute.

Qualtrics is hiring for its seven offices – in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, India, and Hong Kong – and all departments, including sales, professional services engineering, operations, customer success, and marketing.

Additional information

  • For more information about careers at Qualtrics, visit qualtrics.com/careers/us/en
  • For more information about what it’s like to work at Qualtrics, visit qualtrics.com/qualtrics-life/
  • For more information about Qualtrics, visit qualtrics.com/au

About Qualtrics

Qualtrics (Nasdaq: XM) the leader in customer experience and creator of the Experience Management (XM) category, is changing the way organizations manage and improve the four core experiences of business––customer, employee, product, and brand. Over 13,500 organizations around the world are using Qualtrics to listen, understand, and take action on experience data (X-Data™)––the beliefs, emotions, and intentions that tell you why things are happening, and what to do about it. The Qualtrics XM PlatformTM is a system of action that helps businesses attract customers who stay longer and buy more, engage employees who build a positive culture, develop breakthrough products people love, and build a brand people are passionate about. To learn more, please visit qualtrics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements


This press release contains express and implied “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our financial outlook for the second quarter of 2021 and full year 2021, Qualtrics’ growth strategy and business aspirations, its market position, and the continued impact of COVID-19 on its business and operations. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “project,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “predict,” “potential,” “target,” “explore,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. By their nature, these statements are subject to numerous uncertainties and risks, including factors beyond our control, that could cause actual results, performance, or achievement to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the statements, including: our future financial performance, including our revenue, cost of revenue, gross profit, operating expenses, ability to generate positive cash flow, and ability to be profitable; our ability to grow at or near historical growth rates; anticipated technology trends, such as the use of and demand for experience management software; our ability to attract and retain customers to use our products; our ability to respond to and overcome challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic; our ability to attract enterprises and international organizations as customers for our products; our ability to expand our network with content consulting partners, delivery partners, and technology partners; the evolution of technology affecting our products and markets; our ability to introduce new products and enhance existing products and to compete effectively with competitors; our ability to successfully enter into new markets and manage our international expansion; the attraction and retention of qualified employees and key personnel; our ability to effectively manage our growth and future expenses and maintain our corporate culture; our anticipated investments in sales and marketing and research and development; our ability to maintain, protect, and enhance our intellectual property rights; our ability to successfully defend litigation brought against us; our ability to maintain data privacy and data security; the sufficiency of our cash and cash equivalents to meet our liquidity needs; our ability to comply with modified or new laws and regulations applying to our business; and our reduced ability to leverage resources at SAP as an independent company from SAP. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements are and/or will be included under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in Qualtrics’ Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any subsequent public filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made and are based on information available to Qualtrics at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events. Qualtrics assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, except as required by law.

#Qualtrics

Laos Expecting Shipment of Pfizer Vaccine

Laos to receive Pfizer vaccine soon

Laos is to receive a shipment of some 100,620 doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine through the COVAX facility.

Samsung Introduces 4-Door Flex Refrigerator Series and Jet Bot+ with Clean Station™ for Smarter, Enhanced Living Experiences

New lifestyle appliances provide personalised and connected home experiences underpinned by Samsung’s innovative technologies

 

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 1 June 2021 – Samsung Electronics Singapore is bringing to market its latest range of refrigerators and robot vacuum cleaners to enhance homeowners’ live-in experience. This includes the latest 4-Door Flex Refrigerator Series, as well as the Jet Bot+ with Clean Station™.

Consumers can look forward to flexible storage options and enhanced freshness delivered right from the 4-Door Flex Refrigerator Series with the signature FlexZone™1. In addition, consumers can enjoy new features such as the brand-new Beverage Center™2 and Dual Auto Ice Maker features2 for access to refreshing cold water. The Jet Bot+ will bring about a smarter, more effortless, and efficient cleaning experience with the Clean Station™offering an automated dust disposal solution, precise LiDAR sensor technology, and Wi-Fi Smart Control.

“As consumers spend more time at home, they are also seeking to enhance their live-in experiences with technology. Our new 4-Door Flex Refrigerator Series and Jet Bot+ robot vacuum are packed with innovative and smart features that offer conveniences along with reliable performance. And for homeowners who are particular about how their appliances can be part of an overall design story for their living spaces, both products have a modern and clean aesthetic that blends perfectly into any home,” said Jacqueline Toh, Head of Digital Appliances, Samsung Electronics Singapore.

Room to Indulge Your Food: Samsung 4-Door Flex Refrigerator Series

The new Samsung 4-Door Flex Refrigerator Series is the brand’s premium range that is Made in Korea

The Samsung 4-Door Flex Refrigerator Series includes four models in both Stainless Steel and Classic Matte Black variants. They come equipped with features that are designed to meet the different lifestyle and eating habits of families, including quick and easy access to refreshingly cold water, as well as ensuring food items stay fresh, last longer and taste their best.

  • Beverage Center™2
    The new Beverage Center™ can be found inside the upper-left door of the refrigerator. It consists of the In-Door Water Dispenser and an AutoFill Water Pitcher to provide consumers with two different ways to obtain hygienic, filtered cold water anytime.

    Consumers can have quick access to cold water via the In-door Water Dispenser, kept inside the refrigerator with lesser exposure to air to reduce contamination. It also features a stainless-steel nozzle that is detachable for easy washing.

    For consumers seeking a refreshingly chilled and naturally flavoured drink straight from the refrigerator, the BPA3– free 1.4L AutoFill Water Pitcher automatically fills up with purified water, and can be infused4 with your choice of fruits and herbs.

  • Dual Auto Ice Maker2
    The Dual Auto Ice Maker makes regular cubed ice and Ice Bites™ in two separate ice makers to suit different preferences for cold beverages. Ice Bites™ are smaller and can chill drinks much faster—great for families with children. The Dual Auto Ice Maker makes up to 2.8kg of ice a day and has a large storage capacity of up to 3.1kg5.
  • Superior Cooling Performance
    Keep food fresher for longer and preserve its natural flavour and taste with enhanced cooling features. A Triple Cooling system independently supplies cool air to three compartments in the fridge and freezer using three dedicated coolers. The system controls the temperature and humidity in each compartment to create optimal storage conditions and prevents odours from mixing.

    Precise Cooling also minimises any temperature fluctuation to just ±0.5°C to preserve the quality and texture of fresh food and prevent the effects of freezer burn. Food is kept fresh, even if the fridge door is opened frequently.

    And with Metal Cooling, the fridge’s metal plate in the rear wall helps maintain the optimal internal temperature and prevents the loss of cool air whenever the door is opened.

Custom-Fit to Your Lifestyle

The new 4-Door Flex Refrigerator Series represents Samsung’s continuous commitment to pioneering new innovations, helping consumers achieve the lifestyles that they desire through flexible, personalised offerings, including:

  • Flexible Interior Storage1
    Interior customisation is available thanks to its flexible shelving and drawer configuration which helps keep different foods fresh by creating optimal conditions.

    Samsung’s signature FlexZone™, an independently controlled compartment that can effortlessly convert from a fridge to a freezer, provides users more customised food management options to accommodate different families’ eating habits. With this feature, users can store a wide range of items based on five pre-set temperature modes: Freeze, Soft Freeze, Meat/Fish, Fruits/Veggies, and Beverage.

    The 4-Door Flex is also equipped with a temperature-adjustable Flex Crisper™ drawer, which is perfect for maintaining the freshness of fresh produce such as meat and fish, along with a Crisper+™ drawer which ensures fruits and vegetables retain moisture.

  • Family Hub™: Perfect addition to today’s connected kitchen
    The 4-Door Flex Family Hub™6 delivers a wide range of intelligent new features that provide a more personalised and interactive experience for everyone in the family.

    For a start, it features an intuitive 21.5-inch touchscreen that allows families to stay connected and entertained. Besides having the Family Board feature for users to share notes, photos, and videos with their family members, they can also enjoy endless entertainment straight from the kitchen by mirroring their smartphone7 and TV8 with SmartView or via entertainment apps9.

    Consumers can get recommendations on family meals with the Meal Planner app, as well as manage their fridge inventory more effectively via the View Inside feature which lets users peek into what is in their fridge remotely via their smartphones10. Additionally, the Smart Recipes app provides instant access to many delicious recipes with simple instructions. The fridge can also generate a shopping list for any missing ingredients that can be synced to users’ smartphones10 for easy access when they are out shopping.

    The Family HubTM also serves as a command centre for all your smart devices at home. With the SmartThings app11, users can manage all compatible smart devices12, such as washing machines and robot vacuum cleaners right from the Family HubTM screen.

Timeless Design

The new 4-Door Flex refrigerators’ classic and timeless aesthetics will fit right into your designer kitchen, as it will into your family’s needs.

The fridge blends effortlessly into existing kitchen designs with its seamless built-in layout, with the thoughtfully hidden water dispenser and minimalist style. It features Samsung’s signature flat door design and recessed handles that are treated with an antimicrobial coating that protects it from degradation by microorganisms13. The metallic finish is also fingerprint resistant.

For those who prefer a little pizzazz in the kitchen, the 4-Door Flex Family Hub™ can also display curated digital artworks, or offer other screen views to harmonise the refrigerator with the kitchen décor.

All in all, the Samsung 4-Door Flex Refrigerator Series is a great addition for households seeking a smart refrigerator that is custom-fit for their lifestyle needs.

The Complete Home Hygiene Solution: Jet Bot+ with Clean Station™


The new Jet Bot robot vacuum is smart, effective, and offers added convenience with Clean Station™

For homeowners looking to make home maintenance quicker and easier, the Jet Bot+ with Clean Station™ brings a truly automated cleaning experience from start to finish.

Clean Station™: The Perfect Automated and Complete Cleaning Companion

Consumers who prefer a more hygienic and fuss-free cleaning solution can look forward to the Jet Bot+ as it is equipped with Clean Station™ that serves both as a charging dock and an automated dust disposal solution. Sit back, relax and let the Jet Bot automatically do all the cleaning and subsequent return to its own Clean Station™ to empty all dust14 and dirt into a 2.5L dust bag15 which lasts for up to 3 months16. Additionally, Clean Station™ is fitted with a Multi-layered Filtration System that traps 99.999% of fine dust17 for better hygiene without dust escaping back into the air.

Precise Navigation, Accurate Mapping with LiDAR sensor technology

The new Jet Bot comes equipped with a high-precision LiDAR Sensor, to clean your home more efficiently and thoroughly as it can accurately optimise its cleaning path by repeatedly scanning the room to gather distance information18. With precise mapping, the Jet Bot easily navigates underneath or around furniture, tight corners, and even lowly-lit spaces for an efficient and thorough clean19. It can also recognise individual rooms and automatically divide them into separate areas for cleaning.

Upgraded Wi-Fi® Smart Control 20

With the SmartThings app21, users can stay in control and monitor their Jet Bot even when it is out of sight:

  • Select and Go
    The Jet Bot’s ability to recognise rooms and layouts allows users to choose and even remotely schedule it to clean selected rooms or areas to maximise efficiency and save time.
  • No-go Zone
    Users can mark out no-go zones on their home’s virtual map to stop the Jet Bot from entering specific rooms or areas. There is no need for physical barriers.
  • Live Cleaning Report
    Users can easily check on their Jet Bot’s current location or cleaning progress in real-time, allowing them complete visibility and control to issue any new cleaning commands remotely.

Powerful, Efficient and Hygienic Cleaning with Fewer Tangles

The Jet Bot comes well-equipped with tools that enable a fast and efficient cleaning process for all kinds of surfaces:

  • High-Efficiency Brush with Self-Cleaning Grinder
    The Jet Bot is fitted with a High-Efficiency Brush that is made of soft woven textiles and anti-static threads that can reach deep into crevices to effectively remove fine dust and dirt on any types of floor including carpets and hard floors.

    The built-in Self-Cleaning Grinder also helps to break down hairs and pet fur into smaller particles to prevent dreadful tangles around the brush.

  • Intelligent Power Control
    The Jet Bot is designed to be able to detect types of surfaces and amount of dust on them, to provide the optimum suction power to ensure a deeper clean when required.
  • Hygiene Matters with Easy-to-Remove, Fully Washable Dustbin
    Maintaining the Jet Bot is simple and more hygienic with its detachable and fully washable dustbin and filter.

Local Pricing and Availability

The new Samsung 4-Door Flex Refrigerator Series and Samsung Jet Bot™ are available on the Samsung Online Store and major consumer electronics and IT stores in May 2021 and June 2021 respectively. Samsung Jet Bot™ can be purchased with or without Clean Station™.

Samsung 4-Door Flex Refrigerator Series Pricing

Model

RRP

Family HubTM

RF65A9770SG/SS

$6,999

RF65A93T0B1/SS

$4,799

RF59A7672S9/SS

$3,999

RF59A70T3S9/SS

$3,099

Samsung Jet Bot™ Pricing

Model

RRP

Jet Bot+ with Clean Station™

VR30T85513W/SP

$1,099

Jet Bot

VR30T80313W/SP

$799

Samsung 4-Door Flex Refrigerator: Model Specifications

Model

Family HubTM

RF65A9770SG/SS

RF65A93T0B1/SS

RF59A7672S9/SS

RF59A70T3S9/SS

Capacity (litres)

549

599

553

593

Freezer Capacity (litres)

189

203

190

204

Fridge Capacity (litres)

360

396

363

389

Cooling Feature

Triple & Metal Cooling System

Triple & Metal Cooling System

All-Around Cooling System

All-Around Cooling System

FlexZoneTM

Flex Crisper™

Dispenser

Dispenser with Water Filter

Dispenser with Water Filter

Ice Maker

Dual Auto Ice Maker

Twist Ice Maker

Dual Auto Ice Maker

Twist Ice Maker

Power Cool & Power Freeze Function

Energy Efficiency Rating

1 Tick

2 Ticks

2 Ticks

3 Ticks

Energy Consumption (kWh)

675

584

606

464

Dimension (WxDxH) / mm

912x723x1825

912x723x1825

912x723x1779

912x723x1779

Colours

Black Caviar

Black DOI

Refined Inox

Refined Inox

Samsung Jet Bot™: Model Specifications

Jet Bot

Jet Bot+ with Clean Station™

Model Numbers

VR30T80313W/SP

VR30T85513W/SP

Colour

Misty White

Suction Power

5W

Running Time

90min

Battery Type

Li-ion

Charging Time

240min

Dustbin Capacity

0.4L

0.3L (with 2.5L Clean Station™)

Dimension (WxDxH) / mm

350mm x 350mm x 100mm

350mm x 350mm x 100mm
Clean Station™:
280mm x 400mm x 525mm

Weight (kg)

3.4

3.4

Clean Station™: 5.1

LiDAR Sensor

Auto-Docking

Clean Station™

Wi-Fi® Embedded (Smart)

SmartThings App Support

Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant Support

Accessories included

Pre-Motor Filters

1 installed, 1 extra

Side Brushes

1 installed, 1 extra

Magnetic Tape

1 pc

Dust Bags (2.5L) for Clean Station™

2 pcs


[1] Available for RF65A9770SG/SS and RF65A93T0B1/SS.

[2] Available for RF65A9770SG/SS and RF59A7672S9/SS.

[3] BisphenolA (BPA) is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, which are often used in food and beverage containers, and has been linked with possible adverse health effects.

[4] To produce flavoured water, the Infuser should be filled with your preferred fruits or herbs before using it.

[5] Stores 1.4kg of Cubed Ice and 1.7kg of Ice Bites™.

[6] Family Hub™ requires an internet connection and the Family Hub™ app. Apps and services are subject to change without notice. Family Hub™ app is compatible with Android 6 to 9 or iOS 10.0 and higher. Data usage fees may apply.

[7] Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S6 or later smartphones, with Android 8.1 and higher.

[8] Compatible TVs: 2015-2017 models of Smart TV: J/K/MU6400 series or higher, 2018 models of Smart TV: NU7400 series or higher, 2019 models of Smart TV: Q60R series or higher, 2020-2021 models of Smart TV: Q70 series or higher and Lifestyle TVs (The Frame, The Serif, The Sero – excluding The Frame 32″). Please check the compatibility information for new TVs on samsung.com. It may not work if the Samsung TV software has been changed.

[9] Account subscription fees may apply for selected apps.

[10] Requires download of Family Hub™ app on your compatible smartphone.

[11] Requires download of SmartThings app on compatible smartphones with Android 6.0 and higher or iOS 10.0 and higher. Internet connection and Samsung account login are required.

[12] Subjected to device compatibility.

[13] According to Intertek’s report, the components of the Samsung refrigerator can remove more than 99% of the bacteria (S.aureus, E.coli, S.enteritidis, P.aeruginosa) in compliance with JIS Z 2801 & ISO 22196. The antimicrobial coating on the handle does not protect users or others against all bacteria, viruses, germs or other disease organisms.

[14] Results may vary depending on individual use. Dust and hair stuck inside the grille may not be removed with a single cycle.

[15] Jet Bot+ comes with 2 disposable dust bags, additional dust bags are sold separately.

[16] May vary depending on the amount of dust in actual home environments.

[17] Based on internal testing, using Max mode, in accordance with the IEC62885-2 Cl. 5.11 standard. Results may vary depending on the actual home conditions.

[18] Scans 360° over an area of 6 meters at 10 rotations per second.

[19] Based on internal testing in an area with furniture arranged in a similar way to a real home environment compared with a conventional Samsung VR7000M.

[20] Requires installation of SmartThings app on compatible Android or iOS device, with Android 6.0 and higher or iOS 10.0 and higher, and Wi-Fi® connectivity to the mobile device.

[21] Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.

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