MUNICH, GERMANY & ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach – 4 October 2023 – Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY) today announced that Infineon has acquired the Zurich-based startup 3db Access AG (3db), a pioneer in secured low power Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology and already today a preferred IP provider for major automotive brands. The acquisition further strengthens Infineon’s portfolio for secured smart access, precise localization and enhanced sensing. Infineon now adds UWB to its connectivity range including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®/Bluetooth® Low Energy and NFC solutions. The first set of IoT use cases include secured access and authentication, accurate location tracking and indoor navigation, as well as presence detection utilizing UWB radar implementations. Infineon is acquiring 100 percent of the company’s shares. The parties have agreed not to disclose the amount of the transaction. ABI Research expects the UWB chipset market to grow at an annual 13 percent, amounting to approximately US$3.1 billion by 2028[1].
Demand for UWB-capable devices is expected to grow significantly with Smartphone manufacturers adding UWB capability in the latest and future generations of their products. As part of Infineon, 3db evolves from an IP provider to a team of experts selling solutions opening up the best of this technology to smartphones as well as cars and enabling standalone integration in low-power IoT devices.
In the dynamic UWB market and with rapidly increasing demand from numerous manufacturers, suppliers are also differentiating themselves through their research activities. With their combined expertise, Infineon and 3db will now offer additional benefits to their customers: Originally an ETH Zurich spinoff, 3db maintains a strategic partnership with ETH. Infineon is poised to develop this relationship even further, in addition to intensified collaboration in the relevant standardization bodies for secured localization and sensing. Moreover, Infineon’s broad market access is backed by extensive R&D activities. With 59 R&D sites worldwide, Infineon currently holds more than 31,000 patents and invests an annual 13 percent of its revenues in R&D.
[1] Source: ABI Research – Wireless Technology Segmentation and Addressable Markets, September 2023
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About 3db Access AG
3db delivers secured, ultra-low power and high-precision integrated UWB ranging and sensing solutions. 3db’s integrated products enable a broad range of applications including provable secured access to valuable assets (vehicles, buildings), secured proof of proximity for seamless mobile payments and real-time high accuracy and precision localization of connected, intelligent devices.
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).
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 4 October 2023 – Ink Asia 2023 opening ceremony was successfully completed on 4 October 2023. We were fortunate to invite Mr YEUNG Yun-hung, Kevin, GBS, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism as the guest of honor for the opening ceremony. Mr WONG Chi-cho, Joe, JP.
Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mrs Vicki KWOK WONG Wing-ki, JP, Deputy Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Vincent LIU Ming-kwong, JP, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mrs Helen CHAN, SBS, Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund Vice Chairman, Mr YEUNG Kwok-leung, Paul, Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund Committee, Ms NG Yuen-ting, Yolanda, MH, Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund Committee attended to offer their congratulations.
With support from the “Mega Arts and Cultural Event Fund,” INK ASIA returns to the public eye this autumn after a three-year hiatus. As the pioneering art fair dedicated to ink art, INK ASIA 2023 will present the city with a world-renowned initiative that celebrates niche and exquisite ink art. The event will feature a series of captivating exhibitions, public installations, ink art events, and educational activities, taking viewers on a journey through the evolution of ink art from its ancient roots to its contemporary expressions. INK ASIA 2023 will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from Thursday 5 October to Sunday 8 October 2023.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About INK ASIA
INK ASIA, the first-ever art fair specialising in ink art, was successfully inaugurated in 2015. INK ASIA aims to promote ink art at an international level through an art fair platform. The fair presents galleries and artists from Hong Kong and other Asian countries, featuring ink works in a wide variety of different forms. INK ASIA explores the limitless possibilities of ink art and fosters a dialogue between traditional aesthetics and contemporary interpretations of ink, with the goal of promoting this traditional ink art to an international audience in an innovative way, particularly among young viewers.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Media OutReach – 4 October 2023 – Bybit, the world’s third most visited crypto exchange, is thrilled to announce its participation in ETHMilan, one of the largest Web3 conferences in the world. The dates are Oct. 5-6, 2023 and the event will convene leading minds from blockchain and decentralized finance.
Bybit is a natural fit given its support of Web3 via its own Web3 wallet and integrations with decentralized exchanges and Ethereum staking pools. For starters, Bybit will run a workshop titled “What’s Behind the Next Bull Run?” with Luca Boiardi “The Crypto Gateway” and Valentina Marzioni “Ladyinfinance”.
In addition to the workshop, Bybit will have a dedicated booth at the event, providing attendees with an opportunity to engage directly with the Bybit team and learn more about Bybit’s role in bringing mass adoption to Web3 via products such as the Bybit Card, and bespoke institutional services. Bybit will also organize a Twitter contest, offering fans a chance to win free tickets to ETHMilan. Moreover, exclusive VIP promotions and a user registration reward package will further enhance the overall experience for participants.
“ETHMilan presents a significant opportunity for Bybit to engage with the innovators, leaders and stakeholders who will propel the blockchain industry forward,” said Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit. “By sharing our insights and fostering collaboration, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the discussions around building a more decentralized and inclusive financial system.”
Hashtag: #Bybit #TheCryptoArk
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Bybit
Bybit is a cryptocurrency exchange established in 2018 that offers a professional platform where crypto traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, excellent customer service and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One’s reigning Constructors’ and Drivers’ champions, the Oracle Red Bull Racing team, esports teams NAVI, Astralis, Alliance, Made in Brazil (MIBR), and Oracle Red Bull Racing Esports.
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach – 4 October 2023 – airberry, Korea’s premium small home appliance brand, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its official online store in Hong Kong this October. In celebration, a ‘Hong Kong Special Launch Promotion’ is available until the end of next month on airberry’s official Hong Kong online store at [https://airberry.hk/products/1-1-airberry].
airberry Smart Clothing Care Device Up to 63% off Sale at official online store https://airberry.hk/
airberry stands as Korea’s premium home lifestyle brand, renowned for its innovative spatial solutions that elevate the essence of home living. With its signature matte white design, airberry’s small home appliances have become a favorite among those with a penchant for interior aesthetics. Since 2021, airberry has transcended the realm of standard compact appliances, augmenting its product line with clothing care devices, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers that elevate one’s living standards. The recent honor of receiving the ‘2022 South Korea’s No.1 Appliance Award’ in the smart garment care category is a testament to airberry’s unwavering commitment to excellence. The ‘South Korea’s No.1 Award’ recognizes businesses and brands actively contributing to economic growth through industry convergence, cutting-edge technology, and innovative solutions that serve the nation and humanity’s future advancement.
airberry’s flagship product, the ‘Smart Clothing Care Device,’ has taken the market by storm with over 500,000 units sold. This revolutionary device, priced affordably, effortlessly transforms your wardrobe into a garment care hub with a simple hang. Its compact size, roughly equivalent to an adult’s fist, exemplifies space efficiency. The eye-catching matte white finish, complemented by a leather strap, adds a touch of simplistic charm. Available in both dehumidifying and fragrant versions, it offers a quadruple effect—scenting, deodorizing, sterilizing, and dehumidifying. Additionally, the ‘Smart Room Dryer’ maintains optimal temperature and humidity in nuanced spaces like bathrooms and balconies, making it a popular choice among users.
A representative from airberry expressed, “We are ceaselessly developing new appliances that bestow fresh significance to the concept of ‘home,’ ensuring everyone can experience the leisurely life and pleasant spaces they dream of.” They further emphasized, “With our official online store launch in Hong Kong and Singapore as a strategic precursor, we plan to expand the Asian market meticulously. We intend to broaden our horizons and expand into more expansiveglobal markets by solidifying our brand recognition centered around Asia.”
Hashtag: #airberry
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
New critical illness protection plan with relaxed underwriting requirements and all-round wellbeing support
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 4 October 2023 – AXA Hong Kong and Macau (AXA) today announced the launch of its new critical illness plan, CareForAll Critical Illness Plan (“CareForAll”), bringing peace of mind to the underserved communities facing health risks. With relaxed underwriting requirements, CareForAll aims to serve customers living with chronic disease, the silver-haired segment and critical illness survivors, enabling them to access critical illness insurance as needed.
[from left] Janet Lee, Chief Life and Health Insurance Officer of AXA Hong Kong and Macau, Sally Wan, Chief Executive Officer of AXA Greater China and Howard Pou, Chief Distribution Officer of AXA Greater China announce the launch of CareForAll Critical Illness Plan.
With the launch of CareForAll, AXA aims to provide comprehensive coverage access to those living with diabetes and chronic conditions known as the “3-Highs”[1], growing elderly population, and as well as survivors of cancer, heart attack or stroke. The coverage for this plan can reach up to HKD2 million and offers one-stop wellbeing support services, with simplified and easy underwriting requirements. Unlike conventional critical illness plans in the market, applicants only have to answer as few as three straightforward questions which mainly focus on their health conditions over the past two years. Moreover, there is no medical examination and medical report submissions required in the underwriting process for all applicants.
The number of elderly persons aged 65 and over is set to almost double, reaching to 2.74 million within the next two decades. By 2046, this demographic will make up more than one in three Hongkongers. Elderly people are highly prone to chronic diseases and critical illnesses, with 75% of those over 65 dealing with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease or cancer[2]. Additionally, there is a concerning trend of younger population suffering from chronic disease such as diabetes and the “3-Highs”[3]. Unfortunately, individuals with existing chronic conditions or survivors of critical illnesses were often denied coverage by traditional critical illness protection plans due to stringent underwriting requirements or expensive premiums, leaving them and their families vulnerable and uncertain about their future.
A survey[4] commissioned by AXA revealed that individuals aged 30 and above face different hurdles when purchasing insurance coverage. Specifically, 67% of respondents find it difficult to purchase critical illness insurance due to pre-existing conditions, while 71% believe that, considering their age and current health conditions, the relatively high premiums for critical illness insurance cause financial strain on them. Apart from premiums, age-related factors and complex underwriting requirements and procedures are the two primary reasons discouraging the respondents aged 50 and above from getting critical illness insurance coverage. The survey also found that younger individuals are marginalized when purchasing critical illness plans, as more than 30% of respondents aged 30-49 stated that they were denied coverage due to failed underwriting or risk assessment, a higher proportion compared to other age groups. As life expectancy increases and medical technology advances, over 70% of respondents worry that the current health insurance offerings have not adequately accommodated these changes, leaving some people in need without enough critical illness coverage.
Sally Wan, Chief Executive Officer of AXA Greater China, said: “As a leading global insurer, AXA has always been committed to innovation and forward-thinking in designing various products and services. We continuously strive to meet not only our customers’ current needs but also prepare them for the future. With the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, cancer, heart diseases, and strokes, coupled with the growing aging population, we are deeply concerned that more and more customers will face these health issues, resulting in a widening gap in their future health coverage. Therefore, AXA has introduced CareForAll Critical Illness Plan to ‘Prevent the Preventable; Protect the Unprotected’.”
CareForAll offers wellbeing all-round support to encourage customers to adopt a healthier lifestyle. With the aim to detect health issue early, the insureds can enjoy free medical check-ups in their first, third and fifth policy years. These check-ups are entirely voluntary and upon completion, they are rewarded with a bonus equivalent to 10% of premium rebate of that policy year, regardless of the results. Furthermore, customers can also participate in the AXA Goal (Lite), a step count programme, to earn a further 10% rebate each policy year by achieving a daily step count goal of 10,000 steps for at least 125 days in a membership year.
Janet Lee, Chief Life and Health Insurance Officer of AXA Hong Kong and Macau, said: “Customers with chronic disease, the silver-haired population and critical illness survivors deserve the same right to health coverage. Therefore, we are bringing our ‘payer to partner’ strategy to life by offering customer-centric and inclusive insurance solutions that address the pain points of the underserved segments of society. Looking forward, we will continue to monitor market demands and provide comprehensive products to be our customers’ partner through various stages of their lives.”
Key features of CareForAll Critical Illness Plan:
Relaxed underwriting requirements and process: With as few as three health underwriting questions mainly focusing on applicants’ health conditions in the past two years without the need for medical examinations.
Up to 30% premium rebate by staying committed to the plan and the health programmes: If the customers completed the free medical check-ups provided in the first, third and fifth policy years, customer can enjoy a medical check-up bonus, which equals to 10% premium rebate of that policy year. If the customers reach the minimum number of achieved days in the AXA Goal (Lite) programmes, customers can enjoy up to 10% premium rebate each year. Starting from the 10th policy anniversary and continuing with each subsequent policy anniversary, customers can enjoy CareForAll Loyalty Bonus which is equivalent to 20% of the annualized premium.
Guaranteed renewability: Even if there are any subsequent changes in health condition, there is a guaranteed right to renew policy term until the insured reaches age 100, the premium rate[5] will not be affected by the insured’s age within each policy term.
Reassuring “Appointment of Designated Person” option for families: Pre-designate a specific person in advance. In the unfortunate case if the policy owner suffers from a mental incapacitation event or loss of autonomy for independent living, this Designated Person can file the claim and receive benefit on customers’ behalf for emergency financial support.
For more information about CareForAll Critical Illness Plan, please visit: https://www.axa.com.hk/en/care-for-all-critical-illness-plan
The above information is for reference only. For details on product features, content, terms and exclusions, please refer to the product brochure and policy provision.
[1] The “3-Highs” chronic conditions are high blood sugar, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
[2] Census and Statistics Department Hong Kong. Hong Kong population projections for 2022-2024 (published in August 2023)
[3] Department of Health Population Health Survey Report 2020 – 2022 (Part II)
[4] The survey was commissioned by AXA and conducted by YouGov in September 2023 which interviewed 809 respondents aged between 30 and 80 years old
[5] Premium rates are not guaranteed. We reserve the right to review and adjust the premium rates on each policy anniversary
Hashtag: #AXA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AXA Hong Kong and Macau
AXA Hong Kong and Macau is a member of the AXA Group, a leading global insurer with presence in 51 markets and serving 93 million customers worldwide. Our purpose is to act for human progress by protecting what matters.
As one of the most diversified insurers in Hong Kong, we offer integrated solutions across Life, Health and General Insurance. We are the largest General Insurance provider and a major Health and Employee Benefits provider. Our aim is to not only be the insurer to provide comprehensive protection to our customers, but also a holistic partner to the individuals, businesses and community we serve. At the core of our service commitment is continuous product & service innovation and customer experience enrichment, which is achieved through actively listening to our customers’ needs and leveraging and investing in technology and digital transformation.
We embrace our responsibility to be a driving force against climate change and a force for good to create shared value for our community. We are proud to be the first to address the importance of mental health through different products and services and thought leading iconic research. Our overall Sustainability Strategy, with emphasis on climate strategy and biodiversity commitment, is developed based on TCFD recommendations. We are committed to integrating environmental, social and governance factors across our business and strive to contribute to a sustainable future through 3 distinct roles – as an investor, insurer and an exemplary company.
THIS PRESS RELEASE IS AVAILABLE ON AXA’S WEBSITE: AXA.COM.HK
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends, plans or objectives. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that could cause AXA’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to Part 4 – “Risk factors and risk management” of AXA’s Universal Registration Document for the year ended December 31, 2019, for a description of certain important factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect AXA’s business, and/or results of operations. AXA undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise, except as part of applicable regulatory or legal obligations.
The Ambassador-designate of Canada to Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, Ping Kitnikone (Nuthaphone Simmavong)
Ping Kitnikone presented her credentials to the Lao president Thongloun Sisoulith on 28 September. She is the new Ambassador-designate of Canada to Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia.
First-of-its-kind, non-invasive continuous glucose monitor (CGM) was designed leveraging Phillips-Medisize extensive medical device design and development expertise
Phillips-Medisize’s proven experience in human-centered product design, electronics, connectivity, software, manufacturability and regulatory compliance will drive commercialization
HUDSON, WI – Media OutReach – 4 October 2023 – Phillips-Medisize, a Molex company, and a leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of pharmaceutical drug delivery, invitro diagnostic and medtech devices, has teamed with GlucoModicum, an innovative medtech company based in Finland, to design and eventually commercialize a proprietary non-invasive, wearable device that removes technology and patient-care roadblocks to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).
“We wanted to create a solution that is needle free, accurate and more affordable so people would better monitor their glucose,” said Jokke Mäki, managing director of GlucoModicum. “Working with Phillips-Medisize, we applied compelling science to develop a world-class product that may help billions of people better manage their diabetes.”
Accelerating the Product Innovation Journey In seeking a more convenient, rapid and gentle CGM alternative, GlucoModicum discovered that magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) technology could be used to apply a small amount of energy directly to interstitial fluid—the body fluid between blood vessels and cells—to drive it to the surface of the skin for quick and easy extraction of a glucose sample.
While their scientists conducted rigorous research, GlucoModicum sought an experienced contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) to assist in realizing their vision for a new device, called Talisman. This device is designed to adhere to a patient’s arm, and integrates the MHD technology, ultra-sensitive biosensors and advanced algorithms while connecting to a smartphone app for data collection and reporting. The device is not yet FDA approved and does not have the CE mark.
In developing the Talisman, Phillips-Medisize applied special expertise in industrial design, mechanical and electrical engineering, connectivity, material science, miniaturization, supply chain management, software development, manufacturing, testing, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
“We started with ideas, concepts and drawings,” said Homer Fairley, business development manager for Phillips-Medisize. “The day we provided the finished sample product to GlucoModicum was a moment of celebration for both parties, as it really brought the possibilities to life. Now that there is a proven concept, we look forward to the opportunity to leverage Phillips-Medisize’s high-volume manufacturing capabilities to produce hundreds of millions of units on time and in a cost-effective manner. That’s a big benefit to this project.”
In November 2022, GlucoModicum published results of the safety, efficacy and effectiveness of its proprietary MHD technology in Scientific Reports, based on glucose tolerance tests conducted on five healthy volunteers. The results further supported previously published data that demonstrated GlucoModicum’s MHD technology and biosensor solution was 13 times more effective than other needle-free approaches tested in extracting interstitial fluid from the skin. Additional testing of the five healthy volunteers revealed that Talisman’s biosensor is eight times more sensitive to glucose molecules than comparative biosensors on the market.
Since a CGM informs treatment decisions, the clinical efficacy and documentation required by notified bodies and similar regulators, such as Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Agency (PMDA), are critical to planning a successful launch. The Phillips-Medisize Design and Development team offers its medical customers regulatory capabilities customized to each company’s needs—from regulatory documentation to guidance on device classification, risk assessments and device-specific submission requirements for regulatory bodies. In this case, Phillips-Medisize counseled GlucoModicum on what will be required for submissions to regulatory bodies in the markets where the company plans to launch this device. The GlucoModicum team found the advice and regulatory knowledge insightful and beneficial to their commercial launch plans.
Preparations are underway to leverage Phillips-Medisize’s global manufacturing footprint, extensive supply chain network and advanced assembly automation capabilities to produce hundreds of millions of devices and biosensors once in-depth clinical studies and regulatory approval are completed. Together, the companies are also beginning to explore other potential uses of this innovative technology to support management of other diseases.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Phillips-Medisize Brings Possibilities to Life
Phillips-Medisize, a Molex company, collaborates with leading pharmaceutical, medical technology and invitro diagnostic companies to design, engineer and manufacture life-saving innovations. In addition, the company’s specialty commercial business supports automotive, consumer and defense industries. A contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), Phillips-Medisize leverages its 60 years of expertise and globally renowned capabilities to collaborate with customers to deliver products and solutions that annually help millions of patients, healthcare professionals and individuals live healthier, more productive lives.
About Molex
Molex is a global electronics leader committed to making the world a better, more-connected place. With presence in more than 40 countries, Molex enables transformative technology innovation in the automotive, data center, industrial automation, healthcare, 5G, cloud and consumer device industries. Through trusted customer and industry relationships, unrivaled engineering expertise, and product quality and reliability, Molex realizes the infinite potential of Creating Connections for Life. For more information, visit www.molex.com.