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Infineon and UMC extend automotive partnership with long-term agreement for 40nm eNVM microcontroller production

MUNICH, GERMANY AND HSINCHU, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 7 March 2023 – Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX / OTCQX: IFNNY) and United Microelectronics Corporation (NYSE: UMC; TWSE: 2303) (“UMC”) today announced a long-term strategic cooperation agreement to multiply capacity for the production of Infineon automotive microcontroller in order to serve the rapidly expanding automotive market. The high-performance microcontroller product leverages Infineon’s proprietary eNVM (embedded non-volatile memories) technology and will be manufactured at UMC’s Singapore fab on its 40nm process.

Microcontroller are key components controlling a wide range of functions in vehicles, and demand is increasing as cars evolve to become ever greener, safer, and smarter. Already this year, Infineon is ramping the selling rate of automotive microcontroller to close to one million per day.

“With this strategic cooperation agreement, we secure additional long-term capacity to serve Infineon’s customers in the fast-growing automotive market. At the center of this partnership is a highly reliable embedded memory solution well suited for enabling next-generation automotive applications while meeting the stringent safety and security requirements for vehicle systems. We are pleased to have UMC as a strategic partner to deliver a reliable supply of high-quality microcontrollers to our customers,” said Rutger Wijburg, Chief Operating Officer of Infineon. “Going forward, Infineon and UMC will further deepen the automotive collaboration in the areas of microcontroller, power management and connectivity solutions.”

“We are excited that Infineon has chosen UMC to produce its automotive microcontroller product at our Fab 12i in Singapore, a strong endorsement of our manufacturing capability and business commitment. This multi-year supply agreement further strengthens our long-standing partnership with Infineon across various automotive, AIoT, and 5G market segments,” said Jason Wang, Co-President of UMC. “UMC’s shipments of automotive products have tripled since 2019, and we expect this strong momentum to continue as demand for automotive semiconductors rises. Given our specialty technology leadership, diversified manufacturing footprint, and focus on quality and operational excellence, we look forward to deepening our collaborations with world-class automotive leaders such as Infineon.”Hashtag: #Infineon #semiconductor #UMC


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

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).

About UMC

UMC (NYSE: UMC, TWSE: 2303) is a leading global semiconductor foundry company. The company provides high quality IC fabrication services, focusing on logic and various specialty technologies to serve all major sectors of the electronics industry. UMC’s comprehensive IC processing technologies and manufacturing solutions include Logic/Mixed-Signal, embedded High-Voltage, embedded Non-Volatile-Memory, RFSOI and BCD etc. Most of UMC’s 12-in & 8-in fabs with its core R&D are located in Taiwan, with additional ones throughout Asia. UMC has total 12 fabs in production with combined capacity over 850,000 wafers per month (8-in equivalent), and all of them are certified with IATF 16949 automotive quality standard. UMC is headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, plus local offices in United States, Europe, China, Japan, Korea & Singapore, with worldwide total 20,000 employees.

Govt. Unveils Data Management System for Digital Birth Registration

Mothers and children. ( Photo: UNFPA Lao PDR).

The government of Laos has introduced a digital central data management system to collect population data in the country. 

Over 600,000 Foreign Tourists Visited Vientiane Capital in 2022

Over 600,000 Foreign Tourists Visited Vientiane Capital in 2022
Picture of Patuxay Monument at night.

More than 600,000 international tourists visited the capital of Laos in 2022, double the expected number of 300,000 visitors.

RETRANSMISSION: First Hydrogen Designs Next Generation Zero Emission Vehicle

Vancouver, British Columbia – Newsfile Corp. – March 7, 2023 – First Hydrogen Corp. (TSXV: FHYD) (OTC Pink: FHYDF) (FSE: FIT) (“FIRST HYDROGEN” or the “Company“) reveals new images outlining the vision for its Generation II concept vehicle, which will be available with either fuel cell electric or battery electric drive trains. The latest sketches show the design process that the Company is undertaking with global mobility experts EDAG Group.

The images show the vehicle’s overall form in greater detail and indicate some of the van’s technical assets. As well as the vertical taillights and branded daytime running lights, which were revealed earlier this year, the new illustrations exhibit an aerodynamic fuselage. They also show muscular and dynamic fenders and a large front grill, which is both functional and stylish. Incorporating First Hydrogen branding, the grill provides the necessary ventilation for the vehicle’s front located fuel cell.

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Vehicle sketches
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The Generation II concepts are being developed while First Hydrogen trials its Generation I fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). Launched last year, the Generation I vehicles are currently undergoing mileage accumulation and evaluation before entering trials with major fleet operators in the UK. The road trials for Generation I are managed in conjunction with the UK Aggregated Hydrogen Freight Consortium (AHFC). Members cover a variety of sectors including grocery, roadside assistance, utilities, construction and express delivery and trial participants will use First Hydrogen’s demonstrator vehicles alongside their existing fleets to evaluate the benefits of different vehicle technologies. Data and feedback gained during these trials will influence the design and engineering of the Company’s future vehicles to ensure designs meet customer needs.

The global light commercial vehicle market is projected to reach USD 751.86 billion by 2030, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1% during the forecast period (2022-2030). Further growth is expected as industries strive to meet zero emission targets and governments incentivise switching to zero emission mobility and invest in better infrastructure. First Hydrogen is targeting the commercial van market and light commercial vehicle sector to support fleet operators to move away from fossil fuels and invest in zero emission transport.

Steve Gill, CEO of Automotive for First Hydrogen, says: “We are delighted to present a first look at the new concept vehicle and are proud of its clean, functional, and modern design. The aerodynamic design and overall proportions have been shaped to consider operations on highways and in urban environments. We have taken a particular focus on the lighting, ensuring high visibility for drivers and other road users, – this is especially important for use by delivery, utilities, and roadside assistance companies – but also make the vehicles instantly recognisable as First Hydrogen.”

Bernat Costa, Design Director at EDAG Spain, comments: “We have taken great care to reflect the modern and clean energy values First Hydrogen represents in the vehicle design. The pure and minimalist design meets functional needs and accommodates the technical requirements of hydrogen propulsion. We have also created a design suited to modular builds, providing operational flexibility through a range of sizes and potential bespoke elements.”

About First Hydrogen Corp. (FirstHydrogen.com)

First Hydrogen Corp. is a Vancouver and London UK-based company focused on zero-emission vehicles, green hydrogen production and distribution and supercritical carbon dioxide extractor systems. The Company is designing and building hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered light commercial demonstrator vehicles (“LCV”) under two agreements with AVL Powertrain and Ballard Power Systems Inc. The LCV will have a range of 500+ kilometres. At the same time, the Company has launched its bespoke vehicle design phase which will develop its fleet of proprietary zero-emission vehicles. First Hydrogen is also developing refueling capability working with FEV Consulting GmbH, the automotive consultancy of FEV Group of Aachen Germany. As well, the Company is pursuing opportunities in green hydrogen production and distribution in the UK, EU and North America.

About EDAG Group (EDAG.com)

EDAG Group is the world’s largest independent engineering service provider to the global mobility industry. We regard mobility as a fully integrated ecosystem, and offer our customers technological solutions for more sustainable, emission-free and intelligently networked mobility. With a global network of some 60 branches, EDAG Group provides engineering services in the Vehicle Engineering, Electrics/Electronics and Production Solutions segments.

With our interdisciplinary expertise in the fields of software and digitalization, we possess the key skills to help actively shape the dynamic transformation process the mobility industry is currently undergoing. Digital features, autonomous driving, artificial intelligence, alternative powertrains, new mobility concepts and the vision of a networked smart city have become an integral part of our portfolio. Embedded in EDAG’s own 360° degree approach to the development of complete vehicles and production facilities, we are a competent partner for sustainable mobility projects. It is in the DNA of the company to actively shape the future of mobility and transfer new technologies and concepts into series production. Today, EDAG is one of the TOP 20 IT service providers in the German mobility sector.

Our customers include leading international OEMs, tier 1 suppliers and startup companies from the automotive and non-automotive industries, all of whom we serve globally with our workforce of approximately 8,000 experts in 360-degree engineering.

In 2021, EDAG generated sales of €687 million and at December 31, 2021, EDAG employed a global workforce of 7,880 (including apprentices).

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

FIRST HYDROGEN CORP.
“Balraj Mann”
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Contact:
Balraj Mann
First Hydrogen Corp.
604-601-2018
investors@firsthydrogen.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains information or statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by words such as “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur.

Forward-looking information may include, without limitation, statements regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, milestones, strategies and outlook of First Hydrogen, and includes statements about, among other things, future developments and the future operations, strengths and strategies of First Hydrogen. Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results.

The forward-looking statements made in this news release are based on management’s assumptions and analysis and other factors that may be drawn upon by management to form conclusions and make forecasts or projections, including management’s experience and assessments of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Although management believes that these assumptions, analyses and assessments are reasonable at the time the statements contained in this news release are made, actual results may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Examples of risks and factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from forward-looking statements may include: the timing and unpredictability of regulatory actions; regulatory, legislative, legal or other developments with respect to its operations or business; limited marketing and sales capabilities; early stage of the industry and product development; limited products; reliance on third parties; unfavourable publicity or consumer perception; general economic conditions and financial markets; the impact of increasing competition; the loss of key management personnel; capital requirements and liquidity; access to capital; the timing and amount of capital expenditures; the impact of COVID-19; shifts in the demand for First Hydrogen’s products and the size of the market; patent law reform; patent litigation and intellectual property; conflicts of interest; and general market and economic conditions.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of First Hydrogen as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. First Hydrogen undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

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

Transport Ministry to Build Pedestrian Bridge for School in Vientiane Capital

Laos-Vietnam High School on Kaisone Phomvihane Avenue. ( Photo: Laos-Vietnam High School).

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport in Laos will begin construction of a pedestrian bridge on Kaisone Phomvihane Avenue near Laos-Vietnam Friendship High School.

The Multitalented Contemporary Pianist Joja Wendt Captivates Guests At Steinway Gallery’s Private Showcase

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 7 March 2023 – Acclaimed jazz pianist extraordinaire, Joja Wendt, one of the most illustrious Steinway artists whom the brand collaborates with regularly, performed to a captivated audience with his repertoires of familiar and popular tunes, at a private showcase event presented by Steinway Gallery Singapore and Lufthansa last Friday afternoon.

Renowned for his exceptional musical talent and captivating performances, Joja Wendt’s extensive background and ability to blend classical, jazz, and pop music have made his performances legendary. Drawing his musical vision from an extensive pool of pop, jazz, and classical musicians, he has performed for audiences across the globe and collaborated with some of the biggest names in music in the industry, including celebrated musicians such as Chuck Berry and Joe Cocker.

Joja Wendt
Joja Wendt

Steinway pianos are perfectly suited to Joja Wendt’s wide musical range, particularly his breathtaking and energetic style on the keyboard, in terms of versatility, capabilities, and acoustics, at the same time affirming the 59-year-old German pianist’s vision that well-presented and authentic music can delight audiences regardless of whether the music is popular or classical in nature.

Long considered the gold standard in the music industry, Steinway & Sons pianos are the instruments of choice for many of the world’s greatest musicians and artists, with 9 out of 10 professionals choosing a Steinway as their preferred piano to perform with.

Trained in the Netherlands and New York, Joja emerged from the renowned Hamburg scene and has played alongside all-time music legends over the course of his career, such as rock ‘n roll icon Chuck Berry and the immortal Joe Cocker. His performances are known to be presented with a large slice of humour, and lots of charm and charisma, and his regular concerts are now the stuff of legend throughout Europe.

Joja is not only a virtuoso musician but likes to also come across as a friend to his audience. His aim is for people to overcome inhibitions for people to fully enjoy a piano performance. Propagating that it is fun to play the piano, Joja’s unique brand of music is for everyone, all genders and age groups.

“My roots of music are in the clubs,” explains Joja, “And that helps me today to make the gap between the stage and the audience disappear.” In fact, Joja is known for his interaction and banters with his audience during his performances. Joja’s shows are characterised by entertainment, but the Louis Armstrong Award recipient is more than just an entertainer. Considered one of Germany’s most successful pianists, no one reaches a huge audience with the piano as Joja does.

The Steinway Crown Jewel on which Joja Wendt performed on during the event
The Steinway Crown Jewel on which Joja Wendt performed on during the event

“Very happy to be in Singapore again for this special event at Steinway Gallery, it’s certainly a joy to be playing on the special Crown Jewel piano, The Crown Jewel White Ebony, stunning, it’s such a different experience to be playing in an intimate setting surrounded by this amazing audience.” added Joja, referring to The Steinway Crown Jewel White Ebony, part of the esteemed Steinway Crown Jewel Collection and a masterpiece of exceptional craftsmanship.

“Steinway is thrilled to present Joja Wendt, one of the most illustrious Steinway artists whom we collaborate regularly with. Joja’s extensive musical range and iconic, captivating repertoires reflect Steinway pianos’ versatility and excellent quality,” says Ms Celine Goh, General Manager of Steinway Gallery Singapore. “We are really pleased that Joja has given our clients and fans the opportunity to enjoy his performance at the exclusive event.”

To find out more about Steinway & Sons and their collections of exceptional pianos, please visit www.steinway-gallery.com.sg/ or call 6838 0525.

Steinway Gallery Singapore is located at #04-15A, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801.

Hashtag: #Steinway&Sons #SteinwayGallery #JojaWendt #Joja #SteinwayArtist #TheSteinwayCrownJewel



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

YouBiz and Xero join forces to support local SMEs to go digital

  • Reducing operational costs remains top business priority among SMEs in the region
  • Both YouBiz and Xero enable better spend management and smarter, cost-effective accounting for SMEs

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 7 March 2023 – YouBiz, the corporate card and finance management platform by YouTrip, announced their strategic partnership with cloud-based accounting software provider Xero today. The partnership aims to equip local businesses and startups with more capabilities to manage their corporate expenses efficiently through the integration of Xero’s accounting software. Companies will also be able to lower their operating costs and build more digital-ready businesses for the future economy. This is aligned with SMEs’ top business priority of reducing operational costs, as reported in the recent “2023 Business Spend Insights” white paper published by YouBiz.

“We are excited to work with Xero to offer SMEs more resources for automation of financial processes, an area of business that many companies are laser-focused on this year. With growing inflation and rising prices, finance automation platforms with enhanced accounting capabilities will allow SMEs to cut down on operational costs significantly and redirect valuable funds and resources towards their global expansion plans,” said YouTrip Co-Founder and CEO Caecilia Chu.

YouBiz’s report also revealed that 85% of SME executives do not have full, real-time visibility on company spend. Unlocking automated finance workflows through YouBiz and Xero gives business owners a better overview of their spending and effectively digitalises the management of company finances.

Reducing costs was also a top business priority for businesses surveyed in Xero’s 2023 Accounting Industry Report, which listed the implementation of business tools and technology as another key priority for companies in the year ahead.

The partnership comes at an opportune time then, as SMEs revamp the way they operate, adopting more digital tools to monitor corporate spend and automate key accounting processes including invoicing, GST returns and bank reconciliations. Xero is also the first accounting partner to be listed on YouBiz Perks, YouBiz’s resource and rewards platform that offers business owners access to exclusive deals on popular digital marketing and operational tools, as well as other business services.

Through this integration, YouBiz users can unlock automated sync on all multi-currency accounts with Xero, reducing manual reconciliation of expenses and erroneous accounting entries. YouBiz users who are new to Xero can also enjoy 50% off on any Xero accounting plan for 6 months.

With Xero on board, YouBiz users will have better control and greater visibility over their business spending. And as we continue to be a valuable and reliable partner to SMEs, YouBiz will strive to forge more partnerships with digital brands and businesses that SMEs work with, to bring more returns and cost savings beneficial to companies, and aid them in their digitalisation efforts,” added Caecilia.

For more information on the partnership, please visit www.you.co/biz/xero-integration/

Hashtag: #YouBiz #YouTrip

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

About YouBiz

Launched in 2022, YouBiz is the leading multi-currency corporate card and spend management platform for SMEs. Built by YouTrip, a first-mover in the Southeast Asian fintech and digital payments space, YouBiz provides SMEs and startups with an easy-to-use, convenient and affordable spend management platform to power their cross-border payment needs and global expansion plans.

Today, YouBiz is one of the fastest growing spend management fintechs and a reliable partner for SMEs as they accelerate their business growth with the best in market exchange rates, at zero FX fees.

For more information, please visit

Empowerment Campaign from Watsons launches on International Women’s Day

90 million women will “DARE TO BE”

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 7 March 2023 – Watsons announces the launch of its “DARE TO BE ” campaign on International Women’s Day to further its commitment to transcending stereotypes and standing with women to discover the best version of themselves. This follows on the success of the Asia-wide “The New Beautiful” campaign that inspired a heightened awareness of holistic beauty. Watsons continues to advance the cause of gender equality with its 90 million female Watsons Club members in the global community.

Watsons believes that everyone has the power to transcend their own limitations and break the stigma that society puts upon them. As a brand trusted by 90 million women in Asia, Eastern Europe and Middle East, Watsons’ “DARE TO BE” campaign can reach millions and inspire confidence in them. In an interview survey of 11,000 women conducted by A.S. Watson, over 50% of women described themselves as “unconfident”. “DARE TO BE” seeks to change this by featuring women who are breaking down boundaries and leading the way for others.

Malina Ngai, CEO of A.S. Watson (Asia & Europe) says, “Women have the strength to be the best version of themselves and to transcend societal limitations. Watsons is committed to empowering women to find their faith in themselves. We know they can DARE TO BE bigger than any barrier, bolder than any bias, and stronger than their struggles.”

Affirming the “Embrace Equity” theme of International Women’s Day, the campaign strives to support BRAVEHER, BOLDHER and STRONGHER Women in a cause of gender equality that embraces women of all walks of life:

Nurturing “BRAVEHER” Women in Healthcare

During COVID-19, the bravery of frontline healthcare professionals inspired many to follow this meaningful career path. Through Watsons and Operation Smile partnership, Watsons has supported Operation Smile’s “Women in Medicine” initiative. Through this initiative, Operation Smile aims to provide educational pathways for women to be global leaders in health care. In support of this initiative, Watsons has sponsored all-women medical programs in low-and-middle income countries to help educate women on advanced medical practices; empower women to become leaders in global medicine; expand opportunities for women health care workers in different specialties; and elevate cleft surgery and comprehensive care. Since the partnership’s inception, A.S. Watson Group has sponsored over 6,000 free corrective surgeries to Operation Smile through the Group’s Give a Smile signature global community programme.

Kathy Magee, Co-founder and President of Operation Smile says, “We appreciate the tremendous support from Watsons for the Women in Medicine Initiative to empower women to take on leadership roles in the medical field. Once we mentor these women and equip them with advanced surgical skills and specialty trainings, these women create new opportunities for the next generation of female leaders in health care.”

Empowering “BOLDHER” Women in their Community

Watsons is deepening its long-term partnership with YWCA, to empower more women in the community. Mimi Han, Vice President of World YWCA, commends Watsons’ efforts in building a more women-friendly community, “The world needs the voices of more women to be heard. Watsons’ and YWCA’s joint efforts and commitment will not only empower women but promote the women’s meaningful participation and contribution to our society.”

In Hong Kong, Watsons will sponsor YWCA’s “ChariTea” programme to fund its self-financed women empowerment services, which supports women in marital adversity and young mothers, assists the development of girls, strengthens elderly services for older women and gives women their deserved voices in the society.

Enabling a “STRONGHER” Generation of Women

Throughout the month, Watsons will be actively engaging the community of Watsons shoppers through a series of events, workshops, and mentoring opportunities led by key women opinion leaders who have created their own success by defining it on their own terms. Watsons Malaysia is inviting a fashion model with vitiligo (an appearance altering skin condition), a para-cyclist and a CEO from a women-focused charity to share their personal stories and health & beauty tips. In Thailand, Watsons is promoting women empowerment through its “Green Ribbon” campaign to help more women to unleash their potential.

There are more programmes in Asia which inspire confidence and empower women to look good, do good, and feel great about themselves. Interested parties can find out more at www.watsonsasia.com.

Hashtag: #Watsons #DARETOBE

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

About Watsons International

Watsons is Asia’s leading health and beauty retailer, currently operating over 8,000 stores and more than 1,500 pharmacies in 15 Asian and European markets.

Watsons continually sets the standards in the health, wellness and beauty market, providing personalised advice and counseling in health, beauty and personal care on top of its market-leading product range, making customers LOOK GOOD, DO GOOD, FEEL GREAT every day. Watsons is the flagship health and beauty brand of A.S. Watson Group.

Visit our websites:

About A.S. Watson Group

Established in 1841, A.S. Watson Group is the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer operating over 16,400 stores under 12 retail brands in 29 markets, with about 130,000 employees worldwide. For the fiscal year 2021, A.S. Watson Group recorded revenue of US$22 billion. Every year, we are serving over 5.5 billion shoppers via our O+O (Offline plus Online) platforms, providing tech-enabled retail experience to customers offline and online.

A.S. Watson Group is also a member of the world-renowned multinational conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings Limited, which has four core businesses ‐ ports and related services, retail, infrastructure and telecommunications in over 50 countries.

Please visit for more information.