SINGAPORE, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As Catcher Technology’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) approaches on May 27, 2025, shareholder activism continues to play a prominent role in shaping corporate governance discussions at the Taiwanese electronics casing manufacturer. Two foreign institutional investors, Singapore-based Vasanta Master Fund and Hong Kong-based Pagoda, have formally nominated candidates for four of the seven board seats up for election, including three positions reserved for independent directors.

This follows a multi-year campaign by the two funds aimed at improving board oversight, capital allocation practices, and shareholder rights at Catcher. The investors previously submitted a shareholder proposal in 2024 to allow shareholders to propose cash dividends, which was supported by global proxy advisory firms ISS and Glass Lewis. While the resolution did not pass, it received 30.37% of the shareholder vote, suggesting growing interest in governance reforms among international investors.

In this year’s AGM, Vasanta and Pagoda are again seeking to influence the company’s direction through board representation. They argue that their nominees would bring independent oversight and align with global governance standards. Proxy advisors ISS and Glass Lewis are expected to release their voting recommendations in the coming weeks, which could shape the outcome of the election.

Both Vasanta and Pagoda remain under regulatory review by Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC), which has revisited earlier inquiries regarding investor disclosure and ownership. The funds have stated that they continue to comply with all applicable regulations and disclosure requirements.

Catcher Technology has been the subject of increased scrutiny in recent years following the sale of key business assets and ongoing investigations involving its chairman and family members related to potential insider trading. These developments have raised broader questions around governance and accountability at the company.

The 2025 AGM may serve as a notable example of the increasing involvement of foreign institutional investors in Taiwan’s corporate governance environment. Additional details regarding Vasanta’s engagement with Catcher Technology are available at https://www.governanceforcatcher.com/, a public resource accessible to all market participants. Proxy advisors and shareholders are expected to make their assessments based on the information and disclosures provided.

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SOURCE Vasanta Master Fund

Collaboration aims to revolutionize video production of advertisements in Japan

TOKYO, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of global technology company Tencent, and Offshore Company, a subsidiary of PR firm Vector Group, which ranks sixth globally and first in Asia[1], today proudly announced the launch of “AvaMo,” Japan’s first AI-powered avatar video generation service specifically designed for the Japanese market[2]. Powered by Tencent Cloud’s advanced digital human creation technology, AvaMo enables the quick creation of professional-quality videos, dramatically reducing both production time and costs by up to 98%[3]—a true game changer for producing video advertisements.

“AvaMo” is an AI video generation service developed by Offshore Company with technology provided by Tencent Cloud. The name “AvaMo” combines the words “Avatar” and “Motion/Movie,” representing its ability to create high-quality videos featuring AI avatars with natural movements. The service is versatile, catering to a wide range of use cases, including advertising, customer support, and educational content.

Addressing the Needs of a Rapidly Growing Market

The global AI video generation market has been rapidly expanding, with projections estimating its value at $4.1 billion (approx. ¥582.2 billion) in 2024 and $62.8 billion (approx. ¥8.93 trillion) by 2034, growing at a compound annual rate of 31.38%[4]. However, in Japan, AI-generated video and voice technologies are still in their infancy, with most applications focused on text and image generation. Comprehensive commercial use of AI in video production remains limited.

While global services like “Synthesia” and “HeyGen” have gained traction, Japan lacks services optimized for the domestic market, particularly in terms of Japanese-language support, avatar designs tailored for Japanese audiences, and user-friendly interfaces. AvaMo fills this gap, offering a solution tailored for Japanese users—with Japanese avatars, voiceovers, and an intuitive UI—while also supporting multilingual and global business needs.

Revolutionizing Video Production with AvaMo

Conventional video production involves multiple steps: planning, scripting, storyboarding, filming, and editing—often taking weeks to months and incurring significant costs. AvaMo simplifies this process by integrating templates, AI avatars, and natural text-to-speech (TTS) technology, allowing users to create professional-quality videos with just a few clicks. Powered by Tencent Cloud’s AI-driven digital human creation technology and Offshore Company’s intuitive interface, AvaMo makes video production more accessible to enterprises in Japan.

Key Features of AvaMo:

UI/UX Design Optimized for Japanese MarketTemplates, audio, and avatar expressions are fine-tuned for Japanese users.AI voice technology reproduces authentic Japanese intonation.Avatar models reflect Japanese corporate culture and lifestyle nuances.Beginner-Friendly, Automated WorkflowAI handles scenario creation, casting, filming support, and audio recording.Simple, click-based interface allows users with no prior experience to create compelling videos.Realistic Digital Human (Avatar) GenerationAdvanced AI generates lifelike avatars with nuanced facial expressions, lip-sync, and gestures.Avatars are created from short video samples (1–3 minutes), ensuring high-fidelity and real-time responsiveness.Versatile Templates and Custom AvatarsWide range of templates for advertising, branding, product demos, manuals, and more.Supports vertical video formats for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.Over 120 avatar types available, with options for custom avatars[5] using personal face and voice data.Multilingual SupportTTS supports English, Chinese, Korean, and more than ten other languages, facilitating cross-border campaigns.Prevention of AI misuse and Privacy ProtectionStrict adherence to ethical and legal standards, including user consent and dual-layer content moderation (AI + human review).Proactive measures against misuse, including account suspension and reporting to authorities for serious violations.Industry-Leading SecurityOffshore Company is certified for ISMS (ISO27001), ensuring robust data privacy and information security for all clients.

Hanson Liu, Head of Tencent Cloud Japan, said, “We are excited to partner with Offshore Company in transforming Japan’s digital advertising industry. AvaMo leverages Tencent Cloud’s AI technology to simplify the creation of high-quality advertising content, enhancing customer engagement and optimizing marketing strategies for businesses.”

Kenta Noro, Representative Director of Offshore Company Co., Ltd. and CTO of Vector Group, said, “We are honored to launch this innovative AI video generation service for the Japanese market in collaboration with Tencent Cloud. There is a strong demand for intuitive, practical AI video tools tailored for Japan, and AvaMo delivers exactly that. By democratizing access to high-quality video production, we aim to empower more companies and individuals to harness the potential of AI, while leveraging the extensive PR and marketing expertise of Vector Group.”

About Tencent Cloud:

Tencent Cloud, one of the world’s leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT, and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel, and transportation.

About Offshore Company:

Offshore Company is a technology solutions provider specializing in AI and system development. Led by Vector Group CTO, Mr. Kenta Noro, the company brings together a team of over 1,000 engineers both in Japan and overseas, including highly experienced project managers with a strong track record in the financial industry. Offshore Company delivers high-quality, cost-effective solutions to address a wide range of development challenges faced by businesses. Leveraging its in-house expertise in AI model development, the company also offers cutting-edge AI services such as “AI Video Translator” and “AI Vertical Video,” supporting client companies in unlocking new business opportunities through advanced technology.

*According to PR Week Global Agency Business Report 2023.

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SOURCE Tencent Cloud

MANILA, Philippines, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trinasolar, a global smart PV and energy storage solutions provider, has supplied 52,000 of its n-type i-TOPCon Vertex N 710-715W (NEG21C.20) modules for the Limbauan Solar Power Project (LSPP), a 40-megawatt direct current (MWdc) solar facility in San Pablo, Isabela, Philippines. Developed by BKS Green Energy Corporation (BKS), a subsidiary of Rizal Green Energy Corporation (RGEC), a joint venture between PetroGreen Energy Corporation (PGEC) and Japan’s TAISEI Corporation, the project aims to bolster Luzon grid’s renewable energy supply.

LSPP is projected to generate approximately 59 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually, sufficient to power around 33,000 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 31,700 metric tons. This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing Philippines’ renewable energy infrastructure and promoting sustainable development.

The project is divided into two phases: a 6 MWdc Phase 1 connecting to the Isabela Electric Cooperative-II (ISELCO-II) system, and a 34 MWdc Phase 2 connecting to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) 69 kV Tuguegarao-Cabagan line via a 4.73 km dedicated transmission facility.

Beyond supplying high-efficiency and high-power modules, Trinasolar actively contributed to the project’s success by providing training programs aimed at upskilling local talent. This initiative aligns with the project’s goal of employing approximately 500-600 workers at the peak of construction, fostering economic growth in the Cagayan Valley region.

Maria Victoria M. Olivar, PGEC Vice President for Business Development and Commercial Operations said, “We are thrilled to officially begin the installation of LSPP’s PV panels in the presence of our various stakeholders – private and public – especially local government officials of our host communities who are strong supporters of PetroGreen’s first investment in Region 2.”

Atty. Angelynn C. Salazar conveyed a message from Isabela Governor Rodolfo T. Albano III saying, “The project also serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when government, private sectors, and local communities work together toward a common goal.”

Elva Wang, Trinasolar’s Group Director for Southeast Asia said, “Philippines boasts immense potential to harness solar energy to meet its rising energy demands. By integrating our Vertex N modules, featuring cutting-edge n-type i-TOPCon technology, into the LSPP, we are delivering exceptional efficiency and energy output. Building upon our successful partnership, including the 117MW supply agreement signed in April 2024, we are committed to supporting PetroGreen in accelerating the adoption of clean energy solutions across the nation.”

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/trinasolar-powers-landmark-40-mw-northern-philippine-solar-project-by-petrogreen-302450950.html

SOURCE Trina Solar Energy Development Pte. Ltd.