ABN Newswire

Asian Activities Report for February 9, 2012: Pacific Basin Shipping Limited (HKG:2343) Forms Alliance with Crowley Maritime Corporation

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:34:33 GMT

Pacific Basin Shipping Limited (HKG:2343), one of the world's leading operators of modern handysize and handymax dry bulk vessels and a global provider of diversified shipping services, has formed business alliance with US-based Crowley Maritime Corporation. The alliance aims to provide comprehensive project management, project cargo transportation, logistics, offshore support, and other services to Oil and Gas, Mining, and Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management customers undertaking major infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia and Oceania. The alliance will also provide customers with representation and a seamless marine cargo and logistics solution in and around the United States and Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Renesas Electronics Corporation (TYO:6723), a Japan-based semiconductor manufacturer, has opened a wholly-owned subsidiary in Sao Paolo, Brazil, to further expand its operations into South America. The new company will provide local sales promotion and technical product support, as well as regional systems solution development expertise.

Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd. (TYO:7238), a Japanese manufacturer of automotive and industrial brakes and related components, has announced the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in Mexico. The new production facility and supply base will facilitate a shift to localized production of Akebono Brake's components which have been exported to Mexico from Japan and elsewhere, to meet the increasing demand from automakers in Mexico.

Nikon Corporation (TYO:7731) announces the release of the Nikon D800 FX-format digital SLR camera, which offers a noteworthy effective pixel count of 36.3-million pixels. The camera has superior image quality and a number of new functions, including multi-area mode full HD D-Movie that enables movie recording using either the FX-based movie format or the DX-based movie format.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for January 19, 2012: King Jim (TYO:7962) New Product "iScamil" Scans Documents Directly onto iPads

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:00:27 GMT

King Jim Co., Ltd. (TYO:7962) says that its latest scanner product "iScamil" can easily convert iPad/iPad 2 into a portable scanner and digitises documents directly onto iPads. "iScamil" can handle everything from business cards to A4-sized documents, and directly save scanned copies as 300dpi JPEG files in the iPad's picture folder. Users can also have a real-time preview on their iPads as the items are pulled through the feeder and scanned. "iScamil" will be available in the Japanese market on February 17th, 2012, priced at 15,540 yen. King Jim expects to sell 30,000 units in the first year after launch.

Anton Oilfield Services Group (HKG:3337) today announces its strategic objectives for 2012, as it works towards its goal of becoming a leading global oilfield technology services company with a strong foothold in China. The Group expects to increase its market share in natural gas and horizontal wells, to increase revenue generated from business outside of China, and to make acquisitions worldwide.

SouthGobi Resources Limited (TSE:SGQ) (HKG:1878) says that the Company has successfully completed its 2011 guidance for coal sales and production. 4.02 million tonnes of coal were sold in 2011, representing a 58% year-on-year increase, whilst coal production for 2011 amounted to 4.57 million tonnes, up 64% than 2010.

Rhythm Watch Co., Ltd. (TYO:7769) has released a new alarm clock product with many features for emergencies and disaster prevention. It has AM/FM radio, a flashlight, a hand crank generator, and a USB jack for charging mobile phones. The product operates on either battery or AC power. It will be available in the Japanese market on 25 January 2012.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for January 17, 2012: CMMB Vision (HKG:0471) Successful Developed First 6-MHz CMMB Chips for the US and International Market

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:17:02 GMT

CMMB Vision (HKG:0471) has successfully developed and produced its first 6-MHz CMMB chips for CMMB signal reception designed for the existing US television channel spectrum bandwidth. The standard TV spectrum channel for transmitting CMMB service in China is 8 MHz, while in the Americas a 6 MHz channel is the standard. The new 6 MHz chips will be incorporated into a wide range of existing CMMB products, including smartphones, tablets, USB dongles, mobile TV receivers, and business systems, for CMMB Vision to market its entire product range in the US market.

Poly (Hong Kong) Investments Limited (HKG:0119) announced today that the Group's contracted sales in 2011 amounted to approximately RMB 15.8 billion and the contracted gross floor areas sold were around 2.15 million square metres, representing a year-on-year growth of 39% and 47% respectively. The Group is one of China's prominent property developers, with residential and commercial properties in the cities along Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta as well as in the second-tier cities and provincial capitals.

FamilyMart Co., Ltd. (TYO:8028) says that 200 convenience stores owned by FamilyMart will accept China UnionPay credit cards from January 17th, 2012, and Chinese tourists traveling to Japan can now make payment using UnionPay cards in those stores. FamilyMart rolled out credit card payment service in Japan since November 29th, 2011, covering a total of 8700 stores, of which 200 stores can now accept China UnionPay credit cards.

NEC Corporation (TYO:6701) has signed a contract with SAP (NYSE:SAP) Japan to provide Cloud Computing service - Software as a Service (SaaS) to global users. NEC is Japan's leading provider of technology products and solutions. It creates and provides cloud solutions and services that contribute not only to the field of IT and Networks but also to societal, individual and corporate activities.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for January 12, 2012: Wuliangye (SHE:000858) Total Revenue in 2011 Topped the Chinese Liquor Industry

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:00:12 GMT

China's liquor maker Wuliangye (SHE:000858) says that the Group has topped the Chinese liquor industry by achieving a total revenue of RMB 20.2 billion in 2011. Its net profit and earnings per share both increased by over 40%. Sales is expected to continue to grow in 2012, targeting RMB 50 billion in 2012. In 2011, Wuliangye was in the third place among China's 100 Most Valuable Brands, with a brad value of RMB 58.626 billion. The Group is actively expanding overseas markets in Korea, Japan and the USA. It is currently working with Lotte Group of Korea to market its products into the Korean market.

Logitech International (NASDAQ:LOGI) has unveiled Logitech HD Pro 920, the Company's first video webcam that makes video calls at full HD resolution. Logitech HD Pro 920 can send 1,080p video streams during Skype chats and 720p through Windows Live Messenger, with smoother video motion and better image quality. The webcam can also capture digital still images of up to 15 megapixels in quality. Logitech HD Pro 920 is expected to hit the market in January, 2012.

Toyo Engineering Corporation (TYO:6330) has won a contract to install topsides units for a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) system to be used in oilfield exploitation in Brazil. This is the twenty-eighth project to be executed by Toyo in Brazil. Toyo is striving to secure more overseas opportunities and to expand its business in the field of upstream activities such as resource development and FPSO.

NEC Corporation (TYO:6701) has announced the successful experimental demonstration of 1.15-Tb/s ultra-long haul optical transmission over 10,000 kilometers using optical superchannel technology. This is the first instance that a terabit/s channel generated from a single laser source has been transmitted over such a distance. The results clearly demonstrate that practical high-capacity transmission for transoceanic communication can be achieved using cost-effective superchannel technology.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for January 11, 2012: Weichai Power (HKG:2338) Acquires 75% Controlling Interest in Italian Luxury Yacht Maker Ferretti Group

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:45 GMT

Weichai Power (HKG:2338) (SHE:000338) has agreed to invest 374 million euros to acquire a controlling 75% interest in the world's largest luxury yacht manufacturer, Ferretti Group of Italy. Through the acquisition, synergies between Weichai Power and Ferretti will be unleashed through the sharing of resources and industrial integration. Weichai will be better positioned to develop its yacht business for the next five years, whilst Ferretti will enjoy a strong capital base to expand its business in emerging markets such as China. After the acquisition, Ferretti's key management team, headquarters and production bases in Italy will be retained.

Prada S.p.A. (HKG:1913) says that it will invest 40 million euros to sponsor the Luna Rossa yacht to participate in the XXXIV edition of the America's Cup sailing competition. Prada's logo will be displayed on the hull and other eye-catching part of the yacht during the competition, and Prada will have the right to use images of the Luna Rossa yacht and its crew for advertising purposes. The Company's sponsorship of the Luna Rossa yacht in previous editions of the America's Cup has proven that it has been a successful strategy to promote Prada's brand.

Japan-based oil and gas company Inpex Corporation (TYO:1605) has signed agreements to sell liquefied natural gas ("LNG") from its Ichthys LNG joint venture project. Under the agreements, 2.52 million tonnes per annum of LNG will be sold to CPC Corporation of Taiwan, Chubu Electric Power (TYO:9502), and Toho Gas (TYO:9533), for 15 years commencing in 2017.

Panasonic Corporation (TYO:6752) (NYSE:PC) has successfully developed a 20-inch 4K2K (3,840 x 2,160 resolution, approximately 8.29 million pixels) IPS Alpha LCD panel. The new panel has the world's highest pixel density of 216 pixels per inch, with thickness of only 3.5 mm, the thinnest in the world, opening up new possibility of flat-panel displays.

Nidec Corporation (TYO:6594) (NYSE:NJ) has established a new subsidiary named Nidec Management Shanghai Corporation in Shanghai, China. The new subsidiary will supervise, control and coordinate the financial activities of the Nidec Group companies in China. The total investment in the new subsidiary is US$2 million.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for December 19, 2011: NTT Data (TYO:9613) to Commence a Demonstration Program in Beijing to Tackle Traffic Congestion

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:04:06 GMT

NTT Data Corporation (TYO:9613) is planning to commence a demonstration program in late January 2012 in Beijing, China. The program is aimed to test a new transportation information system, which can be used to solve traffic congestion problems, save energy, and reduce CO2 emissions. The demonstration program is part of a cooperative scheme between China and Japan, which is dedicated to promote international energy efficiency technology and cooperation.

Hitachi (TYO:6501) and Founder Group (SHA:600601) have signed a cooperative agreement to provide SaaS cloud computing technology to the Chinese market. Starting in 2012, Hitachi will build a cloud computing platform and system, while Founder Group will develop cloud computing applications for medical areas. In addition to the cloud computing agreement, the two parties have also signed an agreement regarding the development of smart city.

Electronics retailer Laox Co., Ltd. (TYO:8202), a subsidiary of Chinese home appliances retailer Suning (SHE:002024), will open its first store in China on 31 December 2011. The store, located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, will sell digital products, computers and laptops, and other electric appliances, with an annual sales revenue expected to be 300 million RMB. The Company is planning to open 30 new stores in China by the end of 2013.

China Internet Information Center (china.com.cn) and CMMB Vision Holdings Limited (HKG:0471) have signed an agreement to collaborate on multimedia services worldwide. Both will jointly develop and operate the hybrid media platform - "TodayChina" Website and "TodayChina" TV Channel. The operation will be based in Beijing, Hong Kong, and New York, and is expected to commence services simultaneously in all three places by First Quarter 2012.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for December 13, 2011: Minmetals Resources Limited (HKG:1208) Reports 103.9% Increase in Zinc Ore Reserves

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:59 GMT

Minmetals Resources Limited (HKG:1208) announced its Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve Statement as at 30 June 2011 with a 103.9% increase in zinc Ore Reserves. Reserve gains are mostly due to the inclusion of the Dugald River Ore Reserve for the first time. Dugald River is an undeveloped zinc deposit located in North West Queensland, Australia. It is expected to produce approximately 2 million tonnes of ore and 200,000 tonnes of zinc in zinc concentrate per annum with an estimated mine life of over 22 years. Minmetals Resources Limited will invest A$157 million to develop the next stage of the Dugald River project.

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. (TYO:7201) will collaborate and create a next-generation dealer management system based on Microsoft Dynamics. The two companies will blend dealer and customer relationship management and social collaboration tools into a solution that will help Nissan develop a stronger relationship with its customers, drive dealer sales and increase market share on a global scale.

Samsung Electronics (PINK:SSNLF) (SEO:005930) has announced the launch of the next evolution of GALAXY Tab - the GALAXY Tab 10.1 in Australia. The GALAXY Tab 10.1 is a stunningly slim and light tablet featuring Samsung's customised Android(TM) 3.1 (Honeycomb) platform, offering an advanced entertainment, business and e-learning experience. The GALAXY Tab 10.1 will be available in December with prices starting from A$579.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Tianjin Eco-City Makes "Truly Amazing" Progress

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Wed, 4 May 2011 15:37:57 GMT

In April 2011, Singapore's Senior Minister (and former Prime Minister) Goh Chok Tong made an official visit to the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City (SSTEC) and said that the progress of the project was "truly amazing" and it could be "a model that other cities in China can draw lessons from" (Straits Times, 18 April 2011).

The Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City is a government-to-government project between China and Singapore. Located 150 km from Beijing and 40 km east of Tianjin city, the 30 sq km large Eco-City, which is currently being constructed, will possess some of the most modern and popular energy-saving technologies, including tapping solar, wind and geothermal power, rainwater recycling and waste water treatment. All buildings in the Eco-City will conform to green building standards, which were jointly developed by China and Singapore, to ensure efficient design and energy usage.

Since the Eco-City's groundbreaking ceremony in September 2008, much progress has been made. What was previously saline and non-arable land with polluted water bodies has now been transformed into a beautiful, new emerging city, with 100% green buildings, well-planned roads and eco-friendly features such as street lights powered by wind and solar energy.

The Eco-City has also attracted over RMB 55 billion of investments from international and Chinese companies, including top multinational companies such as Philips (NYSE:PHG) and Hitachi (NYSE:HIT) (TYO:6501), which are keen to use the Eco-City as a test-bed for their innovative green products and solutions. The first batch of residents is expected to move into the Eco-City in 2012.

Mr Ho Tong Yen, CEO of SSTEC, said, "We are committed to combining the best practices in China and Singapore, to build an Eco-City that is practical, replicable, and scalable. Our goal is not to build an utopian and costly demonstration project. Instead, our focus is on practicality, starting from master planning, to cost effective building designs, to attracting green businesses to the Eco-City, so that residents can enjoy a vibrant eco-friendly environment, where they can work, live and play. SSTEC is pleased to partner top international companies such as General Motors (NYSE:GM), Hitachi, Panasonic (TYO:6752) (NYSE:PC), Philips, and Samsung (SEO:005930) to jointly develop what we hope can become a model for sustainable urban development in China and other countries."

Mr. Ho will present at 10:00 am on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at Global Green Building Conference at Renaissance Shanghai. The first Global Green Building (GGB) from June 14 to 17 will bring in more than 100 companies showcasing latest sustainable building and eco-city products and services in Shanghai. More information, please contact the organizing committee at info@szwgroup.com or +86-21-5830-0710 (telephone).

Tel: +86-21-5830-0710
Fax: +86-21-5831-1668
Email: info@szwgroup.com

Team Trev Successfully Crossed the Finish Line of Zero Race at the United Nations Palais de Nations

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 08:41:45 GMT

During Zero Race, Team Trev drove 28,000km across 16 countries in 80 days of driving. The team drove from Geneva to Shanghai, from Vancouver to Cancun, and from Casablanca back to Geneva. Trev drove across deserts and across mountains, through remote rural areas and through some of the world's largest cities, on all types of roads, in all types of weather. The energy cost of the journey was less than AU$400 worth of electricity generated from a wind farm in South Australia.

The net emissions were zero.

Trev will now be shipped back to Australia, and will hopefully arrive in early April. We are planning a team function in coming months, to celebrate our achievements and to thank our sponsors.

Trev was sponsored by:
Google, ABN Newswire, Galaxy Resources, Eco Green and Catcon.

Trev is owned by the University Of South Australia.

Andrew Dickson
Team Trev
http://www.teamtrev.com

The World First ZERO Emissions Race Makes Stop in Vancouver

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 09:46:18 GMT

The first ever Zero Emissions Race is rolling into Vancouver on November 12th - the first stop on the North American leg of this incredible international journey and the only Canadian stop on the tour. Started on August 16th, 2010 in Geneva, Switzerland, racers have, so far, covered 16,000 km. Participants have been driving 100% electric vehicles running on renewable energies up to 500km a day since the race began - with a goal of completing their around the world journey in just 80 days of driving.

This race represents a major milestone in the history of electric vehicles. According to Tour Director Louis Palmer, the ZERO Race aims to prove the efficiency and reliability of electric mobility: "The purpose of the race is to show that zero emission vehicles running on renewable energy use technologies that are available and reliable today. With shrinking resources and the impacts of global climate change, the ZERO Race strives to present the solutions for a better, and greener future. This is the powerful message that we want to bring to the World Climate Change Conference in Cancun at the beginning of December."

Media are invited to see the vehicles and speak to race participants on Friday, November 12 from 9:00am to 11:00am at the Public Plaza at the former Athletes' Village. (Millenium Waters Development).

Despite tough weather and road conditions, not to mention the fatigue of driving upwards of 500km a day during what amounts to the longest and hardest electric car race to date, the teams are holding up well says tour director Louis Palmer, "The race has crossed Russia, Kazakhstan and China and arrived on schedule within the hour in Shanghai where the vehicles have been loaded onto a ship to Vancouver."

The ZERO Race is not about speed, but about other judgment criteria including vehicle reliability, energy efficiency, utility to every day life, design and safety. Almost each day, the teams face these challenges and receive points according to their performance in each. So far, the Swiss team is leading Germany and Australia.

The ZERO Race is the world's longest green event

The ZERO Race is a "green" event, and participants are doing everything possible to travel in a responsible way. Any greenhouse gas emissions created from the event, including the shipping of cars and flights by participants, will be compensated by investments into renewable energy projects through myclimate. Each team has already produced enough power for their vehicle from renewable energy sources including solar and wind, and this has been fed into the grid in their home country.

The ZERO Race is supported and welcomed by Vancouver Electrical Vehicle Association and other grass roots organizations along the west coast of North America. The event is also backed by the Globe Foundation in Vancouver, and sponsored by Canadian Solar.

The race will come to an end in January where it started: at United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. If all goes as planned, Jules Verne's dream of traveling around the world in 80 days would have come true - via a more ecologically sustainable way.

Key Dates in North America

Vancouver      November 12
Seattle        November 13
Portland       November 14
San Francisco  November 16/17
Los Angeles    November 19/20
Las Vegas      November 22
Cancun         December 5

The next Zero Emissions Race plans are already under way, and it will take place in 2011.

ZERO EMISSIONS RACE ONLINE
The entire ZERO Race is documented with stories and photos on Zero Race Daily Blog at, http://www.zero-race.com/

ZERO RACE COMMUNITY
Join the Zero Race community for more daily updates and photos about the race.

Some of the sponsoring companies include:

- Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX:GXY) (PINK:GALXF)
- Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG)
- Oerlikon Corporation AG (VTX:OERL)
- ABN Newswire

The ZERO Race is supported by

- The Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association
- Canadian Solar
- Consulate General of Switzerland in Vancouver
- Globe Foundation

For more information contact:
Louis Palmer
Tour Director, ZERO Race
louis.palmer@zero-race.com

Don Chandler
Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association
Mob: +1-604-307-1136