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Authorities Say Nam Bak River Free of Chemical Contaminants

Nam Bak River

Nam Bak district authorities have confirmed that the Nam Bak River is free of chemical contaminants, despite recently turning an unusual green color.

NetApp Delivers an Innovative, No-Compromise, Unified Hybrid Cloud Experience

New ONTAP Software and Hybrid Cloud Portfolio Enhancements Reduce Costs and Complexity; Provide Simple, Unified Data Management Across On-Premises and Public Cloud

 

SINGAPORE Media OutReach9 June 2021 – NetApp® (NASDAQ: NTAP) a global, cloud-led, data-centric software company, today unveiled a new release of its ONTAP software that powers data services on premises and in the cloud, as well as an array of portfolio updates that leverage ONTAP to provide a flexible foundation for hybrid cloud, unify data management across on-premises and cloud environments, and simplify consumption and operation of hybrid cloud services. As the only provider of hybrid cloud solutions that offers native integration with the world’s leading public clouds, NetApp is unifying management of on-premises and public cloud environments, delivering new ways to consume and operate data services that make it easier for enterprises to put their data to work – wherever and whenever they need it.

The latest enhancements to NetApp’s hybrid cloud portfolio and ONTAP data services include:

  • Flexible Foundations for Hybrid Cloud: Enterprises need to modernize their IT environments to enable hybrid cloud operations. NetApp is updating its foundational solutions to better support them:
    o FlexPod: The next generation of the globally trusted converged infrastructure platform from NetApp and Cisco provides a better foundation for hybrid cloud with the flexibility to run and manage all your modern workloads. New capabilities include intelligent application placement across on-premises and cloud, automated hybrid cloud data workflows, and the ability to consume FlexPod as a fully managed, cloud-like service.
    o NetApp StorageGRID: The 11.5 release of NetApp’s highly scalable object store now supports data encryption using external key management, offers compliance and ransomware protection with S3 object locks, and delivers increased performance with intelligent load balancing.
  • Simple, Unified Data Management Across Hybrid Cloud Environments: Managing data and applications in hybrid cloud environments can be extremely challenging – enterprises need a simple, standardized approach. NetApp centralizes data management across the hybrid cloud to make things simpler. NetApp Cloud Manager and enhanced multicloud management services automate ONTAP data services to simplify application migration, disaster recovery, data protection, governance and compliance. In addition, NetApp Astra, an application-aware data service for Kubernetes, enables customers to manage, protect, and migrate stateful applications in Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure – and now on-premises.
  • Cloud-Like Financial Flexibility and Operational Simplicity: Organizations want the same financial and operational elasticity they get from the cloud in their data center, with the freedom to move and manage workloads easily and securely across hybrid and public cloud environments. The new NetApp Keystone Flex Subscription at Equinix gives customers the ability to deploy Keystone data services in Equinix International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) for low-latency access to multiple clouds – without having to move their data to the cloud. The Keystone Flex Subscription at Equinix is uniquely delivered as a single subscription by NetApp.

“NetApp’s Keystone Flex Subscription at Equinix uniquely provides a flexible, on-demand storage alternative to traditional capex infrastructure investments,” said Royce Thomas, Senior Vice President, Strategic Alliances and Global Account Management at Equinix. “With this offering, global businesses can host their data adjacent to the cloud and utilize Equinix Fabric™ to connect to service providers, taking advantage of centralized hybrid cloud data management across all major public clouds.”

“A hybrid cloud strategy is critical to ensuring organizations can keep pace with the growth and complexity of distributed data and applications, thrive in the face of uncertainty and compete effectively in the digital economy,” said Sanjay Rohatgi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific, NetApp. “NetApp specializes in helping enterprises at every phase in their digital transformation journeys to implement hybrid cloud strategies and technologies that will help keep them ahead of the curve.”


Additional Resources

About NetApp

NetApp is a global, cloud-led, data-centric software company that empowers organizations to lead with data in the age of accelerated digital transformation. The company provides systems, software and cloud services that enable them to run their applications optimally from data center to cloud, whether they are developing in the cloud, moving to the cloud, or creating their own cloud-like experiences on premises. With solutions that perform across diverse environments, NetApp helps organizations build their own data fabric and securely deliver the right data, services and applications to the right people—anytime, anywhere. Learn more at www.netapp.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

NETAPP, the NETAPP logo, and the marks listed at www.netapp.com/TM are trademarks of NetApp, Inc.


#NetApp

Chubb report reveals the risk and uncertainty faced by SMEs as they increasingly conduct business digitally

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 9 June 2021 – Chubb launched a report – “Digital Business Accelerated,” which explores how increased digitalisation impacts small and mid-sized businesses and the emerging risks in digital transformation – a transition that has accelerated in the wake of COVID-19.

Chubb partnered with Accenture to survey small and mid-sized businesses in nine markets around the world. Through a survey of 1,350 respondents across diverse industries, the results revealed four mega-trends that impact businesses pursuing digital transformation. These trends are:

  • Navigating digital-first communications: approximately half of the respondents are focusing on seamless on-demand delivery of products and prioritising tailored products and services that meet the needs of multiple generations.
  • Harnessing the power of data: adopting artificial intelligence technology, cloud and big data are the top three-year priorities for businesses today.
  • Supporting a transformed workforce: businesses are prioritising the development of new technology capabilities and skills among employees amidst increasing competition to hire and retain workers with the relevant skills.
  • Thriving in the global market: 41% are prioritising offering products or services internationally.

“The global pandemic has forced many businesses to accelerate their dependence on digital and pivot their operations,” said Doug White, President of Chubb’s general insurance business in Hong Kong & Macau. “Digital has changed from being a driver for growth and/or efficiency to becoming a lifeline for all types of businesses. Yet digitalisation comes with significant risks like increased cyber security threats to additional liability challenges. Chubb will work alongside with SMEs to provide the advice and protection they will need to build resilient digital businesses.”

To learn more about the report and how small and mid-sized businesses can assess their new digital business risk exposures and insurance needs, please visit chubb.com/digitalbusiness/hk.

About Chubb

Chubb is the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs more than 30,000 people worldwide.

With both general and life insurance operations, Chubb has been present in Hong Kong SAR for more than 90 years via acquisitions by its predecessor companies. Its general insurance operation in Hong Kong SAR (Chubb Insurance Hong Kong Limited) is a niche and specialist general insurer offering products such as property, casualty, marine, financial lines and consumer lines designed for large corporates, midsized commercial & small business enterprises as well as retail customers. The AA- long term insurer financial strength and counterparty credit ratings by Standard & Poor’s are indicative of the company’s strong capitalisation. Over the years, the company has built strong client relationships by being consistent and responsive, by offering market leading claims services and innovative products, and providing market leadership built on financial strength.

Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com/hk.

#Chubb

Scientists Worldwide Pledge Their Trust in Science in Celebration of the International Day of Light

Trust Science pledge signed by Nobel Laureates, scientific leaders and science bodies worldwide

 

TRIESTE, ITALY – News Direct – 08 June 2021 – The UNESCO International Day of Light on May 16th celebrated the worldwide campaign promoting the importance of science and the scientific process for society and sustainable development.

The Trust Science pledge saw supporters of science worldwide join together to affirm their appreciation for science. Notable signatories include Nobel and Breakthrough laureates, UNESCO prizewinners, CEOs, representatives from scientific societies and academies, individual scientists and students from nearly 100 countries.

“After a year in which we have seen science lead the global response to the coronavirus pandemic, we thought it was essential to highlight the importance of trusting its methods in guiding decisions,” said Steering Committee Chair John Dudley. “The pledge focuses particularly on science’s role in improving quality of life, a sentiment that clearly resonates around the world.”

The International Day of Light recognizes the value of light science and technology and its role in providing clean energy, clean water, high-speed connectivity and medical treatments. The day was celebrated with events and hands-on activities in more than 55 countries.

The International Day of Light also highlighted the achievements of a number of Champions of Science, individuals from all fields whose work is changing the world.

“As a scientist, seeing this kind of support for the scientific process is inspiring,” said Neysha Lobo-Ploch, FBH Berlin, UVphotonics NT GmbH, Germany and LightDay 2021 champion. “I’m honored to have my work acknowledged in this way.”

After its initial launch with the International Day of Light, the #TrustScience campaign will continue throughout 2021, and scientists worldwide will be organising targeted actions throughout the year.

Dudley explains, “A central aim of this initiative has been to remind members of the scientific community that we share a responsibility to ensure that the public has confidence in science and its outcomes. It is up to us to explain how science works and why it can be trusted.”

The Trust Science campaign is organized by the IEEE Photonics Society, SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, and The Optical Society (OSA), together with the International Day of Light Steering Committee.

To sign the pledge and to learn more, please go to https://www.trust-science.org

Contacts

For questions about how you can engage with the campaign, please contact: info@trust-science.org

Social media: please share using #TrustScience and #LightDay2021

Social media links: Facebook; Instagram; Twitter

About the International Day of Light

The International Day of Light (LightDay)is a worldwide initiative that provides an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications and energy. The International Day of Light is administered from the International Basic Science Programme (IBSP) of UNESCO by a Steering Committee that includes representatives from a broad range of international partners: the American Institute of Physics (AIP), the American Physical Society (APS), Bosca, the China International Optoelectronic Exhibition (CIOE), Chinese Optical Society (COS), the European Centres for Outreach in Photonics (ECOP), the European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC), the European Physical Society (EPS), the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), the IEEE Photonics Society (IPS), the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), lightsources.org – the international network of accelerator based light sources, Light: Science and Applications, The Optical Society (OSA), Tampere University, SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics, SESAME, Signify, Tampere University, Thorlabs, Transitions, the Université de Franche-Comté and Velux.

For information about the International Day of Light, please visit www.lightday.org

About IEEE Photonics Society

The IEEE Photonics Society is the professional home for a global network of scientists, engineers and allied professionals who advance laser, optoelectronics, and photonics technology. As a technical society representing the IEEE, it is a vital part of the world’s largest technical professional organization of more than 400,000 members dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, educational activities, and humanitarian initiatives, the IEEE Photonics Society provides its members in more than 160 countries the opportunity to grow professionally and stay on the forefront of transformational breakthroughs in photonics. PhotonicsSociety.org

About SPIE

SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, was founded in 1955 to advance light-based technologies. Serving more than 255,000 constituents from 183 countries, the not-for-profit society advances emerging technologies through interdisciplinary information exchange, continuing education, publications, patent precedent, and career and professional growth. SPIE annually organizes and sponsors approximately 25 major technical forums, exhibitions, and education programs in North America, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific. In 2020, SPIE provided more than $5 million in support of education and outreach programs. www.spie.org

About The Optical Society

Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and business leaders in light science and technology. The society serves over 432,000 customers and 22,000 members from more than 100 countries who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the field. OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts through world-renowned publications. For more information, visit osa.org.

#LightDay #TheInternationalDayofLight

Cushman & Wakefield Voted Hong Kong’s Second Most Attractive Employer in Randstad Employer Brand Survey

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 8 June 2021 – Cushman & Wakefield has been voted as the second most attractive employer in Hong Kong in the Randstad 2021 Employer Brand Research (REBR) survey. The second place ranking puts the firm behind only the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The nomination also confirms Cushman & Wakefield Hong Kong as the most attractive employer in the real estate sector.

In the survey, Cushman & Wakefield ranked top in work-life balance, positive work culture, career progression and COVID-secure work environment. These are the attributes that make us the employer of choice.

John Siu, Managing Director, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield, said, “We are proud to be awarded as 1st Runner-Up in this industry-recognized survey of employers of choice. We are committed to hiring and developing the best available talent. Our people have always been our most valuable asset, and are central to our brand, culture, and values. We place a particular focus on introducing and nurturing young talent, and we believe that our philosophy of inclusion, collaboration and diversity sets us apart from other industry players”.

Shirley Fung, Director and Head of Human Resources & Administration, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield, added, “Our diversity is our strength, and we treasure the uniqueness of each team member in developing their potential to the fullest. We have seen that inclusion and collaboration among our teams creates room for greater synergies and well-informed business decisions. Our team members’ efforts in supporting the firm during the challenges of the pandemic are testament to that collaboration, and we applaud their contribution”.

Click HERE to download high-resolution photos.

About Randstad 2021 Employer Brand Research (REBR) Survey

The REBR is the most comprehensive, independent and in-depth employer brand research in the world, analyzing worker’s drivers and motivators and ranking the most attractive employers in 34 markets globally. The performance criteria include work-from-home flexibility, COVID-19 safety, career progression, reputation, CSR, and work-life balance. In Hong Kong, the 2021 REBR was conducted independently with 2,630 locally-based respondents. The outcomes are based on public perception and focus on two main areas: overall brand awareness and relative attractiveness. For more details, please visit https://www.randstad.com.hk/employers/employer-brand-research/2021-top-companies-in-hong-kong-revealed/.

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global real estate services firm that delivers exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners. Cushman & Wakefield is among the largest real estate services firms with approximately 50,000 employees in over 400 offices and 60 countries. Across Greater China, 22 offices are servicing the local market. The company won four of the top awards in the Euromoney Survey 2017, 2018 and 2020 in the categories of Overall, Agency Letting/Sales, Valuation and Research in China. In 2020, the firm had revenue of $7.8 billion across core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, valuation and other services. To learn more, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk or follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china).

#Cushman&Wakefield

The BMW Group announces global partnership with the Bayerische Staatsoper. Expansion of long-term partnership is a contribution to social responsibility efforts and provides new impulses for the renowned Munich opera house.

MUNICH, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 8 June 2021 – Marking the year of the 50th anniversary of cultural commitment, the BMW Group is building up on its cooperation with the Bayerische Staatsoper by becoming the Global Partner. The automotive manufacturer and the opera house have been partners since 1997. On the occasion of their 25th anniversary and with Serge Dorny as designated General Manager and Vladimir Jurowski as designated General Music Director, collaborations such as Opera for all will continue while also focussing on the development of digital formats to reach a broader audience. The BMW Group leads the way as corporate citizen and contributes to social responsibility.

The BMW Group announces global partnership with the Bayerische Staatsoper. BMW Art Car by Jenny Holzer (BMW V12 LMR, 1999) at the Bayerische Staatsoper, Munich. Photo: Daniel Nikodem @bmwjogge, © BMW AG


The BMW Group announces global partnership with the Bayerische Staatsoper. Ilka Horstmeier (Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Human Resources, Labour Relations Director) and Serge Dorny (designated General Manager of the Bayerische Staatsoper). Photo: Julian Baumann, © BMW AG

As one of the world’s leading opera houses, the Bayerische Staatsoper looks back on a history of over 350 years and makes a major contribution to Munich’s reputation as one of the great international cultural capitals.

In 1997, BMW and the Bayerische Staatsoper initiated Opera for all including the live broadcast of an opera and the open-air concert of the Bayerische Staatsorchester. By presenting both open air, new ways of accessing the world of opera were championed, especially for a broader audience. Thanks to BMW, admission is free of charge.

As Global Partner, BMW is becoming the major partner of the Bayerische Staatsoper. Starting with the 2021/2022 season, the opera house will experience new impulses with Serge Dorny and Vladimir Jurowski, while pursuing an open-door policy and presenting modern and new perspectives to audiences from Munich and beyond.

Using the hashtag #BMWOPERANEXT, the BMW Group works with partners from the world of classical music to develop projects that make the most of the company’s strong orientation towards digitalization as well as of its global network of experts to open up new perspectives.

Further information at: www.press.bmwgroup.com

Laos Elected Vice-President of 76th United Nations General Assembly Session

Laos Elected Vice-President of 76th United Nations General Assembly Session

Laos has been elected vice-president of the upcoming 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) from the Asia-Pacific Region for a one-year term starting September this year.

Economic recovery drives total residential transactions to a 9-year high Home price expected to rise by 5% in the second half of 2021, and return to 2019 peak in Q3

  • Economic recovery in Hong Kong has driven residential transaction upsurge by 20% q-o-q, reaching a nine-year high and its peak since 2012
  • New home supply over the next two years remains low at an average of about 19,100 units per year
  • Home prices expected to rise by 5% in the second half of 2021 and return to June 2019 peak prior to social events and pandemic outbreak in Q3

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 8 June 2021 – Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield publishes Hong Kong Residential Markets Review and Forecast 2021 Q2 today. Steady economic recovery, declining unemployment rate and stabilizing pandemic situation, have contributed to significant growth in the Hong Kong property market in Q2, particularly for the residential market. Residential transaction has hit a nine-year high in the first half of 2021. Home prices are expected to return to their peak in Q3 at a level before COVID outbreak and social events. Resumption of China-Hong Kong travel in the second half of 2021 is expected to bring in mainland buyers, providing more favourable conditions for an overall recovery of the local property market.

In the first two-month period of 2021 Q2, the overall total Sales and Purchase Agreements (S&Ps) stood at 18,590 cases. Combining an estimated 9,500 cases in June brings the quarterly transactions to 28,090 cases, an increase of 37% y-o-y or 20% q-o-q. Residential transactions rose by 20% q-o-q to 21,709 cases, resulting in a total of 39,840 cases in the first half of 2021, the highest since 2012 and a nine-year record.


Mr. Keith Chan, Cushman & Wakefield’s Director, Head of Research, Hong Kong, mentions, “The economy of Hong Kong shows early signs of picking up with a growth of 7.9% y-o-y in Q1, and has twisted a six-quarter contraction. With an improving labour market where the unemployment rate lowered to 6.4%, and the fourth wave of COVID outbreak under control, the housing market sentiment has turned warm with home prices in April rose by 4.1% y-o-y. Residential transactions in the first four months of 2021 were dominated by secondary sales which took up 81%, up from 74% in 2020. This number has returned to the traditional secondary to primary sales ratio of 80 to 20%.”


According to the analysis of Mr. Edgar Lai, Cushman & Wakefield’s Director, Valuation and Advisory Services, Hong Kong, both mass residential and luxury residential markets show similar trends. The average prices of housing estates in multiple districts have increased by over 10% to date since this year. Take City One Shatin as an example, the average price has increased by 5.4% in Q2, over 10% since this year, and recorded “five consecutive rises” with the average price nearing its peak of June 2019. The average price of Taikoo Shing has also increased by 5.7% q-o-q and is expected to record a 15.3% increase by the end of June. The luxury home market has also rebounded, with Bel-Air rising by 9.3% in Q2. This upward trend is expected to continue.

As for private housing supply in the future, a more reasonable number of about 19,100 new units per year are expected in the pipeline in the next two years. While slightly above the average annual supply of 14,300 units in the past ten years, the number is still low compared to the average of 26,600 units from 1991 to 2000.

Mr. Alva To, Cushman & Wakefield’s Vice President, Greater China & Head of Consulting, Greater China, commented, “Residential transactions in Q2 were brisk with upsurge in both volume and prices. The tight supply of new residential properties was a favourable contributor, but the support chiefly came from the better-than-expected economic growth, persistent low interest rates, easing of the pandemic, and further reduction of unemployment rate therefore unleashing purchase power. Looking ahead, we expect that with the resumption of cross-border travels in the second half of this year, mainland buyers will inject momentum into local property sales. The residential market will remain active in the second half of this year, with room for a 5% rise in price, or 10% for the whole year. In Q3, it might return to its historical peak prior to the outbreak of social events in June 2019 and the pandemic. Luxury residential market is likely to rise by another 5% to 10% within this year.”

Click HERE to download high-resolution photos of the Cushman & Wakefield press conference.

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global real estate services firm that delivers exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners. Cushman & Wakefield is among the largest real estate services firms with approximately 50,000 employees in over 400 offices and 60 countries. Across Greater China, 22 offices are servicing the local market. The company won four of the top awards in the Euromoney Survey 2017, 2018 and 2020 in the categories of Overall, Agency Letting/Sales, Valuation and Research in China. In 2020, the firm had revenue of $7.8 billion across core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, valuation and other services. To learn more, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk or follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china).

#Cushman&Wakefield