TAITUNG, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 19 April 2021 – The Starry Taitung Night Concert has made huge strides this year. This event is now more than just beautiful, it’s sustainably amazing. The Taitung County Government has hosted the Starry Taitung Night series since 2018. The series has created a unique nocturnal way of experiencing Taitung.

Starry Taitung Night of 2021 is a 7-month event that goes from April to October.

Over 90% of people surveyed thought these events were interesting and engaging. This year the Taitung County Government wants these concerts to integrate sustainability, meaningful travel, and the concepts of “Authenticity, Friendliness and Beauty.” Therefore, the government spared no effort in applying for the ISO Event Sustainability Management Systems 20121 certification.

The Starry Taitung Night Concert is now on list for the top ten things to do in Taitung. There are 7 world-class performances on our program this year. The first concert will take place in Baxian Caves of Changbin Township on June 5. Performers from the National Symphony Orchestra will get the show started. The Starry Taitung Night Tour will host 64 events this year. A professional guide will take visitors to see the Milky Way above Taitung’s night sky. In addition, the series will also organize courses to train guides for the Starry Taitung Night Tour. The trainees will get a chance to lead the tour of an actual event. The County Government also aims to promote a circular economy by linking up guides with tours operators.

Starry Taitung Night of 2021 is a 7-month event that goes from April to October. The Taitung County Government always aims to promote the sustainable economy by offering excursions day and night, year round. For more information, please visit the Starry Taitung Night Concert’s official website https://www.facebook.com/StarryTaitung and Facebook page or search “StarryTaitung” on Instagram.

“Bersama Malaysia” includes a commitment to skill an additional 1 million Malaysians by end of 2023, collaboration across public and private sectors and formation of a MYDigital Alliance Leadership Council

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 19 April 2021 – Microsoft Corp. today announced its “Bersama Malaysia” (Together with Malaysia) initiative, which marks a significant commitment to empowering Malaysia’s inclusive digital economy and advancing the nation’s digital transformation across the private and public sectors. As part of the plan, Microsoft will establish its first datacenter region in the country to deliver trusted cloud services locally, with world-class data security, privacy, and the ability to store data in-country. Microsoft also announced plans to skill an additional 1 million Malaysians by end of 2023 to help create economic opportunities for people and businesses in the digital era. Finally, Microsoft will help form the MYDigital Alliance Leadership Council to collaborate on cloud-first and digital-native policy recommendations.

Today’s announcement represents a significant milestone in Microsoft’s 28-year history in the country and supports the Government of Malaysia’s MyDIGITAL goals to transform the country into a regional leader in the digital economy. According to IDC’s research^[1], Microsoft’s investment in Malaysia will help generate up to USD 4.6 billion^[2] in new revenues for the country’s ecosystem of local partners and cloud-consuming customers over the next four years. Additionally, the research estimates Microsoft, its partners, and cloud-using customers will together contribute more than 19,000 new direct and indirect jobs.

YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Prime Minister of Malaysia said, “As we cement the Microsoft partnership today, I hope this is just the first green shoots of a broader meadow of investments in Malaysia, for Microsoft and other data players. This significant investment from Microsoft further fortifies Malaysia’s position as a potential regional data hub and we stand ever ready to welcome more such partners as we work with our stakeholders to continually improve Malaysia’s value proposition in this big data space.”

“Today’s announcement represents a major milestone for Microsoft in the 28 years we have been operating in Malaysia. We share the Government’s commitment that digital transformation must be inclusive and responsible. As such, we pledge to empower 1 million Malaysians with digital skills, helping them to take advantage of the opportunities this new investment will bring. Building digital infrastructure is fundamental to advancing a nation’s digital economy. The upcoming datacenter region will be a game-changer for Malaysia, enabling the government and businesses to reimagine and transform their operations, to the benefit of all citizens,” said Jean-Philippe Courtois, Executive Vice President and President, Microsoft Global Sales, Marketing and Operations.

“We are proud to cement our partnership with the nation to accelerate its digital economy. Public-private partnerships are key enablers to propel Malaysia’s digital economy forward. Microsoft’s Bersama Malaysia initiative reflects our joint commitment in support of the nation’s MyDIGITAL aspirations, as we empower every person and every organization in Malaysia to achieve more. With over 200 employees and 2,000 partners in the country, we will continue to support a digitally-enabled government, empower businesses to build resilience digitally, and bridge the digital opportunities for Malaysians. Together, we stand with Malaysia,” said K Raman, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia.

Digital infrastructure and partnerships to advance Malaysia’s digital economy

Microsoft will establish its first datacenter region in the Greater Kuala Lumpur area and deliver access to the full Microsoft Cloud, which includes:

• Microsoft Azure, enabling anyone to invent with purpose using cloud services and capabilities that span computing, networking, databases, analytics, AI and Internet of Things;
• Microsoft 365, to connect, collaborate, work remotely and learn online with innovative productivity tools;
• Dynamics 365 and Power Platform, to rapidly build and manage critical enterprise business solutions at scale with intelligent business applications.

The new datacenter region will also deliver Azure Availability Zones, providing additional resilience options for highly available applications, and support Microsoft’s sustainability goals. Microsoft has a global commitment to shift to 100 percent supply of renewable energy by 2025. This means Microsoft will have power purchase agreements for green energy contracted for 100 percent of carbon-emitting electricity consumed by all its datacenters, buildings, and campuses, including the planned Malaysia datacenter region.

Microsoft will work with the government, startups, and enterprises to support the country’s digital transformation goals. Specifically, Microsoft in partnership with the Social & Economic Research Initiative (SERI) has established the MYDigital Alliance Leadership Council to collaborate on cloud-first and digital-native policy recommendations. The Alliance’s first meeting discussed digitalization in the education sector to nurture a globally competitive Malaysian digital workforce. Additionally, Malaysia’s leading companies, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) and Celcom Axiata Berhad have committed to helping advance Malaysia’s nation building and digital ambitions, as well as using the Microsoft Cloud from the new datacenter region when available.

“The partnership with Microsoft underlines PETRONAS’ commitment to nurturing a sustainable pipeline of a future-ready workforce equipped to support Malaysia’s digital economy. As a progressive energy and solutions partner enriching lives for a sustainable future, continuous human capital development will be integral to our ability to operate and compete. We look forward to accelerating efforts in upskilling local talents, with a view to creating an inclusive digital future for the benefit of both the people and the nation,” said Tengku Muhammad Taufik, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, PETRONAS.

“Telecommunications and technology sectors are key lifelines to the nation’s digital economy. A world-class cloud service will become the epitome that shapes the future path in our pursuit towards becoming a digital economy powerhouse in the region. We highly applaud Microsoft’s plans to establish its first datacenter region in Malaysia, providing access to secure, scalable, highly available, resilient, and sustainable cloud services for the government, and across multiple industry verticals. As the anchor telco tenant, we look forward to bringing the benefit of this datacenter to our customers and partners. In partnership with Microsoft, we will continue to serve our customers by offering secure and reliable cloud services, leading towards the development of a striving digital ecosystem, and achieving the nation’s digital aspirations in a way that is sustainable,” said Idham Nawawi, Chief Executive Officer of Celcom Axiata Berhad.

Microsoft, together with its local partner Enfrasys Solutions, has been appointed by the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit to provide cloud services to the Malaysian public sector agencies through 2023. Microsoft will also partner with Censof Holdings, Silverlake Group, and Web Bytes to accelerate digital transformation in the nation’s key industries, including financial services, retail, food, and beverage, as well as the public sector.

Empowering Malaysians with inclusive opportunities

As part of the Bersama Malaysia initiative, Microsoft is committed to equipping individuals with equal opportunities to thrive in a cloud and AI-enabled digital economy. To achieve this, Microsoft will skill an additional 1 million Malaysians by December 2023. This includes work with the Human Resources Development Fund, Social Security Organization, Junior Achievement Malaysia, TalentCorp Malaysia, MAMPU, Grab Malaysia, Biji-Biji Enterprise and local universities to reach people of all socio-economic backgrounds, including young adults and people living with disabilities. This commitment is a continuation of Microsoft’s global skills initiative since July 2020, which has reached more than 110,000 Malaysians to date.

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

• Certification ensures compliance on an international standard to safeguard pharmaceutical product integrity throughout the transport process
• The logistics service provider is now certified in three continents covering the two biggest economies in Asia

HONG KONG / SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach – 19 April 2021 – International Logistics service provider Dachser received the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) certification from IATA for its Shanghai organization including its PVG airport branch in March 2021. This marks the finalization of a project of extensive preparation, complex procedures and detailed auditing, despite additional challenges caused by the global pandemic.

Picture caption: Michelle Jiang, Team Leader Life Science & Healthcare Air & Sea Logistics North China, delightedly receiving the IATA’s CEIV Pharma Certificate for Dachser Shanghai

With this certification, Dachser Shanghai now joins the very close circle of few logistics companies in the region to be recognized by IATA for temperature-controlled and time-sensitive products transportation. CEIV Pharma Certificate ensures that infrastructure, equipment, operations, and personnel are complied with the standards and regulations expected by pharmaceutical manufacturers.

“A resilient and reliable logistics network for Life Science and Healthcare (LSH) products has proven critical in light of current events,” said Yves Larquemin, Managing Director ASL Far East North. “The professionalism and hard work put in by our colleagues to achieve certification by IATA will allow Dachser to play our part in the LSH industry.”

Unprecedented remote auditing process

The usual procedure of IATA sending an independent validator to the company’s office for assessment and audit was not feasible due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. In an unprecedented and unique move, IATA went with a digital solution for the audit process. This was facilitated by Dachser’s already mature digital logistics systems.

While the company recorded video footage in advance to demonstrate its cargo management process, during the live audit sessions conducted online, Dachser utilized its digital Document Library, where files were stored on a shared platform in an orderly manner to address validator’s questions with supporting document accurately, resulting in a smooth and successful audit validation process.

Worldwide demand and domestic market potential

Responding to growing global demand, Dachser has been expanding its LSH capabilities in its logistics network for years. The logistics service provider received its first CEIV Pharma certification in 2018 for its Frankfurt branch in Germany and by 2019 was also certified for its Atlanta branch in the US and its two Indian branches in Mumbai and Hyderabad. The Shanghai certification marks the company’s commitment on LSH and its excellence in handling such commodities which are extremely sensitive to time and temperature.

In addition, with the Chinese government’s “Health China 2030” directive to invest in the health and well-being of its people, Dachser Shanghai’s accreditation makes it well poised to fill the increased demand in transporting medical products and healthcare equipment across China.

“With the CEIV Pharma certification, Dachser establishes our leadership in continually adhering to the highest standards and demonstrating our professional capacity for ensuring the integrity of highly sensitive life-saving products,” concluded Larquemin.

About Dachser:

Headquartered in Germany, Dachser is one of the world’s leading logistics providers. Using its own in-house developed IT-systems, the company incorporates transport, warehousing, and value-added services to provide comprehensive supply chain solutions. Thanks to some 30,800 employees at 387 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 5.6 billion in 2020. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 78.6 million shipments weighing 39.8 million metric tons. Dachser is represented by its own country organizations in 42 countries on five continents. In Asia, there are branch offices in 48 locations across 12 Business Areas. Its Asia Pacific Regional Head Office is located in Hong Kong.

For more information about Dachser, please visit www.dachser.hk

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 19 April 2021 – Pearl FALCO announces the 4^th edition of The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery, inviting aspiring designers around the world to send in their entries to showcase their eminence and innovation in pearl jewellery design.

Themed “Connection“, the 2021 edition aims to strengthen human connections with nature as well as between one another. With the belief that relationships are just like jewellery with different moments connecting us to another just like pearls do when strewn into necklaces, Pearl FALCO aims for creativity to be at the core of all entries.

The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery competition was first conceptualised in Ise Shima in 2018 to identify and celebrate excellence in pearl jewellery design and has since been receiving phenomenal responses from attentive students, graduates and professionals from 10 different countries who were attracted to the non-contestable beauty of the Akoya Pearl.

Maiko Makito, Co-owner and Managing Director of Pearl FALCO, commented, ” Ise Shima has always been known for its rich legacy of cultured pearls, but what continues to surprise me is that despite the rising number of visitors to Japan, there is considerably less awareness of the existence of Ise Shima, let alone the beauty it has to offer. The Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery was instituted to bring Ise Shima to the world through various designs of jewellery made of carefully curated pearls.”

“This year, we are proud to present the 4th Edition of the Awards, with yet another meaningful theme, allowing participants to showcase their innovative designs that will stand the test of time and connect them with their loved ones.” Maiko continues.

Entries to the jewellery design competition will be open until 30^th April 2021. For more information on participation criteria, please visit https://www.p-falco.com/grandprix/english/

Pearl FALCO takes pride in its heritage and aspires to connect you and your loved ones through its carefully curated pearl jewellery offerings. For more information on Akoya pearls, please visit the Pearl FALCO Gallery at #02-03, 33 Mohamed Sultan Road or https://www.pearlfalco.com/

For more information, please refer to the following link: https://bit.ly/3an7QPk

As Singapore’s first digital network operator, M1 has kept its promise to deliver an excellent network experience in Singapore. Prompted by the monumental shift to Work-from-Home models, its newly launched ‘Be’ campaign’s central message of ultimate flexibility and customisation offer customers hyper-personalised solutions.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 16 April 2021 – As the pandemic brings about a surge in Internet use and the adoption of remote working technology, M1 Limited stays ahead with its line of fibre broadband plans and devices. Its selection of featured network solutions minimises disruptions in workplaces by bridging physical distance and optimising connectivity. Addressing the telecommunications needs of all its customers, the made-to-measure approach adopted by M1 reaffirms its pledge to build the best possible network experience.

Embracing a Hybrid Workplace

M1’s fibre broadband plans and smart home solutions aim to meet individual customer demands in relation to the new mode of work and play. Whether looking to adjust to remote working or keep up with technological advances, M1’s offerings support business and lifestyle changes as the pandemic redefines the new normal.

Tapping on the introduction of Wi-Fi 6, M1 fibre broadband plans allow customers to keep up with trends and respond more effectively to disruptions. Further supporting shifts towards a hybrid workplace, users can take full advantage of M1’s networking solutions and devices to expand their wireless coverage. With devices like Wi-Fi 6 routers and Wi-Fi mesh systems, users can enjoy speedy, strong signals throughout their homes.

M1’s home solutions also give customers the ability to design a smart home customised for their needs. From just $3.60/mth, customers can choose from four smart home add-on packages and benefit from access to a future-proof digital infrastructure. Its Bespoke mobile plans further complement the remote working experience by providing users the freedom to make changes to their data and call time freely and with no strings attached.

Serving Individual Customer Needs in the New Normal

With the launch of the ‘Be’ campaign, M1’s renewed stance of embracing change and individual uniqueness addresses challenges that other service providers have yet to tackle. Showcasing its pioneering spirit, M1 pushes for innovation and transformation in Singapore’s digital landscape through its progressive solutions, with the core message of attaining ultimate freedom in the new normal.

About M1

M1, a subsidiary of Keppel Corporation, is Singapore’s first digital network operator, providing a suite of communications services, including mobile, fixed line, and fibre offerings to over two million customers.

Since the launch of its commercial services in 1997, M1 has achieved many firsts – becoming one of the first operators to be awarded one of Singapore’s two nationwide 5G standalone network licences, being the first operator to offer nationwide 4G service, ultra-high-speed fixed broadband, fixed voice, and other services on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NGNBN).

M1’s mission is to drive transformation and evolution in Singapore’s telecommunications landscape through cutting-edge technology and its made-to-measure offerings. For more information, visit www.m1.com.sg

About NTUC LearningHub

NTUC LearningHub was corporatised in 2004 with the vision of transforming the lifelong employability of working people. We work with both corporate and individual clients to provide learning solutions in areas such as Infocomm Technology, Healthcare, Employability & Literacy, Business Excellence, Workplace Safety & Health, Security, Human Resources and Foreign Worker Training.

To date, NTUC LearningHub has helped over 21,000 organisations and achieved over 2.5 million training places across more than 500 courses with a pool of over 600 certified trainers. As a Total Learning Solutions provider to organisations, we also forge partnerships and provide a wide range of relevant end-to-end training solutions and work constantly to improve our training quality and delivery.

For more information, visit www.ntuclearninghub.com.