TEMECULA, Calif., Aug. 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group (“CE&IG”), a part of the Nikkiso Co., Ltd (Japan) group of companies, is proud to be the recipient of multiple contracts to provide over a dozen Hydrogen Fueling Stations (“HFS”) to customers in California and South Korea. These stations, intended to be operational between Q4 2023 and Q2 2024, cover fueling stations for light-duty, heavy-duty, and transit fuel cell vehicles that need H35 and H70 dispensing.
“As an ambassador member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership (“CaFCP”) and core leader of cryogenic technology, Nikkiso is key in connecting the hydrogen ecosystem to advance the clean energy agenda,” said Peter Wagner, CEO of Nikkiso CE&IG.
“We are pleased to offer flexible and scalable commercial and technical offers where our customers need us the most: from equipment fabricator to turnkey EPC solutions,” said Joseph Pak, President of the Nikkiso Integrated Cryogenic Solutions.
The purchase orders have a combined value of almost US$60 million. Nikkiso has dedicated over 150,000 ft2 (14,000 m2) square feet of floor space to mass produce hydrogen fueling stations in Murrieta, CA, Escondido, CA, Busan, S. Korea, and Neuenbürg, Germany. Every station will be manufactured to comply with the local content requirements, including the Buy America Act for the US Hydrogen Hub market.
Starting with these hydrogen station projects, the Nikkiso Group aims to further expand their hydrogen-related business by strengthening their participation in the hydrogen supply chain and expanding into the global market.
About Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group
Nikkiso’s CE&IG is part of the Nikkiso Co., Ltd group of companies. Nikkiso Co. is a $1.4B public company. CE&IG comprises five distinct functional units: Cryogenic Pumps (ACD, Nikkiso Cryo), Process Systems (Cosmodyne), Heat Exchanger Systems (Cryoquip), Cryogenic Services (through 20 global facilities) and Integrated Cryogenic Solutions (providing centralized management of products and project development). In 2020, CE&IG expanded its capabilities further with the acquisition of what was GP- Strategies’ Alternative Fuels Division. This addition provides yet another major manufacturing facility in Southern California. Acknowledged as a market leader in the design, engineering, manufacturing, construction and maintenance of Cryogenic infrastructure, this facility offers full in-house capabilities from engineering & permitting through manufacturing, construction, and maintenance.
For over 50 years, Nikkiso has been a leader in the Clean Energy industry and are leading the change to a healthier world. With our hydrogen fueling technology, Nikkiso has become a leader in the evolving hydrogen revolution, including a project on the world’s first LH2 bunkering facility. For more information visit www.NikkisoCEIG.com.
Annual event serves as a platform to expand and develop the Internet in Africa
KIGALI, Rwanda, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Rwanda is for the first time hosting this year’s Africa Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF) in Kigali. The forum is organized by the Internet Society (ISOC) and the African IXP Association (AFIX) in collaboration with the Rwanda Internet Community and Technology Alliance (RICTA). Running from 23 to 25 August at the Marriott Hotel, the event has convened stakeholders from across the continent and globally including Meta, Google, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Microsoft, the Internet Initiative Japan Lab, and Africa Data Centers, among others.
The annual event, now in its 11th edition, serves as a platform to expand and develop the African Internet. It connects infrastructure, service, and content providers to identify ways to improve network interconnection, lower the cost of connectivity, and increase the Internet’s resiliency and experience for local users. It also provides participants with global and regional insights for maximizing opportunities to help grow Internet infrastructure and services in Africa.
AfPIF was created to address the fact that most of Africa’s local Internet traffic is exchanged outside the continent. Exchanging traffic locally through Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) reduces Internet access costs and network delays and increases content access speeds.
IXPs are technical infrastructures that enable a faster, cheaper, and more reliable Internet experience by bringing multiple networks from the private, public, and educational sectors together to connect and exchange Internet traffic. Instead of using expensive international transit routes, Internet traffic is exchanged locally and access speeds for content can be up to 10 times faster as result.
This year’s AfPIF focuses on Internet interconnection dynamics, content distribution, and transit obstacles at local and regional levels. The Kigali forum marks a return to in-person meetings since AfPIF’s postponement in 2020 due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Quotes:
Rwanda Permanent Secretary for the Ministry ICT and Innovation Mr. Yves Iradukunda said: “Broadband Internet access and utilization have a profound impact on the improvement of services delivery across all sectors of our economy. Today, Internet usage enables better outcomes in learning, delivering healthcare, managing better our energy resources, and achieving higher citizen engagement with the Government.
We are, therefore, very pleased to host this year’s Africa Peering and Interconnection Forum, a meeting that will discuss how to improve network interconnection locally and within the region.”
Michuki Mwangi, Distinguished Technologist, Internet Society said: “We have made considerable progress in the establishment of new Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) while supporting the growth of existing ones. However, we have yet to realize the full impact of exchanging Internet traffic at the 49 IXPs across 35 countries in Africa. For this to be achieved, we are taking lessons from the report ‘Moving Toward an Interconnected Africa: The 80/20 Initiative‘ and focusing on growing the number of local, cross-border, and international networks that connect at IXPs. We believe this is possible with enhanced collaboration between Internet service providers, mobile network operators, content providers, large enterprise networks, and policy makers.https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/doc/2021/moving-toward-an-interconnected-africa-the-80-20-initiative/”
Grace Ingabire Mwikarago, Chief Executive Officer, RICTA, said: “We are honored to host this unique conference. The importance of IXPs in contributing to the overall socio-economic development of Africa cannot be overstated, especially in critical situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. IXPs enable online learning and remote work in such circumstances. Email, videoconferencing, mobile communication, and messaging also make social distancing more bearable, helping people adapt to the new normal. Without these technologies, thousands of companies would not be operational.”
Kyle Spencer, Co-Coordinator of the African IXP Association, said: “Rwanda is a small landlocked country that promoted its economic development and regional independence by combining progressive telecommunications policy with an investment-friendly business climate. As a key gateway between East and Central Africa, Rwanda is an ideal venue for discussing the challenges and opportunities in our region.”
Ben Roberts, Group Chief Technology and Innovations Officer at Liquid Intelligent Technologies, said: “At the heart of the accelerated digital transformation in Africa are the peering and exchanges of the Internet and digital infrastructure. Therefore, it is vital for people from the Internet community to reconvene in person to understand the advancements made and the journey ahead. Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a critical player in the TMT industry, and we are proud to be the platinum sponsor of AfPIF 2022.”
About the Internet Society
Founded by Internet pioneers, the Internet Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution and use of the Internet. Working through a global community of chapters and members, the Internet Society collaborates with a broad range of groups to promote the technologies that keep the Internet safe and secure, and advocates for policies that enable universal access. The Internet Society is also the organizational home of the Internet Engineering Task Force.
About AF-IX
The African IXP Association is a group of Internet Exchange Point (IXP) operators from across Africa, brought together by a shared need to coordinate and exchange knowledge. It aims to foster an enabling environment for IXP operators, improve connectivity within the continent, and increase the Internet’s value for all. AF-IX was established in 2012, joined the Internet Exchange Federation in 2014, and now organizes the annual African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF).
About RICTA
RICTA is a not-for-profit organization representing the interests of the Rwandan Internet community. It was formed in 2005 with the objective of managing the .rw country code top-level domain and the Rwanda Internet Exchange Point, as well as promoting the localisation of local content. RICTA’s impartial position ensures that it enhances and promotes Internet usage in Rwanda.
TOKYO, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the release of the latest new G-SHOCK shock-resistant watches – four GA-B001 and GA-B001G models featuring an all-new integrated bezel and band construction.
With the GA-B001 and GA-B001G, Casio brings ingenuity to exterior structure to achieve an integrated bezel and band construction in a shock-resistant watch. These are the first G-SHOCK watches to feature this innovative structure, which comprises two separate components that connect at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions. The molded construction follows the lines of the wrist, minimizing the space between the wrist and watch for an enhanced fit.
The design of these new watches evokes a gateway to virtual reality worlds. Featuring a geometric dial design and round index marks, these timepieces are a study in near-future design.
When it comes to color, the GA-B001 models feature the black G-SHOCK brand color and a new shade of red, and the GA-B001G models employ gradated color print on translucent materials for the bezel and band.
These watches are all equipped with Mobile Link features for pairing with a smartphone via Bluetooth®. When used with the dedicated CASIO WATCHES app, the watch automatically adjusts to the correct time. In addition, the App information function sends notifications on the watch when the app receives updates on new products and other information.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Casio Computer Co., Ltd. is under license.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Aug. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — West Africa LNG Group (WALNG) announced today that it closed on an equity financing round with a US-based investor group.
“We are delighted to complete this investment which provides us with the necessary financial resources to fund our operating activities as we finalize long-term offtake agreements with the mining companies in Guinea,” said former Ambassador Patricia Moller, Chair of WALNG. “This financing also gives us greater flexibility as we negotiate with potential strategic and financial partners who have expressed strong interest in participating in the transformative Guinea LNG project,” added Mrs. Moller.
Home to some of the world’s most abundant natural resources and highest quality minerals, Guinea has long suffered from a severe lack of energy to develop its economy and improve the lives of its people. In response to the Guinean Government’s request for a competitively priced, abundantly available, and environmentally sustainable fuel source, WALNG is developing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal and distribution network in Guinea. The company is currently in active discussions with several strategic and financial investors as well as potential offtake customers.
The Guinea LNG project will supply commercial quantities of natural gas to bauxite mining companies in the Boké, Bel-Air, and Boffa regions to generate power for existing operations and planned bauxite processing facilities (alumina refineries) which will substantially increase Guinea’s beneficiation from its valuable natural resources.
A comprehensive feasibility study funded by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has been completed. The study identified over 2,000 MW of power demand from the bauxite industry alone within a 100-mile radius of the terminal location.
WALNG is a natural gas-based fuels products and services company specializing in customized turnkey solutions for its customers. For more information, please visit our website at www.wa-lng.com.
This funding will grow Kasisto’s global AI innovation partnerships and accelerate expansion in the US community banking market
NEW YORK, August 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Kasisto , creators of KAI , the leading digital experience platform for the financial services industry, today announced a $15.5 million Series C extension, led in the United States by Fidelity Information Services, LLC (NYSE: FIS) and internationally by Westpac Banking Corporation (OTCMKTS: WEBNF), with participation from BankSouth . This brings the total Series C funding to $31 million.
Kasisto is the industry leader in conversational artificial intelligence (AI), and its KAI platform powers the most intelligent and financially savvy digital assistants in the financial services industry. With this additional funding, Kasisto plans to continue investing in product development, strategic go-to-market initiatives, and the expansion of partnerships with top financial services providers.
Digital channel transformation and consumer engagement are top of mind within the financial services industry. Since the start of the pandemic, digital adoption has accelerated at a breathtaking pace. Global fintech companies and financial institutions of all sizes recognize that digital assistants and an exceptional conversational AI platform are key to successfully evolving customer experience and service models.
FIS is a leading provider of financial technology solutions for merchants, banks and capital markets firms globally. The company is investing in Kasisto in support of FIS’ mission to advance how the world pays, banks and invests.
“We believe the future of banking experiences will become ever more contextual and will be powered by leading AI technologies that create more engaging interactions for every customer,” said Stephane Wyper, SVP of FIS Impact Ventures. “We are excited to be investing in Kasisto and exploring opportunities to leverage their KAI technology across our digital banking capabilities to more humanize digital consumer interactions.”
Westpac, a multinational financial institution headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and serving more than 12 million customers, has collaborated with Kasisto to apply world-leading AI orchestration technology that seamlessly routes customer requests to the most knowledgeable digital assistant. The result is a more seamless experience for both customers and employees.
“The cycles of innovation are getting faster, and so are the needs and expectations of our customers who want quick, intuitive and personalized service,” said Scott Collary, Westpac Group Executive, Customer Services and Technology. “Kasisto’s technology has enabled us to evolve from traditional chatbots to a sophisticated, human-like conversational experience, unified for the first time under a single AI orchestration platform. This means customer queries will be answered more efficiently with reduced wait times and fewer hand-offs.”
The round was also joined by BankSouth, a US Community Bank in Georgia, and a successful early adopter of Kasisto’s multi-tenant KAI platform. BankSouth’s deployment of the KAI Consumer Banking product showcases the ways that a digital assistant can not only service customers but help to grow the business.
“We have seen the successful adoption of conversational AI from our online banking customer base, and both our customers and bankers have found Kasisto’s technology to be effective and easy to use,” said Harold Reynolds, BankSouth Chairman and CEO. “The more we work with this robust platform, the deeper and richer the experience has become for our customers. We fully expect that our highly personalized, digital assistant provided by KAI will be an increasingly integral component of our customers’ banking experience, and this investment in Kasisto demonstrates our commitment to making that happen.”
“The expansion of our Series C is a resounding vote of confidence in our vision,” said Zor Gorelov, Co-Founder and CEO of Kasisto. “The funding will allow us to continue to lead and innovate in the conversational AI space. This year, we have seen our strongest growth to date and expansion in our global and US community banking businesses. I am proud of what we have accomplished and deeply grateful to our talented team that is working tirelessly, with customers and partners, to shape the future of banking.”
About Kasisto KAI is the leading digital experience platform for the financial services industry. Kasisto’s customers include J.P. Morgan, Westpac, Standard Chartered, TD, and Manulife Bank, and credit unions such as Fairwinds and Excite – and many more. These financial institutions chose KAI for its proven track record in driving business growth and improving customer experiences. The platform is engaging with millions of consumers around the world, all the time, across multiple channels, in different languages, and is optimized for performance, scalability, security, and compliance. KAI is built with the deepest conversational AI portfolio in the financial industry and is tightly integrated into the fintech ecosystem through partnerships with proven technology providers such as FIS, NCR, Q2 and others. Kasisto is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Silicon Valley and Singapore. Kasisto Singapore Pte Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kasisto. For more information visit kasisto.com . Follow Kasisto on Twitter and LinkedIn .
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Aug. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — On August 16th, Product of the Year South Africa announced the 2022 winner in innovation from 19 categories. Two Hisense products, the Hisense Smart Front Loader Washing Machine and the Hisense U5120G 5.1.2CH Soundbar were respectively named winners of the kitchen appliances category and entertainment system category.
Product of the Year is South Africa’s largest independent consumer-voted survey focusing on product innovation. Kantar, the world’s top marketing data and analytics organization, conducted an independent survey of over 2,000 households across the country to determine the winners.
“We are honoured and proud of the technology we create, as well as the entire team that contributes to the success of these products. Product innovation is important to our business, and we will continue to invest in it to bring more ‘reimagine your life’ products to South African consumers,” said Patrick, marketing direct of Hisense South Africa.
The Hisense WFQR1214VAJMWT Front Loader Washing Machine is a 12kg powerhouse with Hisense auto-dosing technology that simplifies washing with automatic weighing, smart sensing, and precise dose. Its Smart WiFi feature allows users to control the washing machine from their smartphones using the ConnectLife App. Hisense’s steam wash technology is also included in the product, which uses mild steam to remove odours and make washed garments as clean and soft as new ones, even without additional ironing.
The innovative U5120G Soundbar, also an EISA (Expert Imaging and Sound Association) award winner, features 11 built-in multi-directional speakers and a 180-watt wireless subwoofer for a total of 510 watts of high-quality music. The 8-inch subwoofer can process sounds as low as 40Hz, giving movies, TV shows, games, and music deep and strong bass effects.
The U5120G Soundbar boasts simple connectivity and is Bluetooth compatible, making setup quick, easy, and painless. As to audio experience, speaker placement within the device offers a surround system with real 5.1.2ch sound. The entertainment system category winner can process high-resolution audio, resulting in sound quality comparable to that of recording studios and concert halls. Moreover, its Hi-Remaster technology enhances the sound quality of numerous input sources such as CDs and MP3s.
Beyond the two newly awarded products, Hisense has now distributed its products in South Africa to over 3 000 chain stores and 500 home appliance franchise stores, spanning entertainment, home appliances, mobile, and air conditioning.
