SAMSUNG

Samsung and IBM have announced they will collaborate on basic research into new semiconductor materials, manufacturing processes and other technologies. The agreement calls for the two companies to jointly develop new semiconductor process technology that can be used in a broad range of applications, from smart phone handsets to communications infrastructure. For the first time, Samsung researchers will join IBM scientists in the Semiconductor Research Alliance at the Albany Nanotech Complex, Albany, N.Y., where researchers will investigate new materials and transistor structures, as well as innovative interconnect and packaging solutions for next-generation technology nodes. The research developments from this joint activity are planned to enable the delivery of industry leading silicon solutions that are optimized for performance, power consumption and size. "We are pleased to have our top-level scientists involved with the cutting-edge research that's taking place at the Albany Nanotech Center," said E.S. Jung, SVP technology development, system LSI division, Samsung Electronics. "This should further enhance our joint efforts to continue technology leadership well into the future," he said. "Collaborative innovation will be critical if the semiconductor industry is to continue driving new forms of consumer electronics and new methods of computing," said Michael Cadigan, GM, IBM Microelectronics. "That's why we're excited to have Samsung scientists working with us."
 
PDDB/WOODROC

Al-Muwakaba Wooden Furniture & Industries Factory Co. (Woodroc) and Promoaction DDB signed their agreement after PDDB was selected among other pitching agencies for the Woodroc Contract. Woodrock Chairman Hasan Al-Amoudi and Promoaction DDB Chairman Talal Dhulaymi signed the contract in Jeddah recently. Al-Amoudi said Promoaction DDB showed a full understanding of Woodroc's long-term needs as a furniture brand and aspires to become a major regional player. Dhulaymi said: "Woodroc and its team have a clear vision and solid platforms to make this brand a success, and what makes the project unique is its manufacturing infrastructure that can cater to varied customer segments." Woodroc MD Abdulrahman Al-Amoudi, Mohammad Hasan Al-Amoudi and Said Al-Maghrebi, both of Woodroc's marketing team, PDDB-KSA President Pavan Kumar, Akram Farhat, deputy MD, PDDB-Jeddah, and Abdullah Bankhar, Sahalah's general consultant, were among those present at the ceremony. Sahalah Marketing Communication Company is Woodroc's marketing and communication consultant firm. Woodroc is a new company setup in Jeddah, which aims to manufacture a variety of quality wooden products and furniture, and will be catering to the local and regional markets. The facility has been developed under the consultancy of a global industry leader and is equipped with top-notch computerized machinery. Woodroc will start with a business-to-business portfolio that will eventually expand to the retail sector.
 
BCG

Led by powerhouses DP World, Emirates Airline and Etisalat, the UAE joins 15 other countries in The Boston Consulting Group's (BCG) 2011 "Global Challengers" - a report that finds 100 companies from Rapidly Developing Economies (RDEs) are the "hidden engines" of the global economy. Other global challengers from the Middle East include Saudi Basic Industries Corporation and El Sewedy Electric from Egypt. "Companies on the Move: Rising Stars from Rapidly Developing Economies Are Reshaping Global Industries" is the latest in BCG's global challenger series. According to the report, this group of 100 companies has begun to leapfrog past established multinationals in global industry rankings. About half of them could qualify for inclusion in the Fortune Global 500 within the next five years. Overall, the global challengers generated revenues of $1.3 trillion in 2009. They also grew annually by 18 percent and averaged operating margins of 18 percent from 2000 through 2009. During this period, the annualized total shareholder return of the global challengers that were publicly listed was 17 percent. "The inclusion of the Kingdom, the UAE and Egypt reflect the growing economic importance of the Middle East in general, and these countries in particular," says Thomas Bradtke, partner and MD in BCG's Dubai office and originator of BCG's Global Challenger report series in 2006. Although China, India, Brazil, Mexico, and Russia still dominate the list of home nations, countries in other regions, such as Africa, are starting to foster world-class companies.
 
NCB CAPITAL

Jawdat Al-Halabi, CEO of NCB Capital, described as Saudi Arabia's largest investment bank and a leading regional wealth manager, has been awarded the "Outstanding Achievement by an Individual" accolade at the second annual MENA Fund Manager Performance Awards. The award was presented at a ceremony held in Dubai this week. In making the award, judges for MENA FM, said, "This year was one of the most impressive of Jawdat Al-Halabi's 26-year career, guiding NCB Capital into several new strategies, overseeing 24 percent growth in the firm's overall assets under management in 2010 and helping grab an incredibly large stake of added growth in Saudi mutual fund industry since January. Al-Halabi is one of the region's most prominent movers and shakers of the mutual fund industry and has taken $15.6 billion NCB Capital's asset management business from strength to strength despite today's challenging market." In addition, the judges' panel said: "This award honors an individual who has made a significant impact on the fund management business over the last year. Jawdat's leadership at NCB Capital has helped to propel the firm into the top category of service providers, launching funds that have outperformed in a very difficult time for the market. He is to be congratulated on his success."