Micoworks Inc. (pronounced ‘Miko Works’), a developer and provider of the MicoCloud and Micomii marketing platforms, which optimize communication between companies and their customers, has announced the successful raising of JPY 3.5 billion (approximately $24.5 million) in a Series B funding round. Headquartered in Kita-ku, Osaka City, Micoworks is led by CEO Osamu Yamada. The latest funding round was led by Vertex Growth, a growth-stage venture capital fund anchored by Vertex Holdings, a subsidiary of the global investment company Temasek. Participating investors in this round included JAFCO Group Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi UFJ Capital, SMBC Venture Capital, and Mizuho Capital. Existing…
Author: Chris Lam
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The Philippine government, led by the Bureau of Treasury, has launched the National Insurance Indemnity Program (NIIP) to insure strategic government assets, particularly school buildings, InsuranceNewsAsia.com has reported. Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno emphasizes the program’s role in strengthening financial resilience and safeguarding national assets, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration’s focus on infrastructure projects. The NIIP, managed by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), is designed to mitigate risks and fund recovery from disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes. This initiative is crucial for a country prone to natural disasters, as noted by Monetary Board Member Rosalia…
Singapore and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have recently signed an Implementation Agreement on carbon credits cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The Agreement was signed by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu and Papua New Guinea Minister of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Simo Kilepa on the sidelines of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). The Agreement comes after both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the sidelines of COP27 last year to collaborate on carbon credits. This marks the first Implementation Agreement for Singapore. The Agreement sets out a legally binding…
Mintus Global Limited (Mintus), announces that Eurobank Asset Management MFMC (Eurobank Asset Management), a 100% owned subsidiary of Eurobank S.A. (Eurobank has acquired a minority stake in Mintus Global Limited (Mintus). This investment will trigger further collaboration between the parties in the field of alternative investment asset categories. The collaboration will combine Eurobank’s expertise across alternatives with Mintus’ high-tech solutions offered through the cutting edge fractionalized alternative asset platform operated by its FCA regulated subsidiary, Mintus Trading Limited and enabling Mintus to offer access to a diversified set of alternative assets. “Our investment in Mintus underscores Eurobank Asset Management ‘s…
The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is teaming up with partner organizations in order to address the challenge of food insecurity. The institution signed a Practical Arrangements agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a US$500,000 grant agreement with the World Food Programme (WFP) on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai. The partnerships are aligned with the OPEC Fund’s US$1 billion Food Security Action Plan, adopted in 2022. OPEC Fund Director-General Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa and International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi signed a Practical Arrangements agreement to expand…
OrbiMed, a leading global healthcare investment firm, has successfully raised more than $4.3 billion in commitments for its newest private investment funds, including OrbiMed Private Investments IX, OrbiMed Asia Partners V, and OrbiMed Royalty & Credit Opportunities IV. These funds maintain OrbiMed’s tradition of investing on a global scale, ranging from seed stage investments in start-ups they incubate to growth capital ventures. OrbiMed provides bespoke financing solutions to its portfolio companies, encompassing equity, credit, and royalty-based financing. Their investment focus is centered on pioneering and growth-centric opportunities within healthcare sub-sectors such as biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and tech-driven healthcare services.…
Maybank Asset Management (MAM), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maybank Asset Management Group (MAMG), has partnered with BNP Paribas Asset Management to introduce the MAMG Green Tigers Fund. This qualified Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) fund, in accordance with the Securities Commission’s Guidelines on Sustainable and Responsible Investment Funds, is designed to enrich MAMG’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) product offerings. The MAMG Green Tigers Fund, a feeder fund, seeks to achieve capital growth by investing in the BNP Paribas Funds Green Tigers, referred to as the Target Fund. The Target Fund aims to deliver sustainable returns over the long term…
AMODA, a property and construction technology startup based in Indonesia, has successfully secured seed funding co-led by East Ventures and Living Lab Ventures. This investment round comes on the heels of their pre-seed funding in 2022 and is set to bolster AMODA’s product development, technological advancements, and operational capabilities. Robin Yovianto, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AMODA, expressed his excitement about this significant milestone, saying, “With the support of our valued investors, this seed funding round will propel us forward as we continue to revolutionize Indonesia’s property and construction landscape. We are confident in our mission to create innovative,…
Ocorian, the specialist global provider of services to financial institutions, asset managers, corporate and high net worth individuals, has completed the acquisition of corporate services provider A-Pass in Asia. A-Pass has now rebranded and become part of Ocorian. Ocorian’s global network of Funds, Capital Markets, Corporate and Private Client specialists deliver tailored entity administration, fiduciary and compliance services. This acquisition adds scale to Ocorian’s existing business in Asia creating a combined business with the ability to serve a broader range of clients’ requirements. Established in Hong Kong in 2006, A-Pass is a leading corporate services provider with a range of…
Driving an automatic vehicle is generally considered easier than driving a manual, but there are still several important things to consider, especially if you’re driving one for the first time. Here is a list of things to avoid: Don’t Use Left Foot for Braking: In automatic vehicles, use your right foot for both the gas and the brake, instead of one foot for each. Using one foot for both pedals helps avoid accidentally pressing both pedals at the same time. Avoid ‘Neutral Coasting’: Don’t shift into neutral while the car is moving to ‘coast’. It doesn’t save fuel and reduces…
In a move set to revolutionize the Filipino startup scene, AHG Lab, the country’s leading independent venture builder, recently secured $4 million in a Pre-Series A funding round. The funding is primarily aimed at fortifying AHG Lab’s venture-building endeavors and its associated portfolio, thereby solidifying the country’s startup ecosystem. CEO Rene Cuartero announced the ambitious plans following the successful investment round. He articulated the company’s vision of enhancing the operational, strategic, and funding frameworks for the startups under their wing. Moreover, the funds will be directed towards initiatives like the Founders Launchpad, AHG Lab’s incubator and accelerator program, reinforcing its…
In the dynamic global financial landscape, currencies play a pivotal role in shaping economic fortunes. While some currencies bask in the limelight, others remain hidden gems, overlooked and undervalued. Understanding the factors that contribute to the undervaluation of certain currencies can shed light on potential opportunities and risks in today’s interconnected markets. It is also very important to traders as it directly impacts their profitable opportunities, long term strategies for the currency market and risk management strategies. In this article, we delve into the intriguing realm of the most undervalued currencies worldwide, exploring the complex interplay of economic indicators, geopolitical dynamics,…
The Global Smart Green Data Center Summit 2023 successfully concluded on July 4th in Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia. Under the theme “Smart DC, Building the Green Future,” industry leaders converged to discuss the AI era’s demands and challenges for the data center industry, with green data center practices as the central focus. Huawei unveiled three innovative data center facility solutions, marking the summit’s highlight. In his opening speech, Hou Jinlong, President of Huawei Digital Power, underscored the rising demand for data center construction due to the accelerated pace of digital transformation. Huawei is concentrating on integrating bit, watt, heat, and battery…
Over the past few years, Malta has become a powerhouse for businesses across the globe, particularly for Asian entrepreneurs. The tiny island nation in the Mediterranean, known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and friendly locals, also boasts a thriving business ecosystem, which is what we’ll be focusing on throughout this blog post. Advantageous Geographical Location Malta’s geographical location provides an unparalleled advantage to Asian businesses. It is well situated in the Mediterranean Sea, almost as far from both mainland Europe and North Africa, which allows businesses to establish a strong presence in both markets. Its convenient location also provides…
As more businesses turn to freelancers for their project needs, it’s becoming increasingly common to work with people from all over the world. While this can be incredibly beneficial for both parties, it also presents unique challenges when dealing with foreign freelancers. Whether it’s differences in communication styles or cultural misunderstandings, there are a few things you should keep in mind when working with someone from another country. Here are five tips for dealing with foreign freelancers. Be Clear and Concise In Your Communication One of the biggest challenges when working with foreign freelancers is the language barrier. Even if…
A seismic shift is occurring in the Philippine call center industry, driven by the relentless march of advanced technology. An industry that rose to prominence on the strength of human voice and empathic understanding is now finding new ways to drive customer satisfaction by harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Big Data Analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). “This blend of cutting-edge technology and human ingenuity is reshaping the landscape of customer service, creating exciting possibilities for businesses and consumers alike,” says Ralf Ellspermann, CEO of PITON-Global and one of the world’s leading experts on…
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV) Board of Directors has approved the issuance of fixed-rate retail bonds amounting to Php17.45 billion during their board meeting on May 30, 2023. This constitutes the “Second Tranche Bonds” from the company’s Php30 billion shelf registration program approved by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2022. In addition, the board has delegated management with the task of appointing issue manager(s), bookrunner(s), underwriter(s), and the trustee, along with the authority to determine the final interest rate, offer price, tenors, and other conditions of the Second Tranche Bonds. The move is expected to generate…
The Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), ESR Group, and MC Urban Development Indonesia (MCUDI), a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation, have announced a strategic partnership focused on developing modern warehouse facilities in Indonesia. The partners have committed to investments in three logistics parks situated in Cikarang and Karawang, marking a significant stride towards long-term collaboration. This partnership represents INA’s first foray into the real estate asset class and MCUDI’s debut in logistics development in Indonesia. The growing demand for modern warehouse facilities in the region, driven by the e-commerce, third-party logistics (3PL), and the automotive industries, underlines the promising future of Indonesia’s…
In a significant boost to the Canadian EV market, Ford has revealed a landmark agreement with Tesla to double the fast-charging options for its customers, according to a BusinessNewsCanada report. . Commencing from Spring 2024, this deal will provide Ford EV owners access to Tesla’s vast Supercharger network across the U.S. and Canada. The partnership is set to incorporate over 12,000 Tesla Superchargers into Ford’s existing BlueOval Charge Network of 10,000+ fast-chargers, forming the largest integrated fast-charge network in North America. “Widespread access to fast-charging is absolutely vital to our growth as an EV brand,” said Ford CEO, Jim Farley.…
Globe lines in Central and Eastern Visayas were affected by multiple fiber cuts, disrupting services for customers using Globe Prepaid, Globe Postpaid, Globe Platinum, TM, Globe Business, Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi, Globe At Home Postpaid and LTE@Home. The incident, which was caused by government-contracted construction activities, impacted millions of customers who experienced difficulties in making and receiving calls, texts, and internet browsing. Fiber cuts were traced to Tagkawayan, Quezon due to activities by Joey Ding Contractor, and Tagbilaran City in Bohol, because of construction work by Cebu 7H Technochem Industries. Globe’s technical and network teams worked double time to…