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Infineon enables innovative solution for second life of electric passenger car batteries

MUNICH, GERMANY – Media OutReach – 27 April 2023 – STABL Energy GmbH uses MOSFETs from Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY) to make stationary energy storage systems from retired electric passenger car batteries. The first pilot systems have already been put into operation in Germany and Switzerland. STABL solution can connect many discarded batteries of different residual capacities to the public power grid without a central inverter.

“STABL Energy’s innovative energy storage solution impressively demonstrates how microelectronics is contributing to the energy transition and to climate protection, and how we are making the fast-growing topic of electromobility even more sustainable in the long term,” said Adam White, President of Infineon’s Power & Sensor Systems (PSS) Division.

“We use MOSFETs from Infineon to integrate power electronics and batteries to develop more flexible and safer solutions for connecting energy storage systems to the public power grid. We are taking a technological innovation leap for the second-life use of electric passenger car batteries,” says Dr. Arthur Singer, founder and co-CEO of STABL Energy. “Compared to conventional systems, this reduces loss by up to 70 percent and cuts both operating costs and CO2 emissions by up to 40 percent per year.”

Now that STABL’s first storage units have passed CE and grid connection standards for Germany and have been connected to the grid in Germany, a first unit in Switzerland has also been connected. Here, 27 discarded KIA batteries with a nominal capacity of 98 kWh serve a residential neighborhood as temporary storage for solar energy.

The basic electronic components used are 100V OptiMOS™ 5 MOSFETs from Infineon. STABL Energy chose Infineon because of the low on-resistance, as well as high thermal performance and product reliability. The young company is thus giving car batteries a second life after their capacity has declined in their initial use for electromobility and they have been discarded. Used batteries can thus continue to be used in the longer term and form an important building block as intermediate storage for a green power supply.

Hashtag: #Infineon #batterystorage #electricvehicle


The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About STABL Energy

STABL Energy GmbH develops energy storage systems from discarded vehicle batteries. The aim is to increase the use of renewable energy with the help of energy storage systems and at the same time to extend the life cycle of car batteries. This will reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enable batteries to be used for longer, contributing to the success of the energy transition. To do this, the company is setting a new standard in battery storage design, safety, reliability, cost efficiency and handling with its innovative, integrable technology.

The university start-up was founded in Munich in 2019 and today employs nearly 30 people.

All information online at:

STABL Energy is part of the Infineon Partner Program. Infineon’s Partner Ecosystem is a network of specialized companies with proven expertise in areas such as hardware, software, tools, services and end applications.

About Infineon

Infineon Technologies AG is a global semiconductor leader in power systems and IoT. Infineon drives decarbonization and digitalization with its products and solutions. The company has around 56,200 employees worldwide and generated revenue of about €14.2 billion in the 2022 fiscal year (ending 30 September). Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the OTCQX International over-the-counter market (ticker symbol: IFNNY).

MSIG Launches “EZ-Mile” Motor Add-On

A Comprehensive Private Car Insurance Add-On to Increase Flexibility for Car Owners to Pay for What They Need

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 27 April 2023 – MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd (“MSIG Malaysia”) has launched a new motor add-on for selected comprehensive private car insurance called “EZ-Mile”. The motor add-on allows new and existing MSIG motor insurance customers to reduce their comprehensive motor insurance premium by choosing any of the three mileage-based usage plans between 5,000km, 10,000km and 15,000km – each of which offers premium savings on selected comprehensive motor insurance packages. This provides MSIG customers, particularly those who drive low mileage each year, flexibility to choose whichever package that best reflects their expected car usage and yet still benefit fully from the protection offered by MSIG’s comprehensive motor insurances.

MSIG Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Mr. Chua Seck Guan said, “The new EZ-Mile Motor Add-on gives people a good reason to drive less and, in the process, reduce their carbon footprint, which is in line with MSIG’s support of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG13 – Climate Action. In addition, we are also aware that driving behaviours have changed over the past few years primarily due to changing employment models. We recognised this trend and being responsive to customer needs, created this innovative add-on to let car users pay a premium based on how much they drive, while still providing all the benefits of a comprehensive insurance coverage. We hope this will go some way to lightening the burden of Malaysian road users.”

Customers who opt for MSIG EZ-Mile Motor Add-on will have their mileage measured by a small wireless device called a Microtag that links via Bluetooth to their smartphone. When the mileage allowance looks likely to be exceeded, the motorist can purchase a ‘top-up’ to maintain their Comprehensive motor insurance.

The Microtag also enables more effective roadside assistance with two services called eCall and bCall. The eCall feature will automatically call for assistance when an impact is detected to make sure that in the event of an accident, emergency services are alerted early. In the event of breakdown, the user can also use the bCall feature to quickly get in touch with the 24-hour assistance hotline. Further details on the terms and conditions of MSIG EZ-Mile Motor Add-on can be found at https://www.msig.com.my/personal-insurance/products/ez-mile/.

Mr. Chua concluded, “MSIG EZ-Mile Motor Add-on has been designed with our customers in mind. We wanted to provide them with an option which saves them money on their insurance if they drive less. This is a win for our customers and also for the environment and we believe this new option will be well received.”

Those interested in purchasing or finding out more about MSIG EZ-Mile Motor Add-on can contact an MSIG insurance adviser or call MSIG at 1-800-88-MSIG (6744) for further information.

Hashtag: #MSIG

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd

MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd (“MSIG Malaysia”) is a subsidiary of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited and a member of MS&AD Insurance Group Holding, Inc. (MS&AD), one of the top ten** general insurers in the world.

With over 100 years of general insurance experience and a nationwide network of 20 branches in Malaysia, MSIG Malaysia is one of the leading general insurers in Fire, Engineering and Motor classes and No.1* in Marine Cargo, offering an extensive range of products and services for personal and business needs.

MSIG Malaysia’s expertise is well recognised through its receipt of many prestigious awards. These have included the 2020 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Award – Silver winner in the Car Insurance category. MSIG was recognized for having one of the highest levels of quality service, which reflects the effort that the company has put in to satisfy consumer’s demand for high service standards. The company was also awarded the 2018 “Outstanding Property and Casualty Insurer in Malaysia” award in the InsuranceAsia News Awards for Excellence. MSIG Malaysia was commended for leading the market with strong financial growth, investment in product innovation, enhanced digital capabilities in business and claims management systems and strong customer service proposition. Its commitment to customer service excellence through its efforts in enhancing the customer experience and industry leadership in Enterprise Risk Management also earned MSIG Malaysia the “General Insurance Company of the Year” at the Asia Insurance Industry Awards in 2015.

For more information on MSIG Malaysia, visit or facebook.com/MSIGmy.

*As of Dec 2022
**Fortune Global 500, 2021

Camera Surfaces 15 Years After Journalist Killed in Myanmar

Camera Surfaces 15 Years After Journalist Killed in Myanmar
Aye Chan Naing, left, of Democratic Voice of Burma, hands over the video camera of slain Japanese journalist Kenji Nagai to his sister Noriko Ogawa, at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Bangkok, Thailand Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Nagai's video camera, which he had been carrying when he was shot dead covering a during a street protest in Myanmar September 2007, was missing until it was recently recovered by the Democratic Voice of Burma news service, which handed it over to his sister at the club. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

BANGKOK (AP) — A video camera that had been missing for more than 15 years after it was dropped by a Japanese journalist who was fatally shot during a street protest in Myanmar was handed over Wednesday to his sister at a ceremony in Bangkok.

Police Set LAK 50 Million Reward to Arrest Lao Businesswoman

Lao police have issued a search warrant with a reward of LAK 50 million to arrest a Lao businesswoman who is believed to have been involved in fraud and money laundering.

Save the Children Hong Kong Releases Survey Findings on “Public Views on Corporal Punishment on Children”

Public See Parental and Caregivers’ Corporal Punishment as Private Family Matter, Reluctant to Intervene
Over 80% support legislating Mandatory Reporting Requirement

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 27 April 2023 – It is the responsibility of the society to protect children from harm and violence, regardless of the setting. This includes taking action to prevent abuse and mistreatment in the home, as well as outside of the home and in institutional settings. Save the Children Hong Kong commissioned Centre for Communication and Public Opinion Survey, the Chinese University of Hong Kong to conduct public opinion polling on physical and humiliating punishment and Mandatory Reporting Requirement for suspected child abuse cases, gathering responses from 1,008 adults in Hong Kong.

Ms. Winnie Ng, Spokesperson of Save the Children Hong Kong (Middle) and Mr. Ian Li, Advocacy Manager of Save the Children Hong Kong (Left) released the
Ms. Winnie Ng, Spokesperson of Save the Children Hong Kong (Middle) and Mr. Ian Li, Advocacy Manager of Save the Children Hong Kong (Left) released the “Public view on Corporal Punishment” Survey Report.

Majority Reluctant to Intervene in Corporal Punishment on Children

In the polling, only 23% of respondents acted upon witnessing other adults beating, slapping or verbally humiliating their children on the street. There are several reasons why individuals may choose not to act, including a reluctance to intervene in other families’ personal matters (54.5%), a belief that the incident is not severe enough to warrant intervention (30.7%), and uncertainty about whether the situation constitutes child abuse (30.4%). This potentially delays the identification of child abuse cases, which could lead to serious violence and harm to child victims.

Misconception of Corporal Punishment as a Private Family Matter

One-third of respondents (31.1%) agreed that disciplining children is an internal matter of the family, and outsiders should not interfere. Among those who did not intervene when witnessing parents or caregivers exercising corporal punishment, more than half of them (54.5%) saw it as a private family matter. Save the Children Hong Kong believes this reflects a traditional and cultural norm contributing to corporal punishment.

Ms. Winnie Ng, Spokesperson of Save the Children Hong Kong, expresses that, “Corporal punishment is not a private family matter, as it violates children’s rights and can have long-lasting negative effects on their well-being. It is the society’s responsibility to ensure that all children are protected from harm. Positive parenting needs to be reinforced through public education to fulfil this responsibility. We also encourage bystanders to step up and protect children from violence they witness.” She emphasises the need to strengthen support for positive parenting and prioritise the best interests of the child.

Ms. Sylvia Chung, Chairperson of Division of Counselling Psychology of Hong Kong Psychology Society, also concerns about the report’s finding, ” Corporal punishment causes a collective trauma that can have a devastating impact on children and parents. Corporal punishment can cause trauma to children physically and psychologically, which distorts the nature of children’s need to be nurtured and loved. Preventing children from addressing their unmet emotional needs may cause them to question the potential for building relationships in a non-violent manner. This, in turn, can have negative effects on their interactions with others and their self-image, and even impact the way they treat their own children in the future.”

Polling Shows Strong Public Support for Legislating Mandatory Reporting Requirement

83.2% of respondents support the government legislating a mandatory reporting mechanism to ensure professionals who have regular contact with children report suspected child abuse and neglect cases. This level of public support creates a favourable environment for the government to move forward with the legislative process. Legislators should consider stakeholders’ opinions, including children’s suggestions, and initiate the legislative process as soon as possible.

Ms. Winnie Ng, highlights that the poll findings support an urgency to legislate Mandatory Reporting. The mandatory reporting requirement is a significant step to strengthen child protection. Save the Children Hong Kong also recommends the government to mandate Child Safeguarding policies for organisations that frequently interact with children. This would support mandated reporters and streamline cooperation with local authorities during investigations.

Building the Path Towards a Ban on Corporal Punishment of Children in All Settings

The study also shows 64.2% of respondents support legislation to prohibit any form of corporal punishment towards children in all settings, including at home. However, the current legislation in Hong Kong only prohibits corporal punishment in certain public settings, such as schools and organisations.

Across the world, 65 countries have already legally prohibited physical punishment of children in all settings, including Sweden, Germany, Spain, Japan, and South Korea. To create a culture that prioritises the best interests of the child, the government, child-facing institutions, and parents must continue the conversation on developing a supportive environment, and build a path towards a ban on corporal punishment of children in all settings.

For detailed survey results, please click here.

Hashtag: #SavetheChildrenHongKong




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Save the Children Hong Kong

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Hong Kong and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfil their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Established in 2009, Save the Children Hong Kong is part of the Save the Children global movement which is made up of 30 member organisations and operates in almost 120 countries. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world’s first independent children’s organisation – transforming lives and the future we share. Visit our , or follow us on , , and .

Thai Court Denies Bail to Alleged Serial Killer Who Poisoned 13 People with Cyanide

36-year-old Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn was arrested after the accuse of 9 deaths from cyanide poisoning. ( Photo: Nation).

Police in Thailand have arrested a woman who is suspected of poisoning at least 13 people with cyanide, with only two individuals managing to survive the ordeal.

Dyson’s global dust study suggests that heightened cleaning schedules are being abandoned as the world reopens after the COVID-19 pandemic

Hong Kongers Clean Their Homes Less Frequently After the COVID-19 Pandemic and Very Few of Them Realise the Importance of Effective Filtration

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 27 April 2023 – Today, Dyson announces the results of its annual global dust study, investigating cleaning habits and behaviours, our understanding of household dust and its potential impact on our well-being.

Dyson’s team of in-house microbiologists have been studying real dust from around the world for almost 20 years, analysing particles measuring 70 microns in size – the width of human hair – right down to 0.1 microns, the size of a virus. Dyson’s labs are also home to a farm of dust mites, enabling scientists to collect their faeces and learn more about dust mite allergens. Only through this extensive research can Dyson engineers continue to engineer new vacuum cleaner technologies, to better deal with the conditions they face in the real world.

The global dust study[1], undertaken by over 30,000 people from 39 countries, reveals that post-pandemic, cleaning habits globally are slipping. 60% of people now admit to only cleaning when they see visible dust or dirt – this number has risen by 20% since last year. Over the past year, Hong Konger’s attitude towards cleaning their homes have drastically changed. They have become less proactive and more reactive in cleaning noticeable dust. This is evidenced by seeing 56% of them only motivated to clean their home when they see dust. This figure rose by 50% from last year’s global dust study. Hong Kong respondents claim that they understand the importance of having their home properly sanitised more than their peers in the Greater China region. But only 1 in 4 Hong Kong people clean their homes regularly – a major decline from last year (43%).

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the presence of viruses in indoor environments and emphasised the need for regular cleaning to maintain a healthy home”, said Monika Stuczen, Research Scientist in Microbiology at Dyson. “This significant increase in the number of people only cleaning when they spot visible dust is a cause for concern, as many dust particles – including viruses and bacteria – are microscopic in size and not visible to the naked eye.”

Are people neglecting hidden spots for a proper cleaning?

Dyson’s study reveals that awareness of what’s in our household dust – and therefore what we’re trying to remove – is low. Hong Kong people’s overall awareness of the presence of viruses in dust stands at 1 in 3 people across the region, lower than the global average. Only 17% of Hong Kongers know that sofas can harbour viruses. What is more striking is that only 2 out of 5 Hong Kongers clean behind their sofas, which is the lowest in the Greater China region. Bed linen is another place that is being overlooked by Hong Kongers when they are cleaning their homes. Only 1 out 2 Hong Kongers clean it on a regular basis. On average, this is less often than in other parts of the world.

“COVID-19 highlighted transmission via respiratory events such as coughing or sneezing but there is growing evidence that small aerosol droplets can be carried around indoor environments on air currents, like cigarette smoke, and settle on surfaces” says Monika. “If people are more aware of what’s in their dust and how it can be spread around the home, they can better focus their time and attention when cleaning to support their wellbeing.

Are people underestimating the importance of filtration in vacuum cleaning?

Ensuring a healthy environment is the top reason globally for people wanting to rid their home of dust. While many people assume that if dust and dirt is picked up then the problem is solved, vacuum cleaning is pointless without thorough filtration.

Dyson’s dust study reveals that awareness of filters overall is low, and despite it becoming a buzzword during the pandemic, just 1 in 4 Hong Kongers understand the importance of effective filtration when it comes to removing dust. About half of them believe that HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) does not need to be replaced.

HEPA filter vs. HEPA product

A common misconception is that any machine equipped with a HEPA filter makes it a HEPA product. According to ASTM, a world-leading standards institute, it is not enough for just the final, post-motor filter to be HEPA-grade; every single filter and seal throughout the machine must be HEPA-grade for it to be considered a HEPA product.

“The best filter cannot provide clean air if there is an opportunity for dirty air to leak out of the machine – so our engineers worked hard to ensure that all our Dyson vacuums have whole-machine filtration. In our Gen5detect vacuum, we went a step further with HEPA filtration to ensure that even virus particles as small as 0.1 microns remain trapped in the machine.” Charlie Park, Vice President of Floorcare at Dyson

The importance of keeping pets clean in Hong Kong

Only 1 in 3 households in Hong Kong that have a pet keep their animal clean on a regular basis. Most of them seek to trim their pet’s hair when grooming but only one-third of them remove viruses that could possibly be on their pet’s fur. Only 16% of Hong Kong pet owners use a pet-focused vacuum tool to remove possible viral particles from their four-legged friend. Despite 41% of pet owners in Hong Kong are aware that their furry friends can carry viruses, almost one-third of them allow their pets to sleep with them.

“We hope our latest global dust study will continue to encourage people to think about what can reside in household dust, and how that might impact the well-being of those in their household. The best way to remove dust is by using a vacuum cleaner with effective filtration and sealing technology, to ensure that whatever you vacuum remains trapped and is not expelled back into the home.” Monika Stuczen, Research Scientist in Microbiology at Dyson.


[1] 33,997 online interviews across a representative sample of 39 countries. Fieldwork was conducted between 11th January and 6th February 2023. Data has been weighted at a ‘Global’ level to be representative of different population sizes.

Hashtag: #Dyson

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About The Dyson Global Dust Study 2023

The Dyson Global Dust Study 2022 is a 15-minute online survey undertaken by 33,997 people across 39 countries. Fieldwork was conducted between the 11th January to 6th February 2023 and data has been weighted at a ‘global’ level to be representative of different population sizes.

DYSON TECHNOLOGY

  • with air purification: Advanced noise cancelling removes unwanted environmental and motor noise, and high-fidelity precision audio replicates sound as the artist or creator intended. Powered by the smallest compressors in any Dyson machine, the Dyson Zone™ draws air through the electrostatic filters in each earcup to capture 99% of particles as small as 0.1 microns, and potassium-enriched carbon filters remove city fumes, to deliver cleaner air to the wearer’s nose and mouth via a contact-free visor.
  • : Our most powerful cordless vacuum featuring a new fifth generation HyperdymiumTM motor. The machine also features a fully sealed, whole-machine HEPA filtration system, engineered to capture 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns2, as small as viruses3. A new Fluffy Optic™ cleaner head reveals twice the microscopic dust with increased brightness and range – so you can see exactly where to clean.
  • : A new generation of cordless vacuum cleaners, launched in March 2021, feature an illuminated cleaner head that reveals hidden dust, while an acoustic piezo sensor measures and records the dust and debris that has been sucked up.
  • : Dyson’s most manoeuvrable vacuum with the first omnidirectional Fluffy™ cleaner head. Proprietary Dyson floorcare technology is concentrated and rearranged in-line, allowing it to lie flat and clean into tight spaces.
  • : Now with precision solid-state formaldehyde sensing and catalytic formaldehyde destruction, Dyson’s newest generation of intelligent air purifiers is the most advanced yet in tackling airborne particle and gas pollutants, whilst heating and cooling your space.

About Dyson

  • Despite significant challenges and lost production from the Covid-19 pandemic and a global chip shortage, Dyson announced strong 2021 revenue growth of 5% to £6.0bn (2020: £5.7bn) and profits (EBITDA) up 16% to £1.5bn (2020: £1.3bn).
  • Since introducing the revolutionary cordless vacuum format, Dyson has now sold more than 70m cord-free machines around the world.
  • In 2022 Dyson attended the International Conference on Robotics and Automation and gave its biggest clue to the future of household robotics, releasing for the first time of early-stage household robotics research across its Hullavington and Singapore campuses.
  • Dyson undertook one of the broadest studies of Air Quality during lockdown, using our air quality backpacks in 14 cities as well as data from our connected purifiers in homes around the world. Results indicated a rise in PM2.5 levels indoors during lockdown as people were spending more time within their homes.
  • The James Dyson Foundation funds a £1.5m dementia research Fellowship in partnership with Race Against Dementia, a charity founded by former F1 driver Sir Jackie Stewart. The Fellow, Dr Claire Durrant, seeks to establish new human models of Alzheimer’s disease, investigating the role of tau – a protein implicated in dementia.
  • This Autumn, the Dyson Cancer Centre at Royal United Hospitals will open, following a £4m donation from the James Dyson Foundation. The centre will be the cancer services hub for 500,000 people in the Southwest of England.
  • The James Dyson Award launches in Portugal for the first time in 2023. Since 2005, the Award has supported 390 inventions from young people around the world.

Laos to Raise Minimum Monthly Wage in May

Laos to Raise Minimum Wage in May
Sewing staff working in a factory (photo: Pathedlao)

Ahead of International Labor Day, the government has increased the country’s minimum wage from LAK 1,200,000 to LAK 1,300,000, during the monthly cabinet meeting that took place this week.