American Wave Machines Announces Partnership with China Tourism Group ACN Newswire

American Wave Machines Announces Partnership with China Tourism Group

SOLANA BEACH, CA, Dec 17, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - American Wave Machines, the surf technology company behind PerfectSwell® Surf Venues worldwide, today announced an agreement to develop a PerfectSwell® Surf Resort with China Tourism Group. The project, located on the island of Hainan in Riyue Bay, also known as Sun and Moon Bay in the town of Wanning, will be called "Riyue Bay Surf Resort".Riyue Bay Surf Resort. Image courtesy of China Tourism Group.Known for having the best surf in China, Riyue Bay has attracted a wide range of businesses including a vibrant restaurant and bar scene open to international tourists. With conditions and climate that support year-round surfing, Riyue Bay has held international competitions for eleven consecutive years. Standing out as a beacon of success for the Chinese surf scene, Riyue Bay is also home to China's National Surfing Team.The PerfectSwell® anchored multi-use development will be the very first surf resort in China. In phase one, the resort will deliver a surf-themed hotel and a designer hotel totaling 132 rooms, a shopping district, bar and restaurants, surf retail shop, and skate park in addition to the PerfectSwell® Surf Pool. Phase two will add more rooms to the hotel and additional lodging options. The project will utilize the flexibility of PerfectSwell® Surf Technology by targeting the existing market of enthusiast surfers from abroad while also catering to beginners among the local population.Kuan Zhao, surf park director of the resort, describes what PerfectSwell® Surf Technology brings to Chinese athletes: "With the launch of PerfectSwell®, China solidifies its commitment to developing world-class athletes across all Olympic sports, surfing included. With PerfectSwell®, Riyue Bay Surf Resort delivers unparalleled training opportunities allowing us to cultivate homegrown talent. At the same time, the venue will deliver a world-class resort experience for all levels of surf tourists. We will expand the surfing community throughout the country while welcoming the diverse and broad spectrum of surf enthusiasts from around the world."Miquel Lazaro, lead engineer from American Wave Machines, describes what it means to add a PerfectSwell® Venue to China's emerging scene: "We're stoked to bring our brand of high-performance waves to China. Riyue Bay Surf Resort will provide locals and visitors with something truly world-class. We have seen the impact of PerfectSwell® Surf Parks in other regions and it's an exciting opportunity to impact China's incredible surf culture and talent potential."PerfectSwell® Surf Technology. Image courtesy of American Wave Machines, Inc.About American Wave MachinesAmerican Wave Machines, Inc. is the inventor and developer of PerfectSwell® Surf Technology. AWM's technology powers world class surf facilities and destinations backed by proven financials, extensive data capture, and stoked surfers. PerfectSwell® is the only sequence based, pneumatic surf technology on the market. Protected by over 50 patents worldwide, PerfectSwell® Split Peaks, Peeling Waves, Air Sections, and Wedge Barrels are all covered by AWM's robust patent portfolio.About China Tourism GroupChina Tourism Group Corporation Limited (CTG), also known as China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited, is a backbone state-owned enterprise directly managed by the central government and one of the central government-owned enterprises headquartered in Hong Kong. CTG has formed an industry structure comprising travel agencies, scenic areas, hotels, duty-free retail, tourism transportation, travel document services, cruises, real estate, and comprehensive operations in Hong Kong. The operation network spans China's mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and over 30 countries and regions abroad.Contact:Jenna Timinskyinfo@americanwavemachines.comSOURCE: American Wave Machines, Inc. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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The Quantum Threat Is Here: Where Are We Quranium Releases Enterprise Quantum Readiness Survey Results ACN Newswire

The Quantum Threat Is Here: Where Are We Quranium Releases Enterprise Quantum Readiness Survey Results

DUBAI, Dec 16, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The recent unveiling of Google’s ‘Willow’ quantum chip has ignited significant discussion throughout the ecosystem, sparking urgent questions about its implications for blockchain security. Leaders are in a unique position of responsibility to understand where we are in this rapidly evolving landscape and determine the necessary steps to address this formidable threat.As the unveiling of Willow triggered liquidations exceeding $1.7 billion, the industry is reeling from the real-world impact of heightened fears of future vulnerabilities. The question is no longer if quantum computing will disrupt blockchain security but when. In this moment of unknowing, where panic is growing, Quranium steps forward to shed light with the release of its previously unreleased Enterprise Quantum Readiness Survey.The survey, which was conducted among nearly 100 CTOs and IT executives from large global organisations across various sectors - reveals a critical gap: while 75% of organizations acknowledge the disruptive potential of quantum computing, 60% have yet to begin concrete preparations. This lack of readiness amplifies the urgency of action, especially as quantum technology rapidly transitions from theoretical to practical applications.A New Era of RiskThe Willow chip’s 105-qubit power demonstrates quantum computing’s potential to render current cryptographic systems obsolete. Kapil Dhiman, CEO of Quranium, stresses the immediacy of the challenge:“Quantum computing will redefine digital security. Algorithms that have protected data for decades are now at risk, and industries must act quickly to build resilient systems that withstand this quantum disruption.”This warning is echoed in reports from leading organizations like NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), which predict the deprecation of critical encryption algorithms by 2030, alongside warnings about “harvest now, decrypt later” threats—where encrypted data is collected today for decryption in the quantum future.Survey Highlights: The State of Quantum ReadinessQuranium’s survey reveals critical insights into the state of enterprise quantum preparedness:Recognizing the Threat but Lagging in Action: Over 75% of respondents predict significant disruption from quantum computing within the next decade. Yet, nearly two-thirds of organizations remain unprepared, creating vulnerabilities in industries reliant on secure data handling.Barriers to Readiness: Security concerns, high perceived costs, and a lack of technical expertise are the top challenges. While 45% of respondents indicate a willingness to invest in quantum solutions, most have not taken tangible steps to address these barriers.Collaboration and Training Gaps: Only 30% of organizations actively collaborate with academic institutions or quantum technology firms, and just 25% offer formal training on quantum technologies to employees, leaving industries ill-equipped to handle the transition.Slow Adoption of Quantum-Resistant Encryption: While some companies have started implementing quantum-resistant encryption, more than half remain in exploratory phases or have taken no action, exposing critical systems to future vulnerabilities.What’s Next Bridging the Readiness GapThe quantum era is no longer a distant future—it is unfolding now. Quranium’s Enterprise Quantum Readiness Survey highlights the urgent need for industries to shift from awareness to action. This isn’t just a call for individual organizations to prepare but for the industry to unite under a cohesive strategy for resilience.DeQUIP (Decentralized Quantum-Uncrackable Infrastructure Protocol) represents a new market sector coined by Kapil Dhiman, CEO of Quranium. It serves as an industry standard that the ecosystem can join to collectively secure the decentralized world. Designed to safeguard decentralized systems against quantum threats, DeQUIP sets the standard for securing the digital future.Kapil Dhiman adds:“The industry must move beyond exploration and into execution. Quantum resilience isn’t just about responding to a threat—it’s about seizing the opportunity to redefine trust, security, and innovation in the digital age.”A Collective Call to ActionThe findings of the Enterprise Quantum Readiness Survey are a wake-up call for industries worldwide. With quantum computing already reshaping the technological landscape, the time to act is now. Organizations must assess their readiness, collaborate on solutions, and adopt quantum-resistant technologies to ensure their systems can withstand the quantum revolution.Quranium invites enterprises, policymakers, and innovators to join the movement toward a secure digital future. By aligning with standards like DeQUIP, we can collectively build a foundation that safeguards against the risks and harnesses the potential of quantum computing.Learn About DeQUIP: https://quranium.org/dequipAbout QuraniumQuranium is the quantum-uncrackable Layer 1 blockchain foundation for the future. Our decentralized ledger technology (DLT) infrastructure acts as a seamless, scalable bridge between Web2 and Web3, enabling digital adoption without compromising security. At the forefront of the ground-breaking new market sector known as DeQUIP (Decentralized Quantum-Uncrackable Infrastructure Protocol), Quranium is setting the benchmark for progress, redefining security in an ever-evolving digital landscape. We safeguard today’s data while fortifying against the threats of tomorrow.Visit: https://quranium.org/Follow Quranium on Social Media:X: @quranium_orgTelegram: Join the CommunityDiscord: Join the Quranium Discord Server!Together, let’s shape a future where security, resilience, and decentralization are not just promises—they’re the foundation. Join Quranium, be uncrackable.For Further Details and Partnership Inquiries, Please Contact:Claire CairnsMimi Ashmead-BartlettEmail: claire@quranium.org / mimi@quranium.org Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Asian Financial Forum returns as region’s first major international financial assembly in 2025 ACN Newswire

Asian Financial Forum returns as region’s first major international financial assembly in 2025

- Themed “Powering the Next Growth Engine”, the 18th Asian Financial Forum 2025 (AFF), will be the region’s first major international financial and business event of the year.- Heavyweight speakers include Prof Justin Lin Yifu, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank (2008-2012); Prof Stuart Russell, Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum's Council on AI; Dr Kai-Fu Lee, Chairman of Sinovation Ventures; and Joe Tsai, Chairman of the Alibaba Group.- The event brings together scholars, financial officials and business leaders from Mainland China, ASEAN, the Middle East, Europe and the United States to share invaluable insights.HONG KONG, Dec 17, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The 18th Asian Financial Forum 2025 (AFF), co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on 13 and 14 January (Monday and Tuesday). Themed “Powering the Next Growth Engine”, AFF will be the first major financial and business event in the region in the new year, bringing together more than 100 global policymakers, business leaders, financial experts and investors, entrepreneurs, tech giants and economists to share their views on issues related to political leadership, geopolitical tensions, monetary policy shifts, macroeconomic challenges and more. These industry heavyweights will discuss the latest developments in financial markets and investment opportunities and explore how Hong Kong can leverage its strengths as an international financial centre to seek breakthroughs in a period of change.Harnessing Hong Kong's unique advantages to demonstrate financial excellenceLaunched in 2007, the AFF has become a flagship financial event for Hong Kong and the broader region, showcasing the city’s status as an international financial centre and its role as a connector in spearheading regional financial activities. Against the backdrop of a constantly shifting global economic landscape, Hong Kong has been leveraging its unique geographical position, professional services and global perspective to continue fostering collaboration and ensuring mutual success between Asia and the world.Luanne Lim, Chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee and Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, of HSBC, said: “The geopolitical and economic landscape of 2025 is set to be fraught with challenges, underscoring the importance of international collaboration. The Forum adopts the theme ‘Powering the Next Growth Engine’, bringing together influential speakers and thought leaders to share insights, dissect the evolving global landscape and spotlight emerging investment opportunities. Key areas of focus include the growth potential of emerging markets such as Mainland China, ASEAN and the Middle East, as well as advancements in sectors like artificial intelligence, fintech, sustainability, philanthropy and family offices. The Forum continues to provide a premier platform for renowned global investors and fundraisers to collaborate and ignite new engines for growth with its strong international influence and diverse perspectives.”Impactful sessions spotlight global issuesThe Forum will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers, with a two-day programme featuring various panels and workshops, including plenary sessions, policy dialogues, keynote luncheons, breakfast panels and fireside chats, as well as thematic workshops focusing on development and innovation across different industries. It will continue to stage well-received sessions such as Global Economic Outlook, China Opportunities and CIO Insights. Global Economic Outlook will analyse international economic trends and provide insights into business opportunities and wealth accumulation in emerging industries and regions in 2025. China Opportunities will focus on examining the investment outlook in Mainland China under the acceleration of technological innovation and its impact on global businesses. CIO Insights will explore new opportunities for cross-regional cooperation from macroeconomic and asset allocation perspectives, offering participants insights and strategies that can help realise long-term growth. Financial pioneers share insights on future economyOne of the keynote speakers at AFF will be Prof Justin Lin Yifu, a globally renowned economist and Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank (2008-2012). Prof Lin will deliver an in-depth analysis of the shifting global economic landscape and the impact on Mainland China and international markets, exploring strategies for achieving stable growth and driving rapid economic development amid a complex international environment.The Forum will also bring together scholars, financial officials and business leaders from the mainland, ASEAN, the Middle East, Europe and the United States to shed light on a range of key topics, including macroeconomics, China opportunities, investment prospects, artificial intelligence (AI) and fintech as well as sustainability.As the world's second largest economy, the mainland’s economic and industrial development plays a significant role in driving global economic growth. Heavyweight speakers include Dr Fred Hu, Founder and Chairman of Primavera Capital Group; Jin Liqun, President and Chair of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Li Yimei, Chief Executive Officer of China Asset Management, and Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba Group, will take the stage at AFF to share their views.Emerging markets such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Middle East will also be spotlighted. Speakers from ASEAN will include Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Economic Community of ASEAN while a new session will highlight the opportunities in financial cooperation and investment between the Middle East and Hong Kong, featuring speakers from the two places.A stellar line-up of speakers and company representatives from Europe and the US will offer new impetus at various panel discussions. Featured speakers include Edward Dolman, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Phillips Auctioneers; J Christopher Donahue, President & Chief Executive Officer of Federated Hermes, Inc; Antoine Gosset-Grainville, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AXA; Dr Hou Yang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Greater China Region and Global Senior Vice President of Microsoft; Philip Lane, Chief Economist and Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank; Vincent Mortier, Group Chief Investment Officer of Amundi; and Dr Olli Rehn, Governor and Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Finland.AI and fintech are having a profound impact as they become more broadly adopted in the financial services sector. Prof Stuart Russell, Co-chair of the World Economic Forum Council on AI; Dr Kai-Fu Lee, Chairman of Sinovation Ventures and Ken Wong, Executive Vice President of Lenovo and President of Lenovo Solutions & Services Group, will address the latest industry developments and prospects at the AFF. Prof Russell, Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley and Co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Council on AI and the OECD’s Expert Group on AI Futures, will explore the prospects of AI becoming a new engine for global economic growth.Sustainable development is another key topic at the AFF. In different sessions of the Forum, Sue Lloyd, Vice Chair of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB); Martin Neubert, Partner and Group Chief Investment Officer of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, and Jiadi Yu, Chief Investment Officer of International Finance Corporation (IFC), will share views on how the adoption of the ISSB will contribute to market confidence in Hong Kong’s capital markets.Diverse exhibition zones create opportunities, innovative technologies drive growthThe Fintech Showcase, InnoVenture Salon, FintechHK Start-up Salon and Global Investment Zone will be assembled at the AFF to help fintech companies, start-ups and international investment agencies from around the world to connect businesses, showcase the latest technological innovations and promote collaboration.In addition to offering pitching and startup advisory sessions, the InnoVenture Salon features an exhibition of innovative technologies across various fields such as regtech, deep tech, green tech, health tech and food tech and agri-tech. This capacity-building support will connect entrepreneurs with potential clients, users and investors from different regions and industries, helping businesses refine their strategies, expand operations and thrive in the global market. Additionally, AFF Deal-making, a unique deal-sourcing and matching session, will build on the success of previous years to connect sources of funds and deals from around the world through one-on-one meetings.AFF – Hong Kong's major annual financial eventInternational large-scale events play a strategically important role for Hong Kong. As the first major financial event of the year, the AFF is designed to provide industry professionals with the latest insights and help them explore new opportunities. Early bird registration is now open for participants. The AFF is collaborating with various organisations to provide special travel, dining and shopping discounts and privileges for overseas participants, encouraging them to make the most of their stay and experience the vitality of Hong Kong. More details regarding the content, speaker lineup and media registration arrangements for the AFF will be announced at a press conference on 7 January 2025.Websites- Asian Financial Forum: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/about-aff- Programme: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/info-programme- Speaker list: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/speakersMembers of the media interested in interviewing speakers at the Asian Financial Forum should email ayiu@yuantung.com.hk or lsong@yuantung.com.hk by 8 January 2025.Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Bz8p9tThe Asian Financial Forum 2025, organised by the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC, will be held on 13 and 14 January (Monday and Tuesday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre under the theme “Powering the Next Growth Engine”. The picture shows scenes from the previous Forum held in January 2024.The 18th AFF features a keynote speech by Prof Justin Lin Yifu, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank (2008-2012) – a globally renowned development economist who has had a profound influence on both Chinese and international economic development.Prof Stuart Russell, Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley and Co-chair of the World Economic Forum Council on AI and the OECD’s Expert Group on AI Futures, will share his expertise on artificial intelligence at the Forum.Media enquiriesYuan Tung Financial Relations:Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hkLouise Song Tel: (852) 3428 5691 Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hkHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Katy Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4524 Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgClayton Lauw Tel: (852) 2584 4472 Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgHKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.comAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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West Air to Launch New International Route: Lhasa – Chongqing – Singapore on December 25, 2024 ACN Newswire

West Air to Launch New International Route: Lhasa – Chongqing – Singapore on December 25, 2024

SINGAPORE, Dec 17, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - From December 25, 2024, West Air will launch a new Lhasa ⇌ Chongqing ⇌ Singapore international route. The opening of this route will promote cultural exchanges between western China and Singapore. It is also the first international route to be added since the official renaming of Lhasa Gongga International Airport.The route will be operated by an Airbus A319 with three round-trip flights per week. The outbound flight number is PN6425, operating on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, departing from Lhasa at 17:40, arriving in Chongqing at 20:30, departing from Chongqing at 22:50 (23:00 on Mondays), and arriving in Singapore at 03:55 the next day. The return flight number is PN6426, operating on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, departing from Singapore at 04:55, arriving in Chongqing at 09:40, departing from Chongqing at 12:20, and arriving in Lhasa at 15:20. Lhasa, the “City of Sunshine,” is the "spiritual home" of many travelers. Its rich religious culture and historical sites give it an atmosphere of tranquility and mystery. The magnificent Potala Palace, the lofty Tanggula Mountains, and the crystal-blue Namtso Lake attract tourists from all over the world. The new route builds a "two-way bridge" between the snowy plateau and the tropical island.Chongqing, as the operational center for the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Strategic Connectivity Demonstration Project, has strong strategic alignment with Singapore. The new route will serve as a bridge linking western China and the ASEAN region, creating an “air corridor” for the development of a new land-sea corridor in the west. This route will also play a significant role in promoting economic, trade, cultural, and tourism exchanges between Lhasa, Chongqing, and Singapore.Following the implementation of the China-Singapore Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement on February 9, 2024, Ordinary Passport Holders can now embark on a "just-go" journey. As a friendly neighbor of China, Singapore has no time difference, a welcoming Chinese-speaking environment, year-round summer temperatures, and excellent infrastructure. Singapore remains a top destination, offering everything from Michelin-starred restaurants and Nanyang street food to garden city landscapes and multicultural experiences.To celebrate the launch, West Air will introduce specialfares:Lhasa ⇌ Singapore round-trip tickets as low as RMB 1,888 (tax included)Chongqing ⇌ Singapore round-trip tickets as low as RMB 1,499 (tax included)Promotions will also be available on West Air’s official website (www.westair.cn) and TikTok live streams. One-way fares to Singapore start at RMB 350 (excluding tax), and fares from Singapore start at SGD 70 (excluding tax). (Offers are subject to availability. Prices may change; please refer to official updates.)West Air is also offering a range of travel-friendly policies:10% discounts for tickets purchased 7 days in advance for small group travelers.Additional 20KG baggage allowance for international students and immediate family members (available via call center 95373 or at the counter)."Baggage Beneficial Offer" product, providing a 30KG free baggage limit.Preferential fares for connecting flights through intermodal transport with Hainan Airlines and other domestic partners.About West AirAs a subsidiary of HNA Airlines, West Air continues to strengthen its operations under Liaoning Fangda Group, which celebrates its third anniversary on December 8, 2024. In alignment with the Chongqing Municipal Government's goals, West Air has consistently expanded its international routes originating from Chongqing. Since 2016, the airline has launched direct routes from Chongqing to Singapore, Phuket, Osaka, Mandalay, Jeju, Bangkok, and Hanoi, forming a robust international network across Asia. These routes have strengthened Chongqing's connectivity with key Asian destinations, contributing to local economic development and supporting the city's growth as a leading aviation hub.Looking ahead, West Air will expand its investments in “Belt and Road” countries and open additional routes to meet growing passenger demand while supporting national strategies and regional development.Media contact:Wani Diwarkarwani@prbespoke.com +65 9832 0643 Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Everest Medicines Announces Acceptance of the New Drug Application for VELSIPITY ACN Newswire

Everest Medicines Announces Acceptance of the New Drug Application for VELSIPITY

SHANGHAI, Dec 17, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK, “Everest”, or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative therapeutics, today announced that the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China has officially accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) for VELSIPITY(R) (etrasimod) for the treatment of patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). VELSIPITY(R) is an effective and convenient, once-daily, oral treatment for patients with moderately to severely active UC.VELSIPITY(R) was officially approved by the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau of Macau in April 2024, and was introduced in the Greater Bay Area in October through the "Hong Kong and Macau Medicine and Equipment Connect" policy. VELSIPITY(R) is now the third commercialized product of Everest Medicines.“We are pleased to see that the NDA for VELSIPITY(R) has been officially accepted in mainland China., "said Rogers Yongqing Luo, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines. “If approved, China would represent the third approval of VELSIPITY(R) in Everest’s licensed territories for the drug after Macau and Singapore. By 2030, the number of patients with UC in China is expected to more than double compared to 2019, reaching approximately 1 million, with a significant unmet need for innovative therapies. We are committed to expanding access to VELSIPITY(R), with the goal of benefiting more patients living with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. "" As the only drug that has been proven to be effective in UC patients with moderately to severely active isolated proctitis in global Phase III clinical trials, the official acceptance of the NDA for VELSIPITY(R) in mainland China brings hope to many patients,” said Prof. Wu Kaichun with the First Affiliated Hospital of AFMU who is the principal investigator for etrasimod’s Asia clinical trial.” As a next-generation S1P receptor modulator, VELSIPITY(R) can provide patients with a chance for corticosteroid-free remission, mucosal healing, and rapid symptom relief. In addition, the data from the largest-scale Phase III clinical trial of moderately to severely active UC patients in Asia once again confirmed the favorable efficacy and safety profile of VELSIPITY(R). We look forward to the early approval of this drug to benefit more patients."As a key product for Everest Medicines, VELSIPITY(R) was approved in Macau, China and Singapore in the first half of this year. Its first prescription has been issued on December 11th at Kiang Wu Hospital in Macau, which marks the official beginning of this new therapy benefiting patients across Asia. In addition, Everest Medicines has also submitted and had its NDA officially accepted for VELSIPITY(R) in Hong Kong. With the support of the "Hong Kong and Macau Medicine and Equipment Connect" policy, VELSIPITY(R) has also been officially approved to enter the Greater Bay Area and can be used in four designated medical institutions which are the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University and Guangzhou United Family Hospital.VELSIPITY(R) has been recently included in the Catalog of Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Imported from Hong Kong and Macau for the Nine Municipalities in Guangdong Province within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (“the Catalog”), published by the Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration and Health Commission of Guangdong Province. With the inclusion of VELSIPITY(R) in the Catalog, we expect to accelerate its availability in all 45 designated medical institutions under the Connect Policy.About VELSIPITY(R) (etrasimod)VELSIPITY(R) is a once-daily, oral, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator that selectively binds with S1P receptor subtypes 1, 4, and 5. Regulatory approvals have been granted in US, EU, Canada, Australia, Singapore, UK, Switzerland, Israel and Macau, China for VELSIPITY(R) in ulcerative colitis.About Everest MedicinesEverest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing transformative pharmaceutical products and vaccines that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in Asian markets. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record from both leading global pharmaceutical companies and local Chinese pharmaceutical companies in high-quality discovery, clinical development, regulatory affairs, CMC, business development and operations. Everest Medicines has built a portfolio of potentially global first-in-class or best-in-class molecules in the company’s core therapeutic areas of renal diseases, infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. For more information, please visit its website at www.everestmedicines.com.Forward-Looking Statements:This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Arctic Wolf and BlackBerry Announce Acquisition Agreement for Cylance ACN Newswire

Arctic Wolf and BlackBerry Announce Acquisition Agreement for Cylance

WATERLOO, ON and EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, Dec 16, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Arctic Wolf® and BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB), two global leaders in security software and services, today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement for Arctic Wolf to acquire BlackBerry's Cylance® endpoint security assets. Cylance is the pioneer of AI-based endpoint protection trusted by thousands of organizations around the world. With this acquisition, Arctic Wolf ushers in a new era of simplicity, flexibility, and outcomes to the endpoint security market, delivering the security operations results customers have been asking for.Under the terms of the agreement, BlackBerry will sell its Cylance assets to Arctic Wolf for $160 million of cash, subject to certain adjustments, and approximately 5.5 million common shares of Arctic Wolf. After allowing for the purchase price adjustments, BlackBerry will receive approximately $80 million of cash at closing and approximately $40 million of cash one year following the closing.The proposed transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in BlackBerry's fourth fiscal quarter.Arctic Wolf is a leader in AI-powered security operations, delivering its solutions from a single open platform to meet customers' needs for effective, comprehensive, and reliable security outcomes. With the addition of Cylance's trailblazing suite of endpoint security capabilities and enhanced AI functionality, Arctic Wolf will bolster its position as a market-leading platform provider, offering coverage from the endpoint to the edge.As many organizations are looking to consolidate an increasing number of disparate security tools, there is a rapidly growing demand for end-to-end platforms."Security has an operations and effectiveness problem and endpoint solutions alone have failed to live up to the outcomes they have promised for years," said Nick Schneider, president and chief executive officer, Arctic Wolf. "By incorporating Cylance's endpoint security capabilities into our open-XDR Aurora platform, we will be addressing a rampant need for a truly unified, effective security operations that delivers better outcomes for customers. We believe we will be able to rapidly eliminate alert fatigue, reduce total risk exposure, and help customers unlock further value with our warranty and insurability programs.""I am incredibly excited to partner with Arctic Wolf through this agreement," said John Giamatteo, chief executive officer of BlackBerry. "We see this transaction as a win-win for our shareholders and all other stakeholders. Our customers will realize the benefits of continuity of service and the expertise that a global cybersecurity leader like Arctic Wolf provides. Arctic Wolf benefits by adding Cylance's endpoint security solutions to its native platform. Finally, as Arctic Wolf leverages its scale to build upon and grow the Cylance business, BlackBerry will benefit as a reseller of the portfolio to our large government customers and as a shareholder of the company."There will be no impact to BlackBerry's Secure Communications portfolio of businesses, which include BlackBerry® UEM, BlackBerry® AtHoc® and BlackBerry® SecuSUITE®. The Secure Communications business will remain an integral part of the BlackBerry portfolio.Redefining the Modern Security Platform for Customers and PartnersWith the addition of a native endpoint security solution to its portfolio, Arctic Wolf is building one of the largest open XDR security platforms in the industry, enabling customers and partners to have the option to leverage more than 15 supported endpoint solutions. Arctic Wolf is currently the only security operations leader offering this type of optionality, which combined with its comprehensive approach to minimizing risk through security operations, makes it uniquely positioned to drive value for customers of all sizes and security maturity.Cylance has a long history of recognition as a market leader, known for stopping 98% of attacks before they begin and trusted by many of the world's leading organizations for its AI-driven prevention and detection. Recently, Cylance was named 2024 Customers' Choice for endpoint protection platforms (EPP) by Gartner® Peer Insights™ for the second consecutive year. By integrating Cylance into its portfolio, Arctic Wolf will provide a world-class endpoint protection solution that rivals the best in the industry, complementing its endpoint offering with one of the largest commercial SOCs in the world that delivers unified security operations and comprehensive attack surface coverage."Organizations are looking to unify tools and operations via a single platform that can effectively analyze and respond to security threats, drive consistent security outcomes, and demonstrably minimize risk," said Dan Schiappa, chief product and services officer, Arctic Wolf. "In the past, this has been a near-impossible, costly goal for resource-constrained leaders. By adding endpoint security to our platform, we will be delivering the security outcomes organizations want in one, frictionless operational platform to go toe-to-toe with today's advanced threats, while maintaining our commitment to customers and partners leveraging other endpoint solutions."Perella Weinberg Partners LP served as exclusive financial adviser to BlackBerry and Morrison Foerster LLP served as legal adviser to BlackBerry. Cooley LLP served as legal adviser to Arctic Wolf.Join BlackBerry's CEO and CFO today, Monday, December 16, at 5:30 p.m.ETfor more information on today's announcement. The call, which will be live streamed to the general public, can be accessed using the following link (here), through the Company's investor webpage (BlackBerry.com/Investors), or by dialing toll free +1 (844) 763-8275 and entering Elite Entry Number 51772. A replay will be available at approximately 8:30 p.m. ET today, using the same webcast link (here) or by dialing toll free +1 (877) 481-4010 and entering Replay Access Code 51772.Read more about Arctic Wolf's intent to acquire Cylance in a blog post from Arctic Wolf's Chief Product and Services Officer, Dan Schiappa.Additional Resources:Join the conversation with Arctic Wolf on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTubeVisit arcticwolf.com to learn more about our security operations solutionsIf you're ready to get started, request a demo, get a quote, or conduct a Security Operations Maturity AssessmentWant to join Arctic Wolf's Partner Program? Apply todayAbout BlackBerryBlackBerry (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB) provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. The company's software powers over 255M vehicles. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company leverages AI and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety, and data privacy solutions, and is a leader in the areas of endpoint management, endpoint security, encryption, and embedded systems. BlackBerry's vision is clear - to secure a connected future you can trust. For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry.Trademarks, including but not limited to BLACKBERRY and EMBLEM Design, are the trademarks or registered trademarks of BlackBerry Limited, and the exclusive rights to such trademarks are expressly reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.About Arctic Wolf:Arctic Wolf® is a global leader in security operations, enabling customers to manage their cyber risk in the face of modern cyber-attacks via a premier cloud-native security operations platform. The Arctic Wolf Aurora Platform ingests and analyzes more than 7 trillion security events a week to help enable cyber defense at an unprecedented capacity and scale, empowering customers of virtually any size across a wide range of industries to feel confident in their security posture, readiness, and long-term resilience. By delivering automated threat protection, response, and remediation capabilities, Arctic Wolf delivers world-class security operations with the push of a button so customers can defend their greatest assets at the speed of data. For more information about Arctic Wolf, visit arcticwolf.com or follow us at @AWNetworks, on LinkedIn or Facebook.© 2024 Arctic Wolf Networks, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Arctic Wolf, Aurora, Alpha AI, Arctic Wolf Security Operations Cloud, Arctic Wolf Managed Detection and Response, Arctic Wolf Managed Risk, Arctic Wolf Managed Security Awareness, Arctic Wolf Incident Response, and Arctic Wolf Concierge Security Team are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Arctic Wolf Networks, Inc. or Arctic Wolf Networks Canada, Inc. and any subsidiaries in Canada, the United States, and/or other countries.BlackBerry Investor Contact:BlackBerry Investor Relations+1 (519) 888-7465investorrelations@blackberry.comBlackBerry Media Contacts:BlackBerry Media Relations+1 (519) 597-7273mediarelations@BlackBerry.comArctic Wolf Press Contact:Ilina Cashiolailina.cashiola@arcticwolf.com202-340-0517This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of certain securities laws, including under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the proposed transaction between BlackBerry and Arctic Wolf, the amounts and types of consideration BlackBerry will receive in connection therewith, the anticipated timing and results of the proposed transaction, the potential benefits of the proposed transaction for BlackBerry's customers and shareholders, the expectations and beliefs of BlackBerry, and other statements that are not historical facts.The words "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "could", "intend", "believe", "target", "plan" and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on BlackBerry's current plans, objectives, estimates, assumptions, expectations and intentions and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond BlackBerry's control. Many factors could cause actual achievements with respect to the transaction and the timing of events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainty associated with Arctic Wolf's and BlackBerry's ability to complete the proposed transaction on the proposed terms or on the anticipated timeline, or at all; risks and uncertainties related to the satisfaction of conditions to consummate the proposed transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the purchase agreement relating to the proposed transaction; effects relating to the announcement of the proposed transaction or any further announcements or the consummation of the proposed transaction on the market price of BlackBerry's common shares; failure to realize the expected benefits of the proposed transaction, including risks associated with the payment of consideration post-closing and the availability of funds therefor and risks related to the value of Arctic Wolf's common shares; risks related to future opportunities and plans for BlackBerry's business, including its Secure Communications portfolio, and results of BlackBerry following completion of the proposed transaction; the risk of litigation in connection with the proposed transaction, including resulting expense or delay; significant transaction costs and/or unknown or inestimable liabilities; risks related to diverting the attention of BlackBerry management from ongoing business operations; risks related to the proposed transaction disrupting BlackBerry's operations and making it more difficult to conduct business as usual or for BlackBerry to maintain relationships with customers, resellers, channel partners or other third parties; adverse economic, geopolitical and environmental conditions; and other risks and uncertainties affecting BlackBerry, including those described from time to time under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in BlackBerry's SEC filings and reports, including those discussed in BlackBerry's Annual Report on Form 10-K and the "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" section of BlackBerry's MD&A (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). All of these factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on BlackBerry's forward-looking statements. Moreover, other risks and uncertainties of which BlackBerry is not currently aware may also affect its forward-looking statements and may cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from those anticipated.The forward-looking statements made in this news release are made only as of the date hereof or as of the dates indicated in the forward-looking statements and reflect the views stated therein with respect to future events as at such dates. BlackBerry has no intention and undertakes no obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.SOURCE: BlackBerry Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Australian developers win at the 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final ACN Newswire

Australian developers win at the 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final

OVER 130 LEADING DEVELOPERS AND DESIGN PRACTICES FROM ACROSS ASIA GATHER IN BANGKOK FOR FINALE OF 2024 AWARDS SERIES, SEVEN OF WHICH ARE FROM AUSTRALIASYDNEY, AU, Dec 17, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The 19th Annual PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, supported by V-ZUG Thailand, last Friday revealed the region’s finest real estate and outstanding developers at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok.The conclusion of the 2024 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series hosted over 130 award-winning finalists from across Asia, elevating their achievements on the international stage.Zhuhai Huafa Properties Co., Ltd. was honoured as the Best Developer in Asia—a first for the company.This marked one of five wins for companies representing Mainland China. Winners from Mainland China included Lead8, awarded for its projects MixC Changchun and K11 Shanghai, Huaihai Middle Road. Other winning design practices were Jiang & Associates Creative Design, which won for ALIBABA BEIJING CHAOYANG SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PARK, and Sybarite, which won for SKP Chengdu.Developers from Hong Kong and Macau also excelled with four winning titles. Winners included China Resources Land (Overseas) Limited and Poly Property (Hong Kong) Co., Limited, winning for PANO HARBOUR; Lek Hang Group for Hotel Central Macau; Lofter Group Limited for 1 Ki Lung Street; and New Orient Group for San Tung Fong Commerical Inn North Wing (Former LokKok Restaurant Building).Australia garnered seven wins, three of which went to BLVD by OSK Property. Other champions included BHC Property, winning for Mercer; FY Property, Kooringa Group, MA Financial, CPDM for Chatswood Garden; Golden Sedayu for Burswood Point; and Jean Yip Developments for Elements at Carousel.The Philippines emerged as the most awarded market with 12 accolades. Federal Land, Inc. stood out as Best Luxury Developer (Asia), accompanied by a win for Riverpark, while Federal Land NRE Global, Inc. gained the Best Breakthrough Developer (Asia) title. Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates was honoured as Best Industrial Developer (Asia), supported by a win for LIMA Estate.Adding to the Philippines’ impressive tally were titles for RLC Residences, winning for The Residences at The Westin Manila; Robinsons Offices for GBF Center 1; and work.able for work.able Robinsons Summit Center. Alveo Land won for Viento at Cerca while Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Realty Development Corporation won for MITSUKOSHI BGC.The Estate Makati—a collaboration between SM Development Corporation (SMDC) and Federal Land—received two titles. This year’s PropertyGuru Icon Award was presented to Henry T. Sy, Jr., non-executive director and chairman of the board at SM Prime Holdings, by the editorial team of Property Report by PropertyGuru, the official magazine of the Awards.A wide array of companies from Malaysia triumphed with 11 wins. They included Bangsar Heights Pavilion, winning for Quayside JBCC; Berinda Group for Ponderosa Callista; City Motors Group for Alfa Bangsar; Eupe Corporation Berhad for Helix2 @ PJ South; Gunung Impian Development Sdn Bhd for Iconia Garden Residence; Iskandar Investment Berhad for Medini Innopolis; JLand Group Sdn Bhd for Sanubari @ Bandar Dato Onn; Malton Berhad for The Park 2 Pavilion Bukit Jalil; Sime Darby Property Berhad for Serenia Industrial Park; Tropicana Corporation Berhad for Avisa Residences, Tropicana Alam; and Triterra Sdn Bhd for The MET Corporate Towers.Indonesia celebrated eight wins, led by Paramount Land, winner of the Best Township Developer (Asia) title. Sinar Mas Land garnered multiple titles for BSD City and Biomedical Campus, as well as its joint ventures: Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) at Kota Deltamas by JV Sinar Mas Land & Sojitz Corporation and Navapark by PT. Bumi Parama Wisesa, Hongkong Land & Sinar Mas Land J/V.Other victorious developers from Indonesia were DM Projects Group, winning for Salty Jim Villa; PT Adhi Commuter Properti Tbk. for LRT City Cibubur; and Summarecon Group for Flora at Summarecon BandungSingapore continued its winning streak with eight wins. UOL Group Limited was recognised as both Best Sustainable Developer (Asia) and Best Hospitality Developer (Asia), with Meyer Blue winning an award for both UOL Group Limited and Singapore Land Group Limited. Pan Pacific Orchard meanwhile yielded a win for both UOL Group Limited and Pan Pacific Hotels Group.Similarly, GuocoLand and Hong Leong Holdings Limited jointly won for Lentor Mansion. TID Pte. Ltd. won Best Lifestyle Developer (Asia), alongside a win for Lentoria, while FRX Capital Private Limited was named Best Boutique Developer (Asia).Thailand earned four titles, with Sansiri Public Company Limited winning for BuGaan Pattanakarn and Narasiri Phahol-Watcharapol. AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited also represented the kingdom with a win for The City Rama5-Nakhon In while APAC Land won for APAC Tower.Also claiming four titles, Vietnam emerged victorious with Phu Long Real Estates Corporation named asBest Community Developer (Asia). Gamuda Land won two titles for Eaton Park while Ecopark scored a win for Ecovillage Saigon River.From Japan, Niseko Woodlands Limited won for Grand Tsuru Niseko while Yoichi Dreams was recognised for Kisin.Saudi Arabia debuted at the Grand Final with Oud Real-Estate Development Company winning Best Mixed Use Developer (Asia), following a series of wins during the inaugural PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Middle East).From Cambodia, LP Residences Co., Ltd. received a win for its Palm Springs project. By the Waters by Suryam Developers LLP meanwhile gained a recognition for India.Jeremy Williams, managing director for Marketplaces at PropertyGuru Group, said: "PropertyGuru’s commitment to a sustainable future in Asia is truly reflected in this year’s award winners. By raising benchmarks for resilience and sustainability, we power communities to live, work, and thrive in tomorrow’s cities. These accolades not only honour the efforts of developers and design practices but also inspire innovation that benefits property seekers, agents, and investors alike. As we celebrate the 19th edition of the Grand Final, we look forward to a wave of progress creating what’s next for the region’s built environment."Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “The 2024 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series included many first-time accolades. We celebrated the strengths of emerging and established property markets, expanding to new regions and revisiting the region’s leading real estate destinations. We also honoured individuals—industry legends and rising stars poised to change the game. Through the People’s Choice Awards, we engaged with property buyers, giving them a platform to support developers who share their aspirations and values. We also recognised excellence in ESG, supporting those making our industry more sustainable for future generations of property seekers. It’s an honour to conclude this series by celebrating companies across a wide variety of real estate sectors and distinguishing multiple types of projects throughout Asia Pacific, a region that is becoming home to the cities of tomorrow.”Thien Duong, chairperson of the Grand Final, said: “This year’s winners across Asia Pacific have impressed the judges with their sustainable, functional masterplans and designs, spanning everything from expansive townships to livable homes and dynamic commercial spaces. Excellence in property development is incessantly redefined across the region, and we’re happy to contribute to this ongoing evolution. Congratulations to the Gold Standard bearers of real estate across Asia Pacific.”An independent panel of head judges from participating markets in the Awards selected the winners: Thien Duong, general director, GroupGSA Vietnam (Vietnam); Ajai A Kapoor, CEO, 360 degrees – Real Estate Services (India); Cyndy Tan Jarabata, president of TAJARA Leisure & Hospitality Group Inc. (Philippines); Eddie Guillemette, CEO, Midori no Ki (Japan); Datuk Ar. Ezumi Harzani Ismail, president, Malaysian Institute of Architects: 2020-2022 (Malaysia); Ivan Lam, executive director, international business, Charter Keck Cramer (Australia); Ken Ip, chairman, Asia MarTech Society (Mainland China); Kristin Thorsteins, co-founder & managing partner, Portman Investment Pte Ltd (Singapore); Dr. Nirmal De Silva, director and CEO, Paramount Realty (Sri Lanka); Paul Tse, president, board of directors, Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers (China – Hong Kong and Macau); Sorn Seap, president, Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (Cambodia); Suphin Mechuchep, CEO, Sen X Group PCL (Thailand); and Vivin Harsanto, senior director and head of advisory, JLL Indonesia (Indonesia).HLB ensured the fairness, transparency, and credibility of the selection process under the supervision of Paul Ashburn of HLB International Real Estate Group. The global network of independent professional accounting firms and business advisers was recognised as the “2024 Network of the Year.”The 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final was a highlight of PropertyGuru Week, which also featured the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit; the debut of the Awards in the Middle East; and the latest editions of the Awards in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia.Organised by PropertyGuru Group, the 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final is supported by gold sponsor V-ZUG Thailand; official portal partner PropertyGuru; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; media partners Bridges, BusinessWorld, d+a Magazine, Detik.com, Hot Magazine, Kiripost, Kompas.com, Luxury Society Asia, Manila Bulletin, Pattaya Trader, Prop2morrow, REm, SquareRooms, Tatler Asia Homes, The Philippine Star, and Think of Living; supporting partner REHDA Institute; and official supervisor HLB.For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com.COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand FinalDEVELOPER AWARDSBest Developer (Asia)Zhuhai Huafa Properties Co., Ltd. – Mainland China (WINNER)BHC Property – AustraliaHome Lands Skyline (Pvt) Ltd – Sri LankaNew World Development Company Limited – China – Hong Kong and MacauRobinsons Land – PhilippinesSignature Global (India) Limited – IndiaSinar Mas Land – IndonesiaUOL Group Limited – SingaporeBest Luxury Developer (Asia)Federal Land, Inc. – Philippines (WINNER)Best Township Developer (Asia)Paramount Land – Indonesia (WINNER) Best Mixed Use Developer (Asia)Oud Real-Estate Development Company – Saudi Arabia (WINNER)Best Sustainable Developer (Asia)UOL Group Limited – Singapore (WINNER)King Square Development Co., Ltd. – ThailandBest Industrial Developer (Asia)Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates – Philippines (WINNER)Best Lifestyle Developer (Asia)TID Pte. Ltd. – Singapore (WINNER)Best Hospitality Developer (Asia)UOL Group Limited – Singapore (WINNER) Best Community Developer (Asia)Phu Long Real Estates Corporation – Vietnam (WINNER)Best Boutique Developer (Asia)FRX Capital Private Limited – Singapore (WINNER)Lofter Group Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau Best Breakthrough Developer (Asia)Federal Land NRE Global, Inc. – Philippines (WINNER)DEVELOPMENT AWARDSBest Mega Township Development (Asia)BSD City by Sinar Mas Land – Indonesia (WINNER) Best Township Development (Asia)Riverpark by Federal Land, Inc. – Philippines (WINNER)Koh Pich City by OCIC Group – CambodiaSummarecon Bogor by Summarecon Group – Indonesia Best Mixed Use Development (Asia)Burswood Point by Golden Sedayu – Australia (WINNER) Gaysorn Village by Gaysorn Property Co., Ltd. – ThailandKingsQuare by King Square Development Co., Ltd. – ThailandShenzhen Huafa Snow World by Zhuhai Huafa Properties Co., Ltd. – Mainland ChinaBest Ultra Luxury Condo Development (Asia)The Estate Makati by SM Development Corp. and Federal Land – Philippines (WINNER)Jianfa Zichen by Jianfa Fangdichan Jituan – Mainland ChinaBest Luxury Condo Development (Asia)Meyer Blue by UOL Group Limited and Singapore Land Group Limited – Singapore (WINNER) R&F Princess Cove Phase 2 - Seine Region by R&F Development Sdn Bhd. – MalaysiaThe Seasons Residences by Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Realty Development Corporation – PhilippinesWaterdale Residencies, bordering Colombo 7 by Home Lands Skyline (Pvt) Ltd – Sri Lanka Best High End Condo Development (Asia)Viento at Cerca by Alveo Land – Philippines (WINNER)Cerule at Solinea by Alveo Land – PhilippinesXi'an Huafa Lijun ‧Center Glorous by Zhuhai Huafa Properties Co., Ltd. – Mainland ChinaBest Condo Development (Asia)The Estate Makati by SM Development Corp. and Federal Land – Philippines (WINNER)BLVD by OSK Property – AustraliaLentor Mansion by GuocoLand and Hong Leong Holdings Limited – SingaporeThe Pavilia Forest by Joint Venture by New World Development Company Limited & Far East Consortium International Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau Best Mid End Condo Development (Asia)Helix2 @ PJ South by Eupe Corporation Berhad – Malaysia (WINNER)Aspen Peak by Rumapadu by Harmas Land & Integrasi Transit Jakarta (ITJ) – IndonesiaBest Completed Condo Development (Asia)The Park 2 Pavilion Bukit Jalil by Malton Berhad – Malaysia (WINNER)Best Luxury Waterfront Condo Development (Asia)PANO HARBOUR by China Resources Land (Overseas) Limited and Poly Property (Hong Kong) Co., Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau (WINNER)Meyer Blue by UOL Group Limited and Singapore Land Group Limited – SingaporeBest Waterfront Condo Development (Asia)Eaton Park by Gamuda Land – Vietnam (WINNER) Oceana Beach Resort Apartments & Villas - Wadduwa by Home Lands Skyline (Pvt) Ltd – Sri LankaThe Residences at Terrazas de Punta Fuego by Landco Pacific Corporation – Philippines Best Connectivity Condo Development (Asia)1 Ki Lung Street by Lofter Group Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau (WINNER)Best TOD Condo Development (Asia)LRT City Cibubur by PT Adhi Commuter Properti Tbk. – Indonesia (WINNER)Best Investment Condo Development (Asia)Elements at Carousel by Jean Yip Developments – Australia (WINNER)Best Lifestyle Condo Development (Asia)The Residences at The Westin Manila by RLC Residences – Philippines (WINNER)Best Eco Friendly Condo Development (Asia) Alfa Bangsar by City Motors Group – Malaysia (WINNER)Best Ultra Luxury Housing / Landed Development (Asia)BuGaan Pattanakarn by Sansiri Public Company Limited – Thailand (WINNER)Best Luxury Housing / Landed Development (Asia)Narasiri Phahol-Watcharapol by Sansiri Public Company Limited – Thailand (WINNER) Best Housing / Landed Development (Asia)Grand Tsuru Niseko by Niseko Woodlands Limited – Japan (WINNER)Kisin by Yoichi Dreams – JapanMount Rosie Signature Collection by FRX Capital Private Limited – Singapore Best Mid End Housing / Landed Development (Asia)The City Rama5-Nakhon In by AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited – Thailand (WINNER)Leonora at Summarecon Serpong by Summarecon Group – Indonesia Best Affordable Housing / Landed Development (Asia)Avisa Residences, Tropicana Alam by Tropicana Corporation Berhad – Malaysia (WINNER)Britania Bekasi by PT. Mekar Agung Sejahtera – IndonesiaSpring Residence at Spring City, Sentul City by PT Sentul City Tbk – IndonesiaVilla Natura by Eupe Corporation Berhad – Malaysia Best Completed Housing / Landed Development (Asia)Flora at Summarecon Bandung by Summarecon Group – Indonesia (WINNER)Best Waterfront Housing / Landed Development (Asia)By the Waters by Suryam Developers LLP – India (WINNER)Best Investment Housing Development (Asia)Iconia Garden Residence by Gunung Impian Development Sdn Bhd – Malaysia (WINNER)Best Branded Residential Development (Asia)Quayside JBCC by Bangsar Heights Pavilion – Malaysia (WINNER)The Residences at The Westin Manila by RLC Residences – Philippines Best Luxury Townhouse Development (Asia)Mercer by BHC Property – Australia (WINNER)Best Townhouse Development (Asia)Chatswood Garden by FY Property, Kooringa Group, MA Financial, CPDM – Australia (WINNER)Best Smart Home Development (Asia)Sanubari @ Bandar Dato Onn by JLand Group Sdn Bhd – Malaysia (WINNER)Best Integrated Work From Home Development (Asia)BLVD by OSK Property – Australia (WINNER)Best Wellness Residential Development (Asia)BLVD by OSK Property – Australia (WINNER)The Residences at The Westin Manila by RLC Residences – PhilippinesBest Heritage Development (Asia)Hotel Central Macau by Lek Hang Group – China – Hong Kong and Macau (WINNER)San Tung Fong Commerical Inn North Wing (Former LokKok Restaurant Building) by New Orient Group – China – Hong Kong and Macau Best Mega Scale Industrial Development (Asia)Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) at Kota Deltamas by JV Sinar Mas Land & Sojitz Corporation – Indonesia (WINNER)Best Industrial Development (Asia)Serenia Industrial Park by Sime Darby Property Berhad – Malaysia (WINNER)Light Industry & Science Park IV by Science Park of the Philippines. Inc. – PhilippinesBest Green Industrial Development (Asia)LIMA Estate by Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates – Philippines (WINNER) Best Office Development (Asia)The MET Corporate Towers by Triterra Sdn Bhd – Malaysia (WINNER)83 King Lam Street by New World Development Company Limited – China – Hong Kong and MacauCybergate Iloilo Tower 3 by Robinsons Offices – PhilippinesFourE-com Center by SM Offices by SM Prime – PhilippinesJLC by Hongkong Land – Mainland ChinaOriental Square by OSI by Orient Success International Investment Joint Stock Company (OSI Holdings) – Vietnam Best Retail Development (Asia)MixC Changchun by Lead8 – Mainland China (WINNER)23 Paskal Shopping Center by PT Indonesian Paradise Property Tbk and Subsidiaries – Indonesia Best Smart Building Development (Asia)Biomedical Campus by Sinar Mas Land – Indonesia (WINNER) Best Green Development (Asia)Navapark by PT. Bumi Parama Wisesa, Hongkong Land & Sinar Mas Land J/V – Indonesia (WINNER)KingsQuare Residence by King Square Development Co., Ltd. – ThailandSignature Global Titanium SPR by Signature Global (India) Limited – IndiaBest Nature Integrated Development (Asia)Lentor Mansion by GuocoLand and Hong Leong Holdings Limited – Singapore (WINNER)Kisin by Yoichi Dreams – JapanThe Morizen at Summarecon Mutiara Makassar by Summarecon Group & Sumitomo Forestry – Indonesia DESIGN AWARDSBest Mega Township Masterplan Design (Asia)Medini Innopolis by Iskandar Investment Berhad – Malaysia (WINNER)Riverpark by Federal Land, Inc. – PhilippinesBest Township Masterplan Design (Asia)Ecovillage Saigon River by Ecopark – Vietnam (WINNER)Paramount Petals by Paramount Land – IndonesiaBest Mixed Use Architectural Design (Asia)K11 Shanghai, Huaihai Middle Road by Lead8 – Mainland China (WINNER)Quayside JBCC by Bangsar Heights Pavilion – Malaysia Best Condo Architectural Design (Asia)Lentoria by TID Pte. Ltd. – Singapore (WINNER)1 Ki Lung Street by Lofter Group Limited – China – Hong Kong and MacauLucky No. 16 by GAD Architectural Design (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. – Mainland ChinaMeyer Blue by UOL Group Limited and Singapore Land Group Limited – SingaporePANO HARBOUR by China Resources Land (Overseas) Limited and Poly Property (Hong Kong) Co., Limited – China – Hong Kong and MacauThe Hillshore by FRX Capital Private Limited – SingaporeThe Spinnaker by Landco Pacific Corporation – PhilippinesBest Housing / Landed Architectural Design (Asia)Ponderosa Callista by Berinda Group – Malaysia (WINNER)The Links Golf Villas by PT. New Kuta Golf And Ocean View – IndonesiaThe Palazzo Pinklao-Borom by AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited – ThailandVong Residence by V.I Land Investment Co., Ltd. – Cambodia Best Resort Housing Architectural Design (Asia) Kisin by Yoichi Dreams – Japan (WINNER)Best Office Architectural Design (Asia)APAC Tower by APAC Land – Thailand (WINNER) GBF Center 1 by Robinsons Offices – PhilippinesJuli Road No.1 by GAD Architectural Design (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. – Mainland ChinaTHE CENDAS by S E A Holdings Limited – China – Hong Kong and MacauBest Retail Architectural Design (Asia)MITSUKOSHI BGC by Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Realty Development Corporation – Philippines (WINNER) Best Condo Interior Design (Asia)BLVD by OSK Property – Australia (WINNER) 2C Boundary Street by Lofter Group Limited – China – Hong Kong and MacauCasa Rivera by HWCD Design – Mainland ChinaCentury of Cultural Collection by HWCD Design – Mainland China Best Housing / Landed Interior Design (Asia)Salty Jim Villa by DM Projects Group – Indonesia (WINNER)Regalità by Da Vinci Land – SingaporeBest Suburban Housing / Landed Interior Design (Asia)Palm Springs by LP Residences Co., Ltd – Cambodia (WINNER)Best Heritage Interior Design (Asia) San Tung Fong Commerical Inn North Wing (Former LokKok Restaurant Building) by New Orient Group – China – Hong Kong and Macau (WINNER) Best Mega Scale Office Interior Design (Asia)ALIBABA BEIJING CHAOYANG SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PARK by Jiang & Associates Creative Design – Mainland China (WINNER) Best Office Interior Design (Asia)GBF Center 1 by Robinsons Offices – Philippines (WINNER) Best Co Working Space (Asia)work.able Robinsons Summit Center by work.able – Philippines (WINNER)Best Retail Interior Design (Asia)SKP Chengdu by Sybarite – Mainland China (WINNER)Best Hospitality Interior Design (Asia)Pan Pacific Orchard by UOL Group Limited and Pan Pacific Hotels Group – SingaporeBest Condo Landscape Design (Asia)Eaton Park by Gamuda Land – Vietnam (WINNER) 1 Ki Lung Street by Lofter Group Limited – China – Hong Kong and MacauLentor Mansion by GuocoLand and Hong Leong Holdings Limited – SingaporeMeyer Blue by UOL Group Limited and Singapore Land Group Limited – SingaporePUBLISHER’S CHOICEPropertyGuru Icon AwardHenry T. Sy, Jr., Non-Executive Director/Chairman of the Board, SM Prime Holdings Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SM Development Corporation (WINNER)About PropertyGuru’s Asia Property AwardsPropertyGuru’s Asia Property Awards, established in 2005, are the region’s most exclusive and prestigious real estate awards programme. The Asia Property Awards are recognised as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the Asian property sector. Boasting an independent panel of industry experts and trusted supervisors, the Awards have an unparalleled reputation for being credible, ethical, fair, and transparent. In 2024, the Awards series is open to key property markets around the region. The exciting gala events welcome senior industry leaders and top media, as well as reach property agents and consumers via live streaming. Recognising excellence within each Asian market with a variety of categories, including green and sustainable development, each local awards programme will culminate in the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which takes place after the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit during ‘PropertyGuru Week’ in December 2024. For more information, please visit AsiaPropertyAwards.comAbout PropertyGuru GroupPropertyGuru is Southeast Asia’s leading1 PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 28 million property seekers2 to connect with almost 46,000 agents3 monthly to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 2.1 million real estate listings4, in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.PropertyGuru.com.sg was launched in Singapore in 2007 and since then, PropertyGuru Group has made the property journey a transparent one for property seekers in Southeast Asia. In the last 16 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio including leading property marketplaces and award-winning mobile apps across its core markets; mortgage marketplace, PropertyGuru Finance; home services platform, Sendhelper; a host of proprietary enterprise solutions under PropertyGuru For Business including DataSense, ValueNet, Awards, events and publications across Asia.For more information, please visit: PropertyGuruGroup.com; PropertyGuru Group on LinkedIn(1) Based on SimilarWeb data between October 2023 and March 2024. (2) Based on Google Analytics data between October 2023 and March 2024. (3) Based on data between January 2024 and March 2024. (4) Based on data between October 2023 and March 2024.PROPERTYGURU CONTACTS:General Enquiries:Richard Allan Aquino, Head of Brand & Marketing ServicesM: +66 92 954 4154E: allan@propertyguru.com Media & Partnerships:Nate Dacua, Senior Manager, Media and Marketing ServicesM: +66 92 701 2510E: nate@propertyguru.com Sales & Nominations:Udomluk Suwan, Sales DirectorM: +66 87 699 4433E: may@propertyguru.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Citi: Earn Rewards & Miles with Citi Credit Cards ACN Newswire

Citi: Earn Rewards & Miles with Citi Credit Cards

SINGAPORE, Dec 16, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The right credit card makes every swipe more convenient and rewarding. Cardholders earn rewards or miles when they shop with Citi credit cards and enjoy an exciting new world of deals, discounts, and perks. Here's what to expect with a rewards credit card .Citi Rewards CardLooking to make the best of every purchase? The Citi Rewards Card offers a host of benefits that help cardholders get more from every swipe.Sign-up bonus: Cardmembers get a welcome gift of 40,000 bonus Citi ThankYou Points when they spend S$800 within the first two months of opening a credit card account.10X points on online purchases: Cardmembers earn 10X points on online payments for groceries, food delivery, ride-hailing services and more.10X points on in-store purchases: Rack up points on in-store credit card payments at department stores, clothing stores and other eligible locations.1 Point on all other purchases: Earn at least one Citi ThankYou Point per S$1 for all purchases.Flexible redemption: The Citi ThankYou Rewards program offers different ways to redeem points. Cardholders can pay for purchases with points, claim cash rebates or choose the reward they want from a wide range of options in the redemption catalogue.Citi PremierMiles CardThe Citi PremierMiles Card is for frequent travellers who want to make every journey count. A miles credit card offers never-expiring miles on a range of purchases from travel expenses to rent and insurance premiums.Bonus Points/Miles Earned on select purchases: Cardmembers earn1.2 Citi Miles on every S$1 spent locally2.2 Citi Miles for every S$1 spent in foreign currencyUp to 10 Citi Miles for every S$1 spent on select online travel bookingsA bonus of 10,000 Citi Miles on annual card renewals0.55 Miles earned per S$1 spent bill payments with Citi PayAll: This includes education expenses, electricity bills, rent, insurance premiums, select taxes (income tax, property tax, other tax types, and composition fees to IRAS), and miscellaneous expenses such as renovations, utilities, parking and transport, maintenance fees, donations, and wedding expenses.Travel insurance: Cardmembers enjoy travel insurance coverage of up to S$1 million on travel tickets purchased with their Citi PremierMiles CardLounge access: Cardholders get two annual complimentary visits to airport lounges worldwide.Flexible redemption: The Citi Miles program offers different ways to redeem miles. Cardholders can offset purchases with miles, get cash rebates or choose the reward they want from a wide range of options in the redemption catalogue.Benefits beyond rewardsThe perks of holding a points- or miles-earning credit card don't end at reward redemption. Cardmembers also enjoy:Citi World Privileges access: Cardmembers enjoy deals and discounts at participating merchants in Singapore and beyond.Citi PayLite: Cardholders can break large credit card expenses into more manageable monthly payments.Citi FlexiBill: Easily convert a monthly credit card balance into smaller instalments.Citi QuickCash: Need cash urgently? Citi QuickCash lets cardmembers access cash loans at interest rates as low as 3.45% p.a. (EIR 6.5% p.a.).It's important for credit card applicants to compare annual fees and interest rates as well as read their credit card agreement carefully before getting a credit card.Citibank SingaporeCitibank Singapore offers consumers and institutions a range of financial products and services, including consumer and investment banking, credit cards, and personal loans. Citibank Singapore aims to deliver holistic and innovative solutions to clients and meet the increasingly complex strategies of its regional client base in the APAC in an ever-changing financial landscape.The content reflects the view of the author of the article and does not necessarily reflect the views of Citi or its employees. Please read the products and offers on Citibank Singapore website for accuracy or completeness of the information presented in the article.CONTACT:Sonakshi MurzeManagersonakshi.murze@iquanti.comSOURCE: CITI Singapore Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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‘Think Business, Think Hong Kong’ is coming to Jakarta ACN Newswire

‘Think Business, Think Hong Kong’ is coming to Jakarta

Jakarta, Indonesia, Dec 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is set to conduct its mega promotion campaign, Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK), in Jakarta on 8 January.The full-day symposium, set to take place at Shangri-La Jakarta, will bring together business leaders from Hong Kong and Indonesia. More than 20 government representatives and business leaders will speak about the latest developments and opportunities in Asia and across diverse sectors, including finance, smart city, sustainability, transportation, innovation and technology (I&T) and more. Over 1,000 participants, including Indonesian government officials and business leaders from large corporations and SMEs, are expected.TBTHK aims to showcase Hong Kong, a resilient business and investment hub, as an ideal springboard for Indonesian businesses to access new opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), as well as the wider China and Asia markets. Ronald Ho, HKTDC’s Regional Director of Southeast Asia and South Asia, said at a press conference in Jakarta, “Hong Kong's strategic location as an international financial, fundraising and investment hub and as the gateway between Mainland China and the rest of the world presents immense opportunities for Indonesian businesses seeking to expand in the GBA and Mainland China. We look forward to connecting businesses with opportunities at TBTHK in Jakarta on 8 January.” He continued, “the Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive led a delegation organised by the HKTDC last year to ASEAN, including Indonesia, which resulted in the signing of 15 MoUs. The TBTHK promotion will build on that previous success to further promote business cooperation between Indonesia and Hong Kong.”Event HighlightIn addition to the symposium, some 20 Hong Kong service providers and start-ups will feature their flagship products and solutions in the exhibition’s Business Support Zone and InnoVenture Salon to create opportunities for collaboration with Indonesian participants.A delegation of some 100 senior executives, innovators, start-ups and professional service providers from various service sectors – including I&T, infrastructure and transportation – will explore business opportunities in Indonesia through company visits, networking events and business matching meetings.A high-level gala dinner, during which Hong Kong and Indonesia business leaders will have the opportunity to further engage in dialogue and network, concludes the day’s events.Indonesia-Hong Kong strong tiesAs the largest country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is an important partner for Hong Kong. Economically, Hong Kong and Indonesia have seen their trade and investment ties deepen over the past decades. In 2023, Indonesia was Hong Kong’s 6th largest trading partner among ASEAN member states.Regarding bilateral investment, at the end of 2023, Hong Kong was Indonesia’s 6th largest investor, after Singapore, Japan, the US, the Netherlands and Mainland China, with a total FDI stock of US$17,253 million. In the same year, Hong Kong was Indonesia’s 2nd largest source of FDI, after Singapore, with a FDI flow of US$3,769 million.Presenting Hong Kong as an Ideal Business PartnerHong Kong has consistently ranked high on economic freedom and competitiveness. Its institutional strengths, including its free trade and investment regimes, a simple and low tax system and free flow of capital and goods offer a favourable business and investment environment.As a major business and trading hub in Asia, the city boasts excellent connectivity to the rest of Asia, with half of the world’s population within a five-hour flight. The new three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport will significantly enhance passenger and cargo capacity, further solidifying its status as an international aviation hub. With Mainland China at its doorstep, Hong Kong serves as a gateway to this vast market, acting as a super connector between China and the world. Home to numerous international logistics firms and experienced supply chain service providers, Hong Kong can address the needs of ASEAN businesses.ASEAN countries can leverage Hong Kong's status as a premier international finance and business centre to raise funds and attract investment for developing smart cities, advancing the manufacturing sector and enhancing sustainability initiatives. As the largest offshore RMB market, the city provides robust infrastructure for efficient clearing and settlement of cross-border transactions. Its supportive regulatory environment fosters innovation and collaboration among ASEAN nations, promoting economic integration and offering diverse options for trade settlement. Through strategic partnerships with central banks, Hong Kong is ideally positioned to facilitate the growth of local currency usage, strengthening trade and investment across the region.With its strategic location as a finance, fundraising, and investment hub, combined with its role as superconnector, Hong Kong presents immense opportunities for Indonesian businesses seeking to expand into the GBA, Mainland China, Belt and Road countries and the wider Asia market.For more information, visit:https://thinkbusinessthinkhk.com/2025-jakarta/symposium/en/index.htmlPhoto download: https://bit.ly/4iyAChiA press conference was held in Jakarta today, during which Ronald Ho, HKTDC’s Regional Director of South East Asia and South Asia, announced details of the Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK) mega promotion, taking place in Jakarta on 8 January.(from left) Ronald Ho, Regional Director, South East Asia and South Asia, HKTDC; Suwito, Chairman, Hong Kong and Macau Bilateral Committee, Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia); Didit A. Ratam, Vice Chair, International Relations Division, Indonesia Employers Association (APINDO); Ira Sofwan, Deputy Chairman, DPP Indonesia Women Entrepreneurs Association (IWAPI); and Muhammad Aaron Annar Sampetoding, Chairman of International Relations, Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI), attended the Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK) press conference at the Shangri-La Jakarta today.Media enquiriesAdvo Public RelationsFriska Rani Tel: 081298980400 mail: friska@advo-indonesia.comHKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department:Snowy Chan Tel.: (852) 2584 4525 Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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SHENZHEN DOBOT CORP LTD Announces Proposed Listing on Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ACN Newswire

SHENZHEN DOBOT CORP LTD Announces Proposed Listing on Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited

Investment Highlights- Player at the Frontline of the Booming Cobot Industry- Robust Research and Development Capabilities Guided by a Long-termist Mindset- Proprietary Full-stack Technologies Covering All the Key Aspects in the Cobot Development Cycle- Comprehensive Product Matrix Catering to a Wide Array of Use Cases- Successful Commercialization Underscored by Global Footprint and Clientele- Visionary and Experienced Management TeamHONG KONG, Dec 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - SHENZHEN DOBOT CORP LTD (“DOBOT” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, collectively referred as the “Group”) has recently announced the details of the proposed listing of its shares on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (“HKEx”) (the “Share Offer”).DOBOT plans to offer a total of 40,000,000 shares, subject to over-allotment option, comprising 2,000,000 Public Offer Shares and 38,000,000 Placing Shares, at an Offer Price range between HK$18.80 and HK$20.80 per Offer Share. The Public Offer opened at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, December 13 and close at 12:00 noon on Wednesday,December 18. The allotment results will be announced on Friday, December 20. Dealings in H shares on HKEx are expected to commence on Monday, December 23, under the stock code 2432.HK.Guotai Junan Capital Limited and ABCI Capital Limited are the Joint Sponsors. Joint Bookrunners are Guotai Junan Securities (Hong Kong) Limited, ABCI Capital Limited, China PA Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited,Shenwan Hongyuan Securities (H.K.) Limited and TradeGo Markets Limited.Company OverviewDOBOT is one of leading companies that specializes in the development, manufacturing and commercialization of collaborative robots, or commonly known as“cobots.” DOBOT is a top 2 player in the global cobot industry and the No.1 player among all Chinese cobot companies, with a global market share of 13.0% as measured by shipment volume in 2023, according to the CIC Report. The global cobot industry is at a nascent stage of development, whose market size accounted for less than 2% of the global robot industry in terms of revenue in 2023. According to the same source, the Group ranked seventh in the global cobot industry with a global market share of 3.6% in terms of global revenue generated from cobots in 2023.The Group is focusing on industry innovation, particularly in cobot safety measures and AI capabilities, by introducing the flexible e-skin technology, SafeSkin, and launching AI-empowered cobots underpinned by its AI cobot empowering platform, X-Trainer. As of 6 December 2024, the Group offered a total of 27 cobot models in four series, catering to numerous use cases in manufacturing, retail, healthcare, STEAM education, scientific research settings and many more. During the Track Record Period, the Group sold a total of over 53,000 cobots globally.Business Model and Market OutlookCobots are robots with operational robotic arms intended for direct human-robot interaction or collaboration within a shared space or where humans and robots are operating in proximity. DOBOT is primarily engaged in the design,development, manufacturing and commercialization of cobots. Its cobot products are adopted by global customers for various use cases in manufacturing, retail, healthcare, STEAM education, scientific research settings and many more. All of the cobot products are designated Specialist Technology Products. The Group adopted a transaction[1] based model for the sales of the cobot products.The global cobot market size has grown significantly from US$466.6 million in 2019 to US$1,039.5 million in 2023,at a CAGR of 22.2%, and is expected to reach US$4,950.0 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 36.6% from 2023 to 2028.In particular, China is playing an increasingly important role in the global cobot market, with its share in the global cobot market projected to increase from 26.3% in 2023 to 37.2% in 2028, at a CAGR of 46.5% from 2023 to 2028.The proliferation of AI technologies is expected to further accelerate the adoption of cobots in more use cases. The Group believes DOBOT is well positioned to capture the substantial market opportunity.Financial HighlightsThe total revenue of the Group was approximately RMB174.3 million, RMB241.0 million, RMB286.7 million for FY2021, FY2022, FY2023, respectively, at a CAGR of 28.3% and increased by 9.6% from RMB109.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2023 to RMB120.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2024. The Group’s export volume of cobots has consistently ranked first in China for six consecutive years, according to the CIC Report.The Group recorded gross profit of RMB88.1 million, RMB98.2 million, RMB124.8 million, and RMB52.8 million in 2021, 2022, 2023 and the six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively. The gross profit margin in 2021, 2022 and 2023 was 50.5%, 40.8%, 43.5% and 43.9%, significantly above the industry average. The outstanding margin profile is largely attributable to the global distribution network and an international clientele. In 2021, 2022, 2023 and the six months ended June 30, 2024, overseas markets contributed 48.1%, 58.1%, 59.1% and 61.4% of the total revenue, respectively. The cost advantages also stem from the proprietary development of key components and in-house design and development of key components as well as economies of scale as demands for the products continue to grow, coupled with the ongoing ramp-up of the production base in Rizhao, Shandong. Being a major port city, Rizhao’s proximity to the port significantly reduces transportation costs, facilitating efficient global export of the products. The favorable margin profile not only improves the financial performance but also affords us more flexibility in marketing strategy tailored to an increasingly competitive landscape.In 2021, 2022 and 2023, the Group had losses for the year of RMB41.8 million, RMB52.5 million and RMB103.3 million, respectively, and in the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2024, the Group had losses for the period of RMB51.7 million and RMB59.9 million, respectively. This mainly attributes to the fact that the Group is in the stage of expanding the Group’s business and operations in the rapidly growing cobot market and are continuously investing in research and development.Competitive StrengthsAs one of the leading companies in the cobot industry, the Group believes that its success is attributable to the following competitive strengths: Firstly, DOBOT is one of the leading players at the frontline of the booming cobot industry, which has been recognized by world-renowned customers for its outstanding technical capabilities and product strength, and has led to a number of advance technological innovations, especially in cobot safety measures and AI capabilities. At the same time, the Group adheres to the long-termist mindset and guides its product R&D, and the Group's research and development initiatives are geared towards sustainable growth and enduring impact. Leveraging its interdisciplinary research and development capabilities, the Group has become one of few in the global cobot industry, according to the CIC Report, that have developed proprietary full-stack technologies that cover all the key aspects in the cobot development cycle. In addition, the Group has a comprehensive product matrix catering to a wide array of use cases; More importantly, under the leadership of its experienced management team, the Group continues to expand its market share through the successful commercialization of its global business and customers.Growth StrategiesIn future, the Group pursues the following strategies to further grow the business: (1) continue to advance technology development, including further investing in the research and development of proprietary key components of cobots, investing in the research and development of AI technologies, further improving its motion control algorithms, and building a full-perception technology architecture to expand the perception and interaction capabilities of our cobots and continue to enhance the safety measures in human-robot collaboration to meet the requirements in various use cases; (2) continue to expand the Group’s product offering and ecosystem to maintain its competitive edge in comprehensive product offerings by further upgrading existing products and launching new products; (3) enhance production capabilities and capacity to streamline supply chain management by introducing advanced manufacturing technologies and equipment to the production lines; (4) further fortify the Group’s sales network to expand global reach. The Group plans to establish three overseas subsidiaries in Thailand, Mexico and United Arab Emirates to seize the business opportunities; and (5) selectively pursue strategic collaboration, investment and acquisition opportunities to integrate industry resources that may help the Group acquires new technologies, expand sales channels and tap into new industries where most of potential customers have their designated cobot integrators or suppliers.Mr. Liu Peichao, Founder, Controlling Shareholder, Chairman of the Group’s Board, executive Director and general manager of DOBOT concluded, “We are pleased to witness this significant milestone in the Group’s history.Through the Group’s listing on the Main Board of HKEx, we will tap into the international capital markets. This will not only broaden the Group’s capital and shareholder base, but will also provide us with capital to fund the Group’s expansion plan, which will finally strengthen the Group’s position in the industry and further enhance the Group’s competitive advantages, thereby driving the Group’s long-term development.”"Looking ahead, we are committed to further developing and consolidating the Group’s position in the collaborative robotics industry. The growth rate of the global collaborative robot industry will far exceed the growth rate of the traditional industrial robot industry. It is expected that the popularization of AI technology will further accelerate the adoption of cobots in more use cases. With considerable growth and the Group’s own full-stack technology, we look forward to capturing the global cobot market opportunity to maintain our leading position in the industry and create greater value for the shareholders."For further enquiries, please contact Bright Communications International Limited:Ms. Kung Mobile: (852) 46371627Email: ir@brightcommns.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Fosun Bolsters Core Business with Two Key Asset Privatizations

HONG KONG, Dec 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - On the evening of 10 December, Fosun Tourism Group (FTG) announced on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange its plan to repurchase shares at a price of HK$7.8 per share. This price represents a 111% premium over the closing price of the day before the last trading day. This privatization will raise FTG’s market value to HK$10.5 billion, and the announcement swiftly captured widespread attention.The market generally perceives this move as part of Fosun’s strategy to focus on its core businesses and consolidate resources to support its core industries with established advantages. In June, Fosun Pharma announced its plan to privatize its biopharmaceutical subsidiary, Shanghai Henlius, through a merger.Within a year, with two key subsidiaries announced for privatization, what strategy is Fosun pursuing? Analysts suggest that “These two subsidiaries are high-quality assets of Fosun, and their privatization reflects Fosun’s commitment to strengthening its focus on core businesses with established advantages. This move also indicates that Fosun has ample cash flow, enabling it to pursue sustainable growth and make flexible adjustments.”Recently, Fosun has been active in its core sectors, such as tourism and pharmaceuticals. The company recently co-organized a biopharmaceutical innovation forum and signed agreements with several high-profile institutions. It also shipped its independently-developed drug, HANQUYOU, to the U.S. and expanded Club Med into the Greater Bay Area. These actions demonstrate Fosun’s intention to focus on its core businesses, building momentum for high-quality growth.Focusing on asset-light operations to create long-term value through a “retreat to advance” strategy in the tourism sectorSince the trading halt of FTG on 27 November, speculation about its privatization has circulated widely in the market. The announcement on 10 December confirmed FTG’s privatization, with investors noting that the privatization is a win-win choice.According to public information, FTG has been a core subsidiary within Fosun’s Happiness business segment since its establishment. In the first half of 2024, it reported a business volume of RMB10.65 billion, with an adjusted EBITDA of RMB2.09 billion and a profit attributable to equity holders of the company of RMB320 million, reflecting a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2023, excluding the one-off gain on disposal of resorts.In recent years, FTG has faced challenges due to global macroeconomic environment, trends in the tourism industry, and the overall performance of the Hong Kong stock market. Since its listing, the company’s share price has not reflected its true value, and trading volumes have been low, limiting its financing capacity. The advantages of being a listed company have not been fully realized, while maintaining its listing status has incurred additional costs. Completing the privatization will not only resolve liquidity issues but also enhance strategic flexibility and focus on long-term sustainable development.As a flagship brand of FTG, Club Med has recently achieved a new breakthrough. On 29 November, Shenzhen, CITIC, and Fosun signed a cooperation framework agreement to launch Club Med at Jinsha Bay in Dapeng New District, a key area for tourism development in Shenzhen. This collaboration is viewed in the tourism industry as a powerful alliance, combining high-quality resources.Club Med Joyview, the product line set to debut in Jinsha Bay, is designed specifically for the Chinese market, focusing on urban short-distance vacations. It has already seen success in locations such as Qiandao Lake in Zhejiang and Heilongtan in Sichuan. Dapeng New District holds high hopes for the project, believing that the establishment of a Club Med resort in Jinsha Bay will “fill a gap in high-end family resorts in Shenzhen and enhance the international profile and tourism appeal of both Shenzhen and Dapeng New District.”Analysts noted that Fosun is increasingly strengthening its asset-light strategy in the tourism sector. By leveraging strong intellectual properties and operational capabilities, Fosun has been accelerating partnerships with local governments and state-owned enterprises to seize promising projects. In addition to launching Club Med in Jinsha Bay, the recent signing of the second phase of the Taicang Alps Resort and the launch of the ULTRAMED Hainan are also prime examples of this asset-light approach.“At first glance, Fosun’s move towards privatization may seem like a ‘retreat’. However, the clear strategic direction and the steady advancement of asset-light projects indicate that the company is actually ‘retreating to advance’. In an uncertain market cycle, this approach maximizes strategic flexibility, allowing a focus on long-term goals and sustainable development.”Strengthening the pharmaceutical sector and embracing integrated innovation with a global perspectiveIn addition to the tourism sector, pharmaceuticals continue to be a key pillar of Fosun’s business profile, with the company making significant strides in this area recently.On 2-3 December, Fosun co-organized the first “Greater Bay Area (GBA) Star” Biopharmaceutical Original Innovation Forum in Shenzhen. Just two weeks prior, it co-organized another forum themed on “Original Innovation” in Shanghai.By co-organizing two high-profile industry forums within a month, Fosun has demonstrated its leadership and influence in the biopharmaceutical field. Fosun also signed strategic cooperation agreements with Fudan University, Shanghai University, the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Ruijin Hospital, among others, to jointly promote original innovation.Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International, said at the forum, “Good innovation must start from demand. In the biopharmaceutical sector, this means putting ‘patients first’. Additionally, innovation should maintain a ‘global perspective’, always embracing an open mindset and adhering to a win-win cooperation.”While driving innovation in the industry, Fosun has also made important breakthroughs in broaden its global market reach. On 29 November, the first batch of HANQUYOU, a trastuzumab biosimilar independently developed and manufactured by Shanghai Henlius, was shipped to the U.S.HANQUYOU is the first China-developed monoclonal antibody biosimilar approved in China, the EU, and the U.S. To date, it has been approved in 50 countries and regions, benefiting over 220,000 HER2-positive breast and gastric cancer patients globally. According to Shanghai Henlius, approximately 6.5 million units of HANQUYOU have been shipped globally since its commercialization in 2020. In 2023 alone, HANQUYOU contributed over RMB2.7 billion in sales revenue.Industry expert believes that successfully entering the U.S. market will significantly enhance the growth trajectory of HANQUYOU and lay a solid foundation for the overseas expansion of Shanghai Henlius’ products. “The reasoning is simple: by breaking into the toughest market, the company gains confidence when approaching other countries and regions.”After more than a decade of development, Shanghai Henlius has built a diversified and robust product pipeline encompassing over 50 molecules, covering areas such as oncology, autoimmune diseases, and ophthalmology. Currently, 6 products have been approved for marketing in China, 3 have been approved for marketing in overseas markets, and 24 indications have received approval, and 4 applications have been accepted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in the EU. In addition to HANQUYOU, products such as HANSIZHUANG, HANLIKANG, HANDAYUAN, and HANBEITAI maintain leading positions in their respective markets.Notably, in June, Fosun Pharma announced its plans to privatize its subsidiary, Shanghai Henlius, through a merger. The proposed purchase price is HK$24.6 per share, representing a premium of 36.67% over the closing price on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on the undisturbed date, and a premium of 52.04% over the average closing price based on the daily closing prices of H Shares as quoted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for the 30 trading days immediately prior to and including the undisturbed date. The total cash consideration shall not exceed HK$5.407 billion. Following this announcement, Fosun Pharma’s share price surged significantly.The industry generally views this privatization as a way for Shanghai Henlius to implement its long-term strategy more flexibly, which will help avoid the pressures of market expectations and stock price volatility associated with being publicly listed. This move also allows for a fresh start, enabling the company to explore new development opportunities through asset restructuring and industry adjustments. Once privatized, Shanghai Henlius’ core capabilities and long-term value will be further realized, thereby enhancing Fosun’s competitive edge in the pharmaceutical sector.Strong financial position and ample cash flow recognized by domestic and international institutionsFrom a financial perspective, Fosun’s recent series of strategic moves reflects its solid financial standing and ample cash flow, enabling it to pursue various strategies, including privatization.As of 30 June 2024, the company’s cash, bank balances and term deposits reached RMB109.55 billion, representing an increase of approximately RMB17.1 billion since the end of 2023.Recently, S&P and securities firms such as CITIC, have released reports highly recognizing Fosun’s focus on its core businesses in the household consumption sector, its optimization of asset structure, and its successful U.S. dollar note issuance to broaden its funding channels. Several securities firms have assigned Fosun a “Buy” rating.S&P believes Fosun has adequate liquidity buffer to meet its debt maturities obligation over the next two years and expects Fosun to continue divesting its non-core assets, leading to a steady decline in its debt. Furthermore, as offshore subsidiaries reach maturity, Fosun International’s dividend receipts are expected to enhance significantly. Therefore, S&P maintained a “stable” rating outlook on Fosun International.CITIC Securities noted that since 2020, Fosun has focused on developing strategically core businesses with market leadership while optimizing its asset structure and financial position through the divestment of non-strategy and non-core assets. As the company deepens its global operations, enhances business synergies, and improves its technological innovation capabilities, it is poised to unlock long-term growth potential.Analysts expressed that with strong financial backing, Fosun is continuously enhancing its competitiveness by focusing on its core sectors and exploring new growth opportunities, thereby further releasing its long-term value. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Xeleb Joins Miss Charm as Exclusive Web3 Partner to Revolutionize Voting and Judging with Decentralization ACN Newswire

Xeleb Joins Miss Charm as Exclusive Web3 Partner to Revolutionize Voting and Judging with Decentralization

Xeleb debuts misscharm.io with Miss Charm 2024 on 21 December in Ho Chi Minh, marking the first-ever use of blockchain in a beauty pageant.Contestant-issued MEME coins allow fans to directly support their favorite beauty queens, with a portion of proceeds benefiting charitable causesXeleb plans a Token Generation Event (TGE) in Q1 2025, with listings already secured on global top 5 crypto exchanges.Miss Charm’s contestantsHO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM, Dec 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Xeleb, an online voting and judging platform for global talent contests has launched through an exclusive partnership with Miss Charm, an international beauty pageant. From global beauty pageants to song and model contests, Xeleb leverages decentralization and digital assets to reward fan participation and amplify audience interaction.Xeleb has launched with a mission to increase and monetize fan and viewer engagement for these contests. The global audience for talent contests is enormous, as evidenced by the 243 million total engagements for the 2024 Miss Universe live broadcast on Telemundo(1), and the 163 million viewers of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest(2). Xeleb taps into this unparalleled engagement potential by creating an ecosystem where fans can vote, judge, and earn rewards through a decentralized platform powered by blockchain technology.This year’s edition of the Miss Charm global finals will be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on December 21, featuring contestants from 38 countries.Xeleb has developed misscharm.io as the official digital hub for Miss Charm fans. Fans can access two innovative features:Telegram Game Powered by TON: Fans can cast votes and judge contestants, earning rewards in return.Miss Charm MEME Coins: Fans can purchase unique MEME coins issued by contestants, allowing direct support for their favorite beauty queens. A portion of any gains from these coins will benefit charities chosen by the respective contestants.The Miss Charm advisory team includes key players from global franchises such as Miss World, Miss Universe, Elite Models, and Ford Models. They are joined by experts in regulated global crypto platforms and token listing strategies on major exchanges. CEO Paul Vinciano, former owner of Elite Models Vietnam and Miss Vietnam, and his team also operate one of Vietnam’s leading crypto technology development firms.Paul Vinciano, CEO of Xeleb said “Xeleb is set to revolutionize fan and audience engagement in global talent contests through our blockchain-powered, tokenized voting and judging platform. By integrating decentralization and digital assets, we are creating an ecosystem that not only enhances interactivity but also empowers fans to play an active role in the success of their favorite contestants.”Xeleb’s launch is backed by strategic seed investment from tech investor Calvin Cheng, a former Singapore Parliamentarian, and current Honorary Consul of Serbia in Singapore. Calvin was also Head of Elite Models Asia and owned the franchise for Ford Supermodel of the World Singapore, Malaysia and China. He is also currently Chairman & Founder at Paymonade, one of the largest European digital asset on-off ramps, which counts Binance as a major client. He is also the founder of AEUR, one of the world’s largest listed Euro-backed stable coins.In conjunction with this launch, Xeleb is excited to announce the completion of a major funding round led by HashKey Capital. Other prominent investors include Amber Group, MEXC Ventures, Foresight Ventures, and Mirana Ventures. Notably, MEXC Ventures is the investment arm of MEXC Crypto Exchange, Foresight Ventures represents the investment division of Bitget, and Mirana Ventures serves as the investment arm of Bybit.“The team combines both world-class track records in entertainment as well as digital assets. I am honored to invest in Xeleb alongside crypto investment titans like HashKey, Amber, Mirana, Foresight and MEXC,” said Calvin Cheng.Looking ahead, Xeleb plans a Token Generation Event (TGE) in Q1 2025, with listings already secured on global top 5 crypto exchanges.(1) https://tinyurl.com/y94pk5ht (2) https://tinyurl.com/yrn2u8r2 About XelebXeleb (xeleb.io) is a cutting-edge online voting and judging platform designed to revolutionize global talent contests by leveraging blockchain technology. Launched in partnership with Miss Charm on misscharm.io, Xeleb empowers fans to engage more deeply in their favorite contests while earning rewards.Xeleb is backed by an experienced team of industry experts, including veterans from global beauty franchises and regulated crypto platforms. Strategic investments from industry leaders such as HashKey Capital, Amber Group, and Calvin Cheng have further solidified Xeleb's position as a trailblazer in the intersection of entertainment and blockchain.About Miss CharmMiss Charm 2024 is a global-scale beauty pageant, which aims to search for the most exceptional female representatives from different countries all around the world, to appreciate their beauty as well as their cultures and educational backgrounds. The judging criteria for the pageant will involve beauty, physique, intellect as well as the ability to captivate the audience with the appeal.For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:Lee Ke Wei (Financial PR)(T) 6438-2990(E) kewei@financialpr.com.sg Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Asia Video Industry Association Wraps Up 2024 Harnessing the Power of Advertising to Spur the Industry Forward ACN Newswire

Asia Video Industry Association Wraps Up 2024 Harnessing the Power of Advertising to Spur the Industry Forward

SINGAPORE, Dec 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Between December 4-6, the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) closed off 2024 with three days of high-level meetings and conferences, covering Piracy, Policy, the annual OTT Summit alongside the advertising Upfront Showcases from leading streamers and publishers and the Annual General Meeting. The conferences brought together over 300 international and regional industry executives.Piracy Over The Top hosted by General Manager of the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), Matthew Cheetham on 4thDecember saw a series of lively discussions with BBC Studios, beIN Sports, Meta, Malaysia’s Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (MDTCL), NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), Premier League, and TikTok, revolving around content protection, piracy trends, enforcement solutions and exclusive insights into what to expect in 2025. Key takeaways from these discussions highlighted the urgency of deeper collaboration between government, industry and intermediaries to clamp down on bad actors.The annual AVIA Policy Roundtable held behind closed doors and under Chatham House Rules saw a very high number of regulators from all around the region engaged in conversation with industry about the challenges and opportunities both face.The AVIA OTT Summit on 5th December this year turned to the world of advertising highlighting transformative trends and actionable insights for advertisers and media owners across the region. Kicking off the first session, Dhivya T, Lead Analyst – Head of Content & Platform Insights, Media Partners Asia (MPA), emphasized the growing shift to Connected TV (CTV) as traditional TV viewership declines, driven by its personalized, measurable appeal. CTV penetration is surging across APAC, with Japan and Korea expected to reach 80-85% active household penetration, and emerging markets like Thailand and Indonesia exceeding 50%. While user-generated content (UGC) dominates mobile platforms like YouTube and TikTok in Southeast Asia, premium streaming options like SVOD and Freemium retain significant scale. The Premium AVOD market in APAC (excluding China) is forecasted to grow at a 25% CAGR to over USD 8 billion over the next five years, with BVOD and SVOD as key drivers. Dhivya concluded by highlighting the growing opportunities in the Premium AVOD category and the undeniable dominance of YouTube and TikTok in mobile engagement.Raj Parekh, VP & Head of Digital Sales, Mediacorp, emphasized the role of innovative and engaging ad formats in driving user engagement, a sentiment echoed by Kanika Manglik, Vice President-Investment Strategy at GroupM. Speaking on the trends to expect, Jason Barnes, Chief Revenue Officer APAC, PubMatic, highlighted ongoing market consolidation and the evolution of Connected TV (CTV) into a full-funnel solution. Kanika further noted the growing consumer preference for watching content on larger screens, underscoring the shift toward more immersive viewing experiences. Both, Anannya Paliwal, Regional Director - Digital Solutions, Omnicom Media Group Asia Pacific, and Sunil Naryani, President Partnerships & Product Solutions, dentsu APAC noted that the difference in production techniques between UGC and professional content may be narrowing, but the category and nature of content is likely to remain very distinct.AI remains as one of the key trends to expect in 2025 for Jonathan Smith, SVP Product Data & Tech, GroupM and Anson Tan, Country Head – Singapore, Viu. Jonathan emphasized how generative AI is lowering barriers for smaller companies to create impactful advertisements while Anson highlighted the importance of collaboration between brands and agencies. Both Anson and Jonathan encourage advertisers to embrace experimentation and collaboration with media partners. In the other panel, Megan Reichelt, Country Manager, South East Asia, Hong Kong & Taiwan, Integral Ad Science, also foresaw a lot of close collaboration between tech parties and publishers to give confidence to advertisers while Christine Lau, Director of Yield Management, Viu, was confident that shoppable ads and deeper e-commerce integrations is expected to gain traction.James Wildbore, SVP & GM Global Ad Sales, BBC Studios, underscored the importance of maintaining the trust of audiences through BBC Verify. As the industry is evolving with more consumers using smart TV, Jolene Sng, Head of Agency Development, Samsung Ads shared that around half of all smart TV shipments will be within APAC by 2027 and advertisers should understand their consumers to ensure effective ads on various platforms. The preference for large screen viewing experiences and the benefit of getting traditional TV advertising with a modern and cost-effective approach was once again mentioned by James Ross, CEO, Lightning International, and Bhuvnesh Kanwar, Vice President, Revenue and Head of FAST, KC Global Media. The push for standardized audience measurement metrics remains critical in the discussions around addressing the challenges in programmatic and measurements for Erin Williams, Sales Director, APAC, CNN and Yann Courqueux, VP Entertainment, StarHub Ltd.In the closing discussion with AVIA’s CEO, Louis Boswell, on expanding content overseas, Ed Love, Head of Samsung TV Plus ANZ & South East Asia, Samsung Ads, highlighted how FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) removes cost barriers, enabling efficient cross-market distribution. Having launched with 20 channels in the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand they are looking to aggressively grow this number and partnerships are key to this. Sharing insights into their plans over the next 12 months, Ed stressed that the focus will be on "local, local, and local", leveraging FAST’s lower market entry barriers to create a compelling linear offering.Running parallel to the OTT Summit, the Upfront Showcase spotlighted cutting-edge content and advertising opportunities from leading streaming and broadcasting publishers BBC Studios, iQIYI, Samsung Ads, StarHub and Viu. Attendees were treated to an exciting half day of insight and innovation.At the Annual General Meeting AVIA were pleased to announce the appointment of two newly elected Board members: Debra Richards, Director – APAC Content, Studio & Production Affairs – ANZ Public Policy, Netflix and Tim Harris, Vice President Transactional Sales and Emerging Media Asia Pacific, Sony Pictures Entertainment. AVIA also wishes to express its thanks to Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, Globe, and Nick O’Donnell, former APAC Head of Public Policy of Netflix, for their contributions during their tenure.Also at the AGM, AVIA paid tribute to Matt McDonald, Senior VP and GM at Sony Pictures Television. He was presented with an award for distinguished service to the Asian video industry after many years of leading initiatives from ensuring channel frequencies were not affected when 5G services were rolled out to helping manage continuity of services throughout the pandemic, and especially in the first wave of lockdowns.Thanks to NBCUniversal and Netflix for their support for the Policy Roundtable. The OTT Summit was proudly sponsored by Gold Sponsors Irdeto, Publica and TV5MONDE; and Silver Sponsors INVIDI, Magnite, PubMatic and ShemarooVisit our media gallery for photos from event.About the Asia Video Industry AssociationThe Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. AVIA is the interlocutor for the industry with governments across the region, leads the fight against video piracy through its Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) and provides insight into the video industry through reports and conferences aimed to support a vibrant video industry.For media enquiries and additional background information, please contact:Charmaine Kwan | Tan Teck Weecharmaine@avia.org | teckwee@avia.org www.avia.org | www.linkedin.com/company/asiavideoia|X: @AsiaVideoIA Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Loop Industries Completes Convertible Preferred Financing With Reed Societe Generale Group and Sells First Technology License For An Infinite Loop Manufacturing Facility in Europe ACN Newswire

Loop Industries Completes Convertible Preferred Financing With Reed Societe Generale Group and Sells First Technology License For An Infinite Loop Manufacturing Facility in Europe

REED SOCIETE GENERALE GROUP INVESTS €10 MILLION IN LOOP VIA A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITY AT A $4.75 CONVERSION PRICE.LOOP COMPLETES ITS INAUGURAL SALE OF AN INFINITE LOOP™ TECHNOLOGY LICENSE, GENERATING AN UPFRONT PAYMENT OF €10 MILLION.FORMATION OF A EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP TO DEPLOY INFINITE LOOP™ MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY.PROCEEDS TO SUPPORT CONSTRUCTION OF THE INFINITE LOOP™ FACILITY IN INDIA AND FINANCE LOOP'S OPERATIONAL CASH REQUIREMENTS.LOOP MANAGEMENT TO HOLD UPDATE CALL AT 8:45 AM ET on December 13, 2024MONTREAL, QUEBEC, Dec 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Loop Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq:LOOP) (the "Company," "Loop," "we," "us," or "our"), a clean technology company whose mission is to accelerate a circular plastics economy by manufacturing 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") plastic and textile-to-textile ("T2T") polyester fiber, has secured €10 million through a convertible preferred security financing with Reed Societe Generale Group, a European investment firm majority-owned by the bank Societe Generale. Additionally, as part of the Reed Societe Generale Group transaction, Loop has finalized the sale of its first Infinite Loop™ technology license, generating an initial €10 million payment, with additional milestone-based payments from Reed Societe Generale Group to follow.The Reed Societe Generale Group transaction marks a pivotal step in Loop's commercialization strategy, enabling the deployment of its patented recycling technology across Europe and supporting capital investment in cost-effective manufacturing regions, including its joint venture in India with strategic partner Ester Industries Ltd. Proceeds from the financing and licensing deal will fund the Indian project and Loop's operational cash flow needs.Key terms of the €10 million convertible preferred security include:13% PIK dividend rate5-year termConvertible to Loop common stock at $4.75 per share or redeemable in cashThe technology license will be granted to a European partnership owned 90% by Reed Societe Generale Group and 10% by Loop, which is being formed to develop Infinite Loop™ manufacturing facilities in Europe. Loop retains the right to increase its equity stake in the European manufacturing facility, as well as potential future facilities, to a maximum of 50% for each facility. The license is to build one Infinite Loop™ manufacturing facility in Europe. Future facilities under this partnership will require the purchase of additional technology licenses from Loop.The license sale underscores the commercial readiness of Loop's technology, validated by four years of successful operations at its Terrebonne facility, which supplies bottle-grade PET resin for consumer packaging and T2T polyester fiber to advance circular fashion for apparel brands. Loop is committed to expanding the reach of its proven solution to the plastic waste global issue by partnering with well-financed, reliable customers through technology licenses and engineering services. This strategy allows Loop to address global demand in regions where it does not plan to build facilities, driving further growth and value creation while focusing Loop's internal resources and capital on direct equity investments.With regulatory approval for Societe Generale's acquisition of a 75% stake in Reed Societe Generale Group finalized, it is positioned to deploy capital into this and other projects. The previous condition precedent to closing relating to government funding is no longer applicable, although Loop expects that such additional financing will be available when the Indian project is approved to begin construction. Funding for both the financing and the initial payment for the technology license is expected within seven business days following the incorporation of the European partnership company.Julien Touati, CEO of Reed Societe Generale Group, commented: "Reducing dependency on virgin plastics is a global challenge. We are proud to support the rollout of Loop's technology in Europe by becoming the majority shareholder of this European partnership. This strategic investment allows us to leverage Loop's unique expertise and strong relationships with world-class brands committed to decarbonizing their supply chains. It fits perfectly with our ambition to actively contribute to the industrialization of Europe's circular economy, significantly reduce pollution, and foster sustainable growth.""The sale of our first technology license is a transformative milestone, proving the scalability and market readiness of our Infinite Loop™ technology," said Daniel Solomita, CEO and Founder of Loop Industries. "Our financing agreement and partnership with Reed Societe Generale Group propels us into a new phase of growth - expanding into Europe with strategic precision while advancing our flagship Infinite Loop™ project in India. These strategic steps align with our long-term investment vision and underscore our commitment to innovation, scalability, and delivering exceptional value for our shareholders. I look forward to working closely with Julien and his team at Reed Societe Generale Group in leading the circular economy in plastic packaging and circular fashion in Europe."Corporate Update CallSenior Management of Loop will host a corporate update call, followed by a question-and-answer session, which can be accessed via the dial-in numbers below.Date: Friday, December 13, 2024Time: 8:45 am Eastern TimeParticipant joining details (by Telephone):United States (Local): +1 404 975 4839United States (Toll-Free): +1 833 470 1428Access Code: 625641ORRegistration Link: https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=2e808989&confId=75536- Avoid wait time - Bypass speaking with an operator to join the call- Receive a Calendar Invitation with call access details including your unique PINAbout Loop IndustriesLoop Industries is a technology company whose mission is to accelerate the world's shift toward sustainable PET plastic and polyester fiber and away from our dependence on fossil fuels. Loop Industries owns patented and proprietary technology that depolymerizes no and low-value waste PET plastic and polyester fiber, including plastic bottles and packaging, carpets and textiles of any color, transparency or condition and even ocean plastics that have been degraded by the sun and salt, to its base building blocks (monomers). The monomers are filtered, purified and polymerized to create virgin-quality Loop™ branded PET resin suitable for use in food-grade packaging and polyester fiber, thus enabling our customers to meet their sustainability objectives. Loop™ PET plastic and polyester fiber can be recycled infinitely without degradation of quality, successfully closing the plastic loop. Loop Industries is contributing to the global movement towards a circular economy by reducing plastic waste and recovering waste plastic for a sustainable future.Common shares of the Company are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol "LOOP."For more information, please visit www.loopindustries.com. Follow Loop on Twitter: @loopindustries, Instagram: loopindustries, Facebook: Loop Industries and LinkedIn: Loop IndustriesForward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be preceded by the words "intends," "may," "will," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "should," "could," "projects," "predicts," "estimates," "aims," "believes," "hopes," "potential" or "continue," the negative of such terms or similar words. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about Loop's market opportunity, its growth strategies, plans and timelines for completing the €10 million convertible preferred stock financing and technology license sale, plans for use of expected proceeds, ability to improve and expand its capabilities and seek additional financing, and plans for future growth and future operations including expansion in Europe and advancing the joint venture in India. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Loop's control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with among other things: (i) our ability to commercialize our technology and products, (ii) the status of our relationships with our partners, (iii) development and protection of our intellectual property and products, (iv) industry competition, (v) our need for and ability to obtain additional funding relative to our current and future financial commitments, (vi) our ability to continue as a going concern, (vii) engineering, contracting, and building our manufacturing facilities, (viii) our ability to scale, manufacture, and sell our products in order to generate revenues, (ix) our proposed business model and our ability to execute it, (x) our ability to obtain the necessary approvals or satisfy any closing conditions in respect of any of our proposed partnerships, (xi) our joint venture projects and our ability to recover certain expenditures in connection them, (xii) adverse effects on the Company's business and operations as a result of increased regulatory, media, or financial reporting scrutiny, practices, rumors, or otherwise, (xiii) public health issues, such as disease epidemics, which may lead to reduced access to capital markets, supply chain disruptions, and government-imposed business closures, (xiv) war, regional tensions, and economic or other conflicts that could impact market stability and our business; (xv) the effect of the continuing worldwide macroeconomic uncertainty and its impacts, including inflation, market volatility and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates, (xvi) the outcome of any Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") investigations or class action litigation filed against us, (xvii) our ability to hire and/or retain qualified employees and consultants, (xviii) other events or circumstances over which we have little or no control, and (xix) other factors discussed in Loop's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024 filed with the SEC and in Loop's subsequent filings with the SEC. More detailed information about Loop and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in Loop's filings with the SEC. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. Loop assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless otherwise required by law.For More Information:Investor Relations:Kevin C. O'Dowd, Investor RelationsLoop Industries, Inc.+1 617-755-4602kodowd@loopindustries.comMedia Inquiries:Andrea Kostiuk, VP Marketing & CommunicationsLoop Industries, Inc.+1 (450) 951-8555akostiuk@loopindustries.comSOURCE: Loop Industries Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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CIL Announces Breakthrough in Benzene Recovery, Addressing Cost, Environmental, and Supply Challenges for OLED Display Manufacturers ACN Newswire

CIL Announces Breakthrough in Benzene Recovery, Addressing Cost, Environmental, and Supply Challenges for OLED Display Manufacturers

TEWKSBURY, MA, Dec 12, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc. (CIL) has successfully developed and implemented a game-changing benzene-d6 recovery program, addressing major pain points for manufacturers of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. This innovative service reduces costs, minimizes environmental impact, and conserves scarce deuterium supplies.OLED display producers rely heavily on deuterated benzene (benzene-d6) as a critical starting material in their synthesis processes. However, this results in significant quantities of depleted benzene-d6, which is no longer usable but still retains considerable deuterium value. The disposal of such depleted material poses environmental challenges and substantial expenses.CIL's benzene-recovery program offers a transformative solution. Customers can now return their depleted benzene-d6 to CIL, where it undergoes a proprietary re-enrichment process to restore it to virgin material quality. This service is available at a significant cost savings compared to new benzene-d6, providing significant economic benefits.Beyond the financial advantages, the program has far-reaching environmental and supply implications. It eliminates the need for costly disposal, reduces the demand on increasingly scarce deuterium (derived from heavy water, D2O) and conserves this vital resource for its growing applications in science, medical diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductor production.Recycling offers several sustainable benefits. It reduces pollution by releasing fewer chemicals into the environment. Recycling also saves energy, as reprocessing chemicals like benzene requires less energy than producing them from raw materials. This leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions, helping to combat climate change."This initiative underscores CIL's commitment to collaboration and innovation in addressing our customers' most pressing challenges," said Cliff Caldwell, CEO of CIL. "By recovering and re-enriching depleted benzene-d6, we create a circular economy approach that is both economically and environmentally sustainable. As the world's largest supplier of benzene-d6, we are uniquely positioned to deliver this groundbreaking service."CIL's benzene recovery program is the result of 12 months of dedicated development, expansion, and rigorous testing to ensure reliable capacity and uncompromising quality. CIL invites interested parties to inquire about the program's details and how to participate.About Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc.CIL is the world's largest manufacturer and global supplier of stable isotopes and stable isotope-labeled compounds used in research, environmental, pharmaceutical, medical diagnostic, OLED, and industrial markets. CIL subsidiary ABX, located in Dresden, Germany, is active in the development and commercialization of radio isotopic-labeled compounds for the diagnosis and treatment of cancers. CIL is an operating business owned by Otsuka Pharmaceutical. The CIL business consists of two facilities in the Boston, MA, area; a large isotope-enrichment production plant in Xenia, OH; CIL China; CIL Canada; ABX in Dresden, Germany; and Eurisotop in Saclay, France. For more information on CIL, visit isotope.com.Contact InformationCrissy Kriskocrissyk@isotope.com1.978.269.1930SOURCE: Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Accurate Background Appoints Mark Thompson Managing Director, Australia and APAC ACN Newswire

Accurate Background Appoints Mark Thompson Managing Director, Australia and APAC

IRVINE, CA, Dec 13, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Accurate Background, the world's largest independent provider of compliant background checks and monitoring solutions, announced it has strengthened its global leadership team with the appointment of Mark Thompson, Managing Director, Australia and Asia Pacific region (APAC). In support of Accurate's vision to make every hire the start of a success story, Mark will lead Accurate's growth teams in the region. Mark's experience in building high-performance teams, driving enterprise sales and client retention, and leveraging data-driven strategies aligns with Accurate's goals to rapidly expand in the APAC region. Reporting to Dan Shoemaker, Chief Revenue Officer, Mark will spearhead the development and execution of sales strategies to drive market share, client growth, and regional innovation."I am thrilled to welcome Mark to the Accurate team and am confident he will make an immediate impact on our growth in the region," said Dan Shoemaker. "Mark brings extensive experience not only growing businesses but also delivering a high standard of customer experience that is a hallmark of Accurate throughout the world."Mark joins Accurate with over two decades of strategic sales and marketing leadership in B2B markets. With a proven track record in revenue growth, team leadership, and market expansion, Mark successfully led sales and marketing initiatives across industries including background screening, financial services, and data solutions."I'm honored to join Accurate Background at such an exciting time in the region. Employment screening plays a vital role in building trust and ensuring workplace integrity, and I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions to our clients," said Mark Thompson. "With Accurate's strong global foundation, I believe we are uniquely positioned to expand our impact and support government and businesses across the region in navigating an evolving employment landscape."Accurate's recent launch of Accel, a next-generation platform that is 100% Australia-hosted, marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing market-leading capabilities for local organizations.About Accurate BackgroundOur vision is to make every hire the start of a success story. As a trusted provider of employment background screening and workforce monitoring services, Accurate Background gives companies of all sizes the confidence to make smarter, unbiased hiring decisions at the speed of demand.Experience a new standard of support with a dedicated team, comprehensive technology and insight, and the most extensive coverage and search options to advance your business while keeping your brand and people safe. To learn more, visit accurate.com.Media ContactMedia@Accurate.comSOURCE: Accurate Background LLC Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Huatai Securities Hosts FinTech Summit in Hong Kong ACN Newswire

Huatai Securities Hosts FinTech Summit in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, Dec 12, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Huatai Securities recently held its first Financial Technology Summit in Hong Kong, themed "Innovation with Technology, Shaping the Future of Finance". The summit brought together experts from government, academia, and industry to discuss AI trends in finance. Key speakers included Zhou Yi, CEO of Huatai Securities, Guo Yike, Provost of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Tan Dai, President and Head of Volcano Engine, Bytedance.In his keynote speech, Zhou Yi stated: "Through technology, Huatai Securities continues to grow, building a strong tech infrastructure while expanding both its financial service offerings and customer base. In the AI era, we're committed to fostering an open ecosystem, supporting FinTech through capital and resources, while bridging global technology partnerships to drive industry transformation through innovation."Discussing generative AI's impact on financial services, Tan Dai highlighted three key trends: "First, broader scope - moving from internal efficiency improvements to enhanced client experience and service assistance. Second, greater depth - progressing from interactive experience innovation to business transformation, with AI enabling new human-machine collaboration models. Third, increased speed – streamlined AI resource management and intelligent agent development platforms now enable business teams to develop innovative applications as easily as building with blocks."At the summit, Huatai launched the Huatai Star CEO Global Accelerator Program, which targets founders of promising early-stage technology companies and aspiring entrepreneurs, pledging to offer comprehensive entrepreneurship training and investment-financing services through Huatai Securities' full-service platform. The company is strategically embracing the generative AI trend, forming ecosystem partnerships that leverage its financial expertise.At the summit, Huatai Securities presented its HUATECH Exhibition, showcasing cutting-edge solutions in cross-border financial services, AI-powered financial innovation, and ecosystem-building, drawing strong interest from attendees who explored and tested the platforms firsthand. On the exhibition, Huatai unveiled its independently developed Global Trading Platform, which offers comprehensive trading services with microsecond-level transaction speeds.During the roundtable sessions, tech startups from various segments shared their experiences and strategies in product innovation and global expansion. Infrastructure technology companies discussed the impact of large language models on enterprise IT architecture, focusing on key factors such as data and computing resources in the AI era.The summit underscored the Company's technological capabilities and global perspective. The company looks forward to participating in international competition with an open and diverse mindset while gathering international perspectives and advanced experiences to jointly build a diverse and innovative FinTech ecosystem.About Huatai SecuritiesIncorporated in April 1991, Huatai Securities is a leading technology-driven securities group in China, with a highly collaborative business model, a cutting-edge digital platform and an extensive and engaging customer base. It provides comprehensive financial services to individual and institutional clients, including wealth management, investment banking, sales and trading, investment management, etc., with a substantial international presence.For enquiries, please contact:Citigate Dewe RogersonBenny Liu Tel: +86 10 6567 5056 Linda Pui Tel: +852 3103 0118Email: HTSC@citigatedewerogerson.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Hong Kong’s exports set for 4% growth in 2025 ACN Newswire

Hong Kong’s exports set for 4% growth in 2025

HONG KONG, Dec 12, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hong Kong’s exports will grow by 4% in 2025, according to new figures released today by Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Research. The forecast, which forms part of the HKTDC’s annual Export Outlook, will see Hong Kong’s export levels continue on the upward trajectory maintained throughout 2024.In the last quarter every year, HKTDC Research announces an export forecast for the upcoming year, based on a basket of factors including global, regional and local economic performance.Strong demand in electronics, ASEAN and MainlandAccording to the Export Outlook 2025, electronics enjoyed a 13.5% year-on-year uptick in the first 10 months of the year. Over the coming 12 months, many of the factors that underpinned the sector’s success in 2024 will remain very much in play. Most notably, demand is expected to stay consistently strong among the global business community for AI-enabled systems.Irina Fan, Director of HKTDC Research, said: “Hong Kong’s rise in export levels in 2025 is likely to be continuously led by the electronics sector. At the same time, consumer sales are expected to be bolstered by the launch of a new generation of AI-integrated smartphones, PCs and other digital devices.”Potential US tariffs loomAlthough the underlying trend remains positive, the 2025 Export Outlook also highlighted a number of potential challenges that may impact Hong Kong’s export activity over the 12 months to come.These concerns stem from the well-publicised commitment on the part of President-Elect Donald Trump to impose massive tariff hikes on goods imported to the US from multiple sources, including Mexico, Canada and Mainland China. If this happens, it is widely expected that global trade flows will be adversely affected, while the process of trade diversion will be inevitably accelerated. In any such scenario, Hong Kong could reasonably expect its own export activity to be impacted.In addition to the general assumption among Hong Kong exporters that any knock-on consequences may only be minimal, however, there are also signs that Mainland China’s overall level of trade has not been unduly constricted by previous tariff arrangements. Indeed, even though two-thirds of Mainland Chinese exports to the US have been subject to tariffs since 2018, Mainland China’s global export share has actually risen from 12.7% six years ago to 14.1% in 2023. There is also some belief that President-Elect Trump’s proposed tariff regime actually represents more of an opening bid in a likely round of negotiations than an absolute certainty.Nevertheless, the threat of tariff rises, coupled with concern over growing geopolitical uncertainties elsewhere in the world, both played a part in the more cautious sentiments expressed by Hong Kong exporters as part of the 4Q24 HKTDC Export Confidence Index.This saw a fall in both the Current Performance Index (from 52.6 in 3Q24 to 50.3 in 4Q24) and the Expectation Index (from 51.4 to 50.0).Nicholas Fu, Senior Economist, said: “Exporters are particularly confident of their future prospects with regard to the ASEAN bloc and Mainland China with the respective Market Expectation Sub-Index readings well above 50 -- ASEAN (55.9) and Mainland China (52.7).”Contrasting fortunes for first and second half in 2025One clear indication from the overall level of caution recorded for 4Q24 is that exporters may try to hedge their bets in 2025 by accelerating their shipping schedules to mitigate the possible consequences of additional tariffs later in the year. The likely upshot of this is that activity will be far more intense in the first half of 2025, before decelerating sharply in the latter half.Irina Fan said: “While 2025 may be a year of two halves, characterised by differing levels of activity, we still see overall export growth as likely to be 4% after factoring in the concerns expressed by traders across a range of global economic uncertainties.”ReferencesHong Kong’s Export Outlook 2025: A Year of Two Halves https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MTg2OTc1MzE0MAHKTDC Export Index 4Q24: Heightened Uncertainties Trigger Exporter Caution https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MTg2OTc0OTM0MAHKTDC Research website: https://research.hktdc.com/en/Photo download: https://bit.ly/49ACrGDHKTDC Director of Research Irina Fan (left) and Senior Economist Nicholas Fu (right) announced Hong Kong’s Export Outlook 2025 and the HKTDC Export Confidence Index for the fourth quarter of 2024 at a press conference todayHKTDC Director of Research Irina FanHKTDC Senior Economist Nicholas FuMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC’s Communication and Public Affairs Department:Jane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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The Payment Cards Group Limited and Black Bear Merchant Services Limited Join Forces to Launch a New Brand ‘AbbyPay’ ACN Newswire

The Payment Cards Group Limited and Black Bear Merchant Services Limited Join Forces to Launch a New Brand ‘AbbyPay’

HONG KONG, Dec 12, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Payment Cards Group Limited (“PCG”), a cloud-native payment processor and acquirer, and Black Bear Merchant Services Limited (the holding company of BBMSL Limited “BBMSL”) are pleased to announce the signing of a strategic alliance to establish a new brand and group holding company, ABBY Pay&Tech Holdings Limited ("AbbyPay"). Under this new strategic alliance, AbbyPay will leverage PCG's market leading position as an acquirer with principal memberships in all major card schemes including Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, UnionPay, and JCB. The combined group will also leverage strong digital payment technology capabilities from PCG’s A3A, Asia’s first cloud-based payment processing and settlement platform, in servicing BBMSL's strong customer base. This strategic alliance will accelerate PCG’s expansion in market share by covering 50,000 local merchants in Hong Kong and other Asia Pacific regions with multiple brands to meet diverse market demands and empower local merchants through innovative payment technology.From left to right: Mr. Barry Mak, representative of AbbyPay, Mr. Peter Wu, Founder of PCG, Mr. Gerald Yu, Chief Executive Officer of BBMSL, Ms. EsterChow, Chief Financial Officer of BBMSL, and Ms. Beatrice Tai, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of PCG, jointly officiated the signing ceremony.Beatrice Tai, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of PCG, said, "This strategic alliance marks an important milestone for PCG in the field of payment solutions in the Asia-Pacific region. With the technological advantages of our A3A platform, combined with BBMSL's stong market coverage, AbbyPay will provide innovative, seamless payment and settlement solutions for micro merchants, SMEs, and enterprises, rapidly and efficiently tapping into new markets across various industries in the Asia-Pacific region. We look forward to AbbyPay expanding its business footprint and further consolidating the local payment industry, strengthening PCG's leading market position in the payment sector.”Gerald Yu, Chief Executive Officer of BBMSL, said, "This strategic alliance represents PCG's high recognition of BBMSL's years of effort and achievements in the Hong Kong market, reflecting our potential and confidence in working together. Since 2017, BBMSL has held a significant market share in the local SME merchant market and has gained widespread recognition and support in Hong Kong. These advantages will lay a solid foundation for AbbyPay’s development. I look forward to working with AbbyPay to fulfill BBMSL's mission, grow alongside SMEs, and hope this partnership creates even greater achievements."Introducing Asia's first cloud-based payment processing and settlement platform, A3A, in the Asia-Pacific Region to unleash the potential of digital paymentsAbbyPay will offer Asia's first cloud-based payment processing and settlement platform, A3A, across markets in Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Through a single API, A3A offers direct end-to-end processing with major card schemes (such as Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, JCB, and UnionPay), e-wallet networks, and mobile payment platforms. Comparing to traditional payment processing platforms, A3A boasts competitive advantages such as low integration fee, speedy and easy integration, instant settlement, and real-time transaction data insights.Mr. Barry Mak, representative of AbbyPay, shared AbbyPay's vision.Barry Mak, representative of AbbyPay, said, "We have entered a new era of payment in the Asia Pacific market. AbbyPay is groundbreaking in Hong Kong's payment industry and will disrupt the entire sector, bringing unprecedented opportunities. PCG has strong technological capabilities, while BBMSL has a solid customer base and market recognition in the local market. I firmly believe that AbbyPay has unlimited potential in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region, leading future payment trends while serving and creating value for all types of merchants, from large chain restaurants to SMEs and micro merchants."About Payment Cards Group (“PCG")Payment Cards Group (“PCG”) is an innovative and leading payment technology company with operations in Singapore, Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 2016, PCG has become an acquirer with principal memberships in all major card schemes and e-wallet networks. Its subsidiary, Yedpay, has firmly established itself as a payment acceptance business in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, A3A, another member of PCG, has developed a cloud-native payment processing platform that operates through RESTful APIs, significantly reducing costs and streamlining complex processes while providing users with real-time transaction data and insights. As an acquiring processor, PCG serves as the backbone infrastructure of the entire payment industry by its Asia’s 1st cloud-based processing and settlement platform. Rooted in Hong Kong with a global vison, PCG seeks to empower merchants with cutting-edge payment technology solutions and drive high-quality development in the global payment ecosystem. For more information, please visit PCG’s website: https://www.yedpay.com/en/For media enquiries, please contact:AJA (IR and Communications)Avy YuEmail: avy.yu@ajacapital.com.hkTel: (852) 9500 4443Eudice LawEmail: eudice.law@ajacapital.com.hkTel: (852) 9326 1113 Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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Everest Medicines Announces the First Prescription of VELSIPITY(R) Issued in Macau ACN Newswire

Everest Medicines Announces the First Prescription of VELSIPITY(R) Issued in Macau

SHANGHAI, Dec 12, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK, "Everest", or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative therapeutics, today announced that the first prescription of VELSIPITY(R) (etrasimod) has been issued on December 11th at Kiang Wu Hospital in Macau. It is also the first prescription issued for VELSIPITY(R) within Everest Medicines' licensed territories in Asia following its approval, marks the official beginning of this new therapy benefiting patients across Asia.VELSIPITY(R) is an innovative advanced therapy that was officially approved by the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau of Macau in April 2024. It is an oral treatment taken once daily for the treatment of patients aged 16 and above with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is a chronic, relapsing, idiopathic inflammatory disease, and with prolonged disease duration, the risk of disability and colorectal cancer incidence continues to rise."As a next-generation S1P receptor modulator, VELSIPITY(R) can provide patients with a chance for corticosteroid-free remission, mucosal healing, and rapid symptom relief." said Prof. Wu Kaichun with the First Affiliated Hospital of AFMU, the principal investigator for etrasimod's Asia clinical trial." The recently announced results of the Asian multicenter Phase III clinical study for induction and maintenance periods further confirm the clinical advantages of VELSIPITY(R). We look forward to VELSIPITY(R) being approved in other regions of Asia soon to benefit more patients.""The first prescription of VELSIPITY(R) in Macau marks another milestone in the commercialization process of Everest Medicines." said Rogers Yongqing Luo, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines." By 2030, the number of patients with UC in China is expected to more than double compared to 2019, reaching approximately 1 million, with a significant unmet need for innovative therapies. Following its approval in Macau this April, VELSIPITY(R), the third commercialized product of Everest Medicines, will bring new treatment options to more patients with moderate to severely active UC. We plan to have VELSIPITY(R) submitted for new drug application in mainland China by the end of this year, further enhancing its accessibility and benefiting more patients."In the results of the multi-center Phase 3 clinical trial of etrasimod in Asia for the treatment of subjects with moderately to severely active UC, which were announced in July this year, etrasimod achieved positive results in both the induction and maintenance phases of treatment, with good safety, and the convenience of once-daily oral administration, further providing a solid scientific basis and support for the broad application of the drug in clinical practice. In October, the complete induction phase data of the study were presented at the 32nd United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW 2024), showing that all primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints in the etrasimod treatment group achieved statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements compared to the placebo group at week 12: the treatment differences between the etrasimod group and the placebo group in clinical remission rate, endoscopic improvement rate, and clinical response rate reached 20.4%, 28.6%, and 32.0%, respectively.VELSIPITY(R) was approved in the United States and the European Union in October last year and February this year, respectively. As a core product for Everest Medicines, VELSIPITY(R) was successively approved in Macau and Singapore in the first half of this year. Everest Medicines has also submitted a new drug application for VELSIPITY(R) in Hong Kong, China which has been officially accepted.In October of this year, through the "Hong Kong and Macau Medicine and Equipment Connect" policy, VELSIPITY(R) has officially been approved for patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) by the Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration and can first be used in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University and Guangzhou United Family Healthcare, four of the medical institutions designated by the Connect Policy in the Greater Bay Area. Subsequently, VELSIPITY(R) will be introduced in other qualified hospitals under the connect policy.About VELSIPITY(R) (etrasimod)VELSIPITY(R) is a once-daily, oral, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator that selectively binds with S1P receptor subtypes 1, 4, and 5. Regulatory approvals have been granted in US, EU, Canada, Australia, Singapore, UK, Switzerland, Israel and Macau for VELSIPITY(R) in ulcerative colitis.About Everest MedicinesEverest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing transformative pharmaceutical products and vaccines that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in Asian markets. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record from both leading global pharmaceutical companies and local Chinese pharmaceutical companies in high-quality discovery, clinical development, regulatory affairs, CMC, business development and operations. Everest Medicines has built a portfolio of potentially global first-in-class or best-in-class molecules in the company's core therapeutic areas of renal diseases, infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. For more information, please visit its website at www.everestmedicines.com.Forward-Looking Statements:This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
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