NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) and NTT Corporation (NTT) today announced that they have successfully conducted a first-of-its-kind transoceanic-class 7,280km transmission experiment using a coupled 12-core multicore fiber(1), which consists of 12 optical signal transmission paths in a standard outer diameter optical fiber (0.125 mm). This achievement is expected to be a next-generation transmission infrastructure technology that will contribute to the realization of large-capacity optical networks, including future optical submarine cables.
Figure 1: Cross sections of a single-core fiber (left) and a coupled 12-core multicore fiber (right)
Background
With the spread of 5G globally and increased communications between data centers, international Internet traffic increased at an average annual rate of 30% from 2018 to 2022 (*2), and this trend is expected to continue. In order to meet the strong communication demand, there is a growing need to increase transmission capacity per optical submarine cable system in addition to increasing the number of optical submarine cables.Existing optical submarine cables use single-core fiber, which has a single optical transmission path called a core within a single fiber. In contrast, research and development is being conducted around the world to increase cable capacity by using multicore fiber, which has multiple cores to increase transmission capacity without changing the standard outer diameter of the fiber. NEC is currently engaged in a project to install a long-haul optical submarine cable system using two-core multicore fiber with two optical transmission paths.
Research Results
As more cores are added to an optical fiber with a standard outer diameter, crosstalk occurs when optical signals leaking from a core interfere with optical signals in adjacent cores, resulting in interference, which deteriorates the quality of mutual communications. Especially in long-distance transmission, in addition to the seriousness of crosstalk, it becomes difficult to receive transmitted signals accurately due to the non-uniformity of delay and loss between optical signals.NEC and NTT have developed the following technologies to address these issues.
Figure 2: Schematic diagram of the technologies developed
1. Development of an algorithm by NEC for demodulation of received signals using Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology
Although MIMO technology is commonly used to separate multiple interfering radio signals, the scale of MIMO signal processing that has been put into practical use in existing optical communications is limited to two-polarization multiplexed signals. In addition, multicore fiber with many cores requires more extensive signal processing because the optical signals are further multiplexed. In addition, the random occurrence of crosstalk in long-distance transmission is an issue that must be addressed. NEC has now developed an algorithm for long-distance transmission and applied it to 24 x 24 MIMO (12 cores x 2 polarizations), enabling accurate separation and demodulation of high-speed received signals.
2. Development of a coupled 12-core multicore fiber optical transmission line by NTT
In long-haul optical communications using multicore fiber, when non-uniform delays and losses occur in the propagation between multiplexed optical signals, the circuit resources required for MIMO signal processing during reception increase, making implementation and realization difficult. In addition, non-uniformity in propagation loss greatly limits the distance that can be transmitted. In this study, NTT has developed design technologies for coupled multicore fiber and optical input/output devices (connecting fan-in/fan-out) that can reduce the effects of non-uniformity among signal delay and loss, as well as optical transmission line design evaluation technologies for long-haul applications.Combining these technologies, NEC and NTT conducted long-distance transmission experiments over 7,280km, assuming a transoceanic-class optical submarine cable, and succeeded for the first time in the world in accurately demodulating 12-spatially multiplexed optical signals offline.
Figure 3: Trends in long-haul optical transmission using space-division multiplexed fibers of standard outer diameters and the positioning of these research results
Future Developments
The two companies will further advance the research and development of these technologies with the aim of commercializing them as a long-haul, high-capacity optical submarine cable system and terrestrial core network system that will contribute to the realization of a high-capacity optical transmission infrastructure in the IOWN® (*3) concept and Beyond 5G/6G era in the 2030s.NEC and NTT will present the results as a highly scored paper at the Technical Conference of OFC 2024, the world’s largest event on optical communications (March 24 to March 28, 2024, at the San Diego Convention Center in California, USA).
(1) Coupled multicore fiber: An optical fiber in which signals transmitted in each core are separated and demodulated by post-processing on the premise that optical signals leaking from multiple optical transmission paths (cores) in the fiber interfere with and influence each other. (2)
NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) has successfully conducted experiments with AI to predict the likelihood of landmines being buried in certain areas. This project was conducted to contribute to the reduction of casualties from landmines and to support their safe, prompt, and efficient removal. As a result of this work, it was confirmed that the most likely position of landmines can be predicted with a high degree of accuracy (about 90%). This work was conducted as part of a co-creation project with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) that began in June 2021.
Comparison between the AI-predicted mine burial area (red circles) and the actual burial location (yellow-green dots)
(Pre-identify the area to be predicted by AI (red square frame))
Landmines are often placed so that they are difficult to detect, and because they are buried in areas where people and vehicles frequently pass, they continue to pose a threat to human life, even after conflicts have ended. In 2021, the number of casualties caused by Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), such as cluster bombs and landmines, reached 5,554 worldwide, most of which were civilians(1). In addition, land development is difficult in areas where landmines may be buried, hindering economic development.
For this project, NEC received open data from the ICRC, such as geographical and geological information, data that included the locations of habitation and important buildings, as well as reports from residents. NEC’s AI then selected and analyzed the information to predict areas with a high probability of landmines. Based on information about conflict areas, NEC has used this technology to achieve a prediction match rate of approximately 90%, with the predictions indicating both likely landmine areas and areas that are likely free from landmines(2).
As a result, it will be possible for the small number of demining experts and personnel around the world to survey larger areas of land faster and at a lower cost. The first stages of demining conventionally require many people and a great deal of time to sort through large amounts of data and information. By using AI to sort (or “harmonize”) this data and information, human experts can focus on making decisions about where to conduct landmine removal in the most efficient way.
Going forward, the system will also incorporate new sources of data such as remote sensing (e.g., data gathered from drones and satellites), to further improve the speed and accuracy of forecasts. Moreover, by March 2024, NEC aims to provide an AI-enabled prediction solution for landmine areas to governments and international organizations around the world. This project is aligned with NEC’s vision to realize a sustainable society in which everyone can reach their full potential by integrating advanced ICT and knowledge for the benefit of all.
(1) Survey results by the international NGO “Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor” new windowhttp://the-monitor.org/en-gb/reports/2022/landmine-monitor-2022/major-findings.aspx (2) This demonstration was conducted in areas where the location of landmines was already known. However, the AI analysis was conducted without using any information on the actual location of landmines.
About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.
Civil engineering specialist Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad (SCIB) held the Company’s 46th AGM virtually today in which shareholders voted to reappoint NEXIA SSY PLT as the auditor and authorised the directors to fix its remuneration.
Group MD and CEO of SCIB, Encik Rosland bin Othman
Shareholders also passed a resolution authorising the issuance and allotment of shares pursuant to Sections 75 and 76 of the Companies Act 2016 while waiving their pre-emptive rights.
The resolutions to re-elect Dato’ Dr. Ir. Ts. Mohd Abdul Karim bin Abdullah and Datu Haji Abdul Hadi bin Datuk Abdul Kadir to the board of directors were not tabled as they retired effective 8 December 2022. Other resolutions passed included the reappointments of eligible directors up for re-election.
Group Managing Director of SCIB, Encik Rosland bin Othman, said, “We are happy to engage with our shareholders virtually in the AGM today and answer their questions. On behalf of SCIB, I would like to thank them for having placed their trust and confidence in us at what has been a challenging period. We would also like to thank both Dato’ Dr. Ir. Ts. Mohd Abdul Karim and Datu Haji Abdul Hadi for their years of leadership and dedication to SCIB.”
“I can confidently say that the Company is looking forward to 2023 following the measures we have adopted focusing on our strengths and ensuring our resilience in the face of changes in the construction industry.”
Among the measures the Company took is a kitchen-sinking exercise pertaining to the recent cancellation of four projects as well as the settlement agreement over six projects in Qatar and Oman. These measures were taken to safeguard the Company’s interests. In respect of the cancellation of the five projects, the decision was taken after reviewing and updating the Company’s order book records to reflect the current situation while, in respect of the projects in Qatar and Oman, there is no financial impact to the trade receivables.
“In regards to the outlook, as East Malaysia’s leading precast concrete and Industrialised Building System (IBS) manufacturer, we expect Sarawak Economic Development Corp’s successful tender of the RM448 million System Package Two contract for the Kuching Urban Transportation System project phase one to have positive impact for the state economy while the announcement of the RM50 billion MRT3 project will spur demand for civil engineering services and building materials as well as give a much needed boost to the nation’s construction sector.”
“We intend to leverage on our strengths as a leading precast concrete and IBS manufacturer to seek opportunities for our engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) business where we specialise in small-to-mid-sized projects for water, electricity, roads, health and education infrastructure. SCIB’s geographical scope expanded to Peninsular Malaysia in recent years and we are also seeking EPCC opportunities in neighbouring Kalimantan in which our manufacturing business can play a pivotal role. To ensure business sustainability, we have also adopted technology such as 3D printing for construction as we transform to meet the challenges of the present and the future.”
As of 30 November 2022, SCIB has an order book of RM564.7 million with earnings visibility until 2026.
PT PLN (Persero) has succeeded in reducing 32 million metric ton GHG carbon emission in 2022 (as of September 2022). This achievement was delivered by President Director of PLN, Darmawan Prasodjo on Decarbonizing Energy Sector for Net Zero Indonesia Pavilion agenda at COP 27 held in Egypt on Monday (7/11).
President Director of PLN, Darmawan Prasodjo
“I’m proud to say here that we have succeeded to reduce 32 million metric tons CO2 emission in 2022, surpassing our nationally determined contribution (NDC) target,” said Darmawan.
He explained, to achieve this, PLN conducted a holistic approach to decarbonize its business including expanding renewable energy capacity for power generation, utilizing heat waste from gas plants to generate electricity, using more efficient Coal Fired Power Plants, and implementing biomass co-firing to reduce coal use.
“We are doing our best and moving as far as we can. Last year, 13 gigawatts (GW) of planned Coal Fired Power Plants was taken out from our business plan, hence we spared 1.8 billion metric tons CO2 emission for the next 25 years,” he said.
Darmawan acknowledges those efforts are not enough, and PLN will continue to add more renewables from solar, geothermal, hydro, to ocean wave energy to the power system.
“We are aggressively increasing renewables capacity, and we are looking to maximize the utilization of renewable energy potential in the country. Along with that, we also need to implement the supporting technology to accommodate supply-demand fluctuation for the new system” he adds.
To achieve the NZE target in 2060, PLN runs a holistic approach through 8 initiatives. These initiatives consist of early retirement of coal power plant, additional renewable energy, green energy as-a-service, biomass co-firing, hydrogen and ammonia co-firing pilot project, carbon capture and storage, smart grid control system, and electric vehicle ecosystem.
Darmawan emphasizes that the global climate change is our collective challenge. Therefore, we need a joint strategy and collaboration from all over the world to develop the supporting technology, innovation and investment to ensure we are on the right pathway to net zero emission.
“Our paradigm needs to change. The only way is through collaboration”.
Contact: Gregorius Adi Trianto Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications and TJSL PLN T: 0217261122
The award presentation ceremony of Quam IR Awards 2021 (‘QIRA’ or ‘The Awards’) successfully took place on 27 July, 2022 at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, recognizing investor relations professionals capable of assisting their companies in adapting to changes and, with outstanding governance thinking and practical strategies skills, taking their companies towards sustainable development in the ever-changing business environment.
Management of Tonghai Financial Group, including, Mr. Stacey Wong, Chief Operating and Risk Officer, (fifth from the left), Mr. Chris Wu, Chief Financial Officer (second from the right) , Mr. Army Yan, Chief Investment Officer of Tonghai Financial Group (first from the left) and Ms. Sandy Lam, Managing Director of Hong Kong Sustainability Strategic Advisory Limited (second from left), took picture together with award presenters and representatives of awarded companies.
Celebrating IR Excellence Quam IR Awards is proud to recognize and reward the very best listed company in the investor relations industry. The winners of the QIRA have opened the door of communication through diversified channels, representing the tact and professionalism of investor relations. The keen enthusiasm for the 7th Quam IR Awards can be seen from the entries. A total of 15 companies have differentiated themselves from their competitors to win the Awards.
Partnered with Professional Institution, Giving Commendations to Sustainable Companies With the environment, social and governance becoming increasingly important factors that affect the strategies and operation of listed companies, China Tonghai IR has partnered with Hong Kong Sustainability Strategic Advisory Limited (HKSSA), an advisory firm focusing on enterprises’ abilities of their sustainable development, granting “Sustainable Development Category” – Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards from a professional perspective to honour companies demonstrating excellence in all 3 areas of ESG. In particular, a special award “Sustainable Development Category – The Best Report of the Year” has been added this year. It is delighted to announce Lenovo Group Limited becoming the first awarded company to achieve this honor.
Quality Enterprises Further Reinforce Hong Kong’s Position as International Financial Centre Mr. Chris Wu, Chief Financial Officer of Tonghai Financial Group, said in the opening remark “The winning companies demonstrate the multiplicity, dynamics, outstanding corporate governance and culture of the business community of Hong Kong. Together with these important elements, it enhances Hong Kong’s status as International Financial Center, meanwhile, it brings additional economic activities to the capital markets.” Mr. Stacey Wong, Chief Operating and Risk Officer of Tonghai Financial Group, said “Hong Kong has made a tremendous effort in introducing emerging and high growth companies onto the stock exchange, like the acceptance of weighted voting rights, pre-revenue biotech companies and SPAC. There has also been an increasing number of dual listings of US-listed Chinese companies. We are certain that more companies, in the old and new economy alike, will be attracted to Hong Kong. You from the investor relations profession play a vital role in educating investors on the potential and development of business models new to them, as well as resuscitate the value of old economy companies.”
Unwavering Support from Business Community and Media friends Tonghai IR was honoured to invite Mr. Joseph Chan, JP, Under Secretary for Financial Services, Dr. Anthony Fan, Founding President of The Hong Kong Independent Non-Executive Director Association, Dr. Michael Chan, Honorary Chairman of Hong Kong Institute of Marketing and Dr. Sam Kwok, President of Hong Kong Society of Economists as our guests of honour to witness such grand occasion.
The 7th Quam IR Awards came to a successful conclusion, thanks to our supporters in the business community, media friends and sponsors in Hong Kong and mainland China. Our supporting media partners include The Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies, The Hong Kong Independent Non-Executive Director Association, Ming Pao, The Standard, FX678 and StockStar. Tonghai IR is grateful for the strong support and generous sponsorship from Green Common and HKTaxi, which make Quam IR Awards 2021 a success.
The list of awardees for Quam IR Awards 2021 (In alphabetical order of company name):
Stock Code / Company Name
Hong Kong Index Constituents (Hand Seng Index) Category 2020 ANTA Sports Products Limited 2382 Sunny Optical Technology (Group) Company Limited
Mainboard Category 1761 Babytree Group 0081 China Overseas Grand Oceans Group Limited 1929 Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group 2232 Crystal International Group Limited 0173 K. Wah International Holdings Limited 0826 Tiangong International Company Limited
Sustainable Development Category – Platinum 3311 China State Construction International Holdings Limited 2232 Crystal International Group Limited 0992 Lenovo Group Limited
Sustainable Development Category – Gold 2020 ANTA Sports Products Limited 3718 Beijing Enterprises Urban Resources Group Limited 0081 China Overseas Grand Oceans Group Limited
Sustainable Development Category – Silver 1761 Babytree Group 1229 Nan Nan Resources Enterprise Limited 0152 Shenzhen International Holdings Limited
Sustainable Development Category – Bronze 0227 First Shanghai Investments Limited 2266 Lai Si Enterprise Holding Limited
Sustainable Development Category – The Best Report of the Year 0992 Lenovo Group Limited
Website of Quam IR Awards 2021: https://eventedm.tonghaiir.com/QIRA2021-22/EN_US/
For enquiries, Tonghai IR Marketing & PR contact: Mandy Lo T: 2217-2753 Email: mandy.lo@tonghaifinancial.com Charlie Chan T: 2217-2504 Email: charlie.chan@tonghaifinancial.com
