“Consumers are being bombarded with virtual currency today like we’ve never seen before. We get them from games, websites and reward programs. Soon most of us will have 5 or 10 different types of online currency. You likely have a handful already. First Meta provides a safe environment for you to mange and trade these goods; we work closely with game publishers and other issuers of currency to offer a sanctioned environment for trading” says CEO Autumn Radtke who joined First Meta in January. The company, which already has stable revenue, is using the newly secured capital to build the next generation of its virtual goods exchange and expand support to new platforms.

Virtual Currency trading is somewhat similar to forex trading and it’s already a large business in Asia. “We believe as gaming becomes more mainstream so will secondary trading. We’re here to help the new generation of game companies and currency issuers participate in revenue and avoid the black market fraud problems associated with unsanctioned trading.”

“First Meta is in a fast growing and exciting industry and we are looking forward to working with the team to succeed in Asia and beyond”, added Jupe Tan, VP International Operations of Plug and Play Tech Center and Director of Plug and Play Singapore.

About FirstMeta:
First Meta a Singapore based technology company was founded in 2007 with the goal of providing virtual financial
services to end users of games and virtual worlds.

About Plug and Play Tech Center:
Plug and Play Tech Center officially commenced its Singapore operations in March 2010 with the goal of
accelerating entrepreneurial companies, increasing their access to the dynamic resources of Silicon Valley and
increasing the chances of commercial success.

About National Research Foundation:
The National Research Foundation (NRF), set up on 1 January 2006 as a department under the Prime Minister’s
Office, seeks to strengthen Singapore’s R&D capabilities, encourage greater innovation and nurture the growth of
technology-based enterprises in Singapore.

For more information please contact

Wayne Soh
Business Development Manager
Plug and Play Singapore
Email: wayne@plugandplaytechcenter.com

Autumn Radtke
CEO
First Meta
Email: autumn@firstmeta.com

Striving to bring the best food delivery platform to Asia, foodpanda introduces a convenient food ordering service for their customers that provides a great variety of culinary choices online. “Our belief is that ordering food online should be fuss-free, fast and fun”, said Rico Wyder, one of foodpanda’s co-founders. Customers enter their postcode, find their favorite restaurant near them and with just a few effortless clicks, foodpanda helps them to easily order food over the internet.

Consumers spend a large portion of their time online and business owners want to leverage on the increasing influence of social media and online platforms. “We definitely expect an increase in customer numbers from the cooperation with foodpanda”, said Jacky Stevens, restaurant owner of Picotin Bistro. Stevens believes the “online delivery service will be enthusiastically embraced” by their customers as their hectic lives can take the leisure out of dining at restaurant premises. Echoing similar sentiments is E.P. Podisingho, owner of Kraze Burger. “Without a doubt, the exposure from foodpanda’s online ordering website will increase my business revenue,” said Podisingho.

The launch of foodpanda’s online delivery service will include 51 restaurants and firstly focus on customers in the Central Business District area. Customers will soon be spoilt for choices with island-wide coverage and a greater variety of restaurant choices.

Look us up at:

Website: www.foodpanda.sg
Facebook: facebook.com/FoodPanda.sg

About foodpanda:

foodpanda is a start-up company headquartered in Singapore with operations in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. We believe that ordering food online should be easy, fast and definitely fun! We wanted something simpler, so we made it.

For more information please contact:

Eileen Teo
Tel: +65-94560879
Email: e.teo@foodpanda.com

• Simple plug-in device turns smartphones and tablets into credit/debit card terminals
• End-to-end solution provides bank-level authentication for banks, merchants and consumers

SINGAPORE, 22 March, 2012 – A new mobile payment platform which will revolutionise cashless payments for consumers, businesses and the banking industry around the world was launched today in Singapore.

Swiff, which was developed by SCCP Payment Services, will create a new global standard for secure and instantaneous cashless payments between individuals, merchants and banks, using mobile phones and tablets as credit/debit card terminals. Swiff already works on iPhone, iPod, iPad, Android and BlackBerry devices and will soon be available on Windows-based mobile devices.

Swiff is the world’s first complete end-to-end solution which provides the same high level of security as existing chip-and-pin debit cards, with the benefits of being completely mobile. A “beta” version used by merchants in select locations across Singapore since June 2011 has verified the technology, which is now being launched worldwide.

“Mobile payments in Asia Pacific are projected to rise to US$267.8 billion by 2016, backed by the rapid acceptance of mobile banking services across the region,” said Jerome Cle, Co-founder and CEO of SCCP Payment Services. “There is a high demand in the market for mobile payment solutions which seamlessly plug into any existing eco-system of banks, merchants and customers. Today, Swiff is unique in its ability to do so.”

Beyond enabling merchants to generate credit/debit card transactions securely on-the-go, by simply swiping cards through the device, Swiff also instantly encrypts and transmits card data securely to the participating bank. No data is stored within the smartphone or tablet, ensuring customer information is kept safe.

Julienne Loh, Vice-President and Country Manager, Singapore, MasterCard Worldwide said: “Swiff is an easy-to-use and secure platform which brings us one step closer to a world beyond cash, something that we at MasterCard are working towards. We see Swiff playing a significant role not only in increasing small businesses’ accessibility to cashless payments, but also helping them reduce costs and improve efficiency. Beyond the benefits to businesses, consumers stand to enjoy even more seamless customer experiences with Swiff, as merchants now have an additional platform to enhance and be creative with the way they interact with their customers.”

Swiff is the only mobile payment platform that currently allows merchants and customers the ability to track individual devices and its corresponding location where payments were transacted. “Swiff embeds a Multi-Factor Authentication in the payment application using bank-level security. This provides merchants with a greater confidence to prevent misuse and decrease chargebacks,” adds Jerome Cle. Payment authentication is done at four levels – the consumer, the consumer’s device, the merchant and the merchant’s device.

“Key markets for us include the F&B sector, telecommunications, logistics and hospitality, as well as the millions of businesses throughout the world, including developing economies, that have traditionally been locked out of the lucrative credit card transaction market due to high cost of implementing a credit card terminal,” said Etienne Van den Bogaert, Chief Operating Officer.

Etienne Van den Bogaert added, “Businesses improve their efficiency and reduce their costs through lightweight infrastructure, faster transactions and collection of credit card payments. Greater speed and convenience also bring about stronger customer loyalty, increased business opportunities and faster return on investment.”

Swiff’s complimentary digital loyalty and mobile voucher platform also offers an entire new universe of possibilities for merchants and their acquiring banks, as well as consumers and their credit card issuers by increasing value added services, enhancing mobile payment and loyalty adoption while removing traditional integration and added operating costs.

You may view and download Swiff images at the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/77970940@N08/sets/

You may also view the Swiff video at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M08e2PR8Vw

“In today’s digital landscape where technology and trends move rapidly, innovation is a key enabler and strong competitive advantage for both public and private organisations. The National Infocomm Awards aims to recognise the spirit of innovation through the development or adoption of infocomm products, services or solutions in Singapore. Through the inspiring success stories of the winners, we hope that more organisations will continue to pursue innovative ideas in infocomm,” said Mr Ronnie Tay, CEO, IDA and co-chairman of NIA 2012 Steering Committee.

Now into its sixth year, this biennial series of national-level awards is launched once again in search of the next set of infocomm champions. The Most Innovative Use of Infocomm Technology award category recognises the innovative use of technology among public and private organisations, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Nominees will be evaluated based on their effective use of technology to enhance productivity or competitiveness.

The Most Innovative Infocomm Product/Service award category rewards companies in Singapore which have pushed the boundaries of technology to develop innovative infocomm products and services that benefit their customers. Entries are judged based on the product’s innovativeness and use of emerging or advanced technology. Winners of NIA 2012 will be honoured at a gala dinner to be held in October 2012.

“The NIA is a well-received award in the industry that helps to create awareness on the importance of infocomm innovation in business growth and success. SiTF is fully supportive of this prestigious award as it celebrates the best in infocomm,” said Mr Eddie Chau, Chairman, SiTF and co-chairman of the NIA 2012 Steering Committee.

Since 2002, the NIA recognition has helped organisations and companies establish a brand name for themselves and make successful forays into the overseas markets. Please refer to Annex A for the quotes from NIA 2010 winners.

ISSUED BY CORPORATE AND MARKETING COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE

Related Resources:

Annex A: Quotes from winners of NIA 2010
Annex B: Former winners of NIA

About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA)

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is committed to growing Singapore into a dynamic global infocomm hub. IDA uses an integrated approach to developing infocommunications in Singapore. This involves nurturing a competitive telecoms market as well as a conducive business environment with programmes and schemes for both local and international companies. For more news and information, visit www.ida.gov.sg.

About Singapore Infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF)

Singapore infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF) is Singapore infocomm industry association, which brings corporate members ranging from local startups to establish MNCs. SiTF works with various stakeholders in the ICT industry to address ICT-related issues and to promote emerging technologies in areas such as Digital Media, Cloud Computing, Green IT, Wireless, Security and Governance.

SiTF’s charter is to serve as the voice of the Singapore infocomm industry and to provide members with opportunities to increase their market presence and business reach. Among the key events initiated by SiTF are the SiTF Golf Classic, SiTF Awards, SITEX and Asia Pacific ICT Summit (APICTS). The key initiatives by SiTF include MatchiT, 123JumpStart, SiTF Academy and administering the ‘Infocomm Singapore’ brand.

For more information on SiTF, please visit www.sitf.org.sg.

For media clarifications, please contact:

IDA Singapore
Teresa Tan (Ms)
Assistant Manager, Corporate and Marketing Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: +65 6211 1745
E-mail: teresa_tan@ida.gov.sg

SiTF
Cheam Gim Chng (Ms)
Manager, Marketing & Sponsorship
Singapore infocomm Technology Federation (SiTF)
Tel: +65 6325 9812
Email: gim@sitf.org.sg

Singapore — March 15, 2012 — Microsoft Singapore today shared insights from a commissioned research from analyst firm IDC indicating that cloud computing is expected to create over 12,000 new cloud-related jobs in Singapore by 2015. While IT spending is expected to grow by just 16% over the next four years, Singapore is expected to show a 30.6% growth in cloud-generated jobs. This compares to growth of the total Singapore workforce of 12%1 during the same four-year period.

Cloud computing is currently a key focus for Singaporean businesses looking to increasing IT’s agility to support business growth and lower capital costs. The research points to Singapore enterprises of all types and sizes accelerating the adoption of cloud infrastructure and services in the next few years.

“As a global business hub, Singapore is a strategic market for cloud adoption. Microsoft helps many multinational companies based in Singapore, that increasing look to the cloud solutions to grow and optimize their operations,” said John Fernandes, Chief Operating Officer, Microsoft Singapore. “This increase in cloud usage In turn, this creates technology new job opportunities within the country.”
The IDC research also shows that cloud computing will create nearly 14 million new jobs globally by 2015. IDC’s research predicts revenues from cloud innovation could reach $1.1 trillion per year by 2015, which, combined with cloud efficiencies, will drive significant organizational reinvestment and job growth.

“For most organizations, cloud computing should be a no-brainer, given its ability to increase IT innovation and flexibility, lower capital costs, and help generate revenues that are multiples of spending,” said John F. Gantz, chief research officer and senior vice president at IDC. “A common misperception is cloud computing is a job eliminator, but in truth it will be a job creator — a major one. And job growth will occur across continents and throughout organizations of all sizes because emerging markets, small cities and small businesses have the same access to cloud benefits as large enterprises or developed nations.”

The report also indicates specific industries will generate job growth at different rates, and that public cloud investments will drive faster job growth than private cloud investments. The report also notes governments can influence the number of jobs created by cloud computing within individual countries. More information, including the full report, is available at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2012/mar12/03-05CloudComputingJobs.mspx.

Microsoft is delivering a set of solutions to drive the cloud’s growing future. The company offers full public and private cloud solutions for consumers and organizations of all sizes. These enable customers to reap the benefits of cloud computing — from connecting and sharing for consumers, to lowering costs and realizing new technical or strategic opportunities for organizations. More information on Microsoft cloud solutions is available at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/cloud/default.aspx?fbid=92ndoVValL4.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Press Contacts:

Microsoft Singapore
Lavinia Rajaram-Bautista
a-lavira@microsoft.com
Mobile: +65-84280079

IN.FOM for Microsoft Singapore
Wong Voal Voal
voal@infom.asia
Mobile: +65-97990551

Startups and brands can have a Mynewsdesk-hosted newsroom or your own hosted newsroom. Interested companies should contact Johan, the Singapore Country Manager for Mynewsdesk.

Journalists can use Mynewsdesk to follow companies and startups for free.

“As part of Blk71, MDA and SingTel Innov8, the corporate venture arm of the SingTel Group, have signed a Memorandum-of-Understanding (MOU) to provide funding and create a dynamic environment for start-ups. Under the MOU, both parties will make joint Calls-for-Proposals (CFPs) which will provide successful start-ups with up to S$50,000 of initial seed funding and opportunities for follow-on funding of S$200,000 or more. MDA and SingTel Innov8 will also co-sponsor activities such as industry speaking engagements, workshops and networking events. To support these initiatives, MDA and SingTel Innov8 will commit an initial sum of up to S$2 million each over three years.

NUS Enterprise will leverage its experience and networks as an incubator to manage the Blk71 incubation space.”

Image Credit: .Fabio.

SAN FRANCISCO – Feb 1, 2011 – Seesmic, the leading maker of applications that monitor social networks across mobile devices, today announced a $4 million investment from salesforce.com, inc. and a Softbank Group company managed by Softbank Holdings Inc.

Seesmic helps companies monitor, engage and build their brands across social networks and mobile devices. The Seesmic Desktop provides a single console that lets companies view and respond, in real time, to comments being made about their brands in Twitter, Facebook and other social networks. Seesmic Desktop works with Apple’s iPhone and Macintosh computers, smartphones running Google’s Android or Windows Phone 7 mobile operating systems, Research in Motion’s Blackberry and on personal computers.

Salesforce.com, the enterprise cloud computing (http://www.salesforce.com/cloudcomputing/) company, and Softbank group join previous investors Atomico, Omidyar Network and Wellington Partners. Seesmic has received a total of $16 million, including the most-recent investment round.

Seesmic and Salesforce.com have worked closely for more than six months to create a seamless integration between Seesmic Desktop and Salesforce Chatter, the industry’s first enterprise social collaboration app and platform. Leveraging the social features popularized by Facebook and Twitter — such as profiles, status updates and real-time feeds — Chatter lets employees “follow” documents, people, business processes and application data. The result is a new level of productivity that crosses departments and organizational barriers. By integrating with Chatter, Seesmic Desktop will enable salesforce.com users to immediately see comments that customers have posted on Facebook and Twitter.

“Salesforce.com has become a valued partner as we work together to bridge external and enterprise social communication with Chatter. These investments will enable us to reach more enterprise customers” said Loic Le Meur, CEO, Seesmic.

SINGAPORE, January 27, 2011: Smaato, the leading mobile ad optimiser and mobile advertising company, today announced the closing of a new institutional round of funding. Singapore’s EDBI led the $7 million round, with participation from existing shareholders including global private equity firm aeris CAPITAL. The new funds will help fuel Smaato’s international expansion, in particular to extend its presence in Asia from its Asian headquarters in Singapore.

Ms. Chu Swee-Yeok, CEO of EDBI highlighted, “Smaato is a leader in the mobile advertising optimisation space with its highly innovative advertising optimization platform. As a digital advertising hub, Singapore is an ideal base for Smaato to address the fast growing mobile ad market in Asia, given the high concentration of ad networks, media agencies, and publishers here. EDBI looks forward to working closely with Smaato to partner key industry players leveraging on our networks in the region, and executing the company’s ambitious expansion plans in Asia.”

More than 11,000 publishers have signed up with Smaato to monetize their mobile content, with Smaato managing close to 20 billion ad requests per month. Smaato will further grow its more than 55 staff worldwide and strengthen its leadership position as the largest mobile advertising optimizer.

“We have seen a tremendous growth in Smaato’s revenues in 2010. For 2011, we expect even more exponential growth by partnering with leading mobile publishers and app developers worldwide,” said Ragnar Kruse, CEO and Co-Founder of Smaato. “Singapore has proven to be an excellent location to expand our Asian business. This new round of funding will help us improve our reach, foster product innovation and grow the Smaato team worldwide.”

Further reinforcing Smaato’s leadership in the mobile advertising industry, the company has also recently been recognized for the third time on the OnMedia 100 Top Private Companies list for 2011. Smaato was selected from more than a thousand U.S. and international technology companies nominated by investors, bankers, journalists, and digital media industry insiders.

Mobile publishers and mobile app developers partner with Smaato to maximize mobile advertising revenues with the aggregation of 50+ leading ad networks. Working with mobile ad networks on a global scale, Smaato has a unique offering to the market with relevant local ads made available globally in a single sign-up process at www.smaato.com/signup.

About Smaato Inc.

Smaato is a pioneering mobile advertising company that operates the mobile ad optimization platform called SOMA (Smaato Open Mobile Advertising) and partners with mobile publishers and app developers. More than 11,000 publishers have signed up with Smaato to monetize their content in 220+ countries and Smaato is managing close to 20 billion ad requests per month.

SOMA’s unique feature is the aggregation of 50+ leading ad networks globally to maximize mobile advertising revenues. Through an open API and a wide range of SDKs, SOMA can be easily integrated with ad networks, ad inventory owners (publishers, developers and operators) and 3rd party ad technology providers.

Smaato Inc. is headquartered in Redwood Shores, California. The privately held company was founded in 2005 by an experienced international management team. Additional Smaato locations are based in Hamburg, Germany and Singapore. Smaato is an active member of the Mobile Marketing Association and the German Digital Media Association BVDW.

About EDBI

EDBI (EDB Investments) is a leading investment firm headquartered in Singapore with worldwide presence. EDBI invests globally in the innovative and dynamic sectors of Biomedical Sciences, Clean Technologies, Digital Media, as well as key industries in Singapore. As a value adding investor, EDBI works closely with its portfolio companies, leveraging on its extensive networks and experience to help bridge and drive the companies’ growth strategies for Asia.