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Taiwan Cement Corp. (TCC) held its 2022 annual general meeting, in which Chairman Nelson Chang delivered a speech and shared business updates

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TAIPEI, May 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Taiwan Cement Corp. (TCC) held its 2022 annual general meeting, in which Chairman Nelson Chang delivered a speech, and TCC shared its 1Q22 results as below:

Chairman Nelson Chang’s Speech

In the past half a year or so, it seems foreboding dark clouds are surrounding the world, such as the fast-spreading COVID-19 variants in Asia, and the interruption of worldwide commodity supply chains. These have all led up to uncertainty, pessimism, and anxiety about the future. It is also the most difficult year for Taiwan Cement for the past ten years. Granted all is true, we remain positive that every cloud has a silver lining if we position ourselves in just the right direction. A beam of light always comes out from behind the clouds. However tiny it may be, it gives us hope that we shall remain undaunted so as to embrace a promising future.  

Living in the 21st century, we are unsure of where to go from here and what can be made sure in this world. The risks are no less great than those of the Age of Exploration in the 15th century, notwithstanding the greater knowledge we have gained about the world today.

The totally inexcusable war has caused the ensuing scarcity in both resources and energy. The worldwide break-out of a virus has caused millions of unexpected deaths as well as increased wastes, especially of plastics to an alarming ubiquity. The sudden shortage of energy has also worsened the emissions of carbon-dioxide to make the Earth even warmer. All these issues are posing grave threats to the future existence of Humankind.     

In fact, the reason Humankind has strayed today lies entirely in ourselves. Only when self-examination is in place to allow a fundamental conceptual change in conduct can we afford to claim that we are underway to explore a real answer.

The sense of co-existence in our age should be awakened and evoked on a full scale of the Planet Earth. We must be upfront with the pandemic, weather change and a more idealistic society. Each of us will require a cognitive restructuring in our thinking. It can no longer be “I,” but “WE.” To familiarize ourselves with the capitalized “WE” is an indispensable step to a sustainable future of mankind. But unfortunately, at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos this year, it seems to be going backwards and moving towards a regional economy, an economic model where every country comes first. We cannot continue to contemplate living a life solely for our time and selfishness. Most wars took place for individual rights or self-interests of politicians per se. Only a minimum of warfare was fought genuinely for such lofty causes as freedom and human life.

The Great Leap of the next generation will beyond doubt be motivated by continuous revolutions. It will no longer be technology-driven cognitive change but a restructured mental framework for sustainability.

Dante wrote, “The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in a period of moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.”

Lastly but not least, may I remind you ladies and gentlemen, “Today is the beginning of eternity.”

TCC: Silver Lining

In 1Q22, TCC saw cement revenue in Mainland China decreased by 7.8% year-on-year. Sales volume for the same period also decreased by 24.1% year-on-year. Despite the cement price increase by 18%, it could not catch up with the price hike of coal, especially in 1Q22, when international coal price grew by 195% year-on-year. This price increase in coal caused TCC to see a drop both in gross margin and net profits.

Nevertheless, TCC’s 1Q22 consolidated revenue was NT$22.97 billion, representing a 4% increase compared to NT$22.03 billion in 1Q21. This growth was mainly attributed to the new energy businesses. Cement revenues in 1Q22 dropped by 3% year-on-year, but new subsidiaries in the energy segment such as, NHΩA, E-One Moli, and TCC Energy Storage contributed positively to TCC’s consolidated revenue.

TCC has transitioned into a circular economy company. As cement markets begin to shrink from their peak, waste treatment has become the focus of business operation. This transition not only helps solve society’s waste problem but also increases profits. In the future, TCC’s target is to become one of the growth tech stocks. For growth tech stocks around the world, cash dividend payout ratio has not been the main reason for market capitalization growth.

In the past two years, TCC has been redeploying two-thirds of its profits into ESG-related projects, such as building waste treatment facilities in Taiwan and Mainland China, investing in green energy projects, and buying the majority stake in the Italy-based energy storage company NHΩA. These steps are part of a comprehensive strategy to help TCC Group to achieve carbon neutrality. For example, TCC’s total renewable energy generated by 2025 is actually sufficient for the Company to achieve RE100 but, TCC’s renewable energy are still provided mainly to meet the demand of Taiwan’s companies that focus on exporting products.  

As a circular economy company, its waste treatment capacity has been increasing, together with alternative material and fuel usage. Using cement kilns’ high temperature to co-process wastes can help the society solve its waste problem. It can also generate alternative material and fuel to help increase cement production once stricter energy and coal controls, such as the situation in Mainland China in 4Q21. Moreover, it can help reduce carbon emissions, generate carbon rights, and reduce cost and reliance on coal. Currently, the cost of alternative fuel is only 1/3 to 1/2 of the cost of coal. By 2030, the total waste treatment volume by TCC may rise up to 10 million tons while alternative fuel usage can exceed 1.3 million tons. This is equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by more than 10 million tons. CIMPOR and OYAK, TCC overseas-invested cement companies, have also been using large amounts of alternative fuel.

As energy business is concerned, TCC foresees a possible supply shortage of industrial green energy in Taiwan. The green energy installations scheduled by the government for 2025 and 2030 are 27Gw and 45GW, respectively. To have green energy used at full capacity and efficiency, TCC believes that there must be at least 20% of energy storage complementary to green energy. This means that at least 5GW and 9GW of energy storage are needed in 2025 and 2030. TCC’s total green energy installation is estimated to exceed 500MW by 2025 and is also building, scheduling, and planning many energy storage projects.

TCC’s global energy storage installation is expected to exceed 400MWh by the end of 2022. By 2024, the figure is estimated to exceed 2,900MWh. NHΩA, the Italy-based TCC subsidiary, has been rapidly expanding global energy storage presence with projects completed or under planning, spanning across a total of 26 countries. Free2Move eSolutions, an business line of NHΩA, has also built the world’s largest vehicle-to-grid (V2G) site with a capacity of 30MW and, when the grid needs electricity, the site can have up to 600 EVs connected to provide electricity back to the grid. NHΩA’s other business line, Atlante Co., has been swiftly expanding businesses in Southern Europe with the aim to become the largest virtual independent power producer (IPP).

Energy storage requires batteries and that is why TCC believes the key to the future of energy is batteries. Molie Quantum Energy, a TCC subsidiary, has been building a 1.8GWh super battery factory in Xiaogang, Taiwan since October 25, 2021, and it is scheduled to begin production in 1Q23. Combining the current 1.6GWh battery capacity of E-One Moli, by 2024, TCC’s total battery capacity will reach 3.3GWh, around 216 million units per year. The price of batteries is also expected to increase to US$5 per unit in 2024.

In addition to maintaining existing business and expanding to new energy businesses, TCC also has a responsibility to its current and future shareholders. The Company has been taking initiatives to revitalize its land assets, namely the properties in Taiwan and Mainland China. In Taiwan, the Zhudong property is aimed at becoming a lifestyle theme park while the property at Keelung Road, Taipei is aimed to be an “Urban Green Eco-Valley“. In Mainland China, an iconic building is under construction in the name of “TCC Gong Liang Building in Hangzhou“, which is scheduled to be completed in 2024 and will be TCC’s headquarters in Mainland China.

TCC firmly believes that an enterprise should be responsible for its current and future shareholders, but cannot solely focus on current profits. The most important responsibility lies in its positive contribution to the society and the Earth. We have inherited this planet from our ancestors. Therefore, we need to prove to the future generations that the decisions we are making right now is the correct one.

For the next decade, low-carbon cement, resource circulation and green energy are the three pillars for TCC’s sustainable growth.

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STATION Ai, Japan’s Largest Open Innovation Hub, Celebrates Grand Opening and Holds “IGNITION” Themed Events

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November 22, 2024

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STATION Ai, Japan’s largest open innovation hub, officially launched with a grand opening on October 31 and two-day “IGNITION” event from November 1-2

Now supporting 500 startups and 200 partner companies in Nagoya in Central Japan, the hub aims to drive innovation and revitalize Japan’s economy

NAGOYA, Japan, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — JETRO and Central Japan Startup Ecosystem Consortium are pleased to announce the opening of STATION Ai, Japan’s largest open innovation hub, which celebrated its grand opening on October 31, followed by a successful two-day inaugural event, “IGNITION,” on November 1-2. Located in Central Japan in Nagoya City, STATION Ai is now officially open and operating as the epicenter of Japan’s startup ecosystem. 

Central Japan’s Startup Ecosystem and its strengths in manufacturing and technology with startups to create open innovation with be further enhanced with the opening of STATION Ai. The hub’s launch in Central Japan is expected to be a significant boost for Japanese startups looking to expand their business in Japan and overseas markets, as well as for global startups looking to expand their business in Japan.

This unique ecosystem provides everything a startup needs – from highly trained workers in many specialized fields to opportunities to conduct feasibility studies with leading companies in various industries including the mobility sector. There are also accelerator programs, financial support systems, innovative university seeds, and collaborative partnerships with ecosystems outside of Japan and also attract a wide range of entrepreneurs to this region.  

Against this backdrop, as Japan’s largest incubation facility, STATION Ai will provide a wide range of support services and resources for startups and facilitates collaborations both globally and in Japan. STATION Ai aims to house 1,000 startups by the end of fiscal year 2029. 

STATION Ai is a central project within Aichi Prefecture’s “Aichi-Startup Strategy,” managed by STATION Ai Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of SoftBank, which was selected as the development and operations partner for the facility. In addition to offices for startups and partner companies, the facility will feature a tech lab, event areas, accommodation facilities, childcare services.

Aichi Governor Hideaki Ohmura opened the ceremony with inspirational remarks, “STATION Ai is a remarkable facility that will pave the way for Aichi Prefecture’s future as Japan and Asia’s largest startup incubation hub. I look forward to the day when the innovations born here will stand shoulder to shoulder with those from Silicon Valley.”

Junichi Miyakawa, SoftBank Corp. President & CEO, commented, “As someone originally from Aichi Prefecture, I find great significance in supporting startups in this region. I sincerely hope that startups emerging from here will lead Japan in the next 10 or 20 years.”

Hirotaka Sahashi, President and CEO of STATION Ai Co., Ltd., outlined STATION Ai’s vision and mission to drive innovation and support startups stating, “We are pleased to open with a significant ecosystem of 500 startups and 200 partner companies. STATION Ai aims to create a hybrid ecosystem that merges existing industries with startups, aspiring to become a hub for open innovation in Asia. We hope to build this valuable place together, where collaborations from around the world will gather.”

The ceremony included a performance reflecting on the “IGNITION” theme, which symbolizes the spark of innovation that STATION Ai aims to ignite.

The two-day “IGNITION” event successfully showcased the dynamic future STATION Ai envisions, attracting a diverse audience of entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. Attendees experienced a rich program of content, connecting with key players in the innovation landscape.

Key highlights of the “IGNITION” opening event included:

Keynotes and Sessions: Over 20 sessions and startup pitches provided valuable insights.Special Lectures: Nobel Laureate Professor Akira Yoshino and Osamu Suzuki, CEO of Startup Factory, delivered inspiring lectures.Public Broadcasting and Interactive Experiences: The live recording of Tokai TV’s “START UP!!” and hands-on activities engaged attendees of all ages.Facility Tours: Guided tours showcased STATION Ai’s state-of-the-art resources.

Background on Central Japan

Located in the Chubu region, also known as Central Japan – right in the middle of Japan’s main island, Honshu, this region is proud of playing a vital role in the history of Japan’s manufacturing craftsmanship. It was where Toyota first began, and as a tech pioneer, it is now the home to a wide range of sectors such as automobiles, photonics, and aerospace, using advanced, cutting-edge technologies.

Central Japan continues to invite entrepreneurs and capitalists from all corners of the world to facilitate state-of-the-art open innovation by infusing new ideas with local craftsmanship. And as a result, take part in playing a crucial role in paving the path towards the Homeland of Mobility 5.0 –the future of mobility.

About STATION Ai

STATION Ai opened its doors on October 1, 2024, on the south side of Tsuruma Park in Nagoya City. Operated by STATION Ai Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of SoftBank Corp., as a key component of the Aichi-Startup Strategy, it is Japan’s largest incubation facility. It provides a wide range of support services and resources for startups and facilitates collaborations both globally and in Japan. Its site area spans approximately 7,300 square meters and its floor space is 23,600 square meters, with seven above-ground floors. In addition to offices for startups and partner companies, the facility will feature a tech lab, event areas, accommodation facilities, childcare services, seven dining options, and the “Aichi Founders’ Museum,” which will showcase the achievements of entrepreneurs and business leaders with links to Aichi Prefecture. As of October 31, 2024, there are approximately 500 startups and 200 partner companies already affiliated with STATION Ai.

About the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem

In July 2020, Aichi prefecture, Nagoya City and Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka-prefecture became one of the four regional Startup Ecosystem Global Base Cities groups designated nationwide by the Japanese Cabinet Office. 

There are 848 startups in Central Japan, of which 209 are university-launched. An estimated 100.8 billion yen (from 2020 to 2024) of funds have been raised, in addition to accelerator programs, financial support systems, and innovative university seeds. 

Collaborative partnerships with Station F, INSEAD, BLOCK71, Paris &Co, Bpifrance, Venture Café, Plug and Play, Israel Innovation Authority, Tsinghua University, China Medical University, National University of Singapore, the University of Texas at Austin, Stanford University, North Carolina State University, University of Nebraska and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad attract a diverse range of entrepreneurs to the region. 

For more information, please visit https://central-startup.jp/en/ 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/station-ai-japans-largest-open-innovation-hub-celebrates-grand-opening-and-holds-ignition-themed-events-302314025.html

SOURCE JETRO and Central Japan Startup Ecosystem Consortium

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SGS ACHIEVES RECOGNITION AS AN APPROVED LEAF MARQUE CERTIFICATION BODY

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November 22, 2024

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MUMBAI, India, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SGS in India is proud to announce that we are approved by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) to be a Certification Body (CB) for the prestigious LEAF Marque, an envi­ron­men­tal assur­ance sys­tem recog­nis­ing sus­tain­able farmed products. The LEAF Marque is based on LEAF’s nine Integrated Farm Management (IFM) principles and aims to deliver positive action for climate, nature, economy, and society transforming farming and food at a global level.

As an approved CB, SGS can audit and certify food organizations to be adhering to the LEAF Marque standard and demonstrate that their products come from a farm practising sustainable agriculture and are compliant with the requirements of the LEAF Marque standard.

Key features of LEAF Marque certification:

Integrated Farm Management (IFM): Farms are assessed on their ability to integrate various sustainable practices, such as efficient water usage, wildlife conservation, and soil management.Environmental Protection: Certified farms commit to reducing pesticide use, conserving natural resources, and enhancing biodiversity.Traceability: Products with the LEAF Marque label provide consumers confidence that their food has been produced sustainably.

Achieving the prestigious LEAF Marque certification showcases a food company’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, aligning with the values of environmentally conscious consumers.

For customers, this commitment means:

Access to responsibly grown, sustainable foodSupporting ethical and eco-friendly agricultural practicesConfidence in transparent and trustworthy supply chainsA deeper connection to farmers and sustainable farming communities.

For further information, please contact:
Mr. Ghanendra Sharma
Head – GGAP & Organic Services, Business Assurance
T: +91 991 036 86 02

Mr. Neeraj Puri
National Manager – Food and Agriculture, Business Assurance
T: +91 981 502 09 99

ABOUT SGS

We are SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the world benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer, and more interconnected world.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2458028/4804528/SGS_New_Logo.jpg

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/sgs-achieves-recognition-as-an-approved-leaf-marque-certification-body-302314026.html

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Atyeti Inc. Named One of the Best Places to Work in New Jersey for 2024

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November 22, 2024

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Atyeti Inc., a global technology services provider, has been named one of the Best Places to Work in New Jersey for 2024. This recognition, awarded by Best Companies Group, highlights the company’s dedication to creating a supportive, inclusive, and empowering workplace. It marks the second time Atyeti has received this honor. Award recognizes Atyeti’s commitment to employee well-being, career development, and a positive work culture played a key role in this achievement.

PRINCETON, N.J, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Atyeti Inc., a global technology services provider, is excited to announce that it has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in New Jersey for 2024. This prestigious accolade, awarded by Best Companies Group, underscores Atyeti’s ongoing dedication to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and empowering workplace culture.

Best Places to Work in New Jersey for 2024 recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, who are at the core of Atyeti’s success. We are committed to creating an environment where every individual is valued, supported, and given the tools to reach their full potential.

“We are incredibly proud and humbled to be named one of the Best Places to Work for second time in New Jersey,” said Prashanth Myadam, President & CEO of Atyeti Inc. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, who are at the core of our success. We are committed to creating an environment where every individual is valued, supported, and given the tools to reach their full potential.”

The Best Places to Work award is based on an extensive evaluation of company practices, policies, and employee feedback, assessing everything from workplace culture to benefits and growth opportunities. Atyeti’s recognition reflects its ongoing efforts to prioritize employee wellness, career development, and community engagement.

Key initiatives that contributed to Atyeti’s recognition include:

Employee Wellness Programs: Comprehensive health and wellness benefits designed to support physical and mental well-being.Professional Development: Continuous learning opportunities, mentorship, and career advancement programs.Inclusive Culture: A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, supported by employee resource groups and initiatives.Community Involvement: Encouraging employees to participate in volunteer and community service projects.

“We believe that a positive and engaged workforce is key to driving innovation and success,” said Kanti Ponnada, Global Head of HR at Atyeti Inc. “This award reinforces our commitment to investing in our people, creating an environment where they can thrive both professionally and personally.”

For more information about Atyeti Inc. and career opportunities, visit https://www.atyeti.com/.

About Atyeti Inc

Atyeti Inc. is a global technology services provider focused on innovation and excellence, Atyeti partners with clients to deliver transformative solutions that drive business success. With the ethos of Exceeding Expectations, Atyeti strives to go above and beyond in every project. In recent years, Atyeti has expanded its capabilities to become a leader in Digital Transformation, with a strong emphasis on Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Cloud Transformation. Atyeti is proud to be working with world-leading technology companies to help clients navigate the digital age. With a team of 850+ talented technologists globally, Atyeti is at the forefront of developing and deploying cutting-edge innovations to solve complex challenges across a wide range of industries.

Media Contact

Rashmi Sharma, Atyeti Inc., 1 6093563579, rashmi.sharma@atyeti.com, https://www.atyeti.com/.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/atyeti-inc-named-one-of-the-best-places-to-work-in-new-jersey-for-2024-302313467.html

SOURCE Atyeti Inc.; Atyeti Inc.

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