Technology

Close to 90% of people have never heard of ‘robocalls’

Published

1 year ago

October 30, 2024

Survey on robocalls conducted in response to the rapid global expansion of risks, such as fake phone calls during the US presidential election

PLANO, Texas, Oct. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ribbon Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: RBBN), a global provider of real time communications technology and IP optical networking solutions to many of the world’s largest service providers, enterprises, and critical infrastructure operators to modernize and protect their networks has conducted a survey on robocalls (automated voice calls) in Japan.

Machine-generated robocalls, also known as automated voice calls, often utilizing AI technology. While these calls can enhance operational efficiencies and reduce manpower requirements, they are frequently misused for fraudulent activities, such as obtaining personal information or conducting scams.

Earlier this Spring, robocalls mimicking President Biden’s voice using generative AI technology were used to dissuade voters from participating in the New Hampshire electoral primary ahead of the November 5th presidential election. Globally, robocalls have become a significant social issue. In Japan there has been a sharp increase in fraudulent robocalls, including scams involving false claims of unpaid fees.

Key survey findings include:

Awareness Gap: Approximately 90% of respondents had never heard of robocalls. However, among those who were aware, approximately 85% recognized their use in fraudulent activities around the world.Suspicious Calls: One in five respondents reported receiving suspicious robocalls soliciting personal information or suspected of being scams, suggesting that despite limited public awareness, fraudulent robocalls are currently being made in Japan.Impact on Daily Life: Over 90% of those who received suspicious robocalls felt uncomfortable answering their phones, indicating that the impact of suspicious robocalls extends into everyday life.Limited countermeasures: 70% of respondents believe that individuals only have limited options in fighting against unwanted calls.As generative AI continues to evolve, the potential for damage caused by abusive robocalls is likely to increase. This underscores the need for companies and telecom providers to deploy robust tools to combat the misuse of robocalls are abused.

Comments by Yoshikazu Kuwabara, Senior Manager, Systems Engineering Department, Ribbon Communications
Robocalls have been increasing around the world over the past few years, and while not all robocalls are malicious, thery are contributing to a growing loss of trust in telephony. More and more, people refuse to answer calls from unknown numbers, blocked numbers, or avoid answering the phone altogether.

As robocalls are not a daily occurrence in Japan at present, many people are unaware of them. However, as 42% of respondents have experienced robocalls (automated voice calls), indicating that robocalls do exist in Japan and could become more common in the future. In the USA, where robocalls have become a major issue, call verification (STIR/SHAKEN) has already been mandated by the FCC and Congress.

In this context, Ribbon Communications offers Ribbon Call Trust as a solution for assuring the identity of callers (Identity Assurance Solution). It provides caller Reputation scoring, robocall and fraudulent call detection with anomaly analysis, STIR/SHAKEN services (Caller ID authentication, signing and verification), blocklisting, encryption, CAC, policy routing and CVT (Call Validation Treatment). functions, contributing to the creation of a safe and secure telephony environment.

Survey Summary

90% of people have never heard of ‘robocalls’!Of those who know about robocalls, about 85% know of cases where they have been used fraudulently.Around 42% of respondents have experienced robocalls!One in five people have experienced a suspicious robocall!Approximately 94% of those who experienced a suspicious robocall had negative feelings about the call they subsequently received.When a call comes in from an unknown number, the countermeasure taken by around 70% of people is: ‘I don’t answer unknown numbers’.About 71% of respondents feel that there are limited measures that individuals can take against unwanted phone calls!

Survey Overview

Survey Method

：Internet

Research Organization

：JustSystems Corporation

Study Period

：22 to 24 of July 2024

Survey Area

：Japan

Subject of a Survey

：Men and women aged 20~65 years

Number of People

：330

Almost 90% of people have never heard of ‘robocalls’!
When asked if they had heard of robocalls, close to 90% of respondents said they had not heard of them or did not know about them. Although robocalls are a problem worldwide, they are still not well recognised in Japan. (n=330）

About 85% of those who know about robocalls are aware of cases where they have been used fraudulently.
Approximately 85% of those who are aware of Robocalls, know that they are being used fraudulently around the globe, including for various scams. Those who were aware of robocalls were also aware of a high percentage of cases of abuse. (n=39）

Around 42% of respondents have experienced robocalls!
When asked if they had received robocalls to their mobile or landline, around 42% said they had.（n=330）

The survey also found that more than half of those aged 50-65 years had been targeted by robocalls.

One in five people have experienced a suspicious robocall!
Of those who said they had experienced robocalls, around 46% said they had experienced suspicious robocalls that attempted to ask for personal information or were suspected of being a scam. These results show that one in five people have experienced a suspicious robocall. (n=138）

In terms of age, the most frequent experience of suspicious robocalls was in the 30s, at around 70%, followed by those in their 50s at around 50%.

Approximately 94% of those who experienced a suspicious robocall had negative feelings about the call they subsequently received
Of those who had experienced a suspicious robocall, around 94% said that they felt uncomfortable or did not pick up the subsequent call because they felt uncomfortable. This suggests that abusive and suspicious robocalls are having an impact on daily life. (n=63）

When a call comes in from an unknown number, the countermeasure taken by around 70% of people is: ‘I don’t answer unknown numbers’.
When asked what they do when they receive a call from an unknown number, the most common response was that they do not answer unknown numbers, at around 70%. A certain number of people do not take any countermeasures, with around 20% of respondents saying they have not thought about it. (Multiple answers) (n=325）

About 71% of respondents feel that there are limited measures that individuals can take against unwanted phone calls!
Around 71% of respondents felt that there are limited measures that individuals can take against unwanted calls, indicating that most people feel that this is a challenge. (n=325）About Ribbon Call Trust®
Ribbon Call Trust is an Identity Assurance Solution (Identity Assurance Solution) designed to guarantee the identity of the caller. To prevent excessive robocalls and fraudulent calls, it is important to understand the caller’s intentions and reputation. To this end, it provides Reputation Score, robocall and fraudulent call detection through anomaly analysis, STIR/SHAKEN services (Caller ID authentication, signature and verification), blocking, encryption, CAC, policy routing and CVT (Call Validation Treatment), Ribbon Call Trust is widely used by telecom operators, mainly in the US and Canada, but also in France and other countries where STIR/SHAKEN is mandatory.

Providing a comprehensive Robocall Reputation Score in real-time using ML (Machine Learning) from multiple data sources, including external fraud information databases, telecom operators’ own databases and statistics from analytics, to enable telecom This enables operators to perform appropriate CVT (Call Validation Treatment), such as announcement connection, activation of CAPTCHA authentication and call disconnection, for calls deemed to have a high potential for robocalls or fraud.

Ribbon Call Trust® website
https://learn.rbbn.com/jp/identity-assurance

About Ribbon
Ribbon Communications (Nasdaq: RBBN) delivers communications software, IP and optical networking solutions to service providers, enterprises and critical infrastructure sectors globally. We engage deeply with our customers, helping them modernize their networks for improved competitive positioning and business outcomes in today’s smart, always-on and data-hungry world. Our innovative, end-to-end solutions portfolio delivers unparalleled scale, performance, and agility, including core to edge software-centric solutions, cloud-native offers, leading-edge security and analytics tools, along with IP and optical networking solutions for 5G. We maintain a keen focus on our commitments to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters, offering an annual Sustainability Report to our stakeholders. To learn more about Ribbon, please visit rbbn.com.

Japanese website https://learn.rbbn.com/jp

Important Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The information in this release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this release, including those regarding the expected benefits from use of Ribbon Communication’s products, are forward-looking statements. The actual results of Ribbon Communications may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. For further information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with Ribbon Communications’ business, please refer to the “Risk Factors” section of Ribbon Communications’ most recent annual or quarterly report filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements represent Ribbon Communications’ views only as of the date on which such statement is made and should not be relied upon as representing Ribbon Communications’ views as of any subsequent date. While Ribbon Communications may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point, Ribbon Communications specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.

Media Contact
Ribbon Communications Public Relations Office（Within Kyodo Public Relations Co.）
Kanno, Otsuka、Kikuchi
TEL: 03-6260-4856 E-mail: ribbon-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp

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SOURCE Ribbon Communications Inc.

Technology

Meridian Singapore Immigration Launches New Website to Simplify the PR Application Journey for Foreigners in Singapore

Published

4 hours ago

April 30, 2026

New online platform provides clear, structured guidance for Employment Pass and S Pass holders navigating Singapore’s residency and Permanent Residency pathways

SINGAPORE, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. has officially launched its new website at meridianimmigration.sg, a resource built specifically for foreigners living and working in Singapore who are exploring Permanent Residency or long-term residency options.

The platform arrives at a time when Singapore’s expatriate and foreign professional community is growing rapidly, yet many EP and S Pass holders report struggling to find clear, reliable information on the PR application process. Singapore’s immigration framework is among the most structured in Southeast Asia, with eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and submission windows that change frequently. For individuals navigating this process without professional guidance, the stakes are high and the margin for error is narrow.

Meridian’s website was built to address that gap directly. The platform offers detailed explanations of available immigration pathways, structured consultation options, and educational resources developed by the firm’s team of immigration specialists. Rather than presenting a services catalogue, the site walks users through the considerations relevant to their specific situation, whether they hold an Employment Pass, S Pass, or are planning for their family’s long-term residency in Singapore.

“We built this platform because we saw how overwhelming and confusing the immigration process can be for people who genuinely want to build their lives here,” said a spokesperson for Meridian Singapore Immigration. “Our goal is to be the trusted partner that walks them through every step with clarity and integrity.”

Singapore’s continued attractiveness as a regional hub for multinational corporations, financial institutions, and technology firms means the pipeline of foreigners seeking long-term residency options remains substantial. At the same time, the ICA’s PR application framework has grown more nuanced, with factors such as economic contributions, family ties, and community integration weighed during assessment. Applicants who proceed without a clear understanding of these criteria often submit applications that are either premature or structurally incomplete.

Meridian’s approach centres on preparation and transparency, helping applicants understand where they stand before they apply and what supporting documentation strengthens their case.

Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. is a professional immigration consultancy dedicated to guiding individuals and families through Singapore’s immigration process. Specialising in Permanent Residency (PR) applications, residency pathways, and compliance support, Meridian offers clear, structured solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Founded on the values of Guidance, Integrity, and Success, Meridian is committed to making immigration simple, transparent, and accessible for everyone. For more information, visit meridianimmigration.sg or contact info@meridianimmigration.sg / +65 8873 1113.

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SOURCE Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd.

Technology

Socomec, Daitron team up to meet Japan’s growing power demands

Published

4 hours ago

April 30, 2026

TOKYO, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Socomec, a century-old electrical group specialising in mission-critical energy, and Japan’s Daitron, an electronics components distributor, have signed a partnership to deliver power conversion solutions and service backup power and electrical-switching systems across Japan.

The deal combines Socomec’s equipment with Daitron’s on-the-ground engineering team, which has more than 74 years of experience in the Japanese market. The two companies will handle everything from project delivery to ongoing maintenance and spare parts.

The partnership covers three product areas: uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which keep facilities running during outages; power conversion systems, which ensure the availability and continuity of high-quality energy; and static transfer switches, which automatically reroute power loads between sources without interruption.

Beyond equipment sales, the agreement includes training, spare parts, long-term service contracts and a full range of expert services covering prevention, measurement and analysis, consultancy, deployment and optimisation. Socomec will provide product and technical training to Daitron’s team, while Daitron handles installation, servicing and day-to-day client support in Japan.

The target market spans data centres, semiconductor plants, industrial facilities, hospitals and green buildings, all areas where even brief power interruptions can prove costly. Data center demand in particular is surging, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, with colocation and enterprise facilities among the primary targets.

“Daitron knows the Japanese market inside and out. They have the people, the relationships, and the hands-on experience, and we bring the technology to match,” said Socomec Asia-Pacific CEO O’Niel Dissanayake. “It’s a natural fit, and together we can offer something neither company could deliver alone.”

“Japan’s data centres, chip factories and industrial plants all require power systems they can count on,” said Masaharu Kato, corporate officer of Daitron. “Socomec’s technology is exactly what these customers need, and our job is to make sure it’s installed, maintained and supported properly. That’s what we do best.”

The partnership comes as Japan faces a step change in power demand. Electricity consumption is expected to grow 5.3% over the next decade, driven by data centres and semiconductor factories, according to the country’s grid operator. Industrial energy demand alone is forecast to rise 18.3% over the same period.

That growth is creating strong demand for reliable power infrastructure. Data centres, for example, run around the clock and cannot afford downtime, making backup power and efficient energy management essential. Socomec’s systems are designed to reduce power consumption without sacrificing reliability, a balance that is becoming increasingly important as operators look to manage both costs and environmental commitments.

Both companies say project planning and bids are already underway, with a long-term goal of expanding the partnership’s reach across Japan as demand grows.

About Daitron

Daitron Co., Ltd. is a Japanese engineering and trading company founded in 1952 and headquartered in Osaka. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 7609), Daitron sells and manufactures electronic components, semiconductor processing equipment and power supply systems. The company has more than seven decades of experience serving Japan’s electronics and manufacturing industries.

SOCOMEC: When energy matters

Founded in 1922, SOCOMEC is an independent industrial group of more than 4,800 experts spread across the world in 30 subsidiaries. Our vocation: design, manufacture and sale of electrical equipment, with a strong expertize in critical power applications. In 2025, SOCOMEC achieved a turnover of 997 million euros (not yet audited).

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SOURCE Socomec

Technology

Multi-Destination Travel Surges Across Asia-Pacific This Labour Day, Trip.com Group Data Shows

Published

4 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-yearMulti-city travel outpaces single-destination growth by more than 2xSoutheast Asia sees strong double-digit growth, with Thailand up to 52% YoY

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2026 /CNW/ — Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-year this Labour Day period, according to data from Trip.com Group. Several Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, South Korea, parts of Southeast Asia and Mainland China celebrate Labour Day, driving strong cross-border and domestic travel flows across the region.

Over 30% of international trips now span multiple destinations, highlighting a continued shift towards more complex, itinerary-led travel. This shift reflects a growing preference to maximise time and value with multiple destinations within a single trip rather than a single location.

Multi-destination trips become a defining travel pattern

While single-destination travel continues to account for most bookings, growth is increasingly driven by more complex itineraries. Multi-destination bookings are growing at more than twice the pace of single-destination travel, reflecting stronger demand for flexibility and deeper exploration.

Travellers are increasingly structuring trips across multiple cities to maximise both time and value, with popular combinations including:

Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto (Japan)Seoul – Busan (South Korea)Bangkok – Phuket (Thailand)

These itineraries reflect a growing preference for multi-stop journeys that blend urban experiences with leisure destinations.

Southeast Asia sees fast growth in multi-destination travel

Across Southeast Asia, demand for multi-destination travel is rising steadily, with strong growth across key markets of Thailand: 52%, Malaysia: 40%, and Singapore: 17%, according to Trip.com Group data.

Top outbound destinations across Southeast Asian markets include Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), South Korea (Seoul), China (Shanghai, Beijing), Thailand (Bangkok), Indonesia (Bali).

In other parts of Asia such as Hong Kong SAR, multi-destination travel also grew by over 50% year-on-year, highlighting growing preference for more complex itineraries over traditional single-destination trips, particularly in well-connected urban markets.

In Mainland China, domestic travel remains a strong base, while overseas journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-destination itineraries, with over 40% of outbound trips spanning multiple destinations and continuing to grow.

This suggests that travellers in this region are increasingly combining multiple cities within a single trip, supported by strong regional connectivity.

Japan’s domestic travel momentum on the rise

Japan is also seeing shifts in domestic travel behaviour, even as outbound demand continues to grow.

In Japan, domestic travel is growing rapidly, indicating rising interest in travelling within the country, accounting for one-quarter of all flight bookings, and to cities such as Tokyo, Sapporo and Okinawa.

Intra-Asia travel dominates Labour Day demand

The Labour Day holiday period continues to be driven by regional travel within Asia-Pacific, with travellers favouring destinations that offer ease of access, diverse experiences, and flexible itineraries.

The Group’s data highlights the continued strength of short-haul travel, supported by strong connectivity and shorter flight durations.

More broadly, the way people travel across Asia-Pacific is evolving. Travellers taking a more deliberate approach to how they plan their trips. While cross-border journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-city itineraries, domestic travel remains a strong and steady part of the landscape. Together, these patterns point to a more flexible and value-conscious mindset, as travellers look to make the most of both time and budget.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.