I2R signs MoU with multinational organisations to collaborate on NextGen TV programme

Multinational organisations include Philips, Motorola, PGK Media, EVVO Media, Zentek Technology

Singapore, 20 November 2008 – A*STAR’s Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) signed a Memorandum of Understanding today with industry partners such as Philips, Motorola, PGK Media, EVVO Media and Zentek Technology to collaborate on NextGen TV programme.

I2R will work with the various parties cited in the MOU on the key focus areas of its NextGen TV research programme; which encompasses scalable media coding and delivery, smart multimedia content search, indexing and recommendation; and rapid content personalization (More information in APPENDIX A and B).
Signed by Professor Lye Kin Mun, Deputy Executive Director (Research), I2R, the MOU’s overall objective is to collaborate on a number of technology-focused research-and-development activities that will unite some of industry’s potential industry players in Internet Protocol TV services.
The market for Internet-based Protocol TV services is growing rapidly. In the Asia-Pacific alone, growth is expected from about 10 million IPTV subscribers today to nearly 25 million by 2011.

Mr. Loo Chian Yi, Vice-President of Philips Innovation Campus Toa Payoh said, “Philips' vision is to improve people's lives through the introduction of meaningful innovations. And our “sense and simplicity” brand promise anchors our research and development to focus around consumers’ needs and insights. So we are pleased to be given the opportunity to collaborate with A*STAR’s I2R to develop ideas and concepts that will provide a more interactive and personal product experience for consumers, leveraging on the strengths and capabilities in both I2R and Philips”

Dr. Mark Randolph, Director of Motorola’s Singapore Innovation Centre said, "Motorola is a leading provider of end-to-end video delivery solutions, including broadcast infrastructure systems and associated customer premise equipment, such as interactive set-top boxes. IP-based video facilitates our vision of media mobility – systems that deliver rich media (including video), anywhere, on any device. We expect this R&D collaboration with A*STAR to add substantial value to Motorola's capabilities."

Mr. Giulio Dorrucci, Founder and CEO of PGK Media said, “The signing of this collaborative Memorandum of Understanding between A*STAR’s I2R and PGK Media is a clear representation of Singapore’s determination and strong commitment to further consolidate its leading position as a top international research and development hub by demonstrating, once again, its openness and bolder attitude in a rare example of extensive and transparent collaboration between high level government agencies and industry operators.” He further added - ”We are extremely honoured to have been chosen as one of the I2R partners for such an exciting initiative and we strongly believe that this joint effort will certainly produce a well defined and market-driven research effort with cost effective and faster developments.”

Mr Ryan Wong, Chief Executive Officer of EVVO Media said, “EVVO Media is honoured to be given an opportunity to work and collaborate with I2R in developing data mining technologies for social media analytics. We are confident this collaboration will bring fruition to new and advanced tools needed for the digital marketing age.”

Mr. Kazuo Yoshimura, Managing Director of Zentek Technology Singapore said, “Zentek, as a leading MHP solution provider in the region is glad to collaborate with best of I2R technologies to make a leap in the progress of digital broadcasting and interactive services. This whole exercise will re-affirm Singapore’s commitment and leadership in digital broadcasting and new interactive services.”
Professor Lye Kin Mun, Deputy Executive Director (Research) said, “I see this collaboration as a great boost to intensify research and development for IPTV and to work hand-in-hand with industry players to harvest benefits from research findings in the future. I2R is truly pleased to forge new alliances with the future industry movers and shakers in this next phase of IPTV.”
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Background

About Institute for Infocomm Research
The Institute for Infocomm Research (I²R - pronounced as i-squared-r) is a member of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) family. Established in 2002, our mission is to be the globally preferred source of innovations in `Interactive Secured Information, Content and Services Anytime Anywhere’ through research by passionate people dedicated to Singapore’s economic success.
I²R performs R&D in information, communications and media (ICM) technologies to develop holistic solutions across the ICM value chain. Our research capabilities are in information technology and science, wireless and optical communications, and interactive digital media.
We seek to be the infocomm and media value creator that keeps Singapore ahead. Website: www.i2r.a-star.edu.sg

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
A*STAR is Singapore's lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledge-based Singapore. A*STAR actively nurtures public sector research and development in Biomedical Sciences, Physical Sciences and Engineering, with a particular focus on fields essential to Singapore's manufacturing industry and new growth industries. It oversees 19 research institutes and consortia and supports extramural research with the universities, hospital research centres and other local and international partners. At the heart of this knowledge intensive work is human capital. Top local and international scientific talent drive knowledge creation at A*STAR research institutes. The Agency also sends scholars for undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral training in the best universities, a reflection of the high priority A*STAR places on nurturing the next generation of scientific talent.

A*STAR’s science and engineering research institutes will be headquartered at Fusionopolis.

For more information about A*STAR, please visit www.a-star.edu.sg
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 128,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 27 billion in 2007, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

About Motorola Electronics Pte Ltd (Singapore)
Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications. The company develops technologies, products and services that make mobile experiences possible. Our portfolio includes communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility solutions, digital set-tops, cable modems, mobile devices and Bluetooth accessories. Motorola is committed to delivering next generation communication solutions to people, businesses and governments.
R&D Excellence in Singapore
Motorola Electronics Pte Ltd was incorporated in 1983, and today employs over 2,000 people involved in Research and Development; Marketing; Sales and Distribution; Integrated Supply Chain Management and various corporate functions such as Human Resources, Legal, Information Technology, and Finance. Innovation is at the heart of Motorola worldwide. In Singapore, our multidisciplinary group of engineers comes from several R&D centers that include the Singapore Design Center, the Motorola Software Group, the Customer Solutions Centre and the Singapore Innovation Center.

About PGK Media
Founded in 2001, PGK Media is a Singapore-based firm specializing in the development and operation of innovative digital media technologies, platforms and solutions. PGK Media converged approach covers a wide spectrum of activities in the digital media sector. PGK R&D Centre is been responsible for many world-first and award winning projects including a first-of-its-kind multimedia in-cab advertising system and Singapore’s first large scale Mobile TV broadcasting trial, while PGK Broadcasting Station is experimenting next generation Interactive and Participation TV channels further supported by PGK HD Studio and PGK Multiplatform Distribution Centre. PGK Media is playing an active role in promoting the development and propagation of digital media technologies as partner of IDM R&D Programme Office under Media Development Authority of Singapore and foundation member of the Singapore International Advertising Congress under the Institute of Advertising. In 2008 PGK Media effort was further acknowledged winning the prestigious Infocomm Singapore Awards in recognition for its extensive R&D activities.
www.pgkmedia.com

About EVVO Media
EVVO Media, a pioneer in South East Asia that enables HD “Live” Streaming through all IP devices. Our technology is based on “Live”, faster than real-time and 2-pass variable bit rate (VBR) encoding – a first for the industry in the region. EVVO Media is also the trendsetter for online social media marketing within the region, based on our methodology of “Listen, Acknowledge, Respond, and Listen.” We are able to successfully assist companies in monitoring the latest market trends, product sentiments and track buzz. EVVO Media offers solutions for media integration, content delivery, social media marketing and “Live” HD streaming services to our customers. For more information please visit www.evvomedia.com

About Zentek Technology
Zentek Technology Group is a leading developer and solutions provider for the Digital TV industry. We are experienced not only in embedded multimedia systems, wireless devices and applications.

Zentek develops and licenses Digital TV global standards middleware libraries and developing and authoring tools for digital TV receivers like, set-top boxes, USB dongle, PC, TV and other consumer platforms. Zentek possessed the relevant Java Virtual Machine software stack and Digital Video Broadcasting – Multimedia Home Platform (DVB-MHP) software stack for interactive application usage. Zentek also provides professional services such as testing, consultation and system integration in the related field.

Zentek has offices in Tokyo and Osaka in Japan, Silicon Valley in the USA & Singapore. Zentek Technology Singapore Pte. Ltd. was officially launched in June 2002 to provide a base for expansion in Asia, where interactive digital TV and Java-related technology are in high demand. Zentek Technology Japan, Inc. went public on Hercules – Nippon New Market Exchange (formerly NASDAQ Japan) on 31 August 2001.

Information about the Zentek Technology Group can be found on the Web at www.zentek.com.sg