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ACN Newswire

HKTDC and Microsoft join forces to launch the “Go Beyond Your Limits” initiative targeted at local SMEs and next-gen talent

27 10 月, 2022

HONG KONG, Oct 27, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Microsoft Hong Kong today announced a new partnership to jointly launch the "Go Beyond Your Limits" Programme to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and foster next-generation talent in Hong Kong by leveraging best-in-class technology, practical learning and various support measures. The programme aims to achieve two key goals. First, it will help Hong Kong's SMEs take tangible steps to pursue their digital transformation and seize new market opportunities under the new normal. Second, it will provide a series of learning opportunities for tertiary students in Hong Kong, helping to enhance their business-related digital skills and knowledge.Yvonne So, Director, HKTDC Corporate Communications & Marketing; Dr Patrick Lau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director; Cally Chan, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau; Fred Sheu, National Technology Officer, Microsoft Hong Kong [L-R]Dr Patrick Lau, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: "Our Transformation Sandbox (T-box) has helped more than 2,400 Hong Kong enterprises over the past two-plus years to realise different business transformation goals. Some of the most commonly seen goals relate to digitalization, which is undoubtedly a powerful tool for companies to reshape their business, enhance their competitiveness and drive innovation. The HKTDC is delighted to partner with leading global technology company Microsoft Hong Kong to jointly launch the 'Go Beyond Your Limits' Programme. By integrating teaching, consulting and practical knowledge sharing, we aim to help SMEs in T-box to make good use of digital tools, and to equip tertiary students joining the HKTDC Trade Ambassador Programme (TAP) to become the digital economy talents of tomorrow's Hong Kong."Cally Chan, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau, said: "Microsoft Hong Kong is committed to empowering local SMEs to accelerate digital transformation and uplift businesses across Hong Kong. Through a holistic approach that encompasses Microsoft's technologies such as Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 (ERP), one-to-one diagnosis and advising on funding applications for SMEs, we hope to empower them to do more with less and assist them to identify new market opportunities. For decades, we have focused on upskilling next-gen talent, digital empowerment and making the best technology available to enable SMEs to thrive and scale their business. We're excited to be a part of the HKTDC's 'Go Beyond Your Limits' Programme in conjunction with T-box and TAP and we look forward to creating synergies that can inspire more local businesses and support talent development across different sectors in Hong Kong."Dr Lau added: "The HKTDC's work is always in line with the policy direction of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Policies to facilitate the development of the local technology industry and enlarge the I&T talent pool in Hong Kong were highlighted in the Policy Address 2022 released by the Chief Executive last week. Accordingly, the HKTDC will put further emphasis on helping Hong Kong enterprises and young people to thrive in the digital economy. We already do this through our conferences and exhibitions, business support and promotional activities infused with various technology elements, and this new partnership with Microsoft Hong Kong is a timely way to further reinforce our commitment.""Go Beyond Your Limits" Programme aims to achieve two key goals:1. Promoting SME digitalisation to increase operational efficiencyRiding on the HKTDC Transformation Sandbox (T-box) programme, and with invaluable support from Microsoft, the "Go Beyond Your Limits" Programme will offer support to more than 2,400 participating enterprises with the Mobile Office Portfolio, free one-to-one enterprise diagnosis and professional training courses to enhance their competitiveness. The programme will provide targeted solutions and follow-up support according to each enterprise's specific stage of development and business needs. The programme will also help SMEs identify and apply for suitable funding schemes to expedite their business development goals. Highlights of the "Go Beyond Your Limits" Programme include:i. Mobile Office Portfolio plus special offers for T-box membersThe Mobile Office Portfolio offers Microsoft 365 and Cloud PC solutions with a high-speed 5G network that allows businesses to unlock seamless hybrid work capabilities. T-box members can enjoy two months' rebate with a one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 for Business.ii. Free one-to-one enterprise diagnosis and workshopsMicrosoft will provide participating T-box members with free one-to-one enterprise management diagnosis that can help them formulate a suitable digital transformation strategy. There are also free workshops on Dynamics 365 ERP to help SMEs strengthen and streamline their operations flow and management. iii. Assistance with funding applicationsMicrosoft will assist SMEs to identify and apply for suitable funding schemes and financial assistance so that they can accelerate implementation and expedite their business transformation goals.During the pandemic, remote working, automated business and production procedures and e-commerce became the new normal across enterprises of all sizes. As businesses continue their transformation journey, companies across all sectors of the Hong Kong economy will continue to look for new market opportunities with innovation and technologies. And as market and consumer demands continue to shift, enterprises will need to make the best use of new technologies to ensure effective allocation of resources and business processes, maximise operational efficiency and realise cost savings. This will help them capitalise on this new wave of innovation and adopt technologies to meet customer needs and expand into new markets.2. Committed to nurturing young talentsThe HKTDC Trade Ambassador Programme (TAP) was launched to help the younger generation equip themselves for future entrepreneurship, career development, as well as broaden their business horizons. In collaboration with tertiary institutions in Hong Kong, the full-year programme will consist of opportunities to participate in the numerous activities and initiatives organised by the HKTDC so that they can gain a more in-depth understanding and perspective of trade and commerce both within Hong Kong and internationally.Another important role for Microsoft Hong Kong is to provide next-gen talent with cross-disciplinary learning and practical opportunities to develop a pool of IT specialists that can support the future development of Hong Kong. Microsoft will equip 1,200 TAP students with future-ready IT skills through expert talks, Microsoft Learn online courses, instructor-led tutorials and free examinations on Microsoft Fundamentals, a series of industry-recognised certifications for IT generalists to gain knowledge on digital transformation and to validate their skills relating to the cloud, data, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity standards and compliance. Students will also be entitled to free US$100 Azure Credits via the Azure for Students programme to enjoy free services on the Azure Portal and to have a hands-on trial of Azure cloud solutions, including but not limited to building their own apps, exploring AI, and working with big data sets."Go Beyond Your Limits" Programme website: https://home.hktdc.com/en/s/microsoftPhoto download: https://bit.ly/3SLhA9bAbout T-boxIn order to assist SMEs to explore opportunities and realised their business transformation, the HKTDC Transformation Sandbox ("T-box") support programme aims to help SMEs enhance their business competitiveness and achieve upgrading and transformation goals in the areas of branding, e-commerce, manufacturing and supply chain as well as access to new markets. Dedicated T-box staff work with enterprises to identify their goals and provide support over a three-month period, with group and individualised advisory services covering workshops, government-funding information, market knowledge and networking opportunities. The programme has been well received since its launch, with more than 2,400 Hong Kong companies participating and over 600 free consultations provided by professional organisations, chambers of commerce representatives, business partners and HKTDC overseas offices. Website: https://smesupport.hktdc.com/en/s/tboxAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedIn.Media enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Kate Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4239, Email: kate.hy.chan@hktdc.orgMicrosoft Hong Kong Communications Department:Bobo Wong, Tel: +852 5614 9998, Email: bobo.wong@microsoft.com Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

ACN Newswire

InvesTech Holdings and Microsoft Jointly Launch Two Enterprise Digital Transformation Solutions

17 8 月, 2022

HONG KONG, Aug 17, 2022 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - InvesTech Holdings Limited ("InvesTech Holdings", together with its subsidiaries, "the Group", Stock Code: 1087.HK), a leading integrated smart IT solutions provider in China, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Wafer Systems Limited ("Wafer Systems"), which owns the smart office software solutions flagship product Virsical, has started a new collaboration with Microsoft Corporation ("Microsoft"; NASDAQ: MSFT) in the field of the modern workplace, jointly offering enterprises with digital transformation solutions.Jointly launching enterprise smart workspace solutions empowering the enterprises digital transformationWafer Systems and Microsoft joined hands to launch two distinctive enterprise solutions, namely "AIoT-based Smart Building Digital-twin Solution" and "Teams-based Digital Administrative Office Solution", to empower clients from various industries to undergo digital transformation. The Group and Microsoft aspire to force disruptive innovation to the traditional manpower-based management model, with an aim of delivering groundbreaking solutions to enterprises. As a digital administrative office solution, "AIoT-based Smart Building Digital-twin Solution" is Virsical AIoT platform-centred and Microsoft Azure-powered solution, which integrates building space management system and various smart hardware and terminals to collect and analyse information such as people's behaviour, terminal equipment and space status in the building, for the formation of a digital platform where information collection, resource sharing and optimised management are enabled. It also realises digital management of enterprise operational scenarios encompassing facility management, energy saving and emission reduction, office services, monitoring and alarming, emergency services, and information distribution. It effectively helps enterprises achieve intelligent collaboration of people, objects and space, and realise the intelligent transformation of administrative management, thus enhancing the efficiency of building operation and management, as well as reducing operating costs."Teams-based Digital Administrative Office Solution" is a corporate digital-twin smart management platform that is built on the foundation of Microsoft Teams with the application of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT). It forms a system platform with functions including information collection, resource sharing and optimised management, in order to realise real-time dynamic monitoring and control of equipment operations. The platform covers multiple areas of corporate administration, including workstation management, meeting management, visitor management, access management, smart locker management, smart washroom management and space asset management, etc. It helps corporates achieve the intelligent management of people, objects and space while improving the efficiency and precision of real-time decision-making. Meanwhile, it drives enterprises to attain smart transformation of administrative management and fulfil green and low-carbon operations in office buildings. Leveraging its professional standards and capabilities, alongside industry-leading solutions, Wafer Systems is highly acclaimed by Microsoft and has become the only partner in China being awarded the "Microsoft Best IoT Partner of the Year". Driven by the mutual recognition of capabilities and mission, Wafer Systems and Microsoft have deepened their partnership through intensive collaboration in various fields. Forming strong alliance and strategically deepening collaboration in the field of smart office In November 2021, with its cutting-edge research and development (R&D) capabilities and advanced solutions being highly recognised by Microsoft, the Group ranked first in Microsoft Teams Hackathon with "Virsical Automated Visitor Registration Solution", and won the title of Microsoft Gold Partner in December 2021. In early 2022, Wafer Systems' "Virsical AIoT Solution" officially entered Microsoft laboratory and was empowered by Microsoft laboratory's technology and equipment. Bolstered by the full support of Microsoft experts and laboratory engineers, the Group has accelerated the implementation of Wafer Systems' space management and facility management solutions in the new-generation building parks. Through the integration of the existing solutions by Microsoft AIoT services, subsequent costs for implementation are reduced. The entry facilitates the integration of Virsical and Microsoft in terms of AIoT solutions, thus promoting the incubation and implementation of more technical solutions while allowing the two parties to explore the high-potential AIoT field together. Currently, several Virsical software products, namely MetaVisitor, MetaWorkspace and MetaMeeting, were successively launched on Microsoft Teams, offering Microsoft Teams users a brand-new office experience. In addition, the Group has recently participated in Microsoft IoT Project Dragon, during which "Virsical Smart Space Solution" was announced as a key solution in the smart space field and successfully gain wide recognition in the industry.By continuously strengthening and consolidating each other's advantages, the Group and Microsoft have reached mutually beneficial cooperation. The two parties have also carried out holistic collaborations in various fields, to create interconnected and visualised smart office spaces spanning across scenarios including office spaces, buildings and parks, with a view to improving corporate efficiency and driving the digital transformation of the Group's Fortune 500 clients.Mr. Ringo CHAN, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of InvesTech Holdings, said, "Capitalising on Microsoft's outstanding technical capability and exhaustive list of product matrix, we are able to effectively optimise our solutions to provide clients with better products and services, thus expanding our market share in the promising Chinese market. As a Microsoft Gold Partner and a leader in the smart office industry, the Group expects to join hands with Microsoft to create smart space management solutions through leveraging technologies namely Microsoft Cloud's IoT, digital-twin and AI technology, as well as fostering integration with applications and management systems in existing traditional headquarters buildings. In the future, to give full play to complementary advantages, the Group will deepen its partnership with Microsoft and establish in-depth cooperation in fields such as smart office, to jointly explore enterprise metaverse."Ms. YIN Bing, Director of Asia IoT Partner Business Unit of Microsoft, said, "We are pleased to collaborate with our outstanding partner Wafer Systems and jointly create innovative solutions. It is Microsoft's mission to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more. Wafer Systems' innovative smart office solutions work well with Microsoft's industry-leading products such as Azure IoT and Teams, to provide enterprises with convenient tools for efficient management. Going forward, Microsoft will continue to support Wafer Systems in product innovation for the provision of industry-leading Microsoft platform-based solutions to more enterprise clients."About InvesTech Holdings LimitedInvesTech Holdings Limited (Stock code: 1087.HK) was listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2010. As a leading integrated smart IT solutions provider with more than 30 years of experience in the IT industry, the Group is principally engaged in IT infrastructure system integration and smart office software solutions businesses. The Group has a strong presence in China, with more than 10 offices nationwide with a research and development centre in Xi'an. Website: http://www.investech-holdings.com/ Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

JCN Newswire

Fujitsu Recognized as Winner of 2022 Microsoft Education Partner of the Year Award

29 6 月, 2022

TOKYO, Jun 29, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Fujitsu today announced that it has won the 2022 Microsoft Education Partner of the Year award. Fujitsu was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology."Fujitsu is thrilled to be recognized by Microsoft for our contribution working with clients and partners in supporting over a million students across North America. This helped improve learning environments for students from all different backgrounds to reduce the disruption in education caused by COVID." said Cathy McCann, Vice President Head of Trusted Society, Uvance Unit, Fujitsu. "This initiative underlines the important role we believe technology and global companies, such as Fujitsu and Microsoft, can play by working together to support educators worldwide, as they strive to improve education equity and access for everyone."The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based applications, services and devices during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 3,900 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide. Fujitsu was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in the Education category.In presenting this award, Microsoft recognizes Fujitsu for its ongoing efforts in North America and skill in working in collaboration with Microsoft and ISV community partners, in particular Follett School Solutions, to use Microsoft Azure services to produce outstanding outcomes for Fujitsu's education clients in Canada and the United States.At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Fujitsu leveraged its SIS to support tens of thousands of educators and over 1M students in North America. This helped to digitally transform administrative operations and completely reorganize classroom courses to be run online in a matter of days. This allowed teachers to introduce new services and provide continuity for all students and parents at a time of extraordinary uncertainty.Based on SIS, Fujitsu successfully implemented and manages "MyEducation BC," a province-wide service shared by teachers, school officials and by over 650,000 students and parents in over 2,000 schools in all 60 School Districts and many private schools across British Columbia. Another provincial service based on SIS, "MySchoolSask", supports all 27 School Divisions with 205,000 students across the Province of Saskatchewan. Despite sudden, unexpected changes and significant workload spikes on the SIS, both environments have performed without disruption, delivering full security and privacy compliance, as well as peace of mind to school administrators.Moving forward, Fujitsu will continue to promote partnerships with stakeholders, including public institutions, citizens, and business partners, focusing on innovative and reliable technologies to realize a "Trusted Society," one of Fujitsu's 7 Key Focus Areas under its global business brand Fujitsu Uvance to create a more sustainable world."I am honored to announce the winners and finalists of the 2022 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards," said Nick Parker, corporate vice president of Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft. "These partners were outstanding among the exceptional pool of nominees and I'm continuously impressed by their innovative use of Microsoft Cloud technologies and the impact for their customers."Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are announced annually prior to the company's global partner conference, Microsoft Inspire, which will take place on July 19-20 this year.Additional details on the 2022 awards are available on the Microsoft Partner Network blog: bit.ly/3y25ArR. The complete list of categories, winners and finalists can be found at https://partner.microsoft.com/en-us/inspire/awards.About FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$32 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)