Laos and Belarus test-fire a C-125 surface-to-air missile system.
The Laos Ministry of National Defense and technical personnel from a Belarus arms company jointly undertook a test launch of an anti-aircraft missile yesterday.
Spackman Media Group artist Son Suk-ku confirmed to star in the highly anticipated Netflix original K-drama D.P.Season 2
Other than Son Suk-ku, D.P.Season 2 also features Jung Hae-in, Koo Gwan-hwa, Kim Seong-gyun, Ji Jin-hee, and Kim Ji-hyun
On the strength of the release of his film THE ROUNDUP and drama MY LIBERATION NOTES, Son Suk-ku topped the most popular actor in Korea for five weeks straight as of May 30
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 31 May 2022 –Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (the “Group“), one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups founded in 2011 by media & technology investor Charles Spackman, wishes to announce that Son Suk-ku of the Group’s associated company, Spackman Media Group Limited (“Spackman Media Group“) is set to star in the highly anticipated Netflix original K-drama D.P. Season 2, following his role in the top film, THE ROUNDUP, and the most popular K-drama, MY LIBERATION NOTES in Korea.
Alongside Son Suk-ku, D.P.Season 2 brings back main cast members Jung Hae-in, Koo Gwan-hwa, Kim Seong-gyun, while adding newcomers Ji Jin-hee, and Kim Ji-hyun. Based on the webtoon D.P DOG DAY by Kim Bo-tong, D.P. tells the story of a team of Korean military police with their mission to catch deserters. The series is directed by Han Jun-hee and co-written by Kim Bo-tong.
On the strength of the release of his film THE ROUNDUP and drama MY LIBERATION NOTES, Good Data TV Popularity Research has ranked Son Suk-ku as the most popular actor in Korea for five weeks straight as of May 30 and has rated his latest K-drama MY LIBERATION NOTES #1 in the TV drama category in Korea for four consecutive weeks.
Son Suk-ku’s latest film, THE ROUNDUP, a sequel to the 2017 hit THE OUTLAWS, maintained its top position at the Korea box office for the second consecutive week and achieved the most tickets sold on the second weekend since PARASITE (2019). The film was pre-sold to 132 countries around the world, including Singapore, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and France, as well as the regions of North America and Eastern Europe.
Son Suk-ku of Spackman Media Group is also set to headline in upcoming Netflix original K-drama, MURDEROUS TOY, which also stars Choi Woo Shik of the film PARASITE (2019). Produced by Showbox, MURDEROUS TOY, a comedy thriller drama based on the popular webtoon series of the same name, is scheduled to begin in the second half of this year.
Son Suk-ku is represented by SBD Entertainment Inc. (“SBD Entertainment“), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spackman Media Group, that represents and manages the careers of 12 artists. In addition to Son Suk-ku, SBD Entertainment also represents one of Korea’s rapidly rising young actors, Han Ji-hyun of popular K-drama THE PENTHOUSE 3, who won the Best Rookie Female Actor in the 2021 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards in Korea and endorsed luxury brand Gucci in April 2021.
About Spackman Entertainment Group Limited
Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (“SEGL” or the “Company“), and together with its subsidiaries, (the “Group“), is one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups. SEGL is primarily engaged in the independent development, production, presentation, and financing of theatrical motion pictures in Korea.
The Company was founded in 2011 by renowned media and technology investor Charles Spackman who served as the Company’s Executive Chairman until 2017. For the past two decades, Mr. Charles Spackman has been a powerhouse in the Korean entertainment industry starting in the early 2000’s with the pioneering success of Sidus Pictures, the largest movie production company at the time and the first to be listed in Korea. Mr. Spackman is also the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the global investment firm, Spackman Group. For more information, please visit http://www.charlesspackman.com and https://spackman-group.com/charles-spackman.
Since its founding, SEGL had produced more than 30 major motion pictures including a number of the highest grossing and award-winning films in Korea, namely #ALIVE (2020), CRAZY ROMANCE (2019), DEFAULT (2018), MASTER (2016), THE PRIESTS (2015), SNOWPIERCER (2013), COLD EYES (2013) and ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012).
Our films are theatrically distributed and released in Korea and overseas markets, as well as for subsequent post-theatrical worldwide release in other forms of media, including online streaming, cable TV, broadcast TV, IPTV, video-on-demand, and home video/DVD, etc. Generally, we release our motion pictures into wide-theatrical exhibition initially in Korea, and then in overseas and ancillary markets.
The Group also invests into and produces Korean television dramas. In addition to our content business, we also own equity stakes in entertainment-related companies and film funds that can financially and strategically complement our existing core operations. SEGL is listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited under the ticker 40E.
Production Labels
SEGL owns Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd. (“Novus Mediacorp“), an investor, presenter, and/or post-theatrical distributor for a total of 79 films (58 Korean and 21 foreign) including ROSE OF BETRAYAL, THE OUTLAWS and SECRETLY, GREATLY, which was one of the biggest box office hits of 2013 starring Kim Soo-hyun of MY LOVE FROM THE STARS, as well as FRIEND 2: THE GREAT LEGACY. In 2012, Novus Mediacorp was also the post-theatrical rights distributor of ALL ABOUT MY WIFE, a top-grossing romantic comedy produced by Zip Cinema. In 2018, THE OUTLAWS, co-presented by Novus Mediacorp broke the all-time highest Video On Demand (“VOD“) sales records in Korea. For more information, please visit http://novusmediacorp.com
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Simplex Films Limited (“Simplex Films“) which is an early stage film production firm. The maiden film of Simplex Films, JESTERS: THE GAME CHANGERS (2019), was released in Korea on 21 August 2019. Simplex Films has several line-up of films including HURRICANE BROTHERS (working title).
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Take Pictures Pte. Ltd. (“Take Pictures“) which produced STONE SKIPPING (2020) and THE BOX (2021), and shall release THE GUEST in the second half of 2022 and A MAN OF REASON, with the previous working title GUARDIAN in 2022 tentatively.
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Greenlight Content Limited (“Greenlight Content“) which is mainly involved in the business of investing into dramas and movies, as well as providing consulting services for the production of Korean content. Through the acquisition of Greenlight Content, the Group’s first co-produced drama, MY SECRET TERRIUS, starring top Korean star, So Ji Sub, achieved #1 in drama viewership ratings for its time slot and recorded double digits for its highest viewership ratings. Greenlight Content was one of the main investors of MY SECRET TERRIUS.
The Company owns a 20% equity interest in The Makers Studio Co. Ltd., which plans to produce and release four upcoming films, the first of which will be THE ISLAND OF THE GHOST’S WAIL, a comedy horror film.
Talent Representation
The Company holds an effective shareholding interest of 43.88% in Spackman Media Group Limited (“SMGL“). SMGL, a company incorporated in Hong Kong, together with its subsidiaries, is collectively one of the largest entertainment talent agencies in Korea in terms of the number of artists under management, including some of the top names in the Korean entertainment industry. SMGL operates its talent management business through renowned agencies such as MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Son Ye-jin, Wi Ha-jun, Lee Min-jung, Ko Sung-hee), SBD Entertainment Inc. (Son Suk-ku, Han Ji-hyun, Lee Cho-hee, Park Keun-rok), UAA&CO Inc. (Kim Sang-kyung, Kim Hye-ri, Kim Ji-young, Wang Ji-won), Play Content Co., Ltd. (Kang Min-ji, Hwang-hwi) and Kook Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Baek Si-won, Shin Ji-woong). Through these full-service talent agencies in Korea, SMGL represents and guides the professional careers of a leading roster of award-winning actors/actresses in the practice areas of motion pictures, television, commercial endorsements, and branded entertainment. SMGL leverages its unparalleled portfolio of artists as a platform to develop, produce, finance and own the highest quality of entertainment content projects, including theatrical motion pictures, variety shows and TV dramas. This platform also creates and derives opportunities for SMGL to make strategic investments in development stage businesses that can collaborate with SMGL artists. SMGL is an associated company of the Company. For more information, please visit http://www.spackmanmediagroup.com
The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Constellation Agency Pte. Ltd. (“Constellation Agency“). Constellation Agency, which owns The P Factory Co., Ltd. (“The P Factory“) and Platform Media Group Co., Ltd. (“PMG“), is primarily involved in the business of overseas agency for Korean artists venturing into the overseas market. The P Factory is an innovative marketing solutions provider specializing in event and branded content production. PMG is a talent management agency which represents and manages the careers of major artists in film, television, commercial endorsements and branded entertainment.
Strategic Businesses
The Company also operates a café-restaurant, Upper West, in the Gangnam district of Seoul and own a professional photography studio, noon pictures Co., Ltd.
A new UN report counts the number of illegal methamphetamine tablets seized last year in South and Southeast Asia at more than a billion pills, the highest number ever recorded.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 31 May 2022 – Future autonomous vehicles and industrial cameras might have human-like vision, thanks to a recent advance by scientists from Hong Kong and South Korea. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Yonsei University in Seoul have developed vision sensors that emulate and even surpass the human retina’s ability to adapt to various lighting levels.
The bioinspired vision sensors developed by Dr Chai’s team can adapt to varying brightness with an effective range of up to 199 dB. The human retina can adapt to environments under sunlight to starlight, with a range of about 160 dB.
“The new sensors will greatly improve machine vision systems used for visual analysis and identification tasks,” says Dr CHAI Yang, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Physics, and Assistant Dean (Research), Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles, PolyU, who led the research.
Machine vision systems are cameras and computers that capture and process images for tasks such as facial recognition. They need to be able to “see” objects in a wide range of lighting conditions, which demands intricate circuitry and complex algorithms. Such systems are rarely efficient enough to process a large volume of visual information in real time—unlike the human brain.
The new bioinspired sensors developed by Dr Chai’s team may offer a solution through directly adapting different light intensities by the sensors, instead of relying on backend computation. The human eye adapts to different levels of illumination, from very dark to very bright and vice versa, which allows us to identify objects accurately under a range of lighting conditions. The new sensors aim to mimic this adaptability.
“The human pupil may help adjust the amount of light entering the eye,” explains Dr Chai, “but the main adaptation to brightness is performed by retina cells.” Natural light intensity spans a large range, 280 dB. Impressively, the new sensors developed by Dr Chai’s team have an effective range of up to 199 dB, compared with only 70 dB for conventional silicon-based sensors. The human retina can adapt to environments under sunlight to starlight, with a range of about 160 dB.
To achieve this, the research team developed light detectors, called phototransistors, using a dual layer of atomic-level ultrathin molybdenum disulphide, a semiconductor with unique electrical and optical properties. The researchers then introduced “charge trap states”—impurities or imperfections in a solid’s crystalline structure that restrict the movement of charge—to the dual layer.
“These trap states enable the storage of light information,” report the researchers, “and dynamically modulate the optoelectronic properties of the device at the pixel level.” By controlling the movement of electrons, the trap states enabled the researchers to precisely adjust the amount of electricity conducted by the phototransistors. This in turn allowed them to control the device’s photosensitivity, or its ability to detect light.
Each of the new vision sensors is made up of arrays of such phototransistors. They mimic the rod and cone cells of the human eye, which are respectively responsible for detecting dim and bright light. As a result, the sensors can detect objects in differently lit environments as well as switch between, and adapt to, varying levels of brightness—with an even greater range than the human eye.
“The sensors reduce hardware complexity and greatly increase the image contrast under different lighting conditions,” says Dr Chai, “thus delivering high image recognition efficiency.”
These novel bioinspired sensors could usher in the next generation of artificial-vision systems used in autonomous vehicles and manufacturing, as well as finding exciting new applications in edge computing and the Internet of Things.
German Ambassador to Laos, Ms. Annette Knobloch, and Canadian Chargé d’Affaires to Laos, Mr. Bob Paquin, host Mr. Oleksandr Lysak, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Ukraine Embassy in Bangkok via video link.
Journalists in Laos were invited to a media briefing on the situation in Ukraine jointly hosted by the German and Canadian embassies on Monday.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 31 May 2022 –Fujitsu has introduced a brand-new notebook portfolio for today’s post-pandemic hybrid work lifestyles. The updated range is spearheaded by a new, lightweight LIFEBOOK U7 Series featuring ultra-light magnesium casing.
Secure Mobile Office Companion
Available in wide range of sizes1, Fujitsu newly introduces the LIFEBOOK U7312 with its new slim and stylish ultra-mobile chassis, based on the 12th generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor, is made for business professionals. With its 13.3-inch screen, light weight of 1.05 kg, Intel® Thunderbolt™ 4 ports, it provides excellent mobility and portability. Ergonomic viewing is guaranteed along with outstanding security.
Convenience and connectivity
For convenience in hot-desking environments, the latest LIFEBOOK models use the same port replicator for both U7 and E5 Series to provide instant connections to peripherals. There are connectivity options for every environment onboard, from Wi-Fi 6E and 5G WWAN networks2.
Enterprise security features as standard
Biometric access options include Infrared Camera for face recognition, and fingerprint recognition or Fujitsu’s PalmSecure™ palm vein biometric security. The notebooks also offer a privacy camera shutter. An ePrivacy filter to shield content from prying eyes is also available for selected models3.
Powerful and modern business device
The latest generation LIFEBOOK E5 models are more svelte than the popular predecessor models – with a smaller footprint and a new slimmed-down profile – just 19.9mm for the 14″ version and 20.1mm for the 15″, in comparison to the previous generation’s 23.9mm. While the weight of the LIFEBOOK E5 models has decreased by up to 25 percent the battery capacity has increased, enabling worry-free all-day runtime.
Rüdiger Landto, Senior Director Global CCD Business at Fujitsu, comments: “The whole range of LIFEBOOK models standardizes the inclusion of enterprise-class security features to make logging in easy while keeping data secure. What’s more, they are available at a very competitive price.”
In addition to the new LIFEBOOK U7 and E5 Series, Fujitsu is introducing the premium LIFEBOOK U9312, and its tablet counterpart, the LIFEBOOK U9312X4, to continually deliver uncompromised user experiences.
Notes to editors 1 Three new advanced line models are available: LIFEBOOK U7312(13.3″), U7412(14″), and U7512 (15.6″). 2 Dedicate to specific product and countries only. 3 The ePrivacy shield filter is available on LIFEBOOK U7312 and U7412 models. 4 LIFEBOOK U9312X will be available in specific regions and countries only. 5 Product availability may vary depending on country. On-shelf dates may vary by geography.
Fujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$32 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com/
About Fujitsu Business Technologies Fujitsu Business Technologies Asia Pacific is the Asia Pacific Regional Headquarters for business technologies of Fujitsu Limited, Japan, responsible for wide range of client computing devices and business solutions for corporate users in Asia Market. Fujitsu Business Technologies Asia Pacific Limited pledges “Built-in Confidence” for every product under its brand name to reassure users of product and service excellence. From high performance components to stringent quality control and professional after-sales service, Fujitsu stands for reliability and satisfaction.
All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without advance notice.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 31 May 2022 – The Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) School of Business has received noteworthy achievements in conjunction with its 65th anniversary, most recently having been re-accredited by the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) for a further five years, the maximum term possible.
HKBU School of Business was applauded for the excellence of its environment, career support, research-based teaching and whole-person approach to education. The School is one of only 44 business schools in Asia and 108 schools worldwide to hold a triple accreditation from the three main accrediting bodies – EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA.
“We are delighted to receive this prestigious five-year reaccreditation from EQUIS, which reflects our ongoing commitment to research excellence, enhancing students’ learning and development, and engaging our alumni and the wider community,” said Prof. Ed Snape, Dean of the HKBU School of Business. “The EQUIS accreditation provides a benchmark for international standards in business education, and we will build on this success in the years to come.”
Led by the European Foundation for Management Development, EQUIS is an international accreditation system specialising in management and business education institutions. Its in-depth assessment process ensures that accredited schools demonstrate educational excellence and innovation, as well as a commitment to internationalisation, ethics, sustainability, and practice.
In addition to EQUIS, the School received a global top 50 and Asia Pacific top 10 ranking in the Association of Information Systems (AIS) Research Rankings. The ranking is a globally reputable indicator that tracks publications in eight leading IS journals within the AIS basket of high-quality journals. HKBU School of Business Professor Christy Cheung of the Department of Finance and Decision Sciences, was ranked 29th out of over 18,000 scientists in the field of information systems, and 1st among female IS scientists.
Also in its 65th anniversary year, the School achieved a global top 100 ranking for its Master of Science in Business Management (MScBM) programme by the Financial Times’ Masters in Management (MiM) ranking.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 31 May 2022 – Vingroup today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Intel to create a wide range of advanced computing systems including 5G enabled smart city and smart building solutions, smart manufacturing processes, cloud services and AI as well as ADAS based on Mobileye technology.
Madam Le Thi Thu Thuy, Vingroup Vice Chairwoman and Mr. Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO at the signing ceremony.
The collaboration is part of a continued effort from Vingroup to work with top tier global suppliers who can aid with manufacturing development, smart services and electric vehicle initiatives. Intel is at the forefront of data analytics, artificial intelligence and in-vehicle computing advancements that are changing the experience and business of driving.
Under the agreement, Vingroup and Intel will work to explore opportunities for 5G-enabled smart city and smart building solutions, which can be applied to Vinhomes’ Smart City projects. The companies will also work to collaborate around creating and deploying smart factory IOT solutions for VinES batteries manufacturing and VinFast electric vehicles manufacturing.
Vingroup and Intel will collectively define and build both an optimized and scalable computing architecture for AI training and inference for Vingroup’s in-vehicle and cloud applications that enables a specific in-vehicle experience for consumers and an optimized multi-cloud strategy to potentially migrate and deploy open-source in-vehicle and in-building applications. The applications can include high-performance data management systems for ADAS and Infotainment, manufacturing and supply chain management along with enterprise solutions for Vingroup facilities.
Both companies will also work together to define a shared vision of future in-vehicle computing platforms and build scalable in-vehicle computing platforms for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) based on Mobileye technology and infotainment systems that deliver a unique in-vehicle experience for Vingroup and VinFast customers and create a suite of services that will differentiate them from competitors.
Le Thi Thu Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup said: “Vingroup has always been a pioneer in bringing consumers smart products and services integrated with world-class technologies, advanced features and outstanding experiences to improve their lives. We work towards realizing this vision through partnerships like this, to create a smarter and more sustainable future for everyone.”
“The digitization of everything is contributing to the insatiable need for semiconductors, especially in the automotive sector. Intel has the depth and breadth of software, silicon and platforms, and process with at-scale manufacturing our partners need for their next-generation innovations. This collaboration with Vingroup can help deliver needed technology innovations for safer roads, more sustainable manufacturing and smarter cities,” said Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO.
Vingroup recently adjusted its orientation and redefined three key groups of activities, namely technology and industry, trade and services, and social enterprise. To develop the technology and industry group, Vingroup focuses on two main strategies: building Vingoup’s technology ecosystem and connecting global intelligence – cooperating with the world’s leading technology partners to accelerate the application of the most advanced and new technologies to Vingroup’s products and services.
About Vingroup
Established in 1993, Vingroup is one of the leading private conglomerates in the region, with a total capitalization of $35 billion USD from three publicly traded companies. Vingroup currently focuses on three main areas: Technology and Industry, Services, and Social Enterprise. Find out more at: https://www.vingroup.net/en.
http://www.charlesspackman.com and 
www.fujitsu.com/ 
https://www.vingroup.net/en. 
