Press Releases

ROSH HA’AYIN, Israel, Nov. 22, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TTI Team Telecom International Ltd. (Nasdaq: TTIL), a global supplier of Operations Support Systems (OSS) to communications service providers, today announced that it will hold the 2009 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on Thursday, December 31, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. (Israel time), at the offices of the Company, 12 Amal Street, Afek Park, Rosh Ha'ayin, Israel (the "Meeting"). The record date for the Meeting is November 27, 2009.

TTI Telecom will send its shareholders of record a proxy statement describing the matters to be voted upon at the Meeting, along with a proxy card enabling them to indicate their vote on each matter. TTI Telecom will also file the proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 6-K in the next few days.

The following matters are on the agenda of the Meeting:

 (1)  To reappoint Kost, Forer, Gabbay & Kasierer as the Company's
      independent auditors until immediately following the next
      annual general meeting of shareholders, and to authorize the
      board of directors of the Company to fix their remuneration
      in accordance with the volume and nature of their services,
      or to delegate to the Audit Committee thereof to do so;
 (2)  To elect Rami Zivony and reelect Meir Lipshes, Meir Dvir and
      Ilan Toker to the Company's Board of Directors;
 (3)  To reelect Mr. Doron Zinger as an outside director for an
      additional three year term;
 (4)  To authorize Meir Lipshes, the Chief Executive Officer of the
      Company and its Chairman of the Board of Directors, to
      continue to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors
      of the Company until the annual general meeting of the
      Company to take place in 2010;
 (5)  To consider the financial statements of the Company for the
      year ended December 31, 2008; and
 (6)  To transact such other business as may properly come before
      the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 Items 1-4 above require the approval of a simple majority of the
 shares voted on the matter. Item 5 does not require a vote.

About TTI Telecom:

TTI Team Telecom International Ltd. ("TTI Telecom") is a leading provider of next generation Operations Support Systems (OSS) to communications service providers worldwide. The company's Netrac portfolio delivers an automated, proactive and customer-centric approach to service assurance and network management.

Anchored by market-leading service assurance solutions -- Fault Management (FaM) and Performance Management (PMM) -- that give customers an end-to-end view of their network, TTI Telecom's Netrac enables service providers to reduce operating costs, enhance profitability and launch new, revenue-generating services more rapidly. Netrac is compatible with multiple technologies and industry standards, and is uniquely positioned to bridge legacy, next-generation, convergent, and LTENetworks. TTI Telecom's customer base consists of tier-one and tier-two service providers globally, including large incumbents in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Forward looking statements in this release involve a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, product demand, pricing, market acceptance, changing economic conditions, risks in product and technology development, the effect of the Company's accounting policies as well as certain other risk factors which are detailed in the Company's SEC filings.

For more information, please visit www.tti-telecom.com

CONTACT: TTI Team Telecom International Ltd.
         Rebecca (Rivi) Aspler, Investor Relations Director
         +972-3-926-9093
         Mobile: +972-54-777-9093
         Fax: +972-3-926-9574
         rebecca.aspler@tti-telecom.com

Alongside MEED green buildings and sustainability conference

    --  MOU aims for building strong cooperation and partnership to encourage
        other companies in Qatar and the region to adopt, develop and implement
        QSAS
    --  Dr. Al-Horr "this memorandum with PROJACS INTERNATIONAL will open new
        horizons of business and development to achieve our objectives and add
        great value to what BQDRI has achieved"
    --  Dr. Al-Horr "We work to establish qualitative initiatives to lead the
        real estate development sector in Qatar and the region and to encourage
        all building professionals and engineers in Qatar by providing them with
        suitable tools and practices"
    --  Al-Garf "Our partnership will allow us to introduce QSAS to the world
        and adopt it as one of the leading global sustainability assessment
        systems which meets the needs of the region".
    --  Dr. Al-Horr Keynote Speaker on Day 2 of MEED green buildings and
        sustainability conference in Dubai - UAE

DOHA, Qatar--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BARWA and Qatari Diar Research Institute (BQDRI), that focus on studies about new knowledge in sustainability and its application, and PROJACS INTERNATIONAL, the pioneer Arab company, specialized in Project/Construction Management & Training fields, announced their signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for building strong cooperation and partnership which aim to support the implementation of sustainability practices through adopting the Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS). The signing ceremony was made at a press conference held alongside MEED Green building & Sustainability Conference at the Address Hotel, Dubai Marina (Dubai - U.A.E.) between BQDRI Chairman & Managing Director, Dr. Youssef Mohammed Al-Horr, and Deputy CEO of Projacs International Company, Mr. Ashraf Al-Garf; and attended by senior officials from the two companies.

This MoU will help in building a strong cooperation and strategic relationship between the two companies, promoting QSAS and encouraging other companies and real estate developers to adopt it. BQDRI seeks to attract leading organizations and institutions to cooperate in delivering consultancy services, training and educational programs directly related to sustainability and its practices. Relying on its widespread offices and deep knowledge and experience in the market, Projacs International, in association with BQDRI, will promote QSAS to different real estate companies, equivalent to what BARWA Real Estate and QATARI DIAR did, aiming to preserve the environment and adopt green building practices in new projects.

Commenting on the MoU, Dr. Youssef Al-Horr said: "This memorandum with Projacs International will open new horizons of business and development to achieve our objectives. I am confident that our partnership with companies like PROJACS INTERNATIONAL will add great value to what BQDRI has done. This cooperation will encourage the adoption and implementation of QSAS in Qatar and abroad, especially as PROJACS INTERNATIONAL has a strong regional and global presence, as well as deep knowledge in the real estate markets."

"We work to establish qualitative initiatives to lead the real estate development sector in Qatar and the region, and to encourage all building professionals and engineers in Qatar by providing them with suitable tools and practices for developing and implementing the concept of sustainability," Dr. Al-Horr added.

Representing PROJACS INTERNATIONAL, Eng. Ashref Al-Garf said: "The MoU with BQDRI represents a qualitative step for the real estate sector in Qatar and the region. Our partnership will allow us to provide the highest level of professional Project Management services. Our existence in a large number of countries will help in introducing QSAS to the world and adopting it as one of the leading global assessment systems which meets the needs of the region. PROJACS INTERNATIONAL; through its various and diversified services in management, training and development; will help in providing additional means to improve the awareness in QSAS."

BARWA and Qatari Diar Research Institute (BQDRI) first introduced QSAS as the "Middle East's first performance-based Green Building Design Rating System" at the Global City Sustainable Urban Development Forum in Abu Dhabi in April 2009. BQDRI confirms its commitment in continuing this march and supporting Qatar's role as "the capital of sustainable development in the Middle East", allowing Qatar to take the lead in addressing regional and national energy efficiency policies, reducing carbon emissions, minimizing ecological impacts, and ensuring high indoor environmental quality.

Following BARWA and Qatari Diar's announcement of adopting QSAS in Doha last week, BQDRI and its partners demonstrate their full commitment and ability in contributing to accomplish the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, in terms of sustainable development. By leading the Qatari real estate sector in accordance to the concepts of sustainability development; BQDRI, BARWA Real Estate, QATARI DIAR and PROJACS INTERNATIONAL are the first to implement green building concepts based on QSAS which was classified as the "Middle East's first integrated and performance-based Green Building Rating System".

It is worth mentioning that both BARWA and QATARI DIAR have announced adopting QSAS in all future projects in a press conference held last week. Lusail's CEO (QATARI DIAR) and BARWA's President of Developments in Qatar assured that the adoption of QSAS comes to take the lead in following the modern global trends in real estate industry, taking into consideration the compliance of these initiatives with the legislation of Qatar. Besides, they asked consultancy offices to hurry and train their employees on QSAS and green building standards.

Established in Kuwait in 1984, PROJACS INTERNATIONAL has gained a reputation for providing the highest level of professional Project Management services initially in the Arabian Gulf and later throughout the Middle East, North America, Asia, and Europe. Projacs International's corporate headquarters is located in Bahrain, while Middle Eastern and international operations are also conducted in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Yemen, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Spain, Germany, Bulgaria, Bosnia Herzegovina, Guinea, Pakistan, Oman, USA and Canada.

"Today, PROJACS INTERNATIONAL conducts local and international management seminars and conferences covering a wide range of topics and subjects that will support introducing QSAS to the world. PROJACS INTERNATIONAL trainers, considered authorities in their field and practitioners at the same time with experience in the Middle East and internationally, will establish a strong base in training engineers and professionals on how to implement QSAS. PROJACS INTERNATIONAL is now the most qualified and successful training and development companies in the Gulf Region, the Middle East, as well as other parts of the world. The majority of Projacs International courses are accredited by professional institutes and international universities," Al-Garf stated.

Demonstrating the importance of QSAS and its growing reputation in the region, Dr. Al-Horr was invited to be a Keynote Speaker at MEED Conference for Green Buildings and Sustainability held in Dubai from 17 to 19 November. Dr. Al-Horr will focus in his speech on QSAS and its goals in preserving the environment and its adoption of sustainability and green building standards.

"Developing QSAS based on local needs while leveraging best practices is a definite advantage, especially for regions where environmental, economic, social, and cultural conditions are unlike other areas in the world, factors such as desertification, scarcity of water, pedestrian connectivity, and cultural heritage/identity are either omitted or unsuitably addressed. Among other primary QSAS advantages is learning from established global best practices, all categories, criteria, and measurements are defined to be performance-based and quantifiable, a flexible scoring method which has overcome the limitations of other international rating systems, and complete control over the development, customization, and future modifications or expansion of the QSAS rating system. QSAS differs in its foundation essence from the other systems in the region based on imported global systems" Dr. Al-Horr commented.

"BARWA & QATARI DIAR's adoption of QSAS will allow both real estate conglomerates to implement an advanced and integrated concept of green building sustainability, and to take the lead in addressing regional and national environmental challenges. According to this, I ask consultancy offices to train their employees in implementing QSAS principles, in compliance with BARWA's directions to implement sustainability principles in all of its future projects." added Dr. Al-Horr

"BQDRI is fully committed in supporting Qatar's actions to protect the natural environment. The accurate balance between economic and social needs and the conditions of preserving the environment, which we consider as a national duty determining our strategic options in this field, makes the environment more important, especially when we support QSAS through legislation and contribute in transforming the sustainability concept from optional implementation to mandatory," concluded Dr. Al-Horr.

QSAS has already gained an Excellence Award of "Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable development in the real estate" at the International Real Estate Finance Summit 2009 held on the 4th and 5th October in London - United Kingdom. The forum was attended by leaders of real estate industry and financial services, as well as political and business figures. QSAS award was received by Dr. Al-Horr from Mrs. Liz Peace, CEO of British Property Federation.

In compliance with BARWA and Qatari Diar's adoption of green building principles, BQDRI announces QSAS workshops from 22 to 24 November, in cooperation with experts and researchers from T.C. Chan Center for Building Simulation and Energy Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. The training and developing workshop will focus on encouraging professionals, consultants and engineers from the real estate industry to be more creative when designing and constructing sustainable buildings which have less environmental impact and address the needs of sustainability in Qatar and the region. The workshop will provide participants with the latest information on green building principles and practices, as well as their method of implementation in Qatar, in terms of green views, water, energy, building systems and lightening.

Following the November QSAS workshops, all July QSAS workshop attendees will sit for the accreditation exam to become "QSAS - CERTIFIED GREEN PROFESSIONAL (R)" 25 November 2009 from 8 am till 12 30 pm, at BARWA Knowledge Building at D-Ring Road.

Source: ME NewsWire

Notes to the Editor

Go Green with BQDRI

The BARWA and Qatari Diar Research Institute (BQDRI); a joint venture between Barwa Knowledge, Subsidiary of Barwa Real Estate, and Lusail Real Estate Development Company, Subsidiary of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company; is a non-governmental organization whose purpose is to promote healthy, energy- and resource-efficient building practices in Qatar.

BQDRI aims to build and strengthen a strong and vibrant local, regional and global consortium and network of respected research institutions, consulting and technology companies, real estate and construction companies, governmental and professional organizations that have genuine interest and commitment to support the strategic objectives of the Institute to address the environmental challenges and empower the construction society to apply sustainable applications and practices.

Our vision is for Qatar to be a leader in the field of sustainable development, design and construction, and for BQDRI is to be one of the driving forces behind this transformation.

Our Objectives

    --  Knowledge Creation -BQDRI will engage in research relates to the
        development of knowledge and processes whose applications range from the
        building to the urban scale.
    --  Research-based Consultancy -BQDRI will offer research based consultancy
        services on existing buildings and new construction projects as well as
        testing simulations and system integration.
    --  Information Dissemination - BQDRI will provide educational opportunities
        for professionals through teaching & Research, training & workshops and
        publications.
    --  Business Development & Administration - BQDRI will strategically
        partnering with local, regional and international organizations to
        develop strategic and innovative solutions in the fields of Renewable,
        Materials & Products Manufacturing, Recycling and Transportation

Projacs International

Project & Construction Management

Training & Development

With its founding in 1984, in Kuwait, PROJACS INTERNATIONAL has gained a reputation for providing the highest level of professional Project Management services initially in the Arabian Gulf and later throughout the Middle East, North America, Asia, and Europe. Since then, through innovation, earning the highest respect from an impressive roster of clients, and entering into several important strategic alliances, the firm has been propelled into the international market place. PROJACS INTERNATIONAL has successfully completed 300 projects while achieving a growth rate of 36% per annum over the past 20 years. Projacs International's corporate headquarters is located in Bahrain, while Middle Eastern and International operations are conducted in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Yemen, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Spain, Germany, Bulgaria, Bosnia Herzegovina, Guinea, Pakistan, Oman, USA and Canada. PROJACS INTERNATIONAL was one of the first companies in the gulf to recognize the benefits to clients of professionally applied project and construction management techniques. With it, training and development came into existence to further enhance and optimize the construction industries awareness of project management. Today, PROJACS INTERNATIONAL sponsors and conducts local and international seminars and conferences covering 'management' amongst a wide range of topics and subjects. PROJACS INTERNATIONAL trainers are considered authorities in their field and practitioners at the same time, with experience in the Middle East and internationally. More than 1,500 training programs and conferences presented by over 350 trainers for 30,000 professional attendees, resulting in PROJACS INTERNATIONAL now being the most qualified and successful training and development companies in the Gulf Region, the Middle East, as well as other parts of the world. The majority of Projacs courses are accredited by professional institutes and international universities.

    Source: BQDRI

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- ArchAngel Partners Inc., a prominent executive protection and security consultation firm, serving elite celebrity clients and business professionals nationwide, announces the opening of its sister company Poway Weapons & Gear.

Poway Weapons & Gear is a private, federally licensed, firearms dealer servicing clients who want to be able to exercise their 2nd Amendment right to protect themselves, their families and their homes. Clients, such as those serviced by ArchAngel have many concerns with public gun stores where the press and public can witness their purchases and training. "Through a synergistic relationship between these two companies, we have established two businesses that offer two very different services. However, each business can serve the same clientele while maintaining confidentially and the highest levels of respect and support," says John Phillips, President and founder of both ArchAngel and Poway Weapons & Gear.

Poway Weapons & Gear will also service the general public through its online store at www.weaponsandgear.com. "Over 47% of households legally own firearms in America. Sales of firearms were up over 50% in 2008 proving that those law abiding citizens have the continual need for additional firearms purchases, accessories as well as training and materials," Phillips explains. "Poway Weapons & Gear will ensure the same quality that it privately provides to an elite clientele is also offered online for all firearms enthusiasts."

With the launch of its online site, Poway Weapons & Gear will initially offer over 15,000 items, including over 3,000 firearms.

About Poway Weapons & Gear

Poway Weapons & Gear (PWG) is based out of Poway California and is a federally licensed firearms dealer. PWG's online store offers over 15,000 products to meet the needs of any enthusiast who desires quality products, honesty in how their business is handled and integrity when it comes to final transactions. PW&G prides itself on its mission statement "There isn't a person alive who owns a firearm who doesn't need to learn or continue to hone their individual skills. PW&G will ensure our clients have the tools necessary to do just that." Inquiries can call 888-900-4188

About ArchAngel Partners

ArchAngel Partners (ArchAngel) a San Diego based company, provides executive protection, security consultation and corporate risk management services. ArchAngel's clients are celebrity, fortune 100 C-Level executives and some of "Forbes Richest" persons living or working in Southern California. ArchAngel implements, manages and oversees each client's security specifically for that client. Services provided range from executive protection, estate security, security consulting, threat assessments, implementing crisis intervention and logistical support. Inquiries can call 800-650-1980 ext 101

SOURCE ArchAngel Partners Inc.

BURBANK, Calif. and SHANGHAI, Nov. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Walt Disney Company in China today announced the start of production on its third local co-production project in just two years, "Disney High School Musical: China." Working with local partners Shanghai Media Group (SMG) and Huayi Brothers Media Corporation, the movie is planned for cinematic release in summer 2010.

Under development for over a year, and created uniquely for Chinese audiences, "Disney High School Musical: China" is the story of a new student who meets a gifted young man with whom she shares a secret passion for singing. With the help of their friends they overcome the odds to win an inter-school singing competition, and discover their true calling in the process.

"Disney's ongoing commitment to local content development underpins our strategy to connect with new audiences around the world," said Mr. Jason Reed, general manager, Walt Disney Studios International Production. "Our local team has done an amazing job and we are fortunate to be building on the Disney Channel's success by working with a world class cast and crew led by our producer Janet Yang and visionary director Shi Zheng Chen.

"The choice of the right stories and best local partners is key to the success of our localization strategy. Shanghai Media Group and Huayi Brothers Media Corporation are leaders in their field and their involvement and contribution to this project is invaluable," added Mr. Reed.

In 2007, the Studio's first Disney branded local co-production, the award-winning, "The Magic Gourd" was released, followed by "Roadside Romeo" from India in 2008, "Trail of the Panda" (China 2009) and the feature film, "Book of Masters" (Russian 2009), based on a classic Russian fairy tale which opened in first place at the box office in October. Disney's sixth local production "Zokkomon" is currently in development in India and is expected to open in 2010.

"Chinese audiences enjoy great storytelling. "Disney High School Musical: China" promotes classic values of teamwork, optimism, friendship, pride and the spirit of self discovery which have made HSM a worldwide phenomenon and further cements Disney's position as a family entertainment brand in China," said Mr. Stanley Cheung, executive vice president and managing director, The Walt Disney Company Greater China.

"Disney High School Musical: China" is being filmed in Shanghai and features six new young stars drawn from across China.

Ms. Yang Wenhong, head of SMG's Film and TV Drama Centre said, "High School Musical is a brand recognized and is beloved by kids and families globally. For SMG, this is a whole new experience to develop a China version by working with Disney and Huayi Brothers. Through our collaboration, we hope we can also bring the musical genre to movie goers here as well."

"Disney HSM: China is destined to pioneer a new genre for young Chinese moviegoers by seamlessly combining the art forms of dance, music and film together with valuable themes like teamwork, youthful energy and friendship," said Huayi Brothers Media Corporation President James Wang.

CHEN SHI-ZHENG (director), one of China's leading stage and film directors, most recently helmed "The Coronation of Poppea" for English National Opera. His other Western operatic credits include "Vespers of 1610," "Orfeo" (a nominee for a Laurence Olivier Award), "Cosi fan Tutte," "Dido and Aeneas," and "The Flying Dutchman." Born in Changsha, Hunan, China, Chen made his directorial debut in 1996 with "The Bacchae" for the China National Beijing Opera Company. In 1999, his landmark 19-hour production of "The Peony Pavilion" was hailed as one of the most important theatrical events of the Twentieth Century. Additional directing credits include the operas "Monkey: Journey to the West," "Orphan of Zhao," "Snow in June," "Peach Blossom Fan," and "Night Banquet." His first feature film, "Dark Matter," was an official entry at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Alfred P. Sloan Award. In 2000, Chen was awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture.

JANET YANG (producer) has worked in the film industry for more than two decades, played an important role in bringing Hollywood films to China, and been associated with some of the best known directors and actors in the world. From 1989 - 1996, she served as president of Ixtlan, the company she ran with Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Oliver Stone, and spearheaded all aspects of the company's development and production. Prior to that, she worked closely with Steven Spielberg and his Amblin Entertainment as a production executive at MCA/Universal. While at Universal, she initiated the project "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story." Representing several of the top Hollywood Studios, she brokered the sale of the first American movies sold in the Chinese Market. Named one of the "50 Most Powerful Women in Hollywood" by the Hollywood Reporter, and featured in articles in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Variety, Harper's Bazaar, Yang's resume also includes Spielberg's "Empire of the Sun," Milos Forman's "The People vs. Larry Flynt," and Wayne Wang's "The Joy Luck Club." She continues to produce films under her long-time banner, "The Manifest Film Company."

About The Walt Disney Company in China

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a diversified international family entertainment enterprise with five business segments and is a Dow 30 company with revenues of nearly $38 billion in its most recent fiscal year. Our first animation screened in China in the 1930s and today our long association continues with offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou with over 600 employees.

About High School Musical

Disney's "High School Musical" premiered in January 2006 on Disney Channel U.S. and posted the highest ever ratings for a Disney Channel Original Movie at the time. It went on to become a smash hit internationally, airing on Disney Channels and free-to-air broadcasters worldwide. To-date, it has reached more than 290 million viewers, in over 30 languages, across 100 countries including India, China and Russia. The "High School Musical" soundtrack was the #1 album of 2006 and the DVD was the year's #1 TV movie on DVD. "High School Musical" also delivered licensed amateur and professional touring stage productions, a best-selling junior novel, a popular consumer products franchise at mass retailers, a themed show at Disneyland Parks and Resorts in Anaheim, Orlando and Paris, and a sold-out 42 date arena concert tour in North America and Latin America. Its critically acclaimed sequel, "High School Musical 2," ranks as the #1 basic cable telecast of all time (18.6 million viewers for its August 17, 2007 premiere) and thus far has been seen by nearly 300 million total viewers, in over 30 languages, around the world. The "High School Musical 2" soundtrack is triple Platinum and its DVD release was the top-selling TV property on DVD for 2007. Walt Disney Pictures debuted "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" in October 2008. Its premiere weekend box office sales marked the highest debut ever for a musical and for a live-action G-rated film and it grossed $250 million at the worldwide box office. Disney Channel will bring the franchise back to television with the debut of "High School Musical East Meets West" in 2011.

About Shanghai Media Group

Shanghai Media Group (SMG) is the second largest media conglomerate in China and one of the most influential players in the Chinese-language media and entertainment group. SMG has the most complete portfolio of media and related businesses including television, radio, print media, new media, content distribution, performing arts, movie and film investment and production, home shopping, education and training.

SMG operates 13 TV channels, 11 radio frequencies, 9 newspapers and magazines, 30 digital TV channels (16 nationwide and 14 in Shanghai local areas) and broadband Internet TV, mobile TV and IPTV. SMG's prime-time TV and radio penetration rates top 70% and 90% respectively in Shanghai, and has become the largest content and service provider and distributor of Chinese language programs in China.

About Huayi Brothers Media Corporation

Founded in 1994, the Huayi Brothers Media Corporation is now the biggest privately-owned media and entertainment group in China. It gained approval in October 2009 for its listing on China's Growth Enterprise Market, and was the first entertainment company to receive IPO approval in China. Its diversified lines of business include: film production and distribution, TV series production and distribution, talent management, music production, theatrical exhibition etc.

Huayi Brothers' film production arm is known for its market-oriented approach to filmmaking and distribution. In recent years, it produced titles such as "A World Without Thieves," "The Banquet," "Assembly," "The Forbidden Kingdom," "If You are the One" and "The Message," which all won critical acclaim and topped the Chinese box office charts.

SOURCE Walt Disney Studios

Hitachi's Integrated University Program to Help Develop Hard Disk Drive Industry Talent in the Philippines by Providing Scholarships, Research Grants, Lab Equipment and On-the-Job Training

CEBU CITY, Philippines--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Hitachi GST) announced today the expansion of its knowledge and skills enhancement initiative in the Philippines called the Integrated University Program with the launch of its regional laboratory center at Cebu Technological University (CTU) Main Campus. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, DOST Secretary Dr. Estrella Alabastro, PEZA Director General Atty. Lilia de Lima and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Nona Ricafort were present to witness the turnover of laboratory facilities to CTU - Hitachi's latest recipient.

Launched in 2008, the Integrated University Program is the result of an alliance between key local universities and Hitachi GST Philippines' Laguna-based facility to provide scholarships, research grants, sponsorships, laboratory donations and on-the-job training (OJT) to both students and faculty members. This program signifies the company's commitment to build local hard disk drive technology and manufacturing capabilities in the country, as well as nurture and develop essential skills associated with the industry. The program had initially focused on Manila until CHED and Hitachi GST agreed to mount a wider regional initiative to benefit more schools at the national level. The launch at CTU marks the start of this program extension.

"We have recommended the set up of seven labs in public institutions strategically located nationwide to enable other schools within the region to share in the use of the laboratory facilities. This way, we are increasing coverage of the program to help more students and faculty around the country," says CHED Commissioner Ricafort.

A key element of the program is a donation from Hitachi GST laboratories consisting of cutting-edge equipment. The first recipients in 2008 were Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) and the University of the Philippines (UP). The laboratory donation focuses on robotics (multi-axis robots, precision stages, servo motor control and vision systems) and metrology (interferometry, microscopy and measurement). Other university recipients from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will receive similar laboratory donations.

Under the program, scholars, research grantees and on-the-job trainees are chosen every year. Grants and scholarships focus on academic disciplines in engineering (mechanical, electrical, chemical and industrial), the sciences (chemistry, physics, materials and computer science) and statistics. The initial six beneficiary universities included AdMU, De La Salle University (DLSU), Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), UP and University of Santo Tomas (UST).

OJT students are trained to work with state-of-the-art robotics, metrology and design resources at the Hitachi GST facility in Laguna. Faculty research grants fund the study of subjects concerning the environment, including hazardous waste treatment, power efficiency and water utilization.

The Hitachi GST facility in Laguna plays a key role in converting high density silicon wafers into magnetic recording heads that are used to read and write data stored on a hard drive. Magnetic head technology advancements allow hard drive suppliers to continue making improvements in the areas of power consumption, shock tolerance and overall storage capacity.

"Hitachi is impressed by the highly skilled workforce in the Philippines. Through the Integrated University Program, we like to think that we are helping to develop the tremendous potential of these future scientists and engineers," said Dr. Tuan Tran, vice president, Worldwide Head Operations, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies.

The Integrated University Program closely aligns with the Philippine government's vision of enhancing industrial and economic development. This includes employment generation in the fields of materials science, chemicals and minerals, electronics and process control, fuels and energy, microbiology and genetics and the environment.

"We fully support the Philippine government's vision of a more dynamic industrial and economic foundation. This is why we have committed our Laguna facility to develop and produce complex hard drive technology," added Dr. Tran.

Hitachi GST currently employs more than 5,000 people at its Laguna facility. It has won five awards from the Export Development Council of the Philippines.

About Hitachi Global Storage Technologies

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Hitachi GST) develops advanced hard disk drives, enterprise-class solid state drives, and innovative external storage solutions and services used to store, preserve and manage the world's most valued data. Founded by the pioneers of hard drives, Hitachi GST provides high-value storage for a broad range of market segments, including Enterprise, Desktop, Mobile Computing, Consumer Electronics and Personal Storage. Hitachi GST was established in 2003 with its U.S. headquarters located in San Jose, California. For more information, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachigst.com.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 400,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2008 (ended March 31, 2009) consolidated revenues totaled 10,000 billion yen ($102.0 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials, logistics and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.

Hitachi GST trademarks are authorized for use in countries and jurisdictions in which Hitachi GST has the right to market the brands. Hitachi GST is not liable for third parties' unauthorized use of Hitachi GST trademarks.

    Source: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies