January 28, 2023

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Growing AgriTech in Hong Kong

Image Credits: Hong Kong PolyU, Press Release
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The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) received funding to establish Hong Kong’s first research platform focusing on urban agriculture – the Suga Research Laboratory for Sustainable Urban Green Agriculture.

The Secretary for Food and Health of the HKSAR Government officiated the naming ceremony on 21 August 2019 along with the President of PolyU.

Aspiring to serve as an information hub to make greater contributions in urban agriculture development in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the Mainland, the Laboratory will help foster a “Healthy Eating” culture and safeguard public health.

The mission of the Laboratory is to develop the next generation of Urban Agriculture model to cultivate high quality and safe fruits and vegetables in a small indoor space, with hydroponics as a focus.

The two research directions include the investigation of the optimal correlation between major environmental factors and the growth of hydroponics vegetables, as well as the systematic assessment of food safety risk, harmful chemicals and food-borne bacteria in vegetables grown from hydroponics and traditional farming.

The support for PolyU’s sustainable urban green agriculture research was welcomed and appreciated. It was noted that the Laboratory is the first of its kind in Hong Kong.

With the use of innovative technologies, Urban Agriculture contributes to food safety and enables sustainable food production in modern cities. It matches with one of PolyU’s strategic research areas, that is, food safety and technology.

In 2011, PolyU established the first university-based Food Safety and Technology Research Centre in Hong Kong and had successfully developed the first Food Hygiene Standard Certification System for local catering establishments, which had then been licensed to three major certification bodies in Hong Kong.

The government has also put in a lot of efforts and resources to promote the sustainable development of agriculture in Hong Kong.

This includes the setting up of an Agricultural Park to encourage the adoption of modern farming methods and offering funding through the $500 million Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund to foster the research and application of new technologies as well as to encourage farmers to upgrade and modernise their equipment.

The establishment of the Research Laboratory at PolyU is welcomed and seen as a complement to the Government’s efforts on this front.

The inventive solutions that will arise from this laboratory, and how they will bring meaningful contributions to the advancement of hydroponic business and pet food business in Hong Kong are eagerly anticipated.

Run by PolyU’s Food Safety and Technology Research Centre (FSTRC), the Suga Research Laboratory for Sustainable Urban Green Agriculture will be customer-focused.

The Executive Director of FSTRC shared that the development of indoor hydroponic technology is demand-driven to ensure that the products would fulfil the needs of Hong Kong people.

Besides food safety and technology for humankind, the Laboratory will conduct research on pet food in the near future.

The Laboratory will also establish a Core Technology Exchange Platform for promoting knowledge transfer in Urban Agriculture and enhancing the competitiveness of the industry.

Managing E-Commerce to Prevent Tax Loss in Vietnam

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This year, the government wants relevant ministries and agencies to tighten management and increase oversight of e-commerce activities to identify violations and prevent tax losses. The Ministry of Industry and Trade’s (MoIT) E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency will work with departments from the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and the Ministry of Finance to share data and better regulate business activity on social media and in cyberspace.

The inspections will also focus on ensuring that e-commerce platforms and social networks are taking proper steps to screen, prevent and block accounts that do not provide adequate information or have signs of trading in counterfeit or illegal goods.

The E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency will continue to collaborate with other government agencies such as the Market Management Agency, the Department of Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and MIC to inspect and monitor e-commerce businesses for compliance with the law, in accordance with plans approved by the Minister of Industry and Trade.

The agency will also evaluate existing policies and make practical changes to improve the management of e-commerce business activities. It will upgrade infrastructure and supporting services and incorporate new technologies to assist the digital transformation of businesses.

Furthermore, the agency will offer training to improve the inspection and handling of violations in e-commerce. It will organise events to promote anti-counterfeiting and encourage e-commerce website operators to better protect consumers’ interests.

Last year, Vietnam’s e-commerce industry continued to grow and become a significant distribution channel. As the economy recovers from the pandemic, e-commerce has been a leading sector in the digital economy. A survey from the Ministry of Industry and Trade showed that retail e-commerce revenue in Vietnam increased by 20% in 2022 as compared to 2021, reaching US$ 16.4 billion. This accounted for 7.5% of the total retail sales of goods and services in the country.

To establish trust for consumers in online shopping, safeguard legitimate traders, and foster e-commerce development, the government reviewed and requested e-commerce companies to remove or lock 1,663 stalls with 6,437 counterfeits or violated goods, and blocked five infringing websites.

Experts recommend that there should be regulations on the responsibility of information security of relevant organisations and individuals in order to prevent tax loss and protect business interests. This includes regulations on the security of websites and the responsibility to provide information to tax authorities, which would help make tax management more effective.

Associate Professor Le Xuan Truong, Director of the Academy of Finance’s Faculty of Taxation and Customs under the Ministry of Finance, suggested that the government should implement a regulation that forces e-commerce trading floors to be responsible for withholding and paying taxes on behalf of individuals as well as perform payment intermediary services and participate in operating and controlling delivery activities and receiving money from buyers. Over 40 countries worldwide so far have regulated the responsibility of e-commerce exchanges in deducting taxes of individuals if the floor provides payment services, or directly participates in the delivery and receipt of goods by buyers and sellers.

HKSTP and Industry Partner to Boost Life Science Innovation

Image Credits: HKSTP, Press Release
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HKSTP has entered a strategic partnership with a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company to position Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area as a leader in life science innovation and set an example for the region. This is the first collaboration between HKSTP and the life sciences corporation that encompasses technology and data sharing.

The two are committed to promoting life science innovation and healthcare policy. They aim to provide a robust platform and support for start-ups in Hong Kong and mainland China by creating an ecosystem for healthcare start-ups. The goal is to make the Greater Bay Area a leader in life science and healthcare innovation and serve as a model for the rest of China in terms of technology application and registration. Additionally, they hope to establish the GBA as a hub for talent and corporates in the Asia Pacific region.

The principal areas of collaboration are:

  • Shaping Policy – A white paper to articulate policy recommendations, organising a public forum and a round-table for an in-depth discussion with government officials;
  • Co-incubation program – providing the start-ups with support and guidance on science, strategy and marketing, and creating a platform for the start-ups and potential partners to network and exchange; and,
  • Data collaboration – Fostering a conducive data-sharing environment in the STP Platform and among stakeholders; exploring synthetic data generation tools; promoting the “data collaboration” concept to the community.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry was one of the witnesses to the Collaboration Agreement Signing Ceremony, he stated that the partnership aligns with the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint recently released.

With the strong support from the Central Government and the government’s commitment to I&T development, as well as Hong Kong’s unique advantages, the partnership will greatly contribute to the development of a world-class biomedical ecosystem in Hong Kong.

The CEO of HKSTP stated that the partnering firm is a global pharmaceutical leader with strong connections to business leaders, scientists, marketers, and investors globally. It is believed that the partnership will foster the development of more health talents and significantly speed up growth in our medical research, drug development, and clinical trial processes.

The Head of the firm’s China-based innovation centre stated that the company is so glad to see this collaboration happen. It is hoped that the partnership can bridge HK and other cities in China for more opportunities to exchange, collaborate and empower start-ups; accelerate conversion and commercialisation; and to bringing hope to patients in China.

The APAC Sub Region 3 Head of the firm’s diagnostics arm noted that Hong Kong has a great foundation of scientific research. The firm looks forward to this collaboration in advancing high-quality research work, building a platform for innovation and benefiting the Asian population as well as the rest of the world.

The launch ceremony was attended by various dignitaries including the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, the Head of APAC Area at the firm, the Head of the firm’s accelerator (CICoR), the General Manager, Hong Kong and Macau and Mr Ronald Lo, General Manager, at the firm’s Hong Kong and Macau diagnostics arms.

Recent research has found that the global life science analytics market size was valued at US$ 8.3 billion in 2021, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7% from 2022 to 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of analytics by the life science industry, which uses descriptive and reporting analysis for building databases and prescriptive and predictive analysis for predicting future trends and results.

Malaysian Delegation to Italy Attracts Potential FDI

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The Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA) plans to increase its efforts to attract foreign investors and make Malaysia a hub for investment, including Italian investors, who were recently informed of potential business opportunities and partnerships in industries such as chemicals, green technology, e-economy, smart technology, and Industry 4.0 value chains in Malaysia.

The Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) recently conducted a working visit to Italy from 20 to 23 January 2023 to enhance the business relationship between the two countries. As a result of this visit, several Italian companies have shown interest in investing in Malaysia as it is considered a strategic gateway to the ASEAN and Asia Pacific regions. The visit has also successfully attracted potential foreign direct investments (FDIs) worth RM3.25 billion, which are expected to be realised starting in 2023.

The Minister stated that in line with the government’s dedication to being pro-business, pro-investment and pro-trade, MITI and its agencies are ready to strengthen ties with investors that bring in high-tech and high-quality investments, which will aid in creating better-paying jobs for Malaysians.

From the foreign direct investment perspective, Malaysia is already acknowledged for its strategic location in Southeast Asia, diverse industrial ecosystem, and skilled talent pool. What is essential now is to address all the issues that investors face during their journey, to improve the overall ease of doing business in Malaysia.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) was also part of the Ministerial delegation. He noted that as a developing nation with a strong industrial and services sector, Malaysia is advancing to the next stage of development as its economy becomes more diversified to accommodate new areas of growth.

The Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA) continues to welcome high-quality foreign direct investments from all over the world, including from Italy. These investments play a crucial role in the development of Malaysia due to their positive impact on the economy and will continue to do so in the post-pandemic era.

During the visit, the Minister had individual meetings with several prominent business leaders and potential investors. Italy is the 9th largest foreign investor in Malaysia from the European Union. As of September 2022, a total of 77 manufacturing projects with Italian participation have been completed, with total investments of US$382 million (RM1.4 billion), creating 4,346 job opportunities.

Italy is known for having established many world-class high-tech companies and can provide various latest technologies and digitalization expertise. Therefore, the presence of Italian companies in Malaysia is considered vital in facilitating the transfer of technology and creating more knowledgeable workers in Malaysia.

Italy’s emerging green technologies are also essential in supporting Malaysia’s long-term strategic objective of attracting investments with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations, in line with the country’s New Investment Policy (NIP).

About MIDA

MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era.

HKU to Establish Virtual Asset Technology Consortium

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The University of Hong Kong’s Department of Computer Science and the FinTech Academy, in partnership with the 150th Anniversary Community Foundation of a Hong Kong-based bank, have joined forces with the Strategic Centre for Research in Privacy-Preserving Technologies & Systems at the Nanyang Technological University of Singapore to establish the Virtual Asset Technology Consortium (VATC).

VATC’s aim is to gather experts from various fields such as academia, industry, user groups, and government organisations to share information and provide guidance on technical matters related to virtual assets.

The management board will be headed by the Associate Head of the Department of Computer Science at HKU and the Associate Director of the HKU-SCF FinTech Academy and will include professors from NTU and professionals from supporting units as members.

Creating a platform that elevates the technological advancements in the field of virtual assets

The virtual assets (or digital assets) industry has seen significant growth in recent years. This innovative technology has led to new methods for conducting financial transactions using digital tools. The market has demonstrated a positive response to the belief that virtual assets, both those issued by private entities and the government, will be an integral part of the worldwide monetary and economic system.

The Virtual Asset Technology Consortium has set out the following missions:

  • Representation – Provide insights and advice on the technical aspects of virtual assets;
  • Research – Foster R&D collaboration on virtual assets.
  • Networking – Provide a platform for discussing the latest developments and trends of virtual assets and related FinTech technologies; and,
  • Education – Organise seminars and other educational activities to enable the industry and the general public to acquire knowledge on technologies related to virtual assets.

Several organisations such as Cyberport Hong Kong, Hong Kong Blockchain Society, as well as banks, have already expressed their support for VATC to The University of Hong Kong. The Virtual Asset Technology Consortium (VATC) will be officially launched in Q2 2023 and welcomes experts and enthusiasts who are committed to promoting the stability and growth of virtual assets to join the consortium.

The growing market for Digital Asset Management (DAM)

Recent research found that the Digital Asset Management (DAM) market is expected to grow from US$4.2 billion in 2022 to US$8.0 billion by 2027, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.6% during the forecast period. This forecast suggests that the demand for DAM solutions is expected to increase rapidly in the coming years.

Several factors are expected to drive the growth of Digital Asset Management (DAM). Some of the key drivers for this growth include:

  • The increasing need for digitalisation and the ability to quickly and easily collaborate with businesses on corporate assets;
  • The growing demand for the authenticity and security of digital assets;
  • The ability to easily upgrade, maintain and categorise digital assets, reducing production costs and improving resource allocation;
  • The need for organisational transparency across different industries and business functions;
  • The ability to increase conversion rates and retain customers; and,
  • The need for brand consistency.

Digital Asset Management (DAM) services include consulting, integration, and implementation, as well as training, support, and maintenance services. These services are necessary at various stages of the process, including pre-sales requirement assessment, and post-sales product deployment and execution.

This allows clients to get the maximum return on investment (RoI) from their DAM solutions. The service providers offer guidance to end-users and assist them in integrating and deploying software that is tailored to their specific requirements.

Nurturing Malaysia’s Tech Talent of the Future

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The Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and a US-based ROS Ready robotics platform launched the RoboFun (Robotics for University) programme in partnership with the Malaysian arm of an American multinational corporation and technology company.

The Deputy Secretary General (Investment) of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) officiated the launching event, praised the RoboFun programme and stated that it is an ongoing collaboration between industry, government, and universities in Malaysia to strengthen the robotics ecosystem. These efforts are believed to contribute to the evolution of Malaysian industries towards Industry 4.0.

The collaboration between various stakeholders is essential for the development and adoption of new technologies, and it is expected that this programme will play a significant role in driving the growth and competitiveness of the Malaysian economy.

MIDA’s CEO stated that the tech firm’s talent development initiative via RoboFun’s comprehensive training module in collaboration with local universities is an effective method to accelerate industry and academia knowledge sharing in developing Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) systems.

The solution and Industry 4.0-related technology created by local university talent will encourage local SMEs to optimise productivity as well as enhance their capabilities. MIDA will continue to support the programme, ultimately improving local graduates’ marketability to meet the industry’s needs. MIDA will continue to work together synergistically with the industry and academia to support the development of the electrical and electronics (E&E) ecosystem in Malaysia.

The Director General of MPC believes that the RoboFun programme will continue to increase the productivity and competitiveness of the nation’s industry and that this trend will continue in the foreseeable future. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) would be a workable solution to the problem of growing labour expenses if only the price of automating processes could be brought down. MPC, in its capacity as the programme’s operational partner, will oversee administering the whole training process, with Intel and Scuttle Robotics providing all necessary technical assistance.

The Vice President of Network and Edge Group, General Manager of Customer Application Support and Enabling, at the tech giant stated that one of the firm’s goals is to bridge the digital divide among faculties and create a new generation of workforce that possess a higher understanding of digital skills and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, regardless of their field of study.

One of the best ways to achieve this is through the implementation of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) systems, which integrate advanced technologies such as mobility, AI, control systems, OS and automation. RoboFun aims to help universities develop these capabilities, and ultimately become a key technology and solutions provider for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

It is believed that this will also serve as a catalyst for the ecosystem to create a pool of talented individuals, industry players, and technology adopters. The firm looks forward to sharing its experience in providing AMR solutions training to universities and to continue working closely with our partners under this programme, as we understand the importance of this initiative.

The launch event today featured participation from five public and private universities, including Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP).

Each university was presented with the tech firm’s Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) kits, which will be used to establish robotics laboratories and provide students from all faculties with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and adapt to AMR systems.

Chancellors and deans from universities have voiced their support for the programme, stating that it will not only benefit young people but also have the potential to enhance the capabilities of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) among students and lecturers.

Through collaboration, a robust AMR solution has been developed. Given the increasing demand for AMR robots, the university representatives expressed confidence that the RoboFun programme is a solution to address the chronic shortage of skilled workers in Malaysia.

Vietnam Boosts Legal Framework to Attract Green Finance, Technology

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Vietnam is taking steps to strengthen its laws to attract investments in green finance and green technology. Tran Hong Ha, the Deputy Prime Minister, said that Vietnam is actively promoting sustainable production and investment.

During a discussion on green finance and sustainable development at the 53rd World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Ha stated that Vietnam is prioritising the green economy and transformation as key drivers for long-term growth. The country is supporting the transition to green energy, a circular economy, and a low-carbon economy.

Additionally, as Vietnam is undergoing a digital transformation in all sectors and levels, cooperation in digital transformation and utilising digital resources is necessary. Ha urged companies to increase investment, assist Vietnam in its green growth, and fulfil international agreements on sustainable development and climate change, such as those made at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow.

Industry experts discussed Vietnam’s GDP growth, congratulated the country on its economic development achievements, and appreciated its economic prospects. Investors applauded Vietnam’s commitment to carbon neutrality at the COP26 as well as the negotiation process to establish a Just Energy Transition Partnership. On that basis, international corporations and investment funds expressed their desire to accompany the Vietnamese government, actively seek investment opportunities and implement green projects in the country in the future.

In another meeting with World Bank officials, Ha praised the organisation’s role in Vietnam’s economic development, specifically its support for addressing climate change and the development of the Mekong Delta. He expressed Vietnam’s commitment to a sustainable, circular, and low-carbon economic growth model and requested the World Bank’s assistance in the form of green investment capital, green finance, green technology, and policy consultation.

He suggested that the World Bank establish a programme for sharing knowledge and experiences between nations, noting that Vietnam is willing to share its successes in using borrowed capital to reduce poverty, improve education and health, and move from a low-income to a middle-income country.

The World Bank managing director praised the strong relationship between the bank and Vietnam and expressed his willingness to support Vietnam’s aspirations to become an upper-middle-income country, lower net emissions by 2050, and transition to a green, circular economy.

Ha stated that the Vietnamese government encourages the participation of credit institutions with financial capacity, experience, support capacity, and administration expertise, to improve operational efficiency and the safety of Vietnamese credit organisations.

Vietnam is focusing on and encouraging the growth of green and sustainable finance, specifically the green bond market. Ha proposed the World Bank introduce and connect foreign investors, particularly from the United Kingdom to Vietnam. He requested technical support for the National Innovation Centre and hoped the bank would participate in investing and mobilising capital for infrastructure and energy projects serving sustainable development.

Last year, an international conference was held in Hanoi to seek the enhancement of cooperation with global investment institutions to mobilise green finance for state-owned enterprise (SoE) restructuring and sustainable development.

At the event, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bui Thanh Son, highlighted the changes in the global economy and new trends such as digital transformation, green transition, and the restructuring of supply and production chains. He emphasised the importance of forming equitable partnerships, public-private partnerships, and multi-party partnerships for sustainable development.

Vietnam is a promising destination for green and sustainable investment and capital sources. It has a displayed stable economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic and is an increasingly favourable investment and business climate with a young, creative, and highly adaptable workforce.

Boosting VR Production in Malaysia

Image Credits: APU, Press Release
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The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) that is has signed an agreement with a leading digital tech firm. The partnership will focus on talent development programs in the fields of Extended Reality (XR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) in Virtual Production. It will also involve collaboration and development of XR Virtual Production facilities within the APU campus.

The Founder & Strategy Director of the tech company and APU’s Vice Chancellor signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the XR Stage Studio. It was witnessed by the firm’s Virtual Production Director and APU’s Head of School of Media, Arts, and Design (SoMAD). SoMAD’s Senior Lecturer, who was instrumental in establishing this MoU, was also present during the signing ceremony.

3Particle XR Stage is the first studio in Malaysia to offer XR-based Virtual Production services, it’s considered to be an evolving technology of the future that is faster and more cost-effective for creating film and video compared to traditional production methods.

The School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD) at APU places a strong emphasis on animation and visual effects (VFX) and is always open to embracing new technologies, including XR, AR, and VR in virtual production. SoMAD provides programs that align with current needs in various areas of media and design.

The partnership agreement allows both APU and the firm to develop a unique program that will train content developers and technicians for the XR, AR, and VR Virtual Production industries, which have a high demand for skilled talent.

According to the firm’s Founder & Strategy Director, this partnership is a strong talent development program that addresses the increasing need for specialised content developers and interactive media talent in the ASEAN region.

He noted that the partnership is a significant achievement, as it allows the company to diversify its capabilities through deeper partnerships, exchange knowledge, train students with specific skills related to virtual production of XR, AR, and VR, and jointly develop exclusive short or long-term courses.

The partnership provides industrial experience and internship opportunities as well as academic support and access to the XR Stage Studio. Students will also receive guidance for the development of XR Virtual Production facilities or Media Hub at the APU campus.

APU’s Vice Chancellor said that Malaysia is currently embracing the trend of virtual production and seeking more opportunities in these technological innovations. Through this collaboration, APU will be able to provide students with a more refined, hands-on educational experience with the support of 3Particle Solution.

As a result of this partnership, the University’s creative courses, digital experience, and industrial opportunities will be expanded. Students will have access to accelerated learning in the rapidly growing areas of XR, AR, and VR Virtual Production, thanks to the upcoming XR Virtual Production House at APU Media HUB.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that working with the firm will APU to provide top-of-the-line solutions in a shorter amount of time. It will also provide a more robust platform for delivering valuable academic-industry programs to our students and create new opportunities in the future.

APU Head of School of Media, Arts, and Design (SoMAD) stated that the two will work together on a VFX short film called “Earthfall” as their first project using the XR Stage Studio.

The partnership will benefit 193 students who are studying for a Diploma in Design & Media and degree students in Animation and Visual Effects. It is consistent with APU’s strategic direction and is expected to be an attractive feature for potential students interested in the Virtual Production of XR, AR, and VR.

As a result of their hands-on practical experience and the additional skills acquired through the Virtual Production House, APU students will have better employment opportunities in the creative arts, media, and design industries.

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