HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 15 December 2022 – Southco Asia Ltd., a subsidiary of Southco Inc., a leading global provider of engineered access solutions such as locks, latches, captive fasteners, electronic access solutions and hinges/ positioning technology has expanded its line of successful DZUS® quick access fasteners with a new version designed for PCI riser cages that offers quick access and shock resistance when connected to next generation server chassis models. Southco’s new DZUS® D9 Tech Line Quick Access PCI Riser Cage Fastener Assembly accommodates size 2U servers, supporting the new type of connector currently deployed by leading server manufacturers.
DZUS® D9 Tech Line Quick Access PCI Riser Cage Fastener
The DZUS® D9 Tech Line Quick Access PCI Riser Cage Fastener Assembly features a captive, spring-loaded design and tool-free operation, locking firmly into position to provide shock and vibration resistance. The user simply pushes down on the cap while rotating 180 degrees to fasten the server cage to the mating receptacles on the chassis. Set clamping force provided by the fastener prevents over-tightening. Available in multiple color options, the cap enables designers to designate access through an array of standard and custom color options.
The DZUS® D9 Tech Line Quick Access PCI Riser Cage Fastener Assembly is available with multiple stud lengths to ensure compatibility with a variety of PCB thickness ranges, making it easy to install, remove and replace server cards. DZUS® D9 Tech Line Quarter-Turn Fasteners combine Southco’s proven quarter-turn and captive fastening technologies to create a next generation solution that provides consistent, reliable clamping force and quick access.
According to Global Product Manager Jim Grady, “The DZUS® D9 Tech Line Quick Access PCI Riser Cage Fastener Assembly offers simple operation and is designed to secure PCI graphics, audio and storage cards. The newest addition to Southco’s DZUS® Fastener series locks into position quickly and can be easily unfastened to save service time.”
For more information about Southco’s Quick Access Fasteners, please visit https://www.southco.com/D9. Hashtag: #Southco
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Southco
Southco, Inc. is the leading global designer and manufacturer of engineered access solutions. From quality and performance to aesthetics and ergonomics, we understand that first impressions are lasting impressions in product design. For over 70 years, Southco has helped the world’s most recognized brands create value for their customers with innovative access solutions designed to enhance the touch points of their products in transportation and industrial applications, medical equipment, data centers and more. With unrivalled engineering resources, innovative products and a dedicated global team, Southco delivers the broadest portfolio of premium access solutions available to equipment designers throughout the world.
The COMO Shambhala Anywhere app is a digital extension of the brand’s philosophy and gives access to yoga, meditation, slumber stories and even strength training routines, anytime, anywhere
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 15 December 2022 – COMO Shambhala, the award-winning wellness concept found in 14 COMO Hotels and Resorts properties in nine countries and four continents, is taking its comprehensive suite of experiences online onto your palm through its new app, COMO Shambhala Anywhere.
It comes at a time when caring for mental health and managing stress takes centre stage, especially as more return to the office and may find themselves starved of time to hit the gym, or truly calm their mind for a good night’s rest.
Wellness in the palm of your hand
The app is the digital extension of the brand’s philosophy and users can jump into a digital wellness retreat with videos featuring seasoned practitioners from COMO Shambhala. Many of the instructors have been with the brand for decades, and returning guests who have taken sessions in person can look forward to seeing them virtually and experiencing their guidance on a daily basis from the comforts of home.
“Hotel guests at our property often tell us about their transformational experiences. This app is designed so they can continue to engage with the practitioners and pursue the practices they love even after they return home,” says Alexis Fosler, Chief Operating Officer of COMO Lifestyle. “For those who are new to the unique COMO experience, this app gives you access to our curated suite of wellness services anytime and anywhere in the world,”
Blend your way to better health
The app aligns itself with the six pillars of wellness: rest, recover, perform, connect, digest, and glow. The experience is centred on “blends” — personalised programs comprising a playlist of guided videos customised on individual preference. This is further augmented by sophisticated Artificial Intelligence that learns each user’s choices to refine the overall experience.
The blend named Endurance for instance, is a workout that includes sets from functional fitness, pilates and yoga that only requires a yoga mat. Choosing a 30-minute duration for the workout will lead to a series of five videos in a playlist starting with a five minute Standing Pilates exercise video and ending with a 10-minute Abdominal Series workout.
Users looking for relaxation can ease into Restore & Unwind, a yin yoga blend that works to restore both the body and the mind to a balanced state. Open up through the body and deeply engage in a deep stretch workout to help you completely relax. Otherwise, seek refuge in guided meditations with blends like the Take Five. The five minute mindfulness exercise will provide much needed relief, featuring beautiful landscapes and a calming voiceover guiding users along controlling their breath, and eventually quieting the mind. Those who are sleep deprived can turn to The Hot Air Balloon Ride — where users are similarly treated to a calming voiceover but this time, one that takes them on a tranquil journey over woodlands and vast deserts.
Brought to you by wellness experts
Launched in Singapore in 1997, COMO Shambhala prides itself on holistic wellness based on more traditional approaches like yoga, Ayurvedic medicine, and Japanese acupuncture. This is on top of massage therapies, naturopathy consultations and even coaching, which guides guests in finding the best versions of themselves.
These retreats are situated in cities like Singapore, London, Bangkok and Perth which offer an urban getaway from the demands of daily life while others like Bhutan, Bali and the Maldives are destinations in their own right.
The COMO Shambhala Anywhere app is free to download on iOS and Android, with an active paid subscription of USD$19.99 a month.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About COMO Shambhala
Founded in 1997 by Mrs Christina Ong, COMO Shambhala has evolved organically from an intimate yoga studio in Singapore into an award-winning wellness concept found in 14 COMO Hotels and Resorts properties across nine countries and four continents. Meaning ‘peace’ in Sanskrit, Shambhala alludes to the pursuit of balance that defines our philosophy. COMO Shambhala advocates proactive holistic wellness, combining modern science with ancient practices. From city centres to island retreats and highland resorts, COMO Shambhala offers a team of diverse wellness practitioners across various modalities. Our curated suite of wellness services includes treatments, experiences, products and activities. Complementing these services is our signature COMO Shambhala Cuisine, a full range of healthful nutrition-optimised dishes using pure ingredients in nourishing combinations.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 15 December 2022 – Singapore-headquartered Casa Mia Coliving announced the successful completion of its seed round financing, raising US$1.3 million from real estate and private equity veterans. The funds raised will be used to expand its local and regional footprint, and enhance the functionality of ColivHQ, Asia’s first dedicated property management software for the coliving industry.
While real estate remains an attractive investment for institutional investors, the coliving sector is one of the fastest growing in this asset class, thanks to high transaction volumes and strong returns, bolstered by the sector’s increasing maturity. According to JLL, global funding in the coliving space increased by more than 210 percent annually between 2015 – 2019, totalling more than US$3.2 billion[1].
Demand for coliving is anticipated to remain high due to evolving global demographics and urbanisation trends. Expatriate gig workers[2] – young professionals seeking international experiences early on in their careers – and digital nomads have become mainstream; they prefer arrangements in accessible locations that offer affordable costs of living, favourable amenities, and communities of like-minded individuals.
Casa Mia Coliving currently has an average stay of 15.5 months per member, the highest in Singapore. The company uses an analytics tool designed by psychologists to screen potential members and recommend suitable homes based on their profiles. It also organises community “rituals” and activities to encourage networking and friendships, helping members to adjust to life in Singapore. All this has led to the creation of a highly engaged members’ community, who have continually returned a high housemate satisfaction score when surveyed.
“With this fresh injection of funds, Casa Mia Coliving has added a new set of investors with deep experience in real estate and private equity, including several of the early investors in a leading European coliving operator. We have raised US$2 million to date and are well-positioned to accelerate our growth in Singapore and beyond, in response to the unmet demand for quality accommodation at affordable prices in Asia,” said Casa Mia Coliving co-founder Ahmed Nizar.
Coliving is a low-margin, high-volume business that requires as much automation as possible to scale profitably. Since its beginning, Casa Mia Coliving has leveraged technology from ColivHQ, a bespoke property management software platform, to integrate and automate its operations. With this round, Casa Mia completes the acquisition of ColivHQ, enabling Casa Mia to further enhance the app functionality.
“Given our deep experience in the technology sector, we’ve always recognised the power of technology to drive operational efficiencies. ColivHQ is one of the key factors that contributed to our profitable growth. As we scale up the business with more rooms across more locations, it is an opportune time to embed ColivHQ’s know-how into our growth plans, so we can continue to deliver a superior experience through the coliving customer journey,” said Casa Mia Coliving co-founder Eugenio Ferrante.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Casa Mia Coliving
Casa Mia Coliving ( www.casamia.co) is a sustainable, forward-looking coliving and property management company that offers affordable, modern, move-in ready accommodation. Bringing together insights into the sharing economy, technology and a highly engaged tenant community, the company enables young professionals to enjoy easy living in sought-after urban locations, as well as hassle-free property management that delivers higher returns to real estate partners.
About ColivHQ
ColivHQ ( colivhq.com) is a user-friendly software app that manages the operations of a coliving business, end-to-end. It integrates a CMS (Content Management System), PMS (Property Management System), and billing system to support every touchpoint of the coliving customer journey.
Melbourne, Victoria – News Direct – 15 December 2022 –
AuKing Mining Ltd (ASX:AKN) CEO Paul Williams tells Proactive the company is on track to complete the proposed acquisition of uranium and copper interests in Tanzania before the end of this year. AKN is nearing completion of all transaction due diligence and related activities including receipt of independent technical analysis of the key project areas – Manyoni and Mkuju. Hashtag: #AuKingMining
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Global finance, trading and technology conglomerate add a next-generation data-science platform with health, nutrition, and mental health verticals eying expansion in APAC, Europe and the US to its investment portfolio.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 15 December 2022 – Aktivolabs Pte Ltd (“Aktivolabs”) announced today that it has secured a US$10 million capital injection for a Series A round led by Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (“Mitsui”), Adaptive Capital Partners and SEEDS Capital, the investment arm of Enterprise Singapore. The funds will be utilized to grow its data science capability, strengthen the existing team and portfolio of products and broaden its footprint in SEA, Europe and the US. The current product portfolio includes the Aktivo Score®, Aktivo® Mind, Glucolife and Goodbiome. HH Investments and Govin Capital have also participated in this round.
Cofounded by the late Professor David Lai, Gourab Mukherjee and Dr Meng-Han Kuok, Aktivolabs is a digital health-science company founded in 2017. It provides sustainable, evidence-based, individualized digital health solutions that help populations understand and manage their risk of chronic diseases. The platform harnesses real-time digital health data elements in a low-touch, cost-effective manner with measurable actuarial and actionable value to life and health insurers.
“It’s commonly known that the early onset of chronic diseases compromises our financial and mental well-being and the fast-rising cost of healthcare poses major challenges for populations, governments, insurers and employers worldwide. At the intersection of healthcare, science and data, Aktivolabs’ evidence-based solution deploys its full suite of accessible, affordable, scalable data-scientific solutions through digital biomarkers and individualized health journeys,” says Takeshi Akutsu, Chief Operating Officer of Wellness Business Unit, Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
“The team has delivered strong execution aligned with their vision of extending the healthspan for the populations. We are convinced that the combination of Aktivolabs’ vertically-integrated data-science platform, the strong execution capability of the team, along with the competitive data-analysis and -commercialization capability will prove a winning formula. We are thrilled to join Aktivolabs on its journey to deliver scalable health data-scientific solutions worldwide,” Akutsu adds.
This investment will fuel Aktivolabs’ continued growth in its existing verticals, expanding geographical territories and client servicing capabilities. In addition, Aktivolabs will also utilize part of the funds to develop the existing algorithm and data-analytics program to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of predicting, preventing and self-management of chronic disease using digital biomarkers.
“Mitsui’s commitment to our win-win partnership is a recognition of our strength and is built on our shared belief in leveraging digital health sciences to solve a prevalent issue that’s been plaguing corporate employers, payors, providers, and governments for many years. This investment will enable us to deliver an integrated platform to exacting standards, strengthen our customer-servicing capability, and help populations better understand and manage their risk of chronic diseases through individualizing digital health journeys. We are committed as ever to enabling healthier and happier lives with tools that are affordable and easy to use. We look forward to partnering with Mitsui on this journey” says Gourab Mukherjee, Co-Founder & CEO of Aktivolabs.
Hashtag: #Aktivolabs
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Aktivolabs
Aktivolabs is a digital health-science company founded in 2017. It provides accessible, affordable, evidence-based, and individualised digital health solutions that help populations understand and manage their risk of chronic diseases. The platform harnesses real-time digital health data elements in a low-touch, cost-effective manner with measurable actuarial and actionable value to life and health insurers. It functions as a real-time action decision engine to drive hyper-personalised financial and insurance product development, generates pay-as-you-live insurance products and provides deeper customer experience tailored to client engagement through its proprietary experiential technology.
Aktivolabs currently operates in Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Australia, Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Macau and the UAE and is growing worldwide.
Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (8031: JP) is a global trading and investment company with a diversified business portfolio that spans approximately 63 countries and regions in Asia, Europe, North, Central & South America, The Middle East, Africa and Oceania.
Leveraging its strengths, Mitsui has further diversified beyond its core profit pillars to create multifaceted value in new areas, including innovative Energy Solutions, Healthcare & Nutrition and through a strategic focus on high-growth Asian markets. This strategy aims to derive growth opportunities by harnessing some of the world’s main mega-trends: sustainability, health & wellness, digitalization and the growing power of the consumer.
Mitsui has a long heritage in Asia, where it has established a diverse and strategic portfolio of businesses and partners that gives it a strong differentiating edge, provides exceptional access for all global partners to the world’s fastest-growing region and strengthens its international portfolio. For more information, please visit https://www.mitsui.com/.
About SEEDS As the investment arm of Enterprise Singapore, SEEDS Capital catalyzes smart monies into Singapore-based early-stage technology startups. We co-invest with institutional investors in innovative startups with strong intellectual content and global market potential. We focus on nascent and strategic industries such as Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering, Health & Biomedical Sciences and Urban Solutions & Sustainability and other emerging technologies such as Agri-tech, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Quantum Computing and Space Technologies. Post-investment, we leverage Enterprise Singapore’s networks across industries and global overseas centers to support the growth of our portfolio companies. Today, we have over 100 startups in our portfolio and we work with more than 40 co-investment partners. For more information, please visit https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg
About Adaptive Capital Partners Adaptive Evergreen fund invests in innovative and disruptive technology startups with a primary focus on healthcare technology, consumer tech and fintech. Adaptive is on a mission to support exceptional companies and founders in their entrepreneurial journey, and the solid growth of the startups ecosystem in Singapore and Asia Pacific (“APAC”). We believe that venture capital is not just about numbers. It is about how well you understand the startups and create value for them. We are here as enablers to support entrepreneurs in their exceptional journey.
Practice Ethical Consumption both online & offline Make your consumption
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 14 December 2022 – The 2022 Tithe Ethical Consumption Movement (TECM) organised by the Fullness Social Enterprises Society (FSES) is themed with “Together, Restart from Heart.” This November is TECM’s “Ethical Consumption Month”, the campaign not only received great support from TECM Ambassador Ms. Kelly Chen, but also enthusiastic participation from the general public. Through the Shopping Rewards Scheme, Ethical Consumption Pop-up store, and social enterprise workshops, the public enjoyed high-quality products and services from different social enterprises. They also learned about inspiring stories behind social enterprises and how ethical consumption can bring forth positive changes to society.
With Christmas around the corner, are you struggling to buy Christmas gifts for your love ones? FSES has collected a wide variety of social enterprise products and services for you. You can easily pick exquisite festive gifts or products through two major channels – TECM MALL (www.tecmmall.hk) and the Christmas Market at Gold Coast Piazza. A variety of social enterprise workshops are also available for your selection to make this Christmas extra meaningful. Let us join hands on supporting social enterprises with consumption! Enjoy various festive discounts and spread Christmas blessings to your relatives and friends!
Key Activity 1 – Countdown to Christmas
Counting down to Christmas, everyone can participate in the “Christmas Countdown” on TECM’s social media from December16th to 25th, 2022. Follow TECM’s Instagram and Facebook account and complete simple tasks to enjoy various online and offline discounts and gifts! Are you ready to double your blessings to you love ones? Follow now!
FSES is once again joining hands with Joyful and Health Chinese Medicine Centre (JHCM) to host a Christmas Market at Gold Coast Piazza in Tuen Mun from December 17th to 18th, 2022. Over 10 local social enterprises who provide training and career opportunities for different disadvantaged groups, such as Joy Fusion, Rhys, and Sharing Kitchen, will be presented at the Christmas Market. Come join us to experience and hear their touching stories in person!
SE Christmas Market Date: December 17th ~ 18th, 2022 Time:12:00 noon to 8:30pm Venue:Gold Coast Piazza, Tuen Mun Admission: Free Details: https://tecm.hk/en/event-detail/78/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About FSES
Fullness Social Enterprises Society (www.fses.hk) was set up in 2011 as a non-profit organisation. Its mission is to promote social entrepreneurship development and societal transformation in Hong Kong through a team of pracademic and knowledge volunteers. Its scope includes research, experiment, create, publish, educate, and provide consultation on social entrepreneurship across sectors. The goal is to develop a structured Social Entrepreneurship Body of Knowledge (SE-BoK) for Hong Kong.
About TECM
Organised by the Fullness Social Enterprises Society, TECM is a highly anticipated public education programme that brings together the government, business sector, volunteers, and community to drive ethical consumption and awareness to the sustainability of social entrepreneurship in Hong Kong. In the past decade, it has generated over HK$100 million of ethical consumption with the participation of over 400 social enterprises, corporations, and organisations.
Tia Lee (Lee Yu Fen) Announces Global Launch of #EmpowerHer Female Empowerment Campaign After Making Worldwide Return
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 14 December 2022 –Tia Lee (Lee Yu Fen), a global C-POP singer, film and television actress, and fashion icon, today launched the global #EmpowerHer campaign following the successful release of the “Goodbye Princess” music video (MV) on 9th December 2022. It has already achieved significant success with over 1 million in 10 hours after premiere, and within 5 days after the premiere, the viewership on Tia’s YouTube channel exceeds 26 million viewership, breaking the record for C-pop songs. As of now, “Goodbye Princess” garners an overwhelming combined almost 42 million views on YouTube and Weibo, the MV marks Tia’s comeback as a global solo artist and her bold resurgence as she rises above and conquers her past challenges.
With “Goodbye Princess” symbolising Tia’s evolution into a new, empowered and uplifted version of herself as she explores her new world, the global #EmpowerHer campaign aims to reinforce the song’s themes of female empowerment and encourage all women to bravely embrace their true selves, become stronger and build a more promising future.
Tia launched the global #EmpowerHer campaign today
The Creation of the Global #EmpowerHer Campaign
Inspired by her own personal journey and renewed inner strength, Tia launched the #EmpowerHer campaign to rally women and girls worldwide to believe in themselves, say goodbye to stifling obstacles, and stand up taller and stronger in the face of any adversity. Overall, the campaign aims to support and promote the ‘Female Empowers Female’ concept and benefit as many female-centric charitable causes as possible on a global scale to create a greater good for the global female population.
The campaign’s selected beneficiaries include Daughters Of Tomorrow in Singapore, Beats By Girlz and Women in Music in the United States, Teen’s Key in Hong Kong, and more. As the #EmpowerHer campaign hits its stride globally, donations will be channelled to these beneficiaries during the campaign period, supporting their operations and goals to build a better future for women.
To get the ball rolling in support of these charities, each view of the “Goodbye Princess” music video will help to empower women around the world. Every time a viewing benchmark is met a donation will be made to the #EmpowerHer campaign, one of the biggest initiatives to support the empowerment of women worldwide. The #EmpowerHer campaign will split up to a maximum of HKD3.8million (approximately USD$480,000) between the selected charities. Tia chose the figure 3.8 million because of its significance as the date of International Women’s Day, March 8th.
“Our goal is for every young woman to have the opportunity to follow the path they envision for herself. In our eyes, success is when young women become independent, confident, and capable of making their own decisions. Tia’s journey of resilience inspires not just our girls and young women, but also the world – giving us the confidence to believe that we are all unique and each of us has the potential to create a future filled with more possibilities than we can even imagine. Thank you for such a meaningful initiative! It is a pleasure to be one of the beneficiaries of the #EmpowerHer campaign,” said Rachel Chow, Resource Development Manager, Teen’s Key Hong Kong.
“Donations like those from the #EmpowerHer campaign allow Women in Music to educate, empower, and advance women in the music industry. We’re delighted to be included alongside other non-profit organisations working to create change,” said Nicole Barsalona, President, Women in Music.
“Daughters Of Tomorrow” is delighted to be the benefiting charity for the launch of Tia Lee’s “Goodbye Princess” and the #EmpowerHer campaign, which seeks to inspire, uplift and empower women. This resonates with DOT’s mission of empowering women through economic means, enabling them to uplift their families,” said Fannie Lim, Executive Director of Daughters Of Tomorrow. “We recognise that every person has their own journeys – milestones to check, circumstances to overcome and aspirations that they wish to live for. Recognising that everyone has dreams of their own, our role is to cheer each one towards creating a better tomorrow for themselves. We wish Tia Lee great success in empowering many more women during this campaign.”
“Beats By Girlz is delighted to be a part of the #EmpowerHer campaign. We have a shared vision of empowering women and gender minorities through music and are happy to be doing this work in partnership with Tia Lee,” said Erin Barra, Executive Director, Beats By Girlz.
Rise of the Global #EmpowerHerDance TikTok Dance Challenge
Dancers around the world have risen to the challenge of covering the signature choreography to “Goodbye Princess” on the short-form video platform TikTok, featuring energetic yet rhythmic full body movements and a signature ‘goodbye’ hand gesture. The upbeat, unabashedly feminine choreography embodies a revitalisation of Tia’s mind and body after overcoming past challenges in the fashion and entertainment industry, setting her free to express her own strength.
Among the earliest dancers and personalities to have joined the dance challenge include globally renowned Australian-Filipino dancer and choreographer, Hannah Balanay, Australia’s most popular creator on TikTok last year. She is best known for her dance to Dua Lipa’s song “Don’t Start Now”, which went viral on the platform.
The emergence of this dance challenge has birthed the hashtag #EmpowerHerDance, which contains all the videos of the dance covers and further lends strength to the global #EmpowerHer campaign.
Tia Lee has championed female empowerment throughout her career and has made it a key focus of the “Goodbye Princess” campaign. Prior to releasing the MV, Tia launched an associated 6-part animation series that told the tale of her journey in the music and entertainment industry through a creative synergy of music, animation, and fashion videography. Her story of bravely overcoming obstacles resonated with many, garnering a viewership of over 100 million within a month and putting the pre-release campaign well on track to become the most successful engagement campaign of all time by a C-Pop artiste.
Beyond her music, Tia has also advocated for female empowerment in beauty and fashion. She has joined many A-listers such as Justin Bieber and Alicia Keys on the covers of popular magazines such as Vogue and ROLLACOASTER, and has used these illustrious platforms to spread her message of inner strength and empowerment – as well as to inspire other women with her story, which is built on a strong foundation of persistence, hard work, and self-belief.
The “Goodbye Princess” MV and full pre-campaign series with complementing fashion videography can be watched on Tia’s social media channels.
Tia Lee Official Channels: Instagram @leeyufen: https://www.instagram.com/leeyufen/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tialeeofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leeyufentialee/ Weibo: https://weibo.com/u/1396928042/
Hashtag: #TiaLee
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Tia Lee | Lee Yu Fen:
Tia Lee (李毓芬), born in Taipei, is a global C-pop singer, film and television actress, and fashion icon. In addition to her acting roles and musical career, Tia appears frequently at major fashion shows. As a fashion icon and trend-setter, Tia has graced the covers of fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, and shares her beauty and fashion tips through a number of Vogue’s social media channels.