Author: Asia PEVC

Olympus Launches ENDO-AID, an AI-Powered Platform for Its Endoscopy System

Setting the foundation for a new era of endoscopy

Olympus Corporation today announced the launch of ENDO-AID(1), a cutting-edge platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that includes the endoscopy application ENDO-AID CADe (computer-aided detection) for the colon. This new AI platform enables real-time display of automatically detected suspicious lesions and works in combination with Olympus’ recently introduced EVIS X1, its most advanced endoscopy system to date.

ENDO-AID CADe: real-time computer-aided detection for endoscopy
ENDO-AID
ENDO-AID with EVIS X1

As a global leader in designing and delivering innovative solutions for medical and surgical procedures, Olympus aims to improve the health and quality of life of patients by providing advanced medical technologies. Its latest endoscopy system, EVIS X1, was developed to set new standards for image detection, characterization, staging, and treatment. With the newly introduced endoscopy CAD (computer-aided detection/diagnosis) platform ENDO-AID, Olympus is now enhancing the capabilities of EVIS X1 through AI technology, aiming to elevate the standard of endoscopy around the world – whether for applications to disorders of the esophagus, stomach, colon or other gastrointestinal organs.

ENDO-AID CADe: real-time computer-aided detection for endoscopy
ENDO-AID CADe is an application for computer-aided detection powered by AI which runs on ENDO-AID. It uses a complex algorithm via a neural network developed and trained by Olympus. With this new application, the system’s sophisticated machine learning can alert the endoscopist in real time when a suspected colonic lesion (such as a polyp, malignant neoplasm or adenoma) appears on the screen.

ENDO-AID CADe was developed toward the following improvements:
– Improved observational performance in adenoma detection: By providing visual support, ENDO-AID CADe aims to improve the observational performance of the endoscopist’s adenoma detection.
– Support of the colonoscopy screening process: The system provides visual support during screening, allowing the endoscopist to focus on any abnormalities indicated by the software regardless of the experience level of the endoscopist.
– Efficient endoscopy operation: Due to the simple and intuitive display of lesions, ENDO-AID CADe has the potential to make endoscopy easier and more efficient for the endoscopist by reducing the need for excessive eye movements.

A first step towards the future of endoscopic diagnosis and therapy
With ENDO-AID, the latest feature of the EVIS X1 endoscopy system, Olympus has created the basis and infrastructure for the installation of future applications supported by AI. “At Olympus we are committed to innovation and driving our research and development with passion,” says Frank Drewalowski, Head of Endoscopic Solutions Division, Olympus Corporation. “Especially in AI, we recognize the power of elevating endoscopic imaging to uncharted levels. Considering ENDO-AID as a first step, we are planning additional AI-powered applications for image detection and characterization – not only for colonoscopy.”

Prevention of colorectal cancer remains our focus
There is a positive impact of an increase in adenoma detection rate (ADR) on the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC)(2). Supporting the identification of lesions, ENDO-AID CADe is designed to increase ADR(3). We are aiming to increase the quality of CRC screening and its preventive efficacy against CRC. The prevention of CRC is a core element of Olympus’ endeavors in medical endoscopy and beyond.

“With the launch of ENDO-AID, we are not only providing endoscopists across the world with an additional innovative tool,” says Takaharu Yamada, Vice President, GI Endoscopy Business Leader, Endoscopic Solutions Division. “We are also preparing for the future and following our vision of putting CRC in the history books.”

Official launch at United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW)
During the virtual UEGW from October 11 to 13, ENDO-AID will be presented to the public for the first time. ENDO-AID is initially and commercially being launched in Europe beginning in November, followed shortly afterwards by some Middle Eastern, African and Asian-Pacific countries. Japan, the Americas and China markets will follow at a later time after complying with laws and regulations in each region. EVIS X1 and ENDO-AID are manufactured by Olympus Medical Systems Corporation. The company and product names specified in this release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus.

(1) Product Name: Endoscopy CAD system
(2) Corley, D.A.; Jensen, C.D.; Marks, A.R.; et al. Adenoma Detection Rate and Risk of Colorectal Cancer and Death. N Engl J Med. 2014; 370: 1298-1306. Available at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4036494/. Accessed in October 2020
(3) Compared to WLI (white light imaging) without CADe

About Olympus
Olympus is passionate about the solutions it creates for the medical, life sciences, and industrial equipment industries, as well as cameras and audio products. For more than 100 years, Olympus has focused on making people’s lives healthier, safer, and more fulfilling by helping detect, prevent, and treat disease, furthering scientific research, ensuring public safety, and capturing images of the world.

Olympus Endoscopic Solutions 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. Starting with the world’s first gastrocamera in 1950, Olympus’ endoscopic portfolio has grown to include endoscopes, laparoscopes, and video imaging systems, as well as systems integration solutions and medical services.

For questions or additional information, please contact:
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Matthias Gengenbach
+49 15142369420
matthias.gengenbach@olympus-europa.com

Japan
Yuka Horimoto
+81 90 2490 1071
yuka_horimoto@ot.olympus.co.jp

Asia Pacific
Oliver Clarke
+61 3 9271 5508
oliver.clarke@olympus.com.au

NR Instant Produce (NRF) IPO: First Thai Listing in Plant-based Food Business

Moving forward as world-class investor in ‘Food for the Future’ following SET listing

NR Instant Produce PCL (SET: NRF), a leading manufacturer and exporter of food and condiments, advanced its investment plan following its official listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) with the distinction of being the first listed Thai company in the field of plant-based food. NRF have demonstrated the clear vision to become the world-leading food producer and the first Thai company to move forward as a leader in the field of plant-based food with the policy to become “The Purpose-Led Company”, meaning a company that drives the organisation and the brands towards clearly defined goals. The Company is also determined to conduct its businesses in a sustainable manner so as to become the top-of-mind processed food manufacturer at the international level.

Mr. Dan Pathomvanich, Chief Executive Officer of NR Instant Produce PCL (NRF) announced that the Company’s
shares began trading today on the SET under NRF to increase its financial strength and the capability to expand its businesses to support the advance toward the leadership in the food industry at the global level and for the Company to become the “platform for future food”. NRF is well recognised as the manufacturer, procurer and distributor of condiments, processed food and processed food ingredients, vegan food without eggs and milk in the ingredients, food from plant protein and instant drinks in both liquid and powder forms, as well as non-food consumer products in V-shape packaging (friendly to consumers and the environment).

The Company’s long-term goal is to become a producer of “food for the future” with the emphasis on food innovations that will help to create sustainability for the entire food industry ecosystem, through a policy of becoming a “purpose-led company” to leverage exponential growth with sales revenues increasing to 3,000 million baht within the next five years (2024), from 2019, when sales totaled 1,111 million baht. NRF will concentrate on Thai food and ethnic food, plant-based food, and consumer-friendly functional products.

Following the listing on the SET, the Company plans to increase its outlay in 2020-2022 with 1,068 million baht in investment, divided into 270 million baht in the ethnic food group through the increase in manufacturing capacity and improvement in the Company’s manufacturing process, and that of City Food’s that will help to increase production by about 35 percent from today’s 19,000 tons per year, as well as the plan to buy the remaining 85 percent shares in City Food Company Limited, where the Company has already invested 15 percent of registered capital.

The company has its manufacturing facilities in Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi provinces. The investment in the plant-based food business group will involve a budget of 408 million baht divided into the construction of a plant-based food manufacturing plant in Thailand; The procurement of plant-based manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom and the United States through a joint venture with The Brecks Company Limited (Brecks) to set up Plant and Bean Limited in England. At present, NRF holds 25 percent of this venture and plans to increase the share in the company by another 25 percent to 50 percent in 2021; The investment increases in Big Idea Venture and New Protein Fund 1 to leverage the opportunity to access more customers by being the preferred co-packer for startups as well as to access the latest knowledge and technology in this industry; and the investment in the second production line for konnyaku to increase production capacity that is expected to ramp up production in Q4/2020.

There is also the investment in functional product business group which consists of non-food consumer products contained in packaging that are friendly to consumers and the environment (V-shape), with the plan to co-invest 90 million baht in the another five V-shape production lines following the Company’s contract signing with Fluid Energy Group Limited, the innovation leader in environmentally-friendly chemicals to service V-shape machinery for the production of sanitization products for sale in Canada, the United States and the Middle East, as well as an over 300 million baht investment in E-Commerce platforms through the joint venture with Boosted ECommerce Inc. (Boosted) in two areas – The investment in Boosted group of companies to manage the third-party sellers’ e-commerce businesses on the Amazon e-commerce platform and to set up a consumer package goods joint venture in food manufacturing (including pet food).

Ms Veena Lertnimitr, Executive Vice President Investment Banking Function, Siam Commercial Bank Plc., in the capacity as the financial advisor and underwriter, said NRF is a company that is not only conducting its businesses for profit but also places great importance on sustainable supply chain, from the procurement process to production, storage, logistics and distribution. At the same time, the Company also holds significance among all stakeholder groups from upstream to downstream to provide food products with superb taste and for health benefit, allowing the consumers to choose to their utmost satisfaction. Most important is the environmentally friendliness through the creation of products for sustainable Earth, and innovating excellent products that are friendly to the society and the environment, such as the reduction of animal meat consumption replaced by plant-based protein that can fulfill the lifestyle demand of the Millennial (Gen Me) generation who possess high purchasing power.

As such, NRF is the first listed firm in Thailand whose business is the production of products from “plant-based food for the future” and therefore, has received great response from both fund managers and individual investors during the IPO period. This is also due to the Company’s solid business foundation and future growth opportunities.

Released by Public Relations Dept., MT Multimedia Co., Ltd. for NR Instant Produce Plc.

For additional information, please contact:
Orn-anong (Fah) Pattaravejkul
Tel: +66 86 801 88888
Email: ornanong.p@mtmultimedia.com

Woori BMO Group Reports on Clover Health as They Go Public in $3.7 Billion SPAC Deal

Woori BMO Group has today commented on Clover Health, the insurance start-up backed by Alphabet Inc. and Sequoia, as it agrees to go public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company created by Palo Alto-based venture capitalists, Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings Corp. III.

Christian Harper, Director of EMEA Wealth Management at Woori BMO Group, reported, “The deal gives Clover Health a company valuation of $3.7 billion, raising $1.2 billion in proceeds. Of this amount, $828 million will come from the SPAC company, Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings Corp. III, with a further $400 million coming from private investors.”

The founder and chief executive officer of Social Capital, Chamath Palihapitiya, said he would personally invest $100 million into the combined company.

Palihapitiya said in an investor call on Tuesday, “I have known Vivek (CEO of Clover) for almost ten years. As an investor, the most basic thing you need to know is this is the ultimate healthcare disruptor. We are going to fortify this balance sheet, so Clover has the ability to aggressively build and expand all throughout America.”

Clover Health provides Medicare Advantage plans in 34 counties across seven states, with its biggest market being New Jersey. Its plans received a three out of five Medicare star rating for 2020.

Unlike many other health insurance start-ups which promote narrow-network plans to lower costs, Clover Health has structured most of its plans as PPO networks. It advocates a software tool it has developed for primary care physicians as a way of reducing variability and healthcare expenses.

The company has also faced some challenges along the way. In 2018, Clover lost its former CTO and COO in quick succession. It later hired Andrew Toy, who sold his previous start-up to Google, as its CTO and president. Last year, after raising $500 million, the company cut a quarter of its workers, which it described as a restructuring to shift some of its resources to become experts in the Medicare Advantage market.

Woori BMO Group’s Head of Institutional Equity, Andrew Williams, reported, “Clover Health generated $462 million in revenue last year, an increase from $290 million in 2018. The company did, however, suffer a net loss of $60.57 million.”

Williams added, “Looking toward 2021, the company is projecting revenues of $880 million and 273,000 members. That is over four times the amount of its current memberships which is around 57,000.”

Clover will use the funds to boost the start-up’s growth, with the company planning to expand into 74 more counties and an eighth state next year.

About Woori BMO Group

Woori BMO Group is a full-service wealth management company providing both corporate institutions and private clients a tailored financial advisory service from its retail office in Toronto, Canada.

Media Contact

Mr. Shinsato Masao
Chief Economist
Telephone: +1-647-946-8880
Email: shinsato.masao@wbginternational.com
25F Exchange Tower
130 King Street West
Toronto, ON, Canada
M5X 1E3

Related Links
Woori BMO Group https://www.wbginternational.com/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/65615

Raffles Financial Enters into Strategic Partnership with Japan’s Pacific Bays Capital

Raffles Financial Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Raffles Financial Group Limited (CSE: RICH) (FSE: 4VO) (OTC: RAFFF) (“Raffles”, “the Company” or “RF”), today announces that the Company has entered into an advisory partnership for advanced-stage capital and public listing services with Japan’s Pacific Bays Capital (“PacCap”), a top tier VC firm that invests selectively into Japanese and global firms.

PacCap general partners are seasoned VC professionals based in Japan and Silicon Valley, with overall team background including experience at major Japanese banks, independent VC funds, Sequoia Capital, Blackrock, and Morgan Stanley. Given Japan’s “Move South” strategy, PacCap sees a rise in demand for more funding needs by advanced-stage Japanese firms securing strategic resources, contract manufacturers, and parts/services suppliers from the Indo-Pacific region such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia. Therefore, PacCap is glad to be working with Raffles to help secure these resources.

“Raffles Financial, based in Singapore, is equipped to help advanced-stage Japanese firms to get listed on either Singapore or Hong Kong Stock Exchange and to raise the required money for their moving-south expansion. ASEAN investors appreciate the rapid growth opportunities in Indo-Pacific and the Japanese contribution in branding, technologies and global customer base,” says Dr. Charlie In, Chairman, Raffles Financial.

Raffles Financial is represented in Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong and Singapore and has the resources to serve the aims of the Japanese firms seeking funding and resources through their public listings outside Japan.

PacCap partners are working closely with Japanese industry leaders and exploring various government initiatives to identify promising investment target companies and potential ‘unicorns’ for immediate investment. Raffles Financial is to provide advice on navigating exit strategies and additional services to help bring foreign capital to those firms.

Maxwell Weiss, General Partner of PacCap says, “There’s a lot of synergy with what PacCap is envisioning for Japanese firms and the path for expansion into South-East Asia via Raffles. We are excited about Raffles’ wide array of services to help these advanced-stage companies raise capital, and where appropriate, plan exit strategies in new markets to bring foreign capital back to Japan.”

About Raffles Financial Group Limited (CSE: RICH) (FSE: 4VO) (OTC: RAFFF)

Raffles Financial Pte Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of Raffles Financial Group Limited) is an exempt corporate finance advisory firm, registered with the Monetary Authority of Singapore, which provides public listing advisory and arrangement services. Raffles Financial serves as advisor for family trusts, family offices and investment funds. Please visit www.rafflesfinancial.co for more information.

For more information, please contact:
Cathy Hume, Investor Relations
Phone: 416-868-1079 x 251
Email: cathy@chfir.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained in this release may constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (collectively “forward-looking information”) as those terms are used in Canadian securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words “could”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “will”, “projected”, “estimated”, “anticipates” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company’s current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the business of the Company, the anticipated partnerships with financial institutions worldwide and the growth potential through Province Representatives. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/65505

Triller to Offer Live Streaming Starting on October 12th

– Triller Already Has Millions in Pre-Donated Backlog For Influencer
– Triller Go Live Pays Three Times More Than TikTok Go Live Feature
– Creators and Influencers to receive 3x what they receive on TIKTOK and 10 influencers to receive $50,000 donations directly from Triller each

Beginning on October 12th, 2020, Triller users will have the ability to livestream content, further expanding Triller’s capabilities as the social platform’s user-base grows. This new feature will offer creators a new way to monetize their content.

With a paywall feature and donate now, creators will be able to go live at any time opening up additional monetization routes.

“We always want to put our artists first. Go live was one of the first things our influencers wanted. In response, we designed a program that is the best and most sophisticated go live technology there is. This will be game-changing for influencers,” said Bobby Sarnevesht, Chief Triller Officer and Executive Chair. “We find it disturbing that TikTok takes such a big share of the artists work,” he continued.

While other social platforms do give creators the opportunity to monetize their live-streams, a majority of the money raised often goes to the platform itself. Triller, however, continues to be an artist-first application. With the well-being of creators being at the core of its business model, Triller will make sure that 70% of all money raised during live streams goes directly to the artist. Triller has also designated $5 million in ‘go live’ backlog that has been pre-purchased for influencers on a first-come, first-serve basis. The first 10 influencers who hit 100,000 concurrent viewers will each get 50K donations directly from the company. This is the first of many up and coming monetization programs for influencers. “We have already done internal tests, and if influencers use their IG and other social to encourage their followers to join their go live, this is a relatively easy metric for them to hit,” said Mike Lu, CEO of Triller.

“This generation has a huge appetite for live-streamed content, as we see how live-streamed events across social platforms have accumulated millions of viewers simultaneously. We want our users to know that we continue to update our app and add new features based on what we know will improve the experience for them based on their feedback,” continued Bobby Sarnevesht.

This latest development is the final integration of Halogen Networks into the platform, which Triller acquired this June with the intention of giving Triller users the opportunity to watch live events, including sports, musical acts, and more.

ABOUT TRILLER
Triller is an AI-powered music video app that allows users to create professional-looking videos in a matter of seconds. Pick a song, select the portion of the song you want to use, snap a few takes, and with the tap of a button, you have a celebrity-quality music video starring you and your friends. Triller relies solely on organic growth and has more than 250 million downloads, with celebrities like Alicia Keys, Cardi B, Marshmello, Roddy Ricch, and Eminem regularly using the app to create their own music videos. Triller recently was acquired by Proxima Media. For more information, visit www.triller.co and follow @trillervids on Instagram.

CONTACT:
press@triller.co

SOURCE: Triller

AVIA’s Satellite Industry Forum highlights the resilience of the satellite industry and the key role it will continue to have in this age of connectivity

The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) held its annual Satellite Industry Forum (SIF) as a virtual conference, from 24 – 25 September, which allowed for truly global participation with delegates from around the world in attendance. The event also saw over 100 new companies register to be part of the two-day discussions on Video in the Satellite World.

The event opened with on a note of optimism from Louis Boswell, AVIA CEO. Despite unprecedented challenges and disruption for the industry in recent years, more video is being created, distributed and consumed than ever before, and satellite continues to play an indispensable role in delivering that video. “Satellite’s strength in multicasting across wide areas cannot be matched by any other technology,” commented Boswell.

Continuing with the tone of optimism was Yew Weng Soo VP, Sales & Market Development, SES Video, SES, and Chairman of the Satellite Industry Committee. “The satellite industry is playing a key role in fighting the outbreak with a scale and reach in helping to inform, entertain and keep all connected,” added Soo. “Video and particularly satellite, will not just bounce back but use this time to transform itself to change consumer behaviour and thrive in the post Covid world.”

At the opening Asia Pacific Thought Leaders’ Panel, Terry Bleakley, Regional VP, Asia Pacific, Intelsat, shared that the resilience of Intelsat’s business was having a diversified portfolio. Through crossing many verticals across the markets they served, a downturn in one business saw an upturn in another. Bleakley also added how important satellite has been for this pandemic, especially in remote environments and how essential satellite was for remote connectivity, creating further opportunity for consolidation and vertical integration.

Another opportunity that the satellite industry also identified was the role female leadership could play in fostering greater change for the sector. At this year’s Women in Satellite panel, discussions centered around the importance of diversity to be part of the policy dialogue for the Information and Communication Technology sector, to show that the industry was supporting gender equality and bridging the gender divide. Nicole Robinson, SVP Global Government, SES, shared that a 2020 Catalyst study showed very strong links between profitability of businesses and workplace diversity. Added Anita Bernie, Strategic Business Manager, KISPE Space, “Diversity is a smart business decision. Diversity not just to hit quotas or to tick a box but to bring alternative thoughts and ideas.” Bernie also commented that for an organisation to do better in the world of today, and to be better prepared for the future and the pace of rapid change, it needed a team that is representative of the world it lives in and the customers that it reaches and serves.

The topic of integration followed through to the closing panel of the conference, with industry leaders weighing in on what would drive global growth for the industry in the next decade. On the question posed on whether satellite should be an integrated component of the telecom value chain and ecosystem, Roger Tong, CEO, AsiaSat, opined that “satellite should not be integrated but we can integrate our services… there are multiple fronts that we can compete and succeed in [and] serve the customers with the best that we can do.” Optimism continued to prevail, with Tong sharing his view that video will continue to be the driving force for the satellite industry.

As part of SIF this year, AVIA in partnership with EMEA Satellite Operator’s Association (ESOA), also distributed a booklet on Satellite – An Integral Part of the 5G Ecosystem. This is now available at the Download Centre at www.avia.org

Satellite Industry Forum is generously supported by AsiaSat, Boeing, Eutelsat, GEOshare, Integrasys, Marsh, Maxar and MEASAT.

About the Asia Video Industry Association
The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. AVIA is the interlocutor for the industry with governments across the region, leads the fight against video piracy and provides insight into the video industry through reports and conferences aimed to support a vibrant video industry. AVIA is also committed to its mission in working with and representing the interests of the satellite industry. AVIA evolved from Casbaa in 2018.

For media enquiries and additional background please contact:
Charmaine Kwan
Head of Marketing and Communications
Email: charmaine@avia.org
Website: www.avia.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/asiavideoia
Twitter: @AsiaVideoIA

Epazz DeskFlex Expands to Latin America; Mexico as the Pioneering Country to Adopt Multi-Language Desk Booking Software Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

via NewMediaWire — Epazz, Inc. DeskFlex (OTC: EPAZ), a provider of mission-critical cloud-computing software solutions and blockchain business solutions, announced today that the DeskFlex desk booking software system is developing multiple language packages to accommodate Latin American companies for their gradual return to the office.

According to Accenture, approximately 80% of executives agree that employees will have to collaborate with other teams and departments and work around projects or services and product lines instead of job roles. More industries are implementing remote work and agile teams as a result of the pandemic. While the physical office may differ, the future of employment is flexible remote working. Several companies implemented a flexible scheme that allows workers to work from home and promote the sharing of office spaces intended for their activities. Employers redesigned their post-pandemic offices to attract and retain talented employees, foster collaboration among workers, and reduce real estate costs. DeskFlex desk hoteling software addresses these concerns in making offices safer for employees to return to the office by alternating team member schedules and limiting bookable workstations.

DeskFlex’s meeting room scheduling software pushes forward in making safer offices for returning workers and the development of multi-language software packages to attract new business in Latin America. The new DeskFlex room scheduling software will have Spanish and Portuguese translations as the first development of the many languages. Several companies in Mexico and Spain expressed interest in implementing the DeskFlex room booking software in their organizations. The downloadable DeskFlex mobile applications will also sport a multi-language interface to accommodate more international clients.

DeskFlex’s room booking system seeks to achieve reduced incidences of Coronavirus contamination in offices, schools, business establishments, lecture halls, activity areas by upgrading its software systems to meet COVID prevention measures. DeskFlex’s COVID-compliant software helps companies screen elevated body temperature and mask-wearing, maintain social distancing with the dynamic scheduling feature, and sanitize the premises with the automatic desk sanitation feature.

According to Shaun Passley, Ph.D., CEO of Epazz, Inc., “We are optimistic in the movement of our products across borders and have quickly added multi-languagues packages to attract companies in Latin American countries.”

About DeskFlex.com

DeskFlex is a desk booking solution and room reservation software useful in booking conference rooms, meeting rooms, workspaces, desks, car parking spaces, and office equipment. DeskFlex meeting room scheduling system helps office managers accommodate remote workers’ time in the office, reducing rent and facility costs. DeskFlex lets employees reserve desks in advance or claim desks right away. It adjusts the telephone switch (PBX), so calls ring at the “desk du jour.” DeskFlex includes check-in, point-and-click floor maps, a web browser, a local kiosk, Outlook integration, and conference room scheduling.

About Epazz, Inc. (www.epazz.com)

Epazz, Inc., is a leading cloud-based software company that specializes in providing customized cloud applications to the corporate world, higher-education institutions, and the public sector. Epazz BoxesOS(TM) v3.0 is a complete web-based software package for small- to mid-size businesses, Fortune 500 enterprises, government agencies, and higher education institutions. BoxesOS provides many of the web-based applications organizations would otherwise need to purchase separately. Epazz’s other products are K9Sky.com kennel software and the Provitrac applicant tracking system.

SAFE HARBOR
This is the “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: certain statements contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” and “continue” (or the negation thereof) or similar terminology. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results or those implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that no forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Epazz, Inc. assumes no obligation and has no intention of updating these forward-looking statements. It has no obligation to update or correct information prepared by third parties that are not paid for by Epazz, Inc. Investors are encouraged to review Epazz, Inc.’s public filings on SEC.gov and otcmarkets.com, including its unaudited and audited financial statements and its OTC market filings, which contain general business information about the company’s operations, results of operations, and risks associated with the company and its operations.

CONTACT: For more information, please contact
Investor Relations
investors@epazz.net
(312) 955-8161
www.epazz.com

Tak Lee Machinery Holdings Limited Announces Transfer of Listing from GEM to the Main Board of HKEX

Tak Lee Machinery Holdings Limited (“Tak Lee” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; stock code: 2102), a leading earthmoving equipment sales and leasing service provider in Hong Kong, is pleased to announce that The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (“HKEX”) has granted the approval for the Company’s transfer of listing from GEM to the Main Board. Tak Lee has commenced its trading on the Main Board on 6 October 2020 (today) under the new stock code 2102. The last trading day of the Company’s shares under its original stock code 8142 on GEM was 5 October 2020.

Tak Lee provides BELL articulated dump trucks (left) and HITACHI excavators (right)

The price of Tak Lee’s shares has performed well on the first trading day on Main Board today, closing at HK$0.295, 5.36% higher than yesterday.

About Tak Lee Machinery Holdings Limited (stock code: 2102)
Tak Lee Machinery Holdings Limited is one of the leading heavy equipment sales and leasing service providers in Hong Kong, serving customers by providing quality heavy equipment, such as excavators, articulated dump trucks, bulldozers, lifting cranes, hydraulic breakers and various other heavy equipment. Among all the dealerships and distributorships granted, Tak Lee is the sole dealer of HITACHI brand (Japanese brand) of heavy equipment in Hong Kong and Macau, as well as a distributor of heavy equipment of BELL (South African brand) and LaBounty (USA brand) in Hong Kong and an exclusive dealer of heavy vehicles of Ammann (Swiss brand) in both Hong Kong and Macau. In 2016, Tak Lee started and engaged an Italy-based manufacturer to design and manufacture its own TLMC brand earthmoving equipment to provide more quality heavy equipment for its customers to choose from

Moonstake’s total staking asset hits $50Million – Successfully achieved in two months from the start of full-scale service

Today, Moonstake is pleased to announce that the total amount of staking in its staking pool has reached over $50 million. While steadily expanding toward the establishment of Asia’s largest staking pool network, Cardano (ADA), which started full-scale service achieved staking support at an exceptional speed of two months.

ince Moonstake was founded, Moonstake has sought to meet growing demand in Asia and globally by developing its own innovative staking protocols. Moonstake’s product is a one-stop solution with staking capabilities that provides a gateway for users to facilitate their use of cryptocurrencies via web and mobile wallets (iOS / Android). Currently, Moonstake supports staking for ADA, Tezos, Cosmos, Ontology, QTUM, IRISnet, Harmon and further innovative products such as connection to DeFi via wallet will be developed in the future.

Moonstake has promoted staking and active in the market for PoS projects through partnerships with public blockchain projects. Until now, Moonstake has partnered with 11 blockchain projects such as Cardano’s constituent organization Emurgo, Ontology and NEO, which have the highest market capitalization of cryptocurrencies. By jointly expanding the staking ecosystem, Moonstake has taken various measures to deepen our understanding of the appeal of staking and the entire blockchain, and we are still running an ADA campaign for Japan users for now. More information about ADA Campaign: https://moonstake.io/ja/ada/

In addition, it has long advocated a connection to decentralized finance (DeFi), and announced a partnership with RAMP DeFi in August and Infinito in September with DeFi players. On October 1st, Moonstake Singapore was joined by Lawrence Lin, a former Huobi Global Business Head, as CEO, further accelerating the expansion of the staking-centric ecosystem.

Mitsuru Tezuka, Founder at Moonstake says:
“We are very pleased that the total value of Moonstake’s staking pool asset has exceeded $50 Million. I think this is a manifestation of the expectations of many users for the staking market and PoS as well as proof that Moonstake’s products are widely accepted in the market. With the introduction of ETH 2.0, I think the PoS market will continue to grow and over $50 million achievement is just a passing point to Moonstake and we are aiming for $100 million by the end of the year by providing the best solution for users around the world. Please stay tuned to Moonstake’s products in the future.”

About Moonstake
Moonstake was recently established to develop a staking pool protocol to satisfy increasing demands in regional and global blockchain markets. Moonstake develops a staking pool protocol and provides business services through partners and companies. Moonstake aims to create the largest staking pool network in Asia, a robust environment for the cryptocurrency holders is one of its missions. Establishing a clear partnership roadmap with Moonstake represents another significant milestone for continuing to strengthen ties with leading platforms across Asia’s burgeoning Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) ecosystem. partnership has been announced with Emurgo, Ontology and NEO to boost staking adoption, Binarystar, Japan’s biggest blockchain hub, OIO Holdings Limited (SGX: OIO), a Singapore Catalist-Listed company. Industry’s reputed advisors, such as Lisk and Lawrence Lim of RAMP DEFI support Moonstake’s innovative journey. https://www.moonstake.io/

Tianda Pharmaceuticals acquired and established a long-term relationship of Cooperation with Yeung & Young Medicare and Qi’s Living

Tianda Pharmaceuticals Limited (“Tianda Pharmaceuticals”, together with its subsidiaries as the “Group”, Stock Code: 455.HK) is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, TDMall (Hong Kong) Limited (“TDMall HK”), has completed the acquisition of 50.1% equity interests in each of Yeung & Young Medicare Centre Limited (“Yeung & Young”) and Qi’s Living Company Limited (“Qi’s Living”) at a total consideration of HK$25 million. Yeung & Young is principally engaged in the provision of Chinese medical consultation services, and Qi’s Living, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yeung & Young after restructuring, is principally engaged in the sales of traditional Chinese medicine (“TCM”) healthcare products in Hong Kong. Upon completion of the acquisition, Dr. Yeung Ming Ha (“Dr. Yeung”), Founder of Yeung & Young and Qi’s Living, will continue to be a Director of both companies for not less than 15 years and will be responsible for managing the daily operation of the two companies to ensure the steady development of the business and sustainable profit growth. In addition to the acquisition, Tianda Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Yeung have established a long-term relationship of cooperation, including Dr. Yeung’s appointment as the Chief Operating Officer of TDMall (Group) Limited (“TDMall Group”), the parent company of TDMall HK, for not less than 15 years, to assist Tianda Pharmaceuticals in the development of TDMall HK by leveraging her extensive experience of TCM, personal connections and influence in the TCM industry.

Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Tianda Pharmaceuticals is rooted in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and implements three key development strategies, including “the development of the Chinese medicine business as the foundation, the development of innovative medicines and medical technologies and the development of quality medical and healthcare services”. It is committed to becoming a pharmaceutical enterprise with competitive advantages and core competencies in drug R&D and manufacturing, Chinese medical consultation and treatment, medical technology and health management. Tianda Pharmaceuticals forges the entire TCM industrial chain from Chinese medicine practice, Chinese herbal medicine to the application of artificial intelligence in TCM and engages in the supply of Chinese medicinal herbs and the production of TCM decoction pieces. It has also established the “Tianda Standard” to control its TCM quality, and launched TDMall, a modern style Chinese medicine clinic. TDMall adheres to the Chinese medicine philosophy of “a great physician treats an illness before it develops”, and always abides by the treatment principle of “medication should be stopped once its efficacy shows and treatment should be centred on the patient”. TDMall exercises strict control on the quality of Chinese medicinal materials by complying with the “Tianda Standard”. By integrating modern medical science and other innovative technologies, TDMall provides featured specialties, general TCM treatment, health preservation and health management services and establishes personalized systems for disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention along with health preservation, thereby achieving the unification of man and nature of tradition and modernity as well as of prevention and treatment in pursuit of the harmony of man and the universe. TDMall is based in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, seeking to expand nationwide and even globally in the long run. Currently TDMalls have been opened in Zhuhai, Hong Kong and Sydney successively from 2019 onwards. Through leveraging Internet technology, big data, AI and other innovative technologies, it has been constructing a “Cloud TDMall”, designed to realize the integration of online and offline Chinese medicine services, remote diagnosis and treatment and joint expert consultation services, to enable the provision of quality, convenient and comprehensive Chinese medicine healthcare services to the public, with an aim of promoting TCM inheritance innovation and development.

Yeung & Young is a Chinese medical institution in Hong Kong. Based on TCM medical theories and empirical science, employing advanced medical technology and equipment and using quality Chinese herbal medicines, it provides high-end and modern Chinese medical services, including Chinese medical consultation, acupuncture, cupping therapy, tui-na, skin and body check, and other health management services. In addition, it is also engaged in the sales of TCM healthcare products through Qi’s Living. As a renowned registered Chinese medicine practitioner, Dr. Yeung has gained wide public recognition and media presence for her exquisite medical skills and popular publications relating to Chinese medicine and healthcare. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Yeung has widely participated in research and development of organic Chinese medicinal skincare products and gained profound knowledge in Chinese medicine dermatology.

The acquisition and the cooperation will bring multiple benefits to Tianda Pharmaceuticals. Firstly, the extensive experience and expertise accumulated by the acquired companies will be conducive to enhancing the business and operational efficiency of TDMall and the performance of the Group’s TCM health care service segment. Secondly, Tianda Pharmaceuticals’ TCM service portfolio will be further expended. Through the creation of complementary advantages and promotion of synergistic development between the services and products provided by the Group and the acquired companies, the Group’s enlarged Chinese medicine service will be able to cover different customer groups. Thirdly, upon Completion, the financial results of the acquired companies will be consolidated into the Group’s financial statements, and their ongoing profitability is expected to contribute to the Group’s consolidated income and profits, thereby improving its overall financial performance and market capitalization. Fourthly, Dr. Yeung’s joining the TDMall Group will bring greater expertise and management experience to the Group, which is believed to bring extensive opportunities for TDMall HK, and facilitate the Group’s capturing strategic opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, giving a strong impetus to the development of the TCM industry and the business of TDMall.

A spokesperson of Tianda Pharmaceuticals commented, “the acquisition and cooperation represent an important step for the Group in the development of the entire TCM industrial chain, laying an important foundation and accumulating necessary experience for the expansion and accelerated development of TDMall in the Greater Bay Area, as well as across China and the world. In addition to endogenous growth, Tianda Pharmaceuticals has attached great importance to exogenous growth, engaging in mergers and acquisitions to acquire successful operating entities, talent and experience in the industry as a way to accelerate the pace of business development, and it will continue to identify relevant opportunities. As Chinese medicine has been gaining more attention across the world, we are optimistic about the prospects of the global development of TCM, and will make short, medium and long term development plans in line with national policies. Step by step, we are heading towards achieving our goal of becoming a leading comprehensive pharmaceutical enterprise.”

Media Enquiry
Tianda Pharmaceuticals Limited
Investor Relations Department
Mr John Chong / Ms Michelle Zhou
T: + 852 2545 3313
E: johnchong@tianda.com / michellezhou@tianda.com