KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- European residence and citizenship by investment programmes continue to dominate the top spots of global wealth advisory firm Henley & Partners’ annual rankings of the most sought-after investment migration programmes in the world.
Malta holds onto first place in the 2024 Global Citizenship Program Index as it has done for nine consecutive years, while the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program retains top spot on the Global Residence Program Index.
The two indexes offer a systematic analysis and comprehensive benchmarking of the world’s most attractive residence and citizenship by investment programmes, providing the gold standard in the sector.
According to Henley & Partners in a statement, the Global Citizenship Program Index ranks 13 programmes, with the strategically-located European nation of Malta scoring 77 out of 100, taking top honours once again.
Retaining second place with a score of 74 is Austria’s premium citizenship by investment offering, which requires applicants to make a substantial contribution to the Austrian economy.
Meanwhile, Europe also prevails in the 2024 Global Residence Program Index, with programmes on the continent occupying the top five positions, with the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program ranks first overall out of 26 programmes scoring 75 out of 100.
Last year, United States-Americans were the top nationality applying for alternative residence and citizenship options via Henley & Partners, and this trend has continued into the first quarter this year.
This year’s edition includes a total of 39 programmes, representing the most relevant of over 100 programmes worldwide, which have been appraised by a panel of independent experts.
Interactive digital comparisons of the programmes are also available, enabling global investors and wealthy families to select what matters most to them when weighing up their options.
-- BERNAMA
Monday, February 26, 2024
EUROPE PREVAILS IN 2024 INVESTMENT MIGRATION PROGRAMMES WORLDWIDE - HENLEY & PARTNERS
Friday, February 23, 2024
TOSHIBA RELEASES POWER MOSFETS WITH HIGH-SPEED DIODES THAT HELP TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY OF POWER SUPPLIES
![]() |
Toshiba: DTMOSVI(HSD), power MOSFETs with high-speed diodes that help to improve efficiency of power supplies. (Graphic: Business Wire) |
The new products use high-speed diodes to improve the reverse recovery[2] characteristics important for bridge circuit and inverter circuit applications. Against the standard DTMOSVI, they achieve a 65% reduction in reverse recovery time (trr), and an 88% reduction in reverse recovery charge (Qrr) (measurement conditions: -dIDR/dt= 100A/μs).
The DTMOSVI(HSD) process used in the new products improves on the reverse recovery characteristics of Toshiba's DTMOSIV series with high-speed diodes (DTMOSIV(HSD)), and has a lower drain cut-off current at high temperatures. The figure of merit "drain-source On-resistance × gate-drain charges" is also lower.
The high temperature drain cut-off current of TK042N65Z5 is approximately 90%[3] lower, and the drain-source On-resistance × gate-drain charge 72% lower, than in Toshiba’s current TK62N60W5[4] [5]. This advance will cut equipment power loss and help to improve efficiency. The TK042N65Z5 shows a maximum improvement in power supply efficiency over the current TK62N60W5 of about 0.4%, as measured in a 1.5kW LLC circuit[6].
FREE ROAMING SOON FOR EUROPEAN CUSTOMERS - 1GLOBAL
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- A telecommunications technology innovator, 1GLOBAL announced the range of industries adopting its innovative services continues to grow as over 30 million European customers will be soon avoiding roaming charges in over 160 countries.
By fully integrating the 1GLOBAL API, global fintech Revolut now offers its customers simple, fast access to 1GLOBAL's low-cost global mobile network, in which an embedded SIM (eSIM) is generated for the mobile device, once activated by the user.
In a statement, 1GLOBAL Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hakan Koç said users can install an eSIM within one minute without having to leave the Revolut app.
“This is why players from a wide range of industries such as travel, insurance, fintech, airlines, VIP logistics and more are all coming to us to increase the range of services they offer by integrating our connectivity,” he added.
Instead of having to obtain a physical SIM to access the local network on arrival, customers using apps that integrate 1GLOBAL’s technology will simply set up an eSIM on their device, giving them complete control of their connection.
Any company can integrate 1GLOBAL tech into its own customer offering via a suite of application programming interfaces (APIs). As a result, customers stay within the app for longer, a new revenue channel is created, value for customers is generated and brand loyalty increased.
In Revolut’s case, full integration of 1GLOBAL technology was made into its own app and under its own brand.
Alternatively, companies can offer 1GLOBAL connectivity simply as a third party or affiliate via references (such as a QR code) that directs the user to download their eSIM and 1GLOBAL software.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, February 22, 2024
CHINA’S XPENG INKS PARTNERSHIP WITH UAE’S ALI&SONS
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- XPENG Motors (XPENG), a Chinese smart electric vehicle (Smart EV) company, announced its latest long-term strategic partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) dealership group Ali &Sons.
As part of XPENG's international expansion plans, a growing list of new partners from its strategic markets have joined the company in bringing the brand's latest smart EVs to local consumers, including RAYA of Egypt; SR Group (Azerbaijan); T Gargour and Fils (Jordan); and Gargour Asia SAL (Lebanon).
XPENG global market dealer strategy focuses on establishing partnerships with local dealers to create a first-class distribution, sales, and service network in various regions.
Its General Manager of International Markets, Alex Tang in a statement said: “The new markets we are announcing today are recognised globally as the nucleus for EV growth, which makes this the natural and forward-thinking next step in our expansion into the EMEA market.
“We are committed not only to developing products that address local customer needs but also to bringing leading technologies and high quality to global customers.”
The partnerships will enable the company to bring its latest smart EVs to local consumers with branded showrooms, after-sales support, and comprehensive guidance through each stage of the buying process.
XPENG will offer the G6 SUV and G9 SUV models in the UAE from third quarter this year. Developed for global markets, both the G6 and the G9 are underpinned by the company's evolutionary Smart Electric Platform Architecture (SEPA) 2.0 platform, which sets the foundation for future production models while reducing development and manufacturing costs.
Meanwhile, in late 2023, XPENG began delivering P7 sedans and G9 SUVs to Azerbaijan and will begin distributing these vehicles in Jordan and Lebanon in the second quarter of this year, and in Egypt in the third quarter. The P7 is XPENG's best-selling model, with over 100,000 units sold in two years since its global launch.
The partnerships mark several "firsts" for XPENG on its road to globalisation, with the UAE being the first market XPENG entered in the Gulf region, along with Azerbaijan as the company's first in Central Asia and Egypt as the first in Africa.
Expansion into additional European markets including Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France is also set in parallel for this year.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
FORTREARX EXPANSION IMPROVES PATIENT ACCESS CAPABILITIES, COLD CHAIN EXPERTISE
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- Fortrea has announced the opening of its expanded non-commercial specialty pharmacy, FortreaRx, in Lake Mary, Florida, which offers advanced patient access solutions across the United States (US), including ambient and cold-chain distribution capabilities and expertise.
Fortrea vice president and global head of Patient Access, Bill Nolan in a statement said: “Fortrea’s well-established patient services offerings, combined with the expanded capabilities of FortreaRx, deliver an end-to-end approach, from early clinical stages to post-market delivery, ensuring a comprehensive and personalised experience for patients.”
Licenced in all 50 states and US territories, FortreaRx delivers flexible, scalable solutions that meet the specific needs of its customers while providing medications to patients who may otherwise not have access to them.
Non-commercial specialty pharmacies, such as FortreaRx, provide these solutions on behalf of their pharmaceutical manufacturer customers and are uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between pharmaceutical manufacturers and patients who meet the manufacturer requirements for prescription assistance.
Since FortreaRx’s inception in late 2008, Fortrea has pioneered non-commercial specialty pharmacy services, focusing exclusively on the distribution of free-goods products as an integrated component of pharmaceutical manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programmes (PAP) designed to expand access to therapy for qualified patients with no health insurance or those who are underinsured.
FortreaRx’s call centre hub of case managers seamlessly manages patient inquiries, counselling and data verification of prescriptions, in which Fortrea’s patient access team helps patients and providers understand and navigate the complexities of coverage while removing obstacles to get medication to patients.
FortreaRx delivers efficient, consultative and cost-effective solutions for manufacturer prescription programmes typically resulting in significant yearly savings for patients.
A global contract research organisation, providing clinical development and patient access solutions to the life sciences industry, Fortrea partners with emerging and large biopharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostic companies to drive healthcare innovation that accelerates life changing therapies to patients in need.
-- BERNAMA
Monday, February 19, 2024
Bedazzled By Art Experiences Along Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour This Spring
![]() |
Art@Harbour 2024_teamLab’s “Continuous” (Photo credit: ©Leisure and Cultural Services Department) |
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Hong Kong is gearing up to host an array of creative experiences this spring, from a mesmerising new teamLab installation to much-anticipated annual events like Art Basel Hong Kong, offering visitors the opportunity to be immersed in art on the banks of Victoria Harbour.
According to Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in a statement, visitors can kick-start their adventure with teamLab’s groundbreaking “Continuous” installation on Central Harbourfront.
Part of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)’s Art@Harbour 2024 and held from March 25 to June 2, hundreds of glowing egg-shaped structures come alive with ever-changing colours and sounds, responding to visitors' interactions.
Visitors can proceed to admire digital art facades illuminating the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, and continue to spend the evening at WestK FunFest (March 16 to April 7), where an award-winning, large-scale immersive art installation features a world of giant, vibrant inflatable “bubble-tecture”.
Pop culture enthusiasts should not miss ComplexCon Hong Kong (March 22 to 24), which also takes place in the city, in which the expertly curated festival features the world's most influential brands and artists, creating an unforgettable experience that blends fashion, sneakers, art, food, music and inspiration, among others.
It will be making its international debut at AsiaWorld Expo, just minutes away from Hong Kong International Airport.
A cornerstone of the art season, Art Basel Hong Kong requires no introduction. Taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (March 28 to 30), the prestigious art fair will return with over 240 world-class galleries and 16 large-scale installations.
Returning to Central Harbourfront after a four-year hiatus, Art Central (March 27 to 31) will once again showcase boundary-pushing contemporary art from the region’s most forward-thinking galleries, as well as a new sector, “Neo”, devoted to first-time exhibitors.
In West Kowloon Cultural District, one of the harbour’s coolest districts, see masterpieces from London’s National Gallery at the Hong Kong Palace Museum’s “Botticelli to Van Gogh” exhibition through April 11, then pop over to M+ for the impressive “Noir & Blanc” exhibition on black-and-white photography opening on March 16.
Meanwhile, Arts in Hong Kong Harbour Tour, arranged by the HKTB, will offer front-row seats to the artistic wonders along the sea.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Bill Conner Joins Jitterbit As President And CEO
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- Jitterbit, a global leader for empowering transformation through automation, has named Bill Conner as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as well as a member of the company's Board, effective immediately.
According to Jitterbit in a statement, Conner replaces George Gallegos, who led the company as CEO since 2011.
“Leading this company for the past decade has been an honour. I am grateful for the Board's support in my decision to step down, and I feel confident that handing the reins to a technology veteran and pioneering leader like Bill Conner marks the beginning of a new chapter, ushering in fresh perspectives to propel our organisation forward into a dynamic future,” said Gallegos.
Meanwhile, Conner said: “I have a deep passion for the market, the company, and the products, and am inspired by the team’s vast achievements.
“I want to thank the Board for their confidence in my leadership, and I look forward to building upon the tremendous foundation and talent already in place at Jitterbit.
Conner is among the most experienced security, data, and infrastructure executives worldwide, bringing veteran leadership and a focus on strategic transformation, during his time as Entrust and SonicWall President and CEO.
Furthermore, in his three decades of leadership, Conner has re-engineered product lines, built world-class service organisations, re-aligned global sales organisations, and created industry-leading marketing campaigns to deliver tremendous financial results.
Organisations globally rely on Jitterbit’s experience and expertise to help them automate critical business processes and build applications to futureproof their business.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
SOAR INTO THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON WITH VISTAJET
The dragon in the Chinese zodiac symbolizes adventure, success and ambition, which reflect the entrepreneurial spirit that has propelled VistaJet’s continued expansion over the past 20 years.
Embark on new adventures in the Year of the Dragon
VistaJet works with hundreds of partners around the world to curate personalized itineraries for its Members. This Lunar New Year, VistaJet is collaborating with Entourage Collection, the private members’ concierge and travel company, to recommend three spectacular itineraries with VistaJet providing point-to-point travel.
“Traveling with VistaJet is not just about getting from one place to another. We discover what our clients are passionate about and integrate it before, during and after each flight. Journeys start when their silver and red aircraft takes off, and continue with a new adventure on the ground,” says Matteo Atti, Chief Marketing Officer at VistaJet.
Swiss Alps
Take to the slopes at Verbier, an exclusive Swiss Alps ski resort that features vistas of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc mountains. This high-altitude escape is easily accessible for VistaJet Members via the town of Sion, just a short drive away. This experience blends seamless private travel with top-tier skiing, world-class dining and bespoke family festivities. The resort is home to luxury private chalets that offer an extraordinary family retreat.
Activities include heli-skiing, paragliding and a family horse-drawn sleigh ride. The New Year celebration will culminate with a lavish private meal against the perfect mountain backdrop, symbolizing the year's achievements.
Kenya, Victoria Falls and South Africa
This unforgettable expedition begins in Nairobi, Kenya with breakfast at the Giraffe Manor where Members will be greeted by the resident Rothschild’s giraffes, loved by visitors of all ages. Embark on a safari in the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, home to lions, elephants and buffalos, and admire the sunrise on board a hot-air balloon.
Continue south on a scenic flight over the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, before staying near the mighty Zambezi River. The Cape of South Africa is the grand finale, where Members can explore Cape Town, nearby wineries and the majestic Table Mountain.
Japan
In this fascinating journey, VistaJet Members will be immersed in the vibrancy of the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Explore the city's dynamic energy before venturing to Hakone, situated at the foothills of Mount Fuji, to enjoy a soak at the rejuvenating hot springs and take in Japan's stunning natural scenery.
The journey continues to Kyoto, a city that beautifully showcases Japan's rich cultural heritage. Savor a traditional Japanese Lunar New Year feast with family and friends, creating enduring memories. Further embrace the culture with a private tea ceremony guided by a tea master, or experience the art of kenbu sword dancing dressed in traditional samurai attire.
Family feast at 45,000 feet
These Lunar New Year adventures would not be complete without a family feast, and VistaJet creates the best festive fine-dining experiences in aviation. The secret to maintaining the same impeccable taste in the air as on the ground is to rely on fresh, high-quality ingredients. These must be naturally high in flavor and retain their texture when reheated, to overcome the desensitization of taste buds that occurs in the air — at 45,000 feet, the perception of salt and sweetness is reduced by around 30%.
The VistaJet team works with world-renowned Michelin-starred chefs and restaurants to design a customized menu before each flight. Taste the difference when festive Chinese delights such as sticky rice dish Nian Gao are expertly paired with traditional Chinese teas, or when VistaJet’s signature Caviar Service is perfectly matched with specialty drinks.
The Lunar New Year recommendations are part of VistaJet’s Private World portfolio, which includes exclusive experiences made available for VistaJet Members all year round. With guaranteed access to a fleet of over 300 aircraft including the ultra-long-haul Global 7500, that can fly 17 hours non-stop, VistaJet Members can take off anytime, to fly anywhere across the world.
Information
VistaJet | press@vistajet.com
About VistaJet
VistaJet is the first and only global business aviation company, leading the industry by setting higher standards of service and safety for 20 years. On its fleet of silver and red business jets, VistaJet has flown corporations, governments and private clients to 187 countries, covering 96% of the world.
Founded in 2004, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers have access to an entire fleet whilst paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership. VistaJet’s signature Program membership offers clients a bespoke subscription of flight hours with guaranteed access to the Vista Members’ fleet of over 300 aircraft around the world, to fly them anytime, anywhere.
VistaJet is part of Vista — the world’s first private aviation ecosystem, integrating a unique portfolio of companies offering asset free solutions to cover all key aspects of business aviation.
More VistaJet information and news at vistajet.com
About Entourage Collection
Entourage Collection is a private member’s concierge and travel company providing bespoke services, tailor-made for individuals and global brands alike.
Born from the desire to enhance, enrich, and curate the greatest experiences and opportunities available in the world, Entourage strives to help our clients navigate and achieve the best life has to offer, to assist with life’s everyday demands whilst harnessing its incredible opportunities. From an initial dream or concept through to the final result, we are there as knowledgeable guides through the process, delivering inspiring results.
As the zeitgeist changes, Entourage Collection is there, leading the way through experiences, access, and expert knowledge.
No request is too small and no dream is out of reach. With an expert team and an innate understanding of what true luxury means, our philosophy will forever remain “The Sky is No Longer the Limit.”
To learn more about Entourage Collection, please click here.
Attachments
- Alps
- Kenya
- Japan
- Lunar New Year celebration on board VistaJet 7500
- VistaJet
- VistaJet Lunar New Year Press Release
SOURCE : VistaJet International Ltd
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
TAGTHAI JOINS FORCES AT RATCHAPRASONG BY RECEIVING PRIVILEGES FROM PARTNERS, FURTHER DEVELOPING THE POWER OF FAITH TOURISM, ATTRACTING WORLDWIDE TOURISTS TO ENHANCE LUCK FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR 2024

(Photo: Business Wire)
BANGKOK, Feb 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- TAGTHAi, Thailand's Official Travel Platform, joins forces with Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) to welcome Thai and foreign tourists during Chinese New Year Festival 2024, who come to worship “8 Shrines Landmark” to enhance luck for the Year of Dragon to stimulate tourism in Ratchaprasong area. Enjoy many benefits from TAGTHAi partners in the activity A RALLY TO PROSPERITY @RATCHAPRASONG DISTRICT. The event will be held from February 12 to April 30, 2024.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240211673652/en/
Mrs. Thiratida Kuvantharai, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Digital Platform Social Enterprise Co., Ltd., said as follows, “This year, Thai tourism has continuously recovered positively. Tourists love to travel individually and look for the solution that makes their travelling easier, comfortable and worthwhile. TAGTHAi City Pass meets all the needs. As a result, the total number of TAGTHAi downloads has now grown to more than 1 million. TAGTHAi clearly aims to be “Super Aggregator Platform for travelers.” When thinking about traveling to Thailand, they will think of TAGTHAi and use TAGTHAi as an aid throughout the trip.”
For this joining of forces, TAGTHAi and Ratchaprasong Area Enterprise Association also have key partners, namely AIS, led by Mrs. Benjaporn Kamphet, Head of Special Segment & Prepaid Unit and TRUE, led by Ms. Chatchanun Wiwattanavarang, Vice President - Head of Migrant & Tourist Department to jointly offer benefits to tourists for joining in the fun with the activity A RALLY TO PROSPERITY by simply scanning the QR “8 Shrines of RATCHAPRASONG” following the auspicious route, paying homage to all 8 shrines, posting messages with photos or video clips on social media, typing the hashtag #TAGTHAi, checking in at Ratchaprasong and setting to be public, showing the posts to staff at Concierge Counter at Gaysorn Centre, 2nd floor and Gaysorn Amarin, 2nd floor to get TAGTHAi Goodie bag, along with gifts from partners such as Thai herbal inhalers from RSTA, elephant patterned, woven Thai cloth bags from AIS, foldable portable bags from TRUE, totaling the value of over 300 baht. Click the link to see activity details https://www.tagthai.com/content/p/8-shrines-of-ratchaprasong
In addition to 8 Shrines Landmark in Ratchaprasong Area and A RALLY TO PROSPERITY activity to join in the fun, many benefits from shops, restaurants, spas in Ratchaprasong District are also included in TAGTHAi BANGKOK PASS and TAGTHAi BANGKOK PREMIUM PASS. Download TAGTHAi Application. Click here https://tagthai-pass.onelink.me/NlKu/8vkq5vl5
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240211673652/en/
Contact
marketing@tagthai.com
(+66)66-114-1955
Source : TAGTHAi
Saturday, February 10, 2024
CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES OPENS MULTIPLE INTERNATIONAL ROUTES DURING 2024 SPRING FESTIVAL TRAVEL RUSH
SHANGHAI, Feb. 8, 2024 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--
New forms and changes are expected to be observed in this year's Spring Festival travel rush in China.
China Eastern has stepped up efforts to newly open and resume international routes.
Recently, it launched the Beijing Daxing-Kuala Lumpur route and resumed the Shanghai Pudong-Cairns, Australia route. It will also add 15 new international routes, including a new Pudong-Perth route, and increase flight frequencies between Pudong and Sydney, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Male routes.
During the Spring Festival travel rush, CEA will increase its investment in Southeast Asian island destinations to meet travel demand.
With more flights to Southeast Asia, more passengers from Southeast Asian countries are expected to travel to or transit through China during the festival period.
Within the 40 days of the Spring Festival travel rush, CEA plans to operate 2,322 round-trip flights between domestic airports and Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok.
The newly opened Beijing Daxing - Kuala Lumpur route is numbered MU795/796, with 4 round-trip flights per week.
Currently, CEA operates 4 routes to Kuala Lumpur - Shanghai Pudong to Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai Pudong to Sabah, Hangzhou to Kuala Lumpur, and Beijing Daxing to Kuala Lumpur. A total of 340 round-trip flights have been planned for these routes during the Spring Festival travel rush this year.
CEA will also open new direct routes from Kunming, Xi'an, Chengdu and more to Kuala Lumpur.