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Global Times: Species thriving thanks to policy, consensus in China

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BEIJING, Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Under the global framework for biodiversity, more wildlife species are increasing in number and enjoying a better space for living and breeding in China with the help of advanced technology and more popular caring, according to the Chinese delegation from diverse institutes and organizations at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity that is being held in Cali, Colombia.

A prolonged whistle resonated through the sky, prompting visitors to lift their cameras in anticipation of capturing the migratory birds that were arriving. In recent years, tens of thousands of migratory birds such as cormorants fly each autumn to Shenzhen, a subtropical metropolis in South China, making the city one of the most important stops for these birds in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Their numbers are still increasing as the local environment improves. Environmental conservation organizations, including the Mangrove Conservation Foundation (MCF), see the growing population of migratory birds as a signal that urban biodiversity in China is heading in the right direction. 

Only around a few meters away from visitors, a black-faced spoonbill heads down in search of food over the wetlands at the Futian Mangrove National Nature Reserve alongside dozens of its brethren. Meanwhile, in the Futian Mangrove Ecological Park, an Eurasian otter, a species that disappeared from the Shenzhen Bay for nearly 20 years, has re-emerged.  

Chen Yudong, a staff member with the Mangrove Conservation Foundation who focuses on the protection and biodiversity of wetlands, told the Global Times that the Futian Mangrove Ecological Park is currently home to five species listed as National Key Protected Wildlife, including the Eastern imperial eagle, the black-faced spoonbill, and the small Indian civet. 

Additionally, the park has 39 nationally protected wildlife species at the second level (including birds, mammals, and reptiles). From 2015 to 2023, the number of insect species had risen from 109 to 1,224, while bird species had increased from 83 to 220.  

To maintain and improve biodiversity in metropolises like Shenzhen, Chinese environmentalists are exploring the effective application of emerging technologies and analytical methods in biodiversity monitoring, such as bioacoustics, weather radar data, and artificial intelligence, according to Insights for Cities on Biodiversity, an initiative focusing on how to sustain urban biodiversity, published in Shenzhen in September. 

For instance, during the migratory season, weather radar is being promoted to analyze and predict the flight paths of bird flocks, informing the implementation of lighting management strategies. This technology can help reduce accidents involving birds colliding with tall buildings or windows, particularly at night.

The delegation of the conservation foundation brought the initiative to COP16 and shared China’s experience with people who are concerned about how global biodiversity is being impacted by the continuously expanding urban areas around the world. 

Chen said that these projects and technologies are all aimed at speeding up achieving the global target set for 2030 and beyond to safeguard and sustainably use biodiversity, which was clarified in the framework, also known as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at the COP15 during the Chinese presidency.

Shenzhen is not the only city that protects wetlands and preserves an international channel for migratory birds. Black-faced spoonbills have also been observed in the wetlands in East China’s Zhejiang and Fujian provinces and South China’s Guangxi.

Li Cheng, founder of the Xizijiang Ecological Conservation Center, has also been encouraged and guided by the biodiversity framework. 

“Since the COP15 was held in Kunming, I have felt the growing emphasis on ecological and biological protection from the public and authorities. More people are aware of the importance of sustaining the populations of each species on the Earth through public outreach programs,” Li told the Global Times, noting growing social consensus on biodiversity conservation seen in his daily work.

The infrared cameras set up by Li’s patrol team around the Wuqinzhang Mountain in Guangdong have recently captured additional pangolin movements, further bolstering Li’s confidence that the population of these endangered creatures is increasing.

Li still remembers the excitement he felt when one infrared camera first captured a pangolin at the end of 2018 and the night when he and colleagues repeatedly checked the pangolin’s photo multiple times. 

Chinese pangolins were assessed as “critically endangered” by the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species in 2019 and was even thought to be functionally extinct at the time of its assessment.

Now more and more people, including local villagers who have joined the patrol team, have begun to devote their lives to protecting pangolins. To improve the efficiency of their conservation efforts, Li noted that in addition to infrared cameras, a mobile application especially developed for patrol personnel has been put into use. The app is constantly updated with real-time information on the pangolins, thereby informing those on patrol of urgent situations.

“We have begun to shift our priorities and are more focused on restoring the pangolins’ habitat and making more creative use of conservation technologies,” Li noted.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-species-thriving-thanks-to-policy-consensus-in-china-302293621.html

SOURCE Global Times

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Hong Kong Top 5 “Across-the-Border Hotpot”

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HONG KONG, Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Hotpot is a popular option in Hong Kong. In recent years, brands from mainland China, Singapore, and Taiwan have entered, providing diverse flavors. To highlight the most talked-about brands, DailyView analyzed online data from the past three months across Hong Kong and Macau, showcasing the top five popular hotpot spots.

Data Source: “DailyView Hong Kong” uses KEYPO.ai to track discussions across over 20,000 news websites, social media, forums, and blogs in Hong Kong and Macau, measuring popularity by the volume of posts and comments.

No.1 Rododo Hongkong (1,972 mentions)
This Taiwanese hotpot brand offers large portions and great value, becoming a favorite among Hong Kong diners. Known for hearty portions and high-quality meats like U.S. beef, Australian lamb, and Wagyu, it serves meat lovers with flair. Highlights include a birthday “meat cake” layered with various meats and a self-serve sauce bar to customize flavors. The unique features have made Rododo the most-discussed brand.
Customer feedback: “Perfect spot to satisfy a meat craving!”

No.2 Haidilao Hongkong  (1,620 mentions)
Haidilao is famous for its high-standard customer service, providing perks like free manicures, phone charging, and snacks while waiting. Specialty broths like spicy Sichuan, tomato, and mushroom cater to different tastes, and their noodle-pulling performance adds fun to the dining experience.
Customer feedback: “Enjoying five-star service while having hotpot!”

No.3 Beauty In The Pot (1,220 mentions)
From Singapore, Beauty In The Pot promotes a beauty-enhancing hotpot experience. Popular items include the collagen-boosting “Beauty Broth” and a range of health-oriented broths with ingredients from Sichuan, Taiwan, and Japan. The restaurant’s soft pink decor creates a cozy atmosphere, ideal for friend gatherings or dates.
Customer feedback: “Healthy, beauty-boosting broths with no guilt!”

No.4 Coucou Hotpot‧ Tea Break (1,027 mentions)
CouCou attracts younger customers with innovative broths and special student discounts. Popular choices include spicy Sichuan and sauerkraut pork broths. The stylish decor and individual table lamps create a comfortable, private setting, making it a popular spot for couples and friends.
Customer feedback: “Can’t wait to have more hotpot here!”

No.5 Master Beef Hotpot (671 mentions)
Master Beef is renowned for its unlimited meat buffet, especially thinly sliced marbled beef that melts in your mouth. The self-service station offers a variety of fresh vegetables, tofu, and Taiwanese snacks, creating a satisfying experience for gatherings and casual meals.
Customer feedback: “Great choice for an all-you-can-eat beef feast!”

Analysis Notes:
The data for this analysis was using 《KEYPO Big Data Intelligence》, covering the period from July 14 to October 13, 2024. KEYPO, the AI-powered tool monitors over 10,000 websites monthly across Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, processing over 150 billion Chinese-language data points from Facebook, YouTube, Threads, TikTok, Instagram, news outlets, forums, and blogs. The ranking reflects the discussion volume and sentiment around each topic.

CONTACT: Brenda Chang, brenda.chang@big-data.com.tw

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/hong-kong-top-5-across-the-border-hotpot-302293802.html

SOURCE DailyView Hong Kong

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NUS launches BLOCK71 Nagoya to strengthen Japan-Southeast Asia innovation exchange

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BLOCK71 Nagoya will also be the gateway for Japanese start-ups to Southeast AsiaNUS partners ENEOS Holdings, Inc. to facilitate bilateral cooperation in growing innovation and enterprise ecosystems in both countries

NAGOYA, Japan, Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS) has launched BLOCK71 Nagoya today, marking its operational opening for start-ups. BLOCK71 Nagoya aims to create a technology-focused ecosystem connecting Japan and Southeast Asia, providing Southeast Asian start-ups with essential support to navigate Japan’s cultural and business nuances for successful expansion. At the same time, it will support Japanese start-ups to grow and scale effectively in Southeast Asia.  

Nagoya is a key hub for technology start-ups looking to expand into Southeast Asia, backed by Aichi’s strength as Japan’s manufacturing powerhouse, which is home to leading companies in automotive, aviation, and robotics. These industries provide a strong foundation for technological growth and offer valuable collaboration opportunities with established corporations.

The opening of the centre was graced by His Excellency Hideaki Omura, the Governor of Aichi Prefecture, who was joined by Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President; Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Ecosystem Building), NUS Enterprise; Professor Naoshi Sugiyama, Nagoya University President; and Mr Hirotaka Sahashi, STATION Ai Corporation President and CEO.

BLOCK71 in Japan – a bridge between Southeast Asia and Japan

BLOCK71 is a technology-focused ecosystem builder and global connector that catalyses the start-up community. It has established itself as a leading force in global entrepreneurship, with offices spanning across Southeast Asia, the United States of America, China, and now Japan. As NUS’ first BLOCK71 location in Japan, the opening of the Nagoya office marks a significant addition to this network, representing a strategic move to promote market entry for Southeast Asian ventures (see Annexe A for background on BLOCK71).

Unlike other BLOCK71 global offices that focus on incubation, BLOCK71 in Japan prioritises market launch activities due to Japan’s mature and established start-up landscape. The Japanese offices will provide Japanese start-ups with the resources and networks to expand into Southeast Asia, while enabling Southeast Asian start-ups to establish a foothold in Japan.

Japan’s strong tradition of innovation presents immense opportunities for collaboration with Southeast Asia’s dynamic start-up ecosystems. BLOCK71 Nagoya will empower Japanese corporations and start-ups by connecting them to a broad network of Southeast Asian start-ups, investors, and industry leaders, fostering partnerships that drive innovative projects and facilitate market expansion. Similarly, Southeast Asian start-ups aiming to enter the Japanese market can benefit from BLOCK71 Nagoya to connect them with key stakeholders in the local innovation ecosystem.

“BLOCK71 Nagoya is not only a launchpad for Southeast Asian start-ups entering Japan, but also a gateway for Japanese start-ups looking to break into the diverse and rapidly growing Southeast Asian markets. By leveraging BLOCK71’s vast networks and experience, we aim to provide Japanese entrepreneurs with the tools, insights, and partnerships needed to navigate these emerging economies successfully,” said Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President.

BLOCK71 Nagoya will prioritise establishing key business milestones, including developing the Proof of Concept (PoC), fundraising, forging contracts, and integrating within BLOCK71’s extensive global network and quality start-up pool. Additionally, BLOCK71 in Japan will not only provide physical office spaces within their partners’ coworking space in key cities, but also deploy dedicated staff across the country to identify growth opportunities for start-ups by capitalising on Japan’s multifaceted market landscape.

Collaboration with ENEOS to enhance innovation

As part of its commitment to driving innovation, NUS Enterprise has established a strategic partnership with ENEOS Holdings, Inc. (ENEOS), one of the largest energy companies in Japan, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on 31 October 2024.  The MOU was signed by Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President and Mr Toru Naganuma, General Manager, Emerging Business Development Department, ENEOS.

The collaboration aims to enhance venture-building activities for NUS start-ups by providing them with exposure to real-world industry challenges. Together, both organisations will identify promising Southeast Asian start-ups and innovative solutions that can address critical industry issues. Key focus areas include mobility, decarbonisation, the circular economy, and artificial intelligence.

In addition, this partnership enables established corporations like ENEOS to maintain competitiveness through continuous innovation in an ever-evolving global economy. Start-ups, recognised for their agility and creativity, often experiment with cutting-edge technologies and business models that can drive corporate innovation. By partnering with start-ups, ENEOS can respond more swiftly to market changes, diversify its product offerings, and penetrate new markets and customer segments. For NUS start-ups, this partnership opens up opportunities to expand into the Japanese market by addressing real-world challenges posed by ENEOS. Additionally, participating start-ups will gain valuable insights into the operations of traditional Japanese companies, enhancing their understanding of this unique market.

“The partnership between NUS Enterprise and ENEOS Holdings will leverage the strengths of our extensive BLOCK71 ecosystem and network to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. This collaboration connects our start-ups with real-world industry challenges, enhancing their ability to develop solutions that meet the evolving needs of the energy sector. By integrating the capabilities of NUS Enterprise with ENEOS’ expertise, we aim to create a vibrant ecosystem where agility and creativity drive impactful advancements. Together, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of Southeast Asian start-ups that will shape the future of sustainable energy and technology,” added Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President.

“Collaborating with NUS Enterprise provides ENEOS with a unique opportunity to harness the dynamic energy of Southeast Asia’s start-up ecosystem. By engaging with innovative start-ups, we can gain fresh insights and co-create solutions that address the pressing challenges in our industry. This partnership will not only enhance our ability to adapt to market changes but also position us at the forefront of sustainable energy advancements. We are eager to work alongside these visionary entrepreneurs to drive meaningful progress in the energy sector,” said Mr Miyata Tomohide, Representative Director, CEO of ENEOS.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/nus-launches-block71-nagoya-to-strengthen-japan-southeast-asia-innovation-exchange-302293814.html

SOURCE NUS Enterprise

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Aker Horizons ASA: Third-quarter results 2024

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FORNEBU, Norway, Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Aker Horizons ASA (OSE: AKH), a developer of green energy and industry, today announced results for the third quarter 2024. Aker Horizons’ net capital employed stood at NOK 6.1 billion, a decrease of NOK 1.0 billion from the second quarter, mainly driven by impairments in Mainstream. The company reported a cash position of NOK 3.0 billion and an undrawn credit facility of EUR 500 million, giving available liquidity of NOK 8.8 billion.

Third quarter main developments:

The JV between Aker Carbon Capture (ACC) and SLB was renamed SLB Capturi and announced its first US-based project:

SLB Capturi was awarded a FEED contract by CO280 Solutions for a large-scale carbon capture plant at a pulp and paper mill on the US Gulf Coast.The Board of Directors of ACC continues the process of determining the future strategy and structure of ACC and will communicate conclusions within Q1 2025.

Mainstream Renewable Power (Mainstream) is delivering on its pipeline in South Africa and focuses on business optimization:

The 50 MW solar project Ilikwa in South Africa reached financial close.The commercial margin of the Andes platform in Chile improved in Q3.Mainstream is streamlining its business to focus on growth in core markets South Africa, Australia and the Philippines, with continued investment in key offshore projects.

Aker Horizons Asset Development (AAD) completed a concept optimization for Narvik Green Ammonia; strong data center interest for sites in Northern Norway:

A concept optimization for the Narvik Green Ammonia project has been concluded with a decision to move the project to Lallasletta.An MoU was signed with Masdar to explore collaboration and investment opportunities in green hydrogen.Data center players are showing significant interest in Kvandal and other industrial sites in the Powered Land site portfolio.

SuperNode secured funding to advance superconducting transmission technology development:

Significant grants were secured from Irish and UK institutions to fund research & development.SuperNode opened a new Cable Technology Centre in Blyth, UK, enabling first production of superconducting cables for bulk electricity transmission

Lars P. Sørvaag Sperre, CEO of Aker Horizons, commented:

“We are pleased to see ACC and SLB Capturi reaching material milestones this quarter to enter the important US carbon capture market. Mainstream will now embark on a business plan that focuses on growth in selected core markets. This will enable Mainstream to speed up the development of projects. Furthermore, we have continued to develop and explore options for Aker Horizon’s green hydrogen projects and the Powered Land sites. It is really encouraging to see the strong interest from the data center industry around our activities in the Narvik area”.

Aker Horizons reports net capital employed to reflect a portfolio composed mainly of unlisted assets. Net capital employed includes Aker Horizons’ initial investment in the portfolio company, adjusted for any profit or loss and any additional investments, adjusted for foreign exchange fluctuations. As of the third quarter, Aker Horizons had NOK 2.4 billion net capital employed in ACC, NOK 2.8 billion in Mainstream, NOK 543 million in AAD, NOK 197 million in SuperNode and NOK 242 million in other assets.

The Q3 2024 presentation is attached.

Aker Horizons’ CEO Lars P. Sørvaag Sperre and CFO Kristoffer Dahlberg, and Mainstream’s CEO Mary Quaney will present the main developments in the third quarter 2024 today at 08:30 CEST, followed by a Q&A session. The presentation, which is open to all, will be held in English and will be webcast on Aker Horizons’ website:

https://akerhorizons.com/investors 

For further information, please contact:

Stian Andreassen, Investor Relations, tel: +47 41 64 31 07, email: stian.andreassen@akerhorizons.com 

Mats Ektvedt, Media, tel: +47 41 42 33 28, email: mats.ektvedt@corporatecommunications.no 

About Aker Horizons

Aker Horizons develops green energy and green industry to accelerate the transition to Net Zero. The company is active in renewable energy, carbon capture and hydrogen and develops industrial-scale decarbonization projects. As part of the Aker group, Aker Horizons applies industrial, technological and capital markets expertise with a planet-positive purpose to drive decarbonization globally. Aker Horizons is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange and headquartered in Fornebu, Norway. Across its portfolio, the company is present on five continents. www.akerhorizons.com 

This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements in Regulation EU 596/2014 and the Norwegian Securities Trading Act § 5-12. This stock exchange announcement was published by Mats Ektvedt, Partner in Corporate Communications, on 1 November 2024 at 07:00 CET.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/aker-horizons/r/aker-horizons-asa–third-quarter-results-2024,c4059993

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aker-horizons-asa-third-quarter-results-2024-302293851.html

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