Day: November 19, 2021

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UScellular Now Offering Synchronoss’s Content Transfer Solution to Expedite In-Store Device Activation

Solution allows for the transfer of digital data quickly and safely to new mobile devices

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Nov. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anticipating a busy holiday season for new mobile phone sales, UScellular, the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, is now offering Synchronoss Content Transfer, a solution that gives UScellular store associates the ability to easily and quickly move content from a customer’s old mobile device to a new one at no cost to the customer.

Content Transfer from Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNCR), a global leader and innovator of cloud, messaging and digital solutions, is designed to streamline the onboarding of new devices by providing a means for digital content – including photos, videos, contacts, call logs, music, documents, messages and settings – to be effortlessly transferred between mobile phones and tablets.

Chris Hill, Chief Commercial Officer for Synchronoss, said that always-on access to digital content is no longer a “nice to have” but a “must have” as consumers increasingly integrate mobile devices into their day-to-day lives.

“Consumers have two expectations when purchasing a new device: One is that they will not lose any of their important digital data when switching hardware. The second is that they will have access to their data as soon as the new mobile device is connected to the network. Our cross-platform application satisfies both of those needs by making new device activation practically seamless for subscribers,” he said.

The Content Transfer solution is an easy-to-use application that spans devices and operating systems and replaces the need for in-store equipment. It can also significantly reduce the amount of time a customer spends in a store when activating a new device.

“As we continually seek new ways to enhance our customer experience, we see the Synchronoss solution as an important addition to our customer service toolbox,” said Eric Jagher, Senior Vice President of Consumer Sales and Operations at UScellular. “Content Transfer provides a quick and easy way to ensure customers can keep their important photos, videos and other data when buying a new phone, leading to less time spent in-store and more time spent with their friends and families during this holiday season.”

Hill added that analyst predictions for a jump in year-over-year holiday spending in combination with the lure of new smartphone models released this year is one reason UScellular turned to Synchronoss to help store associates ensure they can easily and quickly transfer customer content to new devices.

“The addition of our Content Transfer solution to UScellular’s customer service resources will help it continue to deliver an excellent in-store experience,” he said.

Content transfer is one of a group of Synchronoss onboardX solutions – a set of tools that allow mobile operators to provide the customer experience that subscribers want and drive service adoption. Additional onboardX solutions include Backup & Restore, a cloud service that gives subscribers a safe place to backup, view and restore content across operating systems and devices; Out of Box Experience (OOBE), a solution that streamlines the activation of new subscribers, services and devices; and Digital Experience Platform (DXP), which simplifies the creation, orchestration and management of online experiences and journeys.

The Synchronoss website provides additional information about Content Transfer and other Synchronoss onboardX tools that allow mobile operators to drive service adoption and deliver the customer experience that subscribers want.

About Synchronoss

Synchronoss Technologies (NASDAQ: SNCR) builds software that empowers companies around the world to connect with their subscribers in trusted and meaningful ways. The company’s collection of products helps streamline networks, simplify onboarding and engage subscribers to unleash new revenue streams, reduce costs and increase speed to market. Hundreds of millions of subscribers trust Synchronoss products to stay in sync with the people, services and content they love. That’s why more than 1,500 talented Synchronoss employees worldwide strive each day to reimagine a world in sync. Learn more at www.synchronoss.com.

Contacts

Media
Anais Merlin, CCgroup (International)
Diane Rose, CCgroup (North America)
synchronoss@ccgrouppr.com
Investors
Todd Kehrli/Joo-Hun Kim, MKR Investor Relations, Inc.
investor@synchronoss.com

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Oatly, a leader of the plant-based milk category in China, opens first Chinese factory

Follows new category development with production facility to meet demand

Oatly Ma’anshan Factory

Oatly’s Ma’anshan production facility has the potential to produce an estimated 150 million liters of oat-based products annually at full capacity

MALMÖ, Sweden, Nov. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oatly Group AB (Nasdaq: OTLY) (“Oatly” or the “Company”), the world’s original and largest oat drink company, today announced the opening of its first production facility in Ma’anshan, China, just a few months after opening its first Asian factory in Singapore in July. The new production facility is part of a wider initiative by Oatly to build factories fit for the future, with efficient use of resources and minimal negative impact on the planet. The facility is one of six facilities around the world, as Oatly expands to further its mission of growing the plant-based movement and shifting the food system toward one that’s built for planetary and human health. Oatly has previously established a new Chinese character for “plant-based milk”, creating a new category for the grocery aisle, increasing demand, and converting more milk drinkers to oat drink.

Toni Petersson, Oatly’s CEO, commented, “Oatly has grown to be the leader of the plant-based milk category in China and around the world, enabling people to switch from cow’s dairy to oat drink. To meet the demand and to be a leader in the shift to a more plant-based future, Oatly expects to continue to grow and expand our production capacity with factories closer to our consumers. The Chinese market is an important part of Oatly’s global expansion, and the Chinese people play a big part in shifting towards a more sustainable and mainstream plant-based consumption. We are confident in the continued growth of the Chinese market and that the new Chinese factory will accelerate our mission to drive a societal shift towards a plant-based food system for the benefit of people and the planet.”

Oatly Ma’anshan Factory

Oatly Ma’anshan Factory

“Following the debut of our first factory in Asia in Singapore this July, the opening of the first factory in China provides more capacity for Oatly in Asia, supporting the global expansion and meeting the increasing market demand. With the opening of this new factory, we are extending the world-class oat drink production process from Sweden to China, making plant-based diets accessible to more people to address the climate challenges that mankind face. It sets a good example for the entire food industry in terms of innovation and sustainable development,” said David Zhang, Asia President of Oatly.

Oatly’s Ma’anshan production facility is in the Anhui Province in China and has the potential to produce an estimated 150 million liters of oat-based products annually at full capacity.

About Oatly
We are the world’s original and largest oat drink company. For over 25 years, we have exclusively focused on developing expertise around oats: a global power crop with inherent properties suited for sustainability and human health. Our commitment to oats has resulted in core technical advancements that enabled us to unlock the breadth of the dairy portfolio, including alternatives to milks, ice cream, yogurt, cooking creams, and spreads. Headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, the Oatly brand is available in more than 20 countries globally.

For more information, please visit www.oatly.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any express or implied statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the growth of the Chinese market, expansion of our production facilities and our ability to meet demand, as well as statements that include the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “will,” “aim,” “potential,” “continue,” “are likely to” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. Forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, without limitation our history of losses and inability to achieve or sustain profitability; reduced or limited availability of oats or other raw materials that meet our quality standards; failure to obtain additional financing to achieve our goals or failure to obtain necessary capital when needed on acceptable terms; damage or disruption to our production facilities; harm to our brand and reputation as the result of real or perceived quality or food safety issues with our products; our ability to successfully compete in our highly competitive markets; reduction in the sales of our oatmilk varieties; failure to expand our manufacturing and production capacity as we grow our business; our ability to successfully remediate the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting; through our largest shareholder, Nativus Company Limited, entities affiliated with China Resources Verlinvest Health Investment Ltd. will continue to have significant influence over us, including significant influence over decisions that require the approval of shareholders; as a foreign private issuer, we are not be subject to U.S. proxy rules and will be subject to Exchange Act reporting obligations that, to some extent, are more lenient and less frequent than those of a U.S. domestic public company; and the other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in Oatly’s prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 21, 2021, as such factors may be updated from time to time in Oatly’s other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Oatly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law.

Contact
Media
press@oatly.com

Investors
866-704-0391
investors@oatly.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3c9d8bfd-02cd-4669-80b8-4e2b2a3e2ad4

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/883a1a08-d7e7-46bb-aa5d-21ade782c41f

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King confers 2021 Federal Territory awards to 163 individuals

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 — Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today conferred the 2021 Federal Territory awards, honours and medals on 163 individuals at Istana Negara, here.

Also present was Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim was also in attendance.

Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Santhara Kumar led the list of nine recipients of the Darjah Seri Mahkota Wilayah (SMW) which carries the title ‘Datuk Seri.

The other SMW recipients were Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (MAMPU) director-general Datuk Seri Dr Yusof Ismail, National Centre of Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Sallehhuddin Hassan, Kuala Lumpur City Hall ( DBKL) former director-general Datuk Seri Dr Noordin Ab Razak and DBKL advisory board member Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Mohd Rafique.

Also on the list were National Heart Institute physician Datuk Seri Dr Balachandran Kandasamy, Malaysian Advanced Acute Internal Medicine and Ultrasound Society president Datuk Seri Prof Dr Paras Doshi, Mah Sing Group Berhad executive director Datuk Seri Leong Yuet Mei and Jankah Corporation managing director Datuk Seri Gong Zen Chiang.

Meanwhile, Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim was among 38 recipients of the Panglima Mahkota Wilayah (PMW) award which carries the title of ‘Datuk’.

Among the PMW recipients were Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department director Datuk Mohd Ajib Ismail, Federal Territories mufti Datuk Dr Luqman Abdullah, former national badminton players Datuk Abdul Rashid Mohd Sidek and Datuk Cheah Soon Kit, and Malaysian Seven Continents Exploration Club president Datuk Muhamad Muqharabbin Mokhtarrudin.

Cultural arts activist Datuk Yusry Abdul Halim, Kampong Bharu Development Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Lokman Omar and Federal Territory Land and Mines director Datuk Muhammad Yasir Yahya were also conferred the PMW.

In addition, 22 individuals were awarded the Johan Mahkota Wilayah (JMW), 41 received the Kesatria Mahkota Wilayah (KMW), 18 were awarded the Ahli Mahkota Wilayah (AMW) and 35 received the Pangkuan Mahkota Wilayah (PPW).

The first session of the investiture ceremony in conjunction with the 2021 Federal Territory Day celebration was held on March 23.

The ceremony today was conducted in the new norm with strict adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set and seats at Balairong Seri were arranged accordingly to ensure physical distancing.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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LRT service among key factors to make Ipoh City a regional town

IPOH, Nov 19 — The proposed construction of a Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Ipoh City is very much needed towards making it a regional town after 2035, said Ipoh Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.

He said efforts were being made to turn the city into a new region and serve as a centre for nearby districts such as Kinta, Kampar, Batang Padang, Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lipis and Gua Musang.

“Turning Ipoh City into a regional city is our focus and hopefully it will contribute to Perak becoming a central region,” he told a press conference at an event to welcome delegates from the Terengganu Journalists Club to Ipoh City at the Lost World of Tambun Theme Park here yesterday.

Based on previous reports, a total of 28 stations are being planned for the proposed LRT system in Ipoh City, which will cover a distance of 58 kilometres.

According to the Draft Ipoh City Local Plan 2035 (Replacement) issued by the Ipoh City Council (MBI) on its website last Nov 16, the proposed LRT system comprises two routes of 16 stations each, with four common stations or interchanges.

The Meru Raya-Ipoh-Batu Gajah route covers 30km while the Bandar Sunway-Ipoh-Simpang Pulai sector stretches for 28km with a service frequency of six minutes.

State Housing, Tourism and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi was reported to have said that for a start, the transport hub would be developed on a 60-hectare site near the Ipoh Railway Station.

Apart from LRT, she said, the integrated transport hub would be supported by rapid transit buses, trams and taxis to increase the mobility of local residents and tourists.

Meanwhile, on the development of Silver Valley Technology Park (SVTP), Rumaizi said it had been submitted to the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) of the Prime Minister’s Department for implementation under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP.

It covers an area of 1,139.2 hectares and is expected to be among the key factors to attract people to Ipoh City, he added.

SVTP is a new industrial park in Chemor and is expected to drive the high-tech manufacturing sector and act as a catalyst for the 4.0 industrial revolution.

“It will focus on the entire digital industry, not only in Perak, but the whole of Malaysia. In 2035, we will complete the infrastructure aspect, and Ipoh will no longer be a town for the elderly, but a town for the young because of digitalisation and offers many job opportunities as software engineers,” he said.

He said the development being planned for Ipoh City was in line with those made by other local government authorities in other states such as Penang City, Iskandar Puteri City in Johor, Seremban City in Negeri Sembilan and Melaka City.

Various developments are being planned for Ipoh City so that it would not be left behind as it is the second largest city in the northern region after Penang and one of the earliest to obtain the city status, which was in 1988, he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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RM20.5 billion worth of 1MDB assets returned to M’sian govt – MACC

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 19 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) with the cooperation and assistance of international enforcement agencies has managed to return assets of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MBD) amounting to RM20,530,433,626.97 to the Malaysian government.

In a statement today, MACC said it was actively seeking to recover 1MDB fund assets in the country and abroad including in the United States, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Taiwan and Singapore.

Most recently on Nov 12, Singapore’s Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) has returned the money belonging to former SRC International Sdn Bhd (SRC) chief executive officer Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil through the Finance Ministry’s Assets Recovery Trust Account totalling US$864,813.27.

Earlier the MACC said the Singaporean government had also assisted in the return of assets worth US$15.4 million to Malaysia involving the accounts of Cutting Edge Industries Ltd owned by Datuk Tawfiq Ayman and Samuel Goh.

“MACC is also in the process of recovering assets from countries such as Switzerland, Kuwait, Mauritius, Cyprus, Hong Kong involving individuals connected to the 1MDB case,” read the statement.

On May 12, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) announced that the US Department of Justice (DoJ) has remitted some RM1.9 billion (US$452.36 million) in funds related to 1MDB into Malaysia’s Asset Recovery Trust Account. So far, the account which is under the custody of the Accountant-General’s Department had received RM16.05 billion of seized and repatriated 1MDB funds.

The balance in the trust account will be used to primarily repay 1MDB and SRC’s remaining debts.

According to MoF, to date, the government has repaid RM12.4 billion of 1MDB’s debt and RM3.1 billion of SRC’s debt. The outstanding debt balance which is composed of principal and coupon, profit and interest of bonds, sukuk and term loans stand at RM39.8 billion for 1MDB and RM2.57 billion for SRC.

The government’s current recovery efforts are focused on parties who have caused losses to 1MDB and SRC during the execution of their duties, whether through direct or indirect involvement in 1MDB and SRC’S various operations and transactions.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Johor Budget 2022 reflects cooperation among parties in coalition – Academician

JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 19 — The Johor Budget 2022 tabled by Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad yesterday reflected the cooperation among members in the coalition government in fulfilling their responsibilities to the state and its people.

Prof Dr Kassim Thukiman of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, said that despite the current political scenario in the country, it had not affected the relationship among parties in the coalition in the state.

“In the spirit of democracy, the opposition parties also get the same allocation as the government parties, to provide the best service to the people.

“Besides agreeing to accept the presence of the opposition as an observer in the District Action Committee, the Menteri Besar also welcomes ideas, views as well as constructive criticisms to help in Johor’s economic recovery,” the academician said in a statement today

He said it also showed Hasni as highly matured and open politician open mindset, including towards the opposition, thus reflecting the spirit of the Malaysian Family mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Yesterday, the Johor government tabled a deficit budget amounting to RM286.47 million for 2022.

Themed “Strengthening the Prosperity of Johor”, the state government proposed to allocate RM1.087 billion for operating expenditure and RM870 million for development expenditure,

It is also providing all the 56 state assemblymen, including those from the opposition, a fixed allocation of RM200,000 a year.

Meanwhile Dewan Muda Johor (DMJ) in a post on its official Facebook page said the 2022 Budget was youth friendly and this could be seen through initiatives such as the ‘Young Drone Pilot Programme’, ‘Johor Youngster Coding Programme’, ‘Digital Johor Startup Grant’ and the Johor Youth (OMJ) agenda.

“The RM42.5 million allocation for the implementation of the initiatives demonstrates the state government’s desire to see young people directly involved in the economic and social sectors,” read the post.

DMJ added that the RM1.7 million allocation for 3,000 students in the state through the Undergraduate Internet programme could help overcome internet access problems faced by those from low-income families and rural areas.

DMJ is of the view that the budget this time is comprehensive, inclusive and will be able to jump-start the state’s economy, it said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

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Sunway ranks among Malaysia’s top sustainable employers and graduates’ preferred choice

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 — Sunway Group was affirmed as one of the best employers in the country by an independent research organisation, Sustainable Employer Research Centre, for leading in the Sustainable Employer Index (SEI).

The centre ranked Sunway Group as the second most sustainable employer out of 100 winners and 930 nominees.

Sunway Group, in a statement issued today, said that it had committed US$20 million to establish the Asia headquarters of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN-SDSN) at Sunway University to lead continent-wide sustainability initiatives.

“This UN-SDSN at Sunway City Kuala Lumpur is one of three such global centres alongside New York City and Paris to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“The group also recently established the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health at Sunway University, which aspires to become the first planetary health-oriented university in the world,” it said, adding that the entre will contribute to the advancement of planetary health through quality education, world-class research and engagement with people across the Asia and Pacific regions.

Meanwhile, at the Talentbank’s Graduates’ Choice Award (GCA) 2021/2022, Sunway Group clinched eight awards.

As voted by university students nationwide, Sunway business divisions were ranked as preferred employers for the Construction, Education (private higher education Institution), Entertainment & Leisure, Facilities Management, Healthcare (Hospital), Hotel, Property Developer and Shopping Mall categories, it said.

It said Sunway Education Group, Sunway Lagoon Theme Park and Sunway Property & Facilities Management emerged as champions in their respective categories.

Sunway Group chief human resources officer Foo Shiang Wyne said winning the Graduate Choice Award was a validation of Sunway’s commitment to building a new generation of corporate leaders towards the sustainability of the nation’s economy.

“We remain committed to creating better opportunities for Malaysian graduates and co-creating a sustainable future for our country by nurturing talent and fostering innovation and tech-savviness as we undergo a transformation into a sustainability focused and digitally-driven conglomerate.

“Sustainability and profitability make better business sense as it is proven that they go hand-in-hand. Our commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and social and governance best practices will continue to guide Sunway in all its business decisions and implementation as we keep delivering positive impacts for our economy, the environment and the society,” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency