CORRECTING and REPLACING Xsolla Expands Support in the Greater China Region

July 25, 2024,Beijing, China : The headline and sub headline of the release dated July 22, 2024 have been updated. In addition, please replace the graphic with the accompanying corrected graphic.

XSOLLA EXPANDS SUPPORT IN THE GREATER CHINA REGION

Opens New Office to Strengthen China’s Position in the Global Gaming Market

Xsolla, a global video game commerce company known for its extensive suite of tools and services specifically designed for the game industry, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Xsolla Greater China Region office. The opening event will occur on Monday, July 22, 2024, at D-06 Parkview Green Fangcaodi, Chaoyang District, signifying a renewed commitment to enhancing and growing the video game industry in China and worldwide.

The expansion of the Xsolla Beijing office embodies a vision to serve as a humble partner and provide access to the tools and services for everyone in the gaming community, assisting companies with ambitions to navigate and reach emerging markets swiftly. This expansion is not just a physical establishment; it is the center of China’s technology and gaming community.

Under the theme “Equal Access for Everyone,” the opening ceremony is expected to gather industry leaders, esteemed partners, and media representatives to witness the unveiling of a new chapter that promises to bring forth opportunities, foster talent, and encourage the creation of groundbreaking gaming experiences. The event will feature various performances and interactive sessions designed to encapsulate the spirit of exploration and the limitless potential of the gaming industry.

A highlight of the ceremony will be introducing specialized programs and partnerships to bolster the growth of the gaming ecosystem in China, which is extended by geographical borders. These initiatives include strategic collaborations with key platforms and creators to provide comprehensive marketing support, enhance game development, and optimize monetization strategies, laying the groundwork for Chinese games to thrive globally.

Jingbo Chen, Head of the Greater China Region, will share insights on Xsolla’s strategic goals and visions for the market. “The opening of our office in Beijing marks a pivotal step in Xsolla’s journey to facilitate the global expansion of games created and developed in China. Our commitment is to be the cornerstone for developers and publishers, offering them a gateway to explore and excel in international markets,” stated Jingbo.

Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Growth Officer of Xsolla, added, “The establishment of our Beijing office is a testament to our belief in the potential of local game developers and their creations on the global stage. By fostering closer collaborations and providing direct support, we are excited to play a part in showcasing China’s gaming innovation to the world. This initiative underscores our dedication to empowering the gaming community, ensuring our partners have the tools and resources to succeed in an increasingly competitive market.”

Stay tuned for more updates, and follow Xsolla on WeChat to stay updated on the Greater China Region’s endeavors and upcoming projects. Follow and get involved in the discussion at:

Kioxia Honored by FMS With Lifetime Achievement Award for 3D NAND Flash Invention

July 25, 2024,TOKYO, Japan : Kioxia Corporation, the inventor of NAND flash memory, is the recipient of the FMS: the Future of Memory and Storage Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024. The Kioxia engineering team, consisting of Hideaki Aochi, Ryota Katsumata, Masaru Kito, Masaru Kido, and Hiroyasu Tanaka, will accept this prestigious award for its pioneering work in developing and commercializing 3D flash memory. This breakthrough technology has become fundamental to a wide range of computing applications – including advanced smartphones, PCs, SSDs, data centers, AI, and industrial.

Kioxia presented the concept of BiCS FLASHTM 3D flash memory technology at the VLSI Symposium in 2007. After announcing the prototype, Kioxia continued development to optimize the technology for mass production, eventually introducing the world’s first 256 gigabit (Gb), 48-layer 3D flash memory in 2015.

“Kioxia’s innovation in 3D flash memory has revolutionized data storage, transforming it from a mere advancement of existing technologies into a groundbreaking solution that meets the demands of modern computing,” said Chuck Sobey, FMS General Chair. “We are delighted to showcase this important contribution and look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

With a 3D stacked structure that boosts capacity and performance, BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory has been a transformational force in the storage industry. The technology has enabled higher density storage solutions while maintaining reliability and efficiency, significantly enhancing the capabilities of data centers, consumer electronics, and mobile devices – and setting a new standard for flash memory technology. By leveraging vertical stacking, Kioxia’s BiCS FLASH technology addressed the limitations of planar NAND flash, paving the way for future developments in memory storage solutions – and reinforcing Kioxia Corporation as an industry leader.

“Kioxia’s technical innovation in 3D flash memory cannot be overstated,” said Atsushi Inoue, vice president and technology executive for Kioxia Corporation’s Memory Division. “Our technology has created a new paradigm in the industry, enabling flash memory to vastly increase storage density per cell, die and package. I am excited to see our achievements recognized and look forward to witnessing their continued influence in the years to come.”

“My fellow Kioxia engineers are an inspiration not only for their technological accomplishments but also for their commitment to advancing the field through continuous innovation and support for the technologists around them,” said Ryota Katsumata, senior fellow of the Advanced Memory Development Center for Kioxia Corporation. “Our contributions have not only made a reverberating impact, but have also fostered a spirit of innovation and collaboration within the community. It is wonderful to see this leadership and vision be acknowledged.”

This 3D flash memory technology has also been recognized with the Imperial Invention Prize from the 2020 National Commendation for Invention in Japan and received the 2023 Award for Science and Technology from The Commendation for Science and Technology by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the 2021 IEEE Andrew S. Grove Award.

NIQ 2024 Shopper Trends report unveils five key trends shaping the future of grocery shopping

July 25, 2024,Singapore : Grocery shopping in Asia is undergoing a transformation as value-conscious shoppers adjust spending habits and explore different retail channels.
NIQ’s 2024 Shopper Trends report identifies five key shopper trends to help consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers win in this evolving retail landscape.

The grocery landscape in Asia is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by evolving consumer values and economic realities. The 2024 Shopper Trends report by NIQ, a leading authority in consumer intelligence, sheds light on trends in shopper retail channel choices, basket size, and shopping trip frequency. The annual report identifies five key trends that manufacturers and retailers in Asia can leverage to enhance customer experience and achieve success in this evolving retail landscape.

“By staying attuned to these shifting shopper trends in Asia, manufacturers and retailers in the consumer packaged goods industry have a unique opportunity to not only adapt and thrive in the current environment, but also prepare for the impact these trends will have on markets across the region,” states Gaurang Kotak, Consumer and Marketing Insights, Southeast Asia Modern Trade Leader at NIQ. “Developing proactive strategies that cater to these changing behaviors will be paramount for success in the future.”

Inflation’s bite is evident in shopper sentiment. Across Asia, more shoppers report heightened price awareness compared to 2019. Notably, Vietnam (60%) and Thailand (72%) see over half their shoppers acutely aware of price changes. This awareness translates into sharpened focus at the store with over 80% of shoppers in Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan perceiving price increases. Due to this, shoppers are making deliberate choices to maximize their budgets —— which retail channels they shop at, how often they shop, their basket sizes, and their willingness to change stores and brands for promotions.

Key shopper trends in 2024

To help navigate the evolving shopper behaviors, the NIQ 2024 Asia Shopper Trends report pinpoints five key trends taking hold across the region.

Omni shopper behavior: Shoppers are not just focusing on online stores but also bringing back physical stores in their choices for retail channels, blending online and physical store shopping. This omnichannel behavior is driven by the pursuit of both value and convenience. Shoppers in China and Singapore have added more retail channels to their repertoire compared to pre-pandemic times. This includes online stores, physical stores (big and small formats), and emerging traditional trade formats like fresh marts in China. In Vietnam, there is a shift towards adding a mix of online stores and traditional trade formats.

This shift in channel utilization has also impacted shopping frequency. Shoppers in Malaysia are showing increased visits to online stores and hyper/supermarkets, whereas shoppers in Hong Kong are adding trips to supermarkets. On the other hand, shoppers in Thailand are an exception, showing increased shopping trips across most channels.

Price and promo-conscious shopping: Price and promotion sensitivity are on the rise, requiring targeted strategies. Constant promotions are not sustainable. NIQ recommends adopting a more strategic approach, which involves promoting with purpose. This means identifying the different shopper segments within the target market and their priorities. For example, some shoppers might be more value-conscious, seeking the best deals. Others might prioritize quality or be eager to try new innovations.

Shoppers today are more willing to switch brands and stores for better deals. The willingness to switch varies by market. Malaysian shoppers are more open to brand switching for promotions, while shoppers in Thailand are willing to switch both brands and stores. China presents a unique case with two sets of shoppers: those open to brand switching for promotions and those who purchase on promotions when their familiar brands are on offer.

Shopping mission changes: Basket sizes are adapting – some prefer smaller, more frequent trips, while others seek economies of scale with bigger baskets. There is a decline in large baskets among shoppers in China and Indonesia, with shoppers opting for smaller baskets and lower spending per shopping trip. Conversely, more than half of shoppers in Taiwan and the Philippines see a trend towards bigger baskets, suggesting a potential focus on economies of scale.

Assortment optimization is crucial to cater to changing shopping needs and basket sizes.

Product and brand information seeking: Savvy consumers are conducting thorough research before making purchasing decisions, driving demand for transparency and sustainability. Brands must now focus on delivering innovative, environmentally friendly products that meet the evolving needs and values of their customers.

Shopper trade-offs: The wide range of choices bombarding shoppers – which channel, retailer, product, brand, and even pack size. This decision fatigue often leads to trade-offs with what they purchase, how often and from where. This underscores the critical need to go back to basics and get a comprehensive understanding of shopping behavior to win with shoppers.

“The trends identified in the Shopper Trends report, such as the rise of omnichannel shopping, return of shoppers to the physical stores, and increased tradeoffs that shoppers are making, paint a clear picture of the evolving shopper landscape,” says Dolly Jitani, NIQ Global Shopper Leader, Consumer and Marketing Insights. “By leveraging these insights, manufacturers and retailers can develop targeted strategies to meet the diverse needs of shoppers and build lasting customer loyalty.”

Pearl Raises Largest-Ever Investment in Dental AI with $58 Million Round

July 25, 2024,Los Angeles, United States :+Pearl, the global leader in dental AI, today announced that it has raised $58 million in Series B funding to accelerate its mission to elevate patient care in dentistry. Left Lane Capital led the round, with participation from Smash Capital, Alpha Partners, and existing investors, Craft Ventures and Neotribe Ventures. This funding marks the largest investment ever in dental artificial intelligence.

With this investment, Pearl will continue to advance innovation in technologies that enhance the health of dental patients around the world by expanding its line of dental AI products, broadening its regulatory and patent portfolio, and increasing global access to the transformative benefits of AI in dentistry. At present, Pearl’s machine learning and computer vision tools solve a core challenge in dentistry: inconsistency in diagnostic accuracy, which directly impacts the quality of patient care. The company’s AI serves as a real-time aid to help dentists read patient x-rays, deliver consistent, objective, and accurate diagnoses, and clearly communicate findings to patients with precision, clarity, and confidence.

Since receiving the first-ever FDA clearance for AI software to help dental professionals detect multiple different pathologies and other conditions in x-rays, Pearl’s clinical AI has gained regulatory authorizations for chairside use in over 120 countries and recognition among TIME’s Best Inventions. The company plans to use the funding announced today both to accelerate ongoing development of computer vision capabilities – including detection and tracking of disease in 3D and other imaging modalities – and introduce new AI tools to improve patient treatment planning, insurance claim approvals and dental education.

“In the field of healthcare, dentistry has become an AI standard-bearer, demonstrating the technology’s enormous utility and benefit in day-to-day patient care––and Pearl has led the AI charge in dentistry,” said Ophir Tanz, founder and CEO of Pearl. “This historic funding round underscores the impact of Pearl’s capabilities and supports our belief that high-quality, AI-powered dental care should be accessible to everyone. With this investment, Pearl will continue to push the envelope, providing pioneering machine learning to improve oral health outcomes and strengthen trust between the patient and dental professionals.”

This investment follows a period of significant growth for Pearl. The company grew its revenue by 458% in 2023 and remains the only dental AI company with a global market presence. Pearl’s technology is used in dental practices across six continents and is commercially available to over 500,000 dental practices and millions of dental professionals worldwide. The company has also integrated its AI into dozens of popular imaging and practice management systems and is the preferred radiologic AI provider for leading dental technology distributors.

“We have spent the past year evaluating this market and it is clear that Pearl stands above peers at the forefront of dental innovation,” said Vinny Pujji, Managing Partner at Left Lane Capital. “Pearl’s pioneering dental Al improves diagnostic accuracy and efficiency while transforming the provider-patient relationship. We’re confident in Pearl’s ability to continue setting new standards of care and are thrilled to support their next phase of growth.”

Pearl’s AI technology offers a seamless and less invasive approach to dental diagnostics. By accurately detecting disease and displaying clinical findings that are easy for patients to understand, the company’s FDA-cleared software enhances the efficiency, consistency, and precision of radiologic exams, while also facilitating patient education and engagement in their dental health. Leveraging its new funding, Pearl will enable dental professionals to continually raise the standard of care with more transparent, accurate and objective diagnoses, more effective individualized care, and deeper patient trust in dentistry.

Kolmar BNH Expedites European Market Expansion with its Technology-Driven HemoHIM G

July 25, 2024,Seoul, South Korea : Kolmar BNH (KRX: 200130), a leading Korean health functional food Original Development Manufacturing (ODM) firm, is accelerating its expansion efforts into the Southeast Asian and European markets with HemoHIM G, a product designed for the global arena.

HemoHIM G (Global) is the international version of ‘HemoHIM’, Korea’s first individually-approved immune-boosting health supplement developed by Kolmar BNH over an eight-year period. The formulation has been tailored to comply with the food regulations of various countries, with adjustments made to raw materials and ingredient ratios. The product features angelica sinensis, ligusticum chuanxiong, paeonia lactiflora, all selected through rigorous quality control processes. Enhanced taste and aroma also make HemoHIM G more appealing to a broader audience.

In April, Kolmar BNH published a study on HemoHIM G in the SCIE-ranked journal Toxicological Research, demonstrating its safety. Conducted according to OECD guidelines, the study holds significance not only in facilitating safety approvals in other countries but also in reinforcing intellectual property rights with reliable results.

HemoHIM, distributed by Atomy, is a technologically-advanced product of Kolmar BNH. The main ingredient, HemoHIM extract complex of angelica gigas, etc., was developed in collaboration with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. Currently, it is available in 19 countries, including Australia, the United States, Thailand, Central Asia, and South America.

Kolmar BNH continues its efforts in research and development to enhance HemoHIM’s global competitiveness including new functionalities, through investing about 4% of its annual revenues to R&D. In June, the company published a study showing that the main ingredient of HemoHIM (HemoHIM extract complex of angelica gigas, etc.), has antioxidant and anti-fatigue effects, which are newly discovered. This study was featured in the June issue of the ‘Journal of Medicinal Food,’ an SCIE-level international journal.

Leveraging the competitive edge of HemoHIM G, the company plans to speed up exports to European countries, including Turkey, Italy, and Belgium.

An official from Kolmar BNH said, “HemoHIM is Korea’s one of the best-selling health supplements, with cumulative sales of KRW 200 billion over the past nine years since 2014. We aim to build on our success in Korea and accelerate our expansion into the European market.”

AI Innovation and Strategic DAM Deployments Fuel Record First Half for Bynder

July 25, 2024,Amsterdam, Netherlands : Bynder, a global leader in enterprise digital asset management (DAM), has revealed how the accelerated adoption of the company’s AI-powered solutions and strategic DAM deployments have driven record growth in the first half of 2024.

More than 350 customers have adopted Bynder’s enhanced AI Search Experience since its launch nine months ago, and through the solution, more than 30 million images have been processed. Bynder, which currently has over 150 million active assets on its platform, also reported that in the first half of the year, it has seen a 20% year-on-year increase in the delivery of assets to connected systems. With assets delivered 113 billion times in the first half of the year, this shows that Bynder’s customers are continuing to leverage content as a strategic differentiator to deliver exceptional content experiences.

Bynder first integrated AI into its platform in 2016, demonstrating the company’s long-term commitment well before it became mainstream. Since then, Bynder has accelerated its efforts by acquiring an AI company and launching AI Search Experience, continually enhancing its AI capabilities and giving customers governance and control over how AI is used in their organizations and on their own terms.

Since the launch of Bynder’s AI Search Experience, many of Bynder’s customers have adopted the solution, reinforcing the trend that AI is increasingly viewed as a strategic tool for marketers seeking to streamline content operations and improve customer experience. This trend validates Bynder’s approach to AI, demonstrating the need to harness AI responsibly to deliver tangible benefits to its customers.

Bynder’s AI-powered DAM platform is pivotal in supporting go-to-market operations and the adoption of AI within content operations has driven the rapid uptake of Bynder’s AI Search Experience. This solution is customer-inspired and enables teams to maximize asset reuse, save resources, reduce time spent searching for assets, and automatically eliminate duplicates.

The benefits of the solution were evidenced at Bynder’s recent customer Spotlight Awards where brands such as Viator, Les Mills and Inspire Brands were recognized for their excellence in innovation, creating compelling value and return on investment when it comes to the implementation and use of Bynder DAM.

By leveraging AI-powered recommendations and filtering options, Inspire Brands was able to quickly locate and distribute relevant assets across its portfolio of sub-brands. This new level of findability has promoted content reuse within the organization and increased the value of the assets that the company invests in.

Cliff Crosbie, Head of AI Strategies at Bynder, said: “It’s great to see that our ongoing innovation and market leadership in AI has continued to drive growth in the first half of this year, along with our strategic DAM deployments which have both become invaluable solutions for our customers. The digital landscape continues to evolve faster than ever, so it’s our aim to implement AI responsibly to help drive scale and efficiency and we’re looking forward to bringing the next phase of our AI enhancements to market very soon.”

As a result of the company’s accelerated growth, Bynder has appointed Ann-Michèle Verheyden as its new Chief Legal Officer. Ann-Michèle brings extensive experience in SaaS, IP and privacy, supporting Bynder’s position and investment in AI where she will be building a robust compliance framework enabling businesses to navigate the complexities of AI-driven technology while mitigating risk.

Richard Heitmann also joins Bynder as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Richard brings a wealth of experience from high-growth startups like Aspera and enterprise software experience from IBM. Richard’s expertise will help drive further growth and bring Bynder’s platform innovations to the market.

Looking forward to the second half of the year, Bynder will host its inaugural customer event, Bynder Connect, in September in Amsterdam. The event will bring together industry leaders to share insights, launch new innovations, and celebrate successes with its customers.

BPCL Launches Innovative Drone Reforestation Project to Revitalize Nashik’s Lands

25th July 2024  Nashik | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a leading Maharatna PSU, proudly announces a transformative reforestation initiative in the Nashik District of Maharashtra. This project, conducted in collaboration with the Forest Department – Nashik, aims to restore degraded lands using advanced drone technology and speedball deployment.

BPCL’s reforestation project will utilize 200,000 seed balls distributed by drones, targeting remote and inaccessible areas. This innovative approach addresses the critical issues of rapid deforestation and land degradation, which have significantly impacted the region’s biodiversity, climate resilience, and community well-being.

“At BPCL, we believe in the power of innovation and community. Our drone-based reforestation project in Nashik is a transformative step towards restoring nature and empowering local communities. By leveraging advanced technology and involving local residents, we aim to create a sustainable environment that benefits both the ecosystem and the people. Together, we can build a greener and healthier future,” said Shri Biju Gopinath, Executive Director of Pipelines, BPCL.

The project encompasses comprehensive planning, including site selection using GIS mapping, community engagement, speedball production, and drone deployment. The target areas cover 100 hectares across three forest ranges in Nashik District: Sinnar Nashik Range, Hivre Village, and Ganga Mahalungi Village.

The main objectives are to restore the environment by planting 200,000 seedballs to rejuvenate deforested land, enhance local biodiversity, and promote ecosystem health. Tree species to be planted include Millettia Pinnata (Karanja), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Tectona grandis (Sagwan), Dalbergia Sissoo (Indian Rosewood), Acacia Catechu (Khair), Syzygium Cumini (Black Plum), and Mangifera Indica (Mango). Additionally, the project aims to involve local communities in seedball production and land management, fostering environmental awareness, and creating economic opportunities. It will also utilize seed copter drones for efficient seed ball deployment and employ advanced monitoring systems to track reforestation progress.

This initiative not only aims to restore the environment but also to empower local communities by providing training and employment opportunities in sustainable practices. By integrating scientific research, technological innovation, and community participation, BPCL aims to create a scalable and replicable reforestation model that can be implemented in other regions facing similar challenges. This pioneering reforestation initiative marks a significant step towards creating a greener and more sustainable environment in Nashik, enhancing both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of its residents.

BPCL through its CSR initiatives, has consistently contributed to various social causes, including education, environmental sustainability, health and sanitation, skill development, and community development. This reforestation project aligns with their core CSR focus on environmental sustainability, demonstrating the company’s dedication to creating a positive and lasting impact on society.