Archive for the ‘Seminars’ Category

MSIG Asia boosts efficiency with SAP Solutions to better serve customers in Singapore and Indonesia

Thursday, October 23rd, 2014

Asia’s leading non-life insurer turns to SAP to streamline operations and advance in a fast changing regulatory environment.

At the SAP Media Summit in Singapore. From left to right: Scott Russell, Chief Operating Officer, SAP Asia Pacific Japan & Alan Wilson, Regional CEO, MSIG Asia talk about how Big Data is changing the Financial Services Industry. Photo: SAP.

At the SAP Media Summit in Singapore. From left to right: Scott Russell, Chief Operating Officer, SAP Asia Pacific Japan & Alan Wilson, Regional CEO, MSIG Asia talk about how Big Data is changing the Financial Services Industry. Photo provided by SAP.

Leading non-life insurer MSIG has chosen SAP Core Insurance Platform for its Singapore and Indonesia companies.

“To keep pace with the industry’s changing customer needs and the dynamic regulatory environment, we wanted a flexible and scalable solution to meet both our current and future needs,” said Alan Wilson, regional CEO, MSIG Asia.

Along with driving operational efficiencies, faster time-to-market and improved customer service, the SAP Core Insurance Platform will empower these MSIG operations with a single system that will better enable growth and support the innovations and flexibility required to meet the fast-changing business demands of today and tomorrow.

Currently, there are software solutions from two main providers within MSIG in Asia, each of which has in place its own variation on the main processes and supporting systems and have undergone custom development over time.

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Adobe takes creativity mobile at MAX 2014

Tuesday, October 7th, 2014

Adobe’s latest Creative Cloud Release drives deep connections between new family of mobile apps and enhanced CC desktop tools via all-new Creative Profile. 

Adobe President and Chief Executive Officer Shantanu Narayen, (right) and Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella take the stage at Adobe MAX 2014.

Adobe President and Chief Executive Officer Shantanu Narayen, (right) and Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella take the stage at Adobe MAX 2014.

At Adobe MAX 2014, Adobe today announced it is shipping a milestone release of Creative Cloud that transforms how creatives work across desktops and devices.

This major release includes significant feature updates to 13 essential CC desktop tools that link to a new family of integrated mobile apps.

In addition, the latest versions of Photoshop CC and Illustrator CC include breakthroughs in Touch support for Microsoft Windows 8 and Surface Pro 3.

Central to this release is an all-new Creative Profile that drives deep connections between CC desktop tools and 9 new mobile apps that extend the power of the Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator and Premiere franchises onto mobile devices.

The Creative Profile is a subscriber’s creative Identity within Creative Cloud.

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Sony unveils ILCE-QX1 and DSC-QX30 lens cameras at IFA 2014

Friday, September 5th, 2014

Sony has expanded its lens-style cameras with the new ILCE-QX1 and DSC-QX30 during a pre-IFA event in Berlin, Germany. The Japanese camera maker also added two fresh new colour options for the DSC-QX10.

Available in Singapore from October 2014.

The new lens-style cameras from Sony: ILCE-QX1 (right) and DSC-QX30 (left).

The new lens-style cameras from Sony: ILCE-QX1 (right) and DSC-QX30 (left).

Sony’s lens-style cameras combine the spontaneity and easy sharing of smartphones with the image quality of dedicated cameras.

These cameras are connected to the smartphone via Wi-Fi.

ILCE-QX1 lens camera

The ILCE-QX1 lets serious photographers make use of their E-mount / A-mount (requires LA-EA4 adaptor for A-mount lenses) lens collection – be it zoom, wide angle, tele or macro.

QX1 comes with built-in pop-up flash.

QX1 comes with built-in pop-up flash.

Users can exercise control over exposure, focus and shooting modes.

The camera’s APS-C size Exmor CMOS sensor has 20.1-megapixels works with Sony’s BIONZ X processor that now features improved area-specific noise reduction – producing low-noise images, even when shooting in near-darkness.

The big sensor inside the QX1 also creates pro-style ‘bokeh’ effects with creamy background blur – another trick that smartphones can’t match.

The QX1 comes with many features, including RAW recording and pop-up flash.

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ASUS unveils ZenWatch, Zenbook UX305, EeeBook X205 & MeMO Pad 7 at IFA 2014

Friday, September 5th, 2014

ASUS has announced at IFA 2014 its first wearable device, the ZenWatch; the 13.3-inch Zenbook UX305 Ultrabook; the 11-inch EeeBook X205 compact laptop; and the 7-inch MeMO Pad 7 Android tablet.

Update (12 February, 2015):

The ASUS Ultrabook ZenBook UX305 is now available in a new Obsidian Stone colour.

The ASUS Ultrabook ZenBook UX305 is now available in a new Obsidian Stone colour.

The Ultrabook ZenBook UX305 is now available in Singapore.

Powered by Intel Core M processor with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD, the super-slim Ultrabook retails from S$999 at all ASUS authorised retailers and ASUS brand stores.

The ZenWatch and the MeMO Pad 7 were among the gadgets announced by ASUS at IFA 2014 in Berlin, Germany.

The ZenWatch and the MeMO Pad 7 were among the gadgets announced by ASUS at IFA 2014 in Berlin, Germany.

ASUS unveiled the slew of new devices at a pre-IFA 2014 event in Berlin, Germany.

ASUS ZenWatch

The ASUS ZenWatch is the first wearable device from ASUS, powered by Android Wear and featuring a version of the ASUS ZenUI user interface developed specifically for ZenWatch.

ASUS ZenWatch

ASUS ZenWatch

The ZenWatch pairs with a smartphone running Android™ 4.3 or higher to provide information and to serve as a personal wellness manager in conjunction with the ASUS ZenUI Wellness app.

The ZenWatch sports a 2.5D curved and comes with a selection of instantly-changeable software watch faces, allowing users to customize ZenWatch easily to match their style.

Smart features of the ZenWatch uncludes Watch Unlock, Tap Tap, Remote Camera, Cover to Mute, Find My Phone and Presentation Control.

Its seamlessly integrates with ASUS ZenUI, letting users enjoy enhanced versions of exclusive ASUS ZenUI apps such as What’s Next and Do It Later.

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Sony unveils Xperia E3, Z3 series, SmartBand Talk & SmartWatch 3 at IFA

Thursday, September 4th, 2014

Sony has just announced at IFA 2014 the mid-range Xperia E3 smartphone; Xperia Z3, Z3 Compact phablets & Z3 Tablet Compact tablet; as well as its new SmartWear gadgets – SmartBand Talk and SmartWatch 3.

Update (16 September, 2014):

The slew of products announced during IFA 2014 were showcased at the Xperia Z3 SEA launch event in Singapore.

Local pricing and availability below.

Model / RRP Availability
Xperia Z3

$998

Pre-order on week of 22 September 2014.

Launch on 4 October 2014

 

Xperia Z3 Compact

S$798

Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact

S$TBA

Price and availability to be announced closer to launch date.
Xperia E3

S$298

SmartBand Talk

S$228

End Oct 2014
SmartWatch 3

S$298

The Sony Xperia Z3 series and SmartWear devices. (The Xperia E3 is not shown above - see below).

The Sony Xperia Z3 series and SmartWear devices. (The Xperia E3 is not shown above – see below).

Sony has rolled out a slew of new gadgets – from premium flagships to novel SmartWear devices, whilst keeping an eye on the budget conscious mid-range.

Xperia Z3 series phablets/tablet

All three new members of the Xperia Z3 series run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with 2.5 GHz quad-core CPUs and 3G RAM, with fully integrated Qualcomm Adreno 330 GPU.

The Xperia Z3 is 7.3mm thick and is available in white, black, copper or silver green. The Xperia Z3 Compact is 8.6mm thick and weighs 129g, and is available in orange, green, white or black. The Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact (not shown here) is available in white or black.

The Xperia Z3 is 7.3mm thick and is available in white, black, copper or silver green. The Xperia Z3 Compact is 8.6mm thick and weighs 129g, and is available in orange, green, white or black. The Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact (not shown here) is available in white or black.

They are waterproof and dust-tight (IP 65/68)

The Xperia Z3 flagship phablet comes only six months after its Xperia Z2 predecessor.

The screen is of similar size to the Z2 at 5.2 inches, but the Z3 is smaller, thinner and lighter.

Together with the Xperia Z3 Compact, the Z3 has a 20.7-megapixel camera with 1/2.3-inch “Exmor RS for mobile” image sensor, new 25mm “G Lens” and ISO 12800 sensitivity.

A dual SIM variant is also on offer in select markets.

The Xperia Z3 Compact phablet is a smaller version of the Xperia Z3 but with the same CPU and graphics chip.

It is a replacement for the Xperia Z1 Compact. Its 4.6-inch screen is larger than the 4.3 inches in the Z1 Compact.

Sony claims that the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact tablet is the world’s slimmest and lightest compact tablet, at 6.4mm thick and 270g weight.

It features an 8-inch Full HD TRILUMINOS.

Xperia E3 mid-range smartphone

The Xperia E3 sports a 4.5-inch 480 x 854 IPS display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 quad-core 1.2GHz processor, and Adreno 305 graphics, with 1GB of RAM, and 4GB of internal storage.

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Samsung unveils Galaxy Note 4, Note Edge, Gear VR, Gear S and Gear Circle

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2014

Samsung has announced the new Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge smartphone, the Gear VR mobile VR headset, as well as the Gear S smartwatch and Gear Circle earphones at the Unpacked Episode 2 press conference in Berlin, Germany.

Update (18 September, 2014):

Samsung showcased in Singapore today most of the new devices it unveiled during IFA 2014 in a media preview.

It also displayed accessories that Montblanc has specially designed for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4.

The Galaxy Note 4 will be available in

The Galaxy Note 4 will be available in “Charcoal Black,” “Frost White,” “Bronze Gold,” and “Blossom Pink” in global markets starting in October.

The Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge are the latest additions to the Galaxy Note family.

Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge Android smartphones

The Galaxy Note 4 has a 5.7-inch Quad HD (2560×1440) Super AMOLED display and sports the Multi Window feature for multi-tasking.

The Galaxy Note Edge will be available in “Charcoal Black” and “Frost White” in select markets through Samsung’s retail channels, e-commerce and carriers later this year.

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge

It ships with a 16-megapixel rear camera with Smart Optical Image Stabilizer, and a 3.7-megapixel front camera with f1.9 lens with 120 degrees wide angle.

The Note 4 also has a Fingerprint Scanner and a UV sensor.

The Galaxy Note Edge has a 5.6-inch screen that wraps around the right side of the device.

The Galaxy Note Edge will be available in “Charcoal Black” and “Frost White” in select markets through Samsung’s retail channels, e-commerce and carriers later this year.

Gear VR mobile headset

Samsung and Oculus has collaborated to create the mobile VR headset optimised for the Galaxy Note 4.

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Singapore CIOs ahead in digital transformation with prompt investments

Friday, May 23rd, 2014

Singapore CIOs are well ahead in maturity and adoption level of digital transformation with prompt investments to support top-line growth while driving productivity and innovation developments to meet demands.

Findings of NCS SURF Emerging Technologies Maturity Index 2014, a research commissioned by NCS (conducted by IDC) to evaluate Singapore companies’ adoption of emerging technologies in Big Data, Digital Engagement and Smart Computing (M2M).

Findings of NCS SURF Emerging Technologies Maturity Index 2014, a research commissioned by NCS (conducted by IDC) to evaluate Singapore companies’ adoption of emerging technologies in Big Data, Digital Engagement and Smart Computing (M2M).

Digital transformation – how it is managed and applied is becoming increasingly important to how business succeed in today’s economy.

“CIOs need to work closely with business stakeholders to increase work space productivity and collaboration. They should take advantage of real time intelligence to enhance service delivery and operational excellence,” said Lai Weng Yew, Vice President of Business Application Services of NCS.

A recent survey from NCS’ SURF Emerging Technologies Maturity Index 2014 polled 240 senior information technology (IT) executives found that a majority (75%) of their organisations are well ahead of technology investments, citing Digital Transformation as an extremely important or important contributor of their companies’ worldwide strategy.

Singapore businesses acknowledged the benefits of using multiple technology assets.

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Intel releases new NUC & 2-in-1 education transformer tablet

Wednesday, April 30th, 2014

Intel is showcasing opportunities for partners at the 2014 Intel Solutions Summit at the Resorts World Convention Centre in Sentosa, Singapore.

Tablets, 2 in 1s, reimagined desktops, servers and the Internet of Things (IoT) represent key growth opportunities for partners over the next twelve months, Intel has told a gathering of leading technology channel businesses.

Tablets, 2 in 1s, reimagined desktops, servers and the Internet of Things (IoT) represent key growth opportunities for partners over the next twelve months, Intel has told a gathering of leading technology channel businesses.

Ferhad Patel, director, reseller channel organization (RCO), Asia Pacific and Japan at Intel said the computing industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and that this presents a diverse and growing range of opportunities for the company’s channel partners.

Intel NUC powered by Intel Atom Processor E3815

Intel's

Intel’s “Thin Canyon” NUC

Intel today launched the newest offering in its Next Unit of Computing (NUC) product line – the first to be powered by an Intel Atom E3815 processor (based on the company’s “Bay Trail” architecture).

The new NUC, model DE3815TYKH, is designed with thin client applications in mind.

It features a fan-less design, on board eMMC memory, and the space savings of a 4”x4” motherboard.

With the ability to directly power a LCD monitor through an onboard eDP connector, the new NUC is a great solution for kiosks, point-of-sale and digital signage.

It also is expected to be relevant to the space-constraints of modern Asia’s urban homes.

The new product is available in distribution starting today.

Intel Education 2 in 1 device

Intel also announced the first APJ partners for its recently-introduced Education 2 in 1, Intel’s first ever education-targeted reference design using the 2 in 1 form factor.

Intel's Education 2 in 1

Intel’s Education 2 in 1

A learning tool designed with students in mind, the Intel Education 2 in 1 has the flexibility and mobility of a tablet plus the performance and productivity of a laptop, giving students the best of both worlds in one device.

The Intel Education 2 in 1 is a powerful learning platform that features affordable tools such as a snap-on magnification lens and a temperature sensor, which work with the Intel Education Software suite to enable experiments that inspire student curiosity and promote inquiry.

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Events: Apple WWDC 14 from 2-6 June at Moscone West in San Francisco

Thursday, April 3rd, 2014

Apple’s 5-day Worldwide Developers Conference Kicks Off 2 June at Moscone West in San Francisco. Developers can now apply for WWDC Tickets until Monday 7 April (10am PDT).

WWDC14 - Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, June 2-6, San Francisco.

WWDC14 – Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, June 2-6, San Francisco.

At this year’s conference, developers from around the world will learn about the future of iOS and OS X®, and the latest tools and technologies to create apps for iOS and Mac® devices.

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SAP HANA powers McLaren’s F1 real time race strategy

Thursday, September 12th, 2013

The Formula 1 Grand Prix is again in Singapore for the only night race in the F1 circuit.

I had the opportunity to take a peek at how SAP’s HANA in-memory computing system helps McLaren to harness the Big Data streaming in from their cars’ onboard sensors to fine-tune – in real time – the team’s race strategy.

SAP HANA provides McLaren with a dashboard for comprehensive awareness and decision making.

SAP HANA provides McLaren with a dashboard for comprehensive awareness and real time decision making during a Formula 1 race or practice.

In this digital age of high performance computing, pertinent telemetry data is constantly being captured and transmitted by on-board sensors on the car for modelling and analysis by the team management back in the control room – be it during test practices, qualification runs, or the actual race itself.

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