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Claremont McKenna College Students Create Video Voter Guide Explaining California Propositions

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CLAREMONT, Calif. , Oct. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — For California voters strapped for time, students at the Rose Institute of State and Local Government at Claremont McKenna College have produced a Video Voter Guide that presents a thoughtful, nonpartisan summary of each proposition on the statewide ballot through short videos and written backgrounders.

With more than 100 pages devoted to the 10 propositions, this year’s ballot is daunting. Many of the 10 Claremont McKenna students who drove the production of the videos and backgrounders analyzing the pros and cons of each ballot measure were drawn to the project by its emphasis on voter education and informed voting.

“There is so much fake news in the media, and so many partisan agendas pushed that aren’t giving the public the full picture,” said Katherine Jackson, a senior at Claremont McKenna College. “Being part of something that is nonpartisan with the only goal being to inform the general public is such an incredible opportunity. I want students my age to vote and care about what they’re voting for.”

The project is designed with young voters in mind. The videos are brief and have engaging graphics, perfect for YouTube and Instagram viewers. And, as part of the Rose Institute’s youth outreach effort, Jackson noted that she and her fellow students are sending links to the Video Voter Guide to high school government and history teachers throughout California in hopes of encouraging eligible youths to vote.

“Voting is our civic duty. My classes have taught me the power and importance of voting,” said Jackson. “It is a chance for everybody to have a voice in government and their communities.”

Ken Miller, Claremont McKenna professor of Government and director of the Rose Institute, said the Video Voter Guide, is “right at the heart of our institute’s mission to produce high-quality research and promote public understanding of state and local government in California.”

And, he noted, students have been at the center of the project in every election cycle since 2012. “The project is student-initiated, it’s student-driven, and there is a really collaborative interaction between students and faculty,” Miller said.

“Students learn from faculty how to analyze a complex policy issue, describe it in a nonpartisan way, present the best arguments for and against the measure, and help voters make their own decisions on the matter,” Miller said. “That’s an important skill consistent with the whole ethos of Claremont McKenna, which is to be able to objectively analyze contentious topics, develop good arguments on both sides, and communicate them clearly and effectively.”

Jackson said she’s planning to share the videos with her peers. “I’ve had many conversations with friends who’ve decided not to vote just because they don’t know what’s on the ballot. So, this project is personal to me, as I’m able to break down the ballot measures into simple and clear videos. I can send them to my friends and family and say, ‘Please watch these short videos, and it will all make sense!'”

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/claremont-mckenna-college-students-create-video-voter-guide-explaining-california-propositions-302270641.html

SOURCE Claremont McKenna College

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JOHNSON CONTROLS TO SHOWCASE SMARTER, SAFER, AND MORE RESILIENT DATA CENTRE SOLUTIONS AT DATA CENTRE WORLD ASIA 2024

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Key executives to share insights on sustainable data centre infrastructure and innovation to address key challenges and drive best practices for a more sustainable future.

SINGAPORE, Oct. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, is participating in Data Centre World Asia 2024, where the company will showcase its cutting-edge solutions for the rapidly growing data centre industry. With over 140 years of innovation, Johnson Controls delivers sustainable infrastructure, advanced technology, and integrated solutions that optimize performance, energy efficiency, and security in mission-critical environments like data centres.

“In a world where data centres consume up to 50 times more energy than traditional buildings, our focus on sustainable infrastructure has never been more critical,” said Anu Rathninde, President, Asia Pacific, Johnson Controls. “Our focus on customized and integrated solutions empowers data centres to operate at their peak while minimizing their environmental footprint. We provide the tools and support that enable our clients to thrive in this competitive landscape.”

Revolutionizing Data Centre Operations with Integrated, High-Performance Solutions

At Data Centre World Asia 2024, Johnson Controls will highlight its integrated solution and approach that ensure seamless operations, optimized efficiency, and enhanced asset protection throughout the lifecycle of data centres.

Comprehensive Portfolio: Johnson Controls provides comprehensive suites of energy-efficient and resilient solutions for data centres, including HVAC, critical environmental monitoring, fire suppression, and security systems. From the life safety and asset protection to the sustainable cooling solution, the portfolio of integrated solutions helps minimize costs, maximize efficiency, and optimize timing when speed matters.Sustainable Performance: Johnson Controls offers advanced cooling technology that drives sustainable, low-carbon performance. One of its latest cooling solutions offer nearly 80% greater energy efficiency and significant space savings compared to previous models. The utilization of ultra-low GWP refrigerants further help deliver sustainable, high-performance outcomes in mission-critical environments.Trusted Expertise: With professional teams, dedicated data centre support, fast response, and full life-cycle project management, Johnson Controls is able to ensure speed to market and speed to service for data centres. The company employs a 4-step delivery model that includes need assessment, solutioning, execution, and proactive service. This approach is able to ensure continuous improvement across the lifecycle of data centre projects by leveraging data-driven insights to reduce risks, improve turnaround times, and provide end-to-end solution for streamlined operations.

Empowering Customers with Proven Results in Data Centre Excellence

Johnson Controls has successfully enhanced operational efficiency and sustainability for major data centre clients across the Asia-Pacific region. For one hyperscale data centre provider in Sydney, Australia, Johnson Controls implemented its OpenBlue platform to optimize HVAC performance, integrate third-party systems, and track energy consumption through AI-powered recommendations. Over an eight-month period, the provider achieved more than $70,000 in cost savings and saved over 1 million kWh of energy—four times the predicted goal. Additionally, advanced digital monitoring identified high-priority maintenance needs, further reducing operational risks and enhancing overall system reliability. The latest generation of smart building software, like Johnson Controls OpenBlue, can optimize the operation of a chilled water system serving a data centre every minute of every day and provide only the cooling needed. With advanced optimization, data centres can see a reduction in annual energy use associated with cooling of 5 to 15%.

In another project for a large co-location provider in Japan, Johnson Controls delivered a flexible solution combining a SCADA-based building management system (BMS) with an electric power management system (EPMS). This large-scale data centre spans six floors, with an IT capacity of 50MW and a total area of 28,600 square meters. Johnson Controls’ approach ensured that the data centre met global standards while adapting to on-the-ground challenges, such as the transition from air cooling to liquid cooling during construction.

Leading the Conversation: Industry Insights and Leadership at Data Centre World Asia 2024

Johnson Controls will have a significant presence at Data Centre World 2024, with leadership participating in keynotes and panel discussions. They will share insights on topics like sustainable data centre infrastructure, smart building innovations, and the role of integrated solution and approach in improving operational efficiency. The company will showcase its vision for the future of data centres, highlighting how advanced technology and solutions can drive smarter, safer, and more resilient operations.

“The future of data centres lies in our ability to harness innovation and sustainability. By sharing our insights and expertise at Data Centre World Asia 2024, we aim to inspire industry leaders to embrace change and create resilient infrastructures that serve both people and the planet,” said Anu Rathninde.

As demand for data centres continues to surge, Johnson Controls is firmly positioned to meet the evolving needs of the industry. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is underscored by the recent establishment of a dedicated Global Data Centre Solutions organization in June 2024.

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About Johnson Controls:

At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.

Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centres, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.

Today, with a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.

Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/johnson-controls-to-showcase-smarter-safer-and-more-resilient-data-centre-solutions-at-data-centre-world-asia-2024-302270815.html

SOURCE Johnson Controls

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Polyhedra Network and WSPN Join Forces to Enhance WUSD with Zero-Knowledge Solutions

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SINGAPORE, Oct. 9, 2024  /PRNewswire/ — Worldwide Stablecoin Payment Network (WSPN) is excited to partner with Polyhedra Network to incorporate zero-knowledge technology for the future of digital payment. Leveraging Polyhedra’s expertise in cutting-edge cryptographic techniques, this partnership aims to drive innovation, speed, and security for digital ledger technology used by international payment systems. 

WSPN provides transparent and efficient solutions for payment technology, with a dedication to shaping seamless experiences at the frontier of financial inclusion. In particular, WSPN pioneers the stablecoin WUSD, which is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. Dollar and aims for worldwide payments and round-the-clock financial markets.  WUSD is built to bridge the gap between DeFi and TradFi, uniquely poised to transact across borders and mitigate volatility associated with other riskier assets. WSPN has taken a proactive approach with regards to compliance for WUSD, partnering with security firms like Certik to ensure smart contract integrity. 

There are three areas the joint teams have identified for collaboration:

Interoperability with zkBridge

Bringing zkBridge to WSPN’s infrastructure will help increase interoperability without relying on external trust assumptions. zkBridge allows different networks to verify data in a secure manner, and employs the use of best-in-class provers to significantly improve proof generation.  zkBridge also reduces on-chain verification costs, and will allow for transference of cross-chain assets and liquidity. Together, zkBridge and WSPN hope to benefit the overall functionality, data validity, and collaboration of the WUSD system.

ZK-powered Proof of Reserve

Polyhedra will build upon WSPN’s current Proof of Reserve process by using a ZK PoR mechanism. Polyhedra PoR will help demonstrate and ensure that assets exist 1-1 to back the WUSD coins held on-chain. This verifies that every dollar in WUSD is backed by its equivalent tangible asset in the real world. As a result, users can have more trust in the stability of their asset(s).

Pioneering Private Transactions

Historically, the transparency of digital ledgers has been a sore point for financial institutions that require privacy and regulatory measures such as selective disclosure. Polyhedra has developed a proprietary offering which employs conditional de-anonymization for compliant and efficient transactions. In the context of WUSD, this solution will empower users and institutions with the ability to obfuscate their transaction details.

All three of these solutions are supported by Expander, the fastest ZK proof system to date. Invented by the cryptography team at Polyhedra, Expander uses innovative polynomial commitment schemes integrated with the GKR protocol to minimize computational overhead, reduce memory usage, and process high-performance calculations. Expander’s contribution to these products and this collaboration means WSPN can set a new industry standard for scalability and security in stablecoins.

Together, WSPN and Polyhedra are excited about how this partnership will expand ecosystems and drive value for users and the community. Increasing usability of these tools will help to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the digital economy.

****END****

About Polyhedra Network

Polyhedra Network is building the next generation of secure, interoperable, and scalable blockchain infrastructure with advanced zero-knowledge-proof technology. The team has developed and deployed several next-generation ZK-SNARK protocols resulting in performance improvements orders of magnitude faster than existing solutions. Their interoperability solution, zkBridge, connects over 25 blockchains and proves the validity of cross-chain messages utilizing zero-knowledge proofs. Developers building with Polyhedra Network can create secure, scalable, interoperable applications without any additional trust assumptions.

Website | X (formerly Twitter) | Discord

About WSPN

WSPN is a leading provider of next-generation stablecoin infrastructure, committed to building a more secure, efficient, and transparent payment solution for the global economy. Their flagship product, WUSD stablecoin, is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. Dollar and aims to optimize secure digital payments for Web3 users.  WSPN ‘s Stablecoin 2.0 approach prioritizes user-centricity, community governance, and accessibility, paving the way for widespread stablecoin adoption.

Learn more: www.wspn.io | X | LinkedIn

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2429245/WSPN_logo_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/polyhedra-network-and-wspn-join-forces-to-enhance-wusd-with-zero-knowledge-solutions-302270809.html

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Checkout.com becomes first Global PSP to launch Octopus, the leading payment method in Hong Kong, for online payments

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Checkout.com is the first global digital payments provider to offer Octopus as an online payment method for merchants.Octopus, the leading payment method in Hong Kong, boasts an impressive 98% penetration among its 7.5 million residents, making it the most popular payment method in the region.This new offering enhances Octopus’ portfolio of Alternative Payment Methods (APMs), driving better performance and providing significant benefits for merchants with a business presence in Hong Kong or those operating e-commerce or retail platforms catering to Hong Kong residents.

HONG KONG, Oct. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Checkout.com, a leading digital payments provider, today announced a strategic partnership with Octopus, Hong Kong’s first homegrown global fintech, to enable online payment for customers of Hong Kong’s leading payment choice – becoming the first global payment service provider (PSP) to add Octopus as a payment option at check-out. 

Octopus, the dominant payment experience in Hong Kong, boasts an impressive 98% penetration among the city’s 7.5 million residents. Initially introduced as the world’s first contactless card for multimodal transportation in 1997, Octopus has evolved into a versatile payment system, now widely used for retail, shopping, and food and beverage transactions at home and abroad.

In a strategic move to stay competitive in a market where digital-first payments are increasingly expected, Octopus has been driving the shift toward digital payments in Hong Kong. Since launching its mobile app in 2012, there are now more than 4.5 million Octopus wallets. With its ecosystem partners, the company continues to drive mobile payment adoption in Hong Kong, as well as expansion of interoperable payments in Mainland China and overseas. Through this integration, Checkout.com empowers merchants targeting Hong Kong residents to offer a seamless, tech-forward payment experience that meets the evolving expectations of consumers.

The collaboration will make Octopus more accessible to merchants seeking a secure, efficient digital checkout experience, while also enhancing merchants’ payment performance. Checkout.com’s offering includes the integration of Octopus’s online payment solutions through Octopus mobile app.

Brian Sze, General Manager, APAC at Checkout.com, said: “Catering to local payment preferences is crucial for success in the Hong Kong market. Our strategic partnership with Octopus underscores Checkout.com’s commitment to investing in our Asia footprint, delivering localized payment solutions that empower merchants to thrive in this dynamic region.”

Edwin Lai, Head of Business Development and International Business at Octopus, said: “At Octopus, we pride ourselves for making everyday life easier. This partnership with Checkout.com will enhance and broaden the payment experience not just for our customers, but also merchants within Hong Kong and beyond. We anticipate robust demand from global and local businesses eager to access Hong Kong’s consumers. We hope this collaboration will help support the growth of the city’s digital commerce.”

*ENDS*

About Checkout.com

Checkout.com processes payments for thousands of companies that shape the digital economy. Our global digital payments network supports over 145 currencies and delivers high-performance payment solutions across the world, processing billions of transactions annually.

With flexible and scalable technology, we help enterprise merchants boost acceptance rates, reduce processing costs, combat fraud, and turn payments into a major revenue driver. Headquartered in London and with 16 offices worldwide, Checkout.com is trusted by leading brands such as Sony, Shein, Sainsbury’s, Wise, GE Healthcare, and The Financial Times.

Checkout.com. Where the world checks out.

About Octopus Cards Limited (Licence Number: SVF0001)

Operating under the Stored Value Facilities Licence, Octopus Cards Limited (OCL) provides innovative offline and online Octopus payment services to meet customers’ diverse payment needs. Launched in 1997 by OCL, the Octopus system in Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading and most extensively accepted contactless smartcard payment systems. Its aspiration is to bring diversity and inclusion in payment to customers of all facets of life.

Today, more than 24 million Octopus cards and products are in circulation; spanning businesses including public transport, parking, retail, self-help services, schools, and leisure facilities, and access control for residential and commercial buildings. There are almost 190,000 Octopus acceptance points in the market. Octopus’ application has been extended to online and mobile payment arenas with services including Octopus on iPhone and Apple Watch, Octopus on Samsung Pay, Octopus on Huawei Pay, Octopus App, Octopus Wallet, Octopus Mastercard® and UnionPay, bringing new payment experiences to customers.

The Octopus Group exports its unique experience and technology overseas, offering consultancy services across the world. The mission of OCL is simple: Making everyday life easier. For more information about OCL, please visit www.octopus.com.hk.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/checkoutcom-becomes-first-global-psp-to-launch-octopus-the-leading-payment-method-in-hong-kong-for-online-payments-302270206.html

SOURCE Checkout.com

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