FMC 2021 is looking for Instrumental, Theatre, Video Game music compositions from around the world

On March 28, FMC 2021– Unique International Music competition and Awards has opened online registration for the regular and popular competition categories “Instrumental Music”, “Theatre Music” and for an exclusive new category “Compose Music for a Video Game”.

1. Instrumental Music Competition

The competition is for Composers, Soloists, Instrumentalists, Chamber Groups (of any kind) Ensembles and Orchestras.

The competition is unrestricted, and musicians and players who play a classical instrument such as brass (trumpet, trombone and baritone), piano, classical guitar, cello, clarinet, double bass, flute, violin or viola or any special cultural instrument may enter the competition.

Only original music compositions and works with a maximum length of six minutes may be entered in the competition. It is not a condition that the compositions have never been previously presented. They can be older music works which have already been presented at concerts, performances or other public forms or online. Of course, contestants may include brand new compositions which have not yet been presented publicly.

These can be studio or demo recordings, or live recordings of performances and concerts.

In this category, FMC is looking to discover new, talented musicians and composers and to reward their beautiful and original musical compositions. At the end of the competition, FMC then promotes the compositions on its official channels and at foreign presentations.

Registration in this category is open online, directly on the competition page, where you can find all the information you need and the registration form. https://www.fmcontest.com/instrumental-music-2/

The Deadline to enter original compositions in the Instrumental Music Competition is 31.8. 2021

2.Theatre Music

National, private and independent theatres, theatre institutions and organizations may this year also enter the category “Theatre music” with their performances of music for theatre. It is exclusively intended for theatre music. Any music compositions, including those which have already been or will be part of theatre performances, may be registered.

Studio, demo recordings or recordings from live performances of any type with a maximum length of up to six minutes will be accepted.

In addition to theatres, composers who work directly with theatres and compose original music to create an unforgettable theatre performance experience may also enter this

category. This also allows composers who are beginning this style of music and who may not yet have had an opportunity to create music directly for theatre achieve this goal.

“Theatres use a lot of interesting music in their programme structures, and much of it has already been heard in performances. We recognized this in previous years of the competition and are looking forward to this year’s entries. The best compositions for theatre will be selected by an international panel of judges, who are eagerly awaiting to hear the music and decide on the winners,” said FMC Director Vlado Zeleznak JR.

Registration for original theatre music is already underway online, directly on the competition website, where you can find all the information, details and registration form. https://www.fmcontest.com/theatre-music/

The deadline to enter Theatre Music competition is: 31.8. 2021

3.Compose Music for a Video game

New competition category for all composers, sound designers, musicians, music producers, etc.

Music and sound are an integral part of every video game. Fans of video games pay ever more attention to this and can appreciate whether music and sound design either completes or disturbs their ideal gaming experience.

“This will be a great opportunity for any musician who composes in this music genre or plans to work professionally in this field to create musical compositions for games and platforms but has not yet had the opportunity to test their skills and work on a real video game,” said FMC Director Vlado Zeleznak JR.

“With this category, FMC wants to discover and uncover new musical talent in the industry. Several rising musicians who turned to us with this also influenced our decision to create this category. We are granting their wish and offering an opportunity to participate in an international competitive environment and compose music or design sound for the professional video game “Air Missions: HIND” from 3DIVISION video game development company. Composers will then have their music and sound evaluated by members of a prestigious international jury and the opportunity to win great and practical prizes which they can use in their recording studios,” added Zeleznak.

Registration and submission of competition contributions is online.

Registration is already globally open, and anyone, regardless of age or nationality, may apply directly on the official competition website. https://www.fmcontest.com/music-for-video-game/

The deadline to enter Compose music for Video Game “Air Missions: HIND” is 31.7. 2021

Members of a prestigious international jury from EU, Australia, USA, Asia who actively work in the music and film industry will select the best compositions. Many of the jury are great instrumental players who have had their compositions used in various films, TV shows, projects, video games, commercials or concert performances.

Each finished and submitted composition involved in the evaluation process has a chance to win any of the prizes in the competition with a total value of more than 58 000 Euros. In addition to the Absolute Winners the jury and organizers of the competition, may propose special prizes for other competitors which will be announced during the announcement of winners. The winners will also receive original custom made trophies and certificates that will be a reminder of the competition and an award for their success.

FMC-Film Music Contest on Social Media: Facebook: facebook.com/FilmMusicContest Instagram: instagram.com/fmcontest YouTube: http://bit.ly/3oOaG48 #fmcfilmmusiccontest Media Contact: Mgr. Vlado Zeleznak Jr. Director, FMC-Film Music Contest, PRESS FMC E: press@fmcontest.com W: https://www.fmcontest.com

How China’s Poverty Eradication Work Contributes to the World

By CTGN, following the White Paper last week on poverty alleviation by China’s State Council Information Office

Since the reform and opening-up, more than 770 million of China’s rural population living below the poverty line have been raised out of poverty, accounting for more than 70% of the global total over the same period by the World Bank’s international poverty standard, a white paper on poverty alleviation reads.

The white paper was released Tuesday morning by China’s State Council Information Office.

Against the backdrop of severe global poverty and a widening gap between the rich and the poor in some countries, China has won the battle against extreme poverty and achieved the poverty alleviation goal set on the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule.

This has significantly reduced the world’s poor population and contributed greatly to “realizing a better and more prosperous world,” as envisioned by the Agenda.

– International support and assistance

In the early years after the founding of People’s Republic of China (PRC), China used to benefit from the support of the international community.

By cooperating with the UN and the World Bank, the country accepted assistance from some developed countries and carried out cooperation projects in financial input, knowledge transfer, and technical assistance while learning from the advanced concepts and methods.

Those efforts improved China’s institutional innovation and management and laid a foundation for sustainable development in certain areas.

– China’s role in global poverty management

In return, China has been providing support and assistance to the world. President Xi Jinping has announced on many major international occasions that China’s practical measures for international development cooperation have been implemented on schedule or are progressing in an orderly manner.

Firstly, China has supported other developing countries in poverty alleviation since the founding of the country.

For instance, China has launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to expand deep and high-level regional cooperation on economic and social development and to help eligible countries better achieve poverty alleviation.

According to a World Bank study, the initiative will help 7.6 million people out of extreme poverty and 32 million out of moderate poverty in these countries.

Over the past 70 years and more, China has provided assistance in various forms to over 160 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Oceania, and Europe, and international organizations, reduced or exempted the debts of eligible countries, and helped developing countries in their efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, the paper says.

Secondly, China has launched international poverty alleviation cooperation projects for the benefit of all. In Africa, China has helped countries build facilities including water conservancy infrastructure, vocational and technical schools, government-subsidized housing, set up demonstration zones for agricultural cooperation, and carried out China-Africa cooperation projects such as China-Africa friendship hospitals and the headquarters of the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Thirdly, China has also shared its experience on poverty reduction. It has carried out exchanges and cooperation, including building platforms, organizing training, and conducting think tank exchanges.

Together with UN agencies in China, the Chinese government has convened sessions of the Global Poverty Reduction and Development Forum on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still spreading around the world, and poverty, hunger and disease undermining people’s pursuit of a better life, China says it stands ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with other countries on poverty reduction and make a greater contribution to building a global community of shared future that is free from poverty and blessed with common prosperity.

Media contact:
Xiaonan Ma, CGTN
Email: cgtn@cgtn.com
Phone: +86-10-85061422

SOURCE: CGTN, https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-04-06/How-China-s-poverty-eradication-work-contributes-to-the-world-ZeVWiOgAlW/index.html

China and Brazil Both Celebrate as World’s First Cross-Sea SkyRail Rolls off Production Line

SkyRail to connect communities while boosting the economy and tourism in Bahia State, Brazil

On April 8th, BYD ushered in a new milestone, as its Bahia SkyRail vehicle rolled off the production line in Shenzhen. The Bahia SkyRail, located in the city of Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil, is the world’s first SkyRail line to be partially built above the sea.

BYD’s Full Market Electric Vehicle Solutions

The ceremony was held at BYD’s global headquarters in Shenzhen. Rui Costa, Governor of Bahia; Joao Leao, Vice Governor of Bahia; and Mrs. Shao Yingjun, Minister for Commercial Affairs of the Chinese Embassy, witnessed the ceremony online.

Satisfied with the performance of the new model, Governor Rui Costa insisted that the VLT do Suburbio symbolizes an important international partnership for the modernization of urban transport. “After placing Bahia as the second metro extension in Brazil, we now take a large step towards modernization with this modern vehicle that will replace a train that no longer met operating conditions,” commented Rui Costa.

Joao Leao, Vice Governor of Bahia, also highly recognized BYD’s integral role in the project, expressing sincere gratitude to BYD.

Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD Company Limited & President of BYD Motors Inc., said, “Today’s vehicles are specially tailored to the unique geographical and cultural environment of Salvador, the smooth and comfortable ride, humanized and intelligent design will bring passengers a more pleasant and convenient green travel experience. Brazil has embraced BYD’s green, zero-emission transport offerings across the board, including pure electric buses, trucks, taxis and the SkyRail, making the country the leading model for eco-friendly transport in Latin America. In the future, BYD will continue to work hard with its leading new energy technology and high-quality rail transit offerings to help cities around the world build low-carbon transportation and achieve sustainable development!”

The Bahia SkyRail has been specially customized to meet local regulations and needs, as the world’s first SkyRail line built for an overseas market. The vehicle adopts a streamlined design, which reduces wind resistance while enhancing the overall aesthetics. Meanwhile, large, barrier-free doors enable passengers of all kinds to easily enter and exit, regardless of whether they are walking, in a wheelchair or pushing a baby stroller. The vehicles feature a walk-through train design to provide excellent accessibility, and the large windows on both sides offer expansive views for an enjoyable transit experience, while the air suspension system ensures that the vehicle runs quietly and smoothly.

Additionally, SkyRail is equipped with a fully automatic operation system with cutting-edge train control technology and an intelligent customer service system, which realizes a high degree of train automation. It enables more precise operations control, resulting in higher reliability, safety, operational efficiency, and punctuality. Meanwhile, on-board PIS, CCTV, emergency intercom, and other systems serve passengers in real-time, ensuring a safe and convenient riding experience. The vehicles can also be flexibly grouped according to actual capacity needs.

The Bahia SkyRail Line has 25 stations covering a total length of 23.3km. It will be connected with Bahia’s existing subway to form a comprehensive public transportation network.

Due to various factors such as local topography, community structure, demolition costs, and passenger volume, the Bahia SkyRail was customized to adhere to several extremely stringent technical standards, all of which it met.

SkyRail is a straddle-type monorail system developed by a dedicated 1,000-strong R&D team following five years of research and development worth 5 billion RMB, which aims to solve traffic congestion in cities. With a minimum turning radius of only 45 meters and able to climb gradients of 10%, SkyRail is well adapted to Salvador’s difficult terrain. What’s more, advanced autonomous driving technology together with a striking and futuristic appearance allows the SkyRail to seamlessly fit into modern urban environments.

SkyRail’s unique technologies have overcome many of the difficulties of construction and operation in Bahia. For example, the elevated tracks don’t occupy valuable road surface, meaning the space below them still can be rebuilt into pedestrianized areas, and their elevated position keeps them free from flooding, which has been a problem for the city’s existing rail network. Thanks to the integrated line monitoring system and the intelligent operations system, SkyRail can immediately identify risks, solve problems, and reduce manual workloads. Besides offering comfortable, low-carbon and efficient public transport for residents, the expectation is that SkyRail will also help attract new businesses and visitors to the area, aiding the government’s efforts to boost local tourism.

The SkyRail has already created a noticeable buzz among local citizens. As early as February 13, 2019, on the day of signing the contract, a large number of citizens held up a banner at the gate of the government of Bahia, which read “very welcome VLT, thank you, governor”, and yelled, “let’s make it a reality together.” Tyler Li, Country Manager of BYD Brazil, also said that when the SkyRail project team went to the local to inspect the progress of the project after half a year, the public recognized them at a glance and said hello cordially.

On January 3, 2020, the state government approved the full preliminary design of the Bahia SkyRail. Bahia Governor Rui Costa said at the time, “SkyRail technology is very advanced, and China’s rail technology has far surpassed that of other countries. I believe in Chinese technology.”

Representing China’s strategic focus on fostering “new infrastructure”, BYD’s rail transit solutions are being warmly received as it strikes up new partnerships, bringing Chinese technology to the world. In Brazil, BYD has already forged cooperation with two cities, among them Sao Paulo, for which the formal contract to build the metro network’s Line 17 was signed on April 27, 2020. BYD is also actively engaged in and negotiating other rail transit projects in more than 20 countries and cities spanning the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Africa, some of which are already under construction.

About BYD
BYD Company Ltd. is one of China’s largest privately-owned enterprises. Since its inception in 1995, the company quickly developed solid expertise in rechargeable batteries and became a relentless advocate of sustainable development, successfully expanding its renewable energy solutions globally with operations in over 50 countries and regions. Its creation of a Zero Emissions Energy Ecosystem – comprising affordable solar power generation, reliable energy storage, and cutting-edge electrified transportation – has made it an industry leader in the energy and transportation sectors. BYD is listed on the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. More information on the company can be found at http://www.byd.com.

Media Contact:
> In Asia-Pacific: Mia Gu
mia.gu@byd.com; tel: +86-755-8988-8888-69666
> In North America: Frank Girardot
frank.girardot@byd.com; tel: +1 213 245 6503
> In Latin America: Mariana Osorio
mariana.osorio@byd.com; tel: +56 9 8588 0333
> In Brazil: Adalberto Maluf
adalberto.maluf@byd.com; tel: +19 3514 2554
> In Europe: Penny Peng
penny.peng@byd.com; tel: +31-102070888

Libertex Client Receives One-of-a-Kind Experience

Online trader receives a surprise custom Audi RSQ8 courtesy of Libertex

On 25 March, one online trading enthusiast received an unexpected gift from Libertex in the form of a one-of-a-kind customised car presented at the home grounds of Tottenham Hotspur football club.

Custom Yiannimize Audi RSQ8 handed to Libertex lucky client
A 36-year-old from London had won the top prize in the latest promotion from Libertex: a brand new Audi RSQ8 customised by the Yiannimize team. The standard RSQ8 is already a premium vehicle of the highest degree, but thanks to Yianni and his team, this one exudes style like no other.

Top stars from the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club called up Yiannimize to arrange the custom job for the Audi RSQ8, and the enhanced vehicle was presented to the Libertex client in A-list style at the club’s home field of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium by Yianni himself.

“Our entire philosophy can be summed up in this simple mission statement: Trade for More,” said Libertex Chief Marketing Officer Marios Chailis. “Trading isn’t about charts or moving numbers on a spreadsheet. It is a real chance to empower people to go for that little extra they want in life. We started this platform to make asset trading easy and accessible for everyone, and this is the perfect way for us to show just what is possible using our technology.”

Tottenham Hotspur Partnerships Executive Ross Dickson said, “Libertex have been fantastic partners and it is great to be a part of something so exciting. Being able to welcome the winner into our home to collect their prize was truly a magnificent event! I’m sure we will be able to do some more events like this soon.”

The Spurs players themselves were excited to see how the prize would be received. They recorded personalised greetings, saying, “We hope you enjoy it! Remember, Trade for More and Come on, you Spurs!”

Both Yiannimize and Libertex had their expectations vindicated when the lucky client was bowled over at the sight of being presented with the car. He had no reason to expect the car at all. It was a total surprise for him, just a reward for being a loyal client.

To view related video, please click here. https://youtu.be/24k7qRE9Iw4

Libertex: Trade for More
Libertex is a fast, user-friendly trading platform that enables users to trade on the financial market 24/7 on the web or via smartphone. The broker offers over 250 financial instruments, including stocks, shares, currencies, indices, oil and gas, precious metals and more. With over 20 years of financial market and online trading experience, Libertex has won over 40 international awards, including two accolades for Best Trading Platform from Forex Report and European CEO magazine in 2020.

Libertex has long been at the forefront of trading technology, but with the advent of its new Trade For More initiative, the company is set to take access to market success to the next level. As well as further special events, Libertex shares the love of the beautiful game with all its clients via football prizes and VIP access to Tottenham Hotspur and Valencia CF, their official football partner.

London is the latest port of call for Libertex as the company sets its sights on establishing a new headquarters in the UK capital in the near future. To stay up to date with more information, visit Libertex.com.

Libertex Group
Vashiotis Business Center, Neapoli 3107, Cyprus
media@libertex.com
https://libertex.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/libertex_europe/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libertex_official/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Libertex.EU/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3bsfQMKbfXxIRup8IRM-dw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@libertex_official?lang=af-ZA

Deltacore Capital launches Deltacore Digital Global LP

Deltacore Capital LLC, the firm that manages Deltacore Digital Assets LP, a hedge fund that specializes in digital assets, has announced Deltacore Digital Global LP, a 506(c) overseas fund offering for international clients who wish to access Deltacore’s proprietary investment strategy, which has yielded 560.9% since its inception in April 2018.

Austin-based Deltacore has been at the forefront of digital asset trading in the United States and is now placed to offer this opportunity to individuals and institutions around the globe.

Deltacore employs proprietary solutions that give it a unique advantage in the digital asset market. In addition to its research-driven, risk-managed investment strategies, Deltacore utilizes multiple verticals to complement its primary strategy, delivering upside during market volatility. But it doesn’t adopt a single-step approach to a market that is evolving daily. Deltacore has developed a technical trading strategy, focused on momentum and event-driven trades, using lending, staking, and other decentralized (DeFi) strategies to capture additional yield. The team is dedicated to providing clients full exposure to digital assets, with a risk management structure inherent in traditional hedge funds.

This has placed Deltacore Digital Assets LP in the top 40 of all 13,338 reporting funds by measuring its 2020 net performance according to Preqin. Deltacore Digital Assets has received multiple recognition awards for net monthly returns and ranks among the top 10 in BARCLAYHEDGE Cryptocurrency by Sharpe ratio, over a rolling 12 month period.

“We’re not here to predict markets, we’re here to be prepared for markets. Regardless of what happens, there’s always an opportunity. Preparation and proactive strategies keep us running during the toughest of times,” said Mark Palomba, Founder, CIO and General Partner at Deltacore Capital.

The launch of Deltacore Digital Global LP marks a step in the continued growth of Deltacore Capital, and the crypto asset market generally. With top economists and institutions moving into the cryptocurrency space, and the world moving towards mass adoption, the market for digital assets is only in the beginning stages. What was a relatively unknown investment vehicle a few years ago has recently become an essential addition to any portfolio. To learn more about Deltacore Capital LLC, please visit www.deltacoredigital.com.

Deltacore Capital LLC – Austen, TX and Tampa, FLA – https://deltacorecapital.com.

SCCG Management and Shank Marketing announce Partnership for iGaming and Sports Betting Markets

SCCG Management and Shank Marketing are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to create a bridge between land-based casino marketing strategies and sports betting, online gambling, and social casino products available in the SCCG Management suite of services.

Stephen Crystal, Founder of SCCG Management, said,

“We are committed to working with category leaders that create powerful synergies for our client partners. Shank Marketing will work with our affiliate marketing partners, SEO digital marketing providers and clients to ensure successful product launches and marketing strategies. The mutually beneficial partnership will provide a much-needed bridge between online and offline marketing initiatives. Shank Marketing joins LRI Media Group, Stack Digital, Riviera Sports Marketing, and MediaTroopers as part of this initiative.”

Justin Shank, Principal at Shank Marketing, said of the announcement, “We are excited to work with Stephen and the team at SCCG. They?ve been doing great work, and we look forward to a promising partnership.”

About SCCG Management

SCCG Management is a consultancy that specializes in sports betting, iGaming, sports marketing, affiliate marketing, technology, intellectual property protection, product commercialization, esports, capital formation, M&A, joint ventures, casino management, and governmental and legal affairs for the casino and iGaming industry. Website: https://sccgmanagement.com

About Shank Marketing

Shank Marketing provides operations-driven marketing solutions for tribal and commercial casinos throughout the United States of America. The Shank Marketing team consists of proven casino marketing professionals who understand casino gaming, hospitality, and entertainment. The Shank team develops brand and marketing strategies, including social media marketing initiatives, digital advertising programs, social media promotions, local SEO, reputation management, innovative digital marketing approaches, and project management for mobile app and website development. Website: https://shankmarketing.com

Source: Plato Data Intelligence

HKTDC International Sourcing Show | ONLINE attracts 23,000 buyers

Click2Match creates cross-industry opportunities
Online-and-offline sourcing emerges as new trend

The HKTDC International Sourcing Show is the first online-and-offline trade exhibition organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

The online section of the show, the HKTDC International Sourcing Show | ONLINE, which opened on 17 March, featured more than 1,400 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, attracting some 23,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions. The show drew buyers from Hong Kong and around the world, including India, Indonesia, Japan, Mainland China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

The HKTDC International Sourcing Show | ONLINE featured more than 1,400 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions and 19 pavilions, attracting some 23,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions to source online.
More than 7,000 video meetings were conducted during the online fair, allowing buyers and exhibitors to make business deals amid the pandemic.
A series of webinars was hosted during the online fair, including “International Sourcing Outlook”, “Survive and Thrive: Leveraging End-to-end E-commerce Solutions” and “Utilising Licensing to Expand Your Business”. The webinars recorded more than 44,000 views in total, equipping companies with up-to-date insights on the latest trends in sourcing and marketing.

To help businesses capture new opportunities, the HKTDC mobilised its network of 50 offices worldwide together with its artificial intelligence-powered online business matching platform, Click2Match, to connect exhibitors with buyers. As of 31 March, more than 7,000 online business matching meetings had been successfully conducted, facilitating buyers and sellers to capture new business opportunities and help them overcome the impact of the pandemic.

Following a successful debut at HKTDC Autumn Sourcing Week | ONLINE last year, the HKTDC once again offered 3D virtual booths at the International Sourcing Show | ONLINE. It also launched a product video production service to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) design and produce promotional videos, facilitating them to showcase their products in a more eye-catching way and get better prepared for the era of digitalised sourcing. Both the 3D booths and the video service were well received by exhibitors.

Exhibitors and buyers positive about hybrid exhibition format
Even though the global pandemic situation is showing signs of improvement in some regions, its impact continues to be profound. Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, believes that global sourcing will become increasingly digitalised and that future trade fairs will be more likely to offer a hybrid model of online and offline sourcing to reap the benefits of both formats. “When physical fairs resume, the HKTDC will continue to organise regular online sourcing events that will feature different themes and will align with the sourcing cycles of different industries. Our goal is to generate even more business opportunities for suppliers and buyers globally,” Mr Chau said.

As the trend for combining online and offline sourcing gains traction, the HKTDC conducted an online survey to gauge the views of exhibitors and buyers joining the International Sourcing Show. The survey found that the majority of exhibitors surveyed (80%) considered that trade fairs with online elements will become their major promotional channel in the future, while 96% said they would participate in the HKTDC’s online and physical exhibitions again. According to the survey results, most buyers (82%) indicated an intention to participate in trade fairs offering online and physical elements to develop both online and offline business opportunities.

Regarding business results, more than 80% of exhibitors said they had achieved one of the following objectives through the event, including generating new sales leads, meeting new customers, promoting their company’s brands and products, and launching and promoting new products. Over 90% of buyers agreed that the show helped them seek out new products and new suppliers and get a better understanding of market trends.

Click2Match helps facilitate business discussions and deals
Many companies taking part in the show were successful in finding either buyers or suppliers through the Click2Match platform. Rachel Chan, Business Development Specialist at Avery Dennison (Hong Kong) Ltd, said the online fair offered her company a good opportunity to introduce its total printing solutions and RFID labels to buyers from different industries. “We are very happy to have video meetings with more than 10 new buyers from different places including Mainland China, India, Malaysia and Thailand. The buyers are keen to develop cooperation opportunities with us, and we hope to continue receiving new sales leads or enquiries. The online show also helped to increase our company’s exposure.”

Atitaya Dechboon, a representative of Fashion Hometex Co Ltd in Thailand, said “We have made four new contacts with buyers from Mainland China, Brazil, Poland and Saudi Arabia. We expect potential orders worth US$100,000 from three new buyers. We are very satisfied with the Click2Match service which allowed us to arrange video meetings as frequently as we liked without any time conflicts.”

Artem Mykhailyk, Chief Operational Officer at Micon Trade LLC in Ukraine, was interested in sourcing smart wearable devices and DVR cameras. “Through the International Sourcing Show | ONLINE, we have found three potential suppliers from Mainland China and Taiwan. We plan to place orders worth US$280,000 with these suppliers. The show provided a unique and well-arranged online sourcing platform that offered an alternative to physical exhibitions amid the pandemic. I found it easy and convenient to find suitable products and make appointments with potential suppliers.”

Hanna Touma Bechara, Manager at Modern Electronics Co in Lebanon, found two potential suppliers from Hong Kong and Mainland China through the online fair. “Our budget for buying audio systems is US$30,000. Due to travel restrictions under the global pandemic, online trade shows like this are the only way we can find new suppliers for the time being.”

Intelligence Hub webinars let companies feel the market’s pulse
The Intelligence Hub set up during the online fair hosted 17 webinars which featured more than 60 industry experts sharing the latest industry developments and trends, attracting more than 44,000 views in total. The most popular webinars include “International Sourcing Outlook”, “Survive and Thrive: Leveraging End-to-end E-commerce Solutions”, “Utilising Licensing to Expand Your Business” and “Toys & Children’s Products Safety & Regulations Updates”. In addition, the HKTDC launched the “Let’s Go Phygital: Power Up for the New Normal” seminar series, helping SMEs adapt to the hybrid online and offline sourcing model, with the first round of webinars held during the online show. The videos of the webinars have been uploaded to the Intelligence Hub webpage (https://isshow-online.hktdc.com/en/intelligence-hub), enabling companies to review insights from industry luminaries anytime, anywhere.

The International Sourcing Show is first HKTDC exhibition to adopt an online-and-offline format, integrating the seven HKTDC trade fairs* that were originally scheduled to run in spring 2021. The online part of the show is available from 17 March to 29 July, while the physical exhibition will be staged from 26 to 29 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. While the Click2Match business matching service for the online show has concluded, buyers can continue sourcing with exhibitors through the upgraded hktdc.com Sourcing platform (http://sourcing.hktdc.com) until the end of July 2021.

*The seven fairs are: the HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Houseware Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong International Home Textiles & Furnishing Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week, HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, and the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair. The latter event is co-organised by the HKTDC and CIEC Exhibition Co (HK) Ltd.

Websites:
HKTDC International Sourcing Show: https://isshow.hktdc.com/online/en/
Intelligence Hub: https://isshow-online.hktdc.com/en/intelligence-hub
Media Centre: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/
Photo download: https://bit.ly/3msyefr

About the HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs, in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn

Media enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

Hong Kong Digital Asset Exchange Launches the First NFT Trading Platform in Hong Kong

Facilitating the Development of the Digital Art Market

Hong Kong Digital Asset Exchange (HKD.com), the first digital asset exchange to combine both an online platform and a sizable physical store in Hong Kong, plans to launch a one-stop NFT (Non-Fungible Token) trading platform in the third quarter of this year.

It will be the first digital asset exchange in Hong Kong to introduce the blockchain technology and provide the NFT trading platform.

Mr. Kelvin Yeung, founder and CEO of HKD.com introduced the details of the NFT Trading Platform.

As the wave of globalization of digital crypto asset activities is sweeping through the entire world, NFT becomes the hot topic. As a head start, HKD.com plans to launch the NFT trading platform in Hong Kong, name as HKD.com NFT Trading Platform (tentatively), provides artists with an online platform for the artworks publishing, promotion, trading and payment, with diversified product categories, including digital art, encrypted collections of animation, music and movies etc. On the trading platform, users can trade through public offer or bidding, and carry out token trading and exchange; while artists can also publish their own digital artworks through the trading platform. HKD.com supports multi-national legal tender, major cryptocurrencies, and over-the-counter legal tender trading services. In addition, serving as a one-stop service platform, HKD.com also provides physical store exhibition services for artists.

Mr. Kelvin Yeung, founder and CEO of HKD.com, said, considering the lack of a credible trading platform for digital creation in Hong Kong’s current market, HKD.com is determined to introduce the business of NFT and launch the trading platform. This not only can help the local artists to add value to their talents, but also can drive the development of the art market.

NFT is a new form of digital assets, issued digital creations content of digital design digital music, digital video etc. on the blockchain. NFT is unique and can own the specific token authenticating ownership of the content. NFT can be widely used, and currently, is applied and growing fast in the art market.

About Hong Kong Digital Asset Exchange
Established in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Digital Asset Exchange (HKD.com) is a world-class platform for global digital asset trading. HKD.com is committed to the physicalization and popularization of digital currencies. In addition to a highly secured online digital currency trading platform, HKD.com has also set up a 10,000 sq. ft. store for digital currency trading in Hong Kong’s core commercial district, making it one of the biggest digital asset exchanges in Hong Kong. HKD.com also installs numerous cryptocurrency ATMs in Hong Kong and launches a POS system to promote cryptocurrency payment, enabling investors a convenient and reliable digital finance experience.

Website: https://www.hkd.com/

Media enquiries:
Hong Kong Asia Culture Dissemination
Tel: (852) 5578 2791

The Executive Centre launches the “What Is An Office” campaign

Do four walls and a desk make an office — apparently not!

The pandemic has led to the greatest debate of all time – do people even need an office and if so, what do they want? Today, The Executive Centre (TEC), the leading premium flexible workspace provider across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, launches the “What Is An Office” campaign, which examines the elements that make up a dynamic, productive workspace.

The campaign consists of a brand video, plus 4 product videos that examines how the workforce views the role of an office and asks the central question, “What Is An Office?” The short films explore how a positive working environment and agile working practices can help business operations, shedding light on the fundamental importance of a multi-purpose office to a company’s success.

“The break from office has pushed people to reconsider what they require to create a positive working environment. People are waking up to the fact that an office should be more than four walls around a desk. — It is a space which fosters collaboration, communication and creativity,” said Paul Salnikow, TEC Founder and CEO. “While human interaction proves to be crucial for work and life, people are also keen to enjoy variety in work options, the future of work is shifting from purely remote to a hybrid model. Flexibility is key in future workplace strategies because choice has become an invaluable asset; people want to choose to access workstations, meeting rooms and breakout areas when they need it, and corporations are realising that incorporating a flexible element can also positively impact their bottom line.”

TEC has found that the need for more flexible lease terms, robust technological infrastructure and internet connectivity for virtual get-togethers, as well as spacious event venues to host socially distanced conferences, and even on-demand passes to support their remote working teams has dramatically increased in the last year.

A whitepaper report will also be released for free public download on the campaign website that looks into the history and future trends of office development, plus TEC’s approach to office design strategy.

What is an office? Your work, your space, your choice.
Visit the campaign website here: https://www.whatisanoffice.executivecentre.com
The videos can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/ykUYq-XGoOA

About The Executive Centre
The Executive Centre (TEC) opened its doors in Hong Kong in 1994 and today boasts over 150+ Centres in 32 cities and 14 markets.

The Executive Centre caters to ambitious professionals and industry leaders looking for more than just an office space — they are looking for a place for their organisation to thrive. TEC has cultivated an environment designed for success with a global network spanning Greater China, Southeast Asia, North Asia, India, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and Australia, with sights to go further and grow faster. Each Executive Centre offers a prestigious address with the advanced infrastructure to pre-empt, meet, and exceed the needs of its Members. Walking with Members through every milestone and achievement, The Executive Centre empowers ambitious professionals and organisations to succeed.

Privately owned and headquartered in Hong Kong, TEC provides first class Private and Shared Workspaces, Business Concierge Services, and Meeting & Conference facilities to suit any business needs.

For more information please visit www.executivecentre.com.

Press Enquiries:
Finsbury Glover Hering
Kitty Lam
Kitty.Lam@fgh.com / +852 3166 9886

Olympus Opens New Global HQ for Therapeutic Solutions Division and U.S. Medical Business

Olympus Corporation (“Olympus” – Director, Representative Executive Officer, President and CEO: Yasuo Takeuchi) announced today the opening of a new facility in Westborough, MA, to serve as the global headquarters for its Therapeutic Solutions Division (TSD) and its medical business in the United States

Olympus has identified TSD as a strategic focus for growth and shifted its global head of TSD from Tokyo to the U.S. to have better access to a key medical industry cluster and generate growth through stronger business opportunities. Since the Transform Olympus initiatives were unveiled in 2019, many U.S.-based executives have been leading TSD growth; Olympus has dramatically expanded the business with acquisitions, as well as through organic growth.

The new 150,000-square-foot facility in Westborough will accommodate both the U.S. TSD employees and those formerly reporting to Image Stream Medical (ISM) facility located in Littleton, MA, with the exception of the manufacturing employees who will remain in Littleton. The facility will serve as one of several R&D hubs for Olympus, while enabling coordinated and agile management processes to support a global medical technology enterprise. At Olympus Westborough, the Olympus Continuum Training and Education Center will offer hands-on learning opportunities led by top medical experts using advanced medical equipment in a wetlab setting, both in person and virtually via the MedPresence telecollaboration platform. For interactions with customers and prospects, the Olympus OR Innovation Center showroom, also outfitted with the MedPresence platform, will provide an immersive environment for in-person or virtual integrated OR demonstrations.

The new Westborough facility will also provide enhanced opportunities for Olympus to build relationships with potential future employees. Olympus will facilitate relationships with potential job candidates, as well as continued partnerships with universities, colleges, and technical schools in the greater Boston area to bring world-class skills and capabilities to the company.

Nacho Abia, Chief Operating Officer of Olympus Corporation, said, “The U.S. market continues to be the largest in the world because of growing demand for minimally invasive treatment and surgery and the need for remote collaboration under COVID-19, so it’s natural that we decided to combine all functions in Massachusetts in one place to facilitate agility and collaboration. This agile and globally-connected way of business will enhance our overall business competitiveness.”

About Olympus’ Medical business

As a leading medical technology company, our Medical business uses innovative capabilities in medical technology, therapeutic intervention, and precision manufacturing to help healthcare professionals deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, and minimally invasive procedures to improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs, and enhance the quality of life for patients and their safety. Olympus’ Medical portfolio includes endoscopes, laparoscopes, and video imaging systems, as well as surgical energy devices, system integration solutions, medical services, and a wide range of endotherapy instruments for endoscopic and therapeutic applications. For more information, visit www.olympus-global.com.

For questions or additional information, please contact:

United States
Jennifer Bannan
+1 412-403-8742
jennifer.bannan@olympus.com

Europe, Middle East and Africa
Matthias Gengenbach
+49 15142369420
matthias.gengenbach@olympus-europa.com

Japan and APAC
Yuka Horimoto
+81-90-2490-1071
yuka.horimoto@olympus.com