Al Sha’far Inaugurates “Al Hosn 2” Training Program

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, October 28th 2014 [ME NewsWire]
Lt. General Saif Abdullah Al Sha’far, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior and Head of the Higher Commission for Internal Security, inaugurated the “Al Hosn 2” training program, which was held at the Officers Club of the Dubai Police General Headquarters (GHQ).
The opening ceremony was attended by Major General Humaid Al Hadidi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police; Major General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Civil Defense Acting General Commander-in-Chief; and Staff Colonel Abdul Wahhab Ahmed Al Hajeri, Director General of Central Operations at Ministry of Interior and director of the program. Sixty nationwide officers from various relevant sectors at the ministry and police GHQs also participated in the program.
Lt. General Al Sha’far stressed the importance of such training programs that aim to coordinate efforts and the subsequent mechanisms for coordinating with partners; unify work procedures; and develop leadership skills in accident and crisis management in accordance with the best international practices and experiences.
Al Sha’far commended the cooperation and collaboration with the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) for sending representatives to attend the program. He also hailed the efforts made by the General Directorate of Central Operations at the Ministry of Interior and the teams assigned to prepare the training, and extended his gratitude to Dubai Police GHQ.
Workshop paper participants included Major General Al Hadidi, Major General Al Matroushi, and an elite group of officers specialized in internal security and disasters.
It is noteworthy that the training program was a part of the strategy of the Ministry of Interior and an adoption of strategic initiatives in accordance with the best practices. The initiatives are to develop leadership skills in the fields of crises and disasters, and to develop further trainings in internal security and disasters.
For more information about:
The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE
Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE
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The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.
Contacts
The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department
Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media
Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317
E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com




Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/12594/en

Berkshire Hathaway Names Mary Rhinehart Chairman of Johns Manville

Current President and CEO of JM to Assume Chairman Responsibilities

DENVER. - Friday, October 31st 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Johns Manville (JM), a Berkshire Hathaway company and global building products manufacturer, today announced that Mary Rhinehart has been named Chairman of the company. Rhinehart was appointed as JM President and Chief Executive Officer in November 2012.

Warren Buffett, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Hathaway, selected Rhinehart for this additional role due to her diligent leadership of JM. “With more than three decades of comprehensive experience at JM, Mary Rhinehart has proven not only her ability to succeed at every level, but also her commitment to the business and passion for JM’s employees and customers. Mary is the right choice for Chairman of JM,” said Buffett.

Rhinehart has held a variety of roles during her 35-year career, including as general manager of several Johns Manville business units. Before being named CEO, she was Chief Financial Officer, providing her breadth of experience in all financial operations of the company, including M&A. From human resources to supply chain management, Rhinehart’s wide range of responsibilities have also encompassed global business management and strategic business development.

“I am proud to assume the role of Chairman of Johns Manville and am grateful for the confidence Berkshire Hathaway has placed in me,” said Rhinehart. “Moving forward, JM will continue to win by delivering powerful experiences to our customers and employees — experiences which will create lasting relationships, sustainable competitive advantage and profitable growth.”

In addition to her JM responsibilities, Rhinehart serves on the CoBiz Financial board of directors; the University of Colorado Health Systems board; the Ply Gem Holdings, Inc. board; and the executive committee for the policy advisory board for the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies.

About Johns Manville

Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway company (NYSE: BRK.A, BRK.B), is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality building and specialty products. In business since 1858, the Denver-based company has annual sales of approximately $2.5 billion and holds leadership positions in all of the key markets that it serves. Johns Manville employs approximately 7,000 people and operates 45 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China. Additional information can be found at www.jm.com.

Contacts

Johns Manville

Holly Leiker, 303-978-2042

Holly.Leiker@jm.com









Permalink: http://www.me-newswire.net/news/12634/en

OT Showcased Mobile Financial Services and NFC Solutions at Gitex 2014

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK 2014

COLOMBES, France. - Wednesday, October 29th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Oberthur Technologies (OT), a world leader in digital security solutions for the mobility space, participated in GITEX 2014 from October 12 to 16 and demonstrated its Mobile Financial Services and NFC solutions together with Etisalat, the leading mobile operator in Middle-East and Africa.

GITEX Technology Week is the largest ICT event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia with more than 3700 exhibiting companies from 61 countries and 100.000 visitors from 150 countries. The main focus was on four themes: Smart, Cloud, Big Data and Mobility.

OT and Etisalat with their respective expertise showcased prominent demonstrations related to Mobile Financial Services and NFC in the banking, transportation and retail areas amongst others. GITEX VIPs, for instance, were instantly issued a prepaid card from OT’s Smart Kiosks and were showed how to access the metro thanks to OT’s NFC technology.

“The Middle East is a strategic market for Mobile Financial Services, where many innovative programs have already been launched and people are keen to use mobile technologies to pay or commute. This year again, GITEX was a success with very attractive and innovative demos and high level visitors on the booth” said Arnaud de La Chapelle, President of the RMEA region at OT.

« OT, as one of the key strategic partners in Etisalat’s Connected Commerce program “Flous”, helped us to deliver market relevant, transformational product innovations enabling consumers to access advanced financial services directly from their mobile phone in a highly secured and intuitive environment” said Khalifa Al Shamsi, Chief Digital Services Officer at Etisalat Group.

ABOUT OBERTHUR TECHNOLOGIES

OT is a world leader in digital security solutions for the mobility space. OT has always been at the heart of mobility, from the first smart cards to the latest contactless payment technologies which equip millions of smartphones. Present in the Payment, Telecommunications and Identity markets, OT offers end-to-end solutions in the Smart Transactions, Mobile Financial Services, Machine-to-Machine, Digital Identity and Transport & Access Control fields. OT employs over 6 000 employees worldwide, including close to 700 R&D people. With more than 50 sales offices across 5 continents and 10 facilities, OT’s international network serves clients in 140 countries. For more information: www.oberthur.com

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Contacts

MEDIA CONTACTS

Oberthur Technologies

Audrey Besnardeau, Tel.: +33 1 78 14 76 75

a.besnardeau@oberthur.com



FTI Consulting Strategic Communication

Guillaume Granier/Eric Fohlen-Weill, Tel.: +33 1 47 03 68 10

oberthur@fticonsulting.com







Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/12611/en

Middle East Healthcare Informatics Summit Opened on Monday in Dubai with an Immense Audience

Dubai, United Arabic Emirates - Monday, October 27th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

The Middle East Healthcare Informatics Summit commenced on Monday at Shangri-La, Dubai featuring government, policy makers, healthcare providers and solution providers with the objective of transforming the region’s healthcare sector.

The summit highlighted the latest developments in health information management and how these developments fuel growth in the region’s healthcare sector. The event started off with a pre-event workshop on “Standards and Information Governance for Healthcare” by Deborah Green, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Dr. Anna Orlova, Senior Director, AHIMA. The half day workshop focussed on information governance that helps manage and control information by supporting the organization’s activities and ensuring compliance with its duties

MEHIS was proud to be the platform for the official launch of the “Emirates Health Informatics Society” and also featured industry professional’s like Dr. Mohammad Al Redha, Director Health Data and Information Analysis Department, Dubai Health Authority & Non-Resident Fellow – Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, Dr. Osama Elhassan, Head of e-Health Section, Health Data Information Analysis Department, Dubai Health Authority, Hussein Albishi, HIM and Clinical Coding Specialist, Advisor to the Vice Minister of Health, Ministry of Health Saudi who discussed strategic challenges in the healthcare industry, management of healthcare analytics and ways to enhance the health information management profession.

One of the key features in the summit was a panel discussion on HIT Transformations Affecting Healthcare: Best Practices in US and UAE. The panel discussion, moderated by Mollie Pillman, Senior Director Strategy and Transformation, AHIMA, featured panellists like Michelea Peech, of Health Authority Abu Dhabi, Dr. Mohammad Al Redha of Dubai Health Authority  Dr. David Farrick, of American Hospital Dubai, Jeffrey Bird, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Dr. Syed Tirmizi, of Veterans Heath Administration USA and Jameel Ahmed, of Ambulatory Healthcare Services – SEHA.

MEHIS continued to explore health informatics possibilities in the region on the summit days, targeting and reviewing existing methodologies and practices learnt and applied in healthcare informatics and helped in finding out the implementation to healthcare professionals in hospitals and clinics across the Middle-East.

                                                                                **************

About MCI

MCI is the world’s leading provider of strategic engagement and activation solutions and has been a key driver of innovation in the meetings, events, and association and congress industries since 1987. Through creative live experiences and digitisation, globalisation, brand enhancement and content strategies, MCI helps multinational companies and international associations to enhance organisational performance, grow globally, energise communities and drive business results. MCI Middle East a fully owned branch of MCI Group is headquartered in Dubai and has started its operations in 2006.

Contacts

Muhammed Aamir

MCI Middle East

www.mci-group.ae

Tel: +971 (4) 311 6300



 

TILT to be launched as a New Educational CSR Initiative

Kalebr takes on leadership in representing and supporting smart learning transformation

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Monday, October 27th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

Kalebr Technologies, a leading Canadian education solutions provider, will be launching ‘Transforming International Learning with Technology’ (TILT), an educationally focused CSR program in Dubai this November. As an introduction of this program, a one day conclave with support partnership from Intel Education will be hosted on 3rd of November 2014, at Al Baraha III Ballroom, Event Centre, Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City, Dubai - UAE.

As the first of its kind, this event will gather school leadership, curriculum heads and IT heads of leading K-12 schools on a single educational platform, where they will present successful case studies, share best practices and ultimately take the lead in driving one-to-one learning in the region.  By providing a safe academic environment, this initiative aims to incorporate the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to introduce a new educational phase of providing high standards of learning.

Sharing his thoughts recently about launching the program, Aaditya Tangri, CEO of Kalebr Technologies said: "Technology companies or device manufacturers approach education from a transactional and myopic point of view, often focusing on the device alone or limiting themselves to a generic classroom management software. It is Kalebr’s endeavor through TILT to raise awareness on the successful cases of smart learning transformation among schools in the region".

The Keynote Speakers at the event will include John E. Davies, Vice President, Intel Education; General Manager, World Ahead Program, Intel Corporation, and the presenters are heads of local schools namely Raha International School (Taaleem), Jumeirah English Speaking School, Emirates International School, Dubai Gem Private School, Al Ittihad Private School and The Indian High School who are at various stage of smart learning transformation.

Mr. Robert Stokoe, Director of Jumeirah English Speaking School in Dubai, and one of the speakers said recently: Articulating and presenting new educational programs is important to all stakeholders. It is of critical importance for a school to know and understand how, what and why they are implementing any new programme, what the outcomes will be and how they will measure this.

He added: "In articulating a vision for great learning and teaching for our school, the learning pathway is an evolving framework of outcomes used to align pupil learning, personal development, curriculum, pedagogy, standards and assessment to support 21stcentury learning. A curriculum for the 21st century must encourage the personal and intellectual growth of our young people; they are our greatest resource".

We have introduced digital learning into the classroom, just as we are fully realizing the potential for desktop technology to support learning and teaching, wired learning spaces, powerful laptops the mobile device phenomenon is moving this technological adaptation toward obsolescence.

The TILT Program aims to open the communication channel for different discussions on the improvement of education whilst simultaneously encouraging students and educators to take the first step towards learning transformation.  This needs to be achieved through the active participation from educators and learners in the development program on their own accord in an effort to increase their engagement.

In addition, it will focus on transforming the education landscape through the use of technology as part of an initiative activity introduced to schools, providers and leaders throughout promoting safe and accessible education for students and follow commitment to improving access to quality education in Dubai and the region by rehabilitating a motivated development program.

"We want to initiate a conversation among peers and enable schools to make an informed decision while developing a holistic smart learning transformation vision for their respective institutions", Tangri commented.

- Ends –

For schools interest, please log on to the TILT site for further information: www.tiltedu.org 

DEADLINE: Thursday, 28th October 2014 COB

About Kalebr Technologies:

Kalebr Technologies is an education solutions provider with Intel as a supporting partner that is focused on facilitating K-12 schools transform learning with technology.

Kalebr Technologies helps schools with their vision, policies and framework on the implementation of one-to-one learning and with selection of the right education solutions and devices.

About TILT:

TILT stands for Transforming International Learning with Technology. It is an initiative that aspires to facilitate an efficient, seamless and innovative learning environment.

Contacts

Absolute Communications FZE

Mary Yeboah / Marissa Pinto

MaryY@absolutecommunications.ae / MarissaP@absolutecommunications.ae

+971-56-4841760 / +971-50-7541420









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/12576/en

Panasonic Reports Second-Quarter and Six-Month Results

- Operating Profit Increased and Full Year Forecast Revised Upward -

OSAKA, Japan. - Friday, October 31st 2014 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE) Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic [TOKYO:6752]) today reported its consolidated financial results for the second quarter and six months ended September 30, 2014, of the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2015 (fiscal 2015).

Consolidated Second-quarter Results

Consolidated group sales for the second quarter decreased by 1% to 1,870.6 billion yen compared with 1,881.8 billion yen for the second quarter of the year ended March 31, 2014 (fiscal 2014). Despite sales increase in solar and automotive businesses, this was mainly due to sales decrease of challenging businesses such as TVs, and sluggish demand in Japan after the consumption tax hike in April. Of the consolidated group total, domestic sales amounted to 892.5 billion yen, down by 3% from 922.4 billion yen a year ago, and overseas sales increased by 2% to 978.1 billion yen from 959.4 billion yen a year ago.

During the second quarter under review, the global economy moderately recovered. Seen slowdown in China and ASEAN countries, economy has continued to recover in Japan, Europe and the U.S. even with a sign of a partial slowdown.

Under such business circumstances, in fiscal 2015, the second year of the midterm management plan “Cross-Value Innovation 2015 (CV2015),” Panasonic has been promoting the initiatives to consolidate a foundation to achieve CV2015 and set growth strategy for a ‘New Panasonic’ in fiscal 2019. As one of the initiatives, the company reached the capital and business alliance agreement with Ficosa International S.A. (Spain) in order to facilitate smooth launch of electronic mirror business in the automotive business. In automotive battery business, the company signed an agreement with Tesla Motors (U.S.) on construction of a large-scale battery manufacturing plant in the U.S. where the company will produce cylindrical lithium-ion cells to supply to Tesla Motors.

Operating profit* increased by 15% to 94.7 billion yen, from 82.4 billion yen a year ago, due mainly to fixed cost reduction. Pre-tax income and net income attributable to Panasonic Corporation decreased from a year ago, to 66.8 billion yen from 84.8 billion yen and to 43.0 billion yen from 61.5 billion yen, respectively mainly due to some onetime capital gains recorded a year ago.

* For information about operating profit, see Note 2 of the Notes to consolidated financial statements attached PDF: http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2014/10/en141031-6/en141031-6-7.pdf

Consolidated Six-month Results

Consolidated group sales for six months ended September 30, 2014 were 3,722.9 billion yen, much the same with 3,706.3 billion yen in the same period of fiscal 2014. Demand in Japan overall backed off in consumer electronic products following the surge before the consumption tax hike in April. Meantime, this negative effect was mostly offset thanks to the effect of demand surge before the tax hike in some products carried over in the first quarter. Sales of housing solar business were stable, and sales of automotive business such as car navigation systems and car AVC equipment steadily increased in its global market. Domestic sales amounted to 1,749.9 billion yen, down by 2% from 1,787.3 billion yen a year ago, while overseas sales increased by 3% to 1,973.0 billion yen, up from 1,919.0 billion yen a year ago.

The company’s operating profit for the first six months increased by 21% to 177.0 billion yen, from 146.6 billion yen a year ago, due mainly to sales increase in real terms excluding the business transfer in fiscal 2014 and fixed-cost reduction. Pre-tax income and net income attributable to Panasonic Corporation decreased to 121.9 billion yen from 207.4 billion yen, and to 80.9 billion yen from 169.3 billion yen, respectively due mainly to one-off gain from pension scheme change and some one-time capital gains in other income in the first quarter ended June 30, 2013.

Consolidated Six-month Breakdown by Segment

Certain businesses were transferred among segments on April 1, 2014 and July 1, 2014. Accordingly, the figures for segment information in fiscal 2014 have been reclassified to conform to the presentation for July 1, 2014.

The company’s six-month consolidated sales and profits by segment comparing with previous year’s are summarized as follows:

Appliances Sales increased by 1% to 916.4 billion yen, compared with 906.3 billion yen a year ago due mainly to favorable sales in air-conditioners and devices, although sales in TVs decreased due mainly to terminating PDP business. Segment profit significantly increased by 141% to 32.4 billion yen, compared with 13.5 billion yen a year ago due mainly to improved profitability in challenging businesses. The device businesses, such as motor business, also contributed to profit improvement.

Eco Solutions Sales increased by 2% to 790.4 billion yen from 771.2 billion yen a year ago. In Japan, sales in housing systems decreased due to weakening demand in housing market after the consumption tax hike. Nonetheless, sales in housing solar business and LED lighting business increased. Overseas sales increased due to newly-consolidated VIKO, a Turkish company, as well as sales growth in strategic regions such as India. Segment profit increased by 6% to 41.8 billion yen from 39.6 billion yen a year ago due mainly to sales increase and rationalization initiatives.

AVC Networks Sales decreased by 3% to 531.6 billion yen from 549.3 billion yen a year ago. Although sales increased in BtoB business such as ruggedized PCs and tablets, sales decreased due mainly to exit from unprofitable businesses and downsizing businesses including plasma display panels and DSCs. Segment profit was 3.9 billion yen improved from a loss of 2.4 billion yen a year ago due mainly to sales increase in BtoB business and benefit from the restructuring carried out last fiscal year.

Automotive & Industrial Systems Sales increased by 2% to 1,378.2 billion yen from 1,347.9 billion yen a year ago due mainly to favorable sales for automotive business such as Automotive Infotainment Systems Business Division and electronic component mounting equipment. Yen depreciation also contributed to increase in sales. Segment profit increased by 9% to 52.2 billion yen from 48.0 billion yen a year ago due mainly to above-mentioned sales increase, restructuring on challenging businesses such as semiconductors, and rationalization.

Other Sales decreased by 18% to 297.9 billion yen from 364.2 billion yen a year ago, due mainly to the transfer of the healthcare business at the end of fiscal 2014. Segment profit was 1.9 billion yen, decreased by 71% from 6.6 billion yen a year ago.

Consolidated Financial Condition

Net cash provided by operating activities for six months ended September 30, 2014 amounted to 167.3 billion yen, compared with an inflow of 161.5 billion yen a year ago, due mainly to an improvement in working capital including an increase in trade payables. Net cash used in investing activities amounted to 80.0 billion yen, compared with an outflow of 46.3 billion yen a year ago due mainly to decrease in proceeds from disposals of investments in equity. Accordingly, free cash flow (net cash from operating activities plus net cash from investing activities) amounted to 87.3 billion yen, decreased by 27.9 billion yen from a year ago. Net cash used in financing activities amounted to 78.2 billion yen, compared with an outflow of 170.2 billion yen a year ago, due mainly to a decrease in repayment of the interest-bearing debt, despite an increase in dividend payment. Taking into consideration exchange rate fluctuations, cash and cash equivalents totaled 634.6 billion yen as of September 30, 2014, up 42.1 billion yen, compared with the end of the last fiscal year.

The company’s consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2014 increased by 131.5 billion yen to 5,344.5 billion yen from March 31, 2014 due mainly to yen depreciation and seasonal increase in its inventory, despite decrease in property, plant and equipment. The company’s consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2014 decreased by 30.0 billion yen to 3,596.5 billion yen, due mainly to repayments of unsecured straight bonds. Panasonic Corporation shareholders’ equity increased by 42.1 billion yen compared with March 31, 2014, to 1,590.3 billion yen. This was due mainly to recording net income attributable to Panasonic Corporation and an improvement in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by yen depreciation, despite a decrease in capital surplus accompanied by the acquisition of additional interests of its subsidiaries. Adding noncontrolling interests to Panasonic Corporation shareholders’ equity, total equity was 1,748.0 billion yen.

Forecast for Fiscal 2015

The company upward revised its full year forecast for fiscal 2015 reflecting profit increase from favorable sales in solar business in Eco Solutions. The company upward revised operating profit forecast of 310.0 billion yen to 350.0 billion yen, pre-tax income forecast of 120.0 billion yen to 160.0 billion yen, and net income attributable to Panasonic Corporation forecast of 140.0 billion yen to 175.0 billion yen, respectively. Sales forecast of 7,750.0 billion yen remains unchanged.

Net income attributable to Panasonic Corporation, per share is anticipated to be 75.71 yen, compared with the previous forecast of 60.57 yen.

Panasonic Corporation is one of the world's leading of electronic and electric products for consumer, business and industrial use. Panasonic’s shares are listed on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges. For more information, please visit the following web sites: Panasonic Homepage: http://panasonic.net/ Panasonic IR Web Site: http://panasonic.net/ir/

Disclaimer Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements (that include those within the meaning of Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934) about Panasonic and its Group companies (the Panasonic Group). To the extent that statements in this press release do not relate to historical or current facts, they constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current assumptions and beliefs of the Panasonic Group in light of the information currently available to it, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the Panasonic Group's actual results, performance, achievements or financial position to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or financial position expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Panasonic undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements after the date of this press release. Investors are advised to consult any further disclosures by Panasonic in its subsequent filings under the Financial Instrument and Exchange Act of Japan (the FIEA) and other publicly disclosed documents.

The risks, uncertainties and other factors referred to above include, but are not limited to, economic conditions, particularly consumer spending and corporate capital expenditures in the Americas, Europe, Japan, China and other Asian countries; volatility in demand for electronic equipment and components from business and industrial customers, as well as consumers in many product and geographical markets; the possibility that excessive currency rate fluctuations of the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Chinese yuan and other currencies against the yen may adversely affect costs and prices of Panasonic’s products and services and certain other transactions that are denominated in these foreign currencies; the possibility of the Panasonic Group incurring additional costs of raising funds, because of changes in the fund raising environment; the possibility of the Panasonic Group not being able to respond to rapid technological changes and changing consumer preferences with timely and cost-effective introductions of new products in markets that are highly competitive in terms of both price and technology; the possibility of not achieving expected results on the alliances or mergers and acquisitions; the possibility of not being able to achieve its business objectives through joint ventures and other collaborative agreements with other companies, including due to the pressure of price reduction exceeding that which can be achieved by its effort and decrease in demand for products from business partners which Panasonic highly depends on in BtoB business areas; the possibility of the Panasonic Group not being able to maintain competitive strength in many product and geographical areas; the possibility of incurring expenses resulting from any defects in products or services of the Panasonic Group; the possibility that the Panasonic Group may face intellectual property infringement claims by third parties; current and potential, direct and indirect restrictions imposed by other countries over trade, manufacturing, labor and operations; fluctuations in market prices of securities and other assets in which the Panasonic Group has holdings or changes in valuation of long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and goodwill, deferred tax assets and uncertain tax positions; future changes or revisions to accounting policies or accounting rules; as well as natural disasters including earthquakes, prevalence of infectious diseases throughout the world, disruption of supply chain and other events that may negatively impact business activities of the Panasonic Group. The factors listed above are not all-inclusive and further information is contained in the most recent English translated version of Panasonic’s securities reports under the FIEA and any other documents which are disclosed on its website.

Financial Tables and Additional Information

Statements of Income and Statements of Comprehensive Income for 2nd Quarter [PDF: 12KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2014/10/en141031-6/en141031-6-2.pdf

Statements of Income and Statements of Comprehensive Income for Six Months [PDF: 12KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2014/10/en141031-6/en141031-6-3.pdf

Balance Sheets [PDF: 11KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2014/10/en141031-6/en141031-6-4.pdf

Information by Segment [PDF: 10KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2014/10/en141031-6/en141031-6-5.pdf

Statements of Cash Flows [PDF: 13KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2014/10/en141031-6/en141031-6-6.pdf

Notes to consolidated financial statements [PDF: 9KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2014/10/en141031-6/en141031-6-7.pdf

Supplemental Financial Data [PDF: 113KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2014/10/en141031-6/en141031-6-8.pdf

Download all [PDF: 178KB] http://news.panasonic.com/press/news/data/2014/10/en141031-6/en141031-6-9.pdf

Related Links:

Panasonic Financial Statements: http://panasonic.net/ir/release/index.html

Headquarters News: http://news.panasonic.com/press/global/news_m.html

Panasonic News Portal: http://news.panasonic.net

Contacts

Panasonic Corporation

Global Communication Group

Public Relations Office

+81-3-3574-5729

presscontact@ml.jp.panasonic.com









Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/12635/en

ADFF: Screening of Films Nominated for the UAE Ministry of Interior Child Protection Award (CPA)

List of nominees includes 13 films from across 17 countries

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, October 28th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

Jury members of the 8th Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF) convened to begin screening the nominated films for the Child Protection Award (CPA), hosted by the festival for the second time and helmed in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Interior. Egyptian director Marwan Hamed heads the competition jury, alongside Lieutenant Colonel Faisal Al Shimmari, Deputy Chairman of the Ministry of Interior’s Cinema Awards Committee; Italian lecturer and film connoisseur Alessandra Priante; UAE media expert Heyam Al Juma and popular actress Nelly Kareem from Egypt.

Commenting on the films that are in the line-up for the festival and their valuable impact on calling the Arab viewer’s attention to the various issues related to children; director Marwan Hamed indicated that child protection has not been sufficiently addressed in the Arab world. He added, “Violence against children can have ripple effects on society. The Ministry of Interior’s Child Protection Award brings to light this important and serious problem.”

Adding further, Hamed said, “I look forward to working with my esteemed fellow the jury members, given the importance of this issue and the sensibilities it involves. I am confident that we all enjoy screening the participating films, which bear a noble humanitarian and moral value.” In conclusion, he praised the cooperation between the MoI and the festival’s management on creating these prestigious awards.

For his part, Lieutenant Colonel Faisal Al Shimmari, Deputy Chairman of the Ministry of Interior’s Cinema Awards Committee, highlighted the professional role played by the media and the film industry in achieving the award’s objectives, notably to create a purposeful filmmaking, which can make an imprint on heightening awareness about critical social issues, especially child protection. “Guaranteeing the security and safety of the various segments of society is amongst the top priorities of the Ministry of Interior,” he said.

Cultural expert Alessandra Priante said that the Ministry of Interior’s participation with such an award represents a momentous tribute, not only to the important topics tackled by the films, but also to the film industry itself. She said, “Cinema has unique communication channels and can incredibly shorten distances. Such advantage is seldom available in any other art form. Therefore, our task entails significant responsibility; as we are called upon to bring to light a film that may have a sweeping impact on audiences around the world. This proves that the cinema can have an important awareness-raising role, not only on audiences, but also on governments, legislators and decision-making world leaders. She wished further luck for individuals in charge of the award at the Ministry of Interior for the upcoming editions.”

Media representative, UAE expert Dr. Heyam Abdulhameed Al Juma, hailed the Ministry of Interior’s Child Protection Award, which calls attention to the important issue of child protection through the competition. She also commended the judging panel, which comprises renowned elite of experts in various fields. She noted, “Child protection has become a global issue of major importance and it is highly important and necessary to allocate a special award to recognize awareness efforts through film. Children are the wealth and future of all nations, and everyone is called upon to take measures to preserve this wealth and protect children them against violence, neglect or maltreatment.”

Adding further, she said, “As jury members, we will certainly have an enjoyable experience while screening and evaluating the merits of the participating films. However, the task is not a simple one, and may the eligible and best film win.”

Egyptian actress Nelly Kareem stressed the influential role of cinema in shedding the light on the various issues faced by society. She praised the role of the Ministry of Interior in raising awareness about the importance of child protection through films, which can reach a wider audience around the world. “The judging panel will be screening 13 films that tackle the issue of child protection, and eventually enhance awareness about children’s rights to protection and good upbringing,” she continued.

“Films have the powerful ability to bring audiences around the world closer; and reflect the reality of societies,” she added.  Furthermore, she noted, “There are several child-related films in the line-up at the Festival. However, we are shedding the light in this particular competition, on the victimized, maltreated or neglected children who are in pressing need for help. I believe that each of the nominated directors tackles a child-related problem in his film, presented under a different perspective.”

The list of CPA nominees includes 13 films from across 17 countries varying between features, documentaries and short films, where awards will be granted for the Best Film and Best Screenplay discussing children safety-related topics; calling the public’s attention to the victimized, mistreated or neglected children. The award entails USD 100,000 for both winning categories.  

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The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts
The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department
Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media
Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317
E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com









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